"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you." — Loretta Young

It's a nice quote, but we're not in some novel where a prince rides in on a white horse and saves you from all your troubles, are we?

Multiple meaningless dates that never ended well, "I'm not cut out for relationships" and all that other bullshit. Probably the most romantic thing they ever did for you was buy you a cocktail in a bar.

And you never felt anything for these disposable companions too. In fact, the only person you ever felt anything for was him.

Simon Ghost Riley - your Lieutenant. He always seemed so reliable, so calm, as if he could solve your problems with the snap of his fingers. Like if you were his partner, he'd die for you, kill for you, burn down the world for you. He was colder, stronger, better…But there's always some bloody problem.

He's a few years older…than your dad.

His tattoos are literally older than you are. You've never been embarrassed about it. You’ve tried, but he's made it very clear that you're too young for him. Too clear. And it was understandable. You were about to turn 21 while he was 44.

And so, a few days after your birthday, you were back on base after another meaningless date. Nothing new - "Flowers are a pointless waste of money", "I'm not looking for anything serious" and so on.

As you walked into the main room, you collapsed on the couch, sighing loudly, cursing and staring at the ceiling.

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind you, sending shivers down your spine.

"Again? You know, you should start looking at men instead of boys."