Quiet Mornings And Loud Nights(Ghost Simon Riley)

18-Homebound

The glaring sun made Simon's eyes water slightly as he peered through a pair of binoculars. He was scanning for any movement within the range of the safehouse. Out of the left corner of his view he spotted a man dressed in head to toe camouflage. Aspen was beside him waiting for the decision to fire or wait. He had a sniper with a decent range and was hoping the men would be easy to take out. The two were on their stomachs atop a hill which gave them a perfect view of the safehouse and the road leading up to it.

"There! To your left!" Simon yelled.

Aspen turned the barrel of his gun towards the left and scanned the forest. Slight movement caught his eye and he saw the soldier in camo lurking behind a tree. Aspen waited for the perfect moment and took the shot. The man fell to the ground and ceased to move.

"Nice shot Aspen." Simon praised in a gravelly tone. Aspen thanked him quietly, his face reddening slightly.

"Hey! Another one, southwest, heading towards the forest!" Simon commanded.

Aspen once again turned his vision to the road and saw two men running side by side. He would need two clean shots to take them out. He expertly maneuvered the gun to the perfect angle and pulled the trigger. One fell and the other bolted towards the trees. Aspen flicked the barrel of his gun and shot once more, hitting the soldier in the back of the head. He fell forward and lay still, the ground turning a deep red color.

"Got them!" Aspen announced smiling. He reloaded his gun and waited for Simon to respond. He was watching for movement and didn't say anything for a few minutes. After a while Simon set down the binoculars and spoke.

"Good work, we are clear for now. Check in with Price on his status, ETA, and if anymore soldiers may be on the way." Simon commanded.

Aspen nodded and set his comms up to speak with Price.

"Price this is Aspen and Ghost, how copy?"

No reply

"Price? How copy?" Aspen tried again, worry filling his body.

Crackling sounds followed and suddenly Price made it through.

"This is Price, we've made it back to HQ, contraband is secured. Fill the van up with all the supplies, and be ready to drive back. We are sweeping the base for any other men then it'll be safe to return.

"Roger that. We'll be there in 30 minutes to an hour. Let us know of any changes." Simon replied to Price.

With that Simon stood up and helped Aspen up right after. They walked down the hill together and headed towards the safehouse. Rex was waiting for them on the porch, his toungue out and tail wagging.

The trio entered the cold empty house one by one and Simon closed the door behind them. Aspen took his boots off and walked down the hall, leaving Simon and Rex alone. Simon took off his boots but left the mask on. He didn't particularly know why he left the mask on but he eventually would change his mind right?

Aspen was reading All Quiet on the Western Front again, resting his head on some pillows. The bed wasn't made but was a great place to relax and read. While reading, Rex suddenly ran into the room and jumped onto the bed. This unexpected attack scared Aspen and he jumped from where he was sitting.

"Holy shit Rex you scared me half to death!" Aspen exclaimed, trying to sit back down where he was just sitting so comfortably.

Rolling his eyes at Rex who was now curled up, Aspen flipped back to the page he was on. The book was really interesting and a great read, he found himself traveling back to the front lines alongside those soldiers.

The reading took him from reality for a while and he almost didn't notice Simon walking into the room. Looking towards the door Aspen watched Simon, who was exhausted, walk in and collapse on the bed. He was quick to fall asleep and Aspen didn't try to move him at all. Now it was Rex and Simon asleep while Aspen read his book.

After finishing a few chapters Aspen wondered if it was time to return to the base. He knew Simon needed rest but he could sleep back at the base. Aspen tapped Simon's shoulder slightly and whispered for him to wake up. Rolling onto his back Simon was looking up at Aspen who was peering down at him.

"Something I can do for you?" He grumbled.

"I- yeah we uh- maybe- should we go back to- uh we-" Aspen stuttered as Simon's delicate eyelashes fluttered under his gaze. Simon noticed that Aspen was staring and laughed aloud.

"What did you want to leave already? You that sick of me?" Simon chuckled watching Aspen turn bright red.

"No I-" Aspen began.

Before he could fully respond Simon pulled his mask off and pushed himself up into Aspen's face. Their lips collided as Simon pulled Aspen's neck towards him. Aspen couldn't hold himself up anymore and let himself fall onto Simon. Their chests pressed against eachothers with each heavy breath. Without a reason to let go Aspen returned each kiss and began to travel down Simon's cheek.

Simon hadn't shaved his face in a while so he was very scruffy as Aspen's lips grazed his jawline. He let out a soft groan and pushed his hands into Aspen's hair. Aspen grinned as Simon held onto the bedsheets when he kissed his neck. Struggling with his composure Simon bit down on his lip as Aspen kept touching him in places he loved.

Then without warning Aspen lifted himself off of Simon and kissed his forehead. Confused Simon watched him grab his book and stand up to leave. Just a moment ago he was in pure bliss and now he's leaving? Aspen cleared up any misunderstanding quickly, knowing Simon would react in that way.

"If you want more, you'll have to wait. Price wants us back in 10 minutes." Aspen said, grabbing his bag from the closet. He began packing it and as he put his clothes in the bag Simon walked past him trailing his fingers against Aspen's back. Shivers went down Aspen's spine as he turned to see Simon walk out of the room. Aspen turned back to what he was doing and finished packing everything. The room was now empty of his things, like when he moved for the first time. The home was no longer home.

Simon felt the same as he pulled on his boots. The room seemed emptied of all its life, as Aspen and his things no longer covered it. He put his mask on and finished tying his laces, preparing to carry all of the supplies. He grabbed the keys to the van and unlocked so he could open the back. Once ready he began to move the files, then the weapons, then finally the heavier things.

Aspen in the other room finished packing up everything and went to the kitchen to collect any leftover food. The tea from the night they spent together was still in the corner of a cabinet. Aspen wanted to stay there forever but they were still soldiers and they had a job to do. People to save.

With everything packed Aspen took Rex outside and let him use the bathroom before helping him into the van. The back was full of boxes and weapons, which Aspen had to admit was impressive. Simon had singlehandedly moved everything in a few minutes, interesting that he seemed to be rushing. Aspen put his personal backpack in the van and hopped into the passenger's seat.

Simon made sure everything had been packed, took one last look at the house, then left in silence. The house now held one of his favorite memories and he would love to go back someday. In his thoughts he found himself distracted by thoughts of Aspen. His hair, his body, his smile, his eyes. Everything about him was enticing. Now he was waiting in the van with Rex, which Simon jogged to quickly.

"Lets head back now." Simon said, starting the van.

Aspen nodded and looked back at Rex who was relaxing in the middle of the backseats. The dog was so cute, hopefully Price would let him stay with Aspen and or Simon. With no worries in mind, Simon backed out of the parking space he made and drove back down the road. They were going home, and hopefully could be together soon.

Thanks for reading!
Welcome home! What do you think Price will say about Rex?
See you soon!🦦❤