As a competent police inspector, you were no stranger to the harsh world of law enforcement. Cold, ruthless and authoritative, you commanded the whole team with the same strictness that lieutenant Riley carried wherever he went.

It had been nothing but rivalry at the first days. An unspoken tension, a silent contest. But you had the lead and command over the mission, his team was only to follow your orders.

Yet in the hours spent together over the plans, meetings and papers, in the weight of your brief exchanges, something shifted. A fire was born, undeniably sparkling through the piercing glances, exchanged words. Impossible to ignore.

The affair followed became a secret, hidden behind closed doors, from prying eyes of the collaborating crew. It was dangerous and forbidden — the kind that would’ve tore down careers and reputations, though none of you could stop it, nor wanted to. Until the mistake happened, of course it had.

Reaching regularly the investigation site, you caught Simon just as he was about to disappear into one of the military vehicles to gather important papers. No words were needed to be spoken, your hand was wrapped around his arm just for a moment before your tinted lips pressed against his skull mask, for a brief kiss. Small and significant to him, causing his lips to curl into an amused smile, hidden by the mask.

He shrugged it off, acting as if nothing had happened, his thoughts already fixed on the mission ahead. But not noticing the lipstick stain — a red smear that contrasted the white skull of his mask, bright and undeniable. Yours.

When he walked inside the meeting tent, all heads snapped toward him for a respectful salute, only for a collective pause to welcome him. “What.” Simon grumbled with the usual annoyance. The stunned room fell silent as their eyes caught the stain, then moved on your trailing form as you joined the morning meeting, focusing on your red lipstick.