When our lips touched. part 17.

When our lips touched.

Part 17, chapter 4.

Simon smiles broadly as the resting man next to him rubs his stomach warmly wanting to take a shower.

"You sure you ready, Johnny?"

"Aye, haven't in two days,"

"Gaz, help me get him up from the bed,"

"Yes, Lt,"

Simon uncurls his arm from him and proceeds to stand up from the bed as Gaz follows soon after making their way to the side of the bed. He continues and removes the blanket from the other man exposing his partially naked body and withdrawing his legs gently from the bed letting his feet rest on the floor.

"You sure you ready, Johnny,"

"Aye,"

"Okay then, on three, Gaz, we lift him,

"Yes, Lt,"

"One..., two..., three...,"

They gently pull him to his feet as he groans heavily at the shooting pain in his abdomen as he recoils his arm from Simon taking hold of his sensitive side, a few second passes and the pain ceases and he withdraws his palm from his side and looks at the towering man next to him with a smile.

"You alright, Puppy?"

"Aye, feel fine,"

"Can you walk, Darling?"

He glances over to Margret before taking a step forward and one step back as he smiles broadly as a light pain shoots down his thigh.

"I can..., just have a light pain in my leg, Mom,"

"Yes, lad, they had to repair the nerve in your side,"

he nods slightly looking down at the gauze taped to his side before looking back at Simon.

"Think the gauze needs to be replaced, Si,"

"Yeah, will add a waterproof plaster, Love,"

"Won't it hurt removing it after the shower?"

"Not that type of plaster, Darling, it's a type of latex sticker,"

"Yeah, like a condom, Soap,"

Gaz smiles broadly at his own comment as he's met with an annoyed expression by John and Simon but a wicked grin from Patrick. Price and Margret roll their eyes at each other as Simon takes John by his arm and helps him to the hallway.

"Darling, you need to take towels with you, I replaced them for the others, here I'll get them for you,"

"No need, Mum, I can get them,"

They proceed and exit the room walking to the stairs.

"Johnny, hold onto the railing while I get the towels from the cupboard,"

"Aye okay, Si,"

He proceeds to hold onto the railing of the stairs standing with weakened legs as the other man retrieves fresh towels from the closet in the corridor leading to the kitchen, not too soon he returns and tosses the two towels over his shoulder and takes hold of him once more helping him tediously up the stairs. each step he takes is more painful than the other, he pushes through as the sweat runs down his forehead pooling on his brows as he grunts with each step.

"Only three more steps, Puppy,"

Simon encourages him to push through as he holds onto him not daring to let go for a second. He continues climbing and not too soon he reaches the second floor he sighs heavily as he leans against the wall in the corridor breathing slightly heavier than before as he glances over at Simon fully exhausted.

"You alright, Love?"

"Somewhat...,"

"Shit..., forgot to take clean clothes for you, Johnny, wait here I'll go get them...,"

"Wait, Si, could I wear one of your hoodies?"

He smiles broadly at the exhausted man and nods his head at him before leaning down to him pressing his lips onto his swirling their lips together. A few seconds pass and he recoils himself from him as John remains pressed to the wall as his eyes flutter open exhausted and overwhelmed by the sensation of his lips pressed onto his own, he smiles hypnotically as Simon sprints down the stairs. Not too soon he returns holding an oversized dark grey hoodie with a similar colour boxer shorts in his arm.

"Thought you might like a pair of my pyjama bottoms as well, Puppy, since you like to be wrapped up in my things,"

"You know me too well, Si,"

Simon smiles broadly as he extends his arm to him letting him take hold of his bicep as they continue to Simon's old room. they reach the room and walk inside seeing their bed made up neatly as Price's bag is neatly positioned in one corner of the bed and the blowup mattress is left in a chaotic unmade mess where Gaz resided the previous night.

They continue to the bathroom and close the door behind them. Simon proceeds to lay the clean clothes down on top of the closed laundry basket before he unzips his hoodie and withdraws his tracksuit bottoms with his briefs still nestled within, as he stands naked before John as he leans down coming to a rest on one knee as his heavy cock swoons sided to side while he helps him remove his boxers sliding them gently over his knees letting them drop to the floor. John leans against the kneeling man before him as he lifts one foot after the other as his boxers are removed from his person entirely.

Simon returns to his feet standing up straight before him as he glances down at him and meets his gaze staring deep into his piercing blue eyes, he leans forward and kisses him once more locking their lips in a passionate kiss as he curls his arms around him gently holding him tight in his grasp. John moans whisperingly at the sensation of the other man's cock pressing into his stomach he takes hold of his girthy length as he pulls back continuing to hold his pulsing cock in his palm fingers curled around the shaft toying with the veins running down the front.

"Can't wait to have this in me again, Si,"

"Can't, Johnny, could hurt you,"

"I know..., wait, have an idea, here take my hands, help me down,"

Simon takes hold of his hands holding firmly onto him as he lowers himself kneeling on the cold tiles beneath him. making himself comfortable holding the sensitive area on his side caressing it gently before looking up at the towering man before him.

"You sure you're alright, Love,"

"Aye, feel perfectly fine,"

He proceeds to take his girthy cock into his hand once more as his fingers curl along the shaft massaging the thickening girth and stroking his palm back and forth before pressing the tip to his lips. His lips parted and let this pulsing cock slide past and into his mouth sucking relentlessly working his hand in sync with his mouth. He continues stroking Simon's girth as he groans intensely at the sensation of his lips curling around his cock.

He remains standing still fighting the urge to grab his head and thrust into him aggressively. he clenches his firsts continues fighting his urges while the wounds in his palm somewhat reopen and moans at the pain of the sensation as blood lightly fills his inner palm. he remains to keep his fist clenched as the man on his knees continues sucking him and running his tongue along the side of his shaft as he stares him deep into his dark eyes locking their gazes.

He jerks back slightly letting his heavy cock fall from his lips and jerking it rapidly before re-curling his lips around the tip massaging his frenulum with his tongue sending an unbearable pleasurable sensation through his length and up his spine as his hips jerk back overwhelmed at the moment.

"God, Johnny, you're a beast,"

"Like it, Si,"

Before he can answer John curls his lips over his pulsing cock once more and slides it deep down his throat massaging his tongue along his shaft and swirling it in rapid tedious paces as his head jerks back and forth of his length.

He roars heavily as his unexpected pearly white slick gushes from his tip filling the leaning man's mouth to the rim as his spend drips from his lips onto his chest and trickles down his stomach. He pulls back coughing heavily as he catches his breath swallowing the majority of his seed as the rest runs down his chin pooling beneath and dripping to his chest.

"Good god, Si, thas the most you've ever done before,"

"It's your fault, Puppy, were hungry for my cock,"

"Aye..., I was,"

He giggles to himself as he reaches his arms over his head as Simon gently pulls him back up to his feet taking extra care not to stretch his abdomen too much. Now standing before him,  Simon removes the gauze taking care to remove the tape without disturbing the sensitive skin. he reaches for the plaster he retrieved earlier before returning up the stairs and uncurls the waxed paper from the back of the plaster revealing the adhesive latex-like bandage and disregards the wax paper to the sink before gently pressing the clear latex onto John's side carefully curling his palm over the stitches before kissing him on the centre of his belly.

"Does it hurt, Johnny?"

"No, I'm fine,"

Simon proceeds to open the shower letting the water cascade down and waiting for it to warm up before leading John in behind him gently curling his arm around his waist and brushing his hands up to his chest leaning into his back peppering kisses to his neck as he hold him tight in his embrace not wanting to let him go not even for a moment.

John leans his head back into the man behind him resting in the crook as he runs his palms over his forearms as he's pressed into the other man's torso as the sensation of his cock bobbing between his globes overwhelms his senses grinding his rear into him.

Simon caresses his hands over his chest letting the warm cascading water wash away his previous spend. the room fills with warm steam as the droplets run down their skin as their embrace thickens and the tension builds, Simon's cock hardens once more sliding under John's cheeks and bobbing against his testicles.

"Fuck me, Simon,"

"I can't Johnny, could hurt you,"

He sighs heavily as he leans his head back into Simon. The warm water continues flowing over them as he feels somewhat annoyed at him for not giving him what he wants but understands his motives. He curls himself around facing the other man and curls his arms around him resting his temple against his chest as he brushes his fingers along the scars adorning his back.

Simon presses a kiss to his scalp resting his lips on his wetted hair and remains standing in the same for a few minutes holding him tight in his arms wanting the moment to last forever. The man buried in his chest mumbles gibberish as he remains buried into him.

"What did you say, Jonny?"

"I'm tired, Si,"

"Want to go to bed?"

"Aye..., Would you mind?"

"Of course not, Puppy, will take the hairdryer down to bed,"

John smiles happily as Simon turns the water off and gets out gently dragging him with him, he reaches for the towel wraps it around him and proceeds to dry him off rubbing his arms warmly before proceeding to his chest and belly drying him completely before wrapping the towel around his own waist.

He takes hold of the hood and scrunches it up wanting to draw it over his shoulders but is stopped.

"Wait, Si, can we stand here with the hairdryer, don't want to share it with the others...,"

He smiles weakly as he relocates the hoodie and takes hold of the machine nudging the bottom letting the fan within start up and letting the warm air flow over them as Simon rotates the machine between them as he curls his arm around him taking care not to go near his wound. John leans into him resting his posture against him as his body weakens from exhaustion. 

They stand for a few more minutes before Simon turns the buzzing machine off recoils the cord and relocates it to the hook on the wall. He proceeds to take a hole oh his hoodie once more and mirror his actions from earlier before drawing it over John's head and shoulders adjusting the fit around his waist and continues with his oversized boxer shorts helping him dress sliding the soft fabric over his legs bring it to his crotch and fitting it around his waist.

"A bit too big for you, Johnny,"

"Leave it..., feels good,"

He proceeds and redress himself in the tracksuit from earlier collects their towels tossing them over his shoulder and adds John's old boxers to the laundry basket before exiting the bathroom and making their way through the room and along the corridor coming to a still by the stairs. 

"Do I have to, walk down the bloody stairs...,"

"Yes, it will help rebuild your muscles, Johnny, besides, it's only thirteen steps,"

He groans and rolls his eyes at the towering man next to him as he proceeds to take the first step down climbing tediously slow down with each step, not too soon they reach the sitting room and are met with smiling faces.

"You alright, lad, look a bit exhausted?"

"Aye, I'm fine uncle, could use some sleep,"

"Would you like us to leave, Darling?"

"No, please stay, pretend like I'm not here,"

"Alright, Darling, however, you need to eat first and take your medication, I'll go get it for you and we need to reapply your bandages as well,"

"Don't think I'll stay awake that long, Mom,"

"You will have to, John,"

"I'll keep him awake, Mum,"

Simon glances down at him as he holds onto his weak posture and helps him back to the bed, Gaz proceeds to help curling his arm around his shoulder before letting him down slowly letting him rest against the mattress, Simon helps him readjust and get comfortable as he fluffs his pillows behind him as he falls gradually to sleep.

"Johnny, wake up you can't sleep yet..., Mum think it best you hurry with his lunch and meds before he passes out completely,"

"Yes, Darling, Think It's best..., Gaz, why don't you come and help me,"

"Sure thing, Ma'am, happy to,"

He extends his arm to her as she takes hold of his elbow and smiles broadly as they continue back to the kitchen, Patrick follows soon after leaving them in peace as Price remains with them. 

"Johnny, wake up,"

Simon straddles his shoulder as he lays down next to him. He falters as his eyes flutter shut and his head bobs to the side. Price stands back up and walks to the front of the bed towering over them curling his arms behind his back and clearing his throat.

"SARGENT, MACTAVISH...!"

John's eyes stretch open to the maximum sitting slightly up as he salutes Price somewhat hypnotically still in a daze.

"Aye, Captain!"

Simon bursts out laughing as he buries his face in his pillow at the erect man next to him price joins him shortly after giggling whisperingly and holding his stomach as he sits down on the foot of the bed.

"Tapadh leat a bhastards!"

They continue laughing as John rolls to his side and curls slightly into a ball ignoring the two hollering men beside him. Simon seizes his laughter as he coughs heavily catching his breath as his face reddens and the vein in his forehead swells.

"Calm yourselves, boys, Johnny, sit up you need to eat first before you can sleep,"

He mumbles gibberish as he remains in the side position ignoring the pain forming rapidly on his side he ignores it best to his ability before he falters and has no choice but to return to his back, he groans heavily frustrated at himself and the two men sitting beside him, he slaps Simon against his chest with the back of his fingers before crossing his arms and pouting heavily while a heavy aggressive frown curls over his forehead

Simon stares him down as his eyes narrow rubbing his chest where his fingers just flicked him a moment before. He turns to his stomach and leans on his knees before crawling over onto John as he continues staring him down gazing deep into his blue eyes.

"What you on about, Simon,"

"Nothing, Puppy,"

He sprouts a wicked grin as he tediously leans forward lowering himself to the man beneath him before pressing his lips against his own and kissing him aggressively. A few seconds pass as Price watches the scene play out before shaking his head and grinning to himself.

"Bloody hell, Simon, you're a mad man, leave him in peace,"

Simon recoils and falls back to his side of the bed as he grins mischievously at the man next to him with an overwhelmed confused expression expressed over his face.

"Have to teach him a lesson, Cap,"

"Just take care, he's not healed yet...,"

"Should have seen him earlier..., seemed fine to me,"

"WHAT..., shut up Simon!"

Simon laughs as he rubs his stomach aggressively and Price grins happily shaking his head, John buries himself under the mattress with embarrassment as the madman next to him continues acting like a child.

"Lt, settle yourself..., Johnny come out don't need to feel embarrassed I was once young too and had my share of fun,"

Not too soon Margret and Gaz return as he holds a large platter with assorted towering sandwiches.

"What's up with you, Soap,"

"Don't ask, Gaz, looks like you rubbed off on Simon,"

"You going mental then, Lt?"

"Aye, he's..., looking for a slap," 

Price shakes his head before getting back up and returns to the couch and Gaz lays the platter down on the foot of the bed. Margret sits down next to Price and leans into his armpit making herself comfortable as Simon leans forward and takes a heavy hand of sandwiches and hands John a few before stuffing his own into his mouth barely chewing.

"Bloody hell, Darling, try to eat like a person for once, it's not running away you know,"

"You tell him, Mom,"

Gaz giggles to himself as he nods in agreement as he proceeds to stuff his mouth full mirroring Simon as he winks to him. He receives a weak smile in return as the other man shakes his head slightly, somewhat grateful for him making a fool of himself.

They continued eating as the conversation progressed. The tired sensation returns to John as he yawns heavily.

"You tired, Love,"

"Aye..., I am,"

"Darling, Give him his medication,"

Simon proceeds to get up and take the medication from his mother with the glass of water she brought earlier with Gaz. 

"Here, Puppy, drink,"

"Need to replace the plaster as well, Simon,"

"Will in a sec, John,"

He waited for him to finish the tall glass of clear liquid before taking back the empty glass relocating it to the coffee table and taking hold of the hem of his borrowed hoodie drawing it over his stomach exposing his lower torso.

"Careful please, Si...,"

He smiles weakly at the concerned man before him as he gently picks at the corner of the latex and withdraws it from his person with ease.

"See no problem, Mum was right no pain,"

He sprouts a fragile smile as he caresses Simon's forearm while receiving a side smile in return. He reaches for the gauze, tape, and cream situated on the side table next to the couch before Margret hands him a pack of antiseptic wet wipes. He proceeds and open the plastic sticker from the wipes withdraws one square of fabric and gently rubs around the stitches. John jumps at the sensation as Simon pulls back letting him settle before proceeding.

Discarding the fabric square to the side table he continues to unscrew the top of the cream and squeeze out a creamy white droplet before applying it around and over the stitches carefully dabbing his finger along the sensitive reddened area taking extra care not to stir the other man before him and reapply the gauze tearing the tape with his teeth before pressing it onto him securing the gauze in place.

Simon smiles before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his stomach gesturing to him to feel better as he rests his head on his chest glancing deep into his eyes ignoring his audience entirely as John caresses his palm along his back.

Margret tears up lightly as she watches the scene play out before her, she nestles into Price as he curls his arm around her comforting her as he he rubs her arm warmly before pressing a kiss to her temple.

The room remains silent for a few minutes as the couple remains in each other's arms as John gradually falls asleep. Simon recoils himself from him and stands up walking to his side of the bed making himself comfortable next to him as the sleeping man turns to face him and buries himself into his side curling his arm over his thigh and falling into a deep sleep.

Margret whispers to Simon.

"Should we go, Darling?"

"No stay, continue talking he sleeps better with noise around him,"

They remain in the living room all still in their pyjamas apart from Simon who is dressed in a black tracksuit. They continue talking conversing the hours away as the tired man continues sleeping at Simon's side nestled in his warmth. The afternoon transitions to early evening as the sun gradually sets over Manchester. 

Patrick makes a reappearance in the sitting room observing his audience before making his way to the open unoccupied seat across the room next to the bed.

"So what's with him?"

"Tired, Dad,"

"I see..., What's for dinner, Sis, hopefully not sandwiches again,"

"What..., Mum's sandwiches are the best,"

John stirs and mutters "Sandwiches," as a saliva bubbles form and pops at the corner of his mouth as he continues sleeping.

"Even he agrees, Dad, and he's bloody comatized,"

"Not four days in a row, Son,"

"Poppycock!"

Margret giggles at their bickering as he leans her head in the crook of Price's neck.

"Why don't you and Gaz go get us take-out fish and chips?"

"With mushy peas?"

"Whatever you want, Brother..., you mind going with him, Gaz?"

"Happy to, Ma'am,"

"Well..., let's go then, lad, bloody starving,"

Gaz giggles.

"I like him, ganna be good mates, Sir,"

Patrick sprouts a toothy smile feeling slightly embarrassed at the younger man's comment.

"Well go get dressed then, Lad or are you going with me in your boxers?"

"Suppose I should change,"

"Yeah..., all of you should have this morning already only sensible one here is Simon,"

Everyone burst out laughing at the frustrated man sitting in the armchair with his arms folded sprouting an unimpressed look at them all. 

Gaz gets up still giggling as he holds his belly and exits the room making his way up the stairs to Simon's room as Patrick remains in the sitting room joining them in conversation awaiting Gaz's return. 

Not too soon Gaz returns wearing a dark pair of jeans with his boots and autumn autumn-themed coloured jumper with a matching beanie.

"Ready, Mr Pat,"

"That's a good, Lad,"

Patrick gets up retrieves his wallet and car keys and exits the house as Gaz follows shortly after.

John stirs in Simon's side as he grips him tight and curls up in a ball next to him. 

"Should wake him up, Simon,"

"Not yet, cap,"

"Will have to at some point, Darling, he's been asleep for almost six hours he won't sleep tonight otherwise,"

Simon nods his head slightly in agreement sighing whisperingly. He gently rubs John's shoulder warmly as he leans forward and presses a kiss on his shoulder. 

"Puppy..., time to wake up,"

He stirs rolling to his back and stretches jawing aggressively as his right leg trembles. His eyes flutter open still in a daze as he sits up leaning on his elbows as he observes the room.

"I have to pee..,"

"I'll help you, Johnny,"

"no, I want to try myself, Si,"

"Careful, Lad, Don't pull a stitch,"

"Aye, won't, Captain,"

He moves his legs off the bed and rests his feet on the cold floor beneath and presses down on the mattress forcing himself up with much effort as he draws himself up finding his balance.

"Well done, darling,"

He smiles broadly somewhat exhausted as he takes a step forward making his way to the door and exits the room as Simon follows after taking care to support him when needed.

"you alright my love?"

"My love..., that's a new one, Si,"

"You are my love...,"

"I know..., and you're mine, here take my hand,"

Simon takes hold of his hand and slowly climbs up the stairs tediously dragging him behind, he takes his time step by step as it gets easier as he pushes through the pain in his abdomen.

"You're doing very well, Puppy,"

He smiles weakly at the compliment as sweat droplets pool along his temples, not too soon they reach the second floor as he leans against the wall in the corridor mirroring his actions from earlier that morning catching his breath. 

"Si..., kiss me now,"

"What..., why,"

"cause I want you to,"

Simon smirks wickedly as he curls his hand along John's jaw and around his neck leaning forward and kissing him passionately as their tongs intertwine with one another as they breathe heavily into each other reveling in the moment. John curls his arms around him exploring his body intensely as he digs his nails into the fabric of his hoodie.

Simon pulls back breaking their embrace as he steps back.

"Wait come back...,"

"Can't get too excited, Johnny,"

"I'm not...,"

"You are, you're hard, Johnny,"

"So what...?"

"Remember this morning..., just wait a few days, I promise we can..., when you are more stable, I don't want to hurt you, Puppy,"

Simon bows his head resting on John's neck curling his arms around his waist and holding him loosely in his arms breathing slightly heavier than before.

"It's okay, Simon..., I understand,"

"I'm sorry, Johnny,"

"Don't be,"

He smiles weakly as Simon recoils himself from him and presses a kiss to his temple before taking his hand into his own leading him to their bathroom following the same route as earlier, not too soon they reach the bathroom. John positions himself before the toilet as Simon lifts his hoodie exposing his naked belly he withdraws his boxes pushing them halfway down his thighs and taking hold of the base of his cock and guiding the yellowish stream into the bowl below.

Simon Grins mischievously at the scene before him looking down at his arse slightly pressing his bulge into his globes.

"Si..., I can feel you, thought you wanted a break?"

"I do, you know what your arse does to me,"

"I know, remember the laundry room?'

"Yes..., going to fuck you there properly when we get back,"

"Aye..., can't wait,"

Simon continues his mischievous grin as he rests his chin on the other man's shoulder pressing a wet kiss onto his nack. 

"Done..., can go back now,"

"You sure you don't want to stay?"

"Si, what did you just say in the hallway?"

"Right..., Sorry, Love,"

Simon lowers his hoodie and adjusts the fit around his waist before redrawing his boxers. He leads him back to the stairs and climbs down somewhat with ease. Not too soon they reach the bottom floor and make their way back into the sitting room.

"You two took your time, Alright, Lad,"

"Aye, Captain, someone got a bit handsy,"

"Sorry, couldn't help myself,"

"Darling, you must be careful with him,"

"He started it, Mum,"

"Aye..., and ended it, Simon...,"

They share a laugh as they walk back to the bed. John insists on sitting down by himself and does so successfully with almost little to no pain as he moves by himself back resting against the headboard of the couch.

"Where's Gaz?"

"Went with Patrick to get takeout, Lad,"

"What they getting?"

"Fish and chips with mushy peas apparently...,"

"Don't like mushy peas, Si?"

"No, looks like baby shit,"

"SIMON!"

"Sorry, mum, have to admit it's true innit,"

"Doesn't matter if it's true you don't talk about food like that,"

"Yes, Ma'am, Sorry about that,"

John and Price laugh hysterically at the conversation taking place before them as Margret is telling Simon off. He stares at his Mother with an unimpressed expression as John curls his arm around him burying his face in his side, he glances down at the man buried in his side smirking as he shakes his head at him before looking over at Price sharing the same expression as he did with his mother just moments before.

He remains silent with his eyes narrowed at his audience as Margret and Price continue with their conversation as the man at his side sighs heavily, He glances down at him as he's met with an adoring smile,"

"What you smiling at, Puppy?"

"You...,"

"Why?"

"Can we go to the back garden?"

"Yes..., of course,"

Simon recoils himself from him and moves to the side of the bed slipping on his slippers and taking hold of the woolly blanket draped over the armchair next to the bed tossing it over his shoulder before making his way to John's side. He offers to help the weaker man up but is rejected, John draws himself up finding his balance somewhat falling forward into the towering man before him being caught before tumbling to the floor.

"You alright, Love,"

"Aye, just lost my balance...,"

"Look after him, Darling,"

"Will do, Mum,"

John slips on his slippers before Simon curls his fingers around his hand and leads him out of the room, down the corridor and through the kitchen before they exit the house entirely gradually walking to the centre of the back garden to the same location they shared previous events.

"What you want to do here, Puppy?"

"Nothing, just stand and look up at the sky with you,"

Simon sprouts a slightly weak smile as he takes hold of the blanket in both hands and wraps it around himself before curling his arms around the man before him embracing him with his warmth, sheltering him from the cold night. 

"Thank you, Si,"

"For what, Johnny?"

He remains silent leaning his head back against the crook of Simon's neck.

"For being you..., being yourself with me,"

"Only with you, Johnny,"

He turns his posture to face Simon, curling his arms around him and resting his temple against his chest letting a heavy breath pass over his lips. Simon returns the gesture curling his arms around his shoulders and holding him firm in his grasp slightly swooning side to side.

"You dancing with me again, Si?"

"I am,"

He buries his face deeper into the towering man before him feeling utterly fulfilled being held by him.

Back in the living room.

"Best we check up on those muppets, Mar,"

"Suppose we should, Dear, who knows what they're up to,"

She giggles to herself before pressing a kiss to his cheek, She proceeds to uncoil herself from him and stand up taking his hand into her own and leading him back to the kitchen. They stand before the window glancing over the back garden and seeing the two men locked in each other's arms swooning side to side as Margret smiles contently curling her arm around Price and leaning into him.

"My god..., I've never seen him act like this, Mar,"

"Neither have I..., What's he normally like then?"

"A complete brut, dark even..., dare I say psychopathic at times, no one ever messes with him and always gets the job done no matter what...,"

Her smile drops as she looks up at Price with widened eyes fearing the words he spoke just a moment before leaving her in utter shock.

"He's really that bad, John?"

"He was..., look at him now, Mar, a complete muppet, all thanks to Johnny..., you know he confided in me for years and is one of my closest friends, he spoke to me roughly a year after Johnny joined the task force and admitted he had strong feelings for the Scotsman and spoke regularly to me about it and his father and brother,"

"He did..., wait he came out to you years ago?'

"Yes to both,"

"He only told me for the first time a few days ago, not that it matters, of course, wish he opened up to me more..., but I'm happy he has you as a friend, John, you know his father was a...,"

"I know, Mar, he told me everything,"

"Everything?"

"Yes, and I'm sorry you had to go through that, No one deserves an abusive spouse..., unfortunately, Tommy followed in his footsteps and will most likely turn out just like him,"

Her eyes fill with tears digging her face into Price's ribs snickering as she breathes heavily.

"He is already, John, I denied it for years, I knew about his drug use and the poor girls he beat relentlessly, it broke my heart but he's my son what was I supposed to do?'

"I can understand in a way, Mar, these three boys are like my own, seeing them in the field is always troublesome not knowing their fate, I worry for them all, so I can understand your concerns, However, I'll do everything in my power to give him a comfortable life and get him the help he needs, I give you my word,"

"thank you..., John, I really appreciate you doing that for me,"

"Of course my dear,"

He curls his arm around her gently pulls her into his person and presses a kiss to her temple brushing his palm along her arm warmly.

"Can I be honest with you, John?"

"Of cores, always,"

She sighs heavily looking up at him and meeting his gaze staring deep into his grey-blue eyes.

"I've only known you for four days but it feels like years..., and I think..., I-I..., love you, John,"

"I don't..., think, I know I do, Mar,"

"You do?"

"Yes, I do, the life I chose, well the life the four of us chose is very much occupied 24/7  and building relations is not part of the job so to speak..., when I first met you that night I guess I knew..., Simon explained to me how he felt when he first met Johnny, he knew he was his soul mate, and I feel the same about you, Mar, I truly believe you and I are soul mates,"

She averts her gaze pressing her temple to his ribs once more hugging him tight as tears fill her eyes cascading down her cheeks.

"You really think that, John?"

"I do..., I love you, Mar,"

She smiles broadly caressing her fingers along his jaw and staring him deep into his grey-blue eyes, he leans forward and presses his lips to hers and kisses her delicately brushing his finger through her golden blond hair.

Back in the garden, Simon is still swooning with John side to side in circles, as John notices the two figures in the lit-up kitchen window.

"Si, look,"

He glances up in the direction John's eyes are directed.

"Hmmm...,"

"Think they'll get married, Si?"

"Donno,"

"Want them to?"

He remains silent watching his mother and former captain locked together in the kitchen as he holds John tightly in his arms.

"Si?"

"Donno, Johnny, they both deserve to be with someone,"

"Would be nice, Price is perfect for her don't you think, Si?"

"Yes, I do they would make a good team,"

"Team?'

"You know what I mean, Johnny...,"

"Aye, I do, just teasing...,"

They continue holding each other moving graciously side to side as Simon holds him firmly in his grasp averting their gaze from the couple in the kitchen, the moment felt precious as each couple embraced each other feeling content unaware the front door swings open as Patrick and Gaz walks back into the house caring two heavy bags of steaming hot takeout boxes as they makes their way down the corridor and into the kitchen finding the older couple locked in each others arms.

"Foking hell, Sis," 

They jump at the roar of the materializing man in the doorway unaware of his arrival. 

Back in the garden, Simon hears the commotion coming from the kitchen and sees his uncle through the window.

"Bloody hell, we better go back, looks like my uncle returned,"

"You go, Si, he doesn't look happy I'll be there in a second,"

Simon does as instructed and sprints to the kitchen entering the house,"

"DAD, calm yourself,"

"Simon, they were snogging,"

"I'm aware, let them be,"

"Patrick, I apologize if I upset you, however, I care very much for your sister and intend to stay in her life for a long time so you might as well get used to it, respectfully,"

Simon glances over to Gaz gesturing for him to go outside to the back garden. he does as Siomon instructs and exits the room meeting up with John.

"Wait..., you care for her?"

"I do, Patrick, I love her,"

"And I do him, brother,"

"Simon, you okay with this?"

"Why won't I be, Mum deserves a good man in her life and in my books, Price is the best candidate, you think I'll give my blessing to any twat passing by, he has my respect as do you and would very much appreciate if you would drop this childish behaviour..., they are both adults and can do as they please, who are we to stop them?"

Patrick crosses his arms caressing the side of his index over his lips narrowing his eyes at Price before glancing back at Simon.

"You say you love her?"

"I do, Patrick,"

"Well..., I guess all I can do is shake your hand and welcome you to the family,"

Patrick extends his arm to him gesturing him to take hold and does, then shakes his hand aggressively pulling him into his person and whispers in his ear.

"If you break her heart I'll break your legs..., got that, Captain?"

Simon clears his throat narrowing his eyes at his uncle grinning disapprovingly at him. 

"Dad, join me outside...,"

'Why?"

"Because I ask you to,"

"Fine just make it quick, I'm starving,"

He takes his uncle by his forearm and leads him outdoors meeting up with the other two men.

"Gaz, please help Johnny back inside, I need to talk with my uncle,"

"You, okay, Si?"

"Yes, just go please,"

He waits for them to return indoors before repositioning himself to face the shorter man next to him.

"Dad..., what the fuck is your problem, with Price?"

"Excuse me, Simon?"

"I said what defuck is your problem with Price?"

"I'll appreciate it if you'll drop your tone,"

"Dad..., there's a side of me you don't know and trust me you do not want to meet Ghost, I love you but if you keep acting like a cunt to Price I won't remain nice and I don't want to show you my dark side..., I care very much for both of you and look up to both of you and if he wants to be with mum who cares he's a good man, Dad, better than both of us combined, what do you have against him?"

He remains silent as his eyes widen at the towering man before him somewhat frightened at his threats, He has never seen him in this state of anger before and can see he's pushing him to his limits. he sighs heavily averting his gaze staring down to his feet feeling slightly embarrassed and frustrated at himself.

"Answer me, Uncle,"

"I'm sorry, Simon..., I'm just looking out for my sister, I have nothing against Price personally I just don't want her to get hurt, you know your father was very similar in character,"

"Don't insult Price like that he's nothing like that man, and don't ever refer to him as my father he's nothing to me,"

"Sorry, I know but you have to understand, I liked Tom he was an honorable man before...,"

"I was born?"

"I didn't mean it like that, I hate the fucker but I have to thank him for bringing you into the world, yes he beat the shit out of you and your mother but before all that he and I were friends, good friends and he was decent just like Price, I just fear he would turn out like Tom,"

"He won't,"

"We can't ever know that, Simon,"

"I know that..., listen, uncle, you have been there for me for the majority of my childhood life, I left when I was seventeen and joined the military and was good at it and was recruited by Price when I was twenty and have been with him ever since. He became my friend and confidante and the person I trust most in this world he's the one who built me up, who helped me get over my past trauma, he's my best friend, Dad,"

"I see..., Simon..., I really am sorry for my idiocy, I guess I didn't think about you, I should have, I didn't realize you two were so close, I'm pleased he was there when I wasn't and will try my best to be better,"

"You have to understand I'm not trying to guilt trip you, I will be honoured to welcome him into my actual family, I gave him my blessing to be with, Mum and didn't think twice about it and if he wants to marry her I'll accept it without a dought..., and don't think you're being replaced, you're still my, Dad, and will always be, just try to get along with Price that's all I ask,"

Patrick pats Simon on his shoulder sprouting a weak smile as light tears overwhelm his eyes as the towering man before him curls his arms around him pulling him into his person and hugging him tight.

"Oh my boy, I'm sorry, for being such an arse,"

"It's okay, Dad...,"

"No, it's not,"

He retracts himself from Simon and looks him in the eyes.

"I'll make it up to you my boy, I swear on my life,"

"Please, Don't it's not necessary, Dad,"

He smiles broadly as he hugs Simon one last time gripping him tight as he's met with light taps on his shoulder blade from the other man. He recoils himself wiping the drying tears away with his sleeve.

"Let's go back inside, Simon freezing my nutsack off,"

"Can't deny that fact,"

They share a laugh as they walk back indoors, back inside they are met with Price and Margret standing side by side leaning against the island countertop.

 "Mr Price..., I want to apologize for my behaviour earlier, I was a dickhead just looking out for my sister you know," 

"It's alright, Patrick, I understand your intentions,"

"Also thank you for taking care of my son when he joined you're shadow government,"

"Of course, and not the shadow government,"

"I know just taking a piss on you, Captain, listen I'm happy you are part of this family and honoured that you're with my sister, just take care of her,"

"Of course, that's my intention,"

"Good,"

"Okay enough pleasantries, when can we eat I'm starving,"

"You always starving lad, nothing new there,"

They share a laugh as Margret shakes her head.

"I popped the fish and chips in the oven while you two were..., having a chat, will redish them is the takeaway then we can eat in the sitting room,"

"Sounds good, Sis..., Simon why don't you go back to the others I'll help the lovebirds bring the food,"

"Alright uncle, and behave,"

"Of course,"

Simon returns to the sitting room enters the room and is met with two eager-looking faces and takes a seat on the bed next to John and leans back making himself comfortable resting his back against the headboard of the couch. 

"What's going on, Si?"

"Nothing, Puppy, just had a talk that's all,"

"Okay, I have a question...,"

"What is it this time Gaz?"

"Lt, what's with this puppy business?"

"It's my nickname,"

"I get that, Soap, but why puppy?"

"Si?"

"Because he cries like a puppy when I fuck him,"

"WHAT!?"

"Knew it,"

"Stop, both of you, you know that's not true, Simon, you called me puppy before we even...,"

Margret walks into the room with raised eyebrows at the commotion.

"What's going on in here, what's with the commotion?"

"Oh nothing, Ma'am, I just asked, Lt, why he calls him puppy,"

"Oh, really, Darling, I would like to know as well,"

Gaz burst out laughing letting the hysteria overwhelm him leaving him utterly powerless as John's glows red with embarrassment.

"It's quite simple, Mum, on our first mission together seven years ago he and I shared a tent together and in his sleep he moaned like a puppy, having a nightmare,"

"And then, darling?"

"Well..., he was turned on his side and I rubbed his back and he stopped, and have been doing it ever since,"

"Oh, that's so sweet, Darling,"

"Si, you never told me that,"

"Never needed to until now,"

He curls his arm around John and gently pulls him into his person leaning down and pressing a kiss to his temple.

"Oi, what's going on in here?"

Patrick and Price walk into the room carrying two large trays with takeaway boxes setting them down on the coffee table before the bed.

"Lt just told us why he calls, Soap, Puppy,"

"You told then, Lad,"

"I did, Cap,"

"He knew, Si,"

"He knows everything, Johnny, nothing he doesn't know about,"

"Don't worry, lad your secrets are safe with me,"

"Wait I don't know, tell me as well,"

Simon proceeds to tell the story again about the origins of John's nickname as Price hands out the takeaway boxes and Margret follows after with utensils. Everyone proceeds to eat the squeaking noises of styrofoam takeaway box lids swinging open.

"That's a nice story, lad,"

"That's my Ghosty for you,"

Simon smiles broadly as he looks at his uncle and he returns a wink to him. They continue eating as Simon eats at a normal slow pace for a change enjoying the the fresh greasy fish and chips not too bothered with the mushy peas and hands the container to John, he giggles as he takes the container from him and shows the container to price and share a whispering laugh with him as he's reminded of Margret and Simon's fall out from earlier.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing brother,"

"Has to be something them two won't laugh at each other for no reason,"

"I said mushy peas look like baby shit,"

"Oh my god, it doe...,"

Gaz burst out laughing almost dropping his takeaway box to the floor as he slid off the side of the bed. He regains his balance and calms himself remaining sitting on the floor resting against the bed. Patrick shakes his head trying his best not to laugh at him as he stuffs his mouth with a large fork full of chips.

They continued eating as conversation sparks between Patrick and Price as Margret and Simon shared a smile and not too soon everyone finished their meal. Gaz collects all the empty styrofoam containers stacks the trays on top of each other and returns them to the kitchen making a swift return back to the sitting room.

John yawns heavily sending an echo through the room as Simon looks down at him.

"You cannot be tired, Puppy,"

"I am,"

"You slept like six hours this afternoon,"

"So what, I'm sick...,"

"You need to take your medication before going to sleep, Johnny,"

"Aye, Mom,"

"I'll go get it,"

"Thanks, Si,"

Simon gets up and sprints to the kitchen retrieving his colourful pills and a tall glass of water before returning to the sitting room.

"Here you go, Puppy,"

He takes the handful of colourful spheres tossing them into his mouth before taking the heavy glass from Simon and drinking the clear liquid in one go.

Simon retakes the glass and relocates it to the coffee table walking to his side of the bed and sitting down before unzipping his hoodie and withdrawing his pants not bothered with his audience. He gets under the blanket as John curls up in his arm nestling in his armpit making himself comfortable.

"Want us to go, Darling?"

"No, Mom, please stay,"

Patrick and Price continue their previous conversations as Margret curls up in Price's arm feeling slightly tired as she rests her head contently in the crook of his neck. Gaz joins the conversation as John gradually falls asleep as Simon rubs his back gently not wanting to stir him and soon joins him in slumber while the others continue in conversation.

End of part 17.

Scots translations.

Tapadh leat a bhastards - Piss of you bastards