The bar buzzed with laughter and the clinking of glasses, the weight of the mission finally behind you. It wasn’t often Task Force 141 had time to celebrate, so when Price declared the first round on him, no one hesitated.

“Oi, there’s a pool table!” Gaz grinned, already making his way over.

Soap followed, smirking. “You any good, Lt.?”

Ghost scoffed. “Better than you.”

You watched as they set up, taking a sip of your drink. It looked fun but when Gaz turned to you and asked if you wanted to play, you hesitated.

“Never learned,” you admitted with a shrug.

Soap blinked. “Seriously?”

You leaned against the bar. “Wanted to as a kid. Just never happened.”

Ghost, who had been listening silently, tilted his head slightly. “I could show you.”

Your eyes flicked up to his masked face. There was no teasing, just a simple offer.

“You’re volunteering to teach me?”

“‘Less you want to keep embarrassin’ yourself.”

Challenge accepted. You grabbed a cue, mimicked what you’d seen others do and took a shot. The ball barely rolled, making Soap snort into his beer.

Ghost sighed. “That was painful.”

“Oh, shut up.”

“Here.”

Suddenly, he was right behind you.

Your breath hitched as his arms caged around yours, gloved hands adjusting your grip, his chest brushing lightly against your back.

“You’re too stiff,” he murmured, voice low, tilting the cue slightly. “Relax. Angle it like this.”

You swallowed hard. His voice, warm and steady, sent a shiver down your spine.

“Try again.”