Quiet Mornings And Loud Nights(Ghost Simon Riley)

31-Protective

Back to normal pov- for now...
Chapters will be more frequent as I have like 5 drafts waiting to be posted. If this continues uploads should be back to normal in a week or two! Thanks for your support❤

Aspen waited in his room for a while holding the keys to the truck. Once Simon arrived they would leave for town and then maybe they could talk. There was a knock on the door and Aspen opened it slowly. Simon was waiting outside, his face full of concern as Aspen walked out and closed the door. Aspen walked away down the hall and Simon jogged to keep up with his quick pace.

"Where are we going?" He breathed as they entered the space where trucks lined up.

"Need to do a store run for food and drinks. I was hoping you'd join me." Aspen replied unlocking a truck similar to the one Simon drove not long ago.

Walking around the back Simon hopped in the passenger's seat. The truck was silent as the engine started and neither of them said a word. Aspen drove down the road heading North, opposite of the town Simon knew. The sun was descending and casted a pink glow on the grass fields surrounding the road.

"Pretty out isn't it." Simon whispered looking out of his window.

"Yeah I guess so." Aspen replied bluntly.

"Did I do something wrong?" Simon asked looking over at Aspen angrily.

"Not exactly. I just didn't really fit in. You and him are close so I wanted to give you space."

"But we're just- he's my friend Aspen. You are my friend and that means we can all be friends." Simon said, looking down.

"Friends. Sure Simon."

Silence filled the truck again and a few minutes later the lights of the town appeared just over the horizon. The sky was in its final moments of light and the sunset covered the sky. Clouds with violet and lavender hues covered a pink and orange sky. It was beautiful and Simon couldn't look away.

While they drove down the road Aspen spotted a bench and viewpoint off to the side. He turned and pulled into a little parking space shutting off the vehicle. Simon looked over at him in confusion and watched as he opened his door to leave. Following quietly, Simon sat on the little bench and watched the sun set behind a mountain range.

Aspen sat beside Simon but left a little space between them. Simon scooted closer and put his hand out for Aspen. Sighing Aspen took his hand in a gentle grip. He was conflicted internally and clearly Simon was too. Neither of them had any idea what the other was thinking. Lifting his mask slightly Simon leaned in and kissed Aspen softly. It looked like a scene from a movie as they moved closer to each other to kiss. They would pull apart to breathe then dive back in. There was something about the kiss that was different but Aspen wasn't sure what. He eventually pulled away and let himself breathe, resting his head on Simon's shoulder. The sun had set behind the mountains which meant very few hours were left in the day.

"Shit! We should probably go get those things before the stores close. How about we stay here for the night?" Aspen said standing up quickly.

"That'd be great. Let's go." Simon responded pulling his mask back on.

Just like that their picture perfect moment ended and they were back on the road. Simon pointed out a few hotels, motels, and little places they could duck into for the night. Aspen nodded and parked by a grocery store that was still open. The little town was lit up by a few lone businesses and buildings while the rest seemed to be asleep. Leaving the truck Aspen locked the doors and grabbed a list. He had written some necessities and a few fun things for Soap.

"Wanna grab a cart or is a basket okay?" Simon asked looking at the entry.

"Let's use a cart, I brought bags for after."

"Jesus you're like a middle aged woman." Simon laughed aloud picking a cart.

The couple walked together working efficiently to get everything on the list and a few other things. Simon chose a case of Soap's favorite beer from one row and a bottle of soda from the next. Aspen found sandwich fixings, some grab-and-go snacks, and a few other assorted foods. The last thing on his list was a new box of tea and more coffee. He reached for the box that looked best but struggled to reach it.

"Fuck." Aspen grumbled looking around. Where was Simon when he needed him.

"Excuse me sir do you need help?" A store associate walked up behind him and plastered a fake smile on his face. When Aspen turned around he felt his heart race. The employee was really close to him and moved even closer to ask again.

"I can help you if you'd like. You here by yourself?" The man pushed himself closer invading Aspen's personal space far too much. Shrinking back a bit Aspen tried to move away but the man pursued. Reaching out to Aspen, the man began to move his hands along Aspen's arms. A smirk crossed his face and he was about to press himself against Aspen when Simon appeared.

Simon's strong arm caught the man's shoulder and practically tossed him into the shelf behind him. Simon towered over the man who was splayed on the floor and he gave him a look of pure rage. Whimpering the man tried to scramble away but Simon caught him by the collar of his shirt and dragged him against a nearby wall. He pressed his fist against the mans neck and held it, staring into the depths of his weak soul.

"Do not ever go near him or anyone else like that again. Understood? He's mine and you don't get to treat him that way. Ever. Now run off you sorry cunt." Simon growled at the man who's face was turning bright red. The man nodded trying to breathe under the crushing weight of Simon's strength. Shoving him away Simon walked back to where Aspen was standing. He was frozen in place but in his eyes Simon saw fear.

"Are you okay love?" Simon pulled Aspen into a hug and felt his body trembling.

"I've never had that happen before. That was scarier than a lot of things  I've run into. Even as a soldier that was unnerving." Aspen whispered trying to hold back his emotions.

"Let's get out of here." Simon said taking Aspen's hand.

They walked together to the checkout and bought everything with no issues. The man was nowhere to be found and Simon made sure of that. Once they had everything Aspen carried a few bags and Simon had the rest, leaving the cart behind. After filling the truck with the bags the two hopped in and headed towards a vacant motel.

"That one looks good, we can stay for one night." Simon pointed at a faded red sign that said 'vacant'.

The front desk was old and made of wood, where a woman sat quietly. She was reading through a magazine that looked like a shitty gossip source so Aspen rung the bell instead of asking nicely. The woman looked up and her face instantly changed, her attention on them completely.

"One room?" She asked staring at Aspen, avoiding Simon's gaze.

"Yes." Simon said quickly.

She handed them a key and the little tag had a room number on it. Simon handed her a wad of cash and she fumbled with it trying to count. He waited impatiently his foot tapping slightly. Aspen grabbed his hand and held it tight to calm him. When the woman finished counting she nodded at the two men and looked back at her magazine.

"Have a nice stay." She said in a bland tone.

Rolling his eyes Simon mumbled a thank you and began walking toward the rooms. Aspen had the key and when they found the matching room he opened the door quickly pulling Simon in behind him. Not even ten seconds after the door closed Simon's lips were on Aspen's.

Thanks for reading!
Another to be continued moment- Simon is pretty damn protective huh
See you soon🦦❤