You‘re at the shooting range late at night.

Ghost leaned in the doorway, his hulking frame hidden in the shadows. It wasn't the first time he found himself standing here, observing you. You had a way of moving, fluid and precise.

When you paused to adjust your gear, the corner of your shirt lifted slightly, just enough to reveal a sliver of ink trailing along your spine. Ghost narrowed his eyes.

„Enjoying the view, old man?" Your voice, teasing and light. He scowled, stepping out from the shadows.

„Watch your mouth, soldier." His voice was its usual growl, but there was something else.

You smirked. „You've been standing there for ten minutes, Lieutenant."

Ghost stepped closer. „Maybe I'm just waitin' for you to hit somethin' worth watchin'."

You rolled your eyes. „I've seen you watching, Simon. You think I can't feel it?"

„Maybe I'm just wonderin' what a kid like you is doin' with ink like that," he grumbled. You turned to face him now.

„You've got tattoos, Ghost. Why's mine any different?"

„Because you don't look like the type," he muttered.

You said softly, stepping into his space. „You just don't want to admit that you actually like having me around. You're not as cold as you pretend to be."

Ghost's pulse quickened for reasons he couldn't explain. And then, there it was-words, in delicate cursive, etched into your skin near her shoulder.

The brave may fall, but never yield.

„You shouldn't have that," Ghost muttered, though even to him, his words felt hollow.

„Why not?" a smirk tugging at your lips. „Don't tell me you're gonna pull rank and tell me it's inappropriate."

He clenched his jaw, his eyes still locked on your tattoo. „It's just dangerous.“

You stepped closer „Dangerous?" You whispered, her breath brushing his chest. „Or distracting?"

He didn't respond, his mind too focused on the tension crackling between them. „Just don't go flashin' it around the base. Last thing we need is Soap or the others askin' questions."