When our lips touched. part 10.

When our lips touched.

Part 10, chapter 3.

The next morning the sun rose gradually shining its rays through the window casting a light over their sleeping bodies.

Simon stirs, turns over and presses his back against John's as the morning progresses, he wakes first, glancing over his shoulder at John.

He turns back over to face him, brushing the tips of his fingers along his arm before pressing a kiss to his temple.

John stirs awake, his eyes flutter open as Simon brushes his finger along his jaw.

"Good morning, Puppy,"

He yawns heavily as he stretches in Simon's arm.

"Aye, morning, Si,"

He turns over burying his face against Simon's chest and falling gradually back asleep before reawaking as he remembers the previous night.

"Oi, did last night really happen?"

He glances at his hand at the circular gold band adorning his finger. A smile sprouts over his face as he is met with a kiss on his cheek.

"Having second thoughts, Johnny?"

"What, never,"

Simon grins happily taking his hand into his own, he rubs the ring with his thumb before pressing a kiss to his dorsal.

"wanna take a shower, Then?"

"Just a shower?"

Simon grins wickedly.

"Perhaps tonight, Johnny, have an engagement this morning I can't miss,"

"Really, with whom?"

Simon remained silent for a moment and pressed a kiss to his cheek before he spoke once more,

"Can I talk to you later about it?"

John's expression falters as confusion grows over his face.

"Why, not now then?"

"Trust me, Johnny, it's a delicate matter, I give you my word I'll tell you when I return,"

John sprouts a worrisome smile as he reburied his face in Simon's chest, he mumbles something gibberish before curling his arm around Simon's waist.

"I'll have to leave soon, Johnny,"

"You are coming back right?"

"What, of course, I am,"

Simon assures him he'll be back before curing his arms around him and hugging him tight.

"Come let's get something to eat, I'm rather hungry this morning,"

Johnny remained buried in his chest not making a sound, Simon gently rubbed his back warmly.

"Johnny?"

"Sorry, Si, Just not used to this,"

"To what?"

"All of this, Simon, I'm not used to being taken care of like you have been the past few days,"

Simon sprouts a gentle smile.

"Better get used to it, Love,"

"Don't think I will, Si,"

Later Simon gets out of bed leaving John behind before pulling on his pants and dressing in his hoodie.

"Where are you going?"

"Going to get our bags, can't wear the same clothes,"

John smiled weakly as Simon exited the room and closed the door behind him.

"O Dhé, cha bhi mi cleachdte ri seo gu bràth,"

He remains on the bed staring up at the ceiling rubbing his belly over his borrowed hoodie and awaiting patiently for Simon's return, he questions himself wondering if he is making the right decision in accepting Simon's marriage proposal and if they aren't rushing things a bit much.

he's not used to having someone who cares for him as much as Simon has been the past few days. his entire life after his parent's deaths he has been labelled as an outcast and bullied relentlessly in school, and the only person who showed him any affection was his grandmother who cared for him after his parent's passing.

Flustered he shakes his head resting his palms over his face as he mutters to himself,

"Cuir stad air tha thu toilichte mu dheireadh agus tha e dèidheil air nach sgrios thu e!"

Not too soon Simon stumbles back into the room losing his footing and falling to the floor with their bags.

"Shit, you okay, Simon,"

"Yeah, fine,"

John leaps to his feet rushing over to him, helping him back up rubbing his back warmly.

"You need to take it easy, Simon,"

"What you on about, Johnny,"

Simon sits down on the side of the bed frustrated at himself and feeling slightly embarrassed. John sat next to him and continued rubbing his back warmly.

"You don't need to get worked up like that, Si, Let me take care of you too,"

"That's my job,"

"No..., It's not, we take care of each other,"

Simon sprouts a weak smile as he rests his head on John's shoulder. he presses a kiss to his scalp before resting his head against his.

"Ready for that shower then, Si?"

"Yeah,"

John takes his hand into his own and leads him to the bathroom. he unzips the hoodie and gently slides it from Simon's shoulders pressing a kiss to his back as he drops the garment to the floor and curls his arms around his waist hugging him tightly.

Simon turns and faces him. He lifts the hoodie over his head and tossed it back into the room before he slid his palms past his waistband grasping the globes of his arse and giving them a gentle squeeze.

John moans whisperingly as he presses his body into Simon's. He curled his fingers around his waistband pulling Simon's Tracksuit bottoms down with his underwear exposing his heavy cock.

"Hungry, Puppy,"

He looked up meeting his gaze staring deep into his dark eyes as he pressed his palm along his jaw and whispered,

"For you, always,"

Simon leaned forward pressing their lips together and kissing him passionately. he caressed his back gently running his fingers along his spine. John arched his back at the sensation of Simon's touch as his fingers ran down his spine.

John breaks their kiss as he turns the water on in the shower before getting in and leading Simon in behind him, the warm water cascades over them filling the room with warm steam. The warm trickling droplet splashed over John's back as Simon pressed his stomach into him resting his head on his shoulder and continued pressing gentle kisses along his neck leading to his jaw.

John nudged his head back resting along the crook of Simon's neck as he continued pressing kisses along his neck.

He arched his back grinding his rear against Simon as his cock bobbed between his globes.

Simon groans heavily at the sensation as he holds John gently by his hips, His cock hardens as John continues grinding into him. Simon moans breathing heavily as his chest rises and falls, he presses a kiss along John's jaw before whispering in his ear,

"Are you ready?"

"Aye,"

Simon takes hold at the base of his cock gently slapping it against the globe of his arse letting it jiggle before guiding it between his cleft and massaging his entrance before sliding it past his rim gliding his length deep within him.

John moans at the sensation as Simon gently thrusts into him pumping his hips gradually as gently as he can. he curls his arms around him and lifts him, cradling him in his arms as he gently presses him to the wall of the shower. his thrusts increased and the intimacy between them grew stronger. John's eyes rolled to the back of his head in pleasure as Simon propelled deeper and the rhythm fastened. his globes jiggled relentlessly as Simon pushed into him rolling his hips rapidly.

"Wait..., Simon,"

Simon stopped letting him down gently.

"You alright, Love?"

"Aye, pick me up like that night when you carried me back home,"

Simon smiled as he curled his arms around Him gripping him tight and lifting him to his stomach as John curled his legs around his waist. He guides his cock massaging it along his entrance before letting it slide back past his rim.

John moaned once more resting his cheek on Simon's shoulder as he gently held him by his rear and starts thrusting once more letting his cock slide in and out past his rim.

Simon moves forward pressing John to the wall of the shower once more and kissing him on his neck, he redirects to Simon pressing their lips together and kissing passionately as he continues propelling his length within him. His thrusts grow stronger pumping harder and faster as John's legs begin to tremble from the pleasure, he feels his climax creeping closer as he curls his arm around Simon's neck brushing his hand through his soaked hair.

"I'm close, Si,"

Simon launched a steady line of rapid thrusts rotating his hips swiftly.

"Oh god..., I'm coming,"

John squints his eyes as he moans intensely, his body jerks in short rapid pulses as he discharges thick ropes of pearly white slick between their bodies. Simon pulled him in close massaging their torsos together and smearing his spend over them.

Simon revels in the sensation as his climax quickens.

"Can I come in you, Johnny?"

"Only you,"

Simon grins mischievously as he propels rapid pumps grinding his hips along his rear. He growls heavily biting down somewhat gently into John's neck, his cock twitching deep within him before discharging his seed. his rapid movements came to a halt as he fell back into the shower wall breathing heavily. His eyes fell shut resting his head on John's shoulder as his slackened cock retreated and slid from John's rim letting his spend trickle from his entrance.

John moans at the sensation as his cock slipped from his insides as he is lowered back down,

He rubs his spend from earlier over his belly letting the cascading water wash it away before brushing over Simon's stomach warmily.

"You ok, Si?"

"Exhausted,"

They stand in the shower for a few more minutes, letting their previous escapades wash away.

Simon still exhausted rests his head on John's shoulder as he peckers a gentle kiss on his cheek before turning the water off.

John gets out first and takes hold of the towel hanging on the wall next to the shower and wraps it around his waist as he takes hold of the second towel draping from the neighbouring hook. He took Simon by his hand and nudged him forward before wrapping the towel around his shoulder while rubbing his arms warmly.

He stands there utterly useless with his eyes closed bobbing slightly from side to side. John noticed a hairdryer hanging from a hook on the wall under the sink.

 "Look, Simon,"

Pointing to the machine, Simon's eyes flutter open and a weak smile grows over his face.

"Oh, Si, you exhausted still?"

Simon nods his head.

"I'll get you a chair,"

John walks back into the bedroom fetches the chair from the desk and positions it close to him guiding Simon to help him sit down, he stands next to him as he takes the machine from the hook and nudges the button allowing the warm wind to blow over them. Simon curls his arm around his waist slipping his middle and index fingers within the towel wrapped along his waist holding on to him as John gently rubs his back.

He stands contently next to Simon as he continues supporting his weak state, he keeps the buzzing machine mostly on Simon circling it leisurely,

"You alright then, Si?"

"Yeah,"

"You see its not so bad being taken care of,"

Simon smirked as a smile grew over his face and yanked John closer leaning his head against his belly.

Not too soon John gently pulled away from him and moved to his front, he gently nudged him back and brushed his fingers through his hair blowdrying his short wave locks.

Simon closed his eyes feeling very comfortable at the moment as he was being cared for, he extended his arm and gently pressed his hand along John's hip as he rubbed his hand up and down leisurely along his thigh.

a few minutes pass as Simon feels his stomach rumble and John sprouts a healthy smile.

"Hungry, Si?"

"Starving, Johnny,"

"Let's get you some food then,"

John switched the hairdryer off and relocated it to its hook before helping Simon to his feet curling his arm around his waist walking him to the bed and sitting him down. he unzips one of his duffels and digs through the many layers of black and grey clothing. he spots a dark blue shirt pulls it from the bottom of the bag and scrunches it up in his hand pulling it over Simon's head, he guides his arms through the sleeves and pulls it over his chest and he fits the fabric around his waist.

He returns to the bag and retrieves black briefs and dark grey tracksuit bottoms. he bends to his knees slides the briefs over Simon's feet and pulls them to his knees. Simon stands up as John removes the towel from his waist and continues pulling his briefs to his hips making sure it sits comfortably around his crotch.

"Have to take care of my, Ghost," He said with a toothy smile.

Simon cracked a weak smile as he let John dress him in his jeans. He slides them over his thighs until they reach his hips and adjusts the fit before tying the drawstrings into a bow and slipping it within the waistband.

"Sit down again, Simon, I'll put your socks on,"

He sat back down again as he extended his leg resting his heel on John's Knee, he slipped a dark grey sock over his foot before putting his boot on and adjusting the laces he continued with his other foot and mirrored his actions. 

Soon John removes a gray hoodie from the duffel and unzips it draping it around Simon's shoulders.

"Looking good, Si, blue fits you very well, and brings out your eyes,"

"Oh, stop it, Johnny,"

Simon smiles as he feels slightly embarrassed by the compliment.

John giggles to himself whisperingly before reaching for his duffel and takes out a red shirt with blue jeans laying them down on the bed next to Simon.

He unzips the side pocket and retrieves light grey socks and slightly darker grey briefs.

He unwrapped the towel from his waist and draped it over his forearm before gathering Simon's towel taking them back to the bathroom and hanging them on their designated hooks before returning to the bedroom.

"Looking good, Johnny,"

Simon winks at him as he stands fully naked before him.

"Oh, stop you,"

He smiles as he reaches for the briefs sliding them over his legs pulling them to his waist and adjusting them around his crotch. Simon unbuttons and withdraws the zipper before handing him his jeans. He dresses in them tugging them up over his knees before putting on the button and rezipping the zipper.

Simon crunched up his shirt holding it open for him to slide his arms through the sleeves before he slid his head past the collar and adjusted the fit around his belly.

John rezips both his and Simon's bags before relocating them the the far end of the room stacking them neatly next to each other before gathering their clothes from the previous day. he folds them neatly before relocating them to the laundry basket in the bathroom. he walked back into the bedroom carrying the chair Simon used and returned it to the desk.

John picked up the borrowed hoodie he had worn the previous day.

"Mind if I wear it again today, Si?"

"No problem, Johnny,"

He sits down next to Simon as he puts his socks on adjusting the fit around his toes before sliding his boots on and adjusting the laces.

"Ready to get some breakfast, Si?"

"Yeah, I'm starving,"

"Good, me too,"

John stands up and takes the hood folding it over his forearm before helping Simon to his feet.

"I'm okay now Johnny,"

"Just let me have this for a few more minutes, please, Si,"

Simon looked down at him before pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth and nodded his head slightly.

"Only a few more minutes,"

John beams in delight as he curls his arm around Simon's waist as they walk to the bedroom door, down the corridor and down the stairs.

They enter the kitchen and Margret and Patrick stand beside the island sipping on hot cups of tea.

"Good morning, Boys," Margret beamed in delight.

"Morning, lads," Patrick parroted while he nodded his head to them.

 Simon smiled as John helped him to one of the stools.

"Good morning, Mom," John said happily as he embraced Margret with a hug.

"And to you to Mr Patrick,"

"What, I'm not your uncle, then?"

John stands there looking over at Simon before returning his gaze to Patrick.

"Would you like me to call you uncle?"

"You're part of this family, aren't you?"

"Oh, Pat, leave him alone,"

Margret narrowed her eyes at her brother before Patrick cracked a smile letting a chuckle flow past his lips while holding his belly.

"Lad, call me uncle,"

"Happy to, Uncle,"

Patrick tapped him on his shoulder before continuing sipping on his hot tea.

"Mom, we need to feed your son his starving,"

"Want to help, John,"

"Can I?"

"Of course, I would love that,"

John sprouts a toothy smile as Margret opens the refrigerator retrieving eggs, bacon, and cheese

"How about an omelette, Darling?"

"Sounds good, Mum,"

Margret hands John a large bowl and the carton of eggs.

"Crack them all, John,"

He does as instructed. he cracks one egg after the other until all twelve eggs have been cracked and the slimy liquid fills the bowl. She hands him a whisk before pouring a little bit of cream into the bowl. he mixes the mixture well combining the eggs with the cream before adding a pinch of salt and pepper.

"How's that?"

"Perfect, John,"

"Want to fry the bacon?"

"Would love to,"

Margret hands him the pack of bacon. She takes out a cutting board and a knife laying them down on the counter. he laid the pack of bacon down scoring the Knife over the edge and cutting the bag open. he lets the bacon slide out of the wrapper before handing it back to Margret.

"would you mind tossing it, don't know where the bin is,"

"Of course, darling,"

He proceeds to cut the bacon, dicing it into centimetre-thick pieces before adding them to the skillet on the stove.

He fries the bacon until golden brown before taking it out and adding some of the egg mixture to the skillets letting it cook slowly. As the mixture starts to firm he adds some of the bacon bits and some cheese that Margret handed him earlier to the bubbling mixture. He checks every few seconds making sure the eggs don't overcook before he can fold the omelette in half.

"Oh, you're a natural, John, you should have become a chef,"

"No..., I wouldn't have met Simon otherwise,"

Simon grins happily as he hears the honesty from John. Margret looks over her shoulder and winks at him.

"It's ready,"

Margret retrieves a plate as he takes it from her gently manoeuvres the spatula under the omelette and nudges it onto the plate.

"here you go, Simon,"

"Looks good, Thanks, Johnny,"

Margret sprouts a smile as Simon takes the first bite a satisfied grin grows over his face as his eyes fall shut with enjoyment.

"Good, Simon?"

Simon nodded his head in agreement as his eyes remained closed.

"Come here, Johnny,

He extends his arm, gesturing for John to stand next to him. He complies, and Simon wraps his arm around John's shoulder, placing a kiss on his temple.

"thank you, Puppy,"

He leaned into John resting his head on his shoulder. Margret cheeks glow red as she averts her eyes to Patrick as he winks at her.

"I need to taste that omelette, John, I've never seen Simon act like this before," said Patrick as his eyebrows rose high on his forehead.

"Sure thing, Uncle Pat, will make you one too,"

"That's good, lad,"

John proceeds to prepare more of the omelettes following the same steps as before. He served Patrick first before preparing another for Margret.

"Bloody hell, this is good, Well done lad,"

"Hmmm..., it truly is, Thank you, John,"

John watches them eat with pride as he waits patiently for his own omelette to cook. Not too soon he dished his plate taking a seat next to Simon. The kitchen is quiet the only sound is cutlery grinding along the porcelain.

Simon finished first nudging his plate to the centre of the island before curling his arm around John's waist resting his palm on his side.

"Had enough, Si?"

"No...,"

John laughed rubbing his belly before cutting his omelette in half and sliding one half to Simon's plate,"

"Thank you, Johnny,"

John bobbed his head against Simon's shoulder before continuing to eat. 

"Oh god, you two," said Margret curling her fingers over her lips and averting her gaze to Patrick as he sprouts a toothy smile.

"Mum, would you mind spending the day with John, I have an important meeting in a couple of hours,"

 "Of course, darling will be happy to,"

"What meeting, Simon?"

"Oh, don't bother asking, Uncle he won't even tell me,"

Patrick raised an eyebrow at him squinting his eyes disapproving before noticing John's downed expression. 

"Shouldn't keep secrets from him, Simon,"

"No, it's okay, uncle, I trust him,"

John said whisperingly before leaning back and resting in Simon's armpit.

later that morning Margert and John stand before the sink. They converse contently as they wash the dishes while Patrick sits at the island sipping on a hot cup of tea.

Simon walks back into the kitchen, he leans against the door crossing his arms before letting a heavy breath pass over his lips.

"I have to go now,"

John glanced over his shoulder before drying his hands and walking over to him. 

"I'll walk you to the car, Si,"

"Alright, Love,"

Simon takes his hand into his own as they walk down the corridor as they reach the front door Simon curls his arm around his shoulders pulling him closer to his person. they pass through the front door and walk down the path leading to the driveway.

They reach Simon's vehicle, he unlocks the door before getting in. John stands next to him blocking him from closing the door.

"Simon, where are you really going?"

"Johnn...,"

"If you really love me you'll tell me,"

Simon grins with a frown sprouting over his face as he sighs heavily.

"You only get one more of those,"

John cracks a weak smile as he takes his hand into his own pressing a kiss to his dorsal.

"I'm going to see, Price,"

He raised an eyebrow with a confused expression curling over his face.

"why is it such a secret, then?

"operation terminate,"

"Oh..., I see, shouldn't I go with you then?"

"No, I want to discuss other private matters with him,"

"More secrets, then,"

"no secrets, Johnny, I just need you to trust me with this, I promise you it is nothing serious I just need to talk with him, friend to friend,"

"Oh, I see, tell me about it later then?"

"Naturally,"

John smiles happily curling his arms around his neck as he presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Simon pulled him into the vehicle. He loses his balance as he's being manhandled, his lips are met with Simon's being kissed romanticly as his hands brush along his back sending tingles down his spine.

"I swear you're a bloody caveman, Simon,"

"Love you, Johnny,"

"You too, Si,"

John finds his footing as he steps back closing the door behind him. Simon reached for the glove compartment retrieved a mask and slid it over his ears covering parts of his face before winking at him as he reversed down the driveway.

He remains standing at the top of the driveway with his arms crossed as he watches Simon drive away.

"Thoir an aire, a ghràidh,"

He whispers to himself feeling utterly abandoned. he looks to the sky for a few minutes before returning indoors.

as he walks down the corridor back to the kitchen his startled by Patrick.

"Whats, operation terminate?"

"What..., nothing, wait how do you know about that?"

"Lad, I hear and see everything around here,"

"Everything?"

"Everything...,"

His cheeks began to glow red from embarrassment wondering if he heard them earlier that morning.

"No need to worry yourself, Lad, I too was once young,"

He taps him on his shoulder giving him a light squeeze before nudging him forward and gently directing him forward to the kitchen.

Margret stands by the island humming to herself as they enter the kitchen.

"So what would you like to do, John,"

"Oh..., uh, donno,"

"Tell him about his future husband, Sis,"

"Oh that's a brilliant idea, Pat,"

Margret face beams happily as she speaks about Simon telling him about the happy memories she has of him, he listens contently but wonders to himself if everything she speaks is the truth what about his father was he really as relentless as Simon explained the previous day.

"Mom, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course, Darling,"

"Can you tell me about your..., uh, husband, Simon's Dad?"

Margret's eyes widen as she looks over to Patrick.

"He told you about him?"

"Not in so many words, but What he did say wasn't pleasant,"

She sighed heavily as she crossed her arms leaning against the island.

"It's true, His father was a crule man, he didn't always, he cared very much for me and Simon's older brother,"

"What happened?"

"Simon,"

"What?'

"He didn't want him..., when I fell pregnant with him his...,"

She falters and loses the words she tries to express before Patrick cuts her off.

"Lad, he was a twat, a two-faced idiot, he began beating my sister when she fell pregnant and Simon as soon as he was born,"

John's eyes widened in disbelief. 

"He was a ruthless man after she fell pregnant and unfortunately he poisoned Tommy's mind and he turned out just like his father,"

"Tommy?"

"His older brother,"

He brushed his fingers through the locks in his neck before remembering something, Simon told him the previous day.

"Uncle, he mentioned that he beat him as well,"

"It's true, unfortunately, he's the spitting image of his father,"

Margret's eyes filled with tears as she rubbed her arms. John walks over to her curling his arms around her and embracing her with a hug.

"It's not your fault, Mom, you shouldn't cry over him like that,"

"I know, John, but he remains my son..., it's hard to explain,"

"Don't worry I understand perfectly,"

She sprouts a weak smile wiping the tears away with her sleeve.

"Do you still see him?"

"very little, he visits once every other month,"

"He still a twat, just like his father,"

"Patrick!" She parrots.

"What, it true,"

"Not in front of him,"

"Oh please, Sis, he's part of the family now he should know,"

"He's right, Mom, you shouldn't hide Simon's past from me, his very secretive about his past with me too, but is slowly opening up to me about it,"

"That's good to hear, John,"

John sprouts a weak smile as Patrick pats him on his shoulder.

"Just take care of him, Lad,"

"no need to worry, Uncle, I intend to,"

"Okay but seriously what is, operation terminate?"

"It's classified, Uncle,"

"Sure it is..., like this morning,"

John's face turns red once more overwhelmed with embarrassment.

"Uncle, if I tell you will you please never mention what happened this morning,"

"Goodness, what happened this morning?"

Margret questioned confusingly looking at them both.

"Nothing, Sis, I'm just taking a piss on him,"

Patrick chuckles heavily rubbing over his belly.

"All right then, operation terminate, is a code name for..., uh our team for when one of us wants to retire from..., uh,"

"The shadow government?"

"What, no, we are not the shadow government, Uncle,"

"What are you then?"

"I seriously cannot talk about it, I swore I wouldn't, as did Ghost, Sorry I mean Simon,"

"Ghost?"

"Simon's call name,"

"Do you have one, John?"

Margaret questions intriguingly. 

"Aye, I do, My call name is, Soap,"

"Soap?"

"Aye,"

"Why, Soap,"

"Cause I'm good at cleaning house,"

Margret giggles as Patrick's expression shows how confused he is.

Later that day Margret brews a pot of the as the three of them continue conversing. Patrick tells forgotten stories from his childhood of how he used to tease Margret and the fun they used to have as children. he told John about his father and about the gold band adorning his finger.

John shows appreciation as Margert pour the hot liquid into the cups before handing a cup to each of them.

He told them about his grandmother and the cottage she owns. he continued to explain about the land surrounding her cottage and how wonderful it was growing up there.

Margret smiles heavily seeing how happy John is talking about his grandmother's cottage.

"What about your parents, Lad?'

"Died when I was a boy,"

"Oh, I'm so sorry, John,"

"It's ok, Mom, it was a long time ago,"

A few minutes passed as they continued their conversation.

"I wonder When Simon will return?"

"That's a good question, Uncle,"

"You should give him a ring, I'm starving,"

"Is your stomach the only thing you think about, Pat?"

They share a laugh together as John wonders to himself how the meeting with, Price is going.

"Will you excuse me, I think I should give Simon a call,"

"Of course, John, go right ahead,"

He takes a few sips of his tea before reaching for his borrowed hoodie and dresses himself before going out the back door while taking his phone from his pocket and scrolling through his contacts.

He reaches Simon's contact and hovers his finger over the call button. He pressed the call button bringing the phone to his ear.

He waits tediously for Simon to pick up. 

"Hello, Love,"

"How is the meeting going with, Price?"

"Still waiting for him,"

"Oh..., I miss you, Si,"

"I know, Puppy,"

"When will, Price get there?"

"A few minutes,"

"Please hurry, I need you here with me,"

"Is my family driving you up the walls?"

"What, of course not, they are wonderful,"

"I'll be back before you know it,"

"Hope so,"

"Price, just pulled up, I'll see you later, Love,"

"Oh, okay then, bye, Si,"

"Bye, love,"

On the border of Manchester, Price just pulled up parking his vehicle in front of Simon's.

"Lt,"

"Morning, Captain,"

They extend their hands taking each other before pulling into each other and clapping their palms on each other's backs.

"Captain, can we put our ranks behind us for a moment I want to speak to you as my friend and not my superior, can you do that for me?"

"Of course, Simon,"

"I proposed to Johnny last night,"

John stands before him taking the words in before realizing what Simon just told him.

"Oh, that's fantastic innit, well done to you, Simon!"

"Thank you, John,"

"I hope he said yes, why do you look so down, then?"

He remained silent for a moment gathering his thoughts before he spoke once more.

"You know why we are here,"

"Yes, I do, Simon, are you absolutely positive that you and Soap want this?"

"Yes, we are. we discussed it multiple times, it's time we move on, besides, I believe I..., we have done our parts serving this country,"

"Agreed, Shepard won't be happy to hear his best is retiring. you realize once you go you can't come back, right?"

"Yes, I'm aware, it's the point,"

"What's Soap's views on the matter, then?"

Simon glanced up to the sky before removing his mask letting a heavy sigh pass over his lips.

"John..., you know how I feel about him, I've confided in you multiple times over the years. You're my best friend, John, you know more about me than any other. I finally found my soul mate, he took one look at me and accepted me as I am. you know I only stayed with the 141, because of him.

"I know, Simon, and I'm happy for both of you but you have to understand this isn't as simple as just walking away there are procedures that have to be taken care of first,"

"I'm aware, John, I want to discuss this with you that's why I came alone, I'm asking you as my friend, not my superior to eliminate our contracts even if that means erasing our identities,"

"That won't be necessary, Simon, your contract can be broken only if you retire from the military, the exact reason there's so much paperwork involved,"

"what needs to be done?"

"first as you know you need to speak with Shepard and explain your reasons for early retirement,"

Simon scratched his arm in irritation knowing that Shepard is not keen on same-sex marriage. He remains silent thinking about the words he wants to express.

"Is there any way around talking with, Shepard?"

"I'll see what I can do,"

"What about the paperwork?"

"That's less of an obstacle, It can be delivered or emailed to both of you, unfortunately, it's a necessary step,"

"Anything else?"

John paused for a moment caressing his fingers along his moustache.

"Technically that's all, however, I'll see if I can let you keep your benefits,"

"Benefits?"

"Medical and insurance and your retirement plans,"

Simon smiles in gratitude. 

"I'll very much appreciate that, John,"

"I'll do my best, Simon, will be difficult but a few people owe me a few favours time I cash them in, consider it my wedding gift to you both,"

"Thank you, John,"

Without thinking he curled his arms around, John's shoulders and hugged him tight before he realized what he was doing he tried to pull away from him but John returned the hug.

they retract from their hug. Simon scratched the back of his neck slightly embarrassed.

"Hope I get an invite to the wedding at least?"

"More than that, John,"

"Pardon?"

"Will you be my best man?"

"I'm honoured, Simon,"

John extends his arm to him gesturing him to take hold, they grip each other's palms and shake swiftly.

"Thank you, captain,"

"I'll get started on your retirement forms and talk to Shepard, Dont worry I know he's not too keen on the same-sex thing, I'll deal with it, in fact, it might work in your favour, Simon,"

"How so?"

"He most likely won't want to speak to you both,"

"That's good, then innit,"

"best we get going then, do not want to keep you from your fiance, as I know Soap he most likely grew very attached to you, right?"

"Both ways, captain, both ways...,"

"That's good, I'm very happy for you, Simon, and a word of advice, don't be so secretive with him open up more,"

"Thanks, John I'll keep that in mind,"

John walked back to his vehicle before turning back to him gesturing a saluted wave before getting in his vehicle and starting his engine making a u-turn before driving in the opposite direction. Simon raised his arm waving as John drove away.

He sighed heavily leaning against his door.

"Fucking hell..., that went better than expected," he mutters to himself.

He pulls his phone from his pocket and scrolls through the contacts finding, John, number before pressing the call button, he holds his phone to his ear and waits for him to answer his call. A few seconds goes by before he hears his familiar voice.

"Hello, Si,"

"I'm coming back,"

"How did it go?"

"surprisingly well,"

"That's great, how long before you'll be back?"

"About an hour or less,"

"Please hurry, but drive carefully,"

"Always, See you soon,"

"I love you, Simon,"

"You too, Love,"

Simon gets in his vehicle and inserts the key into the ignition allowing the engine to start he makes a U-turn driving back home.

Later that day. he drives up the road where his mother's home is located and not too soon he makes a turn driving up the driveway. a friendly smile awaits him, John is waiting for him by the path leading to the house. He parks and gets out of the vehicle and John sprints over to him leaping into his arms. Simon curls his arms around him holding him tight as he spins in circles. John pressed his lips against his locking them in an intense kiss before he lowered him down resting his feet on the floor.

"I missed you, Si,"

"As did I you, Love,"

John buried his face in his chest as he curled his arms around his waist hugging him tightly.

"how was your day, Love, hope my family didn't drive you up the walls,"

"No, it was great, already feel part of the family,"

"Good, Lets go inside then,"

Simon leads as he takes his hand into his walking to the front door, he swings the door open and makes his way to the kitchen.

"Simon, your back,"

"Hello, Mum, yes just got back,"

"How was, the operation terminate, Lad?"

Simon darts his eyes to John.

"Sorry, Si, He pulled it out of me,"

John leans against Simon cupping his hand along his lips and whispers,

"He heard us this morning, he using blackmail on me to get the answers out of me,"

"Really, Uncle, you're gonna stoop that low,"

"Sure am, Ghost,"

"Okay that's it..., if you're gonna bully my husband to get information out of him we might as well head back to Scotland!"

Patrick laughed happily holding his belly as it jiggled.

"Calm down, Lad, Just taking a piss on him,"

"Pat, leave the boys be,"

Margret walked over to them and curled her arms around their necks hugging them tight.

"Just happy to have both my boys here,"

"Wait, did you just call me, husband?"

"I did,"

"You're not married yet, Lad,"

"your point, Uncle?"

John revels in delight as Margret removes herself from them allowing him to curl himself around Simon.

"I don't mind, uncle, He can call me husband if he likes,"

"Is that so, Johnny,"

"Aye,"

Margret blushed at the scene as she curled her fingers over her lips and giggled whisperingly.

"Please excuse us I need to talk to, Johnny, in private and Uncle no need to eavesdrop, Mum please occupy your brother,"

"Will do, Darling,"

Simon curled his arms around John lifting him and carrying him bridal style to their room. As Simon walks down the corridor before reaching the stairs John rests his head in the crook of his neck making himself comfortable in his grasp he presses a kiss to his scalp before walking up the stairs. not too soon they reach their bedroom and John turns the knob letting the door swing open.

Simon walks to the bed and gently lays him down before returning to the door closing it and locking it securely.

He returns to Johnny, takes a seat next to him on the side of the bed and glances over his shoulder at him.

"How was your meeting with, Price, Si,"

"Good, our retirement is in progress,"

"Oh really?"

Simon nodded his head as he gently rubbed John's leg warmly. He explained everything they discussed earlier as John listened contently.

"So does this mean we won't need to see, Shepard?"

"Looks like it,"

"That's good was never really fond of him,"

"Don't think anyone is,"

John giggles as he repositions to his back rubbing his belly.

"I need a shower, Want to join, Johnny?"

"You need to ask?"

End of part 10.

Scots translations.

O Dhé, cha bhi mi cleachdte ri seo gu bràth - Oh god, I'll never get used to this 

Cuir stad air tha thu toilichte mu dheireadh agus tha e dèidheil air nach sgrios thu e - Stop it your finally happy and he loves you don't ruin it 

Thoir an aire, a ghràidh - Please be careful my love