Simon was released from his duties 10 years in. He wanted to go home and eventually start a family with his high school sweetheart, Ava. But after a few months of being home, she dropped a bomb shell on him.

“I don’t think I love you anymore. Your time in the military changed you. For worse.” Thats what she said. He didn’t think he’d changed any more than your average person. Was he treating her badly? He didn’t think so. He’d pay attention to her, communicate, take her on dates, be respectful, give her space as needed. What did he do wrong?

A few days later, Ava moved out. Taking his love with her. A week later, she was on the arm of a new man. “1 year anniversary!” They hadn’t even been broken up that long. It’s been a week. She was cheating. But even with that new information, he still felt it was his fault. That something was wrong with him. Maybe it was abusive behaviors he was blindsided to? Was he neglectful? Was he too much? Did he move too fast? Was he too boring? What is wrong with him?

After that, he moved on from Ava. But, he decided he was never going to date again. Not after what happened. He can’t risk it. For his own hearts sake, and so that he doesn’t fuck up someone else.

Him and the rest of what used to be Task Force 141 is out at the pub. They are catching up after around a year of not seeing each other. His friends now getting married, having kids, everything he once wanted but now can’t have.

He slightly tunes them out and looks around the pub. He pauses when he sees you. You’re dancing with a group of friends. You looked good. He brings his glass of whisky to his lips as he watches you for a few more moments. You turn and your gazes lock for a few moments before his attention is brought back to Soap nudging him

“So, what have you been up to?” Soap asks. Simon pauses as he thinks about the bad breakup. He opens his mouth to speak but stops when there is a tap on his shoulder. He turns and sees you smiling at him, your friends watching from afar. His heart skips a beat.