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Ghost was addicted to chocolate.
No matter where or when he absolutely always had a piece of chocolate on him, even during sniper missions, he would have a piece of chocolate in his mouth.
Soap mocked him for it all the time, but would always end up munching on a piece.
Over time, he would come to Ghost for a piece on his own.
If you think they would sneak at night for a smoke, you'd be wrong. They would, definitely, but for the expensive chocolates only. It became kind of their moment before and after the hard missions.
Lucky charm for a good mission and celebration for a well completed one.
Down the road Ghost noticed he could push Soap into doing fastidious things if he dangled a piece for him.
A puppy in training he decided.
Reward: a nice piece. Punishment: no piece at all. A very good job done: imported chocolate.
And it worked so marvelously even Price asked him about it. His only answer was that he and Soap worked well together. At some point Soap started doing more then just his job, small little things that gave Ghost's heart a run for his money. Of course he was rewarded with a nice piece.
Thing was, Ghost started to throw a couple of "good boys" here and there, over the more personal things. It begin to distinguish from personal to job related rewards.
Writing a better report, the thing Soap hated the most, reward chocolate. Bringing a well brewed cuppa for him while he needed to sit with his paperwork, bigger piece and a "Good boy, Johnny, thank you."
They never actually realized what was happening or what they were doing.
Sure Gaz mocked Soap for getting addicted to chocolate, and Ghost for making his own bed and now having to support the monster he created, but they just laughed it off, rinse, repeat.
As the time passed, Ghost started to call Johnny "pup". They laughed about it, but the nickname stuck.
Personal rewards now came with a "good pup".
It was ridiculous, but it was natural somehow.
So, Soap would get to the lieutenant's office whenever he needed to do his own reports and they would sit in silence, working.
Couple of hours in Soap would get them both some tea. Placing Ghost's mug beside his notebook a hand to his neck in a light pat, and take the piece of chocolate straight from Ghost's fingers.
Just normal day to day occurrence that no one needed to know.
Soap going through some files on his office, on one knee searching and passing the right one for Ghost, who was standing beside him, to take a look. Simon's hand on his head in a light caress as he read.
Out at night, on mission, where Soap would bring him a change of gloves he always seemed to keep on himself, for Ghost. Warmer ones. Always a little piece of chocolate, always a good pup.
And the sweet smile that took Johnny's lips.
On the field, of course, they kept it at a minimum, but right after coming back, Soap would most definitely get his good pup chocolate.
The thing got a bit awkward when Gaz caught them at it. It was innocuous enough, just a small briefing that Soap got them a very good leap on the subject and Ghost didn't realize his low "good pup". The frown on Gaz face though.. yeah.. Soap didn't realize it, but it got Ghost thinking.
Their dynamic was very unusual. Rewarding and pet names. And yet, so natural.
He left it at that, it fit them.
It wasn't long after when he came across his thinking again. Soap came to give him some papers he fetched. He placed the stack on the table, hand always on his neck, but this time there was a difference. Ghost slid his arm around Soap's waist, absent-minded saying a "thanks pup".
And Soap's response was lean against him and a light kiss to his head while he whispered "You're welcome, love".
Ghost's heart jumped so hard it hurt. Closing his eyes he pulled Soap closer, burying his mask covered face on his stomach.
They have been doing this haven't they?
"How long have we been doing this?"
"For a long while now."
Ghost signed deeply feeling Soap's smell fill his nostrils.
"Does it bother you?"
"If it did I would have stopped you that first time you called me a good boy."
"And the pup thing?"
"I like it, Si, really do. You make me feel calm."
"Hmmm... I think Kyle noticed something."
"He did, and so did Price. It's fine."
"That can be a problem."
"It's Price. We're good."
Ghost turned his chair towards Johnny and pulled him closer, between his legs, face still buried on his chest.
Soap pushed his hands underneath his mask and caressed his head for a bit. Both of them soaking on the calmness of it.
"Come on, let's get this done so I can get you some dinner yeah? You didn't eat well on lunch today."
"Keeping track, pup?"
"Someone has to take care of you, otherwise you'll only eat chocolate all day."
"Thinking of applying for the position?"
"No. It's mine already. And I know I'm a good pup for you, aren't I love?"
"The fucking best."
Soap grinned at him, like the sun. His mask was lifted a bit and his lips pecked.
He would give all his stacks of chocolate for more of those.
"I'll get you some more tea."
"Thanks, pup."