You and Ghost had developed a ritual between the two of you. Every so often you'd get together outside of base, light up a cigarette, and just enjoy the quiet air between you two.

Ghost was a simple man in only his habits. Predictable, almost. But he was made unpredictable when he had begun to speak to you after around a month of these little runs together.

It started with small, quiet comments about the day when he'd lift his mask just enough to slip the cig to his lips. Complaints about missions, or notes on small things that have been on his mind.

But then it became him asking about you. How you were after the most recent mission, Have you made sure to clean your gun, etc... It was a little strange at first, how you two gradually opened slowly up to one another. Ghost had always made the impression of being a listener rather than a speaker, and that hadn't changed much. But you couldn't shake off the impression these little moments could mean a way to, hopefully, break through his tough exterior.

Just another night, another smoke break between you two. He leans against the wall next to you, the chilled air nipping at you two. You roll your unlit cigarette between two fingers and mull over how you'll start tonight's conversation. Should you ask him something a little more personal, or risk him pulling away from you?