Quiet Mornings And Loud Nights(Ghost Simon Riley)

24-Butterflies

Simon POV <33

After having some tea and a few bites of food, I thought it would be nice to clean myself up. Carefully, I walked over to my bathroom and closed the door. The mirror was waiting for me and I avoided its disgusting gaze. I hated the mirror with a passion, not the mirror itself but what it displayed. Looking at my sad reflection I walked up to the mirror trying to find myself. I was met with a depressed, hopeless, and tired face. My hair was unkempt, my stubble was growing back, and my eyes were red.

Cracks in the mirror from when I punched it created even more problems. Unable to look anymore I set out a towel and started a shower. I was able to get off my clothes without hurting myself too badly and found that my wound was wrapped neatly in bandages. I did my best to peel them off and my wound sent pain shooting through my body. Biting my lip I managed to get the bandages off and threw them out.

The shower felt like a warm hug on my cold broken body. I felt the water trace and cover all of my imperfections without judging them. The water was comforting for the wound and I made sure to clean it completely. I used a bit of shampoo and conditioner which usually made my hair fluffier than usual. I guess for some reason I felt the need to look better even though the only people that were seeing my hair would be Aspen and me. The minutes drifted by quickly and eventually I was standing under the warm water with my eyes closed. I let the thoughts of many things pass through my head and finally I shut off the shower.

Stepping out I dried off and wrapped some new bandages on my side. The wound was still stinging but I felt a bit better. Using the towel I fluffed my hair around then wrapped it around myself. The mirror was steamed up and I was grateful I wasn't able to see myself in it. I entered my cold room and put on some fresh clothes. I made my way over to my bedside table and had a few more small bites of food. My hunger wasn't exactly present so I didn't see a reason to have anymore food.

The little orange bottle of pills Aspen brought in were still on my table and I reached for them. Popping two of the small capsules into my mouth, I took them with one sip of tea. Feeling slightly improved I slid my boots on and grabbed my mask. I wasn't useless and surely there was something in the base I could do to help out. Finishing the tea I put my mask on and left the room. The hallway was lit up and a few people passed me as I made my way to the control center. Some would nod or acknowledge my existence, others just walked past in silence. The doors ahead of me were closed and I had no idea what would be on the other side.

Carefully I opened the doors and was met with a room full of people. Some on computers, some talking in groups, and others walking in from separate rooms. Overwhelmed I turned to find somewhere to go. There were a few smaller office spaces and the conference room, but nothing seemed particularly empty. Before I could leave the room, someone tapped my shoulder gently. I spun around and saw Soap's smug smile looking up at me.

"Looking for something L.t?" He asked me.

"Not in particular Johnny. Can I help you?" I responded quickly.

"Nope, want me to fill you in on the situation?" Soap replied.

I nodded and followed him to a corner of the control center where a little screen was waiting. He turned on a computer and logged in, showing a bunch of different files. He clicked on one and I watched the screen change into a map. Soap continued to zoom in on a specific spot and ended at what looked like a barren empty desert. Little numbers in the left corner showed the exact coordinates of the area and I didn't recognize any of them.

"What is this?" I asked, confusion filling my tone.

"Well, the contraband we retrieved was the map. Or rather half, then we completed it. This map is the coordinates of a prison where some of our allies and our own are being held. Back when we were serving in the desert some of our men got caught and transported to this facility. We don't know if all of them made it but we do know there are signs of life." He explained carefully, trying not to skip any details.

"I see. Is there a plan to get them back yet?" I looked at him curiously.

"No not yet, we are still working on your case actually." He replied looking back at me. 

"My case?"

"The guy who bloody shot you and tried to kill you! Who'd you think?" He yelled in his thick Scottish accent. For such a short guy he sure had a lot of wit; which is why I liked him so much.

"Oh that, yeah what did you find on him?" I asked following Soap to another corner of the room.

He pointed at a bunch of photos and charts which caused my heart to skip a beat. One of the photos was my group with Sky before he died. I picked up the photo and recognized the shooter, he was behind Sky. Something wasn't right about that.

"Wait a minute. He was on our side? Why the hell would he shoot me?" I asked angrily.

"Thats what we've been trying to figure out. Any ideas sir?" Soap responded hopefully. As if I had any idea why he would shoot me.

"The only reason I can think of would be revenge for the casualties we suffered but he wasn't close to any of us. Kind of a loner if you ask me." I shrugged looking away.

Before Soap could reply I felt a tap on my shoulder. Confused again I turned around and saw Aspen smiling waiting for me. I said a brief goodbye to Johnny and walked towards the doors with Aspen. He seemed happy which was always important to me.

"Can I bring you somewhere?" He asked walking down the hallway. I tried to keep up but he was speed walking for some reason.

"Sure if I can bloody keep up with you." I replied quickening my pace.

He opened a door and entered a small room, which I hadn't seen before. Entering I was practically tackled my Rex who ran up and jumped towards my chest. My side ached and I slumped against the wall so Rex could cover my face in kisses.

"Well if it isn't Rex! How are you pal!" I exclaimed trying to wipe his slobber off of my cheeks.

Rex sat down and wagged his tail happily. Aspen patted Rex's head and waved a small treat in front of him. Rex stayed still and Aspen spoke a quiet word I didn't catch. He placed the treat on Rex's nose and instead of leaping for it Rex stayed.

"Wow! That's impressive!" I smiled watching Aspen stare at Rex. His gentle gaze was making me jealous and I wanted so badly to have time alone with him. Rex began to drool and I laughed when Aspen finally let him drop the treat and devour it. I pushed myself up and stood in front of Aspen, trying to catch his eye. He noticed my gaze and flicked his eyes to lock onto mine. Butterflies swarmed my stomach as I felt my heart flutter.

"Something I can help you with Simon?" He asked me walking a few steps closer. I watched him intently and felt my heart rate pick up. The things he made me feel were beyond expression. I needed him.

"This really isn't the time nor place, but maybe another time my love. How about after our next big operation you and I can take a little break. Go somewhere and just spend time together. If we get the chance of course." I suggested looking him up and down.

"Sounds lovely. For now you should rest. I'll check on you in a bit. Okay?" Aspen replied softly.

Nodding I gave Rex a goodbye pat on the head and left the room. Aspen stayed behind to put Rex back in his little kennel. I made my way to my room and closed the door behind me once I arrived. My bed was enticing and I took my boots of quickly. I pulled my mask off and had a bit of water before laying down. The room grew quiet and I felt my eyes close slowly at first then completely. Entering my dreams, I left the world behind.

Thanks for reading!
Happy holidays to everyone😊🎉
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