"Simmons," Griff started, "you wouldn't really slit my throat while I was asleep, would you?"
Simmons stood up from his spot on the concrete and thought about it for a while, "Na, its not a satisfying kill if they're comatose."
"And, you wouldn't really poison my food, would you?" Griff questioned while taking off his helmet for some fresh air.
"Griff! What are you doing? You cant take off your helmet! The air might not be safe!" Simmons cried.
Griff shook his head and laughed, "the air is fine Simmons, I tested it the first day we got here."
"Well... what if a blue comes along and shoots you in the head?" Simmons protested.
"The blues are our allies now remember, ever since Donut and Caboose came out together they've been inseparable. Besides what does it matter, you and Sarge are always talking about how good it would be here if I were dead." he ended bitterly looking down at his hands in his lap.
Simmons looked around cautiously before removing his own helmet, "Griff," he began walking towards the downtrodden soldier, "you know we don't mean it, well at least I don't mean it."
Griff continued to look down, "it hurts you know, when you say you want me dead."
"I thought you knew..." Simmons knelt down in front of Griff and placed his hands on either side of his face, gently lifting it to look at him.
"I would die, if anything were to happen to you." he stated, looking into his eyes."If you died, I would too."
Griff looked confused, "what are you talking about?"
Simmons summoned up the courage he had been working on for years, "I...I love you Griff."
It was now his turn to look down, this time in shame.
Griff smiled, but of course Simmons didn't see it, "really Simmons?" he asked quietly.
Simmons nodded, still keeping his eyes to the ground.
Griff pushed himself up onto his knees, so that he was closer to Simmons, "Simmons, look at me."
He commanded.
Simmons looked up, and as he did, his lips were greeted by another's.
It was a short but sweet kiss, and as they parted Griff whispered the five words that made life at Blood Gulch Outpost somewhat more bearable for the maroon clad soldier.
"I love you too Simmons."