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Captain John Price looked weirdly domestic driving around the suburbs as Kyle gave him directions to his home. His voice and the radio could be the only thing heard during the drive. Lieutenant Ghost had slumped against the seat in the back and had been staring out the window since they left the base, Soap mirroring him in the seat on the right.
The mission took everything out of them, it lasted more than they expected it to. And the worst part is, most of the weeks they weren't even in action, just waiting for the signal and intel from the CIA. Luckily they had showered on base upon landing, but the dirt and blood previously on their hands still itched to be washed at least three times more.
“Jeez Gaz, didn’t know you had a proper house, how do you even take care of it?” Soap’s voice cut through the silence of the evening as Price finally pulled up to a driveway to a nicely kept family home. No one would think a SAS soldier lived there.
Kyle just let out a grunt in response as they started piling out of the car, their muscles screaming in protest as they gathered their bags from the boot.
“Shit. Fuck.”
Three heads turned towards Kyle as he fiddled with his bag.
“Forgot your keys, son?” Price asked. Ghost spared him a glance.
“We could always break in.”
They watched him struggle some more until he finally fished out a pair of keys, his eyes still looking troubled by something.
“Be quiet when we go in.”
Silence.
Soap broke it. “Why? Got bitchy neighbours?”
“No.”
“Sergeant?”
“My girlfriend is probably asleep.”
“Since when do you have a lass?!”
“Keep it down!”
Price looked at Gaz with a surprised but amused expression, quickly hiding it and sending a look to Ghost, who looked indifferent but Price swore he could see some mirth in his eyes. Guess he wasn’t the only one relishing the invasion of their sergeant’s privacy.
“Yes, I do have a girlfriend. She knows we’re all coming but I would be thankful if we don’t wake her up in the middle of the night. Just-“ Kyle lets out an exaggerated sigh. “We’ll all talk in the morning, then you can make fun of me, alright?”
His Captain gripped his shoulder supportively. “Nothing to make fun of, soldier. You were always the best out of all of us; it's no wonder you have a sweet bird waiting on you at home. We were just surprised, you’re more private than we thought.”
“I just thought nothing was going on with ya’. Thought that's why ya’ not talkin’.” Soap grumbled as they all climbed up to the porch.
“As he should.”
For the first time that evening, Ghost added and Gaz met him with an appreciative nod.
The hallway was dark as the front door creaked open, but moonlight coming through the windows gave enough light to be able to manoeuvre to the living room. A cozy couch full of blankets and colourful pillows, bookshelves full of books and decorative plants, and the smell of a previously lit candle made the three soldiers stop in their tracks while the homeowner wordlessly moved past them to turn on the light, sending them a funny look.
“Can I sleep here?”
“One of you will have to, we only have one guest room upstairs. You calling shotgun, Soap?”
“Aye. I’ve never seen a more comfortable-looking couch. Just want to fall asleep right away. I swear m’ legs are killing me-“ He stopped on his tracks, standing in front of the couch and began whispering.
“Shit. Your lass already took my spot.”
Like a horribly casted snow white live action movie, all four of them glanced at the bundle of blankets on the couch, your head barely peeking through. Gaz shot them a look, but failed to hide the softened expression that already appeared on his face after finally seeing you after weeks of being away.
“Upstairs. There’re two bathrooms, one guest bedroom. All to the right when you climb up.” The command was wordlessly followed by his teammates, given that this was a vulnerable moment that they had no right to invade any longer.
Your eyes fluttered open as you felt familiar fingers caress your cheek, your boyfriend’s voice soft as velvet. “Hey, love. Didn’t have to wait up for me.”
“I didn't plan to. Was watching a movie actually.”
Kyle snorts as he helps you sit up, moving all the covers off as you couldn’t help but slump against his warmth that you missed so much. “Missed you, love. Bed felt so empty without you.” He rasped against the crown of your head.
You searched for his calloused but gentle hand to guide it to your protruding abdomen and his breath hitched. Fingers spread to feel the growing bump he missed out on while on deployment. The guilt that burned in Kyle's gut was unshakeable even though it had been only a couple of weeks and you were still in your first trimester.
“We missed you.” You place a soft kiss on his lips, as he eagerly returns it, trying to squeeze every inch of you, to make sure you’re really in his arms again and not another one of his late-night fantasies.
“How are you feeling?”
“Hmm?”
Kyle raises an eyebrow, knowing damn well you heard him. “You told me you were getting morning sickness more often, on text.”
“Now it’s not only in the mornings, but that’s also all that changed really.” He couldn’t help but frown at that.
“I'm taking a leave. Might take it right now or after the next one.”
“Why so soon? Shouldn’t you wait to use it at the end of the pregnancy?”
“I know… it’s just-“ Brown eyes looked at you longingly, telling you more than any words could.
“This mission kept us waiting at the safe house for too long and I could only think about you and our baby. If you needed something, if you fell and couldn’t get up, if you…just needed me, for any reason. I wasn’t there and it was killing me. What if my next mission takes months instead of weeks?”
Bringing your hands up, you stroked his cheeks, feeling the beard and scars under your palm. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I can relate to you there. This time waiting was harder than any other time. It just feels different… I’m more paranoid and my brain is just thinking of every worst-case scenario. What if you- our child and…”
“Shh, I know. But don’t worry your pretty head about that, yeah? We already talked about it, nothing is taking me away from you, love. I’ll always come back.”
“You know you can’t promise me that. But thanks for the sentiment, I guess.” Shrugging, you matched his growing smile and he kissed your lips once again.
The last stair on the staircase creaked and his head turned faster than lightning, it seemed.
“It’s your teammate, or did you forget?”
“I did.” He sighed. “Soap, you can come down.”
You couldn’t help the snort that escaped. “Soap? No way.”
“Told you I had the best callsign, yet you made fun of me.”
“Gaz is not any better, darling.”
A broad man with a mohawk appeared in your peripheral vision as you stood to greet him. “Sorry for hogging the couch, I’m assuming you’re sleeping here?”
“It’s no problem, lass. I’m in no place to make demands when I’m in your home. I wouldn’t mind the couch if the place next to Gaz is already taken.”
That made you laugh as you stood up to properly shake hands with the man you heard so much of, only knew him as Johnny till now. “You’re as funny as he told me you would be.”
Soap snickered at that, giving Kyle a sly look, but only getting a fake glare in return. “I’m glad you knew about me. Not trying to offend you, lass. But he was quiet as a mouse about ya’, wish I could’ve heard some stories of ya’, too.”
Kyle cut in before you could respond. “It wasn’t personal-“
“I know, I'm just winding you up. I’m not offended and neither are the other two. We just spoke about it while you two snogged.” Suddenly, you felt his blue eyes dart to you in alarm.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to say that. You can snog all you want if you ask me, or not at all. It's your home after all-“
“Johnny.”
“Right. Sorry, mate.”
“It’s alright, Soap. It's been a long day for all of you, please relax. Kyle, go to bed, you're barely keeping your eyes open.”
“No, I'm helping you to bed.”
“You met an angel, Gaz.” The Scottish mumbled.
“I need to make his bed.”
“No, you don’t.” Both of them interrupted at the same time.
“He’s a grown man, love. Trust me, he won't need an extra pillow.”
“Right, lass. No need to worry about me. I should warn ya’ though, the Captain and LT snore like a freight train.”
“Noted. Good night, then.”
“Good night, hen. You too, mate. Thank you for letting us crash.”
“Anytime, lad.” With one hand Kyle taped his shoulder, the other going around your waist to tug you forward up the staircase. The exhaustion pulling at your limbs with every step, till you reached the bedroom.
“He’s nice. Hopefully I made a good impression.”
“Trust me when I say this, love. There’s not a single trait of yours that could make you unlikeable.”
“Thank you, darling. Now let’s go to bed, I’m about to pass out.”
Only after both of you were settled in, hands cradling your back and your boyfriend’s soft breath tickling your neck, did you let your emotions show. Kyle held you even harder, simultaneously soothing himself with your presence, as you sniffled. He rocked you until you fell asleep, warm and safe.
When the sun finally came up, you were alone. The curtains to your windows were closed to stop the sunlight from waking you. Kyle wasn’t in the bed but there was lightness in the air. The type that could only be felt when he’s finally home.
Somewhere in the kitchen a pan dropped, followed by hushed cursing, echoing from downstairs. Right, his team slept the night here.
Your boyfriend talked about them often, but never in extreme detail. Just enough for you to know that he sees them as brothers more than just regular teammates, that the reason why he’s so levelheaded after such gruesome missions, is because of their companionship and support. The anxiety spread from your chest to the fingertips, you knew you had to make a great impression, even though you knew they were kind people.
The downstairs smelled of eggs and bacon, making your stomach churn with nausea, just from thinking about all the oil on the tongue. Four large men, one of them being your boyfriend busy on the stove, occupied your kitchen and dining room, making the space look much smaller. Clad in your pyjamas, you approached them with a smile as they finally looked at you, the man with a beard and smiley eyes raising his hand in greeting.
“Good morning, miss. I apologise for the intrusion. M’ name is John Price, but just call me John.” As you shook his large hand and introduced yourself back, Soap butted in.
“We didn’t mean to wake ya’, lass. Seems like Gaz doesn’t know his own kitchen.”
“I do! She moved the pan from where we usually keep them.”
“I doubt that.” The last man spoke, wearing a surgical mask and sitting on one of the chairs next to John. When you finally acknowledged his presence, he stood up and extended his hand politely.
“Simon Riley.”
“Nice to meet you, Simon. Are you the Lieutenant?” You didn’t know much about him, but it was obvious he kept to himself a lot.
He nodded, sitting back down as the others tried not to stare at the sight of Ghost doing human interactions besides them.
“Hey, love. Good morning.” Kyle’s hand rubbed your shoulder in passing, as he placed the plate filled to the brim with bacon and scrambled eggs on the table. The remaining men standing waited for you to sit down before they took their seats.
“Good morning, you’re all up so early. It shouldn’t surprise me but I hope you had a nice sleep. Soap, how was the couch?”
His mohawk had lost its shape from last night. “Never better, bonnie. I swear, not even my bed is more comfortable than your couch. Could get used to it.”
Kyle shot him a look and the man just smirked at him while you tried not to laugh. “I’m glad, Soap. You’re welcome anytime.”
Then John raised his fork, accusingly. “Why does she call you Soap? His name is the same as mine, John. No need for callsigns off duty.”
“Right. Sorry, lass. I’ve completely lost my manners. John McTavish is m’ name, but feel free to call me Johnny.” You nodded.
Everyone ate except you, the small talk helped with the sickness at first, but now it doubled down. Kyle squeezed your knee and sent you a concerned look. “You alright, love?”
“Feeling a bit sick, think I’ll miss breakfast. Sorry.”
“It’s alright, how can I help?”
You smiled and rubbed his hand comfortingly. “No need. The breeze on the porch usually helps.” Standing up, you sent the others a guilty glance before slipping on Kyle’s slippers and heading to the front door.
No one mentioned anything for a couple of minutes while they ate, but John couldn’t keep it in any longer. “Is she alright? You’re treating it as a regular occurrence.”
“Just morning sickness, hope it’ll pass soon.”
“Steaming hell.”
Kyle looked up to see their bewildered expressions, even Simon widened his eyes. “Sorry, forgot to announce it.”
“It’s all good, son. Happy for you.”
“Congratulations, mate.”
“We’re gonna have a little Gaz running around the place, huh? You secretive fucker. How did you manage to keep it all to yourself?”
Chuckling, Kyle elbowed the Scot’s arm. “Was planning on telling you guys soon. Didn’t find the right moment amongst all the shooting and hollering.”
“Why? Did you meet her like a month ago?”
“Johnny.” Simon sent him a warning look, but with no real sternness. Out of all of them, he understood Kyle the most.
“It’s smart to not tell anyone, Sergeant. It was a wise decision.”
“Thank you, LT. It wasn’t the lack of trust, just didn’t want to jinx something by mentioning it over there. It feels like two completely different timelines. I’ll probably take leave as soon as possible, got enough piled up to last me a couple of months. Wouldn’t miss out on some short missions, though. I would like to return home as soon as possible.”
“Don’t stress over it. No sweeter feeling than knowing someone is home waiting on you. I’ll see what I can do, Laswell hasn’t had any updates, seems to me like we’ll be free for a bit. Would recommend to at least do shifts on base, don’t use up your leave all at once.”
“Thanks, Cap. I should do that, then.”
Simon suddenly scoffed like he remembered something, earning an eyebrow raise from Kyle. “What?”
“You did mention her. Once.”
“When?”
“At the pub when we were drinking. Johnny was teasing you about a girl and you didn’t spare her a glance. After we left, you leaned on me and told me she couldn’t compare to your sweet love waiting at home.”
Kyle’s eyes widened in disbelief, not remembering that. “Shit. So you knew? I don’t recall that part.”
Price laughed. “You were always good at keeping secrets, Simon. But I must say I’m a bit disappointed you left me out of this gem.”
The front door opened and you stepped in, looking less pale than before. “Sorry.” Their eyes zeroed in on your stomach right away while Kyle rolled his eyes, smiling.
“Feeling better, love?”
“Yeah, I could do the laundry.”
“No, you can’t.” You raised an eyebrow. “I mean- you don’t have to. Go rest a bit, you still have to eat.”
“And we should probably get going,” John announced and all men stood up, cleaning up the table.
“What? Why so soon? You’re not staying for lunch?”
It was Simon who responded. “We don’t want to intrude any longer, I’m sure you both want some time alone. Thank you for the hospitality.”
“But…”
Kyle could sense you planned something. “Had something in mind?”
“Yes, actually. It’s too hot to drive right now, we have enough space in the living room to rest and I doubt you remember the last time you watched a movie.”
“We watched one at base a couple of months ago.”
“Yeah… on base. This is home, and I want to get to know them. Unless, they want to go to their own homes to rest, I shouldn’t keep them here hostage, sorry.”
Kyle grinned at your sheepish smile and hugged you fondly, silently appreciating your offer. He did tell you once it was hard for him to separate from them after spending so much time attached at the hip. Maybe having this type of tradition as a cooldown after a rough mission could improve how he processes deployments.
“Thank you, love. I’ll have to agree with you there.” He turned towards his team who had just finished putting the dishes away. “You guys should stay, have a drink, we deserve a rest.”
“Not gonna lie, I could use some relaxing. Woke up at 5 this morning like clockwork.” Johnny grumbled as he fixed his hair a bit.
They all turned towards Price, waiting on his call. He watched you and Kyle, seeing that the offer was genuine and if he were honest, he wanted to spend more time with his team without worrying about work and gunshots.
“If you two don’t mind, then, it’s settled. Ghost?”
Simon nodded at him and when he turned, it was impossible to miss the bewilderment on your face. “Your callsign is Ghost?”
“Yes-“
Kyle interrupted. “No, it’s not. He’s joking”
All heads turned in his direction and you figured out what was bothering him. “Darling, I’ll still think you have the coolest name, it’s okay. But I must admit Ghost is close second.”
As your boyfriend blushed, his team tried to hold in their laughter, Johnny failed to keep his cool.
“There’s no way you were jus’ jealous of LT’s callsign. That’s actually hilarious.”
There was a certain smugness to Simon’s eyes but he hid it to not hurt Gaz’s ego further. You kissed Kyle’s cheek as a half-assed apology. Ghost was a cool callsign.
“Sorry, darling. Ugh, my feet kinda hurt.”
Kyle snapped out of his trans and let you to the couch, the other following. Everyone found their spot as Johnny and Price argued about the movie. Simon was sitting still as a statue at first, but after a while he grew more comfortable and even raised his legs on the coffee table, right next to yours and Kyle’s. Meanwhile, your boyfriend’s hand rubbed your baby bump as you rested comfortably against his chest.
It was hard to recall the last time you felt this content, maybe it had something to do with being surrounded by people who loved your Kyle as family, knew that they would give their lives to save him if needed. Squeezing his hand, you thought about your future family together, and how much support your child will have. As if sensing Kyle’s gaze, you raised your head to lock eyes, it seemed he had similar thoughts.
“I love you. Missed you so much.”
“Love you, too. I think we should make this a tradition.”
He chuckled as he bumped your noses together. “That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking.”
The end.