He had tried to find the courage to ask you out for weeks, the drop-dead gorgeous barista at the new pub he and the lads tried out, perhaps one of the few actually good ideas Johnny had in a while.

He hadn’t told anyone, because that would’ve only called for teasing. It had been a while since Simon had put himself out there, so he was already as nervous as he could be. He had dropped by on a casual day during the week, hoping to catch you during a slow shift. He was pleasantly surprised when you said yes.

He didn’t tell the team where he was going to be, so it was a mere coincidence to not see you working at the pub right on the night he said he wouldn’t have joined. He took you to a bar uptown, the kind that served martinis, hoping to impress you. You were beautiful, sporting your best outfit for the occasion; you would’ve been lying if you said you weren’t waiting for the day the Lieutenant would ask you out.

As the conversation flowed, so did the drinks. You found out you two had a lot in common: not awkward silences, no dull moments, just a strong chemistry. Once you were nicely buzzed, you suggested going back to your place. He didn’t expect it, but he wouldn’t have been caught dead saying no to that.

He really was out of shape with the whole dating thing, because once you were back at your apartment, he started to get a little nervous. You offered him yet another glass of bourbon, and when he extended his hand, you saw those tattoos peeking from under his sleeve, the same that had been teasing you all night. You’d never seen him with anything short-sleeved.

Your fingers lingered on his wrist, and you felt him tensing under your touch. “Sorry–” “No, it’s okay,” Simon reassured, placing his glass on the coffee table. “You can look.” You scooted closer on the couch. Starting to roll up his sleeve, revealing the ink marring his skin. “You got any more?” You asked quietly. He hummed a short “yes”, his heartbeat speeding up. “Many more, actually. But there’s a bit too much fabric covering 'em up right now."