Unseen | Ghost x Soap

Chapter 35: Her

Ghost's POV:

The next day started like any other, with the sun rising over the base and the team falling into our usual routines. We went through morning drills, equipment checks, and a briefing for our next mission. The structure and predictability of it all was a comfort, something I relied on to keep my mind focused and my emotions in check.

After the briefing, we had a break before the next round of training. The team scattered, some heading to the mess hall for a snack, others just taking a moment to relax. Soap and I found ourselves near the edge of the training grounds, the familiar banter already starting to flow.

"You really think you can beat me in a close-quarters fight?" I teased, leaning against a crate.

Soap grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know I can, Ghost. You're all talk."

"Big words for someone who couldn't hit a target if it was standing still," I shot back, crossing my arms over my chest.

He laughed, the sound warm and infectious. "At least I don't hide behind a mask."

I felt a smirk tug at my lips. "Careful, Johnny. You don't want to see what's under here."

The playful argument continued, the familiar rhythm of our banter a welcome distraction from the jealousy that had been gnawing at me since yesterday. But even as we joked and teased, I couldn't shake the memory of Soap talking to the red-haired medic, their easy laughter, the way she touched his arm.

"You know," I said, trying to keep my tone light, "maybe I should challenge you to a race. See if you can keep up for once."

Soap rolled his eyes, but his grin didn't fade. "Anytime, anywhere. You'll be eating my dust, Ghost."

"Is that what you told Sarah yesterday?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, the name of the red-haired medic hanging in the air between us.

Soap's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of confusion and something else crossing his face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I shrugged, trying to play it off as a joke. "Nothing. Just thought you two looked pretty cozy yesterday. Didn't know you were such good friends."

He frowned, the easy banter slipping away. "We were just talking, Ghost. She's new, and she had some questions about the mission."

"Right," I said, the jealousy I'd been trying to suppress bubbling to the surface. "She seemed real interested in your answers."

Soap's eyes narrowed, his posture shifting from playful to defensive. "What's your problem, Ghost? We were just talking."

I forced a smile, but it felt strained. "No problem. Just thought it was funny how she couldn't seem to keep her hands off you."

Soap's frown deepened, and he took a step closer. "You're out of line, Ghost."

I met his gaze, the tension between us suddenly palpable. "Am I? Or are you just upset because I pointed out the obvious?"

He shook his head, frustration clear in his eyes. "You're being an ass."

"Maybe," I said, not backing down. "But at least I'm not leading her on."

"Leading her on?" Soap's voice rose slightly, drawing the attention of a few nearby teammates. "I'm not leading anyone on. We were just talking."

I shrugged again, trying to hide the hurt behind my words. "If you say so."

The silence that followed was heavy, the easy camaraderie of moments ago shattered. Soap's jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might say something more. But then he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving me standing there with my fists clenched at my sides.

I watched him go, the frustration and jealousy swirling inside me. I knew I'd crossed a line, but the words had slipped out before I could stop them. The thought of Soap with the medic, their easy laughter, it all felt like a betrayal, even though I knew it was irrational.

The rest of the break passed in a blur. I went through the motions, my mind replaying the argument over and over. I should have apologized, tried to smooth things over, but the stubborn part of me wouldn't let go of the jealousy.

Training resumed, and I threw myself into it with a focus that bordered on obsession. Every punch, every kick, every maneuver was a way to channel the frustration and anger I felt. But no matter how hard I pushed myself, the image of Soap and Sarah kept creeping back in, taunting me.

By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. The team gathered in the mess hall for dinner, the usual noise of chatter and laughter filling the air. Soap sat a few seats away, his focus on his food, his usual easy smile absent.

I wanted to say something, to break the silence that had settled between us, but the words wouldn't come. The jealousy still simmered beneath the surface, a constant reminder of my own insecurities. I hated feeling this way, hated the way it made me act.

After dinner, we headed back to our quarters. The walk was silent, the tension between us unspoken but heavy. As we reached the door to our shared room, I hesitated, wanting to say something, anything to break the silence.

But Soap just nodded, his expression closed off. "Night, Ghost."

"Night, Soap," I replied, watching as he turned and walked into the room.

I stood there for a moment, the weight of the day pressing down on me. The jealousy, the argument, it all felt like a wall between us, one that I didn't know how to break through. I needed to get a grip, to find a way to deal with these feelings before they tore us apart.