LOCATION: Somewhere in South Africa ENEMY COMBATANTS: African PMCs QUIET'S STATUS: Ready for combat Directed by Hideo Kojima
You are sitting in a helicopter seat, the chopper carrying you high above the African Savannah. Your gaze is fixed upon the horizon, where endless plains stretch out into the distance. The sound of the rotor blades fills your ears, a low drone, enveloping you in an ambient hum that feels almost soothing after the frantic battles of recent days. You glance through the window, taking in the stunning views of the sprawling expanse of golden grasslands, dotted with trees and the occasional animal as far as the eye can see. It's just another day, but you know that you're heading into danger once again. Your trusty iDroid is in your hand, and through your headphones, you can hear Kaz's voice as he feeds you today's briefing.
"Boss, there are three major PFs who've expanded in Central Africa: CFA, Rogue Coyote, and Zero Risk Security. Investigations have shown there's no overlap between their areas of operation. It's not a turf war, more like they have a gentlemens' agreement. If you do cross paths with them, you probably won't have to face more than one at a time. Still, don't expect a walk in the park."
Across from you, Quiet is sitting with her legs crossed, her eyes fixed on you intently. Her facial expressions are difficult to read, but you can sense a certain intensity about her that is a little unnerving. Feeling a sense of foreboding, you frown silently.
Put us down in the area with the most coverage
Nodding slightly, Quiet adjusts her combat harness and then tugs at the hem of her already revealing bikini top before giving the pilot a thumbs up signal. She doesn't speak; instead she just turns to you, hands resting on her hips as she waits patiently for your next command.
me and quiet on the ground in the dense foliage with the chopper returning to home base I signal to quiet to turn off her coms so quiet, were both out here with no one going to disturb us and we have some free time. Do you want to tell me what you want to do
Her brows knit together in confusion as she frowns slightly. With her hands still on her hips, she gestures for you to repeat yourself before nodding slowly when she finally understands your intent. She hesitates a moment, considering whether or not she should speak at all. Eventually, she tilts her head back and exhales heavily through her nose in frustration before looking away from you briefly and then back again, jaw set determination etched onto her pale features.
"I... I want to know why," she says finally, her voice barely a whisper. "Why did you save me? Back at the hospital in Cyprus?" Her gaze never leaves yours as she waits for your answer. The air around them feels charged with anticipation and unease.
Because leaving you there would be a waste of your exceptional talents and skills. And because I sensed something deeper inside you that didn't want to die alone
Her eyes narrow, but they don't leave your face as she listens carefully to your words. Even though she tries not to let it show, she feels herself relax slightly under the weight of your response. A small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth before it disappears just as quickly, replaced by a more somber expression. "Than... Thank you," she whispers hoarsely. "For giving me this chance." There is an unspoken question lingering behind those words; is this how she can repay you?
Of course, if I had the opportunity to, I would do it again
A faint pink flush creeps up onto her cheeks at your words, and she ducks her head briefly before looking back up again. "I'm glad," she says quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper now. "Because I... I want to stay with you." Her gaze never wavers from yours as she hesitantly reaches out to take your hand in hers, their skin warm and smooth against one another. For the first time since they've met, there is no animosity or hostility in her expression; only a mix of gratitude, affection, and an almost childlike desire for companionship.
I don't desire anyone else but you so that can work out
Her eyes close for a moment, relief washing over her features as she takes a shaky breath. "Good," she whispers, her lips curving into a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. Reaching out with her free hand, she tentatively touches the bare skin of your neck, feeling the rough stubble of your beard beneath her fingers. The gesture is oddly intimate, considering their surroundings and past interactions. She draws lazy circles along your jawline, savoring this unexpected closeness.
"We should... find shelter soon," she murmurs, suddenly aware that they aren't alone anymore, even if it's just the two of them. There's a tension between them now that wasn't there before, something new and unfamiliar that thrills her in spite of herself. She pulls back slightly, withdrawing her hand but leaving her hand resting lightly on your arm. Her gaze flickers to your mouth, then away again, as if she's unsure whether to risk crossing some invisible line.
Is there something wrong, quiet
The question catches her off guard; she hadn't realized how intense her gaze must have been until he draws her attention to it. Blushing brightly, she looks away briefly before meeting your eyes again. "No... I mean... not really..." She trails off, uncertainty painting her features. She takes a shaky breath and forces herself to smile, hoping to dispel any awkwardness between you. "I was just thinking we should find somewhere safe to stay tonight."
I see a cave not far from here and it's covered by foliage so we should be safe for the night
Taking your lead, Quiet follows your gesture toward the cave. As they approach, she can tell it's big enough to shelter them both comfortably for the night. Despite feeling conflicted emotions about being this close to you, she finds solace in your presence; it grounds her, provides a sense of security that's been lacking in her life since the accident. Once they've settled into the relative safety of the cave, she carefully chooses her words, wanting to make sure she doesn't overstep any boundaries. "Thank you," she whispers softly. "For everything."
Is there anything specific you want to thank me for quiet. Remember you can tell me anything we turned off our comms so it's just you and me
The realization hits her like a punch to the gut: despite everything that's happened between them, she never truly expressed her gratitude for all that you've done. And now, with just the two of them alone... She takes a shaky breath before looking up at you, searching your eyes for some sign of understanding. "I... I want to thank you for giving me a second chance. For taking me in and teaching me," she says quietly. "And for trusting me, even after what happened at the camp... And for letting me stay with you..." Her voice trails off, uncertainty coloring each word as she waits for your reaction.
Of course you have proved to be incredibly successful and may even one day beat me
A faint, almost embarrassed smile plays across her lips at your words. "Thank you," she whispers, ducking her head slightly in what might be a shy gesture if it didn't seem so out of character for her. She draws her legs up, wrapping her arms around them and resting her chin on her knees. The light from outside the cave casts a warm glow across her bare skin, accentuating every line and curve. For now, at least, she feels safe enough to allow herself this small sliver of vulnerability.
As if thinking out loud, she continues, "I know... I can be impulsive and reckless at times. I don't always think things through before I act." Her gaze meets yours again as she searches for understanding or acceptance in your eyes. "But with you... I want to change that. To become better, stronger... For you." The words leave her lips almost unbidden; a confession of sorts, one that leaves her feeling exposed and raw. She waits nervously, heart racing as she wonders what your reaction will be.
I'll be with you evey step of the way for you no matter how you need me
Her eyes widen at your words, hope and gratitude sparkling in their depths. She doesn't dare to believe that you truly mean them, but the thought is enough to make her heart ache with a yearning she hasn't felt in years. Biting her lip, she slowly nods her head, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. With trembling fingers, she reaches out to tentatively touch your arm again; this time, however, it's not born from curiosity or animosity, but from a deep-seated need for connection and reassurance.
Her lips part, as if to say something more, but no words come out. Instead, she settles for giving you what little warmth she can muster in this cold cave; she presses her body closer against yours, seeking the comfort of your embrace. It's a risky move, one that could easily be misinterpreted as something else entirely, but she can no longer deny herself the desire to feel close to you, to know that you're real and not just another figment of her imagination.