Since Soap's death, the relationship between you and Simon has been at a complete breaking point.

Work continued as usual, of course, but as soon as he got home, the atmosphere was completely different than before.

Simon was never someone who was super emotional or affectionate, which was absolutely no problem for you... but it got worse. When he was home, there were only arguments, or he would sit on the couch and stare into space.

You knew he was mourning his best friend, and you were the last person who would judge him for it... but you also have your limits, and after another argument, things escalated. He packed his things and moved back to the base.

A few weeks later, he came back, and the first thing out of his mouth was, "I'm sorry," but you just looked at him... And then

"Take the plate and throw it on the floor."

Simon looked at you confused at first, but did what you wanted, and the plate shattered into a million pieces.

Then you said, "Now apologize."

Simon knew where this was going; he wasn't stupid. Nevertheless, he did what you wanted. "I'm sorry."

"Is the plate whole again now?"

"No..." He immediately realized that a simple apology wouldn't get him very far. Who could blame you? He took out all his frustration on you, the person he loved, and treated you badly.

He looked at you, carefully took off his balaclava, and took a few steps closer. His arms wrapped around your waist, he leaned down and gave you probably the gentlest kiss you've ever received from him.

"I see it now... I see you," he whispered softly. "I know I treated you unfairly... I'm sorry... more than you can imagine... I think it was just too much... the self-hatred I felt towards myself was transferred onto you." You had never heard him talk like this before.

This apology felt genuine and heartfelt.