Specter's Redemption |Ghost x Reader|

Fading Horizons

The sun began to ascend over the desolate expanse of the military base, casting warm golden hues across the rugged terrain. Task Force 141 and the Vaqueros stood side by side, their frames silhouetted against the brightening sky, a collective calm settling over them as they prepared for the next phase of their mission. The hangar buzzed with energy; the rhythmic clinking of equipment being secured, the soft rustling of combat vests, and the hushed yet fervent exchanges of final words filled the air, signaling the close of one chapter in their journey and the imminent unfolding of another.

(Y/n) leaned against the sturdy metal frame of the transport plane, her thoughtful gaze fixed on the Vaqueros, her thoughts particularly lingering on Alejandro and Rudy. The moment had come for them to go their separate ways once more. Yet, deep down, she held onto the belief that their paths would intertwine again in the future.

"Be safe, hermana. This fight's not over yet." Alejandro clapped (Y/n) on the shoulder, his eyes showing both respect and a touch of sadness.

"No such thing as being safe with our line of work." (Y/n) gave a nod, her lips curling into a brief smile.

"Next time, we'll take Valeria down for good." Rudy gave her a quick handshake before pulling her into a bear hug.

"International warfare is a dangerous game." (Y/n) chuckled, slapping his back.

"Never stopped us before no?" Rudy smiled before walking away.

"Let's go, men. We have a job to finish." Standing off to the side, Price gave a final nod to Alejandro, signaling that it was time to move.

With a final salute, the Vaqueros boarded their own vehicle and headed off to regroup with their forces. The remaining members of Task Force 141 climbed onto the plane and settled into their seats as the engines roared to life.

As the plane climbed higher into the clear blue sky, an enveloping silence settled over the team, each member ensnared in their swirling thoughts.

Moments later, the tranquility was shattered by a gentle beep, and a familiar face flickered onto the screen. It was Laswell, her expression grave, shadows accentuating the seriousness etched on her features.

"Alright, listen up," Laswell began, her voice a steady current, laced with urgency. "We've pinpointed Hassaan's location. He's barricaded himself inside a skyscraper in downtown Chicago. Fortunately, the building has been fully evacuated, meaning no civilians are at risk. However," she paused for emphasis, her gaze unwavering, "we've confirmed that the missile is still in the building, and we must neutralize the threat before he has the chance to launch it."

Price leaned forward in his seat, his eyes narrowing. "What's the plan?"

Laswell quickly laid out the strategy. "We'll insert you near the building. The streets are clear, but there will be heavy surveillance, so be careful. We'll have aerial support from Caleb and the former Shadows. You, Ghost, Gaz, and Soap will infiltrate the building and draw Hasaan out. (Y/n) will provide overwatch and be ready with a sniper." Laswell explained before shifting her gaze to (Y/n). "Once you have a clean shot, take it. We need him dead before he can do anything with that missile."

(Y/n) perched on the edge of her seat, her heart pounding as she listened intently to the briefing unfolding before her. A knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach, a familiar sensation that brought back haunting memories. The last mission she had provided overwatch for had ended in tragedy when she had inadvertently killed Roach.

Her mind spiraled down a dark rabbit hole, filled with doubt and guilt. What if this mission was another one of Shepherd's schemes? The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on her, forcing her to confront the possibility that she was being drawn into another web of deception. Each detail of the plan began to blur into a haze of paranoia.

Ghost's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. "(Y/n), you've got this," he said, his tone calm but firm. He sat beside her, his hand brushing against hers in silent reassurance. "Don't overthink it. We've done this a thousand times. This one's no different. We take him down, and then we're done. No more mess. No more chaos."

(Y/n) looked over at him, her eyes searching his face. His gaze met hers, and for a moment, she allowed herself to feel that sense of comfort. He was right—this was no different. But that haunting memory still lingered, and she couldn't shake the thought that one small mistake could change everything.

But then, Ghost leaned closer, his voice low, just for her ears. "I love you, (Y/n). And when this mission is over, we're taking a vacation. Just the two of us. No more fighting. Just... us."

(Y/n)'s breath hitched for a moment, her heart warming despite the nerves. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it was enough to calm her, if only for a moment.

"You say that now," she replied, offering a half-smile. "But people like us don't get vacations, Simon."

"We will. Just you wait." Ghost chuckled softly, the sound soothing her nerves even more.

"Alright. I'm in. Let's end this." She leaned back in her seat, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease just a little.

"We're approaching the city. Everyone, get ready. We've got a job to finish." Price's voice cut through the moment.

As the plane descended toward their drop zone, (Y/n) felt a surge of adrenaline. She was ready.