Call of Duty: Collections

Reacquainted: Ghost

You couldn't see anything but the glowing-red rim of your cigarette, taking a drag. The sun had long since set, heading into the later hours of the night. Crickets chirped, almost violently, in the long grass- a welcomed relief from gunfire and explosions.

You leaned against the side of the house, M4 hung over your side. You had already been waiting close to an hour, thighs burning, feet aching. You wanted to rest, to have a hot shower- just the thought of it made your eyes flutter shut.

You heard a distinct sound- footsteps- and quickly threw your cigarette, lifting your rifle to your shoulder. Peering down the sight, you scanned the area, finally focusing in on the looming shadows, swaying with every step through the field of grass. You let out a deep sigh when you recognized the undeniable outline of Soap and Ghost, headed your way.

As they neared, your suspicions were confirmed; a Union Jack velcro'd to Soap's tactical vest, and the outline of a skull on Ghost's balaclava. Seeing the unforgettable mask made you shiver, your nerves already on edge. With a sharp inhale, you let your shoulders relax.

"Wondered when you'd be joining me," You called, lowering the rifle.

"Cut us some slack, you've had a head start," Soap replied, his humour offering a bit of a comfort.

"Or you're just slow," You shouted back.

They strode up to the safe house, finally out of the long grass. Heading toward you, you smiled when Soap extended his hand.

"Welcome back, L/N," His hand gripped yours with a firm shake.

"Thanks, Johnny," You nodded. "Lieutenant," You said, eyes shifting to the man that towered over both yourself and the Sergeant.

"L/N," Ghost nodded.

"Good to see you," You said.

You weren't shy by any means, but under his gaze you felt like hiding.

You scanned his frame, the same old feeling reigniting when you looked at him; a fire deep in your abdomen, fluttering when your eyes ran over his shoulders.

The hands that clung to his rifle were large- another thing you hadn't forgotten- and hiding beneath all the gear was a physique that made your thighs clench together. You tried to remain unaffected, but laying your eyes on him up close, you couldn't help but feel aroused.

"Let's get inside," He said. "On me."

Entering the safe house, you lifted your rifle, doing a quick sweep with Ghost leading and Soap behind you.

Once clear, you turned on the lantern that sat on a small coffee table. It offered little illumination, unable to be seen from outside.

After confirming you were safe, you parted with your vest and rifle, setting them on a nearby chair.

The safe house wasn't in great shape; skewed floorboards, peeling paint, even some crumbling drywall. It served its purpose, however, and you didn't plan to be holed up for long- just until morning.

A dense, heavy smell of mold and mildew filled the air, thick layers of dust and cobwebs on every surface.

"When'd you get in?" Soap asked, sitting with a huff on the chair across from you.

"Couple days ago, been in between places so far. Price filled me in," You grunted as you unlaced your boots, throwing them on the floor with a thud.

"You'll be joinin' us tomorrow then?" He leaned back.

You nodded.

Ghost had retrieved firewood from the cellar, letting it fall in front of the make-shift fireplace. He was hunched over, stacking the chopped logs. He took off his gloves; lighting a match, he held it to a small collection of wood shavings.