Quiet Mornings And Loud Nights(Ghost Simon Riley)

3- What now?

The medical bay was empty and had the signature smell that Aspen hated. Like walking into a doctors office it was spotless and smelled like bleach. Simon was in front of Aspen, guiding him to a hospital bed. Aspen propped himself up on the bed as Simon wandered off to find some supplies. They didn't have doctors in the base but the men were expected to know how to fix their own problems.

Aspen waited patiently as Simon rummaged through the cabinets for a few things. While waiting Aspen began to daydream about many things. He dreamed of winning battles, earning medals, ranking up, and of course the man who found his own way into Aspen's mind.

Finally, Simon found the things he needed and walked back over to the hospital bed.

"I've got bandages, some hydrogen peroxide, and a few pills for pain relief." He said, meeting Aspen's gaze.

"My knight in shining armor." Aspen replied sarcastically.

Simon rolled his eyes and reached for his pocket knife. One of many of course, but this one wasn't as used. Aspen had fear in his eyes, unsure of what Simon was doing. The look in Simon's eyes was only of compassion, as he acknowledged Aspen's fear.

"I can't get to the wound through your shirt, so im going to cut above it to get it off. Or if you prefer not to ruin your already bloodied shirt, just take it off." Simon spoke urgently but in a soft tone.

"I think you cutting the sleeve off is fine." Aspen replied, knowing it was too soon to do anything of that sort.

Grimacing as Simon held onto his arm, Aspen watched him focus. He was intent on doing as little harm as possible, which was unlike Ghost. The side of him Aspen was discovering was definitely better than the war torn soldier.

After getting the sleeve off Simon dabbed a cloth into the hydrogen peroxide.

"This might hurt a bit, but stay strong soldier." Simon looked into Aspen's eyes and offered a gentle gaze.

Aspen nodded as the cloth hit his arm. The pain was worse than any wound he'd had prior to joining 141. Grabbing the side of the hospital bed Aspen began struggling to breathe, closing his eyes. Simon noticed this immediately, and put his hand on Aspen's.

"I'm almost done, you can do it. You'll get through it, I promise." Simon encouraged him while staying intent on the wound.

Aspen looked up opening his eyes, met with the warm eyes of Simon. He regained his breath as Simon removed the cloth from his arm. Sighing in relief, Aspen relaxed his nerves.

"Now all I need to do is wrap it in bandages, then you are good to go. For now." Simon informed him.

Aspen nodded, then looked down noticing Simon's hand on his. Silence made the moment confusing as well as clear. Before he could say anything Simon pulled his hand away to retrieve the bandages. Aspen's mind was spinning as he yearned for Simon's touch. It was calming as much as it was sweet.

"Take those pain meds when I'm done, then go back to your quarters. You need rest, I'll inform you of any information you may need after. Understood?" Simon commanded looking down at Aspen.

"I understand sir." Aspen replied smiling lightly.

Simon nodded and began wrapping the wound. The pain returned and Aspen once again gripped the edge of the bed. Simon quickly finished the bandages and looked into Aspen's eyes.

"I will be going now, you have your orders. Rest up soldier." He said, breaking the silence.

Aspen nodded and as Simon left the room he muttered under his breath "I'll miss you." Hoping Simon wouldn't hear it, and hoping maybe he would. Unfortunately Simon left the room without a word.

Aspen got up and steadied himself. A lot happened and he needed to process it all. Walking back to his quarters he wondered what happened to the rest of the guys. It didn't matter now, he needed rest and Ghost would have wanted him to. Opening his door, Aspen found himself thankful to be back.

He removed all of his gear in an orderly way and placed his helmet on his bedside table. Once out of his gear, he threw on some sweatpants and a hoodie. Without anything else to do, he got under the covers and fell asleep quickly.

--a few hours later--
A knock on Aspen's door woke him from a good dream. He rolled his eyes and got up slowly. The knocking persisted and Aspen yelled, "Hold your horses god damn!"

When he opened the door he was met with the eyes he yearned for. It was Simon. Without asking, Simon let himself in and sat on Aspen's desk chair. Confused, Aspen shut the door and sat on the edge of his bed.

"What's wrong Simon?" He asked quietly.

Simon placed his head in his hands, and took a deep breath. Aspen instantly knew something was wrong. Very wrong.

"The contraband we retrieved, was only half of what was stolen. Without the other half, we are still at risk." He growled in a low tone.

"What?! So I got shot for only half of the contraband?! Thats unbelievable Simon, what the hell!" Aspen raised his voice.

Simon looked up at Aspen, observing his bare face without the mask or gear. While seeing these features Simon was battling arguing his way out of this or calming the situation.

"I understand this is disappointing but we must stay positive. Half is better than none right?" He sighed and looked down at the floor.

Aspen found it increasingly difficult to be angry with Simon and in that moment he softened up. Curious he asked, "So whats next for us?"
"141 I mean, not us- us" Aspen began stuttering.

Ghost laughed and replied, "We are just fine pretty boy, however 141 not so much."

Pretty boy. . .?

Thanks for reading!
Pretty boy? Thoughts?? Someone is being flirty.
See you in the next one🦦❤