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Rorke and Elias always slept together.
In the field, back at home, basically anywhere they had to sleep, it was always with their limbs tangled around each other. It got to the point where both men would be sleepless if they had to be separated.
Now Rorke wasn't coming back.
Merrick and Keegan had to drag Elias out of Caracas after the military told them to pull out. Elias protested the whole way, the usual composed man yelling about how it was his fault, and that Rorke could somehow be alive. Anyone could see the guilt and grief tearing the man apart.
The Army put him on leave to try and help, but it only made it worse. Logan and Hesh's innocent questioning about where Uncle Rorke was and when he was going to come visit again only added fuel to the fire, but Elias never blamed them. They were kids after all. Elias tried to put on a brave face and convincingly lie about when Rorke was coming back, but he could tell his boys didn't believe him; they were like himself, too smart for their own good.
After a week of tensions at home, he got back to the Ghosts' home base to only have even more tension. The other Ghosts could tell the 'break' did nothing to help; he was still grieving the loss, still blaming himself for what happened. The other men couldn't stand it.
It came to ahead one night on base. After another grueling day of tension, Ajax and Keegan conspired to try and help their Lieutenant. They knew about his and Rorke's habit of sleeping all the time together and decided to offer an olive branch to try and help him.
Both men entered his bunk, standing over him. Elias didn't turn over to acknowledge them.
"Walker." Keegan says cooly, taking one step closer to the other man.
"Lieutenant." Ajax starts, unmoving from his spot. He sounded like he was trying to comfort a wounded animal.
"Yes?" Elias replied, his voice hoarse, a sound both men weren't accustomed to hearing from their usual unshakable second in command. Keegan moves first, crouching down behind Elias. The older man doesn't move.
"Elias," Keegan starts, his voice still in that cool tone, but insistent, "is there anything you need from us?" Ajax finally steps closer as well, hanging behind Keegan.
"We know it isn't the same, but maybe we could stay in here while you sleep. Like-" Ajax didn't finish, everyone knew what he was talking about. Elias didn't say anything for a good few minutes; Keegan and Ajax weren't even sure if he was even breathing until they heard a small sigh.
"Sure." His weak voice broke through the quiet room. Ajax looked at Keegan who simply nodded. Ajax took the chair at the desk, facing towards the bed. Keegan sat at the edge of the bed, careful of Elias' space.
For a while, none of the three men said anything; Ajax picked at a loose piece of fabric on his pants, Keegan stared at the floor and Elias was still unmoving.
"Thank you." Elias finally broke the silence. Both men's heads popped up immediately. It was progress.
"Anytime. We take care of our own." Keegan replied, his voice softened slightly. His hand slowly reached out, patting Elias' leg. Elias didn't fight the feeling.
Before long, light snoring filled the room and Ajax met Keegan's eyes again. Elias was finally asleep. Not the light slumber his grief had subjected him to, actual restful sleep.
Both men stayed quiet, happy to just watch Elias finally rest.