One Night Stand:
When a one night stand comes back into Ghost's life he has to adjust to working with them. Forced together in captivity, true feelings are revealed.
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It had been three months since Simon had escaped from Roba's clutches.
The bar was too loud and too chaotic for Simon's liking. But he wasn't ready to leave just yet. The thought of going home and trying to sleep wasn't appealing. The nightmares every night were starting to take their toll and he clenched his hands to stop the shaking. He glanced down to see his glass was empty and sighed. It looked like he'd need to fight his way to the bar to get another one.
Five minutes later he'd managed to get to the bar but hit a snag, the bartender was occupied. The crowd surged without warning and Simon found himself pushed into the person sitting next to him. The man grabbed his arm and Simon pulled back quickly, still not used to being touched.
The man looked a few years younger than him, with messy brown hair and green eyes. He was smiling and it was a nice smile, Simon found himself returning it awkwardly. "Sorry."
"Don't be." The man turned towards him and raised an eyebrow. "You here alone?"
"Yeah. What about you?"
"Mates Stag Party." He indicated the group of men making the most noise. "I'm on drink duty."
"At least you can get a drink." Even as he said it the bartender appeared with a tray of drinks for him. But before Simon could ask for one himself, he was gone. "Damn, can I take your seat? Looks like I'll be a while."
He stood up and offered it to him before taking the tray. "I'm Gary."
"Simon."
"Nice to meet you." And with a wink, the man disappeared into the crowd.
As Simon waited, his eyes kept getting drawn to the man he now knew as Gary. He didn't know what it was about him, but he found him captivating. Even at a distance, that smile was infectious. Without warning, Gary's head snapped up and their eyes met. Simon quickly looked away, embarrassed that he'd been caught staring.
Finally, he got his drink and returned to his quiet corner. To his surprise, his new friend appeared moments later. "You know, staring's rude." But he was smiling and as he sat down their thighs pressed together and Simon could feel the warmth from the touch radiating throughout his body. "And very obvious."
"I would apologise but you don't seem to mind."
Gary's eyes were alight with what he could only describe as mischief. The man moved even closer and deftly undid Simon's trousers. Simon said nothing, oddly reminded of the hooker who had tried something similar in Mexico. Now if it had been Gary that night he would've been tempted.
The hand around him was warm and it felt so good that for a moment he forgot where he was. Then suddenly he realised someone he hadn't even kissed was giving him a handjob in the middle of a pub. He grabbed Gary's wrist and pulled him away.
"Too far?" Gary didn't seem the least bit abashed. In fact, he was still smiling as he redid his trousers.
Not far enough was what Simon wanted to say. This showed on his face apparently because Gary grabbed his hand and stood up. Not wanting to let go, he followed. Wolf whistles followed them out of the bar and Simon turned to find it was Gary's friends.
Outside the cold air helped clear his head as they walked. He couldn't understand why he was following this man without knowing who he was or where they were going, it was insane. But when Gary looked back and smiled, his doubts vanished. It was such an honest smile that Simon couldn't help trusting him.
Gary led him to a motel and into one of the rooms. It was small with just enough space for the bed and drawers to fit in. The room wasn't what he was interested in though. Gary was sitting on the bed now and raised an eyebrow.
"What are you waiting for?"
Simon didn't know. What was he waiting for? He hesitated, unsure what to do. On the one hand, he really wanted to have sex with this man. But on the other, he was scared he would hurt Gary if he slipped up. All those dreams of hurting people, what if he did it in reality?
"If you don't want to sleep with me, you can just say." Gary sighed and fell back on the bed. "But I thought you wanted to?"
His shirt had ridden up and Simon could see the smooth expanse of his stomach. "I do." Approaching the bed, he knelt over Gary who opened his eyes and smiled. "It's been a while though."
"We can sort that out."
Simon hadn't realised how much he needed this. As Gary's arms went around him and they finally kissed he felt any restraint slip away. When Gary touched one of his scars, Simon pulled back worried he would find them repulsive. But the other man only smiled and leaned forwards to kiss the marks. It was the first time someone hadn't reacted badly to the scars and Simon felt his throat constrict at the gentle actions. It didn't stay gentle for long though because Gary had reached his trousers. Simon had a lot of pent up energy which the other man seemed more than happy to take care of. He felt alive for the first time in years.
"Shit that was good." Gary laughed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I thought you said it'd been a while?"
"It has, or had been."
"Didn't seem like it."
Simon smiled and reached out to brush Gary's hair back from his face. He was gorgeous, especially with his flushed face and marked neck. It had been a long time since he'd been attracted to someone like this and although it was only for one night, it had been worth it.
Gary moved closer into his arms. "Stay the night."
It didn't look like he had a choice so Simon did.
When he opened his eyes, Simon was surprised to find it was morning. He had slept through the whole night without any nightmares. He'd forgotten what a full nights sleep felt like. Fully refreshed he got up to find his discarded clothes. It was then he found the note left by Gary.
Sorry for taking off, duty calls and had to go to the wedding.
Last night was fun. Maybe one day we'll meet again, maybe not. But one thing's for sure, I won't forget you.
Don't forget to hand the key in at reception.
You're the best,
Gary.
Simon smiled and folded up the note carefully before putting it in his pocket. As he walked home, he felt happier than he had in a long time.
...
Over five years had passed and Simon was now known as Ghost, the Lieutenant of Task Force 141. Soap had called him into his office to help induct the FNG joining them. When he reached the office and entered, he found he was unprepared for what was inside. Gary was sitting across the desk from Soap. Despite the fact he looked older, he knew it was the same man, had never forgotten that face.
Frozen by surprise, Ghost didn't know what to say.
"This is Roach."
"Hi." Gary, or rather, Roach smiled nervously.
"Ghost?" He started and Soap raised an eyebrow. "Ghost's our Lieutenant so he'll be showing you around. I've got to finish your paperwork but I think you'll fit in just fine."
The tour was like Ghost's own personal hell. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't help focusing on Roach's lips and all they were capable of. Several times he found the man looking at him questioningly and realised he'd missed the conversation. At this rate, Roach would think he was deaf.
They ended the tour outside Roach's new room. Ghost opened the door and handed him the key. "All yours."
Roach went in and sat down on the bed. He leaned back and smiled. "Not bad."
His shirt had ridden up slightly, exposing his stomach and Ghost almost lost control. He wanted to push him back on that bed and remind him of that night so many years ago. But instead, he took a deep breath and forced himself to think of something other than the man on the bed before him.
"Something wrong?"
Opening his eyes at the question, he saw Roach had rose an eyebrow questioningly but the smile he wore wasn't entirely innocent. Was it possible he knew what Ghost was thinking? Hopefully not. He was wearing his mask so there was no way Roach could know who he was.
Ghost had no intention of telling him either. It would only complicate matters. So the less Roach knew the better. Besides, it wasn't like he was going to try and sleep with him again. His thoughts may not be entirely innocent, but he wasn't going to act on them.
"Nothing's wrong. Do you want to meet the rest of the team?"
"Ok." Roach got up and followed him to the rec room where most of the team hung out during their downtime.
After Ghost had introduced Roach to the rest of the team it wasn't long before he was settling in. It was making him jealous, seeing the other man fit in so easily with everyone. Ghost had never been a people person whereas Roach clearly was. The fact that they'd slept together was amazing in hindsight.
Soap joined him a while later and nodded towards Roach. "How's he settling in?"
"Seems fine, the team like him."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
Soap grinned. "You seemed off earlier."
For a moment Ghost considered telling him the truth but then decided not to. It would only complicate matters. What did it matter if he'd slept with Roach years ago? As long as nothing happened now it wasn't a problem. So what if he still found Roach attractive? He wasn't going to act on those feelings.
"It's nothing, he looked familiar that's all." Soap didn't press the matter. This was one of the things Ghost liked about his Captain, he respected his boundaries. "I take it I'm on babysitting duties on the next mission?"
"Yeah, but Roach can take care of himself. Have you read his reports?" Ghost shook his head and Soap sighed. "You should take a look. He's been trained well, don't hold back with him. I want you to make him better."
Great just what Ghost needed, more personal time with Roach. But if Soap thought the man was capable then who was he to question it. "He's in for a rough time."
"Roach will deliver."
Well if his abilities were as good as his bedroom skills Ghost didn't doubt it. He didn't say this to Soap though, only nodded.
It turned out Roach really could deliver. He was an excellent shot and followed instructions easily. Ghost was impressed and also annoyed at how perfect the man seemed to be. He fit in so well with the team it was like he'd always been there. During their first training session together Ghost was finding it difficult to concentrate, especially after Roach took off his shirt.
He was adamant though that these feelings of attraction would not interfere with their relationship. He was Ghost, training their new Sergeant, Roach. Simon and Gary had no place here, neither did their history and since he was the only one who knew this it made things simpler. As long as Roach didn't know, their relationship wouldn't be tainted.
Days turned into weeks which turned into months and before he knew it a year had passed. Roach became a valuable member of their team and Ghost couldn't ask for a better partner. Soap seemed to think this too since they were often paired together, not that Ghost was complaining. Their friendship was easygoing, Roach was quite happy to sit in silence with him despite his usual extroverted nature.
"I find the quiet refreshing. There's no pressure with you." Roach had told him once when Ghost asked why he liked being partnered with him. "I know where I stand with you, no bullshit."
That made Ghost feel guilty since he was hiding a pretty big secret from the man. But he wasn't willing to reveal the truth and somehow those guilty thoughts always got pushed away when Roach joined him with a smile and silent company. Ghost liked his companionship, the knowledge that someone was with him and had his back no matter what.
He needed that support one day when an IED exploded and the shrapnel hit him in the stomach.
Ghost heard the explosion, felt the pain in his lower abdomen as he was blown backwards but couldn't piece together what had happened. It was only when Roach's worried face swam into view and he looked down to see the blood-stained shirt he realised he'd been hurt.
"Can you stand? We need to get somewhere safe." Even as Roach spoke bullets flew by, barely missing his head. He hauled Ghost to his feet and half carried, half dragged him into a building. "We should be ok here for a while."
Ghost slid down a wall and groaned as he pressed a hand to his stomach. He could feel the blood oozing from the wound and gritted his teeth. It hurt like a bitch. Roach crouched down next to him and ripped open the shirt. Ghost was momentarily stunned, then he shoved him away.
"What the hell?!"
"I get it, you don't like being touched. But I've got to see the damage and patch you up. So suck it up." Roach snapped and brushing aside his arm moved in closer to look at the wound. "I can't see anything. The best I can do is stop the bleeding for now." He pulled a medical kit from his pocket and got to work.
Ghost bit back his angry retort. Roach was right, he needed to stop the bleeding. But even through the pain Ghost could feel those warm hands pressed against his bare skin and it was hard to ignore the way his heart was now racing.
"Calm down Ghost, you're losing a lot of blood." Roach looked up at him and smiled. This didn't help. "You nervous or something?"
"Something like that." He closed his eyes and sighed deeply trying to calm himself down. Slowly he got his heart rate under control again. Roach finished fixing him up and sat back with a sigh. "Thanks."
"Anytime." Roach's hands were back on his stomach. "It should hold until we get to the evac site. There'll be better meds on board." He frowned and Ghost stiffened as he felt those warm fingers trace one of his scars.
"Roach, stop it." He said forcefully, trying to push him away.
Roach only batted his hands away and pulled his shirt up higher. The recognition on his face as he traced more scars scared Ghost. It was a look that told him Roach knew exactly who he was. Before he could say anything his shades were gone and they were looking into each other's eyes for the first time in years.
"Simon?" Roach moved to pull the balaclava off and Ghost let him. What was the point in hiding when he already knew the truth? As Roach took in his face, he said nothing. The growing anger in his expression felt like a punch to the gut. "What the hell?! Why didn't you tell me?!"
The door crashed inwards, saving him from replying. Both of them were distracted by the men running into the room, levelling guns at them. There was no time to grab his gun which was lying on the ground out of reach and Roach's was still slung across his back. Slowly they both raised their arms in surrender and were taken away. As they were dragged from the house, Ghost felt a sharp pain in the back of his head and fell unconscious.
The next thing he registered was gentle hands brushing his hair back. Not used to being touched he jerked away. The pain from his stomach almost made him pass out again. Gasping, he fell onto the cold stone floor.
"Ghost?" He registered Roach's voice as he was turned around. Roach was kneeling above him with a worried expression. "Deep breaths. Let's get you off the floor." After another painful movement, Ghost was sat on a wooden bench. As the pain subsided he looked around the room to find it wasn't a room at all but a cell. "You were out for a while."
Captured. Prisoners.
Ghost shook his head to banish the dark thoughts. "Do you know anything?"
"Nothing," Roach replied bitterly and he stood up, turning away to look out the window. It was so small they hadn't bothered to put bars on it. "I woke up when they threw us in here. No one has been to see us. Looks like we're stuck here for now."
"Soap will find us. We just need to hold out for a few weeks."
Roach's looked back at him and his expression was dark. "I don't think you'll last that long. You're still losing blood."
"I'll make it." Ghost said in a fierce voice.
"Stubborn until the end huh?" But the other man smiled slightly and moved to sit next to him again. "We'll make it through this, together."
Things went from bad to worse over the next few days.
Despite his admonishments that he was fine, Ghost knew things were getting desperate. Even sitting up was too much effort now. Roach tried his best, kept replacing the strips of cloth over the wound but they were running out of material now. Ghost's shirt was gone and he'd started on his own.
The only interaction they had with the outside world was when food and water were pushed into their cell once a day. It wasn't much and the water barely made a dent in his thirst.
"Here." Roach held up a second cup to his lips. "Drink this."
"What about you?"
"I can go without for today."
"Roach..."
"Shut up and drink it." He cut across him firmly. "You need it more than me." It was true, so Ghost drank. Roach helped him lay back down and pushed his hair back with a frown. "Take it easy."
The soft strokes through his hair helped calm him and Ghost smiled. "I figured you'd have yelled at me by now."
"You're too sick. Get better so I can be angry again."
"That bad huh?" Roach's eyes filled with such pain they left Ghost stunned. "I won't die, I promise."
"Good." Carefully he rested his head against his chest. "Don't leave me here alone." The next day when food was pushed through under the door, Roach jumped up and started banging on it. "Hey! We need medical help here! He's dying you assholes!"
No response.
"Fuckers." Roach kicked the door and hissed in pain. Grabbing the tray he came back to sit next to Ghost. "Here, drink up."
"You too." Ghost grabbed his wrist. "You need water."
Roach hesitated but then relented. "Fine." He only drank half his cup but it was better than nothing.
By the next day, Ghost was finding it hard to stay awake. Roach had to shake him into consciousness when their meal arrived and the worried expression he wore scared him more than he'd ever admit. He knew he was dying, that there wasn't much time left. Every mouthful of food was hard to swallow and all he wanted to do was sleep.
"Roach," he started. "Can I ask for a favour?"
"What?"
Ghost managed to smile as their eyes met. Even now, Roach was still gorgeous. Covered in grime and thinner than ever, it couldn't hide the light that seemed to shine from his face when he smiled. It reminded Ghost of that first night when they'd met. If he was going to die he wanted to feel truly alive before it happened.
"Kiss me." Roach's eyes widened and he moved away. Maybe Ghost had misjudged him. He felt the pang of rejection and smiled bitterly. "Forget it."
"Fuck it." Then Roach's lips were pressed to his and a gentle hand cradled the side of his face.
The only thing Ghost could think of was that night they'd spent together so long ago. It was like breathing free for the first time in ages. It even took the pain away, if only for a moment. Then Roach had pulled back and it returned in full force, making him groan.
"You're burning up." A wet strip of cloth was placed over his forehead. "I think you're getting a fever." He started stroking Ghost's hair again and the caring expression he wore made his heart race. No one had looked at him like that in years. "Stay still and relax."
Ghost did as he was told. Hours later in the dark, he said the things he'd been holding in since the day Roach walked back into his life. "I like you. But I'm scared to tell you, scared you don't want me. Who wants to be in a relationship with someone who's a wreck? I'm broken, Roach. But you make me feel whole again."
"Stop it, it's the fever talking." Roach's voice shook and he could feel the fingers in his hair trembling. "Tell me when we get home."
"I'm not going to make it home. We both know that."
"You can't leave me."
"You know, no matter how hard I've tried I can't stop loving you. It sounds stupid but it's true, I love you." Ghost smiled, closing his eyes. "Everything about you makes me want to be a better person so I can deserve you."
"Stop it, please. I don't want to do this."
"You're the only thing I've held on to from my past. You were the only bright spot in the darkness that has taken everything from me. Get out of here. Don't die with me." Ghost grabbed his arm and managed to open his eyes to find Roach's bright with tears. "Promise me you'll make it."
He nodded, wiping away the tears falling down his face. Closing his eyes again, Ghost let out a heavy sigh and let go.
"Ghost?!" He didn't have the energy to respond as Roach shook him. It was fading away so fast he could barely hear the other man's shouts. "Help him! If you want information you need him! He's the Lieutenant of the task force, do you understand?! If he dies you get nothing!"
Ghost felt rough hands lift him and take him away from Roach who was still yelling but he could no longer hear the words. Was this death? If so, he was surely in hell. The pain intensified, ripping through his stomach and he could taste blood now. Voices surrounded him but the words were jumbled, foreign and he couldn't make sense of it. Finally, when the pain became too much, Ghost passed out.
Warm, calloused hands were touching his face. It was pleasant and Ghost smiled. It had been so long since he'd felt this content. If this was dying then that was fine. Suddenly the touch withdrew and Ghost was left alone. Pain crept into his subconscious. Then the hands were back and he sighed in relief.
"Ghost, wake up." The voice was familiar, pleasant to listen to. "Don't you dare die on me now. I need you."
Roach. The voice belonged to Roach.
His heart beat faster, pumping adrenaline into his system and slowly, Ghost opened his eyes. He was back in their cell. Looking to the side, he saw Roach's face flooded with relief and smiled. "Hey."
"Thank god." He smiled too, tears in his eyes. "I thought I'd lost you."
"Take more than that to kill me. I'm already a ghost." Roach's laugh sounded so sweet. "What happened?"
"They took you away for surgery I think. Your wounds closed up anyway." Ghost felt his side and flinched at the pain but felt the stitches. "I'm sorry, I told them who you were."
So it hadn't been a fever dream when he'd heard Roach yelling. "That's alright. It's probably the reason they decided to save me."
"How do you feel?"
"Terrible, but alive. Thank you." Roach grabbed his hand tightly. "We need to figure out a plan."
"Rest first, then we'll talk."
Two days later Ghost was back on his feet. It was painful but what choice did he have? After limping around the cell for a while, the pain became manageable. Roach watched him with an anxious expression but said nothing.
"Right, what do we have?"
Roach glanced at the door before lifting the bench. Underneath was a pocket knife, a broken radio and what remained of their shirts. "I can't fix it."
"Let me take a look." Ghost carefully picked it up and examined it. "Looks like the receiver and microphone is busted. Maybe we can still send out a signal?"
"I've tried but no way to know for sure if it worked." Roach stuck his arm out the window in imitation. "Who know's where we are or if the signal travelled far enough. That's if there was a signal."
"Keep watch."
Roach positioned himself by the door and Ghost forced his arm out of the small crack. Turning the tuner, he got nothing but static in return. He tuned it to their emergency broadcast and sent out a message in morse code. It was all he could do. Hiding it again, they both sat down.
"Where'd the knife come from?"
"Your boot. After they chucked us in here I frisked you down. Figured you'd have something stashed away." Roach smiled and grabbed his hand. "Lucky for us you did."
"Shame I didn't have a radio."
"I doubt you could've hidden that." Roach's hand was warm and comforting in his own. The familiar pressure helped clear Ghost's head. "So what now?"
"We wait for our chance."
It came a week later. Ghost had managed to get some strength back by exercising as best he could in their small cell. Roach kept stopping him after an hour or so, adamant he'd hurt himself otherwise. It made him smile to think the other man cared so much but didn't point it out.
They had been sat on the bench together, Ghost's head on Roach's lap when the explosions brought them both to their feet. Without discussing it they moved the bench and grabbed their few belongings. It was time.
When the door opened they were ready. Ghost grabbed the man and held him tightly as Roach plunged the knife into his neck. Grabbing his pistol, Ghost took out the second man to run through the door. Moments later they were both armed and moving down the corridor.
"We need to head for the ground floor, if we're lucky it's Soap?"
"And if we're not?"
"Let's hope they let us explain before shooting." The building shook as another explosion went off and the corridor ahead got blasted apart. Ghost looked over the side and grinned. "Thanks for the shortcut, come on!"
The rubble made it easy to scale down the building, allowing them to slip past the guards without a fight. Unfortunately, they were now outside the complex which was surrounded by fencing.
"Looks like we've gotta get around."
"I'll watch our backs."
When they did reach the entrance it was to find the courtyard had become a warzone. Luckily for them, this side was controlled by the task force as it was Meat and Ozone guarding the gates. At first, they raised their weapons, but quickly lowered them upon seeing Roach.
"Roach!"
"Alright, you made it!"
They converged on Roach and for a moment Ghost felt stung that he'd been ignored. He quickly realised it was because the two men had no idea who he was, having never seen him without his mask before.
"Where's Soap?" When he spoke he saw the recognition in their faces and smiled. "You didn't think Roach brought a stranger along with him?"
Roach rolled his eyes. "Yeah, this is Ghost."
"Soap's already inside. We got your message a few days ago and he's hell-bent on getting in there and finding you two." Ozone got on the comms to relay the news. "Captain, we got them. Ghost and Roach are at the entrance.
"Man you two look like shit." Meat grinned. "Come on, let's get you to the carrier whilst the team retreats."
Ten minutes later with a fresh pair of clothes and the best sandwich he'd ever tasted, Ghost gently nudged Roach's leg. "All good?"
Roach smiled back. "Never better." Then before he could respond, he'd leaned forward and kissed him. It was better than the food by far.
Ghost was still smiling when Soap joined them. He looked surprised but relieved. "Looks like you two didn't need our help after all."
"You gave us an opening, that's all we needed." Ghost made to stand but winced, hand going to his side. Roach was instantly pushing him back down.
"He's hurt," Roach explained, pulling up the shirt to show Soap the wound. "Doc will need to fix him up when we get back."
"I can hear you, you know." There was no heat to the words, Ghost could still feel Roach's kiss.
"Well we're almost ready to go, the rest of the team's coming. Both of you are going straight to Doc when we get back." Soap patted them on the shoulder. "Once you've been given the all-clear we'll talk. Get some rest, ok?"
"Thanks, Soap."
He left to continue the retreat, leaving the two of them alone. Ghost sighed and rested his head on Roach's shoulder. It was comforting to know they were going home. But with that comfort came a sense of unease. The closeness he'd developed with Roach wouldn't be appropriate back at the base and the thought of losing it scared him.
Roach's hand entwined with his and he looked up. "I'm still annoyed you didn't tell me. But almost losing you made me realise I love you too." His smile was so genuine, Ghost couldn't help smiling back. "So don't go dying on me and we can have a future, deal?"
"Deal."