Wedding:
Poet's wedding brings up new questions for Ghost and Roach's future.
So this can be seen as an addition to the story, 'Here With Me' or it can be read on it's own it doesn't matter. Just in my head this is a continuation of that story :)
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Gary smiled as Simon walked out of the bedroom looking extremely uncomfortable. He looked good in a suit although it was obvious he hadn't worn one in a long time. He moved forward to straighten his tie. When their eyes met, Gary felt his heart stutter. Even after all this time, he was still hopelessly in love with this man.
It had been years since Makarov's death and the subsequent dissolution of the task force. Gary still felt lucky when he remembered Simon choosing to be with him instead of reenlisting. Especially when he smiled at him with such love, just like now.
"You look great." He said, trying to ignore Simon's hands on his waist, slipping into his trousers. "We don't have time."
"We can make time."
"Simon…" The warning died as soon as those lips brushed his neck.
Gary wasn't used to this new side of him yet. Underneath his Ghost persona, Simon was rather sweet and loving. It still surprised him even now. The hands holding him were gentle but firm and insisted on being acknowledged as they moved to his ass. Gary smiled and grabbed his wrists.
"Later." He smiled wryly and let go. "Adam will kill us if we miss the ceremony."
"We've got three hours." Simon checked his watch. "It takes what, two hours to get there? We got time for a little fun first."
"What if there's traffic?"
"An hours worth?"
Gary laughed and kissed him gently. "Keep your gun in your pants. I'll make it up to you tonight, deal?"
"Deal."
The ceremony went off without a hitch. It's was rather moving to watch his friend get married. As they said their vows he felt Simon's hand entwine with his and glanced up to see he was smiling at him. The intensity in his eyes made Gary blush. They hadn't discussed marriage. To be honest, he hadn't considered it. But now he thought about it, it didn't sound like a bad idea. Gary smiled back and squeezed his hand.
At the reception, they found a table with John and Amber. The two of them didn't stay long though as she dragged him off to dance. Their former Captain's awkward movements were too much and Gary felt tears run down his face as he laughed.
Simon wiped them away and winked. "Want a drink?"
"Please."
He'd only been gone a minute when Meat took a seat. "Who's the hot date?" He asked with a smirk.
"It's Simon."
"Well, that clears things up."
Meat's sarcasm initially confused him, but then Gary realised he didn't know Simon was Ghost. No one from the task force aside from Soap knew. None of them knew his name or had seen his face.
"Sorry," Gary smiled, thinking he'd have some fun with this. "He's an old friend of mine."
Simon returned at that moment and sat down, handing him a drink. "What's happening?"
"Simon, this is Meat. Meat, this is Simon."
He shook Simon's hand and Gary had to hold back a laugh at his confused expression. "Nice to meet you."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Simon looked to him for an explanation. He only shook his head, afraid he would laugh if he opened his mouth. "Meat, I've known you for years."
"Uh, I don't think so."
Gary couldn't help it, he started laughing. Simon's eyes suddenly narrowed as he understood. "You're an asshole."
"S-sorry!" Gary tried to stop, but at the sight of Meat's confusion burst out laughing again.
Simon made a noise of frustration and returned to Meat. "I'm Ghost."
The man's eyes widened and he looked between the two of them. "Wait, seriously? Ghost?" Simon nodded and he laughed. "Holy shit! Sorry man, I didn't consider you'd be here without your mask!"
"Well, it would be a bit weird. It's a wedding after all."
John returned at that moment. "Amber's gone to get some drinks. How are you doing, Meat?"
Meat wasn't listening, it looked like someone had hit him. "Wait... Roach and Ghost..." He pointed between them. "Oh no, tell me I'm not imagining things."
"You're not." Gary smiled and grabbed Simon's hand. He half expected him to pull away but he didn't, he only rolled his eyes then smiled back.
"No way man!" Meat let out a groan of frustration. "I owe Poet twenty bucks now!"
"What?"
"Damn it!"
Ozone sat down on Meat's other side with a grin. "What's wrong with you?"
"We all owe Poet twenty bucks each!"
"Why?"
Meat gestured at them again. Gary just sipped his drink, trying not to laugh. "These two!"
Ozone noticed their hands and frowned. "So Roach brought a date, why does that mean Poet gets my money." Suddenly his eyes widened in surprise. "You're shitting me?! Ghost?"
"Yeah, that's me." He replied irritably. "What kind of bet did you lot make?"
"Ah, I remember this!" John laughed and winked at Gary. "The guys made a bet back when Roach got injured. Apparently, Ghost's behaviour was strange enough that it got people talking. A bet was made about if something was going on between you two."
"And I said no chance!" Meat exclaimed.
"As if Ghost would be sleeping with Roach, let alone anyone!" Ozone groaned. "Damn it, should've known better when Poet bet you were."
A hand on Roach's shoulder made him turn and he saw Poet behind him smiling. "I knew something was going on, even if you never admitted it. Figured I could make some quick cash off you two, sorry."
"Unbelievable," Simon muttered, finishing his drink.
"Congrats, man." Gary got up and hugged him. "Where's the wife?"
"Talking to your sister I think?" He pointed the two women out. He then looked at John and grinned. "You should consider buying a ring. From what I hear, Amber's hoping for one."
John's shocked expression had them all laughing. "I think I need some air." He muttered, downing his drink too.
Simon squeezed his hand and Gary looked at him questioningly. He bent down to whisper in his ear, "Let's go somewhere quieter."
Gary nodded and the two of them slipped outside. It was quieter out here and he could see the rejuvenating effect it had on Simon who had never handled crowds well. They were quiet for a while as they walked around the hotel. He knew Simon wanted to say something but decided to wait rather than force it out of him.
Finally, Simon stopped and turned to face him. "Do you think we were that obvious, even back then?"
"I don't know. To be honest, I thought we did well considering our relationship. Hell, we were only friends until what, a week before taking out Makarov?"
"We were more than that." Simon's voice lowered and he leaned closer. When they kissed, Gary could feel his smile. "I just wish I realised sooner."
"Well, you were a bit of a mess. Remember how you reacted after our first kiss?" Gary did. Simon had freaked out and ranted on about how much of a fuck up he was and that he'd ruin their friendship.
"I'm glad to know I was wrong."
"Only because you got better."
Simon nodded and smiled again. "I figured you'd be worth it and guess what? I was right." Gary found himself in Simon's arms and smiled.
Honestly, it had all been worth it for these moments. The quietness of the world, no interruptions or distractions between them. Just two people in love. Maybe it sounded sappy, but Gary was happy now and he wasn't going to let these moment's fade away.
"I love you."
"I love you too." Simon didn't hesitate to say this anymore and every time he did it made Gary smile. "Do you want to get married?"
The suddenness of the question made him pull back. "What?"
Simon seemed to realise what he'd said and surprisingly, he blushed. Gary had never seen this reaction before and found it very endearing. "I'm not proposing or anything! I just meant... have you considered it before?"
"No." Gary felt himself blush and looked down. "But I wouldn't say no."
Silence followed that and after a moment he sighed. Just for a second he'd imagined it, actually marrying Simon. But the reality was, Simon wasn't ready for that yet, may never be.
"Forget it, let's go back inside." Gary turned to leave but Simon grabbed his hand.
"Marry me then."
"What?" Turning back, Gary was stunned by the sincerity in Simon's expression.
"Say yes and we'll do it."
"I- yes."
Simon's arms were back around him and Gary hugged him back hard. Then they were kissing at it was the best kiss they'd ever shared. When they broke apart, Simon brushed his hair back and smiled softly.
"Thank you, for being here with me."
"Always."