Before long, the task force had fallen into a lull and the decision was made to send everybody home for a few months. Ghost was thankful he was the Lieutenant so he had the option of staying. Soap didn't even need to ask which he'd prefer. They had known each other long enough by now that his friend knew he'd never go back. The closest thing he had to home was the base.

The carrier back to England was the last to leave and Ghost spent the entire morning with Roach, keen to put off saying goodbye as long as he could. But eventually, the time came and they stood outside the carrier. He looked at the Sergeant, fully acknowledging for the first time it could be months before they saw each other again.

"Well, I guess this is it." Roach sighed and rocked back on his heels. "I'll see you soon... hopefully."

"Yeah." Ghost swallowed thickly but managed to smile. "Stay safe, alright."

Roach snorted. "Yeah, farm work is more lethal than this any day."

Soap came out of the carrier and grabbed Roach's arm. "Alright bug, time to go."

"Right." He picked up his bag but hesitated. "Call me." He said sternly and Ghost nodded. His expression relaxed and he smiled. "Bye."

Then he turned and walked into the carrier. Ghost felt a heavy weight settle in his stomach and his shoulders slumped. Soap seemed to notice because he nudged his arm. "You could still go with him y'know. Price and I can make do."

"I'm fine here."

Soap shook his head. "Don't forget to call! Ghost will get grouchy if you don't!" He yelled after Roach, waving at him. Ghost winced and elbowed him.

"See you soon!" Roach called back.

They watched the carrier leave and once it was no longer visible, Ghost headed back inside. The base felt a lot bigger with everybody gone but the quiet was peaceful. Still, he wished Roach was there. It would've felt less lonely.

Even though there was no training, Ghost still woke up early. It was so ingrained into him he didn't even need the alarm which went off a few minutes after he woke up. He sat up with a heavy such, eyes landing on his phone. Well, he did promise to call. He grabbed it and called up Roach's number. It only took a few moments for him to answer.

"Hello?"

"Morning, love."

"Hey, Ghost. It's not morning here."

Ghost checked his watch and frowned. "Really?"

"Yeah, well it's more like one in the morning."

"Did I wake you?"

"No, I'm still adjusting."

"Good, I wouldn't want you to miss your beauty sleep." Ghost rested back and smiled. "How is it?"

"Quiet. You can hear the crickets outside." Roach was speaking quietly, probably to not wake his parents.

"Must be a nice change."

"It's peaceful." There was a moment's pause then he spoke softly. "I miss the base though."

Ghost laughed. "You've barely been gone a day, how can you miss this shit hole already?"

"Like you would know. You never leave."

"I'm the Lieutenant. I'm needed."

"So I'm not?"

"Did I say that?" He got a huff in response. Roach knew perfectly well how much Ghost needed him. "Exactly. But I miss you too, bug." Like a constant heartache. Which was stupid because it hadn't even been twenty-four hours yet.

"Who said I missed you?" Roach challenged.

"You did." He replied smugly which earned him a scoff.

"Stop gloating."

"You love it."

"I hate it." Roach was smiling, he could hear it in his voice and the thought brought his smile back too. The morning seemed a lot brighter now. "Why are you up so early?"

"Force of habit. Maybe I'll train by myself."

"Sounds depressing, who will spar with you?"

"The gym bag."

"Send pictures."

"Only if you do."

"Of what?"

"Anything, it doesn't matter. I want to know what you're doing." Ghost also didn't want to forget a single detail about Roach's face but he could exactly say that.

"Should've come with me then."

"Maybe next time." When he didn't respond, Ghost frowned. "Roach?"

"What?"

"You went quiet there, everything ok?"

"Of course." Ghost knew he was holding something back but chose not to push. Roach would tell him in his own time. "I was just thinking of you chasing chickens about."

"What?"

"We never got the chance last time."

"So tell me about it. Like you said we never had time before."

Roach launched into an explanation about the farm. Ghost listened but became aware of the heaviness in the other man's voice after a while. His sentences started to trail off and the pauses became longer. He realised Roach was falling asleep and laughed.

"W-what?" Roach blurted out, sounding completely disorientated.

"I said; goodnight, love."

"Why?"

"Because you're falling asleep!"

"No I'm not!" He yawned and Ghost waited. "Alright, I'm sleepy."

"Go to bed."

"Call me again?"

"Only if you send pictures."

"Deal."

Ghost ended the call and got up. He needed to shower and get ready for the day. After his phone call with Roach, it felt a lot easier to go through the motions, despite the base being practically empty. It was gone midday when Soap put in an appearance, strolling into the office looking cheerful. "Hard at work already?"

"I'd rather do it now than let it pile up."

Soap looked at him curiously. "You look chipper, what happened?" Before Ghost could respond he grinned and snapped his fingers. "You've spoken to Roach, haven't you!"

"So?"

"Mate, you're whipped."

"Fight me."

"No thanks. I don't want another black eye." Soap sat down with a heavy sigh. "Why don't you just take leave?"

"I'd rather stay here."

"Scared?" Soap waggled his eyebrows. "Roach practically asked you to go with him."

"Practically isn't factual. I'm not inviting myself to spend months at his home." Ghost replied stubbornly. "That's overstepping boundaries."

"Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you turned up on his doorstep. Take a risk!"

"No." Ghost shuffled through his papers and pulled some out. "I need you to sign these."

Soap shook his head and took them. "It's like talking to a brick wall sometimes with you." But then he smiled. "You've changed though, these past few years. Never seen your face so much or seen you so relaxed. And we both know the reason for it. Stop denying yourself some happiness."

"Maybe." He finally relented, if only to shut the Captain up. "I'll think about it."

Try as he might though, Ghost couldn't stop picturing himself with Roach over the following months, especially with the volume of photos he was being sent. They were talking constantly, as often as he could. He'd never been so attached to his phone before. The two Captains gave him a lot of shit for it but Ghost ignored them.

When his phone buzzed one afternoon, it was Price who commented. "I'm surprised you two still have things to talk about. That phone is glued to your hand."

"Maybe they're not talking." Soap replied, waggling his eyebrows.

"Ghost if you so much as touch your belt I'm going to ban that phone."

"I'm not sending Roach dick pics!" He snapped at the laughing men. "Honestly you're like two teenagers, give over already."

"Why? It's funny to rile you up." Soap threw a ball of paper and it landed in the open space in front of Ghost. "You're so distracted you haven't told me off for being messy for days now. I'm going to have to thank Roach when he gets back for taming you."

Ignoring them, he opened the message to find it was a photo. A frilly name card with a fancy script that read Gary. Probably for Amber's wedding, Roach had been complaining about all the things they still had to do.

Just Gary, no plus one?

You couldn't make it.

I'm honoured.

Maybe next time.

I'll clear my schedule.

"Maybe you should start wearing your mask again. You look so sappy." Ghost glanced up in time to see Soap snap a photo of him. "See?" He turned the phone around with a smirk to show Ghost the photo. "You've got such a goofy smile when Roach texts you."

"Delete that."

"Not a chance." Soap levelled a finger at him. "You get your ass back to England and I'll delete it. If not I'm going to continuously remind you of this."

"If you don't delete it I'm going to make your life hell. I'll stop doing all the paperwork."

"That would hurt you more than me."

Ghost flipped him off and stood. He'd had enough of this for one day. "Do your own paperwork, I'm out."

He spent the rest of the afternoon in the gym. Try as he might though he couldn't stop thinking about Roach. When he looked at his phone afterwards, there was a waiting message, Roach's name making him smile. It was a picture of another name card but this one read Gary & Simon.

What do you think?

Why does your name go first?

Alphabetical order. Suck it up, Simon.

His smile widened. Whenever Roach used his real name it caused warmth to blossom in his chest.

You should use my name more often love.

Why, do you like that?

A little.

It took a few moments for Roach to respond and Ghost was worried he'd taken it too far. But his next message went in a completely different direction. He could only assume it was something Roach had been thinking about for a while.

Do you talk to the others too?

Others?

The squad. Are you texting them as well?

Ghost smiled. Was that jealousy he could sense in the words?

Why, does that bother you?

No.

He waited a full minute before replying, just to tease Roach.

I only take time out of my day to talk to you, love.

Good to hear.

I'll call you later.

Ghost put his phone away again to shower. When he returned, there was another message waiting. It was a photo of the farm, bathed in orange from the sunset. It looked beautiful and for a moment, Ghost wished he was there with Roach.

You'd enjoy this, it's quiet.

He was sure that was true. Sitting with Roach on the porch swing and watching the sunset over the farm. It sounded perfect. Too perfect really. Which was why it was only a fantasy and not their reality.

The office was now empty, much to Ghost's relief. He finished off his work quickly without interruptions. Once he was done, he decided to stay put to call Roach. Soap wasn't likely to return so he should be guaranteed some privacy. The phone rang twice before being picked up.

"Ghost?"

"Hey, love. How's the country life treating you?"

Roach laughed quietly. "More like an errand boy. I had to write out hundreds of those cards you know. My hand is killing."

He made a sympathetic noise. "Need a massage?"

"Please." Ghost tried not to imagine that too closely. "So how was your day?"

"Boring. Soaps made it his personal mission to make my life hell." Ghost sighed and leaned back. "I'm hiding in the office."

"Wow, the all-mighty Ghost, hiding."

"You spend weeks alone with the Captains badgering you and see how you feel."

"Why are they badgering you?"

Ghost hesitated but then carried on. "Doesn't matter, it's just Soap being Soap is all."

"You sound tired."

"Nah, just bored. I miss you. There's nothing to do on your own out here."

"I miss you too. Next time, come home with me."

Now he asks. Ghost wished he'd asked before because he would've said yes. "I think I'll have to take you up on that." The office door banged open and Ghost groaned as Soap strolled in. "Here we go again."

"Wha-"

Soap cut Roach off and he grinned and bounded over to Ghost's desk. "Here you are! Did you sneak off to talk to Roach? I'm upset, I miss our little bug too!"

"Fuck off, Soap." But he put the phone on speaker so Roach could talk to him.

"Hey, Roach!"

"Hey, Captain." Roach laughed. "Am I on speaker?"

"Yes. So watch your mouth."

"What? Don't want me telling Soap all out secrets?" The teasing smile he could almost see made it worth the torture that was sure to come.

Soap gasped dramatically. "Secrets huh? Do go on."

"None of your business!" Ghost snapped.

"If that isn't a guilty confession I don't know what is."

"He's right, Ghost. You sound suspiciously guilty." Roach confirmed gleefully. "What secrets are you hiding from us?"

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you."

"Scary." Soap laughed and he slapped Ghost's shoulder. "Alright, I'll leave thou two love birds alone. Talk later, Roach!"

"Bye!"

And to Ghost's relief, the Captain left with a wink. "Don't forget to give him a kiss goodbye." He whispered at the door, laughing when Ghost flipped him off in response. He hoped Roach hadn't heard that.

Ghost took the phone off speaker and picked it up again. "I was wrong, there is something worse than Soap. Both of you together."

"You love me really."

He hummed. "I sure let you get away with shit the others don't."

"Because I'm your favourite."

"True." Ghost yawned and glanced at his watch. It was getting very late.

"Christ, it's two in the morning over there. Why are you up so late?"

"I told you I'd call. Didn't want to be too late for you."

"Don't go messing up your sleep schedule."

"Says the one texting me at four in the morning." Ghost chuckled. "Don't worry about it, love. I can sacrifice a few hour's sleep to talk to you."

"I feel privileged."

"You should. I don't waste time on slackers."

"I remember you saying something similar on my first day."

"And you listened. Three minutes early that next morning."

"Well, I didn't want to piss you off. You were kinda scary with that mask of yours." Ghost rolled his eyes when Roach laughed."Now I know you're a big softy underneath it all."

"Softy, eh?" He asked, slipping into his old persona so easily it was almost scary. "Just you wait, when you get back here I'll make sure you regret saying that. How's your CQC going?"

"Uh, great," Roach replied somewhat doubtfully.

Ghost laughed. "Oh, your ass is going to be sore."

"I don't think you've got the skill."

"Is that a challenge?" It didn't sound like Roach was talking about training anymore and he certainly had Ghost's full attention. "I bet I could have you moaning my name in minutes."

"Try me."

"Maybe I will." Ghost decided to steer the conversation back on course. He was already half-hard and didn't want to get fully there. "You should keep training, you never know when you'll be called back. I don't want to have a lazy ass Sergeant turning up here who can't shoot straight."

"I could shoot the dirt off your boots."

"I won't be testing that particular theory." Ghost yawned again.

"Go to bed, love." Roach said teasingly.

"That's my line."

"What should I call you then?"

"Simon is just perfect. Goodnight, love."

"Night, Simon."

He ended the call and leaned back, waiting a few minutes for his body to calm down. Roach was doing things to him he'd rather not admit. Again he wondered how long it would be before they hit an inevitable impasse and what Roach would do.

Ghost was still doubtful of the Sergeant's feelings. He wanted to believe it was mutual but was still unsure and didn't want to say anything without absolute surety. The thought of rejection did not sit well with him.

Sighing, he got up and headed for bed.

Soap dragged him into the village the next morning for supplies. They had almost run out of food and Ghost was dying for some fresh food. Loaded down with supplies, they restocked the kitchens. Ghost was sitting down with an afternoon coffee when his phone pinged, a new message from Roach.

I've got the perfect name for you, darling.

Don't make me throw up my coffee.

Why not? I think it suits you.

It was almost sweet cheeks so count yourself lucky.

I'll take darling. Thank you, love.

Ghost returned to his coffee as Price joined them. "I hope you got some pasta, I've been wanting that for days."

Soap tossed over the packet of pasta. "All yours."

"Thank you." Price stashed it away in one of the cupboards. "We need to go over some intel today. There's talk of Makarov trying to make a deal with the African militia. We need to put a stop to it before something happens."

Ghost was only half paying attention, still thinking about Roach. Sweet cheeks? Did that mean Roach had been checking him out?

"Ghost?"

He snapped back to reality, looking between the two Captains. "How much intel do we have?" He asked, ignoring the way Soap was now smirking.

"Not enough. We don't even know the name of the group, just that they're based in Sierra Leon. Mass genocide in the mountains for months now." Price shook his head. "Whatever's going on, Makarov wants in with them and that can only mean bad news."

"Let's take a look at this intel then." Ghost got to his feet and grabbed his phone. Pausing in the doorway, he sent Roach another message.

Do you think I have 'sweet cheeks?'

I mean, you do have a great ass.

No, you're the one with the great ass.

-Picture Received-

You think?

Ghost opened the photo to find it was of Roach. He was wearing a pair of baggy, torn-up jeans. He was still attractive but his ass was definitely not in view.

Try something tighter.

Send me something suitable then.

You asked for it.

He already had the perfect thing in mind. It only took a few moments to find something suitable and made sure to use Roach's address for the delivery address. He even paid extra to get next day delivery because honestly, the sooner the better.

"Ghost!" Soap paused at the end of the corridor. "Stop flirting with Roach and get your head in the game!"

"I'm coming!" Sighing in exasperation, Ghost jammed his phone into his pocket and caught up with Soap. "I don't want to hear it."

"You didn't deny it."

He didn't see the point since Soap would see right through him. "Whatever."

In the office, Price spread out what little intel they had. They spent a good part of the afternoon going over it, with little success. There wasn't enough information to form a plan, not yet anyway so any plans concerning Sierra Leon would have to be put on hold for a while. The sky was darkening by the time Ghost retired for the evening and he sat outside, listening to the wind whistle through the mostly empty base.

It was a calming noise and without realising it, he'd fallen asleep. Waking in complete darkness disorientated him for a second and he wondered what had woken him. The nights were warm enough to sleep through and this wasn't the first time he'd fallen asleep outside. Then his phone buzzed again, flashing a reminder about an unopened message. Another text from Roach.

-Picture Received-

Better?

Roach was wearing leggings this time and his ass did look great in them. He was shirtless, a bruise on his stomach visible and Ghost frowned. What on earth had he been doing to get a bruise like that?

Nice ass, love. What happened to your stomach?

Practising my CQC with sheep. The sheep won.

I'll send them a medal.

Why the leggings?

At a club. Amber insisted I come out to stop pining about you.

Is it working?

Clearly not since we're texting.

Buy me a drink?

Roach must've started drinking already. He was flirting, something Ghost wasn't used to but he couldn't help smiling.

What do you want?

Something expensive.

Of course. Where are you?

Place called The Square.

Five minutes, love.

It only took a couple of minutes to find the number of the club. Ghost placed an order, picking out a range of drinks for Roach to try and then glanced at the time. Four in the morning. He'd really been out of it when Roach's message woke him up. Ghost retired to his room, his phone buzzing as he opened the door.

You're an asshole.

Enjoy the drinks.

I will. Thanks, darling.

Ghost plugged his phone in to charge and got ready for bed. He was woken what seemed like five minutes later by his phone but couldn't be too annoyed when he saw it was Roach.

Thank you for the drinks.

Anytime love.

Did you enjoy yourself?

Would've been better if you were here.

Really?

Yeah.

You make everything more fun.

You're one of the few who'd say that.

I wish I was there too.

You'd be passed out next to me right now.

You're the one who can't handle their drink, love.

True.

Get some sleep, we can talk tomorrow.

I miss you.

I miss you too.

Ghost looked at their messages and sighed. Maybe he would take Soap's advice after all and go visit Roach. Surely he'd be happy to see him?

Do you?

Of course, wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it.

I miss your laugh.

I miss your smile.

I miss your arms.

Is this a competition?

And your voice.

He couldn't help it, he called Roach. He needed to hear his voice so badly it was starting to hurt. He answered on the first ring. "Ghost?" His voice was slightly slurred, drunk most likely.

"Roach, how much did you drink?"

"A lot. I like the blue raspberry one."

"Why's that?"

He laughed a beautiful sound that made Ghost smile. "Because it reminded me of you." Then he sighed, voice becoming soft. "I really do miss you."

"I miss you too, love. Do you want me to stay on the line tonight?"

"Like… last time?" Roach moved about, exhaling after a moment. "What are you wearing?"

"Oh, is this turning into one of those calls?" Ghost chuckled. "Sweatpants and a hoodie, both grey. My underwear is black in case you're wondering."

"Yeah, I was curious about that. Downtime Ghost sounds like a slob, what have you been doing these past few months?"

"Dreaming about you, what else?" Gary laughed again and then muffled it. "Why's that funny?"

"Because I've been dreaming about you! God if you knew what I dreamed about last night..." He groaned. "I wish you were here."

"What did you dream about?"

"I'll tell you when I see you."

"That's not fair."

"That's the deal." Ghost considered it for a moment but he did want to know. Roach started ticking down. "Times running out, what's your final decision?"

"Fine but you best remember this conversation."

"No promises."

"You're so flaky when you're inebriated. You kill me."

"You love me."

"Maybe." Silence followed that statement and Ghost cursed himself. He was getting far too comfortable with Roach for his own good.

"Simon Riley, did you just admit you love me?" He laughed. "I hope I remember this tomorrow."

"I didn't say anything." Ghost hit back. "Don't make assumptions. You're twisting my words to suit you so what does that say? You want me to love you?" No response. "Think about that before you tease me."

"You're an asshole."

"And you love me for it." He replied smugly, knowing Roach was flustered now. "Get some sleep. Hopefully you won't be too hungover in the morning."

"Stay on the line. I don't want you to leave."

"Alright." Ghost got back into bed, waiting as Roach shifted around before going silent. "Comfy?"

"Be better in your arms. You make me feel so safe when we're together."

Ghost tried not to feel too smug about that.

"Too much?" Roach asked after a moment, almost shyly.

"Not enough."

"Goodnight, Simon."

"Sleep well, love."

After a few minutes, Roach's breathing deepened and evened out, indicating he'd fallen asleep. Ghost got up quietly, too alert to go back to sleep but he took Roach with him to the cafeteria and made some coffee. The quiet was nice and having the other man's presence if only through his phone, was comforting. Almost the same as having him there.

The call disconnected half an hour later. Ghost assumed Roach's phone had died and sighed, picking up his phone. That was when he saw the volume of photos he'd been sent. Dozens of pictures of Roach at that club, looking gorgeous in those leggings and a white shirt with a grey vest. Ghost scrolled through them, an ache settling in his chest with each passing picture. He was really starting to miss Roach.

Seeing him look so tempting in these photos wasn't helping either.

He looked up as Soap walked in, surprised to see the Captain so early. "What got you up?"

"Bloody birds. Sun's barely risen and they're chirping away." He yawned and fixed himself a cup of coffee. "What's up with you? You look... kinda upset about something?"

Ghost shrugged and tapped on his phone screen absently. "I think you were right, maybe I should've gone with Roach."

Soap's eyes widened slightly then he was grinning. "Wow, you're admitting I was right? That's a first."

"Don't rub it in." He grumbled and stood up. "I'm hitting the gym."

"Alright, Price will want us later so don't hide away all day."

"Give me a few hours and I'll swing by the office." Ghost promised before leaving. He stopped by the office first to leave his phone to charge. After spending a couple of hours on-call with Roach, it was almost dead.

By the time he was done working out and showered, almost four hours had passed. He entered the office to find Soap was mid-call with someone saying, "Maybe, but maybe not." He glanced up as the door opened, grinning at him. "Oh here's the man of the hour!"

"What are you talking about?" Ghost asked, noticing for the first time it was his phone Soap was holding and he got a bad feeling. "Who's on the phone?"

"Our resident supermodel! What, you haven't seen these photos?"

"Soap, delete them!" Roach's voice rang through clearly.

"Mate, there's no chance. Besides, it's not my phone.

Ghost approached his Captain and took the phone. "Soap's right, there's no chance I'm deleting these. Valuable intel and all that."

"Fuck you."

"I don't care, delete them now!" Roach demanded. "I didn't send them."

"I swear Ghost, if you don't delete them-"

"Threatening your superior officer and in front of the Captain?" Ghost asked smugly, raising an eyebrow at Soap. "Oh Soap, that might be grounds for expulsion."

"Maybe another two months at home will do him some good."

"Hey!" Gary snapped. "I'll hang up if you don't stop it!"

"You called us." Soap laughed. "That reminds me, bug here says you sent him a thong?" Ghost hummed. "That's precious, can we get a photo of that?"

"Not a chance." Gary hung up.

They stared at the phone in silence for a moment before Soap asked, "You didn't really send him a thong, did you?"

"So what if I did?"

"You are too obvious and desperate for your own good." He shook his head and got to his feet. "Maybe go see him, in your thong, and finally tell him the truth."

"Maybe." He waited until Soap had left the office before sending Roach a text.

Roach, what's wrong?

He'd sounded upset on the phone and Ghost wanted to make sure he hadn't gone too far.

Goodnight, Ghost.

Alright, Roach was definitely upset, maybe even mad.

I'm sorry, love.

No response.

Ghost sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his face. He glanced at the time, almost one in the morning for Roach. Maybe he'd gone to bed. If that was true, it would be hours before he got a response. He didn't have long to worry about Roach though because Price was there and they had work to do. Whatever the problem was, he had to put it to the back of his mind for now.

He finally got a response the next day, almost dropping his phone in his eagerness to open the text.

Nothing's wrong. I was tired.

Bullshit.

I was angry, forget it.

Did I go too far?

Roach had always been so calm, only breaking once and that was when Ghost was being tortured. Ghost felt bad for angering him. Still no response. He decided to test the waters, and give Roach a little bit of the truth.

I'll delete the photos if you want. But I don't want to.

You're beautiful.

Keep them. For your eyes only.

Ghost smiled. Alright, Soap and Price had a point. Maybe Roach did return his feelings. His phone buzzed again and he looked down.

-Picture Received-

An apology for acting like an ass.

Curious, Ghost opened the photo and immediately felt light-headed. Roach, looking flustered but gorgeous, was wearing his thong. The red lace looked all too tantalising against his skin, barely covering him up. He let out a long-suffering sigh and closed his eyes, trying to ignore the fact that he was now hard.

You have no idea what you do to me.

I meant what I said, you're beautiful.

Adjusting his trousers to be more comfortable, Ghost wondered idly if he was allowed to keep the photo, use it even.

Can I keep that one too?

Yes.

Do you want one back?

Why, do you have a thong too?

No, but I can improvise.

I can't wait to see this.

Patience love, I'll send one later.

I'll be waiting.

As much as Ghost wanted to jerk off, he closed his phone and got to his feet. He still wasn't sure if that was crossing a line and didn't want to make Roach uncomfortable if he ever found out. But then, he did send the photo after all, what did he expect? A cold shower was in order Ghost decided but first, he had to send Roach a reply.

Stripping down, Ghost grabbed his phone and took the photo but made sure to hide his erection with one of those stupid stickers you could use. He found a roach one and smiled, perfect. He wasn't going to send it yet though, he wanted to catch Roach off guard so decided to shower first. When he was done he sat on the edge of his bed and hesitated for a moment, then remember Roach had admitted he wanted this so shrugged and sent him the photo.

-Picture Sent-

This is what you do to me.

He saw the photo had been opened and waited. A minute passed and no response so he prompted Roach.

Thoughts?

Ghost was starting to worry he'd made the wrong choice but kept up the act. He was supposed to be confident after all.

Love?

Five out of five. Would recommend.

I hope you're not recommending.

Never. My eyes only.

Use well.

And if Roach happened to use his photo… The thought made Ghost smirk. Yeah, he was definitely okay with that.

Next time I'll be the only Roach touching you.

Hurry back to me then.

No response but Ghost had the feeling Roach was preoccupied so he would wait.

He found it hard to concentrate on work that day though, thoughts drifting to that photo more than once. When he gave in and looked at it again, he was more interested in Roach himself than the thong, although that was still a very pretty sight.

Roach's body was well built, firm with muscles from their line of work and currently working on a farm but he'd lost his desert tan, skin paler than Ghost remembered. His scars were more visible for it, bullet wounds and gashes from events long gone. Ghost remembered all too well how he got those two scars on his abdomen, how Shepherd had tried to kill him. He quickly focused on Roach's face. His smile, although a little nervous, was as beautiful as ever with his dimple on show. His blonde hair was longer too, shaggy waves covering most of his forehead and almost to his shoulders. The tattoos that Ghost so loved to look at were more striking than normal, probably because he hadn't seen them for a while.

Put simply, Roach was breathtaking. Ghost found he couldn't look away from the photo.

"Ghost, are you listening?"

He snapped back to attention, locking his phone before the other two could see what had distracted him. "What, we have some actionable intel?"

Price rolled his eyes, throwing a crumpled ball of paper at him. "Honestly, why do you stay here if you're so preoccupied?"

Soap smirked and leaned closer to the other Captain, whispering loudly, "I don't think he'll be sticking around much longer."

"Where else would I go?" He held up a finger as they both grinned. "Don't say it."

Before they could say anything though his phone was ringing.

"I bet that's lover boy!" Soap cooed and Price started laughing.

Ghost ignored them and went out into the corridor to answer. "Hey, love. It's early tonight isn't it?"

"I just wanted to talk to you."

"Something on your mind?" Maybe it was his imagination but there seemed to be a warmth to Roach's voice that hadn't been there before.

"A lot." Roach hesitated for a moment then spoke so fast that Ghost almost missed the words. "You know how to make a guy speechless. I was cake testing and almost choked to death!"

"I'm sorry I almost killed you with my amazing looks."

"You should be."

"Love, have you not seen that photo of yourself in the thong?"

"No..."

"Now that is a killer image."

"You liked it?"

"Very much so." Ghost's voice came out deeper than he'd meant it to, mind half on that photo. "I meant what I said."

"Did you-" Gary stopped abruptly but continued in a softer voice. "When you said 'use well,' does that mean you like my photo too?"

"That depends, are you giving me permission?"

"Simon..."

Now that was new. Roach sounded so wanton that Ghost would've jumped him if they were together. Instead, he chuckled. "You shouldn't say my name like that, love."

"Simon I-" The sound of a door banging open sounded over the line, followed by the phone clattering on the floor.

"Thank you, love." It sounded like Roach's mother. "Did I… interrupt something?"

"No! No, I was just talking to Simon."

"Hello, Jenny." He said, wondering if she could hear him.

Apparently so because she responded brightly, "hello, Simon! I'll leave you two alone."

"Thanks." A moment later Roach's voice was closer. "Sorry about that."

Ghost hummed, waiting for him to pick up where they'd left off.

"Listen I should go, it's getting late." Roach hesitated again. "And um, you have my permission. Bye!" The call ended.

Ghost smiled, knowing it was embarrassment that made Roach hang up so quickly. He sent his reply.

Thank you, love.

Now that he had permission, Ghost wanted to appreciate Roach's photo in its entirety but quelled the impulse, returning to the office instead. He had time enough for that later.

"How's our little bug then?" Soap asked before he was even back in the room.

"Good." Ghost replied casually, falling back into his seat.

"So what did you talk about?"

"None of your business."

Soap scoffed. "Let him be." Price said casually. "Ghost will grow a pair eventually."

"Eventually." Soap replied with a roll of his eyes. "It's only been five years after all."

"I can still hear you."

"Good."

Hours later, when he was finally alone in his room, Ghost opened up the photo again. Roach was absolutely stunning and already he could feel arousal settling low in his stomach. He wondered how soft Roach's skin was, running his fingers under that lace and grabbing his ass. Picturing Roach sat on his lap, laughing and kissing him.

"Do you like that, Simon?"

His head fell back against the headrest as he unbuckled his trousers, wrapping a hand around his erection. It didn't take long to cum, thinking about Roach and having access to that photo. He sighed and cleaned up, wondering if they'd finally reached that inevitable confrontation. He was fairly confident Roach felt something for him and they'd stepped up their flirting over the past month but still, there was some doubt.

Then again… his eyes strayed back to the photo. Would Roach really send him this if he wasn't interested? Probably not.

He locked the phone and tossed it away. He was overthinking things again.

Maybe it was time to ask. In the morning he decided. In the morning he would ask Roach if this meant anything to him. If he said yes, the Ghost supposed he would be going to England after all. If he said no… well he had a couple of months to get over the humiliation before Roach returned.