Archive of Our Own ^beta

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       There were hierarchies of today’s world. Hierarchies that Soap hated with a passion. Soap was one of the lowest of the low. The Omegas. It was very rare that a male was an Omega, so when Soap came of age, he was bought, sold, used, bred, and then bought again. Soap hated the life of the lowest of the low. He was even below regular humans. You see, at some point, scientists created what was now known as Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. After a few decades, they bred into civilization and were born instead of created.

       Alphas where exactly what you would think. Self-privileged assholes who will make anyone below them suffer. Which was everyone. Alphas have the most power and tend to be the biggest and most powerful of their kind. They often got the best jobs and were rich. They were the highest ring of hierarchy. Everyone had to follow their orders. They had no choice. These creatures where mostly human with what people believe is wolf traits. No one really knows exactly what was created in those labs that day.

       These creatures always have wolf ears in their hair and a wolf tail. They have claws and sharper canines. They all have instincts too. That means Betas and Omegas must listen to an Alphas order, or they will feel physical pain. It's a weird thing, but Soap blames the original scientists. Betas were often calmer than Alphas. They were seen about the same as humans. They were neutral to everything. They mostly lived normal lives and lived like humans They were the middle tier, which is where humans were. They very rarely gave orders, and they often tried to help the Omegas.

       Omegas were breeders. They were the lowest ring and where always treated like dirt. They were often abused in relationships, in streets, by power-hungry Alphas, or just for labor pups. Bred Omega pups where often raised in mills, purely for labor. It was a shitty life. Female Omegas where just that. It was simple, but male Omegas…. were different. Much different. They could still get pregnant and deliver pups, despite being male. Soap never understood it, but he was always used.

       Soap had been bred several times in his life, being a male Omega, but all the litters he birthed had been stillborn. Despite the shitty situations he had been forced into, it killed him every time. He had instincts and feelings too, despite what Alphas thought. When he was 25, he signed into the military without his breeder’s permission. He told the officer, a human, of his situation and that he wanted out. The officer had taken him seriously, probably because he was emancipated, bruised, tired, and beaten when he came in.

        He was trained to be submissive to everyone else above him. During training, he followed every order given, despite if it would get him killed. He was still treated like shit, but it was much better than the mill. When the breeders came for him, he was protected by the government, so his ties were cut from them, and Soap was free. Soap had never been happier. The dull, dead look that his eyes had, which Soap had never noticed; his teammates had said it was there, was gone as he slowly became healthier. He decided he would never bare pups again. He wouldn't go through the trauma and the pain again.

        During his heats, which came every month for every ring, he took suppressors. Suppressors were like hormone reducers. They were bad for long periods of time because they could damage the body’s way of producing hormones naturally. Each ring had their own scent, so that others could scent what they were. Alphas were not common in the military, unless they were much higher ranking. Betas were the most common among the humans. There were about a dozen Omegas, but they were all female. Except Soap. So, when a Beta scented him and frowned, or an Alphas jaw ticked at his scent, instinct roaring to breed, Soap took the suppressors. It was almost 6 months on before he got sick. A healer made him stop and run through a natural heat cycle, locked in a room away from everyone else. It was a very painful cycle.

        When he turned 28, he was approved to take SAS training. Soap was excited and proud. He took suppressors, but every two months, he would find a deserted and far away room and lock himself in, and he would run through a natural heat cycle. It was the one condition that medic had made, knowing his situation. He graduated SAS training with flying colors. He was with a unit when a request order came for him. A team, 141, asked for Soap to join the team.

       The rest of Soap's team had been sad to see him leave, but they were excited. Apparently 141 was the best of the best and there was a very low chance of getting in, and an even lower chance of them personally asking for you. That week, Soap finished with his team, packed, and he got in a car and the driver took him somewhere. Soap was still obedient and submissive to everyone. He had only encountered one Alpha since he had rescued himself, and it had almost led into a meltdown. The Alpha had been an asshole and had just ordered Soap around for the whole day. Until Soap's captain found out and had come to rescue Soap from the traumatic situation.

       Soap would never make eye contact, he would always slouch to make himself smaller, he never bared his throat, which was a vital spot and was only exposed with trust or death, he always followed orders without so much as a blink, and he always bowed his head. All where habits from the mill, which where mandatory for him if he didn't want to get beat or starved.

       The car slowed and Soap lifted his head. They were in a dead field and Soap was instantly hesitant of snipers. It was a good sniping field. Soap didn't see any Gillies, but he may not see them perfectly. They were meant to blend after all. Soap took a breath before getting out.

Chapter Text

       The door shut behind him and Soap could see three men waiting by trucks for him. One had a skull balaclava, and he was massive. He wore all black, had to weigh at least 250 without all the gear he wore, and he was probably 6’5. The middle one was at the front with a soft smile. He had a muttonchop beard and a chin strapped bucket hat. He was taller too, and he also packed muscle. The one on the middle’s left was a bit smaller than the middle, maybe two to four inches. He was a bit leaner, but he wore a UK hat and a big grin. Where they all the same nationality of Soap-
Their scent hit him, and Soap stumbled back, head instantly bowing, as he huffed, eyes slightly wide, tensed. The masked one and the middle where Alphas. Powerful, brooding Alphas. The other was a Beta. The middle one paused. “They said you had an issue with Alphas. They didn't tell me it was this bad.” The middle one sighs, his voice quiet and sounding like he had three kids. Soap still didn't look up, submitting. The middle one sighs again. 
       “Gaz? We will be in the car. When he's ready.” The middle one says before waving a hand to the other Alpha. The masked Alpha growled lowly, his ears hidden by the mask, the claws hidden by the gloves he wore, but his tail was out, unable to be hidden. It was a dark, midnight black with a few white hairs here and there. Maybe he was old, or he was just multicolored. Soap was a deep chocolate brown all around. His ears, tail, and hair were chocolate brown. His claws were black, like most claws.
The two Alphas moved away so that their scents where weaker, before they were finally shut off by them getting in the Jeep. There was another car, which Soap supposed was for him and Gaz. The beta stayed, most likely Gaz. Soap lifted his had to look at him slightly, still enough to be submitting. The dark-skinned male smiled softly.
“Price and Ghost are the good kind of Alphas, which I suppose based on your experience, you’ve never met. Price takes in people like you. People with trauma and who need rehabilitation and help. Ghost may be a bit cold and closed off, but he has his trauma responses and his coping. Neither of them is the type to order you around just because they can. Hell. I've been with them two years and I've been ordered by them once each. Price is really nice. He tends to be the father of us. They won't hurt you at all. They have good control of their instincts. If you can't find them, they don't want to be found. I know it will take a bit of trust and time, but Price is glad to have you, even if it hurts him with what they've done to you.”
       Gaz says softly, tilting his head down so they made eye contact. Soap glanced away, Gaz huffed slightly, glancing at the jeep. “Ill be in the second vehicle if you want to come along. If not…. Price wont mind signing the release forms back into civilization, even if it would kill him.” Gaz says, leaving it at that before he turned and walked back into the vehicle. Soap huffed. He couldn't go back into civilization. The breeders would find him. He wouldn't have protection, and if Price and Ghost where what Gaz said…he may be safe here. He may not be. He had no better option. He had debts to the government for freeing him. He owed a lot of money and this is how he was paying it off. He had to go. Soap sighed, before his shoulders slumped and he slung his bags over his shoulders, sliding into the passenger seat with Gaz driving. Gaz smiled at him, but Soap's head thumped against the window, exhausted from the suppressors and stress.
       The cars started and set off, and Soap closed his eyes. The cars had a radio that connected the cars, and it blinked, showing it was on. Price and Ghost must have forgotten, in the car ahead, because they started talking. Ghost started it. Soap didn't listen at first, eyes closed as he had his head against the window…. until Ghost growled “He's on fucking suppressors, Price! You scented him. He's been on them for fucking ever.”
With them not being face to face, it was easier for Soap to snap “I'd rather not be bred any more by you fucking alphas then i already have.” There was silence for a minute as they realized the coms were connected, then the sound of claws gripping against rubber. Prices claws grinding against the steering wheel as he clenched his fists. “Any pups?” Price grumbled, low and angry. “None born alive.” Soap responded, practically spitting the response and Gaz flinched. Price and Ghost growled through their teeth and Price whispered, ‘fuckin steaming Jesus.’
       “How many times, Omega?” Ghost snarled and Soap paused at the ring name. Soap huffed, guessing that Ghost didn't know his name. “14 times.” Soap says and Soap hears the sound of tearing leather. Prices claws had ripped through the steering wheel cover. Soap keeps his eyes closed the whole time, just exhausted. There was silence the rest of the drive. Soap eventually drifted off into a light sleep.
       Soap woke to the car stopping and a claw poking his ribs. He rumbled, flashing teeth groggily as he stirred. Gaz chuckled. “Your feisty when you're not terrified shitless.” Gaz muttered, grabbing one of Soap's bags as Soap reorientated himself. They where at a base. It was small, but it was a stable and secured military base. People nodded at Price and Ghost as they got out. Ghost glanced back at the jeep behind them, and Soap's eyes immediately dropped as he too, got out. He didn't move until Gaz sighed and grabbed his arm, literally dragging him. Soap yelped, baring teeth at him, startled into making eye contact with Ghost. Soap recoiled, cowering back, eyes dropping. Ghost huffed, looking down at Soap.
       “You reek. Get off those damn suppressors.” Ghost growled and Soap just weakly shook his head. “I'd rather not. I'm not going to be bred agai-” Ghost cut him off with an almost offended and angry snap. “If you think that we have that little fucking control over ourselves and instincts, your fuckin stupid, Omega.” Ghost hissed. His words were laced with a thick, rasping British accent that Soap just realized. They were all British. Soap was the only Scottish.
“So, uh…now that this pissing contest is over, can we get him to Mabel?” Gaz asked, glancing between Ghost and Soap's cowering form. Ghost just rumbled deep in his throat before turning and walking towards where Price waited, watching. They muttered something, and Soap's ears flicked up to catch it, but he couldn't. Soap finally turned to Gaz, able to meet his eye and not submit as much. Gaz was like most Betas. Calm, quiet, snarky and sarcastic when he wants to be, unafraid and friendly to all. Soap didn't mind him. Soap didn't feel the need to submit to him. Gaz made him feel like an equal.
       “Mabel?” Soap asked quietly and Gaz winces slightly. “Uh. Yeah. Mabel keeps the documents of all of us on base, so when new ones like you come in, she makes a new record. It's kind of invasive, but it's need to know. Shes nice though. Shes a human, so she gets very, very interested in us. Shes never had a male Omega, so prepare for a lot.” Gaz says, nodding his head to the fence that the guards had left open. Price and Ghost where gone, Soap realized. “They will make themselves scarce unless they have to. Price wants you to heal here, not stay the same. Ghost just follows orders. Until you are comfortable with them, you probably wont see em.” Gaz says, setting out to the gates, seeing how Soap looked around for the missing Alphas. The guards nodded at Gaz and glanced at Soap. Humans.
       “Soap. He's with us from now on. Get used to him.” Gaz says and the guards nod, letting them in. Once in, the gates close. The base was not quite busy, but there where people moving around. Mostly people or Betas hoping to help. Soap knew that Alphas where rare in the military, so why where Price and Ghost standard soldiers? Why weren't they government officials or something? If Gaz knew what he was thinking, he didn't answer. Inside it was the same gun metal grey most bases were, and it was kind of cold. It felt nice. Familiar. Gaz led the way through the halls, talking as he did.
       “Price already has your gear. Your previous team gave use your measurements. We also already have a dorm for you, which you may not like, but it's all we have. You'll get used to the base soon, but if you need a map, we have one.” Soap wondered what kind of sleeping situation he would have, if Gaz said he would not like it. He didn't get the chance to ask before Gaz shoved open a door. It was a med bay and Soap huffed at the strong scent of the cleaners. A human woman looked up and smiled at Gaz.
       “Ah, Sergeant. It's been a while since I've seen you.” She says, her voice quiet and calming, like a mother's voice. Soap had never heard his mother sound like that, even as a pup. She had sold him once he was able to leave at 16. The rest of his littermates had died from starvation or from the poor environment Soap had grown up in. Soap's mother had been with an Alpha. A Beta and an Alpha don't usually go well. Soap had never met his father, as the man had left when he had found out that his mother was pregnant with a litter, so his mother was thrown to the streets to live and raise her pups. After that, she became lazy and a horrid mother, not even lifting her head when her pups cried.
       “I brought you a new one. Be nice to him, Mabel. He's had a hard time.” Gaz says and Mabel’s eyes flick to Soap. Soap lowers his eyes. “Submissive. Not confident like Alphas, and not calm like Betas, but male Omegas are so rare…..did you bring me a male Omega?” She asked, her question excited. Soap winced at her observations. Gaz sighed. “Yes, Mabel I did. Like I said, be nice. He's almost as bad as Ghost was. Ghost was more violent then, but Soap would just most likely submit and shut down.” Gaz sighs and Soap glanced at him. Ghost game here like Soap? Scared and traumatized? Soap couldn't see that cold man being scared of anything. Mabel sighed and nodded.
       “Alright. Leave him here. I'll call you when I'm done.” She says and Gaz pats Soap's shoulder, turning to leave. Soap doesn't call out as he's left alone. “Come sit.” She says, putting a chair in front of her as she gets out a piece of paper. Soap does as he's told, leaving his bag on the floor. Gaz had taken the other with him. She writes down something and when Soap gives her his name, she writes that too.
        She takes his hands and measures his claws, and she test the sharpness of them. They were sharp. Prices and Ghosts where the exact same, so Mabel said, which was confusing to have equal traits to an Alpha as an Omega, but Soap dismissed it. She then took his jaw, and very uncomfortably, measured and tested his fangs. It was the same result as his claws. She then touched his ears and tail, much to Soap's discomfort, writing things down. Finally, she asks him a lot of invasive questions about his temperament, how he breeds, how he births. Most of the time Soap fidgeted and squirmed uncomfortably. Finally, it was done, and Soap wanted to run.
       Gaz came and got him, and Ghost was there too. This time, Soap was too terrified and violated to shrink away from him. “How was it?” Gaz asked, leading the way again, Ghost by him. “I feel very violated.” Soap says and Gaz chuckles and Ghost snorts. “Yep. She does that. Don't worry, no one will know that information unless you kill someone in a furious rage, or if you are in danger of yourself.” Gaz says, pointing a glance at Ghost. Ghost just grunts in response.
       “She said I was above you on my trait's. I was level with Price and Ghost.” Soap says and Gaz stops. “What?” Gaz said, turning, brows furrowed. Ghost paused too, and Soap cowered back at both of their gazes. Ghost huffed, and turned his head away, pretending to guard the hallway, but everyone knew he was listening. “She said I had a lot of Alpha traits in me, which I don't see. My father was an Alpha.” Soap says. Gaz’s eyes widen. “Jesus. An Alpha Omega hybrid. Your even more rare. Was your mother an Omega?” Gaz asked. Ghost stiffened. “No. Beta.” Soap says and Gaz inhales sharply.
       “Where the hell did the Omega come from then? Usually Alpha traits are dominant, so you should have been a male Alpha. Somewhere, you must have absorbed the Beta traits, and your genes got confused and made you an Omega. It doesn't make sense. What about your littermates?” Gaz asked. Soap shrugged. “All dead. I was too young to know their scents. I was the only one to survive to turn 3 years old.”
       Ghost turned to look at him and Soap looked down again. Soap knew that look. Pity. Ghost was pitying that Soap grew up alone and then was sold to be bred for ten years and to have every litter die before they came into the world. Gaz must have realized how much Soap didn't want to talk about it, because he muttered “Weird” then turned and continued walking. Soap was a hybrid. No one had ever told him that before, but for some reason, it made him feel better about himself. He wasn't just an Omega, a male to bred and reproduce for his whole life. He was also Alpha. The best of the society and the strongest. Soap huffed at the fact. It made him feel less…. used and exhausted.
       The walk was silent as they walked, Ghost leading. Gaz let him with an eye roll. Soap was silent, his head raised more then it had been in weeks as he walked. Soap wondered if anyone could smell the tinge of Alpha in him. Probably not. The suppressants blocked everything else except the horrific scent of the meds. It was like how cement smelt but mixed with the smell of crushed pills. It was very distinct.
       They came to the dorm area and Gaz waved a hand. “Here's your room.” Gaz says, and Ghost huffed, unlocking the door and walking in. Soap froze. Oh. Thats why Gaz said he would not like the arrangement. Because Soap was sharing with the Alpha. Gaz sighed.
       “It's the only room we have. I know you won't like it, but you have to. Ghost won't do anything. Hell, he barely does anything more than what he's supposed to on the field. The guy’s lazy.” Gaz says and a low, rough growl ricocheted out of the room. Soap winced and Gaz grinned. Ghost had heard Gazs comment and had voiced his displeasure. Gaz just tilted his head slightly and Soap lowered his head before entering the room. Ghosts side was minimalist, clothes in the dresser, a notebook on the desk and a few pairs of boots on the trunk at the end of the bed. The other half of the room was neat and unused. Soap's side. The desk was empty, the bed made tightly, the dresser empty.
       “Right. Have fun. Price wants me with the recruits again.” Gaz says bluntly before he set Soap’s bags on the floor, shutting the door and leaving. Soap whirled, staring at the bag. Ghost just huffed, flopping in the bed, the mask staying on. Soap stood there, cowering away when Ghost spoke. “Jesus, I'm not going to beat you for getting comfortable. Fucking do your shit.” Ghost growled and Soap flinched, but he nodded silently. After a minute, he slowly unpacked his bags and put his clothes, boots and other items away. He constantly glanced at Ghost, checking to see if the Alpha had moved or was irritated. Ghost never moved nor did his breathing change. He was either asleep or he was just good at pretending he was.

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       Soap jolted awake to the cry of pups. Soap's head jerked up and his ears flicked to where the sound was, near where Ghost was standing near the door. Soap started to rise before he realized it was from the phone Ghost held. The fucker. Soap growled and bared teeth, ears lowering and Ghost huffed at him. “So, you do still have those instincts, mother. Despite taking the suppressants.” Ghost said, turning the sound off. The room was eerily silent now. “Not wanting to be bred has nothing to do with giving birth to 14 litters.” Soap says and Ghost growled. It made Soap immediately hide his fangs and lower his head and ears. 

       “Yet you still respond to crying pups. You mourn them, yet you choose not to even try. Pathetic.” Ghost growled before walking out of the room. Soap stared at him in fury and horror. Ghost called him pathetic because he responded to crying pups. Because he woke and was concerned for the weaker and the defenseless? The hungry and cold? Because he was so traumatized by being bred for 10 years and having every pup born dead? No. Ghost was the pathetic one for seeing Soap weak for caring. Soap growled at the closed door before getting up. He had gone to bed after unpacking, not even bothering to change.

        He slipped on his boots and he redosed on suppressants before leaving to room too. He wandered the halls, trying to find any of 141, hopefully not Ghost or Price, but he was lost. Gaz seemed to find him, or he came looking for him because Gaz appeared and smiled as he saw Soap. “Hey. Come on, were this way.” Gaz says, nudging Soap slightly before walking off, Soap in tow. 

        They ended up in a large gym, where Ghost and Price where waiting. Soap lowered his head and Gaz huffed but said nothing about it. Gaz had tan fur on his tail and ears and his claws where a brown black. It was much different then Soap's chocolate brown. Prices tail was a dark and old grey, along with his ears. His claws were long and sharp. The traits of an Alpha. Everything about Ghost was covered but his tail, which flicked irritably behind him, black with a few strands of white. His claws were covered by gloves, his ears and mouth by the mask. Soap wasn't sure why he was just now analyzing them, but he realized they were all different. Gaz grinned, and Price smiled and nodded back. Soap kept his head low as Price started talking. 

       “We are just doing training today. We have nothing else to do, so we will just keep up to speed. Soap, you're with Ghost, Gaz with me.” Price says as Soap stiffens and Ghost growls lowly. Gaz shrugged at Soap before trotting off to go with Price. Ghost stands there with him, alone, only 6 feet away. There is silence as Soap cowers, and his head is kept low and eyes to the ground. His ears were flat against his skull. “You took them again. I told you not to.” Ghost finally hissed, voice low and slightly angry. His ice blue eyes matched Soap's and they held no emotion. They were as cold as the lakes they looked like. Ghost had definingly caught onto Soap's scent and smelt the suppressors in his body.

        “Maybe, but it's not your choice to make.” Soap says softly, expecting to be hit in response. He wasn't. Ghost just huffed, as if either amused or pleased that Soap spoke back. “I know what they do to your body Omega. They set your heats out of wack, they make heats agonizing, and they damage your hormones. I can smell they have been on you for years. Get off them.” Ghost retorts, voice low as he gets closer to Soap. Soap shrunk back, silent. Ghost just scoffed under that mask, standing back up to his full height, crossing his arms.

        “Pathetic. You can't even fucking birth your pups and when someone suggests you try again, you tell them you're too traumatized, so you ruin your body for years. Your fucking killing yourself, Omega. Pathetic.” Ghost hissed. Gaz started forward, fury written on his face, but Price held him back murmuring ‘Ghost knows what he's doing.’ The words sparked anger in Soap. How dare Ghost call him weak, how dare Ghost tell him he wasn't traumatized and that he had no right to be using suppressors. Soap shifted angrily. Ghost saw it. The man's head rose as if proud and his eyes narrowed. “Your just made to fuck, Omega.” Ghost jested and Soap's fury broke. He snarled, pure feral anger in his eyes as his moth opened and he bared his fangs. 2 inches long and razor sharp, which was average for an Alpha, not an omega. They were not to be fucked with. His eyes narrowed and he flexed his claws. Ghost chuckles lowly. “Theres the fangs. Try me, breeder.” Ghost jested and Soap snapped, losing all of humanity.

        A snarl ripped from his throat that even made Ghost twitch in surprise before Soap lunged. Like everyone else, Ghosts throat was vulnerable and an instant kill spot if Soap got his claws or teeth around it. He dove for Ghosts bared neck and Ghost jerked out of the way in time for Soap's teeth to catch Ghosts shoulder, claws digging into Ghosts ribs. Soap didn't taste blood, but Ghost grunted, grabbing the back of Soap's neck and flinging him off with ease. Soap jest kept coming back, again and again, never losing energy, but he could see that Ghost was tiring. Adrenaline and anger faded slower than regular energy. Finally, Ghost moved again, and Soap predicted it, diving for his open throat. Soap was inches away when someone's arm slung around Ghosts neck protecting the life source and taking the brunt of Soap's teeth. Price grunted in pain as Soap's fangs connected with flesh, breaking it and tasting the coppery taste of blood.

         Ghost stared, in surprise, shock, fear, or admiration, Soap didn't know. Price grabbed Soap's scruff gently, but firmly, wrestling a thrashing and feral Soap to the ground, Soap's teeth never coming out of Prices arm. The hold was like a mother correcting her pup and it made Soap faulter, a long-lost instinct kicking in. “Easy lad. He didn't mean any of it. He was making you angry on purpose. You did good, now relax.” Price murmured, voice calm. Soap huffed, eyes flicking to Ghost then Price. Price huffed, breath falling over Soap's face. Something changed in Prices scent, and it became calming as Soap inhaled it, slowly relaxing as his human mind returned to him. 

       He slowly detached his fangs from Prices arm with a huff as he laid his head down, panting, lips and fangs covered in Prices blood. Price rumbled in pain but didn't lash out in retaliation. Soap's body slumped in submission and Price watched, holding him for a while before finally letting him go. “I'm sorry.” Soap says, lowering his eyes as they both rose, smelling the Alphas blood in the air. Price just shook his head and ruffled Soap's mohawk. Soap twitched at it before barely leaning into it. “Don't worry lad. All i care about is that were safe. This is what training is about. Learning each others limits. Go get cleaned up in the showers, then get breakfast. After that, it's up to Ghost. He will train you from now on.” Price says gently and Soap just nods weakly in horror and misery. He would not only live with the Alpha but also train with him. Ghost just huffed and jerked his head.

        “Ok.” Soap responds softly before darting off, hoping to wash the taste of blood out of his mouth. Prices blood was coppery, but it was slightly tart. It sorts of match their scents in a way. It was weird. The showers where not far and not that hard to find. The shower allowed for Soap to clean his body, mouth and mind. After the shower, the scent of the suppressors was weaker, even if Soap knew they still had 4 hours left before a re-dose. He wandered around meanlessly, trying to find the cafeteria. For a smaller base, it was certainly like a maze.

       After a hot minute, he finally found it, the tables few and far, but packed. There where likely a hundred or so people in the base, most human or Beta. Ghost and Price where the only Alphas Soap could scent here, and he was the only Omega who wasn't female. The female Omegas looked at him then bared teeth from where they were scattered around the tables. A few Betas lifted their heads and nodded to him and the humans barely glanced at him, not caring what he was and not knowing. 

       Soap lowered his head, sensing the hatred from the other Omegas. He was competition to them, even if he didn't want to breed, and he reeked of suppressors. To Omegas not born and bred in the mills, suppressors were looked down on because they prevented the one thing they lived for. Breeding. He wanted to flee and starve until the cafeteria was empty. Before he could start to consider the idea, Ghost came from behind him and knocked his shoulder against Soap's as he moved past, not looking back. Soap jolted at the contact from the Alpha, looking down, then up at him startled. 

       To others, it had just been an angry shoulder check, especially to the Omegas glaring at him, but Soap had seen it for what it was. It was Ghosts way of telling him he was fine and to not give a shit what others thought. How Soap knew that he had no fucking idea. It just popped into his head like he suddenly understood a secret language. Soap furrowed his brows before glancing at Ghost who had taken a seat at the table that Price and Gaz sat at. Ghost seemed to sense his glance, and his eyes lifted, meeting Soap's for a second. Soap immediately looked down, slowly walking to get food. A few Omegas snarls at him and he cowered more in on himself. 

Stop being submissive and fight back, Omega.  

       Ghosts voice just popped in Soap's head and Soap's steps stuttered as he froze, startled. Soap wasn't sure if he had imagined Ghost saying that, knowing full well the Alpha would, or if Ghost had somehow spoken in his head. He glanced back at Ghost, but Ghost was picking at his food, giving it a distasteful glare as he stabbed at it. Maybe he didn't eat because his mask was on, and he didn't want to take it off. Soap stared at him for a minute, confused. Soap finally figures he was just imagining it and was just imagining what Ghost would say. 

       Soap turned back to where the Omegas where glaring and baring teeth, deciding even if he was imagining it, he would fight back. He was part Alpha after all. Soap lowered his ears and snarled, baring his own longer and sharper fangs. The Omegas all jolted back, lowering their heads in surprise and submission. Soap thought he heard Ghost huff an amused breath. Soap turned off and got food before hesitantly sitting by Gaz at the table. Ghost was across from him and Price next to him. 

       Gaz looked at him, looking like what he was about to say next, he didn't really want to say. “Soap?” When Soap glanced at him from taking a bite of his food, Gaz continued. “Um. Mabel wants to get a blood draw from you. She wants to see how much Alpha you have in you. It won't be much, just enough to get your DNA.” Gaz says, looking regretfully. 

       Soap hesitates, looking back down at his food. He didn't really fear the needle of the blood draw, but he did question why he wanted to be tested. “Why?” Soap asked, glancing back at him. Ghost was watching intently. Soap could feel it. “Well…. she believed your Amega. Alpha is very dominant in the gene pool, and you show quite a lot of Alpha traits. She wants to see if she can fix your listing to Amega. Hybrids are generally even more rare than you, and often better treated if kept in good intentions.” Gaz says and Ghost huffed a breath, no longer picking at his food. 

       Soap glanced at Ghost for barely more than a split second before glancing back at Gaz, brows furrowed slightly. “I don't show a lot of Alpha traits. I'm mostly Omega.” Soap says and Gaz laughs incredulously. “Have you seen yourself? Your fangs are sharp as Prices and as long as Ghosts, your claws are identical to Ghosts, you carry more strength in a single punch then 10 omegas whole body strength, you and Ghost are almost identical in height and build. Your only 3 inches off and maybe 30 pounds. Omegas cap out at 5’5. Your almost 6’4. If you didn't cower and your scent wasn't pure Omega, i would take you for an Alpha.” Gaz says and Ghost pauses, leaning back in his chair, analyzing Soap intently for the first time. Soap felt it and it was awkward. Soap had never seen Ghosts features, so he didn't know he was close to Ghost in a lot. He rarely even looked at Ghost and he always cowered, so he didn't notice the height or build. It was strange to hear anthers observations. 

        “What's an Amega?” Soap finally asks, not looking at Ghost, who really did have a staring problem. “Alpha-Omega hybrid. Alpha is the dominant trait, like i said, so they are always the first part of a hybrid name. Aeta, Amega. Betas and Omegas are about the same in commoncy so those hybrids are a lot more common, or just full Betas or Omegas. Beta- Omega hybrids are Begma. Those are all the classifications. Alpha, Aeta, Amega, Betas, Begma, and Omegas.” Gaz says, listing them all off on his fingers. Soap hummed. He had heard of hybrids but had never heard the classifications or met any. It was kind of interesting really. 

       “Get tested Soap, even if it comes up mostly Omega. Better to just know then miss the chance.” Price says, speaking up before Soap could. Soap glanced at him in surprise but then imminently dropped his gaze. Soap nodded, knowing Price was right.

        “Goddamn it. Fine. Let him go get tested after he eats. Then he's fucking training with me.” Ghost growled and Soap cowered back, nodding. Gaz sighed and rolled his eyes before he glared at Ghost. “Stop intimidating him.” Gaz says. Ghost grunted, tilting his head up slightly. 

       “Everything I do scares the damn bastard. I breathe differently and he flinches. I speak and he recoils. I exist and he fucking becomes submissive. Nothing I do will fix that.” Ghost snarls and even Gaz starts at the anger and fury in Ghosts voice. Price growled lowly under his breath and Ghost huffed, shoulders slumping before leaning back in his chair. 

       “Just because he's your-” 

       “Gaz!” Ghosts tone was so sharp, so sudden that even Gaz flinched. Gaz paused before continuing without a stutter. Soap didn't think anything was wrong, just that Ghost was pissed about being talked down on because Soap was his recruit. “Listen. Just because he's under your care, doesn't mean you get to snap and snarl at him because of his trauma. At least try to not be as intimidating. Just…not so much you.” Gaz says and Ghost sighs with a throaty growl of ‘fine.’ Soap nods slightly before he continued to eat his food. The rest of the meal passed in almost awkward silence. 

       Afterward, Gaz led him to the lab room again where Mabel drew a vial of blood. Soap barely winced at it, and he just watched silent. Gaz gave him a concerned look through the process. After, arm bandaged lightly, Gaz led him to the training room, looking up at him. “You good?” Gaz asked, brows furrowed under his cap. Soap glanced up at him and nodded. “Yeah, why?” Soap asked, walking with him. Gaz shrugged, glancing ahead before back at Soap. 

       “I don't know. Most people at least twitch or grimace at being stabbed with a needle like that. You just…. didn't react at all. There was nothing, not even a flicker of pain in your eyes.” Gaz says, voice tilted in concern and confusion. Soap just shrugged, seeing no problem with it. 

       “Being pinned and fucked against your will is more painful than a simple needle. I'm used to it.” Soap says and Gaz flinches hard and pauses at that. “Shit. I forget it's that brutal in mills. Breeding sounds a lot more pleasant then fucked against your will. Um…yeah. I'm sorry. You really shouldn't be used to pain, but i guess i can't change that now. It's just like Ghost. You can change trauma by saying it should have never happened. If you both had someone to fucking protect you, to love you properly, it would have never happened.” Gaz rambled, sighing as he closed his eyes briefly and shaking his head. Soap looked at him, confused about what he meant like Ghost and everything else. He had heard people hint that Ghost came to 141 traumatized, aggressive and terrified. Soap just didn't know what was wrong. 

       “What's wrong with Ghost? Other than grumpy and having a stick up his ass, he doesn't seem hurt to me.” Soap says and Gaz’s eyes flick to him, widening in surprise. “I forget your new. Ghost doesn't seem hurt because he doesn't want others to know. To know that he has a weakness and that he too is damaged. He plays cold and stoic to hid that. Under all of that he's just…. lost, lonely, and afraid. It's like a mask. Imagine the one he wears isn't just physical, but mental too. It keeps him stable really. It's not my thing to tell. It's his. If he trusts you enough, he will drop subtle hints what happened. I'm sure you'll find out here real soon.” Gaz says and Soap gives him a very confused and startled look. 

        Soap didn't get the chance to ask what he meant because they came up on the training room doors. Ghost was inside in a compress black t shirt, hands wrapped as he aggressively hit a boxing bag. Soap winced at each hit. Each hit was almost all the strength the Alpha carried and like he was holding nothing back. The mask was still on, but he was de-geared to be faster and able to move better. Gaz winced. “Damn, he's in his head.” Gaz murmured under his breath. Ghost didn't seem to hear them, and Soap looked at Gaz confused. “Ghost! Soap's done!” Gaz called and Ghosts head imminently snapped up, eyes narrowing on Gaz, then Soap as he stuttered back a few steps like he was reorientating himself to reality. 

       “Best thing to do when he's like that is to just pretend it didn't happen and just call him back. Takes him a second, but your fine. Good luck.” Gaz says before patting Soap's shoulder and walking out. Soap opened his mouth to call out, but all that came out was a worried and terrified squeak. Soap glanced at Ghost before lowering his eyes. Ghosts knuckles where slightly cut and bleeding. Soap could smell it. Ghost huffed. “Get ready to fight. Tapes over there.” Ghost growled, shifting on the balls of his feet, jerking his head to the bench near Soap's right. Soap nods, moving.

Chapter Text

After wrapping his hands and taking off his restricting accessories, Soap walked back to Ghost, who had ben very unsettlingly watching the whole time. Soap never looked up at him. Ghost huffed as Soap got into position. “Lets see what you got, Omega.” Ghost growled before lunging. Soap's training kicked in, and his eyes flew up as he threw himself out of the way. Good. Soap heard, too focused on the fight to tell if it was actually in his head or aloud. Ghost turned as soon as Soap dodged, feigning to the left. Soap caught it, claws flying out as he moved, nicking Ghosts shoulder. Ghost hissed as the claws cut skin. This was without any kind of armor and protection but the tape on their hands and the clothes on their backs. Soap stopped, head lowering. “Sorry.” Soap mutters, fear and trauma rising. He would be punished for hurting the Alph- 

       Ghost grabbed him, caved in his knees and threw him to the ground. Soap yelped, panic rising as he was pinned with his back to the mat. “Never, ever get distracted on the field. By your own injury or a teammate. It makes you vulnerable and easy to attack. Worry, fear and panic makes it even easier to kill you. Focus, Omega, on the fight!” Ghost growled, the growl low enough that it made Soap's brain feel like it rattled in his skull. Soap nods weakly, eyes flickering up. “Keep eye contact. Fuck your trauma. Looking at the ground wont help you predict and block an enemies moves. It's a liability if you don't.” Ghost growled before getting off Soap and pacing the mat, waiting for Soap to rise again. Soap’s heart was racing from fear, adrenaline and excitement. 

       Soap rose, taking a shuddering breath. “You aren't leaving this mat until you keep eye contact in a fight and can predict what i do.” Ghost says and Soap looks up at him just as Ghost lunged again. Soap gasped as Ghosts claws came inches from his neck. The man was fast, silent and deadly. Soap jerked out of the way last second, eyes wide as they snapped to Ghost, watching as the man whirled, a low snarl coming from Ghosts throat as Ghost moved. Soap didn't see the hit coming until it landed, knocking the air out of Soap and allowing Ghost to pin him. 

         “Ribs and neck; always guard. Again.” Ghost hissed before getting up again, waiting. He was barely panting as Soap gasped. “How the fuck are you so damn fast?!” Soap exclaimed between desperate gasps for air. Soap swore he heard Ghost chuckle under his breath. Ghost leaned in, grabbing Soap and heaving him to his feet. “Welcome to the 141, mate. The best of the fucking best.” Ghost says and Soap knew he was grinning beneath the mask and it made Soap shudder. 

       That went for the whole day. Soap started to faulter around lunch, hungry and exhausted. Ghost allowed a 20 minute break to breathe, eat, drink and rest before they where at it again. Ghost kept pinning Soap no matter what Soap did. At some point hitting the mat and becoming briefly immobile under the Alpha didn't make Soap scared anymore. He came to expect it. Ghost never did anything more then pin him, give gruff and sharp advice before getting up again. It was kind of…admirable really. Ghost was a lot less intimidating now that Soap saw how he worked. Gaz was really right. Ghost was mostly just stares and cold eyes. He was smart, skilled, thoughtful and very, very sharp and tuned to others. When Soap recoiled in terror, Ghost would give him a second to realize that it wasn't real danger before carefully correcting his mistakes. Soap admired how Ghost would swiftly and firmly correct his mistakes before letting him learn from it. 

         Soap learned a lot from that day. By dinner, Soap could mostly dodge Ghosts lunges, and he was able to maintain eye contact in the training field by the end of it. He was starting to trust the Alpha, even if he didn't really know it. Ghost was a good leader, even if he was mostly cold and sharp. Soap would defiantly follow him on the field and listen completely. Finally when Ghost decided that Soap could make enough eye contact and could predict a lot more then before, he was release to go eat dinner. 

         Soap limped to dinner, exhausted and sore. Gaz grinned as he saw Soap walk into the cafeteria not cringing from Ghost walking steadily behind him. “How'd it go?” Gaz asked as they both sat with food, across from each other again. “Exhaustingly brutal.” Soap muttered, before digging into his food. Gaz and Price huffed a laugh. Ghost still did not touch his food. Did he ever eat? Ghost glanced up at him. “Yes, I do. When I'm alone.” Ghost growled and Soap jolted, surprised into making eye contact with the Alpha. “Wha-” Soap asks, heart racing. Did Ghost somehow hear his thoughts? Price and Gaz glanced at each other subtly. Soap missed it. Ghost just grunted. “Your giving me that look that everyone else fucking gives me at meals. It's nothing new. I know what you all think when you look at me that way.” Ghost says, lying so smoothly that even Soap wouldn't know until much later. Soap calmed, nodding. “Oh. Sorry.” Soap says, looking down. He realized he was starting to get calmer with the Alpha. He wasn't sure why. Maybe he was adjusting, or he was just getting used to the Alpha, especially since the Alpha had yet to hurt him or spark trauma. 

        Gaz rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Ghost doesn't take the mask off unless he's utterly alone and locked in a room. I think only Price has ever seen his ugly mug.” Ghost growled at Gaz. Gaz shrugged, smiling. “Well, if your wearing a mask, ya have to be ugly mate, like come on. I've never seen you without it. You have to be hiding something.” Gaz says. Ghost just tilts his head a few degrees as if Gaz is right but Ghost refused to say it. “I'm not ugly, ya cunt. I find myself as fine as anyone.” Gaz just laughed. “Sure, I'm sure ya reel them all in.” Soap snorted into his food, ending up coughing as he breathed it wrong. Gaz looked at Soap and laughed. Even Price smiled around his food. Ghost just looked at all of them, silent as Soap coughs, trying to breathe again. This felt…nice. Like the family Soap never had. Ghost growled a short soft growl, as if to himself. 

       “See? Told ya it's not bad. Fuck, i think those other Omegas are being more hostile to you then Price or Ghost ever will be.” Gaz says as Soap takes a sip of water, able to breathe again. “How long have you been working with them?” Soap asked, voice a bit strained and hoarse still Gaz shrugged. “10 years.” Soap’s head whipped around to him. The same amount of time Soap was a breeder, Gaz was with these Alphas and they had only ordered him around once each, and Gaz had never felt threatened by them? Gaz saw his look and shrugged. 

       “Yep. I know em well. Trust me, i was here when Ghost came in. The bastard was aggressive and very unwelcoming to everyone. Eventually Price mellowed him out. It took a lot of forceful pins and days locked in a room with Price.” Gaz says and Price’s eyes flickered with something like concern, anger and sadness. Ghost just growled.

         “Price pinned Ghost?” Soap asked, eyes flicking between the two Alphas, unsure if he was even allowed to ask. Gaz nods. “Ghost was, and still is, used to be commanded and guided by force. Ghost always lashed out. He wouldn't calm until Price made him immobile on the floor, preventing him from even being able to bare teeth. A few times i had to help. The bastard is heavy and fucking strong as hell.” Gaz huffed a soft laugh.

        “Your just weak, Beta.” Ghost growled, tone still cold as if he had no care that Gaz was selling his secrets out. Soap just stares at Gaz, eyes flicking between Price and Ghost then back to Gaz. Soap was never sure when he became comfortable enough to do that. Maybe when Ghost started grilling him into looking up in combat. The table was silent for a second, before Soap spoke before he thought, looking at Ghost. “What happened to you?" It was barely more than an exhale, but they all heard it. Ghost's eyes met Soap’s and for a second Soap held it. Ghosts shoulders loosened by a few degrees as if calmed by the soft tone and the concern. Gaz sighed softly and Price just shut his eyes. “War. My family.” Ghost says bluntly and Soap couldn't say more then “oh.” 

         Soap could tell now was not the time to ask, so he just ate numbly, wondering and curious. Ghost just rumbled in response, glaring at the food. Soap stayed silent the rest of the meal, exhausted. Afterwards, he and Gaz walked the base, Gaz telling him where everything was. Soap exhaustedly memorized it all before Gaz dropped him off at his and Ghosts room with a pat on the shoulder before departing. Soap unlocked the door with the key that had been given to him before entering. Ghost was in the bathroom. Soap knew that because the door was shut and the light shone through at the bottom. Soap huffed, needing to redose on the suppressors. He could already feel the affects of them getting weaker. His body throbbed and he was so exhausted he could barely think. 

       He looked through his bags, the first, second and third time he didn't worry, thinking they where just buried or he was so tired he was being blind. The fourth made anxiety prick in his chest. The fifth time made panic wake him up and make his heart race. Halfway through the sixth time, Ghost came out. “Looking for these?” Ghost growled, pills rattling in the bottle as he held up Soaps suppressors. Soap whirled, eyes wide. 

         “Give them back.” Panic and terror made him forget to submit. Ghost saw it, tilting his head. “I said to get off them. You didn't listen. Now you will. You aren't getting them back.” Ghost hissed, hand and claws easily crushing the plastic and pills inside. Soap let out a astonished, angry and terrified cry. Ghost dumped the plastic and the dust into the trash with a revolted hand shake. 

        “Do you have any idea how hard those are to fucking find?!” Soap snarled, baring his teeth. Ghost just looked at him. “Thats the whole point, Omega. Stop torturing your body.” Ghost growled and he passed by, laying on his bed. Soap shoved him as Ghost passed. Ghost didn't even blink. Soap was angry and afraid. His scent wouldn't be controlled and his heat would most likely come overnight from how long it had been suppressed. “I hope you can handle the consequences of what you just did. I will kill you if you fucking do anything.” Soap snarled. Ghost lifted his head and turned it enough to glance at Soap from where he lay on his side, back to Soap.

          “I know.” Was all Ghost said before laying his head back down. He knows? Knows Soap would kill him if Ghost was like the other Alphas? Knew what the consequences where? Knew how soon things were coming? Soap didn't know. He just furrowed his brows before angrily threw himself onto the bed. He curled up, staring at the wall as he hears Ghosts breathing even out. Eventually exhaustion wins over his anger and he falls asleep.

Chapter Text

       Soap was woken by Ghosts muttering and him talking to someone. Soap groggily lifted his head, body overheated and in pain. He groaned lowly as the movement sent pain blistering all along his body. Ghosts talking went silent for a second before it continued, more urgent. Soap opened his eyes, vision blurry with sleep and with how unfocused his mind was. He couldn't think and everything hurt. Ghost paced the room, talking into the phone, running a hand over the skull sewn on the mask. “I don't know what to do! His heats are different then yours and mine and hes-!” Ghost cuts off with a growl. Whoever he was talking to must have interrupted him. There was silence for a while before Ghost sighed. “Fine. Fine. I'll try my best. He's waking now.” Ghost says, eyes flicking to meet Soap’s as Ghost hangs up the phone. Soap lowers his gaze slowly. Ghost sighs before kneeling by Soap's bedside.

        “Goddamn it, Omega. I knew it would hit fast, but I never thought overnight. I dont know what the fuck you need. You're different then I am. You have to communicate here.” Ghost hissed as if the words burned his throat. Soap wouldn't be surprised if it did. Soap just whined, too weak and exhausted from the ferocious heat. Heats often just heightened the senses, made hormones stronger and was the time that most Omegas and females were the most fertile and were ready to breed. When suppressed like Soaps heats were, they would rage for hours at max instead of a simmer for a few days. It was exhausting, painful and disorientating. Ghost groaned, rolling his head. “Fucking hell.” Ghost growled, realizing just how hard it would be to get Soap to cooperate. Ghost was now learning the consequences of his actions.

 “I knew what I was getting into, Omega. Fine. A nest it is.” Ghost sighed and Soap was too disorientated to understand that Ghost had read his mind and responded. Ghost stood, moving to the closets where their clothes and spare blankets were. Ghost threw them on a pi;e before walking out briskly. Soap barely had enough time to analyze the pile before Ghost was back, throwing more clothes on the pile. He took his gloves off so he could handle the fabric better and Soap watched, body shuddering from the waves of the heat and the hormones. Ghost got closer, holding a hoodie and he sighed as he started to make the nest. 

        Nests were made for all ranks: Alphas, Betas, Omegas; nests were made for breeding, comfort and safety. It was exactly what you thought of. It was like what birds made, but instead of sticks and mud, it was made of clothes carrying scents. It was often made with clothes who have the scent of the mate or someone close. They allowed for instincts to calm and be less strong when in heats. It had several benefits. 

       Ghost made the nest, Soap watching wearily, smelling Gaz’s, Price’s, Ghosts and other scents in the clothes. Ghost made it so that it easily wrapped around Soaps curled up body. Soap watched, finally catching a glimpse of Ghosts hands. His claws were three inches long and a death black. They were even darker than Soaps and they were half an inch longer. Soaps claws were straighter, more like a lizard's claws, but Ghosts were more curved and slightly jagged, more like a cat or a wolf. They also were thicker. Ghost's claws could easily shed someone. Soap stared at the lethal claws. Ghost wasn't paying attention. Scars wrapped around Ghosts wrists, and they confused Soap. What were they from? 

       Ghost's fingers were slightly crooked and covered in scars as if someone had repeatedly slammed them between a door and a doorframe. Some scars Soap recognized as Soap bore them himself. Scars from defending against knife slashes, others from training and from minor things in the field. Finally, Soaps mind cleared enough that he figured out what the two-inch-wide scars that wrapped around Ghosts wrists were. Soaps hand darted out and caught Ghost's wrist, Soaps thinner, shorter and straighter claws lightly resting above the scars. 

        They were manacle scars. Ghost had been fucking chained up . For some reason it made Soap angry. “Why?” Soap choked out, staring at the scars. As soon as Soap had touched him, Ghost had stopped moving, looking at him. Ghost growled, yanking his wrist back forcing Soap's hand to thump back against the bed. “Consequences of war.” Ghost hissed, clearly not wanting to talk about it. Soap supposed it made sense. Ghost had his own baggage. Soap could understand him not wanting to talk about it or remember it. But why had he yanked back so aggressively-.... Oh. 

       Soaps hand covering his wrist reminded Ghost of the feeling of the chains wrapped around his wrist. Soap hadn't realized the consequences of his actions until now. “Sorry.” Soap groaned out, head thumping against the bed as he laid limp, panting and squirming. Ghost glanced at him and Soap saw it before his eyes closed. 

       “Don't apologize for something you didn't do. Stop talking and save your energy, Omega.” Ghost says, moving more clothes around Soap. After a few more minutes, the nest was complete, and Soap was laying in the completed nest. Soap hummed, burying his head into a nearby hoodie. The scent eased his instincts and his mind, and the pain eased a bit. The scent was Ghosts; minty, smoky, sweet and fresh. Despite his terror and trauma, the scent calmed him more than the others did. Something clicked into place in Soap's mind and body, and he immediately felt calmed and at peace with Ghost and his scent. Soap wasn't sure why. 

       “There it is.” Ghost muttered, seemingly to himself as if he too sensed the click. Soap said nothing, not lifting his head. Soap was still afraid of the Alpha, but something had changed, and Soap wasn't sure what. Ghost sighed through the mask, leaning his back against the bed, standing guard. It wasn't long until Soap fell asleep, not caring if the Alpha did anything. I won't, you know that, Omega. Rest. You need it. The ghost's voice echoed in his head. Soap was too far into sleep to bother figuring out if Ghost had said that aloud. There was a soft laugh, but Soap knew he imagined it. Ghosts would never laugh, especially at nothing. Finally, I slept with Soap.

       The next day was mostly Soap sleeping. He woke long enough for Ghost to literally shove food down his throat and to go piss. Ghost never seemed to leave his side and that feeling of peace and comfort with the Alpha only grew. Soap didn't know what it was. He would still shrink back from Ghost and lower his eyes, it was trauma after all, but he felt less terror around Ghost. 

       The second day he was more aware but still exhausted. Soap would wake when he sensed Ghost leaving the room as if his spirit couldn't handle the Alpha going far for long. Soap was slowly becoming himself again as the need and pain faded. Ghost never touched him more than to force feed him or to help him stand. His body was still weak as it reorientated itself. Ghost did not let Soap anywhere near suppressors for the whole thing and he would not let Soap out of the nest unless he absolutely needed to. It pissed Soap off. 

       The third day Soap was getting more antsy and eager to leave. He was getting bed sick, and he needed to do something. Ghost continuously growled as Soap tried to do something. He was bored with nothing to do but sleep. The thing inside him grew and he found himself upset when Ghost left. 

       Finally, the fourth day came, and Ghost threw a bottle at him. Soap caught it. “What's this?” Soap asked, looking at the pills inside. Ghost would not give him suppressors, so Soap knew it wasn't those. Soap stared at the bottle, not Ghost. “Vitamins and supplements. Your body is still weak from the heat and from being repressed for so long. Keep taking them. Two a day. If you do that, then you can get up and go train with Gaz. This is yours.” Ghost growls, tossing a paper to Soap who caught it. Ghost walked off to the bathroom, the door shutting and locking behind him. 

       Soap looked at the paper confused before reading it. The first sentence made him sit up. ‘Blood works results.’ Soap read it, heart racing. It was a lot of technical shit he didn't understand, but the last sentence made his heart both leap and fall. He read it over and over again. ‘John “Soap” McTavish’s DNA results: 64% Alpha, 36% Omega. Classification: Amega. Status in file: Changed from ‘Omega’ to ‘Amega.’ Rarity: 2% of population.’ 

       Soap let the paper fall back to the bed and he groaned, running a hand over his face and hair. “What?” Ghost growled and Soap jumped, head turning to look at the Alpha. “Jesus! You live up to your name.” Soap mutters, dropping his eyes back to the paper beside him. Ghost ignored him. “What's got your tail in a twist?” Ghost growled. Soap huffed, sitting criss cross in the nest. “This.” Soap says, handing him the paper without looking at him. Ghost huffed, taking the paper, reading it. 

       “Your first name is John?” Ghost asked after a few minutes of silence, lowering the appear to look at Soap. Soap did not return the look. “That's your first question after reading that?” Soap asked, chuffing at him. Ghost rolled his eyes under the mask. Soap felt it.

       “Well, I already figured out that you were an Amega. You show a lot of traits for it. Even more then you do Omega. It doesn't surprise me. Besides, Price told me it was updated two days ago. We are your CO’s. We know everything.” Ghost says and Soap just shook his head with a sigh. Ghost started to give him the paper back and Soap just waved a hand, not wanting the paper back. Ghost growled but threw it away anyways. Soap just stared at the floor, thinking. He was Amega. Did that change anything? For whatever reason, it felt that it did. Soap shouldn't have even been sold at 16. He shouldn't have even seen that mill. If he had been properly raised, he probably been protected by the government. That felt worse than how he was born. What would the Government do with an Amega?

      “Johnny.” Ghosts growl snapped Soap out of his stupor. Soap didn't realize the nickname until their eyes had met. Soaps brows furrowed as he looked down. “Johnny? Since when you have called me anything more than Omega?” Soap asked and Ghost made a sound that was close to a groan and sigh. 

      “Since I found out you actually have a first name. Look at me.” Ghost makes the order and Soaps eyes immediately snapped up. Ghosts voice changed when he made an order. It was sharper, more demanding... Soap knew better then to ignore an Alphas order. That pain was like being electrocuted and stuffed in a water tank. Soap was uncomfortable with the eye contact, and it made his heart race. Ghost sighed again. “Whatever that fucking paper says changes nothing. Absolutely nothing. The fuckers should have tested you before they did anything. Hell, your mother shouldn't have even allowed it. But it still changes nothing, so don't fucking shut down because of it. Got it?” Ghost snarled lowly. Soap nods. Ghost never sugar-coated things. Soap knew he never could. 

      “Good.” Ghost says, dropping the Alpha tone and letting the order drop. “Now go to Gaz. He was pissing me off with how much he bugged me.” Ghost says and Soap nods, sighing before standing and leaving the room, leaving Ghost standing there.

Chapter Text

       Soap left the room, and he walked the halls. His body ached and his steps where slow and stiff. A few people gave him looks when they scented the post heat on him and his Amega scent. Soap ignored them, walking to find Gaz. Gaz was in 141’s commons. He looked up when he caught a whiff of Soap. “Ah! Finally. The protective beast freed ya.” Gaz says, rising as he grinned, looking Soap over. Soap huffed. “Yeah. Under the condition I basically take vitamins.” Soap muttered, smiling slightly. Gaz laughed. 

        “Your scent has changed. Is that just off the meds of did Ghost….” Gaz trailed off as if unsure to proceed. Soap guessed what Gaz was saying, not realizing he guessed wrong. God, he was so oblivious. “No. He didn't breed me. He did nothing.” Gaz frowned, nodding. “Ah. Yeah, I figured as much. Your scent is sharper. Like…. a bit bitter but it still carries mostly omega. Guess that's the scent of an Amega.” Gaz says, lightly hitting Soaps shoulder. Soap snorted and smiled. 

        “You look starved. I'm sure he didn't feed you properly. Let's get you some food.” Gaz says, walking to the kitchen and starting to make food. Soap smiled, realizing how hungry he was. He felt at peace with Gaz. His instincts knew that Gaz would never do anything. As a Beta and as a friend. 

        “Was it hard? After so long of being suppressed?” Gaz asked over his shoulder as he made food. Soap watched. “Yeah….it was… rough. Ghost helped a bit through. I could tell he had no fucking idea what to do, but the scents helped a lot.” Soap says and Gaz hums. “Yeah. Alpha heats are much different from yours or mine. Often Ghost or Price is off base and are nowhere to be found. They get…more aggressive and temperamental. They get angry much faster, and they will hurt someone if left uncontrolled. Let's just say they get possessive of their mates.” 

       At that Soap tilted his head in confusion, brows furrowing. Price and Ghost had mates? Soap had barely heard of the fleeting term in the mills. Mates. A pair destined to be together. Where two souls click and bound after mating. They get closer and understand each other on a much deeper level. But who mated that, Alphas? 

       “Who…” Soap started, and Gaz’s head turned just enough so that he could smile at Soap. Soap scented it then. Prices scent mingling with Gaz’s. It had been harder to scent in his terror and over the suppressors. Soaps eyes widened. “Holy shit. Price?” Gaz barked a laugh, turning back to the food. 

       “Yeah. Took you long enough. He isn't subtle about his markings and his scents. Most know in seconds. He's a nice mate, he always has been. Patient, kind, caring. He just…gets a bit possessive at times. Likes to remind people I'm his. It's amusing actually.” Gaz chuckles. It was still early morning, so Soap expected Ghost and Price to come in soon. Sure enough, as soon as Gaz had finished speaking, Price came in. He was clearly still groggy, and he had no other thoughts then “Mate” and “food” because he immediately headed to Gaz, thudding his bearded face into Gaz’s exposed right shoulder. Gaz chuckled and turned his head to murmur something to the sleepy Alpha. Price just hummed and Gaz smiled more. Price murmured something back and Gaz sighed, smile falling. 

        “No. They didn't mate. Ghost is a fucking idiot, but it's understandable. He's still hurting. Ghost knows boundaries, especially since he's told us what the bond has already told him. Soaps not ready.” Soaps blood ran cold at Gaz’s sighed words. No. Oh, God. Gaz’s shoulders drop, smelling the change in Soaps scent. 

       “Shit he didn't tell you. I'm sorry. Goddamn it, he's going to kill me.” Gaz says and Price was snapped awake as Gaz started to pace anxiously. Price tried to calm him, but Gaz snapped a response back. Soap didn't hear then. Ghost…. Ghost was his mate. And Ghost already knew? Soaps heart was racing, and he was starting to hyperventilate. He could deal with a mate. Especially not an Alpha. Mates had expectations. They expected the other to be alright, to be able to help to be able to breed- 

       Sudden calm washed over Soap, and he relaxed slightly with a jagged exhale. I didn't tell you because I knew you were not ready. Of course, Gaz had loose lips and told you. It was definitely in his head. It was not aloud. “Get out of my damned head!” Soap snapped and Gaz and Price stopped their bickering to freeze and go silent to stare at Soap. “Then stop screaming your thoughts into the back of my eyes with a red-hot carving knife and mentally flash banging me everything you shove a thought down the bond.” Ghosts voice says behind Soap and Soap whirled in his chair, meeting Ghosts eyes. 

       Ghost was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He was mean mugging Gaz who had the right to look ashamed. Soap felt utter calm with Ghost. Thats because the bond clicked. You may not feel it yet, but it's there. My scent and presence calms you even if you don't want it to.

       “Stay out of my damn head, mind reader.” Soap hissed and Ghost gave a halfassed shrug. “Again, stop searing it into my head.” Ghost says and Soap just huffed. “I'm sorry Ghost, I didn't mean to tell him. I thought you told him.” Gaz says, looking down for once, fidgeting. Ghost just growled and Soap felt the vibration low in his chest as if he felt the force of the growl the same that Ghost did. Gaz twitched and remained silent. 

       “What's done is done. Stop cowering, Gaz. You know that it pisses me off. I don't need Price tearing my head off.” Ghost hissed to which Price rolled his eyes. “I'm territorial, but not that much so. I know people can deserve punishment, but that's your choice to make. It was your thing to keep.” Price says. Ghost scoffed, standing to his full height.

       “No. He made a mistake, but not a punishable one. It was going to come out anyway.” Ghost waved a hand and Soap watched as Gaz relaxed, smiling. Gaz had known that Ghost would never do anything to his team. HIs family. Soap stood abruptly. Gaz and Prices gaze flicked to Soap, but Ghost barely had the time to turn before Soap grabbed his arm, dragging him away. Of course, Ghost was letting him. If Ghost didn't want him to, Soap wouldn't even be able to grab him.

       “Ooooooo. Ghosts in trouble.” Gaz sing-songed behind him and Price snorted before there was a yelp from Gaz. Soap figured Price had slumped against his side again unexpectedly. Soap drug Ghost through the halls and back to the dorm. Soap unlocked the door, shocking Ghost in. The moment Ghost turned to face him, Soap exploded. Anger, stress, terror and worry made him shove Ghost hard against the chest, baring teeth as he snarled “Why the fuck didn't you tell me?!” 

        Ghost took the shove in stride, stumbling a step back, eyes unchanging. He was calm, body relaxed. He was letting Soap take his anger out. God, the fucking Alpha was reprogramming his instincts, but fuck, was it working. He wasn't afraid to lash out at the Alpha. “Because I knew you were not ready. You still panic at the thought of me, let alone being stuck with me for the rest of your life.” Ghost says, looking down at him. Soap shoved him again. Ghost let him. “It still doesn't give you the right to withhold that information! I deserved to know!” Soap says taking a step back. Ghost said nothing back, watching. Soap ran a hand through his hair, his scalp prickling at the feeling of his claws against his scalp. 

       “How long have you known?” 

       “Since you set foot in that clearing. The moment I caught your scent.” 

       “Jesus.” Soap breathed. Ghost had known for weeks. He started to pace. He could feel Ghosts eyes tracking him. Ghost was his mate. The bond had already been set. “Theres no way to avoid it is there?” Soap asked, knowing the answer. Ghost shook his head and Soap groaned. “No, but it's not timed. It's in idle right now. Where you never taught about this? They tell pups this the moment they reach the school age.” Soap just gave him a look. “I never went to school, remember? I taught myself to read and write. I lived on the streets and of course the mills never preached about finding your mate and what that's like when you're getting bred for money.” Soap says and Ghost growled. Soap felt anger spark in his chest before it was gone. It took Soap a second to realize it wasn't his emotion. 

       “Great. Fine, I'll just tell you myself. I'm sure you know the basics. Some people get mates, preassigned as soon as they are born. It may spark in teen years or not until your near retirement age. It's sparked when you experience your mates first heat. Just being nearby will spark it. In some cases, like mine, the higher ranked one will just know on sight. It's rare but heard of. After that bond is sparked at the first heat, the mates gain abilities. Some are rarer than others. The most common are pure understanding, extra strength, heightened senses etc. The pair shares the ability and they only get one. Also predetermined. Others are rarer, like our mind reading. To accept the bond, the mates bed each other and leave a biting mark. Also known as a claiming mark. After that, the ability and bond heightened and its sealed.” Ghost growled, clearly hating to educate Soap, who was still pacing. 

       “And if that mark isn't made? If one rejects, it?” Soap asks. Ghost just blinks and stares at him. “Both go mad. I've heard of cases ending in suicide or murder sprees. Its not pretty.” Ghost says and Soap winces, grimacing. Soap started to over think. Ghost heard it. Ghost sighed. He reached down, grabbing Soaps jaw in his hands. Soap froze, eyes flicking up as he inhaled sharply. Ghost tilted his head to the side, watching. 

        “Like I said. It's not timed. I'm in no rush. We both have our issues and are learning to heal together. I don't expect anything from you. Price and Gaz have taken that step, but they had it easy. They didn't have trauma to deal with. That will only start when you initiate it. First, we need to work on you getting comfortable with me existing in your space and training you on not frying my brain every time you think.” Ghost growled lowly. His hands and touch were rough but in a comforting way. Soap looked down and Ghost let his jaw drop. Soap finally nods, feeling calmed and reassured. Ghost was in no rush and did not expect anything right now. 

        “Alright.” Soap sighs and Ghost snorts, rolling his eyes. “Gaz and Price have the same ability. I've known they could since they mated almost a year ago, but I don't know how to control it. Youd have to go to them for lessons.” Soap gave him an incredulous look. 

       “You don't know how to my ass. You do it perfectly. I hear you fine.” 

        Ghost rolled his eyes. “I've heard of them talk about how they do it several times. I was just awake one night and was fucking around with the bond. It took hours to figure out and even longer to figure out on how not to scream down it. Price had to help with that one.” Ghost rumbled and Soap stared at him, incredulous. “They know that this is our ability?” Ghost nods. “Great. Can we talk with them, or is it just mates?” 

       “Just mates.” Ghost responds, his voice still a low rumble. BREAKFAST IS DONE!” Gaz called from in the hall, snapping Ghosts and Soaps attention to the door. “You better go eat.” Ghost says. Soap starts to the door, then looks back at Ghost. “You too. Don't starve yourself just because you don't like being seen.” Soap says. Ghost is silent for a while as if not expecting Soap to care about his health. I will, Johnny. Go get food. Ghost rumbles in Soaps head. Soap jolted at it before scowling at Ghost. He starts out the door, calling back to Ghost. “Stop it, mindreader. Its freaky.” Soap swore he heard Ghost huff a laugh as Soap walked off. It made Soap smile slightly.

Chapter Text

        Soap walked back to the commons where Gaz paced anxiously. Clearly, he felt horrid for letting that slip and making Soap panic. Gaz looked up as Soap came in. His mouth opened then closed. “It's fine Gaz. I'm not mad at you. It's purely him.” Soap says. Yeah, I got it. I had my reasons . Soap hissed at it and Gaz smiled slightly. “He's in your head, isn't he?” Soap just nodded. Gaz totally forgot about what he had done for a second, amused by Soaps reaction to Ghost’s voice in his head. 

       “Yeah. It was like that with me and Price for a while. I mean, it was obviously on different terms. I wasn't terrified of him. It was more of a way for Price to startle me when I least expected it. A joke really until I got the hang of it. It was weird at first, but it's pretty badass.” Gaz grinned and Soap smiled at him. It was nice to see his friend happy again. Soap walked to the stove where food sat. Gaz could tell he was hungry, so Gaz just mumbled about some things as Soap took food and ate, listening and interacting. 

        Pride and amusement flooded his chest and he paused, staring at the table, brow furrowed. It…wasn't his. Again. Gaz stopped talking, watching him. “What's wrong?” Gaz asked, concern floating into his voice. “It's not mine.” Soap says, looking up at Gaz then across the room as if expecting to see Ghost there. What was he proud and happy about? Soap didn't think Ghost could even feel those emotions.

       “Ohhh. Yeah. The emotion sharing. It's hard to control at first. You feel each other's emotions and pain. After the bond is complete its even stronger but easier to control. Again, weird at first.” Gaz says. Soap still felt it, but it cut off with such a sharp slash, making him feel like it had just dropped into a black hole that he yelped. It hurt and felt…lonely. Gaz’s head snapped to Soap again, starting to rise. 

        “Just Ghost being Ghost.” Soap muttered, waiting for the feeling to fade. It did, albeit slowly. Didn't mean to do that. Was all Ghost said. The closest to an apology he'd ever get. ‘That hurt.’ Soap tried to say back but he never got a response. It most likely didn't go through. Gaz sighed, sitting back down on the chair with a huff. 

        “Price is going to talk to Ghost. Ghost can't be careless with the bond like that. If he accidently severs it….” Gaz mutters and it was Soaps turn to look up at Gaz with confusion. “Sever it? He told me you couldn't reject it.” Gaz nods, taking his ballcap off to run a hand through his hair as he sighs. 

       “He's right. You can't reject it, but you can sever it. It hard to do but it happens most commonly with the newly bonded. They can't feel it as well as people with the completed bond. Like you and Ghost. You can't exactly feel it, but you know it's there. With Price an I, we always feel it. It's like a string connecting our soul, minds and hearts together. It's impossible to miss. Severing it is like taking a knife to that bond and splitting it. It breaks off the pair. Most times it sends them both insane for whatever fucked up instincts we have. Sometimes…. sometimes when one is dying, they split it off so that the bond will no longer let their mate feel the pain and the loss of their partner. It's the most humane way. There have been cases where one dies without severing the bond and then the bond takes the other by stopping their heart because of the heartbreak and the pain of the loss and the pain how their mate died.” 

        Gaz says, looking down, voice quiet and solemn. Soap just nods, understanding. It was the same as rejecting it, yet there were reasons where severing it is the best option. “Once severed, can you fix it?” Soap asked. Gaz shook his head imminently. “If you cut a cord with a knife, can you put it back together with only putting the two ends against each other again? No. It's impossible.” Gaz says. Soap hums. A faint flicker of anger sparks in his chest before its gone. 

        “What's Price saying to Ghost? He's starting to get agitated.” Soap says and Gaz looks up, brows furrowing for a second. “Price is just telling him about the consequences of doing things without knowing what to do, you know, in case he accidently severs the bond. I told him Ghost is starting to get agitated.” Gaz says with a soft smile in Soaps direction. I can bloody feel it, Price! He can't but I fucking can! It's there and I can contact him perfectly. 

        Ghosts voice is so sharp in Soaps brain that it feels exactly what Ghost had said before. A mental flashbang while he slowly carved the words into his skull with a burning hot hunting knife. Soap groaned, shutting his eyes as he fought the pain back, head falling into his hands. “Shit! Goddamn its Price, get him under control!” Gaz says and most likely thinks at the same time. Gaz gets up and rushes to Soaps side. “Easy, easy. Breathe. It will fade. The fucking asshole can't even think about the consequences of his actions.” 

       “He said he can feel it. Like what you and Price feel. He says he can feel it.” Soap says and Price probably does too. Gaz’s head snapped up.

        “Already? No. Thats impossible. They haven't completed the bond.” Gaz says and Soap senses he's not truly talking to him, so he stays silent, taking shaky breaths as the pain slowly fades. I didn't realize it would be that bad. I forgot to shut it down. I… Ghost is suddenly gone from his head and Soap feels a certain warmth from his body leave with him. Soap just slumps in his chair, eyes closed as he practically lays across the table. “Fucker!” Gaz hissed, rising from his chair and storming down the hall to where Price and Ghost most likely are. 

        The area is silent for a minute and Soap tries to figure out why he feels like this. He knows that it is the bind, but still. Why? Only a week ago he feared the Alpha with his entire being. He couldn't look him in the eyes, and he always cowered back, yet here he is, missing the Alphas presence and feeling safe and comfortable with him. 

        Gaz comes back with Ghost in tow. Gaz argues about something, and Ghost just rumbles at him as if not really listening to him. Theres a thud. Gaz had hit him. “Ghost! Fucking listen! He's hurting and you just doing this shit makes it worse. You say you did it for his best interest but look at him. With or without you he's hurting. He always will be. The things that they did to him will never go away. He needs someone to rely on, so stop being a cold, hardass, jackass and actually help your mate!” Gaz snaps. A soft sigh came. Price. Price agrees with Gaz, Soap could tell. 

        Ghost growled lowly before there where bootsteps. Ghost was approaching. Gaz huffed a breath and Price muttered something before they left the room. “Johnny.” Ghost muttered, his voice quieter then Soap had ever heard it. It was still rough with a smokers rasp and his growling British accent, but it was softer and quieter in a way that made Soap feel at ease. When Soap didn't lift his head, Ghost slowly reached over and touched just below his shoulder blade. The touch was hesitant and as if he was afraid Soap would lash out. Soap just hummed at it. He felt empty and he didn't want to do anything. 

       “Johnny. Look at me.” It wasn't a command. Soap did not follow the request. Ghosts voice was still strangely soft. Ghosts other hand touched Soaps arm on the table. Soap leaned into his touches and Ghost made a chuffing sound. Ghost wrapped his arms around Soap in a way that Ghost could slightly lift him and pull him down. Soap weakly dug his claws into the table, not wanting to move, but Ghost unhooked them with ease. 

        Ghost pulled Soap down to the floor, silent as he did all of this. Ghost sat on the hardwood floor, pulling Soap into his lap. Soap instinctively curled into the man's heat and touch. Where Soap used to flinch when Ghost breathed, he was now calm and basically cuddling Ghost now. Easy, Johnny. I didn't mean to do that. I forget you are affected by what I do. Your mind is too fragile from those bastards to deal with my issues too. 

       “I'm not fragile.” Soap murmured, voice barely audible, but Ghost heard it. The warmth with Ghost being back in his head was back. He was slowly feeling less empty and more at peace. “No. Your far from it. Someone weak would never survive what you did. Your mind can't handle my issues.” Ghost says, his voice hinting at something. Soap had enough energy to look up. 

        “Your leaving?” Soap asked and Ghost stared down at him, silent beneath the mask. No. For some reason, trauma or not, dread flooded Soaps chest. His heartrate increased and he panicked. “No. Don't leave.” Ghost's eyes widened a fraction under the mask as if not expecting Soap to be so upset by that news or that Soap tried to bargain with him. “You can't handle my shit. I cannot be soft like this. I shut my emotions down and that causes you hurt. I have my own trauma that no one can ever fix.” Ghost says, voice becoming colder again. Soap didn't care. 

       You should, Johnny. “And what, you're just going to let me waste away here? Leave Gaz and Price alone? I don't give a shit about what issues you have. We both have them.” Soap says and Ghosts shoulders lift and drop in a sigh. Your issues are much different than mine. Yours can easily be fixed with help and time. Mine cannot . Soap hissed at him baring teeth and Ghost paused. “Your allowed to help me, but the moment i try to help, you run? Do you know how stupid that is? Even if you can't be ‘fixed’ you can be helped. You can find ways to manage it. I don't care if your soft or cold, angry or sad, drunk or sober. You're my goddamn mate!”  

        The last sentence was said aloud and in his head. Soap paused, having no idea how he did that. Ghost huffed an amused breath. “There you go. Still blinding, but better.” Soap didn't care about that right now. “Please. Don't leave. I wouldn't be able to handle that.” Ghost's amusement dropped. He stared at Soap as if thinking. It was silent for a long time. “Fine. If I find out I'm just hurting you more, I will leave.” Ghost says. Soap slumps against Ghost in relief. Ghost won't leave. 

       Soaps head thumps against Ghosts chest, curled up in Ghosts lap. Ghost sighed again, slowly letting his claws rest against Soaps hips. Soap twitched at it, but he says nothing as Ghost buried his head into Soaps shoulder. Soap realized then that he wasn't afraid. He trusted Ghost. He didn't cower, he made eye contact, he allowed touch and even initiated it, he bared his throat to Ghost without thinking. He wasn't afraid of the Alpha. This Alpha was his mate, and he was at peace with that. Forever and always, Johnny.

Chapter Text

       Weeks had passed since then. Ghost and Soap remained close, but not too close. Soap continued training to keep up with 141. After a while he was starting to keep up with Gaz, but the moment he went with Price or Ghost he got his ass kicked. Learning how to communicate mentally with Ghost was exhausting. Price was patient, but it was hard and grueling. Ghost kept his distance unless Soap came to him. Soap was still wary, but he was quickly learning to trust Ghost. 

       Soap woke sometimes to Ghosts nightmares, feeling the terror and the dread as his own. Soap often woke Ghost up, who unsurprisingly doesn't twitch or whine during the nightmares. Soap sometimes heard some of the conversations happening in the nightmares and they make Soap feel uneasy. It was often torturing scenes and something about Christmas and fire and abuse. 

       When they passed each other in the halls, Ghost would occasionally brush Soaps hand for long enough for Soap to wrap their fingers together before they went their ways. They started to talk to each other mentally. It was about a 60/40 chance that Soap would get it through, but he was getting better. 141 went on a few short missions. Soap didn't not go because he was not quite qualified, but when Ghost came back, he immediately checked the man for injuries. He checked the rest of 141 quickly after despite their protests. 

       Soap got stronger, mentally and physically. He gained muscle he didn't originally have. He could give Ghost a run for his money in size. Soap started to stand to his full height and Ghost was only 3 inches taller as Gaz had said before. Some even cowered from Soap because of his size. He was even bigger and taller than Gaz. Sometimes Soap saw Gaz smirking when Soap passed by people without cowering and carrying himself with pride. 

       One evening, Soap found Ghost on the couch in the common room. The man was sitting there, phone in hand as he looked down at it. When Soap got close, he didn't even look up. Most would think that Ghost was ignoring them, but Soap saw the music taskbar on Ghosts phone. Hey . Soap says through his bond. Ghosts head lifted and turned in Soaps direction. Hey. Ghost says in return, and Soap hesitates before moving to where Ghost sat. Ghost watched, silent. You're getting better . Ghost says as Soap sits by him. It was meant in several ways. “I know.” Soap says aloud, finally leaning against Ghost. Ghost slung an arm around Soaps shoulder. What are you listening to? Soap asked and Ghost hummed, amused. He reached up under the mask and gave Soap an earbud. Soap looked at him before hesitantly taking it. It was just basic country at the moment. You don't seem like a country guy. Soap says and Ghost rolled his eyes. What do i seem like then?  

       Hard rock or emo . That causes Ghost to chuckle lowly. Soap leans his head against Ghosts shoulder, Ghosts phone in his hand as they listened to the song together. It reminded Soap of them. It spoke of hurting and being lost but then finding a partner and healing. Ghosts head leaned against Soaps, and they just sat like that for a while. Soap heard Ghosts voice, but it was not allowed or directed to him. He was mentally singing along with the song. He knew it. And well too. Soap smiled, just listening to it. It made his heart hurt and ache with happiness and the freedom of it all. It got to a replay of the lyrics where it spoke of the pain experience. Loneliness, rejection, abuse and addiction. Ghosts jaw tensed at it, eyes darker with memories as his mental voice got more emotion. He clearly sympathized with the words. 

       Soap remembered the constant nightmares and he gently buried his head in Ghosts neck, ears flicking against Ghosts jaw. You alright? Soap asked quietly. Ghosts mental voice cut off for a minute, but the song continued playing. No. I never am. Ghost responded, looking back at Soap, but his eyes were lighter, and he wasn't as tense as if Soaps presence alone calmed him. It probably did.  

       What can I do ?  

        Nothing. Stay. Was Ghosts response. Soap sighed and nodded as the song ended with its final words of peace and happiness. The next song was happier and lighthearted. Soap had not heard a lot of music, but he recognized it. He just stayed with Ghost, enjoying it. Ghost sighed, staying close to Soap. Do you ever hate them for what they did to you? Ghost asked and it made Soap look up at him in surprise. “Of course, I do. They hurt me and fucked me up forever.” Soap says aloud. Ghost looks at him for a minute before slowly reaching for Soaps hand. Soap let him, watching confused as Ghost lifted Soaps hand near his chest. Ghost pressed Soaps hand just above his ribs and close to his heart. 

        It was close enough that Soap could feel Ghosts steady heartbeat under his shirt. The muscle was hard as Ghost breathed, but that's not what Soap noticed immediately. A scar. A very, very raised one. It went across his chest, close to his ribs. It was about three inches long and it was so raised that it was almost like it was stitched again. 

       Jesus. What happened? Soap asked, glancing up then back to where he traced the scar. Ghost was silent as if he was debating on his to say it. Hung. Soap froze, eyes snapping up to Ghosts. “What?!” Soap yelped loud enough that Gaz, who had been peacefully enjoying his coffee in the kitchen, looked up, alert and concerned. Ghost sighed. Torture. Don't really like talking about it. Fishhook through the ribs and nipple then hung 20 feet in the air for 12 hours . 

        Soaps shoulder slumped. He knew Ghost had trauma, but Jesus Christ. “How the hell did you get out of it?” Soap asked aloud, knowing he would not be able to talk mentally in his shock. Gaz looked between the two before returning to his previous activities. Ripped it out. Ghost says, mental tone precisely flat. Soap made a low growl of pain and anger. Who? Soap asked, mental voice so loud that Ghost twitched. Soap hadn't even tried to regulate it. They are already dead. Hunted them myself. Cartel in my home city.  

       “Tell me everything. From the beginning. Don't leave anything out. It's only fair i know since you know everything that happened to me.” Soap says. Ghosts jaw ticked, looking away. Please. Soap asked, tilting his head so that he looked Ghost in the eyes despite Ghost looking away. Fine. I'll show you . Show-? Soap was confused but Ghost grabbed his jaw, gently but rougher than normal. It was anxious and traumatized. Ghost brought their foreheads together and the 141 common room faded away. An office came into view and a male stood in front of a commander. Both wore a uniform. One’s face was blurred as if Soaps head could not remember it. He was shorter, no more than 19. The Commander was taller and much older. 

       The commander made a command for the sergeant to go to a location and infiltrate a local cartels warehouse. “Yes sir.” The sergeant and Soap immediately knew who it was. Ghost. He could recognize that voice anywhere. It was less rough and was filled with more emotion than Soap had ever heard Ghost have. Soap couldn't make out his face. All he could get was blondish hair. The scene faded to 19-year-old Ghost walking silently through a field, in gear and towards the lit warehouse. 19-year-old Ghost got to the warehouse before lights flared from parked cars, stunning the younger Ghost. The same commander stood nearby as a shorter, squat man smoking a cigarette. A conversation went down, the younger Ghost clearly betrayed and terrified. The Cartel Boss, the squat man who was called Roba by the commander, made an order for armed men to contain the younger Ghost. The scene faded as the younger Ghost was shot and knocked out. 

       The scene continued as the younger Ghost came too, tied to a bed. Roba came into the room, talking to the 19-year-old Ghost. Soap felt dread spreading as Roba came closer. No. Soap knew what would happen. He had experienced it a lot of times. He mentally cringed, recoiling as Roba became too close to the panicking Ghost. Thankfully Ghost in real-time understood and skipped that scene. It continued shortly after with the younger Ghost in a cell, trembling in pain, cowering in the dark, ears back, and tail fluffed in terror. It made Soaps heart hurt. 

       The younger Ghost was dragged out by his shirt, the younger Ghost fighting and struggling, only to be hit hard in the gut. It left him gasping for air and curling in on himself. Soap wanted to kill them for hurting his mate. The younger Ghost was thrown into a room and the door shut. Ghost started to get up but was kicked to the ground. He yelped, claws scratching into the hard concrete floor. A boot stomped down on Ghost's hand, and he screamed as the bones snapped. Soap heard it. Roba knelt down into the crying and shaking Ghosts view, sneering. “We're going to have fun with you.” The bastard sneered. The memory was sped up, not quite skipping the worst parts, but making it less to handle. Whipping, beating, knife cuts, gunshots, red hot tools to the ribs. Soap couldn't handle it. 

       Scenes like this continued for several times and Soap could only assume that it meant that the younger Ghost had experienced this for weeks. Sometimes the commander watched as Ghost was beaten and broken, other times he didn't. The wounds where never given a chance to heal before they were reopened and more were added. The younger Ghost cried and screamed and snarled in pain, yet he never stopped fighting. Soap had no doubt he would never forget those sounds. He was proud of Ghost for never breaking. 

       Each time they came to fetch him, he snarled and bared teeth, biting down on hands or clawing at them as they dragged him away even if it earned him a bat to the head a few times. He ended up tied to the bed more than once, but most of the time it was prisoner of war style abuse and trauma. 

       Sometime far after, Ghost was laying lifelessly as they came to fetch him. No. Gods no. He couldn't have given up hope. He couldn't. They drag him without issue and when he was tossed into the room, he barely blinked. Roba seemed confused at first. He kicked him as if checking he was even alive. Finally, when Ghost stirred just barely, Roba laughed, realizing just how much he broke Ghost. But no. As soon as Roba turned his back, Ghosts eyes snapped up, fire and hatred coming to his eyes. It almost made Soap want to cheer. Ghost threw himself up, claws wrapping around Roba's neck from behind. Roba's eyes widened in surprise and even the commander was frozen as Ghost sunk his fangs into Roba's shoulder, missing the vital vein in his neck by a few inches. 

       Roba yelled as Ghost threw him to the ground, ignoring his brown hands and body. The commander came, swinging the same whip at Ghost. He didn't even bat an eye as he continued his hardest to kill Roba. In the end, a hard swing to the head with a metal bat dislodged him from his killing hold. He crumpled to the ground, gasping as blood poured out of his mouth, shaking his head as he tried to regain his senses. “FUCK!” Roba roared, blood pouring from his neck and back from Ghosts claws. Someone pinned Ghost to the ground, but Ghost was too disorientated to fight back. 

       “Goddamn it! Hang him! I'm done with him. He's not fun anymore. When he's dead, bury him.” Roba snarled, the commander steering him away and most likely to medical. People came and grabbed the disorientated Ghost, stripping him of his shirt and dragging him outside. It was night and pissing rain. He was dragged through the mud. The sting of rocks and sticks slowly awakened Ghost. He started to fight and thrash but they continued to drag him. Finally, a 30-foot stake came into view. A rope hung from the very of it, a sharp, massive fishhook hung from the end of the rope. Oh. Oh god. Thats what Ghost had meant. They threw Ghost up, people holding him up. Ghost tried to fight it, but they got the hook through. Ghost cried out as they let him hand from that single bit of skin and metal. 

        Ghost just had to hang there, hissing in pain as they left him like that, in pain and freezing from the massive amount of rain. Ghost hung there, the previous injuries and the rain mixed with this new excruciating pain was killing him. Ghost knew it. He finally lifted his head, snarling as it made pain race through his body. He reached down and examined the hook. It was in there good, but he could get free. Soap couldn't watch as Ghost bit back his screams, freeing his body. Ghost fell to the ground, the pain knocking him out as he landed hard on fresh injuries. 

       Ghost woke to people dropping dirt on him. He was in too much pain and too groggy to realize what was happening. When he couldn't breathe, he started to realize. He was being buried alive. No. He would not die. He would not die without revenge. He started to claw his way out, panic flaring. He pushed that away, only pure rage making himself clear as he bared fangs. His hand broke through the surface and he snarled as he heaved himself up, eyes filled with pure fury. There was no humanity left in Ghost. He stood, surprisingly steady for all of his broken bones and wounds. He walked into the building, slitting the guard's throats and stealing their guns. He started chaos, killing dozens as he stormed the base, a one-man army. 

       He finally found Roba, half-conscious in the med bay. Roba started to speak but Ghost snapped his neck with ease. He shot the commander shortly after. When the bullets ran out, Ghost resorted to brute force. Once the compound was eerily silent, Ghost stopped. Everyone was dead. He got his revenge. Ghost knew it because he grabbed gas and lit the building on fire. He watched it burn for a while before limping away, presumably a safe place. 

        He finally reached the streets of Britain. Soap recognized it as Manchester. Ghost walked a specific path, clearly having a destination in mind. Sirens sounded, rushing past Ghost. No one properly saw Ghosts form in the rain. Ghost's brows furrowed as he walked towards the sirens. A house stood in flames, bodies sprawled out in the rain. Ghost paused, staring. A brief memory popped into the scene to give Soap context. A child version of Ghost playing in that house. His mother ruffling his hair tiredly. His father yelling and abusing him. His drug addict brother. 

       Oh. The house on fire had been Ghosts childhood home. His family had been abusive, negligent and addicts. The younger Ghost stood in the rain watching the forest for a while. He finally walked closer, the police and firemen too busy with the fire to see him get closer to the bodies. The bodies had throats slit. Soap knew it was Roba's doing. Ghost just stared, eyes cold and emotionless. He knelt down, grabbing a lighter and a pack of smokes. He pulled one out and lit it, inhaling it and exhaling it as he watched the blaze. At that point Soap knew that whoever Ghost had been dead and the Ghost that Soap knew had been born. Ghost looked back down at the bodies, throwing the cigarette and lighter down on them. They erupted in fire too, earning the yells of police and firemen. Ghost turned and limped away towards the forest, not looking back. 

       Ghost walked past the sunrise and the next nightfall. He walked through the forests and fields with no direction in mind. It had to have been 30 miles before a heli flew over. Ghost watched it as it flew overhead. He stood in a clearing, far from civilization. The heli turned back and hovered for a minute above him. It finally started to slower. Ghost never twitched as it landed feet from him. His eyes were still cold and emotionless. The heli door opened and Soap immediately recognized it as a younger Price. Price caught sight of Ghost and muttered ‘Jesus bloody Christ.’ Which was pretty accurate. Ghosts hand had healed crookedly, and he was shirtless, covered in dirt, blood, and wounds. Ghost only blinked. 

       Price wore a uniform that said he was only a lieutenant at that time. He came close to Ghost who snarled at him. Price realized that Ghost was traumatized and dazed. Prices eyes were sad and concerned. “Easy lad.” Price says before he turned to the heli to grab a blanket. He held it out to Ghost, who never moved. Price slowly put it around Ghost who eagerly held it around him. 

        “Yeah. See? It's alright. I'll help ya.” Price says, gently holding Ghosts forearms in his hands. Pain, exhaustion and trauma came rushing into Ghost and he just broke. Price caught him, muttering soothing words as he helped the broken man into the heli. There, they rushed Ghost to a hospital. Because of the wounds, no one could identify who he was immediately. He never gave his name. Price stayed by his side as Ghost came in and out of consciousness. Price teased that he was a ghost because no one knew who he was. Finally, when Price and Ghost where alone and Ghost was healed enough to speak, Ghost told Price his name. Simon Riley. Soap stored the name away for later. Price paused, stunned. 

        “You can't be. The whole Riley family was found slaughtered in their burning house. The eldest son, Simon Riley had been caught among the blaze and had burned beyond recognition.” Ghost offered his blood to Price, who hesitantly took it and gave it to a female, Laswell Price called her, to test it. The results came back confirming what Ghost said. Price stared in confusion, horror, and awe. “How?” Price asked, so Ghost told him the story. At the end, Price dropped his head into his hands.

        “After this, you're working with me from now on. No one will ever know your legal name but me. From now on, the government will only know you as Ghost because that's all you will be. A ghost. Ill train you myself. IM sure you won't want anyone knowing that. Besides, it's a major asset to be legally ‘dead.’ No one can get anything against you.” Ghost just agreed, knowing it was for the best. He actually liked that. Ghost. It erased his past. Who he was before everything else. He could become who he wanted. 

       The memory faded and Soap was left clinging to Ghost as Ghost held their heads together. Ghost opened his eyes, eyes hurt and dark with memories. Soap’s chest heaved and Soap realized then that he was crying. He wiped his eyes. “Holy hell Ghost. I'm sorry.” Soap whispered, looking up at the much older man. “Nothing you could have done, but you are helping now.” Ghost says, running a hand through Soaps hair. Soap shuddered as Ghost gently fumbled with Soaps ear in one hand. He twitched it like a cat would and Ghost continues to caress the sensitive area gently. It was calming. Soap nuzzled into Ghosts shoulder, listening to the music again as his mind raced with thoughts. 

       The song ended with a simple phrase, one that Soap understood and felt deeply. “The ride is worth the fall, the fall is worth the smiles, the smiles were worth the tears, the tears were worth the miles, the miles were the pain, the pain was worth it all, it's all worth this life, the life was worth the ride.” By Ghost’s voice singing along in Soaps head, Soap knew the man agreed with the lyrics too. Everything was worth the pain, the trauma, the haunting nightmares, the fear, the tears, the healing. They both would end up together, safe and healing in each other's arms in every life, every time.

Chapter Text

        Soap was barely calm and settled when Price came into the room. Gaz must have told him what had happened because he didn't say anything about them cuddling and Soap seeming sad. “Soap, you have visitors at the front of base.” Price says and Soap's head slowly lifts from Ghost's shoulder. Visitors? He didn't expect anyone. “Who?” Soap asked, casting a confused glance at Ghost. “Best go see.” Price says before leaving. Soap gave Ghost a very confused look before reluctantly dragging himself away from Ghost. He felt cold without Ghost holding him. 

        He walked towards the front. It didn't take long for Soap to realize that Ghost was following behind him. Of course he would. He walked outside and the sight made him pause. Halif, his former team leader was there with the team. Halif smiled as Soap saw them. They were the team that saved Soap and trained him for the SAS. Ghost was immediately behind Soap, chest almost against Soap's back as he growled lowly. The damn male was being territorial. Halif’s ears lowered along with his smile as if sensing Ghost was a threat. The rest of the team stood on guard.

        Ghost, stop it. They are my old team. They saved me as much as you did. Soap says mentally and Ghost's eyes flick down to Soap before he goes silent, still glaring protectively. Halif and the rest of the team are surprised by the sudden change in the Alpha. “Soap, I thought you hated and feared Alphas.” Halif says, speaking slowly in case he was treading on thin ice. 

         “I did. I still do. Ghost's my mate. It's different.” Soap says and the rest of the team stares in shock. They all had never imagined Soap having a mate, much less Ghost. “That massive bloody bugger is your mate?” Jake asked, a sergeant in the force, looking up at Ghost in horror, awe, intimidation and admiration.

        “Yes, yes he is.” Soap sighed and Ghost lifted his head, most likely sneering down on all of them. “God, you've got massive Soap. Your…not as small and shy. You look…. better.” Someone else says and Soap smiles. “That happens when you heal.” Soap says and Ghost chuffs. Everyone’s eyes flicker to Ghost anytime the man even breathes differently. “How training?” Halif asked. “Better. I'm learning. Still can't beat the Ghost, but I can keep up at least.” Soap says. 

        No one can beat me. I'm Ghost. Ghost says in Soap's head and Soap snorts. So self-centered. Ghost shifted as if he wanted to laugh. Always . He said in return and Soap grinned over his shoulder at him. Halif stared in confusion before it clicked. “You have Mate Telepathy. You can fucking speak to each other mentally.” Halif said, stunned. When Soap just nodded, a few whistled or sucked in harsh breathes. And Memory Sharing. Ghost said and Soap's head whipped back to him. What? Mates only get one. You said so. 

         It's never been proven that they can't. Besides, how do you think I just showed you all of that?

        “What's he is saying?” Jake asked, grinning. Soap turns back with a sigh. “He's just being a judgmental ass, which isn't out of the ordinary for Ghost.” Soap says. Halif paused, squinting at Ghost as if recognizing the man. “Holy…...shit.” Halif breathed, the words pure terror and awe. Everyone glanced at him. 

        “Thats the Ghost. I forgot he always wore a skull balaclava. It's so fucking weird to see you in person, not just blurry pictures and death stares.” Halif said and a few others stared, making the realization too. “In the flesh.” Ghost growled, purposely making his voice deeper and accent gruffer. A few people winced and Soap reached back and hit Ghost's chest. Ghost's eyes flickered down to Soap before grabbing his wrist. The hold was barely more than a catch, but it was still firm. Soap stiffened, jaw ticking as his breath caught in surprise and slight fear.  

       Don't. Don't humiliate me in front of them. I have a reputation to uphold. He growled, voice rough. Soap knew it was just a trauma response, but it was still terrifying. He seemed to realize that he scared Soap because his thumb moved to the pulse point on his wrist and pressed down slightly. To others it looked like nothing more than shifting his grip, but he was grounding Soap. It helped. Don't fear me. Never fear me. I would never hurt you. I could never. Breathe Johnny.  

        Soap loosened a breath he didn't even realize he was holding. He breathed manually for a minute before it became automatic again. Ghost finally dropped Soap's wrist, looking away from him and back at the others. It had all happened in a span of a minute and no words had been spoken. Aloud at least. I know. Just caught me off guard. Soap responded. Ghost's eyes flickered down again, acknowledging what Soap said . Noted. Don't grab you suddenly.

          You can, just in emergencies. 

        Noted. Was all Ghost replied. The others stared silently before one of them spoke up. “He's going to hurt you. He's too aggressive for someone like you.” Before Soap could go up to bat for Ghost, Ghost growled, taking a few steps to stand in front of Soap.

        “I cannot hurt him, nor would I ever. Don't you dare suggest that I would.” Ghost hissed and the man cowered back. Halif sighed. “No, Ghost is right. Mates can't hurt each other, with or without good intentions. It's an instinct. Ghost couldn't even bare to lift a hand to hurt him. It would break Ghost's mind if he tried to fight that. It's like that for all mates. It goes against nature. Thats why if someone is hurt by the other in a pair, its defiantly not mates. Ghost would sooner stab a knife through his own heart then even consider hurting his mate.” Halif says and Ghost just grunted. 

        He knows his shit. Ghost muttered to Soap and Soap rolled his eyes. Thats because his mate his working for the police. What Usha doesn't see in the force and tells him, Halif finds out himself. Soap responds, rolling his eyes. Ghost glances at Soap. What kind of name is Usha? Sounds like a Husky name. Ghost says and Soap could sense he was being sarcastic, but it was amusing. I ts gender neutral. Usha goes by ‘they/them’, and they are a Husky Beta, thank you. 

        Oops . Was Ghost's response and Soap knew he was smiling. It made Soap laugh. Halif gave him a raised eyebrow, but Soap just shook his head with a smile. This felt closer to a family then it used to, but 141 was his true family. That brings up the question then. What are you? Ghost asked, glancing at Soap's chocolate brown tail and ears. 

        Brown wolf. You?  

        Black. Got some Greys mixed in from my mother, but I inherited my father's Black.  

        Black wolf was rare. Very few existed to be full bred. Those that were found as pups were often bred for pups, which sold for very expensive prices. Brown and grey were more common. If you breed with me- Soap starts but Ghost makes such a ferocious growl that a few people flinched. Soap's eyes lowered at Ghost's stare.  

         Don't ever suggest that. I don't care about my damn bloodline. You should know I'm above that bullshit. If i wanted purebred pups, i would have fucked some Omega at a mill. I would never, ever breed you unless that was what you wanted. Ghost says and Soap nods softly, making eye contact again. “This is like third wheeling, so were going to leave. Soap, it was nice to see you. Glad you've gotten better. Congrats for finding him. Ghost, you take care of him or else.” Halif says with a smile and a wave. Soap turned back to him, waving in return as the team turned and went back to their own base. It had been nice to see them again, even if it had been brief.

 “Sorry. I didn't-” 

        “Of course, you didn't know. To everyone else I'm a cold, emotionless, brutal killing machine. Even with you I need to upkeep that image. No one has been able to get to me because I've had nothing else to lose, but if they realize I have you…” Ghost trails off, shaking his head and Soap understood. Relationships in the military where often classified because they could be used as blackmail. Mates in the military, especially SAS where they dealt directly with causes and attempts of war, it was even more dangerous to have those leaked. Soap turned to head back into the building, starting to get cold as the dark fell.  

        Johnny . Ghost called out mentally and when Soap turned, he spoke aloud. “You alright?” Soap nods, giving him a soft smile. “I’m more then alright, Ghost. I have you to thank for that.” Ghost hums, staying where he was and watching Soap enter the building. It felt weird for distance to be between them again. 

        Soap didn't see Ghost until past dinner. Price told him that sometimes Ghost just needed space and time to think and to clear his mind. Soap understood and he didn't go to find Ghost. By bedtime though, Ghost did come back, smelling strongly of cigarette smoke. You alright? Soap asked. Ghost just nodded, muttering I need to sleep back. Soap just nodded, letting Ghost do what he needed. The man immediately flopped onto his own bed and was out within seconds. Soap sighed, getting into his bed, curling up how he liked to. He fell asleep listening to the silence and Ghost's presence.

       Soap woke in the middle of the night unable to breathe. Why? Why couldn't he breathe? Panic flared as he jolted up, clawing at his throat. It was then he realized that his chest was rising and falling, he just felt choked. Shit! Ghost! Soap whirled, seeing Ghost's limp form on the bed, ribs not expanding and contracting. 

        Guttural terror took over Soap as he scrambled out of bed, resulting in him tripping and hitting his knee hard on the floor. He gritted his cry of pain down as he rushed to Ghost. He was still asleep as if he didn't realize his body was fucking suffocating him by refusing to breathe. Soap shook him, eyes wide and heart racing. “Ghost! Breathe Ghost, fucking breathe!” Soap pleaded and Ghost's eyes slowly opened, and his chest finally rose and fell. 

       Soap choked on a sob, collapsing against Ghost's chest, clinging to him. Ghost gives him a confused look, but he wraps his arms around Soap's trembling form. “What's wrong?” Ghost asked, confused as Soap lays on his chest, focusing on his beating heart and the rise and fall of his chest. “You stopped breathing! You fucking…” Soap hit Ghost's shoulder in anger and terror, but he couldn't finish his sentence without breaking down. Ghost's eyes softened as he realized. 

       “I didn't tell you.” It wasn't a question, but Soap shook his head anyway. “I have sleep apnea. You saw the torture Roba inflicted. It damaged some organs. They fixed it but sometimes my vitals get so slow that they just stop. Most of the time they restart themselves, it just takes a minute. I didn't mean to scare you. I thought I told you.” 

       “Well, you didn't!” Soap shuddered, the tears finally falling as he buried his head in Ghost's chest. Ghost sighed, one hand lifting to Soap's hair, running his hand through the mohawk and gently over his alert ears. It helped calm him and he slowly stopped panicking and crying. I'm sorry. Ghost says and it was the first time Ghost ever apologized directly. It showed vulnerability.  

       I'm staying here. Soap responded, not lifting his head from Ghost's chest. He needed to feel Ghost breathe. Ghost nods slightly, understanding. “Sleep Johnny.” Ghost says, shifting so that he held Soap but could sleep comfortably. Soap let him, watching as Ghost slowly drifted off. Soap stayed awake for a while, just listening to the sound of Ghost breathing. It was comforting to know that if anything happened, Soap would instantly know. He laid his head on Ghost's chest again, silent as he closes his eyes and continuing to listen. At some point he'd fallen asleep, albeit a light and restless sleep. 

       Around 3 am, Ghost's breathing stuttered, and Soap was awake instantly. His eyes snapped open, and his head jerked up, eyes flying to look at Ghost. His hands twitched by Soap, but his breathing evened out as his twitching stopped. Just a nightmare. Soap laid his head down again. A few times Soap woke abruptly just to check that Ghost was still alright. At dawn, Ghost's breathing paused again, and soap jerked awake, head lifting, but Ghost's hand gently pressed Soap's head back down.

        Easy. Go back to sleep. I just woke up. I'm fine . Ghost said and Soap calmed, Ghost's breathing steady once again. Soap drifted back asleep to Ghost's hand in his hair again. He was exhausted from all the stress and with Ghost soothing him, it was a lot easier to fall asleep again. Ghost's breathing never changed, so Soap sleep peacefully for a while.

Chapter Text

        That was a month ago. Soap opened his eyes, shivering as Ghost moved away from him. Hey sleepy. Ghost said and Soap hummed in response, looking around the Heli. It was the same Blackhawk that usually took soldiers on missions. Price and Gaz where on the other side, in conversation, both mental and aloud. Soap looked down at his uniform, unable to believe that he had passed the SAS exams. After brutal training with all of 141, he took the exam which would say if he was cleared to go on missions with 141 or if he needed to train more. Because he passed, he was here on this mission with the rest of his team.  

         Ugh. Don't remind me. I hate waking up at sunrise. Soap muttered back, looking at Ghost who was geared up too, rifle in a ready position as he actively analyzed the Heli and everything in it. Ghost was just like that. He looked even better in his gear and vest. Soap had been much more comfortable with Ghost. There wasn't a night anymore where Soap slept alone. Soap liked the comfort of Ghost and the reassurance he was breathing. Soap trusted Ghost with his life. Welcome to the life, love. Been doing this since I was fucking 20. 

         I feel you down energy drinks and just sip coffee all day. Soap retorted and Ghost laughed softly in his head. The first time Soap had heard that weeks ago, he had just stared at Ghost in awe until Ghost asked what was wrong. Ghost's laugh was smooth and soft yet gruff. It was pleasant to hear and was still rare for Soap to hear. Maybe I do, maybe I don't. Ghost retorted and Soap couldn't help but grin. He wore a throat mic and his vest. He didn't like the other mics. The collar had an imbedded mic and was easier to put on. The pressure was calming too. The others said it was tactical, they just didn't like it, so they did the standard earpiece and radio method. 

        Good to know those Red bull cans I found in our trash were yours. I was wondering what highschooler broke into our dorm. Soap teased back. They had gotten very comfortable with each other and this was usually what entertained them the most. ‘Ours.’ The word was so familiar it just slipped off Soap's tounge. Ghost just snorted and Soap nudged him. The bond had not yet been completed, but it was stronger. They learned that they had mindreading abilities, memory sharing, extra strength and heightened senses. It was all found by trial and error. They did not have one ability but four. 

          Another thing that they found out was why Soap gave birth to stillborn. Ghost had encouraged Soap to get it checked and so he did. Apparently because he was mostly male Alpha, which a male is a male and he wasn't as male omega, his body was mostly male functions so he could not fully carry out a pregnancy. The doctor said that there was a chance that 1 in every 20 litters that one pup would be born alive. Then Ghost agreed that they would only try if Soap wanted it. 

         What's up? Ghost asked, sensing that Soap was thinking about something. Nothing. Just thinking about how far we've come in two months. Soap responds and Ghost looks out the window of the Heli, thinking about it too. We are not perfect, but we are better. Healed more than before. Ghost says and Soap nods, leaning against the man. Ghost leaned back into him, resting his head on Soap's. The mission would go on fine; Soap knew it. 

         The mission did, in fact, go fine. It was just a simple information run and they were in and out by nightfall. Because it was so late, they had arranged to stay at a safehouse nearby until the next morning where they would go home. Gaz walked into the apartment like warehouse, and he flopped on the couch. Soap walked by him and batted his boots off the table. 

          “Don't get Price to yell at you for making the furniture muddy.” Soap muttered with a smile, taking his vest off. He only had one bruise from a bullet scraping the bulletproof panels in the vest, but no one had been actually hit thankfully. Ghost immediately moved to check the bruise, moving his hand under Soap's shirt the moment the vest was off and running his thumb over it, his gloved hand warm against the skin under Soap's shirt. “He would never do anything, you know that. We just need to fear Mommy Laswell.” Gaz teased and Soap huffed a laugh as he looked over at Gaz over Ghost's shoulder, his hand on Ghost's hip. Soap had only met Laswell twice: once at the end of his exam to formally welcome him to the team and to brief this mission. She was intense and definitely someone to fear if you made her angry. Gaz teased that she was the mother because she tried to parent the team. Price rounds the corner from de-gearing and getting into comfortable clothes. 

         “What wont I do?” Price asked. “Nothing.” Gaz says with a grin and Soap knew he was saying something mentally. Price tilted his head and Gaz grinned more. Gaz stood. “Come on. Let's make dinner. I'm hungry and those two can't cook without burning water.” Gaz says and Ghost growls and Soap yelps in defense. Gaz laughs as he shoves Price towards the kitchen. Soap looks back at Ghost who is still caressing the bruise . 

         I'm alright, Ghost. I'm alright. Soap says and Ghost's other hand drifts to Soap's hip. Soap no longer flinched or panicked at Ghost touching him, but it still made his heart race in both excitement and hesitation.  

          I know, but they came too close. They almost hurt you. Ghost says and Soap puts his other hand on Ghost's arm so that the man would look up. “Ghost, they didn't. I'm fine. It's just a bruise. It will be gone in a few days.” Soap says and Ghost just nods, lifting his head. Soap knew what he wanted. Reassurance. Soap wrapped his arms around him and tucked his head under Ghost's chin so that Soap's face was buried in Ghost's throat. Ghost's hands held Soap's hips, close to his thighs. Ghost buried his head into Soap's hair, likely smelling the soap that he used. They had defiantly gotten closer. Sometimes, Soap was even comfortable enough to kiss Ghost's neck because the man still had not taken the mask off . 

        What's up? You are clingier then normal. Soap asked softly, glancing up at Ghost, looking concerned. Nothing. Just worried about you. Ghost responds and Soap hummed back, burying his face into Ghost's more. They stay like that for a while, silent as they just hold each other. Gaz eventually comes back, hair a bit messy and cap missing. When he sees Soap and Ghost, he smiles and watches the two cuddle. “Dinner is ready.” Gaz finally says. Soap lifted his head and headed to Gaz, hungry from the effort of the mission It had been a while since he had been on a mission, and he forgot how exhausting it was. Ghost hesitated before letting Soap go with a possessive growled. Soap chuckled at him, mentally promising Ghost that he would cuddle him more later. I'll get more than that. Was all Ghost said back, and Soap gave him a confused and startled, but he smiled. 

        Dinner passed with family like jokes and teasing. Soap was happy and at peace. It felt like family, and it was nice to feel like he belonged. After dinner he and Ghost went to their room, which only had one bed. Soap cuddles up to Ghost, both freed of their gear and just exhausted. Ghost held him, rubbing his ribs gently. Soap nuzzled into him, pressing a kiss to Ghost's neck. Ghost hummed, tilting his head up. Soap hesitated, sensing Ghost wanted to go farther than normal. Ghost looked up at him, waiting patiently for Soap to decide what he wanted. Sigh exhaled shakily, trusting Ghost completely. He slowly continued until he was more comfortable with what he was doing and soon Ghost shifted Soap so that Soap was straddling his hips, holding him and pressing kisses to Ghost's exposed neck. Ghost wanted to complete the bond and for some reason, Soap had no complaints. Well, one.

       “I can't lead this. It's supposed to be you.” Soap says and it was true. Often the higher ranking one took the lead and guided things and that's how it was in the mill. Soap had never had the choice, and this felt wrong and awkward. Ghost gripped Soap's hips tightly, looking directly up at Soap. This is not supposed to be anything. This is only supposed to be what you want it to be and when. Ghost says and Soap sighed, head lowering to Ghost's chest as he panted, thinking . I don't want to lead. I want this, but I don't want to do that. Soap says and Ghost understands because as soon as Soap says it, Ghost flips him over in a tactical move that Soap has practiced many times in the field and on the mat, Soap only made a startled inhale, looking up at Ghost as Soap's claws dug lightly into Ghost's back. Ghost pinned Soap, looking down at him. You sure? Ghost asked and Soap nodded, heart racing with adrenaline and excitement. Ghost didn't ask again, and Soap was glad for it. 

        The next morning Soap was sore. This time, for the first time that he had ever been bred, it was a good stiff and sore. He enjoyed it and for once he enjoyed last night. It was much different then at the mill. Ghost was still sleeping when Soap woke and decided that he needed to eat. Ghost woke shortly after Soap left, sensing that Soap had left him alone. Soap knew because he felt it in the bond. Ghost came out after a minute, dressed and ready to go back out and immediately at Soap's side. His scent changed and Soap scented it. It smelled like mint and smoke still, but it carried a scent of sweetness and chocolate. His scent. Soap had felt the bond immediately click last night. It felt deeper; heavier. It now felt like a tangible string he could pick up and pull Ghost to him. 

         It was a lot easier to feel Ghost's emotions and he could talk to him better. Price and Gaz where in the kitchen, making breakfast before they headed back home. Soap came up and stole a piece of Gaz’s bread. The man yelped and indignation before telling on Soap to Price, who just smiled. Ghost watched amused. When Gaz playfully hit Soap, Ghost growled tensing, claws clicking against the counter in an Alpha's warning. Gaz paused, looking at Ghost confused. It wasn't often the man was territorial like this and aggressive to his team and family. Soap peacefully ate the toast, watching in amusement, smiling as he ate. He was waiting until it clicked. Gaz caught a whiff of their scents, and he grinned until it looked like his cheeks would split in half. 

        “Finally! Congrats!” Gaz muttered, nudging Soap as he grinned. Soap smiled back, proud of how much he's healed and how patient Ghost is while he figures himself out. Price looked over to see what happened and he scented them too. Their scents mingled. Price smiled, nudging Ghost too and muttering things. Mostly congrats. Soap was happy with what he'd done. He trusted Ghost and knew that he would for a while. Ghost was a lot different than all the other Alphas Soap had met. Ghost was his mate forever and Soap knew it.

Chapter Text

          Soap's days were filled with missions, training and Ghost. Missions were getting more and more common as countries were getting agitated. 141 was constantly asked for and they were on at least 2 missions a week. Somewhere simple like recon or grabbing information. Others where much harder to do and where more dangerous. They resulted in someone getting hurt, or worse, shot. The first time that Ghost had been grazed by a bullet, Soap felt it when he had been standing with Gaz. Soap had cried out in pain, a hand flying to his side in instinct to protect the wound. Gaz had whirled, confused because they were not under fire. When Soap could breathe and put the pain to a duller throb, he could see he was not hit, but he immediately knew who was. Ghost. He had argued against Prices orders, risking the mission until Ghost had told him he was fine and to continue. Even then, Soap was hesitant to continue but Gaz convinced him. 

          When he wasn't on the missions, he was training to make sure he could keep up. He had only been wounded once and that was because it was raining, and his boots had slipped on a ships deck, and he had fallen ten feet to slam his shoulder into a shipping container. It had made him black out as his shoulder dislocated and was only two pounds from snapping completely. Ghost kept him training when Soap healed. It made Soap exhausted, but he got stronger, more alert and more experienced. When he wasn't training, he was with Ghost. They cuddled, slept with each other, talked and sometimes repeated the night they completed the bond. Soap was content with this life, even if it made him worry about everyone.

        3 months later after the bond was completed, Price sent Ghost and Soap on a mission in Mexico. Las Almas to be exact. Price told them that they would meet with another Special Forces team there. The Mexican Special Forces. As soon as they deboarded the Heli, the heat hit Soap. He did not like it. He wanted the England heat back. This was near unbearable, and it felt wet too. Ghost chuckled and Soap rolled his eyes. A Spanish man met them with a grin; hands hung on the front of his vest.

        “Ah! Mi amigos! Price said ya are the best of the best, let's hope you can keep up. My name is Alejandro. This is my mate, Rudy. We are the commanders of this team.” The Spanish man said, his accent very prominent. Soap smiled back. Rudy, a smaller Spanish man smiled back shyly. He didn't say anything, most likely letting his mate take control. The wind allowed for Soap to get their scents. Rudy was a Beta and Alejandro an Alpha. “John ‘Soap’ McTavish. I'm sure that we will.” Soap says, putting the same playful tone in his voice that Alejandro did. The man grinned back, eyes flicking to Ghost. 

         “This must be Ghost, eh? I've heard of ya. Quite popular in your area.” Alejandro said. Ghost just tilted his head with a silent glower. Soap sighed and rolled his eyes, lightly kicking Ghost's boot with his own. Behave. Soap warned. Don't I always? Ghost huffed back. No. Was Soap's immediate response and Ghost smiled back at him mentally. Rudy watched, eyes flickering between the two. Alejandro’s grin just got wider. “Lets get ya settled. Its a long drive to the base.” Soap nodded, heading to the jeeps that awaited them. 

          On the way there, Rudy and Alejandro gave them information on the area and team. Soap asked a few questions, trying to get a sense for the area. He saw masked men, the masks eerily similar to Ghost's, holding guns as they gave ballons or candy to kids. Soap shifted his rifle, teeth bared as he tensed. Rudy’s hand shot back from the front passenger seat to grab Soap's wrist, stopping the movement. Soap jerked back with a low snarl. Even healed and trusting Ghost, he still had trauma and did not like people just grabbing him, especially unknown males. Rudy jerked back in surprise, fear and anxiety lighting his eyes. Ghost grumbled low in his throat, to Alejandro and Rudy a displeased sound, but it made Soap pause and loosen his grip on the gun. Soap relaxed with a low huff. “Sorry.” Soap says and Alejandro shrugged, a hand hovering near Rudy’s thigh as he drove. “Don't be. Everyone has demons. We should have known better then to just grab you. That scene is common here. Don't start something you won't live to finish.” Alejandro says, looking in the rearview mirror at Soap. Soap just nods, looking out the window for the rest of the ride. 

         At the base, they are briefed on the mission and are allowed a minute to rest. Soap finds a bunk to lay in, hating the fact that Ghost would not sleep with him tonight. On missions like this, Ghost refused to show that he even cared about Soap. Soap understood it was from pain and trauma, but it still made the bed colder none the less. 

         The next day, they all infiltrate Valaria's base and take her captive. Ghost had not been happy about the idea of Soap giving out information, but he did. Graves and his crew had met with them that morning and Soap and Ghost immediately hated the American, even if he was useful. He was self-absorbed and very idiotic. Soap could tell Rudy felt the same. After the long and exhausting mission, they were all in a car headed to base. Graves cars where stopped and Alejandro swore in Spanish, getting out. “What the hell is this?”

        “The foreseeable future. Now that the job has been done, you boys are free to go.” Graves said. It started to rain and Soap didn't like it. Soap cast a glance at Ghost. Somethings up. Ghost just gave a barely noticeable nod; mask soaked from rain. Alejandro and Graves argued, and Soap realized that Graves had taken Alejandros men captive. Alejandro knew this and screamed at Graves. Even Rudy couldn't calm the man. Alejandro charged Graves before Rudy or Soap could call out to him. Graves whirled, slamming Alejandro into the car. Both Alejandro and Rudy cried out in pain. Rudy stumbled, shaking his head and Graves glanced at Rudy. “Kill them.” Graves ordered as he tied up Alejandro who was unconscious. 

         “RUDY! RUN!” Soap shouted, shoving the shorter man towards the bushes. It was the one thing Soap could do for Alejandro. A bullet was fired as Rudy gave Soap a terrified look before running. Fire laced up Soap's shoulder and he cried out in pain as Ghost snarled yelling his name. “Johnny! Johnny, go!” Soap collapsed to the ground, head spinning. He was shot in his right shoulder. Shadows laid on the ground, dead. Ghost's handiwork. Another bullet fired at Soap, the bullet pinging into the nearby jeep. Soap laid on the wet ground, disorientated in pain. Johnny! Go! Ghost's order was clear and Soap couldn't disobey it. He grabbed his pistol, wounding one Shadow and killing another. It gave him an opportunity to flee into the bushes on the other side of the jeep. The cliff gave way to mud and Soap's slid down, gun falling as he tried to regain balance and to steady himself, but his shoulder hit the ground hard, and he yelled in pain before he blacked out.

Chapter Text

         Soap woke in an alley, shoulder throbbing. His pistol was by his side and his gear was muddy and torn in some places. He tried to push himself up, but his arm gave, and he had to bite down a pained scream. He couldn't make noise here. He doesn't know where he is or where his allies were. His head swam from both pain and blood loss. He sat up, taking a minute to orientate himself before calling out over the radio. “Ghost?” No response. Only static. “Ghost? This is Soap.” Again, he only got static. He slumped against the wall, calling out mentally. Ghost? God, please be alive- He cut off as another wave of pain hit him and he had to clench his claws into the brick below him to keep silent. “Soap. Sitrep.” Ghost said over the radio and Soap relaxed, responding. “Shot to the right shoulder. Dizzy but alive. It didn't hit anything important, just hurts beyond hell.” Soap says. 

         “The distance is too far for mentally talking. All I hear is static. We have the radio.” Ghost says and Soap responds affirmative. Ghost gives him a rundown and where he's at. An old church at the end of town. Soap has you carefully pick through houses to get gear because Shadows are all around and where on the hunt for him and Ghost. Soap picks locks assassinate those in his way while Ghost provides overwatch from the church. The damn sniper. Soap gets a few injuries, but his shoulder loosens up a bit and doesn't hurt as much. They talk a few times, mostly directions or jokes to help each other remember the other is fine and alive. Soap gets through fine, and he finally gets to the church where Ghost is waiting. 

          As soon as Soap enters, he mentally calls out for Ghost, who spawns out of the shadows. Soap jumped, alert and on edge. Easy Johnny. Just me. Ghost says, putting his hands up for a moment before walking to Soap. He immediately checks him for other injuries, which other than a broken nail, some cuts and bruises, he's fine. Ghost looks at the gunshot wound, eyes angry and worried. “If I ever find Graves, I'm going to slaughter him.” Ghost says and Soap nuzzles into his mate, shaking from the fading adrenaline and pain. Ghost helps Soap sit down, rummaging in his vest for the medical kit. Soap opens his mouth, wanting to say it, to tell Ghost, but he can't. Ghost sees worry filling his eyes. Are you hurt elsewhere? Did I miss something? Ghost asked, starting to shift to check again, but Soap shakes his head . 

         No…I just…I was terrified you weren't alright. I mean, you were talking to me, but I was just so scared id lost you. It wasn't what Soap wanted to say originally, but for now it would do. Ghost relaxed, starting to grab tweezers and alcohol. I know. I felt it too. I’m alright. You're alright. We just need to find Alejandro and Rudy. Do you need a gag? Ghost asked, holding out a piece of cloth. Soap shook his head, his head slumping onto his good shoulder. He could handle the pain. It wasn't the first time. Ghost sighed, pressing alcohol to the wound. Soap gritted his teeth, tensing as he fought back cries. What he needed was goddamn peace and a moment to rest. To tell Ghost everything. His chest was heavy with guilt and anxiety, and it was almost worse than the cleaning of the wound. Soap started to drift off, exhausted and drained from fighting for his life. Ghost looked up from pulling the bullet out, grabbing his jaw in concern. Johnny. Johnny what's wrong? Ghost asked, looking into Soaps closing eyes. Just tired. Too much in one day. Need to rest. Soap says and Ghost starts to say something else, but Soap passes out, too drained and in too much pain to be awake for another minute. 

         Soap woke to Ghost carrying him to a truck. Soap stirred against Ghosts chest, nuzzling into Ghosts chest and his warmth. “Easy Johnny. We're not out of the clear yet. Come on, wake up. I need you, damn it.” Soap slowly opened his eyes, looking around. All he could see was fire, brick and destruction. Shots were fired and Ghost snarled, slamming his back against a wall, clutching Soap closer to him. More gunshots sounded and Ghost lightly shook Soap. Johnny, come on. I know it hurts and your tired, but I can't get through this without your back up. Just a few minutes love, then you can sleep. Ghost says, gently putting Soap on his feet. Soap was more awake than before, the gunshots waking him quickly. He stood, albeit shaky. Ghost handed him a rifle, moving out of the alley and firing at the Shadows that had found them. Nearby was a black truck that was most likely a civilian truck. 

          Soap assisted Ghost, aim a bit sloppy but still good. He moved with Ghost towards the truck. Ghost got in, jumpstarting it. It rumbled to life after a minute. “Get in!” Ghost called and Soap did so, twisting in his seat to fire through the back window at the Shadows who tried to swarm the truck. Ghost slammed the gas down and quickly got them out of the city. When Soap felt it was safe, he slumped into the seat properly, the gun in his lap. Ghost glanced at him. “Alright?” 

         “Alright.” Soap responded, giving him a weak smile, starting to feel nauseous. Ghost felt it through the bond, and he quickly pulled off the road, allowing for Soap to get out and empty his stomach. As soon as Soap came back in, panting and wiping his mouth, Ghost gave him a concerned look, reaching over to put a hand on Soaps thigh. “What's up?” Ghost asked, and Soap knew that Ghost had never seen him throw up. “Sorry I…. I just….I didn't expect it to be like that.” Soap said, avoiding what he really wanted to say. Not now. Later. Ghost relaxed, accepting the answer and not knowing anything else was wrong. 

         “Yeah. It's hard to get used to, but…you do eventually. I'm sorry it had to be like that for you. At least it's over. We just need to clear our damn name.” Ghost growled the end, looking out at the road. Soap nods, interlacing his fingers with Ghosts. Soap leaned against the window as best he could with his shoulder. Ghost hummed, rubbing his thumb over the back of his hand and the guilt and anxiety eased for a minute. Soap smiled at Ghost who rumbled back and shortly Ghosts calming scent lulled him to sleep again.

Chapter Text

         Soap woke to the truck stopping and Ghost shifting the gears. Soap’s head lifted, looking around. He had a stiff muscle in his neck from sleeping like that for a while. He wasn't sure how long it had been or where they were, but the sky was lighter and turning to a light grey mixed with pinks. Sunrise. Ghost and Soap watched it in silence for a while and Soap felt safe and calm. “We are at Alejandros and Rudy’s safehouse. Let's hope Rudy got here.” Ghost says, finally getting out. Soap slowly followed suit, stiff and sore. He felt nauseous again so he let Ghost go ahead for a minute. Ghost realized and waited, looking at him in concern. “Sorry. Just…still too much.” Soap says, catching up, head low. Ghost sighed, understanding. “It's alright. It takes time. It was like that for me too. Especially my first kill.” Ghost says and Soap nods, remembering his first ever kill. It had nearly broken him. 

          They get close to the door, but Ghost pulls him back. “Pressure plates. Its rigged. Try the window.” Ghost says. It was a nice little shack. It looked misused and rundown, but Soap knew it was an illusion. The tripwires and pressure plates said so. It was in a hill like area, and it reminded Soap of Scotland, even if he hadn't been there in a while. Ghost helped Soap through the window. Soap raised his gun, looking around in the dark as he hit the ground. It took a second for his eyes to adjust, but as Ghost was climbing in the window, his eyes caught something that Soaps didn't. “Johnny !” Ghost said aloud and mentally and as he did, he threw a knife. Soap instantly trailed the knife with his gun, landing on the spot where it landed. Someone gasped and jerked back, the knife barely missing. Soap kept aimed there as Ghost fully got into the barn like building. There was silence for a minute before: “Ghost? Soap?” Soap lowered the gun at that voice. 

          “Yeah, it's us Rudy. Bloody hell, you scared me.” Soap says, smiling weakly as the shy Beta slowly came out with a smile. He pulled the knife from the wall, handing it back to Ghost. “Nice throw.” Ghost took it with a chuff. “I could have done better if that damn windowsill wasn't breaking under me.” Rudy smiled and Soap did too. “What took you guys so long?” Rudy asked. Soap was the one who responded.

          “Shadows trapped us in Las Almas. God, they were killing innocents. Graves has put a kill on sight order on us. We are wanted. He's taken over the city. Where Alejandro?” Soap asked, hoping Alejandro had gotten free. Rudy's smile faded before he shook his head. Soaps shoulders slumped. Either Rudy's mate was dead, which seemed highly unlikely, or Alejandro was still under Graves orders and walls. “He's still captured. He's at the base with the rest of our team. If we can just get them free, we could go toe to toe with Graves.” Rudy says, turning to a table at the end of the barn. It had a map of the base on it. Soap and Ghost approach as Rudy does a run-through of planning and the building. 

          Once Soap gets the plan, he walks around the area, getting familiar with it. Ghost and Rudy start to get in an argument over something in the plan, voices rising. “Ghost.” Soap says a few dozen feet away. He doesn't get a response. Soaps heart is racing. He needs to tell Ghost now. This is the only time he has the courage. Now feels right. “Ghost.” Soap says louder. Still no response. Soap sighs. “GHOST! I'M FUCKING PREGNANT!” The whole building goes dead silent, and Soap looks at them. They are both staring. Soaps arms wrap around himself, self-conscious. Ghost stares and Soap can feel all the emotions Ghost can't put into words. Pride, worry, happiness, fear. 

           “What?” Ghost asked softly, turning to face Soap fully but not yet moving closer. “Oh shit….He's your mate.” Rudy says, putting the pieces together. Soap and Ghost say nothing. Soaps eyes lower, shrinking in on himself, not from terror of Ghost but shame and worry. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have kept it silent for so long. I was just…” Soap trails off, feeling tears pick his eyes. 

          “Scared. I know. I understand love. I understand. You have every right to be.” Ghost says, voice soft and calming as he slowly gets closer to Soap. Soap just lets out a quiet sob, holding himself. Ghost's eyes soften more as he slowly gets closer. Rudy just watches in awe and worry. “It's alright love. I'm not mad. Do…do you want them?” Ghost asks softly, and by his tone Soap knew he would be sad if Soap got rid of the pups, but Soap knew that Ghost would understand not wanting to go through with it. Especially because of his trauma and all of his previous stillborn. “I…I...” Soap trails off, unable to say anything through his tears.

         “It's alright love.” Ghost says, finally reaching Soap. He wraps an arm around Soap, cradling Soap close to his chest. Soap wraps himself around Ghost, sobbing into Ghosts shoulder. Ghosts claws gently scratch Soaps hair as he plays with it. “I…. with you…yeah,” Soap says weakly and Ghost hums softly in acceptance and pride. “They'll live love. I know they will.” Ghost says weakly, holding Soap as he breaks. Soap sobs for a while, finally exhausting himself and just holding Ghost. When Soap just holds him, silent and thinking, Ghost lowers him to the hay beneath them. “How long?” Ghost asked softly, pulling away just enough to cup Soaps jaw so he looked up at Ghost. Soap leaned into it, eyes flickering shut for a minute. “I knew a week ago. When Price told us about this mission. I started getting morning sickness. I took a test and it came back positive. It would estimate about 3 months.” Soap said softly. Rudy came over with a blanket, water and some food. Ghost looked up at the other man, confused. The man smiled. 

          “My madre was a wet nurse for many people. I grew up around things like this.” Rudy says, handing the items to Ghost, who sighed but took it without a fuss. It was the closest Rudy would get to a thank you. “Can he…can he continue like this?” Ghost asked, referring to the pregnancy and Soaps fighting. Rudy sighs. “They aren't pups yet, since it's only been three months, so I'd say yes. But soon he won't. Around 5 months he will have to bed down for a while. I would keep him out of combat because if he gets shot in the stomach it could kill him and his litter, but I know neither of you would be happy about that.” Rudy says and Soap just nods. He could continue for two more months before he had to ask Price for maternity. Ghost just grunted and Rudy set off to prepare for the mission when the sun fell. 

          Thats why you were throwing up last night and today. It all upset them. Ghost said and Soap nodded. Ghosts hand drifted to Soaps ribs. Then he paused. “Can I?” Ghost asked and Soap nodded, letting his head fall into Ghosts shoulder. Ghosts hand rested over the small bump under his gear and his shirt. Unless you knew it was there, you would miss it. Ghost huffs a breathless laugh as if not believing Soap was carrying his pups. Soap curled up against Ghost as Ghost held his warm hand there. It was calming and it made Soap feel better. Now that the truth was off his shoulders, Soap felt better. Much better. Ghost ruffled Soaps hair, knocking their foreheads together. It was Ghosts way of kissing Soap without taking the mask off. Soap hummed, smiling softly at him. 

          “Get some rest. You need it.” Ghost said, giving Soap the opened water bottle. Soap took it, sipping it and laying down on the hay around them. Ghost curled up with him, throwing the blanket over them both as Soap closes the water bottle and puts it off to the side. He wasn't hungry right now. I'll help ya with this, alright? Please don't hide anything from me. If something feels wrong, just tell me. Ghost says, spooning Soap and throwing an arm over his ribs, a hand resting on Soaps stomach. Soap smiled and nodded, content as he laid there, slowly drifting into a nap until the night came. Ghost would watch over him and keep him warm and safe. 

Chapter Text

           The next day they break into the base with ease. Rudy knew everything about it and he got them in with only one Shadow guard dead. Soap had woken when Ghost had gotten him at nightfall. Ghost checked about a dozen times if Soap was alright to continue, to which Soap said yes. They now where trudging through the cells of the base. “Why do you have so many?” Soap asked Rudy quietly. Rudy shrugged. “We found it and repurposed it. Never found a building plan. I wouldn't be surprised if a cartel used to own it at some point.” Rudy says to which Ghost shuddered at the word cartel. 

          They found the door that Alejandro was supposed to be in. “Ghost, you're up.” Rudy says, moving away from the door. Ghost was the designated locksmith since he could lock pick things. Ghost nodded, getting to the door and picking the lock. As soon as the door opened, Soap went in, gun raised just in case. Soap was grabbed and thrown against the wall. Soap cried out, gun falling and Rudy shone the flashlight in. “Alejandro! Alejandro it's us! Let Soap go.” Alejandro squinted before letting Soap go. Ghost rushed to Soap who leaned over, panting. “Sorry Hermano.” Alejandro says as Rudy rushed to him, hugging him. “‘S fine.” Soap panted. Ghost checked him over, making sure they were alright. Once they were settled, they moved onto finding the others. They found them all and got them geared up. Alejandro and Rudy checked on their men and Soap watched.

           A few had bruises and cuts from fighting back, but none were hurt too bad or missing. Alejandro and Rudy looked relieved, patting people on the back or hugging others. Ghost nudged Soap. “Price should be coming to get us soon.” Ghost says as Soap looked up at him. Soap nodded, looking at the others. There was a lot of Spanish being said and Soap didn't understand it, but they looked like a family. After the reunion, the whole group charged the building, taking it back. 

           Shadows resisted, fighting against them and obeying Graves orders, but they all fell. Soap panted as he slit a man's throat. He saw blonde hair and he dropped the body, running after Graves. How dare the bloody American flee? Soap threw a knife, and it embedded itself in Graves shoulder. The man yelped, drawing a pistol and firing. Soap ducked and when he ran out of bullets, Soap pulled his own rifle. Graves continued running. 

          Ghost came out of nowhere; his back being slammed into the wall as he snarled and glowered at the man he was fighting off. Graves paused and grabbed the Shadows gun, pointing at Ghost. Soap froze, rifle aimed. He couldn't get a clear shot without risking shooting Ghost. He couldn't. He physically could not pull that trigger. His body wouldn't move. Graves sneered, knowing why and he fired the gun. Ghost bellowed in pain, leg giving and the shadow slammed Ghost's head into the wall. “GHOST!” Soap screamed as Graves ran away. Soap gave less of a shit about the American now. 

          “Rudy! Alejandro. Graves fucking shot Ghost and fled. He's heading north bound. Get him!” Soap screamed into the mic and radio, panicked as he ran towards Ghost, slamming the butt of his gun into the Shadows head. The man stumbled, shaking his head. Soap flipped the gun over and point blank shot the shadow. He kicked him off Ghost. 

          “Ghost. Ghost, God, please be alright.” Soap said, kneeling by Ghosts lifeless form. Soap’s heart was racing as he grabbed Ghosts head. Ghost groaned weakly. Soap sobbed as he relaxed. He was alive. “The fucker shot me.” Ghost groaned, his gloved hand bloody as he lifted it from his thigh. Soap looked down and breathed in relief. Graves had missed his stomach and had hit Ghosts thigh. Ghost would live and walk after he healed. Soap brought Ghosts head up, pressing their foreheads together. “I thought you died.” Soap breathed. “Ow. Headache.” Ghost said, but he held Soap. Soap laughed in terror, holding him. Rudy and Alejandro came running up with the rest of the team. 

           “Is he…?” Rudy started but Soap shook his head, with a weak laugh. “No. No. He's alright. In pain, but alive. What happened?” Soap asked. A few where covered in blood, others wounded and limping. “Graves and his Shadows got away. They are regrouping at another compound, but we've weakened their forces. Price is going to stay here with us until we come up with another plan.” Soap helped Ghost stand, how hissed when weight was put on his leg. Together they limped away from the bloodshed and towards a place to rest. They were given a dorm room by Rudy, who helped patch up Ghosts leg. Ghost only had a minor concussion, so as long as he rested, he was fine. Price and Gaz rushed in shortly after, relieved to find their teammates were alright. Soap gave them an update as Ghost slept. Price told him of the plan for the next week. Hunt down Graves and put him in a grave. Soap liked that idea. After a while and making sure that they were ok, Price and Gaz left him to rest too, much to Soap’s reprieve. He was exhausted and sore. Ghost nuzzled into him and Soap curled against the man's chest and relaxing.