Chapter Text
15 years ago
“Fuck fuck fuck!”, John hissed as he ran through the dark, eerie forest of his small hometown. His mother and father had made sure everyone was out for him tonight after they had found his little secret. His boyfriend. It was one thing being gay in that small, run down town, but to actually act upon it? Unforgivable in the eyes of God. So here he was, running for his life, leaving everything behind, and leaving him behind for the sake of his own life.
Although he didn't believe in god, not after everything, he prayed to get out safe and sound, he didn’t want to die, not yet. John was 15 and already feeling dread, feeling the whole world on his shoulders, feeling how scary the world actually is. All of this chaos, all of these problems and stupid choices just because he was being himself. Was God worth it, if he couldn’t protect him? If God can't accept him and his ways, why should John then follow him? Subconsciously he holds his cross in his pocket, just because he didn’t believe in God, doesn’t mean it’s not a part of him.
He leaned against a tree, panting and trying to catch his breath. John wasn’t sure how long he had been running or if they were still after him, but if he couldn't get his breath to even out in the next minute, he would be dead from the animals lurking around here at night, or from his own people… his flesh and blood. “Where am i?” he looked around, but it was truly no use. The forest was so dark, the moon didn’t shine through, and his home was far enough away that no light could be seen. On the positive side, nothing was to be heard, so he was safe for now. After he had stood there a bit longer, John decided he was most likely safe so he wandered further and eventually found the way out. Finally he could see the moon up high in the sky, stars shining and glittering the sky around him. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. No artificial light clouded the sky so he could see the entirety of it. So much was visible that John was so starstruck, everything else was forgotten and every noise was blocked as he focused on the night sky. It was baffling, how had he never noticed this? Did it really take almost death for him to appreciate this, or had he just been blind the entire time. “Hey kid, what are you doing out here?” a voice was heard, snapping him out of his thoughts. Quickly snapping back, John looked up at the man. He was around 40 he’d say, but he didn’t know for sure. Everything seemed normal about him, but one thing that stood out was his kind eyes. Those eyes spoke volumes and languages John had yet to learn. Maybe that's why he started ranting about what had just happened, maybe that's why he followed the man back to his house, and maybe that’s why he decided to trust him.
The present:
The 141 had been informed the day prior that some new guys would join them on this mission, and perhaps even the team. Although they found it outrageous. I mean they did not need one more person on the team, it was enough with them three and Laswell, it was only unnecessary to bring more people and make the team more unreliable in the long run, according to Ghost at least. As much as Price and Gaz assured Ghost it would be good for them, he was not listening. In the end they just gave up and decided he would probably change his opinion when he actually got to meet the new guy.
The day had started relatively normal, just the usual training, eating, talking with the team and resting. Everything was just right, down to the last minute but even though everything was as usual, Ghost’s heart was beating fast all day. He wasn’t that emotional, or well that’s what he said to himself at least, perhaps to some degree it was true as well but that did not mean the guy did not feel nervous, lightheaded and angry all day. Sure, maybe his hands were shaking and mind was running, maybe he was restless and absolutely on edge but it’s not like that's being emotional and showing feelings, right? “I’m just making sure I'm ready, I'm not nervous, I'm on guard because this guy is definitely trouble. Sure Price insisted this was definitely signs of anxiety but I am not anxious, just. On. Guard.” sighing, he nodded to himself and smiled a little. Managing to convince himself of that, he runs his hand through his hair and puts his mask on, walking out of his room to finally meet the new guy with his team.
Walking outside, the sun was slowly going down in the distance over the horizon. If it wasn't for the situation, the vibes would be off the roof. The three of them get together outside, waiting for the supposed car that would have the new guy and Laswell with. No one knows how long it took, but the guys fell into comfortable conversation, before they even knew it, the car rolled up. A black car drives up into the parking lot, the car sleek, obviously Laswell’s. Laswell gets out of the car, smiling and greeting them. Looking at the car and back, she speaks calmly, with a smooth voice: “So, ready to meet Sergeant John Soap Mactavish?”
The boys nod, emotions high but interests even higher. Walking to the passenger side of the car, Laswell opens the door and tells John to come out. The guys hear his voice before they even see him. A man with a mohawk, blue eyes and the world’s cheekiest smile gets out of the car. Soap did not look as tall as the others, but still taller than Laswell herself. He looks confident, way too confident for Ghost’s liking. But he didn’t get to say anything before Gaz and Price started talking to Soap and Laswell. Ghost kind of hung out in the back, staying a bit quiet just observing for now. He would talk to Soap eventually.
Laswell: “So, Soap is here for the mission, for now. Perhaps he will join the 141, but this is temporary until I tell you otherwise. I do want you guys to get to know each other, since we will be working together for a while. Yeah, Price?”
Price: “Of course, I'm always happy to see new members, you look like a great addition sergeant Soap. I hope you won't be a liability?” He laughs and looks at Gaz. There is no hostility in his voice, just a simple joke between soldiers. Price wanted Soap to feel welcome, they were working together from now on anyway and if Price wasn’t going to do it, who would? Soap was seen chuckling and shaking his head. He had taken the joke well, good. This new guy wasn’t bad, quite the opposite actually. He was everything this team needed at the moment. A guy who was quick witted, had humour, had the strength, the brawn and gave an amazing first impression.
The guys talked for a while, Laswell leaving to do some stuff, leaving the four guys to their own. Gaz showed Soap around the base, talking about each room like the base was Gaz’s prized possession, it amused Soap, but he also understood why. The place was very nice, small but it was enough for four guys and they had everything they needed anyway. “You are going to share a room with Ghost, the guys you saw with the balaclava and skull mask. He may look nervous, but he is just wary. You will eventually get your own room but honestly it’s not ready yet, I hope it’s okay”. As Gaz says it, Soap nods and smiles, saying it was all okay. He wanted to meet the scary man anyway, and this was just the perfect moment for it. Gaz and Soap talked for the rest of the day but eventually Soap had to go to his new room, so he got Gaz to follow him to the room, sadly he couldn’t come in though since Price wanted to talk to Gaz about something that Soap didn’t really care for. Gaz leaves and Soap opens the door, walking in he sees Ghost. Ghost looks at the door opening and sees… Soap.
“Fucking hell..”