When our lips touched. part 16.

When our lips touched.

Part 16, chapter 4.

The hours progress as the night turns to early morning, the house is silent apart from the snores echoing from Gaz in Simon's room.

Simon stirs awake recoiling his arm from John's person. He rolls and turns in the other direction as his eyes flutter open temporarily in a daze not knowing where he is before his mind sparks awake. He glanced over his shoulder at the other man before realizing his erect cock bobbing in his briefs.

"Oh god..., not now,"

John stirs next to him and gradually wakes before letting a heavy yawn pass over his lips. He glances over to Simon's back and turns to him as he fiddles with himself.

"Si..., what you doing?"

"I'm hard, Johnny,"

"Go take care of it then..., You know what to do,"

"Want to do it here with you,"

"Si..., the house is full of people,"

"Don't care,"

He proceeds to turn facing him as he takes hold of his pulsing cock and begins jerking it gradually. A minute goes by ass he glides his palm along his cock pleasuring himself as John watched him eagerly toying with his own cock.

"Ahhh..., Fuck...!"

He shrieks in pain pressing his palm to his side and curling into himself.

"Johnny, are you alright, stop, don't move,"

"S-si..., It hurts, it fucking hurts,"

"Just breathe, hold still,"

Simon holds him down as he urges him to breathe steadily. He breathes heavily scrunching his nose and frowns aggressively clawing into Simon's forearms. He gradually eases as the pain passes through his system leaving him in peace as he withdraws from the other man, his body goes numb letting a heavy breath pass over his lips.

"Are you alright, Johnny?"

He remains silent for a moment before gradually averting his gaze in Simon's direction overwhelmed with exhaustion.

"A-aye..., I'm fine, Don't think I should do that again for a while,"

"It's my fault, the doctor told me not to engage with you,"

"I jerked myself, Si, not you, It's my own fault,"

"I'm gonna end up killing you at this rate, Johnny perhaps we...,"

"No, don't you dare say it..., You are staying right here next to me, besides, this won't last long in a few days I'll be back to normal, well just have to wait until then so we can..., be intimate,"

Simon sprouts a weak smile and presses a kiss to his temple before peppering warm kisses along his cheek making his way to his lips and embracing him with a romantic gentle kiss.

The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupts them. Their heads jerk in the direction and are met with Price leaning against the door frame.

"Morning...,"

"Morning, Captain,"

Simon sits up fixing his posture and nods slightly at him. Price proceeds to walk over to them and sits down on the corner of the bed facing them.

"How are you this morning, Johnny, heard a commotion earlier,"

"Oh.., uh, I'm alright, Captain,"

"Lt, is he?"

"Yes..., Got a little excited, is all,"

"I see, take it, easy lad, you need to rest to be able to make a good recovery,"

"Aye, I know, Captain,"

"Lucy said you can take a shower today, know you like them,"

"Oh really, can I walk then?"

"With help, of course, Simon and Gaz will have to help you up the stairs, then you can walk to your shower, think the walk might do you some good, will help your muscles I believe,"

"What about his stitches, John?"

"Waterproof plasters, Lt,"

Simon nods his head in understanding as he glances over to John meeting his piercing blue eyes and sprouts a weak smile.

"What's on the agenda today, Captain?"

"You are staying in bed,"

He remains silent pouting his lips in disappointment before a flash of an idea sparks in his head.

"Si, remember your first morning at my place, We talked about playing video games?"

"Yes, I recall that, why?"

"You and Gaz can play, and I'll watch, could be fun,"

"sounds like a plan, lad, what do you think, Simon?"

"Sounds good,"

they continue conversing, sharing a laugh and a joke here and there enjoying each other's company, not too soon Gaz joins them and exchanges pleasantries before taking a seat on the other corner of the bed facing them and joining in the conversation. Price informs Gaz about the set plans for him and Simon and he agrees happily with John's request.

"Morning, Boys,"

Margret walks into the room dressed in a heavy dark blue robe with white fuzzy slippers. She is greeted by her audience and proceeds to pick up the wool knit blanket Simon dropped to the floor the previous night before taking a seat in the armchair beside the bed and draping the blanket over herself snuggling up on the chair.

"Cold, Mom?"

"Yes, very much, Darling, How are you this morning?"

"Feeling good, I can take a shower today,"

"I know, Lucy, informed me yesterday,"

He smiles broadly as he looks up at Simon sitting up next to him.

"Can use the hairdryer afterwards, Si,"

Simon grins happily at him as they are questioned by Gaz about the hairdryer,"

"Something, Johnny, taught me,"

"What, do you do with it?"

John cuts him off curling his arm around his.

"After a shower, I stand before the mirror and blowdry myself and I thought, Si to do the same,"

"Is it good, Lt?

Simon nods his head slightly in agreement as he glances over to Gaz.

"Should try it then, why do you like it, Soap?"

"The noise, Liked it since I was a wee lad,"

John fiddles with his fingers toying with his index before his stomach rumbles and roars obnoxiously loud, Simon bursts out laughing shortly followed by Gaz.

"You hungry, Lad?"

Feeling slightly embarrassed at the moment he buries himself under the blanket nodding his head. Margret curls her fingers over her lips as she giggles in whispers before questioning her audience.

"you boys want cereal?"

 "Aye, please, Mom," 

"yes, Mum, double portion for me,"

"Yeah, Ma'am, would be great,"

"Thank you, Margret would love some,"

She smiles broadly before standing up folding the blanket and draping it over the arm of the chair making her way to the kitchen.

"Need some help caring all the bowls boy,"

"I'll help you, Margret,"

Price follows her to the kitchen.

"Lt, Think Price likes your mother,"

"Oh, bollocks, Gaz,"

"Think he might be right, Si, think about it,"

Simon rolls his eyes at them while Gaz giggles at him. 

"you two are mental, no way, Price, is interested in my mother, drop it you two, Johnny you're most likely high from the meds and you are bloody bonkers anyways Gaz,"

Johnny and Gaz share a glance before laughing hysterically acting like children as Simon grins disapprovingly. He Smirks aggressively Joining them in laughter as he crosses his arms. 

In the kitchen, Margret retrieves three regular-size cereal bowls and a medium-sized salad bowl and proceeds to take out a large still sealed box of cornflakes as Price leans against the island with his rear pressed firmly along the countertop as he observes Margret contently. He smiles broadly as she opens the cardboard box and retrieves the plastic bag within containing the cereal.

"Need help, Margret?"

"If you like, Mr Price,"

"Please call me, John, dear,"

She smiles secretly as she hands him the large bag, he proceeds to rip the top open and pour the flakes into the bowls.

"I presume this one is for, Simon?" Pointing at the salad bowl.

"Yes, of course, John,"

He smiles broadly as he pours the flakes.

"Tell me about the boys, John,"

"What do you want to know?"

"tell me about them at work,"

"Well, dear, they are severely different, Simon, is cut off with unnecessary tall walls built around himself and lurks around the barracks like a shadow and rarely talks to anyone apart from myself of course,"

"How come?"

"Because of, Johnny, he was relatively talkative before he joined, however retracted himself when he joined,"

"How about, John..., I mean Johnny?"

"He's relatively the same as he is here, talks and jokes a lot, always brightens the room but can be serious and stubborn as well, that's the Scotsman in him,"

"He is, isn't he..., been a joy having him around,"

"Yes, it is..., here they are opposite personalities they act like a bunch of eighteen-year-olds, which is good of course, it's good to see my boys enjoy themselves...,"

Price sprouts a weak side smile as Margert caresses her hand over his and smiles slightly wider than him.

"You would have made a good father, John,"

He smiles happily feeling slightly embarrassed at the compliment as his cheeks glowed red. Margret notices and averts her gaze pretending to not see as she drizzles sugar over the flakes, She proceeds to add milk to a large saucepan and warm it up slightly as the white liquid warms she continues talking with Price. They exchange stories about themselves to one another as they converse contently feeling happy in the moment.

"Milks ready, John,"

She turns the stove off and gradually pours the milk into each bowl before retrieving four spoons from the drawer on the side of the island

"I'll take, Simon and Johnny's bowls, will you take mine and Gaz's..., wait aren't you having any, Dear?"

"No..., I don't eat breakfast, John,"

She proceeds to hand him the larger bowl followed by the smaller one as he takes the other two and leads him back to the sitting room. They walk into the room and are met with three laughing faces.

"What's so funny, boys?"

She questions as they hand the bowls to their laughing audience. Gaz shakes his head rapidly taking one bowl from her as John and Simon mirror his actions.

"You lot are off your heads, told you Margret, they are acting like a bunch of eighteen-year-olds,"

"I can see, John,"

They soon seize their excessive laughter as they proceed to eat their cereal. Simon slurps up his meal rotating the spoon from the bowl to his lips in swift rapid motions barely chewing the cornflakes.

"Bloody hell, Lt, why don't you use a straw and just drink your cereal?"

Jonh choked on his cereal as he laughed at Gaz's comment. he nods aggressively as he points at him with a broad smile with stuffed cheeks,"

"Oh piss off, Gaz,"

"Calm yourselves, Lads, besides, he has a point, Simon, you're gonna choke at the speed you're swallowing,"

John grins mischievously as he looks up at Simon and receives a wink in return, Simon continues eating his cereal at the same pace as before not bothered by the others and not too soon he scoops the last bits of floating flakes and shoves the spoon into his mouth one last time before drawing the bowl to his lips and proceeds to slurp up the remainder of his milk. John soon follows and mirrors his action as does Gaz not soon after.

"Children...,"

Price mutters whisperingly as he glances over to Margret and winks at her before continuing to eat his cereal.

"Oh come on, Captain, chug the milk,"

Gaz chants.

"Chug..., chug..., chug...,"

John soon follows and chants in sync and not too soon Simon follows, chanting to their heart's content urging Price to drink from the bowl.

"oh stop the lot of you...,"

He rolls his eyes at them and to please his audience he proceeds to drink from the bowl, He's met with clapping hands and cheers.

"I swear you lot are a bunch of teenagers,"

Margret curls her fingers over her lips as she giggles to herself in whispers as she glances at Price. He smiled back at her as he continued rolling his eyes at the three younger men in his audience. Simon noticed the interactions between his Mother and former Captain wondering to himself if what John and Gaz said earlier could possibly be true, he revels in the idea of them forming some sort of relationship. He continues listening to their conversations as he remembers.

"Johnny, you need to take your medication,"

"Only at lunchtime, Darling,"

"You sure, Mum?"

"Yes, Darling, I memorized, Lucy's, note you don't have to worry about anything, dear I've got it,"

"Thanks, Mom,"

"Of course, Darling,"

John smiles broadly reaching for his necklace but realises his not wearing it or his engagement ring.

"Si, where is my necklace and ring?"

"Still in the paper bag probably..., You want it?"

"Aye, please,"

Simon reaches for the paper bag sitting on the floor next to Margret's chair and takes hold of the bag. He uncurls the opening and takes out his pants and briefs before reaching and taking hold of a small plastic ziplock bag and retrieving it before returning the clothing to the paper bag and discarding it back to the floor.

"here you go, Johnny,"

"you expect me to put it on myself?"

Gaz bursts out laughing sliding to the floor as he hits his palm on the mattress laughing hysterically.

"Oh god, Gaz, get a grip on yourself, lad,"

"Sorry, Captain, but you have to admit they are hilarious together,"

"True...,"

Simon rolls his eyes at the men sitting at the end of the bed as he proceeds to open the plastic bag and retrieve the golden band and slide it over John's ring finger.

"Happy?"

"Aye..., now do my necklace,"

Simon exhales slightly heavier as he removes the silver chain from the bag and undoes the clasp before leaning over John's person reclasping it around his neck and positioning the pebble to his chest.

He smiles weakly sprouting a wide smile as he looks down at the man on his side. Price glances at Margret and smiles at her as they remain in silence not wanting the disturb the pair.

Simon looks up at his silent audience and notices the glance between Price and his Mother playing it off as if he never saw it. He sits up and stretches and yaws loudly as his one leg shakes rapidly before relaxing himself once more.

"Captain want to talk to you about a private matter..., Follow me to the back garden?"

"Yes, Of course,"

Simon proceeds to get up and make his way to the clothing rail and removes a black hoodie from a hanger and a similar colour tracksuit bottom, he dresses himself and slips on his slippers as he signals Price to follow him. Before Price follows he requests the blanket from the arm of markets chair as he is still wearing his pajamas and is not suited for the cold weather outdoors. She hands him the Blanket and then follows after Simon. Not too soon they exit the back door and make their way to the same location they were conversing the previous night.

"What seems to be the problem, Simon?"

"No problem, John, the exact opposite to be honest," 

"Oh..., So what is it then?"

"I've noticed you and my mother...,"

"Sim...,"

"wait let me finish, John, I want to tell you if you are going down that road, you have my blessing,"

Price stands wrapped in his borrowed blanket at a loss for words at the larger men next to him.

"Are you sure, Simon?"

"Of course, I can see my mother likes you and smiles around you and I don't mean her regular smile, this one's different it's the same as when Johnny smiles at me..., besides, you deserve someone as well, John, and I'll be honoured if it's my, Mum,"

"Thank you, Simon, I appreciate it..., you've changed a lot since the last time back at the barracks,"

"I know..., it's uncomfortable but I'm doing it for him,"

"It's good, Simon, I'm proud of you,"

"Thank you, Captain,"

"I mean it, Simon, I really am proud of you, you've grown into a decent man from the twenty-year-old I first met ten years ago,"

Simon remains silent as he feels the sensation of tears filling his eyes overwhelm him. Price pats him on his back and rubs his shoulder blade warmly. He acts against his judgment and curls his arms around him and hugs him tight as a tear trickles down his cheek.  Price returns the hug and continues patting him on his shoulder.

"Bloody hell, I've cried more in the past ten days than I've done my whole life,"

"It's alright, lad, it's good you're opening up yourself and breaking your walls down, it's about time you heal from your past and it's all thanks to him,"

Simon recoils from him as he wipes his face dry with his sleeve.

"Thank you, Captain,"

"Of course..., Now I want to speak to you about something,"

"Yes,"

"Last night before you came to the kitchen..., did you hear our conversation?"

"No, why,"

"Gaz told us about you opening up to him about farming,"

"Bastard..., suppose to be confidential,"

"We're family we don't keep secrets, Simon, besides, I think it's a brilliant idea for both of you,"

"You do?'

"Yes, of course, however, I didn't want to intervene but think you should have the right to know since it might be in your future...,"

"What is it, John?"

"Has Johnny told you about his grandmother and her property?"

"He's mentioned it yes, why?"

"I looked into it last night after everyone went to bed. He's the sole inheritor of her estate, the land the cottage is built on is much bigger than originally thought, three hectares of land to be exact, don't believe, Johnny, knows it either,"

Simon remains silent as his interest peaks at the new information Price is disclosing to him.

"Does that mean, when she passes, Johnny will inherit everything including the house and land?"

"Yes, however, think it's best you don't mention any of this to him just yet, let him heal and regain his strength, move into his flat and enjoy your trip around the country,"

Simon nods his head in agreement as he remains silent.

"Would like to meet her...,"

"His grandmother?"

"Yes,"

"would be nice for her to know her grandson found someone, you should visit her when you get back to Scotland,"

"Yes definitely, John, I'm very eager to get back there, it's much more peaceful up there,"

"I'm aware, been there a few times over the years,"

They continue talking for a few more minutes until Simon feels the pressure on his bladder realising he hasn't relieved himself yet since the previous night.

"Cap, wanna go back inside?"

"You need to take a leak?"

"Yes..., how'd you know?"

"You're face shows it...,"

Price giggles to himself as he pats him on the back and nudges him backwards leading him back to the house.

"Sorry, John, I have to go,"

Simon sprints to the backdoor and disappears into the house as Price laughs to himself as he continues back into the house and returns to the sitting room.

"Where's Simon, Captain,"

"Had to use the bathroom, Johnny,"

"Oh, I actually have to as well...,"

"No problem we can help you up,"

"Just pee in a bottle, Soap,"

"What..., can't do that,"

"Why not..., I've been for years,"

"You cannot be serious, Lad,"

"I am...,"

"If it's easier for you, Darling, I can fetch you an old bottle,"

"I..., mean, I can give it a try...,"

"Okay then, Margret and I will go to the kitchen and you can help him Gaz since it's your brilliant idea,"

Margret giggles to herself before she gets up and is led back to the kitchen by Price as Gaz follows behind. Margret finds a larger old bottle in the garbage bin and rinses it off and out under the sink before drying it off.

"Here you go, Darling,"

"Thanks, Ma'am,"

He proceeds back to the sitting room and hands John the empty bottle before taking hold of the blanket over his person lifting it blocking his view of the rest of the room.

He proceeds to unscrew the cap before taking out his cock from his boxers and takes hold of the tip and guides the entrance to the neck of the bottle he relaxes himself and gradually relieves into the bottle.

"Feels good right, Soap?"

"Shut up, Gaz..."

Gaz chuckles at the sound of John relieving himself echoes through the room, He sighs heavily in relief as his bladder empties and not too soon he completes and returns the cap to the bottle sealing it securely shut.

"Done...,"

Gaz lowers the blanket and lays it back over him.

"Now, what do I do with this, smart ass?"

"I'll empty it out..., don't worry, Soap,"

"In the toilet, I hope?"

"Sure...,"

Gaz takes the bottle from him.

"Bloody hell, Johnny, You filled up the whole bloody bottle,"

"Shut up, Gaz, Before I let Simon do to you what he did to his brother,'

"What's that, love?"

Simon materialises in the doorway and observes the bottle in Gaz's hand.

"Pissed in a bottle, Johnny?"

"Aye..., can you please let him get rid of it,"

Simon narrows his eyes at him and stares him down disapprovingly.

"You heard him, Gaz, or do you want to end up like my brother,"

"Alright..., I'm going..., I'm going,"

Simon grins as he pats him on his back thanking him before he exits the room. 

"You alright, Love?"

"Aye, what did you speak to, Price, about?"

"Turns out you two were right,"

"Knew it, did you tell him off, then?"

"No..., gave him my blessing,"

"Really...?"

"Yes, why so surprised, Puppy?"

"Oh, nothing..., just enjoying the new you,"

Simon grins as he kicks off his slippers and takes a seat on his side of the bed before laying back down next to the other man.

"So is he going to make a move on her?"

"Donno, it's up to him,"

"You don't mind?"

"No, I'm not going to keep someone from the person they care about, I know how it feels,"

"You're right and they will make a good couple,"

"Who will?"

Gaz walks back into the room and sits back down on the bed.

"No one, eavesdropper,"

"Wait, were we right, Soap,"

"Shut up, Gaz,"

"Knew it,"

"He said shut up, Gaz, suggest you listen,"

"Sorry, Lt,"

Simon grins happily still enjoying the power he somewhat holds over him as he curls his arm around John letting him rest in his armpit. 

"Lt..., can I ask you two a personal question?"

"Johhny, what you think?"

"Sure, Gaz, go ahead,"

"Why did it take so long for you to hook up, then?"

Simon looks down at John as he looks up at him receiving a toothy smile in return.

"Donno..., it worked out in the end, didn't it, Johnny?"

"Aye, it did,"

Simon leaned down and pressed a kiss to his temple before returning to his original position.

"So have a question for you, Sergeant?"

"Shoot, Lt,"

"ever think you'll retire?"

"From the 141?"

"Yes...,"

"Have thought about it a few times over the years,"

"So any chance of persuading you?"

"Persuading?"

"yeah, to retire?"

"Depends, Lt,"

"Si, what you on about?"

Simon remains silent looking down at the man in his arm before averting his gaze back to Gaz.

"Gaz, would you mind leaving the room for a few minutes and keeping the rest away I want to talk to Johnny in private,"

"Sure thing, Lt, give a howler if you need anything,"

Gaz gets back up and exits the room returning to the kitchen and joining Price and Margret.

"What you on about, Si?"

"I spoke to Price earlier about our future..., what do you think about the two of us starting up a farm?"

"A farm, you mean like with chickens and goats?"

"Yes..., well technically no, more growing crops,"

John remains silent taking in the new information expressed by the towering man next to him, He thinks about the idea of Simon digging around in the mud pulling carrots and potatoes as he grins to himself in amusement.

"Where's this coming from, Si?"

"Answer my question first,"

"Well, I guess it's better than running around with laser guns, could be nice,"

"You think so?"

"Aye, can imagine you digging through the mud pulling carrots,"

Simon laughs to himself whisperingly, he retracts himself from John and moves away slightly crossing his legs facing him as he takes his hands into his own.

"Listen Puppy, I'm serious about this,"

"I know, Simon, I'm as well,"

"I have given it a lot of thought, Johnny, we can find land build a house or a few and bring Price and Gaz along and maybe even my mother and uncle, we could all be happy there,"

"You're serious about this, aren't you?"

"Very much so, Johnny,"

John smiles broadly as he grips Simon's hands tight within his own and sighs whisperingly.

"It could be perfect..., for all of us,"

Simon sighs heavily as his face reveals the regret in his eyes for what he is about to say.

"What are you not telling me, Si?"

"Spoke to Price..., He looked into your Grandmother's estate and your inheritance, the land her cottage is situated on is much larger than you might know, and you will be her sole inheritor, you'll get the entire property,"

His eyes stretch to the maximum as his head Jerks back up to him in disbelief at the new information, he remains silent for a minute as he processes his new undeveloped feelings.

"Simon, I'm going to ask you a question and I want you to be honest with me,"

"Of course, Johnny, I'm always with you,"

"Did you ask him to do a background check on me and my Seanmhair?"

"Your what?"

"Grandmother..., did you?"

"No..., I swear, I didn't,"

"Can you go get him for me and give us a minute,"

"You alright, love, he's only trying to look out for us, Johnny,"

"Si, help me sit up and please go get him I want to talk to him..., Privately,"

Simon nods his head and gets up off the bed walks over to John's side and gently helps him sit up slightly higher than he has been the previous hours of the morning. he positions his pillow behind his neck making him comfortable before stepping back and curling his arms behind his own back.

"Alright, love?"

"Aye, is fine...,"

Simon smiles weakly as he turns and walks out of the room heading for the kitchen. he walks into the kitchen with a downed expression curling over his face.

"Lt, what's up with you?"

"Nothing Gaz,"

"John..., he wants to speak to you,"

"Did you,"

"Yes, felt like he needed to know, sorry Cap,"

"Understand, Lad, Most likely my fault for looking into the matter in the first place,"

He walks over to Simon and pats him on his shoulder before squeezing down slightly before walking past him and down the corridor. he continues and walks into the sitting room as the man resting on the bed awaits his arrival and glances over at him fiddling with his fingers.

"Johnny, you wanted to see me?"

"Aye, come sit next to me, Captain,"

Price walks over to Simon's side of the bed and kicks off his slippers before sitting down and leaning against the headboard of the couch making himself comfortable while crossing his legs over each other and folding his arms.

"Is it true what Simon tells me?"

"Yes it is..., Sorry lad, I'm just worried for you two, you must understand I care for you, for all of you and want the two of you to have a comfortable life, reason I looked into the matters of your grandmother's property,"

"Captain..., I appreciate it, however, you should have asked me first,"

"I know, son,"

"Can I ask you a serious question, please be honest,"

"Of course,"

"Did Simon ask you to look into the matter?"

"What..., no of course not, it's on me, why do you ask?"

"Donno, just have an unsettling feeling,"

"What is it?"

He proceeds to tell Price about the conversation Simon had with him just moments before about his dream of having them all join the two of them on the property and starting a farm living together and working the land.

"Well, that's a..., uh, sorry I don't know what to say, Johnny,  why are you concerned?"

He sighs heavily as he continues fiddling with his fingers aggressively.

"Do you think..., Simon is using me for my inheritance

"WHAT...., of course not he didn't even know about it until a few hours ago, Johnny, believe you me he doesn't care half as much about that as he does for you, besides, don't you see how happy you make him, think he would put all this effort into you if he only cares about a piece of land, why do you dought him now, Johnny?"

"I don't know, Captain, the past few days have been..., abnormal, I've been acting up and he's the exact opposite of the brut from work, how do I know I'm not making a huge mistake..., fucking up my life completely, Captain?"

"Let me ask you this..., do you love him?"

"Of course, no question about it,"

"There's your answer, Johnny, Believe me when I say the feelings he has for you are real, he has confessed it multiple times over the years, especially the past few days, you have nothing to worry about, Son, you're in safe hands,"

He smiles weakly as a heavy relieved sigh passes from his lungs and over his lips.

"Thank you, captain,"

"Of course my boy, want me to go get him?"

"Aye, would like that,"

"Want to spend the day alone with him?"

"Just a few hours...,"

"I'll go get him, then,"

"Wait..., I want to talk to you before you go...,"

"What is it, Johnny?"

"When are you going to make a move on Margret?"

"What..., does the whole house know?"

"Aye..., noticed you have eyes for her since the other night at dinner, go make a move on her Cap, want you waiting for, You already have Simon's blessing,"

"I know, Johnny, it's easier said than done, you know we don't have as much free time on our hands, don't know if I want to put her through that,"

"Bollocks, you nervous aren't you, Captain?"

Price glances over to him raising his eyebrow disapprovingly sprouting a weak smile and shaking his head. He proceeds to get up from the bed and turn back the the resting man before walking back to the door.

"I'll go get Simon for you,"

"Chicken...,"

John mutters to himself as he sprouts an overly large toothy smile.

"What's that, you little shit...,"

They both burst out laughing before Price returns to the kitchen he continues giggling to himself whisperingly as he enters the room and is met with Simon and Gaz leaning against the island sipping on hot cups of steaming tea as Margret is seated on one of the stools turning the pages of the morning newspaper.

"Simon, why don't you and Gaz go back to the sitting room, he is requesting you back,"

"Is he alright, Cap?"

"Yes, now go..., want to talk with your mother,"

Gaz smirks as he nuged himself into Simon pushing him sightly to the side and letting out an overly long oohing sound.

"Oh shut up, Gaz, let's go,"

He laughs whispering hiding his toothy smile behind his hand as he follows Simon down the corridor.

"What's that about, John?"

"Nothing, Dear, they just acting up..., like children,"

She smiles broadly as she closes and refolds the newspaper setting it aside as she repositions herself facing him.

"So..., what do you want to talk to me about, Darling?"

"I'm just going to say it,"

He remains silent for a moment rubbing the back of his neck before caressing his fingers over her dorsal.

"I believe I'm developing feelings for you Margret,"

"Oh...?"

"Yes and I believe you have the same..., have you not?"

She averts her gaze as she blushes sprouting a hidden toothy smile before curling her fingers over her lips as she glances back at him.

"I believe I am John, however, I need to talk to my son first, need to know how he feels about it,"

"No need, Dear, he's given me his blessing,"

"What..., he has, when?"

"This morning, reason he wanted to talk to me outdoors,"

She remains silent thinking about the possibility that the slightly younger man before her could have similar feelings towards her as she has for him and the blessing her son gave to his former captain overwhelms her in the moment and speaks before thinking about the words flowing from her lips.

"Kiss me then, John,"

Surprised at her words he moves slightly closer to her as he observes her embarrassed expression with her cheeks reddening as she curls her fingers over her lips. he curls his arms around her and leans down towards her pressing his lips against hers. They share a kiss for a few minutes as she is locked within the muscular man's arms held tight by him their kiss intensifies slightly and turns to passion.

"Bloody hell, Sis, is everyone hooking up in this house?"

They jump at the loud roar coming from the doorway and retract from each other glancing over at Patrick standing in the doorway.

"Sorry brother, Thought you were staying in today?"

"I was...,"

"Morning, Patrick,"

"Mr Price..., What's your intentions with my sister, then?"

Price was about to answer but was interrupted by Simon standing behind his uncle. he curls his fingers around his uncle's shoulders pulling him back out of the doorway and leading him back to the sitting room.

"Hey, what you doing, Lad, he's kissing your mother,"

"I know, let them in peace, dad,"

"You alright with it then?"

"Yes, I encouraged him,"

"Hmm... I see...,"

They enter the sitting room and are met with the two gossiping men lying on the bed.

"Morning uncle...looked like you saw a ghost,"

"Yeah, caught my sister snogging your captain,"

In sync, they gasp and look at each other before bursting out in laughter and high-fiving each other as their loud giggles turn to hysteria ending in heavy coughing as they lose their breath.

"Bloody hell..., gonna rip my stitches,"

Gaz still hysterically laughing holding his stomach as he rolled off the bed dragging the blanket with him Simon and Patrick glanced at each other and back down at him with raised eyebrows in disapproval. Their expressions soften and chuckle at each other as they pat each other on the back.

"Calm yourself, Gaz, it's not that funny,"

"Mabey not to you...,"

"Si, get a sense of humour, it's funny, innit, Uncle?"

"I suppose it is..., not as funny as this twat makes it,"

Simon laughs loudly at his uncle's comment as he pats him on the back once more before making his way over to Gaz and helping him up from the floor.

"So what else did I miss, then, apart from the snogging happening in the kitchen,"

"Go on, Si, tell him since it's your idea,"

"You sure, Johnny,"

"Aye,"

"Dad, come have a seat, have lots to discuss with you and you to Gaz, might as well tell you as well since you'll find out anyway,"

Everyone calms down and takes a seat on the bed as Simon explains his ideas for the future about the farm taking care not to mention John's grandmother or her estate, he continues talking excitingly about the ideas and the plans for everyone to move over to Scotland and work and live off the land. Patrick listens contently as he receives the new information resting his face read-less to his audience while Gaz sprouts an overly eager toothy smile.

"Amazing my boy, incredible really,"

"One question, Lt?"

"What is it Gaz?"

"Will there be hunting on this land?"

"Suppose so,"

"Brilliant, How about a gun range?"

"We'll talk about that later, Gaz...,"

"Aye, just got out of it,"

Not too soon Price walks back into the room holding Margret by her hand. She jerks her hand away feeling slightly uncomfortable with the large staring eyes before her...

"Oooh..., Price and margret sitting in a tree..., K, I, S, S, I, N, G...,"

"Shut up, Gaz, your acting like a bloody twelve-year-old,"

He laughs hysterically once again as Patrick slaps him behind his head as Simon and John giggle at his actions.

"Don't need to feel embarrassed, Mom, we all know,"

"You do, darlings?"

"Yes, Sis,"

Simon nods his head at them.

"Congratulations,"

"Thank you, Darling, you sure you okay with this,"

He nods as he glances over to Price sprouting a weak smile as he takes Margret's hand into his own once again leading her to the couch across the bed sitting down and letting her curl up in his arm as she caresses her fingers along his thigh warmly.

Simon glances over at them and smiles weakly before looking down at the resting man next to him and curling his arm around hem letting his rest his head in his armpit he's met with a smile as the other man scrunches up his nose pressing his temple into his ribs.

"How about that shower then, Si?"

End of part 16, Chapter 4.