Liability [Simon Ghost Riley]

girls night out

Simon pulled up outside the bar, his truck idling as he glanced through the windshield. He spotted Phoebe almost immediately, standing with her friends, laughing loudly and swaying slightly on her feet. The sight made him smile—she was adorable when she let loose, though he could already tell she was tipsy.

Hopping out of the truck, he approached the group. Phoebe's face lit up when she saw him. "Si!" she called, throwing her arms up. "My knight in shining armor!"

Her friends giggled, one of them patting Simon on the arm. "You've got a good one, Phoebe."

"Don't I know it," Phoebe said, grinning up at him.

Simon chuckled, his deep voice carrying over the noise of the street. "Alright, let's get you all home safe."

With a bit of coordination and her friends' slurred directions, Simon got them into rideshares, ensuring each one had a safe way back. Once it was just Phoebe, she clung to his arm as they walked to the truck, her giggles filling the air.

"You're so bossy," she teased, her words slightly slurred but playful.

"Yeah, yeah," he murmured, opening the passenger door and helping her in. "Let's get you home."

On the drive, she leaned her head against the window, humming to herself. "Simon, did you know you're ridiculously handsome?" she said out of nowhere, turning to look at him with a grin.

He glanced at her, his lips twitching in amusement. "Thanks for tellin' me."

She laughed, a sound that made his chest feel warm. "You're welcome."

Once they got home, Simon helped her out of the truck and into the house. She tripped slightly over the threshold, but he caught her easily, his hands firm but gentle.

"Careful," he said softly.

"You're so strong," she mumbled, looking up at him with wide, adoring eyes. "Like, stupidly strong."

"C'mon, let's get you to bed," he said, steering her toward the bedroom.

When they reached the bed, she flopped onto it dramatically, her giggles muffled by the pillows. Simon knelt beside her, gently untying her shoes and slipping them off. "Alright, up you go," he said, coaxing her to sit up.

She pouted but complied, swaying slightly as he helped her out of her dress. Left in her underwear, she shivered slightly, and Simon quickly grabbed one of his shirts from the dresser. "Arms up," he instructed.

She did as he asked, and he slipped the oversized shirt over her head. It fell to her mid-thigh, dwarfing her frame. "There we go," he said, smoothing it down.

"You're so sweet," she murmured, reaching out to poke his cheek.

He shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

"I'll be fine, I didn't even drink that much"

"You're gonna feel differently in the morning"

Phoebe giggled again but didn't argue. Simon gently guided her to lie down, pulling the blanket over her. She snuggled into the pillow, her makeup still smudged.

"Hold on," he said, heading to the bathroom to grab a damp washcloth. Returning, he knelt by her side and carefully wiped the makeup from her face, her eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again.

"That feels nice," she murmured, her voice soft and sleepy.

"Good," he replied, his voice just as gentle.

When he was done, he leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. "Get some sleep."

"Simon?" she mumbled, her eyes barely open.

"Yeah?"

"I love you," she said, her words slightly slurred but heartfelt.

His chest tightened, and he brushed her hair back from her face. "I love you too. Sleep now."

She drifted off with a small smile, and Simon stayed by her side for a moment longer, watching her breathe peacefully before heading to clean up and settle in for the night.

–

The next morning, Simon woke up early, as he always did, and went about his morning routine. By the time he returned to the bedroom, Phoebe was stirring, letting out a groan as she buried her face deeper into the pillow.

"Good morning, sunshine," he said, his deep voice laced with teasing.

"Don't... don't say that," she croaked, her voice muffled.

Simon chuckled, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Feeling alright?"

"No," she whined, slowly turning over to look at him. Her hair was a mess, and her face scrunched up as the light coming through the window hit her eyes. "I think I'm dead."

"Should've paced yourself," he replied, his tone light. "Come on, let's get you up."

Phoebe shook her head but immediately regretted it. "Oh no," she muttered, clamping a hand over her mouth.

Simon reacted instantly, helping her up and guiding her to the bathroom. She barely made it before she was kneeling over the toilet, her body wracked with nausea. He knelt beside her, one hand on her back, the other holding her hair out of her face.

"Easy," he said softly, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Let it out. You'll feel better after."

She groaned between, muttering something unintelligible.

When she finally stopped, Simon grabbed a washcloth, dampened it with cool water, and handed it to her. "Here, clean up a bit."

Phoebe took it, wiping her face with a grateful but weak smile. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"Don't be," he said simply, helping her to her feet. "Let's get you in the shower. You'll feel better after that."

Simon turned on the water, adjusting it to the perfect temperature. He helped her out of his shirt and guided her into the shower. She leaned against the tiled wall, letting the warm water cascade over her.

"Alright?" he asked, standing just outside the glass to give her some privacy while still keeping an eye on her.

"Better," she replied weakly.

"Take your time. I'll be right here."

Phoebe managed to clean herself up, the warm water helping her feel more human. When she stepped out, wrapped in a fluffy towel, Simon was waiting with a bottle of water and some painkillers.

"Here," he said, handing them to her.

"You're too good to me," she muttered, taking them gratefully.

"Someone's gotta take care of you," he teased gently, pressing a kiss to her damp hair.

He helped her back to bed, tucking her in with an extra blanket. "Stay here. I'll bring you something to eat."

Phoebe reached out, grabbing his hand. "Thank you."

He gave her a soft smile. "Always."

A while later, he returned with a plate of dry toast and a mug of herbal tea. She sat up slowly, taking small bites and sips as he sat beside her.

"You didn't have to do all this," she said, her voice still scratchy.

"I wanted to," he replied, his tone warm but firm. "You're my girl. It's my job."

Her lips quirked into a small smile, despite her misery. "Remind me to never drink like that again."

Simon chuckled. "Oh, I will. But we both know you won't listen.

"Yeah you're probably right" she agrees

"Head still hurt?" He asks

"Yeah" she sighs

"Why don't you get some sleep"

Phoebe leaned into him, her head on his shoulder. Even in her hungover state, she felt lucky to have someone like him by her side.

"I've got you, love"