Everyone had someone they went to when they were sad or exhausted after a mission. There was never any judgment when you saw another soldier walk up to their friend and just hug them like their life was ending, or if you heard about someone sneaking into someone else's dorm for comfort.

You were Simon 'Ghost' Riley's buddy.

You happened to be bunk mates. Neither of you were very social or touchy, but neither of you protested when the other would climb into bed with them under the excuse of being cold.

Simon was always big spoon. He was also very specific about how he held you. It was always an arm laced around the waist, and the other being wrapped around your neck and having your head pushed back just enough to let Simon push his face into your hair. His legs were pressed into your from behind. It was always the same.

You weren't together or anything, but you were both started to feel... more.

For the first time in a while, while cuddling, Ghost broke the silence. His voice was rough yet quiet.

"Can I be selfish right now...?"

He didn't wait for a response, but after a beat, he grabbed your face and pressed his lips against yours in a searing kiss.