When our lips touched. part 12.

When our lips touched.

Part 12, Chapter 3.

Later that morning as the hours flew by. John stirs awake his eyes fluttered open temporarily blinded by the bright light illuminating the room.

He sits up as Simon's arm rolls from his person and looks around the room before laying his gaze on the sleeping man next to him. He rubs his eyes swirling his palms swiftly before remembering what transpired the night before. He shifts his position resting his feet on the cold floor as he leans forward gripping his knees tight and staring intensely at his feet.

His mind spirals in disbelief at his actions of the previous night feeling utterly embarrassed for himself. He stands up gradually and takes hold of Simon's tracksuit bottoms before exiting their bedroom not waking the sleeping man. 

In the corridor, he dressed in the oversized pants before making his way downstairs. He reached the kitchen and Margret stood before the window with a large steaming cup of coffee in hand.

"Morning, Mom,"

"Oh..., John how are you this morning?"

"I-I'm fine, I'm sorry for last night,"

"that's perfectly alright, Darling?"

"Where is, Uncle Pat?"

"Went out for some milk and eggs,"

He remains silent for a minute.

"Would you mind if I speak to you, Mom?"

"Of course, Darling,"

He closed his eyes curling his hands into a ball bringing them to his lips and blowing into them as a heavy sigh passed over his lips.

"Mom..., I'm sorry about last night, however, I'm not used to people caring for me the way, you, Uncle Pat and Simon have, it's new to me a sensation I'm not too familiar with. My Gran has been the only one and she herself is strict but cares deeply..., and you..., have accepted me without question,"

"Oh, Darling, that's what mothers do,"

"I'm not used to it, Mom,"

"Well, no matter what, you are part of my family now and I consider you as my own,"

John's eyes lightly fill with tears as he averts his gaze from her before caressing his sleeves over his eyes.

"I love you, John and I'm happy to have you as part of my family,"

"Thank you, Mom, I-I'm just so scared I'll fuc..., screw it up,"

"Oh, John, Were all a little fucked up,"

He gasped and giggled at her as a weak smile sprouted over his face.

"I'm not as proper as I come off, My Dear,"

"Neither is your son,"

She beames in delight ass she takes a sip of her coffee.

"Tell me about him, John, I haven't seen much of him since he left for the military,"

"Well..., Honestly he only recently opened up to me, well to any of us apart from, Price.

"Price?"

"He is our captain,"

"Oh, I see,"

"He ignored me since I joined the..., team, and only spoke to me when needed I always liked him but never knew it was that way, if you know what I mean?"

"I understand, don't worry,"

"it was only recently, after our latest mission, that I developed feelings for him in that way, and the past few days I've spent with him back home were incredible, he opened up to me expressing his deepest fears and desires in life and revealed who he really is, a completely different person than the one from work,"

"It's because of you, John,"

"I know, in a way, it terrifies me, Mom,"

"How come?"

"I've never had an impact like that on someone before,"

"oh don't be silly, John, your perfect just the way you are,"

He smiles slightly embarrassed at the compliment.

They continue their conversation as heavy footsteps stomp down the stairs and the corridor leading to the kitchen. A dark figure materialises in the doorway.

"Morning,"

"Morning, Darling,"

Simon walks to John and curls his arms around him as he hugs him tightly. Margret averts her gaze and walks to the far end of the kitchen giving them privacy. He kissed him on his neck and whispered in his ear,

"How are you feeling, Puppy?"

"I'm fine, Si, Sorry about last night,"

"Don't be, It's normal to feel the way you did,"

He leans his head against Simon's cheek as he peppers kisses along his temple as Simon gently rubs his belly warmly.

"Oh, you two,"

"Sorry, Mom,"

She giggles as she curls her fingers over her lips watching the scene play out before her.

"Coffee or tea, Darlings?"

"Coffee for me, Mom,"

"Tea please,"

She proceeded to fill the kettle with water before setting the gas alight and retrieving two cups from the cabinet at the far end of the kitchen above the sink. While she was preparing their beverages Simon led him to the stools standing by the island. 

Later she serves them their drinks before retrieving a large tin from one of the drawers lining the side of the island. She opens the lid and the aroma of sweet biscuits fills the air and lays the tin before then.

"Help yourself, Boys,"

"Thank you, Mom,"

They continue conversing the morning away a few hours pass as the front door swings open and shuts shortly after. Patrick materializes in the kitchen with two paper bags filled with groceries.

"Morning, Lads,"

"Morning, Uncle Pat,"

"Morning,"

He walks past behind them carrying the two bags before setting them down on the counter and proceeding to unpack the purchases. Margret helps him pack the goods away as they continue their conversation.

Not too soon Simon's phone rings, he proceeds to retrieve it from his pocket looking at the caller.

"It's, Price, I need to take this,"

He gets up from his seat makes his way to the back door and exits the house.

In the back garden, he swipes his finger right over the screen as he brings the phone to his ear.

"Captain,"

"Morning, Lt,"

"Any news?"

"Yes, as I predicted Shepard doesn't want to speak to you in person,"

"how about Jonny?"

"Neither, However..., he does want you to call him, ASAP,"

"No problem I can call him now,"

"Good choice, however..., try to not mention your relationship with, Johnny, He is more homophobic than I originally thought,"

"No worries, I can handle myself, Captain,"

"I know,"

"Does he want to speak with, Johnny too?"

"No just you,"

He remains silent for a moment sighing heavily.

"Any other news, Then?"

"Yes, your retirement is in process, will take a few days of course, especially with the extra requests I put in for you both,"

"thank you, John,"

"No problem, Lt, Just call, Shepard, ASAP,"

"Yes, I'll do that now, thank you for everything, Price,"

"No problem,"

"Bye,"

Simon looks to the sky as he takes a heavy breath of fresh air before exhaling loudly as frustration builds in his head dreading the call with, Shepard.

He scrolls through his contacts to the number of, Shepard's office, he hovers his thumb over the call button and presses down bringing the phone to his ear.

The phone rings tediously feeling like he would never pick up but not too soon a familiar stern voice answers.

"Shepard, speaking,"

"Morning, General Shepard, Simon Riley, speaking,"

"Ahh, yes..., one of my best, corrupted, So tell me lieutenant why do you want to break your contract and retire so soon?"

"You know the answer to that, Sir,"

"Disappointing I'll admit, giving up your rank for a fag, never saw you as a poof, Riley,"

"Sorry to disappoint, Sir,"

Simon's anger builds with every word that spills through the phone from, Shepard, he clinches his fist as his nails dig into his palm breaking the skin as blood slightly runs through his clenched fingers.

"Explain yourself, Riley,"

"Sir, with all due respect to you and the 141, I believe we've done our part for this country and it is time to move on,"

"you realize once you leave you'll be stripped of your rank?"

"Yes, I'm aware, Sir,"

"Your willing to give all this up for a fag, you could be running this place in twenty years,"

"Sorry, Sir, it's time we move on,"

"so no convincing you otherwise?"

"No Sir, respectfully, I believe we've done our part,"

"Disappointing..., well, can't deny you two served me well, your retirement will be set in as of immediately, consider yourself retired. I'll send, Price, your way with the necessary paperwork,"

"Thank you, Sir,"

"Wish I could say it's an Honor, Lieutenant, just disappointing my best turned out to be fags.

"My apologies Sir,"

Shepard, ends the call.

Simon roars loudly with anger and grunts in frustration as his mind is clouded. He tossed his phone aside letting it bounce before it came to a still in the lush green grass a few meters away from him as he fell to his knees bending forward and slamming his fists into the ground.

John hears the commotion coming from outside he jumps from his seat and rushes to the window and sees the scene play out before him. without hesitation, he sprints for the backdoor before ordering Margert and Patrick to stay put.

The back door swings open slamming against the wall as he runs to him. Upon arrival, he leans down before him grabbing onto him.

"Simon, what happened..., please talk to me!"

Simon remains pressed to the ground as he growls heavily.

"Simon, for god sake, please!"

His stiffened posture weakens as he sits back up as his pulsing fists seize and his hands go numb and reveal the wounds in his left hand as blood oozed down his fingers.

"God you're bleeding,"

"It's nothing, Johnny,"

"What the fuck do you mean it's nothing, of course, it is,"

"JUST DROP IT!"

John falls back somewhat terrified but frustrated at him.

"NO, I will not drop it..., and you will not speak to me like that especially now, we're not in the field where I have to follow your orders. If I ask you what's wrong with you, you will answer me, do I make myself clear...?"

Simon averts his gaze not wanting to look him in the face feeling utterly embarrassed for his actions towards him. he remains silent as John takes his hand into his own and gently forces his injured palm open.

"Did you do this to yourself, Simon, wait, what did, Price say?"

Simon sighed heavily reluctant to answer but managed to find the words he needed to express.

"N-not, Price..., Shepard,"

"I see, alright let's go back inside, I'll fix you up and you can tell me what he said, alright?"

He smiles brokenly as John nudges himself under his arm and lifts them both to their feet. he curls his arm around his waist as they walk back to the kitchen, As soon as they enter they are met with two pairs of wide eyes staring at them. Margret stands before the sink as she turns to face them a look of terror grows over her face as she loses the grip on her teacup letting it fall to the floor, it shatters on impact sending shards of porcelain flying across the floor.

"God you're bleeding, lad,"

"What, he's bleeding?"

Margret sprints to them before she is stopped in her tracks by John.

"Stop both of you, we need the room, Uncle Pat, would you please take, Mom to the other room, the two of us have an important and confidential matter to discuss,

"Yes, of course, lad, come, Sis, let's give them some space,

"Wait, why are you ble...

"Mom, please..., I give you my word I'll talk to you later, but now you need to go, please,"

"Margret, please come, he's in safe hands,"

Patrick takes his sister's hand and leads her to the sitting room leaving them in peace.

John grabbed hold of the tea towel rinsed it under the sink and squeezed the access liquid before wrapping it around Simon's hand.

"keep pressure on it, Si, Let me just clean the mess first,"

He walked carefully to the back door making sure not to step on the sharp porcelain fragments scattered along the floor, and unhooked the broom from behind the door as he proceeded to sweep the floor clean. Not too soon he collects the last fragments of the cup in a dust pan before discarding it in the bin by the kitchen door.

"Let me see your hand, Simon,"

"It's not that serious, Johnny,"

"To me it is,"

John unwrapped the tea towel and gently nudged his hand open exposing four, centimetre cuts on his palm.

"Did you do this to yourself, Si?" 

"It would appear so,"

He continues to clean the wound with the towel before rinsing it under the tap once more. 

"Alright, now tell me what, Shepard,"

"To be honest not that much apart from calling us fags,"

John scrunched his nose in disgust as he continued caring for Simon's hand.

"Is that all?"

"No..., our retirement has been set in as of immediately,"

"you mean...,w-we're done?"

"Yes, we are done,"

John remains quiet as his face remains unreadable.

"You, alright, Love?"

"Aye, sorry, it just seems to be a bit of an easy way out, you know, You sure we are out?"

"Yes, Price will bring the paperwork, I should probably call him,"

"Do you want privacy?"

"No, it's not necessary, Johnny,"

John sprouts a weak smile as he finishes cleaning his hand.

"Wait, where is my phone..., it's probably still outside,"

"You stay here, SI, I'll go get it,"

 John returns outdoors as he scouts the lawn around the area Simon was in earlier. He finds the device and brushes the grass and dirt from the screen revealing several cracks webbing the screen. He returns to the kitchen as he walks through the door the sight of Simon fills his vision, and the face of misery sits before him.

"What's the matter, Si?"

Simon glanced over to him as a heavy sigh passed over his lips.

"It's nothing, Johnny,"

"No, it is  something..., please talk to me, Simon,"

Simon cracks a weak smile as he stands next to him rubbing his arm warmly.

"Just thinking about what, Shepard, called you, I didn't appreciate him calling you a fag. I can't care less what he called me..., b-but hearing him break you down like that doesn't sit right with me,"

"Don't worry about him, Si, I don't care what he calls me, besides, we will most likely never see him again,"

"It's not the point, Johnny,"

John exhales slightly before taking his hand into his own and carefully nudging his hand open exposing the wounds.

"don't think you need stitches, Si, it's just punctured wounds, however, I need to clean it with spirits,"

"You have to?"

"Aye,"

John smiles sprouting a gentle toothy smile before pressing a kiss to the dorsal of his hand, he walks over to the cabernet where the liquor is stored and takes out a bottle of transparent liquid checking the alcohol percentage before returning to him. he unscrews the top and reached for the paper towel holder and retracts two squares and folding the paper in half before folding it once again in fours. He holds the paper square over the open of the neck and jerks the bottle to the side letting the paper towels soak graciously before setting it back down on the counter.

"Give me your hand, Si,"

"You really need to?"

"Aye, don't want my, Ghost, to get an infection,"

Simon smiles weakly somewhat regretting extending his arm to him, not too soon the sensation of the spirits burning the wounds in his palms sends a shooting pain up his arm. He groans heavily as he clenches his hand into a fist.

"No, Simon don't do that, open your hand,"

he grabbed hold of his hand and nudged it open letting the spirits evaporate holding him firmly not letting go.

"Almost done, just a few more seconds, Si,"

"Bloody hell, Johnny,"

"Such a baby,"

"Am not!"

he giggles as he retracts his grip from his hand before he presses a kiss to his cheek. John curled his arms around him and hugged him gracefully as he leaned his head against his shoulder.

"Better?"

"Sure...,"

Simon presses a kiss to his scalp as he curls his arm around him pulling him into his person.

"Thank you for taking care of me, puppy,"

John looks up to him meeting his gaze, he sprouts a toothy smile as he nods slightly.

"Go call, Price, I need to talk with your mother,"

He hands his phone back to him. Simon noticed the cracks webbing his screen as he grunted in frustration.

"need a new one,"

"Does it still work?"

He pressed his index on the back of the device letting his fingerprint scan on the circular scanner. the screen flutters on and reveals how severe the cracks are.

"It does, but can't see much,"

"Here use my phone, Si, I'll dial the number for you, here it's ringing,"

"Thanks, Love,"

John hands his phone to him he proceeds to bring the device to his ear. John gestures to him that he is going to his mother before he exits the kitchen, he nods as he continues with his call. The phone rings as the seconds pass tediously, not too soon his ears are met with the familiar voice of his friend.

"Morning, Soap,"

"It's, Simon, busted my phone,"

"That bad?"

"Yeah, unfortunately not the most pleasant conversation I had, knew he was bad but not that bad, just so grateful he didn't speak to, Johnny,"

"Sorry about that, Lt,"

"no longer, Lt,"

"I'm aware..., however your still, Lt to me, Simon,"

Simon sprouts a smile feeling honored in the moment.

"Shepard, mentioned you'll be bringing the paperwork to us?"

"Yes, I'm currently waiting for its arrival, would you like me to bring it to you or later back at, Soaps?"

"Why don't you come for dinner, Captain, then we can go through everything,"

"Thank you, would be nice, Sure it's not a bother?"

"Course not, I'll send you the address, we are currently staying with my mother,"

"Okay, then see you tonight then, should I bring anything?"

"No, not necessary,"

"Thank you, Lt, see you later, then,"

"Bye, captain,"

Back in the sitting room. Margret is curled up in a ball bitting on her nails as Patrick is sitting comfortably in his armchair with his head leaned back staring at the ceiling.

"Uh..., Hey, Mom, sorry for earlier, I didn't mean to snap like that,"

Margret's head jerks in his direction, as a weak smile sprouts but the worrisome expression remains on her features.

"Is he okay?"

"Yes, he's fine, it's just punctured wounds,"

"From what, Lad,"

"Outrage..., more than that I cannot say, uncle,"

"Understood, Lad,"

"Where is he, John?"

"On the phone with, Price,"

John walks over to Margret and sits next to her trying his best to explain to her what happened with the phone call, Simon had with, Shepard, he explains to them without revealing who, Shepard is but does explain why Simon was so upset.

"Sounds like a twat,"

"Pat!"

"Sorry, had to say it,"

John giggles as he looks at Patrick and nods in agreement.

"It's true, Mom, he is,"

"Why did he call, then?"

John remains quiet for a moment fiddling with his fingers while breathing heavier than normal.

"W-we..., have been set on retirement as of today,"

"That's good, innit?"

"Of course,"

"Why the long face then, John,"

He leans back on the couch resting his head on the soft cushions, he, doesn't know why he feels the way he does, for the majority of his adult life all he has known was war and now he is retired from that life and doesn't know what the future holds for him. he wonders if it was a good idea to leave the 141 entirely as he never had a backup plan for life. Gathering his thoughts and processing the events from the past hour he thinks of the words he wants to express before speaking once more.

"I..., not sure, Mom, I never had a plan b, for life I always thought I'd be part of t-the..., you know,"

They sit in silence as the room begins to build an awkward awareness of the situation. In the blink of an eye, Patrick jumps to his feet with an oversized toothy grin expressed over his face.

"I GOT IT, You're good with weapons and have experience in the field, right, Lad?"

"I guess so, why do you ask, Uncle?"

"Bloody hell I'm brilliant!" Patrick stomps his feet to the floor doing a little silly dance.

"Pat, what you on about?"

"Think he cracked, Mom,"

"Appears to be, John,"

Patrick continued his shenanigans mumbling to himself in gibberish.

"I'm a bloody genius,"

" beg to differ, Uncle,"

A dark figure materializes in the doorway of the room. 

"Simon, your uncle cracked,"

"I can see,"

"OH shut up the lot of you,"

"What you on about, Uncle,"

Patrick grins wickedly tapping his fingers together.

"Just had a chat with your future husband about your future,"

"Alright..., so why you a genius, then?"

"Like I was trying to say to, them two, you should open a laser tag arena, you are perfect for it. think about it, Simon, you two both have military experience and have experience in the field so it should be a breeze for you,"

"Umm..., Not bad uncle, what do you think, Johnny?"

"Honestly..., tha thu le chèile às mo chiall,"

"What does that mean, John?"

"Oh sorry, Mom, it means, you're both mad, however, it would be nice not to get shot at without real bullets for a change, how do you suppose we do this, Uncle, that's to say if we do it?"

"I'll leave that to you two, Lad,"

"Sounds like a fun idea, Uncle, could be easy, Johnny, and we have friends that could help us, you know,"

"You are right, Si, Let's just first get married and move in together before attempting this,"

"You're right of course, Johnny,  we'll talk about it later uncle just need to finalise a few things first, speaking of..., Mum I invited, Price for dinner tonight I hope it's alright the three of us have to go over paperwork and the sooner it's done the sooner we can move on with our lives,"

"Oh..., uh, of course, Simon, I'm happy to have him over,"

"Thanks, Mum,"

"Johnny, I need to discuss a few things with you..., in private, would you join me in our room, please,"

"Oh, sure, Si,"

He stands up and walks over to him as Simon takes his hand into his own. he excuses them from the room before leading John back up the stairs. As they walk Simon speaks in code mumbling all kinds of nonsense until they reach their room. he leads him inside closing the door behind them and locking it securely.

"What were you saying, Si?"

"Nothing, just for show, Love,"

"Wha...,"

He's cut off by Simon's lips pressed against his as he is pinned to the wall and kissed passionately. Simon pressed his palms to his sides as he moved his lips to John's neck before slipping his hand around the hem of his borrowed hoodie and gradually pulling it to his chest.

"Wait, Simon...,"

"We both need this, Johnny,"

"I know, I want to as well, let's just take it slow this time,"

Simon sprouts a weak smile as he pulls the hoodie from John's person entirely and discards it to the floor. He curled his arms around his rear and pulled him to his chest before carrying him to their bed, he laid him down gently and continued kissing him.

John explores his body brushing his fingers along his torso and running his fingers along the groves of his abdominal muscles working his way down to his crotch. 

they breathe heavily as their hearts beat in sync as they continue exploring each other's bodies. The passion grows gradually at a steady pace, they continue kissing each other taking it slow for the first time, John curls his hands around simons hip tugging at the fabric of his shirt, Simon pulls back sitting up straight and taking hold of his shirts hem and yanking it over his shoulders and tossing it to the floor.

Before Simon could return to him, John curled his arms around his waist and hugged him tight burying his face in his stomach.

"I love you, Simon," 

"So do I, Puppy,"

He curls his arms around John pulls him gently to his knees and presses wet kisses to his neck as he leans back slightly bobbing his head back. he moans at the sensation before he is laid back down.

Simon continued pressing his lips against his neck slowly working his way down to his chest and circling his tongue on his nipple. He moans intensely at the sensation and takes hold of his head curling his fingers through Simon's short locks. 

He continued pressing his lips along his body moving down to his stomach and gliding wet kisses along his navel. He takes hold of his pant's waistband and gradually slides them over his legs exposing his pulsing cock before discarding them to the floor.

He spread his legs as he sat before him with a little mischievous grin sprouting over his face.

"going to eat you now, Love"

He bends over pressing his lips along his inner thigh and moving down gradually to his crotch, as he reaches his rear he buries his mouth between his fleshy globes swirling his tongue in swift circles. He moans in pleasure as the sensation of Simon's tongue sends tingles up his spine as he arches his back.

"Oh god..., you're good at that, Si,"

Simon groans happily as his face remains buried in his cleft, his pace fastens as his swirls intensify as he massages the rim of his entrance before sliding his tongue inside.

His moans intensify as the pleasure takes over his system his legs begin to quiver and his back jerks in quick short pulses as Simon gets the better of him sending him to a hypnotic state.

Pre cum oozed from his tip running down his length and pooling on his gonads and webs of clear slick attached to Simon's face as he pressed into his crotch, he continued working his tongue in and out of his entrance grasping his globes pressing down into the flesh.

Simon gives one last dirty lick down his cleft before retreating sitting back and looking at the exhausted man before him.

"Had enough, Puppy,"

"Just give me a minute, Si,"

Simon grinned wickedly as he pressed a kiss to his knee, he crawled over to him positioning himself on top of him as he pressed their lips together. John's eyes flutter open at the sensation, he curls his arms around him pulling him down into him as they continue heavily kissing each other.

"Can I fuck you now, Johnny?"

 "Aye...,"

Simon gets up from the bed and swiftly undressed his pants kicking them to the far end of the room before returning to the bed. he gently nudged John's legs apart before taking hold of the base of his cock guiding between his fleshy globes massaging along his rim before sliding it pass his entrance guiding his length deep within.

John curls his arms around him dragging him down into himself.

Simon thrusts his hips gradually thinking his pace letting silent moans slip past John's lips with each thrust. They remain locked in each other's arms completely content with each other.

He thrust slightly more aggressively as he kissed John passionately, he guided his tongue past his lips swirling it along his. they breathe heavily as sweat droplets run down their bodies as the moment intensifies between them. 

He pulls back dragging John with him as he curls his legs around Simon's hips his thrusts harder and harder while running his hands along John's back scratching his shoulder blades slightly.

John arched his back in the sensation before rotating his hips along Simon's front. A wild glint forms in his eye and pushes him back flush to the bed. he takes hold of his chest squeezing slightly harder as he starts straddling him recoiling his hips back and forth. His globes jiggle with each thrust he gives before Simon takes hold resting his palms on each globe as he squeezes the flesh peeled through his fingers and revels in delight at the feeling.

"Johnny, I'm close,"

'Good...,"

He continues recoiling his hips faster and faster grinding along Simon's front. he roars in pleasure as he curls his arms around John pulling him hard into himself and hugging him tight as he presses kisses along his neck.

He began thrusting hard pumping rapidly into John with a continuous pace as he groaned louder and heavier.

"God-d..., I'm coming, Johnny,"

He released his heavy thick seed deep within him. his cock slackens and slips from his rim letting his pearly white slick ooze from his rim dripping onto his slackened cock.

"such a good boy,"

"Oh, shut up, Johnny,"

"tired?"

"Yeah, exhausted,"

"Wanna take a shower?"

"Come for me first, Puppy,"

John retracts from him lying down next to him. he takes hold of his cock and began jerking gradually quickening his pace. He moans as he jerked his cock holding it firmly in his palm, with his free hand he pressed his palm against the tip of his cock rubbing it warmly in circular motions. he continued as Simon watched with a wicked, tiresome grin sprouting over his face.

"Close, Puppy?"

"Almost..,"

He continues jerking his cock quickening his pace, arching his back in pleasure, he breathes heavily as his climax creeps closer jerking relentlessly. 

"I-I'm coming, go-od...,

He leans his head back as he releases five thick heavy ropes of pearly slick, each one greater than the one before, webbing his stomach as he groans heavily.

"Well done, Puppy, your biggest load yet, innit,"

"Shut up, Si,"

Simon giggles in a low voice as he presses a kiss to his temple.

"Ready for that shower, then?"

"Aye,"

Simon stands up his knees slightly numb from their previous escapades, he walks to John's side of the bed and slides his hands beneath him picking him up and carrying him bridal style to the bathroom.

They enter the room and Simon lets him down gently before turning on the water in the shower. He waits for it to warm up before getting in and leading him in behind him.

he curls his arms around Simon's waist holding onto him as Simon mirrors his movements. he hugs him tight as the warm water cascades over their bodies as steam fills the room.

they stand in peace wrapped in each other's arms as the trickling water washes their escapades away. Simon pressed a kiss to his scalp as he gently swoons side to side holding onto him. 

A few minutes pass as they ready themselves to exit the shower. Simon turns the water off letting the water slowly seize to flow from the shower head.

he gets out first taking hold of the towel hanging beside him and wrapping it around John's shoulders before covering himself with his towel. he steps out of the shower and Simon rubs his shoulders warmly drying him. He leads him to the mirror as he unhooks the hairdryer and nudges the button turning on the vibrating machine.

They stand next to each other. John is leaning against him while caressing his scalp along his shoulder as Simon curls his arm around him resting his palm on his side. 

the warm wind flows over the soaked bodies as they stand contently.

"You really like this, don't you, Si?"

"thanks to you, Puppy,"

"Why do you like the hairdryer so much, then?"

"The noise is comforting, ever since I was a boy loved the sound,"

"Interesting,"

They continue standing next to each other and Simon has the urge to ask him something but fears the question brewing on the tip of his tongue.

"Uh..., Johnny, can I ask you a question, I want you to be honest,"

"Aye, of course, Si,"

He remains silent for a few minutes. in the silence John opens his eyes and looks at him, the expression of doubt overwhelms his features as Simon stares at himself in the mirror,

"Simon, what's the matter?"

He sighs heavily as he looks down at him sprouting a weak side smile.

"Won't you miss it?"

"What?"

"Everything, the explosions, the weapons and...,"

"No..., I mean of course it was part of my life for half of it, besides I don't care about any of that anymore, You have opened your heart to me, Simon, you've introduced two new people to me that care for me as if I was there own. you don't know how much that means to me, Si, of course, the rush of being in the field is undescribable, however, how much longer would that have lasted, another ten to fifteen years at most, how many people can say they have a clean slate to begin over with the person they love..., I'm lucky enough to have found my soul mate in you and our future will be an adventure and no one can take that from us,"

"You mean that, Johnny?"

"I won't lie to you, Simon,"

His eyes fill with light tears as he stares back at himself in the mirror, John curls himself into his arm nudging his head into his armpit as he fiddles with the pebble around his neck.

"I'm eager to start our life, Johhny,"

"It already has, Si"

He smiled weakly as he brushed his fingers through his warhawk. 

"You have made me the happiest man alive, Puppy,"

"I know,"

He giggles happily as he curls his arms around Simon's waist gently rubbing his cheek along his ribs. They stand contently as the warm air flows over them, the moment feels eternal as if they are the only two souls left in the universe untouched by Mother Nature herself. Neither one of them could have predicted that this was where they would be a few days before, utterly infatuated with one another as love bloomed deep within them both.

Later, Simon returns the hairdryer to its hook before curling his arms around John pressing his chest into his back and nudging him forward playfully waddling side to side and walking back to the bed. John is puzzled and not entirely sure what he is doing but plays along letting Simon toy him around.

"Oi, we need to get dressed, Si, need to help your mother with cooking since you invited, Price, over for dinner,"

"Alright, Puppy,"

"What, no arguing about keeping me naked and all to you're self?"

Simon grins wickedly but before he can say anything John already dressed himself in a new pair of pants from his bag. 

"Well, someone is in a hurry to go,"

"Don't be so clingy, Si, I'm literally with you all day long,"

"Not enough,"

He giggles as he walks over to him curling his arms around Simon's waist.

"Come with me, I'm sure we can do something for your mother together,"

Simon smiles brightly as we watch John get dressed in the same hoodie he borrowed him days before.

"You like my clothes, Johnny?"

"Aye, it feels like there is a part of you on me,"

He continued observing as the other man dressed himself feeling content and gratified in the moment. Not too soon John is completely dressed before retrieving new clothes for Simon from one of his two oversized duffel bags, the same dark colours as the days before he walks to the bed holding onto the dark grey and black Fabric.

He scrunches the dark grey shirt up on his hands and gestures to Simon to push his arms through the sleeves pulling it over his head and adjusting the fit around his chest and stomach. He helped him dress into a pair of black sweatpants not bothering to put on underwear, then slipped on his socks before dressing his boots and not too soon they were both fully dressed.

"Looking good, Puppy,"

"I'm literally wearing the same thing I've been the past few days, Simon,"

"So what, it looks good on you,"

"You mean your clothes?"

"Yeah,"

John smirks as a cheeky smile curls over his face. He takes Simon by his hand leading him out the door, down the corridor and down the stairs and not too soon they arrive back in the kitchen. Margret stands by the island basting a leg of pork with a yellow-to-brown colour liquid.

"Hey, Mom, what are you doing?"

"Hello boys, I'm basting this leg of pork with a honey mustard glaze, gonna roast it in the oven for tonight,"

"Need any help, Mom?"

"No, darling, I sent Patrick to the supermarket for a few things  and can't do anything until he gets back, why don't you two go enjoy yourselves in the garden?"

"Sounds like a plan, Mum,"

Simon takes him by the hand and leads him outdoors to the old oak tree. Simon Sits down first as John follows soon after, nestling himself in his armpit. 

"So what's new with you, Johnny?"

"What?"

"I said, what's new with you?"

He looks to Simon not entirely sure what he's asking before realizing that he's making conversation.

"Oh, not much really, Just sitting under a tree,"

Simon laughed whisperingly as John nuzzled his head along his shoulder resting in his crook. They continue talking contently as the hours swiftly fly by. They talk about what is to come in their near future and discuss the crazy idea Patrick suggested about the laser tag arena. John confessed to him that he wanted to wait before jumping into such a large project tying them down indefinitely. they discuss what they want to do in life and if travelling the world is on the table. Simon admits that he's not too comfortable travelling in public just yet as his face is still an issue for him.

"Simon..., why don't we take a year off from everything and just travel the country, I mean, I haven't seen much of it. we could do like backpackers and drive town to town and stay the night and continue the next day,"

"Sound like a plan, Johnny..., brilliant actually,"

They continue conversing about this new plan they have about travelling around the country, Simon questions if they should start in Scotland and work their way down to Dorset.

"Always wanted to see the fossil coast,"

"You like fossils then, Johnny?

"Never really thought about it, to be honest,"

"You have time now, Love, we have all the time in the world to do what we want and we always have a home to return to,"

"Aye, we do..., still can't believe you are like this, Si,"

"It's just for you, Johnny,"

John sprouts a toothy smile he curls his arm around him hugging him slightly tight. they remain silent as they just sit in contentment with each other locked in their arms. John falls asleep as his back is gently rubbed by the other man.

Simon remains in the same position not wanting to stir him continuing to brush his palm along his back. His mind awakened in thoughts as he glanced up at the branches of the oak tree thinking about everything that transpired in the past few days. He thinks to himself how happy the man in his arms makes him and is still in disbelief that he finally has him in his life. His mind returned to the first day John entered the break room with Price and was introduced, the scene plays out in his head as if it happened just a moment before.

They walked into the breakroom side by side in conversation. He and Gaz were in the middle of a conversation before Price spoke.

"Boys, this is Sargent John MacTavish, New recruit,"

"Hello, call me Soap, happy to be part of the team,"

Gas introduced himself and proceeded to bombard him with questions, one after the other before Price saved him from the interrogation.

"This is, Ghost, Lieutenant, Simon Riley,"

"Hello, Ghost, nice to meet you, what's with the mask?"

"Best you don't ask, Lad,"

"Oh..., Sorry, Lt,"

Simon sits back in his chair as his eyes narrow staring the new recruit down, unimpressed with the man before him, never the less there was something to him he could not yet place something about his toothy smile and accent thrilled him.

The memory fades from his mind as John stirs in his arm, mumbling something gibberish in Scots, Simon brushed his fingers through his hair gently as he woke and sprouted a weak smile looking up at him.

"What are you thinking about, Si?"

"About the first day we met,"

"Aye, I was terrified when I met you at first,"

"I know, Was the point back then,"

"How come?"

He remains silent for a moment staring up at the branches of the tree above them. He returned to his thoughts thinking about the day he was recruited to the 141, and meeting, Price, for the first time and how uncomfortable he felt at first.

"Honestly, Johnny, I don't know, I wanted to keep to myself and not get attached to any of you, especially you, I knew the moment you first walked into that room with, Price, that I had feelings for you, how I don't know but I did..., seeing you galivanting with all those women every other weekend off base at the bar down the street I knew I could never have you and was not going to corrupt you for my own gain so I ignored you and the rest of you lot as well..., apart from, Price, I grew rather fond of him and confided in him about my personal problems and it felt good having a friend in him,"

He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the bark of the tree exhaling heavily.

"You shouldn't have cut us out like that, Simon,"

"I know...,

"If I can be perfectly honest, I looked up to you, it might not have been love at first but it was something..., and all those women..., it meant nothing I was able to be myself for the first time and wanted to experience life for a bit, and it wasn't that many women, Si, it was literally six of them over the time of three years, I'm not a whore, Simon,"

He laughed loudly holding his belly as his eyes fluttered open looking back down at John. 

"Never said you were, Puppy,"

"I want to ask you a question, but I want you to answer me truthfully,"

"Of course, Johnny,"

John sits up curling his arms around his knees while resting his chin on his shoulder.

"Remember our first morning in my flat..., a-after we kissed I asked you why you always wore a mask. You kind of had a meltdown of sorts..., so to speak. Why did you?"

The memory of the girl he was courting all those years ago appears back in his mind and the image of the expression on her face haunts his mind once more. He sighs heavily as he gathers the words he wants to express to him.  

"Years ago..., I just finished my duties in the military and was recruited by Price, I was seeing someone, a girl..., at the time but I hid my face from her and kept asking me to show myself to her after three months of dating her I gave in and..., r-revealed my face to her, she took one look at me and ran the other direction and never saw her again, she blocked me from her life completely. When you asked me that morning, it for some reason reminded me of that day with her and feard you'll do the same,"

"Oh, Simon..., that's..., sorry I don't know what to say,"

"You don't have to say anything, Johnny, it happened and it is in the past,"

"Still you didn't deserve that,"

Simon smiles weakly as he curls back into his arm.

"I don't want you to ever feel like that with me, Si, I don't care what you look like, besides, I've said it before, but I think your scars are hot,"

"Oh shut up, Johnny,"

"I'm serious, Simon,"

 "Really?"

"Of course, why would I lie to you?"

End of part 12.

Scots translations.

you're both mad - tha thu le chèile às mo chiall