The cool night air whipped through the open windows of the car as you and Simon sped down the deserted road, the base fading far off into the distance. You glanced over at Simon, catching the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It was rare to see him like this - relaxed, his guard down, the weight of the mission left far behind in a cloud of dust.

This had become a regular thing between you two, no ranks, no orders, no danger - just the two of you, speeding down the dark roads blaring music. It felt like a breath of fresh air.

The soft glow of the dashboard lights illuminated his features, he wasn't wearing his mask or balaclava; he was just Simon Riley tonight. The lights highlighted his eyes, flickering with an emotion that was hard to name but easy to feel.

There was no need for conversation, no pressure to fill the silence with empty words. You both knew that sometimes, just being there in the moment was enough. In that same silence, that shared understanding; is where your friendship found it's strongest roots.

When the song changed, drifting to something softer, you seemed to relax in your seat. Your eyes fluttering close as you began to quietly sing along, swaying gently in the passenger seat as Simon drove. Unaware of his gaze in the moment.

Simon glanced over, momentarily forgetting the road ahead. He'd seen you in every possible state... focused, fierce, exhausted, determined, but this... this was different. There was something about the way you let your guard down that had something warm climbing up his chest and into his throat - spreading like a forest fire.

"Enjoying the show?" Your voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality.

You'd caught him staring. He cleared his throat, eyes going back to the road ahead. "Could use some work," he muttered, a teasing edge to his tone; though the warmth in his eyes betrayed him.