Archive of Our Own

February 2nd, 2025

Johnny huffed as the couple entered the store, releasing his hands out of his pockets that were shielded from the frigid winter air. He readjusted his jacket before reaching out one hand, brushing it against the pants of his partner. Simon grabbed a shopping basket from the stack before using the free hand to slot it with Johnny’s.

“Jesus fuckin’ wept, Simon! Your hands feel colder than the Antarctic!” He gasped at the touch.

Simon made a small scoff through his medical mask. “It was cold out.”

Johnny scoured over the countless shelves and aisles as they walked, searching for whatever he needed while making conversation.

“You didn’t even take the chance to use the new gloves my Ma got you for Christmas?”

“Nah, not when your hands are much better.”

Johnny was lucky the man was occupied, he wasn’t sure if it was because of how cold it was outside or the flirting, but he was blending in as an apple for how red his face looked.

It surprised him, how after multiple years of a concealed relationship and a few months into their shared retirement, that Ghost, Simon, still managed to catch him off guard and have him giggling like a child.

Even with something so tedious and mundane as grocery shopping, the two were still enjoying each other’s company. They were adjusting to a much slower paced life that seemed to be serving them well out in a midsized Scottish town. They usually only went out shopping or to see other people when necessary, they kept to themselves yet they were never alone; if one was around their partner surely was too. And they were okay with that, always in the other’s sights because of reinforced worries of being separated, and the security in knowing that they can now always be together was their biggest comfort.

They strolled around the store, still hand in hand as they picked off various foods and utilities to place into their basket. Chatter was occasional, they were content with the unspoken peacefulness they had between each other.

Stopping in the middle of an aisle, Simon squinted at the countless boxes of packaged teas, studying them. The Scot lovingly laughed in his direction, amused at how seriously he was treating the task, as if it were soldiers being picked out to be deployed on the latest conflict.

“You think the right one will speak out to you this time?”

Simon replied with his typical deadpan humor. “Was hoping one of them would do a full salute for me.”

“How do you think the recruits back in England would react to their past Lieutenant treating store bought teas with more respect than them?” The other asked lightheartedly.

“Fuckin’ idiots they were, couldn’t tell their rights from their lefts,” Simon ridiculed, placing a box into the basket his husband held.

“I'm sure they miss you too,” Johnny replied before giving Simon a quick kiss to the bridge of his nose. “Now you ready to check out, love?”

The affirmative grunt from the other man gave confirmation as they linked their hands together once more.

They approached the self checkout with their items, placing each over the scanner in a methodical manner. It was only halfway through that Johnny realized he wasn’t done. “Ah, I forgot Milo’s dog food. Gotta go fetch it,” he said as he went to excuse himself, pacing through the store to retrieve it.

He found the pet food section, grabbed the bag of the usual brand they bought and swiftly turned on his heels, carrying it while making glances around the store as he walked back toward the front.

His eyes caught a glimpse of a display, layered with stacks of various candies, flowers, which were all adorned with flashy pink and red ribbons strewn about.

It was a reminder of the upcoming holiday, not like Johnny completely forgot, but the passing decorations and heartfelt imagery made it obvious that the date was approaching sooner than he realized. He took a small peek at the selection, looking for something to indulge in, before grabbing a small box of chocolates, just because.

When he came back to his partner’s side, he placed the item on the scanner countertop without any mention, Simon raised his eyebrow slightly once he spotted it.

“What’s this, Johnny? Got me a present?”

“Got you some chocolates, you know Valentine’s is coming up, aye?” Johnny answered smugly.

Simon made a curious hum. “Right, You have anything planned for your special someone?” He scanned the box of chocolates, studying what was written on the box.

“Yeah, I’m sure my husband wouldn’t mind a nice day out. Maybe gettin’ him something nice I reckon. ”

“Is that so?”

Johnny toyed and speculated with some ideas in his mind, not fully certain how his husband would react to celebrating such a holiday.

“It’s our first Valentine’s Day since we retired, figure we can try to work something out?” Johnny suggested as Simon handed him one of the bags of groceries, making their way out of the store.

Simon didn’t contribute too much, he let him speak, making small grunts and hums or rubbing along the other’s skin was his way of replying and giving acknowledgement.

Being back in the presence of the elements made Johnny shiver, it didn’t take long for his partner to take note of it, and grasp onto his hand once again. It was cold skin on top of cold weather, but being with the one he loved made it all the more bearable.

Walking down the sidewalk in the gray tinted morning, Johnny recalled his thoughts.

“So, y’know, we haven’t really gotten to ‘celebrate’ Valentines really.”

A circling pattern of Simon’s thumb on his hand followed.

“I mean, we did, but some shite always got in the way. This time, we actually have the time to do something bigger now that we’re retired.” Fog started to come out of his mouth when he breathed, but Johnny kept going.

And the rubs on his hand did as well.

“I just really want to have a nice day with you…” He halted his words for a second, trying to gather the right ones. “I’m always thinkin’ about how you never got to experience these little holidays when you ‘ere younger.”

The soothing motion from the other’s hand didn’t stop, but Johnny could tell it was a bit more uncertain and ragged than usual.

“I know, Johnny,” Simon said, voice hinted with sincerity and unease. “I just don’t want to mess it up. Not have it go as planned.” He fidgeted with the bag he was carrying and lightly swung it around with his free arm.

It was his partner’s turn to give some feedback in the form of touches on the back of Simon’s hand.

“It’ll be okay, I promise, love. I get how you feel, just want you to enjoy yourself, aye?” Johnny reassured with a comforting whisper, before turning to give his partner a soft peck.

“I hope so…” Simon replied with a bashful look on his face.

Johnny knew how much his husband worried about things, especially those he wasn’t too familiar with. He knew the topic of Simon’s past wasn’t an easy subject, but knowing why was less important than the desire to help him through it and experience those small things he never had.

In the back of his head, he made a silent promise, and God forbid if he didn’t hold up to a promise.

“We can talk more about it later, but try not to worry about it, sweetheart.”

“R-roger that.”

February 5th, 2023, Two Years Earlier

Ghost released a puff of smoke as he exhaled from his cigarette, the burning red tip starting to blend into the background of the sunset. Soap leaned against the wall of a typically unused corner out back of the base.

Soap was freezing, even with the bigger man’s hoodie loosely worn around his body. But this was one of the few places where no one could find them when they wanted time alone.

The conversations were spontaneous, usually about whatever activities they did during the day. Johnny was a chipper man, but the anxiety creeping up on him had stolen his tongue.

Ghost glanced at him as he took another huff from the cigarette. That made Soap flustered, turning his head away to avoid eye contact.

“You alright?” Simon asked, eyes focusing harder.

“Yeah… It’s just… You know what day is coming up, right?” Johnny fumbled with his words, almost running around the point he was trying to convey.

“No, I can barely wrap my head around how it’s February now, don’t really care about what day is comin’ up.”

“Well… it’s gonna be Valentine’s Day soon, and it’s the first one since we’ve been a… thing, y’know?”

“Huh? Valentine’s Day? What’s that?” His lieutenant questioned, sliding beside him against the wall.

Johnny stared at him with wide eyes. “It’s a holiday. You serious you don’t know what that is?”

“I thought we established that I don’t know a lot of things.”

“Yeah but… not even when you were a child?”

Johnny could read the embarrassed look in his boyfriend’s eyes, with his head pointing downwards.

“No… didn’t really have the chance to.”

Soap took his hand out from his pocket, tugging on Ghost’s gloved one, grabbing tightly.

The curiosity about his past was there, but there was a certain pity in his stomach in knowing that Simon hadn’t learned about something as common as a holiday. Maybe it shouldn’t have surprised him when he had to be reminded about the new year, only getting used to it because of the mandated leaves during that time.

“It’s a…” Johnny paused, looking Simon in the face to know he was comfortable before going further. “It’s just a nice thing where partners give gifts to each other, to show how much they love one another.” He was blushing as he got to the point.

Johnny could see the crinkle of Ghost’s balaclava as he moved his eyebrows, probably in disbelief.

“Why do we need that... we have anniversaries don’t we?”

Johnny only giggled at the question, he knew Simon was interested but the naivety was also adorable to him.

“I know, but at least here it’s the same day as everyone else, people usually buy each other chocolates or flowers and be sappy. Even if it’s just an excuse to spend money, why not?” He explained, a glint in his eyes that was more than just the oranges from the sky.

Ghost’s demeanor only got more shy and timid at the realization, sounding a bit unsure and nervous. “So… we get each other gifts? And do whatever else for each other?”

Soap nodded, Simon only sounded more anxious. “I dunno Johnny, I’ve never done this before… Sounds kinda big, and I haven’t had a serious enough relationship with anyone.”

Johnny lifted Simon’s chin with his other hand, giving a comforting rub.

“Not if you don’t want to… just thought it would be nice,” He gave Simon space to breathe, taking in his doubts and giving him the out if he wanted it.

“I’m not against it, you sure you want to do that with me?”

“Aye, if you’d let me,” he said with no hesitation.

“And what day is this exactly?”

“The Fourteenth, just a little over a week.”

Simon exhaled, sifting a hand through strands of hair on Johnny’s head.

He gave a small laugh. “You bloody idiot, we’re deployed that week.”

“Aw, wot! You fuckin’ mean I was doin’ this for nothing?!” Johnny’s accent was more apparent through his words.

He felt a small burden lifted off of his shoulders, not wanting to pressure Simon into doing this, just content with what they were doing already. The sneaking off during the day, the small touches during debriefings, the flirting over comms, Soap would consider himself lucky enough to have gotten here with Simon Riley.

Ghost lifted his mask to kiss Soap, before standing up.

“But it’s cute… seeing you so interested in things like these,” he whispered, and Johnny recognized the telltale signs of a smile behind that mask even after he’d lifted it back up.

February 14th, 2023, One Week Later

Soap sat in the corner of the safehouse, rubbing his palms together to warm himself up while he waited for his MRE to finish heating up.

Ghost approached, taking a seat next to him. He knew Soap would be somewhere with no one around.

The weather was obnoxious around them, rain beating down on the weakened roof of an abandoned shelter. Howling wind occasionally made the windows shudder, the loud sounds could be heard from anywhere, yet it was sort of calming for the men.

They had been running around fields and secluded buildings with threats creeping up at every corner, and Price barking orders and constant updates with every passing minute. There wasn’t a second to breathe, a time to talk to one another that wasn’t a report on another enemy downed or information secured.

But, now they finally had their moment, no one watching from vantage points or lurking behind walls. The adrenaline was finally wearing off as they quietly sat and began eating their meals together.

Soap shifted his leg, knocking it against Ghost in a sort of affectionate manner. And Ghost followed, placing his hand down beside the man for him to lay his own on. With such a small force of a tap, it was powerful enough to break down Simon’s walls and guarding he had kept up for others, it was just them at this moment.

Johnny fished something out of his bag, handing Ghost the cookie that was in his MRE.

“Why’re you doing this, MacTavish?” Ghost asked, tone unwavering.

And all his Sergeant responded with was a sly grin on his face before he leaned in, arms looping around his neck and whispering in his ear. “Happy Valentine’s day, my love.”

Simon nearly froze on the spot, thoughts lost in that moment but his mind simultaneously racing. He was glad he still had the mask on the top half of his face so Johnny couldn’t easily tell how pink his face was.

“F-forgot it was that day today.”

“‘S awright, Si, I figured to at least do something despite being in this shite hole,” he said in a quiet, affectionate voice.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t get you anything, Johnny.” The grip on him tightened as Soap tried to caress him through their gear.

“Shh… No, it’s okay, love, having you ‘ere with me is all I need,” Johnny whispered back, kissing his cheek and moving in closer to give another one on his boyfriend’s lips.

Simon held onto him back, he didn’t fully understand the tingling building in his chest, a warm feeling from Johnny’s sweet gesture. Giving each other small things wasn’t even out of the ordinary, so why did it feel so different for him now?

He was lost for words, feeling even slightly guilty for forgetting, but just trying to take in the moment, letting the two of them stay still like that for a little while.

February 14th, 2024, One Year Later

Ghost was pacing down the halls of the base swiftly, eyes focused and unphased by anyone in his way. People saw him and immediately knew where he was going.

He approached medical and it didn’t take the nurses a second to understand why he was there, especially when he’d shown up every day that week, for the same reason every time. No one was surprised at who he was talking about at the front desk, and no eyes were batted when he opened the door to that same room.

Soap almost instantly perked up, picking himself up from his lying position and holding himself up with his elbows flat on the bed.

“Aye, L.T., you’re early today,” he greeted with a teasing smile.

“I can just come back later if you really want,” Ghost quipped back, standing in the doorframe.

“Nae! I’ll have Price on your ass if you try to pull that! You’re already here might as well keep me company.”

“That’s what I thought,” he responded smugly, pulling up a chair next to Johnny’s hospital bed.

Ghost took a quick second to look over Johnny's body and his wounds, lifting the military-issued blanket and doing a scan, delicately touching as he did so.

He had injured his back on a mission a couple of days prior, it was only damaging enough that it would require a brace. Yet it left Soap practically bedridden and had his movements restricted.

The pain from having something grab and move parts of his body was light, although the man let Ghost do this. Despite there being nothing new for him to see, he’s healing well enough. But, Ghost was protective and would always double or triple-check when given the chance, to sate his own concerns.

And Johnny enjoyed the level of trust they had in each other, to know that Simon would always make sure he was alright, and of course Johnny would do the same.

Once Ghost was finally done checking, Soap dropped his head, turning it as he laid down and faced Simon. Simon grabbed at his balaclava before pulling it off, and reached out, placing his hand behind Soap’s head to pet his hair affectionately.

His expression was tense and emotionless before he arrived, but just one look into his partner’s eyes and he was softening immediately.

“How’re you feeling today, Sweetheart?” He asked him tenderly.

Soap grumbled, “It’s as fine as it could be, I’ve slept in more comfortable places while bein’ interrogated. And this brace couldn’t be more tight.”

The other man huffed out a small chuckle. “Been hearing you’re trying to get out early, you’re always a pain in the arse even like this.”

“Just miss you is all,” Johnny confessed with a smile, “well, more so that much more comfortable bed of yours.”

Simon soothed the skin of his face, whispering sweetly, “You’ll be out soon, just take it easy, there’s no rush my love.”

Johnny’s face contorted into a small pout, nudging the hand against him in frustration.

“I know… But I wish that mission didn’t go the way it did,” he sighed, “do y’know what day it is today?” Bright blue eyes stared back at the man before him.

“What? Is it Valentine’s already? Knew it was one o’ these days.”

“It is, and I didn’t even get to finish preparin’!”

Simon only continued his motions, leaning forward to rub his boyfriend’s back with careful strokes.

“Is that what you’re so antsy about?”

Johnny nodded, gripping one of his arms.

A low snort came out from Simon’s throat. “I told you, I don’t need anything. But that’s nice of you, you still had the time to get me somethin’?”

“Aye, but it’s not done. You can go get it from my room if you want…” Johnny blushed.

“You want to do this now?”

“It’s nothing extreme, but why not? It’s today and we have the time,” Soap reassured, giving instructions to his present. “It’s in my desk, nice little envelope and everythin’, can’t miss it.”

Ghost agreed to the exchange, getting up and putting his mask back on before stalking off to the private quarters to retrieve his gift, while Soap waited excitedly from his hospital bed.

The lieutenant was moving with a silent determination, not giving anyone his attention, especially when it was none of these people that he cared about.

He made a beeline towards the hall for the quarters. A group of recruits were conversing in the hallway, and when one turns to look at him, Ghost just gave his usual threatening “fuck off” stare, and their head shifted away timidly as he unlocked the door using Johnny’s spare key.

Not a second was wasted, retrieving what he was looking for like he was on a mission getting intel. Opening the drawer of the desk he immediately spotted what he was looking for on top of the pile of various wrappers, papers, and supplies; a neat white envelope, not yet sealed.

Simon took the envelope, about to turn back when he spotted what was under it. A dark amber-colored rock, and beside it a duller blue one. These were random rocks he had picked up on operations, handing them to Soap just for him to have something nice from him.

And before he realized it, he’d seen other things from him scattered about, notes he’s secretly handed him during meetings with little jokes scribbled on them. There’s a small voice in the back of his head telling him to leave it, wanting to respect Johnny’s space. Yet there’s a fuzzy warmth building up in his chest, to feel like he’s actually done something meaningful enough for it to be kept as a memory.

Though it was all in plain view under where the envelope lay, it made him think.

He put those thoughts to rest for the time being, heading back to complete his mission. Locking the door, he had taken a detour, stopping by his own room first before returning to medical.

Ghost took a second, fumbling with the door to Soap’s hospital room before casually entering.

Johnny just looked back at him, a heartening expression on his face and eyes shimmering with anticipation. Simon sank back into the chair and took off his balaclava once more, face with a tinted shade of pink that wasn’t present before.

They stared at each other for a second, brown locking with blue. And Soap had to drag them both back to reality.

“You can open the letter now, gorgeous,” he purred.

The other man clears his throat. “Do you want me to read it aloud?”

“Sure, just remember that wasn’t supposed to be the final draft, still pissed about it.”

“Doesn’t matter to me,” Ghost reassured, taking out the sheet of paper that was inside.

He scanned over the first few words, taking a breath before reading.

Simon, my love, my everything.

For whom I would do anything.

Not a ghost of an unfortunate tale.

But a bright soul, your presence was my holy grail.

Simon paused, a lump forming in his throat, his heart pounding louder knowing that this was for him.

He peered up, Johnny only smiled and gave him a supportive nod as he listened.

How you make me feel is indescribable.

For the man who is the most admirable.

You’re all I could’ve asked for, I trust you with my life.

I want you to hold me tighter than your most precious knife.

Enough of pouring my heart out in rhyme. (do i even want to include this?)

Simon snorted from the written note, Johnny only groaned

“I told you! This wasn’t the final! Should’ve removed that when I had the chance, and fixed a few o’ those lines.”

The other man only shushed him. “I like it, Johnny, now let me finish reading.”

Happy Valentine’s Day, my precious soldier. You’ve saved my life thousands of times, and for that I hope to spend thousands of years with you, wherever. If the military is all we have, then I didn’t regret the time we spent together.

I love you, Mo ghràdh.

The Brit failed to pronounce the phrase correctly, repeating himself until Soap broke in with a laugh.

“Mo ghràdh,” he corrected, “you did as well as you could I suppose, have to teach you later.”

“Dunno how you do it,” Simon huffed.

“But, did you like it? I’m sorry I couldn’t finish—”

“I loved it, Johnny, it’s sweet,” Simon praised, fighting against the racing of his thoughts as he felt the pressure of his chest get warmer. It was unusual, a feeling he hadn’t really experienced.

He gripped onto the letter, smiling to himself, fumbling for the right words to say.

“Can’t believe you wrote me a love letter,” he said softly.

“Just wait until you turn the page over.”

If the air was already taken out of his lungs before, they had exploded into a million pieces at this point.

On the other side of the letter was one of Johnny’s illustrations, a sketch of a heart-shaped skull surrounded by dozens of bubbles—soap bubbles presumably.

Ghost only stared at it in awe, he’d seen Soap’s drawings before but something about this had given him a comfortable squeeze in the heart.

“Johnny… I can’t believe you did all of this…” He traced his eyes over the lines countless times.

“Thought you’d like it. Everything wasn’t too lovey-dovey for you though?” Soap asked insecurely, staring up at Simon.

Simon cupped Johnny’s face with both of his hands, lifting him.

“It’s amazing, sweetheart. I’m at a loss for words, really,” he whispered, before going in for a deep kiss. “Though you might need to work on your rhyming skills, rhyming ‘everything’ with ‘anything’ is a little amusing.”

“Awa’ and bile your heid! It’s hard sometimes! I’d love to see you do something better.” Soap exclaimed back, a smile pressed into the bigger man’s neck.

“I’m sure I could do better, just give me ten minutes.” Simon kissed the top of his head and stood up. “It means a lot though, really does.”

“Oh, You got me somethin’? What a little lovebird you are,” the other man swooned.

“Nothing too special, I’m still new to whatever this is,” Ghost replied, quickly opening the door, returning with something pressed behind his back.

“Now close your eyes,” he orders.

Johnny did as he was told, patiently waiting before he felt cold metal placed in his hands.

“What’s this?” He asked as he opened his eyes.

He was met with an old, dark colored wine bottle, filled with water. And sticking out on top was a tall, singular pink carnation.

“You got me a flower?” His eyes lit up, observing it with tender curiosity.

“Found it a few days ago, reminded me of you.”

It only took a second before Soap was reaching out, picking himself up from the bed and wrapping his arms around Ghost, catching him off guard.

“Thank you, Si, I love it,” he cooed.

“Johnny! Ah—love, you can’t be doing that with your back!” Ghost howled, as he moved to hold his back for support. The man was quickly placed back down on the bed, giddy from his gift.

“Sorry, it’s just… so nice to think that you got me something, such a big softie you are.”

Simon turned away, feeling the creeping heat from the intense blush he was experiencing.

His voice was a low whisper, “I-I’m glad… Didn’t know if you’d like it…”

“I’d like anythin’ you gave me,” his partner confessed.

Back in their places, Johnny grabbed the other’s hand, staring at him as if he hung the stars for him, appreciation all over his face. Simon couldn’t believe how he got this far with someone, someone who would give him the world, someone who he actually wanted to give the world to, it still boggled his mind.

It wasn’t a formal exchange, but it was one for him to remember.

Amidst the fog and the joyful pangs in his chest, Simon laughed to himself.

“Didn’t know you kept all those little things I gave to you.”

Soap giggled at the discovery, “Of course, they’re all special to me. Was only time before you noticed.” He punctuated with a wink.

And that’s when it clicked, of course he wanted Simon to see it.

February 3rd, 2025, Present Day

The room was cast in dark light, only the television playing provided brightness as the pair laid absentmindedly on the couch after a day of running errands. Their dog, Milo, pressed up against them, taking up a section.

Simon didn’t really care about what they were watching, some random documentary that had been flipped on. He was basking in the warmth of his husband beside him, arms comfortingly wrapped around Simon’s body, he was ready to fall asleep whenever his eyes grew tired.

He felt a hand gently tap his chin, staying there. He turned around to face Johnny, gingerly smiling at him.

“Hey, love. You doin’ alright?”

His partner hummed in response, “Yeah, why?”

He shifted slightly, brushing Simon’s face before speaking, “Wanted to talk to you more about Valentines.”

The other man nodded, staring back blankly.

“Are you… Are you fine with doing this? I want to do something special, but I won’t pressure you if you’re uncomfortable.”

Simon took a deep breath, the smallest fear written on his face.

“It’s just—”

“We don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to, I’m not gonna push you,” Johnny stressed.

Simon wrapped one of his own hands around Johnny’s body, gripping tightly.

“It’s okay… It’s just still kinda new to me, yeah? I don’t wanna be disappointin’ for you.”

His husband’s face softened.

“Besides… what do people usually get for Valentines?” whispered curiously.

“Y’know, like flowers or those chocolates I got,” Johnny suggested, “or somethin’ from the heart.”

“You know I don’t have a heart,” his partner joked.

“Aw yes you do! My big softie, I loved the flower you got me last year. Still ‘ave it pressed into my sketchbook,” Johnny disputed, “may no’ have been much to you, but I loved it.”

Simon paused in thought, muttering to himself. Johnny only grinned back.

“Need something better than that,” the bigger man grumbled.

“You need me to list some more things? I’m sure you already have an idea of what I like but I wanna make this easy for you.”

“No, no. It’s fine.”

Simon was trying to keep note, remembering all the suggestions that he got from Johnny, but the main focus to him was just trying to not mess up. It was clear this was important to him and he didn’t want to ruin it.

Johnny stretched forward, grasping the remote before shutting off the television.

“Though, are you fine with me planning some things? Just a nice little date for us, too?” He asked softly, holding onto one of Simon’s hands on his waist.

“Mhm,” Simon agreed, head nestling into his husband’s chest tiredly.

Milo snored next to them. Clearly both of his boys were ready for bed.

“We can head down to go shopping one of these days,” Johnny explains, pulling the other man to have them both stand up.

Simon still held onto him as he was guided to their bedroom, head fuzzy with comfort but also an uncertainty that could only be cured this way.

“I’ll love anything you give me, you know that, Si. Just take it easy for me, aye?” Johnny whispered, laying him into bed and kissing his forehead before heading to the bathroom.

Yet he was still thinking, head foggy but awake enough to be planning out his moves like a mission. He knew his objective and he wanted to be successful. When Johnny sank next to him, his presence was enough to silence the thoughts for the time being, feeling the solace as he held Simon.

Simon wanted to give him the world, but how could he give that as a Valentine’s Day gift?

February 7th, 2025

Johnny stood in an aisle, surrounded by various scented candles. The constant sniffing was making him lose his sense of smell, but he was determined to find the perfect match. Earlier, the couple arrived at a local shopping center to buy their gifts for the upcoming holiday, having gone separate ways to avoid spoiling each other.

Johnny finally made up his mind, approaching the cashier with his items, mind full of ideas on where he should go next.

He left the general store with multiple bags already in his hands. He was well aware of how over-the-top he was being with this exchange, shushing all the warring thoughts by remembering his promise.

Simon deserved this, after all.

He carried everything over to the next store he had thought to visit, trying his best to avoid glancing over into the windows of nearby ones. He had a small hope of wanting to spot his husband, see how he was doing on his own, but with the past reassurances Simon had given him that he would be fine, he tried to extinguish that concern, too.

The aura of the florist shop Johnny had entered was very serene. Rows and rows of flowers were before him, with bunches of blush-pinks and crimson the most prominent colors in the front rows.

He stared down at his phone, squinting at his notes of research he had done prior, scanning the area to see if it would prove successful. He had spotted the flowers soon enough, and instantly recognized it, selecting a bouquet and going to purchase.

Another item in his shopping list was crossed off, but still some remained. Looking over all the plans he had typed, he began to move onwards again.

Johnny felt warm, and a little bit flushed. Thinking about how serious this was between them, going out to get each other meaningful gifts for Valentines, he never imagined doing this when he signed up for deployment.

Simon mindlessly strolled around the center, fumbling around with his hands in his pockets nervously. He stared into countless shop windows and peeked at what they were selling, but nothing exactly caught his eye. He entered one at random, seeing if anything would be worth purchasing there.

He thought about what he should give as a gift, thinking about what Johnny got for him the year prior.

“I’d love to see you do something better,” Soap teased him with a shit-eating grin.

“I’m sure I could do better, just give me ten minutes,” he had answered.

It was only when he was standing in front of a set of stationery that he realized that he was taking the challenge to heart, at least that’s what he thought of it for the time being.

He noticed pink-colored envelopes and many papers that all looked a little too intricate and almost childish for his age. He picked off a plain rose tinted letter with a similar envelope to match, before buying it and taking off.

It still felt incomplete to him, though. For something that should be a big deal for him—his first Valentine’s Day holiday with someone he cared about—that was actually thoroughly planned out beforehand. Simon wanted something bigger.

And that form of bigger came in the attention he got in seeing a bright blue reflection that had reminded him of his husband.

He entered a store—one that probably looked too expensive for him to be shopping at, with his black medical mask on and a dark hoodie to match, it wouldn’t be a shock if someone thought he was trying to steal.

Alas, he picked out the exact item that had gotten his attention, it seemed like an amazing fit. He didn’t care about the price, anything for his Johnny was enough for him.

Once he’d exited, he checked the time, just about time for the two to recoup to head back home. Simon sat on a bench, thinking if he had made the right choice, thinking about those words he was going to carefully scribble down on that fancy pink paper.

He was pulled out of his trance when he spotted quite the sight, the sight of a man walking towards him, carrying 4 or 5 bags in his hands and ultimately looked like he had bought a lot.

Simon blushed a little, that couldn't all be for him, right?

“Hey, you figured out what you’re getting, love?” Johnny had asked as he dropped the bags on the floor before him.

“Jesus Christ, Johnny. You out here getting gifts for the whole neighborhood, too?” His husband joked.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Johnny tugged at his hand to pull Simon up from the bench, preparing to leave.

He huffed, picking all the bags back up. “Can you help me with these, please m’eudail?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Simon answered, taking half the bags and carrying them along with his own.

“Make sure you don’t look. Cannae have you ruining the surprise!”

In response his partner only giggled, basking in the early February sunlight as they walked home. They were blessed with warmer temperatures and only a slight wind hitting their skin. The two walked, chatting idly as they did so. It felt completely different to what they were doing a year ago, how did they get from ambushing bases and killing men to buying each other fucking Valentine’s Day presents?

It was still new to Simon, but he welcomed the new domesticity in his life with open arms.

When they arrived home, they quickly set aside both of their separate bags and got to making lunch. Milo’s tail was wagging energetically and he was ecstatic for their undivided attention, clearly desperate to have his needs met.

The two of them would continue as normal, only speaking minimally about what they had planned. Simon was more than content with having Johnny work out all the quirks of what they were going to do and he could just write his letter.

And so after lunch, he tried, sitting in his office, hoping words would come to him. But the pace at which they did it was so slow and small. He pondered and thought, who was he trying to appease? Anything he came up with was just typical affectionate and sappy sentences often seen during the research he did.

He thought about what Johnny wanted, fine with anything he came up with. It doesn’t have to be like everyone else and what Simon saw as examples, as long as it was from him specifically.

That would be more “from the heart” he supposed.

Just writing what he thought, how he felt inside, that’s what had him actually getting somewhere. Once the page was full and he thought he had gotten everything down, he checked the time, noticing it was now an hour later, shouldn’t be the end of the world that it wasn’t actually 10 minutes.

So he left his office, scouring around the house for his partner. He heard the light humming of a radio come from the door to his art studio, so he pushed the door open slightly, enough for the creaking to make his presence known.

He was met with a pushy Scot on the other side. “Aye! Don’t common in ‘ere! Don’t wanna have you see it!” Johnny squealed, ushering his husband out.

“Just wanted to make sure you were alright, love,” Simon defended.

“I’m awright! I’ll be out in a minute, Si, promise,” the other said more carefully and hushed this time, giving a small peck before closing the door once more.

Simon plopped himself on the couch, waiting. He had noticed how wrapped up in tasks and how busy his husband had become recently, if he was really going all out as he let on. He sighed, pondering about those words—if they would really mean something to Johnny.

February 14th, 2025, Valentine’s Day

The morning was pleasant and delicate, Johnny awoke to a sunny atmosphere in his bedroom and arms protectively wrapped around him. He immediately perked up in recognition and turned around, where the bright brown eyes of his husband were already peering back at him.

Johnny didn’t hesitate, lurching to touch him and plaster him with affection. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.”

The man smiled back at him softly, leaning into the touch. Kissing Johnny back with fondness and strength that only grew over the years. Their arms sprawled out on top of the covers, matching rings reflecting from the daylight shining in.

After a week of preparations and keeping covert information—their gifts—from each other, the day had finally arrived.

Johnny shifted, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous, was he disrespecting his partner's boundaries? Was he doing too much? Yet he was only met with affirmative nods and compliance, so he can only assume that Simon wants to do all of this.

He pulled himself out of bed and stood up, Simon only grumbled something about being tired, the more he was away from the military the more he wanted to sleep in.

“C’mon, Si, I have a lot planned for us, don’t wanna spend all day in bed.”

Simon lifted his head, resting it on top of his pillow, only smirking back in response.

His partner blushed bright red. “Aye! You know what I meant!” He grabbed the snickering man and dragged him out of the bed.

The two began their morning routine like any other, Johnny started running the shower and stepped inside with his husband right there with him. It wasn’t uncommon for them to be connected, trying to morph into one. As the hot water ran down, filling the bathroom with a serene noise, Johnny noticed how much tighter Simon's grip was, as if he didn’t want to let go.

This was the routine they always had, but today just felt a little different.

The smaller man could feel Simon run his finger through his hair as Johnny started to wash the both of them, the mohawk still intact yet longer than it typically was out in the field.

Johnny did the same, he ran his fingers around scarred skin and marks from knives and bullets, feeling how smooth his skin was, and how relaxed his muscles were. Despite the scars on his face, he appeared content and unbothered. This was something Johnny was only able to notice early in the mornings as they slept years ago.

It was those little things they’re both grateful to be able to witness today.

Stepping out into the cool air, Johnny grabbed both of their respective towels. Out in the bedroom, he started rummaging through the closet, while Simon only looked at him curiously as he threw on a dark-colored patterned sweater and jeans.

Johnny slipped on a blue dress shirt, with a pair of gray sweatpants that definitely didn’t belong.

“Why are you wearin’ that, Johnny?” Simon asked him, interested.

His partner only stared back with teasing eyes. “You’ll see later.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to try to pull that off today.”

“Haud yer wheesht! Just you wait.”

Walking by, Simon gave a small smack to his backside before leaving their bedroom.

Johnny soon followed, and an excited dog met them both in their kitchen, wagging and yelping for their attention.

Simon pulled out the kibble, emptying some into the dog bowl that rested on the floor, rinsing out the water of the other as Johnny got the coffee maker running and turned on the kettle, then got out various ingredients for their breakfast.

After the stove was turning hot and sounds of brewing coffee filled the air, the Scot started to crack eggs and insert slices of bread into the toaster.

Hands began to wrap around his waist, Simon had retreated back to the company of his husband once he finished his duties for their breakfast. He leaned his face into his partner’s neck, humming a song with no exact tune.

Johnny only smiled to himself. “Someone’s feeling handsy,” he joked.

“Mmm… You love it.”

“Yeah? You enjoying your day so far?” Johnny whispered, following with a kiss to his scalp.

Simon only hummed back a high sound to him.

Johnny carried on, moving around their kitchen while an affectionate Brit held onto him. Mixing together pancake batter and heating up sausages as he did so.

Simon grumbled into his shoulder as the other man continued, sounds muffled through the fabric of his dress shirt. The scent of their breakfast was mixing in with the wafts of now brewed coffee.

“Speak up, sweetheart,” Johnny replied softly.

“You don’t usually cook this much…”

“Aye…” Johnny flipped the pancakes. “Today is special. Just figured I should do something different,” he said with fondness in his voice.

“You don’t have to…” Simon said, flustered.

“But I want to, can you get the sugar for our drinks, dear?”

The bigger man shuffled away, carefully stepping past the dog that was now laying against their legs. He rummaged through the cabinet, pulling out a bag of sugar and placing it on the counter.

Johnny finished cooking and began to set up the dining table, not always did they take the time to settle down there for their mornings, but, of course he wanted to. He put down the plates and took out all of the cooked food, now evenly plating them.

He sat down, antsy with excitement. He watched as Simon slowly brought over their mugs, now mixed. The man sat down and faced his partner, before thanking him for the meal. Johnny gratefully took his coffee, surprise still appeared on his face every time he remembered that Simon knew how he liked his coffee—despite never outright telling him.

Simon’s eyes took a quick glance at the food on the table, before scoffing lightheartedly.

“You really made ‘em heart shaped?” Simon teased as he picked up a pancake with a fork.

“Why not? It’s nice to get into the spirit,” his husband snickered across from him, “besides, you already prefer for me to cut your sandwiches in triangles—with the crust off—so this isn’t all too different isn’t it?”

“The reason for that is very simple and tactical.”

“The reason for this is also very tactical, just let me fuckin’ love you.”

Simon took a bite of his food, and picked up a slice of toast slyly. “It’s great though, Johnny, thank you for this.”

With his hand already laying absentmindedly on the table, Johnny placed his on top, sipping on his coffee.

“Of course, it’s no problem, I have a lot more in store.”

He was giddy, practically shaking with excitement for everything he had set up just for their day together. For the time being, they talked about nothing in particular. They ate and drank beverages that warmed their hearts, while staring out of their large kitchen window, with the faded grays and unsaturated blues of the midwinter light shining in front of them.

After they had finished eating, and cleaned up their dishes, the men initiated the next phase of their plan. Simon would leave for a walk with Milo while Johnny began setting up the scene of their house, as he insisted.

When Simon would arrive back, he would be presented with what Johnny was preparing to give him.

Simon slipped on a jacket, grabbed the dog’s leash, and said his farewell for a few hours. Johnny waved goodbye hesitantly, as soon as the door was shut, he began to remove all of his gifts from his studio and organized them in the living room.

The enthusiasm morphed and the nerves started to hit him harder, delicately placing the bouquet he had bought against the couch. What he was doing was real, he had the same buildup in his chest as when he got on one knee and proposed. Despite this not being as important, it felt similar.

He dialed a number on his phone for one of his arrangements, heartbeat a little louder in his chest as he spoke. When it was over, he was even more anxious, trying to focus on how Simon would react to all of this, was it too much? Did he actually want to do this?

Pulling out the wrapping paper and picking up one of the presents to wrap, he stared back into a pair of familiar eyes, and with those eyes came the reminder of the promise he had made, and why he wanted to do all of this.

Once that task was done, he began to prepare their lunch for later. He took out more ingredients and smiled to himself seeing the bag of sugar still being left out on the countertop, one of the little things Simon did without realizing.

An hour later, the food was stored away and Johnny continued to get ready. Simon would most likely be home in thirty minutes or less—because he was still particular about timing and schedule with a long-lived habit that never faded away.

Johnny pulled out more clothes out of their closet, taking some off and throwing the others on. He checked his reflection in the bathroom mirror, observing himself. Noticing how some of these clothes he bought when he was newly retired hugged his body a little tighter, how his mohawk had grown longer—especially when he swore it wasn’t too long ago since he last cut it.

How he was grateful to experience this brand new life, with the same person he always loved.

He sat down on the couch, patiently waiting for the time—the time they would finally do this, how he could show his love, his devotion, and so much more. He fiddled with the match in his pocket, hoping this would go as well as he’d hoped.

While Simon was on his walk, he contemplated his own gifts, too worried that he would be disappointing and not as heartfelt as he wanted it to be. It was his first time doing something like this, was he doing it right?

Johnny said he would like anything he’d get, but there was another goal to exceed expectations.

He walked along a small trail close to their house, Milo taking the lead on the journey, familiar with the route. It was a little cold, but nothing Simon hadn’t experienced, except for the nipping cold at his maskless face.

The path of melted snow and muddy patches of dirt surrounded them on the ground, matching with leafless and swaying trees with some white scattered about on their branches. It was nothing special, but the man enjoyed being able to take in any scenery that he could.

He kept his hands in his pockets, briskly feeling the paper that nicely sat inside, and the box nestled into the opposing side. And he thinks to himself what he wanted, the time and energy spent on just wanting to make Johnny smile—that goddamn smile that got him in this situation in the first place.

He approaches a cliff before a drop and clearing of shrubs, the high point overlooked a small pond. Bits of ice floated alongside the edges, while the flowing water shimmered beautifully.

Simon watched, just enjoying the view he had, Milo smelt around, probably looking for another place to piss.

It was an odd serenity he never felt until their retirement. Sure, he had been around the world and places people would probably kill to see, but with the pressure from the Task Force, he never had an actual moment to breathe. An actual moment where he could take his surroundings in and he knew he would feel this again, knew he would still be breathing the next time he wanted to experience it.

And he appreciated the life he now had tenfold, the opportunity that both he and Johnny had received. But it was all Johnny’s doing, he knew he was the guiding light to keep him on the good path. He so desperately wanted to convey that to him.

He was so grateful for how his life became, living with Johnny, even going as far as adopting a dog together.

Looking over the water, he remembered those words written to him a year ago.

If the military is all we have, then I didn’t regret the time we spent together.

He could remember how he felt reading it, how important it was to Johnny to make sure Simon was aware of that. It brought him out of his focused mind of just trying to complete the task, and to make sure this was truly something worth giving.

Yet, it wasn’t all they had, they had more. Simon took out the envelope in his pocket and scanned over the words once again. He looked over it time and time again throughout the last week, making sure he had gotten down everything, and fixing the errors and typos he didn’t notice.

Having read over it again, he had nothing new to add, he felt satisfied with his work and was ready to give it over. He took one last glance at the pond and gave a light tug on Milo’s leash for them to make the trek back home.

Johnny had urged him to leave the house for a while, the crunches of dirt under his feet were softer and more uneasy as he walked slower. The forest trail began to fade out, and he was concentrating again.

He could feel his chest tightening ever so slightly as their house came into his view, he held onto the box cautiously at his side.

He paused for a second in front of the door. Milo barked at it in irritation, and before he knew it Simon was turning the knob to open it.

The first thing that caught his attention was the smell, he was gently hit with a wave of Johnny; the entire house smelt like him, a musky and woody scent, but it was a little different.

Nothing was calling out to him, Johnny wasn’t right there immediately greeting him. Simon shrugged off his jacket and left it on the rack by the door, while he followed the traces of Johnny through the house. It got stronger as he approached the living room, he almost called out for him before he saw the scene laid out right in front of him.

Johnny stood a couple of meters behind the entryway, facing him with a bright smile on his face and arms pressed behind his back. He adorned a matching gray vest and dress pants, while still wearing the blue dress shirt from earlier under, he looked stunning and captivating, all for Simon.

“Well, welcome home,” Johnny greeted.

A harmonious and slow song played in the background, filling the silence as Simon stood with mild surprise.

“What’s this, MacTavish?” He looked around the room, seeing a lit candle on the table, no doubt the source of the vast aroma. A pile of gifts wrapped in pink paper next to them.

“Shh, it’s MacTavish-Riley to you,” Johnny whispered, stepping closer to his husband. “We can do this now, aye? You ready, Mo ghràdh?”

Simon nodded silently. How should he react to this? The man in front of him was absolutely beautiful and he found his mouth void of all he wanted to say at that moment. Johnny was fine with it though, only grinning as he pulled out what he was hiding and presented it to his valentine.

It was a bouquet, but the shapes and color of the petals looked recognizable, something he had seen before.

In the bouquet were pink carnations, surrounded by shrubs of all varieties. This was the same—singular flower he had presented to Johnny before. Except now it was a whole bunch of them.

He hesitantly grabbed it, and stared at them, amazed. Lungs completely empty, he wouldn't be shocked if his breath was taken away at that point.

“I’m a sucker for that sentimental shit, Simon. Only fair that I did the same, yeah?” His partner told him, back turned to the table.

Simon fidgeted, sights elsewhere, he could feel the heat rising on his face. And yet there were more gifts held out to him when he looked back up.

“We’re not done ‘ere yet, love.”

“Yeah…” Simon replied, voice hushed.

“Your face looks so beautiful already, I still got some more for ya, pretty boy.”

The other man grabbed the bigger box on top, usually the order goes from smallest to biggest first, but he didn’t give that thought any attention.

He peeled off the wrapping and made a small gasp at what he saw. A box of a more expensive tea brand with a variety of kinds inside, he was usually too cheap and stuck to the inexpensive brands, but he liked this one.

It was that little gesture that had him humming contently, yet the feeling of having someone thinking of him with those little things had him almost tearing up. He did that for Simon?

Johnny grabbed his shoulder, rubbing circles into it, staring into Simon’s eyes as they started to sparkle.

“Thought you might like that.”

Simon only made a small sound, already taking some out of the box to inspect it as if it were a new knife for his collection. The warm feeling was returning and it was just as confusing as it always was.

“So,” Johnny hesitated, gaze shifting to the box. “Why don’t you open this one?”

Simon grasped it, watching the way Johnny’s hands trembled ever so slightly as he took it out of his hands. This one had a little ribbon around it as well, he removed it and slowly ripped off the paper caging it.

He saw a reflection, beyond the glass frame itself he looked at his own face. A painted portrait of himself—a face he still didn’t fully recognize sometimes—but it was rendered so gently and carefully, he scoured the image until he saw his husband’s signature in the bottom corner.

He could feel the heat in his chest building up even more, that throbbing he felt when Johnny whispered those words to him at the safehouse and held him, when he read that letter that was stressed was unfinished, when he saw that box held before him with a ring inside months ago.

There were no words he could say to convey how he felt seeing that, seeing himself in such a beautifully articulated light that he never imagined, the same person who still thinks he doesn’t deserve all of this. But Johnny shows him that he does.

Fuck, he used to be the coldest, most threatening man to exist in the SAS, how has he gone so soft now?

The whole concept of this was still fresh to him, still not exactly aware of what was going on, and this was all for him?

No, he couldn’t believe that.

His face was bright red, the sneaking tingling building in his chest now going full force. It felt nice, he felt happy and overjoyed, despite how overwhelming the new feeling now was.

“Do you… you like it?” Johnny asked him, face less confident than it was before.

He snapped out of his trance, not even thinking. “No…”

A small breath escaped the other man’s lips. “I-I’m sorry, I knew I shouldn’t have been too overwh—”

Simon’s head shot up. “No, no Johnny, I mean… I like it, I love it. No one’s ever done this for me before.” Setting everything down, going in for a sweet embrace. “Shit, I don’t… I don’t know what I’m feeling but it’s… good… thank you.”

Johnny held on, relieved, murmuring “I’m so glad” into the other’s neck.

Simon ruffled his hair, kissing his scalp, having let the two sway together for a moment, the only sounds between them were the inhales and exhales of their synced breathing and the rhythm playing from the television.

“Say, you got me anythin’?” Johnny broke the silence.

Simon came back to his senses, fishing for the envelope in his pocket. “Oh, of course, Johnny.” It was a light pink color they had seen before. He handed it to Johnny, nervous written all over his face. “Might be a bit disappointin’, didn’t know you were also gonna be corny with your flowers.”

“Didn’t know you were gonna give me a letter!” Johnny took it out, eyes gleaming from the realization. “You really trying to do me one better from last year, huh?” He joked, and his partner laughed nervously.

“Affirmative.”

“Well, let’s see it.” Johnny sat down and began to read the words out loud.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Johnny MacTavish-Riley.

What’s that phrase they say, something about you being the light of my life? I guess you could say that’s the case here, for a man who has only lived in darkness for his entire life.

Where would I be without you? Living on the side of the road in a cardboard box like a lonely kitten? Yet here we are, a purr-fect rescue from the hell I was living in.

Johnny stifled a laugh into his palm, smiling as he paused.

“You bastard.”

“What can I say? I’m just a master with my words.” Simon replied humbly.

He continued reading, feeling his face grow increasingly red.

Do you know how happy you make me feel? How I felt when I saw that smile for the first time? How I feel seeing that every morning when I wake up? You make me feel things I’ve never fucking felt before.

I can only hope I’m enough for you because I feel like I could never repay you for what you’ve done for me. I’ve seen those hands build the most destructive bombs, kill countless men, yet they make me feel so safe. And all I want is for you to hold me tighter, like how I was with my knives, yeah?

I feel like I’m writing my wedding vows again, trying to find the right words so you can know how much I love you, but just know that I really do.

He finished reading the last sentence and looked up to see Simon’s shifty glare, staring down at the floor as he waited.

“Si…Holy shit…” Johnny looked over the words again, stuck in a perpetual state of shock.

“Was it good?”

He giggled to himself heartily. “It’s amazing, I love it, oh my god.”

He picked himself up and gave Simon a peck on his lips, and grabbed him strongly, practically crushing the bigger man.

“I love it so much, Simon, it’s great… It’s just… blowing me away.”

“I hope so,” Simon sighed, “my bloody first Valentines and I have no clue what I’m doing, or how the hell to show you how I feel.”

“You did so well, sweetheart,” Johnny reassured.

Simon pressed a palm to his husband’s chest. “There’s more I have for you, love.”

The other man’s eyes widened, already seeming more than content with just that gift alone.

From his other pocket, Simon revealed the small black box, giving it to Johnny for him to open. He lifted the top carefully and gasped.

The box held a shiny silver necklace, with an alluring metallic ornament, and a bright blue gemstone in the center of it.

Simon only smiled at him. “Can I… put it on?”

Johnny beamed, nodding vigorously with glee.

He swiftly placed it around Johnny’s neck, and clasped it, giving a small tug to make sure it was comfortable. He stood back to see the man beaming, dazzling blue eyes matching along with the jewel hanging off his collarbone.

“Thank you, Simon, I can’t believe you got me a bloody necklace.” Johnny studied it, fiddling with the center circle in his hands, fingers sliding over the smooth edges of the gemstone.

“I wanted to do my best.”

“I know, you bawbag. Don’t have to treat it like a whole operation, but it’s sweet.” Johnny jabbed his torso in a joking manner. “Are you having a nice time?”

Simon picked up the bouquet once more, staring at the flowers thoughtfully. “Yeah, I’m having a nice day, Johnny.”

It was delightful, the full circle of memories from the military cycling back to the domesticity of their retired lives. Those things they gave and cherished together.

Johnny leaned forward, right hand holding onto his partner’s chin tenderly. Simon looped his arm around to Johnny’s waist, where they looked into each other's eyes once more.

“That makes me happy, Si,” Johnny whispers sweetly, his other hand rubbing circles on his shoulder.

Simon blushed again, eyes meeting that lovely blue he’d known for years, while another shade of it gleamed at him in a reflection from his husband’s neck.

“I just wanted you to enjoy yourself today,” the smaller man continued, “fuckin’ shocking you never got to have a valentine, I made a promise to be the best as your first.”

The other man hummed contently. “Not like we didn’t have them before.”

“Aye. But those barely even count, if we weren’t busy chasing after bad intel and all that other bullshite, I could’ve done something real nice back then.”

“I dunno, Johnny. That cookie you gave me back at that safehouse was hard to beat.” The two stood in the center of their living room, reminiscing and embracing while Milo slept at their feet.

With the music in the background, Johnny almost felt as if they were dancing.

“That safe house was two seconds away from crashing down. But I wouldn’t have anything else.” Johnny laughed at the memory.

“Can’t believe you had to wind up injured last year, spent a lot of time getting you that flower.”

Simon picked out a flower from the bouquet, holding it between his fingertips, placing one behind the other man’s ear.

“You didn’t even remember what fuckin’ day it was,” Johnny retorted.

“Had enough of an idea to know that it wasn’t gonna go as intended with that broken back of yours,” he fired back with a shit-eating grin.

“If you care so much, then why don’t you go and break my back again,” Johnny growled at him.

Simon froze, processing him before waving him off. “Getting antsy already?” Johnny gave back an even larger all-knowing grin on his face. “C’mon, don’t you have more planned?”

Johnny snickered, before he released his grip, separating to pull out his phone.

“Yeah, that I do. I made lunch, one of your favorites,” he announced, before checking his notes. “And booked a reservation for dinner at that place we’ve been meanin’ to go to.”

Simon only shrugged non-committedly in response. “I don’t feel like going out.”

Johnny’s gaze softened a bit with concern.

“Just want to spend the day with you, we can do it another time. But God be damned if I want anyone else around with you looking like that,” he clarified.

With his face now flushed, Johnny agreed, pulling away to drag Simon to the dining table.

“You drive me insane, Si,” he teased.

“I know you love it.”

“That I do, I love you.” Johnny couldn’t hide how much he was head over heels for this man, still overjoyed and excited to spend the rest of the day with him.

“Love you too, sweetheart.” And Simon definitely was the same.

The couple sat in their living room, watching holiday specials or whatever Simon deemed interesting enough to watch. It was peaceful, Johnny had swapped the musky sandalwood candle for a more calming lavender one—one of Simon’s favorite scents.

Simon turned his gaze away from the movie, looking up at his husband while he lay on his lap.

“Hey, love,” he spoke.

Johnny ran fingers through his hair. “Yeah, sweetheart?”

“You wanna go out for a smoke?” Simon had asked so casually.

His partner scoffed, “Is that your way of asking if I wanted to go out back with you? You’re not back to smoking, right?”

“Of course not, just glad you remembered what it meant.” He grinned.

“Don’t see why not.” They stood up, walking out the back door to their porch, where the glowing orange of the sunset awaited them.

Simon leaned against the railing, leaving his hand open for it to be grabbed.

And that’s what Johnny did, holding onto him tightly, no need for a knife for self-defense as they did back at their old base. They watched as the colors darkened into blue and then purple, staring out as the stars were more clear in front of them. Just the two of them reflecting on their past while enjoying the future.

“One of the most pretty things you’ve seen, isn’t it?” He had asked Simon.

“I’d have to disagree, you’re far prettier.”

♡