Quiet Mornings And Loud Nights(Ghost Simon Riley)

4-Worry

Aspen wasn't sure if Simon was trying to distract him from the fact that they only retrieved half of the contraband, but it worked. Aspen was in disbelief and began stuttering his words trying to respond. Simon was laughing under his mask and Aspen was so frustrated it made him jump. His brain was still swirling and he began pacing the room, searching for many answers. After passing Simon for the third time he stopped for a moment. When he went back to pacing Simon grabbed his wrist and pulled him onto his lap.

"You worry too much Aspen, everything is going to be fine." Simon whispered pulling him close.

"I'm worried but also so very confused. You said- wh- I- that name. Why?" Aspen responded while hugging Simon.

He laughed and looked into Aspens eyes, "I thought it would calm you down or at least help defuse the situation."

"It worked, but now I just want to stay here and hold on to you." He replied quietly.

"Well I suppose you can for a little while longer, but I have duties to attend to you know."

Aspen knew he couldn't hold onto Simon forever and after a few minutes they broke apart. Simon stared at Aspen, as if to take a mental picture of his face. Aspen did the same, but wondered what Simon really looked like.

"Do you ever take that off?" Aspen asked, trying to push his luck.

"No." Simon replied.

"Never?" Aspen pushed.

"Never. Now stop asking questions."

"What are you gonna do about it?" Aspen said, mentally biting his lip

Simon stood up and took Aspen's good arm in his hand. Before Aspen knew what happened he was up against the wall with Simon in his face. Their bodies were pressed against one another and Aspen was breathing quickly.

"Don't disobey orders Aspen." Simon spoke lowly. His tone was soft yet intense. Aspen couldn't tell if he was trying to flirt or being dead serious.

Holding back any sound, Aspen nodded and tried to move away. He wasn't scared but Simon was so close that he felt any closer would be too much. Simon removed his hand from Aspen's wrist and wrapped it around his hips instead. Looking down he watched Aspen's face, taking in every aspect. There were no imperfections he could find as his eyes traced every curve of it.

"You stare a lot yourself there sir." Aspen chuckled.

Simon snapped out of his thoughts and realized he was staring. Shaking it off he trailed his hand down Aspen's jawline. Watching him shiver made Simon laugh, this man is really in love huh.

Without a word, he hugged Aspen and left the room. Silence filled the space and Aspen stumbled onto his bed. Thoughts filled his head and he laid on his back watching the ceiling. Questioning just about everything in the world he began to process what just happened.

"He really does care... he really does." Aspen said, in an attempt to convince himself.

Why would Ghost, who usually competed with Aspen, suddenly choose to be beside him. Further than that, call him things like pretty boy or touching him. Why? The questions kept bouncing around in his mind until he had enough.

Aspen left his quarters and headed to the kitchen/where you can get food area. He didn't know what to eat since it had been a while. Digging through the fridge he found some pasta salad and a Dr Pepper. Taking it to the makeshift dining area, Aspen began eating in silence.

"Got a second Aspen?" Soap called from the doorway.

"Sure thing" He responded, moving the chair next to him.

"I'm sure Ghost already told you what happened, and I'm assuming it's not appealing news to you. Correct?" He began, looking at Aspen with a neutral gaze.

Aspen nodded still having bites in between.

"I'd like you to help lead our next misson to collect the missing portion. It shouldn't be too bad, however we'll take a smaller team." He continued.

Aspen had to ponder the idea of going back on the field so soon, and countered, "When will this be?"

"As soon as next week, no later. I understand your condition isn't great but we need to know now. Are you in?" Soap asked.

"I'm in" Aspen replied.

"Perfect! I'll inform everyone and keep you updated on the status. Take care of yourself, rest up, and be ready" Soap said, getting up to leave.

Simon entered the room as Soap began leaving. They exchanged a glance and Soap patted Simon's back on the way out. Once Simon was alone with Aspen, the silence returned. He grabbed some pretzels and a drink, then sat across from Aspen.

"What'd you discuss?" He asked

"I'm going to retrieve the second half of the contraband next week. Soap wanted me to be part of it" Aspen replied.

Simon pondered the information while taking a sip of his drink. He looked at Aspen and nodded, saying "Will your arm be better by then?"

"I sure hope so, because I won't be much help without it" Aspen huffed.

Simon laughed in agreement as the two continued eating. There wasn't much to say and the occasional sound outside the room would break the silence. Finally, Aspen stood up and cleared his space. He made sure things were clean as per usual.

"Thanks for hanging out but I should go" Aspen said.

"Awww so soon? Are you bored of me?" Simon asked.

"No I'm just tired and could definitely use a shower. Im going to get more pain meds and bandages then call it a night." Aspen replied with a yawn.

Simon nodded and said goodnight as Aspen passed him. The two exchanged a look that only they could explain as Aspen left the room with a grin.

Thanks for reading!
Mmm pretzels
See you next time!🦦❤