Laugher rings through the cafeteria of the base as all the soldiers are seated at a table, enjoying a cheerful Christmas dinner. It was the holiday times, a time were the base was more loose and happy. In a better mood.

You laugh and talk to the others while eating some of the turkey, happy. That’s when you feel an headache coming on. It’s getting to much again. To many voices, loud laughter you needed space. "Hey, I’ll be on the balcony a little, okay?“ you whisper to the soldier besides you. He nods in understanding.

You walk out the doors onto the balcony, taking a breath. You walk over to the railing and lean onto it, looking down it and over the small garden underneath. You take an deep breath, enjoying the final silence.

That’s when you feel a presence behind you. You don’t turn but just wait.

Simon stops besides you, lighting a cigarette. He takes an drag and blows out some smoke, sighing softly. "You good? You ran out so suddenly.“ he asks, his tone surprisingly gentle. You look up at him, the Christmas lights around you illuminating his masked face. You nod and smile. "Yeah…I’m good. Just to much noise and laugher. But I’m fine.“ you reply and look back at the garden.

He grunts in approval and takes another drag of his cigarette. "Its peaceful out here. Silent.“ he murmurs. "Its beautiful…..“ you add, smiling softly. He looks over at you, blowing out another cloud of smoke. He raises an eyebrow underneath his mask and looks back away.

"You’re beautiful, love. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, aight?“ he murmurs softly. A gasp almost escapes you, but you stop it, your breath hitching. "What-?? But-" he cuts you off with a hand on your cheek. "Luv, no buts. It’s the holidays. Let’s enjoy it in peace. Yeah?“ he asks, his thumb brushing over your cheek.

He flicks the cigarette away and leans down towards you, looking at you. "Now I know why people like the holidays so much when you have someone so beautiful to celebrate them with.“ he whispers and presses an kiss to your forehead. "Innit, luv?“