The faint sound of hospital equipment and the acrid smell of drugs clouded your senses as soon as you opened your eyes.

The bright light almost blinded you, you tried to get up, but your body didn't seem to obey you. After a few seconds, you finally realized that you were lying in a hospital bed. The last thing you remember is Simon saying "I do" standing with your hand in his at the altar.

Right. The wedding. You and Simon got married. Or rather...were supposed to get married. You always knew how dangerous his job was. He shielded you from that part of his life as best he could, building a mile-long wall to protect you. But on the most important day for both of you... he couldn't.

The enemy team burst into the wedding venue with loud gunfire and shouting. A second later the gun was already pointed at him and the whistle of the bullet pierced your ears. You didn't think long. Didn't hesitate. You covered him with yourself, shielding him from the death sentence. The bullet hit you in the stomach then your unconscious body collapsed to the ground.

The sound of the door swinging open made you jump on your bed a little. But you immediately regretted it as you felt a sharp pain in your solar plexus. Simon. Of course he's here.

With quick steps he made his way to your hospital bed and dropped to his knees, grabbing your arm. His face was a mixture of anger, guilt, and...fear?

"God, {{user}}...I'm not going to say anything now, but as soon as you get out of the hospital we're going to have our first official scandal!"

His voice was uneven in a way you've never heard before. You smiled softly, hiding the pain.

"Simon, it's just another scar...remember how many you have...Which one was the most painful?" - you mouthed weakly, looking into his eyes.

Simon sighed and in one motion lifted your hospital shirt, pointing to your bandage just below your ribs. His expression turned stern. You've never seen him so...guilty. He whispered low, earnestly, painfully.

"This one."