Silver-Lining (Ghost Riley x Reader)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

A/n: The song I listened to on repeat while writing this chapter. Song: Daylight by David Kushner

I began to sweat profusely as my muscles ached and my legs shook beneath me- signaling that if I took one more step, my body would collide with the ground, taking Javier with me. We had been this way for hours. I could see the sun rise above the horizon, hues of pinks and blues and the soft clouds scattered the skies. The morning air was cool and crisp and the chirps of the birds created a comforting symphony. "We need to take a break." I set Javier down, feeling an immediate relief flood over my entire body. I had walked the full hours of the nighttime, switching between carrying and dragging Javier. I was now convinced that we had lost the soldiers.

"Let's get you bandaged up," I spoke soothingly, hoping that it would give him a sense of comfort. His eyes flickered into mine, his eyes hooded and lazy. His breathing was hitched and I began to tend to his wound as best as I could. I used what I had, using the small stream beside us to clean his wound.

"What made you join the Marines?" Javier's voice was soft and only slightly rough. His brown eyes flickered across my face as I continued bandaging him, almost as if he was studying me- my facial expressions, my body language, and the way I reacted when he asked that question. "I don't know- because I'm good at it, I guess." My answer was irresolute. A slight uncertainness clouded both my tone and my demeanor. I wasn't sure of my answer. I wasn't sure why I joined or why I stayed. I only knew that I never left- and that I wouldn't ever leave.

"Bullshit." His raspy voice sounded sharp like a knife. I tightened the bandage, earning a small groan from him. I raised an eyebrow, my eyes flickering up to meet his. "And what makes you think my answer is bullshit?" I could feel myself growing more intrigued by the topic of conversation. "No one joins because they think that they might be good. They always have a reason."

I stayed silent for a moment, thinking about his answer. In some ways he was right. I never knew I was going to be good at this. I had a life I wanted to get away from. When I joined the Marines, it felt like I could finally breathe. It felt like the weight of the world that had been heavily weighing down on my chest, making it hard for me to breathe, had been finally lifted. "What was your reason?" I asked him, finally finished bandaging his wound. "Made a promise to my father. I told him I'd make him proud." He let out a few chuckles, grimacing in pain as he clutched his wounded area. "Now look where I'm at. On the brink of death- praying to God that I might make it."

"Don't worry- you will." I assured him, leaning him up forward. "You still never answered my question." He pointed out.

"I joined because I needed an escape. I needed to leave the life I was barely even living. And it was the best choice I've ever made." I spoke with more confidence. Javier nodded his head slowly, his brown eyes staring into mine. "Your wound- patch it up." He told me.

I unbuttoned my shirt, leaving me in my tan tank top. I flipped my knife open, cutting a portion of my shirt. I wrapped the makeshift bandage around my shoulder, tying the cloth tightly around my wound. I grimaced in slight pain and leaned back in my seat once I finished. I leaned back against a tree, my eyes flickering up to the sky. My thoughts went straight to Simon.

I wondered if he even knew that we were stranded. I didn't even know if Alejandro made it out. My hope grew weak like a dim candle flame, flickering soft and slow. I couldn't show my lack of hope or present it to Javier.

"We should keep moving." I stood up, staggering only slightly. "You're gonna get yourself killed trying to stick with me." Javier grumbled, breathing heavily. His head rolled weakly to the side as he turned to look at me. "No man left behind." I grabbed onto him, using all the strength I had left to lift him over my shoulder.