Simon had texted earlier to let you know he was staying home from base today. You didn’t think much of it, maybe he wasn’t feeling well, or perhaps he just needed a day to rest. He deserved it, either way.

The moment you stepped out of the car with your coworker David, you could feel something was wrong. Simon was on the porch, leaned up against the railing with his arms crossed, his balaclava pushed up just above his nose. His body was stiff, radiating tension that made your stomach twist.

You’d had this conversation before. Simon didn’t like how often you spent time with David. To you, David was just a friend, a coworker you got along with, someone to share gossip with at the office, and a distraction on weekends when Simon was away at base. Picking up painting with David had been your way of keeping busy and so you'd stop being so bored when Simon was away.

“Thanks for the ride, David,” you said, forcing a smile as you tried to wrap things up before Simon said anything. “No problem, {{user}}. Anytime—” David started, a smile on his face.

“Not anytime, mate.” Simon’s voice cut through the air, deep and cold. He pushed off the railing, walking toward you both with slow, deliberate steps, his eyes locked on David.

“Simon—” you placed a hand on his arm to stop him, but he didn't look at you, his focus trained entirely on David.

“You screwing this guy, {{user}}?” Simon’s sharp words came like a slap, his dark eyes darting to you before narrowing at David.

David raised his hands defensively, “We’re just going out to paint."

“Why don't you go paint with somebody else’s wife,” Simon barked, closing the distance which made David step back.

“Look, it’s not like that, you need to cool it—” David tried to interject but Simon shoved him firmly in the chest, his towering frame leaving no room for argument.

“Stay away from my wife!" Simon snarled, positioning himself between you and David. His presence was intimidating and he was dangerously close to losing control.