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The punching bag swung back as Soap threw his punch, his breathing deep and rapid with adrenaline pumping through his veins. He took a step back, ripping off the velcro straps on the gloves with his teeth before putting it under his arm and sliding his hand out.
Sitting on the bench as he gulping down from his water bottle. Hearing a chuckle, turning to see Ghost who stood at the door way. He couldn’t see it but he knew there was a grin underneath his mask.
Ghost gazed down at Soap, “Going at it huh Johnny.” his disgustingly Manchester accent entered Soap’s ears.
Grinning back at Ghost, he huffed in agreement, “Exactly sir, how else would I beat ya?” which got him a scoff out of Ghost as he shook his head.
“Shame, going to waste then. You’re as tall as a leprechaun, I’d just flick you off my shoulder.” he said with a gruff chuckle.
Soap’s eye twitched, did he just say leprechaun? Soap stood up, “I ain’t Irish, I’m Scottish n dinnae have the same accent. Psh! As if a Brit like you knows the difference anyways...” The tiny Scot puffed up his chest with his lip raised in a grimace.
Ghost let out a humorous breath as he shook his head, “Whatever you say…how bout we spar then, put all that practice to use.” he offered and Soap beamed at that.
“YES! I mean- of course LT…” Soap seeming a bit too desperate, trying to play it off as he looked off to the side but Ghost just shook his head with a chuckle, “Good. I’ll meet back up with you here at 1500.” he said as he walked out the gym.
Time to spend with Ghost!
Maybe they could go back to his room after, hang out and talk!
…okay maybe that’s a bit much for Ghost.
Half the time the gloomy emo man would bombard himself into piles and piles of paperwork. Even Price was a bit concerned about the constant work he was doing. Like any dad, urging him to spend some actual time with the team. Bastard wouldn’t even go out with him and Gaz to get some drinks down at the bar. So this was a once in a lifetime chance to spend time with him!
Soap found himself in front of the punching bag once again but this time he had a springier bounce to his step as he moved side to side. He was so giddy, he’s gonna spar with his LT!
—
Soap tapped his foot, jumping up towards the doorway at every footstep he heard pass by. Where the fuck was he?
He grumbled underneath his breath, thinking of how to chew him out when he finally comes. If he even comes at all?
No.
Nonono, Ghost wouldn’t stand him up! He promised! They were like two peas in a pod! A dynamic duo! Two goldfish in a tank!
Soap’s frustration brewed, watering down to a deep sadness. What if he was too clingy, Ghost doesn’t want clingy. He’s The Ghost, he’s a killer soldier by himself. Doesn’t need no sergeant doting on him like a puppy.
He shouldn’t have been so eager, maybe Ghost is just putting up with him…
Soap sat deflated on the bench, stuck in his own head that he didn’t notice someone coming up to him until their hand gripped his shoulder.
Soap jumped a bit as it startled him, the hand gruffly said, “Son? You okay?”. Price, the ultimately concerned Captain he was when he saw Soap sat alone staring off into the distance.
Soap waved him off, “Aye! Yes- Yes, just…planning what drills gonna put the recruits through tomorrow!” a strained smile plastered on his face as he weakly played it off.
There was a long pause as Price’s eyes squinted, searching what was going through Soap’s mind. Not like him to be so alone. Base wasn’t complete without the loud voice of Soap’s.
Price’s furrowed brows relaxed as he just shook his head with a small chuckle, “Well, if you’re wondering where Ghost is. He’s in the common area.”
Soap sputtered as he stared up at Price wide eyed., “What! Why would I- Not that I don’t- I…”. He didn’t even mention Ghost at all! How did he know! He must’ve been reading his thoughts, maybe they shipped out some new mind reading technology or something.
Price smiled as he walked away, “Just go see him son, sure it’ll make sense when you do…”
With a deep sigh, Soap got up as he made that walk over to the common area.
He could feel his heart quicken, the blood thrumming throughout his veins. Why was he so nervous? It’s not like they were preparing for another mission. Running past abandon buildings with dogs and enemy combatants on their tail. He was just going to the common area.
Soap frowned, but it was scary. To see the reason why Ghost left him sitting in an empty gym. Maybe he was fed up, exhausted of Johnny.
As Soap rounded the corner into the common area, he hear snickering.
His heart sank.
Why were people laughing? Laughing at what? At who?
Soap closed his eyes, his heart racing more. God he felt so humiliated, how could he be so desperate for Ghost. He knew his stupid feelings for his commanding officer couldn’t be anything more than just feelings.
Soap begrudgingly moved his heavy feet to enter the area, anticipating to see Ghost laughing as he recalled their interaction to others.
What he saw was…wasn’t what he expected.
Gaz and Roach giggled as they took photos beside a sleeping Ghost. His mask sat on the bridge of his nose, exposing the lower half of his face. Fully Knocked out as his head laid back and mouth slacked open. In his lap was a plate of cookies, something they always got every week. Thanks to Laswell’s lovely wife who makes it for them.
Soap stood there in shock, not only did his LT look ridiculous but he’s also in the deepest slumber that he’s ever seen anyone on base have.
But he was also wearing his workout clothes. He sat in his unmistakable black sleeveless hoodie and workout shorts. He was going to see him.
A sincere smile crept on his face, Ghost doesn’t hate him.
Gaz and Roach laughed, Gaz wiping tears from his eyes as he couldn’t stop. Roach taking selfies, including the hunched over Gaz.
Roach noticed Soap standing by the door way, he waved him over. “Cookies! Cookies gone! Eaten! So fast!” he signed, his hands shaking in laughter.
Soap lips pursed as they slowly upturned into a smile. He couldn’t help but join in on their fun as they documented the most ridiculous situation Ghost got himself into. Quickly forgetting about all his worries as he slipped in to take selfies with Roach while Gaz continued to wheeze on the ground.