Aversion - Simon ''Ghost'' Riley x Reader

Chapter 16

''I had to confirm she was alive TWICE last mission. She was THIS close to losing her life and i will be DAMNED if she dies on my watch!''

Soap blinks a few times, frozen as he watches my outburst.

The room falls silent, with only the sound of my own quickened breathing filling the air.

After a few deep breaths, I regain my composure, allowing myself to sink back into my chair.

Soap fixes his gaze on me. His expression had shifted from initial shock to one of concern, tinged with a hint of surprise.

I attempt to conceal my own shock, but Soap doesn't need to vocalize his thoughts – I can hear precisely what's going through his mind. He's never witnessed me becoming so emotionally invested in one of my recruits, as I typically maintain a composed demeanor. However, with Y/N, she has managed to evoke this reaction from me after just a single mission.

I prop my elbow on the armrest, covering my mouth with my thumb and index finger. My gaze remains averted from Soap, but I sense his stare as he eventually breaks the silence.

''You care for her.''

His words echo in the room, as they hang heavy. He says it with certainty, yet disbelief. Like he knows it's true, but still has trouble believing it.

''Is that so strange? She is my recruit for crying out loud.'' I mutter.

Soap smiles as he shakes his head, letting out a soft chuckle.

''No no no no... this is different, and you know it.''

''Johnny, you're on thin ice. Stop this nonsense.'' I growl, losing my patience.

Soap chuckles, placing his hands on his sides. 'I had the feeling when I saw you carrying her during the mission. The way you were looking at her...but I tried to convince myself that it was all in my head."

''It is, Johnny. One more word about this and you will be in serious trouble.'' I warn him, ensuring that my tone carries a sense of immediacy.

Soap holds his hands up in surrender, but he keeps smirking.
''You're dismissed.'' I snarl at him.

He chuckles as he starts walking backwards. ''Alright. I'm gonna check up on her. Want me to send your regards?''

''Johnny-''

''Alright alright, just kidding!'' he shakes his head, chuckling as he leaves the office.

And just like that, my mood for the day has been absolutely ruined.

While I wasn't particularly happy before, Soap's words genuinely infuriated me.

I had convinced myself that my concern for Y/N was entirely justified, especially given the recent information we had uncovered. However, Soap's inquiry into my reasoning has prompted me to reexamine it on my own.

Cant believe Soap would make such suggestions. I can't stand y/n most of the time, but as her Lieutenant she is my responsibility. I am doing this solely for my own good.

Right?

I grunt as I snatch my cigarette pack off my desk and storm out of my office.

I need a smoke, now.

The sun is already out as I enter the garden of the base. A few recruits pass by but as soon as they see me staring daggers at everything that breathes, they don't bother trying to talk to me.

Thank God.

I smoke my cigarette while scanning the garden. The roses bloom fully now, compared to when I was here with y/n that one night.

Seems like forever ago.

Bet she would love to have one on her nightstand, as she is recovering.

I scoff as I shake the thought out of my head. No, I'm only thinking this because Soap got to me earlier. Bastard.

''Hi.''

I jolt out of my thoughts, almost dropping my cigarette as y/n suddenly appears next to me.

She looks up at me, her eyes tired. She is still wearing her white med bay gown, with a black bathrobe over it.

''Jesus christ y/n..'' I say as I take a deep breath.

''Did I scare you?'' She chuckles, inhaling a sharp breath as she places her hand over her still bruised ribs.

I look her over, my expression concerned and angry. ''What the hell are you doing here!? You're not dismissed until tomorrow. You got a fucking concussion.'' I shout, though my underlying worry outweighs my anger. Her being out of bed this early could worsen her state.

Y/n smiles softly, almost apologetically. it's a look she gives me way too often.

''I know I know, this will just take a second. I need to talk to you.''

''And that couldn't wait?''

''No.'' She says stern, leaving no room for argument.

I grunt loudly, but then I remember what Soap told me earlier. I look at y/n with a sly smirk, a little surprised she actually decided to speak to me before going to Price. But it won't matter either way.

''You're off the mission, y/n and thats final.''

Her eyes widen, as she looks surprised. Then she frowns, clearly displeased.

''So Soap told on me huh?'' She scoffs, looking away as she shakes her head slowly.

''That's his job y/n, don't take it personal. As your Lieutenant i need to know these things.''

''Oh, so you can sabotage me again?''

''Precisely.''

I can see y/n grows more frustrated and it worries me, she really shouldn't overdo it right now.

''Listen y/n'' I decide to speak first in an attempt to calm her down, as I don't want her to get too fired up. ''I am not doing this to tease you, it's really for your own good. You're emotional, unpredictable. And besides, we don't know what kind of grudge Vince holds against you, who knows what he will do to you..''

My gaze softens as I try my best to convince her, trying a somewhat gentle approach as I cant fight with her right now.

Y/n doesn't say anything, her arms folded over her chest as she taps her fingers against her arm, thinking my words over.

After a while she lets out a soft sigh. It's more like a sigh of defeat.

''Fine.''

Fine? Did I really just hear that right?

She meets my eyes, with a determined gaze.

''On one condition.''

''I'm not known for my gratitude.'' I mutter as I take another hit of my cigarette.

Y/n scoffs as she rolls her eyes, then she takes a step closer to me. Staring at me intently.

''I get to help you with the research. The paperwork, no secrets. You will tell me everything you find about him and in return i will stay off the field.''

I raise an eyebrow, taking her offer into consideration. After a few minutes, I flick my bud away and extend my hand towards her.

''Deal.''