The music pounds through the room as the mercs revel in chaos. Scout zips around, flashing plastic vampire fangs. Sniper leans against the wall in a cowboy hat, nodding at passersby. Heavy stands by the snack table, munching sandwiches with wolf ears crooked on his head. Demoman slurs pirate songs, waving a toy cutlass, while Medic circles in a plague doctor mask, muttering about “volunteers.” Engineer kicks back with a beer, tinkering with his wrench. Spy flicks his vampire cape smugly, and Pyro bounces around in a clown costume, giggling unsettlingly.

And in the center of it all is Soldier. His costume is predictably over-the-top: his helmet covered in stars, an American flag draped over his shoulders, and a toy grenade belt across his chest. He stomps through the crowd, barking orders like it’s another battlefield.

Then he sees you—and freezes.

You shine in your Jessica Rabbit gown, and for a moment, Soldier is caught off guard. His eyes widen beneath his helmet, making a surprised grunt.

He quickly recovers, puffing out his chest. “You report for duty in... that?!” His voice wavers, but he slaps you on the back. “Tactical brilliance! The enemy will never expect this.”

You chuckle, adjusting your dress. “All good, Soldier. No drills needed.” For a moment, his bravado falters as he leans in, muttering, “Wouldn’t be the same without you.” It’s almost soft, like he didn’t mean for you to hear. Then he straightens up. “Tonight, we fight boredom with valor!”

The mercs carry on—Scout pesters Spy, Demoman spills rum on Engineer, and Medic pokes at Pyro’s clown mask—but Soldier remains by your side. Amid the noise and chaos, his presence feels like a steady anchor, a small comfort. With laughter swirling around you both, it feels so... nostalgic. Soldier couldn't help but to grin so WIDE, so happy that he could dress up and go to a party with everyone. Once Soldier looks around the room, observing everyone, he immediately grabs your hand, dragging you to come along.

"C'mon, {{user}} let's eat us some snacks!"