Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Roach, Ghost, or any other part of Modern Warfare as they all belong to Infinity Ward. I'm just amateur writer who likes to borrow them a little. :)
"Captain Price? Request permission to take the safehouse with Roach?"
"You ready?" Ghost nodded, checking over his beloved ACR quickly and efficiently. He didn't turn around to face Roach directly, but that didn't matter. The younger soldier could tell by the tone of his voice that he was apprehensive.
After all, he prided himself on knowing Ghost that little bit better than the rest of the 141. Sure, he was second in command to Soap and the two were close friends, but Roach was hardly insecure when it came to Ghost's relationship with their CO. After all, Ghost and Soap were just that, good friends, maybe even best friends. Roach and Ghost however? They were something much more complicated than that.
It was through this knowledge that Roach first realised something was up. In some ways it had been strange that Ghost had even asked for Roach for this op, rather than Price or Soap, one of the higher ranking members of the task force being the more logical choice. And even with that aside, during the briefing Ghost had been unnaturally quiet, standing almost stoically, his stance never even shifting through out. Even his pre operation confidence was absent, his voice when he finally did speak putting on a darker, more serious tone. Riley was a damn good soldier, everyone knew that along with Riley himself. It was for that reason that he had become a barometer for the rest of the group. After all, if Ghost was scared, then the rest of the team fucking should be.
"Locked and Loaded." Roach nodded as he turned round to face the lieutenant, who by this point was sitting down on one of the two wooden benches that lay in the centre of the armoury. Riley's head was in his hands, his gloved fingers rubbing at his temples through the fabric of his mask. Roach watched him curiously for a second, weighing up whether or not he should speak. "You gonna tell me what's wrong or do I have to guess?"
"Nothing's wrong." Riley shook his head. "It's just another op."
"So there's nothing you're not telling me?" Raising a concerned eyebrow, Roach sat down beside Ghost, not bothering to keep that much distance between them.
"No…"
"You're sure? Because if I'm walking into a suicide mission I'd like to know about it first…"
"Christ Roach!" Ghost suddenly hissed. "I wouldn't do that to you." He took in a deep breath, relaxing his shoulders before finally raising his head, blue eyes fixing with Gary's. "You're gonna think I'm being stupid…"
"Too late for that…"
"Very funny…" Riley rolled his eyes. "But seriously, I've just…got a bad feeling. About Makarov, about this op. That's all." He sighed. "I don't know why."
"I guess after the week we've had…it makes sense." Roach shrugged. "But we're the 141 right? If anyone can handle it…it's us." He paused, risking a brief display of affection on the base and putting his right arm around Ghost's shoulders, his hand squeezing his right shoulder.
"It's not going to be easy." Ghost admitted softly, his head hanging again as Roach's arm left his shoulders. "Safehouse will be crawling with Makarov's men." He glanced quickly to Roach. "I'm sorry for getting you into this mate."
"The bone yard didn't look much better." Roach smiled reassuringly.
"No but still…" Ghost cut himself short, staring intently at the floor whilst he tried to gather his thoughts. "I guess I just wanted you with me this time."
"Why?"
"Take a wild guess."
"I…" Roach was suddenly taken aback. This definitely wasn't the Ghost he was used to. His Ghost was the cocky bastard who would very rarely have a good word to say about him in public, the arrogant twat who thought he could come by Roach's room whenever he felt like it and Roach would always accept him with open arms. His Ghost would never make any attempt to label anything between them in the slightest.
And suddenly, this new Ghost was changing all that.
"I don't know what to say…" Roach finally managed to finish his sentence, although he wasn't sure whether to look at Riley or not, instead choosing to stare at his knees.
"You don't have to say anything."
"And if I want to?"
"Then you probably shouldn't." Ghost glanced around the armoury quickly. "Hardly the time or the place for all this is it?"
"I guess."
"I just wanted to say something…I treat you like shit sometimes Roach and…" He shrugged, finally meeting Roach's gaze. "I don't mean it…"
"You're making this sound like a goodbye."
"It's not." Ghost laughed softly. "Or at least, I'm not planning on it being one…but we've lost some good guys this week and…it's just made me think, ok?"
"Then stop. It's obviously not good for you." Roach laughed, gently nudging him. "I think I liked the non thinking Riley better anyway."
"You would."
"Too right." Gary winked. "Permission to be very unprofessional, sir?"
"Granted."
"Good choice." Glancing round quickly to make sure they were alone, Roach leant forward, lifting the wool of Ghost's mask just enough to expose his jaw and mouth. He grinned quickly, before pressing forwards into him, their lips meeting sharply. He had learnt that it was kisses like this that pleased Ghost the most, appealing to his mischievous nature with the constant possibility that Soap, Price or one of the other men might walk in on them any second. He had also learnt that Ghost was a possessive kisser, as there would always be that strong hand resting on the back of his head, that dominating, flicking tongue always the first to try and push into his mouth. And Roach also knew that this was the perfect time, however difficult to put an end to their embrace, a move that was always guaranteed to leave his lieutenant hungry for more the next time.
"Enough…" Roach said as soon as they were parted, standing up instinctively so that Ghost couldn't lean forwards and try for another kiss. He watched him smugly as he replaced his mask, unable to stop the proud grin that tore across his features. "We haven't got time…"
"Later?"
"Sure." Roach nodded. "Always got time for you haven't I?"
"I meant for us to talk…"
"That too." Roach smiled softly. "If it's what you want." He reached for his rifle, before holding out his free hand to Ghost to help him up. "Come on, sir. Ready up."
And even though neither of them could truly be sure if they could offer that time, now or ever, pretending that they had all the time in the world was the next best thing…
So yes, it was pure fluff with a hint of sadness, and yes, it was my first attempt at Roach/Ghost. So for those reasons, if you have time to review, I would love to know what you think. :)
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