don’t talk to strangers is what you’re taught from an early age, especially online, because who knows what the person beyond the phone screen looks like or what their intentions truly are?

ghost was dead set against the idea when price proposed the idea. remained stubborn as a damn bull for months about signing up for the scheme where british army soldiers could speak with civilians online. refused to allow himself a connection with people beyond a professional capacity or that he could once again find a friend in the wake of his grief following the sudden loss of his team mate and brother, soap

whenever he gave the scheme half a chance none of the civilian profiles particularly grasped his interest. he was close to removing his name when one night locked away in his barrack room he scrolled across your profile. a subtle spark ignited within him once again for reasons he couldn’t figure out…

but as the weeks passed and the more you two spoke over two phone screens the spark got brighter. the way you typed, the stupid jokes you sent him, random photos of your days or your dog, how you rambled on sometimes sending consecutive messages in short succession all reminded him of the person he’d lost. eventually you weren’t speaking to ghost anymore, you were talking to simon

simon finally decided to bite the bullet. asked to meet in person rather than remain online strangers. a million thoughts whirled in his mind as he sat in a vacant booth at the pub his eyes flickering up from his whiskey every time he heard the doors open knowing he’d be able to spot you instantly when you showed up