From the moment you and Simon met each other in Taskforce 141, there was a spark that burned beneath the surface. Ever present and simmering, but never quite acted on or acknowledged; besides from the exchanged glances and affection hidden behind compliments.

You both grew closer, spending more time with each other. But no matter how many nights or days you two spent in each other’s company, your attempts at getting him to open up were in vain. You soon began to realise just how broken he truly was. You wanted to teach him what it was like to truly be loved; how to accept it. The moment you initiated any conversation about it, he shut down. It was obvious the feelings you had for him were reciprocated, but still he terrorised you with false hope, constantly toying with your emotions.

You were sick of it. You wanted to fix him. Hell, maybe the fact he was so clearly broken is what attracted you in the first place. But you tried, over and over again, and failed every single time.

So the next time he knocked on your barracks room door, instead of opening the door and stepping aside, you stopped him. You cut him off before he could question you, your composure snapping.

“God, Simon, you are so damaged,” you said, your voice pained. “You can’t accept help from anyone. Has anyone ever helped you?”

All you were met with was shocked silence, before his eyes darkened and a muscle twitched in his jaw.

You continued, “Is that why you are the way you are? Because you don’t feel deserving of it?” You paused. “Is that why you can’t be vulnerable for a single fucking second?”

All he did was stand there as his eyes bored into you and your heart raced, your desperation clear on your face.