Aversion - Simon ''Ghost'' Riley x Reader

Chapter 40

[Y/N]

You saved me.

I feel my eyes well up and I immediately avert my gaze from Ghost. My heart thumping with emotion. A part of me feels guilty as I feel myself immediately wishing Four was the one able to say those words to me. But I had failed then. Faith gave me another chance, and I had taken it. Without hesitation.

Ghost sees the emotion in my eyes and takes a step towards me. The tension between us rising. Without a second thought he crouches down, taking my hand in his.

The movement is so swift my eyes snap to my small hand in his, as his fingers curl around it, and I slowly meet his gaze. Even with his mask on, I can see his deep blue eyes. They scan my face, patiently. Filled with care and compassion.

A side of Ghost I don't get to see that often. That I thought I had imagined. That I didn't allow myself to even acknowledge at times.

I take a shaky breath as I try to clear my mind. But I can't. His gesture making my head swim even more.

''Y/n..''

Hearing his soft soft voice as he says my name with such care makes my heart thunder. The fact I am still shaking from the whole ordeal earlier, isn't helping either.

Ghosts lips form a small smile under his mask, his thumb lightly caressing the back of my hand.

''Thank you.'' His voice is soft, solemn. His gratitude is visible in his eyes as they glisten.

And with that, I feel myself completely breaking down.

My sobs come out uncontrollably as I place my free hand over my mouth. The warm tears streaming down my cheeks. The stress of the situation, seeing the people I love so much getting hurt, my comrades' lives being threatened in front of me. It was too much. Too much emotion in this very moment to keep my cold and stoic exterior going. And he knew it too.

Within a second, I feel my face being pressed against Ghost's chest. His strong arms gently but firmly around me as he tightens his grip.

''It's alright, Love.'' His tone is low, warm, but soft like honey as he presses his mouth against my ear and murmurs into it.

''You did well.''

The ever existing tension between us evaporates at that, as I free my arms and hug him back. Letting myself sob against his chest as he holds my shaking body tightly against his.

His heartbeat is as thundurous as mine. But I don't allow myself to think anything of it.

The only emotion I felt in this very moment was the warm comfort Ghost was willing to give me, as a thank you I am sure.

His walls crumbled, until there was nothing left. His gloved hand stroking gently across my back.

''I..I couldn't...'' My words get swallowed by my sobs, the lump in my throat growing.

''I know.'' He murmurs again into my ear.

His tone remained compassionate, caring. He knew exactly what I wanted to say.

I couldn't let him die. Was willing to do whatever it took, and did not care about the consequences.

And instead of scolding me, he was grateful. Grateful at what I was willing to do, to sacrifice for his sake.

I pulled back from his grip. Ghost slowly let go of me, as his gaze now turns from grateful to concerned. Saddened.

His gloves hand slowly went up to my cheek, wiping away any remaining tears. His thumb lingering on my warm cheeks.