The Ghost of Task Force 141 [Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader]

Empty

The silence in the room could have been cut with a knife.

There was so much to say, but nothing was coming out. You figured it was the same with Ghost as well, based upon the fact that his fists were clenching and unclenching by his sides.

You could practically hear the wall in his mind being built, the slap of mortar being laid down, and the crunch of the brick placed atop it.

"I missed you."

The wall abruptly stopped building, pausing in its endless endeavor.

Your eyes widened as you looked up at Ghost from where sat upon the bed, your heart skipping over several beats.

He watched your face, eyes dancing back and forth between your pupils as you processed the three words.

He moved towards you, cupping your cheek in his gloved hand. Simon whispered once more, "I missed you," he paused for another few moments, "..so much."

You smiled, leaning into his hand. His touch was soft, as though he was afraid to lose you again. His eyes scanned your features, committing them to memory.

"Me too," you pressed your hand onto his, and closed your eyes. The warmth of his hand radiated through his glove, heating your cheek.

You stayed like that for several moments.

Ghost shifted, leaning down closer to you, and your eyes opened. He pressed a small peck onto your forehead, and your eyes widened.

Your face warmed at the gesture, as his hands moved down to your shoulders, as he pressed you into a tight hug. He gripped you like you were his lifeline.

And unbeknownst to you, you were.

"Ghost"

"Hm?"

"Lay with me."

He hesitated to let go of you, but circled around the bed, and sat on the side of the mattress closest to the door.

He laid down atop the blanket before carefully slipping a hand around your waist and dragging you closer to him as his head hit the pillow.

His arms wrapped protectively around you, just like they had in the safehouse, and you had never felt so safe.

You tangled your own arms around his body, grasping onto any part of him you could reach, as you nestled your head into his chest, breathing him in. You could hear the thump of his heartbeat, and his feather-soft breathing, shallow, but constant.

His chin rested on the top of your head.

Thoughts swirled around in your mind. Did he already know about your discharge? Is that why he was here?

Regardless of the reason, you were happy that he was. You were grateful for this last chance to hold him, to be near him.

The two of you stayed like that for a while before Ghost sat up.

"I should be goin'."

You nodded, "Right."

He stood from the bed, and you watched as the mattress raised from the absence of his presence. In the absence, those worries that had melted away at the sound of his voice began to seep back in.

Your mouth opened as the words caught in your throat. You wanted to tell him.

"Ghost."

He turned to face you.

You froze, and your heart began to beat faster. Doubt.

"See you soon."

It was for the best. Wasn't it?