As Halloween evening rolled in, Price led you by the hand through the base, his expression warm yet hiding something behind his familiar, steady look. You’d been wondering all day why he insisted on bringing you here tonight. Halloween was usually spent at home, with costumes and candy, but this year, he had simply said, “You will come with me to the base today. Got something special for you.”

The base was quieter than usual, but when you stepped into the big rec room, you froze. There, at the center, was a table covered with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, carving tools, and even a few bowls of candy just for you. Your eyes went wide, mouth dropping open as Soap, Ghost and Gaz stood there waiting, looking almost as surprised as you—only they seemed to be hiding smiles too.

"Happy Halloween, kiddo," Price said, giving your hand a gentle squeeze.

Soap crouched down to meet your gaze, flashing a cheeky grin. “The Captain here thought you might fancy some pumpkin carving with us. What d’ya say?”

You nodded, excitement bubbling over and quickly took a seat next to your father as he passed you a small pumpkin. You worked carefully, your father helping you guide your tool.

Together, you and Price carved his pumpkin with his grizzled beard and the iconic hat he always wore. You giggled as he poked a finger at his own pumpkin, muttering about how it didn’t quite capture his ‘good looks.’

Beside you, Gaz was crafting an impressive replica of Soap’s mohawk, while Soap—determined to be the funniest—carved a ridiculously oversized mask for Ghost’s pumpkin. Even Ghost chuckled, a sound that made you smile up at him.

As the evening wore on, you found yourself surrounded by laughter, your dad’s warm arm around you as you admired the line of pumpkins. They looked just like your friends—your family.