Unmasked (Simon Riley)

Chapter 10

*Brooklyn's POV*

My bag hangs on my shoulder as I close the door to my room, glancing over to spot Ghost doing the same. "Morning, LT," I greet happily. I am definitely excited for some time off base, and another chance to stop Nikolai.

"Mornin'," he greets, his gruff voice still laced with a bit of tiredness. I pause to walk beside him, his hand reaching out towards me.

He grabs the strap to my bag, pulling it off my arm and throwing it over his free arm instead. "You seem almost excited," I tease, already hiding the blush in my face. He grunts in response, and we make way to the others.

I can spot the others by the car, talking and loading up their bags in the back. As we approach, I stand beside Price, while Ghost throws the bags in the back, shutting the trunk.

"Ready?" Price asks, glancing down towards me. I smile and nod, earning a smile from him too. He lifts an arm, pulling me into a side hug. I accept it greatly, always thankful for his comfort.

"Stay safe, all of you," he addresses the group. "I'll be in contact." I pull away from him, heading to the passenger side. "Hey!" I turn towards the voice, Milo jogging up from inside.

"Keep out of trouble," he tells me as he gets closer, and is soon pulling me into a bear-like hug. I laugh against him, "I will, I will."

"Ahem." I turn towards the truck at the noise, Milo releasing me. Soap is hanging out the window, smirking towards us. I wish Milo one more farewell, then hop in the front passenger seat.

Ghost is driving, pulling off as soon my door closes. I lean my head back against the seat, Price watching us leave before heading back inside.

I get comfortable in my seat, already being told this ride is a few hours. It's a mostly peaceful ride, up until Gaz and Soap decided to start singing road trip songs.

I watch as Ghost flexes his hands, knuckles turning white from his grip on the wheel, then returning to normal as he stretches his fingers. His eyes give nothing away, staring straight ahead at the road.

"Sing with us, Ghost!" Soap calls out with a laugh. "Johnny," Ghost replies, his voice coming off as a warning as he spares him a glance in the mirror. Soap just laughs off his tone, and continues hollering at the top of his lungs.

"Be careful how far you push him, Soap, he is the one in control of the vehicle."

He ignores my comment, singing right through it. I hear Ghost grumble some words beside me, but can't make out what he is saying over the terrible singing. We suffer through the last bit of the ride, finally pulling in the dirt driveway of the cabin.

"Home sweet home," Gaz jokes as Ghost puts the vehicle in park. It's a wooden cabin, definitely a bit outdated, but looks cozy none the less. It has a simple porch off the front, and is located in the middle of a small clearing, the yard surrounded by large trees.

I get out, still studying the house. The others grab their bags, Ghost grabbing mine, and we all walk up to the door. Ghost grabs the stashed away key, and lets us in the house. Its dim, the only light being from the sun in the windows.

The floor creaks slightly as we file in, the front door opening up to a kitchen and living room area. "The room in the back has a vanity, so we have dips on that room," Ghost says, his voice monotone. "did you say 'we'?" Soap questions. "Only two rooms, Johnny," Ghost informs, sounding slightly annoyed.

"Oh great, I have to share with him?" Gaz remarks, acting disgusted as he points at Soap. "We can cuddle all night long," Soap replies, wiggling his eyebrow towards Gaz. I laugh as Gaz pushes Soap, then they go off to the right, their room just off of the living room.