Liability [Simon Ghost Riley]

apologies

It had been nearly a week since Phoebe had fought with Emma. The days passed quickly, she was busy from the moment she stepped into the medical bay and from the moment she collapsed in bed. There was a constant stream of soldiers needing medical attention. She didn't mind the fast pace job, it kept her mind busy. Prevented her guilty consciousness from filling her mind with regrets about her behavior. The truth was that Phoebe hated the way she'd been acting. John Price's harsh words had made her realize just how insufferable she'd been. 

Since the confrontation she kept her head down, desperate to keep herself out of trouble. She loved her job, though she never felt as though she was wanted, Phoebe knew that caring for people was her purpose in life. She was determined to prove herself not only to her sister, but to Ghost as well. She hated the fact that someone perceived her differently than who she knew she was. Her behavior with the LT had been unusual for her. She wasn't one to snap so easily, she also wasn't used to blatant disrespect to her face. She wished she would've handled the interactions with him with more grace, however she'd let her ego get the best of her. Now most of the people on the base hated her, and thought she was sleeping with one of the higher ranking men to keep her job. The thought made her sick as it couldn't be further from the truth. 

After a long day Phoebe had finally finished her tasks and filled the night shift medics in on the status of the patients staying the night in the bay. She cleaned her hands and took off the black scrub top and shoved it in her bag. She heads to the dining hall, hoping that she would be able to eat alone since dinner had been served an hour earlier. As she enters she notices a few people sitting at a table together, along with her sister sitting with Ghost of all people. She tried to back out of the room before she was noticed, but her eyes met those of Emma's and she curses. She knew that it was too late now. 

Phoebe smiles awkwardly and grabs a plate of food, she holds her shoulders high and walks over to her sister, taking a seat beside her. Emma looks at her in annoyance and turns back to Ghost, continuing her conversation about some form of combat he'd been teaching her. Phoebe listens awkwardly and waits for a pause in the conversation. It was not even two minutes later when Emma turns to her with an angry glare.

"is there something you need Phoebe?" she asks 

"I was hoping to talk to you, actually the both of you" Phoebe says, noticing how Ghost's body turns towards her, acknowledging her presence for the first time since she sat down. His dark eyes piercing directly into her soul. She rubs her hands together nervously. 

"I have nothing to say to you - excuse me LT, I'll see you for training tomorrow" Emma says before picking up her plate and leaving the table. Phoebe sighs and watches her walk out of the room, embarrassment and sadness fills her heart as her face burns bright red. 

Ghost sighs trying to figure out how he would be able to get himself out of the incredibly awkward situation. His mind races for something, anything to say. He hated seeing the look of sadness on her face. He felt a pang in his heart as she stood. 

"you wanted to talk to me?" he asks, her gaze shifts to meet his own, she blinks back her tears and sits down once more. 

"yeah, I uh - I wanted to apologize to you for my past behavior. I never should've spoken to you like that, it's not who I am or who I ever want to be. The last thing I want is to make any more enemies on this base, and I can promise you that It'll never happen again. No matter how much my ego hates it, I won't be arguing with you or any other superior. I just want to do a good job here"

Ghost was shocked at her words, the last thing he'd expected to hear from her was an apology. Phoebe James was constantly surprising him. His mouth went dry as his heart raced. He was so taken aback that his mind went blank, unable to form any coherent thoughts he nodded and mumbled out a short response. 

"already forgotten James" 

"right, well have a good night" she says softly before walking out of the room.

Ghost clenches his fist as she leaves, cursing himself for not offering her his own apology. He knew he never should've spoken to her in that way, she'd caught him at the worst possible time. He'd just gotten off a call in which Colonel Shepard tore him a new one for not having any additional information about their target. He took his anger out on the first person who spoke to him, which happened to be Phoebe James. He had not expected her to fight back and stand up for herself. He was used to respect, the soldiers on this base wouldn't even look him in the eye. Then this young woman marched into his world and changed everything. 

He'd been attracted to her from the moment he laid eyes on her. He thought she was simply the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Her captivating blue eyes and bright orange hair. Her kind smile and big glasses which sat on her nose. He would never forget the way that her smile dropped after he made that rude remark when they met. Her eyes unable to hide the hurt and anger she felt towards him. As much as he wanted to deny it - Ghost wanted her. It took every ounce of restraint he had not to go after her and show her just how much she'd messed with his head. But it was just a fantasy, he'd never allow things between them to grow. Relationships were not his style, he couldn't imagine committing to someone forever. Yet the idea of another man laying a hand on Phoebe made him sick to his stomach.