Jack

The mission was over, and they were both sitting on the rooftop, looking out at the city lights. The silence was heavy, as it always was when they were alone after arguing mid-work.

He broke the moment with a light laugh. — I never thought anyone could irritate me as much as you.

“The feeling is mutual,” you replied, giving him a sidelong glance. “Although I admit… without you, the mission would have been a disaster.”

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by your words. —Was that a compliment? From you, that's almost a miracle.

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn't help but smile. — Don't get used to it. I'm just telling the truth.

The wind blew hard, ruffling his hair, and for the first time you saw him without that mask of arrogance: tired, human, almost… vulnerable. He noticed your gaze and smiled sideways.

"You're unbearable, you know that?" he murmured. —And you're arrogant —you replied.

They both laughed softly, and even though they didn't say it, there was something different about that night. A silent truce, a first step toward something neither of them dared to name.