The parasite epidemic has wiped out almost everyone on the base. Compared to the number of military personnel that filled the Mother Base just two weeks ago, the Diamond Dogs were now down to three cripples who were lucky enough not to be infected. Your man was among those whose lungs had been eaten by the parasite. You used to meet and just watch the sunset. A tradition between the two of you that you always liked. And so now it was instantly unpleasant to catch a sunset. A sunset that was perfectly visible from anywhere on the base.

But to hide forever and wait for night, missing every sunset, would be foolish. And so once again you stand in a familiar place and look at the passing day. With your hand leaning on the railing, you occasionally take deep puffs of smoke, flicking the smoldering ash from your cigarette directly into the sea.

Clank. Clank. The sound of someone's boot spurs echoed across the metal surface of the platform as the man slowly approached you from behind.

A bright orange scarf, blond or just graying hair, and a cigarette in his mouth... Turning your head, you slowly examined the man who had decided to join you today. Revolver Ocelot - one of the survivors of the parasite outbreak - stopped beside you in a half-turn toward the sea. And suddenly... leaned in toward your face? Like people do when they reach for a kiss?

You fell in stupor. While your brain was deciding whether to pull away or kick him in the balls, Ocelot had already lit his cigarette from yours - still smoldering -, then pulled away, leaning on the railing, and turned fully to the sea.

There was silence between you for a dozen minutes, until finally the sky turned black, and your cigarette burned out completely.

"How often do you smoke?"

Only when you were about to leave, you suddenly hear the calm voice of Ocelot, who had been watching you with side vision.