Call of Duty Ghosts: The Aftermath

Chapter 29

Slate

As I fill up my glass of water, I turn when I hear footsteps. Shutting the faucet off, I spin to see Merrick walk in the room.

He looks up at me.

"Hey, Slate," he says, and I nod.

"Hey. Logan okay?" I worry, and Merrick shakes his head with a chuckle.

"Oh yeah. He's fine."

Leaning back against the counter, I take a sip of water, then set my glass down. I cross my arms.

"You've been down there a while. What were you guys doing?" I ask, and Merrick sighs then walks over to lean against the counter next to me.

"Logan and Cameron wanted to know more about Keegan. So I basically told them all about Keegan's military history. As long as I've known him." He answers, and I smirk.

"Even the part about when we were in battle?" I ask, and Merrick glances up at me.

"That part the most. Logan and Cameron were astounded at Keegan's bravery and determination."

I raise my eyebrow.

"What about his irrational actions and annoying attitude?" I ask, holding back a laugh. Merrick smirks as he shakes his head.

"Yep. That too." He nods, then sighs.

"Keegan walked in just as I was telling them about the end of the battle. You know, when he was stabbed?" He asks, and I straighten up.

"Of course I remember. How could I not? We all remember. Keegan was the youngest Marine ever, and he risked his life, then almost lost it to protect us." I respond, and Merrick frowns.

"Apparently he didn't know that." He mutters, and I raise my eyebrow.

"Know what?"

Merrick drops his shoulders with a sigh.

"He didn't know that we all cared about him that much. He thought that since he was such a pain in the ass, I would have just let him die."

My eyes widen, and I sit up straight.

"What?!"

Merrick nods, then he smiles.

"But, after I explained, Logan and Cameron explained how much they cared, and then we all started joking, and Keegan seemed to turn back into that kid we knew twelve years ago." He smirks, and I feel my lips turn up in a smile.

"He is still young, Thomas. He deserves to act like a kid again." I say, and Merrick nods.

"I know. And I'm glad that he has Logan to be with him." Merrick turns his head to me.

"You know, even though he hasn't really said it, I know that Keegan felt like the Walkers were his brothers. That's why he went after them. I'm sure of it. Plus, the way that he's so close to Logan now? He cares about them. Just like how we care about him." He voices with a soft smile.

I shrug and nod.

"It's good for him. He never really had anyone like that, other than Kick. But he was more like an older brother to him. Hesh and Logan, they're closer to him than anything. I've noticed it, too. And I'm happy for him. He needs this." I remark slowly, and Merrick nods.

"Yeah. He has someone to look after him, and someone to look after." He says brightly with a smile, looking into the other room.

I sigh as a warm feeling flows through me, thinking of the young boy I helped all those years ago now a man with a new family.