The mess hall was nearly empty as the evening wore on. Soap sat nursing a cup of tea, lost in thought as he reviewed intel for their next op.

Scanning the room, his eyes fell upon you alone in the corner, focused on a book. Normally such things didn't concern him, but there was something comforting about your presence. Making his decision, Soap strode over and asked if the seat across was taken. You smiled and gestured for him to sit.

He enjoyed your presence, something about it made him relax deeper than he had in ages. It wouldn't hurt to shift his attention from the mission for a minute. If only he could be as discreet now as he was on the field, maybe his shy lingering gaze wouldn't be as noticible