Cat-Hybrid Task Force 141

Birthday (16)

Part 16 (Birthday)

A year has passed since I've been returned to Price and the others and I am celebrating my 22nd birthday today. We all decided since we don't know when my actual birthday is, we're just going to celebrate it on the day the adoption papers were signed.

I wake up at 0500 and get dressed for the gym/ training room, I put on some shorts and a tank top before heading out. Ever since I recovered from my injuries from Leon and Vern, I've been going to the gym to let out some of my anger. I walk in and get stared at, like normal, I roll my eyes as I walk towards the punching bag. I wrap my hands in some tape before I start. I punch until my knuckles scream in pain before heading towards the treadmill. I complete my run and head to the showers.

After I'm done I put on my cargo pants with a short sleeve black shirt. I look at the clock above the sinks that show it's 0730. I should go say hi to Price, I think as I exit the room. As I walk by other soldiers I hear them whispering to each other as they glance back at me. I keep my head down not wanting any trouble with them. I knock on Price's door and head in before he can respond. I see him with his reading glasses on reading over a file, not knowing someone has just entered his office. I walk over to his side before wrapping my arms around his neck making him jump in surprise.

"You shouldn't do that y/n, you almost got a fist to the face kiddo." Price chuckles as he puts his glasses and files down to hug me. I'm still the same 5ft2in, I hate it.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya" I say as he stands up still hugging me. He puts me down before he says,

"Turn around, I got ya something for ya birthday" I do so grinning as I wait.

"Okay, you can turn around now". I turn around and see Price holding a stack of books. I squeal in delight as I grab them and see that they're the book series I've been dying to read. I put them down before tightly hugging Price, thanking him. Price chuckles,

"I don't know why you get so excited over some words, but I enjoy seeing that smile of yours princess."

I smile up at him as he walks back to his desk and starts reading his file again. I grab my books and crawl under Price's desk to read.

"You know there are two comfortable chairs in front of my desk right?"

"I like being down here" I state opening my book as I hold it against my knees.

It's now 0900. I'm still reading under Price's desk enjoying the new books while Price is still working. There's a knock on the door,

"Come in," Price answered before the people on the other side could say who it was. Ghost and Soap walk in,

"Sir, do ya know where ta less would be?" Soap asks Price, who hasn't even looked up yet. I'm too invested in my book to even hear what's going on around me. Price points under his desk while he writes something,

"She's reading under my desk."

"Y/n" Price says tapping me with his foot, taking me out of my trance,

"What?" I ask.

"Soap and Ghost are here looking for ya"

I crawl out from under the desk with my book in hand as I stretch. I look between the two,

"Whatcha need?"

"Happy Birthday kid" Ghost says as he hands me a bag.

"Thank you. You guys don't have to get me anything, I have everything I need." I smile. I opened the bag to see one of Price's sweatshirts. I look up at Ghost confused before he places a finger over his lips as he looks over at Price. He leans down to whisper,

"Don't tell him I stole it. I know you like wearing his stuff" Ghost tassels my hair as he grins under his mask. I whisper back,

"Thanks, I'll be wearing it later," I giggled. Ghost stands up and steps back standing next to Soap. I grab my books that Price got me and put them in the bag to hide the stolen sweatshirt. Soap speaks as I kneel down and put my books in the bag,

"Happy birthday lassie, I didn't get'cha a present but..." Soap looks up at Price before continuing, "...I was thinking of having dinner with everyone at the bar". Price stands up pushing his chair backwards,

"Absolutely not Mactavish!" Price yells as he glares down Soap. I turn around and look up at Price confused,

"Why not, Price?"

"I know Soap too well to know that going to any bar is going to lead up to everyone getting drunk."

"Aye come on mate, ta lass is 22 and hasn't had a drop of alcohol. Let her have some fun, old man." Soap says as he swings his arm around my shoulder. Price pinches the bridge of his nose exhaling hard,

"Fine but I say when she stops, deal?"

"Sounds good to me, what about ya lass?"

I shake my head, yes grinning from ear to ear.