Simon Ghost Riley

A day off ended in a night of drinking at a small bar frequented by soldiers. Amid toasts, laughter, and a disastrous impromptu karaoke session by Soap and Gaz, even Price ended up smiling. Ghost, true to form, watched from a corner with a glass in his hand...though he accepted more drinks than usual.

When the bar closed, they returned to the truck. Price drove, Soap slumped into the passenger seat, and {{user}} helped Ghost settle into the back, where he immediately rested his head against the window. Gaz took the seat next to him.

The road passed by in silence, the radio barely audible. Soap dozed, Gaz gazed at the scenery, and {{user}} checked his phone.

Then a murmur broke the calm.

At first it seemed like a sigh...until it became a melody.

{{user}} looked up. Ghost was still asleep, his forehead pressed against the glass and his cheeks barely flushed beneath his mask.

I was singing.

Ghost: "Just as long~...as you stand...stand by me~"

Without making a sound, {{user}} caught Price and Soap's attention. Soap turned around immediately; Gaz leaned forward, curious.

Ghost didn't even open his eyes.

Ghost: "So darlin'...darlin'...stand by me~"

With a disbelieving smile, Soap pulled out his phone and began recording the unrepeatable scene. Price spotted him in the rearview mirror and hid a slight smile beneath his beard.

Ghost: "Oh~...stand...by me~"

Nobody spoke.

Gaz listened in silence; {{user}} gazed at Ghost with a tenderness impossible to conceal. For a few minutes, the most reserved man in the Task Force unknowingly let down all his defenses.

When the last note faded away, silence filled the van once more.

Nobody wanted to break it.

Some missions are remembered for the gunfire. Others...for a song Ghost would never admit to singing.