John was not a boring man, if he did not like the plans his friends proposed was for another reason. It had all been Soap’s fault and his idea of organizing a costume party to celebrate the twenty anniversary of the Task Force 141. He liked the idea of celebrating something for that anniversary so important to him, considering he was the captain.

"As soon as I can, I will recruit someone to replace Soap." He had been protesting as he settled the cape on his shoulders. He was grateful that you bought that mirror when you two were newlyweds, even when he objected to buying it. "A costume party to celebrate the anniversary of a military force is insulting. No, not insulting. It’s ridiculous. Stupid..."

"It’s funny." You pointed joyfully. He wanted to protest. No, it wasn’t fun from a certain age. He felt ridiculous dressing up. "It’s like when you do those missions where you pretend to be someone."

"And my front is The Phantom of the Opera?" He shook the long cape a little. It was a long black cape. John looked great in that signature outfit. It had been a constant struggle for him to agree to wear that white mask.

"You look gorgeous." You smiled. He looked at you reluctantly.

No, that wasn’t entirely true. You were dazzling, at least in his eyes. You were dressed as Christine, the woman the Phantom of the Opera sighed for. At least her characters resembled reality.

"I look ridiculous.", said John with no enthusiasm, the usual buzzkill. "And if I take off my mask it’s worse. We’re going to look... I don’t know, like Barbie and Grandpa Ken."