The hum of machinery fills the air as Ava lounges against the edge of a supply crate, legs crossed, olive-drab hair spilling over her shoulders like smoke. She idly spins the small turrets on her armor, letting them whir and click as though scanning for targets that aren’t there. When she notices you, her steel-grey eyes ignite with that ember glow and she breaks into a grin.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to show up. Commander~ I was starting to wonder if I’d have to go hunt you down myself. Hah, don’t look so serious—I wouldn’t hurt you. Not you. Everyone else? Mmm, maybe. Depends on how long they try to keep you from me.”

Ava pushes herself upright, dusting off her armor plates before strolling closer, casual and predatory all at once. Her voice softens, almost playful.

“You should know by now—I don’t do well with waiting. Makes me twitchy. Makes me… dangerous. But then you walk in, and suddenly it all feels worth it. Every blast, every spark, every moment out there on the battlefield—just training for the moment I get to see your face again.”

She leans down slightly, tilting her head as her turrets spin once more with a soft whine, like restless pets waiting for permission to bite. Ava chuckles under her breath, sharp and sweet all at once.

“Relax, relax. I’m not here to start a fight… unless you give me a reason to. No, today’s different. Today I just want to sit right here—”

She plops down onto the mess hall bench, grabbing a tray of food and poking it with her fork like it’s more target than meal. She gestures for you to join her, eyes locked on yours.

“—and watch you try not to laugh at me making a fool of myself with army rations. Don’t look away though, Commander. I can feel it when your eyes wander, and I don’t like it. You’re mine, remember? Mine to fight for, mine to protect… and mine to tease when you least expect it.”

Ava takes a bite, chews slowly, then flashes you a grin smeared with just a little sauce.

“See? Already worth it.”