"Maybe we should throw him a welcome back party."

Ghost hated Soap the second he said the words. They had been irrevocably placed in his head and he kept thinking about it.

He knew from experience that Roach wasn't much of a drinker. Besides, would he want a party after spending several hours travelling? Ghost thought not. Still, something would be nice, if even to show Roach how much he was missed.

Eventually, he found himself in the kitchen and after checking the cupboards found a dessert cookbook. What would Roach like? He settled on chocolate cake, he'd seen the Sergeant eating chocolate several times before.

So he baked the cake, glancing repeatedly at the doors to make sure nobody was watching. It felt like he was doing something criminal not baking. Still, if anybody saw him doing this he might have to kill them. Two hours later he had a cooling cake sat on the table. What to do next though, he had no idea. The cookbook only went as far as how to make the cake, not decorate it.

"Oooh, something smells nice!"

Ghost froze, caught in the act and unable to deny anything. Toad sidled into view and leaned in to sniff the still cooling cake.

"What's the occasion?"

Archer came up behind him and smiled, almost nervously, at Ghost. "Toad, don't be so nosy."

"But it smells so good!"

"Can you decorate it?" Ghost asked before his brain caught up with him. The other two were looking at him completely stunned. Well, since he'd asked. "So can you?"

Toad slung an arm over Archer and squeezed him close. "You came to the right place, Archer is a master at this kind of thing."

Archer looked at the cake then at Toad with a shy smile. "Shut up."

Normally this display of affection wouldn't bother him but today, it struck a chord. The question of what if played in his head and Ghost hated it. He could never have this kind of relationship.

"Right, so you'll do it?"

Archer was looking at the cake again. "What's it for?"

Ghost hesitated and Toad seemed to notice, a grin spreading across his face. "Roach, right? He's back tomorrow, so what else would we be celebrating?"

"I have the perfect idea!" Archer was already rummaging in the cupboards. "Hey, grab the food colouring!"

"I'll leave you guys to it." Ghost backed out before he could be roped into icing or something. He could draw yes, but icing was far more difficult and unpredictable. At least with a pencil or pen, it was precise.

Besides, he had other duties to attend to, including the training of the latest FNG, Zach. He'd arrived two weeks ago fresh from deployment in Iraq. He was a good soldier and kept a cool head during those stressful moments but he wasn't as good a shot as Roach. Ghost smiled absently, hardly anyone could shoot like the Sergeant.

Zach was already waiting for him outside, just as Ghost had asked.

They started with some basic hand to hand combat, which Zach was getting better at with each passing day. The real trouble was his shooting. He tended to get nervous and miss his shots, which made him more nervous and inaccurate. For someone so clear-headed in the field, Zach didn't perform well under pressure in a test setting. Ghost hoped to break the cycle soon.

He missed a couple of shots but overall it was an improvement over two weeks ago.

"Hey, guys!" Ozone ran down to join them and slung an arm over Zach's shoulders. "We're heading into town, fancy joining us?"

Zach glanced at Ghost for confirmation and he sighed. "We'll practise more tomorrow. Go have some fun."

"Thanks."

"You're the best, Ghost!" Ozone grinned widely and dragged Zach off. "I know some cute ladies who are dying to meet the new guy!"

Ghost watched them go and shook his head, turning to pick up the discarded equipment. He hadn't gone into the village since Roach's first-anniversary party. He was sure if he ran into the man who had made a pass at the Sergeant he wouldn't be able to control his temper a second time. Even thinking about the way the man had touched Roach made his hands clench into fists. He exhaled sharply and picked up the rifle, trying not to think about that night or the hug that had followed.

The next morning most of the squad looked pale and hungover in the early dawn but they had turned up. Ghost took it easy on them, distracted by the knowledge that Roach would be back in a few short hours. It was annoying how nervous he felt as if the other man would've missed him at all.

But he had to keep up the training with Zach and Soap had agreed to greet Roach when he landed. Ghost tried to keep his focus when the carrier came in. Zach had most definitely improved but his stance was still a little off. Ghost helped him correct it, more so like Roach stood and it seemed to help.

Feeling eyes on them he glanced around, noticing someone standing at a nearby station. His mouth went dry when he realised it was Roach and he stepped back from Zach, waving him over. "Roach, good to see you again."

"You too."

He looked good, healthier than when he'd left at any rate. Roach glanced at Zach and frowned which was unusual for him, normally he wasn't so hostile. Ghost kicked his foot. "This is Zach."

Roach winced but then smiled and shook Zach's hand. "I'm Roach, the not so FNG I guess now you're here. Ghost been putting you through your paces?" He glanced at Ghost, his smile widening slightly.

"Yeah, it's been a busy few weeks." Zach laughed a little nervously and shifted the rifle in his hands. "I'm still trying to get the hang of shooting like you lot."

"Well, this guy can show you how it's done!" Ghost clapped Roach's back, almost laughing at the surprised look on his face.

"I can?"

"Yep. In fact, I'd like to see how you shoot too. Maybe you've lost your edge since you've been gone."

"No chance." Roach grabbed a spare rifle and hit the button, starting up the range again. Ghost had it set on a lower difficulty for Zach so he knew the Sergeant wouldn't have problems. Roach hit every target but what caught Ghost's eye was his arm, already sticking out again. "See?"

Ghost shook his head. "This is why I asked. See, Roach here is a good shot sure, but his damn arms is a problem." He got behind Roach and pressed his arm in, his other hand resting lightly on his hip. Roach's skin was warm and he started slightly at the contact but said nothing, didn't pull away. "Have you forgotten everything I taught you?"

Roach's cheeks had turned pink but he kept his eyes on the shooting range. "Maybe you'll just have to remind me."

Ghost laughed gently as he lifted the rifle. "Show me again." This time, Ghost took the liberty of pressing the start button.

He hit every shot again and once the set finished, pushed back into Ghost's chest, forcing him to take a step back. "As I said, my shooting is fine. My speciality is marksmanship." Roach glanced across at Zach, who Ghost had actually forgotten about. "Uh, is something wrong?"

Ghost looked too and saw Zach's face had gone red.

"I think being forced to watch you two flirt and feel each other up is the problem." Soap laughed out as he joined them. "Sorry about these two, they've been apart for a couple of months. They'll settle down after a few days."

"Ignore our resident Captain." Ghost said loudly and he stepped away from Roach. "He thinks he's hilarious but most of the crap that comes out of his mouth is bollocks."

"No word of a lie crosses these lips, Scotsman's honour." He pointed at Roach and crooked his finger. "Come on, leave these two be. You're distracting our Lieutenant from his duties."

"Nice to meet you, Zach," Roach called, nudging Ghost's side as he passed to join Soap who was already walking back to the building.

Ghost watched them go and sighed deeply before turning his attention back to Zach. "I hope you took note of Roach's stance because I want you to copy him. Aside from his arm of course." He made Zach go through the set a couple of more times until he relaxed into Roach's stance, seeming more comfortable. "Better."

Zach grinned back at him, oddly reminiscent of Roach's but not anywhere near as endearing. Ghost doubted anyone could match the Sergeant in smiles. "Thanks, sir."

"Let's go join the party already."

Zach was immediately taken in by the group when they arrived and Ghost quickly grabbed a slice of cake before searching the room. His eyes sought out Roach who was sitting on the sofa with Poet, talking animatedly about something. Poet's eyes flickered to him and he suddenly got up, patting Roach's shoulder.

"He's not stopped asking about you." He told Ghost with a smirk before he joined the others.

Ghost tried not to get too happy about that as he walked over to the sofa and took Poet's vacated seat. "I wish everybody could shoot as well as you. I'd have a lot less work on my hands for sure."

Roach leaned over and stole a piece of his cake, humming as he ate it. "Do you want me to help out? After all, I'm your best shot and I'm sure I could teach him a thing or two."

"You don't have to."

"Let me help you. I still owe you for saving me." He tried for more but Ghost already guessing this quickly moved the plate away. "It's my cake!"

"I made it!"

"You did?" Roach's surprise melted into a soft smile that had Ghost's pulse racing. "Well, thank you."

"I only baked it. Archer and Toad did the rest." He replied grudgingly. He hadn't meant to tell Roach about the cake but this man just kept slipping under his defences. "We have cookbooks in the kitchen. It's not hard to follow instructions."

"Coming from the one usually giving them."

"True." Ghost lifted his mask and tried the cake. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad.

"You shaved!"

"What?"

"Last time I saw your face you had stubble."

Ghost had to think about what he meant. Then he remembered that night at the bar when Roach got close and started asking personal questions. "That was over a year ago. I'm surprised you remember after all that shit Soap made you drink."

"Of course I do. I also remember you almost breaking some poor guy's arm."

"I still regret not doing it." Ghost smiled and Roach's eyes widened slightly as he withdrew. A moment later he put his fork down. "Had enough?"

"Yeah, I don't want to get fat."

"You already have." Ghost poked him in the stomach which was softer than before. He was sure that Roach would look good no matter how many pounds he put on. The only problem was their line of work didn't allow for such things.

"Shut up! It's only a few extra pounds."

"We'll sort that right out." Ghost finished the cake and smiled at him again. "Training at seven tomorrow, don't be late."

"I missed you." Roach grinned back and Ghost almost choked on his last mouthful.

Roach had missed him? Surely he was joking. He became painfully aware of how close they were, he could feel the heat radiating off him.

"Especially your insistence on training."

"Just keeping you alive. Which reminds me, I need you for half six to practice jumping." He held up a finger as Roach opened his mouth to protest. "Lieutenant's orders."

"So unfair."

"Well when you make your next jump, you can thank me."

"Fine." Roach agreed grudgingly.

Ghost's smile immediately turned into a frown as Soap sat down between them, forcing them apart. "Now, now, we can't have you two cuddling in public can we?"

He sighed and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Soap was going to make his life insufferable with his newly found knowledge. "Soap, do me a favour and shut up."

"What kind of Captain would I be if I listened?" He grinned and turned to Roach. "I need you to sign some forms now you're back. Ready to go?"

"Sure."

"Don't forget to give Ghost here a kiss goodbye." Ghost was going to tell him to piss off but Roach leaned over and kissed his cheek, effectively killing the words in his throat. "That's a good lad. Alright, let's move it so I can finish for the night."

Ghost watched the two men leave, his cheek still burning from the contact. He had to resist the urge to reach up and touch the spot. When the others started to applaud Roach, he quickly pulled his balaclava back down but it was probably too late. A little bubble of something had formed in his chest. After a few minutes, he realised it was hope.

Wanting to see Roach again he got up and followed them to the office. Soap was rummaging around his desk looking for papers when he entered and Roach looked up from Price's chair to give him a big smile. It took another minute or two, with Ghost's help, to find the paperwork and get Roach to sign it.

"Thank you. Now I'm off to bed." Soap tossed it back onto his desk and Ghost groaned. "I'll sort it tomorrow."

"You won't."

"Eh, maybe this time I will."

He got up to sort out the mess once Soap had left. Roach moved closer, into his vacated seat. "Hey, wanna have sex?"

Ghost went rigid, the papers slipping from his hands and scattering across the floor.

"Is that a yes?"

He almost sighed and closed his eyes. The things Roach did to him. "You shouldn't joke, I might take you up on that offer." Ghost leaned over him, boxing him in against the desk. Roach's face only showed amusement. "Who knows, maybe you'd enjoy it."

"Doubtful." He looked up, eyes narrowing slightly and fuck, Ghost really was getting turned on. "Keep the mask on, it's sexy."

"Fuck you." Ghost laughed and pulled away, stooping to pick up the papers. "Buy me a drink first."

"Deal."

"I thought you weren't having sex anyway." He deflected and straightened up, dropping the stack of papers on the desk. "Wasn't your last encounter a little... disappointing?"

"I'm sure you could live up to my expectations." He couldn't help himself, he caught Roach's chin and tilted his head up. He was still smiling. Tracing down his neck, Ghost rested his hand over Roach's chest and he could feel how fast his heart was beating. "Is something wrong?"

"You flirt too much." Ghost pushed him back into the chair. "It'd be enough to drive a lesser man crazy."

"But not you?"

"Not me." He was too far gone already. "Now get out of my chair so I can look at this paperwork."

"You break my heart."

"You'll get over it." Roach moved and sat on the desk instead. "Don't you have anything better to do than watch me sign paperwork?"

"Nope."

"Go to bed. We've got an early start tomorrow." When he didn't move, Ghost sighed. "Do you want me to make it six?"

"Alright, I'm going." He saw Roach lean into him and quickly put a hand to his face, pushing him back gently. "Not fair."

"Neither is you kissing me in front of everyone." Not that he was particularly mad about it. "So unless you want extra laps tomorrow, go to bed."

"Goodnight, Ghost." Roach blew him a kiss and left.

He waited until the sound of Roach's boots faded away before leaning back in his chair and groaning. His willpower only went so far and the Sergeant was already testing it after being back a few hours.

"I missed you."

He couldn't help smiling. Life was a hell of a lot better with Roach around.