When our lips touched. Part 11.

When our lips touched,

Part 11, Chapter 3.

Simon stands up before he extends his arm as John takes his hand, their fingers intertwine as he stands before Simon,

He leans forward peppering kisses along John's neck.

"Wait, Simon,"

"What's Wrong, Puppy?"

He remains silent for a moment averting his gaze from him.

"Si..., Would you mind if we don't?"

"Why?"

"I'm a bit uncomfortable doing it here, you know with your family downstairs,"

"Is it because of my uncle?"

"Part of it yes,"

Simon cracks a weak smile before he presses a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth as he curls his arms around him hugging him tight.

"It's alright, Johnny, when you feel comfortable again we can continue,"

"Are you okay with it, Si?"

Simon sprouts a smile as he nods slightly, he takes his hand into his own circling his thumb over the gold band adorning his ring finger before peppering kisses along his dorsal.

"Still want to take a shower with me, then, Love?"

"Aye, would love to,"

Simon curls his arms around him taking hold of the hem of the hood as he gently pulls it from his person before planting a kiss along his cheek. they undress each other gradually and not too soon they are both standing naked before walking to the bathroom.

He turns on the shower letting the water warm up before getting in and leading John in behind. John curls his arms around him burying his face in his chest as Simon rubs his back warmly moving his palms gradually along his spine.

They stand locked in each arms as the warm droplets cascade down their bodies washing their worries away as the room fills with warm steam.

A few minutes passed as they remained in each other's arms feeling utterly content. Simon rests his temple against his scalp feeling much more relieved as the stress departs his system. Talking to Price earlier about his concerns for their future settled his mind letting him become more vulnerable.

"You alright, Si?"

"With you, Perfectly,"

John giggles whisperingly. 

"No, I mean are you okay?"

"Yes, Of course,"

Not too soon Simon turned off the water letting the last drops drip from the shower head before exiting the small space. He took hold of the towel hanging on the hook against the wall next to the shower and wrapped it around John's shoulders before taking his own towel and swaddling it around his waist.

He returns to John rubbing his arms warmly.

"Have to take care of my puppy,"

John smiled happily as he was being led to the mirror as Simon unhooked the hairdryer from its hook and nudged the button turning the vibrating machine on. They stand contently as Simon holds the hairdryer letting the warm air flow over then revolving the machine between them.

He tilts his head resting himself against Simon as his arm curls around him resting his palm on his side gently nudging him closer into his person. He cracked a toothy smile as his eyes fell shut and he caressed his scalp along Simon's arm.

Simon brushed his palm along his back caressing his fingers along his spine before pressing a kiss to his scalp.

John looks up at Simon staring deep into his dark eyes before gliding his hand over his stomach and resting his palm on his side.

"Alright, Love?"

"Aye,"

Simon turns the hairdryer off and relocates it to its dedicated location before curling his arm around John leading him back to the bedroom.

"Need to get dressed, Si,"

"Not yet,"

"you want to lay naked on the bed again?"

Simon grins mischievously as a toothy smile grows over his face. John rolls his eyes at him receiving a wink in return.

"Such a caveman,"

Simon walks to the bed and lays down making himself comfortable before bending his knee forward allowing his cock to be covered. he pats his hand on the mattress before him gesturing for him to sit. John complies and lays down next to him rolling to his stomach and exposing his fleshy globes.

Simon grins at the sight of him.

"like what you see, Si?"

"Stupid question, Puppy,"

"So what's your motives?"

"Meaning?"

"Why don't you want to get dressed?"

"Just want to see you,"

They remain in the same position talking about their day. John explained about the conversations he had with his mother and uncle, however not mentioning the conversation they had about his father and brother. 

A few hours go by as they remain in conversation and not too soon they are interrupted by a knock on their bedroom door.

"Yeah, who is it,"

"Darling, It's me, I've made some sandwiches would you like some?"

"Yes, Mum will be down in a few minutes, Just going through some paperwork,"

He lies as John narrows his eyes disapprovingly.

"What, would you rather me tell her we're laying butt ass naked?" he whispered.

John's expression drops somewhat feeling embarrassed realizing that he is right.

"We'll be right down, Mom, just a few more signatures," He parrots.

Simon laughs burying his face in the pillows as John gently burries his fist into his chest jokingly.

"Come on, Simon we need to get dressed, Your mother is expecting us,"

"Alright, Love, you won this time,"

"Oh it's a competition is it?"

Simon grins as John stands up before curling his arms around his thighs and biting down playfully on his fleshy globes.

"Oi, fucking caveman,"

"Can't help myself,"

"OH, I know, this arse is irresistible to you,"

Simon grins wickedly as he walks away gathering their clothes from earlier. He hands Simon his clothes before proceeding to dress himself he slides on his underwear before dressing his jeans. Simon does the same following his movements mirroringly. Simon stands up from the bed and moves closer to him before taking his shirt and crunching it up before sliding it over his head as he adjusts the fit around his belly.

"Have to take care of my Puppy,"

"I know you said before, need some new material, Si,"

John giggled whisperingly as he curled his arms around Simon's waist hugging him tightly as he rubbed his back warmly.

"Should I stop calling you, Puppy, then, Love?"

"What, No, of course not, I'm just kidding, you can call me whatever you like, Simon,"

"Good,"

He proceeds to dress him as he takes hold of his hoodie crunching it up in his hands before pulling it over John's head and sliding it over his person as he readjusts the fit.

"There, looking good, Puppy,"

"Oh, Stop it, Simon,"

He grins as he takes hold of his shirt and continues to dress himself as John sits on the bed pulling his socks over his feet before loosening the laces of his boots.

He slides his boots on and adjusts the laces before helping Simon dress his socks and boots before they walk downstairs. they reach the kitchen and are greeted by a small platter of sandwiches,

"Hello, boys, finish the paperwork, then?"

"Aye, Mom,"

Patrick sprouts a wicked grin before he speaks but before the words can leave his lips Simon cuts him off. 

"Uncle, I would like to speak to you, would you mind joining me in the garden?"

 "Sure thing, Lad,"

Simon winked at John before leading Patrick out the back door. he led him to the centre of the back garden to the same location they were in the previous night.

"So what did you want to speak to me about, Lad,"

"Uncle..., you know I have all the respect for you in the world and consider you as a father,"

"Oh..., I see, of course I know that, Simon,"

"What I'm about to tell you, I'm telling you with most respect,"

"Alright,"

"I would really appreciate it if you don't torment, Johnny like you did this morning when I was out,"

"Oh, Simon, I was just taking a piss,"

Patrick giggles holding his jiggling belly.

"I know you were, Uncle, However, there are things we, I mean the two of us, cannot talk about. I'm fully aware you are just kidding and making the best of a bad situation but there are boundaries with us,"

"I see, Well, Simon I'm sorry if I upset him,"

"No, uncle you didn't upset anyone, he does not even know I'm having this conversation with you, however, we are in the process of a very stressful transition, which you already know about since you fished it out of him,"

"Yeah, sorry about that, but honestly I didn't think it was that serious,"

"I'm aware, however, if one of us say it's confidential it is and it will remain for the rest of our lives, even if we..., retire,"

"So it's true, Then?"

Simon looks to the sky letting a heavy sigh pass over his lips before he continues.

"Yes, it is, the process is active as of this morning,"

"I see,"

"And one more thing, Uncle, I would appreciate it if you don't eavesdrop on us, honestly I can't care less but I have to take him into consideration, you understand that right?"

"Of course, I do, however, I wasn't, If you can recall your room is literally right next to mine,"

"I see..., sorry about that then, however, I promised Him we won't do anything while visiting,"

"Oh..., Why, because of me?"

"Part of it,"

"Simon, you really don't have to stop because of me, you know I was just taking a piss on him?"

"I'm aware, Uncle,"

They stand next to each other for a few more minutes in deep silence not uttering a sound.

"Uncle...?"

"Yes, Simon?"

He remained silent for a moment gathering his thoughts.

"Thank you,"

"For what?"

"For everything, for looking out for me, for always being there when I needed a father,"

"No, Problem, My dear boy,"

Simon patted his hand along Patrick's shoulder before he embraced him with a hug.

"I mean it..., Dad,"

Patrick is surprised at his actions standing still for a moment with the larger man curled around him before curling his own arms around his back and patting him gently. light tears fill his eyes as the emotions he didn't expect bubbles to the surface.

Simon tears up as well as he rests his head on his uncle's neck. from the kitchen window, Margret takes notice and stops in her tracks while holding a heavy teapot watching her brother and son embrace. Her eyes filled with tears marveling at the moment.

John noticed her expression and walked over to the window to see what triggered her reaction. he looked through the window and saw what Margret was looking at.

"What's going on, Mom?"

"I don't know, I haven't seen him hug anyone in years,"

back in the garden, Simon retracts from Patrick as they wipe their cheeks dry before noticing the two figures in the kitchen window staring at them.

"Oh god,"

"I know, Lad, expect an interrogation,"

"Already am,"

They return there original position standing side by side. they looked up at the sky remaining in silence before Patrick spoke once more.

"Thank you, Simon, I appreciate it, son,"

He smiles as he pats Patrick on his shoulder squeezing gently before returning to the kitchen.

as he walks through the door he's met with two eager-looking faces.

"Not a word,"

"But, Simon,"

"I mean it, not a word and don't harass him either!"

Simon walked to the island and sat down on one of the stools while taking hold of one of the many sandwiches Margret prepared earlier. 

"Hmmm..., ham and cheese, one of my favourites, Mum,"

Margret looks over to John as he returns a look to her both utterly confused at what just transpired moments before. She looked through the window once more as her brother remained standing looking up at the sky with his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

"Mum, I mean it...,"

 "No need to worry, Simon,"

"I know you, Mum, you'll pull it right out of him, like he did this morning to, Johnny,"

"Simo...,"

"No, Mum, please don't this time, it's a private matter, if he wants to talk to you about it he will, but I'm asking you nicely not to,"

"Alright, Darling I won't,"

John stares at them averting his skull to each of them as they speak, he takes a seat next to Simon taking hold of a sandwich and nibbling on the corner of the crust staring wide-eyed at their conversation.

He wondered to himself what had happened between him and his uncle and why they shared a hug. He has never seen Simon hug anyone before apart from him of course, he ponders on the idea of Simon letting his guard down and lowering his walls.

"I wonder if it's because of our retirement," He mutters to himself whisperingly as he continues nubbling on the crunchy crust of the bread.

"What's that, Johnny?"

"Oh.., uh, nothing, Si, just thinking aloud I guess,"

Simon hears him clearly even though he mumbles somewhat gibberish.

Patrick returns to the kitchen as Margret beams a delightful as he walks past her.

"No, Sis,"

"Oh, come on, Brother,"

"MOTHER!"

Margret somewhat terrified jerks her head to Simon as he narrows his eyes at her disapprovingly.

"Thank you, Lad,"

Patrick claps him gently on his shoulder before squeezing slightly as he continues walking. He exits the kitchen gradually walking down the corridor and up the stairs to his bedroom closing the door behind him as the sound of a key turning echoes down the stairs.

Margret stands clutching her tea cup sipping quietly.

"Simon, don't talk to your mother like that again."

"No, it's alright, John,"

"Oh, no it most certainly is not, Mom..., Simon, If I ever hear you speak to her like that again I swear you'll have to deal with me,"

Margret laughed hysterically at him before walking over to him curling her arms around his shoulder and hugging him tight.

Simon glanced over to him narrowing his eyes somewhat confused but understanding.

"Sorry, Mum,"

"No worries, Darling,"

John's expression softens as a weak smile sprouts over his face. Margret retracts her embrace walking past behind them as she presses a kiss to Simon's cheek returning to her previous location and continues sipping the tea from her cup.

They continue feasting on the sandwiches Margret prepared earlier as they talk about their day. Simon explains who, Price, is and that he will be his best man at their wedding. John listens contently as the image of Gaz appears in his mind.

"Oh, Si, I should call, Gaz, and tell him,"

"Of course, you two are quite close right?'

"Aye, was the only one to talk to since you always ignored me,"

"That's in the past, Johnny,"

"I know, just driving you up the wall,"

John gets up from his stool before pressing a kiss to his cheek. 

"Excuse me, I'm gonna call, Gaz,"

He walks to the backdoor and exits stepping into the back garden, he makes his way to the far end of the yard and sits down under an old oak tree averting his view from the house, He leans back making himself comfortable as he scrolls through his contacts finding his number. He hovers his thumb over the call button before pressing the video call button.

He holds the phone steady before him waiting for, Gaz to answer his call.

Not too soon the image of Gaz appears on his phone.

"hey, Soap,"

"Hello, Gaz,"

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

"Lots, do you have time to talk?"

"Yeah, of course,"

John takes a deep breath before exhaling heavily. he starts explaining about the night when he first sees Simon's face on the battlefield and the days leading up to that godforsaken phone call with Simon.

Gaz stares at him with a puzzled expression.

"So what happened after the call, then, Soap?"

"Aye, long of the short story is, I spent the night sitting in a park hating him, when the sun rose I walked back to my place and he sat on the stairs of my building,"

"Why?"

"honestly is complicated to explain, I was still mad at him and ended up in a fight,"

"Ha..., did you kick his ass?"

"Not that kind of fight, mate,"

"What happened then?"

"We..., Kissed,"

"What?"

"Aye,"

Gaz stared into the screen completely lost for words.

"Wow, well..., uh, shit sorry don't know what to say,"

"It's alright, Mate,"

"What happened then?"

"he spent a few days at my place,"

Gaz grins wickedly.

"Is he good in bed, then?"

"Is that the respectable question to ask about your, lieutenant, Sargeant?"

John jumps in surprise as Simon materialises from behind the tree dropping his phone to the ground.

"How long have you been standing here?"

"Long enough, apparently,"

He picks up John's phone and looks at the screen as Gaz stares at him in horror.

"What's the question, Sargeant,"

"Yo.., your face, i-its exposed, Ghost,"

"That it is, getting rid of the mask,"

"Uh..., sorry for the inappropriate question, Lt,"

Simon stares into the screen locking their gaze with his as he narrows his eyes in disapproval.

"Don't let it happen again, besides won't be your, Lt, for much longer,"

"What, Why?"

Simon sits down next to John as he hands the phone back to him.

"You tell him, Johnny,"

"Operation terminate,"

"What, for real?"

"Aye, we are leaving permanently,"

"Why?'

John looks at Simon sprouting a weak smile as He winks at him in return nodding his head slightly.

"We are getting married,"

The other end of the phone goes silent for a few seconds.

"What, that's awesome!" Gaz roars over the phone.

John giggles hysterically as Simon curls his arm around his neck gesturing for him to make himself comfortable in his armpit.

"Seriously, are you really?"

"Aye, moving in together, asap,"

"Happy, for you two,"

"You're coming right?"

"Won't Miss it,"

John sprouts a toothy smile as he looks up at Simon.

"Does, Price know?'

"Yes, had a meeting with him this morning, however it's confidential so keep it to yourself,"

"Of course, Lt,"

"Alright, you two continue your conversation I'll go back inside,"

Simon uncurls himself from John as he gets back up pressing a kiss to John's scalp before returning to the kitchen.

"Is he gone, Soap?"

"Aye,"

"So is he good,"

John remains silent for a moment as he grins mischievously.

"Incredible,"

Gaz laughed wickedly on the other end of the line.

"Knew it,"

"Aye,"

"So how is, I mean, personality-wise, since he always ignores us and never speaks to anyone around base,"

he drifts into thought gathering his thoughts before expressing them to Gaz.

"Honestly, he's complicated, to be honest, but I've seen a different side of him I never knew. He's kind and sweet, considerate and shows love like I've never experienced before. and he shows emotions, Gaz, a completely different person from the Ghost we know from work,"

"Really?"

"Aye, it's true,"

"I'm happy for you, Soap, you deserve him,"

"Thanks, mate,"

"Can I ask you a personal question though?"

"Aye, of course,"

Gaz takes a deep breath before exhaling heavily similar to John earlier.

"Thought you were straight, mate?"

"Aye, So did I,"

"What changed, then?"

"Ghost,"

"Lt?"

"Aye, I guess there is someone for everyone out there and mine happens to be a man,"

"Does it bother you, then?"

"Not at all, Gaz, you know I thought about it at first..., thinking about, coming out I guess, If there is one person on this fucked up earth that loves you and supports you no matter what and will follow you to the end of the earth and they happen to be the same sex as you, will you give it up because they have a dick, finding love is already a challenge on its own but finding your soul mate is almost impossible and I did, I found my soul mate, Gaz,"

"Whow, Mate, never thought of it like that, shit your right, Congratulations, Soap,"

"Thank you, Gaz, you better visit us in Scotland,"

"Definitely, will bring the booze,"

"Great,"

"Listen, I need to go now, Soap, will text you later,"

"Don't be a stranger, Then,"

"Course not,"

"Bye, Gaz,"

"Bye, Soap," 

Gaz ends the call, he remains sitting under the tree fiddling with his phone. he smiles broadly feeling somewhat relieved after speaking with his friend. 

Not too soon a feminine voice calls from the backdoor, It's Margret.

"Just brewed a fresh pot of tea, Darling,"

"God these people drink lots of tea," he whispers to himself sprouting a toothy smile.

"Coming, Mom,"

He rises to his feet brushing the dirt and leaves from his jeans and readjusts his borrowed hoodie before making his way back to the kitchen. He walks back into the kitchen, Simon stands leaning against the island, his rear pressed firmly against the countertop and his arms crossed. 

"Hello, Love,"

John smiles contently as he approaches Simon. In a blink of an eye he is embraced with Simon's arms curled around his waist grasping him tightly in his arm as he is being leaned backwards and met with an intense kiss. A few seconds pass as Simon swirls his lips over his and gently pulls away returning him to his feet.

John's eyes flutter in surprise somewhat hypnotized at the moment before remembering where he is.

"Simon, not in front of your mother,"

Margret giggles curling her fingers over her lips, averting her gaze away from them.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself, Puppy,"

He rolls his eyes before narrowing his gaze at him wickedly. before bobbing his head against his shoulder.

"Tea, John?"

"Sure, Mom,"

"I'm hungry, Mum,"

"We just ate, Simon,"

"What a couple of sandwiches?"

"Aye,"

Margrit narrowed her eyes as she crossed her arms tapping her index on her arm.

"What, Mum, I'm still growing?"

Margret and John burst out laughing hysterically at him as he giggles wickedly. 

"Cracking Jokes now, Lad?'

Patrick walks into the room from the corridor before taking a seat on one of the stools standing along the island.

"Aye, Uncle, he is acting up,"

"I can see,"

Patrick sprouts a smile as he grins at Simon.

"John walk with me?"

"Sure thing, Uncle,"

Patrick stands up once more before pointing to the back door gesturing to him to walk outdoors.

Not too soon they stand in the back garden same location he and Simon stood the previous night.

"What is it, Uncle?"

Patrick sighs heavily.

"Listen, Lad, I want to apologize for this morning, I know I'm a bit bonkers at times and it does get the best of me,"

"It's okay, Uncle,"

"No..., no it's not, I spoke with Simon earlier today and I'm thrilled you are in his life, you know he had a hard life and I see a spark in him I've never seen before and it's only because of you, Lad,"

"I know,"

"Take care of him, John,"

"I intend to uncle,"

"You know earlier today..., h-he spoke to me,"

"May I ask what about, I swear I won't tell, Margret,"

He remained silent for a moment as he looked at the sunset sky before crossing his arms.

"Lad, you see, Son, as I told you earlier his father was a twat of a man beating him and his mother relentlessly and only praising his firstborn. Simon grew up with no real father and I was happy to fill that role when the opportunity came along. I taught him everything about being a man, and today he thanked me for that and he called m-me..., Dad, hence the hug we shared,"

"I see, his walls are coming down,"

"Yes, lad, you have to do everything in your power to keep it coming down,"

"I promise I will do what I can,"

Patrick pats him on his shoulder before rubbing his back warmly.

"Whatever you have been doing to him, Please keep doing it,"

John sprouts a weak smile as his eyes lightly fill with tears before rubbing them dry with his borrowed hoodie.

"And please have sex, ignore what I did this morning,"

"What?"

He giggles whisperingly as a gasp passes over his lips feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Lad, I didn't eavesdrop on you two, I'm not a pervert, it's just my bedroom is literally next to yours so..., you know,"

"Oh, I see, sorry about that, Uncle,"

"No need to be sorry, Lad, I'm the one who needs to be sorry, I used your special moment and used it against you to get information for my own gain,"

John looks over at him and moves slightly closer as he curls his arm around his shoulders.

"It's alright, uncle, we are family now and family does these things, you were..., like you say, taking a piss on me, and I'm grateful for you too you made Simon the way he is today, well the good part of him of course, I can't thank you enough for that,"

"Thank you, Lad,"

"Can I Give you a hug, Uncle?"

"Of course, you can, Lad,"

John swings his free arm around Patrick and hugs him tight as he receives a hug in return. a minute passes and they release their grip on each other retreating to their original positions. they stand next to each other hands shoved deep within their pockets remaining in silence standing contently.

A few more minutes pass and not too soon the back door swings open behind them. John glanced over his shoulder as a dark figure materialised. The sensation of two muscular arms curling along his waist as a kiss is pressed on the back of his neck.

"You, alright, Puppy?"

"Aye,"

"What you two talking about, then?"

John looks over to Patrick as they exchange a familiar glance smiling contently at each other. Patrick winks at him before turning to them.

"I'll be heading back now, Lads, And remember what I said, John,"

"Noted, Uncle,"

He continued walking back to the house letting the door slam gently against its frame as he entered back indoors.

"What did you talk about, Johnny?"

"Confidential, Si,"

Simon smirks scrunching his nose. He tightens his grip around his waist before lifting him and spinning him around before letting him down gently letting his feet rest on the lush grass beneath them once more.

John giggles as he is being manhandled once more before turning around to face him. He curls his arms around his waist as he hugs him resting his cheek against his chest.

"I'm gonna enjoy being part of this family,"

"Already a part of it, Johnny,"

"I know,"

They remain in the same position for a few minutes before Simon takes his right hand into his own as he slightly swoons side to side.

"Are we dancing again, Si?"

"Yes, Puppy,"

Back in the kitchen, Margret and Patrick lean against the island pressing their rears firmly along the countertop as they watch the scene before them through the kitchen window.

"They are going to be happy, aren't they, Pat?"

"Yes, Sis, he found his soul mate,"

"You think so?"

"I know so,"

Margret smiles contently.

"What happened between you two this afternoon?"

"He thanked me,"

"Thanked you?"

"For being there for him when, Tom, wasn't,"

"His walls are dropping,"

"Yes, they are, all because of him,"

They remain standing contently observing the two men dancing in the garden before them.

"He called me, Dad, Margret,"

"Who?"

"Simon,"

"He did?"

Patrick looks over to his sister standing next to him as his eyes fill with tears. Margret curls her arms around him hugging him tight while patting him gently on his back.

"He sees you as his father,"

"Yes,"

"Not really a surprise, you've always been there for him..., for both of us, Pat,"

She released her grip from him as he wiped his eyes dry with his sleeves. They continue their observation as Margret rubs her palm warmly over his shoulder.

Later that night as the sun has fully set and the moon illuminates the back garden they seize their dance as Simon gives John one last spin before curling his arms around him hugging him tight and pressing a kiss to his forehead.

John shivers as the night air begins to cool as he rubs his arms warmily.

"Should I go get the blanket, Johnny,"

"Would you?"

"Of course,"

Simon breaks their embrace as he sprints back inside. John remains behind as he looks at the dark sky. His mind fills with thought as the conversation he had earlier with Patrick returns to his mind, feeling utterly grateful that he opened up to him about his soon-to-be future husband. the words play over on repeat in his head, he accepts them feeling surprisingly calm knowing he has made the right choice so many nights ago to call him in the first place and express his feelings toward him.

He sprouts a content smile as his eyes fill with tears. he feels overwhelmed by being accepted for who he is and having two new parent-like figures in his life overjoys him. he has forgotten what it feels like to have loving parents and having Margret treat him like her own flesh and blood brings back past memories he has forgotten of his own departed mother.

Not too soon Simon returns but he is far too deep in his thoughts to even hear the back door slam shut and Simon's heavy footsteps stomp towards him.

He throws the blanket over his shoulder before curling himself around him as his arms curl along his waist John gets a fright and Falls forward and completely loses his mind in panic as tears run down his face.

"Johnny, what's the matter with you," Simon Roars terrified for him.

John comes to his senses and calms himself as he curls up into himself burying his face in his knees.

Simon bends as he gradually brushes his palm over his back before rubbing his arm warmly.

"Johnny, are you alright, Love?"

"I'm sorry, Si,"

"What happened?"

He remained curled into himself as Simon gently sat down next to him curling his arms with a blanket in hand around him sheltering them from the cold night air. he pulled him in closer and he rubbed him warmly.

"I-I...feel stupid,"

"You don't have to be around me,"

"I'm just experiencing a lot of n-new feelings you know, I mean your mother just accepted me like I'm her flesh and blood and your Uncle too. I'm not loved, Simon, but the past few days being with you and your family and being loved by you has brought back memories I had forgotten years ago,"

Simon smiles weakly trying his best to understand the words he is expressing to him.

"Am I smothering you, Johnny?"

"No, Simon, you perfect the way you are, I don't know why I'm acting this way, I can face bullets any day of the week but I'm a coward otherwise,"

"Why would you say that, Johnny?"

"Because it's true,"

Simon squints his eyes disapproving at the words flowing past his lips.

"Johnny..., you are my soul mate and not a coward you're the person that makes me smile, the person that makes me want to live and breaking yourself down hurts me more than it hurts you. You have more courage in you than I've seen in most, You are the heart of the team and now of this family. I understand that you must miss your mother and that mine would never replace her but she loves you even with your ridiculous haircut and when you need to talk I will always be near,"

John curls his arms around Simon's as he buries his face deep into him feeling utterly useless.

"I-I'm sorry, Simon,"

"Let me take you to bed, Johnny, you need rest,"

Simon picked him up carrying him bridal style back indoors. He walks into the kitchen as John's face is buried into his chest clutching onto him. Margret is stunned at the sight of John as a terrified expression grows on her face before she can speak Simon cuts her off as he gestures for her to keep quiet. he looks to his uncle mouthing the words that he needs him to follow him up the stairs and open their bedroom door. Patrick does as he's requested. 

They walk up the stairs and he opens the door for Simon letting him into their room. He lays John down gently making sure he is comfortable as he sits down next to him stroking his thigh gently with his palm.

Simon gets up once more and makes his way to the door before a weak voice calls after him.

"Please stay with me, Simon,"

"I'm not going anywhere, Johnny,"

He grabs hold of the door knob as he spots his uncle standing in the corridor gesturing for him to come to him, he does as requested as Patrick whispers to him,

"Is he ok, Lad,"

"Yes, Just a bit overwhelmed by everything going on at the moment,"

"You, sure?"

"Positive, please tell mum she has nothing to worry about,"

"Will do, Son, take care of him,"

"I will.  see you tomorrow morning, then,"

He walks back into their room closing the door behind him. He stands before the door hand still gripped firmly on the knob, he glances over his shoulder at him lying on the bed in the same position he left him moments before.

"Oh, Johnny, what am I going to do with you?"

John stirs slightly as he gradually turns to him while his eyes flutter open. Simon proceeds to remove his boots before undressing him from his jeans. 

He proceeds to undress himself, he kicks off his boots and withdraws his tracksuit bottoms before pulling his hoodie over his head leaving on his briefs and t-shirt.

He sits down on the bed as John rolls over to face him, he curls an arm around Simon's waist resting his palm on his inner thigh.

"Johnny, You alright, Love?'

He moans whisperingly.

"Simon stood back up and gently nudged the blanket from under his resting body, he repositions him letting his head rest on his pillow before turning off the lights and letting the moonlight illuminate the room. He sits down on the bed once more before crawling back over to him and tossing the blanket gently over them before he curls his arm around his waist gently pulling him into his person. 

John stirs and turns over burying himself in Simon's chest.

"I-I love you, Simon,"

"Love you too, Puppy,"

John falls asleep first feeling slightly embarrassed at himself but never the less content in Simon's warm embrace. He snuggles himself deep within his person while Simon slides his hand under his borrowed hoodie and gently rubs his back warmly.

Simon remains awake for a few hours. His mind is clear as he lies with John curled up in his arms listening to his gentle snores feeling utterly content and with him pressed into his person. he gently presses a kiss to his forehead as he whispers to himself,

"I'll protect you no matter what," 

he brushed his finger through John's hair as he glanced over his sleeping face marveling at his presence. 

He closed his eyes resting his lips against his forehead as he dozed off.

They lay together trapped in an intimate embrace as the hours gradually flew by. The rays of the moon slowly flow over them, moving from one side of the bed to the other as night slowly transitions to daylight as the early hours of the morning creep closer.

End of part 11.