Simon almost cut himself when Gary hugged him from behind. He started but managed to keep his hand steady and sighed, looking at their reflections in the mirror. "Gary."

He smiled back and kissed his bare shoulder. "Morning."

"I almost cut myself."

"Mmm, you're too much in control for that." Gary continued kissing across his back. "You look kinda hot covered in shaving cream."

"Shut up." Simon snorted and focused back on shaving.

"You should grow it out. I've never seen you with a beard."

"Maybe one day." It was so ingrained into him to shave after sixteen years in the military he'd never thought about growing a beard. "If we ever get to retire."

"Would you? I mean, once Makarov is taken care of. Or are you planning to reenlist?"

"Not sure yet." Simon watched Gary in the mirror as his expression clouded over. "What about you?"

"Don't know. I suppose I could reenlist, I'm young enough and could pass the exams easy." Gary met his eyes in the mirror. "Might retire, come back to this full time." He hid his face in Simon's shoulder, the unspoken would you come with me hanging in the air.

Simon didn't know. He loved Gary, more than anything or anyone. But retirement? He hadn't ever been able to see himself doing anything else. Could he just stop and do this with Gary for the rest of his life? "Suppose it wouldn't be so bad." He said carefully, deciding not to mention Gary squeezing him tighter.

"You think?"

"Maybe."

Gary beamed at him and kissed his cheek, pulling a face as he got a mouthful of shaving cream. "That's disgusting."

"Well, you're not supposed to eat it."

"Gee, thanks." Gary grabbed his toothbrush and began aggressively brushing his teeth. "You gonna be okay today?" He mumbled around a mouthful of toothpaste.

"Sure. Matt's helping out so I'll be fine."

Gary's parents had gone away for the weekend and he was going out for the day with Amber, leaving Simon and Matt in charge of the farm. "I've made a list of things to do."

"I'll try not to burn the place down."

Gary rolled his eyes and nudged Simon's hip. "Hilarious. You want a coffee?"

"Please." Simon watched him disappear around the corner before returning to his task. Once he was freshly shaven and clean he headed downstairs.

Gary was busy at the stove as Simon grabbed his drink and kissed the top of his head. Gary hummed and playfully elbowed him out of the way to get to the sink. "It'll burn."

"I trust your capability to make breakfast."

"Glad you trust me with something." Gary bumped him again and grinned. "I thought you trusted me with your life?"

"I do," Simon agreed and wordlessly grabbed some plates for them. "You're the best shot we've got after all."

"Now you're sweet talking."

"Maybe." Privately Simon wondered if Gary was the best in the world, if not, he was definitely up there. Still, bragging about that could only lead to trouble and his opinion could be biased.

"I trust you too, with my life." Gary kissed him chastely as they sat down to eat. "In case it wasn't obvious."

"Good, I'm your Lieutenant after all."

"Yes, sir." He laughed around a mouthful of bacon. Simon knew he was lovesick when he found that adorable instead of gross. "Hey, go easy on Matt today. He's a take things slow and steady kinda guy. Also, he talks to the animals, don't judge him."

"Noted."

"And if he asks for stories, try to tone it down? I keep it vague because I don't want to scare them. If they knew what we really did I'd never be able to get back to base. Mum would lock me in the basement."

"Even if I told him you're perfectly capable of handling yourself?"

Gary shrugged but couldn't hide his pleased smile. "Again, they don't know about that. When I say soldier they think... Afghan or something, not hunting Makarov and commandeering nuclear submarines in Russia."

"Or taking down Mexican drug lords?"

"Exactly."

"Alright, desert boy, your secrets are safe with me. Good to know you're not breaking several laws and committing treason."

"I dunno about that... is dating your superior against the law?"

"No. It's frowned upon but not illegal." Simon rolled his eyes when Gary leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Technically, I'd be the one in trouble, since I'm in the position of power."

"Yes, you're really putting me in a hard position over here." Gary ran his hand down Simon's arm and squeezed his forearm. "Well... maybe you will tonight."

Simon choked on his food as Gary waggled his eyebrows. "Excuse me?"

The sound of the front door opening interrupted them and Amber and Matt came in. Matt immediately came over to Simon and placed a hand on the back of his chair. "Ready for a hard day's work? I'm warning you now, I'm a slacker."

Simon caught Gary's eye and they both smiled.

Matt, it turned out, wasn't idle. He kept up with Simon and filled the hours with non-stop chatter about the wedding and stories from his shared childhood with Gary. "I'm serious! Just wait until Halloween and you'll see, Jenny won't let us near the pumpkins!"

"I'll take your word for it."

They paused to take a break from cleaning out one of the sheds. Outside, Matt leaned against the fencing and appraised Simon. "You know, the last time Gary came home - without you I mean - I knew there was something different about him."

"Yeah?"

"He was distracted and mopey. I thought it was because he was hurt but now I know that wasn't it. He missed you."

"Hang on, isn't this the time he slept with his ex?"

"Yeah, not his finest moment." Matt laughed and shook his head. "Don't take that too hard. What I'm trying to say is, he already loved you."

"You think?"

"Dude, I've known Gary practically my whole life. He was in love with you when you visited at New Years and I'm pretty sure he was before that too." Matt rolled his eyes but he quickly became serious. "So don't mess him about, yeah? He may be your boyfriend but he's my best friend. What Mark said about the pigs, I'd help."

"I know. You don't have to worry"

"Good." He visibly relaxed and his easy smile returned. "So what do you guys do? Gary won't tell us anything."

"Classified."

"So unfair. Bet it's super cool."

"In a way." One day when Makarov was far in their past they might be able to share some of their adventures. For now though everything was highly classified and would be for years to come. "Mostly just stressful. A lot of it is babysitting."

"I forgot, you're a Lieutenant, right?"

"Right."

"So you can order Gary around?"

"He doesn't listen to me, knows he can get away with it." Simon shook his head, smiling fondly. "Got our Captain wrapped around his finger too."

"Gary's good at that, too nice for his own good." Matt sighed and looked out over the farm and when he spoke it was in a quieter tone. "It's dangerous, what you do? I get the impression it's the type of thing that won't be recorded."

"Sometimes." Simon noted the way Matt's expression turned worried. "Don't tell Gary I said this but my main priority is keeping him safe. If it came down to it, I'd do anything for him. He'd only complain and say he wasn't worth risking the world for but he is."

"Well, that is something I can relate to." Matt was smiling again and he pushed away from the fence to stretch. "I'd do anything for Amber too. Those Sandersons are very charming. If we end up having kids I hope they're more like her than me."

"I'm sure Amber would disagree."

"Maybe. You can't deny though, it's good genes."

Simon nodded because really, he couldn't argue. Gary and Amber were very similar. "We have good taste."

"Yeah!" Matt laughed. "Excellent I daresay."

Simon paused in the entryway to the shed and turned towards the house. "Hey, I think they're back." Sure enough, a few moments later they could see Amber's car coming down the long drive.

Matt whistled lowly. "Damn, how good is your hearing?"

"Years of training." He inclined his head towards the shed. "Think this'll keep?"

"Oh yeah, let's get back." Matt grinned and clapped his back, taking off in a jog towards the house. "Amber better have found her dress, she's been worried about it for weeks!"

Simon reached the car before they got out and opened the door for Gary who looked up in surprise but quickly smiled and took his offered hand. Amber sent him a wink and ran off, her laughter floating back to them as Gary stepped close into his personal space. Simon turned his attention back to his Sergeant. Even though he was only gone for a few hours, he'd missed him dearly.

"How was dress shopping? Got yourself something nice for the wedding?" He winced when Gary elbowed him in the ribs. "I guess not."

"Is that what you're into?"

"Only if it was you. Then again I don't know if I'd be able to separate the two." Simon contemplated him. "Whatever you do I find attractive."

"Even cleaning up pig shit?"

"Especially that." Gary grinned as they pressed together, arms going around Simon's neck. "I missed you, love."

"I was only gone a few hours."

"It was long enough."

They kissed gently, Simon keeping a firm grip on Gary's waist as his body relaxed. Except for his fingers which had inevitably wound into Simon's hair as he stood on his tiptoes to get closer.

"I love it when you do that." Simon smiled against his lips and kissed him once more before stepping away. But he grabbed Gary's hand as they walked to the house.

"What, pull on your hair?"

"That too but no, when you get on your tiptoes to kiss me."

"It's not my fault you're so tall." But Gary did it again and Simon couldn't help smiling. "Can I just say I'm sorry it took me so long to get here? I feel like such an idiot in hindsight."

"It's fine, love. All that matters is we're here now."

"I know but this could've happened years ago."

"True. But all that time wasn't wasted, we're glued together now." Simon wouldn't ever let him go. Not after everything they had been through together. He couldn't even imagine it.

Gary nodded in contemplation but his frown was soon replaced with that charming smile. "Partners."

"Partners."

With the house to themselves for the evening, Amber and Matt decided to stay for a while. Amber brought out several board games which were a mixed bag. To Simon's incredulity, Gary flirted with him brazenly and he lowered his guard enough for him and Matt to win a game. He'd never admit out loud how astonished he felt at that. Gary was a force to be reckoned with it seemed when the scores were revealed and he winked at Simon.

His words from that morning flashed through Simon's mind and he was hoping the other two would be leaving soon.

They hadn't gone very far physically in their relationship. Mostly because they were sharing a house with Gary's parents and both agreed it could wait until they were alone. Well, they were certainly going to be alone tonight.

Finally, Amber and Matt got up to leave when Gary almost fell asleep on Simon's shoulder. "We better get going," Matt shoved Gary and he jerked upright. "Long day tomorrow."

"Drinks tomorrow night, don't forget!" Amber hugged Simon and then glared at her brother. "You, clean up your act."

He laughed. "Yes ma'am." And then he got his hug. "See you tomorrow."

Simon started clearing up the table as Gary walked them to the door. He heard it shut softly and the silence suddenly felt charged.

"So..." Gary started slowly. "We're alone now."

Simon laughed, hoping he didn't sound too nervous as he continued cleaning up. "I noticed."

"I don't know about you but I'd like to go upstairs and let you fuck me." Simon turned to see Gary blushing furiously but looking eager. The thought made his blood warm. "If you want to."

"I do want to."

"So what are you waiting for?"

Simon didn't need more of an invitation than that. He crossed the room quickly, bringing his hands up to Gary's hair to draw him in. The kiss was desperate and far more heated than anything they'd shared before, leaving them both breathless. "Bedroom," Gary gasped, pushing Simon back enough to regroup.

"Alright, love." Simon lifted him easily and started up the stairs as Gary laughed. He dropped Gary on his bed and stood back, smiling down at him. "Clothes off."

Gary struggled with his shirt, yawning as he pulled it off and something inside Simon melted at the sight. "What?"

"It's been a long day, huh?" He kneeled over Gary with a soft smile, forcing him backwards. "Are you sure you wanna do this tonight?"

"We've been waiting ages for some time alone."

"Mhmm." Simon pressed soft kisses to his neck, pulling back to see Gary was half asleep. "We can wait a little longer."

"But-"

"You're tired, love." And Simon wasn't about to do anything if Gary was going to yawn through it. They had time. "Let's go to sleep."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He kissed his head before pulling the covers up around them. "We're in no rush."

Gary snuggled in close and rested his head on Simon's chest. "The one night we're alone and I start falling asleep." He huffed softly. "Figures."

"It's been a long day. Simon played with his hair gently. "And tomorrow will be busy too. We should sleep."

"One more kiss?" Gary smiled against his lips. "Night."

"Goodnight, love."

Gary fell asleep almost instantly, leaving Simon to listen to his deep breathing and wonder when he got so soft. He looked down, heart melting at the sight of Gary pressed against his chest. Yeah, the moment this man walked into his life, that was when. Sex would be nice but it was a bonus, not the goal. It could wait another day.

Simon was woken the next morning by the sound of Gary talking softly, "We're not discussing this." He opened his eyes to find Gary hunched over the side of the bed on his phone. "It's none of your business."

He could just make out a female voice on the other end and wondered who it was. Gary groaned and ended the call, putting his phone down with a huff. "What was that about?"

Gary shook his head, immediately turning and snuggling back into Simon's side. "She's planning something and I don't like it," He mumbled into Simon's chest.

By she, he assumed Gary meant Amber. "Can't be that bad, surely."

"You don't know Amber." He sighed. "She's going to spike our drinks tonight or something."

"I'll keep you safe if you end up inebriated." Simon traced a hand along his back soothingly and Gary pressed closer with a soft sigh. "Still tired?"

"A little." Gary kissed under his jaw and Simon laughed softly. "You need to shave."

"Don't like my beard?" Maybe he hadn't done a good enough job yesterday because as he touched his face he could feel the stubble again.

Gary touched his jaw too. "I dunno, not given it much thought."

Simon pushed Gary back on the bed, pressing quick kisses to his mouth before moving on to his neck. Gary laughed and fisted his hair, tugging slightly which only encouraged Simon to continue. "Think about it now."

"It feels… good." He gasped when Simon bit into the junction of his neck and shoulder. "Simon, you gotta stop it!"

"That sounds real convincing." But he pulled back and smiled at the sight below him. "You look beautiful."

Gary's expression softened, hands sliding down to rest on Simon's chest. He looked ready to say something but instead sat up to kiss him again. "Come on, let's get breakfast."

Simon watched him get up and wondered what he was going to say. Whatever it was, Gary would get there eventually. He wasn't one to keep secrets, especially from him. So he followed after his Sergeant, taking the opportunity to stare at his ass down the stairs. He knew he'd been caught when Gary turned and rolled his eyes.

"Honestly, how do you get anything done?"

"I'm very good at multitasking."

"Well, you can keep thinking about my ass whilst you finish cleaning the shed."

"Oh, don't worry, I will."

Gary's answering blush told Simon he didn't mind.

As they finished the jobs for the day, Amber had just arrived and she was quick to drag Gary upstairs. Not before flashing Simon a smirk at the bottom of the stairs and mouthing, wait.

So Simon waited a whole twenty minutes before she came bounding back downstairs grinning. "Oh boy, you will be thanking me tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Go and see." Simon raised an eyebrow but started upstairs, Amber's voice calling after him, "You're welcome!"

The bedroom door was ajar so Simon pushed it open and was met with the most tantalising sight. Gary was bending over the desk, leather-clad ass on full display. His laughter got Simon's attention and he looked up as Gary smiled at him from the mirror. "Eyes forward."

Simon couldn't help touching, feeling Gary's firm muscles through the clothes. "Leather pants suit you." He was also wearing a very tight shirt that showed off his muscles, hair ruffled attractively and when he stood Simon realised he was an inch taller in those boots.

"I can see," Gary replied smugly.

His eyes crinkled with his smile and Simon was drawn to them, wondering why they looked so big all of a sudden and was floored by the realisation. He checked Gary's face and yes, his lips were shiny too. "You're wearing makeup."

"Want a taste?" Gary kissed him. What should've tasted disgusting was far too appealing on his lips. Simon followed him for more but Gary covered his mouth and laughed. "I just put another layer on, I don't want to do it again."

"Such a tease." Simon was drawn to the choker and sighed, slipping a finger under it. "I knew you'd look sexy with this on."

"Would you have been able to resist if I wore it last time?" Gary waggled his eyebrows before bumping Simon's hip. "You look ready to fuck me."

"I am. But somebody was tired last night."

"You said you didn't mind."

"And I don't. But now you're parading about in leather pants and a choker like I'm supposed to ignore that."

"Want to know a secret?" Gary leaned in close, his lips barely touching Simon's. "I'm wearing your thong too." Christ, Gary was going to be the death of him. "Here, can you feel it?" He actually guided Simon's hands down to the edge of those trousers and he could feel the lace just underneath.

"Holy shit you are." Simon breathed and he had to fight hard not to throw Gary on the bed and take him there and then.

"You can help me out of it later."

"Yes." He replied succinctly before kissing Gary hard. "I want you out of it now."

"Patience, love." Gary quipped and stepped back. "I am all yours but first, we're going out drinking!"

Simon didn't know how he survived the night. Gary didn't leave his side all night, never letting him forget what he was wearing. Knowing it was all for him made Simon hot all over and he couldn't stop thinking about what was under those clothes.

Amber whispered, "good luck," as she hugged him goodbye and Matt only laughed, clapping his shoulder. Maybe his preoccupation wasn't so subtle after all.

The walk home took forever because Simon couldn't keep his hands to himself. Not that Gary seemed to mind and was more than happy to kiss him back, hands wandering maddeningly across Simon's heated skin. The bedroom had never seemed so far away when they finally got back but it was a sweet relief when they stumbled inside, too focused on each other to separate for even a second.

Simon had never been so hard in his life, almost losing control when Gary moaned into his mouth, he'd never heard such a beautiful sound. Guiding him back to the bed, Simon was careful not to fall on top of Gary as they manoeuvred down. He broke free as Gary fumbled with his shirt, burning hands coming into contact with his skin.

"Touch me," Gary breathed and Simon almost choked as he took in his flushed face and sweet smile. "Simon, please?"

He did, feeling Gary's erection through the tight trousers and getting another pretty moan from his Sergeant as his head hit the pillow, back arching off the bed to rock into his hand. "Just like that, love?"

"Yeah," He already sounded so wrecked, humming as Simon kissed down his neck, pulling at the choker which would be the only thing Gary could keep on.

And wasn't that a tempting image?

Simon was pulled back to reality as his phone rang, there was only one person who would be calling him.

"Ignore it," Gary whispered, pulling Simon back in with a kiss. The desperation returned as his hand slipped under Simon's waistband but was gone again instantly as the phone rang again.

Simon broke free and smiled regretfully. "Sorry, love. It'll be Soap."

Gary groaned. "Fuck! Tell him to kiss my ass!"

"Two minutes I promise. Why don't you get comfortable and I'll be back to continue this." Simon kissed him hard before scrambling to find his phone. "This better be good Soap."

"Aye, mate, sorry to interrupt you but we got a lead."

"Yeah?" Simon went out into the hallway because being in the same room as Gary was too much of a distraction. He tried to focus on Soap but all he could think about was Gary's mouth, his hands and the feeling of his erection hot and heavy in his hand.

Focus.

"Ghost?"

"I'm here."

"We need you back."

Simon exhaled, all the heat bleeding out of him as he slumped against the wall. "When?"

"Tomorrow." Soap took his silence for what it was, disappointment. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine, had to happen eventually. Send me the details and I'll be there."

"Alright, get a good night's rest, you're gonna need it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah." Simon sighed deeply as the call ended and scrubbed his face.

Just perfect. How was he going to explain this to Gary?

Fuck, Gary!

Simon rebuttoned his shirt and sorted out his hair, pulling himself back together before entering the bedroom. Gary was sat on the bed waiting in just his thong and it was almost enough to shatter Simon's tentative restraint. He was watching him curiously and then his cheeks turned red, hands going to cover himself. Simon stooped to pick up a shirt and threw it over. They both needed to focus.

He sat on the edge of the bed and Gary scooted closer. "You're going back without me."

Simon nodded.

"When?"

"Tomorrow." Gary hugged him tight. After a moment, Simon hugged him back. "I'm sorry."

"It's our job, nothing to apologise for." Gary kissed his cheek sweetly, nuzzling the spot with his nose and Simon relaxed. "It can wait."

What had he done to deserve this kind of affection? Simon turned and pulled Gary closer, burying his face in his hair and sighed. "I'm gonna miss this."

"Better come back soon then."

"I will, I promise. As soon as the job's done I'll come back."