my roots run deep into the hollows

"You daft? What do you mean 'a real woman'?" Soap stares at him. The Scot knows that Ghost had fun with pretty things like this before.

"You know. A woman who knows that it's not always good times. Who knows hard work and understands. Getting tired of just a few weeks or months. I need more... More substance."

Soap still stares at him. "Are you saying you are looking for long term? Are you for real?"

"Positive. Sure, we might not come back the next time. But we might come back more damaged than medical can fix. And then? Would be nice to have something to return to?"

His eyes are searching the room and land on you, one of the local gardeners that tend to the vegetation on base. He has seen you haul bags of soil and equipment, knows you work out at the gym after work. Since you are allowed to work on base you have had basic background checks already. And he knows you also work in a small flower shop on occasions. He knows that because you brought flowers for Price when you heard about his baby's birthday the other week. The flowers were for his wife. "People always forget to congratulate the parents for taking such good care of their kids. So these are for the mother. And don't worry, I won't mind if you pretend it was your idea, captain, I know you have been busy."

At first Ghost was alarmed that you knew so much but when he followed you around he realized it was just the way you interacted with people. You talked to them, about mundane things, as if they were just normal people. And you never asked about missions. You even avoided looking at any file on a desk, strictly focusing on the plants.

And maybe you are not pretty with your messy hair and dirty hands, crooked teeth and big ass. You don't have to. You know who you are and what you do. You don't need to find a man to validate you. And considering you sit with some soldiers and other base personnel at a table, laughing and drinking, you know how to have a social life. Still, it doesn't explain why he is drawn to you. Maybe it is the way you never shy away from his presence. Or because you remembered his allergies and plant flowers under his window that don't trigger it. Or because you snort at his jokes, even when you are not part of the conversation and just in proximity.

Or maybe it is the way you suddenly stand before him, a small grin on your face. "Oi, big boy. If ya keep starin, you'll be buying the next round. Or ask me out for a proper date."

Soap is snickering next to him but Ghost knows an opportunity when he sees it.

"Tomorrow, 8 pm, pick you up from your shop. Wear whatever you want." He ignores the choked laughter from Soap, and also that Gaz is handing a bill over. All he needs to see is the surprised look on your face and then something that could be hope and the beautiful rose tint your cheeks are suddenly showing.

"Alright. But not the pub or any other place you'd go with your boys. When I say proper date, I mean it."

"Yea ma'am."

You seem satisfied and continue to the bar. When you pass him on the way back, you slip him your number. "Just in case the world needs you more."

This time Soap hands money to Gaz.

Of the bills. The responsibility. The emotional labor. The constant pressure of trying to make life work for themselves and the people they love.