Above The Ruins | One

Above the Ruins | one

Simon Ghost Riley x fem!reader

masterlist

In a world devastated by chaos and the threat of the undead, two destinies intertwine in an unexpected way. Ghost, a hardened ex-military man haunted by the horrors of war, encounters [reader], a lost and desolate young woman. With his experience and determination, Ghost decides to help her, and together they embark on a dangerous journey in search of a refugee center.

notes: English is not my first language, and I initially wrote this fanfic in Portuguese. With the help of online resources, I rewrote it in English. Two

Five days... Five damn days I've been hiding in an old abandoned building for a long time. Two days ago, my food ran out, and yesterday, my water. The desperation of starving to death or being hunted by those damn creatures haunted me. Stay here and die or risk going outside and also die. Trust was not something I had in abundance.

Looking through the window on the second floor, I observed people - or what was left of them - slowly walking, making strange sounds as if they were suffering. Maybe they truly were, but who isn't in these dark times? Look at all the chaos that has been happening in the past years.

Three or four years ago, a virus took over a small town in the south of the country. It started small, people with high fever one day, and the next day, they were eating their dogs and their children. And then even the dogs rose, along with the newborn babies, and sought food. Or rather, people. It was an outbreak, within less than a month, the city was overrun, then the country, and soon after, the world. At first, people were studying cures, but now? I have no idea. I lost contact with other survivors a long time ago.

Feeling my stomach growl for the tenth time just today, I decided to go out and try to find something to eat. The emergency stairs were safer since I only had a nail-studded bat to protect myself. I descended carefully, trying not to make too much noise. The city was hot, it seemed peaceful, as if nothing bad was happening.

Reaching the ground floor, I quickly looked around and decided to follow the main street. I couldn't go too far; the lack of food and poor nutrition in recent years hadn't helped me maintain my weight. I feel almost like one of them.

I walked slowly to a nearby grocery store, entered, and closed the door behind me. They were clever, but they still couldn't open doors. The store was a mess and almost empty. Luckily, I found a match, a canned corn, and a city map. Someone had surely passed through here.

Several months passed, and with them, my food was gone. I ended up going into the forest when I heard gunshots and those zombies running, like a herd. It was safer here, but also more scarce in resources. I felt myself growing weaker every day, colder than normal, and my clothes became looser. Maybe I'm starving to death.

I took the map I had and looked for the nearest river. Damn, it was about a four-day walk. I grabbed my backpack, which luckily or unluckily was light, and started my long journey. I tried to ignore the strong stomach pain, my trembling and aching legs, and the dizziness caused by lack of food.

The days seemed the same, during the day I walked as much as I could, and at night I tried to sleep as much as possible. Exhaustion consumed me. After some time wandering through the dense forest, I began to feel dizzy, my legs trembled and ached. I leaned against a bush, seeking shelter in case a zombie found me. It was hard, cold, and uncomfortable, but exhaustion overcame me, and I ended up falling asleep or maybe passing out.

...

Ghost walked cautiously and suspiciously through the dense forest. The only sounds that could be heard were the hoots of owls and the crackling of dry branches under his feet. He liked to search for supplies at night, as he could move through the dark corners of the forest and catch unsuspecting animals. When he heard a faint noise, resembling a moan, coming from a nearby bush.

With caution, he approached, holding his weapon ready to shoot if necessary. To his surprise, he found [       ], a young woman with a frail and malnourished appearance, huddled among the leaves of the bush. Her eyes conveyed fear, and her appearance showed the sufferings the young woman had witnessed in recent years.

Ghost quickly let his instincts guide his actions. He lowered his weapon and extended his hand.

"It's alright, you don't need to be afraid," he said, trying to sound gentle and reassuring.

[       ] looked at him with suspicion, but her need and exhaustion spoke louder. She quickly grabbed the hand of the older man, and he helped her to stand, revealing even more the precarious situation in which the young woman found herself. Her clothes were loose and dirty, her wrists thin, cheeks sunken, and her hair disheveled.

Realizing her situation, Ghost handed his water canteen to the young woman and quickly searched for food, finding a protein bar.

"I'm trying to find a refugee center. You can come with me if you want."

The young woman devoured the small bar of food as if her life depended on it.

"Refugee center?"

"Yes, some time ago, I received a message from one of my former coworkers. A refuge center has been established, and some survivors managed to reach it. I've been trying to find it for a few months."

The young woman looked at him. Ghost was tall, had broad shoulders and strong arms. A black mask covered half of his face, and his eyes were stained with some black paint. She didn't know if she could trust that man, but her options were scarce, and she knew she wouldn't survive much longer if she continued to live like that.

"I'll go with you."

"Alright. My name is Ghost."

"[       ]."

"I have a hideout not far from here. Let's go."

The young woman nodded and followed the tall man.

The cabin was old, and smoke rose from the chimney. Upon entering, she saw the crackling fire in the fireplace and a torn sofa with a messy blanket on top.

"Here," the man tossed a military jacket over her shoulders, and she quickly put it on.

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome. It's just my job. Or it was."

"You were in the military?" Ghost nodded.

"How have you been managing in these past times?" he asked with curiosity.

"Not very well," she replied, her head bowed.

"Better than most, believe me. I'll get something better for you to eat."

"Please."

Ghost gathered a few more protein bars, canned soups, and more water. He handed everything to her and felt a tug at his heart seeing her eat so quickly.

Once satisfied, Ghost allowed the young woman to sleep on the sofa, as she seemed more in need, while he settled on the dusty floor.

"How old were you when all of this started?" he asked.

"16."

"How old are you now?"

The young woman thought, a long time ago she had lost track of time. She didn't know how old she was at that moment.

"I don't know," she whispered.

"19 years old," he replied, looking at her. The young woman looked at him with a confused expression.

"Three years have passed, and I barely noticed," [       ]'s eyes filled with tears, but she held back, not wanting to show vulnerability.

"Don't worry. There's still time to enjoy life. There are still many things waiting for you. This isn't the end," he tried to sound hopeful.

"And you? How old are you?" Ghost laughed.

"I'm 43 years old. I was a lieutenant in a task force. I retired some

time ago. A few months ago, I managed to get a signal and contacted my old comrade, who told me about the refuge. He and other survivors from the armed forces organized everything and are taking care of the survivors. I just don't know exactly where it is, but I have leads."

"That explains a lot. Thank you for helping me, Ghost. I hope one day I can repay you."

"You're welcome. I'm just doing my job as a human being," he squinted his eyes, giving the young woman the impression that he was smiling.

She slept well that night. She deeply believed in that man, seeing him as her protector, and Ghost felt the need to protect that young woman. These three years without seeing anyone had changed him. And he didn't hate it.

notes: This is my first fanfic posted on Tumblr. It's a bit short, I apologize. The story was also posted on AO3 and Wattpad. Please let me know if there are any spelling errors. I hope you like it!

Acima das Ruínas | Cinco​

Simon Ghost Riley x fem!reader

masterlist

In a world devastated by chaos and the threat of the undead, two destinies intertwine in an unexpected way. Ghost, a hardened ex-military man haunted by the horrors of war, encounters [reader], a lost and desolate young woman. With his experience and determination, Ghost decides to help her, and together they embark on a dangerous journey in search of a refugee center.

notes: English is not my first language, and I initially wrote this fanfic in Portuguese. With the help of online resources, I rewrote it in English.

Four - Six

In the morning, the sun rose with its warm light, painting the day with a pleasant atmosphere, although they couldn't escape the tension surrounding them.

Upon waking up, I noticed Ghost was absent from the bed. I went downstairs and found him and Soap engrossed in a conversation while examining a map.

"Good morning! Any news?" I spoke, trying to maintain optimism.

"We have an idea of where Price is and where the safe haven might be located," Soap said seriously.

"Really?" My curiosity was piqued.

"Yes. They call it Aurora Peak, where there's a military base," explained Soap.

"It seems like the safest place for them," I commented, assessing the information.

"And what about the distance?" I asked.

"It's a bit far… About an 8-hour drive. On foot? Well, only God knows," Ghost admitted.

"It looks like we have a long journey ahead," I murmured, already feeling exhausted just thinking about it.

"And we're not even sure if Price is there. We could risk going further from our true destination," Ghost expressed his concern.

"You're right… The most sensible thing would be to try to contact Price," Soap agreed, closing the map. "Well, I'm hungry."

"I am too," I said, realizing my stomach was complaining.

"I'll try to set up an improvised stove. Soap has some canned soups," Ghost grabbed old pots and grills, and the result was surprising. The food was warm and felt like a complete feast given the circumstances.

✧˖°₊

We decided to turn the house into our shelter for the time being. It was risky to go out without being sure the safe haven was there.

We did our best to secure the house, boarding up windows and reinforcing the keyless doors.

After having a meal that resembled breakfast, we realized we were running out of canned food for the coming days.

"We need to get more," Soap said, looking at the four canned soups we had left.

"We could go now since we have nothing else to do."

"I and Soap will…"

"What? Why?" I was surprised.

"It's not necessary for everyone to go."

"Everyone? There are only three of us. There's no reason for just the two of you to go."

"Why do you want to go? Stay here and rest."

"I don't want to rest, Ghost."

"Well, do whatever you want then."

"I'm going with you."

"No, you're not!" Ghost started to get annoyed.

"Yes, I am!" I approached him, shouting.

"You're not going, and that's final," he said with the same intensity.

"Why not?" I shouted.

"Because I don't want to lose you," he shouted. "Do you know what I felt when I saw that zombie on top of you? I thought he had hurt you, that I would have to kill you because he bit you…"

"Ghost…" I said more softly.

"Please listen to me. I'm begging you. Stay here…" he calmed down a bit.

"I… I understand. I worry about you too."

"I know, but I'm stronger than you, and I can take better care of myself. I'm not saying you're weak, quite the opposite. But I worry a lot about you, [name]."

"Ghost… I just want to help."

"I know, but I can't help but worry. I'm afraid a zombie could get you again. I'll feel more at ease if you stay here…"

"Alright, but just this time. You need to trust me."

"I do trust you. I just don't trust those disgusting Freaks."

"I'll stay here then."

"Thank you!" Then he hugged me.

✧˖°₊

Ghost

"She's got you wrapped around her finger, Lieutenant."

"Shut up, Soap."

We were heading toward a market that Soap had found before we met.

"So, how did you two meet?" Soap asked.

"I found her in the woods."

"You really like her…" Soap said.

"I just… worry. I can't help it."

"Well, don't try to, but you need to give her a chance. I bet you taught her some moves. She'll know how to fend for herself."

"I did teach her, and she's good, but before we fought, and I told her to leave, a zombie attacked her. That's how the communication radio got destroyed. I got mad, and when I realized she had really left, I went crazy…"

"The good thing is she found me."

"That worries me too. What if it wasn't you? After I started worrying about her, I realized I can't just worry about zombies, but also about another survivor… you know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I get it. You're right, but still."

"There are a lot of zombies here. I doubt there are many survivors. She'll be safer at home."

"You know what? She won't accept that every time, right?"

"I know. I need to learn to control myself, but… the fear I feel just thinking about losing her is too much."

"Look at that, Ghost in love. I can die in peace now," Soap teased, laughing.

✧˖°₊

[name]

After Ghost and Soap left, I practiced my aim. I wanted to get stronger so that he wouldn't worry as much. I believe he has some trauma about this, but I'm not sure. I read once that soldiers acquire many traumas throughout their careers.

I also went upstairs and checked. Miraculously, the shower still had water. It wasn't hot, but it was enough to get clean.

After a few hours, I heard knocking on the door. I approached it slowly with my knife ready to attack, if necessary.

"[name]? Are you okay?" I heard Ghost's voice, filled with concern.

"I'm fine," I said, smiling as I opened the door. "I was afraid it wasn't you."

"We brought plenty of food. We won't need to go out for a while," Ghost came in and put his arm around my shoulders as he led me back to the living room.

"There were many of them there?"

"Many. I doubt there are many survivors here," Soap said.

"I brought some clothes for you and things you might need," he handed me a black bag.

"Thank you, Ghost. While you were gone, I checked upstairs, and the shower still works."

"This house must have its own well. I'll check if the water is clean," Soap said, heading outside.

"You take a shower first," Ghost suggested.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am. If we're lucky, we might even get a full shower. I brought soap and stuff for you to wash your hair…" he rummaged in the bag, showing me. "I also brought sanitary pads and other things you might need."

"Thank you, Ghost. Now that you mentioned sanitary pads, I realized it hasn't been that time of the month for months…"

"It could be due to malnutrition. Now that you're getting healthy again, it should return to normal."

"Yeah, you're right."

I put everything back in the bag.

"All set! The water is safe, and it won't run out anytime soon. This family definitely had money," Soap said excitedly.

"Thank you, Soap. I'll go first, okay?"

"Of course, miss. Go ahead!"

So I went upstairs and had the best shower I could imagine. I washed my hair and every inch of my body. I let the cold water envelop me, closed my eyes, and pretended that everything was fine. Our world was still the same. There were no undead in the streets.

Coming back to reality, I started to dry myself and looked at the clothes Ghost had brought. There were shorts, shirts, and a thicker jacket. There were also jeans and a hoodie, which was wrapped with… panties. I felt my cheeks warm up as I realized he had thought to bring panties for me.

I can't deny that it will be useful. I don't want to get an infection.

I put on some warm clothes and went to the room where Ghost and I slept because it was late in the afternoon. I put my things in the wardrobe and went downstairs.

"That was the best shower of my life…"

"We're at Alcântara Base…"

Ouvi uma voz vinda do rádio de comunicação que Soap havia trazido consigo, junto com os dois homens que pareciam crianças que tinham acabado de receber o melhor presente de suas vidas…

in another life .+ﾟ*｡:ﾟ.+ﾟ*｡:

i love them so fuckiNg much (੭ु´͈ ᐜ `͈)੭ु⁾⁾ they are so fun to imagine and draw RAHHHHHH

one thing i need to start living by is “become the thing that you want” if i want friends who throw themed parties maybe i should start throwing those parties. if i want someone who writes me love letters maybe i should start writing letters for the people i love. if i want to hang out at museums and pretty cafes maybe i should invite my friends to these places. and maybe even then i won’t find the kind of people i want to be around. but then i would have become the exact person i want to be around. and maybe that’s good enough.

Acima das Ruínas | Três

Simon Ghost Riley x fem!reader

masterlist

Em um mundo devastado pelo caos e pela ameaça dos mortos-vivos, dois destinos se entrelaçam de uma forma inesperada. Ghost, um ex-militar endurecido assombrado pelos horrores da guerra, encontra [leitor], uma jovem perdida e desolada. Com sua experiência e determinação, Ghost decide ajudá-la, e juntos embarcam em uma perigosa jornada em busca de um centro de refugiados. notas:  Inglês não é minha primeira língua, e inicialmente escrevi esta fanfic em português. Com a ajuda de recursos online, reescrevi em inglês.

Dois - Quatro​

Vários meses se passaram e [ _ ] ficou mais forte a cada sessão de treinamento do Ghost. O peso aumentou, voltando a um nível saudável. Suas costelas não eram mais tão visíveis e seus braços não eram mais tão esqueléticos.

As the days went by, Ghost taught [_] about combat, hunting, weapons, and survival in general. All the knowledge he had gained from his time in the army was passed down to the younger one.

He felt proud of how the girl fought to survive in the end of the world. And [_]'s admiration for the older one grew stronger over time.

They had grown very close in the past months, and their connection had grown stronger. The cold shell of Ghost was breaking.

"Let's start packing up. We're leaving tomorrow. We need to get closer to the shelter," Ghost said determinedly, looking for more clues about the place.

"Are you sure?" [_] was unsure. As much as she felt stronger, she didn't know if she would still be a burden to Ghost. She also wanted to protect and help him.

"I'm more than sure. You've surpassed yourself in these past months," he praised, making the girl nod and smile.

They began to pack their things, taking only the essentials: food, sleeping bags, water, and weapons. [_] didn't know how to use weapons yet. Ghost thought it would be a waste of bullets, so he made a bow and arrow for her. She was skilled; she had good aim and could even take down smaller animals like rabbits.

Nightfall approached, and they lay down - this time, lying together - to wake up early the next day and begin their most challenging journey.

"Rest well. We need energy for tomorrow," Ghost said with [_] now lying against his chest.

"You too," she said, lightly rubbing his defined chest, feeling his muscles through the cold shirt he wore. "Goodnight, Ghost!" she said, falling asleep.

"Goodnight!"

…

As the sun rose, Ghost and [_] began their journey. They were headed for the city and then on to the north, trying to avoid zombies as much as possible.

But avoiding didn't mean they wouldn't encounter any. They walked through the forest towards the city and spotted a group of three zombies. [_] grabbed her bow and arrow, hitting one and quickly grabbing another arrow to kill the other two.

"Nice!" Ghost said proudly, smiling at the shorter one. They continued walking, avoiding any larger groups of zombies.

"Ghost, what if we find a car?"

"We can try to find one."

They walked through the buildings, searching for a car they could use. Most were stuck amidst other cars or were broken down.

While exploring the outskirts of a building away from the city center, they found a car in an open space.

"Ghost, look! A car!" exclaimed [_] pointing to the vehicle, its paint dusty and windows covered in dirt. They cautiously approached, ready to face any threats. The car was merely dirty and could easily be moved. Luckily, the door was open, and the keys were inside. Likely, the owner had been one of the victims.

Ghost started the car, the loud sound a welcome music to his ears. [_] excitedly got in, placing her backpack in the back.

…

They had been on the road for hours. The day was perfect, with the sun shining in a clear blue sky. It wasn't too cold or too hot; it was just right.

"Do you think we'll find the shelter?"

"Of course, we will. Once we get there, I'll try to contact the others, so we'll know exactly where they are."

"I'm scared, to be honest."

"Don't worry, we'll be okay," he reassured, holding [_]’s smaller hand.

After that, they didn't let go. Throughout the entire journey, the girl was acutely aware of the larger hand holding hers. She played with the veins on Ghost's hand, warm and rough, but still comforting. She felt the same way she did on the day they first embraced and slept together. It was a whirlwind of emotions.

She paid attention to every detail of the man. His blue-green eyes, his slightly blond lashes, his broad shoulders and strong arms. The way he held the steering wheel with his remaining hand, as the other was interlaced with his own, lightly squeezing. She yearned for him desperately. She wanted to see him without the mask and clothes, to see the real him.

"What are you looking at so much?"

"Nothing," she said, turning her face away.

"[]," Ghost said, slowing the car down and leaning closer to [_], cupping her face with the hand not on the wheel, lowering his mask, and kissing her lips.

She could have died right then, and she wouldn't have complained. Feeling his slightly chapped lips and the roughness of his beard made her tremble inside. Fireworks went off in her mind. Their lips moved slowly, unhurriedly. They savored the texture and taste of each other.

They pulled apart, their faces flushed and breathing quick. The girl broke into a genuine smile, feeling embarrassed and happy.

"We need to do this more often," she said.

"Yes, we do," the older one agreed, smiling slightly, putting his mask back in place.

…

They arrived in the city not long after. The city was like all the others – complete chaos.

Abandoned cars and houses, people turned into animals chasing after human flesh.

They parked the car near an off-white house that appeared to be closed. They entered silently, being careful in case there were any zombies inside.

"I'll check upstairs," Ghost said, and [_] nodded.

She moved through the living room, avoiding the sofas and the fallen table. Entering the kitchen, she encountered a zombie – a man. He was larger than her and attacked as soon as he sensed her scent.

The girl dodged his strikes, realizing that he was different from all the other zombies they had encountered. This one seemed stronger and more intelligent.

He punched her in the face, causing her to fall onto her stomach. He grabbed her by her backpack, making her let go immediately and fall again.

The zombie began destroying everything in the backpack – food, clothes, and the communication radio. In desperation, she leaped onto him, trying to hit him with a knife from the countertop. But she was thrown against a cabinet. She quickly composed herself and went after the zombie again, attempting to strike. Upstairs, Ghost heard the loud noise and quickly descended, shooting the zombie twice.

"Are you okay?" he asked, extending his hand to help her up.

"I am, thank you! I could have killed him quickly with one of these," she said, pointing to Ghost's gun.

"I don't have enough bullets to waste trying to teach you, unfortunately."

They removed the body and put it outside the house, closing all windows and doors.

"I'll try to contact someone. Where's the backpack?"

"That zombie destroyed everything. I'm sorry, Ghost!"

"What?" he said, slightly louder and irritated.

"He ended up grabbing the backpack, and I couldn't stop him," the girl said, growing desperate at Ghost's sudden change in behavior.

"You can't protect a damn backpack? It's no wonder you were nearly dead when I found you. And now? What are we going to do?"

the older one shouted.

"We look for another one. There might be one in an electronics store, I don't know," she whispered, frightened by Ghost's outburst. She knew she had done something wrong, but she didn't expect him to get so angry.

"We? You're the one who's going to look for another one, not me. And you better find one quickly."

he’s so :((( and and and :( and :( guys :((( GUYSSSSS