A Nurse and Their Ghost | Simon Riley "Ghost" x Reader

chapter 3

Reclining in your chair, a sense of accomplishment sweeps over you. Ghost's leg is treated, and while elevation might be beneficial, the urgent care is done. You suppress a yawn, realizing that despite Ghost's stoic facade when he first entered, you've genuinely enjoyed your chat with him.

Ghost remains seated, assessing his leg. It's clear he wants to pivot the discussion. "What made you want to be a doctor?" he ventures, meeting your eyes in earnest anticipation.

You sink further into your chair, contemplating the weight behind his inquiry. "Well, in most teams or groups I've been part of, I've always been the 'caregiver'. Becoming a medic was almost intuitive – a way to look after people and make a difference," you muse, smirking, "Plus, there's an undeniable joy in poking and prodding especially unruly patients."

His response is a chuckle, betraying genuine amusement. "So, you find tormenting patients 'satisfying'?" Ghost quips, grinning, "Sounds borderline psychopathic, Doctor."

You laugh heartily, teasingly defending your stance, "Having control, especially over those who think they're invincible? There's nothing like reminding them of their vulnerability with a slight tweak in their anesthesia or numbing dosage."

Ghost's chuckles deepen, his mirth evident. But he quickly composes himself, commenting, "That's... unexpectedly candid. I half-expected a clichéd monologue about the nobility of saving lives."

Smirking, you lock eyes with him, "One evening won't be enough to uncover all my stories or secrets." Your gaze deepens, the playful challenge evident, "Though if you find yourself in need of medical attention again, maybe I'd spill a few more tales."

Ghost contemplates for a moment, his attention shifting momentarily to the book in his grasp. "I just might hold you to that offer," he murmurs, trying to keep his tone even.

The room's ambiance becomes charged with anticipation. You can sense a mutual, unspoken interest. As the silence stretches, fatigue begins to creep in, a testament to your grueling 10-hour shift training rookies. Yet, even though it's nearly midnight, your field medic training nudges you to push through the exhaustion.

"Tell me something about yourself, Ghost." you prompt, your tone laden with genuine curiosity.

A contemplative silence ensues, with Ghost appearing to grapple internally over what to divulge. "What are you curious about?" he finally ventures, his voice reverting to its usual neutral cadence. The secrecy behind his mask seems to intensify as he briefly glances at the book, then back to you.

Taking a moment to frame your thoughts, you stretch out leisurely in your chair, seeking a question that might pierce his guarded demeanor. "I don't know," you muse. "Like are you a dog or a cat person?"

Ghost's eyebrows lift slightly, evidently taken aback by the unexpected nature of the question. A fleeting smirk graces his lips before disappearing. When he does answer, it's with a detached air. "Dogs." His gaze, unwavering, rests on you. "What about you?"

Your grin broadens, "Good choice," you jest. "I've always been a dog person. Grew up with a German Shepard and an Aussie." Pausing, your expression turns wistful, "I have nothing against cats. Just that they seem to have something against me – allergies."

Ghost's nod is understated, yet it's clear he's processing this information. The ensuing quiet feels thick. Eventually, he breaks it with a question. "What are their names?"

Though he's putting on an impassive front, the itch of inquisitiveness is evident in his stance.

Their memories bring forth a mix of nostalgia and mirth. "The dynamic duo: Dodger and Pancake. Original, right?" Your chuckle hints at cherished memories of youthful escapades with the spirited canines.