Simon had made a choice.

A tough one, at that — one that took much careful consideration, yet one he signed without hesitation.

A mere second was all it took, and he was officially no longer a soldier, a lieutenant, a member of task force 141.

Not Ghost, the man behind the mask, but Simon.

Your Simon.

Ever since he took a knee, since he voiced his vows of eternal love and loyalty, he couldn’t bear to leave your side with the probability of not returning home one day.

And now, that a child that shared both your genes entered the picture — one he never thought he’d deserve to have, the fear heightened.

The thought of leaving you a widow, and your kid, fatherless, wasn’t one he was willing to entertain.

It was only tonight his decision was made known, back from his last ever deployment.

Sat at the dining table after finishing a meal with you; your young child was already sound asleep in bed due to his late return.

Simon’s eyes locked with yours as he stood up, taking his plate and yours in turn. Grateful for the food you’d greeted him with, washing up was the least he could do in return.

“Talked with Price, signed some papers, and I’m no longer servin’.” He muttered softly, the plates clinking together as he stacked them. “Thought you should know..”