Whispers in the Dark (Ghost/Konig)

[Twenty Six]

*Price's POV*

I smile as I sip my tea, laughing as Soap heats up some food, throwing around light jokes about 'Brits and tea'.

"I'll make you some good tea, change your mind."

He scoffs dramatically, and I can practically see him roll his eyes despite his back toward me. He's perked up the past few days, as Ghost's vitals become more stable.

Quinn still refuses to leave the room, clearly terrified her absence would be the time something terrible happens.

Soap spends most of his free time watching over her, switching off with me when he needs to sleep or shower.

"Sir."

I turn towards the doorway as a soldier slides to a stop, bowing quickly as a sign of respect before continuing.

He's breathing quick, from running across base, his words tumbling from his mouth as he tries to get them out as fast as possible.

"Lieutenant Riley, he's waking up."

I glance towards Soap, who's dropped his plate, standing frozen as he processed the news, then takes off down the hall.

"Thank you son," I say to the younger soldier, quickly jogging after Soap.

As I turn in the room, Soap is already next to the bed, helping the large solider get some water. Ghost coughs as he sits up, the doctors helping as well.

Quinn is a few paces away from the wall, tears streaming down her face as she bites the side of her hand.

A doctor pulls me to the side before I can even ask what's wrong. "She's okay, caught off guard," he whispers. "As the Lieutenant became conscious, he became aware of his pain. Heart rate increased, breathing increase, all things to cause the machines to alert us."

I nod softly, turning back towards the others.

"Fucking hell," Ghost mumbles, groaning slightly as the nurse gives him an injection. I approach the foot of the bed, smiling towards Simon as he clears his throat, blinking his eyes a few times.

"Quinn, is she okay?" His voice is raspy, weak, and still he looks around for her. Soap shifts to the side, the biggest smile on his face.

I watch as Quinn stares over at Ghost, their gaze locking. The large man smiles under his mask, "what's wrong, Myers?" He jokes, a sob leaving her, as if she can't really believe he's awake.

She's smiling the widest I've ever seen as she walks over to him, taking his hand tightly in hers. "You're okay," she whispers, like she's confirming it to herself.

"Can't kill a Ghost," Soap says confidently, swinging an arm over Quinn's shoulders. Ghost huffs in response, Quinn giggling softly,

"Sir," Ghost greets, looking towards me. "Good to have you back, son," I respond. He nods slightly, "oh, you can't get rid of me that easily."

I laugh, patting his leg and shaking my head, "no I suppose I can't." He scoffs, looking back towards the other two beside him.

A nurse comes up to check on him again, the others stepping back to make room.

And I watch them interact with each other, Soap comforting Quinn as she waits impatiently for the nurse to finish.

I take in the bond between each of them, taking note on how the pair beside the bed have helped Simon in ways nobody else could.

They've broken down walls he built around himself, and he, whether he admits it or not, is happier since then.

I'm proud of the team I've built, proud of the soldiers they have become, the people they are, the support they show each other.