Contagious || Ghost x Fem

𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭

 As you descended the stairs, the sounds of your footsteps echoed in the quiet base. With a sigh, you surveyed the scene before you: empty bottles strewn across the table, discarded pizza boxes littering the floor, and the faint scent of alcohol lingering in the air. With determined resolve, you set about cleaning up the mess. You gathered the empty bottles and tossed them into a recycling bin, stacking the pizza boxes neatly for disposal. Lost in thought, you didn't notice Ghost's presence until he stepped into the room, his gaze piercing and unreadable. You tensed instinctively, a knot forming in the pit of your stomach as you braced yourself for what was to come. Ghost's expression was inscrutable as he observed you silently, his presence a tangible reminder of the secrets you harbored.

Despite the unease that settled over you, you forced yourself to maintain composure, focusing on the task at hand. The clatter of bottles and the rustle of cardboard filled the room, a stark contrast to the silence that hung between you and Ghost. With each passing moment, the tension between you grew, a palpable undercurrent that threatened to erupt at any moment. Ghost's gaze lingered on you, his expression unreadable as he observed your every move. The question hung in the air, tense and expectant, as you turned to face him, your hands still occupied with tidying up the remnants of the previous night's festivities.

"Is there something you need?" you asked, your tone guarded yet tinged with a hint of curiosity. Despite the unease that settled over you in his presence, you couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were swirling behind his piercing eyes. For a moment, Ghost remained silent, his gaze unwavering as he continued to watch you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. You resisted the urge to squirm under his scrutiny, forcing yourself to maintain composure despite the nagging sense of apprehension that gnawed at your insides. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ghost spoke, his voice low and measured. "Just making sure everything's in order," he replied cryptically, his words leaving more questions than answers.

As you resumed your cleaning, the rhythmic sound of your movements filled the room, punctuating the silence that hung heavily in the air. Each clatter and scrape seemed to echo off the walls, amplifying the sense of solitude that enveloped you in the early morning stillness. Ghost remained a silent observer, his presence a constant weight at the edge of your awareness. You stole a glance in his direction now and then, catching glimpses of his stoic demeanor as he leaned against the wall, his posture rigid and unmoving. Despite the tension that lingered between you, a part of you couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about the enigmatic man who seemed to hold so many secrets. What was it about you that seemed to captivate his attention? And why did he seem so intent on unraveling the mysteries of your past?

As you pondered these questions, you couldn't shake the feeling that Ghost was somehow different from the others, his motives and intentions shrouded in shadow. Yet, beneath his steely exterior, you sensed a depth of complexity that intrigued you, a complexity that hinted at hidden depths and untold stories. Lost in thought, you continued your task, the minutes ticking by in a slow, measured cadence. 

The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting soft, golden rays across the room and illuminating the dust particles that danced in the air. Eventually, the sound of footsteps broke the silence, and you glanced up to see Ghost making his way towards the hall. His expression remained unreadable as he paused in the hallway, casting one last inscrutable look in your direction before disappearing from view. With Ghost's departure, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a sense of quiet solitude. You sighed, relieved yet inexplicably unsettled by the encounter, and returned to your task, determined to push aside the lingering unease and focus on the present moment. 

Ghost entered Price's office without so much as a knock, his presence commanding attention as he strode across the room with purpose. Price, seated behind his desk, looked up with a weary expression, his fingers pressed against his temples in a futile attempt to alleviate the headache that gnawed at his skull. "Ghost," Price greeted, his voice tinged with resignation as he acknowledged the intrusion. Ghost paused in front of Price's desk, his expression inscrutable as he regarded the older man with a steely gaze. "Sir," Ghost replied, his tone clipped and businesslike as he addressed Price. There was no preamble, no pleasantries exchanged between them, only the unspoken understanding that they were here to discuss matters of grave importance. Price gestured for Ghost to take a seat, his movements slow and deliberate as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze never wavering from Ghost's impassive visage.

"You found out didn't you." Ghost's silence spoke volumes, confirming Price's suspicions without the need for affirmation. He nodded curtly, his jaw set in a firm line. "She's the girl they told stories about, isn't she?" There was no need for further explanation; they both knew exactly who he was referring to. Price responded with a nod, lighting up a cigar. "Who are you hiding her from, and why?" Price took a long drag from his cigar, the smoke curling lazily around him as he contemplated Ghost's question. There was a weariness in his eyes, a weight that seemed to settle upon him as he grappled with the complexities of their predicament. "It's complicated," Price finally replied, his voice heavy with resignation. "She's a liability, Ghost. The less people know about her, the safer she is."

Ghost nodded in understanding, though the furrow in his brow betrayed his lingering doubts. "And what about us?" he pressed, his gaze steady as he locked eyes with Price. "What happens if people find out we've been hiding her all this time?" Price's expression hardened, his jaw tightening as he considered the implications of Ghost's question. "We deal with it," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "But for now, she stays hidden. Understood?" Ghost nodded, though the unease in his eyes spoke volumes about the uncertainty that lay ahead. "What did you do Price?" Price took a long, contemplative drag from his cigar, the ember glowing brightly in the dimly lit room before he finally spoke, "I did what I had to do," he replied, his words weighted with the burden of his past decisions. "To protect her." 

There was a weariness in his voice, a weariness that spoke of the countless sacrifices made in the name of duty and honor. Ghost could see it in Price's eyes, the weight of the world pressing down upon him as he grappled with the consequences of his actions. Price, sitting behind his desk, met Ghost's gaze with a steely resolve, though a flicker of emotion betrayed his otherwise composed demeanor. "You brought her here knowing she would be a liability not only to the team but to the mission," Ghost reiterated, his voice firm and unwavering as he sat with his arms crossed. Price's jaw tightened slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of Ghost's accusation. He leaned back in his chair, contemplating his response before finally speaking.

 "She may pose challenges, but she's also an asset. And I'll do whatever it takes to ensure she remains safe." Ghost's expression remained impassive, though there was a glint of skepticism in his eyes. He unfolded his arms, his gaze unwavering. "You're playing a dangerous game, Price," Ghost warned, his voice low and grave. "Don't let your personal attachments cloud your judgment. The mission is paramount." Price met Ghost's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I'm well aware of that," he replied, his voice firm. "But she's not just a pawn on the board. She's a person. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."

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