Okay, so maybe he'd lied to Gary.

It had taken some paperwork but Ghost had gotten the time off to get back in time for the wedding. A little white lie couldn't hurt, right? Besides, he wanted to surprise Gary if he could. There were rarely opportunities for good surprises in their lives as it was. Ghost was going to take full advantage of the situation.

So when he was back in England the day before the wedding, he stopped to buy some supplies. Because he would be damned if they were going back to base without having sex first. If Gary felt remotely similar to him they would be lucky to make it through the night.

He'd already spoken to Amber who informed him they weren't at the house but at the venue where the wedding was taking place the following day. Apparently, there were some final touches to be done and Gary was helping out.

It was dark by the time he pulled up in the almost deserted car park. The marquee out in the field was still lit up and he could see people inside so headed there. He spotted Amber sitting at a table with two women and her eyes lit up when she saw him.

Waving him over, she got up and grabbed his arm. "Gary has no idea!" She pointed to him and Simon forgot she was there for a moment as he looked at Gary standing precariously on a stepladder, fiddling with bunting and his back to them. Amber laughed, handing him some pins and pushed him towards Gary. "Go on!"

"You had to choose the most difficult material possible. Can you pass me another pin?" Gary called, holding out a hand blindly. Simon gave him one and he mumbled, "Thanks." going back to his task. Always the soldier, utterly focused.

"All good?" Amber called, pressing a hand to her mouth when Simon turned to look at her. "Gary?"

"Yeah, it should hold!" He was clueless.

Okay, maybe it was time to stop teasing him. "Nice job, love."

"Ghost?!" Gary spun around so fast he slipped but Simon was ready and caught him. "You're here!" He laughed, elated and hugged Simon tight when he spun him around before carefully setting Gary on his feet. "I was right, the beard does suit you."

He smiled, sending Simon's heart racing and he couldn't help smiling back. "I've missed you."

"I missed you too." Gary's grip was strong as he pulled Simon into a hug. "You smell good." He murmured, words almost lost against his chest.

"Oh?"

"Was that a weird thing to say?"

"A little," Simon chuckled and cupped Gary's face, running his thumbs over his cheeks softly. He'd missed this dearly. "Can I kiss you?"

Gary's eyebrows quirked upwards. "You need to ask?"

"Just wanted to make sure." He was aware of the eyes on them as his gaze fell to Gary's lips. "We're being watched after all."

"Screw it." Gary grabbed his shirt and yanked him down into a fierce kiss. Simon could feel the tension bleeding out of his shoulders at the contact and hummed softly when Gary pulled away to whisper, "Don't you ever leave me behind again. That's an order, Lieutenant."

"You know, just this once I'll take an order from a subordinate." Simon. Jags his chin and kissed him again. "Don't get used to it, Sergeant."

"Whatever you say, sir," He replied smugly, unbothered by the threat because who was Simon kidding? Gary was in charge here. They broke apart as an older woman took Gary's arm and he smiled at her, patting her hand. "Gran, this is Simon. Simon, this is my Gran."

"I was right, you are handsome."

She reminded him of his own grandmother instantly and he looked at Gary, smiling. "Thank you, ma'am."

"Oh, you're such a sweetheart! Come and meet Daisy, my daughter. You've already met Jenny?" Simon nodded and followed after her back to Amber and another woman he presumed was Daisy.

Gary came with them and kissed Simon's temple. "Half an hour," He promised. "Then we'll get out of here."

Simon was grateful Gary stayed by his side and did most of the talking. He still didn't like being in social groups like this but he could withstand it for Gary's sake. Still, he relaxed when the two older women left for the evening and it was just him, Gary and Amber.

Amber leaned across the table with a wicked smile. "So... Ghost? Not going to lie, that's a weird name to give your boyfriend."

"I didn't name him that," Gary said exasperatedly, rolling his eyes. "It's his callsign. I call him Ghost more than Simon normally."

"It's true," Simon confirmed, winking at Gary. "Right, Roa-" Gary managed to slap a hand over his mouth in time and Simon couldn't help laughing behind the restraint.

"Oh, come on!" Amber huffed and folded her arms, pouting. "Gary won't tell me his callsign!"

"For good reason."

Not to be deterred, she continued. "So here you're Simon and Gary but out there you're Ghost and..?"

Gary groaned and let go of Simon. "You're never going to let this go, are you?"

"Nope."

He looked at Simon helplessly but he only shrugged. With a heavy sigh, Gary closed his eyes and muttered, "Roach." Amber burst out laughing and Gary's eyes snapped back open. "I knew you'd make fun of me!"

"Yeah, because Simon gets a cool nickname but yours is Roach?!"

"It's a very cool nickname!" Simon countered with a smile. "It means he's hard to kill."

"What Simon means is roaches tend to stick around and are hard to get rid of." Gary nudged him but was grinning. "Right?"

"Exactly. I've been stuck with him for five years now."

Amber considered them carefully. "Ghost and Roach."

"That sounds too strange." Gary pulled a face and waved his hand at her. "Please don't make it a thing."

"So... why Ghost?" She turned her inquisitive gaze on him. Yet again, Simon found he was powerless against green eyes.

"Yeah, why Ghost?" Gary was looking at him too. This was more effective than any torture method. "You've never told me how you got your name."

"Because I'm very good at my job. Most of the time no one knows I'm there until it's too late."

"Like a ghost!" Amber exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "So you've never been caught, I dunno... sneaking around an enemy base or something?"

"Amber!" Gary hissed, making Simon chuckle. "Keep it down, would you? We can't speak about her work."

"Yeah, yeah. Classified." She replied flippantly with a roll of her eyes. "I'm not asking for details I just wanna know if Simon is as good as he says he is!"

Simon shrugged. "Only been caught a couple of times and as you can see, I'm still alive. The last time it happened, Gary saved me." His attention was diverted as Gary's grip around his hand tightened. Looking up, he saw that darkened expression on his face and touched his arm. "Relax, love, before I lose my fingers."

Gary blinked, expression clearing and he hastily let go. "Sorry." Simon only caught his hand again and kissed his palm. "Still riles me up."

"Wow, I've never seen soldier Gary before. That was a scary look."

"Don't get used to it." Gary smiled and leaned into Simon, all tension gone. "Wanna get out of here? It's been a long day, my fingers need to heal."

Simon lifted his hand and pressed a gentle kiss to each fingertip. "Poor wounded soldier. Need me to take care of you?" He murmured so Amber wouldn't hear but she still made a gagging noise. "It's your turn tomorrow," He reminded her.

"Put a ring on his finger first, then you can get mushy." She fired back with a wink. Simon pretended not to notice Gary blushing. "I'll see you in the morning, bright and early." As she got up, she did a little dance and squealed, "I'm getting married!"

Simon hoped he'd be this happy if they ever got the chance. He doubted he'd dance about though.

"Yes, now go get some beauty sleep." Gary huffed as Amber dragged him into a hug. "Don't kill me, you need me tomorrow."

"Alright, alright." She let him go but was still beaming as she took a deep, calming breath. "You'll understand when it's your wedding day. I can't stop smiling!"

"I'll be sure to remind you of this. Go home before Matt thinks you've got cold feet." Gary pushed her playfully before grabbing Simon's hand again. As they left the marquee, he looked up and smiled. "You have no idea how happy I am that you made it."

"I mean, you could show me."

Gary looked around the empty parking lot. "Simon Riley, don't tempt me."

"What are you thinking?" He desperately wanted to know because Gary's eyes were darkening, his mouth pulling into a sinful smile. Simon paused and got closer, leaning down so their foreheads could meet.

"I'm wondering how that beard would feel rubbing against my thighs." Gary's bold words went straight to Simon's dick and he almost groaned. "I want you."

"Gary Sanderson, you-" He had to stop himself, shaking his head. "-get in the car."

"That's not a no."

"Are your parents home?"

"Yes."

And wasn't that a shame? "Then you'll have to wait."

"We've been waiting over two months now," Gary pointed out, sliding into the passenger seat. "Well, years."

"It's still cute how badly you want it."

"Says the one with his hand on my thigh." Simon squeezed, pleased when Gary gasped.

"I never said I didn't want you."

"But?"

He pulled out onto the main road. "I've gotten very good at waiting. As soon as we're alone we can do whatever you like."

Gary said nothing but the silence was charged as Simon made the short journey to the house. He'd barely turned off the engine when Gary yanked him into a kiss. He pulled back far too soon but his next words got Simon's interest. "Take your seatbelt off and push the chair back." He did as he was told, feeling lightheaded when Gary climbed on top of him.

"Where is this going?"

"As far as you want it to."

He could barely make out Gary's face in the darkness but what he was love and desire in those green eyes so he relaxed back, smiling. "Alright, love. You're in the driver's seat, so to speak."

Gary broke into a smile and leaned in to kiss him again. Simon meant what he said, leaving it up to Gary to control the pace. When he rocked their hips together, erection very apparent, Simon lost some composure and grabbed his ass to pull him closer and help the movement. The noise Gary Made was almost enough to tip him over the edge.

"I know we said no sex but..." Gary pulled away, panting and his hands trailed down to Simon's belt, pausing there questioningly. "...can I touch you?"

Simon could barely get the word out, "Yes."

Gary worked fast, undoing his belt and trousers within seconds. Simon hurried to catch up but his fingers fumbled the zipper as Gary's hand wrapped around his aching erection and his breathing hitched when he started to move. It took a supreme amount of effort to concentrate and get into Gary's underwear. God, he hated Soap for pulling him away from this last time.

"Let go, love." He ordered and Gary did, hands tangling in his hair instead. Simon took them both into his hand and began stroking and fuck, it was better than sex by far. Gary seemed to agree judging by the sounds he was making. "Keep moving your hips." It was almost too much and he begged, "Gary, look at me."

Gary did, all blown pupils and flushed face. "Simon, Simon..."

"I can't believe I finally have you."

"Shut up and kiss me." Gary brought them together again, grinding down hard and fast into Simon's hand. He wasn't going to last long but Gary broke first, hips stuttering and breath catching as he spilt over Simon's hand. The soft, almost hiccup that came from his mouth sent Simon over the edge too with a rough groan. Gary pressed soft kisses along his jaw and laughed into his neck. "Holy shit."

"I could say the same to you, love," Simon responded when he found his voice. He relaxed back as Gary touched his face, tracing the scar along his cheek with a hum. "I could stay here forever."

"Mmm, we could or-" Gary kissed him again but then was pulling away and getting himself sorted. "-go inside and eat, I'm starving." The blast of cold air when he opened the door kickstarted Simon into moving too. He sorted out his trousers and got out but one look at his jacket told him he had to take it off. "Warm?"

"No, but it's dirty, I can't wear it now." Gary blushed when Simon grinned at him. "We've already taken far too long as it is. Don't want to give your parents such an honest answer, do you?"

"Shut up." Simon laughed as Gary hurried up to the front door. "You're shameless!"

"I'm just really into you." Simon quickly caught up to him and grabbed his hand before he could open the door. In the porch light, Gary's smile turned sly. And despite his very recent orgasm, Simon felt he could go another round given the chance. "What's that look for?"

"Just thinking about your pretty face five minutes ago." Gary's breathing hitched as Simon thought back to what happened. "I can't wait to get you alone for a night."

"Soon, love."

"It better be. Because that was fucking amazing." And how did the dynamic change so fast between them? In one moment, Simon felt sure he was in control but with a few well-chosen words, Gary took it all away.

"You can't say things like that and walk away from me." Simon caught him fast and spun him around before he could walk through the now open door. Simon's amusement quickly turned to arousal when he looked down at Gary's slightly swollen lips and remembered all the sounds that had come out of the. "Besides, you were the one making all the pretty noises."

Gary mouthed soundlessly at him, face turning red.

"Where's all that confidence gone?" Simon kissed him hotly. "Don't go getting shy on me now."

"Shh before someone hears you!" Gary pushed him back but was still smiling.

"Gary, is that you?" Jenny called from somewhere in the house.

Gary gave Simon a pointed look so he held up his hands in defeat. They would not be going any further tonight. He followed Gary inside and shut the door behind them.

After a quick hello to his parents, they headed upstairs to change and get ready for bed. It was going to be a long day tomorrow and everyone needed their sleep. Gary grinned as he stood at the edge of the bed and Simon sat down. "I've missed this." He laughed when Simon pulled him down. "It's hard to sleep without you."

"Try listening to Soap's snoring."

Gary kissed his chest, resting his chin on the spot as he looked up with a tired smile. "We need to sleep."

"I know." Simon carded a hand through his hair and sighed. "Remember back in Mexico when we took down Rona and I told you my name?"

"Of course. I also remember that was the first time I saw your pretty face." Gary grinned. "It's still pretty by the way."

"Thank you, love."

"So what about that is so important?"

"We were joking about and you said something about taking my name." Simon had been thinking about it ever since Amber had mentioned putting a ring on Gary's finger.

"Oh yeah, Gary Riley... I distinctly recall you asking me to remind you never to marry me." Gary let out a long, suffering sigh. "So don't marry me."

"Shut up," Simon responded fondly, fingers returning to stroking through Gary's hair. "I was just thinking... it sounds nice."

Gary sat up and beamed at him. "So you do want me to take your name. What about Simon Sanderson?"

"Nah, Gary Riley sounds better."

"True." The admission made Simon's heart swell. "Is this you proposing then?"

That question however made him freeze.

Gary looked back at him and laughed. "I'll take that as a no." And he waved his left hand in the air, humming thoughtfully. "Gareth Riley... I like it."

"Every time you say that it makes me feel so lucky." Simon closed his eyes, feeling Gary shift next to him. "Someday, I'd like it to be true." A moment later their lips met in a warm kiss.

"Better buy a ring first.l

"I've already got one."

"Wait, really?"

Simon nodded, feeling ready to share this piece of his past with Gary.

"My grandmothers. She used to look after me when I was little. I could always hide at hers when mum was drunk or dad was yelling." Simon frowned and let out a long sigh. "She died when I was eight and for the next ten years, I was stuck with my parents. I missed her a lot, still do in fact. Aside from Tommy, she was the only person I ever loved. Until I met you of course."

Gary hugged him tightly. Simon could feel the acceptance in the embrace and had to clear his throat when he got choked up.

"Before she died she gave me her ring and told me to give it to the person I wanted to spend my life with. For years I hated looking at that box because I didn't think I'd ever find someone worth giving it to." Gary looked up, smiling softly and it hit home in Simon's heart. "Until you."

"You're too much," He whispered.

"Nah, I'm just lucky." How else could he have gotten this?

"This has nothing to do with luck." Gary pressed their joined hands to his chest, smiling earnestly. "I like being with you."

"Yeah?" He nodded and Simon chuckled. "Good thing I like you too. Now we better sleep before it gets too late. The last thing Amber will want is you nodding off during the ceremony."

Gary kissed him quickly before settling in. He fell asleep quickly but Simon found he wasn't all that tired. He spent a while playing with Gary's hair and staring at the stars, wondering how indeed he'd gotten so lucky. He made a mental note to thank Soap and Price profusely for choosing Gary to join the task force. Without them, they would've never met.

Soon enough he started to feel tired, it had been a long day of travelling for the most part. He got comfortable, careful not to wake Gary and fell asleep in the comfort of his arms.

The wedding was quite beautiful.

It was the first one Simon had been invited to since he was a child and being there with Gary made it that much better. Amber and Matt were quite literally, perfect for each other, there was no denying the love they shared. Simon could only hope if the time came for him and Gary that they would be so happy.

With the ceremony finished, everyone moved outside to the marquee for the reception. Gary had grabbed them both a drink and led the way to the edge of the marquee for some privacy. Out of the limelight and away from the crowds, Simon could relax. It never ceased to amaze him how Gary understood what he needed.

Gary looked beautiful in the darkened evening, face lit up by the string lights as he watched his sister dancing. He caught Simon watching and smiled at him, dimple very present in the lighting. "What?"

"I love you." No distractions, no interruptions, Simon knew it was the perfect time to tell him.

Gary's eyes widened in surprise. "W-what?"

"No, that's wrong. I'm actually in love with you," He amended quickly. "And I can't pretend for one more second that you don't mean everything to me. I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with you." It was the hardest thing he'd ever done, admitting his feelings to Gary. Years of being closed off made what should've been a simple confession difficult. He was terrified Gary wouldn't feel the same.

But as usual, Gary was already on the same page. He smiled warmly, wrapping his arms around Simon's neck to kiss him. "I love you too," He breathed as they broke apart, nuzzling their noses together.

If they were breaking walls he might as well go the full distance.

"This terrified me once," Simon whispered, running his hands across Gary's back just to reassure himself that he was really there. "I was so scared of letting you in. I always thought you deserved better than me and I've tried so hard to become that person.l

"Simon, you've always been worthy of love," Gary kissed him again as if it was the most natural thing in the world. It certainly felt like it. "You're a good man, don't ever think otherwise." He hesitated, then added shyly, "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Simon thought he might be crying. He must have been because Gary reached up to brush the tears away.

"Don't you ever think you don't deserve this." He said firmly. "I love you. I would do anything for you."

Simon nodded and caught his hands to kiss each palm. It felt too fucking good to be true and he couldn't help smiling. Gary looked at him stunned for a moment before laughing. Simon had to kiss him, cutting off the beautiful sound with gentle kisses as he cradled Gary's face.

"I just... never felt like I was part of the same world as everybody else," Simon admitted softly. "I never felt like I belonged anywhere."

"And here?" Gary squeezed him, warmth rushing from the point of contact into Simon's body.

"This is my everything." Simon pressed their hands between their chests and held on tightly, the contact keeping him grounded. "Spending all this time with you at the farm helped me realise I had something real."

"Because this is where you're meant to be." Gary leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper. "When we're done, come home with me?"

"Yes." Because Simon knew now that was what he truly wanted. A future with Gary away from the military. Sometime in the future when they'd both be safe.

A loud cheer broke them apart as Matt and Amber took to the dance floor for their first dance.

"This could be us one day."

"Could?" Gary glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Sorry, will be." Simon amended with a small laugh. It felt strange to be talking about marriage so openly but then, Gary was very open with his feelings.

"Better." Gary watched his sister dancing for a moment before asking, "will you dance at our wedding?"

"If you want me to."

"How about now?" Gary grabbed his hands and for a horrible moment, Simon thought he was going to lead him out onto the dance floor. He didn't of course, only away from the marquee wall so they could have space. No one so much as glanced their way as they spun slowly on the spot. "Not too much?"

"Never."

Gary's smile was radiant and Simon knew he was grinning back like a fool. "I should take a photo of you to show to Soap. He'd never believe you're his Lieutenant." Simon raised an eyebrow, pulling Gary closer as he laughed. "I'm not sure you're the same man I met when I joined the task force."

"I'm not. You've changed a lot of things for me."

"Like?" Gary prompted, grabbing his lapels to bring him in close.

"You already know."

"It's still nice to hear you say it."

"I love you."

Gary smiled and kissed him. "I love you too."

Honestly, Simon had never been happier. He regretted nothing because everything he'd done had led up to this moment, here with Gary. It was all worth it.

They were pulled apart when Amber called, "Hey, are you two going to hide for the rest of the night?" She broke them apart, linking an arm through each of theirs. "You owe me a dance, Roach."

"I beg you never call me that again," He groaned, flashing Simon a smile as he was led away.

Simon was quite content to watch them dance for a few seconds before skirting around the edge of the marquee to find Mark and Jenny. He found them sat together at a table, mercifully alone. Steeling himself, he walked over a joined them.

"Simon!" Jenny beamed and pulled out a chair for him to sit on. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"It's been a wonderful day. You did an amazing job getting everything done in time, especially after pushing the date forward."

She waved away the compliment. "Gary did most of the work. I think he was worried about you so tried to distract himself. It's a wonder he didn't go back before you returned."

"Well, I'm glad to be back too." Simon hesitated and glanced at Gary dancing with Amber. He was laughing about something and it gave him the courage to say, "actually, I wanted to ask you both something whilst I've got you alone."

"Oh?" Jenny nudged Mark and they both looked at him curiously.

"It's about Gary." Simon took a deep breath. If he could face off against terrorists, he could ask this question. "It'd mean a lot to me, to both of us... if you'd give me your permission to marry him."

Simon cringed as they both stared at him, wondering if he'd just made a big mistake but then Jenny grabbed his hands and squeezed hard. "Of course you do! You didn't need to ask!"

Mark nodded and sniffed loudly, wiping his eyes. "I wasn't prepared for this. First Amber and now Gary. Our babies are growing up, Jen." He buried his face in a napkin as Jenny patted his back.

"We've been hoping for years Gary would find someone. He's never settled down, always too busy playing soldier," She confessed softly, tears in her eyes too. "But I suppose there's a reason for that. If he wasn't, he would never have met you. The way Gary looks at you... well, I know how much you mean to him. There's no one I'd rather he be with. Right, Mark?"

Mark nodded behind his napkin.

Simon smiled, feeling the weight lift off his shoulders with a relief. "That's all I want, to make him happy."

"Oh, here he comes. Pull yourself together Mark before he sees!" Jenny laughed and helped get her husband sorted as Simon turned to see Gary walking over.

Gary sat down next to him and asked, "did I miss something?"

"Nothing." And all Simon could think was that one day he was going to marry this wonderful man.