#solya

By who, you weren't sure.

It was safe to say you made it a point not to be seen, heard, or remembered. You were silent when it came to everything you did. It was one of the main reasons Price brought you onto the team, the main reason you were recommended to him.

But, on the off chance that someone was in your quiet spots when you were there, you usually ignored their presence, going about your business quietly. Too quietly for the 141.

This often led to a series of:

"Holy shit! How long have you been there?!"

"Fuckin' hell, don't sneak up on me like that."

"AHH, I didn't see you!"

Or even, "Fuck! You gotta warn me when you come in. Gotta put some fucking bells on you or something.."

You often got hit for waiting behind someone for a chance to the cabinets. It also led to you being constantly stepped on or getting knocked into. It was something you had grown used to and never blamed anyone for it. It wasn't their fault you couldn't walk like a normal person.

You tried to walk a little heavier, but the mere sound of your footsteps made you cringe.

And one day, after sneaking up on Gaz, Ghost, Price, and lastly Soap, they all agreed they needed to do something about this.

Yes, it was useful on the field, but not when they held a burning cup of coffee in their hand. So, they sat you down and had a serious conversation.

"Alright lass," Soap started, elbows on his knees as he looked at you earnestly. "We.. we gotta do something about your uh... lack of sound while walkin'. You're scaring half the platoon and they're all on edge thinking you might be there."

You nod solemnly, about to apologize when Gaz cuts in.

"A-and we know it's not your fault, so no need to apologize. We just gotta come up with some solutions, yeah?"

You nod again though still feeling bad.

Attempt 1:

"Some heavy boots. Makes a bunch of noise when you walk." Gaz suggested, smiling like he solved the problem.

Except, you really didn't like the sound of your footsteps and walked even quieter as to not hear them. Plus, they hurt your feet and thighs when walking, so... 2/10.

"I don't like them. They hurt." You tell Gaz a few days later, dodging a punch when he whipped around.

"Shit. Sorry lass. Alright, let's get something different." He said, heart still racing from being snuck up on.

Attempt 2:

"Maybe just hum a little tune when you come out of your room. Then we'll know where you are." Price suggested with an earnest smile.

You nodded, agreeing to sing or hum when you were out. The only problem with this was that, unless you were eating breakfast, you didn't really come out until later. At night, type of later.

So yeah, you would sing a song in the kitchen at night while making a cup of tea or getting water. It would creep out all the soldiers when the song traveled, and anyone up later would hear you and think they're being haunted, leading to Price checking it out himself at all hours of the night only to be creeped out by your choice of song.

"I'll.. be right behind you~ No~ matter where you goooo. I'll.. be there to surprise you. And I~ just want you to know~

"I'm the monster underneath your bed. I'm every thought inside your head. You can run, but you can't hide. I am already inside--"

"Hey." He cuts off, stepping into the dark kitchen.

You halt all movement, facing away from him.

"Uh.." He says, coming closer.

"Yes?" You prompt, finally moving again as you continue to make your tea.

"What're you doing up?" He asks, coming to your side to see what you're working on.

"Making tea. Would you like some?" You ask softly.

"Uh no. I'm gonna go back to sleep, but.... you're kind of creeping out the soldiers now." He says apprehensively, hoping to not hurt your feelings.

"I understand." Is all you say, taking your tea back to your room.

Attempt 3:

It's Soap's turn now to come up with something so that the soldiers stop being on edge, wondering if you're around the corner or the next.

"Well. On ma family's farm, we got a couple o' cows and put bells on them so we know when they're up and moving." Soap says, getting a few thoughtful hums around the kitchenette's small table.

It's a little dehumanizing to say the least, but you don't want to scare anyone anymore, or be stepped on, or dodge a hit when someone turns around. So yeah, you decide to get some small bells to put on your belt loops.

Every time you enter a room anyone there can hear the small jingle and not be startled when you're suddenly at their side. And it works. No more terrified yelps or being screamed at (by accident) for popping up out of nowhere.

Though still, some soldiers still have PTSD from your late night singing, or just being wary in general in case you forgot to put your bells on.

Anyway, the base starts to see you, hear you, and remember your cute little golden bells that rest against the side of your thighs, swaying with each step.

"Hey, Bells. Heard you this time." They all commend with a smile, thankful as to not be scared by you anymore. Some start to ask why you're wearing bells, others asking for pointers on how to walk silently for when they get deployed.

Sometimes, the recognization gets a little too much and you take off the bells so that you can go about your day without being recognized. It's easier that way more often than not, but you still try to wear them for the sake of everyone else

------------