rat piss

Later Ghost is alone in his room when there’s a knock at his door. Soap slips in and locks the door behind him. They stare at each other before Soap surges forward to kiss Ghost over the mask. Desperate, not caring as he kisses the balaclava. Without thinking Ghost rips it off. Takes control of the kiss, shows soap how to flick his tongue, how to tease.

They tumble into bed and clothes are shed, Soap is on his back, naked, staring up at Ghost.

“Why?” Ghost asks. He won’t ask Soap if he’s sure, he’s not losing now. It’s just a bet.

“I- You were nearly dead Ghost. Right in front of me. I thought a part of me was going to die with you. I don’t want to live another day not knowing what it’s like to be yours. I lov-“ and that’s where Ghost kisses him. Hard. Shuts him up. Ignores Soaps tears, tears for him. Ignores the feeling in his own chest. It’s just a bet.

Afterwards they’re lay in bed, Ghost holding Soap as he drifts off to sleep. He tries not to think about how the sex was different to every other time for Ghost. Eventually Soap rolls away from him in his sleep. Lands on his stomach, the sheet pooled around his hips.

The marks from Ghosts mouth are clearly visible. The bite marks along his back, the bruises from his hands on his shoulders.

It’s just a bet.

Ghost grabs his phone.

He snaps a picture.

He sends it to the group chat with a simple “I win”.

He shuts his phone off as soon as it’s delivered, rolling to gather Soap in his arms. He drifts off the easiest he has in a long long time. It’s just a bet.

They wake up to furious pounding on his door. Soap jerks awake, disoriented but Ghost is instantly alert. He pulls on his sweatpants and balaclava and storms to the door, pulling it open to see Gaz.

“Why are-“ is all he gets out before Gaz has punched him straight in the nose. It’s a good hit, instantly gushing blood.

Soap tumbles from the bed, gets his trousers on, shouting at Gaz angrily.

Gaz doesn’t bother to argue, just thrusts his phone. No. Not his phone. Another soldiers phone, at Soap.

“Soap-“ Ghost starts.

“Shut the fuck up.” Gaz snarls.

Soap grabs it and starts to scroll, eyes flickering up to look at Ghost every so often. Why is Ghosts heart pounding so hard? He feels sick.

Soap quickly reaches the end of whatever thread he was reading, staring at the screen for a moment before locking the phone.

The room is silent.

Gaz and Ghost are shocked when Soap breaks, hurling the phone at the wall with all his strength.

He takes a step toward Ghost before stopping himself. Obviously fighting himself hard before he sneers at him and turns to find his shirt.

Ghost can’t speak. Soap can’t know. No one outside of the bet was meant to know. No one.

Soap pulls his shirt on and makes his way to Gaz, shaking. His eyes are red and glassy.

“Johnny” he says softly.

Soap turns to him, his expression blank. “Congratulations on winning the bet Lieutenant Riley. Enjoy your winnings” is all he says before he disappears with Gaz.

Ghost slams his door closed. His heart beating so fast he’s worried he’s having a heart attack.

Soap had never looked at him like that before. So empty.

He sinks onto his bed, shaking. He’s surprised when something wet lands on his hand. Tears? Why the fuck is he crying. It doesn’t matter. It’s just a bet. He doesn’t know why he feels like a part of him has died.