DECODE ~ GHOST [Editing]

12| Aid

Sunlight had begun to bleed through the sky, the indigo night sky gave way to the orange hues of the new day. Birds chirped from their trees, and I was jealous of them. They were so carefree, being able to do what they wanted and live a life of leisure. They weren't war hardened fighters, or killers, they were gentle, pure creatures who lived and breathed an innocence I'd never know. It wasn't raining anymore, either. I wondered if rainbows existed in the night, my delirium was bettering me now, and I was so tired.

We'd driven for what felt like hours, but in reality was only a handful of minutes, the whole time I sat with my head on Soap's shoulder whilst he reassuringly held my hand and told me I was going to be okay. I didn't believe him for one bit of it, even if, physically, I was fine, the mental strain I'd endured, the torturous sights I'd been subjected to, would last a lifetime longer than my time in the military ever would.

But now, after Ghost had parked up the pickup, I was laid beneath a tree breathing shallow wisps of air whilst him and Soap cleared the interior of the barn. This was supposed to be a place of safety, a place where Alejandro knew we'd all be safe, but I was still in fight mode despite feeling as though I was losing my consciousness. As the sun cleared the horizon, it kissed my face, peppering its affection across my skin in the way of freckles, and I was embraced by nature.

"How you holding up?" Soap asked, and he stood in the doorway of the barn. He'd removed his kit and remained in his jeans and a new T-shirt. He looked clean, as though he hadn't been covered in gore when I'd seen him earlier in the night.

I pushed myself up using my good arm, "I'm fine." I lied.

"Let me help you." he said, and before I could protest Soap had my arm over his shoulder as he aided me to my feet. "Is this okay?" he asked as he took a step forward with me.

My eyesight was blurry, and my throat itched as tears built up inside, "Thank..." I started, but was shushed by Soap nearly instantly.

"You'd do the same." He said, and it was true. If he had been beaten to a pulp, and his leg was in a state where he couldn't use it, I would go through hell and back to make sure he was okay, and that's what made me feel better. He wasn't expecting anything in return, I'm near certain he wouldn't even expect a thank you for this, because that's who John 'Soap' McTavish was. He was selfless, and funny and caring of those he fought alongside.

Without another word from either of us, the Scott lead me into the barn. Soft hay sunk under my feet as we shuffled along, and I was met by the sight of Ghost pulling his kit off. His shirt lifted as he pulled the vest off his body, and I looked away shyly. Soap didn't say anything, just focused on helping me to a bed where I could at least start removing my kit. He placed me on a cot, and knelt before me whilst his hands made light work of the bullet-vest I wore.

"I'm gonna take it off, okay?" he asked, and lifted the vest above my head, only stopping when I winced at having to extend my bad arm upwards, "It's okay, you're okay," he reassured before finishing the removal and he placed it along the edge of the cot. He didn't stop after that, he continued to remove my tactical gear, my weapons, my ammunition and my headset and placed it in a neat pile under the cot.

I then looked up at him, "Could you..?" I asked, my hands wrapped around the edge of the bed as I tried to remove my own footwear but failed due to the pain in my ribs. He removed each boot cautiously, and then each sock, and placed them with the rest.

"There's a shower through that door," He said, and tilted his head towards the peeling paint on the door to my right, "I put a chair in there so you can be more comfortable, I hope that's okay." his voice was filled with uncertainty as he told me the measures he'd put in place following my injury, to him, it must have been a big deal to get help and support from your colleagues. But for me, it was something I wanted and never asked for.