With the nukes secured the task force turned their attention back to Roba. There were still a few loose ends concerning the Mexican including his Lieutenant, who was still in command of a complex capable of manufacturing drugs. They were being sent out to take down the facility and Ghost was taking the lead. As soon as they arrived at the safe house he knew it was going to be hell, there was barely enough space for five people, let alone the ten of them.

The noise was unbearable. Ghost could barely think, let alone plan their attack.

When Meat smashed a vase it was too much for him and he yelled himself hoarse to get them all to shut the fuck up. Merciful quiet followed, at least for a few hours. Ghost was able to work on their entry plan, at least until someone threw a cushion and it knocked the plans to the floor.

Roach intervened quickly, grabbing his arm before he could stand and throttle Ozone who looked extremely apologetic. "Come on." When he took Ghost's hand he followed and Roach led him out onto the rooftop. "Don't tell the others about this, I like the quiet."

It was a small garden, with wind chimes tinkling gently in the background. Ghost sighed and relaxed for the first time in days, sitting down on the blankets Roach must've dragged up here. He took back his laptop. "Thank you, seriously."

"You're welcome."

Roach laid down at his side and fell silent as Ghost worked. Only the sounds of him typing and the wind chimes could be heard. Ghost appreciated Roach so much in these moments when he somehow knew he needed quiet. It was a pleasant notion, knowing he wasn't alone but still being given the quiet to work.

After a while he looked down at Roach to find him sleeping and smiled, pulling one of the blankets over him. He looked so young and innocent that it was hard to believe what he was truly capable of.

Strength, however, Ghost knew didn't just come from size. Yes, he was physically stronger than Roach but of the two of them he was fairly certain the Sergeant had more willpower. Even without trying, he had captured Ghost in a way he'd never be able to describe. An unintentional trap that had bound him to this sleeping man, even if the sentiment was never returned.

Ghost knew he'd do anything for Roach, all he had to do was ask. It was terrifying. But still, his heart filled with affection as Roach sighed, burrowing under the covers until only half his face was visible.

Glancing at the laptop, Ghost stretched and got up. He needed a coffee.

He could hear the men as soon as he opened the door, louder than ever with the absence of their Lieutenant. Sometimes Ghost felt more like a babysitter than a superior. The noise died down considerably when he walked into the room but he didn't comment, just went into the kitchen to make his coffee. After a moment's deliberation, he made one for Roach too, adding two sugars as he had seen the Sergeant do many times before.

Back on the roof, he found Roach had woken up, looking adorable with his sleep tousled hair and sleepy expression. Ghost smiled and handed him a coffee, settling down in the spot next to him. "Figured you could use a drink."

"You were right." He sipped, looking surprised. "How did you know I take two sugars?"

"I've watched you make coffee enough times." Ghost paused, wondering if that sounded creepy. Too late if it did. "How was your nap, love?"

"Nice, thanks for asking. Did you manage to finish all that work?"

"I did, once I got some quiet."

They finished their drinks quietly and Ghost found himself relaxing in Roach's presence, as he almost always did. He glanced sideways as Roach laid down, folding his arms behind his head. He was looking up at the sky and smiling.

"I used to go stargazing with my dad when I was younger. There's this hill by our house which has an amazing view of the sky..." He trailed off as he traced in the air above him. "Can you see them?"

"No?"

Ghost took off his shades to see the stars better and looked up too. All he could see were thousands of tiny pinpricks, no discernible patterns. Roach grabbed his wrist and pulled him down. Once they were settled side by side, he began pointing out the constellations. The way he spoke, with such passion for something so foreign, made Ghost smile. The fact that Roach wanted to share this with him was heartwarming and he couldn't help moving closer to the Sergeant, feeling very pleased when he pressed into his side.

Looking down at Roach, he was almost overcome with a sudden surge of emotion. He was so stunning in the iridescent moonlight, eyes shining with excitement. Ghost wanted to tell him, the words already on the tip of his tongue.

"Roach?"

"Hmm?" He looked around, his smile softening into something more intimate as their eyes met. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Everything's... perfect." Ghost turned so he was fully facing Roach and his stomach lurched. He could say it, right now at this moment. "You always find a way to surprise me."

"With my sappy stargazing?"

"Exactly." Ghost took a deep breath, searching Roach's face but all he could see was... fondness? Maybe even love if he was hopeful enough to believe it. "Can I tell you something?"

"Anything."

Ghost was going to tell him. He decided at that moment it was time.

But as he opened his mouth, his phone rang and they both jumped. He glared at the stupid device which had shattered the moment so utterly there was no chance of bringing it back. Sitting up he snatched the phone and when he saw Soap's name he decided he was going to kill the man the next time he saw him. Answering, Ghost pulled himself free from the blankets. "What's up, Soap?"

"You ready? We've got solid intel they're planning on changing locations in the next few days. We need to take them down now."

"Yeah, we're good to go. Just say when." He started pacing, trying to alleviate some of the mounting tension inside. All that build-up for nothing, left him feeling amped up with no outcome.

"Tomorrow, as soon as you can."

"Got it, I'll let you know how it goes."

"Good luck."

He ended the call and looked back at Roach who opened his mouth but Ghost shook his head. He couldn't face the thought of saying anything now. The moment had passed. If he was lucky, it would come again but not now. "It doesn't matter. Come on, we're moving out tomorrow so let's get everybody up to speed."

It didn't go according to plan.

Ghost fucked up, he knew it from the second he planted the C4.

As he'd retreated several men had come running back down the corridor, something he'd not expected and with nowhere to hide he'd been caught in the open. They took him straight to Roba's Lieutenant, a large man with an even larger appetite for pain. He didn't even ask questions just went straight for the pliers.

Well, Ghost wasn't much of a talker anyway.

It fucking hurt and Ghost couldn't help the pained noises he was making. Having teeth forcibly removed was not a pleasant experience. After taking four, the man finally spoke. "Why are you here?"

Ghost spat in his face and grinned. "You'll have to take all of my teeth and I still won't talk."

"Fine by me."

The man had pulled another one of his teeth out when suddenly he was gone. Ghost shook his head, trying to focus through the fog of pain on the sounds of yelling and fighting. What he finally saw was shocking. Roach was straddling the Lieutenant and beating him bloody, his face a mask of rage that did not belong there.

"Roach?" No response, he'd slipped into that headspace Ghost knew all too well and it wouldn't be easy to drag him back. "Roach!"

Nothing. Ghost was sure he'd already beaten the man unconscious if not to death. He tried to struggle free but the bonds were too tight. All he could do was keep calling to Roach in the hopes of bringing him back to his senses.

"Roach!"

Finally, he reacted. Roach stiffened, staring down at the man below him and Ghost could hear his shaky breathing as he registered what he'd done. He tried to speak but ended up coughing, spitting out the last tooth the Lieutenant had been working on.

"Ghost..." Roach was on his feet, stumbling towards him and he made quick work of the ropes. Ghost fell forward, unable to control his momentum but Roach caught him, hands steady once more. "Come on, we have to get out of here."

Ghost tried, he really did but his body didn't want to cooperate with his brain. Roach was his only chance of getting out of here in one piece. was he capable of that in his current state? Apparently so because Roach saved both of their asses, barely getting them out of the complex before it blew up.

The next thing Ghost was fully aware of was being back in the safe house with Archer examining him. How he'd gotten there he had no idea but he knew Roach was the reason. Roach had saved him. They were even now.

"Well, I count four, maybe five missing molars."

"Five." Ghost closed his mouth and winced at the dull stab of pain. "It was definitely five." He could still feel each one being pulled out and fervently hoped the memory would fade. He looked to find Roach standing in the doorway and smiled. "Hey."

"Hey." He replied softly, not quite meeting his gaze. Ghost wasn't too worried though because he still came to sit next to him. "You doing alright?"

"Yeah, aside from almost half my molars being gone. I'll be ok, thanks to you." He looked down, frowning as he took in Roach's hands wrapped up in a towel but he could the fabric stained red. "You're bleeding."

"Oh, yeah." Ghost's eyes widened when Archer removed the towel. Roach's hands were gashed and bloody, he must've broken a few knuckles by the look of them. "That bad huh?"

"What did you do?" Archer asked. "You won't be able to use these for at least a fortnight."

Roach glanced at him but they said nothing. Ghost wasn't going to out him to anyone. They all lost their heads when the right buttons were pushed. If it wasn't such a harrowing thought, remembering the anger in Roach's eyes, Ghost would be glad to know he was a trigger point for the Sergeant. But he wasn't. That kind of rage could alter a person and he could only hope Roach was strong enough to bounce back.

He could already see the shadow of it rising in Roach's eyes, the tightness of his mouth and the clenching of his jaw.

"Stop it." He said forcefully and Roach blinked, returning to normal instantly. "Don't do that to yourself."

Roach opened his mouth and then hesitated, glancing at Archer. Instead, he nodded, relaxing slightly. They didn't speak for a long time, waiting for Archer to finish.

Finally, he did and he sat back, sighing heavily. "Alright, you're all good. I'm serious, no training or weapons for a fortnight." He glared at Ghost even though he was in full agreement. "You're not to eat anything solid for at least a month, no exceptions. Doc will agree with me." He groaned and fell back against the headrest. "I'll let the guys know you'll live and Roach, nothing strenuous with those hands."

"Got it." Once Archer was gone, Roach looked at him anxiously. "Are you ok?"

"I'll be fine, how are you holding up?"

"Just some bruising." He shrugged. "No big deal."

"That's not what I meant." Their eyes met and Ghost searched his face, looking for signs of stress. There was nothing though, Roach looked tired but himself. Still, it wouldn't hurt to make him rest. "You're taking a weeks rest when we're back."

"What?"

"No arguing, you need to calm down."

"But I'm fine!" Roach snapped, getting to his feet. "Just because my hands are a bit sore doesn't mean I'm an invalid!"

"You're not helping your case. Sit down." Ghost ordered firmly. He didn't like telling Roach what to do but in this case, he would make an exception. Ghost knew what he was dealing with, whilst Roach clearly didn't. "You're angry."

"I'm fine."

"You're a bad liar."

"You don't know me!"

Ghost sat up, moved to anger himself now but he reigned it in. Levelling a finger at Roach, he spoke as calmly as he could. "Let's get one thing straight, don't think for even a second I haven't spent the last four years with you and I don't know anything."

He poked Roach hard in the chest, annoyed he could even think that. Did he seriously think he didn't care, after everything they'd done and been through together? That thought pissed him off more than anything.

"Don't ever accuse me of being ignorant of you."

"Sorry," Roach muttered apologetically, looking away.

"Get some sleep." Ghost sighed. "You need to rest too."

"Can I stay with you?"

Ghost smiled when Roach looked up hopefully. "There's another bed isn't there? If you start snorting though I'm kicking you out."

Roach's answering smile was blinding in its honesty. He was an open book sometimes and Ghost loved him for it. "No promises."

Ghost had thought after that they were on the same page. They remained together the following day, even sitting side by side on the ride back to base. He was disappointed however to find Roach had disappeared when he was finally released from the med bay, under strict instructions from Doc about his new diet.

He couldn't find Roach anywhere and received no answer when he knocked on his door. He wondered if Roach was ignoring him and the thought was enough to send him back to his own room, far away from the closed door of Roach's.

Two days passed and no sign of the Sergeant. Ghost was gearing up to go bash his door down, worried and angry at Roach for pulling away like this. They had always been open with each other and having this sudden barrier between them frightened him. He didn't like the thought of Roach avoiding him, not wanting to be with him.

Did he do something wrong?

Ghost couldn't stop the questions forming in his head, growing heavier with each passing hour Roach didn't make an appearance. He was starting to feel sick with apprehension. Still though, Ghost didn't go back to his door, scared to face the truth that Roach simply didn't want to talk to him.

After three days of this, Price slammed his hands on his desk, making both Ghost and Soap jump. "Alright, what the hell is going on? Ghost, you're acting like somebody scolded you or something. Do you need painkillers?"

"No."

"Well?" He prompted.

Ghost just shrugged and returned to idly doodling on the paperwork he was supposedly reading. He saw Price look at Soap out of the corner of his eye. "Roach-"

"Shut up!" Ghost snapped.

Price seemed to understand though. He shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Children." He muttered. "I work with a bunch of children."

"Aye," Soap grinned. "Can't say much about that chief."

"Soap, do me a favour and get Roach, drag him here if you have to." He waited until Soap had left before returning his attention to Ghost. "You're a thirty-three-year-old man, grow a pair and tell him."

Ghost glared back at Price, too indignant to respond. "I don't-"

"Know what I'm talking about?" Price finished, smiling wryly. "Ghost, we're not stupid and it's obvious. Honestly, I'm surprised Roach hasn't said anything to you yet but maybe he likes playing dumb."

Was Roach playing hard to get? Ghost had never considered that before.

"Either way if things continue as they are it's going to start affecting the team. We can't have that, you know that right?"

"Right."

"Good." Price moved to leave, pausing at the door. "And if Roach doesn't respond in kind, I'll eat my hat."

Ghost didn't have much time to think over that. Within minutes there was a knock at the door and he looked up to find it was Roach and couldn't help smiling. "How're you holding up?" He asked, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him.

"Better now you're here." Ghost kicked out the chair next to him and Roach sat. "Where have you been? It's been days since I saw you."

Roach shrugged. "Around." He moved quickly, hiding his hands under the table. Ghost reached out to touch them gently, fingers tracing one of the bandages. "I'm sorry. I lost control." Roach said quietly, voice catching.

"It's alright, it happens to the best of us."

"I just... the sounds you were making." He paused, taking in a shaky breath. "He was hurting you."

"I know."

"Do you think I'm a monster?" Roach asked quickly, the words almost a jumble as they spilt from his mouth. Real fear showed on his face when he glanced up and it tore at Ghost's heart. He hated seeing Roach so conflicted like this.

"I remember asking you something similar once." Ghost caught his chin, forcing his head up so they could look at each other. "So I'm going to tell you the same thing. Gary Sanderson, you're a good man. Don't you ever think otherwise."

To his surprise, Roach started crying. Ghost wiped them away but the tears started falling thick and fast, in seconds Roach was in his arms and sobbing. Ghost waited it out, slightly uncomfortable but also pleased that they were finally getting somewhere. Finally, Roach pulled away and he managed a wobbly smile.

"I'm sorry, didn't mean to mess up your shirt."

Ghost shrugged. It was worth it if Roach felt better. "It's fine. Feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Maybe you should get another tattoo to remind yourself of this. A tooth?" Roach laughed and it was the most wonderful sound in the world. Ghost had missed his laugh so much. "Too much? What about..."

"A ghost?"

God, Roach really was testing him. Would he really do that? The thought of Roach walking about with a permanent reminder of him was almost enough to break him. How was it possible for someone to be this perfect?

"Where would you get it?" Ghost was sure his heart stopped when Roach touched his chest, right over his own heart. "Perfect place."

"Only if you get a roach."

"That would look stupid." But he'd do it. If Roach got his tattoo then he would get his without question.

"Oh and a ghost wouldn't?" Roach laughed again, looking relaxed. "Maybe next time I'm home."

"Send me a picture."

"Promise." Ghost was quite happy to keep this going and was just wondering how he could get Roach to laugh again when he reached across the table and picked up what remained of his smoothie. "What the hell is this?"

"My breakfast." Ghost glared at the glass. Even looking at it was enough to make him gag. "Not allowed solids so I'm having smoothies. They taste disgusting."

"I might have to join you, I can't cut up my food." Roach held up his hands, sighing dramatically. "We make a good pair."

"True."

"So what does Soap have you doing cooped up in here?"

"I'm officially on bed rest." Ghost nodded at the piles of paperwork surrounding them. "So basically I'm doing all the leg work for the next month."

"Can I help? I've got nothing to do until my hands heal."

"I'd like that."

Having Roach for company made the days so much better. Ghost actually enjoyed waking up in the morning, knowing he would get to spend the entire day with Roach and only minimal interruptions. He could live with Soap's sly comments if it meant he could listen to Roach's laughter.

They also helped each other out with their current handicaps. Ghost cut up Roach's food for him and helped with all of his many itches which somehow turned into a massage at one point, not that either of them complained. Ghost was fully aware of how much he was spoiling Roach, giving in to all his demands without a fight but he couldn't find it in himself to care. He was just happy to have Roach smile back at him.

Ghost was cutting up Roach's burger one day when he sighed, looking down at it longingly. Normally he hated burgers but honestly, he could eat just about anything right now. "I wish I could eat this processed crap."

"You hate burgers."

"Anything solid will do." Stabbing the thing, he held it out for Roach to eat. "Maybe just one bite?"

"You'll bleed." Ghost pulled a face. He hadn't forgotten the incident with a chip two days ago. Even the thought made his mouth ache. "Drink your smoothie."

"My hands are full." Roach grabbed the glass and held it out, pressing the straw to his mouth and Ghost smiled. "You're feeding me now?"

"Might as well, so drink." He did and somehow the smoothie tasted better coming from Roach. He still winced at the sour aftertaste though. "Is it really that bad?"

"Try it."

Ghost couldn't help laughing when Roach coughed after one sip. "God that's disgusting! How can you stand it?"

"Because it's that or nothing." He offered Roach another forkful of food and he obediently ate. "Shit, we must look so domesticated."

"Whatever works." He laughed, managing to get Ghost to drink more of the smoothie. "You've still got half left."

"Not hungry." At least, not for his meal. Ghost returned to his paperwork once Roach's food was finished, trying to ignore how hungry he was. He didn't get very far though because Roach suddenly sat on his lap, pushing the straw of his glass against his lips insistently. "Is this supposed to help?"

"Yes, now drink." Ghost rolled his eyes but did, making Roach smile. He supposed it was worth it after all. "I'm not moving until you finish."

"Just sit there looking pretty then."

Grabbing the desk, Ghost pulled his chair closer and began typing again, occasionally drinking when Roach insisted. Being this close was highly distracting but Ghost would never admit it. Simply put, he'd rather have Roach sit on his lap than work any day of the week. The feeling was mutual apparently because it became part of the daily ritual. As soon as lunchtime rolled around, Roach would inevitably end up sitting with him.

It was only when Soap found out that Ghost felt the first inclinations of immorality. After all, they were two grown men, practically cuddling as they ate lunch. If it was anyone but Roach he would never have allowed it.

"Aww, this is too precious!" Soap cooed, smiling sweetly as he entered the office and caught them in the act.

Roach made to get up but Ghost quickly caught him, keeping him in place. Screw Soap, he'd probably enjoy this more anyway. He kept his eyes on the screen as he answered, "What do you want?"

"Just checking on my Lieutenant to make sure he's working." Soap sat at his desk and continued to watch them, grin widening. "Not distracted I hope?"

"Does it look like I am?"

He saw Roach smile out of the corner of his eye and had to fight hard not to smile himself. He had to at least pretend to be working. But when Roach shifted a few moments later, rubbing up against his crotch. Intentional or not, Ghost suddenly felt light-headed as his blood ran south. He grabbed Roach's waist quickly to make sure he didn't do it again or realise what he'd caused.

"Can I help you Soap?" Ghost was surprised at how steady he sounded.

"Nah mate, I'm good."

"Then fuck off."

Soap laughed heartily, not even a little bit upset. "Sorry for interrupting you two."

Ghost waited until the door was firmly shut before turning his attention to Roach. "You're going to kill me one day."

"I'm not sorry."

"You should be." It took a supreme amount of willpower not to take this further but he managed to push away from the desk and let go of the Sergeant. He needed Roach to get out of here and cast around for any excuse. "Go get your hands checked out, your bandages need changing."

"Kicking me out?"

"Yes, now go before I do something stupid." Roach didn't move, just looked at him curiously. Ghost was praying he wouldn't look down and realise that he was hard because that would be a colossal embarrassment. "Go, Roach."

"See you later."

He sighed as Roach slid off him and headed for the door, surreptitiously reaching down to adjust his trousers. He needed to get laid but at the same time, the only person he wanted was Roach. Looked like he was sticking to his hand for now. Ghost sighed again and leaned back, trying to relax. It took several minutes for his body to calm down and by the time it did, Price had come to join him.

"You look tense." He remarked, shifting through the papers on his desk. Ghost was glad he was distracted otherwise Price would no doubt notice his issue straight away. "Roach upset you?"

"No, just been a long day." Price stood up and appraised him and the smirk that crossed his face made Ghost groan. "Don't..."

"You my friend, need to get laid."

"Don't I know it." He leaned back in his chair, sighing deeply.

"Plenty of pretty ladies down at the village, or men I suppose in your case." Ghost flipped him off, not bothering to respond with words. "Oh right, you're emotionally unavailable."

"I'm everything unavailable."

"Funny, I'm willing to bet your answer would be different if Roach propositioned you."

Ghost pulled himself upright and glared at the laughing Captain. "Did Soap put you up to this?"

"Yes and no. You're easy to tease when it comes to Roach. You've got a soft spot concerning that Sergeant and it's showing."

"So?"

Price shrugged, finally extricating a sheet of paper from his desk. "Be careful. If anyone found out, they'll use Roach against you. Can't be giving Makarov that kind of information if you want to keep him safe."

"I know."

"I need to run this by Soap. You good here?"

"I'm on top of things."

Price nodded, waving farewell as he left.

Ghost tried to refocus on his work and time went by painfully slowly. Roach didn't come back.

In fact, Ghost didn't see him until the following morning. He'd just gotten settled when his gums started to bleed. Cursing loudly he spent the next half hour alternating between typing and trying not to get blood everywhere. He knew from experience that he had to wait it out. The only thing that helped was ice which numbed the pain.

Soap had already gone twice to get him ice and sighed when Ghost threw the empty cup to him. "Again?"

"Please." Ghost wasn't in the mood for arguing and Soap seemed to notice because he got up without complaint. "Thank you."

It wasn't Soap who returned though but Roach. "Close your eyes!" He ordered, hiding something behind his back. "Please?" He added nicely. "I promise, you'll enjoy this."

"It better be worth it." Ghost sighed and closed his eyes.

He could hear Roach crossing the room, pausing next to him and then a straw was being pressed to his mouth. "Drink."

"If this is lemon juice or some crap I will kill you."

"Do I look like Ozone?"

Trusting Roach, he drank. It tasted like heaven. Ghost's eyes snapped open and he looked down at the glass to confirm that yes, it was blue.

"What do you think?"

"Where did you find it?" Ghost took the glass and drank again, it was definitely blue raspberry. It was perfect and he immediately felt better. "I could kiss you right now."

"The shop in the village that sells loads of these things." Roach placed the plastic packet on the table so Ghost could see it. "And I saw they had a blue raspberry flavour. I figured you could use a little pick me up."

"You guessed right."

"Good because that cost me a tenner." Roach nodded impressively at his surprise. "I know, so enjoy every drop."

"I will, thank you."

Ghost happily continued to drink, the ice numbing the pain nicely. He was enjoying it too much though and a sharp pain in his head made him stop and groan and it spread down his nose.

"What's wrong, are you in pain?"

He shook his head, covering his face to try and stop the iciness from spreading. "Brain freeze." Roach laughed and Ghost flinched when he touched his forehead. "You're bloody freezing!"

"Come here." Roach pulled him closer with the type of gentleness Ghost couldn't resist. He closed his eyes, relaxing against Roach's stomach. The heat radiating from him helped alleviate the brain freeze. "Better?"

"Yes." Ghost reached for his drink but it was quickly snatched away.

"Give it a minute or you'll do it again!"

"But it tastes so good!"

"You're like a kid!" Roach laughed. "Five minutes and you can have more, alright?"

"Fine." Ghost sighed as he was released, much preferring to have his head pressed against Roach's stomach.

"How's the bleeding?"

"It's stopped I think. My fault for poking at it." He'd been absentmindedly poking at his gums and it was becoming a problem. He sighed and leaned back. "Who would've thought losing teeth could be such a hassle?"

"Probably anyone who likes to pull them out. Why else would they do it?"

"True." Ghost ran his tongue along his front teeth. "At least it was my molars, I'd hate to get an implant or dentures."

"Now all you've got to worry about is eating super slow."

"When I'm allowed to eat properly again." Ghost nodded at his breakfast smoothie with loathing. "It's disgusting."

"I know." Roach pulled a face, making him smile. The way his nose scrunched up when he frowned was adorable. "How long do you have left?"

"At least two weeks."

"That sucks." Ghost tried for his drink again but was thwarted. "Wait!"

"As your Lieutenant, I'm ordering you to hand it over." Roach stuck out his tongue. "Do I need to reprimand you?"

"Bite me." Well, if he insisted. Ghost made to get up but was instantly pushed back down. "You're so difficult sometimes!" Ghost's smile turned smug as he grabbed Roach, pulling him down onto his lap too. "Has the brain freeze gone?"

"Yes, now give me more." Finally allowed his drink, Ghost went back to it but more slowly. He stiffened as Roach ran his hands through his hair but quickly relaxed under the ministrations. It was a nice feeling. "Soap's coming back you know."

Roach hummed but didn't stop.

"Do you want him to see us like this again?"

"Who cares?"

"Me." Roach paused, looking at him curiously. "He already gives me grief, don't make it worse." If Soap caught them sat like this again he'd never live it down.

"Well, since you asked so nicely." Roach had barely gotten to his feet when the door opened and Soap walked in. He winked at Roach and sat back in his own chair. "So what's the plan today?"

"Keep the princess happy and plan our next move. Now Roba's taken care of, we can refocus on Makarov. That complex you two took out in Prague was one of his caches and with all the intel collected we know the two were working together. In all, taking out Roba has been a real hit to the Russian."

Ghost ignored the jab and threw a folder to Roach. "We've got two locations to check out. A safe house at the Georgian-Russian Border up in the Caucasus mountains and a boneyard in Eastern Afghanistan."

"We're splitting into two groups to check them out." Soap explained. "You and Ghost are heading to Russia, Price and I to Afghanistan."

"What are we looking for?"

"Intel, weapons, equipment, hell the man himself, I don't know. All we know is that these places are gold mines." Roach flicked through the papers detailing the safe house which had SAMs, mortars and a small convey of SUVs.

"This place looks heavily fortified."

"Probably for a good reason." Ghost looked at Roach. "You with me?"

"Always."