soap wants to prove himself so bad to his unit, wants them to actually like having him around, more than tolerate him. he knows he's skilled, understands and is proud of his achievements, but it's never enough. he tries, going for the most elusive member of the squad right off the bat, thinking that if ghost of all people doesn't smack him on the head after spending more than 5 minutes in his vicinity, than maybe, soap can stay. won't get shunned, ridiculed, mocked. the thought dims, somewhat, after he almost dies - but the mere thought of his LT staying with him, waiting and guiding him, even if the chances of his survival were slim at best, is enough to fuel him for months to come. ghost clocks it, of course, sees the way the sergeant practically throws himself at people, grinning from ear to ear and making himself as lovable as he possibly can. simon scoffs each time, something nasty and angry overtaking his usually disciplined composure. it's not a surprise when one day, he simply snaps, arm snatching the scot and dragging him away somewhere without an audience, without soap's need to please everybody and be overly-friendly with them. his grip is tight, relentless, but johnny doesn't struggle - watches with a shallow breath, anticipation already making him hyper-aware of every move ghost makes. more than willing to take it all.
"from now on, you only look at me, yeah, johnny? ain't nobody else out there for you. just me."
