Ghost watched the slow rise and fall of Roach's chest, the steady beeping of the heart rate monitor the only thing keeping him grounded. Roach looked so pale, laying on the cot, unresponsive to the world around him. Ghost leaned forward and buried his face in his hands as if it could block out the horror of it all.

But when he closed his eyes all he could see was Roach falling to the ground, taking a second bullet through the abdomen. There had been so much blood.

"Breathe, love. You're gonna be fine."

That's what he'd told Roach, trying to keep him calm so Archer could fix him up. Maybe to keep himself calm too.

Ghost was still trying to process what had happened, what Shepherd had done. Their CO had tried to kill them, had almost succeeded with Roach. Ghost's hands clenched around the plastic arms of his chair and they creaked in protest. Letting go he covered his face again. He'd killed Shepherd and put a bullet through his head when Roach fell into him. An accident or on purpose? He wasn't sure but it was the opening he'd needed. Even after being shot, Roach had managed to save him. Because for a few seconds Ghost had been too stunned to move and it was almost their undoing.

The fact they had all made it out of there alive was a miracle. Now Ghost was asking for another one, that Roach would wake up. It had been two days and Roach was showing no signs of change. Ghost carefully held his hand between his own, hating the lack of response. He jumped when someone touched his shoulder, not hearing them come in.

"Ghost, go get some rest." Soap took the seat next to him. "I'll come and get you if something changes."

"I can sleep here."

"I meant in a proper bed. Roach won't hate you for it."

"No, I've suffered worse." Soap looked down at their joined hands. "What?" It came out more defensive than he'd meant it to.

"You really love him, don't you."

Ghost shrugged, not bothering to reply. Soap knew the answer anyway.

"Are you ever going to tell Roach?"

"Maybe." He looked down at their hands and sighed. "I'm not sure how he'll take it."

"Ghost, you're judgement is usually spot on. But it's definitely clouded on this one. Trust me when I say, Roach likes you too, maybe even loves you." He glanced at the monitors and they both watched the screen showing his heart rate. "Take the risk."

"And if he throws it back in my face?"

Ghost was terrified this would happen. It was the main reason he'd kept his feelings to himself. He didn't think he could face Roach after a rejection, and would probably have to leave the task force.

"At least you can move on."

He hummed, holding onto Roach's hand more tightly.

"Think of it this way. How much would you regret not telling him if he dies?"

"He's not going to die!" Ghost snapped but it didn't hide the fear in his voice. "Roach will wake up." He didn't like the concern in Soap's eyes so looked down at Roach again, which wasn't much better. The blankness of his face was painful. "I'll be fine."

Soap sighed and got up, squeezing his shoulder. "If you're sure."

"I am." Ghost waited for the Captain to leave before speaking softly. "Come on, Gary. You've got to wake up, you hear me? I'll never forgive you if you don't. There are so many things I still need to tell you."

Nothing. Ghost sat back, disappointed and berating himself for thinking there might be a change. Roach wouldn't wake up just because he was asking him to.

Day slowly turned into night and Ghost settled in his plastic chair. He wasn't leaving until Roach woke up, Soap would have to drag him out, bad back be damned. Finally, he fell asleep.

"Ghost..." Roach's voice was as sweet as ever. It was funny, almost like he could hear the Sergeant. "Ghost!"

He jerked upright into full consciousness, scared for a second that the worst had happened but no, Roach was sat up and looking at him. Ghost let out a long sigh of relief and relaxed. "Jesus, bug. Nearly gave me a heart attack."

He smiled ruefully and it was the most beautiful sight in the world after the past few days. "Sorry." He winced and Ghost quickly grabbed him some water. "Thanks."

"How do you feel?" Roach shrugged and winced again. Ghost moved closer and grabbed his hand, holding it tightly between his own. "You've got to stop almost dying on me. You have no idea how much it messes with my head."

"It's not like I do it on purpose." He smiled and relaxed back with a tired sigh. "What happened?"

"After Shepherd shot you..." Ghost paused, reliving the moment Roach had been shot. Then he gave himself a small shake and refocused. "It gave us enough of an opening. I killed him, Scarecrow and Ozone held their forces back whilst Archer and Toad regrouped. We took the pave low back to base."

"You being court-martialled for killing Shepherd?" Roach looked worried. "Can't lose you, Simon."

"I'm not going anywhere." He replied reassuringly, unable to suppress his smile. "We got enough footage from the pave low and body cams to show the bastard was committing treason. I was just doing what was necessary. He deserved it though for hurting you, almost killing you."

"Didn't realise you cared so much about me."

Much more than Roach could ever guess. Ghost swallowed thickly and looked down at their hands, loosening his grip slightly when he saw how tight he was holding on. "That's the thing about bugs, can't shake them."

"You're stuck with me for life, you know that right." Roach held out his free hand and beckoned him closer. Curious, Ghost leaned in and the feeling of Roach's warm palm cupping the side of his face was wonderful. Looking up, he was surprised to see the Sergeant grinning. "Because I don't want to live in a world where your pretty face is gone."

Ghost felt himself blush for the first time in probably his entire life. People weren't quick to compliment him and he wasn't used to this kind of affection, especially from somebody he cared so much for. He pulled free and tried to collect himself. "You're high, aren't you?"

Doc had pumped Roach full of drugs and he retained the dilated pupils and dazed look. "Mmm, a little." Even his smile was a little dopey but still charming.

Ghost kissed his hand and let go. "Sleep it off, love. Tell me when you're sober."

"I won't remember, so you can tell me anything right now if you want." Roach was still smiling absently as he pulled the sheets up to his chin, looking younger and more vulnerable than ever. "Tell me a secret."

"Quid pro quo?" When he nodded, Ghost sighed in contemplation. Maybe Soap was right, he should say something. "You got to me, love. I can't live without you either. Maybe one day I'll tell you how much I care if you'll let me."

"Tell me now."

He laughed, a little nervously then looked away. "Now's not the time, you're high as a kite."

"Unfair."

"Your turn."

Roach blushed, pulling the sheets higher to the bridge of his nose. "I really liked that kiss you know." He whispered. "I wish I kissed you back."

Elation filled Ghost's chest, so strong he struggled to speak for a moment. "Yeah?"

"Have you kissed anyone else since?"

"What do you think I do, go down to the village and make out with people? No, you're the first person I've kissed in... years now that I think about it."

"I'm glad. I want to be the only person you kiss."

Ghost wanted to believe him so badly but he also knew Roach was high and probably not aware of what he was saying. "Tell me later."

"I won't."

"Then I don't believe you." Ghost leaned closer, right into Roach's personal space and he dropped the bed sheet, moving closer too. He wanted to close the small distance and kiss him but knew he shouldn't under the circumstances. "If you can't tell me when you're sober, it's not real." He sat back, almost smug when he saw the disappointment on Roach's face.

"That's not fair."

"Neither is you saying all this whilst drugged up." Roach groaned and he smiled. "Get some sleep. Let me know if you remember anything."

"Fine." Roach settled down and immediately started to fall asleep. "Ghost?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't send me home. I don't wanna go back injured again." Ghost gently brushed Roach's hair away and he smiled. "I wanna stay with you."

"I'll look after you. Now sleep, love."

He fell asleep moments later and Ghost sorted out his blankets. He felt a lot lighter now, knowing Roach was alright, almost giddy and he couldn't stop smiling. It seemed miracles did indeed happen.