Contagious || Ghost x Fem

𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭

As the next day dawns, casting a warm glow across the horizon, you find yourself outside, sitting on a step, the fading hues of the sunset painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. With a cigarette between your fingers, and wisps of smoke curling lazily into the air, you contemplate the gravity of the mission ahead. In the stillness of the moment, you're acutely aware that the success of the operation hinges on your ability to navigate the dangerous waters of Sin Nombre's mansion. The weight of responsibility settles on your shoulders like a heavy cloak, the knowledge that your actions could determine the fate of the mission and the safety of your team lingering in your mind.

As you sit there, lost in thought, the sound of footsteps approaching interrupts your solitude. Someone settles down beside you, their presence palpable in the quiet evening air. Without turning to look, you sense their presence, a silent companion sharing the weight of the impending mission. You don't need to see their face to know that they're there for you, offering silent support in this moment of uncertainty. The comfort of their presence soothes the turbulent thoughts swirling in your mind, grounding you in the here and now.

"Party starts in two hours and you're not ready yet?" Ghost's voice says beside you. You offer a nonchalant shrug, taking another drag of your cigarette before responding. "It won't take me that long," you assure him, the words more for your own benefit than his. "Thinking about the mission, eh?" You glance over at Ghost, the faint glow of the cigarette illuminating his lips and jaw in the dimming light. His question hangs in the air, a gentle probing into the depths of your thoughts. With a nod, you acknowledge his observation, the weight of the upcoming mission heavy on your mind.

"Yeah," you admit, exhaling a plume of smoke into the evening air. "Can't seem to shake it off." Your gaze drifts to the horizon, where the last vestiges of daylight cast long shadows across the landscape. In the distance, the faint hum of activity hints at the bustling world beyond your secluded spot. Ghost remains silent beside you, a comforting presence in the quietude of the evening. His stoic demeanor offers a sense of stability amidst the uncertainty swirling around you. With a sigh, you flick the remnants of your cigarette into the darkness, the ember fading into nothingness.

"It's just... a lot," you confess, the words heavy with the weight of your concerns. "But we'll get through it, right?" You turn to Ghost, seeking reassurance in his steady gaze. He meets your eyes, a silent understanding passing between you. "Yeah," he responds, his voice low but resolute. "We'll get through it." In his words, you find a glimmer of hope, a reminder that no matter what challenges lie ahead, you're not facing them alone.

As you sit there, the fading light casting a soft glow around you both, Ghost's presence feels oddly comforting. As the minutes pass in comfortable silence, you find yourself lost in your own thoughts, the rhythmic sound of your breathing mingling with the faint rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Suddenly, Ghost's voice breaks through the quietude, pulling you back to the present. "You ready for this?"  His tone is casual, but there's an underlying intensity to his words, a shared understanding of the gravity of the situation.

You meet his gaze, finding a sense of determination mirrored in his eyes. "As ready as I'll ever be," you reply, mustering a faint smile. "Besides, it's not like we have much of a choice, do we?" Ghost chuckles softly at your remark, a brief moment of levity amid uncertainty. "Guess not," he concedes, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But hey, we've got each other's backs." You nod in agreement, grateful for the solidarity of your team, despite the challenges that lie ahead. "Yeah," you say, a note of conviction creeping into your voice. "We've faced worse together. We'll figure this out, too."

As you contemplate the challenges that lie ahead, Ghost shifts beside you, his movements drawing your attention. Before you can react, he extends a hand towards you, a silent offer of assistance. You meet his gaze, finding a reassuring warmth in his eyes. Without hesitation, you accept his gesture, allowing him to help you to your feet. "Thanks," you say softly, a genuine appreciation evident in your voice. Ghost offers a nod in response, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Anytime," he replies, the simple gesture speaking volumes. 

"We should head back soon," Ghost suggests, breaking the silence with a gentle reminder. As the sky transitions from hues of orange and pink to deepening shades of blue, Ghost's suggestion to head back soon hangs in the air. However, you're not quite ready to relinquish the tranquility of the moment just yet. "Wait, not yet," you respond softly, your gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun dips lower, painting the sky in its final strokes of color. A sense of awe washes over you as the last traces of daylight give way to the gentle glow of twilight.

In the fading light, stars begin to emerge, pinpricks of brilliance against the canvas of the night sky. You find yourself captivated by the beauty of the celestial display, each twinkling light a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the mysteries it holds. Ghost remains beside you, his presence a silent acknowledgment of your need to linger a little longer. Together, you stand in quiet contemplation, sharing a moment of serenity amidst the chaos that awaits. As the last vestiges of sunlight disappear below the horizon, enveloping the world in darkness, you finally turn away, a sense of calm settling over you. "Okay, let's head back," you say softly, ready to face whatever challenges the night may bring.

Soap approached, his footsteps echoing on the hardwood as he walked up to you and Ghost. "Serpent, I was lookin' for ya, where are you two coming from?" he asked skeptically, eyeing both of you. "Just a quick smoke, Johnny," Ghost replied nonchalantly, his tone betraying no hint of guilt. Soap scoffed in response, his disapproval evident. "You guys need to stop that," he remarked, shaking his head in disapproval. You shrugged in response, offering a half-hearted justification. "It's a habit," you admitted, knowing Soap wouldn't be swayed by excuses. Soap followed as you began to ascend the stairs, his footsteps falling in line with yours. "A bad habit," he muttered under his breath, a note of concern in his voice.

"What do you want, Soap?" you asked as you continued walking toward your room, Soap trailing behind. "Just checkin' on ya, I haven't seen you all day," he replied, his tone more subdued than before. You glanced back at him, noting the genuine concern in his eyes. Despite his gruff demeanor, Soap always had a way of showing he cared in his own unique manner. "I'm fine, Soap," you reassured him, offering a small smile. "Just getting ready for the mission tonight."

Soap nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Alright, just be careful out there," he advised, his voice tinged with a hint of worry. "I will," you promised, reaching your room door and turning the handle. As you stepped inside, you could still feel Soap's gaze lingering on you, a silent reminder of the risks that lay ahead. Closing the door behind you, you took a deep breath, steeling yourself for the challenges of the night to come.

1260 words