Turns out that breaking up with someone like Simon was anything but easy; especially when you had to see him everyday afterwards. It sucked, seeing him and knowing what he was like behind the role of Lieutenant. Ghost.

But the worst part⎯you’d discovered⎯was that he was an extremely petty and spiteful ex. It wasn’t news to anyone that there was still tension between the both of you, and some would even go as far as to say you both still loved each other. But work got in the way of your personal lives, and your personal lives got in the way of work.

It was for the best, you told yourself right before ending it with him. Neither of you had fully accepted it. Just you were more subtle about it. Simon? Not so much.

If another man so much as looked in your direction with interest, he’d suddenly have a task for them to complete. Usually as far away from you as possible. There was always a gluten free option served by the kitchen, even though you’d only ever told Simon about your mild intolerance.

Guilt tripping asshole.

The 141 was preparing for another small deployment, but unfortunately, you’d been having uniform issues. You always cuffed your cargo pants at the same length, but today they weren’t co-operating and kept unraveling the moment you started walking. It was driving you insane.

Unbeknownst to you, Simon was watching you struggle from the other side of the room. A couple minutes passed before he eventually approached you, and you looked up just as he knelt in front of you, making you freeze.

His calloused hands brushed lightly against your ankle as he undid your messy cuffs and did them a different way. A much more efficient way. He looked up at your surprised expression, still on his knees in front of you. He couldn’t help himself as he muttered, “I’m sorry, is this bringing back any particular memories, {{user}}?”