I Feel It In My Bones (Simon "Ghost" Riley x Reader)

Secrets, Secrets

The air was heavy despite the air-conditioning of the CIA building. Surrounded by white walls and suits, there was an underlying unease in your bones that had you standing straight, even with your arm pressed against Ghost's.

Though you had been the first to arrive, far ahead of schedule, the two of you weren't alone for long.

Price was the next to walk in, strides as steady and sure as he was. He gave you a squeeze on the shoulder as he passed, those blue eyes warm. You thought there might have been a flicker of sympathy there, too. A paternal gentleness. 'Good to see your face, Bones.'

He turned to the man beside you. His eyes flicked up and down Ghost's frame, from his heavy boots, his dark uniform, all the way to the balaclava and that hard-shell skull of his. 'Swear you get bigger each time I see you, Simon. How tall are you? Six foot three?'

'Six foot five, give or take,' Ghost rumbled. 'Hope I'm not getting taller. Doorways are already the bane of my life.'

Price barked a laugh and sunk into one of the chairs nearby. He tipped his fishing hat over his eyes, blocking the bright fluorescent lighting overhead.

You had no doubt that he hadn't received the same amount of R&R as the rest of you. Price had been the first person Simon had phoned the night of Sean's death, and had set everything in motion with Laswell afterwards. It was because of him that you had been taken to the safehouse, with Simon there for security.

You would be forever grateful to him for that.

When Gaz arrived, he did so quietly. He patted Price's arm, gave Ghost a short nod. And then he moved to stand beside you, and slipped something into your hand with a lopsided grin.

When you looked down, you found a bagel wrapped in white patterned paper in your hold, your favourite fillings spilling out of the sides.

You didn't need to ask why. Gaz had always been the one to make sure you were fed, and it was nice to know that that hadn't ended. A part of you also knew that the offering was his way of bringing some comfort following Sean's death.

So you tugged on the brim of his cap, and whispered, 'are we allowed to eat in here?'

Gaz replied with a casual shrug. 'Just shove it all in.'

And when you muttered, 'that's what she said,' beneath your breath before taking the biggest bite you could, Ghost shot you a sideways glance, and Gaz had to press a fist against his mouth to stop from laughing.

Soap was the last to join you, entering with a wide grin and a saunter that immediately had you smiling in response. He clapped Price and Gaz over the back, then approached Ghost. You watched as, without a beat of hesitation, he sent a punch into your lieutenant's chest. 'Nice to see you, L.T.'

You almost choked on the last bite of your bagel. Ghost rolled his eyes so hard the whites were visible. 'Bloody hell.'

And then Soap was on you, pulling you into a crushing hug. A few beats passed before he pushed you away, slid his hands to your biceps 'Doc's buffed up! Look at those muscles!'

You swatted at him before Ghost had the chance. 'Absolute bawbag. Git auf.'

But Soap wasn't finished, and gave both of your arms a firm squeeze. 'You've been lifting more than just textbooks lately, haven't you?'

Ghost's eyes flicking to where Soap's hands wrapped around your arms, and then slowly up to the other Sergeant's face. 'Johnny. You like having digits?'

Soap's arms flew back to his sides, and he took a wide step away from you. But before he could fire a retort, a familiar, sandy-haired woman appeared. Her blue eyes were sharp, but her smile was warm. 'Task Force 141,' she greeted, sweeping her gaze across your team. You didn't miss the way they lingered on you for a moment longer, then at the lack of close space between you and your lieutenant. 'It's good to see you all again. Come with me.'