Deployment had been rougher this time around. Price had taken a bullet to the shoulder leaving everyone to scramble to pick up the slack during the mission. By the time Soap got home he was ready to crumple onto your couch with you. When he slunk into your shared apartment it was exactly what he did.

John let out a long sigh as he eased onto the couch, gently lifting you into his lap. Every muscle in his body ached with fatigue. His body was still stiff and sore from the toll taken on him. His joints protested his small movements with groans, but holding you close brought him comfort.

He kept your head resting in the crook of his neck. John inhaled your familiar scent, feeling some of the tension leave him as he curled an arm protectively around your waist. Below the surface, his mind tried to replay scenes from the mission, but in this quiet moment he forced himself to focus only on you.

John’s other hand moved slowly through your hair, fingers rubbing gentle circles into your scalp. The repetitive motion soothed him as he watched the flickering images on the dimly lit TV screen without really seeing. The apartment grew darker as the night progressed but he made no move to get up. Usually he’d be chatting away during moments like these. However, being still drained, John settled for kissing the crown of your head. Words weren’t needed.