Things between you ended so quickly that you didn't even remember him. When you first met, you were a promising officer with experience behind you, and Simon was a fresh recruit, just out of the bootcamp. He seemed to have a deep crush on you, judging by the way he shadowed you everywhere, just to spend more time with you.

However, you didn't share his enthusiasm. You never liked them young, and Simon was almost painfully naive, making you gnash your teeth every time he came into your sight.

It didn't end very well. You finally couldn't take it anymore and said everything you had in mind, putting a huge end to your relationship. It didn't really mean much, however, he was transferred to another base in the blink of an eye. Not by your command, of course, but you were more then happy.

Years have passed and now you, now retired, are taking care of your niece after your sister died a few years ago. Tonight's dinner was not unusual. She brought new boyfriends home so often that you stopped remembering their names.

Although there was a rather boyfriend choice today. Simon. Simon Riley, the one. You didn't mind, though. As long as he remains a good person, you were happy to give their relationship a blessing, even if things weren't rosy between you.

As soon as you sat down at the table, as luck would have it, your niece received an oh-so-important call from her bestie, forcing her to leave the table and leave you alone. The silence hang between you. Comfortable, as if it were the right thing to do. It's never been comfortable with him before.