Unseen | Ghost x Soap

Chapter 26: Siberian Nights

Soap's POV:

The biting cold of Siberia had a way of getting into your bones, no matter how many layers you wore. We'd just wrapped up the first part of our mission, and the exhaustion weighed heavy on us as we settled into our makeshift beds. The barracks were Spartan, offering little more than a thin mattress and a threadbare blanket. Not exactly luxury accommodations.

I couldn't stop shivering, the cold seeping through every fiber of my being. Last night, I'd been freezing too, and Ghost had offered his body heat. The teasing from the team this morning had been relentless, and I wasn't keen on a repeat performance.

As I lay there, teeth chattering, I heard Ghost's low voice cut through the darkness. "Soap, you're shaking again. Come here."

I turned over to face him, shaking my head. "No, not again. I can't handle the ribbing from the guys. It was embarrassing enough this morning."

"Forget them," Ghost said firmly. "You need to stay warm. Come on."

I hesitated, clutching my blanket tighter. "I'll be fine."

"No, you won't. Stop being stubborn and come here." There was a note of finality in his voice that brooked no argument. I knew he was right; the cold was unbearable, and my pride was a small price to pay for warmth.

Reluctantly, I moved closer, slipping under his blanket. I tried to keep my distance, but it was futile. Ghost's strong arm wrapped around me, pulling me in. The warmth of his body was immediate and overwhelming.

"Closer," he whispered. I felt his breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. The tension between us was almost palpable. My heart raced as he held me tighter, his hand resting on my back.

For a few minutes, we lay in silence, the only sound our mingled breaths. Then, I felt Ghost's hand move, his fingers gently tracing the outline of my face. My eyes fluttered closed at the contact, a soft sigh escaping my lips.

"Johnny," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You're safe. Just relax."

I tried to calm my racing heart, but it was impossible with him so close, touching me so tenderly. His hand continued its gentle exploration, brushing over my cheek, my jaw. His touch was almost reverent, as if he was afraid I might break.

When I opened my eyes, I found Ghost staring at me. His gaze was intense, filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place. He looked at my lips, his eyes darkening. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reached for his mask, fingers trembling.

I knew what he wanted to do, and my breath hitched in anticipation. But at the last moment, he stopped, his hand falling back to my side. "I can't," he mumbled, not intending on me to hear it.

Instead, he placed his other hand on my head, his thumb brushing over my temple. "You need rest," he said softly.

His words were like a balm, soothing the lingering chill and easing the tension that had gripped me. As his fingers continued their gentle caresses, I felt my eyelids grow heavy. Ghost's presence was comforting, his touch almost hypnotic.

"Just relax," he whispered again, his voice a soft murmur in the darkness. "I've got you."

With his touch lulling me into a sense of safety I hadn't felt in a long time, I finally allowed myself to drift off. Ghost's hand stayed on my face, a constant reminder that I wasn't alone. The last thing I felt was the gentle pressure of his fingers and the warmth of his body against mine.