𓆩♡𓆪

"So?" Valeria's voice brought him back to where he was. The woman infront of him smiled widely in a sadistic and disturbing manner, her eyes glinting with evil intent. "Tell me. Ask my question,"

"You're a fuckin' lunatic if you think I'll give up intel," He fought against his rising emotions, thinking to himself. She was just messing with his head for sure. But his heart beat at a frantic rhythm, each pulse hammering against his chest as he tried to maintain his composure. "Don't even fuckin' know what you're on about,"

Disappointed, Valeria clicked her tongue. But it was not out of annoyance, no. There was something sinister beneath her snobbish grin, as if she was toying with Ghost and was enjoying it. A series of sinister chuckling enveloped the dark lit room. He could see from the corner of his eyes that a leather roll was unwrapped in the table situated at the side, revealing a collection of various knives, razor blades, tiny tools that were nonetheless can convey damage to one's body.

"No?" Valeria turned away from him for a moment, locking eyes with one of her minions on her right. "Then, I suppose I have no other choice but have you believe me that I stick to my words, hm?"

"Fuck you," He spits even if his heart tightened with dread, thinking for the absolute worst. She's lying. You can't possibly be here. He watches as the woman turned back to him with the same wicked grin, gaze still piercing him like a dagger. "Sit comfortably, yeah?" She continued, speaking as if her decision was already made. She smirked as her words sunk in at Ghost, the thought of harm coming to someone else sending a chill down his spine. "You'll need it."

"I don't f-"

"Wanna know why, cariño?" She cuts him off with a mock, leaning even closer to him. She didn't give him a chance to reply back as her hands wrapped around his covered jaw, her touch causing the skin under to burn with a mental flare. Then she whispered into his ear, her words a slow and teasing drawl. "I'll torture her up real good, and make you... Well," She paused to consider for a moment, before a slow grin spread across her face. "You'll just have to see for yourself." A dark amusement flickered in her eyes, the thrill of his helplessness evident in her tone.

With a rough pat on his cheek, Valeria stood up, her expression serious and professional. "Tráela En," She ordered the men to her side, who immediately obeyed. With a quick glance back to Ghost, the men piled out of the room with Valeria, their footsteps echoing in the hallway outside.

With the men having left the room, Ghost thought of how he could try to escape the restraints that held him down. He wiggled his arms in an effort to free himself from the ropes, but they held firm. His eyes darted around the room frantically, his brain desperately working to develop a plan for escape.

Ghost tried to wriggle his tied up wrists free, but the ropes stubbornly held tight. He took in a deep breath, attempting to clear his mind in order to develop a strategy that could help him escape. He strained as he worked at loosening the ropes, his muscles straining under the effort, and still the bonds refused to budge. With every attempt to free himself, he was met with increasing levels of exhaustion. Time was his enemy here, the clock ticking steadily away. He continued to strain at the ropes, but still they refused to budge. His skin was growing damp with sweat, his breath heavy and raspy. He had to escape, he had to.

Ghost was too focused on freeing himself, his gaze glued to his bound hands, his thoughts locked in a desperate cycle. His focus on escaping the ropes made it impossible for him to notice Valeria entered, his heart racing as her presence suddenly became apparent.

"I was looking forward to this," a raspy voice purred. He snapped turned his head forward, his eyes snapping towards Valeria's boastful stance and... fuck, it's you. The familiar scarf, covered in dirt and dust. Its little ghost drawing, once vibrant and colorful, was now dull and worn, the image haunting him. Even the sound of the heart keychain strapped to your belt was enough to draw him out of his daze, the item bringing back a flood of memories of you.

This can't be.

—

"Yer fuckin crazy," A rough voice was heard amidst the throbbing pain present in your head as you were haphazardly thrown.

You winced as your body collided with what felt like cold asphalt, and tears of anguish welled up in your eyes. Despite the familiar voice you recognized, your covered vision made it difficult to make out anything. The sedatives forced upon you while in captivity made you dizzy and disoriented. As the sack was removed from your head, the full impact of your surroundings flooded your senses. The voices around you were loud and numerous causing white noise in your ears, their words indecipherable to you as your mind struggled to grasp your current situation.

"Don't fuckin' hurt her!"

A sharp yank on your hair jarred you out of your trance, forcing you to look up from the ground. The sound of your lieutenant calling out your name registered in your mind, forcing you to come back to reality. As your eyes met those of Ghost's frantic eyes behind his mask, your heart raced, your anxiety flaring up once again as you quickly assessed what was happening.

Valeria's grip on your hair grew tighter, a cruel and sadistic grin spreading across her lips as your pained gasp filled her with pleasure. "You were expecting someone else, weren't you?" She said to Ghost, her tone dripping with sarcasm and malice. She leaned in closer, her cruel glare inches from your face as she whispered into your ear with a mocking tone, "Too bad. Que te voy a matar." She chuckled, her breath tickling your ear as you winced in pain.

"Just give it up, Valeria," He gritted his teeth in anger. But she laughed, her voice echoing in the room as she turned to Ghost. She held his gaze for a moment, studying his expression. Then, she turned back to you, a cruel grin spreading across her lips. "Oh, you poor thing," she chuckled, her tone dripping with condescension. She softly carressed your scalp as if creating a faux sense of security. "Is this affecting you," She said to Ghost as she ran a finger down your cheek, the sharp pain of her nail digging into your flesh drawing a quick wince from you. "Or do you have anything else in your mind besides this?"

"Fuckin' leave her out of this." Ghost clenched his jaw, desperately trying not to show any more signs of weakness. He tried to stay composed as Valeria leaned in closer to you, her teasing smile growing bigger with every passing moment. He swore the nerves in his arms were bulging out of tense.

You winced at her touch, but you didn't dare to speak as your jaw locked and your muscles tense as you tried to ignore it. Valeria laughed again, moving a step back so she could face him again. "Oh, but I do love the way she look when she's in pain," she said, her tone playful as she studied your tears streaming down your face. "You really should have told me what I wanted to know." She chuckled, moving closer to you again, her hand moving in a gentle caress along his cheek. "It's okay, little sweetheart," she whispered, her voice full of deceiving sweetness.

She has a cruel glint in her eyes as she studied your expression. Her hand gently moved towards your cheek, then her nails started digging into your skin and you gritted your teeth, trying to hold in the cry of pain that was forming in your throat. "Speak, bitch," She spat on you, eyes narrowed with annoyance. You didn't respond, determined to close your mouth. Whatever this was, you're on your lieutenant's side. "No?"

It was only as Valeria let go of her grip on you that you realized how numb your muscles felt. Your legs felt like they were made of lead as you tried to scurry away, but the effects of the torture had left your body limp. Unable to move, unable to escape, you watched helplessly as Valeria went over to the side and grabbed something, the glinting object catching your eye.

You met Ghost's gaze and saw him return it, the terror evident in your expression as he silently implored you to try harder to escape. As if you were the one who has their limbs tied up. "How amusing," Valeria came up between you both, playfully swaying the sharp material in her hands. "It seems like our little friend is too strong-willed for our torture to affect her."

You weren't given the chance to react at all when the knife had already slit your arm. Everything went silent as the stinging sensation was too much to bear. You screamed out as the cold metal pulled out, leaving your blood to gush out of your flesh.

"You fuckin' bitch!" You heard Ghost yell out as he struggled in the chair, attempting to break free from its constraints. Your ears were greeted with the sound of the chair's loud creaks and groans. The noise seemed to echo through the room as he yanked against the ropes, his movements growing more frantic as the sounds turned into small shouts of effort. "I'll fucking kill you!"

"Give me información, pendejo." was all Valeria stated.

As Ghost's struggles continued, your weak and fatigued body could barely muster the energy to keep your eyes open, let alone attempt to help him. He called out for your help with more desperation, his shouts growing louder and more frantic as the knife sliced at your bruised skin again and again.

"S-Stop!" Your body was paralyzed with fear, your mind paralyzed in shock, unable to process what it was witnessing. You wanted to run, to do anything to make it stop. But all you could do was watch, your tears falling down your cheeks. Your body had betrayed you. "Please..."

"Valeria!" Ghost shouted, no, he tried to call for her to stop when your body convulsed as another wave of sobbing washed over you. Two strong hands squeezed your throat, your breaths coming out in shallow gasps. You tried to comply, but the words coming out of your mouth were so slurred and incoherent, it was impossible to understand. You felt like you were on the verge of passing out, your mind and body exhausted from the pain and stress of Valeria's torture.

"Let go!" You choked out the words between the hands on your throat, your strength fading. You tried to pry her off but Valeria's grip only tightened, cutting off your air. As you struggled, she pressed her hand hard against your face.

"Shhh," she whispered, her voice a cruel taunt. Your vision was blurring as your eyes rolled back, a hand over your mouth stifling your desperate screams. Her voice felt far away, as if you were under water.

"Let... please... let go..." you managed to wheeze out desperately. As you fought against the darkness in your mind, your strength waning, you felt your awareness fading away. You felt as if you were floating, weightless and free all over despite the cold temperatures of the air around you. You felt peaceful, your senses fading and your consciousness slipping as you lost your grip on reality, slowly surrendering to the embrace of the void, your world fading away.

As you began to slip away, the world around you began to dissolve into a blur. It was all splotches of black, the darkness slowly consuming your senses. In your distorted vision, you saw something casting a shadow over you. It was hard to tell what it was, but you tried to focus your eyes on it, your irises dilating in recognition. The blurring slowly faded away, your senses sharpening as you glanced over Valeria's shoulder.

There, the person moved quickly, seizing Valeria's arms, yanking her away from you and tossing her aside. He turned to her with a fury in his eyes, ready to throw hands. The world came back to you with a sudden jolt, your lungs inhaling deeply as your eyes popped open. The colors of the room and the chill of the air on your skin became tangible as you registered the sharp pain of the ground beneath you.

With your eyes squinting, you see how she smirked at him, her gaze confident even as Ghost's body trembled with rage. He stepped forward, grabbing Valeria by the hair and twisting it, using his full strength to force her to the ground. He yanked her by the hair across the floor, his grip tight and unforgiving. His eyes filled with hate, his body trembling with anger, as he slammed her face-first into the floor.

"How dare you," he spat, his voice hoarse and raw. "How dare you lay your dirty hands on her!" Ghost's voice was thick with rage and loathing, his words pouring out in a torrent of fury. But Valeria smiled coolly, looking at him dead in the eyes as he continued to pull her across the floor. She didn't try to fight it, allowing herself to be dragged, but Ghost didn't let up. He didn't release his grip on her hair, even as her body bumped and dragged across the floor.

Ghost pulled Valeria forcefully against the wall, pinning her against it as he kept a firm grip on her hair. She tried to move, to squirm free from his grasp, but he didn't let her. She grabbed the knife that was tucked into her belt, the blade glinting in the light, and tried to stab him in the back. Ghost caught the movement in his peripheral vision, and he quickly grabbed her wrist, twisting her arm in a painful maneuver. The knife dropped from her hand as she let out a cry of pain, the blade falling to the floor with a soft thud.

Ghost looked down at Valeria, her expression twisted into a smirk as she glared up at him in defiance. In that moment, he felt his rage flare, his emotions taking over. Ghost brought his face right up to Valentina's, his expression filled with cold malice and hatred. "What?" He asked, his voice a harsh whisper. "Did you think I *wouldn't* finish you off?" He grabbed hold of her hair with both hands, his expression feral as he looked into her eyes.

Ghost twisted Valeria's arm sharply, and before she knew it, he had her in a chokehold. He tightened his grip, his face filled with rage as he looked into her eyes. She struggled desperately, trying to fight him off, but Ghost's strength was overwhelming. He held on tight, slowly squeezing tighter and tighter, his grip tightening with each breathe. She coughed and gasped for air, her eyes filling with a mixture of fear and regret. And then, a moment later, she was gone. The sound of her body hitting the floor broke the silence as Ghost released his grip, letting her fall to the ground. His heart pounded in his chest as he stood above Valeria's motionless body, his breath catching in his throat.

"Lt..." You managed to choke out as you cleared your throat, trying to get his attention to you. Your hands were shaking, and you could feel your heart pounding in your chest. He slowly turned to look at you, eyes filling with sudden concern. As the pain and anger disappeared, he was overcome by fear and anxiety, the thought of losing you too much to bear.

He rushed towards you, his heart pounding in his chest. There was no hesitation, his arms enveloping your body in a tight embrace. His embrace was tight and firm, his body pressed up against yours with his warmth radiating from him and his breath filling your ears. The adrenaline pumping through his body still, and you trembled in his arms, clinging to him for reassurance.

"We need to leave fast, love," He murmured, absentmindedly calling you a petname, as he took notice of the bruises and bleeding cuts marring your body. Without another word, he lifted you into his arms, your body limp and weak, and carried you. "Not for long before those suckers come here,"

You hummed as a reply, too tired to form words as you rested your head on his firm chest. You felt him adjusting you a bit when his hand came in contact with the cuts you had on your arm and you hissed, body curling up to comfort yourself. "Sorry," he whispered, his voice gentle. He stayed close to you, letting you lean into him as your body trembled. The fear began to fade, and you felt his warmth surround you, his arms a source of strength and comfort.

As Ghost, with you in his arms, walked outside, you were both silent. The cold air and the rustling of your clothing movements were the only sounds you heard, the sounds of the outside world muted and hazy. Ghost's grip around you was firm and protective, and you felt his body against yours as the cold air brushed back your hair. There were no words spoken between you, the air filled with silence and Ghost's gentle breathing, his warm presence beside you.

Suddenly, Ghost's voice filled your ears and it sent your heart fluttering. "Swear on my word," He gently whispered in the volume of what he should only hear. The heat of his embrace still radiating around you, his arms still wrapped around you, protecting you from the world. "I'll never let you get hurt again."

"What?" You squeaked, your voice barely audible. Your heart was pounding, and you felt a lump form in your throat. Your hands were shaking, and you didn't dare to move or make a sound, as if the very act of breathing might anger him more.

"I don't think you get it," He snarled, his voice laced with anger and frustration. Glaring at you with a furious expression, his fist clenched tightly, and his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I can't tell you everything you want me to say or open or shits like that."

You took a deep breath before speaking again, trying to stay calm and collected despite the hurt you felt. "I know it can be hard for you to talk about your feelings. I really do understand," you began, your voice gentle and understanding. "But when I feel like you're keeping things from me, it hurts." You looked at him with pleading eyes, hoping he would hear you this time.

"Keeping things from you?!" Simon asked incredulously, his voice increasing in volume and making you flinch. His eyes were wide and intense as he stared you down. The anger and hostility in his voice was palpable, and it left you feeling small and hurt. "Bloody hell, can't you just leave me alone about this? You're the one getting emotional here, not me."

His words felt like a slap in the face, and you recoiled as if he had hit you. You regained your composure quickly, but the pain in your heart was still there. You felt insulted, anger even, and your voice reflected that when you spoke next.

"The fuck, Simon?!" you exclaimed, your voice rising in volume as your emotions boiled over. You felt like he didn't care about your feelings, and it was making you feel unseen and unheard. "I'm trying to find a compromise and you're not listening to me!"

Simon's words had cut deep, and the anger and hurt in your heart only grew as the argument continued. You realized that there was no way of getting through to him, no way of making him understand your emotions and your point of view. But.. you still want to try. So, you took a deep breath.

"Simon, I love you, you know I do," You said gently and he perked up to the sound of your exhausted tone as he sees the anguish written all over your face. He looks at you, trying to read your mind, but all you can do is shake your head as to not let the tears fall. "But I can't keep doing this."

Your words hang in the air, heavy with the weight of years of unresolved conflict and pain. You couldn't keep fighting like this, couldn't keep having these arguments that led nowhere and only caused hurt. Simon's expression crumbles, and he starts to break slowly, unable to contain the emotions that have built up inside him.

It seemed as though all his carefully curated thoughts and words had been reduced to ashes in his tongue, leaving him with nothing but shock and disbelief. As he looked at you, his eyes wide and unblinking, you saw a brief flicker of hurt flash across his expression before settling back into that stoic calm of a mask he always has.

"Alright, I..." His voice trails off as he closes his eyes, taking a deep breath before opening them again, meeting your gaze with a mix of shame and resignation. He hesitates for a second, the words seeming to get lost in his throat before finally managing to speak. "I'm sorry. Just.. if that's what you want.. I'll move out tomorrow..."

'Huh? Move out?' It was the only thing that crossed your mind as you processed Simon's sudden declaration. Your jaw dropped as he turned and walked away before you even had a chance to understand what he said. Taken aback by his abrupt response, you bolted after him.

As you reached out and placed a hand on Simon's shoulder, you spoke to him from behind as he turned away from you. "No, Simon," your voice choked with emotion, "I didn't mean it like that. I don't want to leave you just because of this. We can... We have so much more time to understand each other. I just..." Your words trailed off for a moment as you took in his tense stance, his head down, shoulders hunched. "I don't want you to leave me out."

It was a moment of tense silence before the sound of quiet sniffling reached your ears, followed by the soft, almost rhythmic shaking of his shoulders. The sound was deafening inside the room, and your chest tightened with a mixture of hurt and pity. You softly called out to him, hoping to break the silence.

Turning him towards you slowly, you felt a lump form in your throat as your eyes locked with his, the pain and anguish etched into his face clear as day. Simon's eyes were red and there were tears slowly streaming down his face, streaking down his cheeks. He was shaking as you gently took his hands in yours, his eyes locked on yours, searching for something, anything, to calm him.

"I'm sorry..." he whispered softly, cradling your cheeks and pulling you close to him. His eyes filled with regret and sadness as he brought you into his arms, and you felt his body tense and shake, the emotion behind his words evident.

"I'm so sorry," he repeated, his voice barely more than a whisper, but you could feel the weight of his guilt and regret. His chest rose and fell with his breaths as he held you close, and you could feel his heart race as he tried to swallow back his emotions.

He looked into your eyes, his gaze soft, filled with both sincerity and a hint of sadness. "I hear you," he whispered, his voice barely more than a whisper. "It's just that-" he paused, his voice trailing off. "It's hard for me," he finally continued, "To be open. But-" his voice was filled with determination, as he took a deep breath before continuing, "But I'm willing to try... to try to be better for you."

"Oh.." you muttered, leaning in to kiss his forehead. Your fingers traced patterns on his skin as you looked into his eyes. The expression on his face was a mix of shock, guilt, and relief.

It was a relief to him to finally be able to say and do something, anything to make things right. And with every gentle stroke of your fingers, he could feel the weight of your love, the compassion in your eyes as you looked at him, and he felt the walls surrounding his heart crumbling, slowly and steadily.

It was a strange, yet welcome feeling, this sense of vulnerability and openness. He closed his eyes as you brought your foreheads together, the silence in the room seeming to stretch on forever.

"Simon.. thank you.." The words fell like snowflakes in the silent room, filling it with warmth and reassurance. It was his reminder of your love in him, the trust you placed in him to make things right again. Even if he was in the wrong. And the sight of tears coming out of your eyes was enough for him to lean in and wrap his arms around you, holding you close.

"It's going to be hard," you whispered, the sincerity in your voice evident. Your eyes met his as you spoke, and you could see the weight of his guilt in them, the strain of his emotions. But you also saw a glimmer of hope, a small spark that told you that there was a chance of making things right. "Just know that I'll be here with you every step of the way, okay?"

This was your way of telling Simon that you were committed to helping him, that you would be his rock, his anchor. 'I don't deserve you.'

Erasing the negative thoughts clouding his mind, Simon leaned in and kissed your lips in response. The kiss was soft and tender, a way of expressing his gratitude for you being there for him in his time of need, for your understanding and support.

"I love you..." His lips lingered on yours for a moment, before he finally pulled away with a look of love and appreciation in his eyes. It was a fresh start for him. "Thank you."

One where he felt as though he had finally found the motivation to make the necessary changes - to open up to you more and this relationship.

Closing his eyes as he felt deeply exhausted, Simon thought of you and how you would never hesitate to stay up for him. You would be there by his side to patch him up in the bathroom with a thoughtful look on your face. He didn't want to disturb you, realizing that you were still curled up in your sleep. He tiptoed his steps, careful not to make a sound as he walked toward the bedroom. You meant the world to him and the thought of waking you from your blissful slumber would never cross his mind.

"Maybe I should patch myself up first, Simon whispered to himself as he slowly eased open the door. He peeked inside, expecting to see you safely tucked away in his bed, all cozy and warm. But when the door was finally opened, he was greeted with a scene unlike any other. His heart seemed to melt as he laid his eyes on you, sleeping peacefully in his bed. All trace of exhaustion was lost as a soft grin formed on his face.

Completely sound asleep in his bed was undeniably you. Your legs spread out comfortably with a large pillow between, your arms cradling another pillow, and though he couldn't get to see a glimpse of your face, he can tell you were probably snoring the night away.

Gently shooking his head in amusement, Simon walked over to you and crouched in your side of the bed. Though he has dried blood on his hands, it didn't stop him from pushing your stray hair away from your face, careful as he does not want any of the dirt in your skin.

Leaning in to you, he softly kissed your forehead and for a moment, he closed his eyes in contentment, missing your presence from all the days he was away from you. Now he was here with you. "Love you," He whispered against your hair. "S'damn much."

Simon placed a peck on your cheek so softly like a feather's touch. He just wanted nothing else but to bury himself into the softness of the blankets and sleep in your arms. Grunting, he decided he had to freshen up first before he can join you on the bed that was looking comfy as ever.

Though, begrudgingly he stood up from his crouched position and sauntered over to the bathroom. Finally entering the shower after removing his clothes, he visibly relaxed when the lukewarm water hit his tensed muscles. It felt so good that he stood under the shower head for awhile, letting the warm water massage his sore body.

After showering, he wrapped a towel around his body and let the warm steam from the bathroom envelop him. Now feeling quite better, he approached the vanity box and grabbed the tools he needed to patch himself. Bandages, gauzes, scissors, and some antiseptic liquid were all laid out infront of him.

Simon sat at the bathroom counter and carefully tended to the various wounds he had on his body, bandaging and covering them as needed. He worked with care, ensuring that each wound was properly cleaned, dressed, and protected. Despite the pain and discomfort he felt, Simon remained focused and determined, refusing to let his injuries hold him back.

After applying the last bandage, Simon made his way to the bedroom, careful not to disturb his wounds any further. He climbed into bed beside you, settling in for a long overdue night of rest. He gently wrapped his arms around you as he spoons you from behind.

With your comforting presence at his side, Simon finally allowed himself to let go of the tension and stress that had been weighing on him for so long. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, feeling a sense of peace and comfort in your arms.

—

Simon stirred awake from the soft voice calling out his name, the soft caress of the you fingertips waking him from his slumber. He have yet to open his eyes but still, he can fell himself lying in your arms.

You didn't say anything, your eyes were filled with a hint of sadness and concern as you continued lightly caressing the bandages and gauzes on your lover's body. You woke up quite early as you expected, but it was because of the heavy yet familiar feeling of an arm enclosing your waist.

You had excitedly opened your eyes and turned to your other side to face your now sleeping Simon. You carressed his cheeks as you feel yourself getting emotional. Simon is home. You softly left pecks of your kisses in his chest, each of them filled with love and appreciation.

He could feel how much love that were pouring out of you all over again, it made his heart burst out from so much affection that he thinks were undeserving to him. He felt his arm getting slowly grabbed at and a low coo of concern coming out of you.

Simon was confused on why you had such a reaction. But then it clicks on him. The gauzes. The bandages. He was about to recoil from your touch as to hide his ugly arms away from you to see, but the feeling of a tender caress made him stop.

"Sweet thing," You whispered, your voice soft with concern as you pressed gentle kisses to Simon's wrapped wounds, your lips lingering over each bruise and cut you saw peeping out from the bandages. "You don't deserve anything like these..."

As Simon basked in the comfort and warmth of your loving touches, emotions rushed through. He wanted to let himself cry. He knew that the kisses would not heal his wounds instantly, but the gesture meant more to him than words could say.

The feelings of love and caring that surrounded him were almost too much to bear, and he could feel the tears welling up in his closed eyes. It had been such a long time since someone had cared for him in such a way, and now, as he was gently kissed and nurtured, he felt that he could finally let go of the pain. But even as the tears threatened to fall, he tried to stifle them, afraid of breaking the calmness that had enveloped him.

As you turned to Simon, your thumbs still gently carressing his bandaged hands, you were surprised to see that he was awake. You stopped what you were doing momentarily, letting the silence fill the room.

"Hi," You cheekily whispered to him, a smile gracing your lips as your heart swells with love for the man in front of you. He's just woken up, but even the fatigue in his eyes can't erase the warmth and affection that shines through when he looks at you.

"G'morning, lovie," Simon greets as he grew more soft towards you. The tired lines on his face soften as he takes you in, and you can't help but feel grateful for each moment you get to share with him. He brought up his hands and pulled you closer to him.

As your face was against his chest, the smell of him filled your nostrils with every breath, like a comforting embrace. You felt his heartbeat pounding beneath your ear. There was a comfort in his warm presence, a sense of safety that you could never find anywhere else. He was your home.

"Thank you," Simon muttered as his arms wrapped around you even firmer as if you would flee away if he didn't. His grip held you closely, as if he was afraid to let go and lose you to the world outside. He put his chin on top of your head and inhaled deeply, drawing comfort and reassurance from your presence. There was nowhere else he wanted to be, but right here with you.

Confused, you softly asked, your voice muffled against the small space between your face and his chest, "For what?"

Simon's heart skipped a beat when he heard your voice. He couldn't believe how cute you sounded when you spoke in that sweet, whisper-soft tone.

"For this?" he murmured, tightening his embrace around you and pulling you even closer, reveling in your warm, intoxicating scent. His voice was low, almost too low for you to hear over the beating of your hearts.

You pulled away from his embrace gently and put your hands on his cheeks. He looked up at you with a sweet smile and you couldn't help but return it.

"Of course," you murmur, pulling him even closer. Showering him with affection is just a normal, natural thing for you to do, especially when he is injured. "I'll take care of you, my love. Always."

And though it's so, so hard for him to admit, he's soft when it comes to you. He's always known that you take care of him, that's your role, but today he can't shake the feeling that it's not quite so simple. He tries to say no, tries to put up some resistance to your tender, gentle caresses, but the resolve is gone before it even arrives at his throat. He submits to you, like he always has and always will, as a contented smile plays across his lips.

"I will always be here for you, Simon", you continued softly as you stroke his hair. You want to make him feel taken care of, loved and protected, and it melts your heart seeing his relief as he buries his head into your chest. You know this is where he belongs, and you both feel at peace.

Your touch brings him comfort and peace, and you can feel the tension and worry easing away from his body. He leans against you and lets out a deep sigh, his muscles completely relaxed. In this moment, there is nothing else that matters. Just you and him.

Simon presses his face against your chest one last time, breathing in your scent and feeling your heart beating steadily beneath your skin, and he is at perfect peace. The two of you are finally home, together in each other's arms, and nothing will ever come between you.

• TENDER CARE — "He grimaces from his injuries, but despite the pain, he gives you a small smile, thankful for your constant care and concern for his wellbeing."

• TIME'S TICKIN' — "He nervously looks around while waiting for the elevator, hoping he'll make it in time."

• LONELY NIGHT — "Rain pounds against the windowsill as he sits alone, lost in thoughts of you, wishing you were by his side."

• DELICATE FLOWER — "He gently wipes away a strand of hair from your face, his fingers trembling slightly as they brush over your skin."

• REMINISCING — "He felt a wave of tense as he entered the room. The scent of flowers and sunshine filled the air, reminding him of all the memories you shared together."

• HERE WITH ME — "He catches you off-guard with a kiss in reuniting after a long deployment."

── ◜‹3◞  COL.L KÖNIG :

• HEARTBEAT — "As you place your head down on his chest, you relished in the comfort of his uniform and the heat of his body."

• AFFECT ME — "He leans in closer to you, his deep voice sending shivers down your spine, as he whispers sweet nothings in your ear."

• RUINATION — "He couldn't shake the feeling that he had done something wrong, that he had ruined everything. He didn't know how to make it better."

── ◜‹3◞  SER.T HORANGI :

• SLEEPY LOVE — "He holds you in his arms, planting kisses on your forehead as he lays you in bed together."

• BELOVED'S TOUCH — "He lays on your lap, his soft hair brushing against your thighs as he looks adoringly up at you."

• SHY HEART — "He stares at you with a loving gaze across the corridor of the barracks. He should probably go before you find him out."

── ◜‹3◞  COL.L ALEJANDRO :

• AFFECTION — "He gently touches your cheek with his thumb, a small, sweet gesture of his affection."

• HIS PRESENCE — “His fingers pause, his gaze fixed firmly on the phone with a single message displayed on the screen: ‘I'm here.’"

• A CHOICE — "He couldn't believe he was really doing this. He was given the choice of betraying everything he stood for, just for you."

── ◜‹3◞  SER.T RODOLFO :

• FIRM HAND — "He tries to get out of bed despite his injuries, but you promptly pushed him back down, reminding him that he must rest to heal."

• SHINING SALUTE — "He stands to attention in his dress uniform, saluting proudly as he looks across the field at you, his sweet lover."

• GREAT CARE — "Your capable hands massaging his aching back, after a long day of training and fighting."