Contagious || Ghost x Fem

𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞

Disclaimer:

I do not have any ownership rights to the characters featured in COD. All ownership rights belong to Activision. The storyline will include some original characters and will follow the plot of the campaign, although some parts will be different. The story begins with Price serving as a designated sharpshooter in the 22nd SAS Regiment under the command of Captain MacMillan, holding the rank of Lieutenant. This story will be a slow burn so be patient with me, but most of all enjoy.

TW's: angst, themes of violence, warfare, torture, sexual content, gore, etc.

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February 11th, 2004

New York

Price and his team thoroughly scoured the building for any signs of life. Crimson-red bootprints trailed behind them as they searched, confirming the fact they were unsuccessful. It was evident that the cartel had been one step ahead of them, and the team had arrived one step too late to prevent the murders that lay before them. Before the metallic tang of blood and death overtook the room, it was filled with the sound of music, chatter, and laughter, much like any other military ball. Now, in its wake lay bodies of American high-ranking officials, retired veterans, family members, and soldiers.

"Lieutenant, how copy?" asked the captain. The ringing in Price's ears subsided upon hearing his superior's voice. "We're too late, sir," replied Price. "Come again?" asked the captain. The gravity of the situation sank in as he relayed the grim reality. "Everyone so far is dead. We're still searching, but we need to call in the US military and try to keep the press away for now," explained Price. "Copy that. Search every inch of that building Price," ordered Captain MacMillan. Price addressed his men, who were all visibly shaken due to the number of bodies present around them. "You three," he said, pointing to a group of three, "please search upstairs. The rest of you, lock the doors and cover the windows. The press will likely show up soon." "Yes sir!"

The men followed instructions and Price wandered around the ground floor, identifying some of the bodies and their families. The silence was eerie, but it was soon interrupted by small cries and whimpers emanating from somewhere in the room. "Hello?" he questioned, looking around to locate the source of the sounds. There was someone who was either alive or close to death, and Price had to find them. He started searching by lifting tablecloths, going from table to table. Finally, he arrived at the last table and heard small, childlike sniffles. "I'm a soldier,  I'm here to help you," he said, trying not to frighten whoever was underneath. He slowly lifted the cloth and peered underneath. There sat a small girl who was curled up with her head on her knees. He spoke softly, "It's alright little one, I'm going to get you out of here." Price then crawled under the table with her, shielding her from the scene behind him.

She slowly lifted her head and her gaze met his. "W-who are you?" she asked, appearing to be only six or seven years old. "The name's Price. How do you do?" He smiled broadly and extended his hand for her to shake. The little girl sniffled and let out a quiet giggle, extending her hand to meet his. "I'm Y/N" you spoke quietly. "That's quite a lovely name, can-" He was cut off by his men. "L.T? Where are you?" He heard his men rushing back downstairs. You grew fearful, unsure of who to trust and you made a run for it. "Do not engage!" He yelled beginning to chase after you up the stairs. You didn't make it far, he caught you and wrapped you in his arms as you flailed and screamed.

During a moment when you were hitting and scratching him, rather than reacting harshly to your resistance, Price adopted a compassionate approach. He sat down on a step, hummed a soothing tune, and cradled you—an unexpected display of tenderness from the usually stern lieutenant. In that moment, he showed tenderness by rocking you in his arms. He made sure you were always looking at him, hoping you were unaware of the bloodbath that surrounded you. Eventually, you became calm and looked directly at him as he gently stroked your hair. "I'm going to help you, but in order for me to do so, I need you to do something for me, okay?" You replied with a soft hum. "I need you to trust me right now, Y/N. Can I put this around your eyes?" He asked warmly, holding out a green bandana. Their interaction painted a poignant picture of Price's capacity for empathy in the face of tragedy. "Will you take me to Mama?" you asked, your eyes sparkling with tears.

His heart sank, he knew your mother was most likely one of the bodies in this very room. "I-I don't know where she is, but I need to get you to a safe place. Will you let me?" You thought carefully, as if your little mind could comprehend the question and you nodded slowly. "Price, we have an evac helo on the way. What is your current status?" Captain MacMillan's voice echoed through the comms. "I've found a survivor," replied Price, still gazing at you with gentle eyes. "A survivor? The military should be there any minute," said MacMillan. "It's a little girl," Price said, his throat feeling tight. "A child? Do you have any information on her parents?" asked MacMillan. "I have no clue," Price replied, unable to bring himself to say that you seemed to be the only survivor out loud.

"Uh, sir," one soldier spoke up. They all seemed scared to interrupt the emotional moment. "The military is outside." Price immediately got up, holding you in his arms. He wrapped the blindfold around your eyes and you let him. "Unlock the doors. And do not say a word to them or the press." As one of the men was about to unlock the door, The military burst into the room, their guns raised and ready. You flinched, but the man holding you whispered that everything was going to be okay. After assessing the situation, the soldiers lowered their weapons. One of them asked, "What's the British SAS doing here?" but was quickly silenced by their captain. The American captain then turned to the man holding you, Price, and told him that this was now an American case and that the British SAS should leave.

Price objected, saying that they had every right to be there because the cartel had kidnapped some of their soldiers and invaded their bases, stealing weaponry, intel, and lives. They had come to 'resolve' the situation once they discovered their plans. However, the American captain was not impressed. "You failed. You should have contacted us first." As Price tried to explain that they had tried to inform them, you shifted in his arms and began to lightly snore, interrupting his sentence. "And that girl. She's American no?" Price felt true fear for the first time. He knew what the Americans would do to you, they would put you in the foster system and leave you to rot.

  He lied straight through his teeth accepting the consequences he would face later. "No. The cartel kidnapped her from one of our bases and was holding her for ransom. She is our medics daughter." Price's men looked at each other in confusion, but none of them dared to speak. The American nodded, showing his skepticism. "Are there any other survivors?" he asked. "No, not that we've found," replied one of the men of the SAS. The American hummed thoughtfully. "It seems we should double-check then." Price scoffed at the American's childishness. "The evac is waiting outside. Make your way out to the helo," said Captain MacMillan. Without saying a word to the other team, he walked out, happy to be carrying you, the little American in his arms.

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