INFERNAL WORLD » kyle GAZ garrick

47 - operation: keep it secret

In the heart of February, as winter held its grip on the world, the base bustled with its usual activity. Amidst the flurry of drills and minor missions around the area, Elena found safety in the rhythm of their routine. It was something she had longed for. A routine life where she knew what would come. It was a nice balance of duty and desire that kept her tethered to Gaz's side.

They would train in frost-kissed morning, as the crisp air filled their lungs. Side by side, they would navigate each obstacle course and firing range created by Price and guided by, oftentimes, Ghost, hoping that their shared glances wouldn't be spotted.

It was a secret world, a hidden realm where Elena and Gaz stole moments of stolen intimacy. With glances and fleeting touches, they let their hearts speak a language known only to them.

''Looking good out there,'' Gaz flirted, causing Elena's smile to grow wider.

''You shouldn't say these things here, Kyle,'' Elena replied, feeling the blush grow on her cheeks.

Gaz sighed and placed his hand on his chest.

''I'm sorry. Do you want me to stop?'' he asked, tease adorning his voice.

Elena spared him a quick glance before reloading her weapon and turning around a corner.

''I definitely don't...'' she whispered.

Not that Elena would prohibit herself from the tender phrases and words she had wanted to tell him. In any possibility, she would give him the sweetest of words and kiss him as if they did it for the first time. There was no reason for her to hide that or herself anymore.

And sometimes, in the quiet corners of the base, where shadows danced in the dim glow of lamplight and hushed conversation, the two found sanctuary in each other's arms. Sometimes in their own rooms, although it was harder to hide from the others. The walls, as known to all, were extremely thin and any amount of whispers would be heard by all. So they just remained silent and caressed each other tenderly.

However, unusual to Elena's previous experiences, they had not had sex yet, even though they savoured each moment as if it were their last and stole their kisses like echoes of a sweet melody. Sometimes, they would be glances across the room or a brief brush of their fingers, but it was all Elena needed. All she wanted so far, as she knew what they had was lighter and better than anything she had ever experienced.

It would come. It would happen when it would be the right time.

The warm February sun cast a golden hue over the military training ground, a welcome surprise after weeks of biting cold. Elena stood at the edge of the training area, overlooking the action with a sense of pride swelling in her chest. It was because her Captain had trusted her with watching over the new recruits. Her eyes followed them as they moved below her.

The training ground was a hive of activity, with obstacle courses, shooting ranges, and tactical exercises set up across the sprawling field. It drew Elena a picture of nostalgia, as she remembered her first days in the U.S. Army. Elena watched as the recruits navigated the terrain.

Elena was away from her regular training, as instructed by Price. Only a look away was her own training ground, as designed by Price. What she didn't know was that someone had their eyes fixated on her.

***

Gaz stood attentively, hoping that his eyes seemed to be fixated on the trainees. Instead, he admired the way Elena commanded respect and attention from the recruits.

''Watching the newbies or Elena?'' Soap's familiar teasing tone asked from behind. His voice showed exhaustion. ''Don't let Price see.''

''I'm not,'' Gaz ruffled his eyebrows and turned his head to see the sweaty soldier. ''Get back out there.''