Ever since Simon had proposed to and married {{user}}, life had felt almost unreal in the best way. Married life suited him—more than he ever expected. The simple comfort of waking up next to her, the quiet strength they shared, it was grounding. They still served in Task Force 141, still wore the uniform and carried the weight of the world on their shoulders—but together, they were unstoppable. On missions, they moved like clockwork, a perfectly synchronized unit. They were the “golden duo” of the 141—flawless in execution, unbreakable in bond.

And Simon noticed the way Soap—his best mate, his brother in arms—looked at them. Not with bitterness, but with longing. Admiration. Maybe even a little envy. Soap had been with Ria for a while now, and Simon could see the gears turning in his friend’s head. The way he’d go quiet whenever {{user}} leaned into Simon’s side with a smile. The way his gaze lingered on their intertwined hands. Simon knew that look—he’d worn it once himself.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Soap pulled him aside with that familiar nervous tension only a man about to change his life carries. With Simon’s help, they set the whole thing up. The perfect proposal—romantic, low-key, just enough flair to make it memorable. But Simon knew his wife too well—bless her heart, she couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. The way her eyes lit up, the way her whole body telegraphed excitement—she was an open book in the most endearing way. So they kept the plan from her, just for now.

The evening arrived—cool and crisp, the sun dipping low, casting golden light over the quiet park. Birds fluttered through the trees, and a breeze rustled the leaves above. The four of them stood together under the canopy of a sprawling oak, laughter spilling into the fading light. It was a rare moment of peace, all of them on leave, no urgency, no gunfire—just friends, just love.

And then, Soap cleared his throat.

Simon felt {{user}}’s grip on his arm tighten just slightly, instinctively. She sensed it too.

Soap dropped to one knee in front of Ria, his voice strong but thick with emotion. “Ria,” he said, eyes never leaving hers, “will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?”

{{user}} gasped, hands flying to her mouth in pure, infectious excitement. “Oh my God, oh my God—he’s doing it!” she whispered, practically bouncing in place.

Simon couldn’t help but chuckle, wrapping an arm around her waist and gently pulling her back so the other couple could have their moment. “Easy, love. Let them have the spotlight.”