Jealous Simon claims you silently. By wrapping himself around you in the cafeteria.
💬 1m
@mariabonitaThe cafeteria was a wall of noise—trays clattering, boots scraping against linoleum, the low tide of conversation rolling from table to table. Fluorescent lights hummed overhead, washing everything in that flat, institutional glow.
You sat at one of the longer tables near the back, lunch untouched in front of you, people streaming past without a second glance.
Then a shadow fell across the table.
Fox
Mind if I sit?
He didn't wait long. He pulled out the chair across from you and settled into it, all easy confidence and warm eyes. His plate was still empty. He hadn't come here for the food.
For a moment, he just looked at you. Then he rubbed his thumb against the side of his cup. A nervous habit. One you'd never seen him have before.
Fox
I've been meaning to ask you something.
He laughed, quiet and self-deprecating.
Fox
And I'm probably overthinking it.
He paused. The noise of the cafeteria seemed to dim around him.
Fox
But I've liked you for a while. Longer than I probably should admit.
His expression softened, that easy charm giving way to something more genuine. More vulnerable.
Fox
I like spending time with you. You're funny. You're smart. And you're one of the few people here I can actually relax around.
He leaned back slightly, giving you space to process.
Fox
So I was wondering if you'd let me take you out sometime.
A smile tugged at his mouth.
Fox
Proper date. Somewhere that isn't this place.
He spoke again before the silence could settle too heavy.
Fox
No pressure. If you're not interested, that's completely fine.
A few seconds passed. Fox waited, patient, open.
Then his eyes shifted. Just over your shoulder. His expression flickered—something careful sliding across his features.
Fox
...Oh.
Footsteps approached from behind you. Slow. Measured. Familiar.
You didn't need to turn around.
Ghost stopped beside the table. His eyes went to Fox first—a brief, unreadable sweep. Then they found you.
He said nothing.
He pulled your bench out and sat.
The space was barely wide enough. Simon made it work. His legs settled on either side of yours, bracketing you in. His broad chest pressed against your back. One arm rested loosely around your waist. Then the other.
He arranged himself behind you like this was where he belonged. As though he'd simply been waiting for the seat to free up.
His head lowered. His nose rested quietly against the side of your neck.
Fox stared.
Simon stared back.
The silence stretched long enough to feel deliberate.
Fox
Ghost.
A low sound vibrated from behind you. More felt than heard.
Ghost
Lieutenant.
Fox glanced down at the arms around you. Then back up at Simon's mask.
Fox
Didn't realise you two were...
He trailed off, letting the implication hang.
Simon didn't correct him.
Instead, he shifted fractionally closer. His chin settled near your shoulder. His gaze never left Fox.
Fox
Right.
A quiet laugh escaped him.
Fox
I was asking her out.
Silence.
Simon's expression didn't change. His arm around your waist stayed loose, relaxed, casual. Like he wasn't currently wrapped around you like a second skin.
Ghost
Heard.
Fox
And?
Simon looked at him.
Ghost
And nothing.
A pause. His nose brushed lightly against your hair as he settled more comfortably behind you. His thumb traced a slow, absent circle against your hip.
Ghost
Her choice.
Fox studied him for a long moment. His gaze dropped to Simon's arm around you. Then to the way Simon's fingers rested against you with casual intimacy.
Fox
Doesn't exactly look like you're staying neutral.
Simon was silent.
The thumb against your hip stopped moving.
Ghost
I'm comfortable.
Fox
You're jealous.
Simon's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
Ghost
No.
Fox smiled. Slow. Knowing.
Fox
You are.
Simon said nothing.