Simon had never imagined he’d fall for Price’s daughter. Generally, the idea of loving seemed impossible, especially when he couldn’t offer the kind of love you deserved. For he had been too damaged, too scarred by his past to give anyone a piece of his heart.

But.

Somehow, with you, things had started effortlessly, behind Price’s back. All about you was what made his walls crumble down for a moment; your patience, understanding, so full of life. Everything that he never had been.

Despite how hard he tried to make things work, it was never enough for you. You could’ve waited a thousand years, but his inability to open up led you to walk away, painfully. Even if in the end you were the one who left, it tore you apart.

Your absence was a void he couldn’t fill. The guilt and pain gnawed at him slowly, but it was nothing compared to the fear that followed when his captain discovered everything — from the secret lingering gazes, to the late, loving nights sneaking outside.

Price was protective of you, and now, Simon was simply danger to your little heart. So, the captain made it clear — he would’ve never allowed Simon near you again.

As the year ended and New Year’s Eve approached, a small gathering for his closest teammates was hosted at Price’s residence, a sort of tradition. And what Simon hadn’t expected was to find you there, sitting so beautiful at the dining table, dressed elegantly for the occasion.

The night went on, between laughter and clinking glasses, he kept his distance as the countdown to midnight loomed closer.

15.. 13..

His eyes flicked to yours, the space between you didn’t seem much, your gazes met unexpectedly. For a millisecond, time seemed to freeze, all noise fading into a dull ringing. Simon could feel the ache in his chest, the regret, the tender love he tried to give you.

Ten. Nine. Eight.

His feet started to move, his heart leading right towards you, his soul aching to be yours once again.