#ghostofthemost141

“Ace?”

“Yes?”

I was almost startled to hear Simon's voice enter the house, but then I remembered the letter he sent me a week ago, that he would be home soon. He didn't say exactly when but soon to him is usually within a week or so.

“Where you at, love?” Simon called for me.

I felt so terrible. Usually I would have his favorite dinner ready for him when he would come home, but here I am, rotting on our bed in solitude.

“Bedroom.” I softly answered.

Seconds later, I could hear heavy, but gentle footsteps come down the hallway and stop at our doorway.

“Are you in here?” Simon asked.

“Yes.” I croaked.

Even though I was happy he was home, knowing he was home means he would have to leave again. And who knows how long he will be home for until he has to leave once again. The bedroom door swung open, with Simon standing there in the doorway in all his glory. His handsome glory.

“There you are.” I felt Simon sit on the bed and place his hand on my shoulder.

“Hey. I'm sorry.” I apologize.

“For what?”

“I didn't have dinner ready.” I said, feeling immense guilt invade my stomach.

Simon didn't say anything back, instead he just rubbed my side, up and down, making sure his skin was touching mine. Despite being in combat all the time, his skin was always soft to touch and so smooth. I guess that's why he always wears his gloves to not damage them. It was silent between us though, and that worried me. Was he mad at me? He has to be. But if he was mad he would communicate with me about it. I wish I could read his mind and figure out how he was feeling.

“Love?”

“Yes?”

“I'm fine with takeout.” He said.

I could feel the guilt increasing in my gut.

“No, I'll get up and cook.” I said as I started to get up but Simon stopped me.

He still wore some of his tactical gear, his boots and his balaclava mask but his blue eyes told me everything he was saying without saying it.

“Let's go eat somewhere. Just me and you.” Simon suggested.

He just got done from a month-long mission and nearly died doing so, as he does with every mission, and he wants to cater to me? What is he on? I should be the one catering to him.

“No you pick, Si.” I said.

“Ace.”

I felt a chill down my spine as Simon spoke my name. It wasn't out of anger nor annoyance but it was definitely in severity. He definitely wants to make it known to me that he is being serious right now.

“Where do you wanna eat at? You pick.” Simon urged me.

I thought about it for a moment.

“Um..I've been kinda wanting Italian. I just don't like going out by myself.” I suggested.

Simon held my hand and rubbed it with his thumb. I loved the feeling of his skin on mine. Just so soft. So comforting. It sent good chills down my spine.

“You been saying you wanted to try that local place, right?”

“Yeah.” I said.

“Well then let’s go. I’ll pamper myself up real quick.” Simon told me as he got up from bed.

“You going to powda yo nose, love?” I asked, in my overexaggerated accent.

SImon laughed in amusement.

“You’re funny, darling.”

Simon stripped off all of his clothing and my eyes were all over his body. I have never been with a guy who was as ‘ripped’ as Simon, but my god was it like looking at a perfectly sculpted statue all the time.

“A picture lasts longer, you know.” Simon knocked me out of my trance.

I rolled my eyes at him as I slowly got my ass out of bed to do the same. I don’t exactly ‘look bad’ but I definitely need to change clothes and whatnot. Before I stripped off my clothes though, I remembered. I didn’t know how Simon would react to seeing ‘that’ on my body. I slowly approached the dresser as he went into our shared bathroom to clean his face up. I quickly opened the drawer and just grabbed the first T-Shirt and pair of jeans that I saw. I don’t want to be suspicious but also didn’t want Simon to see what I did to myself. He doesn’t need to worry about me. He already has a lot on his plate. Right as I buttoned up my jeans, Simon entered back into the room. His mask was off and his face was cleaned off of his black face paint that he always puts around his eyes. God, he was so handsome. How did I get so lucky? He should be with someone else, not me. Someone who is stable mentally and is perfect and has a better figure and body and-

“What’s on your mind, love?”

Simon’s gravelly voice was close and I felt his touch on my cheek. He leaned in close to me, looking down at me. He knows.

“It's nothing. I promise, Si.” I lied to reassure him.

Simon peered his eyes at me. I know he doesn't believe me, I can just tell.

“Alright.”

This conversation wasn't over but he just didn't want to fight with me right now, even though I should be the one to cater to him. I wanted to protest once again but I knew he wouldn't be happy if I did, only cause that's just how Simon is. He would rather me be catered than him even though he deserves to be catered to as well.

“You ready, my love?” Simon asked.

“Yes.”

~

“So many choices.” I comment, eyeing the menu.

Not only were there a lot of choices, but the prices were a bit steep too. Granted it is a local place, but if I would have known about the prices I wouldn't have made the suggestion. I feel awful now. I don't like Simon spending money on me.

“What are you feeling like tonight?” Simon asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. As Simon scanned the menu, I took notice of him and his features. It's not often that Simon will go out in just plain clothes and something concealing his face. I know he does it to protect us, even though I don't think it's necessary. He shouldn't hide his beautiful face. In fact it's me that should be the one-

“Hello, welcome to Mama Rita's! My name is Gary and I'll be the one taking care of y'all tonight. Can I start y'all off with some drinks?” A male waiter approached us with a chipper attitude.

“Do y'all have gin and tonic ‘ere?” Simon asked Gary.

“We do. Would you like one of those?”

“Yes, with water too, please sir.” Simon added.

“And for you?” Gary asked me.

They have cherry soda here. It's one of the very few sodas that doesn't make me bloated nor feel like shit when I drink it compared to the usual cola sodas. But it is quite pricey, since according to the menu they make the sodas the old fashioned way.

“Just water.”

“Actually she will have a cherry soda. I almost didn't see that on the menu, but it's her favorite.” Simon butted in.

What? What is he doing? I don't get it.

“Alright a cherry soda. Do y'all know what you want to eat or do y'all need a minute?” Gary asked us.

“A minute please.” I said.

“You got it!” Gary said and he walked off to give us a moment.

Of course that was just a diversion so Simon could talk with me.

“Love.”

“Yes?”

“What's wrong? You're not your usual self.” Simon said, holding my hand and running his thumb on my hand.

I held back tightly.

“Why did you get me the cherry soda? You know we are trying to save money.” I said, trying to hold back tears.

“What in bloody hell do you mean, Ace? I don't understand.” Simon questioned me, but also tried to comfort me.

“It's nothing, Si.”

I hung my head down to avoid looking at him. I felt so much shame and guilt with myself. I don't deserve him, I don't deserve him.

“Darling, you're about to cry. I need to know what is going on.”

“I'm such a bad partner to you.” I spat out, with it coming out harsher than I meant to.

Simon was silent for a moment and he was about to speak when Gary came back with our drinks. He sat down Simon's drink and water in front of him and my cherry soda in front of me. The piercing red syrupy drink stared at me as if it was mocking me.

“Are we ready?”

“Uh yes, sir.” I spoke.

“What can I get started for y'all?”

Simon stayed silent waiting for me to go first but I motioned for him to go first.

“We will get an order of mozzarella sticks, some spinach and artichoke dip.”

Those are my two favorite appetizers in the world. Simon, stop.

“What else?” Gary asked him.

“For my meal, I'll take the Creamy Tuscan Salmon.” Simon added.

Gary quickly wrote down what Simon said and he took the menu from Simon.

“And for you?”

“Get whatever you want, love.” Simon commented before I could even speak.

He meant it too.

“Just the chicken Alfredo will be alright.” I say, handing him my menu.

“Alright I'll go put those in for y'all.” Gary said.

“Thank you.” Simon and I both thanked him in unison as he walked off.

I already knew what was coming so I hung my head down.

“Ace.”

“I'm sorry, Simon.”

“You don't need to be fucking sorry for nothing.”

His tone was harsh, but only because he wanted me to know he was being serious. I wanted to say something back, but I couldn't find the words to say. Instead, the tears rush down my face. He knew I wasn't crying despite not making any noises.

“I saw the marks on your body.”

I felt my heart stop and start racing all at once, if that was even possible.

“W-What are you talking about?” I ask, trying to play dumb.

“Ace, you're a bad fucking liar.”

He got me there. I indeed am.

“I just..”

“How long have you been doing that for?” Simon asked me out of genuineness.

“I just fucking hate when you leave. I get so depressed when I am left alone and just pray everyday you get to come home, even though there's a high chance that you won't and my brain just gets to me and I hate myself for it.” I spewed out.

I sobbed silently as Simon squeezed my hand in reassurance. I know he was only silent because he was trying to find the right words to say.

“Love, please. You don't need to do any of that to yourself.”

“I didn't mean for you to see it.”

“But I'm glad I did.” Simon said.

“What?”

“It's so I can help you. Ace, you're my special person. If I didn't love you then I wouldn't be with you but here we are. We've been together for a while now. You don't need to think that way about yourself nor do any of that to yourself. I want to help you. You said you hate being alone so maybe we can get you a companion.” Simon suggested.

“Like a cat?”

“Maybe.”

“A dog?”

“Eh, maybe.”

“What about a pony?”

“Okay you're pushing it now, love.” Simon chuckled.

I chuckled as Simon lifted my hand up and placed a gentle kiss on my hand. His soft lips sent little tingles throughout my hand and into my body.

“We will talk more when we get home but for now let's enjoy a meal, ‘kay?” Simon said.

“Okay, Simon Riley.” I said as he peered his eyes at me, “does Johnny or any of them call you Simon?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Cause they would already be dead if they did.” Simon half joked.

I laughed, knowing he meant it as a joke. Simon laughed as well, laughing at me. Even though I still felt the guilt in my chest, I had a feeling that maybe everything would be okay.

“Lieutenant.” 

“Yes?” Ghost called to me with a sour tone. 

“Did I do something wrong?” I ask. 

No, my Birdie. You did not. 

Ghost’s piercing blue eyes stared into my soul. When he came into our meeting room, he didn’t have his usual mask that obscured his entire face. I had never even realized his eyes were blue until he came in today with just a black jacket, his skull balaclava mask that revealed the upper part of his face, gray jeans, and blue converse shoes. Ever since I woke up from my injury, Ghost always looks at me with so much sadness. I don’t understand why he does that. 

“No.” He mumbled. 

I did not understand were this was all coming from. Everytime I ask, Soap, Gaz or Price, they just give me a ‘He is going through a lot right now’ but won’t tell me what. It was all confusing especially since he is giving me kind of the cold shoulder. 

If only you would understand, Birdie. Better yet, remember. 

I could look at Ghost and could see he was thinking, while staring at me. I feel like I should have a talk with him, especially when I haven’t done a damn thing wrong and yet he is treating me like this. He should know that I am one of the best fighters here besides him. Nevertheless, I need to continue this meeting as usual. 

“How is your head?” Gaz asked me. 

“Hurts, but manageable. I have been through worse.” I answer. 

It’s true. You were nearly shot to death when you first started and you still fought with the last bit of bloody strength you had in ya. You’re a fighter. A damn good fighter. 

“I feel like I know what’s coming.” I say. 

“Yeah, we are sending you home temporarily. You’ll be able to come back once your brain is healed.” Price informed me. 

Fuck. 

What a relief. 

“I’ll miss y’all, but orders are orders.” I announce, turning to the guys. 

They were all smiling at me except for Ghost who, once again, had his eyes turned away from me. What the hell? 

“I guess I better go pack my things. Y’all don’t have too much fun in the field without me.” I joke, making the guys laugh. 

“Do you want some help, Birdie?” Soap offered. 

I wanted to accept his offer, but I also wanted to leave the door open for Ghost so I could talk with him. 

“I got it, but thank you Johnny.” I smiled at him and he did it back. 

Even though Ghost has a mysterious charm to him, Soap has always been so kind and friendly to me. He’s also quite the handsome devil. I wonder if he is single, I am just not the one to ask someone about their love life. Disbanding the meeting, I turned and walked to my room, getting ready to pack my belongings. Despite my love for being out in the field, I was lowkey happy to be sent home on temporary leave. Gaz told me that if I were to hit my head again, I could be rendered a vegetable so it’s best for me to be sent home so I can heal and be able to be back on the field. I stepped into my room, feeling a small wave of sadness. 

“I’m gonna miss ya.” I say to myself in my room. 

“You’re never coming back here.” 

“AHH! JESUS!!” I cried out, getting startled by Ghost’s sudden appearance. 

“Ghost, you scared me.” 

“Sorry.” He mumbled. 

As I was catching my breath, I had just realized what he said.

“You’re never coming back here.” 

“What did you mean by that?” 

“By what?” 

“You said I was never coming back here. What did you mean by that?” I ask, seeing he is beating around the bush. 

Ghost’s eyes pierced at me, as if I was his enemy. 

“You won’t be comin’ back here. They are just lettin’ you down easy. A head injury is basically a death sentence for being in the force.” Ghost told me. 

I felt my heart drop, hearing Ghost tell me that. 

“I..I don’t understand.” I mumbled. 

“Of course you don’t.” 

No fucking way. I shot my head up at him and walked up to him. 

“What’s your problem? Ever since I came out of my coma you’ve done nothing but give me the cold shoulder and as far as I know I haven’t done a damn thing to you! So what gives?” I exclaimed in near hysterics. 

“It’s nothin’.” Ghost sneered. 

“No it is, tell me now Lieutenant.” I sternly said. 

“No.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Birdie, don’t.” 

“It’s something alright, just tell me.” 

I swear to God I am going to scream and I don’t want to do that to you, my love. 

“Tell me.” 

“Tell me.” 

“Tell me.” 

“Tell me.”

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me now.” 

“Tell me-” 

“YOU ARE MY WIFE!!” 

…

…

…

What? What did he just say? Ghost’s eyes were wide..I couldn’t even tell what it was. Was it anger? Was it sadness? Was it denial? I couldn’t tell.  

“What? What do you mean?” I asked Ghost, trying to reach for him but he just flinched away from me. 

“You..” Ghost paused as he tried to gather his words up, “you hit your head, Birdie. During a mission, someone snuck up behind you, and hit you in the head with the butt of their gun. Despite you passing out, you managed to kill the bloody bastard. But by the time I reached you, you were unconscious. We took you to the medic and we put you in a medical coma to give your brain time to heal. You were lucky to have no bleeding up in there, but they said the possibility of you having amnesia was high. I didn’t want to believe it..” 

“Lieutenant?” 

What? Why did she call me that? She always calls me Simon. Birdie looked down to see me holding her hand. 

“I didn’t think you’d be so worried about me.” She joked with a smile. 

Does she not..

“Of course I would be, love.” 

“Love? Aw you don’t have to pretend you care so much, Ghost, it’s not like we are dating or anything.” 

Oh…

Oh. 

Bloody fucking hell. This is not happening. I was about to speak when I saw the old geyser Price doing a frantic head shaking motion at me. What? What does that mean? 

“I was just..worried is all, Birdie. I’m glad you’re okay.” I say, letting go of her hand despite feeling heartbreak for the first time ever. 

“..until you said that. ‘It’s not like we are dating or anything’. That told me right there you don’t remember.” 

I could feel a heavy weight in my chest. This..this was all too much.  Why, why would Ghost be telling me this? I don’t understand. 

“Why would you be telling me this now?” I questioned. 

“Because I want you to remember.” 

For a split second, I swear I could hear Ghost’s voice breaking, as if he was going to cry. I have never heard Ghost cry, ever. But within that split second, he got his composure back. 

“You..you make me so happy, Birdie. I just want you to remember.” 

I thought about it. I mentally dug into my brain, to try and remember anything, something, any little thing that would indicate that Ghost and I were..together. But nothing came up. No memory or nothing. Just blackness. 

“I’m..I’m sorry Ghost. I don’t remember-” 

“Just pack your shiet and leave.” Ghost growled. 

“Ghost, I’m sorry I-” 

“Just..go. Now.” 

I have never heard Ghost get this intense nor scary. I didn’t know what to say. I felt bad for him that he supposedly had a life with me, but I just can’t remember it. I wanted to say something else, but I felt like anything I said would upset him. 

“Yes, sir.” I mumbled. 

Upon me saying that. Ghost immediately turned and walked out of my room. I wish I could remember. I have always had an infatuation for Ghost and the fact that he told me we are married, is an absolute shock to me. And I wish I could remember. 

Goodbye, my Birdie. 

One month later

My head didn’t hurt as much as usual today, which made me happy. Even though Price did eventually tell me I wouldn’t be able to come back to the field due to my head injury, he was happy to visit me once they got to go back home. Same with Gaz and Soap. The only one I haven’t heard from was Ghost. I wanted to reach out to him, but considering the last time we talked was a month ago and he ordered me to ‘pack my shiet and leave now.’ I get that he was upset, but I also wish he understood my point of view. I want to remember, trust me, but no matter how much I rack my brain, I can’t remember. I only remember me getting recruited and the day of my injury. Every once in a while, I will have a small flashback to a small thing that happened during my time on the field, but they are never about Ghost and I being together. None of this makes sense, but there is nothing I can do about it. I was at my dining table, stirring my coffee mug about to sip it and eat the french toast I made. 

*KnockKnock*

Who could that be? I am not expecting anyone and Price didn’t tell me they would be coming home anytime soon. I got up, went up to the front door, and opened it, nearly fainting in response. 

“Hey, Birdie.” 

Ghost stood there at my doorway holding a bouquet of..

“Ghost, I uh..didn't expect you.” I admitted, considering how angry he was with me. 

“I know.” 

“Would you like to come in? I can make you some tea.” I offer. 

“I’m fine, I just wanted to come by and bring you these. They were your favorite. And to also apologize for how I treated you when you left. It wasn’t right. I’m sorry.” Ghost apologized. 

I don’t think I have ever heard Ghost apologize before and it was definitely genuine. 

“It’s okay, sir. I understand.” 

I understood where he was coming from. 

“Please, just Simon is alright.” He said. 

Simon? Simon..

Ghost then handed me the bouquet of sunflowers. They smelled so nice, so heavenly, so…

“Simon.. Do you really feel that way about me?” 

“I do, I love you, Birdie…” 

~

“How are we going to tell Price about us?” 

“I’ll figure something out, love. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about nothing…” 

~

“Si.” 

“I love you so much, Birdie..You complete me.” 

~

“Birdie, will you marry me?” 

“Simon..yes. Yes I will.” 

~

I..I remember now. 

“Si?’ 

Simon’s eyes beamed up and were once again full of life again, hearing me utter his nickname I had for him. 

“Birdie..” 

You’re back, my love. You’re finally back. 

"This is the immediate future, step away from the gate." Graves announced.

What? You couldn't believe what you were hearing.

"What?" You cried out in disbelief.

"You heard me." Graves snared at you.

Your blood boiled with anger. You never heard such disrespect from someone, let alone someone who isn't even on your team.

"You're crazy, this is my base." Alejandro said.

You stood close to your boss, to hide the fact that you were gripping the small pistol you had in your back pocket. This could get ugly real quick but you would do it in a heartbeat to not only protect your Colonel but Task Force 141 that you have grown fond and close with.

"It's not a base," Graves started which only made you want to pop his head even more, "this is a sizable covert facility and I admire it. So I'm taking it."

No. No, he can't do that. There's no way he can do that. This was our base, our facility, our everything. Our home, you frantically thought. Your heart raced even faster than it did.

"You boys and gal," Graves made a point to smirk at you as he said that, "thank you for your service."

"No, no, no I don't take orders from you." Alejandro said.

You could feel that your Colonel was trying to keep himself cool and collected as he should be, but it was getting hard to do so.

"Didn't Valeria say that?"

He did not. You started to pull out your gun but felt a strong hand push down on your hand as Graves kept talking. You turned to see who it was and it was Sergeant Soap. His blue eyes pierced at you, and he shook his head at you. He knew what you were thinking and you felt as though he wanted to do the same thing as you did, but he knew it would turn real ugly. You sighed, removing your hand from your gun.

"What the fuck did you just say to me, pendejo?" Alejandro growled, stepping forward towards Graves.

You immediately pressed your hand onto the Colonel's chest, preventing him from doing any damage, Soap's small action towards you getting through to you. Alejandro looked down at your hand on his chest, knowing immediately it was your hand, but kept his scowl on Graves.

"You're out of line, Graves." Soap sternly said, approaching Graves as well.

"Don't do that. Don't.." Graves paused to glare at the three of you, "do that. No needs to get hurt here."

There was a small, intense pause with silence between all of you with the hard rain pattering on the road to accompany the silence.

"Are you threatening us?" Ghost's voice came from the corner.

The Ghost. Just from what you have seen in the short time y'all have done missions together, you knew he was a great fighter and solider. His alias name was very true to it's name.

"Soilder, I don't make threats."

Yeah right. You felt Alejandro shift his footing, causing your hand to fall from his chest. Same with Soap, realizing that it was taking two people to stop your Colonel from plummeting Graves.

"I make guarantees. So let's not do this." Graves eyed everyone, feeling the tension in the air get thicker.

"I'm calling Shepard." Soap announced.

Yes, their boss. Do it Soap.

"General Shepard sends his regards."

What?

"He told me y'all wouldn't take this well."

I couldn't believe it.

"He knows about this?" Ghost frantically asked, who visibly had the same reaction as you did or what you could tell from his mask.

"He has put me in command of this operation from here on out. So y'all need to stand down and it's time to let the pros finish this." Graves announced.

Chills rapidly went down your body. You were scared for once in your life. You didn't know what was going to happen. You stood closer to your Colonel who then pushed you back.

"Cam, stay back." Alejandro whispered and called you by your call sign so quietly that you could barely hear.

You had a feeling that your Colonel knew what was going to happen.

"Why the hell are we talking like this is some kind of negotiation? It's not. I've got my orders, and you have yours." Graves finished, adding fuel to the fire.

"And who the fuck do you think you are, cabrón?" Alejandro snared with rage, "my men are inside!"

"I'm afraid not."

Fuck.

"Your men have been...detained."

Oh my god. Oh shit. He is going to pounce. You just knew it. And he did. Before you could even jump in, you were pushed down onto your back, taking notice of Graves zip tieing his hands together.

"Colonel!" You cry out as shots were staring to fire.

You try to crawl over to help him, but a Shadow kicked you upside your head, causing your vision to blur. Shots were being fired, everyone was shouting, but the only person on your mind was your Colonel, Alejandro. Just as you were about to reach him, Graves took the butt of his gun and hit him up against his head with it, knocking Alejandro out.

"NO! Tu jodes!" You screamed, attempting to tackle Graves.

You managed to scratch his face until he kicked you down, hitting your head against the hard road. His gun was pointed at you and you felt your heart race as if you knew this was the end. At least you didn't go down without a fight.

Suddenly a gunshot rang out, hitting Graves right on his shoulder and knocking him back.

"Cam, let's go!" A deep accented voice called to you.

It was Soap and Ghost. You immediately took Soap's hand as he helped you to his feet. The two of you took off running, with Ghost trailing behind y'all. Soap tried to prevent you from looking back but you couldn't help yourself as you had seen your beloved Colonel get shoved into the G-Wagon. Before he was even fully into the vehicle, the three of you were gone from sight, disappearing into the deep woods of Las Almas. Once the three of you were far from Graves and the Shadow Company, the three of y'all stopped to recollect.

"Fuck! Alejandro." You croaked, coming to terms with what happened.

"We will get him back, Cam." Soap tried to comfort you.

And while you appreciate it, your mind was racing so much to even realize he was trying to pull you into a hug.

"Mierda.." You mumble, feeling the tears peak out of your eyes.

You truly felt defeated. You embraced Soap's hug, knowing he was trying to keep you calm.

"Alejandro is a tough guy. He will be okay." Ghost piped up.

"I know. It's just.." You paused, wondering if you should tell the two Brits.

Both Soap and Ghost were silent and looking at you, waiting for you to finish.

"Well, Alejandro and I.. we are seeing each other."

Soap's eyes went wide while Ghost remained neutral.

"I had no idea. You both hide it well." Soap complimented.

"You two act like no one can see the two of 'ou holding hands in the vehicle, but everyone knows." Ghost remarked.

You roll your eyes at him.

"Thanks, man." You say, "we need to make it to Alejandro's safe house. There's equipment there and everything we need to fight back."

"How do we get there?" Ghost asked.

"I know the way." You say.

"Well, lead the way Mrs. Vargas." Soap said.

You couldn't help but chuckle at that, knowing Soap meant good intentions behind it. As you led the men to Alejandro's safe house, you just hope they can manage to keep it a secret, like Rudy has, until you both retire.

END

The waves were crashing against the shore, the seagulls were lively, and the sand was warm. The weather was perfect for the beach and you couldn’t wait to dip your toes in. 

“Dove, them waves look rough.” Gem, one of my  best friends, told me with concern. 

“I know how to swim, girl, you don’t have to worry about me.” I  reassure her, as waves crash onto my legs. 

Gem looked at you with her bright colored eyes full of concern. She knew that you were a great swimmer but the way the waves were going about, it worried her deeply. It also worried your other friend Pixie as well. 

“Just stay in the shallow. Neither of us are great swimmers like you are, Dove.” Pixie mentioned. 

“There’s a lifeguard on duty.” I joke, knowing they won’t have to do their job today with me. 

Both girls looked at each other with concern, but non verbally agreed to keep an eye on you for your sake. Gem and Pixie laid down their blankets and chairs and chilled on the sand while you were knee deep in the water. The water was at perfect temperature to accompany the hot weather that was out today. But the waves were indeed getting rougher, but that didn’t deter you away. No, it only made you want to go further. You felt a sense of not only pride, but a burst of your ego. 

“You can do it.” I mumbled to myself, feeling the waves get stronger. 

Gem and Pixie, though promising themselves to keep an eye on you, were distracted by some attractive people and doing everything that they could to grab their attention. From a distance you noticed a sandbar but it was some distance away. 

“Pfft. Can’t be that far.” 

It was maybe a walk or so away. Granted I won’t be able to touch the farther I get but I’m a good swimmer. I’ve got nothing to worry about. 

You pushed forward, suddenly feeling the drop off of how deep it got. It scared you but only for a second as you began to doggy paddle towards the sand bar. It was when your heart dropped when you realized that the sandbar was indeed farther than it looked. It was too late to back out now. For a second you think you hear Gem and Pixie calling for you, but you were too far out to tell. Your heart started racing, but for some reason your own ego took over and you kept pushing forward. The waves were getting harsher and rougher that you decided that now, maybe, you should turn back around. Yes, that’s a good idea, you thought. You swam around and started making your way back to shore. Your arms burned and you felt a cramp start to form in your lower region. 

“Why, oh why?” I grumbled to myself, immediately regretting my decision. 

This was stupid. Stupid, stupid. 

Your arms burned more and more, to the point that you realized you were going further away from shore. 

“Sh-Shit.” 

The cramp got worse, stinging your insides and taking over. You tried to float, but then you started to panic, feeling the cramp get worse and worse and you were getting further and further from shore. 

“No, no, no, please God-” 

You were cut off by a big wave crashing onto you, sucking you under water. You inhaled way too much water than your lungs could handle, causing you to choke and try to swim up the surface, but you were sucked in too deep. You fought with every bit of strength you had left to get to the surface. You could feel the sweet relief of air the closer you got to the surface. You were nearly there. 

Nearly there. 

Nearly. There. 

Nearly…there. 

Nearly…

… 

You went limp just as you reached the surface, the cramps and intense burning taking over your body and making you succumb to drowning. Pixie and Gem had noticed your disappearance and were already calling for help, even though they wouldn’t be able to locate you. Your body floated further and further down from the surface. You felt as if you were floating, but in a weird way and you were asleep. You were consciously fighting to stay awake, even though your body was limply floating in the deep water. You sunk down more and more and the lifeguards were just now getting on to finding your body, but by the time they get to the deep end, you’ll be long gone. 

Long, long gone. 

A pair of bright blue eyes spotted you from the deep waters. The eyes watched you as you limply started sinking down and down to the deep waters ever so slowly. He knew you were in trouble. He knew he had to rescue you even if he couldn’t be spotted. The creature slowly started making his way towards you. The two of you were in deep enough water that no one would be able to spot you from the surface. You didn’t react or even twitch when he swam up close to you. 

“Poor lass.” He mumbled, holding onto your body. 

The creature wrapped your body around him and started swimming to the very far side of where the people are at. He knew you had just passed out so he still had time to save you. He couldn’t risk being seen by people, but he would do it for you. He couldn’t help but notice your distinct features. The way your hair flowed in the water, your vibrant skin, and your bright colored lips. He shouldn’t have noticed these features of you in this situation but he couldn’t help it. You were that pretty to him. Once he got far enough from everyone else, he brought you onto shore, laying you gently on your back. He looked back and forth to make sure there were no people around. There wasn’t. Good, he thought. The creature leaned down and immediately started giving you mouth to mouth. Opening up your mouth and breathing his air into yours, while pumping your heart with his hands in unison. As quick as he started, you were back. 

Shit, shit what happened? What the hell happened? My head hurts, my chest hurts, everything hurts. 

The creature backed up away from you a little as you came to. He has never wanted a human to see him like this until he saw you. Creatures like him never believed in love at first sight, but that’s very much what he was doing. 

Who saved me? I forced my eyes open, to find a pair of bright blue eyes looking down at me. Oh my god, he was gorgeous. A gorgeous man. 

“Are you my savior?” I asked, feeling slightly delusional after coming back from the dead. 

The creature chuckled, hoping you wouldn’t notice his unique features. 

“Maybe, doll.” 

Oh, he has an accent. A thick accent. 

“Where are you from?” I ask. 

I could tell the man was nervous for whatever reason. 

“Uh..” The man paused. 

I felt an eerie silence beckon over us as I glanced down, feeling my heart race. It wasn’t the gills on his side that I noticed, but the fact that he doesn’t have legs. He has a tail. A fucking tail. 

“W-What? I must be dead.” I slightly joked, not believing what I was seeing. 

I could tell the man, or merman, was a bit unnerved by my comment. His deep, dark blue tail flopped onto the wet sand, making a loud ‘plat’ sound. 

“Sorry, it just feels like a childhood liking of mine is a reality.” I say, to try and uplift the mood.

He smiled at me, his beautiful eyes beaming down at me. I glanced down, seeing how fit he was. How on Earth is he this fit for a mermaid? There ain’t no way. 

“Well can I know the name of my savoir? Considering I was being stupid.” I admit. 

The man smiled at me once again. I couldn’t help but stare at his tail. It was so pretty. The prettiest shade of blue I have ever seen, besides the shade of his eye color. 

“Johnny.” He said. 

“Johnny, I’m Dove, the dumbass you had to save.” I said, joking. 

Johnny chuckled. 

“How long have you had a tail?” 

“For as long as I can ‘member.” Johnny answered. 

You smiled at that, feeling your heart race the longer you stare at Johnny. He was so drop dead handsome, despite being a mermaid, which you could hardly believe he even was one. 

“DOVE!!” A familiar voice screamed out. 

Before you could even react, Johnny was immediately gone. You felt sad, seeing your savior disappear like that but you didn’t know his relationship with humans, despite him getting that close to you and letting you see him. 

“Holy shit! Are you okay?!” Gem frantically asked me, getting into my space. 

“Y-Yeah. I am. I think.” I said, reeling in from who I just met. 

But if he immediately swam away upon hearing Pixie’s voice, that tells me he doesn’t want to be seen or known. 

“How did you get back to shore?” Gem asked. 

“I just..swam.” I lied through my teeth. 

I could tell they didn’t believe me, but they were more concerned about me being alive versus how I got back to shore. 

Gem and Pixie helped you to your feet, commenting about how you keep looking out into the ocean. You lied and told them it was you being proud of yourself for getting yourself back to shore. When really you were searching for Johnny. You felt special, in an odd way. The fact that he let you see him, but fled when Gem and Pixie were coming means you were indeed special. You wanted to see him again. You just didn’t know how to expect to come back to the beach. As Pixie and Gem dragged you away, you could see a familiar pair of bright blue eyes staring at you. This confirmed everything. You wanted to see him again. But until then, he was your secret. And you are thankful you’re still alive to this day.