#soap drags ghost to safety and patches him up

[nouns-are-bad]

Soap would love to say that he was good enough at keeping his human form under control, that is, until ghost gets hurt badly on a mission gone wrong.

And everything around soap seemed to die instantly, the grass, the people, anything near him dies with no real cause as he runs to his very human lieutenant to try and save him.

And when soap grabs his lieutenant, simon sees soap for what he truly is, not human, but not a true monster. Simons seen monsters before, and none of them have shown such care and worry towards him as Johnny’s hundreds of captivating eyes do.

[littlebluespoon]

Stuck ~ Octo!König

I got distracted by @frogchiro's wonderful octo!König head cannons and I just had to write a little something where König saw an opportunity and refused to not take it 🤭

Hope you all enjoy 💙

Part 2 - Stuck (Again) Part 3 - Unstuck Part 4 - Stranded

A03 link -

You’d been with the 141 for a few of months now, patching up the hybrids after their missions and even sometimes after they pull some mischief on the base. Before you joined 141 you hadn’t interacted much with hybrids, even in the military most of them were in specialised units suited to their hybrid abilities but getting to work with Price and the others had been an eye opening and fun experience for you. It also forced you to learn about a thousand new skills and tricks as the fox side of Gaz meant you had to catch him to treat him, you learned how to avoid Soap’s wandering tail as you tried to give him stitches and what to say back to Ghost and his growling every time you had to treat him. Luckily none of them required specialist training to be able to treat so you were quite comfortable in your skills. Of course, maybe someone should have insisted on more training for you before you were all sent on the mission with Kortac, it might have caused less problems.

“Contact left!” “Ghost, how copy?” “Shit! Fuck! He’s hit!” “Medic! König’s hit!”

You dart out from where you had taken cover and rush towards Ghost and König. Getting there you see the Colonel on the ground, having been dragged behind cover by Ghost, in a pool of blood,

“König? Can you hear me?” You knew you had to act quickly, putting pressure on the wound and trying to get him to respond as you shook him.

“Don’t..” He mumbles out, ‘Don’t waste… I’ll shift” he whispers out, so quietly that your ear is pressed to his veil just to hear him,

“Then shift!” Screaming in his face as you desperately try to stop the blood, you watch him shake his head,

“Burden, no..” you roll your eyes at the stubborn soldier,

“I can protect you König, just shift so you’ll live!” you emphasise your point by putting as much of your body weight on his wound as possible and that seems to be all it takes.

One minute you’re fighting a six foot ten inch stubborn ass of a man and the next you have an octopus barely bigger than your hand, curled around your wrist. You cant not stare at him, you didn’t even know König was a hybrid. After a few shocked moments you can hear more calls for a medic in your comms so you make a quick decision and shove König down the front of your top, behind the bullet proof vest.

Between the mission going to hell and patching up everyone’s injuries, you’d actually forgotten about König until another Kortac soldier asked you how you’d gotten him to safety. Dumbfounded you took a moment to remember and then you couldn’t stop the blush across your face. Pulling off your vest and reaching into your shirt you get a hand on him and gently tug, and tug, and tug but he goes nowhere. Now everyone’s looking at you in confusion,

“Hehe, hang on,” you say to the Kortac group, “König! Let go” whispering down your shirt at the stubborn man who refuses to move no matter how much you pull at him. Seeing that everyone’s looking at you like you’ve gone insane you decide to take off your shirt and ask for help. Instead all you get are laughs and several photos that perfectly capture how unamused you are and how content König is.

[lunarduty]

Hi!!can you do tension with gaz???

𝙎𝙈𝙊𝙆𝙀𝙔 𝙀𝙔𝙀𝙎, 𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙁𝙀𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙂𝙊𝙊𝘿?

☾ reader tends to kyle's wounds, and seems to be the only one worried. | [ TENSION ] one muse is patching up the other’s injuries which leads to intense eye contact,  lingering touches and them finally crashing their lips against each other’s. KYLE 'GAZ' GARRICK X F!READER TAGS | f!reader, slight smut WC | 1,127 x

“you know, you’re going to get a scar if you don’t take care of this properly.”

“what? don’t like men with scars?”

in spite of kyle’s attempt to break your composure, a smile did not appear in the wake of his dumb comment. a VALIANT move, on your part - he usually found little effort in getting you to smile. said it would your best feature, and that would only get you to smile more. but knowing that he wasn’t changing the bandages as often as the doctor said, you were able to fight it off.

“not when they’re easily preventable,” you fire back, eyes glancing up to chance a glare. kyle chose the perfect time to give a sheepish tilt of his head to match the SWEET look in his dark eyes - he really couldn’t turn the tactical side of him off. “you could get an infection, you know. price is already looking for a reason to keep you behind on the next mission.”

kyle gives a slight shrug with one shoulder, as to not disrupt your work. “he won’t need to. i heal fast.”

“god, you’re frustrating.”

“and you love it.”

“i love when i don’t have to worry about you getting some weird fucking infection. who knows what you could have picked up in that god-forsaken jungle.” and just for that reason, you give the wound on his arm one final drag of the alcohol wipe to ensure it really was clean. absently, a finger gently caresses the skin around it, as if trying to soothe any pain that the cleaning process might be causing kyle. as much as he can annoy you sometimes, he’s been in enough pain.

a smile is pulling on his lips when you look up, sparing him a glance before turning to retrieve the bandages. “careful, love. i might start to think you care.” he’s teasing, of course. if kyle’s at ease and feels in control, he’s got quite the smart mouth on him - but right now, you wish he wouldn’t. 

“of course i care.” yeah, maybe the words come out HARSHER than you wanted. maybe when you turn back, bandages in hand, you meet kyle’s soft gaze with a hard one. maybe you were entitled to it after he just brushes off his safety so casually. “if the roles were reversed, you’d be just as worried.”

he blinks in surprise at your sudden barrage, and to his credit, seems genuinely remorseful. kyle wasn’t like soap or ghost or even price - you loved all of them, but it seemed their reckless ways were rubbing off on him. getting him to play down his injuries more than he should.

or maybe you were just overreacting. the wound itself wasn’t even that bad. he’s had much worse. so why were you being SO HARD on him?

kyle doesn’t respond, and you silently open the bandage to wrap his arm. without seeing his face, you can’t tell what he’s thinking or feeling. maybe you don’t want to look up and risk seeing something close to frustration or annoyance or even contempt. maybe he thought you were coddling him. maybe you were. maybe…

just as you finished wrapping his arm, right before you tied it off, kyle’s hand covered both of yours. stopping your movements, yet you resist the urge to look up. “i’m sorry, okay? i didn’t know you felt so strongly about this. and you’re right - if you were hurt, i’d be just the same. maybe even worse, since i love you more.”

despite yourself, a snort comes up at his words. light and teasing, even when he’s serious. maybe it’s what you needed. “not possible. i love you more.” finally, your eyes slide up to find his. kyle was watching you, dark eyes STEADY but soft. the sight of them made you feel better about saying what was on your mind. “i guess… i don’t know, it made me start to think about things.”

“like what?”

“like…if you never came back one day? today it was a gash on your arm, but tomorrow, something way worse. something you can’t just walk off.”

“that’s not going to happen, understand?” his hand gripped yours tight, and kyle leans forward to keep your focus on him - ALIVE and breathing and warm. your eyes fall down to his lips. “i’ll always come back.”

you scoff again, not nearly as amused as last time. “you can’t promise that, kyle.”

“i am. right now. so stop making yourself sick with all that nonsense. it’s not something you have to worry about.”

you want to keep arguing. want to point out the growing probability that his luck will run out someday. how many old men come from his line of work? you aren’t given the opportunity to - not when kyle moves his grip to your wrist, yanking you closer and leaving little choice but to swing a leg over his lap. thankfully, he keeps his injured arm still - even if it rests right around your waist, more than strong enough to keep you from escaping.

“you need to rest…”

he smiles, and it’s dazzling and warm and you can’t help but reflect it. “but love, i’ve got something else that hurts. need to kiss it to make it better.”

your hands settle on his shoulders, and when kyle is as solid and warm as he is, it’s hard to recall the last time you had real alone time like this. long before the mission, at least. back on base, after you finished paperwork, and he lured you into his room under the false pretense of having a talk. kyle was the only one talking - it’s hard to speak when he’s three fingers deep in you.

and that simple, DISTANT memory resurfaces like a flash of lightning. you exhale shakily, fingertips curling gently into the rough cotton of his regulation shirt. “let me guess - your lips?” right now, you were fully willing to play into kyle’s dumb game. before he could even answer, you close the gap. lips molding together, muffling your involuntary moan from the simple feel of them. chests pressed close, hips gently rocking because this was the day after an op, and sore muscles love to get in the way of a good reunion.

kyle’s tongue follows the line of your bottom lip, a smile pulling on his own as he breaks the kiss with a pant. his hand squeezes your hip - solid and eager - and you wondered why you were ever so scared about a gash on his arm when he obviously lost none of his strength. 

a low groan comes from his throat. your mouth drops down to taste it. “well, i was going to say my cock, but we can start at my lips.”

[ladyelissarose]

Human

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x reader (Shadow)

 Warnings: mentions of death, blood/gore, angst, FLUFF

 Summary: Ghost doesn’t know what to do when he’s left alone with Shadow who was emotional and disoriented, Soap kinda gives him tips, but will Ghost know how to put it to work?

 Two hours had passed sense Graves betrayed all of them and took in Alejandro. Ghost went one way, Soap went another, and so did Shadow, who was an Officer and new to the team. Shadow was 22 years old when she was pulled into the 141 team by the request of Price and Laswell. Both had seen Shadow’s incredible skills with firearms and Marshall arts, as well as having great knowledge with military technology,  which is why they pulled her out of the Army as an Officer and placed her with The 141/Los Vaqueros under Graves command. Hence why now, she’s running for her life as Graves had sent out soldiers to take them all down, Graves thought Shadow was going to be on his side and stay with him, but he was so wrong when she shot at him after they attacked Ghost, Alejandro and Soap. The rain poured hard over her, as she ran in and out of alleys, in and out of buildings and houses too. She had gotten shot on her left leg, but that didn’t stop her from moving and getting to safety, she had tried to radio Soap and Ghost, but was out of luck, almost every station she changed to had Graves on it barking orders for his team to find and execute them all. The pain in Shadow’s leg began to slow her down a little, so she looked for a place to take shelter in as she tried to find a way to communicate with her lost partners, she then found a building that was there near by, it looked kinda hidden as the darkness of the night hovered over it, it looked suitable for now. But to get there without being seen was going to be a mission for sure, gunshots and screaming could be heard all around, as Graves and his team went rouge, taking out anyone they saw move and breathe, even innocent civilians. Shadow hid behind an abandoned car, as she waited for the area to clear before she ran to the building. Once the noises cleared out and no more gunshots were heard, Shadow sprinted and bit down on her lip and tongue harshly to not let any painful grunts out as her leg continued to bleed out. Pushing in through the broke down door Shadow closed what was left of it, and slouched to the ground as she tied her belt around her leg to stop the bleeding. Soon when it was well secured, she got up and began to walk deeper into the room, and saw a horror that shook her core, children laid dead everywhere. Of every age, big and small, all lifeless they were, which brought Shadow to tears. Shadow was very sensitive when it came to kids or babies, so seeing these young, innocent people covered in red from head to toe, made her heart break into pieces. The building was two stories high, so while walking over the bodies without stepping on them, Shadow tried to get to the stairs. After dragging herself up the 15 steps, she made it, and walked into another room of horror, and that’s when it clicked in her mind, she had walked into an orphanage that had been massacred by the Shadow Team led by Graves. She saw a large window that was towards the end of the room, so she’d stand there with her sniper gun and take out anyone she saw for now, but that’s when she heard the small whimpered whisper coming from behind her,

  “a-ayudame..”(help me)

Shadow knew a little Spanish, so she understood their voice quickly, she then whispered out to the darkness,

  “Dónde estás?” (Where are you?)

 “d-detrás de ti en l-la esquina.” (Behind you in the corner)

 Shadow turned around and saw a little boy trying to sit up at the corner where he said he was. She quickly approached him and got down at his level, and saw a large red patch on his stomach, she right away pressed her hand on it, and held pressure so it wouldn’t get worse. He winced as he asked her with round eyes,

  “No m-me vas a lastimar?” (You’re not going to hurt me?)

 Shadow shook her head no, and held him close to her chest when he began to cough out blood, she knew he didn’t have much time left, which made it all much worse. He gripped her arm tightly, but soon his grip got more and more loose, Shadow by then had let out a few new tears, she couldn’t imagine what his mind was going through at that moment, but he let her know when his last words to her were,

  “Voy.. a-a ver.. a mi.. a mi mama.” (I’m going to see my mom)

  He then went completely limp in her arms, as his mother came and carried his precious soul home to be with her. Shadow kissed his head, and laid him on the ground, before covering him with a blanket that was there with him. She then stood up, wiped her face, got her gun, loaded it, and looked back at all the bodies before saying,

  “I’m promise I’ll find, and kill who did this to you.”

  When she turned to walk toward the window, she was met with a wall of tactical gear and reacted immediately when she tried to gun him down, which only earned her a harsh push to the chest sending her and her gun to the ground, and with loud shout to her that could’ve woken up the dead,

  “BLOODY HELL YOU COULD’VE KILLED ME!!”

 It was Ghost, who now towered over her as he stood tall. She blinked a couple of times to truly make sure it was him, but of course it was, she didn’t know of anyone else who wore an intimidating skull mask 24/7. Shadow quickly scurried to her feet picking up her gun as she apologized profusely,

  “Listen Lt. I’m sorry-“

 “You were distracted and could’ve been killed or like you almost did, killed me!-“

  “I said I was sorry-“

  “What could of you been possibly distracted with?! Nows not the time for that! Not when Graves has people all over Mexico looking for us because they want us dead!-“

  “Ghost that’s enough. Please.”

 Soap came from behind him and stood between him and Shadow as he added calmly,

  “Ghost. Let’s just get out of here and talk later somewhere else, have you even seen this place?”

  Soap also felt a little pinch in his heart when he realized that most of the bodies in the room were children’s. But Ghost wasn’t fazed by shit, he didn’t even realize. But Soap did, and could only imagine what a rookie like Shadow was going through, so he was a little more understanding about her distraction, unlike Ghost, who was cold and didn’t take excuses. Ghost huffed through his nose before stretching his hand passed Soap and snatching the gun out of Shadow’s hand and walking off. Soap didn’t let any words slip out of his mouth for once, as he watched Ghost walk out of the room, he then turned and looked at Shadow, who had her eyes locked on a kid who’s body was covered with a blanket, he slowly and carefully, grasped her wrist to pull her out of her daze without scarring her, saying softly,

  “Officer, Let’s go.”

 Shadow quietly let out,

  “I’m sorry McTavish.. I really didn’t see you guys here-“

 “I know. That’s ok. Let’s just get out of here, and go to the safe house Ghost has for us, ok?”

 “Will Ghost even let me stay? After what I almost did-“

  “I’ll make sure he doesn’t leave you, he doesn’t trust you right now, only because you worked for Graves, but I trust you, you covered for me when they attacked us, and you didn’t have to. Now c’mon, lean on me as we go-“

  “How’d you know.. about my leg?”

 Soap only sent her a sly wink as he replied,

  “I may be oblivious sometimes, but nothing escapes me.”

 Soon they found an abandoned truck, and got in just in time before being attacked, but Ghost was able to reverse like a boss and run them all over. That did impress Shadow, but she didn’t dare say anything. After driving for about an hour or so, Ghost parked the truck near a house, a safe house that Alejandro had set up for them, just in case. While walking towards the door and checking around to see if it was safe, Shadow listened to Soap and Ghost banter about why only Ghost had to know about the safe house and not Soap, but Ghost shushed him, Shadow thought that maybe he was still plenty pissed off, hence why he wasn’t in the mood for arguing or as such. When they walked inside, Shadow excused herself to the restroom they had there, she still had to take care of the bullet hole in her leg. It was a painful process, she almost screamed trying to peel off her pants that had dried on the wound, but soaked it in alcohol to make it somewhat faster to do so. While she did that, Soap talked with Ghost, about the earlier incident,

  “Lt., can we talk about earlier?”

 Ghost looked at Soap dead in the eye, and sighed,

  “If it’s about the Officer, I will not-“

  “Ghost, I know you don’t trust her-“

  “You’re right Johnny, I don’t.”

In any other situation, Soap wouldn’t pursue it, to not piss off Ghost, but this time he couldn’t let this pass. Soap knew about Shadows background, he took the time to win her trust and let her open up to him, he also read her files that Price had left for the team to go over. So, with the knowledge he had, Soap understood Shadow more than Ghost did, so he wanted Ghost to understand her too, as he continued to say,

  “Ghost, I know you don’t trust her, but she’s not the bad guy, I know she worked with Graves, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t like him. She covered for us Ghost, she got shot-“

  Ghost perked up his head and looked at Soap with a different demeanor this time, that was a little softer, as he asked in a low tone,

  “she what?”

 Soap nodded his head as he pointed to his leg signaling,

  “She covered for me when Graves tried to shoot at me again, she kicked his gun down as he fired, and it got her leg. That’s why she’s been in the restroom, she’s trying to get it out.”

  “It’s still in her leg?”

 “Yeah.. I think so, I wanted to help but she insisted that she got it on her own, so I left her.”

  Ghost stood up abruptly as he questioned,

  “Was it bad? The shot?”

  Soap nodded as he replied,

  “yeah.. it’s bad, maybe you can help her-“

 “How? I already approached her terribly earlier-“

  “Then fix it. And try to get to know the real her, not the version of her that you’ve created in your head.”

  Ghost looked passed Soap looking towards where the restroom was, he began to shift on his feet, thinking deeply, making Soap ask,

  “What’s on your mind Lt?”

 Ghost shook his head,

  “nothing.”

 Soap smirked to himself, he knew what was up, Ghost doesn’t know how to be nice or domestic with someone just as broken as him. So Soap being helpful for once, said simply,

  “Ghost.. you ask calmly if you can help her, convince her that you know how to do it better. Then, if she says yes, help her, softly, it’s her you’re helping, not me whom you always seem to be rough with while patching me up. And as you do that, talk about earlier, and let her explain herself, don’t interrupt. Now go.”

  Ghost wasn’t one to take orders from anyone, or advice either, especially about trying to be humane with someone he had problems with beforehand, but it was different this time. Because no matter how much Ghost was rough around the edges and never trusted a soul like Shadow who he really didn’t know, Simon Riley did want to get to know who the girl was behind ‘Shadow’, so he then took his feet to the front of the door, which was slightly opened. He peeked inside and saw no one there, making him instantly worried that Shadow had left or worse kidnapped, but that’s when he heard light footsteps above the roof, he turned his head towards the stairs that led to the roof, and saw that they were put down, he thought,

  ‘She’s up on the roof.’

 Shadow was up on the roof, still trying to get the bullet out, but she went outside so her grunts could be let out more freely, because the pain she was holding in was killing her. Because of the close proximity she was at with the gun Graves fired, the bullet went in pretty deep, and sense she left it in there for a while, it was a little shattered inside. She held the flashlight with her mouth as she used tweezers to pull the bullet out the skin her fingers were spreading apart. Tears streamed down her face as it was excruciatingly painful, and her hands began to tremble for how much it was, making her pick at the wrong part which made her scream and drop the flashlight. In frustration Shadow slammed her hand on the floor and tried to push herself up to grab the flashlight that had rolled away, but she stopped moving at the quiet but stern voice of Ghost,

  “Don’t move, I’ll get it.”

 Shadow went tense at Ghost’s presence being there and to him seeing the state she was in, but it went away a little, when he came to her level in front of her and said nicely, which was odd for Shadow to hear, he was always rough, but she appreciated it as he ordered,

  “I’m going to take it out, I have more experience in this. Is that ok?”

 Shadow looked at him in the eye, and nodded slowly,

  “y-yeah... thanks.”

 Ghost sent her a short nod and sat on the floor completely, bringing Shadow’s leg on his lap, and her other leg was wrapped around his waist, he then grabbed the tweezers from her hand carefully as he then said, 

  “Hold onto me, bite me, do whatever you need to help yourself, this is going to hurt like a bitch, duchess.”

  Shadow caught how he called her the pet name ‘duchess’ and not the regular ‘Officer’ or ‘Shadow’, but she either way nodded and grabbed his bulky arm, as she confirmed,

  “I’m ready.”

 Ghost poured the cold alcohol on his bare hands after he took off his gloves, sanitizing them before he poured the rest of the bottle onto the wound, while he did that he felt an intense grip on his arm, but he didn’t mind it as he tried to challenge her to make her a little more loose and calm,

  “Duchess, is that all you got? Can barely feel you squeezing me.”

 He felt his heart skip a beat when he heard Shadow huff a little laugh saying,

  “No Lt., it’s just that your arm is made of steel, hence why you can’t feel me.”

  She hissed in pain right after her comment, but urged him to go on no matter what. Ghost was glad to see her share the slight moment of humor, but she changed it when she said,

  “Listen Ghost, about earlier.. I’m terribly sorry, I really didn’t see or hear anyone of you approach.”

 Ghost nodded understandably asking,

  “Why were you distracted?”

Shadow went a little tense under him at his question, which he sorry for, maybe she didn’t trust him he thought, so he tried to sound sympathetic,

  “you can tell me duchess, I promise.”

 Shadow looked at Ghost then leaned her forehead on his shoulder as she began to say lowly,

  “do you remember the place you found me in?”

  “The abandoned building with people in it-“

  “They were children, it was an orphanage full of dead children.”

 Ghost continued to patch up Shadow as he thought,

  ‘She was distracted about the children.. oh..’

 “Go on..”

 “Well, all my life I had always wanted to be a school teacher, you know.. work with kids, I love kids. And so, seeing them all there, so young and lifeless, made me feel distraught, and I got distracted by that.”

  Ghost’s heart continued to melt with sympathy under her words, making him want to know more about her, so he pressed,

  “Why didn’t you become a teacher? If that’s what you wanted to be?”

 He felt Shadow shrug under him, not wanting to be completely honest about it, but he wasn’t going to take that for an answer,

  “you know why... come on.”

 “My father.. he uh, he lied to me, saying he was going to help me find a good school program to teach in, and before I knew it... he had actually enlisted me into the military, without my consent. He had people help him get me in, you know... like do it under the table. When I thought I was being taken to the school, they were instead taking me to boot camp, and I never saw my father again. I got hurt in the process and had so many things done to me to make me the person I am today. And my dream of becoming a school teacher got lost, the day I accidentally killed a kid while in combat...”

  Ghost was almost done with stitching her wound, but he tapped her leg to go on, when he heard her pause, so she did,

  “I was on my first combat mission... and well, our job was to take out an underground operation, I was first in line to go in, and I was to shoot-on-sight who ever got in my way to going in. When I finally made it to the bottom ground, a child began to approach me, but the thing was.. he had a bomb in his hand. My heart sank the minute my eyes landed on him, he was so little.. maybe 5? My General screamed through the comms in my ears to take him out before he could set it off, but I couldn’t move.. I couldn’t kill him. Until I felt heavy arms grab my hands on my gun and pushed my finger onto the trigger.. and pulled it. He made me pull the t-trigger.” 

  Her voice cracked on the last word, and she sniffed too, but quickly wiped her face and cleared her throat. Ghost noticed her behavior and put her leg off his lap carefully as he had finished working on it, he then implied,

  “It’s ok.. to.. to let it out.”

 Shadow sent him a confused look with glossy eyes as she questioned,

  “What do you mean Lt?”

 Ghost motioned her to face and said more simply,

  “It’s ok to cry.”

 Shadow scoffed,

  “Doesn’t crying make you weak and shit? Sensitive and stuff?”

 Ghost shook his head no as he watched her look down at her stitched leg,

  “No.. Shadow look at me.”

 Shadow waved her hand off saying,

  “No Ghost.. it’s ok forget about this-“

  “Officer, that’s an order, now, look at me.”

 Shadow sighed and slowly turned her gaze onto him, letting his blue crystal eyes catch the tears that had just slipped out her eyes. Soap was right, Shadow wasn’t the person Ghost thought she was, in fact, she was very different, and had a good heart. Shadow was involved in a mess she never wanted to be in, and yet, she made the best out of it and did the right thing all the time, even if it almost cost her her life, when he understood that, he immediately had a new version of her in his head, Shadow was a good, and trustworthy person. He held her cheek in his hand, wanting to let her feel free around him, trust that he’d never hurt her, which she did when she leaned into it, relishing his touch, he then said,

  “Listen.. Duchess, crying.. makes you human.”

 “w-hat?”

 “It makes you more human then anyone... meaning that that beating organ inside your chest... is still good... filled with something we all wished we had a taste of still... what has happened sense the beginning isn’t your fault. You’re a good person.”

  Shadow let him wipe her tears and pull her closer to his side, she leaned onto him fully with her head on his arm, he then heard her say just above a whisper,

  “What makes you so sure I’m a good person?”

  “You stand for what is right.. no matter the dangers or how well you know the person you’re saving. You saved my best friend’s life today.. and that means everything to me.”

  Ghost squeezed her arm in appreciation, and felt her eyes on him as she added,

  “thank you... for keeping me in your watch.. and helping my leg.”

  He looked down at her, and sent her a wink,

  “anytime duchess.”

 Shadow sent him a sincere but beautiful smile, something he wished he could let her see him mirror, but he knew he wasn’t ready for that yet, for he was scared, scared to trust someone and give his all too, he had been betrayed and left alone a lot of times. But he knew she understood and read his mind as she put forth,

  “I don’t care how long it takes for you to trust me.. and what it takes.. but that’ll never stop me from taking a bullet for you... or jumping on a grenade for you. I trust you. And believe in you. The man outside and inside the mask.. Ok?”

  Ghost rested his forehead on hers as she replied,

  “I’m sorry.. I’ve had a few terrible experiences on trusting people.. but I’m willing to take a chance on you...”

  Shadow kissed his masked slightly, then let him pick her up carefully without bumping her leg, and laying her on his chest in between his broad legs. He hugged her tightly, as he lastly asked,

  “Why do they call you Shadow?”

 “Because I’m like a mans Shadow.. I never leave them behind, I come in last. And I follow.”

  Ghost liked that, he found it interesting and admired her,

  “And when do you ever come first?”

 “When they can’t stand the sun anymore and face away from it, making me come in front,  but even then, I never leave them behind. I’m right there.”

  Ghost hugged her tighter as he promised,

 “I promise to be your Ghost.. follow you wherever you go, and haunt those that try to hurt my shadow..”

  He felt her chuckle under him as she said,

 “You’re very sweet... you know, even though you’re called Ghost.. you’re very human too.”

  Ghost smiled under his mask,

 “You think so?”

 “I know so... your beating organ.. your heart.. it still has good in it.”

  Now it was Ghost’s turn to scoff,

  “There’s no good in it, I hurt too many people.”

  “Maybe you do.. but you do it for the good.. you save lives.”

  Ghost had never seen it that way.. but now he did, because of her. So he agreed,

 “You’re probably right..”

“I am.”

 Right after she said that, a soft yawn left her lips, so Ghost suggested,

  “Let’s get some sleep.. tomorrow will be another day, and most of the Shadow team should be down. Meaning we can go and get Alejandro.”

  Shadow agreed and attempted to stand, but Ghost was quicker, when he pulled her flush against his chest, and lifted her up bridal style. She cuddled into his chest as he slowly walked down the steps and walked into the spare bedroom they had, and laid her down. Before he could walk out, she made grabby hands at him as she asked,

 “Can you stay here? Please? Its more likely I don’t get nightmares when I have someone with me.”

  Ghost knew she needed good sleep, so of course he’d stay, so she could have a peaceful sleep, plus, he felt that it would be good for him too, maybe it’ll help his nightmares as well. Ghost then got on the small cot with Shadow, and pulled her onto his chest, as he laid flat on his back, wanting for them both to fit comfortably. Shadow cuddled into him and nuzzled her face into his neck, happy to feel him close as she took in his musky scent. Ghost wrapped an arm around her back to hold her in place, and smiled to himself when he heard her say softly with a yawn afterwards,

“Thank you Ghost.. goodnight.”

Ghost squeezed her gently as he replied,

“No problem... goodnight duchess..”

[echo-three-one]

Chapter 30

The last chapter for the second arc.

THE ROAD SO FAR

The Man with the Rubber Duck Tie

John Price

Victory Cruise Ship, Port of Dover, UK

"Hey. You!" A patrol guard called making Price, Ghost and Alexandra stop on their tracks. They were already on the narrow and unimaginably squeaky clean hallways of the bottom of the cruise ship.

Price immediately pointed his stun gun, toward the two, nodding as they slowly raised their hands in surrender. His eyes were telling them to follow along and it was great that the two were actually getting his message.

"I caught em Sir, they were trying to sneak into the party." Price reported, his knees bent and stun gun ready to shoot.

"They don't look like party goers. Perhaps spies?" The officer asked Price, slowly approaching the trio, Price looked up at Ghost's fingers twitching. Two. Price knew what it meant. There are two tangos, which meant one was behind him and in one swift move, they could help them escape the situation they're in.

Price quickly tossed his stun gun and did a swift duck as he lifted the officer beside him and slammed it on the ground, Ghost caught the gun and fired it straight at the enemy behind him, sending him into an electric shock. The two fell down unconscious in just five seconds and the three ran up to the main hall.

"Roach? Soap? Alex? Does anyone copy?" Price asked, sounding a bit angry. The ship was already moving and he hoped Gary already had Gold Bar for extraction.

"It's only me now, Price. They got Roach, they're on their way to the east hall, I assume it's to the captain's quarters." Soap panting, his shoes squeaking on the shiny floor.

Alex tried to reply but as the ship moved farther from the dock, the signal was breaking and all they could hear was crackling static.

"Gold bar is still at the VIP Lounge but we don't know who he is. Shadow Company's plan is to prevent anyone from going out of the hall while they find Gold Bar." Soap added shedding light on the actual plan. Price now set their course to the main hall.

Price wasn't great at the Ship's layout, this wasn't in the blueprints. They only wanted to check on the cargo, but they ran, looking cautiously on every corner, hoping to see a staircase that led upward.

Ryder and Ghost were behind him, covering his Six and checking corners as he focused on looking for a way up, on the last turn he finally found what he was looking for.

He climbed straight up to the main hall confidently. He still has his Shadow Company gear and while he's not compromised he could take advantage of it.

"I'm assigned to this staircase, Mate. Go find your own spot." he muttered angrily, almost wanting to push the guard away. It actually worked as the former guard stepped back cautiously and walked away without a fight. Guess he saw it as an opportunity to rest. As soon as the British captain took over the spot, he immediately signaled Ghost and Ryder to move up and blend with the crowd.

"I actually got it." Soap whispered.

"I met a redhead with Roach's rubber ducky tie. He said they swapped ties. Since Roach was caught, that means…" he added.

"Rubber Ducky man is our Gold Bar." Price stated, never in his life would he have realized that that sentence would make sense, but it did.

"Exactly." Soap affirmed. Price now knew who to look for. The man with the Rubber Ducky Tie.

Price signaled Ghost and Ryder to look for Gold Bar. The strobe lights were flashing and it was making him dizzy, he actually had to sit this one out. The younger ones might be able to spot him.

The ship was increasing its speed as soon as it reached the fifteen minute mark. This meant trouble for the team as the faster they went, the farther they were from the dock. It'd be hard to protect a hostage for three hours without an exit.

Price stared at the flashing dance floor, it looked like he was blinking too fast and people inside were teleporting or flashing in and out of the place.

Party goers were being surrounded by the guards, they were being restricted from getting away from the main hall, as some were trying to enjoy the view of the deck.

Five minutes in and Alexandra Ryder emerged from the crowd, dragging along a very drunk man. As soon as he was close enough to vision and away from the strobing lights, Price confirmed the tie. This was their primary target.

"Let's get this one to safety and rescue Roach." Price muttered as Ghost immediately followed behind Alexandra, stepping down to the lower part of the ship where the rooms are.

Gary "Roach" Sanderson

Victory Cruise Ship - Captain's Quarters

Roach found himself sitting on a chair, bound and unable to move. A potato sack covered his head, restricting his vision. He doesn't know where he is. But he does recall the last moments before he got there.

He was bouncing to the beat, trying to blend in with the party. He was by the door, cautiously spying on the three musketeers or huge guards as they looked for Gold Bar. Soap's instructions were clear. They're going to get someone they were tracking before the ship leaves.

Roach found it suspicious that they weren't moving an inch, so his guard went up and eyes locked on the richest people near the door.

Two girls, and one guy. Judging from intel, he knew that it was the guy. He was Gold Bar. Bouncing casually, he squeezed his way to his target and tried to talk to him, but as soon as he tried to save him, electric current coursed through his body, sending him to a shock as he dropped unconscious to the ground. His last thoughts were why and was he compromised?

"Gold Eagle. We have Gold Bar." Gary squirmed and tried to break free. He could hear a taser crackle as he attempted to escape.

"Great. I'll start contacting his father. I'm sure he's willing to donate a wealthy sum of money for his son's safety." Gary squirmed once more, this time it was strong enough to tilt the chair, but he was immediately pulled back.

"Let me identify the hostage. Take a picture of him." Shepherd said. If he was here, the team could easily end this man, right here and right now.

Gary's eyes squinted as soon as they pulled the potato sack, the harsh light blinded his eyes and it took moments for him to actually recover.

"This isn't our Gold Bar! He's blonde! It's supposed to be redhead!" He angrily yelled at the speakers. He wasn't here. And Gary had a hunch that Derek was their gold bar.

"But sir, we followed the tracker." One grunt complained.

"What tracker?!"

"I placed one on the target's tie. The event had strobe lights and he was difficult to spot."

Gary realized the chain of events that led to him here. Derek just wanted the rubber ducky tie to get attention and the moment they swapped, all eyes were on him. That's why they didn't move before the countdown.

"Wait a minute. Isn't this… a former 141?" Shepherd mused.

"Sanderson. What are you doing here?" the former general asked. Gary didn't want to answer.

"Partying." he spat. But Shepherd knew it's a lie.

"First you stole Samantha, my bargaining chip and now you're messing up with my gold bar?!"

"Shadow Company. Activate Intruder Protocol!"

he ordered.

Intruder Protocol. Gary had no idea what it meant but as soon as he said it, their shoulder patches started glowing blue.

"Detain everyone without a patch. Take them all as hostages." he ordered.

"As for you, you will walk the plank." Shepherd's angry stare was the last thing Gary saw before the television turned off. Guards started tying him tight and pushed him to the deck. Gary always loved watching Peter Pan as a kid, and it was a shame that his life is in danger the same way as in the movie.

Gary could take these three men pushing him to the deck, provided he wasn't tied up and he had weapons. Any act of violence towards them is an act of foolishness. And he only considers himself a fool for love.

He obediently followed the three musketeers on the way to the dock. Intruder Protocol was in effect as the party stopped and everyone without the glowing beacon was inspected and placed inside the heavily guarded rooms.

He hoped that the rest of his team were successful in securing and extracting Derek out of this mess. But then again, these rich party goers are already sufficient enough to fund the whole nuke project. A win-win for the Shadow Company. If only there was a way to stop them from mugging these people. A grand diversion.

Gary was already near the edge of the ship, the raging dark sea was calling out to him. Despite the life and death situation, all he could worry about is Shepherd's failed plan that still turned out successful. It was frustrating.

One step. The stun baton was turned off but it was being used to push him more. He wanted to buy more time. But it looked like it was the end of the line for him.

Simon "Ghost" Riley

Victory Cruise Ship - Hull Area, UK

"Shepherd's a wise man. If he can't get what he wants, he'll find another way even if it is risky." Price's words stuck on his head as he ran to the hull. Shepherd's a madman and if a good guy gone bad is capable of doing this, then Nero's far worse.

Clutching the c4 charges, he stealthily maneuvered the hull. Without a beacon glowing on his shoulders, he was a threat to everyone, at least that's what he noticed.

Titanic. They're going to blow up the hull, slowly sinking the ship. He doesn't have to worry about help as Price told him it's already on the way. Whatever that meant, Ghost had no choice but to follow.

The charges were set and he was on his way out, climbing the metal stairs without making a sound.

"Price, charges are set." he muttered to Alexandra, and she relayed it to the Captain.

"He said detonate it now." Ghost carefully paced as far as he could and clicked the remote detonator. A huge explosion followed making the ship tremble a little as alarms started to ring.

Ghost attempted to regroup with Price, but the way to their room was already crowded with the Shadow Company, so he instead ran up to the deck and circled around.

As soon as he got up, he noticed three tall men circling someone and pushing him off the ship. He couldn't mistake it, it was Roach.

He dashed toward the three as he saw Soap dash from the other side. They both pulled the of the tall guards and punched them unconscious but there was still one remaining. And that one grunt happened to push Roach off the ledge.

Ghost tried extending his hand but with Roach's hands tied up tight, all he could do was scream as he fell down to the ocean. Soap knocked the third person out and they were now clear. Ghost wanted to jump and save Roach, but without a rescue boat, it was useless. He remembered that help was on the way and hoped they would rescue him. Roach has to survive. Roach will survive.

"Needing assistance here. They're after us!" Price muttered over comms. Ghost slowly stood up and turned back. He was never going to forgive Shepherd for what he did.

END OF PART 2

Notification Squad my Beloved

@samatedeansbroccoli @enderio @smokeywhalee @beemybee @ricinbach @whimsywispsblog

[gophergal]

Little Patch of Heaven N/S/F/W (Western AU! Michael Myers x Reader)

This is shameless fluff and smut, and is also the first smut I’ve written. So... I have nothing to say for myself. 

Warnings: Smut, Female Reader, rough sex(mentioned)

Hot sunlight beat down on your skin as you hang freshly washed clothes on the line. The day is young and you can smell the soft scent of soap and crisp air on the breeze. The morning is still and quiet as you wait to see the determining factor of your day’s plans approach quickly on the horizon. It was Michael who’d left you the night before, kissing you hungrily as he fought back against the influence of the Shape. An unspoken promise that he’d return safely on his lips as he mounted Samhain, riding the black stallion into the night.

Now you waited, knowing all too well of the possibility that you’d see the telltale white bandanna of the Shape growing large as it rode toward you. If that were to happen, you could kiss your plans of finishing the chores in a timely manner goodbye. The Shape would get what it wanted, rough hands roaming your body as the raw power engulfed you. Your body trembled at the thought, but whether it was in fear or deep desire, you could not tell. Your time with the Shape had made them indistinguishable from one another.

You busied yourself with the laundry once more, not wanting to entertain that idea for longer than need be. In time, you lost yourself to the repetitive movements of draping cloth on the line, at peace with the earth’s stillness. It wasn’t until you felt strong arms wrap around your shoulders that you realized you were no longer alone, the air you breathed filling with the sharp earthy, metallic scent of a successful night of hunting.

Your stiff posture relaxed as a weight dropped onto your shoulder, warm puffs of breath caressing the exposed skin of your neck. Michael was home, the tenderness of the act confirming it for you. Though you didn’t truly hate the Shape and its raw desires, you much preferred the man behind you, clinging to you as a life line. When Michael came home, each and every touch was slow and very deliberate, his apology for the pain caused by his darker half as he kissed every bruise and blemish inflicted upon you.For now though, he was tired, leaning wearily against you as though you were the only stable thing in the world. You leaned back into his warmth, a smile growing bright on your face.

“Why, hello there, huckleberry,” you greeted, earning only a low hum in response. You led him inside wordlessly, depositing him at the dining table. He watched intently as you flitted around the room, sunlight catching in the hair framing your face. You came back to him with a warm, damp cloth and he allowed you to fuss over him, luxuriating in your gentle touches. It’d been a night like any other, rough enough to reward him with bruises, nicks, and an ache in his muscles. Nothing to worry much about.

Once you were satisfied, you left once again to go to the stove. It was a late breakfast for sure, but eggs and cured ham were a delight at any time of day. Coffee was like that too, but Michael took his with enough cream and sugar that it might as well be a dessert, so rich it made you gag. Despite this sweet tonic, he’d still managed to begin falling asleep into his plate. You’d counted three times before you made your decision to put the man to bed. You placed your hand over his own, squeezing gently to grab his attention.

“You should get some rest, Michael,” you said. He looked at you, frowning slightly.

“I’ll be there in a bit, I promise. I just have a few things to do outside before I can.” He shook his head, daring you to try and force him. With a sigh, you grip his arm in both of your hands. You tugged, increasing the force you applied until he pulled back. Your knees hit the wooden seat of the chair and you pitched forward, falling onto his firm chest. Without craning your head to look him in the eye, you already knew that he had that annoying smug grin of his plastered on his face. He wrapped his arms around you, manhandling you into a position he deemed comfortable on his lap, your skirt creeping up your legs slightly in the process. He held you there, as unresponsive as a brick wall as you protested weakly.

You huffed, giving in as you felt his arms shift to your waist. Leaning back, you could hear the steady beat of his heart and feel his warmth. You began to melt into the position, happy to be pressed so close to the man you loved as you sat in his lap. The chair however, refused to comply with the happy moment, becoming more uncomfortable with each passing second.

“What if I joined you?” you asked Michael, reaching up to run your fingers through his dark curls, “Would you be able to rest then?” This time, you could see the devilish look in his eye as he hoisted you into his arms effortlessly. Involuntarily, you squeaked, your skirt shifting up further as he re-positioned his hand higher on your leg. He needed a firmer grip on you as he carried you to bed, after all. The man you loved was a gambler, and you had played right into his hand.

He lowered you onto the bed, the sturdy oak frame squeaking in defiance as it took your weight. He moved to join you, still wearing the outfit he’d gone out in, dark stains and all, so you put a hand up to remind him. You’d be damned if you were going to let him ruin more sheets with his nasty ways. Taking the initiative, you remove your work clothes, folding them away, before replacing them with a cotton nightgown. You turned back to see Michael splayed out on the bed in a biblical state of undress, his tan, scarred flesh waiting for you. Looking you up and down, he cocked a brow as if to say “Really, you value modesty now?”

“It’s hot enough as it is. I don’t think I could even sleep next to you of all people right now,” even though it was the truth, his body did radiate the heat of a crackling fire, that look of his always made you feel like a foolish little girl. Hell, you probably were to him. He rolled his eyes at you slightly as you lay down next to him. You shifted and wiggled for a moment, trying to become comfortable, before he draped his heavy arm across your waist, stopping your incessant squirming. Even with the loose and delicate hold he had on you, Michael exuded an air of raw dominance. That paired with the noticeable heat he gave off made you incredibly drowsy and soon you succumbed to the sensation of safety and warmth within minutes.

Not long into your nap, you became aware of the pressure and warmth of Michael’s rough hands as they danced feather-soft across your skin. At first, they roamed the exposed skin of your arms, then began to move upwards. His strong fingers rested lazily against your throat as he felt you pulse. You willed it not to quicken, fully enjoying Michael’s free exploration of your body as he did only when he felt safe and comfortable.

His breath hitched as he moved downward, long fingers ghosting over the curve of your hip where they lingered momentarily. The hem of your gown slowly rose up as Michael ran his deliciously warm hand up your leg. When he reached your hip once again, he was gently, aware of the still healing bruises the Shape had left you with days before. Excitement bubbled within you as Michael leaned into you, his chest now flush with your back. The combined feeling of your sore bruises being massaged and his curly locks tickling the nape of your neck was intoxicating, and you couldn’t suppress the rising shudder that wracked your body.

Michael stopped abruptly, statue still for a moment before he retreated. You rolled over to look at him, disappointment changing into surprise. Oh my god, was he blushing? Times like these were rare and strange. Inside this mad was a ravenous beast, ready and fully desiring to devour you whole at any moment, yet here was a man vulnerable as any other. The blood that rushed to his face proved it, betraying the blank stare he wore. You propped yourself up on an arm to look at him.

“Michael,” you coax, voice silky and soft, “look at me.” He did, fiery intensity present even in the milky white of his left eye. “I like when you do that. It makes me feel good,” you say sheepishly. He cocked his head to the side, questioning your simple statement. You roll your eyes, exasperated.

“Honey, we’re basically married. Even without a preacher to tell us so. I’ve given you my body, so you can do anything you want.” You punctuate your statement by removing the thin veil of fabric hiding your body from view. Your skin is flawed, peppered with blemishes old and new, some from before you even met Michael, but he doesn’t care. He never has.

He reclines on the bed, pulling you to kneel, straddling him. His tenderness begins with your face, cupping your cheek in his rough, flat palm. It dragged down your neck once again, passing over it in favor of roaming through the canyon of your breasts. The feeling of it left your skin alight in its wake, blazing more intensely with every painfully slow move he made. You whimpered as he teased your erect nipples, squeezing them and rolling them between his fingers. Traveling further, he changed his focus to the marks the Shape had left littering your thighs, tracing his thumbs over the tender, discolored splotches.

You hummed in contentment, trying your best to contain the excitement that threatened to bubble over, lest you become restless. That was until he moved to cup your ass. Much to his pleasure, you gasped at the feeling of your bare flesh being kneaded by his careful hands. His already dark eye had become a bottomless pool of desire, inviting you to swim in the blackness with him. When he released you, your weak knees could not support you, letting you fall backward onto his lap, feeling that he was half hard against the curve of your ass.

You grin at the thought of teasing him, but he has planned further ahead of you than you can imagine. Before you can rub against him, he rolls, swiftly reversing your positions. His chapped lips leave your brain foggy until they leave yours in favor of wildly licking and suckling your breast. Heat drips into your core and your impatience grows. Soon, Michael is pleased with the reactions drawn from your breast and switches to the other, giving it equal attention. His hand comes to rest on your hip, a reminder to stop the involuntary rolling of your hips as you arched. Another kiss was placed on your parted lips, stealing your breath before he moved further down.

His hot breath drove you wild with desire as his mouth trailed down your body, neglecting the place that so wantonly needed his attention. The scars and bruises on your hot flesh were soothed by his tongue and lips as he kissed them. A needy whine escaped your lips, brought about by his tender ministrations as you shifted your hips. Subconsciously trying to draw his attention to your aching desire. In an act of mercy, his broad hand came upon your mound, spreading your juices around the engorged folds.

Girthy fingers slip into you with practiced ease, searching for your pleasure as he brushes you swollen clit with his thumb, tearing a sigh from you. Your head is thrown back in a moan and you arch into his touch when he licks a teasing stripe up your slit. He flicks the sensitive nub of your clit and latches onto it, groaning as you tangle your fingers into his hair. The way he lapped at your dripping wetness and the puffs of breath against your core were quickly becoming too much for your overwhelming want.

“Please, Michael,” you moaned, “I need you.” He stopped, allowing you a moment to breath. Cheekily, he gave you one last broad lick, savoring the sharp, surprised cry it drew from deep within you. Now, he loomed above you, supporting his weight with one arm as he lined himself up with your dripping sex. His cock parted your velvety lips, painfully slow as it filled you. You writhed against him, desperate for the friction he would provide your aching walls. Noticing this, he took control, easily throwing your leg over his shoulder. He drew his hips back at a languid pace, the surged forward, the lewd lap of skin-on-skin reverberating throughout the room. This lazy pace continued as he delighted in the desperate mewls he pulled from you. You cried out his name in immense pleasure as hit a new angle, arousal winding tighter with each thrust. He abused that spot, that snap of his hips becoming quicker with each high pitched moan that escaped your pink lips.

You can undone with a shriek, clamping down onto his cock as your fingers wound into the sheets beneath you. You were left empty as Michael, still erect, slipped out of you. Your moment to bask in the afterglow was cut short as you were flipped like a hotcake, your ass now pointed to the sky. He gripped your waist firmly now, plunging back into your wet cunt to use you. You had told him to do what he wanted, after all. Your conscious thoughts began to fade in the sensations as he thrust into your quivering heat, still overly sensitive from your orgasm. The new pace he set was animalistic, and far more akin to the Shape’s when it took you.

The feral need of it left you gasping for breath as he chased his high. No longer exercising the impressive self control he had before, he neared his end, thrusts becoming erratic and shallow. What had previously been low grunts and breathing had now faded into heavy panting and the lust fueled moans that filled your ears alongside the symphony of slapping skin. Without warning, he withdrew, sucking in a breath as he released rope after rope of his warm seed onto the small of your back.

He finally collapsed next to you, muscles quivering as he came down. No longer caring about the sticky heat, you relented as he pulled you to his side like his own person-sized teddy bear. You snuggled into him with a satisfied grin, having, in a roundabout way, achieved your goal of getting him to rest. You could always finish those dreaded chores later, for now, caring for the man you loved so dearly came first.