The days turned into weeks and Simon couldn't tell where all that time had gone. When Gary informed him it had been five weeks it felt like a revelation. He'd never felt more at home somewhere before. Waking up next to Gary every morning was something he'd never get used to. It always brought a smile to his face, a warmth filling his chest at the sound of Gary's breathing, the feeling of his body pressed against his own.

One such morning he woke to the feeling of Gary tracing patterns on his chest and smiled. "Already awake, love?"

Gary hummed and kissed him chastely. "Yes, sir. It's quite late, you know."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"I like watching you sleep." Gary rested his head on Simon's shoulder and continued his patterns. "Is that creepy?"

"Maybe. But I like watching you sleep too." Simon admitted. He liked watching Gary doing anything if he was completely honest.

He laughed, kissing under Simon's jaw. "We gotta get up, lots to do today. We've got plans this evening too."

That got his attention. Simon looked down at Gary curiously. "Do we?"

"Yes." His expression gave nothing away. "Let me surprise you for once, alright."

"Alright." Simon tried not to think about what Gary was planning, not wanting to ruin the surprise.

They spent the day working on the farm but during the evening rounds, Gary left him to it. "You've got the hang of it. You don't need me to babysit you." And with a kiss, he disappeared. Simon tried not to miss him too much.

When he got back to the house he found Gary freshly showered and hurrying about the kitchen. "In a rush?"

He jumped and spun around, looking momentarily surprised. "You're done?"

"Yep, everyone is safe and sound for the night." Simon tried to look behind Gary at whatever he was shielding but he just pushed him back. "What?"

Gary smiled, fingers tightening around his shirt as he manoeuvred Simon out of the room. "It's a surprise, remember?"

"Just a hint?"

"No." Gary had him against the wall in the hallway now, not that Simon minded being trapped by his Sergeant. "Patience."

"You know that isn't my strong suit."

"Try." Gary implored, and his sweet smile had Simon subconsciously relaxing back. "See, not so hard? Now go shower and put on a jumper." Gary kissed him chastely and ran back into the kitchen.

Simon did as he was told but made it quick, rejoining Gary after ten minutes. He seemed ready to go though as he was sat on the table next to a backpack, seemingly waiting. He smiled as Simon hit the bottom step. "Good enough?" He asked, pulling at the borrowed jumper he was wearing.

Gary looked him up and down, his expression becoming smug. "It looks good on you."

"Must be big on you then."

"It is." Gary's smile turned sly, the type to make Simon's blood heat up. "In fact… I don't even need to wear underwear when I'm wearing it… if I felt like it."

Fuck. The thought of Gary walking around in just this jumper was turning him on more than he'd like to admit. "You'll have to show me one day." It took a lot of effort to keep his voice steady but Gary laughed and stepped into his personal space, wrapping his arms around his middle.

"Would you like that?" His expression was far too innocent.

"Yes."

"How about with your thong?"

Simon exhaled sharply, trying very hard not to picture that. "Get your bag, Roach and let's go."

"Oh, so I'm Roach now?"

"If you're going to be a brat, then yes," Gary smirked but did as he was told and snatched up his bag. He held out his free hand expectantly so Simon took it. He didn't think he'd ever get used to the simple pleasure of holding Gary's hand. "So where are you taking me?"

"Wait and see."

Gary lead them out of the back door and into the woods. He seemed to know where he was going so Simon was content to follow. Dusk had fallen by the time they reached the top of a hill. What little was left of the sun lit up the farm in a beautiful orange glow underneath them. Gary settled on the grass and tugged Simon down next to him.

"Remember when I told you I used to go stargazing with my dad?" Simon glanced at him curiously but Gary was distracted by his bag. He pulled out a couple of beers and some food. When he looked up and caught Simon starting, his answering smile was breathtaking. "Hey, focus."

"I remember."

"Good, because I'm going to show you for real when it gets dark. Since we're not in a city it should be easier. Until then, cheers." He clinked their bottles together before twisting his open to drink. "You know, I think this might be the first date we've been on."

Simon considered that for a moment. "I guess so... Sorry, romance was never my style."

"I dunno... Something about disobeying direct orders and breaking your CO's nose to come back for me is pretty romantic." Gary teased. "Especially when I was pretty much a dead man."

"Shut up." He didn't say it unkindly but being reminded of how close Gary had come to death - several times now - made Simon feel sick.

Gary's expression softened. "I'm right here, Simon." And he pressed his hand to his chest so he could feel the steady heartbeat. "Let's not think about that now. I have something to distract you."

"Oh?"

His expression changed to one Simon was quickly learning meant trouble. Without preamble Gary moved to sit on his lap, clasping his hands around his neck. "Can you feel how alive I am?" He whispered, fingers carding through his hair. With a sharp jerk, he pulled Simon's head back and smiled at him. "Because, honestly, I've never felt more alive in my life than when I'm with you."

"Gary," Simon sighed, eyes fluttering shut as he went back to softly petting his hair. There was a streak of defiance in Gary that turned Simon on to no end. But else should he expect from one of his Sergeants? "I'm going to ban you from touching my hair."

"You wouldn't, you like it too much." He replied smugly. "Are you hungry?"

"Not yet."

"Good." Gary's hands moved to cup his face, gently tilting it back this time to kiss him. Simon let him control the pace and he kept it sweet, placing several chaste kisses on his lips but not deepening it. "I really like kissing you," He hummed.

That was a new feeling. No one had ever said something like that to him before. Kisses always had intention behind them, Simon knew this. He'd never kissed someone just for the sake of it. But Gary was different, he could kiss him all night and be happy with that. He didn't need more tonight. The feeling was exhilarating.

Gary laughed suddenly and pulled back, face full of affection as he brushed Simon's hair back from his face. "You say you're not a romantic but you're very above waist right now."

It was true. Simon had kept his hands firmly above Gary's belt, despite the fact he was sitting in his lap. "Keeping it PG, love. It's our first date after all."

He laughed again and kissed him chastely. "How about some food?" He leaned over Simon to grab the food and handed some over. They ate quietly, waiting for the sky to darken and by the time they were finished, the stars had come out. Gary pushed Simon back on the grass, still sitting on top of him with that tender smile. "The stars are bright tonight."

"They sure are." Reflecting in Gary's iridescent eyes, the stars were quite beautiful.

"Shut up and look at the sky."

Sighing, he did as he was told. It felt familiar to the last time but so much different now. Gary began explaining the constellations, pointing them out and as much as Simon tried to pay attention, he kept getting distracted every time Gary's body shifted against his own. He was passionate, rambling and simply gorgeous. Simon wanted to remember that night forever.

When it started to cool off, Gary pulled out a blanket to use and smiled sleepily as he wrapped it around them, pressing back into Simon. "Do you think we can stay out tonight?"

It wasn't the most uncomfortable place he'd ever slept. "Sure thing, love."

They fell silent for a while then Gary murmured sleepily, "You say you're not romantic but I've never felt more loved in my life. Night, Simon." And he kissed his chest, promptly falling asleep.

Simon looked up at the sky again, gently twisting a lock of Gary's hair between his fingers. He hadn't said I love you yet, neither of them had. Apparently, he didn't need to though. It was true, Simon could tell Gary felt the same, even now when he was sleeping his grip hadn't faltered. Smiling, he pressed a kiss to the top of Gary's head.

Although he'd never thought about it before, the stars really were quite beautiful when shared with Gary.