Ghost was turning in for the night when he received a video message from Roach. Curious, he sat down on the edge of his bed to open it. It was unlike Roach to send a video, maybe he was drunk again. The thought made him smirk, maybe there was something he could tease the man about in here.

"Hey Simon." Roach seemed to be trying to whisper and failing spectacularly. Then he giggled which was something Ghost had heard him do maybe never. Yeah he was drunk alright. Roach fell back on a bed and the phone tumbled away, hitting the covers with a thump. "Oh, shit!"

Back in view and for more than a few seconds, Ghost could see the flush to his cheeks, the way his pupils had dilated, eyes alight with a smile that twisted Ghost's heart. God this man was gorgeous.

"I love you."

Ghost had to pause the video and take a moment to remember how to breathe. Did he hear that right? Why the fuck had he paused the video?

Playing it again, Roach's eyes widened in surprise, then he laughed. "Shit, I was going to tell you earlier but chickened out. I wish you were here so I could do all kinds of things to you." He bit his lip, the flush on his cheeks darkening and fuck, Ghost was getting turned on. "I want you inside me right now as I pull on your hair and moan your name. Would you like that? I should probably ask first."

Yeah, he was definitely hard now.

Roach's eyes creased with a warm smile and he was so utterly beautiful Ghost fell in love with him a little bit more. Something he'd thought impossible at this point. "Fucking hell, Roach. What are you doing to me?" Ghost asked weakly.

"The point is…" Roach paused and sighed, his smile fading. "I can't take this anymore, pretending I don't want you. I'm scared to ask but this person you like… is it me? Because if it's not I might cry." And there were tears in his eyes. Ghost hated the sight of them as Roach sniffed and pulled the phone closer to his face. "I wish you were here instead of this stupid phone so I could say this to your face."

"Me too, love."

"I love you, Simon Riley." He yawned. "So hurry up and call me back to base so I can say it to your gorgeous smug face."

The video ended.

Ghost sat there, completely stunned. Then he replayed the video just to make sure he'd heard it correctly. And then again.

"I love you."

How long had he waited to hear those words? Years at this point.

Suddenly he felt wide awake and England was too far away.

Soap was still in the office when he got there and looked up confused. "Thought you'd gone to bed?"

"Turns out I need to catch a plane." Ghost opened his desk drawer and began rummaging through the papers. "Did you give me that holiday request?"

"Here, mate." Soap handed it over with a smirk, watching him scribble his signature down. "What changed your mind?"

Ghost wondered for a second if he should show him the video but decided against it. Roach would be mortified if anybody saw it, even him. "You were right. It's time I took matters into my own hands."

"Good luck."

The plane couldn't go fast enough. Ghost spent the journey in nervous anticipation of what he was going to say when he got to Roach. Having never been in this situation before, it was foreign territory. Did he hug Roach, kiss him?

The reality that he could very well kiss Roach in the next twelve hours had his heart pounding madly.

Finally, he was back in England and renting a car. It was still two hours to get to Roach's house though but it felt more like five minutes and then he was pulling up by the gates. Ghost exhaled, strumming the steering wheel as he thought. If he went to the house, they would have no privacy for a good few hours. Best to get Roach to come out and meet him. At least then they could talk privately for a few minutes.

Or maybe not talk at all.

Ghost rummaged in his bag to find his phone and turned it on. Calling Roach's number he only had to wait a few seconds for an answer. "Hello?"

The sound of his voice made Ghost smile and he relaxed back against the seat. "Hey, love. Mind telling me where you are?"

"At my sisters, why?"

There went his plan, Roach wasn't even here. He laughed, unable to contain his exhilaration. "I've done something impulsive so don't hate me. But you couldn't expect me to just sit there after you sent that message."

"I'm sorry." Roach inhaled sharply then after a few seconds, spoke roughly, "No, actually I'm not sorry. If you don't want me, then that's your loss."

"Gary..." He started, utterly confused. "What on earth makes you think don't want you?"

"You blocked me..."

Ghost looked down at his phone, still confused. He clicked on their message history to see two unread texts.

I'm so sorry, I was drunk. Please don't take me seriously.

Ghost please talk to me.

He closed his eyes and mentally cursed himself. "I'm sorry, my phone was off. Please don't think I blocked you, I would never do that."

"Why was your phone off?"

"I had a plane to catch." He smiled, picturing the stunned look on Roach's face. "I wasn't about to sit at the base and be like 'well that's great now let's pretend you didn't say that for the next few months because we're not together.' Fuck that!"

"Where are you?" He whispered.

"At your house."

Silence for a few seconds then, "Bullshit."

Ghost laughed again. "Technically I'm out on the road still. As much as I love your mother, we wouldn't get a moment's peace for hours. I thought we could have a more private reunion first. But you're not here, are you?"

"Hang on." He heard a muffled conversation then Roach was back and giving him an address.

He typed it into the car. "Alright love, satnav says seven minutes. Think you can wait that long?"

"Already counting down the seconds."

"See you soon." Ghost ended the call and got back on the road. He pulled up outside Amber's exactly seven minutes later and was ringing the bell in seconds. The knowledge that Roach was only a few feet away had his hands shaking and he quickly shoved them in his pockets to hide it.

Amber was the one to answer and she leaned against the doorframe, grinning widely. "Can I help you?"

"I'm hoping Gary's still around."

"He is." She stepped aside to let him in. "Kitchens on the left. I'll be in my room with my headphones in and music turned up." With a wink she shut the door behind him and disappeared. Ghost watched her go with a smile and shook his head.

Following instructions, he headed for the first door on the left and looked in to find Gary wiping his shirt. Leaning against the doorframe he only had to wait a few seconds for Gary to glance up and the surprise on his face was so adorable, especially when he dropped the cloth he'd been holding.

"Hey, love."

Gary made a noise that could've been a laugh and then ran across the room, slamming into him so hard they stumbled back a few steps. He could feel his fingers digging into his back and smiled as they pulled apart to look at each other. "Hey yourself. You really put me through a lot today."

"It's not my fault you have a tendency to overreact." He laughed, feeling happier than he had in years, probably ever if he thought about it. "I'm sorry though, I should've said something first. After seeing your little video I kinda stopped thinking straight. The only thing I wanted was to get to you, regardless of the consequences."

"And now you're here?"

Ghost searched his face. "You're still drunk, aren't you?"

"No!"

"What have you been doing all day?"

"Fuck you shots." Even drunk, Gary was adorable. "It's something Amber and I have always done when one of us gets our heart broken. We drink shots and toast by saying fuck you..." He trailed off, cheeks flushing pink.

"Let me guess, fuck you, Simon?" Gary nodded. "Well, I can't say I didn't deserve it after ignoring you all day. I really wish I responded you know."

"Don't be so impulsive next time."

"Let me make it up to you."

Ghost ran his hands up and down Gary's warm back, coming to rest on his waist then pulled him closer until there was no space between them. Leaning down, he grazed his lips against Gary's, giving him the choice to take it further or not.

He did, leaning forward to kiss him properly and it was the best damn kiss of Ghost's life. His grip tightened as Gary's fingers wound into his hair, tugging on it and fuck, it really was a turn on. He didn't want to stop. Years he'd been waiting for this and it was worth every torturous second.

When they broke apart, Gary looked gorgeous with his flushed face and shy smile.

"Damn, love. I would've done that sooner if I'd known how it felt." He smiled, tucking a lock of hair behind Gary's ear. "You really are something else."

"I could say the same about you, darling."

"That's a real mood killer."

"I'll stick to Simon then." Their second kiss was just as enjoyable. Ghost would be happy to do this for the rest of his life. When he felt Gary's hand move to undo his shirt though, he pulled back and grabbed his hands. "What's wrong?"

"You're drunk."

"So?"

"So were waiting." He smiled when Gary groaned. "I don't want to rush things and fuck it up. We've got all the time in the world. Let's enjoy this."

"You're such a tease."

"Coming from the guy with the thong."

"You bought it!" Gary bit his lip and leaned closer. "Want to see me wearing it?"

"Now?" He shook his head. "Shame, I bet it looks better in person."

Gary blushed and ran his hands down Simon's chest. "I bet you do too."

The firm touch left a trail of warmth that radiating through his body and he caught his hands, pressing them back to his chest. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough."

"I hope so." Gary leaned in and kissed him chastely, much to his disappointment. "Simon, come to bed?"

"Well, when you put it like that." With a smirk he lifted Gary into his arms, pleased when his arms went around his neck.

"Hey!"

"Which way?"

"Down the hall, second door on the right."

Once they were in the room, Ghost tried to lower Gary onto the bed but he refused to let go. So he had to manoeuvre awkwardly to get them both situated. "I didn't realise you were so clingy."

"Just making sure you don't go disappearing on me."

"You'd have to kill me." Ghost relaxed back with Gary half sat on top of him. When he sighed, leaning in closer, Ghost rubbed a hand over his thigh. "Tired?"

"As if I could sleep? What about you?"

"Wide awake." Despite the long journey, Ghost knew he wouldn't be able to sleep for a while yet. He wanted to live in this reality a little longer first. Gary sat up and frowned. "Something wrong?"

"How can you be so casual?"

Ghost raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm not affected by this?" Grabbing Gary's hand, he pressed it to his chest so he could feel how fast his heart was beating. "I'm just better at hiding my emotions than you."

"I wish you wouldn't." Gary smiled coyly and before Ghost could ask he rocking his hips down into him. The friction was wonderful and a groan slipped from his mouth before he could stop it. "I like this better."

"Stop it."

"I don't think you want me to." They were both getting hard now and as much as Ghost wanted to continue this, he also knew Gary was drunk. "Your body is saying something different."

"I will leave the room if you don't calm down." Ghost grabbed his hips warningly. "Not tonight. When we have sex I want you sober and fully aware of everything I'm going to do to you."

Gary froze, eyes locking with Ghost's. "Shit, that's a well-reasoned argument."

"Exactly." He placed a chaste kiss on his lips. "Now stop moving about."

"You liked it."

"Too much." Ghost settled back against the pillows but kept a firm hold on Gary. "If I can put up with you for years, I can make it through tonight."

"Years?" Gary whispered. "How long have you felt like this?"

"A while."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

Interruptions, doubts, nerve failing, the list was endless.

"Because you didn't realise." Ghost shrugged, allowing his frustration to show for a moment. "I was waiting for you to catch up,"

"Now I have?"

"I guess we'll see." Ghost couldn't help touching Gary, running his hands across his firm thighs. "Alright, love?"

"Just trying to decide how we're going about this tomorrow." Gary played with the buttons on his shirt as he spoke. "What do I tell my parents?"

"The truth."

"Which is what?"

"That I'm your boyfriend." Gary laughed. It was a wonderful, carefree sound that filled Ghost's heart. "Is something wrong with that?"

"You haven't asked me to be your boyfriend."

"I thought travelling halfway around the world and showing up on your doorstep was enough. I didn't realise I'd have to ask too."

"Please do. Let's hear it."

Ghost sighed and rolled his eyes. Then he sat up and grabbed Gary's hands to cradle between his own. "Gareth Roach Sanderson, would you do me the honour of agreeing to a monogamous, homosexual relationship with me?" He asked as seriously as he could manage. "Please?"

"Jeez, I didn't ask for a proposal." But Gary smiled and placed his arms around Ghost's neck, leaning down to kiss him. "Where's my ring?"

"Do you want one?" Ghost smiled, thinking about the ring he had back at base. It looked like he'd finally be able to fulfil that promise. "I can get you a promise ring if you do."

"You being here is more than enough." Gary's hands threaded into Ghost's hair as the kisses intensified. He pulled on it gently and Ghost growled. "So you do like your hair being pulled!"

"Do it again and I might have to reconsider not fucking you." In one fluid movement, Ghost had Gary pressed into the mattress. "You're such a tease." He started kissing Gary's neck, unable to help giving him a hickey. "By the way, you haven't agreed to anything yet."

Gary laughed, fending him off before placing both hands on his chest and smiling charmingly up at him. His dimple was even more adorable up close. "Yes, Simon Ghost Riley, I agree to a… monogamous, homosexual relationship with you."

"Good."

Ghost leaned down to kiss him again but Gary pulled away. "Amber!"

"She's in her room with her headphones in and the music turned up loud." Ghost smirked. "Just in case we needed some privacy, she said." Gary groaned and covered his face in embarrassment. "Nothing's happened you know and we're not being loud."

"Still..."

"Now you're embarrassed. What happened to trying to get into my pants?" Ghost started on his neck again, fingers digging into his thighs. "You're so cute when you blush like that."

"Fuck off!" They both laughed and it trailed away as their eyes met. "You're really here." Gary said softly.

"I really am."

"Sorry, I'm just..." Gary sighed, hands balling into fists on Ghost's chest. "Overwhelmed I guess. Less than twenty-four hours ago I was forced to confront my feelings about you and then I tell you and..." His face fell and Ghost leaned down, kissing his cheek. "Now you're here. It's a lot to process."

"We have time, love. We can go as slow as you want." Ghost was willing to do whatever it took to keep Gary happy. He certainly didn't want to make him uncomfortable now they were finally together.

"I want you, all of you."

"I'm all yours then." Gary relaxed into his arms, his breathing evening out after a few minutes. "Tired yet?"

"A little."

"Go to sleep."

"You'll be here in the morning?" He asked in such a frail voice, Ghost pulled him closer. "Promise you wont leave this bed."

"I promise." Ghost got the covers over them both, turning off the light. "Now sleep. In the morning we can talk more." When Gary was actually sober.

Within minutes, he was asleep.

Ghost stayed awake a while longer, appreciating the reality that was Gary in his arms. He could hardly believe this was real and was afraid he'd wake up to find it was a dream. But it wasn't, he knew that. So he leaned down and kissed Gary's head.

"I love you." He murmured quietly, finally speaking aloud what he'd been feeling for years.

Ghost was the first to wake up the following morning, which wasn't surprising. Gary was still dead to the world. He didn't mind though, it felt very peaceful to be in bed together like this. When Gary finally woke up he pressed closer into Ghost's chest, arms tightening around his waist.

"Gary?"

He hummed and Ghost began running his hands through Gary's hair. "Ghost?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm still dreaming, aren't I?"

"That depends. Do you always dream of me?" Ghost asked teasingly. "If this is a dream, what would I be doing?"

Gary smiled and tilted his head up. "Kissing me."

"I can do that." Ghost kissed him, feeling warmth radiate from the contact throughout his body. He smiled when Gary pulled back and touched his cheek, frowning in confusion.

"Last night was real?"

"I believe so since we're both still here."

Gary's cheeks turned pink and he covered his face, whispering, "oh shit." This made Ghost laugh and Gary peeked at him between his fingers. "How can you be so casual about this?"

"Because I've wanted this for a long time. Besides, there's nothing to be embarrassed about." A horrible thought occurred to him and Ghost pulled away to look at Gary more critically. "Unless you're having second thoughts?"

"No!" Gary grabbed his hands and held them tightly, pressing them to his chest. "Not at all!"

Ghost relaxed. "Good."

"I can't believe I tried to get in your pants." Gary groaned, hiding in Ghost's chest. "I must've looked so desperate."

"No, it was charming." Ghost said reassuringly. "And very tempting." When Gary's arms tightened around him, he smiled. "I'm not going anywhere, love."

"I know." Ghost started caressing his hair again and Gary relaxed. After a while he asked, "Ghost?"

"You should call me Simon when we're in bed together."

Gary sat up, his full weight settling on Ghost's lap as he kissed him heatedly. It was different from the night before now he was sober and so much better for it. When he bit into Gary's lip, the noise he made went through him like fire and he wanted so much more. Now wasn't the time though and he pulled back reluctantly.

"We need to stop." He murmured, kissing Gary's jawline and smiling when he laughed.

"Stop kissing me then."

"Not yet." Gary's neck was exposed again and Ghost couldn't help giving him another hickey. He looked so gorgeous with marked skin and it made him feel incredibly smug. "You're never leaving this bed, Sergeant."

"I need the loo." Ghost groaned but let him go. Gary grinned and kissed him chastely before getting up. "Two minutes."

"Hurry back, love."

Even with Gary gone, he was still feeling immensely happy. Everything smelled like the Sergeant, including himself and it was a wonderful feeling. He could get used to this. He only had to wait three minutes before the door was flung open and Gary stepped in, his frown immediately turned into a smile. "Hey."

"Hey." Ghost echoed before holding out his arms and Gary joined him. "I missed you. I know, it was only a couple of minutes but it's true."

"I thought I was the clingy one."

"Maybe we both are."

Gary pulled back, giving him a curious, if a little shy, look. Before Ghost could ask though his hands were on his stomach, warm and firm, running up his chest to cup his face. Ghost leaned into the touch, letting Gary do whatever he pleased as he explored his face. But when he touched his lips he couldn't help pulling him in to another kiss. He never wanted to stop kissing this man.

"Hey! When you two are ready there's food and coffee!" Amber's voice broke them apart.

Gary shook his head and smiled. "Wanna eat?"

"After you." Pulled to his feet, Ghost smiled as Gary fixed his hair and in return he pulled his collar into place to hide the marks. "Thanks, love."

"Anytime." Gary kissed him and grabbed his hand, leading the way to the kitchen where Amber was waiting for them. "What's for breakfast?"

"Pancakes!" When she smirked at them, Gary let go of hand quickly. "Good hangover cure, sit."

Gary started to pour syrup on his and Ghost rolled his eyes. "Too much?"

"You and that sweet tooth. You're going to put on weight again."

"As if you'd let me." Gary shoved a forkful in his mouth, laughing when Ghost winced. "I'm not getting up at six every morning."

Amber nudged his arm. "I've got to get you home soon. Dad called and he wants you back to help out."

When Gary groaned, Ghost smiled. "Think of this way, you've only for half the work to do now. I'll help out."

"You don't have to-"

"I want to." He cut across firmly. "Besides, don't you want to see me chasing chickens?"

"Yeah," Gary replied and his smile was so sweet Ghost felt it hit home.

"So are you two still not a thing?" Amber asked unabashedly. "Because it's kind of confusing."

"We're dating." Gary confirmed.

"Finally!" She emphasised each syllable and slapped the table before turning to Ghost. "I've been working on him for months! He's so stubborn! I finally got it out of him two days ago!"

"And the first thing he did was send me a drunk video confessing it all." Ghost grabbed one of Gary's hands, thumb brushing over the back of it. "Took me all of about five seconds to decide to come here."

"That reminds me," Amber fixed him with a steely glare. "Never hurt Gary again. He was so upset yesterday and if you make him cry again, I'll hunt you down."

"Amber!"

"Again?" The thought that Gary had cried because of something he'd done was horrible. He was pleasantly surprised though when he leaned in and kissed him. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine, you're here now." Gary glared over at Amber before relaxing. "Like you said, I overreacted."

"Never again." Ghost promised. "I'll never cause you to cry again." He lifted their joined hands and kissed Gary's. "You'll never feel unwanted, I promise."

Gary kissed him again, longer this time and it was only when Amber cleared her throat pointedly they broke apart. "Where did Matt go?"

"He's placating dad for you again. Honestly, you're lucky to have such a good friend." Gary gagged and she scowled at him. "Oh shut up. Like you weren't just sucking face with your boyfriend."

"Bite me."

"Simon already has."

Gary's collar had moved and one of the bruises was showing. His face flushed pink as Ghost readjusted it again. "Maybe a different shirt before your parents see you." He suggested.

"It's not like we haven't seen it before." Amber smirked. "Gary got caught with his boyfriend when he was nineteen."

"You weren't supposed to come home for another two days!"

"Mum was ill so we came home early," Amber explained, barely containing her laughter. "Gary was taking advantage of the empty house. You should've seen his face when we walked in and he was half-naked, making out with his boyfriend on the couch!" She dissolved into laughed and Ghost cast an amused glance at Gary who was still blushing.

"And here was me thinking you were reserved." He teased, tucking a lock of Gary's hair behind his ear. "It's cute how embarrassed you get."

He batted the hand away and returned to his food. "Stop smirking."

Once they were done and Gary had changed into a better shirt to hide his neck they were finally on their way. As soon as he was able, Gary had commandeered Ghost's free hand, refusing to release it unless absolutely necessary. Ghost glanced at him occasionally, noting the smile that was yet to fade. "You haven't stopped smiling since I got here."

"Neither have you."

"Finally getting you after all these years is definitely contributing." Ghost quickly kissed his hand. "You've gotten to me in the worst way."

Gary frowned. "Have you told me that before?"

"Once, after Shepherd shot you. I thought you didn't remember that night?"

"I don't." Gary paused then sighed in frustration and Ghost chuckled. "What happened?"

"Nothing, we just talked."

"About?" He prompted, poking Ghost in the side. "Stop teasing me."

"You asked me to tell you a secret. So I told you that I cared about you and that one day, maybe I'd tell you how much." His voice softened and Gary held his hand tighter, pulling it to his chest. "You told me you liked our kiss and wished you kissed me back."

"I would've if you hadn't pulled away. You didn't give me much of a chance."

"I was afraid at the time you would hate me for it." Ghost confessed. "I wasn't sure how you felt. Sometimes I'd think you did like me but then I'd pass it off as my feelings clouding my judgement." He sighed deeply but glanced at Gary quickly and smiled. "I've been debating telling you for ages."

"Soap kept interfering." He said softly after a couple of minutes. Ghost immediately thought of Prague and the flush to Gary's cheeks showed he was too. "On purpose?"

"Quite the opposite. He's been pushing me to tell you for ages. I don't think he realised how much he's impeded us." Ghost laughed gently. "Haven't you noticed all the shit he says around us?"

"I..." Understanding dawned on his face. "Oh, I just thought he liked to tease us."

"Oh, he does." Ghost agreed darkly. "I don't know how much clearer he could've made it without outright saying I had feelings for you."

"It's not like I was trying to look for excuses!" Gary replied defensively. "I've been ignoring my feelings for years! Over and over I've told myself that it's just the way we are, that I'm not attracted to you, it's just our version of normal."

"When was the first time you realised you were attracted to me?"

"Umm… after the favela I suppose. The way you were touching me in the carrier, it was nice. Not that I realised what was happening at the time. When I saw your face for the first time was how I realised."

Ghost smiled and nodded. "I remember that. You blurted out you found me attractive. I've always loved how you speak without thinking."

"What about you?"

"The first time you smiled at me, do you remember?"

Gary shook his head.

"You showed me your marksmanship. When I said-"

"Nice shooting, Gary." He finished.

"-and you smiled. I was a goner from that moment." Ghost finished sincerely. "I've been crushing on you for years. Took you long enough to realise."

"Partner." Gary whispered. "Do you wanna be my plus one for the wedding?"

"Of course."

"Good to know that card isn't going to waste." Gary leaned forward to kiss Ghost quickly before getting out of the car. "I hope you're ready, my mum is going to freak when she sees you."

"What about when we tell her about this?" Ghost grabbed his bag before turning to look at him.

"You're already part of the family." Gary caught his free hand and squeezed it. "They love you. Since I've come back all anyone asks is, 'where's Simon?' Honestly, I'm glad you're here so I can stop saying you're working."

"So am I sleeping in the same room?" He was really hoping to get and upgrade into Gary's.

Gary tilted his head to the side and looked at Ghost questioningly. "Depends. Can you keep your hands to yourself?" He had the Sergeant against the porch in seconds, fingers slipping under his shirt to touch warm skin. Gary laughed and pulled him closer, their noses brushing together. "I guess not."

"You shouldn't tease me. I'm not a patient man."

"Yet you've waited years for me to figure this out." Gary's voice was softening, eyes flitting between Ghost's with a vulnerability that sent his heart racing. "You're more of a softy than you let on."

"Only for you."

"Shut up and kiss me." Ghost did, taking his time working Gary up. As much as he wanted to take it further, he keeps his hands to Gary's waist, not straying to far down considering they were outside. It was enough though because Gary was responding eagerly, even pulling him back when they broke apart, saying breathlessly, "Don't stop."

Ghost smiled and kissed his forehead. "I love how eager you are."

"Don't make it sound like you don't want me to," Gary smirked and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "You came halfway around the world for this."

"I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Ghost agreed. "I'd do anything for you."

"Will you come inside and meet my parents as my boyfriend?" Kissing the corner of his mouth, Gary smiled his charming smile. Ghost was quickly realising he'd do anything for that smile. "I want you in my room tonight."

"The walls are thin aren't they?"

Gary hummed, pulling on Ghost's shirt so he stumbled closer. "Keep quiet then." He smirked back and Gary groaned. "It's so unfair how attractive you are."

"Love, look in a mirror." Ghost's hands cupped his face, thumbs stroking his cheeks. Gary blushed but held still. "You're beautiful. You have no idea how lucky I am that you want me."

"Simon…" Gary smiled and shook his head. "You're too much." He kissed him quickly before breaking free and grabbing his hand. "Come on, let's get this over with."

Ghost wasn't as nervous this time. Still, being introduced as Gary's boyfriend instead of Lieutenant was a little nerve wracking but he could handle it as long as Gary kept ahold of his hand. It went better than he could've expected, although nobody was surprised by the news. Maybe Soap had a point about his judgement being clouded after all.

Jenny led him upstairs to Gary's room, not that it was needed as he was only dropping his bag off but he had a feeling she wanted to speak to him privately. Upstairs though she only smiled and hugged him. "I'm glad you two finally talked."

"Me too." He admitted with a shy smile. "Spending time apart put things into perspective, for both of us."

"It's about time you turned up. Gary's been missing you since his first day back, even if he'd never admit it." She patted his cheek and started for the stairs. "Take all the time you need. We'll be downstairs."

"Thank you."

Once he was alone, Simon sighed and closed his eyes. He allowed himself to truly appreciate the fact that he could now spend what could be months of uninterrupted time with Gary and their new relationship. What this could lead to, he tried not to consider too hard. He'd already promised himself to treat Gary right and not rush into anything.

Then he remembered Gary was waiting for him downstairs and maybe it was time to rejoin him. Halfway down the stairs he became aware of a conversation, his name registering. "Can everybody please stop checking out my Lieutenant!" Gary said in exasperation. "Of course he's strong, we all are."

"Sorry Gary, but there's a big difference between you two." Jenny laughed.

Ghost reached the kitchen in time to see Gary folding his arms and glaring at his parents. "That's because he's taller!"

"Height has nothing to do with it." Ghost grinned, poking him as he jumped. "You just slack off more than me. And I would be more than happy to help since you're accommodating me."

"Think nothing of it, dear." Jenny handed him a drink and smiled. "Are all your friends this polite?"

"Not as far as I'm aware." Gary looked at him, slightly surprised. "Maybe it's because Simon's English."

"You're not wrong. We are more polite than the Americans. Maybe not the Canadians, Poet is well mannered." Ghost agreed.

"Oh, I know Poet! That's your other friend, isn't it? Darn, what was his name?"

"Adam."

"That's right, Adam! You should invite him some time too."

"Mum, at this rate you'll have the whole task force here."

"That would help me out." Mark stood to wash his plate. "Don't take too long lads, lots of work to do."

"I'm heading out to help Amber buy some table cloths. Be back for dinner!" They both received a kiss on the cheek before Jenny left.

Ghost touched his cheek and smiled. "I like your mum."

"Well good manners always help." Gary stood and began washing up their plates. Ghost watched him for a moment before coming up behind him, wrapping his arms around his wait. "You can't keep your hands to yourself, can you?"

"No, love I can't." Ghost kissed his neck. "You're too beautiful to resist." Gary pressed back against his chest with a little sigh. "I could get used to this."

"Me too." But after a minute he pulled away. "Come on farmer boy, let me show you the ropes."

"What a change."

"You can borrow Matt's boots, you're about the same height." Once they were ready, Gary jumped from the porch and turned to look at Ghost, hands-on-hips. "Right, out here I'm in charge so you listen to me."

"Yes, sir."

Gary looked back at him, a glint in his eyes that Ghost could only describe as trouble. He raised an eyebrow and Gary's cheeks turned pink as he hastily looked away. "Anyway, follow me FNG and I'll give you the tour. Remember, I don't waste time on slackers."

Ghost spent the rest of the day following Gary around the farm. It was a different experience that was for sure. Since he'd grown up in a city, farm life was something new. But watching Gary do it so effortlessly brought a smile to his face. It felt good to be back together again. Ghost hadn't allowed himself to truly feel how much he'd missed this,

By the time they were going to bed, he was exhausted. All this time off had slackened him too it seemed. Gary found it funny though, helping him remove his shirt but paused at his jeans, hands on the button. Glancing up, Gary bit his lip and leaned closer. "May I?"

"Behave. We agreed to take it slow."

"You going to sleep in these?"

Ghost grabbed his hands and kissed the palms before stepping back. "No but you're tempting fate."

"Or you." Gary fell back on his bed and grinned up at him. "Did you enjoy my photo?"

"That's enough out of you." Finally free of his damned jeans, Ghost knelt over Gary and tried very hard not to think about him in that thong. "Bedtime."

He relented, kissing Ghost chastely before settling down. "Ok."

Ghost relaxed, smiling as Gary pressed back into him. "I could get used to this."

"So could I."