Chapter Text
At this point, it was purely for entertainment. There was no way any of these lasses liked Soap for who he was, nor were any of them loyal enough to stand by his side and wait until he was on leave. A long love life was not for him but damn it, it was kind of amusing to swipe through and see what kind of girls liked his profile and the sorts he should expect to find when out drinking with the team. It gave him a clue what the current trends were, what girls were into these days, and maybe it gave him a boost towards spending a night away in their beds.
Well, that was the dream.
As Soap wasted his time by swiping past heavily makeup-ed women and girls far too young for his taste, he knew the ones that did peak his interest weren’t going to do more than chat for a day or two before growing bored and ghosting him. Unless he ghosted them first. Among the many apps on his phone to keep him occupied, Tinder wasn’t high on the list because it was pointless and hopeless after twenty minutes of swiping.
He was just about to switch over to something else to entertain himself when Roach threw himself down beside him on the bench in the gym. Soap was taking a break and Roach didn’t have a drop of sweat on him. Meanwhile, Gaz was on the treadmill working on his cardio and Ghost was punching the shit out of a bag in the corner. Each thump was muted by the loud music playing from the speakers in the corner.
“Whatchu doing?” Roach asked, leaning over to see Soap’s screen. Soap didn’t bother to hide it. “Damn. She’s hot.”
“Hmm,” was all Soap said, choosing not to chat to this specific girl.
Roach scoffed. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Not my type. She’s got way too much plastic.”
“Aight. Your loss. My gain.”
Soap raised a brow at the younger man. “Yeah, sure. Good fucking luck.”
“You met up with any of them before?”
“Nah, never. I’d like to but I never get that far. I mean, how often do we get called up on leave? I’ve ditched so many dates.”
Roach grabbed his phone without asking, plucking it from Soap’s hands.
“Hey!”
“Chill...”
Soap sighed as Roach went onto his profile and read his description and flicked through his photos with a lazy expression. His fist came up to cradle his chin as he pondered the small amount available, resting his elbow on his knee.
“Active duty – Top Secret. I’d have to kill ya. Late 20s. Dog lover. Scotland forevah. Athletic but I don’t like sports. Love whiskey, not bourbon pish.” Roach gave him a side-eye and Soap ignored it. “Star sign’s Sagittarius if you give a damn. I can probably deadlift you.”
Soap cringed as Roach read off his profile with a monotone voice, unimpressed with Soap’s lack of creativity.
“At least you picked decent-”
Roach exhaled heavily and showed Soap his photo in the mirror, showing off his muscles.
“That’s awful. How the fuck has any girl ever talked to you? Delete that.”
“I dinnae ask you to give me dating advice, Sanderson. Give me my phone back.”
Roach shook his head and barked a laugh. “Hell nah. I need to fix this. Look, either I sort this shit or you will never, ever get your dick wet.”
Soap rolled his eyes. “So, flirting in person no longer exists? I can just go up to a girl.”
“Okay. Do it.”
The younger sergeant was unwavering. He held Soap’s gaze expectantly and even gestured at the doors leading out of the gym, as if Soap should run out at half five in the afternoon and hook up off-base. Maybe he could. Soap could always take a car into Glasgow city, drive around until he found a suitable-looking club or bar and try his luck. But then he’d have to organise permission with Price to leave for the night, take a shower, shave more than just his face, find some nice clothes, appear decent to the softer female gaze-
Instead of doing any of that, he stood up and looked back at Roach.
“Work your magic, kid. I’m gonna go box Ghost.”
Roach hummed, already looking down at the screen. “Yet another ridiculous plan. Go on. Shoo. Tell Ghost my bets are on him.”
God, the kid was a nightmare sometimes. How Price and Ghost managed to handle him on top of Soap and Gaz was the question of the ages. Then again, Roach was always on his best behaviour around the captain, sucking up almost more than Gaz, although that could’ve been chalked up to his youth and how new he was to the 141. And with Ghost, he was glued to the older man and always backed him up against Soap.
Leaving him alone with his private phone seemed suddenly dangerous. There were things saved on there, in his galleries and on his bookmarks, that he did not need Roach to ever know about. Very specifically, his porn history. He’d never hear the end of it.
Still, he made it to Ghost’s location and the lieutenant paused his pummeling to stare at Soap. He gestured at the mats laid out.
“Wanna punch something with a pulse?” He offered casually.
Ghost glanced between the bag and the mats. “I could do with a real life target.”
“Charming. Come on.”
Soap had thought this through. Roach was not going to interrupt a spar between them and it gave Soap far too much to think and stress over. And he did love exchanging blows with Ghost, trying to get the upper hand on his lieutenant. He stretched to get rid of the calm that had settled during his break and bounced on his toes, eager to start dodging punches.
Ghost stared at him, arms coming up to crack his knuckles. Every single one cracked in one go. When he did the other hand, it cracked too. Soap grinned. The sound was satisfying and the look of pure hunger in his dark eyes above the half-mask made Soap’s hair stand on end.
“What are you waitin’ for, Si?”
“You’re dead meat, Mactavish.”
Soap’s grin widened. Ghost was in a good mood which meant he wouldn’t hold back. He was in for it.
“Roach said his bet’s on me,” Soap told him, moving quick to close the gap while Ghost was unprepared.
He realised he was very wrong when Ghost met his move, blocking his first punch immediately and then turning on his side to slam his shoulder into Soap’s chest. Winded, Soap fell back.
“Why do I doubt that?” Ghost retorted, making the next move to strike Soap’s abdomen.
Soap dodged and threw himself at him, tackling back several steps to swipe his legs out from under him. Ghost almost lost balance and with one more swipe, he did go down but Soap realised too late that it was purposeful. Ghost rolled back with him and tossed Soap over. Within a blink, he was pinned down on his chest with a heavy weight on his legs and a knee in his lower back. His hands were grabbed before he could roll away.
“Told you,” Ghost said close to his ear but far enough away to avoid any nose smashes Soap might try. He did like doing it and Ghost learned fast after the second time he bled through his mask. “Another round?”
Soap couldn’t fight off his smile. Ghost was an exceptional opponent and having him sat on Soap certainly made him oddly happy, in a way that he hoped Ghost would never notice or ask about.
“You know it.”
Ghost chuckled and pulled off, extending a hand for Soap to pull himself up. “Good man. Arms up.”
Soap didn’t even glance at Roach and whatever he was doing on his phone. As weird as it sounded, he wanted to keep getting beat up by Ghost. It was the best way to learn. Simon was a big guy and strong as hell. Once Soap was confident in defeating him, not many people would be able to stand in his way. It was what Price wanted for all of them. A mini army of Ghost-skilled soldiers equipped for anything. It was as terrifying as it was exciting and that was why Soap kept fighting, even when Ghost made his nose bleed and his whole body ached in too many places to count. And it also felt good hearing Ghost praise him for his dedication and resilience.
Later that evening, Soap was unsurprisingly not in some bar in the city. He was on the couch in the commons, sat next to Gaz who was idly texting some family members. It was a quiet night with the telly on and Ghost was hardly paying attention to it while Roach and Price were glued to the documentary on sea creatures.
Soap couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend his night. The thought of getting dressed up and hanging out with strangers was nowhere near as appealing as this; being with his family-in-arms. He smiled to himself while Gaz sat up more in order to show Price something on his phone.
“Mum says hi, Captain,” he said.
Price smiled fondly at the screen. “Tell her I said hello.”
As far as Soap knew, Price was the only one to have met Kyle’s mum and dad. Soap had seen many photos of the lovely couple. The whole team had. Kyle was very proud of his parents in a refreshing way. When it came to biological family, Soap hadn’t spoken to his dad in many years, Ghost was orphaned- they'd found out late one night over drinks in some jungleside town- and Roach had avoided talking about his parents multiple times.
Gaz sat back and brought his legs up. He glanced at Soap’s screen.
“Any luck?”
Soap glanced at the home page of Tinder and got ready to see his profile. His notifs were blocked but he could see the number of messages in his inbox was insanely high. Forty-eight. Okay, maybe it wasn’t enormous but when he only got one text a week if he was lucky, suddenly that number was impressive.
“I don’t know yet. I let Gary fuck about on here.”
Gaz sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. “Oh, bad call, man.”
“We’ll see. What’s he done now?”
Soap went onto his profile first. The description was different, naturally.
‘Proud Scot serving active AF. K-9 unit so I get to pet all the puppos. I love a good whiskey and a fun night out. Looking for someone who wants to experience a night they’ll never forget.’
As far as Soap was concerned, it was good enough but he sighed at the obvious lie. He had never trained with dogs, wouldn’t know the first thing about them in a military environment. Still, it was short and sweet so he left it alone.
The photos had changed too. His opener was now a very nice photo from a couple years back on a beach in Spain. It had been cropped to remove several members of the task force. Then there was one from training camp where he’d been teaching the spring before in Bali. He was shirtless but with forest camo trousers. His muscles were bronzed and slick from the sun and heat. The last photo was one he definitely didn’t have saved on his phone, which meant Roach must’ve sent it to him to upload.
He was in casual civilian wear at a pub in Manchester, one that he’d gone to with Ghost for that bourbon and whiskey duo after they’d returned from Chicago injured but alive. He remembered it, had joked about the lieutenant having to take off his mask if he wanted to enjoy his Kentucky. No one else from the team had been there, only the two of them a week after returning home. As Soap tapped on the photo to see it all, he noticed the pride flag and union jack hung up on the wall by the bar. It was visible enough and Soap had probably not even noticed it in favour of spending some well-deserved downtime with Simon. The lieutenant had taken a very good photo of him stealthily, phone propped up with his thumb over the button at the very moment Soap had laughed at something. He was grinning brightly.
“I like this one,” Soap mumbled before looking up at Ghost, who had no idea his stealthy photo had now been exposed. His heart did a little skip at the realisation that Ghost had taken a photo of him, three ago now, and kept it this whole time.
But the question that weighed on Soap’s mind was how Roach got it in the first place. Had Simon sent it to him? Maybe to show him what Soap looked like before arrival? Or maybe he’d just thought it was worth sharing in a chat and Roach had liked it?
The answers would elude him until he had a private moment with Roach later. For now, the messages needed his attention and once he was on the chat list, Soap cringed. So many chicks had replied asking about the dogs. That was all they seemed to care about and not him, not what he had to offer. Once again, love eluded him and Soap opted to put his phone down and ignore them.
-
“I got this. I’ve got this-” Roach mumbled under his breath, inhaling deeply before releasing and squeezing the trigger. His target fell to the side, swept by the velocity of the round that did not come from his rifle. “WHO THE FUCK JUST STOLE MY KILL?!”
Soap winced as his earpiece shrilled from Roach’s scream of rage. It almost made him miss his next mark and swiftly, Roach was being chastised.
“Lower your damn voice, Sanderson,” Price grunted. “You’ll give us away.”
“Sorry, sir. But I made it clear he was mine.”
“Wasn’t me, Sergeant. Ghost?”
“No, sir. That only leaves one suspect, unless this asshole had a heart attack.”
Soap could feel the anger wafting from nearly half a kilometre away in the bushes, disguised in a heavy ghillie suit.
“You’re a whore, Soap,” Roach snapped.
“Hey!”
“Boys, focus or you’re both heading back to the transport,” Price cut in sharply. “Soap, watch your fire. Roach, tone it the fuck down. You’re not on the training grounds at basic.”
Over the comms, Ghost sighed in disappointment. It made Soap behave himself but he could still feel Roach’s rage through the earpiece even though he was silent. The truth was, Roach was taking too long. While he had to learn and get better with his aim on snipers, the team had already taking down several enemies and it was only a matter of time before bodies were being discovered. They were on the clock.
“Alright, got two over by the water tower,” Price resumed. “6-2, you see ‘em?”
“Copy,” Ghost replied. “Dropping them.”
“Confirmed. Move up, 6-2. 6-3, you got eyes on the entrance?”
Soap moved his scope across. “Yes, sir. Tell me when.”
A few seconds passed before Price gave him the go-ahead. It was almost too easy, picking off mercenaries with slack in their security like they didn’t want to be here. Soap figured it was nearly bullying, with the way Ghost was working inside the walls, slicing apart those who couldn’t be shot from afar. The enemy had no chance of survival against the best.
Ten minutes later, Ghost spoke up. He had the servers in sight and was extracting information before Soap had the permission to blow it all up. Although the mission wasn’t over yet, the tension seemed to ease back. Everyone was dead with no reinforcements on the way. Another five minutes went by and Soap watched Ghost make his way down the external staircase.
“6-1, got the files and the bomb’s prepped. Getting clear now.”
“Copy that. Get back to my location, I have a good view of the fireworks. 6-3, wait for my order.”
Soap confirmed and waited, prone in the grass with his eye to his scope to make sure nothing would get the jump on Ghost while he climbed the wall and ran into the forested hills for cover.
“6-3, whenever you’re ready. Give us a good show.”
His thumb traced over the detonator before pushing down on the button with a mad grin. The click was followed by a deafening boom as the windows of the building shattered outwards and fire escaped from every frame.
“Good show, 6-3.”
“That was bigger than I was expecting,” Soap admitted, watching the black smoke rise up from the ruins.
“Found some propane tanks nearby,” Ghost chimed in. “I figured it wouldn’t hurt.”
“Man after my own heart, Lt.”
Price laughed over the comms. “Pack it up, boys. We’re done here. Gaz, how’s the route looking?”
“All clear from up here, Captain. But they’ll see that smoke soon,” Gaz replied from a helo circling not too far.
“We’re not planning to stick around. 141, on my location. Get to the trucks.”
Soap would be happy when he could ditch the ghillie suit. It wasn’t quite his thing: lying or sitting still for ages. As he reached the transports, Ghost patted his shoulder.
“Good work out there, Sergeant.”
“You too.” Soap followed him to one of the trucks, planning to climb in the back. “You looked like you were having fun out there.”
Ghost glanced his way. “How can you tell?”
“I know you,” Soap easily replied.
Ghost nodded, holding his gaze, and Soap knew he was smirking under the mask. It lifted slightly around his mouth. But then it fell and he straightened upright.
“Roach,” he began to warn in a low tone.
Soap spun to find their youngest member glaring at him above the edge of his half-mask. Roach was still pissed off clearly.
“I called that.”
Soap crossed his arms. “You still on this?”
“I called it-”
“Roach, stand down. The sergeant was right on this,” Ghost told him coldly, not leaving any room in his tone for Roach’s insubordination. “You took too long.”
For a second, it looked like Ghost had just kicked him. He glanced between Soap and his lieutenant hopelessly, hoping one of them would understand he was doing his best. Soap knew. So did Ghost. But the mission always came first.
Soap reached out to grab Roach’s shoulder and as he made contact, Roach flinched and spun away from them to go into the other transport.
“Leave him,” Ghost insisted, climbing behind the wheel. “He has to learn.”
Soap hummed and climbed into the backseat. Ghost was quick to turn the engine and follow Price’s truck down the dirt roads back towards their exfil.
“You think his behaviour’s a problem?”
Ghost met his gaze in the rearview mirror. “He’s young. A little too young. But we were all brats at his age. He’ll get better as he matures.”
“I hope so.”
When they were back at base hours later, Roach ignored all of them. Not even Price could help so they left him to himself, to fume wherever he’d decided to hole up for a while. Soap decided to spend his time with Ghost instead, hoping his silent company was accepted while Ghost cleaned his rifle.
-
Some days later, Soap was still trying to delete most of the messages that popped up on Tinder. Again with the dog obsession. He wasn’t sure where these women were coming from, caring so much about pups that could tear off their limbs if they pissed them off. But as he was finally getting to the bottom of the list, a new message popped up. He swiped on so many people, and Roach had surely swiped on everybody to get him a match.
With a heavy, pained sigh, Soap went on it to delete it. He gave it a half read, expecting something about the dogs or thanking him for his service.
“Whiskey’s piss. You should try bourbon,” Soap read off, scoffing to himself in his empty room.
He almost disagreed enough to delete it but he found himself replying instead.
“Clearly you’ve never had good whiskey.”
Soap smirked at his comment and went to set his phone down, only for her to reply again.
Exactly. Never found a good one.
The audacity. Soap shook his head in disbelief and decided to give her profile a look.
“Simone, huh? Let's see why you’ve got such bad taste in- Oh fuck.”
Soap nearly choked on his words. Simone was hot, insanely hot. Long blonde hair, a stunning jawline, dark brown eyes. He went through her photos, all just as gorgeous as the next. She wore a tiny skirt and crop top in one of them and it looked older than the others. Soap couldn’t stop staring at the expanse of pale skin on show.
He went down to her profile and skimmed it, wondering what was wrong with her. Not just to dislike whiskey but because there was always something that made him go ick.
‘Big girl, 6’3, I can benchpress you no sweat. I hate long walks on the beach. Take me to a range instead. Bourbon and metal enthusiast. No fuckboys or I’ll give you a new set of holes.’
Soap grinned at her rough profile. She listed herself as bisexual and Soap wondered if she’d ever find a girl who’d go out with her. She surely scared off a lot of men. Going back to their chat, he stared at her message.
“You like guns?”
The reply was instant. You can read. Good for you.
“Favourite gun?”
That’s like asking my fav kid. I prefer long range or good ol artillery.
Soap sighed. “You play too many video games, luv.”
Active service ta
“Which regiment?”
Don’t kiss n tell. Maybe we’ll meet someday amidst gunfire and explosions.
Soap highly doubted that but it did sound romantic, finding the love of his life on the battlefield, pressed back to back with only their wits and skills to keep them alive.
“Sounds like a date. Are you an officer?”
Got a shiny rank, bunch of boys under my heel. You?
“Sergeant.”
Poor thing. You’ll get up there someday.
God, she was a bitch. Soap couldn’t help grinning as he texted her.
“I’ll outrank you eventually, luv.”
In your dreams.
“So not to be totally predictable but what are you up to?”
Predictable. I’m waiting for one of my boys to get his ass here.
“He getting lucky?”
Oh tots. Once he’s here, he’s got a five-mile run to do on top of cleaning the gym.
Soap cringed. He was glad he wasn’t being punished anymore by a cruel CO for breathing wrong. Simone seemed the type.
“What’s the offence? Looked at you wrong?”
Threw a nade without calling it. Not in training either.
“Shit. You’re not punishing him enough. My CO would fuck him up for that.”
How?
What would Ghost do? Soap had never made such a rookie mistake before. He didn’t know anyone who had but Ghost would fucking slaughter them if they risked his team’s lives.
“Probably set him on cleaning duty for a month. Food, laundry, toilets. On top of a run way worse. Full pack, twenty miles?”
Shit. I like that.
“You a sadist Simone?”
I do like hearing their whimpers.
Soap groaned at that. It implied so much and she surely knew it.
Your CO a mean boy?
“No, not unless you’re a twat. He’s just and a fucking badass.” Soap meant it too. “I respect him a lot. More than my other sups.”
As he pondered what else he should tell her, a text came through from the man himself. He was being summoned.
“Gonna have to cut it short. CO’s calling on me. Talk soon?”
Sure. You seem decent.
“How dyou know?”
You haven’t asked to see my tits yet, which is almost all my messages.
Soap blushed. “I’m polite. Plus, more interested in getting to know you.”
Sure, hon. We’ll see.
He set his phone down and hurried to find Ghost. Whatever he needed was surely important and he’d already wasted time saying goodbye to Simone. Christ, he did like her. In the back of his head, he wondered how long it would take for her to decide he wasn’t worth her time.
-
“What’s got you grinning like an idiot?” Gaz asked one morning during breakfast.
There was a small canteen near the commons which used to belong to the upper ranks before they were offered a new building. It was handed over to the 141 so they had privacy. Ghost had surely pulled some strings with Price so he wouldn’t have to eat alone in his room all the time to avoid the crowds.
Soap only registered the words after a few seconds and he looked up from his phone in confusion.
“Eh?”
“He asked why you look like a fucken dope,” Roach explained, trying to glance at Soap’s phone from across the table.
Soap pulled it close to his chest. “I’m talking to someone, mind your own shit.” He glanced up at Gaz next to him. “Just some girl.”
“Ooh, okay, Soap’s bein’ a Romeo. Gotcha.” Gaz gave him a small, encouraging smile.
“Or he’s asking for nudes,” Ghost added, ruining the moment.
“At seven in the morning?” Gaz looked back to Soap. “She even up?”
“Yes. And I’m not asking for nudes, Ghost. No wonder you’re single.”
Ghost scoffed as Roach unfortunately laughed at Soap’s joke. The older man glared him into silence, although Roach was still smirking.
“We’re all single, MacTavish.”
Gaz hummed. “Fine by me.”
“Me too,” Ghost replied, deciding his breakfast was far more important than his conversation.
He glanced down at his phone, tapping something. Soap ignored them in order to reply to Simone, biting his lip as she teased his love for explosions above other weapons.
Maybe you can make me explode - Soap hurriedly hit backspace until the message was gone. He couldn’t send that. She’d hate that. She was clearly a stern gal, tolerating very little nonsense and mostly replying in sarcasm.
J: I was thinking maybe we should meet up.
S: You don’t even know where I am.
J: You could tell me.
S: You first.
Soap shouldn’t but he wanted to. A week had already passed and she still replied to him daily. He’d even sent her a selfie yesterday, showing off his abs. She told him he should work out more and later, he’d put on more weights in the gym.
J: I want to.
S: Then don’t be a pussy.
J: Glasgow.
He waited for a reply for a moment and only looked up from his phone to see Ghost standing up, pocketing his own phone.
“I’ll be with Price if anyone needs me,” he said to the team. “Gary, Gaz, remember you’re both handling recruits this afternoon.”
Roach nodded and Gaz groaned at the idea. Neither wanted to do it but someone had to stand in, and Soap had somehow dodged that bullet. He glanced back at the chat but she hadn’t replied yet.
“Soap, see you in the gym later?” Ghost asked, smacking his shoulder with the back of his hand.
“Yeah, course.”
He glanced up and noticed Ghost was looking at his screen, reading his private messages. He stopped when Soap frowned.
“Don’t get too caught in romance, Johnny. Girls will break your heart.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll see you later.”
Ghost nodded and gave the team a final glance before heading out. Soap immediately returned to his screen and noticed she’d replied.
S: Funny that. You stalking me, sergeant?
J: You close?
S: I can make the effort. Provided it’s worth my time.
Soap’s throat closed. She was nearby. Hell, he’d never seen her on this base but there were plenty in this part of Scotland and across the English border. He grinned and typed back.
J: I will make it worth your time. How about this weekend?
S: I’ll think about it.
-
Soap would consider himself to have a ‘bubbly’ personality. He was loud and excitable, grinning from ear to ear, and he didn’t have to fake a single smile as he thought about his date.
“This the first time you’ve done this?” Gaz asked, sat on his bed, trying to give him advice on what to wear.
Soap nodded, picking through his civilian clothes. “Yeah. I’m so fuckin’ nervous. She likes me well enough online. Maybe she won’t like me in person.”
Gaz scoffed. “Quit worrying. I’m sure she’ll like you plenty. So what’s the plan? Dine her, woo her, then what?”
“You know what.”
“In the biblical sense.” Gaz snorted at his own joke. “I mean, after you’re done shagging her lights out. Are you hoping this becomes serious?”
“No. I mean, I don’t know. I don’t expect anything more.” Soap decided to sit down next to his friend, abandoning his shirts. “She’s funny and smart. Pretty as fuck. Would be nice if she was interested in talking afterwards and not just wanting the one shag.”
Gaz nudged shoulders with him. “Show me. I haven’t seen her yet.”
“I haven’t shown her to anyone.”
“I’ll be nice, don’t worry.”
Pulling out his phone, Soap opened the app and her profile. He smiled at her and with a nervous sigh, handed the device to Gaz. The sergeant went through her photos, eyes wide and glued to the screen.
“So?” Soap asked impatiently. “She’s really hot, right?”
Gaz looked up at him with a sympathetic gaze. “Dude, you’re so getting catfished.”
“Fuck off, no I’m not.”
“Johnny, she’s perfect. No flaws, no stray hairs. If that’s really a girl you’re talking to, she’s photoshopped herself hard to look that good. Plus-” Gaz scrolled to another selfie. “Does she not remind you of anyone?”
Soap stared at the photo. There was nothing new for him. He stared at it so much the last week and a half that he’d memorised her face.
“Who?”
Gaz just looked at him.
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Ghost!” Gaz nearly threw up his hands in exasperation. “She looks like Ghost, but a girl. Dude, how do you not see it? The jawline, the eyes-”
“Ghost isn’t a girl,” Soap stated firmly. “I can confirm he’s male.”
“So can I. That’s not the point. Johnny, there’s apps to make any person look the opposite sex. Someone’s clearly gotten a selfie of Ghost and reversed it to a girl.”
Soap stared longer at the photo. If he squinted then maybe, but she wasn’t his lieutenant. She simply wasn’t and he’d prove it.
“Well, I’m meeting her and if I see him instead, you get to brag you were right.”
Gaz shook his head. “Nah. Come on, Ghost is not the sort to do this. I bet you he’s got no idea this is even happening.”
“But he wouldn’t just have photos of himself online. So either someone stole them or he sent them to somebody and they’re... I still think you’re wrong.”
“Except we both know someone who would do this, who’s really good with tech and loves being a shithead.”
Soap turned to him. “Roach.”
Gaz nodded. “Roach. But go, if you want. Maybe it is just some hot chick and I’m wrong. I hope I am. Are you still going?”
“Yeah. Fuck, if he’s there, I’m gonna strangle him.”
“Go for it. I’m sorry.” Gaz passed his phone back. “To be fair, she is really hot. Bit flat-chested in the last pic.”
Soap shrugged. “I don’t care. Tits are tits, big or small.”
Gaz chuckled and clapped his back. “How open-minded. Hey, how about we go for a jog? Get your mind off this shit.”
“It’s late.”
“You scared of the dark?”
Soap snorted. “I’m scared of seeing Ghost lurking in a dark corner again.” Regardless, he stood and went to find his trainers. “Be honest, how often’s he done it to you?”
“Lurked? Like a dozen times.” Gaz stood as well. “I swear he gets off on it, always laughing his ass off afterwards.”
“I don’t mind his laugh.”
“Not when it’s aimed at me.”
“True.” Soap sighed and glanced outside at the darkness. “Alright, let’s do a lap or two.”
Gaz clapped his hands together loudly and cheerfully, and led the way out of Soap’s room and down the corridor so they could get outdoors. They didn’t come across Ghost in any corners on their way out, just Price who wasn’t surprised to see them over-energetic.
-
The date night came around no matter how nervous Soap became after lunchtime. He took an hour to get ready, making sure he was presentable everywhere in case Simone was real. God, he hoped she was.
He glanced at his phone again and stared at the messages.
J: All good for tonight?
S: I’ll be there. This the bar?
She’d sent a screenshot of the location and Johnny had told her she was right. Wetherspoons was a nice place, not too prone to drunks or troublemakers, housed in an old pub. It was the right sort of place to take a lady.
S: Better order me a bourbon if you’re first.
J: Definitely won’t order ya a whiskey ;)
S: Damn right you won’t. Heading out soon. See you there.
J: See you soon.
That was the last thing he’d sent her and Soap was still in his room, washed, dressed, perfumed up, and ready to go. Price knew he had a date, had accepted he could leave the base for the night, and Soap hadn’t made a move towards the door yet.
He was scared. Whatever happened, he’d return different. If she was real, he had a shot. A small, imperceivable shot. If it was Roach fucking with him, Price would have to find a new member for the 141 and mark down Roach as MIA. Either way, Soap had to find out for himself so, with a sigh, he stood up and headed down to the lot where he had a car ready.
The pub was busy since it was a saturday, but the ones further in the city were surely handling worse crowds than this. Soap hadn’t been out in the civvie world for some time. His last leave was approved and taken months ago, and he’d just stayed on base without having to move his ass at all.
He made his way past people and searched the crowd for a blonde babe, either with her hair up or down on her shoulders. Maybe Simone wanted to relax and let loose tonight. The bar was packed and many of the tables were taken up. There was no sign of her and Soap went to check his phone, turning to find somewhere quieter to stand and see if she was running late.
As he did, he spotted blond hair but it didn’t belong to a woman.
Soap frowned and squeezed past drunks and party-goers in order to reach a table not too far from the back exit. It was a less populated area and before his mark could see him or try to escape, Soap sat down opposite.
“Ghost.”
From the look on Simon’s face, he really had not expected Soap to suddenly sit in front of him. His eyes have been downcast on a small meal that was almost finished. Soap had never seen Ghost so startled before.
He leaned in. “What the fuck? Johnny, what are you doing? You following me?!”
“No! Why the hell would I be following you?”
Ghost frowned. “I want to eat in peace. Who told you I was here?”
Soap scoffed and crossed his arms. “No one! I came here for a date!”
“Oh.”
“Yeah.” Finally remembering to check his phone, Soap looked at the messages. “ Running late. Be there soon. Yeah, right. Fuck’s sake. I’m gonna wring his neck.”
Ghost’s eyes widened. He'd skipped the mask, blended in with everyone else so easily that Soap could’ve glanced over him and never noticed. Except he would, because Ghost looked good in a hooded jacket and a faded shirt.
“I didn’t realise.”
Soap waved a tired hand. “It’s fine. Not your fault. I got tricked so yay. No date for me.”
“He said he’s late, that’s all.”
“She.”
Ghost blinked. “You said he.”
“I meant Roach.”
“What’s he got to do with this? Did he set up a meeting for you?”
“Of sorts. It doesn’t matter. He catfished me, Gaz was right. Shit.” Soap placed his face in his hands and groaned loudly. The music drowned most of it out. “Fuck’s sake. I just wanted to smash a hot chick. Why does God hate me?”
He pulled his hands down enough to look at Ghost, who was typing something on his phone.
“I’’m sorry if I ruined your night, Lt. I don’t get why you’re alone in a Spoons eating steak but you do you. I’ll fuck off, leave you to it-”
Soap started to stand.
“Sit your ass down, Johnny.” Ghost showed him his screen. It was an order he’d just placed. “Bought you dinner. Eat your sorrows with me tonight.”
“You got me hot wings?” Soap wanted to kiss him. “Fuck, the crispy ones too.”
“So you’ll stay?”
“Yeah. Let’s salvage this night. Buy me a pint?”
Ghost scoffed and gestured at the bar with his thumb. “Don’t love you that much, Johnny. Get it yourself.”
“At least someone loves me,” Soap mumbled. He sighed and started to stand, tucking his chair in. The bar was busy but he could cope.
“Get me a bourbon while you’re up there,” Ghost added.
That stung a little but he knew that was his lieutenant’s favourite drink so he headed up to the bar, planning to make it up to him for disturbing his night. Seeing Ghost here on a saturday, with so many people around, just for some better food than the base offered, was scary. How little did he know about the man? Still, he understood. He’d do anything for the wings Ghost had bought him. They were a little treat he didn’t get often.
It took a while to get served. The staff were so busy. Eventually, he returned to the table with a pint, a whiskey and a bourbon on a small tray. He set them down and passed Ghost his drink.
“Now, I know you say you hate whiskey but...” Soap pushed the other tumbler towards him. “Try it.”
Ghost stared at the drink. After a moment, he sighed heavily and took it. Soap wasn’t sure he would humour him. He watched the older man take a tentative sip before pulling a horrid expression of disgust.
“Fuck no, get that away from me,” Ghost grumbled, pushing the glass back to Soap’s side.
“Had to try.”
“Trying to poison me.”
Soap chuckled and rolled his eyes, taking a big sip of the whiskey with a happy hum. Ghost stared like he’d chugged curdled milk and cradled his bourbon close, as if the proximity would taint it. He drank the bourbon with a happier expression that grew fonder. He threw Soap a small smile.
“My favourite. Lucky guess.”
Soap smirked. “Not lucky. I remember. Trust me, all the small shit you tell me- I remember it.” He tapped the side of his head. “It stays up here.”
Ghost opened his mouth to reply only for a stressed-out girl to come over with a plate of wings and hot sauce, along with some onion rings. Soap’s eyes formed into hearts.
“Thanks,” Ghost told her even though she practically ran back towards the bar the second the plates touched the table. Soap wasn’t sure she’d even heard him. “Eat up.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.”
The first bite had Soap hissing in pain. It was so hot, fresh out of the fryer or oven or whatever they used back there. He blew steam out of his mouth and decided to blow on his food before continuing, dipping constantly and swapping between chicken and beer. Ghost snuck a ring free of the lot and chewed it slowly, finishing up the remains on his own plate.
“So why are you out here alone?” Soap asked a couple minutes later, stomach happily filling. He could down the whole twelve-platter and still have room for more.
Ghost gestured at the plates. “I like good food.”
“You come here often?”
“Every weekend I can. So, not often.” Ghost sighed and put his hands together, half watching the crowd and half watching Soap devour his dinner. “Sorry you got ditched.”
Soap paused his meal to glance at his phone. There had been no update in nearly 40 minutes. She wasn’t coming, obviously, and Roach had given up the game.
“It’s okay. I was prepared for it to go wrong.” Soap set the screen down. “You said it, girls break your heart. It was stupid. She was so out of my league and what did I expect? Some random hot chick to just fall in love with me?”
“Is that your dream?”
Soap averted his eyes. “I don’t know. It should be, right? Prime age for it. I should have a girl, should be dating by now.”
Ghost rolled his eyes. “You live a strenuous life never certain you’ll see the next day. Don’t involve a civvie in that. It’s not fair to them or to you.”
“So I should find love around me? In service?” Soap scoffed. “Now that’s a dream.” He formed a small circle with his hands. “This is my life. It’s small, I don’t have a social life outside of it, I only really know my own team. And you think I should date within this circle?”
“I think,” Ghost carefully began. “That you need to realise no one has any high expectation for you when it comes to your social and love life, Johnny. You don’t need to strive to get a spouse or some kids. That’s superficial shit.”
He was right. Soap brought one hand to his pint and drank instead. He wasn’t going to meet a hot girl to settle halfway down with, wasn’t going to find love on an app where only beauty mattered.
“I still wanted to fuck her.”
Ghost snorted. “Now that’s a more achievable goal. There’s plenty of women here.”
Soap cast his gaze across the crowd. There were many, some his age and many not. He had his pick of the litter, so to speak, and the thought of approaching one of these strangers just to bang made him shrivel up.
“Need a wing man?” Ghost offered, surprising Soap. “You look nervous.”
Soap looked back at him. “I’m having more fun with you.”
“You’re scared to talk to girls.”
He didn’t need Ghost to smirk after saying that. He made his point. Damn it, he was right. Soap was nervous as hell and he didn’t want to get up and talk to any of them. But he really did prefer sitting here with Ghost.
“You talk to them. Show me how ballsy you are.”
Ghost crossed his arms and reclined in his seat. “No.”
“Why’s that? You scared?”
He scoffed and Soap could tell he was hesitanting before speaking. “My type is men, Johnny.”
Soap blinked and then gestured sarcastically at the crowd. “And there’s plenty of guys here so be my guest, Simon. Please, show me how it’s done.”
Ghost eyed him curiously. “You don’t care?”
“Oh, I care for a lot of reasons but right now, we’re talking about how I’m a pussy and apparently, you’re not. So please, I’m asking politely. Go pick someone up.”
“No.”
“Why?” Ghost exhaled slowly. “You scared to talk to some random guy and ask to blow him?”
“It’s different.”
Soap rested his chin on his fist. “How?”
“I don’t fancy starting a fight.”
“This is Glasgow, no one gives a shit. They’ll just turn you down.” Soap gave him a small smile. “It’s fine. We’re both pussies. I’ll take the loss on this one. You should too.”
Ghost said nothing but gave him a side-eye, unwilling to confirm what they both knew was true. As victory, Soap went to pick up the last wing, planning to take a big bite out of it, ignoring the fact that it was not a victory at all but a miserable display of their manhood. Before he could grab it, Ghost snatched it up and reclined with it far out of reach. He bit down on it, staring Soap down, eyes full of mirth, daring Soap to make a fuss in public.
“Enjoy,” Soap told him, looking away at the wall.
“I am.”
“Ass.”
“What was that, sergeant?”
Soap glanced back at him. He’d already polished the bone.
“You didn’t have to tell me you were queer,” he began, making Ghost frown. “Shoulda just shown me that. I would’ve gotten the picture.”
“What does that even mean?”
“You got a right mouth on you.”
Despite the cosy golden lights above, Soap was sure the redness in Simon’s face was not caused by the heat of the wings or the lighting. He was blushing. Soap took it as a win.
“Watch it, Johnny.”
“I’ve had drinks, ya can’t blame me.” He even raised his hands in the air in a peaceful gesture that made Ghost scoff. “I appreciate you tellin’ me, though. About which way you point. I can’t say I haven’t thought about it but I’m not brave enough to ask.”
“Don’t blame you. Not many people know.”
Soap gave him a small, encouraging smile. “For what it’s worth, I totally support you.”
Ghost held his gaze. “Thanks. Since we’re on the topic, do only girls sway your fancy?”
“Nah. I like men too, just not any who’d like me back.” Soap’s smile faded with the heavy truth. “I lead a sad life, Lt. I got a big heart and nobody wants it.”
“I know what you mean.”
“You too, huh? You’ve never given me that impression.”
Ghost shrugged. “I guess my language’s hard to decipher.”
“Maybe mine is as well. Maybe I come on too strong out the gate.” He sighed and glanced around the crowd. “How d’you get here? Cab?”
“Hmm. You?”
“Drove myself. D’you want a ride back to base?”
Ghost hummed again. “Not quite ready to head back yet. I’m going to walk around for a bit first.”
“Can I join?”
“Sure.”
The cool air was refreshing after being inside such a stuffy pub. Soap instantly felt the chill but his jacket was warm and he could ignore the cold when Ghost was walking beside him, eyes scanning the roads.
“Thanks for tonight,” Soap said after a minute just strolling down the street. “I ruined your peace and quiet but still. I’m glad ya let me stay.”
Ghost glanced at him. “I figured you needed it.”
“I did.”
The conversation dissolved and Soap was fine being in silence, simply enjoying the late night lights of the outer city. It was pretty out here with a small number of new buildings and a lot of old stonework ones. He wasn’t sure Ghost had anywhere in mind as a destination. The older man seemed lost in his thoughts and if he wanted to chat, Soap was happy to.
They ended up making a small loop around the area. As they reached an old train bridge, the underside of which was covered in graffiti, Ghost stopped and looked over the expanse of flattened ground and tracks. Soap came to a stop beside him.
“Everything alright, Lt?”
Ghost hummed, eyes fixed on the horizon. “Mentally preparing myself for the next mission. Price gave me a heads-up. We’re deplying tomorrow.”
Soap frowned and decided to lean against the thick railing. “Where?”
“Enemy base in the South American rainforest. Cut and dry intel retrieval.” Ghost crossed his arms. “Nothing we haven’t done a million times before.”
“So what’s there to prepare for?”
“I hate the climate,” he replied with a small chuckle. “Can’t stand the heat. This time tomorrow, we’ll be sweating through our uniforms trying not to get bit by every insect out there.”
Soap blinked and laughed at his lieutenant’s absurdity. “That really needs a mental prep? Here I thought it was something bad.”
“It is bad. I hate bugs.”
His laugh only doubled. He couldn’t help it. Ghost gave him a dirty side-eye and sighed heavily, impatient for Soap to calm down. When he did, he leaned against Ghost.
“You’ll be alright, Si. We’ll suffer together. Come on, let’s head back.”
“Yeah.”
Ghost led the way back to the pub and Soap had parked very close but not in the lot; out of fear of getting military property dinged by some drunk. It was on the roadside and Soap climbed behind the wheel without any hesitation. He wasn’t drunk, far from it, and it was his loaned car so Ghost sat shotgun and buckled in.
It wasn’t a long drive, not when Soap was a bit heavy on the gas in search of his warm bed. Ghost said nothing to his speeding. He stayed quiet the whole drive and only once they were let through security at the base’s entrance gates, did he speak up.
“Had a nice night with you, Johnny.”
Soap smiled as he parked and cut the engine. “Same. Think you’d do it again?”
“Why not. I didn’t mind the company.”
Soap unbuckled and climbed out. He’d hand the keys back to somebody in the morning and let them retrieve the car. He waited for Ghost to join him so they could walk back into their building together, trying not to make too much noise when they passed the regular barracks.
Their sleeping arrangements weren’t very close. Soap’s door was opposite Gaz’s room, but his two superiors were further away down a couple corridors. Soap had never seen Ghost’s room before, never dared to ask because there was no reason to go in besides curiosity. So when they reached his door, Ghost stopped and clapped his shoulder.
“Have a good night, Johnny.”
Soap smiled up at him. “Yeah, you too, Simon. See you tomorrow.”
He went to unlock his door and Ghost took that as his cue to leave. Even when the door was unlocked, Soap watched him until he went around the corner. There was no way in hell Ghost would consider spending more time with him inside. It was already late and he’d had a long day. Ghost surely had too.
The next morning, he was woken by his alarm and as soon as he stepped out of his room, Gaz stood there ready for him. They were both dressed, ready to catch breakfast. He wondered if he knew about the upcoming mission.
“How did it go last night?” Gaz asked immediately instead of a hello.
Soap gestured for him to walk as they talked. “She didn’t show. Big surprise.”
Gaz patted his back. “I’m sorry, mate.”
“It’s fine. I had very low expectations. I’m disappointed but there’s not much I can do about that. If she’s even real, she definitely has no interest in me.”
“You’ll find someone else, I’m sure.”
Soap wasn’t convinced. “Thanks.”
When they reached the canteen, Ghost and Price were already there with Roach. From the look on their captain’s face, he was about to make breakfast very brief. Soap sat down with Gaz and waited for the mission.