Call of Desire

36. Trauma

trau·ma
/ˈtrômə/
noun
a deeply distressing or disturbing experience, physical injury.

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Content Warning: Flashbacks, Nightmares, Gore, Torture, Blood

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John woke up to gentle swaying, the cold wind whistling softly in his ears. His eyes drifted open, his gaze falling on Simon. The Brit held him to his chest, bridal style.

He hummed, "Simon," Glancing down at him, the taller man smiled through his mask. "Where are we going?"

"Home, Johnny. Nik's got a plane waiting," he replied, pained. Exhaling, Soap blinked slowly.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm alright." Ghost lied. His waist felt like it was burning, his injury screaming silently.

John sensed the lie. "Put me down," he muttered.

"It's okay, we're almost there."

"If I'm hurting you, put me down," he said firmly. Ghost hesitated before stopping in his tracks, carefully allowing Soap to stand on his own. Unsteady on his feet, John kept a gentle hold on the Brit's shoulder.

"The van is just up ahead," Simon mentioned, gesturing into the darkness. They stood at the entrance to the hotel safe house they had been staying in. John took one of the two duffel bags from Simon's hand, grimacing at the pain that flared in his thigh. "I can handle the bags, Johnny."

"You've been shot, Simon." He reached out to take the other bag from the Brit, but the taller man pulled away.

"You've been stabbed,"

"Hasn't everyone?" Sighing, John reached forward again.

"Johnny," Ghost warned, pulling away once more. "What's wrong?"

Clenching his jaw, Soap stepped back, turning in the direction of the van. "Nothing,"

I almost got you killed, Simon. I almost got us both killed.

Shuddering, he slung the duffel bag over his shoulder.

Walking slowly, he leaned heavily on his good leg. Ghost walked silently beside him, casting worried glances in his direction.

The van slowly came into view, Gaz sitting in the passenger seat, bored.

"Was wondering when you two would-" He wavered when he sensed the tension between the two. "show up..."

"Are John and Ghost here?" Sergei asked from inside the vehicle.

"Yeah..." Gaz mumbled, averting his gaze, as if simply looking at the two would hurt him. Sergei seemed to get the message and remained quiet. "The Captain will be here soon."

"Where is he?" Ghost asked.

"Gathering the last of our supplies, he won't be long." The youngest Brit muttered.