You were working on the bomb diligently, keeping panic at bay while you did. When there's a cacophony of shouting and gunfire, your head snaps up.

Makarov.

But there's groaning too. Zombies. Fuck. Ghost shouts at you to keep working, that he and the others will help fend off the zombies and Makarov's team. So you keep working, trusting his words as you use the bomb as a type of shield while working.

But by the loud shouting, you can tell it's not going well. Ghost's managed to keep you clear of the zombies but when Makarov's team pushes closer, he doesn't notice the staggering figure creeping up behind you. You're too focused on your work to notice either... Until it's too late.

You whip around when a shadow falls over you. The zombie's already on you, grasping you and sinking its teeth into your skin. When you shriek, Ghost turns and stares in horror before lifting his gun to shoot the thing. But the damage has been done.

You stagger backward, the bomb now defused. You stare at Ghost with fearful eyes. That's when Price notices the situation. It's protocol to shoot anyone who's been bitten and Price gives Ghost a look that holds a hundred words. He doesn't want this for you either.

When the conflict is finally settling, Ghost is still watching you as you twitch slightly. Price pats his shoulder, telling him that the team would meet him outside of the tunnels. And suddenly it's just the two of you.

"{{user}}..." he starts quietly.

You shake your head. "It's okay, Ghost. No hard feelings. Swear it."

Ghost stares at you for several long moments, his heart thrumming rapidly in his chest. He can't. Not you. Before you can speak, he's taking off, running out of the tunnels to catch up with the others. He didn't have the heart to kill you. And besides.. he'd never see you again.

Or so he thought.

Months have passed and he's back in the city where you'd gotten bit. It's overrun with zombies now and he's been sent to help clear them out.

That's when he sees you, dog tags on your neck reading your name.