#simon riley request

You couldn’t help it when you started to close yourself off - a trauma response from those years in the orphanage, then the system. You took less and less patients, eventually getting confronted by your Lieutenant, “What is going on with you, Captain?” You had given them a half-assed answer, “Got a lot of papers to go through from Price. It won’t be a long time.” And you kept yourself locked in your office, looking over case files and possible missions you could go on to escape this. Escape the feeling that has been gnawing at your soul since the last time you left your apartment with him three months ago. The feeling of distrust, of emotional abandonment.

You didn’t stop your tears when they came every night after Ghost had visited, but you never cried in front of him. You figured that would give him more ammunition to keep you at arm’s length.

Your hand ran across the hefty manila folder, the other held onto your vest collar. You opened the folder.

It was a stupid decision, you knew that. He would never let you get out of his sight, let you be anywhere without his knowledge and approval. But you needed something different - you needed somewhere where you felt like you could breathe, with people you trust and have put trust into you.

Your dog, Cerberus, whined from your cot across the room. You’d been sleeping more in your office than your own room, you figured it was because you were mentally preparing to be out on the friend with your old squad, and definitely not because you couldn’t stand to be in the same room as Ghost. He never let you move away from him in missions, never let you out of his sight when on them - it was suffocating, feeling like you were inadequate in a field you spent most of your life in because of the man you loved with everything you had. You gave him your all, your everything - he definitely made you feel that it would never be enough, without him even speaking a word.

Your eyes read over the mission again. Reconnaissance on a couple of enemy bases, a patrol of safe houses in the area to make sure they were still secure. That and to infiltrate a top secret base deep in the mountains to retrieve information on a possible illegal uranium enrichment plant being constructed. Your eyes darted back across the room to Cerberus, you whistled lowly. The German Shepherd leapt off your cot, scrambling to sit in between you and your desk, he plopped his heavy head on your lap. You smiled at him, scratching behind his ears. “Good boy, Cerby.”

Your team consisted of your good friends, Logan and Hesh Walker, as well as Keegan Russ. You remembered how threatened Ghost was with how close of friends you were with them, you had chose to follow him to 141 instead of stay in the comfort of the Ghost Crew. A choice you had regretted earlier, but not now. You felt a lot better equipped with such an intense task force, you have more medics than before and an actual base to stay in - that and Price seemed a lot more relaxed now that Hassan and Shepherd were no longer a problem.

Cerberus’s ears perked up and he darted out from under your desk as you heard thunderous footsteps coming towards your office.

“Lay down.” You ordered your dog, he looked back at you before he skittered back onto your bed. You stood, your seat wheeled backwards half a foot. It was only five more seconds before your office door slammed against the wall, Ghost stormed in and shoved it back into the frame with his foot. He held up a folder just likes yours before he growled loudly, “What the fuck is this?”

You closed your own folder, moving your hand from your vest collar and splaying your fingers on the cardstock. Your eyes stayed down on the folder stamped, “Classified.”

“You’re going on a mission with the Ghosts?”

Your eyes looked over some stamped patient files, taking them in your hand and opening a few to se did you had signed them.

“Price told me five minutes ago. You’ve known for how long?”

You closed the files and whistled lowly again, the clicking of claws against the concrete was heard as the massive search and rescue dog curled around the back of your legs. You didn’t even have to look to know that he had his hackles raised - when you were on guard, so was he.

Ghost marched forwards and slammed his folder down on your desk, his fist clenched as he growled, “Answer me.”

“A month.” You muttered, eyes staring at the folders in your hands before turning away. You’ve cried over him the night previous and the seven before that, must you face him?

“And you weren’t going to tell me?” His voice was gruff, appalled. “That’s reckless. And you told Price not to tell me? Really?”

“It was need to know.” You answered, placing the files back on your desk before you stepped around your dog to the head of your cot where your duffle sat open. He followed, keeping a distance of six feet from you because of Cerberus curling around your legs and staring at him. Your hands grew shaky as you began to double check everything in your bag.

“I tell you whenever I leave for any mission, any fuckin’ errand, and you don’t dare tell me about one of the most important ops we’ve had in months? Why are you going?”

“They need a medic, they requested me.”

He scoffed. “We need our medic.”

You slowed down, hand brushing over your beige t-shirts as you spoke, “You have my lieutenant, Gomez.”

“I want you here.” His voice softened a little, you shoved the clothes down farther in the bag, pulling out your spare medkit and opening it, eyes darting over its contents. “I only trust you to patch me up.”

You slammed your spare med-pack closed and back into your duffle. You quickly zipped it, sharply saying, “That’s funny, ‘cause you seem not to trust me any other time.” You turned to look at him, eyes brimmed with tears.

His eyes widened. “What?”

“You don’t trust me, Simon. You never let me take my lead when we’re on missions, let me be near you, let me talk with other people.” Your arms crossed over your chest, tears slicing hot on your skin. “You don’t trust me. do you even want to be in this relationship?” Your hand went up and quickly wiped away your tears. “Because it certainly feels like you don’t.”

He stood there, stunned - his hands at his side, he had no idea what to do with them. “Of course I do.” He took a step forward, cautiously placing his right hand out. “Of course I trust you.”

You backed away then, your calves bumped into Cerberus, your hand reached down to touch his head - an attempt to calm yourself. “Then why can’t you put a little faith in me? A little faith that you are the one I go to sleep thinking about? That you are the one I worry about when I’m out on the field, instead of my own safety? That I wouldn’t ever do this to you?” Tears fall rapidly, your heart beat roughly in your chest - anxiety was gripping your diaphragm. “I trust you with my life, Simon. I have since we got together. It’s been almost a year and a half and you still don’t even trust me to have your back.”

He just stands there, arms at his side - his eyes stared at you, dark and full of pain. “I do. I do trust you, Y/N.”

You threw your duffle on your back and walked towards him - shoving a finger into his chest, looking up at him. “You have this whole mission to think about this, about us. Because I can’t be trusting you blindly when you don’t even trust me to breathe.”

You moved around him, whistling for Cerberus. The dog swiftly followed you out of the office, and you slammed the door behind you. You swiftly walked down the corridor, and as soon as you turned the corner, your back hit the wall. Your hand flew up to your mouth, pressing into it to muffle the loud sobs that fell from your throat. Cerberus pawed at your leg before pressing his head to it.

____________________

part 2 here!

“Uncle Si!” your voice rang out in the crowd, he’d recognize it anywhere. The same tall-tale pitch that haunted his dreams whenever he was far from home, the one that brought him back. Your arms suddenly wrapped around his chest in a burly hug that the man should’ve expected. Your bags were long abandoned at your feet. 

“Nice t’ see you too kid.” The man gruffed out as he ruffled your hair. “Flight go okay?” 

“Yeah there was a bit of turbulence, nothing too ugly.” You responded as you let eachother go from the embrace. “Why’d I fly out to your base again?” 

“Because I wanted you to see what the big kids do here.” 

“Hey! Don’t go all recruiter on me!” You shot back. In the deepest parts of his heart, something broke in Simon. He would never want this life for you, it’s why he ran to the farthest parts of the world, to make sure you don’t see what keeps you safe. He swallowed his worries as the sound of his trunk slamming brought him back again. 

“Go somewhere besides here?” You questioned as you both entered his car. 

“Hm?”

“Want to go somewhere besides here?” You spoke again, an eyebrow raised. 

“Yeah, just give me a minute to start ‘er up.” Simon spoke again. 

“You and this old girl.” You laughed as the engine of Simon’s old truck roared to life. 

The drive back to base was silent, save for Simon’s vintage rock playlist that overpowered the sound of the engine as you drove. You didn’t miss how he slipped on a mask once you pulled up to base and the man let him in, without even needing his ID. He let you unpack your belongings in the 5-star hotel bedroom that was a spare barrack room. You both caught up over dinner before he sent you to bed. 

“Simon, I’m not tired I swear!” You whined as your eyelids fluttered with the promise of sleep. 

“I don’t have a bedtime story for you.” Simon spoke as he walked you into the room, he bristled at the idea of you sleeping here, somewhere that he only found a base level of comfort in. 

“Good, your bedtime stories were always scary.” You responded as you got under the covers. 

“Lights out, kid. One of my sergeants will come and pick you up in the morning. Don’t wander too far from him.” Simon said as he turned around to flicker off the light, but you were already asleep. 

Morning came early as a fist banged on your door, rowdy laughter barely contained by the frames of it. 

“Wakey Wakey Riley Jr!” A deep voice called out, one you only recognized from years of being around it.

“I’m up.” You clipped, not ready to deal with the twins of terror. You swung open the door, still clad in your comic pjs and a loose hoodie. 

“Aye there’s the little lassie.” Johnny grinned as he saw you. The Scotsman leaned on the left side of the door as Kyle leaned on the right. 

“We’ve been tasked with babysitting you today.” Kyle said softly, noticing how you turned away from the brashness of his fellow man. A groan left your lips as you walked into the bathroom, leaving to brush your teeth and collect your bearings for the full day ahead. 

Even over the sound of running water, you could hear Johnny looking through your open belongings. A sharp shiver running down your spine as you heard the crisp crackle of a book spine giving away. 

“Don’t touch that!” You barked out as Kyle gripped the photo album, but it was already too late. Photos on photos spilled out, full of your adventures but an old polaroid was the interest of the twins. 

Johnny swiped it before you could. The two sergeants holding it just out of your grasp as they studied it.

It was definitely an older photo, but a fonder one. Simon was holding the camera in a selfie position, his mask long gone and a glimmer still in his eyes. The man’s buzz cut blonde hair was grown out and he was smiling all big and gummy in the photo. Next to him was a scrappy looking kid, a few teeth missing but still returning the glow of youth to the older man. You were wearing a birthday hat as you held up a German shepard puppy in your arms, the unmistakable ribbon wrapped around its neck. The photo was captioned, ‘The Newest Riley :)’ with a few sharpie doodles on the edges. Simon looked down on you with so much love, the sergeants almost wondered if it was the same man they had bled with in the field.

As Johnny’s grip loosened while he studied it, you snatched it back. Kyle gave you the book willingly as he helped you pick up the photos. A sigh left your lips as you growled out to both the men. 

“Don’t touch my stuff.” You spoke, both of them looking like kicked puppies as you set everything back on your bed.

You didn’t speak again even as you watched the two sergeants lead recruits in sparring. Your brain is filled with the memories of each birthday. Simon always found a way to show up, that birthday he had given you Riley, your treasured guard dog to protect you when Simon couldn’t. She was much older now but you still kept the collar and ribbon that Simon had gifted you with. The stink of the room didn’t even bother you now as you watched recruits slamming each other into the mats, the image of a younger Simon being one of those men made your heart lurch. So lost in thought, you didn’t realize that the recruits had been dismissed. 

“Teach me how to do that.” You spoke. Kyle and Johnny froze as they exchanged a look. 

“Now lassie-”

“Teach me.” You insisted, a fire burning in your eyes. Johnny recognized that same look in your uncle as he looked at you. 

“I’ll teach you since Johnny isn’t the most gentle.” Kyle offered. You both made your way to the mat as Kyle talked you through it. 

“Now I’m not gonna go too hard ok-?” Before Kyle could finish, his back hit the mat, your legs had shot out and taken out his own. You stood above him with an amusing look. 

The sound of slamming against the matts bothered Simon as he passed by the recruits. They were leaving so who was in there? 

His answer came as he walked in and saw Kyle’s arms around your neck in a chokehold. His body filled with panic seeing you in danger. You were stuck helplessly in the choke. 

“Oi! The hell are you doing?-” Simon shouted out. Panic quickly filled Kyle’s body as he released you. 

“It was the lassie’s idea-” Johnny was quickly shut up as a glare was shot at him by both of the Riley’s 

“My idea of babysitting wasn’t throwing around my n-” Simon was then shut up as your voice rung out. 

“It was my idea! I wanted to learn how to do a couple of takedowns.” You spoke. Simon didn’t respond as he motioned for the two sergeants to leave, the men scrambling out. A silence filled the air as you stared at him, the stillness of the room causing Simon to let out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing. 

“Why? Didn’t I teach you enough?” Simon responded.

“I just wanted to have some fun-” Simon cut you off again 

“That’s your idea of fun?” Simon shot back. 

“Yes it is!” You faltered in your words and Simon saw straight through your lie. 

“The truth. Now.” Simon spoke. 

“I saw the recruits fighting and I just wanted to know what it was like when you went through it.” you said meekly, crumbling under the mans gaze. Simon’s heart ached again at that. He noticed how you crumbled away from him, just like you did on the first day he met you after the accident. 

“Get up.” Simon said. 

“What?” Your shackles are raised.

“Get up.” Simon said, you slowly got up only to be yanked into Simon’s chest. His warmth embracing you as your shackles lowered and you melted.

“I’m sorry.” Simon spoke into the silence. “I’m sorry for making you come here, letting you see what I went through. I’m sorry for not being there.” 

“It’s okay.” You responded, “you’re here now.” 

Ghost certainly has a reputation at the base, and in his world. His peers respect him, his enemies fear him (let’s be honest, his peers also fear him). He was an accomplished lieutenant, with many awards for all the brave, but terrifying work he accomplishes frequently. He earned his reputation. For the longest time, task force 141 was the most afraid of Ghost, that was, until they met you.

Everyone knows the saying that you never really find love, it finds you. For Ghost, love didn’t really find him, it more so smacked him upside the head.

You were completely removed from his world, something he was grateful for. You had a simple 9-5 job, with regular amounts of stress, but you were never in danger or putting your life on the line, something that eased Ghost’s mind when you guys first started dating. The contrast in your realities is what actually brought you closer together, finding solace within each other’s worlds that the other could not ever think to visit.

You offered him normalcy and calmness, something he only ever dreamed of obtaining. He offered you excitement and a sense of security. You always picked his brain about the technicalities of his job, always fascinated by the missions he goes on, and impressed with his combat abilities.

Besides your jobs being contrasts from one another, your personalities were also different. He was quiet, sure, and patient. You were more strong headed, impulsive, bursting with energy and assertiveness that left people intimidated of you. You guess that’s one thing you and Ghost had in common: intimidation.

You didn’t let anything slide, nor take shit from anyone, something that helped gain success throughout your academic years and the early days of your professional career.

You and Ghost made quite the pair.

When task force 141 found out Ghost had a girlfriend, they didn’t really know what to expect of you. They figured you must have had some thick skin to be able to date Ghost. However, they would never know, nor see the gentle side that Ghost practiced towards you. He was a giving, and gentle lover. Something you know is solely because of the devastating world he is subject to through his job. He wanted peace outside of work, and he provided you with a sense of that, and you did too.

The first time you met task force 141, they were shocked to find out that you were completely opposite of Ghost, both in personality and in physical features. He towered over you at his whomping height of 6’4, you barley reached his shoulders. While he held a gaze of indifference, yours was stern, eyebrows naturally furrowed, and a permanent scowl was left on your lips, until you smiled or started talking.

To put it simply, they felt a little uneasy at first, and it solidified when you opened your mouth.

“What? Are you all just going to stand there and gawk at me, or introduce yourselves?” With your hands on your hips, and a slight tilt to your head you managed to intimidate the squad 141, even though you were the least threatening person in the room, physically. Ghost snickered next to you as he watched his teammates take the blow of your statement, your presence filled up the room. Their wide-open mouths shut instantly, and they all lined up to introduce themselves. You found it hard to hide your smirk.

After your first meet and greet with the team, you found yourself spending more time with them, with Ghost of course. You would occasionally meet them at a bar for a round of drinks, or go out to dinner. Though they got more comfortable around you, you never failed to surprise them with your demeanor. Always demanding, that people respect you, specifically men.

One night you all were at the bar, celebrating the end of the week. You got a phone call from a colleague, something you didn’t appreciate on a Friday night. However, you knew it had something to do with your client, and it wasn’t your teammates fault for having to call you this late.

You took the call regardless, and the team hushed when they heard your conversation. “I don’t care what the client said. They gave us a deadline for next week, and the fact that they’re requesting the report today, a Friday night, is laughable. Tell them either accept the fact that the report will be delivered to them next week, or tell them to find someone else to do all their work for them.”

You abruptly ended the call with a sigh, and you noticed the silence around the table. The men tried to act like they were just all sipping their drinks with no thought, but you knew they were listening to your call.

“This client always tries to push up deadlines, even though in our contracts, we state the official deadline. Official, as in, cannot be changed. They’re just a bunch of idiots who think they can push me and my team around because I’m a woman leading this project.”

With a shrug, you say, “I have to stand up for myself and my team.”

Task force 141 wasn’t going to argue with that one.

--

Your baby shower was today, and in fact, is still going on downstairs. You hear the muffled chatter amongst your guests throughout your house from upstairs, and a feeling of gratefulness washes over you. You’re currently five months pregnant, and as much as you love a good party, your feet were aching after standing for hours, hence the reason why you are currently in your bedroom and not downstairs with everyone else. You came up to rest only for a short bit, before you head back down and join everyone again.

You opted to wear a light yellow babydoll dress, wanting to be neutral for the gender reveal. You honestly did not have a preference, and were just ecstatic that you were expecting, and celebrating with all of your close friends and family. The light yellow, and the cut of the dress complimented you well, making your complexion glow, and highlighting your ever-growing baby bump.

Simon was speechless for a minute or two when you finally popped out of your bathroom, showing him your finished look before all of the guest arrived for the party. After his momentary pause stuck in awe, Simon breathed out, “You look absolutely beautiful,” and wrapped you in a warm hug. It was a quiet and intimate moment you guys shared before your house started filling up with guests.

Simon also decided to dress neutral but as your eyes moved up and down assessing his outfit, you noticed the subtle blue socks covering his feet. You always knew he wanted a baby boy, but you knew he would be happy and grateful for a girl or boy, just as long as you and baby were healthy. It’s just one more thing that makes you love him as much as you do.

You decided not to comment on the socks, and simple beamed at him saying he looked just as handsome as when you first met.

The gender-reveal itself went smoothly, and of course Simon was over the moon that you were having a baby boy, and since then, the quiet grin that bloomed on his face has not left.

The memory of the reveal plays over in your mind, and you’re lost in thought as you stare at the ribbon. You’re unaware that Simon has entered the room until you feel the bed dip behind you. Simon lays behind you, wrapping an arm around your middle, and his hand gently rubs on your bump. He rests his chin on your shoulder, looking down at the blue fabric you’re holding. He leaves a kiss on your shoulder, and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear and his embrace envelops you, and you feel tears start to form in your waterline.

You bring your hand up to rest over his that’s still on your tummy, and you manage to choke out, “I haven’t even met him yet, but I know that he’s going to be the most beautiful boy.” You lightly sniff, and the tears finally fall down your cheeks. Simon reaches over you to catch your tears with his thumb, and he gently caresses your face, giving you a kiss on your temple.

“I know, sweetheart.” He leaves another kiss on your temple, “You are his mom, after all. Of course he’s going to be beautiful.” You let out a laugh, and squeeze his hand.

Usually, his mornings consisted of running around trying to get dressed on the dime and leaving a quick kiss on your forehead before he had to report to base for some covert mission - way too early in morning. The sun itself was almost never up. His socks would be mismatched, coffee to go, and there would be a semblance of longing for you whenever he shut the front door. But the weekends, they were his time to relax and recharge, and of course, spend time with you – his favorite person.

When he finally squints his eyes open, the sun is already peering through the curtains in your shared bedroom, creating a warm glow around the room. The only thing not making this a perfect morning is the fact that you’re not currently in bed with him.

He’s used to waking up, face buried your vanilla scented hair, with his body molded to you, and you’re secure in his safe embrace. Mornings like this usually resulted in being wrapped up together beneath the sheets and not getting out of bed until well into the afternoon. Ghost would emerge with tinted cheeks, and you would have a new found radiance and maybe a slight wobble in your step.

So, when Ghost finally came to this morning, he was a little disappointed your face wasn’t the first thing he woke up to. Nevertheless, he let out a groan and stretched before getting out of bed. He washed himself up in the bathroom before heading to door that leads out to the balcony that looks over your backyard.

Hi lazily leans against the railing, just in his black boxers as he looks down at you. You’re currently perched on a wooden stool, picking fruit off of the mango trees that have miraculously sprouted. There’s a basket at your feet, already half full with mangoes. Ghost can’t help it when a smile immediately forms on his lips at the sight of you.

The morning sun shines brightly off your hair, seemingly creating a warm glow of a halo. Your locks fall down your back, and ends just at the center of your spine, and this is definitely Ghost’s favorite hair on you. (He never fails to mention this)

You’re sporting a baby blue sundress, one of Ghost’s favorites, and that familiar thread of longing twists it’s way around his heart. The dress stops just above your knees, but the back is wide open, only small twines of fabric crisscross over your back to hold the dress up, giving him a perfect view of your soft skin.

To put in simply, you look ethereal in the morning light, and Ghost continues to gaze at you from above. He doesn’t know how much time has passed, but Ghost realizes it’s been long enough of admiring you from afar. He enters back into the bedroom and throws on a pair of shorts before making his way downstairs.

The morning air is humid when he enters the backyard, and from this distance, he can hear your light humming as you continue to teeter from the stool, reach up into the leaves of the tree.

Ghost quietly comes up behind you and places his hands on your waist, already in protective mode to make sure you’re steady as a rock on the stool (even though the stool is only 2 feet off the ground).  Silly, he realizes, but you’re precious to him.

He hears a soft gasp leave your lips, and then you turn around to smile down at him. “Simon! You scared me.” Your sweet laugh fills the warm air.

“I’m just making sure you don’t fall, dear.” A playful grin crosses his face.

Glancing down at the ground you say, “I think I’d survive.” You turn around so now you’re facing him while he continues to hold you, and you rest your hands on his shoulders. The stool gives you a good height advantage over him (for once), and you lean down and gift Ghost a kiss on his plush lips.

When you break away, he says, “Still wouldn’t want to risk it.” He then tightens his grip on you and whisks you off the stool, and places you on the ground. He now has the height advantage.

He spins you around and then wraps his arms around your middle, his hands now resting on your tummy. His chin rests on the crown of your head, but occasionally he brings his head down to leaves whispers of kisses behind your ear and on your neck. With each passing of his lips against your sensitive skin, he feels you lean further and further into his chest. He gently sways you in his arms, and you enjoy each other’s’ company in the quiet of the summer morning.

He leans his head down again and his stubble tickles your cheek as he whispers into your ear, “You know, this is my favorite dress of yours.”

He feels you lean more into him before asking, “Is it now?” Your hands rest on his forearms, your nails leaving light crescents into his skin.

His grip tightens a little, “Mmhm.” One of his hand stays splayed across your tummy and his fingers lightly dance around your sensitive middle. His other hand trails down until it reaches the hem of your dress.

He faintly tugs at the material and hikes it up a little, before his hand disappears underneath your dress. He quickly finds your center and gingerly starts to rub you on top of your underwear. He starts peppering kisses down your neck, then down your shoulders as his fingers continue to stroke you. He can already start to feel the wetness pooling underneath the fabric of your underwear, so he pushes the fabric aside and continues his movements on your center. When he feels like you’re slick just enough, he enters one finger into you, and can immediately feel your plush walls contract around his finger.

His hands, and subsequently his fingertips, are a little rough and calloused, he knows. However, he also knows that for you, it only heightens the sensation when he touches you like this.

He gently pumps his finger in and out of you, and soon enough adds a second. He can hear your shallow breaths as you take his fingers. Your head is tilted all the way back, resting on his shoulder and your eyes are closed.

Your hand is splayed on top of his that is still holding you across your stomach and your hand other trails down his arm that is preoccupied, and you grasp his forearm, your hand tightening around his arm every so often. A low moan leaves your lips and you let out a quiet curse.

It’s moments like these when Ghost appreciates the solitude of your backyard and house. He can have you anyway he likes, and not a soul would ever see or know.

He adds a third finger to really stretch you out and you can’t help but squirm in his hold. While his fingers are stretching you out, his thumb makes sure to rub our clit, stimulating you in all the right ways.

Ghost’s hand that’s still resting on your stomach momentarily moves upward, trailing your side. He then cups your breast, squeezing lightly. He stays here for a bit then trails his hand back down to rest on your middle, continuing to hold you up.

He knows your close because your breathing starts to pick up and your walls keep contracting around his fingers. He’s sucking on your neck now, no doubt leaving a bruise, but he doesn’t care. You’re his and he’s yours.

He quickens the pace of his fingers, which are now soaked. You let out a high pitched, yet soft whine when you come, and he’s glad he’s still holding you, when you do so. He fears you may have crumbled down to the ground otherwise. You still heavily leaning into him, basically panting when you say, “Well damn, what warranted that?”

You quickly add, “Not that I’m complaining or anything.” A smile grazes your face as you turn to look up at him, your back still pressed to his chest.

He shrugs, “Nothing in particular.” He’s never been a man of many words.

You turn around in his arms, and wrap yours around his neck. “Hmm, ok, whatever you say. But why don’t we head inside? I’m hungry for breakfast.”

Ghost notices the twinkle in your eye, understanding the double meaning. He follows behind you as you lead him inside your home. He can’t help but smack your ass on the way small trek back. You let out a mock gasp of surprise as you turn around.

A smirk breaks across your face as you say, “Oh, you’re on.”

Ghost can’t help but smirk back before he sees you turn and race inside, giggling as you run up the stairs, Ghost not far behind.

~*~*~

She was convinced that he didn’t mean it, of course he didn’t, he couldn’t. He bought her flowers every Tuesday she was home, he cooked dinner every chance he got, he folded laundry when she did the dishes - he was perfect to her for the past two years, except for when he got drunk. And of course, he was an incredible lightweight, so if he went past two beers, she knew she was in for it. She had finally gotten him to stop going for her throat, only grabbing at her arms and legs, punching whenever he felt like it.

She was humiliated by it. A Special Forces Sergeant being beat up by her boyfriend every time she goes home was embarrassing, but she couldn’t leave him. She loved him, she was convinced that he loved her. Wouldn’t he come to his senses one of these days?

She yelped in pain when a hand grabbed her forearm, she ripped her arm away as she looked up to see the familiar skull mask above her. The hand moved away quickly, she moved away from his feet as he spoke, “Not on your game, Sergeant.”

“Sorry, LT.” She mumbled, instinctively tugging down the sleeves even if they were grazing her wrists. She sat back a little, watching as Ghost settled on the ground beside her.

“Gettin’ tired?”

“No, sir.”

He didn’t make another sound, pulling the rifle from her stand and taking a look at it. “Did you hurt your arm earlier?”

She didn’t answer, only staring at the ground.

“Show me.”

Her head moved up so fast she thought it was going to fly off, she babbled, “What? No, it’s fine, LT, I promise-“

He grabbed Artemis’ wrist, she squawked as he pulled up her sleeve, seeing the purplish-black outline of a hand print. And he was damn sure it wasn’t her hand. She tried to pry her wrist from Ghost’s grip, but he looked up at you. “Tell me what happened.”

“It’s nothing, I promise-“

“Please don’t make me order you.” His voice grew soft, the grip loosened and she pulled her arm away, eyes staring into the ground. “Was it one of the muppets back at base?”

“No.”

“One of the boys?”

“What? No, no- Ghost, please.”

“Your boyfriend?”

“No no, it was my fault, I was annoying him and he was drunk-“ She mumbled, feelings tears sting at her eyes as she pulled the sleeve down again. “He just gets drunk sometimes, that’s all.”

“Are you serious?” Ghost’s voice was low, his hand resting on his thigh. If she looked now, she could see how his hands curled into fists, notice the small difference in how his jaw was clenched so hard, he thought he might crack some teeth. But she didn’t. Kept her eyes on the floor, looking away from her lieutenant.

“It’s nothing.”

“No, it’s not nothing, love.” He murmured, opening a hand and pressing his palm into his knee, forgoing trying to reach for her like his frozen heart wanted to. “No man who loves you should put his hands on you, ever hurt you.” He took a short breath. “Even if he’s drunk. That’s not love.”

“He loves me.” She spoke immediately after, her hands clenched into fists. “He brings me flowers, he cooks for me- he waits for me after every mission…” She sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “He proposed. He doesn’t ever mean to hurt me.”

He watched her with bated breath, letting her continue.

“We’re planning on kids. He told me he’ll get sober.” She felt the tears as they raced down her cheeks and onto her cargo pants.

“Would your kids deserve that kind of love?”

She froze. It took her a moment to turn and look at Ghost, his eyes out on the tree-line.

“What?”

“No kid ever deserves a father who beats ‘em, beats their mum. Doesn’t matter if he’s sober, love,” He settled the rifle back onto the stand and looked back at her. “He’ll always get violent. It’ll boil over ‘til he gets just mad enough that he puts one or both you and your kids in the hospital, even if he’s sober. That’s not fair.”

She sat there, stunned. Tears felt cold now as they dripped from her chin.

“Speaking from experience?”

He looked away, back to the treeline before lowly saying, “My father deserves to die. Haven’t gotten the chance to put the bullet in his head for what he did to my mum and brother.”

Artemis reached her hand out, placing her hand on his fist - his head turned to her. His brown eyes were wide, but she could barely see them. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t stay with that fucker. It’ll only get worse, it‘ll never get better.”

Her hand didn’t retreat; but her head lowered. “I don’t think I can leave, he always joked that he’d kill me if I tried to.”

“Sergeant, I really rather not see you in a civvy body bag ‘cause I wasn’t able to help you.”

She looked at her hand, his other hand gently settled on top of hers.

“I mean it. Let me help you, Missy.”

She looked to her lieutenant, a smile on her face. “What?”

“Your name is Artemis. Mis? Missy?” He answered, before continuing, “I’m not saying that you’re not good at aiming-“ He flustered over it but she just turned and looked up at the stars.

“Missy. I like it.” She nodded before looking back at him. “Only you can call me Missy, though. Letting Soap use it might go to his head.”

“Oh, didn’t know he had one.”

She laughed a little while Simon smirked under his mask. She looked back at the sky again, drawing the constellations in her head before she spoke, “Thank you, Ghost.”

“For what?” He asked, his eyes couldn’t move away from her, even as she kept her gaze at the sky.

“For being here for me today. And the other day.” Her voice wavered a little bit, yet she kept her gaze steady. If she could, she would’ve counted all of the stars in the sky - but she couldn’t. The tears were brimming at the side of her eyes. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I can go with you.” He spoke quietly, eyes back on the tree-line. “In case he gets physical.”

He felt as her head rested on his shoulder, hand still sandwiched by his.

“I still love him.”

Ghost sighed, moving the hand from underneath hers to settle on her knee. “I know.”

“All of my future will go out the window.”

“I know, love.”

“What will I do?” Her voice wavered, more tears fell from her eyes. “Where will I go?”

“I’ll help you.” He whispered, eyes still on the perimeter, making sure they were safe. “You can stay with me at my flat.”

“I can’t ask that of you, LT.” Her hand squeezed his knee, he patted her hand.

“I’m offerin’, you won’t be a burden. I can guarantee that no one will put your hands on you again.” Ghost spoke it into existence, promising the universe that would kill for her. He looked down to her, meeting her eyes again and he wished he could’ve moved closer, feel what her lips felt like on his like he did in his dreams. “I’ll off the bastard if you want me to.”

She gazed at him, tears slowly stopping as she whispered, “Okay.”

“If you don’t, I won’t. I’ll make sure he’ll stay away, but know that he will get a bone broken for every time he ever put his hands on you.”

“Don’t hurt him.” Her voice was small, he could almost feel her tremble.

He shook his head. “He already crossed the line, love. My fists are called payback for a reason.”

Could anyone really blame you though? You were on a tropical beach, you were young and pretty, and you had curves in all the right places. Of course, you wanted to pack your sexiest and brightest bathing suits. And also, it’s not your problem that men can’t keep their eyes off you. Nope, not your problem at all. You’re simply existing, and doing nothing wrong except wanting to enjoy the pleasant beach.

So, here you were, just minding your business laying on the beach, enjoying the sunrays and summer breeze, completely unaware of your brooding boyfriend sitting next to you in a beach chair. Earlier, you tried to convince Simon to lie down and sun bathe with you, but he politely declined and opted to sit in a chair instead, with a hat and sunglasses on to cover his face.

You weren’t oblivious to the stares some of the 141 men gave you. Some tried to be more subtle about it, and others seemed to have slipped into a trance, completely unaware that they have been more or less looking at you for a good minute (Johnny).

You never gave a reaction or said anything to any of them, because you really didn’t care what they thought of you. Again, you were only there to enjoy the beach and spend time with your boyfriend.

You thought you heard Simon mutter “Fucking hell,” at some point, but you’re unsure if you were just hearing things and continued to lay in the sun, with the breeze caressing your hair.

An hour or two later, you’re sharing the umbrella with Simon, sitting on towels, eating a small lunch when Johnny, aka “Soap,” jogs up to you guys with a volleyball in hand.

He smiles at you guys, and if you were paying closer attention, you would have noticed that his smile was slightly strained and that his throat bobbled a couple times as he looked at Simon.

“Do you guys want to join us for a round of volleyball?” His question seemed innocent enough to you, so you eagerly answered, “Yeah! I’m down.” You turn to Simon and your smile drops a little when you notice he’s kind of glaring at Johnny. Weird.

Simon looks at you for a second, his eyes softening a hair, but then he turns back to Johnny and they’re hard again. His voice is gruff as he explains, “Actually, I think we were going to go back to the house for a break. Y/N’s been laying in the sun for a while, and I could use a good AC break.”

Your eyebrows furrow, and you open your mouth to protest, but Simon cuts in again, “Right, Y/N?”

He’s giving you a strained look, and you just nod, and then look back up at Johnny. “Yeah, Simon’s right. I could use a break. We can play next game.”

Johnny looks between you and Simon before saying his goodbyes then runs off to where the other 141 men are, all waiting to start the game.

You and Simon start to pack up your lunch, and you harshly whisper, “What was that about?” Once all packed, you guys start walking back to the house, which is only a five minute walk.

“Literally, all of those men have been gawking at you the whole day. I don’t think there’s been one moment where one of them has not been looking at you.”

You let his words sink in for a moment, and you realize that he was right. I didn’t do anything to make him feel insecure, did I? No, no I didn’t. You quickly shake those thoughts out of your head because you didn’t give anyone any attention besides Simon. Guilt still slowly creeps through you even though you did nothing, but you understand why Simon feels upset.

You rest your hand on his bicep, the motion signaling him to stop walking and he turns to face you. You look up at your boyfriend, and you’re still taken aback by how good looking he is. The sun has slightly tanned his skin to perfection, and has lighted his hair so that blonde highlights reflect brightly in the sunlight. The tan that developed on his arms accentuates his brawny muscles and his forearm tattoo, looks darker, and more contrasting than before. Basically, summer is a good look on Simon, and you love to see your boyfriend let loose and enjoy himself for once.

Your voice is soft as you ask, “Are you okay?” You leave your hand on his arm, hoping to provide some level of comfort to your boyfriend. He lets out a sigh, but then gives you a small smile, “Of course. Sorry, I didn’t mean for this to get me wound up. I was just feeling annoyed at all of them.”

You grant him a nod, understanding his point of view. He continues, “They have no fucking shame, those bastards.” This makes you laugh and you say, “Agreed, no shame at all.” This makes Simon laugh and you both continue walking to the house.

Once there, you ask, “So, what’s the real reason why you wanted to bring me back to the house while everyone was still at the beach?” Your eyebrows are quirked up, and you have a shit-eating grin on your face.

“So I can do this!” Simon quickly grabs you and picks you up bridal style, which has you squealing in shock and you’re laughing. He takes you to your room and kicks the door shut before placing you on the bed.

“Ahhhh, I see now.” You’re still grinning like a fool in love and Simon leans down to hover over you, hands braced on either side of your head.

He’s smiling then he finally closes the gap between you, and kisses you. The kiss quickly deepens and his tongue slips into your mouth, while his hand trails down your stomach and dips down in your bikini bottoms. He runs two fingers down and up your slit, and you’re already wet from his touch. He preps you with one finger, slowly pumping in and out as he continues to make out with you. Your hands are roaming his shoulders and down his arms before traveling down to tug at the hem of his shirt.

He helps you remove his tank top, and he goes back to kissing you, and then adds a second finger. The stretch feels heavenly, and you’re letting out the prettiest moans that he’s swallowing with his kisses. You figure you should return the favor, so your hand dips under his waistband and you grab his length, pumping up and down.

His thumb flicks over your clit, and you feel your high build and build, threatening to drop any minute. When it finally hits you, hot waves of pleasure wash over your body and Simon starts kissing down you neck, gently nipping at your skin. He kisses your collar bones, then makes his way back up your neck until he’s on your lips again. He swiftly removes your top, followed by your bottoms and you do the same for him by removing his swimming shorts.

Simon kisses down your chest and leaves small, quick kisses all over your stomach, which makes your heart flutter. He rubs your clit in soothing circles with two fingers and then leans down and spits, adding more lubrication. He moves back up your body, kissing you behind your ear as you continue to pump him. You voice to him that you’re ready, and you guide him into you, and he enters you slowly, taking in the full stretch of him.

Once settled, he starts moving, setting a generous rhythm which has your high building up again and quickly. Your trace your hands down his abs, feeling the distinct ridges of each muscle, and then trace them along the hard planes of his arms. His fingers continue to rub you, and the feeling of his hands plus his dick moving in and out of you has you reach your high quickly, waves of pleasure washing over you once again.

You’re heavily panting and he soon follows, he too breathing heavily. His head is dipped, and you bring your hands up to cup either side of his face, so that he’s looking at you. Grinning at him you confess, “I love you.” You admit this while he’s softening inside of you, and he lets out a chuckle, “I love you too.”

You guys clean up and put your bathing suits back on, getting ready to go back to the beach.

“So, what are they odds that they’ll know we just had sex?” You see Simon look slightly above you, no doubt looking at the state of your hair. Subconsciously, you start to smooth it down, and you guys begin walking to the beach, hand in hand.

“I don’t really care what they know. They’re nosy fucks, and maybe now they won’t feel comfortable gawking at my girlfriend.” You think it’s kind of cute that he’s a little jealous, but you refrain from giggling at his statement, so you just smile and squeeze his hand. “No worries, babe, I only have eyes for you.” You give Simon an over-exaggerated wink, and his only response is a large laugh.