Your protective "friend" (SIMON GHOST RILEY x FEM!READER)

Chapter 7 Resisting

Outside pov

Simon and you had settled into a comforting routine, finding a rhythm that made the lingering tension between you and your life seem more manageable. You spent your days navigating the practical aspects of your new life finding an apartment, reconnecting with old friends, and dealing with the emotional challenges of starting over. Simon's quiet support was a lifeline, helping you stay focused on moving forward. The first major step was finding a new apartment. Simon had insisted on helping, and you spent hours together scrolling through listings, marking down potential places that met your needs. After visiting several locations, you finally found the right one and cozy one bedroom apartment on a quiet street, close enough to Simon's place that he could be there in minutes if you needed him. It wasn't perfect, but it felt right, and you couldn't help but smile as you imagined your new life unfolding there. With Simon's help, you signed the lease, and the next few days were filled with packing and moving. Simon was a steady presence throughout the process, carrying boxes like it was nothing and assembling furniture with a calm, reassuring demeanour. The appartement slowly slowly came together, piece by piece, and with every addition, a picture on the wall, a rug in the living room, a plant in the kitchen it started to feel more like home. As you settled into your new place, you found a job at a small boutique downtown. Hanging out with friends also became a priority, and gradually, you began to rebuild the parts of yourself that had been lost. Simon continued to be a constant presence in your life, meeting for coffee on your balcony in the mornings and sharing quiet dinners at his apartment. The awkwardness that had once hung between you seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a deepening bond that felt natural and unforced.

One day, a few weeks after you moved into your apartment, Simon suggested a day trip to the coast. It had been a spontaneous idea, and you both jumped at the chance to get away from the city. You packed a picnic and drove out early, the cat windows rolled down and the radio playing softly as you followed the winding road along the shoreline. The day was perfect warm and sunny, with a light breeze carrying the scent of saltwater and wildflowers. You spent the morning walking along the beach, collecting seashells and watching Simon skip rocks accrocs the water. It was a simple pleasure, and it felt like exactly what you both needed a reminder of the beauty in the world, and a good time with loving ones. You found a secluded spot under the shade of a rocky outcrop and spread out a blanket for your picnic. The food was simple sandwiches, fruits, and cookies you had made the night before but it tasted like the best meal youd ever had, eaten with the sound of the blanket, his hands behind his head as he gazed up at the sky, and you leaned back beside him, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. Not thinking one bit that these few months every hangout between the both of you felt like perfect couple's dates.

"This is nice," you said after a while, breaking the comfortable silence.
"I needed this." Simon glanced over at you, his expression soft. "Yeah" he agreed, his voice quiet. "Me too."

The afternoon was spent exploring the tide pools, pointing out starfish and crabs and marvelling at the tiny creatures that scuttled about. It was a small, simple joy, but it felt like exactly what you both needed a reminder that there were still moments of happiness to be found. This your mind didn't forget this feeling...this feeling were today every times you looked back at Simon to talk to him, you couldn't help yourself but sigh at the view of his bare chest standing in front of you. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water, you packed up your things and headed back to the car. The drive home was quiet, both of you lost in your thoughts as the day's events replayed in your minds. It wasn't until you were nearly back to the city that you spoke up, your voice soft but filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Simon" you said, glancing over at him. "For everything. I don't know what i would've done without you."
Simon glanced at you, his eyes meeting yours for a brief moment before returning to the road. "You don't have to thank me" he said his voice steady. "Im just glad i could be here for you."
You smiled, a small, genuine smile that felt like it reached all the way down to your heart. You leaned your head back against the seat, closing your eyes as the last of the sun's warmth bathed your face. For the first time in a long time, you felt a sense of peace, a quiet certainly that maybe, just maybe, things were going to be okay.

As Simon pulled into the driveway of your apartment building, he walked you to your door, lingering for a moment as if he had something else to say. But whatever it was, he kept it to himself, offering you a small smile before turning to go.
"Goodnight, yn" he said softly in the dim light of the hallway.
"Goodnight, Simon" you replied, wondering if you too should say something but instead, you watched him disappeared down the stairs. You closed the door behind you, leaning against it for a moment your face warm and red, as you slide down to the ground your hands in your face, letting out a big sigh in between your slightly parted lips escaping a simple word,

"Shit..."