Gabe snapped awake, rubbing his eyes and looking around. He heard a loud snore and realized that Jack was asleep next to him. He smiled, putting the blanket over him and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

He stood up, stretching his arms and yawning. He drowsily walked to the bathroom and turned on the sink, washing his face with water. He stared at himself in the mirror, silently judging his looks.

What does Jack see in me? I look like a freak.. He thought, drying his face off and turning off the sink.

He ruffled his hair with his fingers, coming back into the bedroom. His stomach growled and he realized how hungry he was. He didn't usually eat too much nowadays, but today was different. He had his normal appetite back.

He was about to open the door when he wondered what would happen if he was seen by the others.

They must know I'm here already. I mean, Jack called in a dang dropship just to pick me up. He concluded, quietly opening the door so Jack didn't wake up.

He walked silently down the hallway, following the delicious scent of breakfast. He came to the cafeteria, hearing many voices inside. He got over his fear and pushed open the door, casually walking over to the line.

He got plenty of weird looks from everyone since they had never seen him without his usual coat on. He ignored them and walked faster, picking up two trays and moving down the line.

He gave himself two pancakes with bacon and fruit on the side. He gave Jack a heaping spoonful of eggs with bacon and fruit on the side as well. He quickly walked towards the door, trying not to get drawn into a conversation with anyone.

"Hey freak! Is that your real skin or is that just a bunch of makeup? Haha!" Someone shouted, pointing at him.

He turned, growling at them before pushing through the doors. Their comment stung him, things like that never used to get to him.

He finally made it back to the room, pushing the door open with his back.

"Oh, I was wondering where you went." Jack yawned, rubbing his eyes. He smiled when Gabe set the tray of food before him and sat down. "You got this for me?"

"Well yeah, I owe you it." Gabe chuckled, taking a bite of the pancakes. Even though he couldn't taste anymore because his tastebuds has been obliterated, it was still warm.

"Well thank you, Gabe. That was real sweet of you." Jack grinned, spooning eggs into his mouth.

Gabe blushed a little, focusing on cutting his pancakes. He pierced a fork through a strawberry, poking Jack in the face with it. "You need your fruits too." He chuckled.

Jack snickered. "Alright." He opened his mouth, biting the strawberry off of the fork. He grabbed a grape, tossing it at Gabe.

It hit him in the side of his face and he laughed.

"Oh very funny." Gabe said, playfully punching Jack in the shoulder.

"Okay okay, you win. I'll take the trays back to the cafeteria." Jack sat up and got off the bed, picking up both trays. "Be right back, my sweet." Jack smiled, opening the door and closing it.

Did he just call me "his sweet"? Gabe thought, completely caught off guard by the comment. I like that nickname.. He sighed in content, leaning back on the pillow.

Jack soon returned, carrying two cups of coffee.

"You got coffee?" Gabe said, sitting up.

"Yup. We've got a long day ahead of us so we need to fuel up now." Jack handed Gabe the mug.

As he was about to take a sip, he realized that this was the old black mug with a skull on it that he used to use. He glanced over at Jack, who only grinned and took a sip out of his "best commander" mug.

They finished their coffee and got off the bed.

"Okay, I need some real combat clothes. These sweatpants are comfy and all but it just doesn't fit my look. Did you happen to keep some of my old outfits?" Gabe asked, brushing himself off.

"Yeah, I got one in the closet." Jack replied, rummaging around in the closet before pulling out one of Gabe's old outfit.

"Ah Yes.." Gabe said, taking the outfit.

He pulled his shirt off, the old bandages snagging at the loose clothing. He growled in annoyance, ripping them off.

Jack was about to say something, but he knew it wasn't worth it to try and make Gabe go back to the Medbay for more bandages.

He pulled on the close-fitting black shirt and slid on a ammo holder across his chest. He pulled on a black jacket and adjusted the black beanie on his head. He pulled off the sweatpants and pulled on his black combat pants. He fastened the belt around his waist. Finally, he pulled on his black combat boots and put on his dog tags.

"Okay, I'm ready." He said, turning around.

Jack was in a trance, staring off into space. Gabe waved his hand in front of his face, snapping him out of it.

"Were you watching me?" He tilted his head and crossed his arms across his chest.

Jack's face went red. "N-no I wasn't! That would b-be weird and just..." he groaned, knowing he'd been caught.

Gabe chuckled. "It's fine. I know my muscles are irresistible." He snickered, flexing his arm muscles.

"No way! Mine are better!" Jack challenged, flexing his arm.

This went on for a few minutes, both arguing on whose was better. Finally, they both came to the conclusion that Gabe's was better, even though Jack didn't want to admit it.