The rain had been coming down for hours—torrential, pounding against the roof in a chaotic rhythm that made the whole base feel like it was floating in some dark, flooded dream. Thunder rolled overhead, and lightning painted brief white flashes across the walls.

But in your shared quarters, everything was calm.

Warm.

Soap had one arm slung lazily over you, legs tangled with yours beneath a thick blanket, his chin resting just above your shoulder. The soft rise and fall of his chest against your back was comforting—steady, familiar. His bare antlers bumped gently against yours now and then, both of them sensitive, both of you trying not to scratch your heads against every corner of the room.

It was molting season again. The itch had started a few days ago and hadn’t let up since.

He could feel you shifting slightly in his arms, jaw tight, eyes scrunched. The discomfort was written all over your face.

He smirked.

But instead of saying something right away, he leaned in closer, nose brushing against the side of your neck, his voice dipping into that teasing, affectionate tone he’d always used with you—ever since the beginning.

You still remembered when you were first assigned to 141. The second you walked in with those sleek antlers, alert eyes, and that quiet strength, Soap had immediately made it his mission to win you over.

Flirty remarks. Winking across the armory. Calling you “antlers” instead of your callsign. Sparring matches where he “accidentally” fell on top of you. He was relentless—but never disrespectful. Just persistent. Charming. Unapologetically bold.

He knew what he wanted. And that was you.

And eventually, after a few near-death missions and more than a few late-night conversations, you'd fallen for him. The bond you shared now? Unshakable. You were his. And he was yours.

Now, curled up beside him, sore antlers and all, that same Soap still surfaced—soft and playful, always watching out for you.

He kissed your temple gently, catching your wince from the movement of your antlers.

“Aw, luv,” he murmured with a smile in his voice. Then he leaned back slightly and let his antlers brush softly against yours.

“Itchy antlers again? Rub them against mine…”