Aversion - Simon ''Ghost'' Riley x Reader

Chapter 7

As a rhythmic dance, I move around the bag, kicking my hands and legs until they start feeling numb.

I'm so caught up in the moment, as I go faster and faster. Letting out a few frustrated grunts as the sweat pours down my forehead.

My last kick is so hard I actually make the bag swing around its core. I take a step back so as to not get hit in the face.

''Not bad.''

I jolt up as I quickly turn around. Ghost is leaning against the doorway, watching me.

How long has he been standing there?

I wipe the sweat off my forehead. ''Oh, so now you're talking to me?'' I scoff with a hint of annoyance in my voice. Hiding the side of me which is actually relieved he is talking to me again.

Ghost raises an eyebrow. ''What do you mean?''

''Don't act dumb. You have been avoiding me for days''

Ghost smirks amused. ''I guess that was obvious huh?''

His light tone makes me even more enraged. So he really was avoiding me?
''Is this some sort of sick game? because I don't feel like playing..'' I say angrily as I fling the gloves off my hands and adjust my ponytail.

''Didn't think you would miss me so much after just a few days'' His tone is playful, teasing even as he walks towards me.

I am still not looking at him. ''Dont flatter yourself'' I say stern.

Ghost stands still in front of me. He looks me up and down before speaking again.

''If you must know princess, duty called. And I could not be bothered babysitting you, as you make it your sole purpose to annoy the hell out of me''

I roll my eyes at him. ''Whatever...'' I am too tired to fight with him, my body aching from the workout.

I grab my towel as I fling it over my shoulders. ''What are you doing here anyway?'' my tone is still distant and annoyed.

''Felt like it was time for your punishment'' Ghost's tone grows even more amused. ''I still need to see if you're fit for the team''

''Me punching the shit out of the boxing bag didn't cut it?'' I say teasing.

Ghost shakes his head as he smirks. ''Not in the slightest.''

He sits on a wooden box, as he rests his elbows on his muscular thighs.

I catch myself staring.

Ghost looks up and I quickly avert my gaze. He lifts an eyebrow as I stand there. Awkwardly, and deliberately not looking at him. Something about him is intriguing...If he wasn't such an asshole.

He smiles slightly. ''I know how you can make up for skipping training.''

Right. The ''punishment''.

''And that is?'' I cross my arms over my chest as I look down at Ghost.

He pauses, letting out a soft chuckle.
''Tell me more about yourself''

''What?''

''I'm not repeating myself.''

''You read my file didn't you''

''Yes, but I want to know what isn't in the file.''

I scoff. ''You can't be serious..''

''Very'' Ghost responds as his gaze is trained on me. It makes me even more uncomfortable.
''Look I really don't want-..'' I trail off, feeling my hands getting sweaty.

Ghost sighs.

''Answer this one question for me'' He says as he keeps his gaze on the floor.

I gulp as I look at him. Waiting for his question.

He looks up. I can't help but feel his expression changed. It's more...kind?

''What's with the locket?''

I expected the question, especially after our fight, but it still feels like a punch in the gut.

''I'm not telling,'' I say sternly as I bite my lip.

No way I am opening up to him. I would rather tell Soap. Once, or maybe better said, if I am ever ready.

I expect Ghost to pry more, to get upset. But he seems to drop it as he fidgets his fingers, thinking.

''Do you have PTSD?'' 

His question echoes through the empty gymnasium. It feels heavy, as it takes me a moment to think how to respond. My eyes widen a bit as I meet his gaze, and after a while, I can only slowly nod at him.
He stays quiet for a moment.

''Thought so'' he finally says as he stands up.

He turns around and it looks like he is about to walk away.
''Wait'' I say as I walk around him, stopping right in front of him.
'' Don't just leave like that. Why did you ask?'' My voice sounds higher, a sly hint of panic.
Was it that obvious?

Ghost exhales through his nose, as he looks past me. Obviously not liking the fact I am stopping him in his tracks.

''It would explain your erratic behavior''

He now meets my gaze, his eyes narrowing.
''Explain. Not justify.'' He says, his tone back to his authoritative and stern nature.

I take a deep breath. I want to say something, but I am not sure where this will lead, so I just blurt out whatever I am thinking.

''Look I didn't mention it to Price as I honestly didn't think it would affect my work.. and the thing with the locket was so out of the blue, I-..''

''Quiet.'' Ghost growls. He sighs deeply as he seems to be contemplating what to say next. After a long pause, he speaks.

''We won't tell Price.'' He says authoritatively. ''Let me tell you something about 141..''

A sly smirk creeps on Ghost's face in a condescending way. His eyes remain stern as he narrows them further.

''On this team, we look out for each other. And whether I like it or not, you're part of this team now. Which means these emotional outbursts are now also my problem..''

He pauses, letting out another exhausted sigh.

''Work on it will ya? That's your punishment.''

I stand there frozen, as I can only nod after hearing his words. I feel relieved he is not telling Price, but I am also uncertain about how to work on my mental state. 

''Okay.''

''Okay, what?  Recruit.''

''Okay, Lieutenant'' I answer annoyed.

Ghost lets out a soft chuckle. ''Good girl'' He smirks amused.

He walks past me, and just as he is in front of the door he glances over his shoulder to look back at me.

''Oh, and Don't get lost in the darkness''

I frown a bit at his comment. It sounds almost poetic. He doesn't give me time to respond to it as he disappears into the hallway.

He said it with such warmth, such familiarity.

Was he himself ever lost?