War of Hearts

Chapter Twenty-Five - Epiphany

Hex contently strummed her old guitar all throughout the night, getting lost in the sound and feeling at home under the stars. The music, the night sky, and the closure gave her soul the rest it so desperately needed. She paused every so often to reflect on the strange lingering feeling in her heart, trying to pinpoint its source. What she said was true, she was happy for Alex, so where was this sense of longing coming from? She let it roll off for now, and allowed herself to finally feel something close to calm. As the sun started to rise, she blinked and rubbed her eyes, rising from where she had settled deeply into the pile of pillows. The entire base seemed to awaken around her as she made her way down from the rooftop.

Further within the ULF, Soap rose early to offer to spar with Ghost, sensing he was angry about something, and hoping he could provide some sort of outlet for his friend. Ghost grumbled an unenthused agreement, and they made their way to the firing range where a few mats were located. Either the wind had covered them in sand overnight, or they hadn't been used in a long time. Soap and Ghost dragged them out and each took a fighting stance.

Things started simply enough, familiar jabs and techniques flowed between them. Soap took his lack of effort as a further sign something was off. "I know you never want to talk about it, but what's going on with you Lt.?

Ghost grumbled and swung, and Soap ducked, grinning a bit.

"C'mon sir, you know you can talk to me."

Ghost swung again, and Soap dodged again, still no answer to his question.

"Is it Makarov?"

Another swing hit air.

"Is it me?"

Ghost rolled his eyes. "Right now, yeah."

Soap chuckled, then paused. "...is it Hex?"

This time Ghost's swing hit its mark, fueled with a sudden surge at hearing her name.

"Oof! Okay, think I found my answer."

He glared, then resumed his restrained strikes.

"I thought you guys were doing better? Did something happen?"

No answer. They were doing better, so why was he so angry?

Hex strolled up to them and propped herself on a crate nearby, watching them work. "Good morning!"

They both snapped their attention to her as she sat down. "What timing..." Soap said under his breath. Ghost jabbed at his throat.

"Hm?"

"ACK- ahem. Nothing. Good morning!" 

Alex arrived not long after with two cups of coffee in his hands.

"Oh, you are a life saver."

"You had a late night," he said with a smile. "Thought you could use it."

Ghost's gaze shifted to Alex with a seething rage in his eyes. Soap saw the opportunity and moved to put Ghost in a lock, but he quickly broke it and threw him to the ground with a *slam.* Alex winced, and Hex snapped through laughter "Hey! Take it easy on that leg, I worked hard on that!"

Ghost's eyes lingered on them and he crossed his arms as Soap stood again, shaking off the tackle.

"Pretty reckless staying up all night."

Hex waved it off. "Please, we work through the night more often than not anyway."

"Oh working? That what you call it?"

She didn't bother hiding her surprise. "What's your problem?"

"My problem is you. We're supposed to be ready to go at a moment's notice and that's how you decide to spend your time?" It was as though he was watching himself from within his heart in the same space that held her, kicking and screaming for him to stop, but he couldn't. He was so angry thinking she and Alex spent the night together that his cold fury was bursting out of him.