A/N: I've done my fair share of research on those swimming techniques, even then I'm not entirely sure whether I've pulled it off correctly. Anyways, sorry I haven't updated in a while (if you count eleven days being 'a while'), you should know I've been busy.

Enjoy~

"Ghost, you bloody bastard," Soap hissed as his friend jogged up to him with a wide grin. "Why can't you go a week without embarrassing me?"

"Hey, for once in a while, what I'm doing is actually going to help you!" Ghost raised his arms, pretended to look offended. Then, he smiled cheekily and winked. "Besides, I think you'll enjoy your private swimming class with the head lifeguard. You have to admit it, Soap, that man's actually a pretty good creature to look at."

Soap glanced at the lifeguard, and widened his eyes. The man approaching them was a tad taller than he was, with lean muscles and bare, fit chest, dressed in orange trunks and a dark boonie hat on his head. A pair of determined eyes, and a well-trimmed beard along the jaw…and the way the sunlight hit his skin…and the breeze of the wind that slightly raised his hat back from his face…

Soap sometimes hated it when his friend was right.

Ghost followed his gaze and chuckled that he caught Soap staring. "Hmm…I'm going to Roach, then. Have fun, MacTavish."

Though the smirk that threatened to show on Price's face was calmly suppressed, there was nothing he could do about the building excitement and satisfaction that was making his heart race. With each step he took, he drew nearer to the man of his interest, nearer to the man who caught his eyes at first glance.

Price eventually came close enough to receive the privilege to truly examine his facial features from up close.

He had a pair of eyes similar to a pair of finely-cut sapphires. They were almond-shaped and sky blue, perfectly crafted as to give him the honest and sincere gaze that made him look confident. Price felt a bit uncomfortable to know that he would do a lot of staring into those eyes for a while…and worried that he might end up getting lost in their beauty.

His nose was unlike Ghost's whose was angled sharply. His nostrils were not too small or wide, and the bridge of his nose was perfect, making it similar to the nose of a beautiful sculpture crafted by a master. His lips were damp and looked so kissable…and the slight beard on his chin and jaw just added to his pleasant appearance.

Ah yes, Price was correct. This man was ravishing.

"Er—hi," The stranger greeted, his lips tugging upwards into an apologetic smile. Extending an arm, he said, "Look, sir, I'm really sorry. Ghost is always causing trouble—"

"As much as I hate to say it, that wank is right, I really do need to get some exercise," Price's lips slightly tugged upwards into a smirk. He accepted the hand that was offered to him, and was slightly surprised by the strong grip he met with, and how warmly he shook his hand.

"Hmm, if you ask me, I'd say you look really good," The other said, and Price raised an eyebrow, his smirk vanishing, though he was actually amused by those words. The man of interest blushed, and stuttered, "I-I meant to say that you don't have to worry so much of exercising. Er—you seem in great health."

Price remained silent, forcing his lips in a straight line though he wanted so badly to smile. It was then he noticed their hands were still connected.

"I'm MacTavish, but I'd prefer you call me Soap. Now, before you ask me 'what the hell kind of name is Soap', Roach is just as bad a callsign, if you don't mind me saying."

Price narrowed his eyes, before he chuckled and allowed his eyes to wander to their still-connected hands. "Well played, Soap. Call me Price, it's a pleasure to meet you. Now…are you going to let go of my hand or not?"

Soap looked down at their hands and his face flushed. Immediately he relinquished his grip on the older man's hand and looked away, out towards sea. Clouds hung high in sky, blocking out all of the heat and sun, making the atmosphere of the beach shady and cool. A fresh breeze of sea air blew at that moment, whistling in the men's ears and brushing against their skins.

"You're looking robust and well-built yourself," Price returned the compliment, hoping he wasn't too late. Soap looked a bit startled, then smiled and mumbled an incoherent 'thank you', before Price continued, folding his arms and looking at him inquiringly. "And I'm finding it hard to believe a fit man like you couldn't swim."

Soap released a nervous and self-conscious chuckle. "Yeah…that's true, actually. It's so bloody embarrassing, but it's true. I don't completely know how to swim. I'm okay with a pool, but not the sea. Those waves…"

There was a moment of silence between them. They stared out into the sea for a while, watching the mid-high waves crash down as they rolled inland, before Price found himself smiling and stifling a roar of laughter.

"Are you scared of water?"

Soap grimaced. "Aye…maybe. But I have a reason for that, and the blame's on my other friend, Gaz."

Price's amusement disappeared. "What happened?"

"Let's just say I was coerced to jump from a ship to a helicopter and nearly fell into the raging sea," he answered, shuddering. "It was five years ago, when we were young and crazy. I have nightmares of being swallowed by the water. It's terrifying."

Again, silence settled between them as Price nodded thoughtfully and absorbed the information. Soap's friends were just as wild as the youngsters who visit the beach nowadays.

"So…are you sure about having me teach you swim?" Price began, doubting the idea.

"I'm absolutely sure, as embarrassing as it is," Soap nodded confidently, smiling at the older man. "I can't go the rest of my life not knowing how to handle the waters. It sounds like a big favour, so is that okay with you, Price?"

Price's heart suddenly fluttered. What's up with Soap and his pronounciation of the letter 'r'? Goddamn, can he really do it sexy.

"I don't mind, really," Price smirked. "Let's get started, eh? Is waist-deep fine with you?"

Soap nodded and said cheekily. "Are you confident your skills haven't gotten a tad rusty after a long time without any action?"

Price hummed and raised an eyebrow at Soap, his lips curved into a small smile. "Depends on which 'skill' and what kind of 'action' you're referring to, mate."

Catching on to his dirty meaning, a blush tinted Soap's cheeks. "Didn't know you had that kind of mind, Price."

"I'm just kidding, nobody wants a boring man like me," Price finally allowed the smile to fully form on his face.

"Boring?" Soap repeated, slightly shrugging. "I've only been in your company about five minutes, and I think otherwise…"

He ducked underneath the sunshade and packed up his half-eaten sandwich into a container, discreetly putting the small black book, that Price suspected was his sketchbook, on top of it, next to the foldable chair.

Price removed his boonie hat and threw it onto the chair underneath the sunshade. There was no way he was going into the water with his beloved hat, in fear it might get lost in the waves and sea.

And then Soap reached down for the edge of his shirt and pulled it over his head, removing his top. Price was so not expecting this, and gawked at the now-shirtless handsome young man. His chest chiseled, his back straight, his shoulder blades outlined, his six-pack abs standing out on his abdomen—Price hoped his ogling wasn't obvious,because seeing Soap as he was at the moment was extremely gratifying.

Soap didn't notice, fortunately. He reached down for a pair of black goggles, and at that time Price looked away, uncomfortable that he caught himself staring. He proceeded into the water with Soap following behind him. Once the sea-water reached their knees, he caught up with Price and walked alongside him.

The beach was only mildly crowded. Children were frolicking in the shallow parts of the sea, or scattered about the beach building sandcastles, young women were laughing and talking underneath sunshades, a group of teenage boys were playing volleyball in the distance, families were having picnics by the sides of the beach. The sea ahead, behind those high waves which challenged the daring youngsters, was jade and shimmering, and stretched out as far as the eye could see, briefly reminding Price of the lovely scenery he was in love with.

Soap slowed down when the water reached his thighs. The steady vibrations of waves as they made their way inland rocked against him, making the water reach his waist every five seconds. "I guess here will be okay."

Price nodded. "Are you familiar with the Front Crawl?"

"Freestyle strokes?" Soap raised an eyebrow. "Can't say I'm good at it, I've always been swimming with breast strokes. Ghost said the way I do the Front Crawl is sloppy, and that was in a swimming pool. But this is the sea, Price. The waves are different, and if my Front Crawl is clumsy in the pool, I can't imagine how I'd handle it here."

"Well, get used to the sea," Price said, placing his hands on a level that they exactly touched the surface of the water. "Water is an alien environment to your skin; something you're not so used to. Accustom yourself to the feeling, how your body feels in the water. It sounds strange, but it's bloody important for the Front Crawl."

Soap bit his bottom lip, and doubtfully allowed his arms to float above the surface. He followed Price when he was told to move his hands and arms around the water, and even frowned a bit when he was instructed to crouch.

"I feel like a little boy doing this," The Scotsman muttered as he bended his knees, the water reaching his chin.

"Don't worry, you're learning," Price assured, stifling a chuckle. "And this is only first day, Soap. Surely you didn't think you'd be an expert at this in a couple of hours. We've still got a few basics to go. This is only step one."

"Bloody hell," Soap cursed, his words muffled as his mouth submerged in the water. Apparently he forgot about the waves, for a wave passed by and submerged his head completely, leading him to panic and immediately stand up straight.

He coughed, wiped his face several times, and stumbled a bit in the water when another wave hit. Price, who remained witness to his ridiculous and child-like actions, laughed slightly and shook his head.

Despite the silly reactions, Price had Soap repeat his movements and crouching in the water for about ten more minutes. Finally Price decided to move in deeper until the sand and ground underneath them nearly vanished—and it was at this point Soap panicked a bit.

"Bloody fucking hell, the waves better not pull me out to sea," Soap's voice rose, quavering.

Price laughed and calmly lifted his feet off the deep, damp sand in the sea, controlling his body to float in the water. "Relax, mate. The waves will continuosly push us inland. Besides, I'm here, and I won't let the sea swallow you whole. You have my word."

"I trust you, Price," Soap bit his lip.

He tried to steady his breathing, to relax himself and release all the pressure, and took a few moments to gather the courage to lift his feet off the ground. After a few tries, he always found himself panicking every time a wave brought him high from the sea ground and pushed him inland.

Price watched, amused, as Soap cursed and restrained from slapping himself due to his clumsiness. Finally, he approached the frustrated Scotsman, whose back was facing him, and clamped his hands on his shoulders. Soap jumped a bit—startled by the strong grip, unaware that Price had a smug smirk due to the physical contact of his hands against Soap's broad shoulders.

"Relax, mate," Price chuckled. He noted that Soap tensed underneath his hold, and continued, taking a step closer, to the point he was directly behind the younger man. "Pressure and stress just adds to the drag. Take a few deep breaths, and don't think of the waves or drifting out to sea. I'm here, and I won't let you drown, so you're safe."

Soap nodded, biting the insides of his cheeks. Price was quite close to him, and the fact he was still holding him didn't really calm him, either.

"Float in whatever way you feel comfortable. Doesn't necessary mean you have to follow exactly as how I do it, Soap. Relaxing and getting used to the waves are the objective of today."

"Right," Soap said curtly. "Relax…"

Contrary to his words, Price knew Soap was still tense, due to Soap's shoulders and arms being stiff.

An inaudible sigh escaped Price's lips. "Do I have to give you a massage to get you to relax?"

Soap's breath hitched at the words, and though it was initially just a joke, Price decided to carry out the action instead. He found himself concentrating on the younger man's back, focusing on the areas behind the shoulders and around the shoulder blades—at random intervals, Soap flinched when Price kneaded or rubbed a spot too hard.

However, even with Price's incredibly strong kneading, the sensation sent sparks of unknown feelings up Soap's spine. Before long, his shoulders dropped, his face relaxed, his breaths steadied, and his eyes closed…

"Don't get carried away," Price said, smirking as he pulled away about four steps.

Soap was slightly disappointed (since he was actually beginning to enjoy the massage) and turned to face his coach. He permitted his lips to curve upwards into a grateful smile. "Thanks. Surprisingly, that actually helped."

Price shrugged. "Ready to float?"

"Hmm, class session's over?" Ghost smirked as Price and Soap approached the sunshade belonging to the younger duo. "Ah well, it's already six-thirty, mates. Nearly two hours of learning how to swim, eh, Soap? Any progress, Captain, or is the muppet completely hopeless?"

Price glanced to his left, to see Roach sitting comfortably on the lifeguard post, staring in their direction with a pair of sunglasses over his eyes, a conceited grin on his face and a drink in his hand. Roach lifted his drink when he saw Price stare at him, and this caused the older man to smile and wag his head.

Soap groaned and answered Ghost's inquiry for Price. "I spent that period learning step one of a few basics, you numpty. Apparently learning the Front Crawl at sea is a whole new challenge. We're going to have to come back regularly if I'm to continue on these free classes."

"The Front Crawl? Should be a challenge since you've always done breast strokes," Ghost smirked. "Hmm, I don't mind staring at that attractive creature on that lifeguard post over there for the next few days, or weeks. Besides…not spending any money for these lessons is fine by me."

Soap sighed and shook his head, before turning to Price. "Now that I'm used to the water, and know how many seconds it takes for another wave, and all that shite, what's the next basic step?"

"Blowing bubbles," Price said, and when the younger two stared at him incredulously, he smirked. "I mean as in practising how to exhale in the water when swimming. It's quite long to explain, so come back tomorrow." At this point, he said to Ghost, "And Soap's quite a quick learner. He's not hopeless."

"Yeah, he's not hopeless when you're the one teaching him," Ghost grinned and winked, taking the sunshade out from the sand and returning the boonie hat to Price, who was looking at him inquiringly. Soap, on the other hand, looked slightly embarrassed and irritated at his friend. Ghost continued good-humoredly. "Oh yeah, Captain, do you want to have a peek at Soap's journal? He's—"

Soap jumped forward and cupped Ghost's mouth. "Yeah, yeah, shut your trap, Ghost! Let's get packing, nightfall's dropping by soon."

Ghost muttered something incoherent against Soap's palm, before gently tapping his arm as a sign of defeat. The Scot freed his friend, who gasped for air, and then chuckled and proceeded to pack up.

Soap turned to Price, and immediately his expression of exasperation vanished, replaced with a small, apologetic smile that made him look twice as attractive. This was especially because of the soft golden rays of the sun, which was setting into the sea far in the horizon, its soft rays stretching across the vast waters to beam gently on the beach, wrapping all the visitors in gentle orange and red. The shadows that were cast due to this lighting made everybody a good sight to see at this time of day.

Especially this particular Mohawk-sporting man…

Price found himself staring into the pair of cobalt eyes that were darker than his. It was so unfair for a man to look so good, or to have eyes that were so captivating.

Soap started, apologetic in tone. "Again, Price, are you sure you're completely fine with me coming back for free classes everyday? Well, not necessarily everyday, perhaps four or five times a week, but—still…"

"I'm fine with it, mate," Price assured, a bit subconsciously, hoping it wasn't blatant that he was checking Soap out.

"See, if it's fine by you, maybe I could pay by bringing over food and paying for some drinks?" Soap offered, chuckling a bit. "I mean, even if you insist not to, you can't push off that guilty feeling in my chest."

Price looked at him, amusement sparkling in his azure eyes. "That's be nice, Soap. Thanks."

"It's the least I could do," Soap laughed, sounding relieved. "So, erm—see you tomorrow."

With a nod, he waved slightly as the man retreated from him to join Ghost, who was already walking away with the items clutched underneath his arms and in his hands.

"Oh yeah, Price?" Soap called out, and the older man hummed inquiringly, looking in his direction as a reply. The Scotsman continued with a grin. "With those strong hands, you really give a grade-A massage."

Price took a few moments to register those words, but by the time he did, Soap had already receded into the distance. He chuckled, amused, and then glanced down at the palms of his hands.

And then Roach popped out of nowhere.

"Aha! So Soap's the one you were staring at three days ago!" Roach exclaimed, making Price jump.

"Bloody hell, Roach," Price sighed, wagging his head as he relaxed from the brief shock.

"Hmm…Soap looks like he likes you, too…"

"Roach, why not you go back to that lifeguard post?" Price interrupted, changing the topic. He proceeded to walk down the beach, calling out. "I'm going to patrol the beach for once."

Roach froze and stared after his captain incredulously, not entirely sure whether he heard that correctly or not.

Price walked a bit further along the beach, taking his time between each step, savouring the feel of damp sand between his toes and waves up to his ankles. He felt a chilling wind blow against his skin, and he put a hand on his head to prevent the boonie hat from flying away. The sound of birds in the distance and rustling of the vast green fields were all that were audible to his ears.

Finally, he looked up towards the sea. The view that he looked forward to indulging every night was near.

He stopped and sat down heavily onto the sand, legs opened and stretched, elbows resting on the slightly bended knees. As he waited for the scenery that was due in a few more moments, he removed his lighter and a cigar of Villa Clara's from his pocket.

Flipping the ligter's cover, he produced a flame and put the cigar between his lips, before moving the dancing flame to the edge of his cigar. When it lighted up, he inhaled deeply and closed the lighter, before drawing out the smoke nice and slow.

He was the only person on the beach at this late time. Roach, Nikolai and Yuri had already returned to their respective homes about thirty minutes ago, oblivious to the beauty that the beach held just before the sun fully disappeared into the sea.

Price smiled when the scenery finally came, and proceeded to adore the breath-taking view. He rejoiced the fact he was alone, and that this little secret was his, and only his…

It was then he looked down at his palms. They were rough and unpleasant to touch—to him, at least. But Soap commented that Price gave a good massage, and Price knew that for a fact since Soap seemed close to melting into his hands earlier today. Pushing the thoughts away, Price looked back up and drew in another long inhalation.

Perhaps sharing this scenery with Soap wouldn't be too bad.

A/N: Please leave a review!