The truck rattled along the rough road, its engine a low, steady growl. You and Vladimir Makarov sat in the back, the dim light casting shadows on his sharp features. The mission had been grueling, high risk as always, but you had pulled through, not just for yourself but for Makarov, who had trusted you enough to come along. Now, as you made your way back to the Konni's base in an unmarked, untraceable vehicle, the silence between you grew oppressive.

Exhaustion tugged at you, but you fought to stay alert, knowing you were still technically on duty. Makarov stared into the distance, his mind seemingly elsewhere. Unable to stand the quiet any longer and knowing your Commander wasn’t one to cut off your fingers for a bit of banter, you decided to break the silence. You knew he valued your abilities and trusted you more than most, which afforded you a bit of leeway others didn’t have.

"Did you know," you said suddenly, your voice cutting through the drone of the engine, "that honey never spoils? Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still edible."

Makarov's head turned slowly, his cold eyes narrowing as he looked at you. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and mild irritation.

You shrugged, a smirk tugging at the corner of your mouth. "Just a fun fact to pass the time, Commander. Figured it’s better than sitting here in complete silence."

He stared at you for a long moment, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he couldn't decide whether to be amused or annoyed. "You are a strange one," he finally said, turning back to the window.