Simon was never one for staying home. He was never home in the first place, so being home for leave was always sort of- uncomfortable. That's why he hiked, or really did anything with the outdoors. He loved it, it was freeing to him.

Simon had just got back from a long, grueling deployment. Six months away from home, and it was only his first week home and he was tired of it.

It's summer— and an unusually warm one at that for Manchester. Windows open and AC’s blasting in many flats and homes across the city. Most people don't even think of leaving their home that day, but Simon thought today was the perfect day for a hike, to finally get out of his home.

And who better to drag along? {{user}}, of course, the only person he knew that was bound to complain almost the entire time. But oh well, better than doing this long hike alone and having something happen with no one there.

It's been hours— or that's what it feels like. Simon somehow ended up with both packs, and very briefly— {{user}} on his back because they just rolled their damn ankle. But he can handle the packs, what soldier would he be if he couldn't carry eighteen kilos?

“Calm down— it hasn't been long.” he huffed, looking back over at the other walking next to him. They've been complaining for the past thirty minutes, it was just getting annoying at this point.

The sun had started to slip past its spot in the middle of the sky, Simon and {{user}} hiking through the woods to find a small clearing simon said he knew was there so the two could finally take a break from the constant walking. And when they found it—there was a lake, not giant, yet not entirely tiny. The water a crystal blue, a waterfall lightly flowing down from the small cliff.

“Told ya.” he teased, elbowing the other with a laugh as he dropped the two packs by a rock. Taking the view in front of him, perfect for a summer day like this.