When our lips touched. part 14.

When our lips touched.

Part 14, chapter 4.

the next morning the sun rose gradually setting the room alight with warm rays reflecting through the window.

Price woke first stretching his arms past his head, he continued lying awaiting his former teammates to wake. He wonders to himself about who he should recruit to replace them. he has a list built up in his mind of candidates ready to be recruited at a word's notice.

"Oh, stop it, John, you can worry about that when you return to your office," he whispers to himself frustratingly as he rubs his eyes warmly with his palms.

John stirs and caresses his leg around the sleeping man next to him as he turns slightly, He yawns heavily as he gradually sits up and glances over to the sleeping man next to him before looking over to Price.

"Morning..., Johnny," he whispers.

"Morning, Captain, would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, would be nice,"

They both get up moving around as quietly as they can, dressing themselves before exiting the room and making their way to the kitchen, the house is quiet everyone is still sleeping.

They enter the kitchen and speak slightly louder than before. John adds water to the kettle and sets the gas stove alight letting the kettle come to a boil, he proceeds to take out two cups and add the necessary ingredients to the empty cups while waiting for the water to boil.

"Hope you slept well, Captain,"

"you know me, Johnny, I can sleep anywhere,"

"True, I know,"

He giggles to himself whisperingly as he smiles broadly.

"Have you ever..., considered retiering, yourself, captain?"

"It has crossed my mind a few times, Johnny,"

"If I may ask what stops you from leaving?"

Price remains silent caressing his index and thumb over his moustache with an unreadable expression.

"Many factors..., for one I have no one to go to if I should, I never married and I'm too old for kids now,"

"You're not that old, Captain,"

"I know, Lad, life just has different plans for me,"

"Do you regret it, joining the military I mean?"

"Sometimes,"

The kettle whistles before he turns the gas off pouring the hot liquid into their cups.

"Milk, Captain?"

"No, black for me thanks,"

He hands him his cup as they stand side by side leaning against the island as their rears press against the countertop. They stand contently not saying a word to each other as they sip the hot coffee.

John sighs lightly before he looks over to Price.

"Thank you, Captain..., for always being there for the both of us when we needed you,"

"It's no problem, son, it's my job you know,"

"You really were like a father to me, and I mean you still are, you know I lost my parents at a very young age and after I joined your team you filled that role I missed out on...,"

"It was my honour, Johnny, you, Simon, and Gaz are like my children in many ways, we are a family unit even if you retire you will remain part of the team, maybe not the 141, but part of my team,"

"Thank you, Captain,"

"You are most welcome my Boy,"

Priced extended his arm and brushed his finger vigorously through John's hair messing it up beyond repair before patting him on the shoulder.

"Sir, I know you are, Simon's best man, but would you walk me down the aisle?"

Price smiles broadly.

"I would be honoured, Johnny,"

John sprouts a toothy smile as he embraces Price with a heavy hug curling his arms around him and hugging him tightly. 

"thank you, Sir,"

Price pats him on his back before rubbing his hands warmly along his spine.

"What's this then?"

Simon materialises in the doorway as he grins mischievously at them. John pulls away from Price, takes hold of his cup and walks over to him.

"morning, Si, have some of my coffee so long I'll brew you a fresh cup of tea,"

"No, Need, Puppy, not thirsty yet,"

"Morning, Simon,"

"Captain,"

They nod their heads to each other.

"So, Simon, Guess I'm walking your fiance down the aisle on your wedding day,"

"Good to hear, Captain,"

"When is the big day then?"

He looks at John and smiles broadly.

"As soon as he lets me,"

"Need to get settled first, Si,"

"thought we are already,"

"I mean, move in first and settle down,"

Price grins happily sprouting a weak smile as he looks at Simon.

"He's right you know, Lt,"

Simon rolls his eyes at them both and proceeds to drink the hot coffee in one gup. his expression drops to disgust as he looks into the empty cup in his hands

"Bloody hell, don't know how you can drink this garbage...,"

"I'll brew you a fresh cup of tea, Si,"

"Thanks, Johnny,"

they continued their conversation as John prepared a fresh cup of tea for Simon. Price continues questioning them about their future plans and when they will be returning to Scotland. Not too soon Margret walks into the kitchen, greeting everyone and kissing her boys on their cheeks.

"So what are your plans for today, Boys,"

"No plans, Mom,"

"Just chill around the house I guess, right Johnny?"

"Aye,"

they exchange a smile with each other as Price interrupts them.

"I should really be going as well,"

"So early, Mr Price,"

"Yes, Ma'am, need to get those papers filed,"

"Are you sure you won't stay for lunch?"

"It's tempting but I really should be going,"

They continued their conversation for a few more minutes before Price was about to stand up from the stool he was comfortably sitting on the doorbell rang and heavy knocking came from the front door echoing through the house.

"Wonder who that could be?"

Margert questions as she walks to the front door. she turns the doorknob and swings the door open and before her stands her eldest son.

"Tommy, what are you doing here?"

"Hello, Mum, is that the way to greet your favourite son?"

Simon overhears the conversation from the kitchen taking place at the front door, his face turns red with anger and curls his hands into fists as his arms tremble.

"Si, what's the matter?"

"My brother is here,"

"Captain, I think it's best you stay for a bit,"

"Of course,"

Margret proceeds to invite Tommy indoors and leads him to the kitchen.

"Brother...,"

"Hello, Tom,"

"It's been a while, baby bro,"

"Not long enough..., unfortunately,"

"Ummm..., Is that any way to speak to your Big Brother, then?"

John looks at Simon and interrupts the unpleasant conversation taking place before him.

"Hello, Tommy, I'm John a friend of your brother and this is Price our friend,"

"Friend...?"

"Aye,"

"Didn't tell me you had friends now, Simon,"

"Not a friend, Tom, my fiance...,"

"Oh really..., knew you were a fag,"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!"

Price roars loudly as his eyebrows rise high on his forehead.

"That's enough, Tommy, you won't be disrespecting anyone in my house and that word is not welcome here,"

"Alright, calm down everyone, just taking a piss on my little brother,"

"Not funny, Tommy,"

Margret fumes in outrage and embarrassment for both her sons. 

"So what is it you want then, brother?"

"I need a reason to see, Mum?"

"You, definitely,"

"Okay that's enough, both of you, Si, why don't you take your brother to the back garden and talk this out with him,"

"No point..."

"Do it for me then?"

Simon grunts miserably but agrees and gestures to his brother to follow him outdoors.

"Well, that was intense, are they always like this, Mom?"

"It's the first time they have seen each other since Simon left thirteen years ago,"

"What, really, Mom?"

 "I better stay for a bit, this might get ugly,"

"I think that's for the best, Captain,"

Outside in the garden, Simon stands with his arms crossed as he narrows his eyes at his brother. he receives a wicked grin in return from him as the silence remains and the minutes tediously pass.

"So what's your deal brother?"

"My deal, why you a fag now?"

"This is not about me, Why are you here, for once be honest with me?"

"I need money...,"

"For what?"

"I don't need to disclose that with you,"

"Drugs?"

"None of your business!"

Simon frowns heavily as his breathing increases.

"When you ask, Mum, it is my business,"

"Since when..., you ran off thirteen years ago,"

"To get away from you and Dad,"

"Tommy averts his gaze from him clenching his hands into fists.

"You couldn't even come to his funeral,"

"Why would I?"

"Cause he was our father...,"

"He is nothing of mine if you recall he beat the shit out of me and our mother for years, look at my face..., this is his doing and you helped him all those years, you were supposed to be there for me, Tommy, but you grew into his image,"

"At least one of us is a real man like him,"

"You referring to me being gay?"

"Fag more like it,"

"I don't care what you think about me, I don't need you in my life, never did and never will, you were the one who broke up this family in the first place or did you forget what you did?"

"You left..., not me, you did, you're the twat that left us all behind,"

"Don't turn this on me brother, you are the one with the issues, I moved on and I'm about to start my life with someone who actually cares about me even with these scars you and father cursed me with,"

Tommy grins wickedly as he raises an eyebrow. he looks Simon up and down before smirking and laughing loud and wickedly.

"You are pathetic, brother,"

"I don't care what you think of me,"

"Oh but you do, you won't be out here with me if it wasn't for that Scottish fag inside,"

"DON'T CALL HIM THAT!"

"Hit a nerve did I?"

 "Think you should leave now brother...,"

"Don't take orders from faggots,"

Simon growls deeply as he clenches his fists tight digging his nails into his palms and piercing the skin. Without hesitation, he swings his arm to his brother punching him through the face letting him fall back a hitting his head on the lush green grass beneath him. For a moment he stands above his brother as Tommy looks up at him with a bruised cheek and a heavy flow of blood from his lips. He gets back up with much effort before spitting a huge gulp of bloody saliva to his side.

"You'll wish you, had never done that,"

"Get out of here, and don't come back,"

"Glady..., don't have time for fags like you anyways,"

He proceeds back to the kitchen limping every other step as he rubs his cheek. once inside he is met with the horror expression on his mother's face and the grin curling over Price's.

"Are you okay, Tommy...,"

Get away from me fag...,"

"Just trying to help you, Mate,"

Help...?"

He stumbles over to John and proceeds to whisper something gibberish in his ear about them going to rot in hell, before digging deep into his pocket and secretly taking out a small switchblade nudging the leaver on the side of the handle letting the blade slide from its cavity.

"I don't need your help..., John...,"

He turns to his mother and turns back launching the blade into John's side before stumbling down the corridor and out the front door slamming it harshly behind him.

"Oh...,god...,"

John groans heavily holding his hand over the knife wound.

"C-captain...,"

"No...fuck he stabbed you,"

"WHAT, no, no-no, John are you, okay?"

"Get Simon, Mom,"

Margert sprints to the back door almost pushing it from its hinges.

"SIMON..., Tommy, stabbed John,"

Simon stood in disbelief before he ran back to the kitchen trotting holes in the grass as he ran. He burst into the kitchen positioning himself over John as he lay on the floor, Price pressed his hands over the wound with the knife still launched in his side.

"No..., no- no, this is not happening, Mother call an ambulance, For fuck sake hurry,"

John lies on the cold tiles as the blood oozes from the wound pooling beneath him. he breathes heavily as his body weakens. Simon sits beneath him holding his hand tight as tears run down his cheeks begging him to hold on, while Margret is on the phone with 999 pleading for an ambulance.

"Please..., Johnny, hold on you have to..., Please,"

"Hold on, lad,"

A few minutes pass and Patrick walks in on the scene.

"What the fuck happened,"

"Tommy, stabbed him, Mr Pat,"

"That son of a bitch, he will pay for this,"

'Did you call 999, Sis,"

She nods frantically as she shivers with fear and tears running down her face. Not too soon the ambulance drives up into the driveway, Patrick sprints to the front door and lets the paramedics rush to the kitchen as he points to John lying on the floor unconscious. 

They request everyone to back up as they assist in treating the wound,  one of the paramedics attaches a breathing apparatus to John's nose and mouth and pumps air manually into his lungs as the other two proceed to clear the wound as they gently pull the knife from his side and treat the area before they guiding gause into the wound letting the Blood stop. The one free paramedic inserts a needle with an IV into his median cubital vein. he stabilizes but remains unconscious as he's gently dragged onto an EMS stretcher before being escorted back to the ambulance.

One of the paramedics requested who would be joining them in the ambulances Simon already proceeded to get in the vehicle after John was secured to the bed.

"He will, I'm, Captain, John Price, take care of my men, here is my card I'll be sending my people to you ASAP they will deal with the necessary paperwork,"

"Yes sir we'll do what we can to save him,"

The paramedic rushed back to the ambulance and drove down the driveway with the heaving sound coming from the siren echoing through the neighbourhood.

Not too soon they reach the hospital and John is rushed into the emergency room. Simon is forced to remain in the waiting room, shortly after Price arrives with Margret and Patrick. She curls her arms around him and cries into his chest holding onto him for dear life.

Patrick pats him on his shoulder and assures him everything will be okay as he turns to Price and receives a nod in return.

"Mum, could you let go of me for a minute I need to talk to Price,"

She is reluctant at first but retracts her arms and Patrick tapes her on her shoulder to let go of him. he walks to Price and gestures for him to walk with him.

"Captain, you know what happened is there any way we can put him behind bars?"

"All ready on it, You two are still on active duty until those files are filed in the archive, you are still under my command and Johnny was attacked while still under the 141,"

"Does that mean...,"

"Yes..., his considered...,"

"Understood, Captain, do whatever you have to do to lock the fucker away,"

Simon's eyes fill with tears once again as he tries his best to keep his emotions in check but it's no use he curls his arms around Price and hugs him tight as he mutters.

"I don't know what I'll do if he dies, John, I can't live without him...,"

"Simon..., He won't die, The wound is not too severe,"

"I shouldn't have punched him...,"

Probably not..., but he deserved it,"

Price pats him on his back doing his best to comfort him in the moment. He retracts his embrace as he wipes his face dry with his blood-stained shirt.

"I'll make the call then, are you sure you want to go through with this, Simon,"

"Yes...,

Moments later Patrick materializes in the corner of his eye holding a black T-shirt and a face mask.

"Here you go lad, got you these at the gift shop and thought you might want to change...,"

"Thank you, uncle, appreciate it,"

"Don't worry about it him, lad, he is a fighter,"

"I know, Uncle, I'm not worried for him..., I need to talk to you about something and you cannot tell, Mum, can I trust you with this secret?"

"Of course, Son,"

"We are not retired until those papers are filed we signed last night, that means Tommy has attempted to assassinate a member of the Shadow military,"

"Fokning hell..., does that mean he'll be locked up for good?"

"Something like that,"

"Good the fucker deserves it,"

"Price is on the phone now, ordering the collection,"

"What, now..., sooner than later I guess, I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop him, Son,"

"It's not your fault, Dad, it's mine..., I punched him, wouldn't stop calling him a fag...,"

"Simon, he deserved that, and don't ever blame yourself for his actions, he is a twat just like your father was,"

Simon smiles weakly as he hugs his uncle resting his chin on his shoulder.

"Go change now, Simon and don't worry I'm in your confidential circle now, my lips are sealed,"

"Thank you, Dad,"

Simon proceeds to the restroom to change his shirt, when in the restroom he proceeds to remove and wash his shirt and dry it under the hand dryer. He continues washing his stomach clean from the dry blood. He pulls the new shirt over his head and adjusts the fit around his waist before applying the mask to his ears covering his face.

As he exits the room he sees Patrick and Price talking and walks over to them.

"Simon,"

"Shit, I should call Johnny's Gran she should know,"

"Do you have her number, Son?"

"No uncle,"

"Perhaps you should wait, Lt, don't want to stress her, She's in her late eighties you know,"

"You are right, Captain..., any news on, Tommy?"

Price narrowed his eyes at him pointing his head to his uncle slightly.

"He knows, I'm sorry but I won't keep this from him, My mother yes but not him I trust him with my confidentialities and so can you, I'll put my life on that,"

"Alright, then, the collection has been sent out and he is already being tracked, once he is captured the two of you will be relieved of your duties and your paperwork will be filed. I already handed it over,"

"Thank you, Captain..., When did you hand it over?"

"When I was on the phone outside, our people arrived and are busy with Johnny's paperwork and our best surgeon is here to take over the operation, you have nothing to fear anymore, Simon,"

"Thank you, Mr Price, For taking care of my sons,"

"No problem, Patrick..., It's my honour,"

Margret walks over to them, face red from crying, She curls her arms around Simon and hugs him tight as he returns the hug. they stand together as worry continues to bloom between them, an hour passes and a man in a dark navy uniform walks to them holding a clipboard.

"Mr. Riley?"

"That's Me,"

"Your partner's surgery was a success with minimal damage to his vitals. he was very lucky the blade missed his large intestine by half a millimetre,"

"Can we see him now?"

"Yes, Captain Price, he is in recovery,"

"Mr, Riley can I speak with you in private before I take you to him,"

"Of course,"

they walk to the far end of the waiting room.

"What seems to be the problem is he alright?"

"Yes..., he is perfectly fine, However, I need to discuss his aftercare, he will have to stay the night for observation, but will be released tomorrow afternoon. however, I'll give you instructions regarding his care, however, it is important that you don't engage in intercourse with him for at least two to three weeks, I'm aware the urges are hard to ignore, however, it's important to keep his abdominal muscles relaxed for as long as possible,"

"Thank you, Doctor, I swear I'll take good care of him, I do have a question, we are in the process of moving to Scotland, I presume we won't be able to proceed as planned?"

"No, I highly suggest you stay put and avoid unnecessary moving, it's best he remains lying down for at least ten days,"

"Thank you, doctor, I really appreciate you taking care of him,"

"No problem, Mr Riley, Putting professionalism aside, I hope the smuck who did this to him gets what's coming to him,"

"Oh believe me he is..., now please take me to my future husband,"

Simon and the doctor return to Price and the others before being led down a corridor leading past several other corridors before reaching the recovery ward. they continue a few doors down until they reach John's private room.

"Here you go, Mr Riley, Please keep in mind you only have an hour before visiting hours end,"

"Price...?"

"Doctor, My lieutenant will be staying the night, no arguments,"

"I highly advise against it,"

"Doctor..., My orders a final,"

the doctor nods his head and steps aside letting Simon enter the room first before stepping past the door he glances over his shoulder at Price.

"Thank you, Captain,"

"No problem, Lad, we'll give you two a minute,"

He turns and proceeds to walk into the room closing the door behind him. John is resting peacefully, recovering from the surgery and heavily medicated.

"Johnny...?"

He stirs and wakes gradually as his eyes flutter open temporarily blinded by the florescents above him.

"Si..., you're here,"

"Of course I am,"

He walks over to the bed and leans over him pressing a kiss to his forehead.

"How are you feeling, Love?"

"High..., but good..., w-where is he?"

"Don't worry about him, he's taken care of,"

"Sorry, Si, I was caught off guard,"

"No, it's my fault, I pushed him too far,"

Simon leans forward resting his head in the crook of his neck as tears run down his cheeks pooling in the other man's neck beneath him. John caresses his back gently and rubs his shoulder blade warmly.

"No..., it's not, you had y-your reason, I should have been on my guard..., as you taught me, Didn't expect it, especially with your mother in the room...,"

He groans heavily feeling the painkillers wear from his system. Simon pulled back and caressed his fingers along his forehead, sensing his medication wearing off. 

"Will have to stay overnight,"

"Are you leaving?"

"No, Price, ordered the doctor to let me stay,"

"Is he, here?"

"Yes, want to see him?"

"Aye...,"

Simon walks back to the door and swings it open letting Price and the other in the room.

"Oh, John, are you alright, Darling?"

"Aye, Mom, had better days,"

"That's a good lad, told you, Simon, he's a fighter,"

"I know, Dad,"

They gather around the bed as John remains lying down. Simon stands next to him as his mother and uncle stand on the opposite side and Price is at the foot of the bed. Margret curled her hand around his and squeezed tight as her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm so sorry, John, It's all my fault..., I shouldn't have let him in, knowing how he is like...,"

"Stop, Mom, it's no one's fault, I should blame myself for letting my guard down,"

"Nonsense, Lad, Luckily w...,"

Simon cuts Patrick off clearing his throat aggressively, Patrick nods in understanding and retracts his words as he rubs his sister's back warmly.

"Patrick and Margret, I understand it is a delicate moment, however, would you mind stepping out for a moment I need to speak with them privately,"

"Of course, Mr Price,"

"And no eavesdropping, please,"

Patrick leads his sister out of the room before closing the door behind them and returning to the waiting room.

"Johnny, How could you let this happen, You are one of my best?"

"John, please, it's not his fault...,"

"I never said it was, Simon, I need to do these inquiries before I break the news,"

"What news, Captain,"

Price sighs heavily as he looks at Simon as they share a nod and return the gaze to him.

"You were stabbed while still being an active member of the 141,"

"Thought we were re..., 

"Only once the papers are processed, while you were in surgery our people collected the files and are now in process, that being said you will be retired officially as of nightfall tonight,"

"Okay, what does that have to do with me being stabbed?"

"Tommy has attempted to assassinate a member of the Shadow military, you know what that means...,"

"No... you cannot, Price, Please,"

"It was my call, Johnny,"

"No, Simon, you cannot do this, think about your mother, besides it was only a little stab wound,"

"I don't care, Johnny, these matters have to be dealt with as necessary, besides, it will do him good in the long run. And no it wasn't a little stab wound you nearly bled out on the kitchen floor, remember?"

"Captain, please don't do this...,"

"Sorry, lad, it really is for the best, I had a back check run on him and he is a heavy drug user with an abusive past, would be unwise to let him go free, we will be sending him to a rehab facility where he will remain for the majority of his life, it is for the best, especially for Margret,"

John's eyes fill with tears as he groans in pain clutching the blanket over the wound as the EKG machine next to the bed beeps loudly as his heartbeat rises.

"calm yourself, Johnny, I know this is difficult to hear,"

"Please, Puppy,"

He calms himself leisurely taking deep breaths as he closes his eyes, the beeping machine next to him seizes its excessive dings. Simon takes hold of his hand and holds it firmly as he strokes his thumb over his dorsal.

"Johnny, it is done, our people are already on the lookout and should have him in our custody before nightfall, he is a threat not only to you but who knows what he is capable of,"

He remains silent, fiddling with his fingers as Simon rubs his shoulder warmly.

"Will he remain unharmed?"

"Yes, lad, I give you my word,"

"Alright then, do what you must...,

They remain in silence for a few minutes as Price continues to sit in the armchair across the bed crossing his arms and letting out a heavy sigh.

"Captain..., Si, told me I'll be discharged tomorrow and can return home,"

"Yes, lad,"

"Would you mind staying with us for a few days?"

Price looks at Simon sharing a glance before he nods his head slightly to him.

"I suppose I could, will have to discuss it with, Margret, first, Lad."

"Thank you, John,"

"No problem, Lt..., I'll leave you two in peace for a moment I'll go talk with Margret about me staying with you for a few days before I send them back for their farewells before visiting hours end,"

"Thank you, Captain,"

He gets up and walks to the door glancing over his shoulder at the couple embracing in each other's arms before he exits the room. Not too soon he reached the waiting room and located Margret and Patrick sitting at the far end of the room in a deep discussion. He walks over to them and proceeds to sit down next to Patrick while he sighs heavily.

"How are they, Sir?"

"They'll be fine, he's been through worse,"

He remained silent for a moment rubbing the back of his neck and groaning whisperingly.

"Ma'am, Johnny requested that I stay a few days while he recovers back at yours, is that alright with you?"

"Of course it is, you don't need to ask, you can stay as long as you like,"

"Thank you, ma'am,"

He looks at Patrick before looking down at his feet and taking in a deep breath.

"Ma'am..., Your son and I were not going to tell you this, However, since you are the mother of the culprit you should have the right to know..., John and Simon were still on active duty this morning and would remain until the papers they signed last night are processed. That being said your son had attempted an assassination on a member of the Shadow military, one of my men, Johnny,"

"Oh dear god, what does that mean?"

"Unfortunately it means he will have to be dealt with accordingly, I can do whatever is in my power to give him a comfortable life in a rehab facility,"

"Rehab?"

"Yes, Ma'am, he is a heavy drug and alcohol abuser and has multiple arrests under his belt for theft and domestic abuse, it would be wise to have him locked up for good, however under my authority I can have him shipped to one of the best rehab prison facilities in Britain under our care where he will most like remain for the rest of his life,"

Margret's eyes fill with tears as she takes the words in with disbelief, Patrick pats her on the shoulder and proceeds the rub her back warmly.

"Will I ever see him again?"

"Yes, you can visit or I can organise a video call once a month,"

"Why on God's green earth would you want to see him, Margret?"

"he's my son, Patrick, yes he's a screw-up like his father but I cannot abandon him because of what he did,"

"He, nearly killed, John..., KILLED, Margret,"

"Mr Patrick, please calm yourself, I understand this is a delicate matter and if it was up to me he would be off way worse elsewhere, unfortunately, he is related to my boys and I can't do that to your sister, I gave my word to, Johnny, that no harm will come to him, besides can we all just be happy he has made a recovery,"

"You are right..., Sorry, Mr Price,"

"Now go see your boys, visiting hours are almost over,"

"you are coming with us tonight right, Mr Price?"

"If it's no trouble I would like to be near, my boys if they need anything, besides, I have loads of paperwork to fill out regarding the incident,"

"Of course, sir, happy to have you near and thank you for everything you have done for my boys, I'll forever be in your debt,"

"Nonsense, They are my boys too, maybe not by blood but they are my family, now go say your goodbyes so we can go home,"

They follow the route to John's room walking rapidly down the corridors. Margret pace quickens every few seconds as she is eager to see her sons before having to leave them behind for the night. Not too soon they reach his room and Price knocks quietly on the door and waits for Simon to open the door. They stand before the light blue door waiting tediously as the moments pass, soon the door handle twists and the door swings open as Simon stands in the doorway blocking them from entering.

"He's sleeping, best we don't wake him,"

"Si..., w-who is it?"

"It's us, Darling, Just want to say goodbye before we leave,"

"Let them in, Si,'

He moves to the side and lets them pass entering the room. Margret sprints to the bed taking his hand into her own and presses a kiss to his cheek while Patrick stands next to her with a grin on his face. On the other end of the room Price and Simon speak in whispers.

"I spoke to your mother, she knows,"

"Is she okay with it then?"

"Yes, she understands,"

"Please make sure that fucker never gets out once he is in your custody, Price,"

"I'll do my best, Simon,"

"Oi, what you two whispering about?"

"Nothing, Johnny, you rest up tonight, we can talk again tomorrow, Lad,"

Price walks over to him and taps him on his shoulder before giving him a light squeeze as a warm smile grows over his face. He gestures to Margret and Patrick that it's time to go before, Margret pressed a kiss to his cheek and brushed her fingers through his hair before Patrick gave him a wink and nudged his sister to the door gently. As Price followed behind them a pinging sound came from his pocket, he retrieved his phone and swiped right unlocking the device. a message pops up on the screen as he proceeds to read the flashing message 'suspects seized' he looks at Simon and nods to him with reassurance he receives a nod in return as Simon mouths the words 'Is it done'. Price nods his head once more and proceeds to exit the room and close the door behind him leaving them together in peace.

"You should get some sleep, Johnny,"

"It's still early,"

"It is 07:45, you need to rest,"

John pulls open the covers inviting him to join him in his bed.

"I really shouldn't, could hurt you,"

"Please..., won't be able to sleep without you,"

Simon smiled weakly as he glanced at the moping man before him. He persists in not joining him in bed but soon falters and sits next to him on the bed, he remains sitting for a few moments as John caresses his back nudging him to lie down. 

Simon resists thinking about the conversation he had with the doctor hours before about taking extra caution and not having him move excessively. he continues to remove his boots and kick them to the floor, before turning and facing him.

"Johnny..., If I join you you have to take care not to move, you have to stay on your back no matter what, do you understand?"

"Aye, just get in already,"

John moves slightly away from him making room for the larger man, he falters as a sharp pain shoots through his abdomen as he clenches the bandages wrapped around his waist and groans in pain.

"Shit..., are you alright, Johnny,"

"Aye, nothing to worry about, Si,"

"Don't think this is a good idea,"

"Stop being such a baby just get in already before I have to call a nurse to put you in bed with me,"

Simon laughed deeply while brushing his fingers along his neck. He proceeds to carefully lay back next to John taking extra care to not stir the bed and keeping him as still as possible. He rests his head on their shared pillow as he takes John's hand into his own and presses a kiss to his temple.

"You know..., you really scared me today, Johnny, I don't know what I would have done if I lost you,"

"I'm still here, Si,"

"I know..., it's j-just, you have changed me for the better, letting myself become vulnerable around you and letting my guard down. for the first time in my life, I'm happy, not just with you but with myself and it is all because of you, Johnny,"

John looked at him with light tears in his eyes before he nudged his head into the crook of Simon's neck and sighed heavily,"

"I'm not going anywhere, Si, it's gonna take a lot more than a dinky toy knife to get rid of me,"

"Good to know, Puppy,"

John yawns heavily as his eyes fall shut and presses heavily against the man next to him as he falls asleep. 

Simon remains awake as he curls his arm around him gently nudging him into his armpit letting him rest in peace. he settles himself and makes himself comfortable in the uncomfortable bed beneath him, not bothered much by the discomfort he is grateful that the man in his arms is still there, healthy and breathing apart from the dagger wound of course.

he stares up at the ceiling as his mind returns to the dramatics of that morning and the unpleasant conversation he had with his brother, hearing him call Johnny a fag fumes his mind with anger once more but calms himself as the man in his arm stirs and mumbles something gibberish as a saliva bubble forms and pops in the corner of his mouth.

He smiled to himself closing his eyes and letting his mind clear using his training to the best of his ability, he let the visions come and go letting the unpleasant memories of the day fade from his mind. He focused on John's breathing letting it ease his mind as he soon joined him in slumber.

The early hours of the night progressed gradually as they remained in each other's arms, their hearts beating in sync as they remained in contentment with each other. The hours passed tediously and John stirred mostly through the night but Simon held him tight every time he groaned with painly echoes. 

"Don't stir, Johnny, remain calm,"

Simon whispers in the late hours of the night, the warmth and vibrations of his voice soothe him and calm his system as he returns to blissful sleep. 

Simon remains awake the majority of the night but dozes off ever so often but returns soon after taking care of the love of his life making sure he remains comfortable as the late ours turns to early morning as the break of dawn sprouts its glittering light through the dull window of their hospital room.

End of part 14.