#codependency

simon liked that, working with someone that was as focused and efficient as him. he requested price to pair him with you, something you didn't know. you didn't talk his ear of like soap and you seemed to understand him better than gaz. price was more than happy to indulge his lieutenant, seeing the success rates of your joint operations.

it took one bad day to shatter you both and bring you together.

you were ambushed, tens of soldiers that weren't supposed to be there. being kept in the hands of the enemy for close to a month broke you. sobs left your mouth when it was simon's turn, while he screamed and threatened them when they touched you. yet, neither of you could do anything but take it. bound in a tiny cell for weeks, malnurished and dehydrated, you both lost yourselves. simon watched in real time as the brightest member of the 141 fell apart. you saw unprecedented amounts of emotion on the lieutenants face. this wasn't ghost and merlin anymore, just two souls begging for salvation. when the rest of the 141 found you, they weren't sure you were the people they had come to know and love. they had to treat you like two feral and terrified animals, slow movements and soft coos. getting cleared by medical when you were back to the base was hell. both of you refused to leave the other. they had to give you a double room and keep you together at all times.

if simon wasn't there, you wouldn't eat. he couldn't sleep without holding your hand. your injuries were bad enough to give you both a few months of office work. broken arms, ribs, ankles. fractures of all kind. more emotional trauma than anyone could comprehend. it would take a while until either of you would be able to go on the field. losing two of your best soldiers for almost half a year was unfortunate but risking losing them forever was something price didn't even want to think about.

so, he pulled some strings, got you a joint room and made sure no one seperated you. after you were in a slightly better state, kyle liked to joke about how two of the deadliest soldiers were a package deal. johnny once tried to pull you away from simon and ended up in the med bay with a broken nose.

simon had no regrets.

part two!! (part three)