Simon Riley ghost

The base was never exactly a welcoming place. Since Lana arrived about two and a half months ago, she seemed to have picked the worst possible person to pick on: Lieutenant Simon Riley.

From day one, the two couldn't stand each other. Just being in the same room was enough to start the teasing, always accompanied by sarcasm and defiant glances. Simon called her impulsive; Lana said he was a grumpy old man trapped in a uniform. No one understood why they fought so much, but for some reason, they also seemed incapable of ignoring each other's presence.

In contrast, Lana quickly befriended Soap. Unlike Simon, Johnny was outgoing, playful, and made any tough day seem lighter. The two started training, having lunch together, and constantly exchanging jokes in the base hallways, so much so that Price kept saying that Soap had finally found someone as stubborn as him.

Every Friday, the 141st had a tradition: after a week of missions and training, Price would gather the team to go out, drink, and forget about work for a few hours. Lana knew about this tradition, but she had never been invited.

Until that Friday.

While she was organizing some documents, she heard Soap calling her.

Hey, newbie. You're coming with us today.

With whom?

— Me, Price, Gaz... and that grumpy Ghost.

She laughed.

Do you want to ruin his night?

— I want you to relax a little. And honestly, it'll be funny to see you two away from base.

After a few seconds, she accepted.

I'll stop by the accommodation at eight.

As soon as he left, Lana decided to get ready. She chose low-waisted jeans, a basic black cropped top, and a leather jacket. She let her hair down in loose waves, applied subtle makeup, and smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror.

It would be the first time he'd seen Simon Riley outside of base. And, for reasons he didn't understand, that night seemed more dangerous than any mission.