Simon "Ghost" Riley oneshots

The Bodyguard pt-2 (slow burn)

"You're not alone inside, are you?" Ghost asked, his voice low and steady. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the layout of the house, mentally calculating the risks.

"I'm here most of the time," you said, glancing at him. "But I've got a few trusted people in place."

He nodded, clearly assessing the situation. "Good. But trust is earned, not given. If Garcia gets past the outside, you'll need more than just a few guards. A team, at least."

You met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "I can handle myself, but I'll take your advice."

He gave a small nod. "You might be able to handle yourself, but you need the right backup. If you want to survive Garcia, you need to be prepared for anything."

A flicker of something, resolve, maybe passed through your eyes. "I've been preparing for this for a long time."

His eyes softened just slightly under the mask. "Good. Then we'll make sure it's enough."

"I was in my car when they were shot in front of my eyes," you whispered, your voice trembling as the memory came rushing back. "I-I had a panic attack... and I went into shock..."

The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, Ghost stood motionless, his mask impassive, but the surprise in his eyes softened, giving way to something deeper-something almost like understanding. He nodded slowly, his posture shifting slightly as if adjusting to the weight of your revelation. His voice, when he spoke, was lower, softer, a rare shift in tone. "A panic attack and shock," he echoed, his words slow and measured. "That's a normal response, considering what you went through."

You shook your head, your voice barely above a whisper. "I can't recall... it gives me PTSD."

The words seemed to hit him like a blow, and his eyes narrowed behind the mask. There was a brief flicker of something grim, something darker, before he spoke again. "PTSD," he repeated, his voice taking on an almost reverent tone, as if the weight of the term itself deserved respect. "That's understandable. Experiencing trauma like that... it's life-altering."

You flinched, instinctively rubbing your forehead as the memories surged forward. The tears came too quickly, but you wiped them away before they could fall, trying to regain your composure.

Ghost's eyes followed the movement, noting the subtle tremor in your hand, the way you fought against the raw emotion that threatened to break through. He noticed the brief flicker of pain in your expression, and it made something inside him tighten, something he rarely allowed to stir. The gruff, impassive persona he had carefully crafted seemed to slip, replaced by something far more human-more concerned. Without thinking, he took a small step closer, his voice softer now, tinged with a note of care. "You okay?" he asked, the question a low murmur, his eyes scanning your face with an intensity that seemed to demand more than just an answer.

You blinked rapidly, swallowing down the lump in your throat. "I am fine," you said quickly, though the words lacked conviction. "Your room is upstairs, make yourself at home, Lieutenant. I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, you turned and started to walk away, making your way towards the pool area, heading for your room downstairs. Ghost watched you, his eyes following the curve of your figure, the faintest frown pulling at the corners of his mouth beneath the mask. He wasn't used to seeing vulnerability in people like you-not billionaires, not those who lived in a world of opulence and luxury, where real danger felt like a distant, foreign concept. Most of them were pampered, untouched by the harshness of life's cruelties. But you... you were different.

He shook his head slightly, as if to rid himself of the thought, and forced his focus back on the mission. His footsteps were quiet as he made his way upstairs, each one deliberate, careful. The familiar routine of moving through a house on guard, silent as a shadow, was a comfort to him, and he allowed it to take over as he ascended the stairs, leaving the tension behind him.