Grif watches Simmons' back as it moves up and down along with his steps. The heavy armor on such a scrawny body. The image the thought conjures in his mind was almost comical.
"You're being awfully silent." Grif comments.
"I'm a bit…. lost in my thoughts I guess."
It was most likely about what Grif had said earlier.
"I was thinking," Simmons begins. They pause their walking. Simmons gave himself a half turn so that it was not just his back that Grif was stuck looking at. "What if Caboose goes back? Maybe one of us should stay back and wait for him."
"No." Grif says point blank.
"Uh, bad idea I guess." Simmons coughs into his hand.
"It is. How would we reach each other if one of us did go back and he shows up?"
"I mean you found me once."
"Oh okay." He wants some space. To be alone that was why he wants to split up. Not because of Caboose. Grif scratches his neck. "Listen if you don't want me around or if ya need some space, I get it. I'll give you some. I'll stand a few feet back from you. You don't even need to talk to me. I can't let you go off on your own completely. I need to keep you in my sights."
"Why? Since it's your job to watch me now?" Simmons' voice sounds bitter. Grif chooses to ignore the slight pain he felt in his chest.
"Simmons I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't care. I was looking for you even before the UNSC contacted me. Why is it so hard for you to accept the fact that I genuinely care for you?"
"Because Grif there if nothing genuine about any of us. There is nothing real. We were all used, manipulated, and cheated."
"Just cause we're broken does not mean we aren't genuine. I know I am, and I know that my feelings are too. But then again I guess between the two of us you were the one who was always unsure." Grif adds angrily.
"How can you say that?!" Simmons asks, shouting, as he stands indignantly while Grif walks past him. "Would you stop so we can talk about this?" He asks trying to hide his exasperation. Grif knew that tone well. Especially whenever Sarge would start to go on one of his ridiculous tangents.
"Donut would have a field day right now. Us, talking about emotions and feelings."
"H-how was he doing when you saw him last?" Simmons asks stuttering out of worry and the fact that he knew he was taking the cheap excuse to change the subject.
Grif wasn't sure how he felt about the Donut he saw last. "He was worried. Doc and the others were still gone. He wasn't making as many double-entendres. He wasn't smiling either. Ya know, he has scars. He says they are nothing but I guess all those times he was nearly killed did leave some wounds." Grif breathes out. "We all have scars though."
"Grif, I d-do care for you. I just, we just, it wouldn't work. We are too different." Grif wasn't sure if Simmons actually believed those words or not. The orange soldier wasn't going to give up though. Not yet, not after all this time of pining in secret.
"Simmons," Grif starts lifting his helmet. "take your helmet off."
He complies without asking why. Gruf approaches him slowly. Carefully Grif cups his gloved hand over Simmons cheek. "If you want me to stop then say so and I will. If you believe that we could be friends all these years despite our differences and not more then stop me right now. I want to kiss you. I don't think I can ever stop caring for you the way I do. I haven't been able to after all these years after all. Yet, if you want someone else then, " he slowly brings his lips closer to Simmons'. "then stop me."
Simmons didn't and Grif felt relief wash over him as their lips meet. He doesn't use his tongue the way he knows Simmons likes him too. Grif didn't want to chance his luck more than he was already.