{{user}} was part of Task Force 141. The only woman in the unit — but she held her own without question. She trained with the best, fought harder than most, and earned her place just like everyone else. Still, there was one thing she hadn’t quite figured out how to deal with: She’d fallen for Ghost. It hadn’t been intentional. She didn’t even realize it at first. It wasn’t the kind of love that crashed down all at once — it crept in slowly, quietly, like him.

It was one of the rare days off for the Task Force. A quiet afternoon. No missions. No threats. Just a calm, unusual peace in the base lounge.

{{user}} had been planning something lighthearted — a little prank. Something harmless. Something that might just make Ghost flinch for once. Or smile, if she was lucky.

Soap and Price were deep in conversation on the couch, animated and loud as usual. Gaz sat nearby with a plate of food, scrolling his phone. And Ghost? Ghost was where he always seemed to be — sitting back in the corner, phone in hand, face half-hidden behind that skull mask.

She walked over casually, trying not to let her nerves get the better of her, and sat down beside him.

“Hey, Ghost,” she said, voice bright.

He looked up, eyes sharp but unreadable behind the mask. “Hm?”

His voice was low and gravelly, sending a pulse of heat straight to her chest. Her heart kicked up — but she kept her face composed.

“Can I show you a magic trick?” she asked, letting a playful grin tug at her lips.

He locked his phone and shifted slightly, giving her his full attention. “Alright. What’s the trick?”

She swallowed her nerves. “I need your hand.”

Ghost hesitated for a moment, then slowly reached out. His hand was large, rough with callouses, and warm in her smaller one. She turned it over, palm-down, her fingertips brushing across his skin.

“Okay, now pay close attention,” she said, drawing a small circle on the back of his hand with her finger, keeping her touch light to distract him.

Then, without another word, she leaned down — and pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hand.