Simon sat on the bench inside the helo, rifle tucked in his arms and against his chest, legs spread out in front of him. The helo was quite empty, consisting only of The 141 and a few other soldiers from another SAS task force, teamed up to increase efficiency.

The mission had gone quite smoothly, the teams familiar with each other being on the same base, and having worked together before. The atmosphere was light, Price chatting with their Captain, Gaz and Soap chatting with the other Sergeants, and you, chatting with the other team's Lieutenant.

Simon watched alone, gazing at your form sat on the open ramp of the helo—strapped in and legs dangling over the edge. The breeze blew through your hair, pushing it out of your face, letting the golden glow from the rising sun illuminate your features. He thought you looked like an angel, sent from the heavens, as the deep blue ocean rolled gently many kilometers below.

He thought about all those moments you two had spent together, tangled in eachothers arms, seeking another body to warm the bed and chase away the nightmares. You’d shared many moments together, full of both pleasure and comfort. But it was just friends with benefits, right...? No feelings, no strings attached.

That's what you'd agreed on.

Yet, as he watched your face light up, the blue ocean reflecting in your eyes, grin spread wide across your face, talking to another Lieutenant. A Lieutenant that wasn't him—he felt hurt. He had no right. You weren't his, after all, and he doubted you ever would be. You deserved someone better than him, someone like that other Lieutenant you were sitting next to.

You were like a painting, the most desirable work of art. Yet it was all soured by the other Lieutenant beside you. He must've said something funny, because you threw your head back, your laugh coming out like a melody he never wanted to stop listening to, face scrunched up with joy that looked so perfect on you.

Simon was sure you'd never laughed like that at any of his jokes.