Unseen | Ghost x Soap

Chapter 29: Back at Base

Soap's POV:

The return to base was a whirlwind of activity. We went through the usual debriefing, each member recounting their part of the mission and any notable encounters. The adrenaline had finally worn off, leaving a sense of exhaustion mingled with a strange exhilaration. The mission had been a success, and now it was time to settle back into our routines.

After the debrief, we were given a few hours to rest before training resumed. I took the opportunity to grab a quick shower and change into fresh gear. The hot water was a welcome relief, washing away the grime and tension of the mission. As I dressed, my thoughts kept drifting back to Ghost and the way he had teased me on the helicopter. His touch, his words, the way he seemed to know exactly how to get under my skin—it all played on a loop in my mind.

When I arrived at the training grounds, the rest of the team was already there, going through warm-up drills. Ghost was standing off to the side, his eyes scanning the group with that intense, unreadable expression. I took my place in the line, trying to focus on the exercises and ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

Price blew the whistle, signaling the start of the training session. We moved through a series of drills, each one designed to sharpen our reflexes and keep us in peak condition. Despite the fatigue from the mission, I pushed myself hard, determined to keep up.

"Soap, you're with me," Ghost called out, his voice cutting through the din of the training grounds.

I jogged over, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickened at the thought of working closely with him. He met my gaze, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Ready for some one-on-one?" he asked, his tone casual.

"Always," I replied, keeping my voice steady.

He nodded, then led me to an area set up for hand-to-hand combat training. The mats were worn from use, the space enclosed enough to create a sense of intimacy. We squared off, the air between us charged with the tension that had been building since Siberia.

The first few minutes were routine, a series of standard moves and counter-moves. But then Ghost's eyes took on a mischievous glint, and I knew he was about to take things up a notch.

"Let's see how you handle this," he said, lunging forward with a speed that caught me off guard.

He grabbed my wrist, twisting it in a way that forced me to pivot, throwing me off balance. In one smooth motion, he had me pinned against the wall, his body pressed close to mine. The position was undeniably intimate, his breath warm against my ear.

"Ghost," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing?"

"Just training," he replied, his tone dripping with amusement. "You look a little flustered, Soap. Something wrong?"

I struggled to find a reply, the close proximity making it hard to think. His body was solid and warm against mine, every inch of him a reminder of the tension that had been simmering between us.

"You know exactly what you're doing," I said, my voice low.

He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating through me. "Do I?"

His hands moved slightly, adjusting his grip in a way that sent a jolt of electricity through my body. The position was compromising, his control over me absolute. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, the flush of embarrassment and something deeper.

"Ghost," I said again, my breath hitching. "This isn't fair."

"Life's not fair, Soap," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to my ear. "But you're doing great. Just relax."

His words were a taunt and a comfort, a reminder of the unspoken bond between us. I tried to focus, to push aside the distraction of his presence, but it was impossible. Every movement, every touch, was a reminder of the tension that hung between us.

"Alright, that's enough," Price's voice cut through the haze, breaking the spell.

Ghost stepped back, his eyes still locked on mine, a knowing smile playing on his lips. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, the rush of adrenaline leaving me slightly dizzy.

"Good work," Price said, nodding at both of us. "Take five."

As we moved away from the training area, Ghost fell into step beside me, his presence a constant, distracting warmth.

"You did good," he said softly, his tone surprisingly sincere.

"Thanks," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "You didn't make it easy."

He chuckled, the sound warm and intimate. "Wouldn't be any fun if it was easy, would it?"

I shot him a look, the hint of a smile tugging at my lips. "You're impossible, you know that?"

He shrugged, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And you wouldn't have it any other way."