COD Oneshots

Just as a cover? (Ghost)

The desert evening was cloaked in shadows, a low, crimson sun casting long silhouettes across the makeshift camp. Ghost sat alone, resting after a long day's mission, his mask concealing any sign of weariness. As he gazed across the yard, his eyes found Y/N, as they often did. She was rummaging through her pack, lips pursed in determination as she struggled with a stubborn can. A faint smile, hidden beneath his mask, tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Ghost had always known he'd fallen hard for Y/N—since that first day she'd joined their squad, actually. There was something about the way she moved, about the fire in her eyes, that had gotten under his skin. And, unlike anyone else he'd ever met, she made him feel seen. But despite his feelings, he'd kept to the shadows, hovering in the background, content just to be near her, to watch over her. Their friendship had grown over the months, an unspoken trust settling between them, even if the others found it strange. They were a perfect study in contrasts, after all—he, the silent, dark-clad soldier; she, radiant and vibrant in her own quiet way.

As he watched her struggle with the can, Ghost felt an inexplicable warmth when she scanned the camp, bypassing several of their squad mates, and began walking toward him. His heart quickened, a feeling he'd grown familiar with whenever she chose him, even for the smallest things.

"Ghost, can you help me with this?" Her tone was casual, but there was a soft warmth to it. She held out the can to him, her fingers brushing his gloved hand, sending a subtle shock through him.

He grunted a quiet, "Of course," taking the can and snapping it open with ease before handing it back to her. She smiled up at him—a smile he knew was rare and just for him. For a fleeting moment, he could almost convince himself that she felt the same.

"Thanks, Simon," she murmured. He'd never told her his real name, but somehow, she'd learned it. And though he preferred the anonymity his mask provided, it didn't feel wrong coming from her. She turned to head back across the camp, and as always, his eyes lingered on her retreating form.

He was lost in thought when he felt someone settle beside him, the distinct scent of cigar smoke letting him know it was Price. The older man nudged him with a knowing smirk.

"You've got it bad, mate," Price murmured, a glint of amusement in his eyes. Ghost gave him a sideways look, his instinct to shrug it off faltering under Price's scrutiny. "She's got you wrapped around her little finger, hasn't she?"

Ghost exhaled sharply, a quiet huff of laughter escaping him. "What're you on about?" he muttered, though the faint warmth on his cheeks told a different story.

"Oh, please." Price chuckled, leaning back and watching Y/N, who was laughing at something Soap had said. "She could tell you to jump on a live grenade, and you'd do it without a second thought."

Ghost clenched his jaw, but he didn't deny it. Hell, if she asked him to, he might. He'd do anything for her. She'd become his world without even trying, and no amount of distance or detachment seemed to change that. He'd given everything to this life, closed himself off from emotions and connections, yet somehow, she'd wormed her way in.

Price gave him a pat on the shoulder. "If I were you, I wouldn't wait too long. Feelings like that don't come around every day, Simon."

As Price rose and walked away, Ghost sat in silence, the truth of his words settling over him like a weight. He'd kept to the shadows for so long, content to protect her from a distance, but maybe... maybe it was time to let her in.

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They gathered in the safehouse, reviewing the final details of the mission. The objective was clear: get into the party, identify the target, and retrieve sensitive intel without raising suspicion. Price glanced over at the team, his eyes landing on Y/N and a soldier named Thomas, one of the few operatives whose identity hadn't been compromised.