Chapter 11: Some Things Don't Change

We walked in & took seats next to Soap. He was looking at us funny. "You got here quickly."

"Couldn't sleep man." Ghost sighed. "Went to the mess hall for coffee with Roach."

"You mean you woke him up to have coffee with you!"

I looked at Soap. Sometimes he could be so stupid. "No he didn't. I was already with him." I glanced at Ghost before turning away when he returned my gaze.

I looked at Soap again & saw the light bulb ping into existence above his head. "You mean…" He said quietly looking at us both. I smiled whilst Ghost nodded. "Wow Ghost. Never knew you liked bugs so much!" Ghost punched his arm lightly, but before retorting the rest of the team began making their way in. Soap stood up once everyone settled, sliding a note to Ghost. I waited until he passed it to me.

'Remember. Mission first. Feelings second.'

I looked at Soap & nodded, he nodded back & then turned his attention to the team & began droning for a good hour. Finally we were allowed to leave & get ready, another 5 hours later we landed, for once not being hit by an RPG!

"Alright everyone you know the drill. Split into your teams & sweep the buildings. Go!" Soap smiled as everyone jumped to action. Price couldn't be here so he was the only one in charge. He loved it. Beckoning for me & Ghost to follow, he walked off to the target building as we followed behind.

"Ok Roach. Go in & grab the DSM. We'll wait out here & spot."

I ran in & grabbed it.

"Roach hurry up! Tango's closing in!" Ghost whispered frantically into the coms. I ran downstairs & flung myself behind the sofa when the door opened. Yes I know, how old was I again? No-one came in.

"Sir, what the hell?"

"Shush!"

I shut up immediately. Knowing not to question Soap.

"Roach get out of there now! They're gunna blow it with an RPG!"

That's why we weren't hit on the way here. They were waiting until someone went into the building. I though rationally as I began sprinting to the door. I wasn't fast enough as the RPG whizzed past my head, ruffling my hair. It struck behind me & the building began collapsing.

I tucked the DSM safely away inside my pocket. This whole mission would be pointless if it broke so I had to be careful. I sprinted to the door, but again I wasn't fast enough as the building completely collapsed on top of me.

The last thing I heard was Ghost shouting. "Roach! No!"

Everything went dark.

I woke up slowly. The back of my head was throbbing like hell. I could hear voices arguing outside.

"Let me in there!"

"No Ghost it's too risky!"

"I don't care!"

"Calm down!"

"No!"

I heard a scuffle & sighed. Guess Ghost & Soap were fighting. I coughed & began slowly crawling out the rubble. I weren't called Roach for nothing!

I looked up as Ghost ran over. I smiled weakly. "I got it!"

"Fuck the bloody DSM. I'm just glad you survived." He retorted angrily as he dragged me to Soap.

"Well, someone's in a good mood." I said giddily & began laughing. Soap rolled his eyes.

"I think he hit his head slightly."

"No! Really? What was your first clue, the fucking building collapsing on him!" Ghost said sarcastically as Soap laughed. We headed for the plane & I began drifting in & out of a conscious state.

… Ghost dragging me on the plane …

… Soap patching my arm up …

… The teams worried faces …

… Ghost carrying me to the infirmary …

Then nothing.

I woke suddenly & bolted upright, causing the figure who was sat with me to yelp & fall backwards of their chair. I laughed. "You alright there mate?"

"Yeah. A lot better than you."

I blushed. "Hey Ghost."

He sighed before returning to his sitting position. I turned so I was facing him. "Hey Roach."

"So how long have I been out?"

"…a week."

"Wow! I must've hit my head real hard."

"Well the building did most of the work you prick. Some things never change. I thought you weren't going to wake up." I could hear the worry in his voice. He must've been really scared for me.

"Ghost." I whispered, grabbing his hand. "I'm not going to die on you. Promise."

"Good. Now get some sleep."

"Yes sir!"

His chuckle was the last thin I heard as I lay back against the pillow & fell asleep again.