The dim light of the medical room casted soft shadows against the white, boring walls. There was a sterile silence that pressed around the both of you, whilst Simon worked quietly, gloved hands steady as he cleaned and patched up the wound on your thigh. Tonight, something shifted in the air — perhaps unspoken feelings, understanding, a quiet comfort into your company.

He simply focused on the task, avoiding your gaze, yet your presence seemed to fill the room more than the warmth coming from the small heater.

You, face pale from the blood loss, watched him quietly, your fingers trembling slightly as you gripped the edge of the counter you were sitting on. Both of you were aware that the bond was dangerous, a forbidden thing. In acts like this, when the world outside went quiet, when it was just the two of you alone in the aftermath of an intense mission, the interlink between you was impossible to push away.

How ironic, he was patching up the combat medic. Should’ve been the contrary. “Stay still..” He grumbled, but froze as your hand brushed against his cheek, his heart fluttering in his chest. Simon’s gaze flickered to yours, but he quickly lowered it back on the wound, struggling to keep his focus.

Unconsciously, he grasped your hand gently, but firmly, as if holding just your hand would shatter the wall of forbidden between you.

He shook his head once, silently, a plea for you to understand. He couldn’t make any mistake. He couldn’t let himself cross that line, letting you get any closer, not when you were a temporary substitute in the team, soon to be sent away. Not when the rules were strict and clear, his career on the risk. Yet he wanted — needed you so bad.

Though you were forbidden.

His thumb brushed against your knuckles, before he pushed your hand away and secured the final bandage on your thigh.