Gentler Approach Works
Ghost
Avil
Ghost
"A female recruit recently joined, and has been really touchy and clingy to your best friend, Ghost, meaning he is avoiding you, leaving you out.."
"he has replaced you.."
"each time you see them together it makes your blood boil, but this time you lost it"
"you saw them together again, but this time it was different… the recruit kept touching Ghost.. hugging him.. and acting like a couple.."
"are they dating..?"
Avil
"In the meantime, I continue my routine as normal and do my best to ignore you and the recruit. I focus on my training and keeping my bond with our other teammates strong."
Soap sidles up to me after a particularly long mission, our faces smudges with dirt and sweat. He nudges my shoulder and nails me with those bright blue eyes. “Hey, love. We’re meeting in the canteen in half an hour for a drink t’night to unwind after that shite. You game?”
"I smile tiredly at him and nudge him back." “Sure,” I say, quirking an eyebrow.
Ghost
"Nodding in agreement, I respond," "Yeah, why not. A drink sounds good right about now." <I let out a deep sigh and stretch my muscles, trying to release some of the tension in my body.>
Avil
"I take a shower and braid half my red-to-blond wavy hair close to my scalp to highlight the shaved nap and behind my ears. I put on my usual light makeup (keeping it natural looking) and add metallic copper eyeliner that compliments my hazel eyes. I change into a pair of black skinny jeans frayed to skin at the knees and a cold shoulder band t-shirt. I examine myself for a minute and take in the way my muscles are more well defined now after weeks of weight training."
I walk down the hall of the barracks and stick my key in my pocket, sticking my earbuds in for the walk out of the barracks and across the way to the canteen.
Ghost
"I notice you walking down the hall and make a show of checking my watch, pretending to be surprised when I see the time." "Oh, look who finally decided to join us," "I say with a smirk, gesturing for you to catch up and walk alongside me as we head to the canteen together." "You know Soap's been talking about this all day. Couldn't wait for his favorite ladies to show up."
Avil
"I’m surprised to see you and pull my earbuds out to hear you better." “Hey, Simon,” I say quietly, “I’m surprised to see you without your shadow,” I say casually.
“Soap has favorite ladies?” I breathe a laugh.
Ghost
"I chuckle at your reaction, shaking my head." "This guy," "I wave a hand in his direction," "always knows how to gather a crowd. Yes, Soap has his favorites." "I nudge you lightly with my elbow," "But he's the kind of guy that makes everyone feel like they're his favorite. We should get going if we don't want to be late."
Avil
"I smirk when you nudge me and feel a sense of sadness sweep through me, missing our easygoing closeness that’s tapered off since you spend most of your time now with someone else. I compartmentalize it and fight to keep my guard down, feeling a space between us that grows each day." “Yeah, he’s good like that,” I say softly as we reach the canteen doors.
Ghost
"As we enter the canteen, I scan the room and spot Soap and a few other teammates at a table in the corner. I give you a nod of my head, indicating that we should walk over there." "Let's grab a drink and join the fun," "I say, giving you a small smile as we make our way over to the table."
Avil
"Soap’s vivid blues land on you first and he nods, offering a fist bump before his eyes land on me and do a not-so-subtle sweep over me."
Soap says, “Sharps! You clean up good, love. Glad ye could make it!”
"I smile warmly at Soap and watch you slide in next to Gaz and Price. I sit opposite you and Soap scoots in beside me." “So, what are we drinking?” I ask, glancing around, quirking an eyebrow.
Ghost
"I glance at the bar and pick up a menu, browsing over the options." "Hm, not sure. How about you?" "I ask, pointing at my drink options. I chuckle softly, leaning back in my seat as I wait for your answer." "I'll try anything once."
Avil
“You guys know what I drink, cinnamon whiskey all day, dude,” I say as the bartender nods once and slides my neat amber drink across the table. He hands Soap a Scottish beer, Gaz something from the tap and waits for your order.
Ghost
"I nod my head and look at the bartender, placing my order." "Just a vodka soda for me, thanks." "I turn to you and raise an eyebrow," "Cinnamon whiskey, huh? That's a new one to try. Maybe I'll switch it up next time."
Avil
"I offer my glass to you for a try, poking it toward you with a finger."
"Price starts up a story about a Russian operation gone hilariously wrong. The hint of a smile graces my lips as I watch him tell it, laughing out loud at the funny parts and enjoying the night with you boys."
Ghost
"I take the glass, eyeing it warily before giving it a small sip." "Mm, not bad," "I say, setting the glass back down in front of you." "I might have to try that again sometime."
"I listen intently to Price's story, laughing along with the rest as he recounts the details. Though there's still a twinge of discomfort between us, I push it aside and allow myself to enjoy the moment, feeling grateful for the company."
Avil
"I glance at you and nod once, taking a long sip of my whiskey. I run my tongue along my top row of teeth with my mouth closed, eyes on Price."
"Soap starts up his own story and I consider how each of us has a draw - a facet that pulls the others in. I ponder what mine is before zoning back in to the story when Soap nudges me subtly, telling me he noticed my straying thoughts. I smirk and take a drink, sweeping my eyes across the group of us."
Ghost
"I catch your glance and nod my head slightly in acknowledgement, sensing the momentary lull in conversation." "Hey, anyone want another round?" "I ask, signaling over the bartender. As he approaches, I take note of the others' drinks and pass the orders on to him."
"I lean back in my seat, taking a sip of my vodka soda as we wait for our drinks to arrive. There's a sense of camaraderie in the air, and I feel myself relaxing a bit more in the company of my teammates."
Avil
"I chew my bottom lip, squeaking when Soap pokes my side and startles me out of my thoughts." “Okay, Pokerton, enough of that!” I smirk, pinning him with a playful glare. Soap grins and waggles his eyebrows, teasing me.
"I smirk and shake my head, eyeing the pool table."
Ghost
"I laugh softly, clapping Soap on the shoulder." "Alright, alright! Enough," "I say with a grin, turning my attention toward the pool table as well." "Might be time for a little friendly competition." "I suggest, eyeing you as I stand up to stretch out my legs."
"I pick up the cue ball and grin at Soap." "First round is on me, buddy. Who's up first?"
Avil
Soap chimes in that he’ll go first against you. I smile in anticipation, interested to see the game between the two of you. I drop off the empties at the bar and grab my full glass, heading to the perimeter of the pool table. I sit casually on one of the stools and cross my legs, eyes on the two (you and Soap) of you as you start to play.
Ghost
"I grin as Soap agrees to go first, handing over the cue ball as he sets up his first shot. I take a few steps back, giving him enough room to maneuver as he lines up his shot."
"As Soap takes his shot, I watch closely, mentally noting his technique and how I might be able to use it to my advantage. Though I'm competitive by nature, there's a sense of ease and relaxation between us as we continue the game, each taking shots with laughter and good-natured teasing flying back and forth."
"As I line up my final shot, I glance over at you, adrenaline pumping through my veins." "This is it," "I say, grinning triumphantly as I sink the final eight ball in the corner pocket." "Looks like I win this round."
*I straighten up and lean on my cue, catching
Avil
"I smile as you win and stand to pat Soap on the shoulder." “Good try, MacTavish. I’ll take your place.”
"He smirks and hands me his cue. I can feel his eyes on me as I take a long drink of my whiskey to finish the glass and turn to face you at the pool table." “It’s you and me again,” I say.
Ghost
"I chuckle and accept the cue from Soap, giving him a nod of respect before setting my eyes on you across the table. There's a part of me that's competitive by nature, always striving to prove myself in whatever I do, but with you, I find that it doesn't really matter."
"I quietly savor the moment as we prepare for our match, glancing at you briefly before lining up my first shot. The cue moves smoothly through the air, connecting with the ball exactly how I'd envisioned, and it brings a satisfied smile to my lips."
"As we continue to play, I enjoy the banter and laughter between us, taking the time to appreciate the bond we've formed throughout all these years of service together."
Avil
"I ease into the game with you as we slowly sink back into a routine of banter and reminiscence over our long history as friends."
"For the first time in almost two months, I don’t have to force thoughts of you away, because the ones that come are of us. Our past adventures and the close moments we’ve shared that feel sacred in the grand scheme of things."
"My quiet and contemplative nature gives way to a more loud and funny side when we’re together."
"I watch you take your turns and just admire the man you are, living in the each moment as it is. I feel more alive now than I have in ages, not caring if I win or lose the game, but trying my best nonetheless."
"Our gazes lock over the table and I smile warmly at you, feeling closer to you now, more like how we used to be."
Ghost
"The warmth registering in my chest, I mirror your gaze and smile back, feeling that familiar fondness for you. It's a rare moment of vulnerability, one that I cherish as it reminds me of what we once had."
"As the game continues, I find myself losing track of the score or even the balls remaining on the table. Every shot I take is infused with desperation, trying to capture the essence of our camaraderie that we once shared. But that's the beauty of this friendship - it transcends the rigid lines between duty and loyalty."
"Music fills the air around us, an unspoken crescendo of emotions unfolding with each clearing of the table. And in these moments, when the world seems to fade away, all that's left are memories of laughter, I cherish having you in my life. And for the first time, I feel a jab of fear - what if I lost you? What if you moved on and left me behind?"
Avil
"I can sense your change of energy after you take your shot and notice you’re not as focused on the game anymore. I sidle up next to you and nudge your shoulder with mine." “Hey. You up for taking a walk? I could use some fresh air.”
Ghost
"Feeling your presence next to me, I turn my head and look at you, reading the concern in your eyes. A small part of me wants to lash out in frustration, to blame you for everything that's happened, but it quickly fades as I hear the softer tone in your voice."
"I set down my cue and nod, running a hand through my hair." "Yeah, that sounds good." "I follow you out of the room, letting the quiet atmosphere of the hallway soothe my frayed nerves."
"As we step outside, I take deep breaths of the crisp night air, the chill settling into my bones. It feels good - cleansing, in a way - to be away from that game and away from the pressure that comes with being the best. I turn my head to meet your gaze once more." "Thanks," *I say quietly
Avil
"I smile at you in that quiet way I have and casually thread my fingers with yours, keeping the energy between us calm and reassuring. It’s a gesture we’ve shared dozens of times before, but not since you’ve drifted away from me." “What’s on your mind, Si?” I ask, using a nickname I haven’t said in a while now.
Ghost
"I chew on my lip, stance shifting slightly as I internally struggle to find the words I need. Your soft tone catches me off guard, the nickname carrying weight that seems to fill the room around us."
"Eventually, I exhale a shaky breath, wringing our connected hands in constrictive knots. “Things feel different with you lately,” I admit, hearing the vulnerability in my voice. “You’ve been acting standoffish and distant – like there’s something going on.” I glance away, watching my foot tap in time with my nerves."
"Your presence is comforting, and knowing we can always rely on each other puts some measure of courage back into my heart. Turning my gaze back to you, I lower my voice to barely more than a whisper". "
Avil
"I listen intently to you, my eyes tracking up to you as you speak. I hold your hand firmly, taking in the things you say."
"You seem tense and frustrated and I want to help you. I keep my own feelings compartmentalized to focus on you. The feelings I’m repressing are from your extended time with the new recruit and the way you seem to have easily replaced me with her. I wonder if Soap’s obvious and unapologetic interest in me has anything to do with how you’re feeling."
Ghost
"I see the understanding and care that lies within your gaze, the unwavering support that I know is a constant in my life. It fills me with a warm sense of comfort, and for a moment, I wish we could stay like this forever, holding hands and looking out into the night."
"But the issue at hand looms before us, an invisible curtain that separates us from the intimacy we once shared. Something deep within me is afraid of what I might find if I pull back the veil, a fear that has kept me distant. Nevertheless, I trust you enough to take the plunge, to confront the source of my agitation."
"I...I don't know how to describe it," *I start, hesitantly. "It's like..." I trail off, unsure of myself. It's such a weird and foreign feeling to me, this overwhelming jealousy
Avil
"I listen as you continue"
Ghost
"...like she's taken something important away from us," I continue, grasping for the right words. "I know it's stupid, and that I’m allowed to make new friends, but...it feels different this time, it’s affected you and I."*
"I turn to you fully, staring you down with a mix of apprehension and determination." "And Soap - the way he looks at you...I don't like it. It wouldn't bother me normally, but I can't help feeling like there's something there beyond just friendly interest."
"My chest tightens at the thought, fear and anger churning within me like a storm." "Am I crazy?" *I ask, sounding more desperate than I'd like.
Avil
“No, Si. You’re not crazy,” I say, gently tugging your hand to keep you walking with me toward an old spot we used to haunt often. It’s an outcropping of boulders against the mountainside with a plateau perfect for privacy and the view.
We climb it together and I sit facing you, our knees and feet touching as we sit cross-legged looking into each other’s faces. “You’re not crazy,” I say quietly, staring into your blue eyes. “I don’t know the nature of your relationship with the new girl. It’s not something you talk to me about. But your relationship with her has changed ours. We spend a lot less time together now, and we’re drifting because of it. She’s with you all the time. This is the first time I’ve seen you without her in months. And all this time…” I turn my face away for a second and swallow hard. “It feels like you replaced me, Simon. And that hurts.”
Ghost
"I let you lead me to the outcropping, appreciating the quiet solitude of the mountains adding a sense of calm to my turbulent thoughts. You settle in front of me and our close proximity sends shivers down my spine. The way you touch me is grounding in a way that nothing else can be."
"I feel like I’ve been holding my breath for years, waiting for somebody to say what I'm feeling out loud."
“I didn't replace you,” I whisper, eyes flickering back up to meet yours, locking into your kind gaze as my own fill with unshed tears. “I could never replace you...you’re like family- no, you’re more than that. You’re like an extension of myself.”
"I pause, taking a soothing breath before continuing". "It's just that she's new and everything feels so...exciting and refreshing and
Avil
"I gaze up at you, into your eyes, listening as you continue"
Ghost
"My eyes flicker up to yours, searching for understanding. I know that you are the only one who could really grasp what I'm feeling right now."
"But I see it now," I say, surprising myself with how candid I'm being. "I see how it's hurt you and how much we've been drifting apart...I don't want that to happen to us,"
"I put my hand on top of yours, squeezing gently." "I guess...I just wanted something new, you know? Something that made me feel alive again. But I see now that I already have that- in you. And I shouldn't have taken that for granted."
"I pause, my gaze snapping back up to yours," "But seeing Soap so interested in you, I feel like he's stepping into the role I've always had with you."
*I take your hand again, the gesture anchoring me.”
Avil
"I squeeze your hand." “Now what, Si? What happens to us from here?” "I stare over at you with intensity, feeling like I might combust waiting for what you’ll say next."
Ghost
"Your intensity makes my heart skip a beat and I take a deep breath, reassurance returning to my voice." “From here? We work it out. It won’t be easy, but we have the foundation for what could be one of the best relationships either of us has ever had, if we both allow ourselves to recognize that.”
"I grip your hand more firmly, moving slowly closer into your personal space, our knees tapping together shyly as we make contact between low-burning embers that are ready to ignite into a roaring inferno."
"I look you in the eye, voice wavering." “Just... give me a chance to make this right,” "I say, pulling you towards me until our lips touch in a whisper of a kiss that promises everything spoken and unspoken between us."
Avil
"I watch you come closer and my lips part, my pulse speeding through my veins as you speak." "When you pull me into you and kiss me, I wrap my palm behind your neck and kiss you back hot and hard. I sit up to move closer and straddle your lap, humming into your mouth." "Part of me can’t believe you (Ghost) is kissing me. It feels like we’ve been dancing our this mutual attraction forever. But part of me is afraid that you’re going to break my heart with the new girl."
Ghost
"Your change in position sends thrilling shivers down my spine, your body against mine igniting a fire I haven't felt in years."
"Your humming makes me laugh, a breath of air erupting from my chest." "God, Avil…" "I groan quietly into the kiss, hands moving up to wrap around your waist, pulling you closer, reveling in the closeness of our skin against each other"
"Time seems to stand still in this moment, the world fading away to leave just us and the juxtaposition of pain and pleasure twisting within us both as we let ourselves fall deeper into the dance between need, desire, and the solid foundation of a relationship built on trust and love."
Avil
"I lean back and hold your masked face in my hands, staring down from above you as I still straddle your lap." “Before we get carried away, there’s more we have to figure out. What does this mean, Simon? I don’t even know how you feel about me.”
Ghost
"I feel a small twinge in my chest at your words, knowing that I've been distant and difficult to read lately."
"You're right, Avil." "I swallow hard, hand reaching up to brush my thumb along your bottom lip." “I want you to know that I have feelings for you."
"I pause, trying to find the right words to say what's been on my mind." "It's like we're two sides of the same coin- my dark exterior coupled with your light. I've never met someone who can balance me out quite like you do."
"I reach up to cup your cheek, brushing my thumb along the soft skin there." "I want you, Avil. In a way that’s more than friends. I want you in every way I can have you.”
Avil
"I close my eyes at your confession and lean my forehead against yours as tears leak from my eyes and a smile graces my lips - happy tears." "I feel my body relax against yours and I open my eyes, staring into yours, still holding the sides of your masked face." “I love you Simon Riley. I have for a long time now. And I want you too, all of you, forever. I don’t want to lose you to someone else.”
Ghost
"I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the weight of your words on my heart as it swells with emotion. Then I open them again, gazing at you with intensity and honesty."
"I love you too, Avil. And you won't lose me to her or anyone else."
"I draw you in for another kiss, this one slower and deeper, communicating with actions what words can barely express."
"Our arms around each other, I pull you close and let our bodies fill the space between us until there is no distance left."
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