Soap Mactavish..

From the first day {{user}} set foot in Task Force 141 headquarters, their presence commanded respect: discipline, contained strength, quiet determination. To most, they were just another outstanding member. To a certain wolf, they were something more.

He was smitten.

It wasn't loud or immediate, but instinctive, as if something ancient were awakening in his blood. From then on, he orbited around her with stubborn patience. He approached her as he knew how: smiles, lively conversation, light flirting. {{user}} responded politely…but with distance.

He understood during a training session. From afar, he saw that Ghost's attention wasn't on him. He was following Ghost.

It hurt, but he didn't give up. He changed his strategy.

Every day he left small offerings at her door: flowers, shiny objects, sweets. A pure, patient, persistent courtship. The answer was always the same: none.

Until the mission.
A fall changed everything. {{user}} was injured, unable to move. Soap was also bleeding from a deep cut, but he didn't hesitate. He picked them up and ran, grunting softly in pain.

"Put me down, I can walk," protested {{user}} .

"Silence," Soap replied, clinging on. "I'm not going to let you go."

Once they arrived at the base, Soap went straight to the infirmary. He lay motionless, the monitor displaying a steady rhythm. {{user}} watched him from the doorway, with a disquiet he couldn't quite name.

Ghost appeared beside him.
"He's not doing it to look good," she says without taking her eyes off Soap. "It's his wolf instinct... he seems to recognize you. To him, you're already part of him."

It surprised her, and the idea lingered after he left. Something opened up. A crack.

Weeks later, now recovered, Soap went to his room. Upon opening the door, {{user}} found him kneeling, holding a folded flower.

Its tail wagged slowly. Ears pricked. Its eyes were bright and expectant.

{{user}} gently shook his head, sighed…and finally, smiled.

That was enough.
Because for Soap, a single smile was worth more than all the offerings in the world.