Chapter Text
The day had passed pretty normally so far. It was after lunch and Soap was tending the counter and sorting through paperwork when he saw a vehicle pull up. He watched as it backed up and parked in the gravel lot on the far side…closest to the pick & pull lot. It was a large SUV clearly built for off-roading. It was a matte tan with high-clearance black metal bumpers and a set of modest rock sliders on the sides. The rear bumper had a spare tire mount and a basket for fuel cans and water jugs while the front had a sturdy winch mounted in the middle. It had a full-length roof-rack on the top with a ladder on the passenger side to get up to where a slim roof-top-tent was folded up. Multiple large spotlights were mounted on the front and ditch lights were mounted on the hood. It was lifted and had a set of meaty tires on what looked to be true bead locks with an automatic airing system. Expensive and...impressive. Everything about the vehicle was well thought-out modifications that all had a use. Not the haphazard pretty pavement princess garbage Soap saw a lot of in the city. This was clearly some rough and tough down-and-dirty kinda vehicle.
“Looks like Ghost is here.” Price said from behind him. Soap turned and raised a brow at the man. Ghost?
“He’s a regular.” Price explained, “Comes here to buy parts for his small fleet of Excursions. That one there is the first one he’s built. An overlanding rig that somehow manages to rock-crawl like a dream despite its size and wheel-base. It’ll go anywhere.” he chuckled.
Now that Price mentioned it, Soap did remember seeing several of those “Excursions” in the back. A few of them had been thoroughly picked through.
The driver’s door opened, and a giant of a man stepped out. Soap swallowed, even from here they man was huge. He wore a black short-sleeved tee that stretched over his broad chest and shoulders. His left arm was decorated in tattoos. A pair of black cargo pants covered his thick long legs, and he had a pair of black fingerless utility gloves on his big hands. As the man marched towards the building, Soap imagined what those rugged combat boots would sound like thudding on the gravel. Menacing. They'd sound like the footsteps of death. The man also wore a black baseball cap and a black neck gaiter that was pulled up close to his eyes.
If Price hadn’t been there to tell Soap about the man, Soap would have thought he’d be getting set up to be robbed. And he had no doubt he wouldn't stand a chance against the behemoth outside. Soap had plenty of hand-to-hand combat training in the military and wrestled in high school. But that also meant he knew when he’d met his match even before the fight started.
That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try and still fight... He was stubborn like that. And sometimes…he’d surprise himself and win…
But just looking at the man come closer, seeing his dark stormy eyes…Soap’s legs turned into jelly…and he hoped with all his might Price didn’t notice. That’d be embarrassing to say the least. Price would probably tell Gaz and then Gaz would probably tease him about it relentlessly.
The bell above the door jingled as the man entered and Price moved up to the part of the counter closest to the man with a “hello”. The man nodded before turning to gaze at Soap and then back at Price with a slightly raised brow.
“Ghost, meet John “Soap” MacTavish. He's been helping Gaz and I out since Nikolai retired.” Price explained. Ghost gave Soap another once over. His eyes bored into Soap, and it made him feel exposed. Ghost's eyes were unyielding and unreadable. Scary yet intriguing. Seemingly satisfied, Ghost turned back to Price and set a backpack of tools on the counter. Soap suppressed a moan at the sight of how those big biceps flexed and how Ghost's forearm muscles flitted under his skin. The exposed skin on his arms was littered with all sorts of scars. Ranging from a few sizeable ones to small barely noticeable ones.
"Anything new come in?" Ghost asked. And ohhh…his voice! Soap melted and he shuddered. It was so deep and gravely. He had a British accent sort of like Gaz but Manchester. But the way he spoke made it seem sharper and authoritative while the gravel of his voice growled through the accentuated parts softly.
"We got a crew cab 1999 F-250 7.3 a few weeks ago that had been t-boned by a Cateye. Passenger side is messed up, but it ran when it was on the trailer. Even got the Chevy sittin' out there too." Price chuckled.
"'99 eh? Forged internals." Ghost mused.
Price nodded, "Had a kid come and mess with it. Ended up taking just the tailgate, rear driver's door, grille, and front bumper. Plenty of stuff left for you."
"Hm, I'll take a look at it. Thanks. That '05 still got the transfer case?" Ghost asked.
"Yeah, no one's touched it." Price answered. Ghost nodded and then he grabbed his backpack and left. The bell over the door chimed his goodbye. Soap watched him through the window as he grabbed one of the wagons and walked out to the pick & pull yard. Watched him until he disappeared behind the cars.
.
.
.
"Soap… He's gone. You can stop staring."
Soap startled and shook his head. Clearing his throat, he looked at Price and smiled innocently, "I wasn't staring."
"Look, I know Ghost can seem odd and he looks…" Price gestured vaguely at his own face with his hands, referencing Ghost's choice of clothing, "but he's a good man. Rough, but a solid man."
"Oh uhh, yeah. I get that. He seemed pretty ok to me." Soap said.
"Looked like you thought he was more than just pretty." Gaz's voice sounded from behind Soap. Soap startled and turned around to give Gaz the finger for scaring him like that.
"What would you know? You weren't even here." Soap asked as he crossed his arms over his chest defensively. His heart beat spiked nervously.
"I was outside loading up that transmission for Rudy and I saw you through the window. You had this dopey look on your face like some sick twitterpated Disney character." Gaz smiled smugly.
"Ooch, shut ya trap Gaz!" Soap hissed. His face turned red in embarrassment and his eyes shifted to Price timidly. The man just stood there with a big smile on his face. He was clearly entertained by what was unfolding before him. Stupid old bugger.
"I wasn't staring like some stupid lovesick cartoon!" Soap insisted.
"Sure son. Whatever you say." Price chuckled as he walked back into the garage behind Soap. Leaving him standing behind the counter alone. His mouth gaping like a fish out of water.
— + —
Ghost came by a few times after that. He'd always greet Price and Soap gruffly and then go out to the yard. He'd usually spend a few hours out there and then come back with a wagon full of stuff. He was always quick to load up and leave.
Price called it "efficiency"
Still, with all of Ghost's visits, Soap hadn't learned much about the man. Ghost would only spare him a brief unreadable glance before he'd walk out. Soap only knew what Gaz and Price told him. And it wasn't much really.
Ghost was also ex-military like Soap. Was a lieutenant back then and was a few years older than Soap. He owned five Excursions. The one he'd bring to the yard, which was a diesel 7.3, another 7.3 he kept stock, two V10s (one was getting a diesel swap to a 6.7 and being extended into a 6-door... According to Price, that was a big endeavor. Especially alone.), and a 6.0.
In his spare time, Soap google-searched what all the different Excursion configurations were. If asked, he'd say it was for work purposes...to learn more about the vehicles they had out in the lot... realistically, he wanted to be able to talk to Ghost about them. The man obviously had an obsession and it would be a good conversation starter. Only problem was Soap hadn't found the right moment to strike up said conversation yet.
Back to the present, Soap sighed glumly. Ghost hadn't come today yet, and he was feeling somewhat dejected. Maybe he'll come tomorrow-
The shop door opened with a chime.
Eager, Soap looked up. His heart raced, maybe it was Ghost.
"Hey hermano!" Rudy greeted cheerily.
Soap's heart dropped. It wasn't Ghost.
"Hello Rudy! Can I help you with anything?" Soap asked.
"Nah, I'm not here for anything today. Just got done talking with Price and Gaz outside. Alejandro and I want to invite you guys on our trip to the Badlands next month. He's taking his new truck out and we're going to get photos and videos for our sponsorship content and advertising. Thought we could make it a group outing! You down?" Rudy asked.
A trip to the Badlands? Hmm...Soap had never been, but it sounded like fun. Camping and off-roading with the guys...
"Yeah, sounds like fun!" Soap smiled, "Do I need to prepare anything?"
"Alejandro is driving his truck out there and I'm taking the van with the camera gear. Price said you and Gaz could ride with him in his Ranger. But it'd probably be too crowded." Rudy chuckled, "You can ride with me in the van. Bring a tent… camping stuff you know. We'll be gone for a week."
— + —
A month passed. For Soap, it had times when it dragged on...Ghost hadn't stopped by at all. Maybe he didn't need any parts anymore. Soap sulked at the thought. They were going camping next week; he'd use that to get his mind off Ghost. It'd been so long since he went camping. According to Gaz they were actually "overlanding" and not camping... Okayyyy...
Soap looked up what "Overlanding" was and came to the conclusion it was camping. But with more steps. But still camping.
So, he'd call it camping and Gaz can go screw himself.
— + —
Friday came and Soap loaded up his bags into Rudy's van. It was a nice Mercedes-Benz that he could stand up in. Fancy.
The drive was going to take most of the day. They'd arrive at the first campground around six, cook dinner and relax. Saturday, they'd head out further into the badlands and explore. Soap was excited.
"Price told me this is going to be your first time out to the badlands area." Rudy said as he started driving. Alejandro was leading and Price was behind them in his Ranger.
"Yeah, I've only been here in the US for a few months permanently. Before, when I'd visit, it was with the military. So, I haven't been able to explore much. I appreciate the invite out here though. It finally gives me the chance." Soap admitted.
"Well, we'll make sure to show you a good time." Rudy chuckled.
"Can't wait." Soap smiled.
— + —
As they got closer to the campground, Soap noticed the terrain change. Gone was the flat copy and paste corn fields and trees. Instead, it got rocky and hilly. The road dipped and curved roughly and they had to slow down to calm the roughness of the road.
"Should be at camp in an hour." Rudy informed, "I'm starving."
Soap laughed, "Same here."
"I'm surprised we haven't seen anyone on the trail here." Rudy mused, "This is a big place, but it's still surprising."
Soap hummed. How popular was this place? How often did people come out here? It was a ways out from everything. He was curious, so he asked.
"Oh, people from all over come out here. When we get deeper into the popular trails and sights, we'll see quite a few people. Ghost's been out here too. Has this place mapped out better than anyone I know. And that's saying something." Rudy answered.
At the mention of Ghost, Soap's ears perked up.
"Ghost comes out here?" he asked.
Rudy nodded, "Quite often. It's the closest terrain of its kind to us. Perfect place to mess around with his different setups he's had on that Excursion before he takes it further out west."
Soap nodded.
"How long has he had that Excursion?" Soap asked.
"He's had it for a few years now. Went through the engine and powertrain first. Started with a full engine reseal. Swapped a manual transmission and t-case into it. Plus, he has a mild tune on it and a bigger turbo. He's touched everything on that SUV. The onboard air system to air-down and inflate his tires is probably the most impressive. You've only seen the outside, but the inside is completely custom. It's built specifically for car-camping or overlanding." Rudy replied with a shrug, "You'll have to ask him to know more though."
Soap sighed, "He doesn't seem to like me. Or at least he doesn't talk to me."
"Ah, the Fantasma is shy like that. He's probably waiting for you to step up and introduce yourself. He's not really a people person. You have to show him your interest." Rudy said. Soap sat back in his seat and mulled over what had been said.
— + —
The campground was an open area with a makeshift fire pit off to the side. They circled the vehicles around it and started prepping dinner. Price and Gaz had done the meal planning and had packed a large camp stove and a small grill in the back of the Ranger. Along with a cooler and containers of food. Soap’s stomach growled in anticipation.
“Can I help you guys set up?” He asked Price. He’d finished setting his small two-man tent up and his hands were itching to do something.
“I think we’re good here. Just reheating chili. Why don’t you get the fire started.” Price said with a smile. Soap smirked. He could do that. He was as good with fire building as he was with his explosives.
Once he got a decent flame going, Price called everyone over for dinner. They huddled around the hot pot of chili and served themselves. It was Price’s family recipe, and it was delicious. Everyone ate seconds while Price sat back with a proud smile.
They chatted around the campfire for a few hours after. Talking about this and that. Rudy outlined his plan for the photos and video they were gonna take of Alejandro and his truck. The sponsors needed high-quality content and product shots. They had installed some new King shocks recently and were going to review them. They also had a few routes to explore where most of the popular landmarks were and directions to a few secluded gems courtesy of Ghost.
They wouldn't be getting to those spots Ghost had shown Rudy until the end of the week. But Soap looked forward to it.
“Think I’m going to turn in for the night.” Soap yawned.
“Alright son, see you tomorrow morning. Breakfast will be at seven. We’ll break camp around nine.” Price nodded. Soap nodded back in affirmation and made his way to his tent. He plopped down onto his sleeping bag and closed his eyes tiredly. It was fun to be out with the guys.
He fell asleep to the distant crackle of the campfire.
The next morning, they ate breakfast and quickly packed up. They drove further into the badlands and explored some of the bluffs and trails. They met a few people who recognized Alejandro and his truck. Price and Gaz would disappear in his Ranger every now and then to explore on their own. Soap stuck with Rudy and helped him set up camera gear and the GoPros. They had filmed a lot of content and Rudy would spend some time every night editing photos and making short videos to post later on social media. It was cool to see the behind the scenes of it. Alejandro had a race coming up and they were hyping up their fans for it.
— + —
It was near the end of the week when Alejandro and Soap were driving along in his truck over some bluffs. Rudy was at the camp, about an hour away, editing content. Price and Gaz had gone off to explore on their own in the Ranger. The truck’s suspension moved smoothly over the bumps and rocks. They were speeding along swiftly when they suddenly came up to a set of giant ruts that ran perpendicular to their path. They were wide and very deep. Must’ve happened when the ground was wet, and people had torn up the terrain. Now it was dry and hardened.
“Whoa!” Alejandro yelled. He slammed on the brakes and titled the steering wheel away to try and smooth their approach. Soap gasped and almost bit his tongue when they hit them. The truck bounced violently and slammed into the rock wall on the side. They slowly rolled to a stop and sat there gasping for air.
“Well,” Alejandro panted, “That was unexpected.” he chuckled. He turned and unbuckled himself and moved to get out, “You alright Soap?”
Soap panted, the adrenaline from the past few seconds coming in waves, “U-uh yeah…solid.” he grinned unsteadily and nodded.
“I’m going to check over the truck.” Alejandro sighed. He got out and paced around the back to the front. Soap heard him swear loudly. Curious, Soap unbuckled himself and climbed out.
“What is it?” he asked as he rounded the front and stood next to Alejandro.
“We hit the wall a little too hard. Fender and the bumper are messed up along with the headlight. But I’m more concerned about that…” Alejandro pointed to the wheel.
It was sitting at an awkward angle. It didn’t look right. The tire was also flat.
“The CV axle shaft broke.” Alejandro sighed, “Looks like that tie-rod is bent now and the hub assembly will need a good look-over, those studs are broken. Tire got punctured too.”
Soap swallowed thickly, “C-can we fix it?”
“Rudy has axles and a hub assembly with studs in the van.” Alejandro groaned. He pulled out his phone and Soap did the same. A few seconds later they both looked at each other.
No signal.
“Ah that’s right. The signal booster is on the van.” Alejandro said sadly.
It was an hour or so drive back. Who knows how long it’d take to walk back to camp. Soap sighed and looked around glumly. It was almost dusk, and the rosy colors of the sunset colored the sky and clouds. He turned and looked over at the bluffs in the distance.
He perked up when he spotted a vehicle parked, off in the distance, on one of the bigger bluffs. “Wait, I think there’s someone there!” he exclaimed excitedly.
Alejandro turned to look and nodded, “Hmm?”
Soap squinted. It was a larger truck with a topper- no it was a desert tan SUV. An awning was stretched out on the side, and he could see what looked to be someone sitting in a chair watching the sunset. Back turned away from them. He blinked. Rubbed his eyes and looked again.
“Wait..i-is that..?” he stuttered.
“Fantasma.” Alejandro breathed. Soap flushed.
Ghost.
.
.
.
.
“You go up there and ask Ghost if he can get you a ride back to camp. I’ll stay here and start unloading the spare from the back and stay with the truck.” Alejandro said. Soap nodded and swallowed thickly. He turned and looked back up to where Ghost was parked. It’d take him a bit to get up there.
“Will do.” Soap nodded and started his hike. It wasn’t long after when he saw Ghost stand slowly and turn around. It was pretty quiet out, so Ghost must have heard the crunch of gravel under Soap’s feet. Soap waved shyly and Ghost crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the car. Waiting for Soap to arrive.
By the time Soap got close enough to see Ghost’s dark eyes peeking over his neck gaiter, he stopped to catch his breath.
“Uh..hah…ahem..hah, Hi Ghost. Fancy meeting ya out here…” Soap panted. It had been a steep climb up and he was quite winded. Ghost nodded and looked Soap up and down before gazing down over his shoulder.
“Alejandro alright?” Ghost asked. Soap turned around to look back down the bluff where Alejandro and the truck were. Half of it was hidden by the bluff. It looked so far away.
“Yeah he ah…hah…He’s alright. Getting the spare tire off the back.” Soap said as he turned back towards Ghost. Ghost raised a brow.
“What happened?” he asked.
“Well...we were driving down the trail when we came up on some deep ruts that ran perpendicular to our path. Hit them pretty hard and slammed into the rock wall. Axle broke and most of the studs broke off the hub. Tire got punctured too.” Soap sighed he rubbed the back of his neck and sheepishly looked at Ghost.
“You can’t radio in?” Ghost asked.
Soap shook his head, “Nae, Rudy has the signal booster.” he paused and looked quickly over at the Excursion, “Do ye have one?” he asked.
“No.”
Oh.
“Then how do ya get signal out here?” Soap asked bewildered.
Ghost shrugged, “Don’t need it.”
Soap awkwardly stood with his arms around himself while Ghost moved around and picked up his chair. Soap watched as Ghost started rolling up the awning and moved to help secure it.
“Get in.” Ghost said after he finished zipping up the case.
“Huh?”
“Door’s unlocked.”
“O-oh. Uh…” Soap stammered. Ghost opened the driver’s door and stared down at Soap.
“You need a ride back to camp don’t you?” he asked flatly. Soap flinched and smiled nervously.
“Uh yeah…if you don’t mind. Thanks.”
Ghost hummed and nodded towards the passenger side. Getting the hint, Soap jogged around and hopped in. His butt bounced on the thick cushioned seat as he settled in. Moments later the low muffled rumble of the diesel engine filled the cab.
Soap told Ghost where the basecamp was by describing some of the landmarks. Ghost nodded and started driving down the bluff.
The ride was silent. Soap sat and stared out the windows while listening to the hum of the engine and the shifting of the suspension below. Ghost seemed to know where every obstacle was and either how to avoid them or how to navigate them. He drove calmly, like it was a casual morning cruise on a winding pavement road.
Rudy was right. Ghost knew this place very well.
About an hour later, Soap spotted the camp. The sun had set and the lights from Rudy’s van illuminated the area and the spot where Price was most likely setting up dinner. He saw as everyone stopped what they were doing to look up at the approaching vehicle. Price stood up and waved them over. Ghost slowed and came to a stop by the fire pit, opposite of the van. Soap and Ghost climbed out to greet the approaching men.
“Ghost! Good to see you son!” Price greeted cheerily as he stuck out his hand for Ghost to shake. Ghost took it and grunted.
“Had to rescue your counter boy.” he gruffed out as he nodded in Soap’s direction. Soap grinned sheepishly and glanced at Gaz.
The idiot.
Gaz was giving him a winky lovey-dovey face and was making heart shapes with his hands. Ick. Soap turned away and looked as Rudy walked closer to the group.
“Where’s Alejandro?” he asked quietly. Everyone turned to him and then glanced back at Soap and Ghost.
“Uh, we had an accident-”
“Is he okay?!” Rudy asked. Frightened at the news. Soap held his hands up in a calming gesture.
“Yeah, he’s alright. Truck is damaged though. Told me to come and get some tools and parts so we can fix it and get back.” Soap finished.
Rudy sighed and smiled, “Thank goodness. So, what did he break this time?”
“Axle snapped. Studs, tire has a puncture, not sure if he found anything else.” Soap informed. Rudy hummed.
“Might as well just drive the van over there.” he said.
“Gaz and I will go as well.” Price added. He turned to Ghost, “You alright with leading us there?” he asked. Ghost nodded.
“Alright! Let’s get packed up and head out to Alejandro!” Price said loudly. Rudy jogged back to his van and started packing his gear. Soap spared a glance at Ghost before he scampered off to take down his tent. Ghost just leaned back against his Excursion and watched. Soap could feel his eyes on him throughout it all. It made him nervous, and he fumbled when trying to fold the tent canvas. No matter what he did, it just didn’t fit into the bag like it was supposed to! He huffed as he laid it out…again! And tried to fold it.
“Do it like this.” a voice rumbled from behind. Soap jumped.
“Steamin’ jeezus! Ya cannae scare me like tha!” he exclaimed. Ghost just gave him a deadpan stare and crouched down to grab two corners of the canvas. Soap watched in silence as Ghost folded the canvas several times and then rolled it up.
Rolled it.
Rolled.
Rolled. The. Canvas.
That’s what Soap forgot to do. He slapped his hand over his face in embarrassment and whined in frustration.
Ghost chuckled.
The sound was deep and gritty. It enveloped Soap in a warm haze and sent shivers down his spine. He kept his hand over his face to hide how red it had turned.
“Ready?” Ghost asked slowly. Soap nodded, his tongue was frozen. A finger tapped his shoulder and he peeked through his fingers to see Ghost holding out his tent bag towards him. Soap cleared his throat and grabbed the handle while he murmured “thanks”.
All packed up, they set out on their little “rescue” mission. Soap rode with Rudy this time.
“You guys were pretty lucky Ghost was out there.” Rudy commented.
Soap nodded, “Yeah. What were the odds huh? Pretty lucky we got replacement parts for the truck too.” he added.
“Yeah. We planned ahead to bring some spare parts. Knew we’d be running the truck pretty hard. Helps us find out all the weak spots…can’t say running into a rock wall was expected though.” Rudy laughed, “There aren’t any of those on the racetracks.”
Soap chuckled.
“Sooooo…” Rudy glanced over at Soap, “Did you two talk? You ask Ghost any of your questions?”
“Uh, nae. I-I didnae think Ghost would be one for talking then. Especially when he was already doing me a favor and giving me a ride.” Soap admitted. Rudy hummed and shrugged as he turned his attention back to the trail.
“There’s always next time.” he told Soap.
Next time…
Soap sure hoped there’d be a next time.
This is how home boy be rollin' up to the joint:
