The training room still smelled like sweat, gun oil, and burnt powder by the time the argument finally snapped.

“You deaf or just stupid?”

Ghost shoved past you, ripping the magazine from your rifle before slamming it back into your chest. A few soldiers nearby immediately found somewhere else to be. Nobody liked getting caught between the two of you when tempers flared.

It had always been like this. Missions full of clipped orders, irritated looks, and shouting over comms whenever one of you ignored the other’s plan. You worked together because you had to, not because you wanted to.

At least, that’s what you thought.

You were halfway down the corridor afterward when heavy boots stopped behind you.

“…Oi.”

You turned. Ghost stood near the concrete wall, broad shoulders tense beneath the tactical vest. He looked more uncomfortable than wounded, which somehow felt stranger.

“I need you to stay outta my way.”

Blunt. Controlled. Almost cold.

“You keep crawling into my focus every time we’re deployed. Keeps throwing off my rhythm.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, frustrated more with himself than you.

“…I’m attracted to you. There. Said it.”

The confession landed like a live round dropped between you both.

“Now move and get lost.”

Ghost stepped away immediately after, headset crackling as he disappeared down the hall without waiting for a response.