Finally wrote something from this poll
It’s concerning if the boys see you NOT reading.
Since you joined the team the base has gained random piles of books all over the place, to the point that Price recently requested a bookshelf for the common room.
Soap walks into the kitchen after a gym session with Ghost, finding you - surprise surprise - reading as you eat a sandwich.
It’s a book he hasn’t seen you with, you read a book or two a week, so naturally he ruffles your hair and asks. “New book, bon?”
Typically you LOVE talking to the boys about reading. Today, however, your cheeks flush and you practically run out of the room - discarding your food and almost crashing into Gaz as he wanders in.
Gaz frowns at the other man, looking confused. “What’s all that about?”
Soap looks equally confused, and maybe a bit upset. “I don’t know.. jus asked what they’re reading..”
They both look concerned now, it’s very out of character for you to be shy, you who has openly asked to recreate smut scenes with them with no shame.
Later, when all of you are sat eating together in the mess hall, Soap and Gaz keep looking at you in concern; you avoid their gaze entirely.
Soap’s foot nudges your own under the table and, instead of nudging back like you usually would, you pull your feet up onto your chair and continue eating.
Once you’ve wandered off to bed, likely to read for a while before they join you, Gaz gathers everyone in the common room.
He stands at the front of the room. “Right, our little librarian has a secret.”
Ghost cocks a brow, grumbling. “What are ya on about now, Garrick?”
The use of his surname earns Ghost a glare. “Simon I’m serious.” Ghost is stood and cupping his cheek before he can turn away. “I’m worried..”
Despite his amusement Ghost presses a kiss to his forehead and pulls him close, resting his chin on his head. “We’ll sort it, okay?”
The lads eventually decide that Price should be the one to ask you, you’ve known him the longest and typically seek him out for comfort.
Price typically goes to bed soon after you, earlier than the others, and you cuddle for a while as you read - so he’s confused when he walks in on you hiding your book under your pillow.
He sits down, removing his slippers and sliding in next to you. “Hi love..”
You instantly tuck yourself into his side. “Hi..”
His fingers sink into your hair, resting his chin on your head. “What’s going on with you today?”
You lift your head from his chest to look at him, frowning. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, the boys are worried about you and.. so am I”
The warmth for your breath washes over his face as you sigh. “It’s nothing..”
The look he fixes you with makes it clear he’s not going to drop it. “John I promise it’s nothing”
He cocks a brow, keeping the same look. The look only goes when you grumble and bury your face in his chest, he can’t keep the chuckle away at you irritation.
“Come on.. you can tell me anything, you know that..”
He softens as you look up at him, pouting. “Don’t do that. You know I trust you.”
“I know, I’m sorry, I’m not trying to guilt you.. I’m just worried about you, we all are.. hell even Simon was getting antsy..”
“Saw him picking his nails..”
You search his expression for a few moments before huffing and pulling the book from under the pillow and handing it over.
It looks pretty unremarkable in his hand, no cover, no writing on the front or back - if he had to guess he’d say you’ve taken the book everywhere with you, based on how worn it is.
When he’s open it he’s confused to find handwriting, unmistakably yours, he looks up at you trying to figure out what he’s holding. “You’ve got a secret journal?”
You roll your eyes, amused by his reaction. “It’s a book. I’ve been.. writing a book”
His brows seem determined to reach his hairline as he looks between you and the book in his hands. “You’ve been writing a book?”
You barely nod, giving an almost inaudible hum of agreement.
He’s pretty much frozen for a few seconds before smiling unbelievably brightly at you. “That’s great, love”
Now it’s your turn to look confused, brows furrowed and lips pouted ever so slightly. “It is?”
He chuckles, setting the book down gently and pulling you into his lap. “Course it is”
“You’re not cross I kept it a secret?”
“Never.. I’m upset you felt you couldn’t tell us but nobody’s angry, promise..”
“I just- I didn’t want you to read it and think it’s really bad”
He presses a handful of kisses to your temple before shutting down that fear. “None of us would ever, ever do that. The boys will be so proud of you for doing something you’re clearly passionate about.. I know I am..”
Not 10 minutes later and everyone is piled into bed together, asking questions and fully engaging in your new hobby.
It had taken a while for the secret to come out, but now that it had you were happy they knew - now you had people to give feedback and test lines on.
