Love and affection

1. Secrets and love

  Simon "Ghost" Riley and John "Soap" MacTavish were two experienced soldiers of the British Special Air Service. They were chasing a dangerous terrorist called Hassan Zyani, who had recently escaped from prison. The two men were hiding in a deserted alley in the city of Marrakech, Morocco when they suddenly heard footsteps.
   Ghost tensed up and aimed his gun at the approaching figure. "Who's there?" he hissed.
   "It's me, Soap," said a low voice.
   Ghost lowered his weapon and sighed with relief. "Don't scare me like that, man."
   Soap chuckled. "Sorry, mate. Just wanted to make sure you haven't shot me."
   Ghost grinned. "Don't tempt me."
   Soap laughed and the two men resumed their search for Zyani. As they walked, Soap suddenly spoke up. "Ghost, I need to tell you something."
   Ghost raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
   Soap took a deep breath. "I'm gay. And transgender."
   Ghost stopped walking and turned to Soap. "Wait, what? You never told me that."
   Soap shrugged. "I didn't think it was relevant."
   Ghost shook his head. "No, no, it's not that. I just...I didn't expect it. But I don't care, man. You're still my friend."
   Soap smiled. "Thanks, Ghost. I appreciate it."
   As they continued their mission together, Ghost realized that he was falling for Soap. He didn't care about gender or sexual orientation; he loved Soap for who he was. They worked together to take down Zyani and, as they hugged each other in celebration, Ghost knew that he had found something special with Soap. Something that he could never let go.

Soap had opened up to Ghost about their true identity as a transgender and gay person. Ghost had always been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, and had no problem accepting Soap for who they were.
   However, since Soap's confession, Ghost had seemed distant and unsure around them.
   "Is everything okay? You've been acting a little strange around me lately," Soap asked, picking up on Ghost's unusual behavior.
   Ghost paused for a moment before answering. "I just want to make sure that you know that I accept you for who you are. That hasn't changed, but I'm just trying to understand what this means for us, as a couple," he confessed.
   Soap was grateful for Ghost's honesty, but couldn't help feeling anxious at the same time. "It feels like you're saying my identity could be a problem for us being together," Soap replied, trying not to sound accusatory.
   "That's not what I mean at all," Ghost reassured them. "I just want to make sure we're both on the same page about everything."
   Soap smiled, relieved that they could have an honest conversation about their relationship. "Thank you for being understanding. I really appreciate it," they said, leaning over to kiss Ghost on the cheek.

   "So, Ghost, what have you been up to lately?" Gaz asked, sitting down on the couch next to him.
   "Not much. Just hanging out with Soap," Ghost replied, feeling a flutter in her chest at the mention of Soap's name.
   "Speaking of Soap, have you seen him?" Price asked, walking into the room.
   Ghost tried to hide her blush by turning away, but Price noticed. "What's going on between you and Soap?" he asked with a smirk.
   "Nothing," Ghost replied quickly, hoping to end the conversation.
   "Really?" Rodolfo asked, walking in with Alejandro. "Because Soap seems pretty into you."
   Ghost felt her heart race at the thought of Soap having feelings for him. he and Soap had been keeping their relationship a secret from their friends for a while now.
   "What are you guys talking about?" Soap asked, walking into the room.
   "Just wondering what's going on between you and Ghost," Alejandro said with a grin.
   Soap looked at Ghost and gave him a quick smile. "Nothing that concerns you guys," he replied.
   Ghost felt a sense of relief wash over him. For now, he and Soap could continue their secret relationship without anyone suspecting anything. But the thought of eventually telling their friends and being able to be together openly filled him with both excitement and fear.

Soap walked into Ghost's room, hoping to surprise him. But he was the one who got the surprise. He didn't expect to see Ghost sitting in front of his desk, naked, his hand moving up and down his erection.
   "Oh my god," Soap whispered, his heart beating fast.
   Ghost looked up and saw Soap standing in the doorway. He quickly tried to cover his genitals, but it was too late. The damage was already done.
   "I'm sorry," Ghost said, his face turning red. "I didn't think you would come in so early."
   "You didn't think I would come in at all," Soap said, closing the door behind him. "What are you doing?"
   Ghost looked away, ashamed. "I was, uh, I was just..."
   "Jerking off," Soap finished for him.
   Ghost nodded, still not making eye contact.
   Soap took a step closer to him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
   Ghost shrugged. "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
   Soap sat down on the bed next to him. "Nothing you do could ever make me uncomfortable," he said, placing a hand on Ghost's shoulder.
   Ghost looked up at him, his eyes filled with tears. "I just wanted to be close to you," he whispered.
   Soap leaned in and kissed him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "You don't have to do anything to be close to me," he said. "I love you."
   Ghost smiled, tears still streaming down his face. "I love you too," he said.
   And with that, they lay down on the bed together, holding each other close. The rest of the world fading away as they basked in the glow of their love.

K Ghost was pacing back and forth in his room when Soap knocked on his open door.
   "Hey, Ghost, you okay? You seem really stressed," Soap said.
   Ghost stopped pacing and turned to face Soap. "I just can't stop thinking about that day you caught me...you know..."
   Soap smiled at him. "It's okay, Ghost. I told you it doesn't bother me. Besides, I'm here to help you whenever you're feeling stressed."
   Ghost's expression softened. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
   "Of course," Soap replied. "We're friends, right? Friends help each other out."
   Ghost took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of his bed. "Thanks, Soap. I don't know what I'd do without you."
   Soap sat down next to him. "You don't have to do anything alone. I'm here for you."
   Ghost looked at him and felt his heart flutter. Could it be? Did he have feelings for Soap? He took a deep breath and decided to take a chance.
   "Soap...I think I might...I might be in love with you."
   Soap's eyes widened in shock. "Really?"
   Ghost nodded. "Yeah. I know it's sudden, but I can't help how I feel."
   Soap took a moment to process his feelings. "I...I think I might be in love with you too, Ghost."
   Ghost's heart skipped a beat. "You do?"
   Soap smiled at him. "Yeah. I've been trying to hide it, but I couldn't anymore. I love you."
   Ghost pulled Soap into a hug and whispered, "I love you too." They stayed in each other's embrace for a while, both feeling happy and content with their newfound love for each other.