No one could quite understand it—you, of all people, married to General Shepherd. An old bastard like him, blunt as a hammer, while you… you were something else entirely. Whispers followed you both, speculation laced into every nod of respect. But Shepherd never seemed to notice. He never noticed much of anything about you. a dull marriage everyone silently questioned.

Every visit to the base followed the same quiet routine. You played your part. And yet, when Simon was in the room, something shifted. Glances stolen like secrets, laughter lingering a little too long. You knew better. So did he. But it didn’t stop the way your eyes sought each other, the way the air between you felt heavier with everything left unsaid.

Today is no different. Shepherd, distracted as always, steps away to take a call, leaving you to wander. The base is the same as ever—sterile halls, the low murmur of voices, the scent of gun oil and worn leather.

Then, the common room.

And there he is.

Simon stands at the counter, focused on the simple task of making a sandwich. It’s nothing. It shouldn’t matter. But for some reason, you can’t seem to look away. He’s just.. sigh.