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Simon Riley, better known as Ghost, was a man who earned his reputation through years of expertise, skill, and precision in the field. His title was not just a moniker given lightly; it was a reflection of his prowess in combat, his ability to move silently, strike swiftly, and vanish without a trace. But beyond the tactical genius and hardened soldier that he was, Simon had a surprising, softer side that few knew about—and (Y/N) was one of those few.Their story began online. What started as a casual, tactical game to unwind between missions soon turned into a nightly ritual. (Y/N) a.k.a Bunnyhunter was a formidable player, known for her ability to read the battlefield, outsmart her opponents, and rack up win after win. She had first caught Simon’s attention in a particularly tough match. While the rest of his team—including Price, Gaz, and Soap—bantered over their headsets, discussing strategy or cracking jokes, (Y/N) remained silent, her focus purely on winning.After a string of victories, Soap couldn’t help but tease, “Oi, Ghost, looks like Bunny’s carrying you again.”“Better step up your game, mate,” Gaz chimed in, his laugh echoing over the comms.But (Y/N) didn’t let their teasing phase her. Instead, she responded by quietly taking down enemy after enemy, eventually leading their team to another victory.“Don’t worry,” (Y/N) said, her voice light yet confident. “I’ve got you boys covered.”Simon couldn’t help the small grin that tugged at his lips. Behind his mask, he felt a flicker of admiration for (Y/N). In a world full of noise, she stood out for her quiet confidence, her ability to get the job done without needing to boast.Over the course of two years, their friendship blossomed through late-night gaming sessions, and eventually, (Y/N) got to know the entire 141 team as well. Price would occasionally join in, giving tactical advice that sounded eerily similar to his real-world leadership. Gaz and Soap were constant fixtures, their banter keeping the mood light, though (Y/N) had a way of silencing them with her consistent victories. Despite the digital distance, they all felt like a tight-knit group. It was strange, how friendships could form so deeply over a headset, as though they’d known each other for much longer.But for (Y/N), despite the growing bond, there was always a lingering sense of doubt. When Simon suggested meeting up in person for the first time, her mind swirled with insecurities. She wasn’t like the soldiers he spent his time with. She was bubbly, shy at times, and she carried a bit more weight than she’d have liked. What if Simon didn’t like her in person? What if he thought she was too much? Too loud? Too fat? She definitely doesn’t look like those cute female gamer.The day Simon was set to arrive, those thoughts only grew louder. (Y/N) paced around her living room, glancing at the mirror and then back to her phone, wondering if she should cancel.Anubis, her massive Cane Corso, seemed to sense her anxiety, nudging her hand with his nose for reassurance. She scratched behind his ear, sighing. "What if he doesn’t like me, Anubis?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.But there was no turning back now. The doorbell rang, cutting through her doubts like a knife. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on her shoulders, and opened the door.Simon stood there, tall and imposing, his broad frame filling the doorway. Even without the signature skull mask, he was unmistakably Ghost. His presence was intimidating, yet his eyes softened the moment they landed on her.“Si,” she greeted, trying to keep her voice steady.“Luv,” he replied with a warm hug, his voice low and warm, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.Instantly, the tension melted away. The connection they had built over the past two years was still there, stronger than ever. They clicked immediately, just as they had online, and within minutes, they were laughing and talking as if they had known each other for years. Her fears of him judging her for her size or her personality faded with every passing moment.Simon knelt down to greet Anubis, who was already wagging his tail excitedly. "You’ve been waiting for me too, haven’t ya?" he said, rubbing the dog’s ears affectionately. “Good boy.”Anubis, enamored with Simon, practically leaned into him, earning a chuckle from Simon. "Looks like I’ve got a new best friend," he added with a smirk, looking up at (Y/N). "You alright with that, luv?"(Y/N) grinned, her nerves completely forgotten. "As long as he doesn’t start missing you when you’re gone."Simon stood, his imposing height making the room feel smaller, yet somehow more comforting. "Guess I’ll just have to stick around more often."And he did. From that day on, it was as though Simon had always been a part of her life. When he wasn’t on a mission, he’d be at her place, making himself at home. Anubis loved having him around, and Simon, in turn, often referred to himself as “Daddy” whenever he played with the dog, much to (Y/N)’s amusement."You spoil him," (Y/N) said one evening, watching as Simon threw Anubis’ favorite toy across the living room."He deserves it," Simon replied, throwing her a playful look. "’Sides, it’s good practice for when you spoil me."She laughed, shaking her head. "Not a chance."The 141 team would join them from time to time, both in-game and in real life, hanging out at her place like it was their own. There were late-night gaming marathons, movie nights, and even the occasional sleepover when no one felt like leaving. It was a strange but beautiful dynamic, this blend of soldiers and a bubbly gamer who had somehow become family.Three years had passed for (Y/N) and Simon friendship to grow, but it felt like a lifetime. Despite all her initial doubts and insecurities, she had found something real with him—a friendship that was deep, effortless, and filled with warmth. Simon may have been a ghost on the battlefield, but in her life, he was very much present, and she couldn’t imagine it any other way.___
Simon Riley sat comfortably on the couch, as he often did, with Anubis sprawled lazily beside him. The dog’s large head rested on Simon’s lap, snoring softly as Simon absentmindedly scratched behind his ears. In one hand, Simon held his phone, scrolling through videos on the internet. “Stupid videos,” he’d always say, though he couldn’t help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all.He glanced up at the clock, then back down at his phone. (Y/N) was in the back getting snacks for their long-planned Harry Potter marathon. It had become their little tradition—days spent binge-watching movies, laughing at the absurdities, quoting lines in unison. But today, something else was gnawing at Simon’s thoughts.As he scrolled it was one of those study videos on the internet, little montages of moments that signified someone had fallen in love with their best friend. The music, the editing, it was all a bit too dramatic for Simon’s taste, but he couldn’t deny that it hit close to home. He rewatched it, his thumb pausing over the replay button before starting the video again, something stirring in his chest.For two years now, Simon had been in this strange limbo with (Y/N). They were close—far closer than he’d been with anyone else. There were subtle touches, long walks where their hands would naturally intertwine, and movie nights that often ended with her head resting on his chest while his arm draped around her. From the outside, it seemed obvious to everyone but her. His team constantly poked fun at him for it, especially Soap, who never missed a chance to tease.“You’ve gotta just tell her, Ghost. Straight up,” Soap had said during one of their gaming sessions. “It’s bloody painful watching you moon over her like some lovesick teenager.”“I’ve tried,” Simon had grumbled in return. “It’s not that simple.”“Simple?” Price had chimed in with a laugh. “Mate, the only thing simpler is breathing. She’s right in front of you.”Even Gaz, who was usually quieter on these topics, had given him a look of disbelief. “We all see it. She’s just… well, she’s a bit oblivious, isn’t she?”Oblivious was an understatement. Simon had been expressing his feelings for (Y/N) in every way he knew how, from subtle gestures to moments that were so blatantly obvious, it made his teammates roll their eyes in frustration. He thought about the time they’d gone out for coffee, walking hand in hand through the park. He had casually mentioned that people might think they were a couple. She had simply laughed, squeezing his hand without a second thought.“Let them think what they want,” she had said, smiling up at him. “I don’t mind.”Simon had nearly groaned out loud. How much clearer could he be?And then there was the time he had actually told her, as directly as he could manage without outright saying, “I’m in love with you.” They had been cuddling on the couch, as they often did, when he had turned to her and said, “You know, I care about you. A lot more than just… as a friend.”(Y/N) had smiled sweetly, resting her head on his shoulder, and replied, “I love you too, Si,” before nuzzling into his neck. But it wasn’t the kind of love he meant. She hadn’t picked up on the deeper meaning behind his words. She thought it was just the same kind of love she shared with the rest of the 141.Simon groaned inwardly at the memory. She wasn’t being malicious or even purposefully ignorant—she was just so blissfully unaware of how much he adored her.
Simon’s eyes were glued to his phone screen as he watched a particular video trend for the third time. It was a simple prank—one where a guy asked a woman to blow something out of his eye, only to steal a kiss when she leaned in. Simon’s thoughts raced, considering the idea. It seemed playful, harmless, but more than that, it was the perfect opportunity to finally show (Y/N) how he felt in a way she couldn’t brush off as just friendship.Just as he was mulling it over, he heard the familiar sound of her footsteps returning from the kitchen. Quickly, he shoved his phone into his pocket, trying to act casual. When she appeared with a bowl of popcorn, smiling that radiant smile of hers, Simon couldn’t help but smile back, his heart doing an uncharacteristic flutter in his chest.She sat down at her usual spot, the end of the couch, while Simon—predictably—took his place in the middle, effectively trapping her. It was something they’d fallen into naturally; she always ended up leaning on him, and Simon certainly never complained. This time was no different. As she shifted to get comfortable, Simon took the popcorn from her hands to let her settle, then handed it back once she was snuggled against him.The movie started, the familiar tune of Harry Potter filling the room. Normally, Simon would be able to relax into these moments, to just enjoy her presence. But tonight, he couldn’t concentrate. His mind was racing, caught on that stupid video. The thought of pulling her in for a kiss like that made his pulse quicken. He glanced down at her as she nuzzled closer, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, and he knew he couldn’t sit through hours of movies without doing something about it. She was too close, too perfect, and his feelings too overwhelming.Suddenly, Simon couldn’t take it anymore.“There’s… something in my eye,” he said, his voice rougher than usual as he turned toward her.(Y/N) immediately paused the movie, concern flashing across her face. “Oh, no. Let me see.” She wiped her hands on her jeans, then gently cupped his face, bringing it close to hers. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she examined his eye, taking the situation very seriously.“Hold still,” she murmured softly as she prepared to blow into his eye.But Simon had other plans.Before she could move closer, Simon leaned in and, instead of letting her blow at his eye, he pressed his lips to hers in a sweet, slow kiss.For a second, he feared she’d pull away, shocked or unsure of what to do. But to his surprise, (Y/N) melted into the kiss almost immediately, her hands still cradling his face as she kissed him back with just as much tenderness. It was as though all the tension, all the unsaid things between them, evaporated in that moment.When they finally parted, Simon’s heart was hammering in his chest. He hadn’t expected it to feel so right, so natural.He looked into her wide, surprised eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ve been in love with you for a year now,” he admitted, his voice low but certain. “And you’ve been completely oblivious, luv. I’ve been trying to show you—every day, every time we’re together. But you just… you didn’t see it.”(Y/N) stared at him, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as his words sunk in. She shifted slightly, biting her lip nervously as if she didn’t quite know what to say. “I—I didn’t know,” she whispered, her voice almost shy. “I thought… I thought you saw me like a little sister or something.”Simon’s expression softened as he shook his head, brushing a thumb gently over her cheek. “Far from it. I’ve never seen you that way. I’ve been trying to show you how much you mean to me, but you just—” He chuckled softly, “—you’re so damn oblivious.”(Y/N) looked down, clearly embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Si. I didn’t realize. I just… I thought you were being sweet, like you always are. I didn’t think you could feel that way about me.”Simon tilted her chin up gently so she could meet his gaze again. “Well, now you know,” he said, his voice soft yet serious. “I’ve loved you for a long time, and I’m done hiding it.”She hesitated for a second, then a small, shy smile crept onto her lips. “I love you too, Si,” she said quietly. “I always have. I just… didn’t think you’d want someone like me.”Simon furrowed his brows at that, pulling her closer into his arms. “Someone like you?” he repeated, incredulous. “You’re everything I want, (Y/N). Don’t ever doubt that.”Her blush deepened, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned in, resting her forehead against his. “I guess I’ve been a little blind,” she admitted with a soft laugh.Simon grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Maybe a little,” he teased, his voice low and warm. “But better late than never, right?”With her still in his arms, they resumed the movie, but this time, Simon felt lighter, more content than he had in a long time. She was his now, and there was no more hiding, no more uncertainty. Finally, everything was exactly as it should be.
bonus chaos:
It was a typical Friday night, and the 141 team had gathered online for their usual gaming session. The banter was as loud as ever, with Soap and Gaz yelling insults at each other, Price trying to keep the team somewhat organized, and König’s booming voice occasionally drowning out everyone else. (Y/N) couldn’t help but smile, still amused at how König—a massive presence in more ways than one—had found his way into their squad.“Bloody hell, König, you’re louder than the gunfire in this game!” Soap shouted, laughter in his voice.“I can’t help it if you all can’t keep up with me,” König replied, his heavy accent laced with amusement.(Y/N) was used to this by now—the loud banter, the trash talk, the chaotic energy that came with gaming alongside the team. But tonight, as always she had a plan. She was going to win. And as the game progressed, she found herself getting closer to the top spot.As the final round came to a close, (Y/N) suddenly saw the victory screen flash on her monitor."Yes!" she shouted triumphantly, throwing her hands up in the air. "I did it! First place, baby!"Simon, who had come in second, let out a rare chuckle. "Good job, luv," he said with a small smirk, leaning back in his chair. "I almost had you."The rest of the team, however, was less gracious. Soap was the first to let out a groan. "Bloody hell, how’d you win again, (Y/N)?"“You’re cheating, I swear,” Gaz added, though there was a playful edge to his voice."She’s just better than you lot," Simon replied, his tone casual but smug."Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Ghost," Soap shot back. "You barely came in second."The complaints, whining, and exaggerated insults poured in, but Simon just grinned, clearly enjoying the chaos. As (Y/N) continued to celebrate her win, Simon suddenly leaned toward his mic and said in his deep, commanding voice, “You all suck, and you’re sore losers. I’m going to make out with my girlfriend now.”The chat fell completely silent for a second, the only sound being the soft hum of the game’s background music. (Y/N)’s face flushed bright red, her eyes widening in shock as she squeaked, "Si! What the hell?" She smacked his chest lightly, her high-pitched voice breaking the silence in the chat. Simon just gave her a cocky smirk, clearly unbothered by the chaos he had just caused. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed, looking entirely too pleased with himself.Before Simon could log out, everyone’s shocked reactions exploded through their headsets all at once:"What?!"“Girlfriend?!”“Hold up—since when?!”“That’s my boy!” Soap’s voice rang out, the excitement clear. "Finally!" Gaz chimed in, sounding both exasperated and relieved at the same time.Even Price couldn’t hold back a laugh, saying, "About time, Ghost."König’s booming voice cracked through the noise, his thick accent adding to the hilarity. “You’ve been hiding this from us?!”Amid the chaos of voices, Simon grinned even wider, completely unfazed. Before (Y/N) could react further, he turned to her, tugging her gently into his arms. “C’mere, luv,” he murmured.With the team's shocked voices still echoing in the background, Simon didn’t waste another second. He pulled (Y/N) into a deep, passionate kiss, effectively shutting down her flustered protests.As the headphones slipped off her head and the voices of their teammates faded away, the only thing that mattered in that moment was Simon—his hands resting on her waist, his lips against hers. The banter, the teasing, the victory—all of it melted away as the two of them got lost in the warmth of the kiss, completely wrapped up in each other.When they finally parted, (Y/N) was breathless, her cheeks still flushed from the mix of excitement and embarrassment. "You’re unbelievable," she whispered, shaking her head.Simon chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Maybe. But now they know." He gave her a wink, his lips curving into that same mischievous smirk that drove her crazy.(Y/N) couldn’t help but laugh, even as she playfully rolled her eyes. “I guess there’s no going back now.”“Nope,” Simon replied, his voice soft but firm. “You’re mine now. And they’re going to hear about it.”