Call of Desire

13. Risk

risk
/risk/
noun
a situation involving exposure to danger.

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Content Warning: Mild Sexual Content

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There was a certain levity in the air between John and Simon, as if the tension and anxiety of the past month had finally faded, leaving them with a sense of peace.

Simon gazed longingly at the Scotsman. He loved listening to Johnny talk, no matter what it was about. His crooked smirk... his bright blue eyes... Everything about him drove Simon closer to madness.

"You hear me, Lt.?" Soap tilted his head slightly, his lip quirking into that little smirk.

"Apologies," Riley mumbled, glancing away as he leaned back in his chair. "Mind was elsewhere."

"No worries." John cocked his head slightly, eyes flicking over Simon with a certain perception, "You alright?"

"Yeah, just..." Simon had kept his mask off for much longer than he had done in a long while, and could feel his skin crawling. He pulled it back over his head, exhaling deeply as the balaclava settled into place.

"All good now?" Soap gently placed his hand over Ghost's, sending the Brit's mind wandering.

"Yeah. You said something?"

"Aye. I was asking when I can get out of here, I miss home." John admitted, aching to get out of this sterile hospital room.

"Whenever the doctor says you're good to go. Not taking any risks." Simon spoke firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh? I thought Simon Riley was known for taking risks." Johnny smirked, leaning in.

"Not when it comes to you, Johnny."

Soap reddened as he smiled, glancing away from Simon. "You have such a way with words, Simon."

"You think so?" Ghost smirked under his mask.

"Aye..." John's eyes desperately search Ghost's, trying to read his emotions. Is that affection? Desire, even? No, no, there's no way... Right? Ghost doesn't like people, he doesn't love people.

Would I be an experiment? Does he know how he feels about his sexuality? If he does, would I just be an object for sex?

Though, he doesn't take his mask off around anyone... I've seen his face several times now. Does he trust me? Does he just want me to fall for him?

If he is, it's working...

"May I ask you something, Lt.?"

"Of course, Johnny. What do you need?"

"Are you alright?"

Simon was taken aback. "What?"

"You don't care about people this much, it's not part of your nature," John stated. "What's happening here?"

"...I don't understand."

"Simon Riley doesn't like people. Simon Riley doesn't get close to people. Why are you being so friendly?" Soap felt his face heat up.

Ghost hesitated, staring at John in shock.

"What is bringing this up? What's making you say this?" Ghost's deep brown eyes filled with concern.

"Don't avoid the question, Simon."

"I... I fucking... I don't know! I just..." Ghost stammered. "I'm not ready to talk about this, Johnny." He whispered, looking away from John in embarrassment.