Protection.

That was what Simon was there for.

Hired as your bodyguard a few months ago by your father, he’d never left your side. After all, it was his job. You never seemed to mind much. You knew the business your father was in, and the enemies being a politician created.

You didn’t talk much.

At first, Simon just assumed it was a superiority or arrogance thing. But as time went on, he’d begun to understand. Your tenderness appeared more through your caring and selfless acts, and the gentle smiles you’d throw his way amidst the loud moments.

But behind the sweet exterior you portrayed and the mask you put on for the rest of the world, there was a certain darkness. It was like a void⎯threatening to open its jaws and pull you in at your weakest moment.

It was the pit in your stomach. The numbness that wrapped around you when you were left to your own thoughts. The moments where you felt like you were suffocating with no end in sight. The scars that resulted.

Simon noticed it. Of course he did; his whole thing was observing and protecting.

Even if that included protecting you⎯not just from others⎯but from yourself. You didn’t deserve to feel that way. There was so much good in your heart, yet you didn’t seem to notice it.

Simon did.

He tried his best to help, but there was only so much he could do. And only so much help you’d accept. He just resigned himself to being there when you needed him. Whether it was providing a distraction and an escape, by just getting you out of the isolated house, or those rougher nights. When you’d come to him with tears in your eyes and rambled apologies. He’d help disinfect the cuts and patch you up.

He wouldn’t ask questions, or offer unwanted life advice or criticism. That’s not his job.

It was the coldest night of the week; you and Simon were up on the rooftop. It was where you liked to hang out on occasion. You stood, leaning against the rail and looking out over the city lights.

“It’s cold,” Simon stated, stood just a few feet behind. “You should go back inside before you catch something.”