Contagious || Ghost x Fem

𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤

"Oi lass, we've got a mission briefing, wake ye arse up," Soap's booming voice echoed through the door, jolting you from your slumber. As you groggily roll over in bed, you blink away the remnants of sleep. The urgency in his tone cuts through the haze of drowsiness, instantly alerting you to the gravity of the situation. With a reluctant sigh, you swing your legs over the edge of the bed, the cool floor beneath your feet serving as a rude awakening. Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you take a moment to stretch, feeling the stiffness in your muscles protest against the sudden movement. 

Once you've managed to shake off the last vestiges of sleep, you shuffle over to the door and pull it open, greeted by Soap's impatient expression. He raises an eyebrow at your sluggish demeanor, but you merely offer him a sheepish smile in response, silently acknowledging your tardiness. "Alright, alright, I'm up," you mumble, running a hand through your disheveled hair as you follow Soap out of the room and towards the mission briefing. 

You walked into the briefing room, still groggy from the interrupted sleep. Alejandro's eyes scanned over you, and he couldn't resist a comment about your appearance. "Looking a bit rough there, Serpent," he teased with a smirk. Rolling your eyes, you shot him a quick glare and flicked him off, earning a chuckle from Soap and a raised eyebrow from Price. Laswell entered the room with a tired sigh, her eyes sporting noticeable bags underneath them. She carried a stack of papers, which she loudly deposited onto the table, causing a few heads to turn in her direction. She massaged her temples, a clear sign of the stress she was under.

"Alright everyone, since the general couldn't make it," Laswell announced, her tone tinged with annoyance, "I'll be the one giving the mission briefing." Laswell began the briefing with a stern expression, her fatigue evident in the bags under her eyes. "As said before, a few of the Los Vaqueros have been posing as civilians in the small town where people have spotted Hassan," she relayed, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "They've been there for a few days now and have reported seeing him around." She paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in.

"The place is heavily guarded, with cartel members patrolling the streets. It's clear Hassan is using this town as a base of operations, planning his next move." Laswell's gaze swept across the room, ensuring everyone understood the severity of the mission ahead.Her voice remained steady as she addressed the potential civilian interference. "Now, some of the civilians may not take kindly to the presence of special forces in their town," she cautioned, her tone firm. "It's imperative that we do our best to keep them quiet and calm to avoid any unnecessary attention or complications." 

"If some civilians appear cooperative," she advised, "ask them if they've seen Hassan, using the photo I distributed to you the other day." She then moved on to the logistics of the operation. "The Los Vaqueros will be transported in one helicopter, while our task force will be in another," she explained, ensuring everyone understood the division of forces. "Additionally, the Shadows will maintain aerial surveillance from a plane, providing us with crucial intel and support from above."  

"We'll be in the dark again," she began, "and I'll emphasize this once more: no one splits up. I want everyone to have at least one person with them at all times." After Laswell's directives, the team responded in unison, their voices echoing with determination. "Yes, ma'am." Laswell's resolve remained unwavering as she issued her final instruction. "I want every house and store searched and cleared until he is found." 

As your gaze traversed the room, you couldn't help but notice the determined expressions etched on the faces of your teammates, each one reflecting a steely resolve to accomplish the mission at any cost. However, it was Ghost's unwavering stare that drew your attention, his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. Unlike before, you didn't flinch or avert your gaze; instead, you met his stare head-on, holding his gaze with a sense of determination and defiance mirrored in your own eyes. It was a silent exchange, a clash of wills, each refusing to back down, each daring the other to blink first.

"Serpent? Hello!" Laswell's voice pulled you out of your reverie, and you quickly refocused your attention on her. "Uh, I'm sorry, ma'am," you replied, feeling a bit flustered. "Could you repeat that, please?" She sighed softly, her patience waning. "I asked if you heard what I said." You flushed with embarrassment, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on you. "No, ma'am," you admitted sheepishly. "I, uh, I got a bit distracted." Laswell's frustration was evident as she lightly smacked the back of your head with a binder. "Ow!" you yelped, rubbing the spot where you were hit. Soap, Keegan, and Ghost couldn't help but chuckle at the scene. "Let's focus now, Serpent," Ghost teased, still grinning under his balaclava. 

"I said you're with Ghost," Laswell reiterated, her tone firm. You sighed inwardly, not entirely thrilled about being paired with Ghost again. Despite his skill as a trainer, his aloof demeanor made it difficult to gauge his intentions. Plus, there was the underlying tension between you two, adding an extra layer of complexity to the partnership. Nodding in acknowledgment, you reluctantly uncrossed your arms, resolving to make the best of the situation. 

As Laswell dismissed the team, signaling the end of the briefing, you gathered your belongings, ready to head back to your room to prepare for the upcoming mission. However, your attention was drawn to Price's request to speak with Ghost. It wasn't the first time you'd noticed the two having private conversations, and it piqued your curiosity. Ghost nodded in response to Price's request, and you couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their discussions. The air between them seemed charged with unspoken tension, and you couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their interactions than met the eye.

Trying to push aside your curiosity, you focused on making your way out of the briefing room. You return to your room, swiftly changing into comfortable cargo shorts and a simple black t-shirt. Tying the shirt at the waist, you glance at your reflection in the mirror, adjusting a loose strand of hair before heading downstairs. In the kitchen, you gather ingredients to whip up a quick meal, the familiar routine offering a moment of solace amidst the tension of the upcoming mission. As you chop vegetables and set a pan on the stove, your mind drifts back to the briefing, contemplating the tasks that lay ahead and mentally preparing for the challenges to come.

As you deftly crack eggs into a bowl, Soap strolls into the kitchen, drawn by the enticing aroma of sizzling ingredients. "What's cooking?" he asks with a grin. You glance up from your task, offering a warm smile. "Just whipping up some omelettes. Want one?" you inquire, gesturing to the array of ingredients laid out on the counter. Soap's expression brightens at the offer, but then he hesitates, as if remembering something. "I'd love one but," he begins, scratching the back of his head, "I've got a favor to ask. I've been tasked with cleaning and washing the vehicles for tonight. Think you could lend a hand?"

You arch an eyebrow at him playfully, feigning reluctance. "Hmm, I suppose I could. But only if you promise to bring me some willing takers for these omelettes," you tease, pointing to the ingredients with a mischievous grin. Soap chuckles and nods eagerly. "Deal!"

1292 words