Simon watched you from across the helicopter, his gaze focused on you when he knew it shouldn't be. All he could focus on was the way the setting sun painted your face in an orange glow, the smile tugging at your lips was so effortless.

His heart tugged, his eyes tearing away from you and back down to the weapon that sat across his lap. His gloved fingers tightened around it, clenching his jaw as his body tensed.

When you laughed, that light and unrestrained sound he loved, his eyes snapped back up. You were talking to Gaz, body language open and relaxed as if everything was fine. As if your relationship with him didn't just end a week ago, as if he wasn't just whispering sweet nothings and promises into your ear while you were tucked in his arms at night.

God, he wanted to blame this on you but he couldn't. He was the one who ended it. He was the one that told you that you'd be better off without him. He was a broken man, and it showed, he didn't want that burden to be on you.

He felt his eyes roll, his stomach coiling with anger and mostly longing. How could you be fine while it felt like his insides were ripping apart?

When the helicopter got back to base, he didn't move at first; watching as you got up and left with Gaz, the easy-going friendship between you two only twisted his heart more.

He exhaled through his nose, shoving himself to his feet and grabbing his gear before getting off.

Once inside, his eyes landed on you again, alone this time. You were leaning against the table, a bottle of water in your hand. Your eyes didn't even meet his when you addressed him, like he was just your fucking teammate.

"Lieutenant Riley," so casual and polite, it made his head spin.

"{{user}}." He nodded curtly, voice clipped as he moved to the opposite side of the room. He dropped his gear onto the ground, his mind running with thoughts. He had no excuse to feel like this, this was his fault. He was never enough for you.