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thetravelingtyper · 4 days

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On The Same Page pt 6(Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader Bookshop! AU)

Stuck in by the rain, you, Simon, and Sam receive important news over dinner...

Part 5, Masterlist

Image from GIF by tana-the-dreamchaser

Simon followed you up the stairs like a shadow, his steps even but quiet. If not for his hand seeking yours you would have thought him a ghost. He seems to seek you like a moth to starlight and you find yourself relaxing with his close presence. You reach the door at the top of the stairs and push it open to be met with the smell of a simmering spice. You perk up instantly and call out for Sam. His curls pop out of the kitchen and seeing your entwined hands he smiles.

“Are you making what I think you are making?” You ask hopefully, eyes softened towards your friend. You step into the living area and release your hand from Simon’s. He abides by it but lingers close to you, choosing to take in his surroundings.

The vibes of the apartment are, well, eclectic. Amongst the thriving house plants, SImon can see little bits of you and Sam. The worn love seat a dappled plum color, a plush leather couch, and, he looks at the floor and chuckles, a fox in a sweater welcome mat. You move to the kitchen after asking Simon to make himself comfortable. He nods and moves to the loveseat, taking your backpack off and setting it to the side before taking a seat. He observes further as you step into the kitchen to talk to Sam.

On the coffee table, there is a vase of sunflowers, the TV stand is an old steamer trunk, and lining the far walls across from the door are books. Upon four shelves is a library’s worth of books and Simon stands and approaches them. Upon further expectation he cracks a smile, the inner panel of the bookshelves are painted the same as the ceiling of the bookstore. A rough hand comes up and he traces the spines of some of the leather-bound books. There are books of all kinds roughly categorized by genre. Littered amongst the shelves are other things, among them, Simon finds things like a cow teapot, a Union Jack mug holding pens, leather-bound notebooks, a dragon beanie baby, and something else that pauses his searching.

On a desk in the middle of the two sets of shelves is a collection of mechanical parts. The smell of gun oil and steel pulls memories from service and he leans down, turning on the desk lamp to examine it closer. In the middle of the desk is a typewriter. The carriage is set aside from the body of the typewriter and the smell of oil gets stronger. He looks around the table and finds a myriad of cases, some big and others small, mostly belonging to what he assumes to be typewriters.

You pop your head out of the kitchen to call for SImon but you find him engrossed in his examination. You smile, unsurprised at his curiosity, most visitors are drawn in by the book before stumbling upon your workstation. You step out of the kitchen and call to him. He looks up and turns to you in question.

“Dinner is ready.”

You say it with a growing grin as Sam had made enchiladas in a Tex-Mex style you missed. Simon looks back to the disassembled typewriter once more before he approaches you and follows you into the kitchen. If the living area was eclectic the kitchen was more so. Along the walls of the modest space hung pictures of every kind. Along the side wall, under a window was an old dresser or antique buffet that held a beaten-up record player. Along the wall were art prints, old diagrams, and book posters. On the buffet, next to the kitchen table was a collection of tabletop books, big glossy things meant as eye candy. He huffs a laugh at the selection: fox photo collections, Jules Verne releases, and typewriters.

He turns his attention to Sam who is already sitting at the table, three places set for you guys to eat. Even the cutlery and plates are a mix of wild colors and subtle finery. You move to the stove where a baking dish holds something excellent smelling. Grabbing some oven mitts (fox chefs of course) you take the dish and set it on some ceramic pot holders on the table.

“I hope you like enchiladas.” You say it with a pleased expression before shooting Sam a nostalgic smile. You motion for Simon to sit and he does before you take the seat next to him.

You all begin to eat without much fuss, conversation passing in softer words between you and Sam while Simon chimes in every once in a while. However, after about 15 minutes in, Sam pauses as if remembering something.

You see a look pass over his face before he reaches behind him and picks up a letter off of the counter behind him. He offers it to you and you recognize the handwriting.

“Sofia was here earlier, she looked urgent and dropped this off mentioning for you to read it. Something about a collaboration of some kind for a release over here. She wouldn’t give me more details than that before she was rushing off to her next appointment.”

“Huh,” You work on prying the envelope open gently, “she would normally call.”

Sam shrugs but watches with curiosity as you pull out a typed document. The paper at first touch is heavy, almost a thin cardstock, and the smell of ink and paper is crisp. There is even a wax seal holding the paper close and you want to roll your eyes. The sneaking familiarity seeps into your bones as you swipe a finger under the seal breaking it and unfolding the paper. When you read the heading your stomach clenches. It was from your old company. Something in your demeanor must have changed as you lean back in your chair feeling suddenly winded. Sharp eyes turn to you and Simon and Sam both stop eating.

“What is it? Sam asks with concern, leaning forward in his chair. Simon next to you frowns as your eyes skim the letter, your shoulders getting tenser and tenser. At the end of the letter, you bite your lip before slowly closing the letter and handing it across the table to Sam without a word. He about tears it open and reads it himself.

“This is bullshit.” These are the first words out of his mouth and he tosses the letter onto the table. You don't reply, instead pushing your almost empty plate aside and putting your head in your hands with a sigh. Simon’s hand finds your knee under the table instantly and you eye him through your hands. There is exhaustion in your eyes, one that is familiar to him. You move to lay your head down with a sigh, leaning towards Simon naturally for comfort.

“What is it, Dove?” He asks, voice low.

“Read for yourself.” Is all you offer and he does so, reaching a long arm for the letter before reading.

The letter begins with a ‘greetings’ in a faceless text. Following are niceties and a “wish you are well’. One that you wanted to scoff at, given your last encounter with your previous publisher. He continues over the unnecessary and gets to the meat of the letter.

… due to the raving success of your last book under our services, we have decided to do a release tour and event of James’s new book under your direction. We have already reached out to Sofia for contact with you. Given both books' American popularity, we expect such a collaboration to benefit not only you but also White Owl Publishing. We expect James’s arrival in London this Sunday. If you have any questions please reach us at…

Simon frowns and looks at you.

“When the hell did James start writing?” Sam asks you but you just groan and pull yourself up, a hand reaching under the table to squeeze Simon’s in silent thanks. Something serious settles over you,

“I don’t know. Maybe when he started sleeping with the CEO’s daughter.”

You bite it, voice sharp as a knife. The woman was an accomplished author under her fathers' direction and specialized in YA and new adult romance novels. You used to hold a lot of respect for her when you first joined the company but she soon, after learning of your specialization in children's literature, became downright dismissive. That dismission partnered with a giggly fascination with James, turned you away from her and towards the more quiet of the other authors and editors. However, given her status as the CEO's daughter, there was no escaping her influence, thankfully Sofia was always with you, and due to your focus on children, you didn't have to interact with her much. Other than events like the Publisher’s Gala, and well you know how the last one turned out.

After the gala, you had learned from one loyal person, a fellow children's author named Sarah that the affair had been going strong for months. She hadn’t known until a drunk Sabrina had bragged on his arm at an after-party that faithful night. She called the moment she discovered your plans to leave and wanted you to know.

Back in the moment, you debate your options. Given the publication’s no doubt about you after the Gala, you couldn’t risk saying no to this. Why they wanted to associate with a ‘failure and second rate nobody’ you didn't know. You look to Sam, his family's business was now connected with one of the largest publishers in America, and you weren't going to risk their skins because of disgust and fear. A silent resolution lit up your face, Sam, seeing this, grins.

“You're going to go with this.” It's not a question out of his mouth. A shaky smile hits your face at that. Simon just looks to you, something about your determination makes him want to smile. His hand turns to entangle with yours under the table and you look at him, taking this as his support.

“Johnny will want to knock some heads” His voice surprises you and laughter bubbles out of your chest. It quiets down to giggles a moment later and you pull your plate back to you. He wasn't wrong. A few tea times after meeting the man you had told the Scot the story of why you ended up in London. His brows furrowed and looking at you he cursed.

“Cheat? On a prize like you lass? Need me to do him in?”

You mention this to Simon in a giggle. He smiles.

“Good man, Johnny is.”

He runs his thumb over your knuckles and you breathe out as your heart skips a beat, tension draining from your form as you take another bite before nodding in agreement. Simon gives you a small smile before he turns back to his food with a hum, but his hand remains in yours through the rest of dinner.

---

After dinner, you stand up to collect the dishes. Sam gives you a look before shooting up to race you to the sink. You beat him by a foot before splashing him with cool water. He chuckles at you, eyes brightening at your mirthful expression. You hear the sound of a chair and Simon stands. Sam looks at you with a grin and a raised brow before he pulls himself into a stretch.

He looks at Simon and then back to himself.

“I may have a shirt and some sweats if you’d like to change Simon.”

The taller man moves around the table and pauses, looks down at his jeans, and gives a nod. With the confirmation, Sam winks at you and leaves the kitchen for his room. You shake your head fondly before going to wash the dishes, but a hand stops you. Simon is next to you then, the proximity quickening your heart once again.

“I’ll do ‘em,”

is a statement and he nudges you aside gently with his large frame. You realize then just how big he is. While you were by no means tiny, Simon was tall. Sam was easily 6’ but you had to tilt your head to look up at Simon. He started dutifully washing plates without any more comments so you studied the side profile of his face. With a strong jawline cut with a few scars, your eyes focus on his eyes, focused and quiet as he works. The action, so domestic, calms something in you. While you loved being with Sam, you missed being with a partner sometimes, the attraction and the comfort. You loved Sam like a brother and that came with the typical roommate squabbles sometimes, you laugh mentally. You missed James some though despite everything. Having another person to hold was a human element absent in your life.

But, your heart murmured, there is Simon.

You sigh inwardly, your heart skipping a beat as you envision his smiles. They lit up his face in a way that took the weight of his service, the exhaustion, off his shoulders for even a brief moment. He had seemingly been open, but respectful about some sort of feelings towards you, and you cherished his careful support.

Your hand on his arm pauses Simon, and his eyes flicker down to yours in question. Without much thought your hand traces what is exposed of his forearm, fingers swirling around the inked skin, you linger a moment. Then, with a steady exhalation from Simon, your hands follow up his arm and over the sleeve, feeling the strength of his bicep Simon stills. His other hand reaches for the hand towel and setting the plate down he pulls back from the sink and turns his attention fully to you.

You look engrossed in your study of him, like a jeweler over a diamond or precious stone. You lift for a moment seeing the towel and step back, allowing the man to dry his hands before he takes the next step to follow you. Your eyes widen in realization when your back hits the side counter and Simon steps comfortably, naturally even, into your space.

Your breath catches in your throat when he raises a hand to your face, it ghosts over your cheek before, heart pounding, you lean into his palm. It is rough, worn from years of work, but it's warm, and something deep in you preens at the touch. Honey eyes find yours, widening a moment as you lean in, before lowering in reverence. Here you were, he thought,

“Sweet thing.”

It comes out in a whisper and your heart clenches. You close your eyes, raising a hand against his, cherishing the feel of the touch. His heart stutters then when you reopen your eyes and give him a sweet smile. Your hand runs down his arm and the other wraps around his abdomen and you close the space between the both of you with an embrace. His arms drop in surprise, but as your head comes to rest against his chest, they soon engulf you in the scent of leather and smoke.

With your ear against his sturdy chest, you can hear his heart pick up, you smile to yourself then, happy the effect is mutual. Simon inhales the scent of old books and baked goods and hums, the sound reverberating through you. He chuckles before setting his head on yours just enjoying the feeling of you in his arms. You mutter something and he questions you with another hum. You repeat it a bit louder.

“Want dessert?” The question incites a chuckle from him and his arms loose to look down at you. Something swirls in his eyes, warm like syrup, and his lips quirked up in a smile.

“Sure, Honey.” The two syllables of endearment are languid and you bask in them like a noon sun. His eyes flicker down to your lips a moment and your breath catches, but the sound of footsteps alerts you to Sam. You know him well enough, he doesn't want to interrupt so you smile at Simon and run your hands up his arms before stepping out of his grasp. Sam enters a second later with a bundle of clothes. His eyes are lit up and after glancing at you he grins at Simon.

“Here you are, Mate.” He gives a mock British accent and hands the bundle to Simon. You then pat the taller man's arm.

“Guest room is down the hall, Sam will show you. There's a bathroom too. I hope you eat cheesecake?”

You ask him and he just nods before Sam motions to him to follow. Simon gives you one last glance then heads after Sam. Once both men are out of the kitchen you grasp at your pounding heart as your stomach flutters. You felt giddy, a childish wonder in your heart at the affection. Simon was so warm and you felt safe in his arms. You hum to yourself as you pass to the fridge, opening it and examining the inside.

Beside produce and leftovers sat your quarry, made a day or so ago. There sat a glorious strawberry shortcake cheesecake, made by you. Albeit there was a slice missing courtesy of Sam but the cake was an absolute unit. You pull the covered dish out carefully as Sam pads into the kitchen alone. He leans against the counter as you work and regards you.

You hum more as you work, relaxing further in his presence, reaching to grab three plates. You then cut modest slices for each of you before sticking the rest of the cake back in the fridge.

“You’re thinking too loud Sammy.”

You then turn to him, a knowing look on your face. What surprises you is the serious look on his, Sam’s arms are crossed as he leans. You set the plates on the table before approaching your friend.

“What’s wrong?”

Green eyes turn to you, dark as English ivy, and they flicker down to you.

“I think James means trouble.”

It is all he offers. You sigh, taking a seat at the table. You think a moment. You wondered why your manager, Sofia wouldn't have called you, but this seemed like such a sudden onset by your old publisher. Given her sudden rush to leave you wondered where this put Sam’s family. Hearing your story the small publisher was happy to take both you and Sofia under their wing. White Owl Publishing was small, but they had cherished new classics under them. Your eyes flick up to meet Sam’s.

“We can’t risk your family’s reputation. Not after everything they've done for me and Sofia.”

Sam’s jaw clenches and you are taken aback a moment when his muscles tense. Sam had always been the most level-headed person you know.

“I don’t give a shit after what he’s done to you.” It is firm, Sam stands taller at the statement. You think back to the firm grip on your neck. Showing up at Sam’s door with tears streaming down your face, the choked sobs. It was the first but not the last time the man had laid hands on you. Weeks before the gala was marked with a possession like no other by James. In hindsight making up for his affair but you didn’t and still don’t understand why Sam triggered it.

“I should have knocked his teeth in the first time he touched you.”

Sam’s voice is even but you can sense the rage simmering. You get up and go to him seeking to comfort him but you jump when you see the form of Simon at the entrance of the kitchen. Your surprise has Sam turning as well, the simmer broken.

“He grabbed you, Dove?” Simon’s voice is ice. If you thought Sam was simmering rage, Simon has the look of a soldier. His eyes are dark and his lips are up in a snarl, but he is collected, with a refined rage, trained to kill. You gulp. You nod slowly.

“In the past month or so before the gala, when I found out he was cheating. James got possessive.” You say it calmly but there is a bubble of anxiety, black and vile, in your stomach. You try to shake it off, but the shadow of the experience hangs over you. Simon, fresh from the shower steps into the kitchen, hands open in an offering. Sam watches as you glance at Simon before stepping into the man’s embrace, something in his chest settling with firm contentment.

Simon on the other hand wraps you in one arm and uses his hand to smooth down your hair. He rocks you slowly and you melt in his arms. You calm in his arms, staying a quiet moment before running a hand over his shoulder and reluctantly pulling back. You look up to Simon with a shy smile,

“The cake will get warm.”

He lets you go slowly and follows you and Sam to the table. He takes the same seat and is met with a heavenly smell. The smell of vanilla and strawberry draws his eyes to the masterpiece in front of him. Sam offers him a smile before taking a large bite out of the cake that makes you giggle. You look at Simon before taking your own, albeit more modest bite. Simon follows and is met with heaven. Strawberry bursts on his tongue as the combination of heavy cheesecake and fluffy shortcake mix into a powerful combination.

“Fucking hell Love.” Is all he offers and you laugh, not expecting such a reaction from the stoic man. Your laughter is music to his ears,

“Glad you like it, Simon.”

He could get used to the sound of his name rolling off your tongue.

End Chapter 6

Taglist!

@ghostlythots, @tapioca-milktea1978, @cmbghost, @nexthyperfix

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thetravelingtyper · 7 days

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Our Shattered Heart Interlude (Part 3.00) KG (GN! 'Heart' Reader x Taskforce 141)

Loading Track 4 - Missing Piece by Vance Joy (Kyle Garrick One Shot). With Simon and Johnny gone for the day, you and Kyle spend the day together.

Warnings: None!

Part 2.75, Masterlist

God I freaking LOVED writing this! Enjoy - Ash

Our Shattered Heart 3.00 Interlude Kyle Garrick (...Loading Track 4…)- Missing Piece by Vance Joy

Sunlight filtered through partially drawn blinds. The noise of London heightened in the rising day. You curled towards the edge of the bed stirring but an arm swung over you from behind and pulled you back into a firm chest. You stirred, turning over and tucking further into his warmth. His chest rumbles with a low laugh and Kyle presses a kiss into your hair.

“Mornin’ Sweetheart”

You murmur a reply into his chest before pulling out to look at him.

During the early morning, Johnny must have dropped you off with Kyle before he and Simon returned to base. Price had adamantly called them last night in for yet more paperwork and you and Kyle were left alone for the day. He holds you securely, as if afraid for some reason you would slip from him like a waking dream.

I've been waiting for the tides to change

For the waves to send you my way

I see you darling but you pixilate

It gets hard to take these days

You end up rolling out of bed at 9:36 am. You pull yourself into a stretch as Kyle watches sitting at the edge of the bed. There is a buzz of your phone and you pick it up from the nightstand and stifle a laugh. There is a sneaky picture taken of Simon and John by Johnny before there is a blur of a pale hand snatching the phone from him in the next shaky photo. It then buzzes with a message from SImon saying they will not be back until the next day.

You relay this to Kyle who stands and ruffles through the dresser and pulls on a dark green shirt. He passes into the connected bathroom to get ready for the day.

“We could hit the shop.”

He smoothly voices and you call back an affirmation. Food was running low. You chuckle, given the presence of four soldiers, you expected as much. You change into something a bit more street-worthy and pass down the hall and into the kitchen. You open the fridge and laugh, other than a pack of beer, juice, and some eggs you guys were running on empty. You hear footsteps and Kyle enters, arm naturally reaching to you and hand bracing the small of your back and he reaches past you for the juice. He asks if you want a glass and you nod.

You pull out the eggs to start work on breakfast. He hands you a glass and you drink some, eyes squinting at a sour taste before Kyle mirrors the same look.

“That's expired” You chuckle as he spits it out and dumps the glasses in the sink.

“Let’s just go out love.”

You look to the eggs and the expired juice, then to Kyle who has a growing grin. His eyes crinkle as he sees you thinking a moment, then smirks when you accept the inevitable.

“Yeah, that sounds good.”

But we'll hold the line, I won't let go

'Cause I'll be there when you can finally make it home

And I don't mind 'cause we both know

That we'll be fine when you can finally make it home

And that is how you find yourself in a bustling London cafe, with Kyle lounging across from you with the occasional brush of his hand against yours on the table. You relax into the plush chair and savor the flavor of the rich food in front of you. You two had stumbled upon a small family-owned cafe that thrived in the city. People passed in and out with smiles and light conversation and you found a table tucked into a plant-filled corner. Your server had been a little ruffled but smiled nonetheless and jotted down your orders before disappearing into the back.

15 minutes later your pancakes sat in front of you and at the first bite, you fell in love.

“That good huh?”

His laugh melts your heart and the man reaches a fork over expectantly and you let him take a piece, his face then mirroring yours. He looks from his eggs to your pancakes in misery and you sigh before splitting your pancakes and taking his plate and setting half on his plate before passing it back.

He grins at you. You always gave in to his and Johnny's wants so easily.

During a lull in a three-person mission, you paced the safe house kitchen looking for ingredients. You had been wanting something sweet all day and after almost getting yourself killed something domestic would settle your soul. Kyle and Johnny were both fine other than some scuffs but the men had passed out into sleep the moment they hit their respective beds. So that left you in the cold kitchen in some sweats and a sweater baking.

30 minutes of mixing later you folded chocolate chips into a browned butter cookie batter. You had been pleasantly surprised to find not only fresh butter but dark brown sugar. Your signature cookies called for only the best (and most unhealthy) ingredients. You smile as you work, after your last mission with Gaz, he had probably expressed frustration with the food in the safehouses with Price. While remote locations made sense to be meagerly stocked, this mission was more city-side, allowing for more preparation. You set the tray of cookies in the oven to bake as you continue to spoon batter into the tray.

Because when I'm in a room with you

That missing piece is found (oh)

You know when you're by my side, darling

Nothing can bring us down (oh)

Vance Joy’s voice permeates into the chill of the night as you spin in the kitchen. You always liked music, growing up your parent would pull you to parties and other events and leave you to your own devices. When you got promoted in the service your old captain had known about your skill so you always went undercover to events like galas. With a teammate in your arms, you could spin them out and imagine yourself dancing with someone you loved. But service was service and you always put your head down and into the part you played.

---

Things in the 141 had changed in the past month. First, it was Johnny, pressing a swift kiss to the side of your lips. It had triggered something in the team, he and Kyle became your shadows. Especially when members of other teams or Kortac were around. Kyle though became more, well intimate. You both shared a bathroom on base, but he would often end up around you just sharing the space. If you were up early for a run Kyle would pop his head out and call to you for you to wait. He would then match your pace and often brush up against you.

Then before this mission, during discussions with Konig, Kyle would sit himself next to you at the table and just stay on his phone but have a knee consistently bumping yours or an arm brushing yours. Something in your heart settled when Johnny kissed you. Shock of course, but a natural whisper of belonging to something greater as well. If Johnny was flirty before, oh boy was he stuck on you now. Where you were he appeared, a knowing look gleaming in his eye and head cocked in anticipation. You found yourself naturally leaning into the affection now. A hand on your shoulder or an arm slung towards you in a side hug now became a silent sign. You noticed it, especially in the other members of the 141.

Kyle of course in his closeness to you, a step further than before. His meeting your pace, bringing you food, and cooking more in general. If you stepped into the base kitchen it was a silent signal that Kyle materialized and joined you. One time you felt eyes on you as Kyle passed behind you to reach for something in the fridge. You freeze and turn to the entrance of the kitchen. Across from a table of privates and other soldiers eating is Ghost, well Simon, you correct yourself. He is in full gear, leaning against the wall, just watching. When you meet his eyes his soften. You smile at him and turn when Kyle calls your attention, turning back to the risotto. What you don't see is the knowing look from Kyle to your Lieutenant and a shared smile under the mask.

---

The smell of cookies seeps out from the kitchen and in his room, Kyle stirs.

The feelings for you from the 141 were known to all of the men, despite the quieter nature of Price, and Simon, Kyle, and Johnny figured it out from their respective superiors about a year or so after you joined. It was after a risky mission that Johnny lost himself in the spur of the moment. You had just yanked him from death and the surge of pride and love towards you had overtaken his nature. He had fallen first, seeing your interactions with the corporals and privates. You cared for your soldiers. Not to mention you could flip him on his ass so quickly when sparring. Having you so close was intoxicating so he went for it. Pressing soft lips to the side of yours he yearned you to take your head in his hands and pull you down. But the situation of course had sent you spinning off him in a blush before switching back into work mode.

But neither of you forgot that moment. Kyle could see it, a week after Johnny told him while they were at a pub. You had been working with Price on late-night report sessions. Simon leaned back in the booth, hand lifting a glass of bourbon silently while Kyle about smacked the man upside the head.

“What were you thinking?” Johnny just shrugs and throws back the rest of his scotch. No matter what they would say he was still pleased with himself.

“They didn't seem to mind too much.” He says smugly and Kyle throws up a hand in exasperation. They didn’t though. He saw as much when the two interacted. The touches seemed a little more than casual and you subconsciously leaned further into them. The exasperated sighs from the Scot’s flirtatious comments became silent blushes and a stammering biting reply. But what it did most for Kyle was to give him hope.

Kyle awakens fully moments later, slipping out from underneath the sheets and out of the shared bedroom. He approaches the kitchen hearing the sound of an Australian accent singing.

I remember happy wasted days

Summer's golden haze in our eyes

Lifting you above the breakin' waves

Memories floatin' back to my mind

There he finds you singing softly to yourself. You sway quietly on socked feet, the mismatched corgi socks hitting Kyle somewhere deep in his heart. It was this he fell in love with. The quiet singing in the bathroom while you got ready, humming during jogs, or while you and he cooked. Something gripped his heart and he stepped into the kitchen. You turn and jump a little when you see him suddenly, eyes widening at his appearance.

“Are you ok?” You go to turn the music off but he steps into the kitchen making you pause. He is shirtless, something that you silently admire when you don't have to patch the man up. He doesn’t say anything though but there is a look in his eyes. Some swirling brown depth you stumble into. He stops in front of you, looking into your eyes searching. You swallow thickly, the moment feeling intimate as his hand reaches for your face.

A rough palm meets your cheek as Kyle hovers just outside your space. There is a calmness in his eyes then, your heart hammering in your chest. First Johnny, then Kyle sticking to you like glue, you gulp and step forward to meet him.

You said, "Hold the line", I won't let go

'Cause I'll be there when you can finally make it home

And I don't mind 'cause we both know

That we'll be fine when you can finally make it home

It is your hands that seek him, ghosting the sides of his abdomen before curling around him and pulling you to his chest. Kyle's heart hurries along, his arms up in surprise before they settle around you. You tuck your head easily into the crook of his neck. So many nights of staring up at the stars, or cooking. Laughter as you collapse into bed at the end of a mission. It seems to have all led up to this he thinks. He dips his head down and presses a kiss into your hair, Vance Joy’s voice fading into memory.

In the shop, Kyle follows you dutifully with a trolly as you pass into the produce. You set a carton of strawberries in the cart before you debate over what to do for dinner. You look back to Kyle only to find him looking at you with a soft smile on his face.

“What?”

“Nothing Love just admiring the view.”

You flush a little at his comment and the man has the audacity to chuckle. He then leaves the cart and approaches you, arms pulling you in for a kiss on your forehead before releasing you. You frown at the disconnect and while one of his hands pulls the cart you entangle your fingers with his other hand for contact. The smile he gives you lights something in you and you pull him along to fish for dinner ingredients.

Because when I'm in a room with you

That missing piece is found (oh)

You know when you're by my side, darling

Nothing can bring us down (oh)

It's like when you're far away from me

I get lost in the crowd (oh)

Because when I'm in a room with you

That missing piece is found (oh)

After shopping you and Kyle make it back to the apartment in the early evening, groceries quickly filed away for later consumption. While Kyle goes to shower you get to work on dinner for the two of you. You moved around the small kitchen with practiced ease as Vance Joy’s Missing Piece rang out. Something about the song was so nostalgic to you, especially this past week. Maybe your running was what triggered it. Your team, your men came after you. Not that you wouldn't have returned but something more in their eyes and heart surrounded you. As you tend to the stove Kyle enters back in seeking you.

After the small kiss, Kyle was everywhere with you. A little more subtle than Johnny the man was a bit more protective. Especially when you were amongst the other sergeants. There had been a time while SImon and Johnny were away and a group of Sergeants on base had decided to go out while on leave and you, being a particular favorite, were invited.

“Come on Heart! You're always with the task force! Join us for once!”

The sentiment was echoed by a few others who grabbed your arms in a friendly manner and tugged you toward the pair of vehicles. You did have some paperwork with Price due soon but at their insistence, you went along with it. They could see it on your face as the hesitence gives away with their jesting and there is a collective cheer and you allow yourself to be pulled by the rowdy men and women.

You slipped into the back middle seat of one of the black SUVs. As the main Sergeant, Smith, got into the driver's side there was a firm “Hold it!” from outside. There is a shadow in the tinted windows before the right side door opens and Kyle slips in next to you. Your left-side companion gives you a look with a raised eyebrow. Kyle sees this and replies.

“And let you guys have all the fun? Never.”

He grins and this seems to appease the others but he sends Smith a sharp look that everyone misses but you. You look at him in concern but his left hand moves to your knee and he gives you a secret smile but doesn't reply.

The place Smith selects is less bar and more club and you sigh as both SUVs pull into the tight lot and the groups depart with eager smiles and a few excited chatters. Kyle steps out before offering you a hand which you take. You send him a smile but you find his eyes clouded and a frown on his face. You are about to question him when Smith throws an arm around your shoulder and steps into your space. You about yelp before you turn to him in surprise.

“It's been a while eh Heart?” He asks with a cooky smile before his green eyes meet Kyle’s in a challenge. You cock your head before it clicks. There had been a mission months ago that required you and him to pass a couple for a few weeks. It was one of the few times where you went under without one of the 141. You nod to him in a friendly way.

“I guess so.”

Smith’s grin widens and as the others move towards the entrance he pulls you along.

Oooh I won't waste a minute when you're here

And we're finally in the clear

When every day is like the last

I just keeping holding fast

He stood at an easy 6’2” almost meeting eyes with Ghost. It was a fact he took well as during the mission there was a couples carry. An inherently stupid contest that you wanted nothing to do with but the target was competing so Smith had insisted. What you had not expected was the man to literally sweep you off your feet with a cocky ambition that made him preen.

His attraction to you wasn’t known to you until he swept you into a victory kiss as he passed the finish line. His lips against yours were soft but you played the kiss up for a show, mind set on the mission. Yet the heady look in his eyes went unnoticed by you. The pieces showed themselves though when you both returned. You both in dress clothes stepped out of the car laughing at different events of the mission, his hand splayed along your back in what you took as a friendly gesture. He had your gear slung over his shoulder as he insisted on carrying it. As you both enter base there are a few glances at your return and the hand on your back.

It is when you enter the common room that you realize it. There you find Kyle and your lieutenant, the former cooking something that made your stomach rumble and the latter leaning against the kitchen counter conversing with his Sergeant. There is little clamor as you enter but a few Sergeants playing a game pause it when Smith enters. His friends approach as you part from him to see your teammates. You smile at a few corperals who light up seeing you return and the noise draws the eyes of Kyle and Ghost. Two pairs of eyes close in as Kyle smiles and shuts off stove. He calls your name and you perk up, parting with a polite goodbye and entering the kitchen.

Kyle approaches you first, looking you over for any damage but you wave him off looking up at him with a pleased smile. The sight of you in your dress outfit makes his heart skip a beat but he only returns the smile.

“I’ve got dinner on the stove if-” Kyle is disrupted by Smith popping his head in to the kitchen, searching for you. He meets your eyes and calls your name before offering,

“Heart, a few of us were going to go catch a movie and dinner if you wanted to join,” his eyes flicker to Kyle and he adds a joking “sweetheart.”

He enters the kitchen fully holding your bag still in expectation as Kyle pulls his shoulder back. Green eyes flicker dismissively over him but its the hazel in the back that catch his. You can feel a tension in the air then when Ghost stands up from leaning. The mans eyes lock with Smith and the man stands taller under scrutiny, there are boot steps then as your Lieutenant approaches Smith and holds a hand out expectantly. Smith pauses and Simon wants to smirk under the mask as he can see Smith's eyes shift between you and Ghost. Something gives and Smith hands over your stuff before Ghost replies with.

“Sergeant Heart has debriefing tonight, at ease Sergeant.” With that he shoulder your bag and dismisses Smith. A look of defeat passes over Smith's eyes for a flash before he winks at you and mutters “Next time then.” Kyle coughs a laugh into his elbow before leading you into a delicious meal.

---

After that night with him and Johnny though you were keener with the others. And while Smith was attractive you felt nothing but a slight friendship with the man. While the feelings were all a tangle, Johnnys abrupt kiss had opened a door you dare not question, and since then your heart paced between four certain men. Kyle seemed on some wavelength to know and you had accepted his closeness with a cherished happiness.

As you were dragged forward you kicked on the breaks, pausing Smith in place. You then call back to your fellow 141 member. You look up to Smith with a soft but resolute smile before holding a hand out to Kyle. The man in question grinnes before walking forward to take your hand, a smug smile shot to Smith before he pulls you forward into the club.

Kyle’s arms circle your waist and pull you back into a firm chest, his head dipping to you shoulder.

“Smells good Love.”

You turn your head towards his and hum. He moves you both to the music in the kitchen something in his heart settled and soft. He turns and presses a kiss to your neck.

“There are tarts in the oven for the boys tomorrow.”

He doesnt reply, just taking in your warmth.

“Kyle?”

“I love you.” The admission makes your heart skip and you set the utensil down to run a hand up his arm. You tilt your head towards his, murmuring,

“I love you too,”

Before meeting him in sweetly shared kiss.

Because when I'm in a room with you that missing piece is found

You know when you're by my side darling nothing can bring us down

Its like when you're far away from me I get lost in the crowd

Because when I'm in a room with you that missing piece is found

End Track…

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