The Girl In Flat 25 (Simon "Ghost" Riley X F!Reader)

Chapter 10: John, Again

February 20, 7:57 pm.

Again, it had been a while since you saw Simon. At least for any extended period of time.

You had seen him checking his mail, or entering his apartment, and each time you would greet him and each time he would ignore you. You had even seen his friend, John, a few times. He was certainly chatty, the type of chatty to talk your head off, but he was always a joy to see.

John would often hang around the outside of Simon's apartment, waiting for the taller man to answer so they could hang out.

Now was one of those times.

You stood next to your door, shoulder pressed against the wall, arms crossed, as you two talked. You had just gotten home from work, so you were certainly tired, but John certainly helped you feel a brighter.

"Nuh-uh. He's totally just chatting up all the girls on the island. He's not going to make any meaningful connection with anyone, he's going home next episode." He shook his head. You two had been talking about the latest seasons of Love Island, a show Tamara made you watch whenever she was over.

"I got those vibes as well, but I certainly think he made a connection with the one from Essex... Julie? Was that her name?" John simply shook his head again at your words, in total disagreement.

"No way." He sounded serious as if he was delivering the news, "She's totally into the ginger guy."

You nodded.

You could see his point.

"Doesn't matter much, they're all jackasses."

John laughed.

"Oh for sure. But that's just good television."

You looked at your wrist, eyes staring at the time.

That early?

You were trying to burn time talking to John, you didn't want to fall asleep at 8 pm. That felt too lame for you.

"Where's Simon?" You didn't want to sound like you wanted to get rid of John, but you two had easily been speaking for thirty minutes.

John looked around sheepishly.

"I really don't know. I just thought I'd visit him but he appears to not be home."

John was so odd.

"Maybe he's asle-"

"MacTavish? Jesus wept, why are you here?" Your head whipped over to Simon. He stood on the stairs, a few steps down, grocery bags in one hand and keys in the other. He was dressed much more casually than you had ever seen him when he went out. Grey sweatpants and a dark hoodie.

He looked... Still really nice.

You turned your head away from him, heat creeping up your neck and to your face and ears.

You were odd.

"Simon!" John walked over to Simon, smiling at him brightly. "Can't I visit a friend?"

"No." Simon sidestepped around John and continued his way up the stairs.

The Scottish man looked comically hurt.

"Oh don't be like that!" John jogged to catch up with his friend, talking the whole way about the conversation you two had been having.

You chuckled and moved to your door as Simon and John reached his.

"I'll be seeing you, John. Simon." You nodded at the men.

"I'll see you later, (Y/n)." You watched as John elbowed Simon harshly, causing the English man to turn to the Scotsman.

John took a step back, hands up defensively.

When Simon turned back to his door John relaxed and made a face in your direction, and after a few more seconds of conversing the two men disappeared behind the door frame of the abode.

The hallway always felt oddly empty every time he went into his apartment. Obviously, it wasn't a common area, but sometimes you and Simon would exchange small words before entering your own homes.

It wasn't like that recently, just silence.

Your shoulders heaved as you sighed, unlocking your door and walking in.

You'd see him later.