Ramblers In the Wilderness

Movie Night

Cade

After a surprisingly restful night, we arrived by chopper back to the base the next evening. Just in time for dinner. The energy level was low, but no one was overly tired. "Movie night anyone?" Soap chimes up as we plodded to the barracks. "I'm in." Gaz said. "I'd be down." I chime in. Ghost said nothing, he hadn't since the night prior. He just walked ahead of us and vanished into his room.

"Cool. Imma change and then meet ya's in the theater." Soaps seemed to find new energy and bounced to his room.

The evening had a slight warmth to it so after I cleaned up, I threw on a zip up, fuzzy socks, and jogging pants before heading to the makeshift theater.
Upon entering Gaz and Soap were already in there and in a lively argument about movie selections. Soap was behind the bar mixing drinks erratically. "Whatcha havin' lassy?" Soaps thick accent booms out as I walk up to the bar. "Hey Lt" Gaz yelled over Soap, "Horror or action?"

"Lets do a simple whisky and coke. Gaz, it depends on the movie. I'm a woman. Don't ask me to decide." I joked. Soap snorts at the joke as he pours heavy, "Woah now, you said it not me!"

As I helped pop bags of popcorn, movie titles were thrown around before we decided on the original Mad Max. The guys seemed offended when I said I hadn't seen it before so Gaz insisted it would be the watch of the night. "Drinks up!" Soap called. I bellied up to the bar to get mine. "Soap, could I bother you for a water bottle too please?" I asked leaning my weight on the bar with my elbows, so my feet are dangling.
A large presence silently comes up beside me, brushing my arm. I stiffened and find my feet looking up into Ghosts masked face. His eyes unreadable but looking back into mine. Instantly the butterflies were back. "'cuse me Lieutenant." I say slightly hoarse and flushing as I grab my drink from Soap and retreat to find a seat. His blue eyes run over me up and down quickly.

Soap beats me to a couch and sprawls out on it, Gaz already on the other, leaving one last couch and a comfy looking recliner. But as I make my way for it, Price came sauntering in, whisky already in hand and plopped down into the recliner. 'Guess there is no other choice' I think and take the right side of the remaining couch. Ghost takes his seat at the left arm rest and relaxes back into the cushions. His large frame taking up most of the entire seat.

The movie was entrancing and though it wasn't totally my style, the others were really getting into it. During the movie, Soap refilled our drinks several times, ensuring everyone kept a mostly full glass. I adjusted my positioning on the couch, glancing over at Ghost. His eyes studying my movements before he shifted and refocused on the movie. The way he had looked over with heavy eye lids made my stomach flutter and I felt my body clench. Though I still couldn't see his face, his eyes were seductive, and I couldn't help but be drawn in by them. The feeling of them on me, had me excited in ways I hadn't felt in a long time.

The mood stayed light throughout the movie and the alcohol was freely flowing through everyone's bones. By the end of the film Soap and Gaz were rolling with laughter over the smallest things, finding pure joy in the mundane. Booze had tickled their funny bones to a point they could not be controlled. I found myself laughing solely because they were laughing. Enjoying the purity of the evening with the group. Price chuckled several times and shook his head over the insanity of his troops. I had seen Ghost refill his drink several times and his eyes were crinkled in the corners, so I knew he was enjoying himself as well.

"Right well that's bed for me." Price stated, swaying slightly as he stood and walked towards the door, "You all have worked hard. Take tomorrow off to rest and...recover from the hangovers." He looked between Soap and Gaz and chuckled.

"Ay ye Capt yer a goodun an' tanks fur the leaderships" Soap was sloshed and his thick accent barely made him understandable. Gaz followed suit attempting to mimic the Scotsman but doing a piss poor job. I began laughing at the two of them. Laughing harder than I had in years, my chin shaking and abs beginning to cramp. I relished in the blissful feeling of hysteria. Life had never been easy per se, and laughter like this as well as joy were rare feelings. Despite knowing the alcohol had its hand in my current state, I still was having a grand time. Tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably as my laughter turned to hiccups. Thankfully not lasting long.

Feeling the effects of the liquor, it was my time to bid goodnight while I still had the chance. Even the slightest drop more and I wouldn't be walking back or even sleeping in my room. At least at this moment I still had a chance to get there and get into bed without getting lost on the way. I laughed goodnight to the two sergeants and threw an over dramatic wave to Ghost. I turned, bumping into the doorframe on my way out, caused another roar of laughter to come from the Soap and Gaz.

The barracks weren't far away, but with the world was beginning to spin. The walk looking like a mile. I tried my hardest to concentrate on the dogwood in the distance so as to keep my line somewhat straight. Blinking hard a few times and smiling to myself at how foolish I must look. Willing my feet to plod along individually, one in front of the other. I was almost to the tree, but my knees were beginning to buckle. Just as they gave out, a firm grasp shot out of the darkness, grabbing my waist, and helped keep me upright.

I knew the hands the second I felt them. "Lieutenant.." I say without looking behind me, "nice catch."

"You're a mess." His voice came out low through the darkness. "Thanks. 'precciate the honesty there Lt. you can just put me under that tree." My hand goes out to signal towards the dogwood. Ghost growls back, "You need your bed."

"Put me under the tree!" I say louder and attempt to shove his hands off. He says nothing and his grasp remains firm. Though I wouldn't admit it out loud, I was happy to have someone guiding me as I no longer trusted my feet under me. We got to the tree where Ghost turned me around and guided my back against the tree, keeping a foot or so between us, it was obvious he was only there as support. The world wobbled as I sat upright so I lay myself down in the grass, taking in the vast stars above. Through the drunken state and darkness, I could feel Ghosts eyes on me as he lingered nearby. "Either sit down or go inside but quit your creepy lurking." I said, unsure of how my tone came across. Probably just sounded like a typical drunk white girl. I heard his weight ease to the ground and knew he was behind me, but still couldn't see him.

I propped myself up on my elbows and craned my neck to glace at Ghost. "What's your deal?" He raises an eyebrow and stares at me with questioning eyes. "You're just such a conundrum. Hating every single thing about me.  You're rough and a brute. You ain't happy when you're losing to me and pissed when you win. You basically attacked me in the laundry room but then left food outside the room. And the mission..."

The memory of the van has been popping into my brain. The thought of his touch and being so close, making me wet. "You came to my defense at the debrief but stepped on my shot arm the night before. Then to get even more confusing you're concerned with my safety." Ghost stayed quiet, but I heard a quiet him let out a deep sigh through his nose. His eyes are avoiding me, staring off into the darkness ahead. I can tell he is listening, but his lack of vocalization is frustrating. I continue,  "I have nothing in my life. Just trying to stay busy and work. Military life is all I've known and will probably die doing the job. Which is fine. It sucks and is a pathetic way to live. Fighting for other people's causes forever. But it's my life. You come along and make things even more of a damn challenge."

My mouth tends to ramble after too many drinks. It's honesty, but probably should be kept under my hat. I pause and take a deep breath. Feeling the world around me spinning. "You're piss drunk Lieutenant." Ghosts voice was soft as if trying to deescalate the conversation. "Well then I'm hammered," I begin, "but at least I'm honest. It's gonna be a long several months. Even longer when I'm constantly wondering if you're going to defend or bury me." Silence. I expected it. What is this well-rounded soldier really going to say to this piss drunk slobbering idiot? "Why are you even here?" I say jerking my head to look at him. Big mistake. The world begins to teeter totter again causing me to quickly lay in the grass and close my eyes.

"To make sure you get to your room rather than having another sleep over in the grass." He responds in a soft tone. He is better off than the rest of us, but even in my inebriated state I can here the effects of alcohol on his accent. "I like it. The grass is safe. It separates me from the bad people in my life....or rather past tense all that..."

"Who were the bad people?" Ghost prods gently. "Fuckers long forgotten." I say quickly before going quiet. A part of me wanted to open up to him, maybe because I wanted to know more about the man in the cloth mask. Thinking if I talked more, it would prod him into opening up to me. But in reality, he most likely never would, and I would be the only idiot always trying to win favor. I had to remind myself that though the others were welcoming, and Ghost had shown some warmth, he was a soldier just like myself and we were here for a task. Not to make friendships.

I continue to stare up into the galaxies. Feeling my eyes growing heavy. I tried to fight off the tired, but it defeated me.