Achroous| a Simon 'Ghost' Riley fanfiction

Chapter VII

The atmosphere in the base was strange. Everyone, including Evelynn were gathered at the table in the recreation room. The girl seemed tensed, awkward even. She was supposed to leave, but yet there she was.

Ghost fixed his voice, before speaking.

"You got all your stuff, right?"

"Yeah. I left the uniform on the bed though."

"Hm? Keep it, lassie. Can remember of yer experience with us." Soap said, his lips curling up into a smile.

His words sounded genuine, making the girl feel a little bit better about her leaving. She nodded.

"I'll take them."

"Go pick 'em up, I'm driving you home." Ghost said, standing up from the table.

The girl found her way to the room she slept in until then, leaving the men alone in the rec room.

"It's unfortunately she has to leave, her company was quite pleasant." Gaz said, looking after the girl, before turning back to the rest.

"Yeah, such a bummer."

"Calm yo' asses down boys, you can see her whenever. She's going home, not dying."

"He hates her?" Roach asked, whispering to Soap, who just shook his head.

"Nah he doesn't. Not really. I think she makes him feel things he always claimed they didn't exist. He doesn't want her to leave either, trust me." He whispered back.

"What was that, Johnny?" Ghost asked, turning to face them. His eyes cold, filled with annoyance, making the other men freeze in place.

"Nothing sir."

"Good. That's what I thought."

The engine roar filled the air, making Evelynn press her lips together hardly. She looked out the window to see the three sargents waving at her. She waved back lightly, watching them slowly disappearing into the horizon.

She then turned to watch Ghost. He was wearing his balaclava this time. His bring blue eyes were staring at the road, driving the car relaxed. She knew the ride was going to take a while, so she wanted to make conversation, but she found herself incapable of bringing anything up interesting enough for him to care.

"So um...what happened to Il Diavolo now?"

"He got in jail, and wont get outta there any time soon."

"What about his men?"

"The ones that were in the motel are dead."

"All of them..?"

"Yeah. So don't really need to worry, don't think anyone is coming back for you. Plus you have the earpiece, you can ask for help whenever."

"Oh no, I don't want to be a bur-"

"You would never be a burden." Ghost said quickly, before fixing his voice. "The task force liked you, so I'm sure they wouldn't mind seeing you again and helping you too."

Evelynn couldn't help herself but smile. She knew he thought the same, the way he cut her off just to assure her she wasn't being a burden only confirming it to her.

"I'm glad to hear that. It was a pleasure for me to work with you, I enjoyed everyone's company."

Ghost just remained silent. He shifted into his seat before letting his elbow rest on the car's door besides him. He didn't know what to say, he was unfamiliar with conversations, the ones that weren't with his teammates at least.

The thought of not seeing her again was also stopping him. Even though he knew he could any time go to the club or at her place to see her, he needed a good reason. He thought she would be upset to see him randomly appearing in front of the door.

The truth, however, is that she wished she could see him again. She didn't care if they just met on the street, or he came over. But she knew he wouldn't do it. He didn't seem the kind of person to pay visits or to like to hang out in the city, so her hopes were below zero.

Her stomach tightened as the car was approaching her house. She wanted this ride to be longer, or never end. She looked down at her hands, that she was keeping on her knees, paying attention to her nails, while Ghost was still focused on the road.

"Which one?" Ghost asked as soon as he entered the neighborhood.

Evelynn looked up, pointing to an apartment building.

"This one."

She just got a nod in response, parking his car in front of it. Evelynn let out a light sigh, opening the door. She didn't like having to say good bye. She hated it. She always did.

"I'm happy I met you and your squad, Ghost. See you soon, hopefully." She said before leaving the car.

Ghost took a while moment before leaving the car as well. He watched the tall girl walking towards the door, before rushed after her, grabbing her hand to stop her.

And it worked. She stopped, turning to face him. She was confused by his gesture, but she was happy he stopped her, happier than she could admit.

"That's not how you're supposed to say goodbye." Ghost said, looking down at her.

She smiled lightly, titling her head on a side.

"Then how should I?"

The tall man didn't say anything. Instead, he grabbed her shoulder, pulling her in a hug. She smiled, relaxing in the warm embrace.

"Like this. You're supposed to do it like this." He whispered, his gloved hand gently caressing her head.

"I didn't think you were a hugger."

"I'm not. But this is a good ocasion for it."

"Thank you for this, Ghost. I really needed one right now."

"Take care of yourself, 'ight? Don't get yourself in trouble again, I don't want saving yo' ass to be the way we meet again."

She let out a light chuckle, nodding.

"I'll do my best, Ghost."

"Good. See you again, Evelynn."

"See you again, Ghost." She said, pulling away from the hug.

She smiled at him, waving, before hurrying up in the building, leaving the tall man all alone. He waited a little longer before walking back in the car, driving off.