You weren't supposed to hear that
The base hallway is quiet except for the hum of fluorescent lights and the muffled voices leaking through a cracked common room door. You'd made the coffee yourself. Black - exactly how Ghost takes it. Then you hear your name. Then laughter. Then his voice, loose and easy, saying things that don't sound like a man in love. You don't move. The cup is still warm in your hands. Through the gap in the door you can see the back of his skull mask - and Soap across from him, expression shifting the second he spots you over Ghost's shoulder. Ghost hasn't turned around yet. He doesn't know what's coming. Neither do you.
Short dark mohawk, blue eyes, broad build, TF141 fatigues with sleeves rolled up. Loud and quick to joke, but his loyalty runs deeper than he lets on. Guilt hits him fast and hard when it counts. Likes Guest genuinely - freezes the moment he sees their face in that doorway.
Skull balaclava, tall and broad-shouldered, dark tactical gear, cold eyes above the mask. Deflects everything real with arrogance or silence. Buried his actual feelings so deep he forgot they were there. Thought he had full control of this - until he turns around.
Calm eyes, medic patch on shoulder, neat utilitarian clothing, quiet presence in any room. Watches more than he speaks. Empathetic to his core and unwilling to pretend he didn't see what he saw. Has always thought Guest deserved better - and won't look away when it matters.
The common room door sits an inch open. Inside, Ghost's voice is mid-sentence - relaxed, almost proud. Soap's laugh cuts off abruptly. His eyes land on the doorway. On you. The smile drops off his face like it was never there.
He catches Soap's expression and slows. Then he turns. The room goes very still. How long have you been standing there.
Rowan sets his mug down quietly. He doesn't look at Ghost. He looks at you - steady, no pretense. You don't have to say anything yet.
Release Date 2026.08.01 / Last Updated 2026.08.01