The success of Operation Silent Tear earned them a rare 48-hour leave and 1000 AP each. The Academy's higher-ups were pleased; Black-Ops was now their permanent assignment.
To celebrate, they used some of their points to rent a private sanctuary dome—a simulated tropical environment with a warm pool and real sunlight.
For the first time in months, they were truly alone, safe, and free of armor.
Leyla stretched out on the grass, her fur glowing in the sun. "I could get used to not being shot at."
Mira floated in the pool, her skin shimmering with reflected light. "It's peaceful."
Echo joined her, the water soothing his tired muscles. For a while, they just existed—no missions, no threats, just them.
As the artificial sun set, painting the dome in oranges and purples, the mood shifted. The peace became something softer, more intimate.
They made love slowly, there on the soft grass, with the sound of water in the background and the dome's stars beginning to appear above. There was no rush, no battle-high, just deep, tender connection.
Leyla kissed Echo's chest, her tail wrapping around his leg. Mira's fingers traced patterns on his back, her spatial awareness making every touch resonate through him. They moved together in a rhythm that was less about passion and more about belonging.
[ Bond Depth: Tranquil Union ]
[ Emotional and Physical Synchronization: Peak ]
[ Bond Points +15 ]
[ Leyla: Moonstalker Stage 2 → Stage 3 progression unlocked ]
[ Mira: World-Walker Stage 2 → Stage 3 progression unlocked ]
[ Echo receives: Tranquil Heart – resistance to psychic and emotional corruption +20% ]
After, they lay together under the fake stars, breathing in sync.
"Whatever comes next," Mira whispered, "we face it like this. Together."
"Always," Echo promised.