Beyond Duty - Simon Ghost Riley x Reader

Chapter 3. Intimidation

The following morning goes about the same as the last, except I also take a quick shower. I quickly get ready, brush my hair and teeth, applying mascara, getting changed into my uniform, all while sneaking up and down the hall.

I'm happy that last night I finally managed to get my room all cleaned up. My clothes all neatly packed away, everything in its place. I didn't need an inspection to come around and have Captain Price see the mess.

I even decorated a small bit, a couple books with pretty covers on my nightstand and a few posters up on the walls, as well as a small sized mirror on one of the walls closer to the door.

I felt more at ease in my room now. Even though I didn't really feel like doing all of that last night, especially after all the training and evaluating from yesterday.

I make my way down the hall one final time, headed for the common area just as I did yesterday. I can hear the faint sound of Soap laughing.

God was he loud. Not that its a bad thing, of course.

I feel my shoulder, it's more sore than it was aching like yesterday. I rub it a bit with my spare hand, trying to sooth it. The shower earlier helped slightly. The warm water always helped my aches and pains from work, even if the water pressure here was absolute shit. The pain wasn't unmanageable or incredibly sore, more like just an inconvenience. 

I finally turn from around the corner, walking into the common area. My shower took extra time, so it's now 6:45. I notice all three of the boys sitting together at a table. Of course Soap was the first to notice me, a big smile stretches across his face as he leans over from behind Gaz, who's sitting in front of him. Soap waves at me. "G'mornin, lass!" he exclaims loudly. Gaz turns around, with a more subtle smile, and waves.

Seeing them makes a smile creep onto my face. They were so inviting and nice, it's nice to feel welcomed on the new base. However, Ghost is also sitting with them. I feel a little uneasy as I see him. Like yesterday, he doesn't even seem to notice my existence. I pass by their table as I make my way to the kitchen.

"Hey Soap, Gaz." I greet them softly, with a nod and a smile. I'm not as hyper as Soap is in the morning. "Lieutenant." I add after a  brief moment, with no smile.

Let's see how he likes that.

He finally looks up at me, and we both make eye contact. Our eyes meet for only a moment, similarly to how they did the first day. I quickly look away, almost regretting the different tone I used to greet him. Almost. As I enter the kitchen, I felt a bit intimidated by his gaze.

I'd hate to admit it, but he makes me feel uneasy. He could have at least said a simple hello, or even a 'soldier' as a reply, but no.

Of course not. God, what is his problem?

I finish grabbing a meal, and make my way back into the common room. I was honestly going to spend the next ten minutes sitting by myself until Gaz spoke up.

"Come join us, y/n." He says softly, just as I was about to place my plate down on a separate table. I turn to him, my face blushing ever so slightly out of nervousness, but I walk over to their table. I set my plate down, the only option being to sit next to Gaz, and in front of Ghost. This makes me feel a bit awkward. I sit.

"So, what were we talking about?" I ask sheepishly, as I take a bite of my food.

Soap shakes his head, "Never mind that, tell us 'bout you, y/n." he says, his voice a bit more relaxed than before, but still full of energy.

Gaz nods in agreement, "Yeah, where are you from?" he adds. Ghost just sits there, quietly. His arms crossed leaning back in his seat. I could feel his eyes on me. I met his gaze once but quickly looked down and back at Soap.