GHOST - SHORT STORIES

AN EARLY PROPOSAL

"Do you think she'll say yes?"

Price fails to stop the corners of his lips tugging into a smile. Watching Ghost's nervous pacing come to a halt as his question fills the quiet room.

The Captain leans back in his chair slightly. Hands behind his head as he shrugs his shoulders slightly.

"I don't know, Ghost."

Even with the balaclava masking his features, Ghost's paling face and shocked expression is evident.

"I shouldn't ask then ... I'll – I'll just ..."

"Of course she'll say yes, Simon. I'm pullin' your leg."

Price's laughter echoes between the four walls as Ghost lifts a gloved had to his eyes. Fingertips pressing upon his closed lids as he feels a frustration swell in his chest. Mixing with the anxiety that's causing his heart to race.

The swivel chair creaks as Price leans forwards again. Resting his elbows upon the wooden desk. Folding his hands in front of his chin.

"You have nothin' to worry about, Simon. That girl is head over heels for you."

In his time working with Ghost, and knowing of the cold and capable Lieutenant, he'd never seen this.

Hell, he never even thought that Ghost was capable of being so enamoured by someone. Not after everything he'd been through. Not with the front that Simon Riley was so good at putting up.

And yet, the unshakeable man from Manchester was akin to putty in your hands. Falling for you the second the two of you were paired up together on a mission. A few nights alone, in each others company, had been the beginning of it all.

Despite Price's words being overwhelmingly positive, Ghost's unsureness doesn't shake. Hand shifting to his covered jaw; fingers working across the tense muscle repetitively.

"Do y' think it's the right time to ask?"

The question hangs in the air as Price ponders his answer. Another shift in his chair. A pointed look in the direction of his Lieutenant.

"Do you think it is?"

At the parroted question, Ghost falls quiet again. Exhaling heavily as he nods his head.

Of all the things he'd been sure of in his life, this ranked rather high on the list. The nerves are natural. He figures he wouldn't feel so panicked about your possible answer if he didn't think this was right.

"YN would marry you in the middle of the fuckin' desert if you asked her. Now stop stressin' about it until tomorrow's done and dusted."

"Yes, Captain."

A soft smile hidden beneath the balaclava as Ghost steps out of Price's office; mind captured in thoughts of two things.

The velvet box he's stashed away in the drawers of his dresser.

And you.

"I need you all focused! Alert! I want this done as quickly as we fuckin' can, understood?!"

Gunfire echoes between deserted streets, the roar of the targeted vehicle's engine barely able to drown it out. Your body rocking side to side as the armoured truck takes sharp corners and rumbles over debris.

Your eyes find Simon's; encircled by his signature skull mask.

Reassurance oozes from him. One look in his direction is all it takes to settle your thundering heartbeat. Stomach untwisting itself from an anxious knot that even the most skilled sailors couldn't replicate.