M2o

Johnny twisted in the bonds tied around his wrists, thick rope cutting into soft skin as he wriggled about from where you had placed him on top of your horse. 

“Oh come on!” He groaned, trying with all he had to stretch the rope and break it, but to no avail. 

You ignored him, the hefty bounty you would get for his capture heavy on your mind as you made your way steadily back to your little town for which you were the sheriff of. 

Seemingly annoyed at your lack of attention, he shuffled forward as much as he could on the horse, knocking his shoulder into yours to force you to put your eyes on him. 

“Can we at least stop for the night! Wolves live near these parts and I’d rather not meet em.” He tried to reason. 

You rolled your eyes at the man as you ventured onwards, shaking your head at his pleas. 

“With the bounty on your head I wouldn’t worry about wolves. Ain’t no way I’m lettin’ them take that money from me” you assured, though positive your words did little to comfort him. 

Johnny chuckled dryly, “aw sheriff, you wound me.” he mocked, struggling against the ropes halfheartedly. After a moment he sighed, once again giving up.

“Tell me honest pal, that bounty’s all worth it? All the work, risking your neck each time? For what, a few coins and a pat on the back?” He gazed ahead down the darkening trail. The trees seemed closer, though miles ahead still, shadowy figures lurking within just awaiting his arrival. 

“When was the last time you took a rest, had yourself a drink or dance with a pretty thing?” Johnny glanced sidelong at you, a hint of mischief in his eyes despite his words. 

You were tempted to ignore him once again, but you figured conversation might do you some good out on the dusty landscape. Though you wished it was with better company. 

“Dance with who? You?” You scoffed, shaking your head as you adjusted your hat so it wouldn’t cover your eyes. 

“This here’s the only work I’ve known. I’ll be damned If I let it go now,” you didn’t care much for the money nor the glory despite what you had said, the chase was the most fun part; that was what kept you going and made the job enjoyable. 

And Johnny was the only man who routinely matched your wits. Though this time proved different, this time you had finally won. It was a kind of euphoria you hadn’t felt in a long while. 

Johnny let out an obnoxious bark of laughter. “Well now sheriff, I’ll have you know I get rather frisky when I’ve had one too many. But you don’t seem the type.” His smile faded as he pondered your words. 

“Aye…I get it. The thrill of it all keeps the blood pumpin’. Nothin else quite like the open road.” He sighed wistfully. “What I wouldn’t give to feel that freedom again, even if just for a night.”

The horses slowed as darkness fell. Up ahead was a small clearing, as good a spot as any to camp, and it had Johnny eying you sideways again.

 “Bet you five dollars i can wriggle outta these here ropes by mornin’. Whaddya say?” He flash a rougish grin, bright eyes watching for your reaction.

You stopped the horses as you camp upon the little plot of land, dismounting as you unpacked the little rucksack you carried. You set up a small tent with a mat on the inside for a buffer against the hard ground and some furs for warmth. 

You spent the next few minutes gathering wood for a humble fire, completely ignoring Johnny until the thing was built - then you spoke as you dusted your hands off on your worn denim. 

“I’d be a damned fool if I took that bet.” You said as you looked over at him, the mischievous glint in his eyes doing little to ease your nerves. “Reckon I won’t get much sleep tonight on account of makin’ sure you stay put.” You grumbled to yourself as you practically dragged him off of the horse, setting him in front of the fire before he could complain about being cold. 

Johnny chuckled at your wariness. “No need to fret sheriff, I ain’t goin anywhere.” He said with a wink before he shifted into a more comfortable position, eyeing the flickering flame.

“Must get lonely out here though. Never thought I’d say this, but I’d offer you some company.” His grin returned, flecks of gold in his eyes as he gazed over at you from where he sat, his eyes holding something you couldn’t quite pinpoint. 

“We bounty men gotta stick together after all. Who else understands the thrill of the chase, hm?”

He leaned forward, closing in on your space as his voice turned low, “and between you and me, I’ve had my sights set on a certain lawman for a while now. Why do you think I keep letting you catch me?” He winked. 

You cleared your throat, suddenly feeling warm in places the fire couldn’t have reached. Damn scoundrel was playing games with your head, same as he did to escape time and time again. But part of you found yourself intrigued at his new tactic, despite your better judgment.  

You wrote off his words as deception, an attempt to get your guard down just enough so he could run off in the middle of the night with everything you owned. 

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, adjusting your pants as you turned your attention back to the fire to hide your blush; hoping he would right off your red face as a result of the fire burning bright in front of you. 

“You’re bad at hidin’ your intentions. No wonder ya get caught so often, you’re a terrible liar.” You said with a roll of your eyes, trying as hard as you could to ignore the temptation and desire slowly building in the deep pit of your stomach. 

You and Johnny had always had this strange sort of relationship. He would tell you sweet nothings, his face so honest and true you couldn’t help but believe him only for him to run off the second he saw an opportunity. Though you always crossed paths again, and he always assured he meant what he said.

You knew it was wrong to feel this way about a man of his stature, and you hated your body for betraying your mind. The desire in you slowly turning into sick guilt at the feeling of being physically attracted to a man you were supposed to be capturing, and likely sending to his death should you turn him in. For what crimes committed you couldn’t rightly say. 

Johnny chuckled once again, not missing the slight flush creeping up your neck towards your ears. “Now now sheriff, no need to be coy. Ain’t no crime in finding a fella agreeable.”

He shifted his bound wrists, leaning ever closer so his words were for your ears alone. “And to be honest, I’ve yet to meet a man as cunning and determined as yourself. It’s…inspiring” His breath was warm against your skin, lips barely inches from your own. Fear and desire warred within - this outlaw could ruin you with a single move. And yet…out here in the whispering dark, titles and duties seemed so far away and futile. 

Johnny searched your gaze, smile fading to something hungrier, questioning. After so long chasing each other’s shadows, what would happen if one of you stopped running, just for a moment?

The fire crackled lower as stars emerged unseen above trees. Anything could happen…if you would just let it.

Your own eyes were blown wide as he leaned in ever closer, sharing the same air as you gazed into his eyes. You wanted to believe his words, and you wanted to give into your instincts. No. You couldn’t, you had to convince yourself this was just an issue of forced proximity. So pent up from a job you couldn’t catch a break from that you got hot and bothered at the sight of an attractive man. You were better than your instincts, you had to believe that. 

You cleared your throat as you leaned away from him, shaking your head as your eyebrows furrowed while a new sort of feeling filled you - hurt. You weren’t sure why this new emotion popped up, but it did. You wanted to be seen as more than just a means to an end, but you knew this life didn’t offer much of that. Everyone was always going to be more worried about their own skin, and maybe you should take their lead. 

“M’ not gonna be something you use just to get away. Nor will I be a one night stand.” You grumbled, words firm and sure as you mindlessly poked the fire with a nearby stick as a way to distract yourself from the current situation. 

Johnny sat back with a sigh, watching your restless stoking of the flames. Clearly this situation stirred more within you than you cared to show. And he understood - to give in would risk everything, for the both of you. 

“Hey now…” He said softly as his gaze turned tender “I meant no disrespect.” His tone was gentle now, earnest in the firelight. “Fact is, I’ve never met a man like you. There’s something about you that intrigues me, lawman. Something worth riskin’ it all for, if you’d have me” 

He held your gaze steadily, searching. After so long running wild, the idea of settling…It didn’t scare him half as much as he thought. Not if it was with you. 

Johnny smiled faintly. “What do you say we grab this here bounty in the morn, head into town as partners? I’m willing to turn a new leaf, if you’ll vouch for me.” 

The offer hung between you, heavy with promise. A chance at something real. It was all your call.  

You thought about your options, finally landing on something you deemed not quite illegal. With steady hands you grabbed a knife from your pocket, taking his bound hands in one of your own while the other used the blade to carefully saw through the thick rope. 

The binds fell away to the wind, and you set the knife to rest on the dirt as you gently massaged the indented skin, unwilling to let go of his warm hands just yet. 

You pulled away to look over at the small town barely a mile away, a big wooden saloon sign catching your eye. “I need a drink anyway.” You said simply as you both made the short trek over.

It was hours later when you finally got back to camp, alcohol still buzzing in your system just enough to give you confidence as you clung onto each other life life depended on it, lips clashing in a heated kiss as you moaned against him, addicted to the feeling of Johnny’s hands on your waist - desperate to keep you pressed against him. 

Johnny grinned against your lips, heart soaring like it hadn’t in years. Finally free in more ways than one, and with the most interesting man he’d ever known no less. 

“Sheriff…” he murmured, guiding you down into the soft grass as hands roamed, learning your shape in the pale moonlight. No need for words now - just sensation and freedom, two men chasing a different kind of high. 

Clothes were discarded in haste, bare flesh reveling in the cool air and fiery touches. Johnny looked down at you with hunger, a longing, he’d never allowed himself to feel fully before this night. 

“Tell me what you want darlin’,” He breathed against your neck, nipping softly at tender skin. Your hands in his hair urged him closer still, the ache inside building swiftly with the need to be inside you. 

You arched into his touch, a whine leaving your lips as his hands roamed against sensitive skin. It wasn’t often you were under someone like this, so vulnerable and splayed out for all of him to see. 

“Johnny~” You gasped, desperate for some sort of friction as you rolled your hips up to meet his own. 

“You- just want you. Please…need you to - to make me yours~” You were begging, frantic hands keeping him close as you waited with mock patience for what you wanted Hips wiggled in anticipation as you looked down to where your bodies were so nearly joined, only needing a slight push from Johnny to come together as one. 

Johnny growled low at your plea, all thoughts fleeing save the primal need to claim and be claimed in return. 

“Fuck, baby. Whatever you want~” He rumbled, grasping your hips to still them. With a slow roll of his own and careful aiming, he teased your entrance with his aching length. Your gasp spurred him onwards, sinking in to the hilt with shuddering care. 

Pausing the savor the connection, Johnny saw stars behind his eyes. You felt so unbelievably right wrapped around him, guiding his rough edges into a smooth whole. 

Bracing above, he gazed down at your blissed out expression and swore then and there - come hell or high water, nothing would rend him from your side again. You belonged to each other, body and soul, and may the devil himself try to tear you apart. 

With that vow sealed in his blood, Johnny began to move with near excruciating patience, learning your responses like familiar paths once trekked long ago. 

“Mmf~!” You moaned, words escaping you at the feeling of being filled so entirely, nearly cumming as soon as he entered, hard member pressing down in you deep enough to make you feel utterly full. 

“Fuck! so - shit - so fucking big Johnny!”  You whined, wrapping your legs around his waist to pull him impossibly closer as you began to rock your hips in time with his thrusts, trying to urge him to go faster. 

“Please - please move I can’t- Need you to move-!” You begged, your own hard cock leaking precum against your stomach as you waited impatiently for him to bend to your pleas. 

Johnny groaned at your words, beyond thrilled you found his size so pleasing already. “Anythin’ for you, darlin’,” he grit out, pulling back slowly before snapping his hips forward in a deep thrust. 

That first rollick sent sparks shooting through his veins, your walls clasping him in exquisite heat. Johnny set a punishing pace from there, driving into your willing body like a man possessed. All that built up want and denial over your respective chases came flooding out in each meeting of skin. 

Reaching between you, he grasped your aching member, pumping in rhythm with his thrusts. Johnny wanted you unraveling completely beneath him, marked inside and out as truly his. 

“Come on now honey, let go for me,” he urged roughly, angling for that spot deep within. 

His balls drew tight with the promise of release, but Johnny wouldn’t dare finish before you. No, he was going to milk you for all you were worth before he even thought about his own release, tying your pleasure irrevocably to his own.

You gasped at the sudden onslaught of pleasure, eyes nearly rolling back as your body moved with every harsh pound into you, mind going dumb on his cock. Though you wouldn't ask for anything better, the feeling consumed you entirely, pleasure taking over everything as you felt that familiar coil in your stomach start to tighten further and further until-

With a soft cry you came, body shaking as your spend landed across both of your bodies. Your legs tightened around his waist, desperate to keep inside for a while longer, almost crying at the thought of him pulling out of you so quickly. You wanted to spend the entire night wrapped in him like this.

Johnny groaned at your reaction, grinding his hips through your release to prolong your pleasure. The way you clung to him so wantonly with shaking legs stole what little breath he had left. 

“So responsive already, darlin’. I ain’t done with you yet - don’t worry your pretty little head~” He rasped, uncaring of the mess you were creating. With sloppy rolls he rode out your aftershocks, cock throbbing at your fluttering insides. 

But you begged for more like the insatiable creature he knew you to be. Johnny wasted no time obeying, moving your legs so he could pull you up into his lap, pistoning up into that sweet spot with no mercy. His orgasm teetered on the edge, held back only by sheer force of will. Johnny latched onto your neck, sucking a sore mark to match the pulse beating erratically beneath his lips. 

“Fuck, sweetheart. Ya feel so damn good takin’ my cock. Gonna fuck another load outta you ‘fore I’m done, you hear?”

His fingers returned unbidden to your sensitive length, determined to wring every last shiver from your overstimulated form beneath the glory of the moon. Johnny wanted this night - wanted you - to last as long as fate allowed. Let the dawn take care of itself for once. 

His words did little to quell the burning lust building up inside of you once more, a whiny moan leaving you as your second orgasm of the night rippled through you, this time merely dribbling out of your tip. 

“God- fuck Johnny!” You whined “So good- so so good inside me. Can’t even can’t even think right!” You babbled, practically drooling as you held on tight to him fingernails no doubt leaving scratches along his body. 

“Need you to cum in me - nice and deep and- and make me yours~” You begged, rocking your hips against his. 

Johnny growled deep at your pleasure cries, all sense of restrain utterly vanished in the throes of lustful abandon. 

“Anythin’ you want, darlin’, gon’ fill that tight hole up just how you want,” he grit out through clenched teeth. A few final brutal thrusts was all it took, his release exploding within your clasping heat with a drawn out groan. 

Wave after wave pulsed from his cock, painting your velvety walls white inside and out. Johnny held you flush, grinding through the bliss to be certain not a drop was spared between your bodies. 

As his throes eased, Johnny pressed loving kisses to your sweat-slick brow, nose nuzzling sweetly against your own. “You’re fuckin’ perfect,” he murmured, cock still twitching inside its paradise. 

Johnny adjusted your sated form to cradle properly in his lap, breath coming fast yet deep with afterglow. One hand stroked gently through your hair while the other rubbed your sated length, reluctant to part so soon. 

His sweet words clouded your brain, fuzz covering everything logical as a pleasured haze took over. 

With a weak whine you came for one final time, panting softly as he removed his hand and allowed you to just rest against him. Your body was completely lax in his arms, lingering pleasures twitching inside you still. With another whine you cuddled into him, sweat turning cold on your skin as you sought out his body heat to keep you warm. 

“Don’t leave…” You whispered, the aftermath hitting you hard, body and mind falling together. “Don’t leave me again” you begged, voice shaky as you clung onto him. 

Johnny held you tighter at your whispers, heart near bursting at the confessed sentiment. 

“Never, darlin’, I ain’t goin’ nowhere without you,” he vowed softly into your hair, peppering it with gentle kisses. His hand rose to cup your face, urging your glazed eyes to meet his own smoldering gaze. 

“You’re stuck with me now, ya hear? I’d follow you into hell itself for another taste of heaven like this.” Johnny chuckled lightly even as deep emotion welled in his chest. 

“We’ll face tomorrow together, you and me against the world. Anyone tries to tear us apart will get a bullet quicker than they can blink.” He held your eyes steadily, willing you to see the sincerity in his soul. 

“I love you, little sheriff. Now and always, till my dying day.” With that Johnny sealed the oath with a tender kiss, Pouring every unspoken feeling into action. Nothing would part you from this moment, from him, ever again if he had any say. 

Now yours completely, he guided your limp form to rest atop his chest as blankets of stars looked on. Whatever dreams may come, for tonight there was only peace in each other’s arms at long last. 

~end

Simon slept late into the next morning, lost to the world in a rare moment of utter relaxation. Skin scrubbed clean of its usual dirt and stubble, he looked almost boyish - troubled brow smoothed, dense frame gone lax in your arms. An image of vulnerable peace you’d wager few had witnessed in all his storied years. 

Stirring faintly as you subtly moved, Simon nestled closer with a contented sigh, arm reflexively tightening its protective hold around your frame as if even in his sleep he sought to shield you from further harm. 

Exhaustion had etched itself deep in him, but in the dull light seeping past lowered lashes you could see shadows beginning to fade from his features. A sight to lift even the most wounded soul’s spirit, seeing one who guarded others so staunchly finally finding solace in another’s care. 

You would smile softly as you ran your thumb across his brow, smoothing away the rest of his worries as you cupped his cheek. You were careful not to wake him with the gentle touches, content to just watch him slumber for as long as he chooses.

You felt lucky to see him like this, and a large part of you thought taking a bullet was worth it. To be able to see him so relaxed and content was something you never thought you would be able to witness. It was like the eighth wonder of the world seeing him so…at ease. 

You were hopelessly in love with this man, feelings that ran so deep it almost ached to feel them entirely. Your heart was filled to the brim with absolute adoration for Simon, and it was the one thing in your life you knew would never change, you would always be his. 

Simon began to stir slowly as if sensing your tender gaze, even submerged in dreams. Blearily his eyes flickered open to meet your smiling face, and for a moment he simply blinked in bemused confusion - as if certain this couldn't be real. 

But no, you were there. Warm and soft and smiling down at him like he was some kind of miracle himself. It still struck him dumb sometimes, the purity of your emotion shining through despite all he’s put you through. That you could look upon a wreck of a man like him and feel anything close to what swelled in his own heart. 

Wordlessly, Simon reached up to lightly brush calloused knuckles against your cheek, drinking in every beloved feature like a dying man granted water. He didn’t deserve your forgiveness. Didn’t deserve the love shining in your eyes, warming him through like sunlight, but he'd be damned if he wasn’t going to spend every last day making sure you never regretted giving him a place beside you. 

“Mornin’, Sunshine,” he rumbled, voice sleep-rough but smoldering with intent. Leaning up to capture your lips in a gentle kiss, Simon silently swore to spend his every waking moment showing you just how much you meant to him. 

You would smile softly into the kiss, languid and slow in order to make up for lost time. It was only when you both needed to breath that you pulled away, a smile on your lips and eyes crinkled in happiness as his taste lingered on your tongue. You ran a hand through his bed tousled hair with a soft hum.

“Good morning, Si. Slept well, hm?”

Simon stretched out with a groan, nuzzling into your gentle touch like an oversized housecat. Your presence alone was enough to chase the last clinging shards of dreams from his mind, grounding him fully in this blessed moment. 

“Mm, best sleep I’ve had in ages, darlin’,” he rumbled, pressing a lingering kiss to your palm. 

Meeting your gaze steadily, Simon spoke softly, “from here on out, you’ll have me guardian’ your rest same as your safety. Ain’t no one gonna lay so much as a finger on you again, not while I still draw breath.” A gentle brush of calloused thumbs swept away imaginary tears, etching promise into your skin.

“Im settlin’ down for good, if you’ll have me,” always cautious of hoping, but trusting you to see straight to what lived beneath scar and grit. 

Your heart stuttered at his words, nearly stopping as you took a minute to take in his statement. 

“If I’ll have you,” you laughed softly, “as if I’ve ever wanted anything more.” Your words were firm, no space for him to think twice about the truth behind what you were saying. 

Simon’s brows hiked in delight and disbelieving relief at your response. A brilliant, boyish grin broke across weathered features - for once unburdened by ghosts of his bloody past. 

“Then I’m yours, darlin’. Mind, body and soul.” He pledged fervent promises between peppered kisses. “Gonna make you so happy you’ll forget I was ever nothin’ but a no-good outlaw.”

Rolling fluidly, Simon maneuvered your form beneath his bigger one, caging you safely in rough hands and walls of corded muscles. Gazing down at your beauty with something akin to wonder in whiskey eyes, he pressed his brow to yours. 

“My light. My home,” he rumbled, pure affection sending shivers down your spine. Happiness felt strange on features so used to scowls - but by God, Simon was going to savor every sweet moment for all he was worth. 

You giggled softly at his words and the ticklish feeling of his hasty kisses on your skin, a warm smile near permanent on your lips as you soaked up all the love you had missed out on these past years. 

With a brain too fuzzy with pure affection, you spoke words you’d been wanting to for years, “I reckon we head North.” You said, heart once again speeding up as you realized the gravity of your words, you continued, though with waning confidence, “We could find a small plot of land - build ourselves a nice little home and a small barn and coop.” You were rambling as you reached under his arm to grab an envelope tucked into the bedside drawer, “these past couple of months without you here..I’ve been takin’ extra shifts at the saloon. Reckon I’ve got enough here for all that if we’re careful,” you said, hands shaking with fear of rejection as you held out the envelope as if worried he wouldn’t believe you. 

Simon’s eyes widened into saucers at your proposition, heartbeat stuttering to a gallop in his heaving chest. For a long moment he could only stare in disbelief - scarcely daring to hope this was real. But then your shy explanation sunk in, washing over him with such a profound surge of pride and love he thought surely his seams would burst. All this time spent in your light, you’d been preparing your future without him even having a clue of knowing. Trusting that in hope when he’d scarcely trusted in himself. 

Without warning Simon was clutching you tight against his pounding heart, raining desperate kisses across your sweet face near frantic with tender emotion. “Darlin’ you- this is more’n I ever dreamed could be mine,” he choked, rough thumbs wiping away tears he didn’t remember shedding. 

Pulling back just enough to claim your lips in a long, slow glide of unbridled joy, Simon poured every ounce of reverence, gratitude, and love into the kiss for your blessing him so. “North it is, my light - and I’ll spend the rest of my days makin’ you proud of me.”

You would gasp at his sudden movement, holding on tight to him as he peppered kisses across your smiling face before eventually catching your lips with his. 

With a soft, relaxed sigh you melted into the kiss, body melting in his hold as you looked up at him with shining eyes. You would cup his face, his cheeks squishing under your hold to create an almost laughable look as you moved your thumbs gently across scarred cheeks with loving ministrations. 

“Was hoping you’d say that,” you whispered, giddy with the thought of starting a new life with this man. 

Simon grinned unrepentantly down at you, “and what would I say but yes to the sweetest darlin’ this side of creation?” he rumbled, nuzzling fondly into your palm like some great, affectionate bear. 

“North we’ll go then, just as soon as you’re on your feet,” Simon declared, pressing a lingering kiss to your brow. His hands swept reverently down your sides, lingering protectively over the slowly healing wound before tipping your chin up to meet his steady gaze. 

“I’ll start preppin’ for the trip straightaway, and you just focus on getting your strength back, y’hear?” Low and intent, brooking no argument - but shining with a tenderness to disguise any threat in his words. 

You would nod at his firm words, tucking yourself under his chin, “Can’t wait to see the mountains… and the pretty trees.” You said with a happy sigh, “oh! And snow! We’ll have to get cold weather gear - add that to your list.” You said as you grinned up at the man.

Simon listened with rapt attention, holding you close as vision of your bright future danced before his eyes. 

“Snow, eh? Can’t say I’ve seen much of that white stuff before…” He mused thoughtfully, already calculating additions to be made to your little home to withstand Northern winters. Wool blankets aplenty, a sturdy chimney, thick oak doors - he’d ensure not a single draft could creep past your cozy walls. 

“We’ll have the warmest cabin this side of the mountain, darlin’ - not a soul we’ll envy, I promise ya that.” Calloused fingers carded gently through your hair. 

“Cabin or not, there ain’t a soul I envy as long as I have you, Simon.” You said almost immediately, words tumbling out so fast you didn’t remember even thinking them first. 

Simon huffed a soft, affectionate laugh at your sweet words, cupping your cheek to brush a grateful kiss to your lips. 

“And I you, darlin’. More’n any future this wanderin’ soul coulda dreamed.” 

He would follow you to the end of the earth. 

“Now, you just focus on healin’, Sunshine. I’ll go rustle us up some supplies proper,” with a soft parting kiss Simon crawled out of the warmth of the bed. With a soft promise to be back quick he left the cabin, boots crunching surefooted trails into the dusty streets. Townsfolk surely sensed the change in their resident outlaw. 

True to his word, within quick hours supplies were stacked neat as you please - all necessities for your healing, the journey north, and simple homestead pleasures. Duty was done. Gently slipping back into covers rosy with sleep-warmth, he curled protectively around your rested form, home again at last where he belonged. 

The next few days were spent with careful planning, mapping out safe routes and stops for supply refills should you need them. 

The morning you were set to leave you were giddier than a child in a candy shop. While the wound still had tender healing to go through, the worst part had healed. There were a few aches here and there should you move too quickly, but nothing like the searing pain it once was. 

“I’m ready, Simon!” You said, nearly skipping over to where he was packing the carriage. 

Simon grinned wide as a cheshire at your bouncing excitement, spirits lifting further at your every sweet sound. You shone brighter than the rising sun, lighting his heavy heart like dawn breaking on winter’s gloom. 

Gently steadying the horses with practiced care, he turned brown eyes alight with warmth and promise upon your rosy face. “Then let's be off to our future, Sunshine - I got a feelin’ It’s gonna be brighter’n any we left behind” 

Kicking the team into a steady amble after climbing on, Simon settled back with a content sigh, surveying the dusty trail unfurling ahead like a red carpet rolled out just for their feet. Nothing but open sky and promise as far as the eyes could see - and each mile would bring them closer to simple joys he’d never dared dream. 

Calloused fingers found yours, tangling together in bonds stronger than any chain. With your light to lead him true, Simon swore not a demon from either hell nor earth would tear him from you. 

The journey was tiring - days spent riding along dirt roads and nights spent tucked away in the back of a little cart, straw bedding doing little to cushion against the splintered wooden planks. 

Yet you wouldn’t trade it for the world  - not with Simon by your side to keep you warm and safe, to regale you with tales of his past life and adventures. 

As you made your way through the northern mountains your body seemed to relax even more than it had been, gazing out upon the sacred land as you inched ever closer to your destination. 

Each mile marker fell away like shackles, yet still Simon was loathe to see the journey end - if only to keep your radiance shining beside him a moment more. 

Nights found him awake long after your restful breaths smoothed to dreams, watching over your slumber as stars wheeled endlessly beyond paper-thin walls. You were here, smiling still as dawn kissed snow capped pines in greeting, two weary souls near to their destination and all the hopes therein. 

By mid-morn a cheer went up as a familiar clearing broke through evergreens. Turning brown eyes bright as brandy, Simon rumbled softly, “ Welcome home, darlin’.” He said, voice near a whisper as he took in the magnificent sight in front of him. 

You would gasp as you finally reached the little plot of land, eyes wide as you took in the scene of gorgeous mountains behind and trees abound ahead. 

The plot had been cleared just enough for all you talked about, including a little garden. A perfect dreamy homestead just waiting for your caring hands to create. 

Simon let loose a rare, boyish whoop of delight at your awestruck expression, every hardship and dark deed weighing his heavy soul suddenly justified a thousand times over. 

“I know it’s a sight a bit rougher than your sunny smile, but just you wait’ll I get my hands to work!” Brown eyes gleamed with fierce passion and promise, already thinking about feats of forestry and framing his calloused fingers itched to create.

With care belying his bulky frame, Simon quickly began unpacking essentials for a cozy camp - sparse but sufficient until more permanent lodgings could be raised from rich wood. 

“For now let's get you fed and rest all proper,” he rumbled, pressing a doting kiss to your cheek. 

After a humble meal of game Simon caught and red wine from a nearby town, you both fell asleep that night happy and looking forward to the next day when you could find helping hands to start making your perfect home. 

It was about a month and a half later when you were done, with the help of many new kind folk, there standing proud and bright was a quaint cottage big enough for the two of you with a bit of extra room for hobbies. It was painted a soft shade of blue, a red wood door adorning the front and a cute little wrap around porch protecting your new shared home. 

You stood outside, hands now rough and calloused from hard work resting on your hips as you stared at the building. 

Simon slotted the final beam true, wonderment stealing his breath away as months of toil melted beneath the aching brilliance of your smile, every callus and strain of muscle well repaid. 

Striding to your side, broad hands gently encircled your waist until foreheads met in shared bliss, eyes aglow with all the tender hopes this home’s thick walls now sheltered. 

“Darlin’, I do believe we’ve gone an’ built us our own corner of heaven here,” he rumbled softly, thrilling to feel your heart swell against his in answer. No finer reward than seeing the light in your face nourished by comforts his hands had wrought. 

Too choked with tears to respond, you took his hand and stepped inside the new home. The fresh scent of cedar and pine filling your nose as you explored each and every room with child-like wonder. Simon watched with a gentle smile as you explored your new domain, following dutifully behind as he too studied each detail with a sharp painter’s eyes, mentally furnishing each bare space with memories and comforts yet to be. 

Turning you gently in well worn hands when the tour came to an end, Simon gazed upon your sweet face with all the devotion of endless skies. 

You all but smirked up at him, planting a soft kiss on his lips before encircling your arms around his neck to press warm bodies together. 

“Reckon we need to uh… christen that new bedroom of ours, hm?” You teased, a hint of something mischievous in your voice as you batted long eyelashes up at him. 

Simon let out a low chuckle, eyes already turning dark as rich barley fields at your siren’s song. Fingers trailing feather-soft along the flawless planes of cheek and jaw long dreamed of, he peered deep into eyes overflowing with all he once believed himself unworthy of. 

Scooping you up with practiced care, never breaking contact save to brush a reverent kiss to willing lips, Simon turned towards the bedroom with a purposeful stride. 

“An’ why darlin’, I reckon that’s the finest idea I’ve heard in many a year,” gently shouldering through freshly hung door to deposit treasure of beyond calculating worth amidst downy rumples waiting to cradle your joinings, Simon gazed upon the angel fate had seen fit to place within his blessed and devoted keeping. 

The night was spent with soft moans filling the room, Simon near worshiping your body as he pulled every whine and whimper he could out of your sweet lips. He was intent on showing you just how deeply he loved you, no doubt leaving you nearly unable to walk the next morning because of it. 

As you lay in the bed, the only furniture in the house, you gazed out the window with a weary yet blissful gaze - body content with the pleasure it had been blessed with before you fell asleep with a happy hum, spent bodies pressed against one another as you drifted off into a peaceful slumber. The next days and weeks would bring their own hardships, but here in this moment you were safe and full with love. With Simon holding you close and protective in his arms you were happier beyond belief, and you felt more than lucky that you would get to feel this same way for the rest of your new shared lives. You had saved Simon from damnation, your golden light pulling him from the dark. You were his salvation, his everything. 

Your pulse thundered in your ears as the stranger loomed closer, hand gripping lethal iron at his hip. Fight or flight instincts kicked into overdrive - this was no ordinary burglary; you could see it etched in every predatory line of his body.  

This man had come for blood, your blood.  

Slowly, you raised your hands in a gesture of peace even as your mind raced. One wrong move and you’d be pushing up daisies come morn. These were the dark shadows Simon lived in, the enemies he’d made through his notorious work. And now they were coming for him...through you.  

.“Don’t want no trouble, mister,” you said, keeping your tone calm and even like you didn't know why this man was here. As if there could be any other reason for someone to break into a home as dingy as your own. “Just a simple bartender is all – barely got a dollar to my name”  

This snake didn't need to know how deep your bond with Simon went, especially since hiding your relationship was the only way you could see to get out of this situation.  

The man cackled at your words, rolling his eyes as the smile dropped and he stalked closer to the bed, aiming the gun at you as he cocked it back with a sickening crack.  

“ Mhm... as if you weren't all nice and cozied up to him not mere hours ago – ya really think im gonna believe you?” He gave you a mocking grin 

 “No no im not stupid sweetheart. Im not here to collect any of his debts from you – I care more about the eight men o’ mine your Ghostie killed. Those boys were my family, he didnt think twice about that though when he shot em’ dead where they stood. Figure I should make him feel the same hurt I do, hm?”  

“You won’t hurt him none-” You tried to reason “His heart don't belong to me, he won’t spare a second glance past this cabin. Hell, He's probably halfway across the desert by now” Your voice was shaky as you spoke, lies seeping through your lips at the risk of your life. You knew what you meant to Simon, no one else was able to get into his space as you did- at least not if they wanted to walk away with their life.  

The man's smirk dropped, new anger burning in his eyes as the grip on his gun tightened, “I saw the way that mongrel looked at you, you’re his boy and that's clearer than any mountain river” he scoffed, finger moving from the side of the gun to rest on the trigger.  

You closed your eyes, praying in your head, but not to any god. No, your prayers were aiming for Simon's rescue, praying that he would somehow know you were in trouble and come rescue you from it. 

Simon sat astride his horse on a dusty ridge, watching the moon rise silver over the desert wastes. A half-smoked cigarette dangled idly from his lips; he’d been nursing the same thoughts over and over since dusk fell heavy as a shroud across the badlands.  

 Thoughts of you.  

Somewhere deep in his gut, an uneasy feeling roiled. Like an invisible string tugging at his soul, trying to tug him back the way he came. Simon growled low in his throat, frustrated with his own foolish longings. You’d made your stance clear – this life wasn’t for you, not truly. And he had no right to ask you to join him.  

And yet... 

A crack suddenly split the still night air. So faint and far that any lesser man may have missed it entirely, but not Simon.  

In an instant he was vaulting onto his horse’s back, boots pounding twin paths in the dirt as they flew towards the distant lights of your little town. Another shot rang out, louder now, and Simon’s blood turned to ice in his veins.  

He knew that sound – deep in his bones he knew something was horribly wrong.  

Choking the reins in a near stranglehold, Simon rode as if all the demons of hell were nipping at his horse’s hooves. Towards you. Towards salvation or damnation, he did not know. But by God, no son of a bitch was gonna harm one hair on your head if he could still help it.  

Help was coming- you just had to hold on.  

The man fired the gun, a sharp sting hitting your side before it blossomed into agonizing pain. You let out a pained cry, one hand instinctively going to land on your wound while the other covered your mouth to muffle your sobs. Your hand was soon coated in dark crimson, entire body shaking with adrenaline as the man cocked the gun once more.  

“Was gonna just end you, but I figured I should make this painful the same way he did. Should fill you with so many bullets he won’t be able to recognize you” he hissed, aiming the gun at your other side.  

Simon was little more than a blur of dust and primal fury as he crashed through the remains of your splintered front door. For a split second, time seemed to freeze – taking in the scene with a single, piercing gaze.  

You,curled onto the bed clutching a bloody wound. And him. That snake. Gun pressed sickeningly against your body as he spewed his venomous threats. With an almost guttural roar, Simon’s Colt leapt into his hand like it was part of his very being. Two blooming shots rang as one; his aim was true as bible scripture.  

The intruder pitched backwards, scarlets blossoms exploding from where his eyes once were. He was dead before he hit the floor.  

But Simon saw none of it. Already he was at your side, tatty serape ripped and pressed desperately against your weeping injury. Brown eyes wild and scared met your own, and for a moment the steely outlaw facade slipped entirely.  

“Darlin’...” he choked, voice thick. “Talk to me, baby. Stay with me now, ya hear?” Working frantically to stem the flood, Simon tangled scarred fingers gently through your hair, anchoring you to this world with his touch alone. 

“That’s it…keep breathin’, just keep breathin’” His voice dissolved into ragged prayers mere ghosts could hear. Help was still minutes away - but for now, you had Ghost. And he’d be damned before he let the reaper take you from him. 

You were sobbing, your brain mangled with confusion and fear as the adrenaline ran out and the full pain of the bullet lodged in your abdomen had you reeling, 

Red painted everything around you, hands, clothes, and sheets underneath you drenched in it. 

“Simon-” you rasped, breathing labored as you looked around with wide eyes at the gruesome scene in front of you. It was too much, you could feel your head going light- brain fuzzy and ears ringing as you fought not to close your eyes. 

“It hurts” you choked, trying to shove his hand away from where he was pressing down on the wound to stop the torrent of blood flowing out. “Simon I cant-” you said, throat raw from the sobs that came out. 

You wanted so badly to stay with him, to be able to wake up tomorrow with him, but you didn’t know if you’d get that with the way you felt your strength leave your body.

“It hurts- it hurts” You were almost begging, for what you didn’t know. You just wanted the pain to go away. 

You were terrified- not ready to die yet, and especially not like this, not when you had so much left to do. The thought alone sent a new set of tears streaming down your face, hand shaking- clutching the bleeding wound on top of Simon’s own to try and ebb the pain that burrowed deep in your skin. 

Simon felt his world crumbling as your agonized crimes tore through him, sharper than any bullet ever could. Seeing you in such anguish ripped open a fissure in his battered heart, letting the demons of his deepest guilt and self-loathing spill forth in a torrent. 

“I know, baby, I know it hurts…” he choked, pressing you close as if trying in vain to absorb your pain into himself. His own broad shoulders shook with ghosts of rage and grief, tears cutting rivulets through the dirt caked on his cheeks. 

Goddamn it all, he should’ve been here. Should have followed his instincts and never left your side. Now it may be too late to hope for forgiveness, your blood staining his hands a brand of failure he could never outrun. 

“Please, darlin’, please hold on…’ Simon begged, voice breaking as he spoke. His bandana was wrung out and useless now - in desperation he moved to cradle you fully, applying trembling pressure with his bare hands and what remained of his coat. 

Distantly he heard the clatter of the approaching horses, but paid them no heed. You were fading, slipping away before his eyes, and all the strength and guns in the world couldn’t stop it. 

“Don’t ye leave me now…I can’t do this world without ya…” A broken whisper, barely audible above the thunder in his ears. Simon pressed his forehead to yours, sharing the same ragged breaths, two souls more tangled than any root or vine. Hanging on a blade’s edge against the dark. 

You stared up into Simon's eyes, eyebrows cinched in pain and eyes soaked with fear. 

“I don’t wanna die, Simon” you whispered, voice shaky as you clung to him - like he alone could save you from this fate. 

You could feel your heartbeat slowing, breathing ragged as you gasped for air that just wouldn’t enter your lungs….

Soon enough the doctor burst into the room, medical kit in hand as he came barreling over to you. He very carefully took you out of Simon’s arm with some convincing, to lay you back on the bed before he opened up his kit. 

He handed you a flask filled with whiskey “You’re gonna want to drink this - it’ll help ease the pain” He said. 

With shaky hands you drank the bottle, a scream ripping from your lungs as the man began to carefully dig into the wound, grabbing hold of the bullet with sterile tweezers before carefully pulling it free. 

With practiced care he cleaned the wound, a harsh whimper leaving your lips at the sting of pain before the wound was stitched up and bandaged. 

You were shaking, sobbing so hard your throat was raw and your lungs burned - the pain was unbearable and a large part of you wished you could just die to get away from it. 

The doctor had you drink another flask, the alcohol numbing the pain receptors in your brain just enough to allow you to fall into a light sleep. 

Simon sat vigil at your bedside through what felt like hours, not letting go of your limp hand once. Your cries of pain echoing loud and endlessly in his mind, driving spikes of pure anguish deep into his soul.

He watched in heavy silence as the doctor worked, breath caught tight in his chest, hardly daring to hope. But then - your ragged breaths evened out, color returning sluggishly to waxen cheeks. Alive. You were alive. 

It was nearly two hours later when the man was done, wiping his hands on a rag as he stood up on shaky legs. 

“He’s stable” The doctor said simply

Choking back sobs of relief, Simon buried his face in the crook of your neck, leaving a trail of gratitude-laced kisses amongst salty tears. “That’s it, darlin’...you fight. Got too much left to do in this world.” he’d whisper to you, voice so soft only you could hear

 “Most important thing now is cleaning that wound twice a day lest it get infected. If it does…” The doctor ordered, his words trialing off though his intentions were clear. He put down a set of bandages and cleaning solution on the nightstand for Simon’s use. 

“It’ll take a long time to heal, I reckon” The doctor said “but my work is done here, y’all know where to reach me should he take a turn for the worst” He said, tilting his hat to Simon before he gathered his tools and headed out of the shabby cabin. 

Simon took the doctor's words as gospel, nodding along to every word before the man left. He spent the next few hours cleaning up the mess that was now your little home. He dragged the body out back to deal with fully in the morning, cleaned your sheets and changed you into new clothes, boarded up the broken window, and finished by fixing the door that he had come barging through. 

His own hands were gentle as churches doing their appointed duty, cleansing and dressing the angry wound each time without fail. Whatever it took to coax your stubborn spirit back to the land of the living. 

Days bled into each other without notice. All that mattered to him now was you. And slowly, so slowly - full color seeped back, fever broke its hold. Eyes fluttered open to meet his own once more, full of pain but oh-so-blessedly alive. 

“Hey there, sunshine…” Simon whispered hoarsely, like a parched man dying of thirst at an oasis. Finally, finally, he allowed himself the ghost of a weary smile. 

You were going to be alright. And by God, he’d spend his last days making sure of it. 

You slowly sat up, a soft whine leaving your lips with the movements as you aggravated the still raw wound. “Simon” you mumbled as you held his hand, reaching over to take a swig of the whiskey on the nightstand to ease the searing pain. 

You rested your head back against the pillows with a soft sigh. It had been a few days now, and the pain was still a dull yet constant ache in your side. 

You took the sight around you in, everything was clean and neat including your bedding and clothes. Even the floor had been mopped, the only reminders of your near death being the hole in your side. 

“Simon you did all this?” You asked simply, eyes wide as you gazed up at him. 

Simon huffed a soft, weary laugh at your question, gently squeezing your hand just to make sure you were really here and he wasn’t hallucinating. 

“Course I did, darlin’. Weren’t about to let ya recover in filth,” He replied gruffly. Truth be told, tending to your every need had been the other thing keeping his demons at bay these long days and nights. 

Keeping busy spared him time to think - and thinking led down paths too bleak to tread. Like how terrifyingly close he’d come to losing you forever.

Holding your gaze with quiet intent, Simon softly brushed calloused knuckles along your cheek “Reckon it’s about time i started pullin’ my weight ‘round here proper. Ain’t no safe place for ya out here alone” A question lingered in the subtle quirk of his brow, the hopeful yet wary gleam in tired eyes. After all that had passed between you both, was there still room for him at your side? A Ghost finally ready to lay his soul to rest, if you’d have him. 

You could only hum softly at his words, sleep still filled in your bones. You didn’t answer him, instead you patted the empty side of the bed “Come sleep next to me, Si. You need the sleep” You said, your words a silent confirmation that you still wanted him. 

Simon gave a soft grunt of approval, too weary in body and soul to do anything but obey your gentle prompting. Careful not to jostle your healing injury, he stretched his long limbs out beside you with a satisfied sigh. 

It felt strange but right, sharing your space in such an intimate way after so long living apart. Like the final piece of a puzzle slipped neatly into place. 

Turning his head, Simon watched you watch him through half-lidded eyes, drinking in every beloved feature as if to confirm this wasn’t some whiskey-fueled dream. Reaching out, he lightly touched the graceful curve of your cheek before letting his hand come to rest against the steady rise and fall of your chest. 

“Sweetest sound there is,” he murmured, voice sleep-roughed and thick with meaning. A tousled head tucked itself beneath your chin with a contented sigh, tension seeping from tense muscles. 

Come what may with the light of dawn, for now all was peaceful. You were alive, you were safe. And against all odds, Simon had finally come home to roost. 

You held him close in your arms, gentle fingers carding through thick hair as you let his head rest against your now steady heartbeat. He needed the comfort, you could tell, and you were more than happy to give it to him. 

“Rest now, Si. I'm not going anywhere. Can’t get rid of me that easy” You assured, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. 

It was a funny thing, holding such a toughened man in your arms, keeping him close and coddled despite the almost laughable size difference. 

SImon made a low sound of gratitude at your soft reassurance, melting bonelessly into your gentle embrace. Your gentle fingers winding through his hair brought forth a wave of lethargy he’d fought to stave off this long week past. But no more - here in your arms, he was finally allowed to let his guard down. 

It still struck him sometimes how two souls so disparate could fit together so seamlessly. But you’d always had a way of easing even his most ragged edges, soothing demons he thought long beyond taming. Lithe as you were in your current state, your strength ran deeper than any show of force ever could - and he found solace there like nowhere else. 

“Missed this…” he mumbled, so soft it was barely audible even in the stillness enclosing your little world. One arm curled protectively around your middle, thumb brushing idle patterns against the slowly healing wound beneath the bandages. 

You couldn’t help the smile that formed on your lips, rolling your eyes as you set the glasses you had been polishing down. Without so much as a word yet you leaned over, plucking his hat from the wood it was settled on to place it on your head instead, a sort of teasing only you could hope to get away with.

“Hey there, Cowboy” you said, flicking the hat, his hat, up over your eyes so you could see properly. “’Course I missed ya… yer my favorite customer after all” Though you teased, you both knew he was much more than a regular customer.

Simons lips curled into an easy smirk as he gazed up at you, eyebrows quirking with intrigue.

“Well now, aint you looking pretty as a picture” he drawled, reaching up to trace his thumb along your jawline. A low chuckle rumbled deep from his chest- he always did love your teasing spirit.

“Favorite, huh? Reckon I’ll hold ya to that, darling” His eyes darkened just a touch as he leaned in, breath whispering against your skin. There was an unspoken question there, a hungry gleam that promised all sorts of trouble if you chose to indulge him.

For now, Simon simply toyed with the worn brim of his hat atop your head, satisfaction radiating off him in waves.

“Sure, do feel mighty fine seein’ my colors on ya. Been far too long” he’d comment.

You would hum as you leaned into his gentle touch, an almost laughable dichotomy when compared to the blood that had been spilled by them. You gazed up at him with adoring, devoted eyes.

“I could be in your colors every night if youd stay” you’d whisper, your words for him and only him to hear. It was almost impossible to get Simon to stay with you longer than a week anymore and he would get antsy to hit the wild again, his soul calling for him to wander from town to town.

Simon’s breath hitched at your words; eyes fluttering shut for a moment as he savored the simple intimacy you graced him with. Things were never simple with him – his was a dangerous line of work that more often than not left him with a target on his back.

And yet…the way you looked at him, like he hung the very stars in the sky…it was downright bewitching. Made a man forget all his wrongs and want to be redeemed.

“Darlin’” he sighed, rough palms gently cupping your cheek. His expression was unusually soft and vulnerable, a rare peek behind a steely façade. “Aint nothin’ I want more than to stay wrapped up in you forever…but ya know I got debts to pay, and it aint safe…”

His voice trailed off, unspoken realities lingering heavily in the air between you two. Staying was a risk he wasn’t sure he had the right to take, no matter how much you stirred his soul.

You would nod, glancing away from his eyes as you slowly leaned back up from where you were resting on your elbows, allowing his hand to leave your cheek as you created a space of distance. Both physically and mentally.

All you wanted was to be his entirely, but it wasn’t in the cards for you. “I know…” you’d acknowledge, a sad sort of smile permeating your lips. Part of you believed he liked the outlaw life, and could you rightly blame him? Going from town to town with nothing tethering you down for too long. Being able to leave with the sunrise, the only person you were answering to being yourself.

But oh how you longed every night to be the thing he wanted to come home to, to be the reason he would stay.

You would carefully take the hat off your head, placing it back down on his own, your actions a silent understanding of his words.

Simon would frown as you withdrew, immediately missing the reassuring presence of you in his space. He knew this life caused you pain – knew he was the source of it, in a way. But old habits die hard, and walking the outlaw’s path was engrained deep in his blood.

Reaching up, his fingers curled carefully around your wrist before you could pull away fully. Not to stop you, merely to offer quiet solace in his touch.

“I ain’t never meant to string you along, darlin’” he said gruffly “Fact is… part of me does like ridin’ the wind. But another part…” His gazed flicked meaningfully to where his hand held you, imploring you to believe the sincerity in his eyes.

“Another part thinks it might be time to settle. Plant my feet somewhere they can’t be dug up so easy. And there ain’t no other plot of soil that calls to me like you do”

It was as close to a declaration as Simon had ever come. His walls were crumbling away piece by piece in your presence.

You would carefully pry his hand from his wrist, picking up your rag and a fresh glass to polish, avoiding his eyes as you worked. “I believe you Simon, really I do…But that’s only part of you” Youd say, stealing a glance over at him.

“I couldn’t ask you to ignore that other part, what kinda man would I be if I asked that of you?” you’d say.

Simons fingers flexed instinctively as your hand slipped free, the loss resonating deep in his core. He sighed, long and low, tipped hat casting shadows across his weathered features.

You spoke the brutal truth – he was far too wild a creature to ever truly be named. And you, with your heart of gold…you deserved someone whole, not half a man forever torn between two worlds.

“I reckon yer right, as usual” He said gruffly, rueful smile playing at his lips. And yet his eyes remained dark, conflicted, as if desperately seeking an alternative solution you both knew did not exist.

This was your tragedy, written in the stars from the beginning. Two souls who fit together perfectly, if only the fates had not made them for different paths.

Reaching out, Simon gave your hand a final gentle squeeze before releasing in once more. “Ya never stop amazin’ me darlin’. I sure as hell don’t deserve ya. But I aim to prove myself worthy, one of these days.”

His words trailed off into weighted silence. For now, this was goodbye. Somewhere deep in his soul Simon swore it wouldn’t be the last, couldn’t be.

Simon rose from the stool with a grunt, his hat settled over his brow as he gave the saloon one last lingering sweep. Memories of your sweetness lingered in every splintered beam, in every scratch in the wooden floor where his bootheels had worn down the polish of years past.

This place had become more home to him than any house of sticks or stones ever could, all because of you.

With a sigh, Simon pushed through those familiar batwing doors out into the dusty street. Sunset painted the sky a flaming orange, shadows stretched long across the dirt. Another night was falling…and he had a debt to collect before morning came.

But in his heart of hearts, he felt a seed had planted, a hope that one day he might return to stay. For good.

You would retreat to your little home for the night after closing the saloon, doing your best to put the conversation in a box in your mind as you slipped into bed for the night. Another evening with the other side cold as the steel Simon holstered. You could only bite back tears as you closed your eyes, desperate to find solace in sleep.

It wasn’t but three hours later, after you had long drifted off into the reprieve that was your dreamscape, that you were awoken to the sound of glass shattering. You would jolt up, heart nearly beating out of your chest as a figure stalked into the room, their movements slow and at ease before they stepped into the moonlight and their face came into view.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they?)

When you first got together I think he’d be afraid to be affectionate simply because of his size, he wouldn’t want to hurt you, but after enough convincing that you would be completely fine he for sure latches onto you. In private he’ll like to hold you as much as he can, and In public he’ll stick to subtle little touches like holding your hand or putting a hand on your shoulder.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend?)

I think he’s the type of person you’d have to be friends with before dating, and I think he’d honestly be a great friend. I think once you get close enough to him he’d be super energetic and just goofy to be around. He’d like to make you laugh with stupid jokes and pull stupid pranks on the other members of your team. Overall a bit of a menace.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Absolutely he does. He would be a little shy about it at first and I don’t think he’d initiate in the beginning, but once he gets comfortable he’s all over you. As soon as he gets you alone he’s following you around like a lost puppy just waiting to pull you in. I think he likes cuddling with his head on your chest and your arms around him, he doesn’t get many chances to feel small like that with someone, so he milks it for all its worth.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

I think he would want to settle down mainly because he wants to keep you both safe. He definitely craves that soft domesticity with you that everyday normal life brings. I think he’s probably a very good cook, and he usually makes Austrian dishes since thats what he ate growing up. He gets it from his mom, probably watched how she cooked and it just stuck in his head.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Would take him a very long time not only because he’s worried about hurting you, but also because he wants to make sure it’s really what he wants. He is worried that his anxiety is getting the best of him and he’s self sabotaging. Honestly you would probably bring it up first by mentioning how distant he’s being. You’d have a very long conversation that either fixed the problem or ended the relationship amicably.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Absolutely wants to be married. After about two years of dating he would probably start seriously thinking about marriage. I think it would take another full year for him to propose, and it would be some place quiet that means a lot to the both of you like you’re shared home or a first date location.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Extremely, obviously. He is always very gentle with you wether thats when he’s cuddling you or talking to you, he always makes sure to be soft with you. Physically he is afraid of hurting you even if you are a soldier, he’s just so big he thinks he’ll break you :(((

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Adores hugs. He will hug you whenever you to are alone and it’ll always be for long amounts of time like at least ten minutes per hug. His hugs are perfect, just the right amount of pressure and you are always comfortably against his chest. Nice and warm too. He likes when your arms are like folded against your own chest that way he can hold you entirely and make sure you’re safe from every angle.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Falls fast. It takes him a long time to confess to you so when you actually get together i think within the first three months he says it. For sure were friends first, so telling you he loves you romantically comes pretty easy.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Jealous, but not in an overly possessive way. He’s just anxious that he isn’t good enough for you, and sometimes he gets self conscious when he sees someone flirt with you. Would probably be pouty about it, and you would need to reassure him that he’s the only man you want. I think you have to be aware that people are flirting with you so you can end it.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

You cannot tell me this man is a good kisser, at least not at first. He is very nervous the first time, and has no idea what to do so you are going to have to lead him. When he finally does get the hang of it he’s gentle with all of his kisses, they always have meaning behind them. He likes to kiss your forehead a lot, he says it’s easy access. On himself he likes when you kiss his tummy, gets all giggly and squirmy.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

I think he likes kids, and is naturally good with them, but I’m not sure if he would want his own. His job is dangerous and it’s enough that it puts you in danger.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Soft and warm, he never wants to wake up. He is just so cozy in your arms with the warm blankets surrounding you. When you finally do insist on getting up he is following you everywhere. You brush your teeth together, cook together, all of it. He’s just so clingy and sleepy in the morning

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Quiet, usually. He doesn’t really like to go out so most nights are spent at home with nice cooked meals and binge watching a show together.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

If you started off as friends i think a few months into the friendship he would start to open up with little things like childhood stories or favorite foods. When you get together i think he would tell you the deeper things like his history with being bullied or the trauma he has from missions.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Not easily angered, but he gets self conscious very easily. Patience wise i think he is very patient with you.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Remembers every little detail about you no matter what. You could mention a food you like one time and he will remember it. He likes it because it makes it easier to take care of you. It means he can make your coffee or tea for you, it means he can buy you clothes if you need them without you there, plus he believes it shows how much he loves you.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

When you guys first got together. It was such a moment of joy for him that he blushes every time he thinks about it. He didn’t ever think he would have a romantic partner like you, so just the memory of you confessing brings him joy.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Protective, but not in a controlling way. It mainly just comes with his job and your job if you are a soldier. He knows it’s dangerous so in the field he is always looking over his own shoulder and yours for potential threats.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Lots and lots of effort with this man. Dates are probably somewhere quiet or secluded, so to make up for the lake of entertainment he makes sure to put a lot of effort in so you have a good time no matter what. He remembers every anniversary, and always makes sure they’re memorable.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

I think with the occasional fights you do have he can lash out. He is used to only being in fight mode in the field, so he can have a harsh tongue and say things he doesn’t mean. I also think sometimes he lets his social anxiety overtake him completely, and it would start to impact your life. Like it might restrict you from going out as much as you did or doing certain things.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Concerned, but not in a vain way. He thinks he isn’t the best looking, so he’s concerned you wont like him either. It would take him a while to take his mask off around you, and you would have to do a lot of convincing for him to know that you find him attractive.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Absolutely, you are his other half and without you he simply doesn’t know how to handle himself. When you’re gone for long amounts of time like for missions or anything he feels like a part of him is missing.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

He’s funny, like he just has perfect comedic timing and he’s witty. Most people don’t see it because he holds his tongue, but around you it’s always full laughs.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

He absolutely hates when people are mean to workers. Like cafe workers or the target employees. With a partner i think he would dislike if you tended to yell during fights, he knows he can be mean but he never yells.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

He takes up the entire bed. He is so tall that he just can’t help it, but besides that if the bed is big enough he completely starfishes. In the beginning of the night it’s all neat with you tucked into him, but by morning the blankets on the floor, he’s spread out and you’re half on him half off the bed.

They were surrounding you again, pushing your head and holding it there until your vision went spotty and you felt your lungs scream. They’d pull you back up and let you have gasps of frantic air before shoving you back down again.

They were burning you, red hot irons placed across your skin. You could hear the searing of your own skin, the smell of cooked flesh hitting your nose before you felt the pain and you were trying to jerk away with ragged screams.

Every event replayed in your head again and again, your brain torturing you even further as you shook in your sleep. Your cry’s immediately alerted Simon, and he was up in an instant, he panicked for a second, worried that you were hurt physically in some way.

He placed a careful hand on your shoulder, giving your body a gentle shake in an attempt to wake you, and it worked. You woke with a start, your mind still in a dreamy haze as you shoved it off of you violently.

“Get away from me!” You’d scream, scrambling away from what you thought was your torturer.

In the dark you could only see the silhouette of a man, and a hand coming towards you.

“Please…please don’t hurt me-“ you sobbed, trying to make yourself as small as possible in an attempt to hide yourself from this man.

“Hey-hey, baby its just me” Simon said quietly, reaching over to flick on the bedside lamp. You stared wide eyed as your partner came into view, the rest of the room slowly entering your vision as you uncurled yourself.

You reached out to him with a shaky hand and he took it, gently pulling you into him. He tucked you into his arms, your head under his chin as one hand wrapped around your back while another stayed planted on your bare abdomen. He was encasing you entirely with himself, the touch grounding you as you slowly came down from your panicked state.

“It’s just me, sweetheart. Just us, in our home. We’re safe, you’re safe, nothing will ever touch you again. I promise you”

His hands traced over the healed scars on your chest, morphing them into something comforting instead of horrific or ugly.

“Simon..” you said quietly, the whimper in your voice evident as you clung onto him, trying to bury yourself even further into him.

“Yeah baby, it’s just me. You’re never gonna be back there, I’ll never let that happen to you again.”

You knew neither of you would be able to sleep the rest of the night, but you nor Simon were concerned about that. A big part of him still felt guilty for those three days, he should’ve been more alert. He never should have let them get that close to you.

He knew he couldn’t change what happened, and that realistically it wasn’t his fault, but he would spend the rest of his days making it up to you. He would spend countless sleepless nights reassuring you that you were home, he would do anything to help you heal. When you were well enough he’d find whoever hired those men, he would hunt them down and kill them as painfully as he knew how, they would suffer for what they did to you.

But that was a thought for another time, a time when you were okay. Right now was a time for comfort, for him to smother you with love until you could fall back asleep knowing you were safe.

The words eased your hot wired brain, the soft hush of his tired voice filling your body with warmth and easing your aching bones. You were safe, you were at home. Nobody could get to you again and hurt you, Simon would make sure of it.

Your breathes eased out into normal soft inhales as you entangled your legs with Simons own, the need to feel him all over completely encompassing you.

“Talk to me, please” You begged, giving him a squeeze as you waited for him to fulfill your request.

“Alright, handsome” he said simply.

He didn’t talk about anything important, nothing that would warrant a response from you. Maybe it was about the chores he had in the morning, or what you would have for breakfast. You didn’t know, your tired brain was only recognizing the calmness in his tone, how at ease he sounded.

You fell asleep that night, the tiniest of smiles on your face as Simons hands roamed over your body. You were safe, finally.

He’s used to being taller than everyone, so you being shorter than him is not a surprise at all. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t love it though, and he absolutely exploits it. He puts things higher on shelves just so you have to ask him to get it for you. He also for sure does that thing where he leans down to your level so that he can hear you better.

Now, i know big boy has social anxiety, but i don’t think he’s as timid as everyone makes him out to be. I say this because I think he would just pull you onto his lap whenever he could, he likes how grounding it is to have your body weight on his. Also side note but those thighs?? So very strong.

He does not go easier on you when you’re sparring as he thinks that would be a disservice to you and your capabilities. Of course he’s not going to do something that would seriously hurt you, but you will be thrown around and your height will be used against you.

Scary dog privileges, obviously. Someone not taking you seriously because of your stature? He’s just standing behind you, staring the person down until they comply. From then on that person doesn’t hesitate when told to do something.

He likes to hide you behind him when talking to people because he thinks its funny when you just pop out and scare the shit out of whoever he’s talking to.

Picks you up constantly. Especially when you’re about to get into a fight, like he’d just grab you under your arms and carry you away before punches can be thrown. A mission is going south? He’s throwing you over his shoulder before you can even think of continuing said mission.

Okay now onto the clothing stealing. He cant even try to hide how much he likes it when you were his clothes. They’re just so long on you and it’s obvious who’s clothes you’re wearing. Especially loves it when you walk around base in one of his hoodies, because then everyone gets a little reminder who you’re dating.

First time you stole his shirt he was a giggling little mess, he was covering his already masked face with his hands because of how hard he was blushing.

I think whenever he’d want to see you in his clothes he would just hold out whatever article it is and wait for you to take it and put it on. As soon as you did he would insist on spending the rest of the night cuddling. He just always wants to hug you :(((((

Overall he gets very cuddly when you’re wearing his stuff. It’s like cuteness aggression, and I think he would legitimately give you little love bites because he simply cannot handle it.

Sleepless nights were common for soldiers, especially when you were in a task force such as the 141. So, when you woke with a start in the middle of the first night home after a week long mission it came as no surprise to you. With a deep sigh you sat up and ran a hand through the hair that was sticking to your forehead from your night terror induced sweating.

You knew you wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep, at least not by yourself, and so you slowly rose from your bed to slip your sweatpants on, opting to remain shirtless as you made your way across the small room towards your door. You opened it as quietly as you could, careful not to wake the others in the room next to you as you made your way to the very end of the hall, towards your Captains room.

You knocked three times on the door. A few seconds passed and you felt the embarrassment slowly start to grow in you, maybe this was a bad idea. You should just leave, John was asleep and you were sure you were only disturbing him.

“Come in” A quiet voice said, still deep and raspy from sleep.

You carefully opened the door, and peeked inside only to see John looking back at you with tired eyes.

“I said it was okay” he said, prompting you to come inside.

And of course you did, who were you to disobey your Captains orders? You shut the door behind you before standing at the edge of John’s bed, hands clasped in front of you as you looked at him.

“I…I had a nightmare” you said simply, and he needed no further explanation. He moved over to make room for you on the bed, opening up his arms and the blanket for you to climb into.

He could see how affected you were by the dream, you were still shaking where you stood, the fear in your eyes evident by how they kept flicking around looking for any and every threat of danger. He felt bad, he wanted nothing more than to pull those memories from your brain and make sure you never had a sleepless night again. But he couldn’t do that, so the next best thing was allowing you into his bed, where he could hold you tight and ease you back to sleep with soft words and gentle touches.

With a small smile on your face you climbed into the bed, and subsequently into his arms. You snuggled yourself right against his chest, your head tucked under his chin as he wrapped his arms around you. The comfort you got from the skin to skin contact almost immediately had you growing sleepy once more.

“You’re safe” He’d whisper into your ear, running his hand up and down your back as he placed a soft kiss to your forehead.

“I wont let anyone hurt you, ever”

The reassurance eased the remaining tension in your shoulders, and soon enough you were back to sleep.

Sometimes it felt silly to need that reassurance, you were a soldier after all and a damn good one at that, but your were still just a human. Your brain could only handle so much violence before it starts to collapse in on itself and leave you curled up in a ball under your sheets.

But John was always there to pull you out, to wrap you up nice and safe in his arms and make sure you knew that he would keep you protected.

You should’ve known from the beginning that something was wrong, that the mission had been going too easy. Nothing was ever easy for the 141 team and you should have recognized the weird inconsistency, but you didn’t. You weren’t paying attention, too focused on your Lieutenant to notice the men slowly surrounding you from behind. You had almost no time to react as you were both grabbed from behind, cloths held to both of your faces. Luckily, Ghosts mask protected him from the chemical long enough to land a punch to the man’s chest that effectively sent him on his back. You however, did not have the same luck. You tried to fight back and get the man off of you, but before you could your vision was going spotty and you were falling to the hard ground beneath you.

Ghost made the mistake of looking your way for just a second too long, the sight of you on the ground sending an ache throughout his whole body that froze him in place just long enough for one of the men to hit him In the back of the head. He tried his best to fight the inevitable as he laid on the ground, a desperate hand reaching out for you as he watched them pick your limp body up from the floor and toss it into a van.

He tried to crawl to you, tried to keep his eyes open so he could recover and beat the ever living shit out of the men for even thinking about touching either of you, but he was still a man with human restrictions. With one last desperate glance at the car he blacked out, the soldiers soon coming to grab him just as they did you to hoist him into the vehicle.

The first thing you noticed when you came to was that you were cold, horribly cold. You were shaking from it, freezing sweat forming across your skin as you looked down and noticed your shirt had been removed and you’d been drenched with water.

You tried to move your arms, only to find them bound uncomfortably behind you, your legs tied in a similar way to the chair. You looked around, a man next to you was holding an empty bucket while two surrounded you to keep watch. The last man was in front of a table, his back turned to you as he seemed to be fiddling with some metal, the clinking of it ringing in your ears and reverberating through your skull.

You slowly pieced together what happened, the panic settling so deep in your bones you couldn’t physically react. You could only flit your eyes around the room to try and look for any escape route, none besides a steel door that you were sure needed a key. The last thing you noticed was Ghost sitting across from you, slowly awakening just as you had.

Though he was much quicker in his reactions. It was like the moment he woke up he was fighting, struggling against the bonds as he glared around at your captors. They’d taken his mask off, thrown it across the floor somewhere you couldn’t see.

He didn’t care about that, not now at least. Not when he saw how you were shirtless and he wasn’t, how you were shaking from the cold and he was still completely clothed minus his weapons. He knew what was coming, and he was desperate to stop it before it started. Luck wasn’t on your side, though, and it hadn’t been since the mission started.

“Alright” the man at the table said as he turned around, a sick smile on his face as he walked back over to you.

“Now that you’re both awake let’s get this started, hm? I’ve been looking forward to this for days!”

You tried to yell at the man, finding your mouth gaged shut. His eyes darkened as he watched you both struggle, his smile growing ever wider as he practically shook with excitement.

“We’ll start out easy, okay?” He asked as if you even had a choice. He snapped his fingers and soon a new bucket full of water was placed in front of him along with another cloth.

“So, here’s how we’ll do things. You tell me what I want to know” he looked over at Ghost “or your little friend gets it, yes?” Ghost only glared.

The man was smart, he knew It was easier to ignore your own torture in order to keep your team safe. It was a lot harder to keep your mouth shut when you were watching your mate, especially one you were in love with, get beat to shit on your behalf.

Your eyes Immediately snapped over to Ghost, a harsh look in your eyes that told him to keep his mouth shut. No matter what they did to you.

The man noticed the look you two shared, almost giggling to himself as he walked over and stood behind you. He grabbed your hair and yanked your head back as he placed the wet cloth over your face.

“Where are the weapons located?” He asked, only to be met with silence from Ghost. He expected this, obviously, and without much hesitation began to dump water over you face.

You immediately jerked, gagging for breath only to suck in the wet rag. It continued for a few more seconds before the water stopped and you were allowed to gasp for breath. While of course never pleasant, water boarding had been part of your training. You knew how to deal with it as best a human could, so while Ghost hated watching you struggle for breath he could hold off for now. It wasn’t bad yet.

The same question was repeated again, Ghost didn’t answer, the water was poured. It was almost rinse and repeat. Until the man got annoyed and tossed the bucket to the side.

“This could all be over if you would just-!” He’d slam his knee into your stomach

“Tell me-“ Another harsh hit to your chest

“What I want!” He finished by slamming his knee into your forehead, easily leaving your lip busted and your nose bleeding.

Ghost was tugging at his tied wrists with such force his wrists were turning raw and red, his legs trying to do the same as he glared at the man hitting you.

“Don’t fucking touch him!” He’d shout, only for the man to stare at Ghost.

“You’re doing this to him” he told Ghost “Just tell me what you know and I leave him alone”

you shook your head almost violently, silently demanding Simon remain silent.

It had been three days. Three days of almost nonstop torture. From the usual beatings, to hot irons placed along your bare chest, you were barely holding on. You were sure some ribs were broken, your nose most definitely shattered, and a constant pounding in your head. You could hardly breath without painful gasps leaving your breath and Ghost just had to sit and watch.

It was on the third day that the man began to truly lose his temper, it was the last session and his patience was being tested. You could tell from how much harder the hits were, and you didn’t know how much more your body could take, Simon could see your eyes dimming with each hit.

“Stop!“ his throat was raw and scratchy from screaming out the same few words over and over, though this time it was much more desperate as he saw your state.

“You’re gonna fucking kill him!” Simon was nearly pleading at this point, tears forming in his eyes as he watched your head lull to the side. You were tired, you just wanted a little bit of sleep is all.

Simon could feel himself starting to panic as he saw you close your eyes, your captors relishing in the sight as the man grabbed a knife from the table and walked over to you. He stood behind the chair and once again yanked your hair back while one of the other men grabbed your face and forced you to look at Simon.

“This is your last chance” the man said as he pressed the knife to your throat. You were no longer looking at Simon with that same determination as you had the first day. You were scared, he could tell. Tears were gathered in your eyes as you stared back at him, swallowing thickly as the knife pressed deeper and you began to bleed.

“No!” Simon screamed, thrashing against this bonds.

“Fuck! Stop!” He watched as the knife pressed ever deeper, cutting through your skin like it was nothing. He didn’t have much time, not if he wanted to get both of you out of here. He focused his strength down to his limbs, urging himself to calm his mind as best he could as he pushed against the ropes. They’d been slightly worn down from his harsh pulling throughout the days, and he figured if he had just enough friction they might just snap on him.

So that’s exactly what he did, he yanked as hard as he could and felt the ropes splinter and break off his skin. Within seconds he was off his feet, going for the man holding the knife first. Before said man could react, Simon was disarming him and slicing the dagger across his neck, he wanted the man to bleed out slowly, to only feel pain in his last moments.

He shoved the man to the ground before quickly taking down the other three men with swift stabs into their throats, watching as they slumped to the ground. He was barely paying attention to what he was doing, only making sure they were down for good before he kneeled in front of you. Shaky hands held your face gently as he urged you to look at him.

“C’mon baby. None of that now okay?” His voice was wavering and you could tell he was terrified, you’d never seen him so scared.

“Si…I’m tired” you mumbled.

He nodded, grabbing the knife from the floor as he sliced your bonds off and carefully picking you up.

“I know I know, but you gotta stay awake for me okay? Just until we get you help. Keep those handsome eyes lookin’ up at me” he said as he pushed the door open with his shoulder before rushing down the hall and out of whatever abandoned building you’d been trapped in.

You tried to do as he said, but it became harder to do so especially when the adrenaline started to die down and you could feel every broken bone in your body start to scream at you.

“I cant-I can’t!” you were sobbing, gasping for breath as he carried you through the deserted city you’d been sent to three days before.

“It hurts, Simon it hurts so bad” you were trembling all over, a cry of pain leaving you with every single step Simon took. He could do nothing but watch, he couldn’t stop yet. Not until you were both back at the evac point and he could get a medic to you.

“Please-!” You begged him, hand coming up to rest on his chest “just-just for a minute stop” he felt his heart break at your begging, he was hurting you and he didn’t know what to do about it.

“Okay-okay okay” he mumbled as he took refuge behind a broken building. He sat down on the ground, you laid across his lap as he held you close.

As soon as he had stopped moving you felt your eyes grow heavy again

“Hey-hey hey!” He said as he desperately placed a hand on your cheek to keep you looking up at him.

“Dammit you keep your eyes on me, soldier! That’s an order!” His voice was breaking, and he was on the verge of crumbling. He’d never loved someone as he had you, and now he was about to lose you before he could ever even tell you. He wouldn’t let that happen, he wouldn’t let another person slip through his fingers. Not this time.

“I’ve got you, baby” he whispered, leaning down to press his forehead against yours

“Y/N, you gotta stay with me. I cant-i can’t do this without you. I need you here with me. Don’t leave me Y/N, please don’t leave me” he was crying now, you could feel the tears on your face.

You gently shook your head, your own hand coming up to cup his cheek

“I love you” you whispered as you pressed the gentlest of kisses to his lips before your eyes slipped closed. You could hear a distant yelling voice yelling at you to wake up and your body being shaken, but you only slipped further into unconsciousness. The voice faded until there was nothing but quiet and peace.

When you woke up you were surrounded by bright lights, a monitor beside you and the distinct scent of chemicals filling your nose. With a groan you slowly opened your eyes, your hand coming to rub them only to find it was being occupied. You slowly looked to your side to see a passed out Simon next to you, his head resting on the bed as he was slumped uncomfortably.

You tried to carefully pull your hand out of his grasp, but it only served to wake him. Within a second he was up and alert, ready to defend you if he needed. The tension in his shoulders visibly relaxed when he saw you were awake, and he immediately pulled you into a hug.

“I didn’t- I didn’t know if you were gonna make it” he whispered.

“You were in such bad shape they didn’t know if you’d pull through” at that note he gave your body a gentle squeeze, luckily the pain had been quelled with drugs. You slowly wrapped your own arms around him, pulling him to lay down with you on the bed with his head on your chest.

“I couldn’t leave you. Not now, not ever”

“Promise?” He asked. He was so vulnerable, it was something you had never seen before.

“I promise” you pressed a kiss to his forehead, holding him close to you as you slowly drifted off into sleep again.