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A slammed door got his head to jerk up at the office down the hall. There were loud but muffled noises from there for at least the last twenty minutes, but he knew better than to try to eavesdrop. That was the office of Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley and from the sounds of it he and his sergeant were in another heated argument. That was confirmed when he saw a red faced man with his signature mohawk storm out of the office, his normal smile replaced with a deep scowl. Corporal Justin Ryan had only transferred into this base a couple of months ago, and at first he would have steered clear of the man so clearly pissed off, but he was accustomed to Sergeant John “Soap” MacTavish’s behavior now and knew that even in this state he would be up for a chat. Falling into step next to Soap, he did just that.
“I take it the Lieutenant didn’t budge?” Justin asked with levity, starting his process of working Soap out of this mood.
It was no secret at this point, even if he hadn’t been at that morning’s briefing, that a disagreement broke out between Soap and Ghost. It was only a few sentences before Captain Price ended it, but it was enough to have the tension between the pair be palpable for the rest of the morning.
“Aye, can’t move much with that stick up his arse.” Soap practically growled the words out.
Soap’s whole body was tense as he continued down the hall. His jaw was shut tight, his shoulders raised, and his hands hadn’t unclenched since he left Ghost’s office. It was something that Justin had seen a dozen times or so in the time he’d been here. Despite all their accomplishments, it’d be hard to guess that Soap and Ghost were both on the elite Task Force 141. Their arguing was a common backdrop, the pair regularly using Ghost’s office to bite each other’s heads off. Honestly, it was a surprise that their captain allowed this behavior, but it was an unorthodox group to begin with. Afterall, there weren't that many leaders who would allow this level of fraternization on their team.
Despite all this arguing and fighting, Ghost and Soap were openly together. Justin could hardly believe it when he caught glimpses of the pair holding hands, but it was confirmed by other soldiers that had been on the base longer. After the first argument Justin heard, he thought that it was definitely the end of their relationship. The shouting and the slamming was barely muffled at all by the office walls, but the next day they were leaning on each other sharing a smoke like nothing happened. It didn’t seem healthy frankly, and Justin was sure that it was just a ticking bomb before their relationship detonated for good.
“That’s how COs are. They’re the higher rank so they know everything,” Justin said with a shrug as he stepped ahead of Soap to get the man’s attention. “Let's get a bite to eat. You can tell me about what you’ve sketched lately.”
That got a sigh from Soap and some of the tension seemed to leave him as he breathed out. When he met Justin’s eyes the trademark grin he normally sported had returned. The pair went into the commissary and when they left, Soap was in a much better mood.
This had become a bit of habit, Justin and Soap eating in the commissary after an argument. It was a good way for the sergeant to calm down. It was pretty easy for him to be the first person Soap saw when he left Ghost’s office as his duties kept him around that part of the building. He just made sure to spend a longer time around Ghost’s office whenever there was tension between the two. Which, as far as Justin was concerned, was very often. Almost everyday he had an opportunity to eat with Soap who would tell him about whatever he was drawing or how his family was doing. He rarely spoke more than a word or two about Ghost or whatever they were arguing about. Justin figured he was making himself not think about it, but after a couple weeks an idea slipped into his mind that maybe that wasn’t the only reason.
Soap is attractive, that much is clear to see. Tall, broad, and covered in muscles is not in short supply in the military, but bright blue eyes and a warm smile are harder to come by. That was just the icing on top of the man’s great personality. He was a wonderful storyteller, whether it be softer stories about looking after his sisters or more dramatic stories of narrowly accomplished missions, Justin was always eager to hear that Scottish accent go on and on. It wasn’t all just congeniality. No, Soap was driven. He was already well accomplished in his career. Soap was surely going to make captain if that is what the man wanted. He clearly had the leadership skills, but more than that he was smart. A demolition expert needs a strong understanding of chemistry and engineering. Plus he was the youngest to ever get into SAS, and he was handpicked by Captain John Price for his task force that all spoke volumes about the man’s aptitude. It really just left one question. One thought.
Why Ghost?
Sure the Ghost was a legend in his own right; no one could doubt the man’s abilities in the field. Off the field however, his personality left much to be desired. He was crabby, cold, and honestly a cunt. It was best to steer clear of the man, which was generally easy to do as he preferred to be away from most of the base. The odd couple Soap and Ghost made could be a case of opposites attract, but with the way he heard them arguing Justin wasn’t so sure they fit the cute trope. It just couldn’t be healthy to be in a relationship where you’re constantly arguing with your partner. No, Soap deserved better than that. He deserves someone who would listen to him, someone who took an interest in his life and hobbies, someone who would talk to him and not yell, someone… well, someone like Justin.
Soap just needed to see that there were better options out there. No doubt the reputation Ghost has would scare off anyone getting too close to his boyfriend. That would explain why Soap thought he had to put up with the constant arguing. He didn’t realize that there were other people he could be with because Ghost made sure to scare them away. Up until now, Justin had only hung out with the man after he had an argument to cool off, but that would change. He would get Soap– No, he would get Johnny to see that he’d make a better partner.
Justin already had a routine to see Johnny after he got in a fight with Ghost. It was perfect because he must already be thinking about if this relationship was really worth it giving Justin his in to show the charming Scotsman what he was missing out on. Plus Johnny with the 141 was often busy, so it was the only part he could rely on to always be the same, even if it wasn’t everyday. Now he just needed to determine what it was Soap was looking for in a partner. Clearly he liked them tall, strong, and mysterious but surely the man wasn’t shallow. He seemed to like artistic stuff, so maybe Justin could push getting some one on one time with him to “learn” some art techniques.
When they met next, Johnny fuming and storming out of his lieutenant’s office, Justin put it into action. He kept the normal levity in his voice and like clockwork Johnny smiled again and the pair went to eat. While they were there Justin steered their conversation to Johnny’s latest work, asking if he could see. Johnny would often talk about his works, but not actually show even if they were fully done.
“Oh, I’m still working on the finishing touches.” Johnny says.
Justin didn’t falter, already expecting Johnny to decline.
“I was thinking of drawing myself. Hearing you talk about it sounds like it’d be great, so I think I’d learn a lot from seeing yours.”
Justin kept his tone casual, but this was the first time he had ever pushed a point with Johnny, normally happy to only listen and follow the conversation wherever the other man took it. This got a pause from Johnny, his eyebrow raising just slightly. In surprise? In confusion? Hopefully in interest.
“You’d probably learn more from watching some videos online. I’m not exactly a professional, just been doodlin’ for a long time. Wouldn’t want you to pick up any bad habits.”
He declined again. That was okay, Justin was prepared for this.
“Good point Soap. I’ll do that then,” He didn’t want to do too much too fast, but he did have one other option “I’ll have to show you what I end up making since you inspired me.”
“Aye, I’d love to see whatever you draw.”
Johnny went back to his easy smile and their conversation naturally moved on. This had been more than enough for what Justin wanted to do next. When they both finished their eating and went their separate ways, Justin worked on his next plan. He couldn’t go to Johnny immediately, there needed to be time before he could have some drawing for him.
He spent the next few days doodling various figures on scrap paper. Justin certainly wasn’t an artist, but he needed something that wouldn’t outright be dismissed as ugly. Johnny’s pieces, if the way he talked about them were any indication, were incredible and even if expectations were low he couldn’t show the man something too childish. He actually did end up watching some guides online and by the time he needed to be ready, Justin had a few pages of his notebook filled up with various sketches of flowers and birds.
It was inevitable, the only question was when it would happen next. When he heard the telltale sounds of shouting followed by a door slamming shut, Justin stepped out into the hall just in time to see Johnny storming down the hallway. Following their familiar routine, he cracked a joke and got the man’s attention. Johnny started to walk towards the commissary as they had so many times before, but this time Justin stopped him.
“Actually, remember when I said I would show you what I drew? I’ve got some sketches done in my notebook and I want to show you.”
Justin definitely didn’t miss the way Johnny’s face flickered with surprise for just a second. Clearly the man hadn’t actually thought Justin was going to go through with it. Which, honestly, was fair. It was out of nowhere since not once in the many times Johnny talked about his art before Justin had expressed wanting to do it himself. Not that he actually wanted to draw now, but Johnny didn’t need to know that part. While he wasn’t nervous about what Johnny’s response would be, feeling like he had a good idea how his friendly sergeant would react, it was still a relief to hear him accept with a smile.
The pair walked to Johnny’s room in the barracks. Justin hadn’t ever been down this hallway, as the 141 got special accommodations separate from where regular soldiers were stationed. He had been a little unsure about asking to see Johnny’s sketches. The “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” joke was what probably sold the man on it. That or maybe he felt a little guilty for doubting that Justin would actually have something to show him. Either way, Justin was ecstatic at being allowed in Johnny’s private room.
“Wow Soap, gotta say I didn’t expect to see it this orderly.” Justin teased.
“Oh fuck off, I’m not a slob.” Johnny smiled through the words as he opened a desk drawer and pulled out a sketchbook.
Justin tried to contain his excitement at seeing Johnny’s sketchbook himself. For a moment he wondered if even Ghost had seen this. This sketchbook that Johnny kept so private, but was willing to share with a fellow artist. Did Ghost even care to know what Johnny drew? He stood next to Johnny who had sat down at the desk and placed the sketchbook down, faceup but still closed. Johnny turned his head to look at Justin and clearly noticed how excited the man was given the large grin that had crept across his face.
“Gonna make me beg for it Soap?” Justin teased. They had flirted in a joking way before, so it wasn’t out of place for him to say, but normally they weren’t in Johnny’s room.
“Well I believe you have to show me yours first.” Johnny teased back.
It almost made Justin blush, how easily the man returned the flirtatious joke. That had to be a good sign right? If Johnny didn’t think it was weird that they were teasing each other in his bedroom then it must be because he liked it. It looked good for the rest of his plan that it was going so smoothly now. He handed over his sketchbook to Johnny telling him not to expect much.
Even though Justin didn’t care about drawing it felt oddly vulnerable to have Johnny looking at them. Of course they were nothing great, but he couldn’t help the thought creep in that hoped Johnny would like them. It wasn’t like he put no effort into the drawings, surely Johnny would’ve been able to tell if he didn’t actually try, and if an artist like Johnny thought he was great then maybe that would just be another point to how compatible they were with each other. Maybe he was also some sort of artistic genius, maybe his sketches were super advanced and maybe Johnny would think he’d want to sketch together and- Justin’s thoughts were interrupted when Johnny started talking.
“These are really nice!” Johnny’s voice earnest and warm with praise.
He explained how even unintentionally it looked like Justin had a good intuition of what to do with shading and the bird anatomy was pretty solid. Justin felt his cheeks get warm, not expecting such praise. Johnny would’ve never said something mean about it, the man was too kind, but it was like the man had a sense of where Justin spent the most of his time in the sketches. Maybe he wasn’t an artistic genius, but clearly there was some skill here and Johnny made him feel like it was something he should keep doing.
“I’m glad you like them,” Justin’s voice was softer than they normally spoke, and he realized he needed to move this along before his whole face was red “Your turn Johnny- let me see how a pro does it.”
Just slipped the nickname in as naturally as he could, feeling bolder than normal. It definitely did not go unnoticed by Johnny who shot him a glance, somewhere between surprise and confusion, as he reached for the sketchbook on the desk. He didn’t comment on it though, so Justin took that as a win, already smiling big when he opened the sketchbook handed to him.
The first two pages were mostly small doodles. Johnny had taken the task force's name and designed it into a few different logos. Some cartoonish knives, guns, and bombs were scattered throughout the spaces between. Justin teased about how silly they were which to his enjoyment got another laugh from Johnny. The next few pages were landscapes, arranged in such a way that they transitioned into each other across the pages. It was all in pencil, but it was clear the environments ranged wildly from forest to desert to jungle to mountains to tundra to the beach. Justin commented on how beautifully they all looked and how seamlessly they transitioned into one another. He truly meant it, Johnny had real skill with this and even though the man downplayed it, the blush that quickly spread across his face belied his embarrassment at being acknowledged.
Justin’s smile was wide, this was going wonderfully. He felt like Johnny was seeing him as someone more and it must mean something that Justin praised the sketches he was seeing here. Turning the page slowly, he wanted to remember each one he saw. That is until a few pages later he started seeing skull doodles pop up. They were small at first, filling in space the way the cartoonish explosions and guns had before. As he kept turning they grew and quickly took on the shape of an iconic mask everyone on the base was familiar with. Though at first there were still other sketches and doodles, those quickly started to dwindle in place of the increasingly complex skull mask. The black eye holes started to take on actual eyes and Just found himself staring back into soft amber eyes. He knew those eyes, though he was certain they’d never had that softness to them when he saw them. It was also the first time any color had been used. Warm shades of brown making them stand out even further than the expression itself did. Such detail must have taken ages to get right and the repeated sketches of it were surely on a portion of the time Johnny had put towards getting it how he wanted.
He hadn’t realized how long he was staring until Johnny moved to take the sketchbook away- breaking Justin out of his thoughts.
“Sorry, probably shouldn’t let you see more than that. I’ve got more sketches of Ghost and he wouldn’t want anyone to see those.”
Johnny said it casually as he put the sketchbook away, but the blush on his cheeks was very red even on his tan skin. Justin didn’t have to think too hard about what sketches could be in there and the thought made an anger churn inside him.
“The drawings are really nice. You definitely undersold yourself.” Justin complimented, moving to stand next to Johnny at his desk.
Johnny shrugged as a way of accepting the compliment.
“It was nice seeing your drawings. It had been a while since I shared mine.”
That got a big smile from Justin. It seemed that even Ghost wasn’t allowed this sort of access to Johnny.
“You don’t share them with the lieutenant?” Justin found himself asking, wanting the confirmation.
“I do sometimes.”
“If my boyfriend drew so well I’d want to see his work all the time.”
Justin isn’t sure what made him say that forward of a statement. Maybe it was him wanting to push this connection he had with Johnny, maybe it was the high he was riding from being granted access to something Ghost didn’t get a lot, but whatever the reason Justin could feel that it was the wrong thing to say.
Johnny looked at him for what couldn’t be more than a few seconds despite the hours that felt like they passed by.
“Ghost gets that I like to keep some things to myself.” Johnny’s voice is more neutral than a moment ago, something Justin reads as hesitation in his tone.
“With all due respect sir- I’m not sure Ghost gets you,” Justin saw how quickly Johnny’s head snapped towards him and knew he had to speak quickly. “I’m sure you know it’s no secret that I hear the arguments you two have. They’re intense and often sir.”
“It’s perfectly normal to argue with your boyfriend especially if you work together.”
Johnny hasn’t shut the conversation down or moved away from Justin which he takes as a good thing. He just needs to push a little more.
“It goes beyond disagreements by the sounds of it and you’re so mad when you leave his office. You have really incredible ideas- he should be listening to you more!” Justin moves boldly, his confidence high as he’s practiced this out in his mind countless times, and puts a comforting hand on Johnny’s shoulder. They’re facing each other and so close, he can see Johnny’s lips move up into a smile. “I listen to you. You deserve to be listened to.”
“I don’t know what you think you’re doing Corporal.”
Justin figured it was now or never with how close they were already and how well everything had gone. He leaned forward, moving his face to Johnny’s.
The next thing he knew his head was slammed against the desk and his arm was painfully twisted behind his back. Johnny stood behind him, his grip like iron around the back of his neck holding him down. He was sure his arm was only an inch away from snapping, the tension in his shoulder unbelievable.
“What the fuck do you think you just tried to do?” Johnny’s voice didn’t have a trace of warmth in it. It was icy, colder than he had even heard Ghost speak at times. He could barely see anything, but straining his eyes to look behind him he saw that the upturn of Johnny’s lips was a snarl. His expression was far more enraged than his tone let on.
“I was just showing you that you had options.” Justin managed to wheeze out, his breathing shallow with how firmly he was held to the desk.
“You know I’m with Ghost.” Johnny sneered at him, not finding that a good excuse for this stunt.
“You two argue and fight all the time! He pisses you off, but you can’t do anything about it because of his rank and special reputation! It doesn’t have to be like that Johnny! You can have a happy relationship!” Justin rushed his words, wanting his Johnny to understand that he didn’t have to be afraid and act like this. That he understood the situation Johnny was in and wanted to help him out of it.
Justin felt his body rise up from the desk, happy that Johnny was helping him up now that it was all cleared up, only to find himself slammed back into it, the bruising holds Johnny had on him somehow getting tighter.
“You do not call me Johnny- ever!” John- Soap barked at him, his tone now matching the rage on his face. “You do not have even the slightest idea what you’re talking about.” Soap punctuated that sentence with another, though smaller, slam on the desk. Justin opened his mouth to argue back.
“Keep your mouth shut, that is an order Corporal.” Soap waited a moment to see if the command stuck with him before continuing. “I love Ghost. He loves me. We are both happy and know how to have a relationship with each other. You think you know anything because you see us fight sometimes? Fuck you- that man is caring and tender in ways you could never understand. We never let our relationship affect our work because we’re goddamn elite soldiers and are better than that. You don’t see us on leave in our flat together, you don’t see us sharing a smoke late at night, you don’t see us greeting the other on that tarmac, you don’t have any idea how deeply we feel for each other. You also have no idea who I am if you think I’d let anyone treat me in a way I didn’t want to be treated.”
Justin laid in a stunned silence, not able to move even if he wanted to. He had never heard this tone from Soap before and wondered if this is what their enemies faced on the battlefield. This man had never seemed like anything other than walking smiles and sunshine, but the look Justin saw on Soap’s face right now was one of bloodlust. Like he was a wrong breath away from finding out what was the last thing enemies on the field saw when Soap pinned them. He couldn’t help the shiver as he felt Soap lean over him, mouth right next to his ear to whisper.
“To you he is a terrifying lieutenant, but to me he is the most devoted partner. Ghost worships the ground I walk on and would burn this base down if I asked. There is no better person in the world and I am so thankful that he chose me to spend his devotion on.”
Soap leaned up and let go of Justin. He stayed lying on the desk for a moment, unsure if he was allowed to move, but reacted accordingly when Soap told him to stand at attention.
“It’s actually a good thing you decided to do this here where we’re alone, so I didn’t have to do this in public. I’m such a nice guy to hear you out- to really make sure you were trying to do the most dumbass thing imaginable before laying your ass out. I’m all for a little friendly flirty, but never forget that it’s just friendly.” Soap sighed, deciding to wrap this up. “You will never approach me outside of your duties. You will only address me as Sergeant MacTavish and nothing else. You will never mention that this happened and you will silently thank me every day for not mentioning this to Ghost. If Ghost were to learn about what you had the guts to do here he would feed those guts to you. Nod if you’ve understood me.”
Justin jerks his head stiffly once.
“Good, dismissed.”
Justin practically ran out of the room, ignoring any of the weird looks he got in the hallway.
“I saw that your friend put in a transfer request.” Simon said.
He was still a little breathless and they were both a little sweaty as they curled up next to each other. Johnny pulled Simon’s arm close to him, keeping his love snug against his back. He was already drifting off to sleep and hummed in reply.
“You know, I think he had a crush on you” Simon’s voice was teasing as he rested his head just above Johnny’s.
“Did he? I didn’t notice.” Johnny sleepily mumbled out.
“He was always waiting around outside my office to see you.”
“Hm, did you scare him into making that request?”
Simon chuckled at that, the vibrations soothing against Johnny’s back.
“No, everyone knows your mine.”
Despite his words, Johnny felt Simon tighten around him as if to reinforce his point.
“Aye, everyone knows I’m yours.”