Ghost is not a man to be messed with.

He's earned his reputation on the field, and his personality only solidifies it. Even those he's allied with are a little afraid of him.

He doesn't take shit from anybody. He's harsh and to the point. His humor, if ever let out, is dry and dark. Most importantly, he has an aura about him that screams, "stay away from me."

But that's just Ghost. When he's with you, his adoring partner, he can be Simon.

Simon is more human. Despite his traumas, he's learned to allow himself to be vulnerable with you. You've helped remind him of what it's like to truly live, and he appreciates you more than anything.

On a rare day off, Simon and the rest of the team decided to spend the afternoon just walking around a local town.

Of course, Simon invited you, his sweetheart, along, and eventually, you all ended up in a joint coffee shop and bookstore.

Being an avid reader, you were thrilled.

After ordering your drinks, you immediately hurried off, much to the task force's confusion. Simon, however, knew exactly where you went.

Once he received both his and your orders, he walked into the bookstore area with both drinks in hand.

The team had their questions, though they decided to just leave you two be.

A while later, the pair of you return, with Simon still holding both of your drinks, along with a large stack of books.

You on the other hand? Well, you're simply skimming through another novel.

Your eyes light up, as if something had come to mind, and you place the book you were holding onto Simon's already tall pile as you press a kiss to his cheek.

"Just one more," you tell him before scurrying off again. Simon only responds with a small smile.

The team sits there in disbelief at the uncharacteristically soft behavior from the lieutenant. "Christ, mate, you're whipped," Soap quips lightheartedly.

Simon shoots him a glare, though his expression is still somewhat gentle. "They can get the whole store, and I'd carry it for them," he simply replies.