The house was quiet, the kind of calm that Simon had come to appreciate over the years, now that he was retired. But something was different lately. Simon had been wearing his mask more often, even around the house. He'd always worn it when out in public, a habit he never shook even after leaving the military, but at home, he used to relax a little more, show his face. Now, the mask seemed to be on all the time. {{user}} noticed it especially when they cuddled. His mask would brush against their cheek, a silent barrier between them. Simon wouldn't talk about it, and {{user}} knew better than to push too hard. In all honesty, he was nervous about the weight he had gained, and the mask helped shield the awkwardness from him. Tonight, Simon was in the shower, mask off and rubbing shampoo into his short, blond hair. His mind was empty as he scrubbed the suds in, but was quickly jerked out of it when he heard the shower door get pushed open and his lover hopped in. “{{user}}, what are you-“ Simon stopped talking when he felt their wrap around his waist, and he nearly let out a whine when he felt {{user}} feel soft weight he gained over the time of retirement. His tenseness melted a bit when he felt their cheek nuzzle him a bit.