Work Text:
The day began like any other. Ride to the airport and get your coffee. You even treated yourself to a fresh croissant for breakfast.
As you waited for the order to be done your watch buzzed on your wrist. Checking what notification you got, you smiled softly. The sender was no other than Simon R. The man you met a week ago with his cheeky nephew.
When you were adding that contact to your phone You quickly sent 'Have a safe flight' to which he responded with a heart. From there you didn't expect that the conversation would hold on, but surprisingly, it did. And for quite a long time.
Over those seven days, well, nights as you both chatted mostly during the evening and sometimes even late till night, you learned quite a few things about one another. However, he was a bit secretive about his job. Then again since you know he is in the military that's all you needed. His job was risky and didn't want to share much, you respected that. A lot of times your conversations were about Jacob, mainly because, as Simon stated, he always has him over his shoulder, watching his screen.
You always joked that he just has some kind of sixth sense and he knows when you text him. And jokes in general were on a daily basis. Dad jokes and dark humor were good to go. And apparently, so we're Simon's.
'How much of a dark joke can you handle?' you grinned as you typed, the joke already set in mind. You watched those three dots flicker before an answer came in 'I can handle a little bit of a dark humor' and another text 'Example, what has two legs and bleeds?' you started at the question 'idk what?' you waited for a response 'half a dog' you couldn't help but chuckle at that punchline. Out of everything, you weren't expecting that.
'Alright I believe ya, here's mine' you sent the text and began typing the joke 'What did one twin say to the other?' you sent the text 'What?' came in response 'Oh look a plane!' you press send and shut off the phone. A buzz came in with a response 'And I thought my humor was dark, damn' followed by a couple of laughing emojis.
So it was set. You kept your conversations with a steady flow. You thanked the barista, took your order, and went to your assigned gate yet again. You smiled as you read the text now on your phone. Each morning he sent you a good morning text, asking how you are and a joke. This morning was no different.
'Why did the airplane get sent to his room?' you typed in 'why?' and pressed send as you stepped into the break room. You greeted some of your fellow colleagues as you stored your backpack on the shelf and jacket on the hanger. A buzz on your wrist caused you to look at the little screen where the punchline sat.
'Bad altitude.' you chuckled at that snatching your phone and quickly typing in 'What do you call a military officer who goes to the bathroom a lot?' You leaned on the shelf as you typed 'This could be good, what' came the answer from Simon 'A LOOtenant!'
It was a little banter you had between you. He found bad aviation jokes and in return, you told him bad army jokes. A win-win Situation. You sat down by a table taking a sip from your coffee. The phone was on the table and half the croissant was in your hand. There was a buzz on your wrist again. You checked the screen.
'Thanks now Soap won't let me live it down -_-' the response made you grin. So he is a lieutenant? Interesting 'Good ;D' was your response before a phone from behind you rang loudly.
"Hello breakroom Alfa." someone said and you knew your conversation was nearing to end for now 'I gotta go work' you sent in and almost immediately came in response, well, more of a question 'Will you be at the airport today?' 'Yep' was all you could write and send before you were ushered to work.
Flights were packed today. Had a few alarms for positive dangerous goods and had to do pat-downs. Safe to say you were glad to get at least a small break. That was short-lived as the phone rang yet again through the gate.
"Someone for Glasgow's arrival?" The chief asked and looked around, instantly your name was called from Sam. The chief didn't question and just announced that you'll be the one taking care of it. You on the other hand wanted to slap Sam. So you did.
"OUCH! What was that for?! I just gave you an opportunity to see him!!" You were to punch him again but stop midway "Think a little with your chicken brain." he nudged your forehead "You're one to talk with your idiocy of getting stuck in an x-ray, now elaborate chicken nugget." you swatted his hand and walked to get a walkie talkie and keys.
"First of all, we don't talk about that, second of all, he departed from here to Glasgow and now that plane is coming back, a fair chance he's there." he explained as he leaned on the nearby table. You crocked your head and nodded.
"Pretty impressive thinking Sam, didn't know you had it in you." you remarked and before he could bark out something back you were already off to the gate exit. You opened the door and did a check-up. Nothing out of the ordinary. As you walked down the jet bridge you were greeted by the operator.
"Afternoon to you too." you smiled at him "I have in my notes that there should be a person on board in need of assistance but I am not sure if that's correct." he said and showed you the notes. It wasn't very readable. "I'll see what I can do about it." you promised and walked back up, opening the door.
"Arrival on Alpha 6 ready." chiming in the walkie-talkie you awaited a response "Affirmative Alpha 6." soon came the answer "Just one more question, I have a note saying that there is a special assistance needed at the Alpha 6 arrival?" you asked, hoping to get more information on that subject.
"Negative on that part Alpha 6. Do you require assistance?" you thought for a moment. Still having assistance ready rather than leaving that person waiting "Affirmative." you responded "Alright Alpha 6 we'll send someone there." you nodded at that "Thanks." you ended and waited for the plane.
You watched from a window as it lined itself with a runway before touching down and disappearing behind a building. Soon it rolled up to the tarmac and stopped. You watched as all the people started to work around the plane, getting in fuel, throwing out some of the luggage, and even doing some maintenance.
People started to walk out from the bridge and out, bidding you a set of hellos and afternoons. The flow was steady and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. You looked back to the exit, where was the assistance? A mixture of your name and Simon's voice yelling "Jacob!!" brought you back.
A weight rushed to your side, almost knocking you out. People gave you looks but you could care less "Hehe hey there little guy" you laugh down at Jacob "You know you can call me Jacob right?" he asked to which you smiled delightfully "Alrighty Jacob" you patted his shoulders as he hugged you again, burying his face in your stomach.
"Jacob I swear to God I will put you on a leash- Oh!" Simon realized you were standing there as he called your name. You couldn't help but chuckle as Simons's demeanor changed from bitter to surprised "Good to see you again Simon." you waved a little "Oh yes and I am John. Nice to meet you too." you glanced behind Simon to see who was speaking.
It was a man around your age. Maybe a bit older. He wore simple clothes but there were two eye-catching things about him. One was his haircut. A mohawk. Longer but neatly styled. And two was a cast on his leg. Ouch.
"You know exactly when to butt in, don't you Soap?" Simon turned to glare at him. You looked confused between them "This is my teammate, John 'Soap' MacTavish, John this is-" Before Simon could say your name Jacob beat him to it. And he was quite proud of it. Ah, kids.
"Heard quite a handful about you about the past week" John said with a grin "So you must be the one Simon always talked about" you smiled in return.
"Ma'am the plane is empty, the crew stays, we need the final check so we can board!" A booming voice from the bridge announced.
Right. You were still at work. Where is the damn assistance?!
"Okay, continue down the corridor and to the right. There should await an assistant with a wheelchair" Before Simon could ask anything. You ushered them to walk out. You made the final sweep walking to the exit walkie talkie in hand.
"Arrival Alpha 6 done." "Affirmative Alpha 6, free to go home." came in response "Thanks." you smiled and closed the doors. You didn't expect Simon, Jacob, and John to wait, yet they were. John was seated in a wheelchair, clearly very pleased he doesn't have to walk all the way across the airport.
"Can you walk with us?" Jacob asked, hope filling his eyes "Come on Jacob, she probably has work to do." Simon said which made Jacob frown.
"Actually, I just ended my shift and got a green to go home." you offered. Jacobs's eyes went wide again and turned to his uncle with hope "As long as it's okay with you Simon" you glanced at him. He was standing behind the wheeler. Eyes were set up on yours, calm and welcoming, happy "Sure" he agreed and so you walked down the hall. It was quiet for a while before John decided to break it.
"Why does she get to call you Simon and I have to call you Ghost or use your rank, Lt?" He sounded genuinely upset about it "Because one she is a civilian, two I am your superior, and three I will be taking care of you on my time off, so how about less of that nagging Sargent?" Simon stated, John only remarked snarkily "You're getting soft Lt." You looked down at Jacob.
"Were they bickering like this the whole week?" To which both Simon and John looked at you confused. Jacob on the other hand laughed "You don't even know!" That made you chuckle.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you get those code names? I mean, seriously? I understand Ghost, but Soap?" You laughed as you turned to a corridor leading outside "That's classified Bonnie" John said grinning "Alrighty Mr. Secret Scotsman" you grinned back "I like ya, you are fun" you wanted to continue your conversation with him but tug on your sleeve made you stop.
"Can you carry me?" Jacob said from beside you. You watched as the setting sun hit his face, specs of tiredness pooling in his eyes. Simon wanted to protest but you scooped him up. He rested his cheek against your shoulder closing his eyes. You felt him clutch around your tie and slowly doze off "I can see why the kiddo likes ya." John said, quietly.
"How come?" You asked as you walked towards the parking lot "Just from what he's talked about you sounded like a nice person. And up in person, you really are something." he complimented you "Also Simon-" "That's enough MacTavish!" Simon cut him before he could say anything, making you smile widely.
All of you soon came to a parked black car. Simon oped it. You wasted no time and set Jacob in his car seat. He was fast asleep and almost didn't want to let go of you. You smiled subconsciously and pry his hands off you and your uniform. He stirred a little, calling your name softly.
"What is it, little guy?" you asked him quietly "Could you come to visit? Please?" He pleaded. His sleepy eyes were droopy but he held them open "We'll see about that, now rest up." You suggested to which he hummed sleepily and closed his eyes again.
Up front, Simon was able to seat John without any discomfort. Once he was done, he turned back to you "You know you didn't have to-" "But I wanted to. It's no problem." you smiled up at him "What did you and Jacob talk about?" He asked "Well...he wanted me to stop by sometime. I said that we'll see and put him back to sleep." you glanced at the boy. His chest was rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
"You are welcome to come anytime. I am off duty for the majority of the time thanks to this muppet." he gestured to Soap who, in response flipped him off "What even happened? Did he got injured on a mission?" At that Simon chuckled.
"Well, a mission to get a midnight snack and fall down the stairs." at that you had to cover your mouth so you wouldn't laugh out loud "You know what Lt? How about-" before he could continue Simon slammed the car door. Shocked, you turned to face Jacob, who was totally unfazed. "He is a tight sleeper, he can sleep through anything." he explained lowly and you nod in understanding.
"When do you have free time?" he asked "Well I work most days but I get weekends off" "Would you like to come by then?" Hope in his voice, sheepishly you nodded "Yeah I would love that…"
Your eyes met his. You could see how they flickered from your eyes down to your lips and back up. A silent question. But there was a slight problem. The mask. You didn't know why he had it but you didn't plan to take it off. Not without his permission. You slowly began to lean in, and so did Simon. Both of your faces were a few inches apart. So close-
"So are you gonna kiss or what?" Soap's voice cut in from rolled down window making you both stop. You could see Simon's face heat up from under the mask and up his ears. Yours probably looked the same.
"Damnit Soap I will-" as Simon prepared to threaten him, you grabbed a fistful of his t-shirt and gave him a quick peck over the mask, silencing him.
"See you around Simon." you passed by with a smile, walking out of the parking lot and back to the airport. Soap grinned and opened his mouth to speak.
"One more word and you'll have a bullet in your other leg." Ghost barked at him, readjusting his mask to cover his flushed face "Aye aye Lt."
And with John’s victorious grin, Simons flustered state and passed out Jacob in the back, they were off to home in Manchester.