Ghost (Simon)

And then, during one of these walks, he met you.

The most beautiful boy he had ever seen.

Naturally, he tried to strike up a conversation. But after years of pushing people away, this attempt was... unsuccessful. He stuttered, said all sorts of wrong things, and gave the impression of a man who would more than anything in the world be anywhere but here. He was sure he'd ruined everything before he even had the chance.

But you thought it was cute—a big, scarred ex-soldier with a menacing German Shepherd, blushing and awkward because he thought you were pretty.

Somehow, after a few minutes of awkward conversation, he managed to get your number. After that, it became a habit: late-night calls, text messages that lasted until the early hours. You started visiting sporadically, then once a week, then twice a week. Before he knew it, Simon was crazy about you.

You didn't think twice and asked him out. He hesitated—you expected it, since he'd told you little about Johnny. But he agreed.

And honestly? It was only about three months before you moved in. His things became yours, and yours became his. Even Riley got used to you.

That's how you found yourself here: standing in the kitchen, making breakfast. Simon didn't know how to cook at all, so you quickly took over all food-related responsibilities.

But he was always watching. Always asking questions. He wanted so badly to be a better person for you. It was touching. It was perfect. He was perfect, even his imperfections seemed perfect to you.

As always, he leaned against the door frame, looking at you tenderly, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips.

"My boy," he whispered, coming up behind you. He wrapped his arms around your waist, pressed his face to your neck, and kissed your skin tenderly.

.