Unseen | Ghost x Soap

Chapter 41: Dinner Discussions

Soap's POV:

The day had been long, the training rigorous. My body ached, but it was a good ache, the kind that came from pushing myself to the limit. As the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the end of our exercises, we headed to the mess hall for dinner. The tantalizing scent of food greeted us as we walked in, a welcome comfort after the day's exertions.

I found a seat at our usual table, my muscles protesting as I lowered myself onto the bench. Ghost took the seat next to me, his presence as reassuring as ever. As the team settled in and began eating, the usual chatter and banter filled the air.

Ghost's hand found its way to my thigh under the table, a gentle touch meant to comfort me without drawing attention. I appreciated the gesture, the warmth of his hand grounding me. I glanced at him, offering a small, grateful smile. He returned it, his eyes conveying a silent message of support.

The team was discussing something random—movies, I think. Gaz was animatedly describing a scene from an action flick, his hands moving wildly as he spoke. I tried to focus on the conversation, but my mind kept drifting, the fatigue from the day still weighing heavily on me.

"Hey, Soap," Roach called out, drawing my attention. "You look like you're about to fall asleep in your plate."

I chuckled weakly, shaking my head. "Just tired, that's all."

Gaz smirked, his eyes flicking between Ghost and me. "Or maybe it's all that extra 'training' you and Ghost have been doing."

I felt a flush creep up my neck, but I tried to play it off. "Yeah, right. Like we have time for anything extra."

Price raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You two have been awfully close lately. Something we should know about?"

I rolled my eyes, though the teasing was starting to grate on my nerves. "We're just good friends. Nothing more to it."

Ghost's grip on my thigh tightened slightly, a silent reminder to stay calm. "Let it go, guys," he said, his voice firm. "We're just looking out for each other."

Roach grinned, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Ghost."

The conversation continued, the team laughing and joking, but the undercurrent of teasing remained. It was annoying, but I knew they meant well. Still, the constant hinting at something more between Ghost and me was starting to wear thin.

Ghost leaned in slightly, his voice low so only I could hear. "Ignore them. They don't know what they're talking about."

I nodded, grateful for his reassurance. "Yeah, I know. Just tired of the jokes."

He squeezed my thigh gently, his touch a calming presence. "We'll get through it. Just focus on eating and resting up."

Dinner eventually came to an end, and we all headed back to the barracks. The teasing continued as we walked, but it was less intense, the team clearly winding down for the night. I was exhausted, my body craving rest.

In the barracks, Ghost and I went through our usual routine, preparing for bed in a comfortable silence. Despite the day's teasing, there was a sense of peace between us, a quiet understanding that needed no words.

As I climbed into bed, I felt the weight of the day settle over me, my eyelids heavy with fatigue. Ghost sat on the edge of his own bed, glancing over at me. "You alright, Johnny?"

I nodded, offering a tired smile. "Yeah, just tired. Thanks for today."

He nodded, his expression soft. "Anytime. Get some sleep."

I turned over, the comfort of the blankets a welcome relief. As I drifted off, I thought about the day's events, the teasing, the silent support from Ghost. There was still so much unsaid between us, so many lines blurred.