Two months had passed since Makarov's death.

Simon was still in the process of retiring, there was a lot of paperwork still to do regarding Makarov's end. Until that was finished he was technically on active duty. But with no threat, there was little chance he was going to be deployed. Price had also promised to redirect any missions sent their way.

So with the relative safety he now lived in, Simon was now living with Gary at his family home. It wasn't easy, now they knew that the two of them were together it was hard to find any alone time. All Simon wanted was to relax with Gary and not have to worry about anything for a long time. That seemed nearly impossible.

He was almost jealous of John. It still felt strange to refer to him as John instead of Soap, but one day it would feel normal. He had already bought a house the moment he knew the task force was ending. So Amber and he had been living alone together quite peacefully, lucky for some.

"Simon?" He didn't have to open his eyes to know it was Gary. Smiling slightly he rolled over and lifted the covers. Within seconds his warm body was pressed against his own. They were sleeping in separate rooms, not that it stopped Gary sneaking into his every night. "Still asleep?"

"Mostly." He received a quick kiss and smiled. "Did you miss me?"

Gary's quiet laugh was like music to his ears. "Don't go getting an ego, it's cold."

"I think it's quite warm here." More kisses were being placed along his jawline and he felt a hand touch his stomach. "Stop it, we both know your mum will be in here soon to check on us."

A heavy sigh in response, full of frustration at their lack of sex no doubt. "We need to find a place."

"You keep saying that but we can't agree on anything." It was true. They had looked at several places but for various reasons, they had yet to settle on anything. "I'm seeing Michelle today so you'll have to hunt on your own."

"How is it?" Gary tapped his forehead gently.

"I'm good. I'm here with you aren't I?"

"You would tell me if you started slipping?"

"Yes. I wouldn't jeopardise our relationship like that. Not after working so hard to get here." Simon pulled him closer and kissed the top of his head. "I'm doing good I promise. Never better in fact."

"That's good to hear." Gary kissed him, fingers threading into his hair moments later as Simon pulled him closer. Before anything more could happen though the door opened and they quickly broke apart. "Mum!"

"Breakfast!" She called cheerily and left.

Gary sighed and massaged his temples. "I'm finding us a place today. No complaints."

"Can we move in tonight?"

"If you get back from your session early enough. I'm not moving all out stuff alone." He stood up and stretched. It was an impressive sight since he was shirtless. "Are you checking me out?"

"Maybe." Simon grinned. "Is there a problem with that?"

"No." He could see Gary's cheeks were flushed. He got up too and quietly snuck up behind the distracted man. He started when Simon hugged him from behind and ran his fingers lightly over his stomach. "Simon, stop it."

"Do you really want me to?" Kissing Gary's neck he teased the edge of his trousers. "You're hard."

"So are you."

It was true. "Can't help it when I'm around you. You're in my head and I can't get you out." He'd pressed the right buttons. Gary spun around quickly and kissed him forcefully.

"Breakfast is going cold!"

Simon smiled and pulled away. "We better get down there before she comes back up."

"Honestly. You'd think I was a sixteen-year-old girl." Gary huffed and let him go. "How dare you try to steal my virtue."

"Shut up and put some clothes on."

"How are you and Gary?"

Simon smiled. "We've looking for a place to live. It's time to settle down."

Michelle smiled. "Congratulations. It's about time you enjoyed life."

"I plan to." He stood up and shook her hand, giving it a grateful squeeze. "Thank you, for everything."

"Is this goodbye?" She raised an eyebrow and he smiled.

"Probably not. But I can say with some confidence now, I got this. I know where to find you if I need you." Simon felt he was in control now, but knew in the back of his mind he would never fully be free of his past.

Gary kept the demons at bay, brought light into his life and Simon wasn't going to lose that. Not now, not ever. So if he had to continue therapy for the rest of his life to keep himself together, so be it. That was a price he was willing to pay. Besides, he'd come to appreciate and understand how helpful Michelle was. She was responsible for so much of his recovery.

"Thank you, for everything."

"Call me if you need me. Even if you think it's silly. Nothing you could call me about is unimportant."

"The road to recovery is a long one huh?"

"Never-ending. Good luck, Simon."

Gary greeted him with a big smile when he got back. "Guess what?"

He'd found somewhere. It was written all over his face but Simon played along. "What?"

His expression faltered for a second. "God, you're so difficult to surprise. I found a place!" He launched into an explanation and pulled out his phone to show some pictures. "The best thing is it's empty. As soon as we pay the deposit we can move in."

Gary's hopeful expression melted away any doubts Simon had. "Alright, let's do it."

The next week was a whirlwind of moving and furniture buying hell. Simon hated it but knew the end result would make Gary happy and therefore, he would be happy too. When it was done and the new sofa had been moved in, the bed built and the goddamn too big fridge somehow shoved in with help from John and Amber, Simon was adamant they were never moving again.

It was all worth it though that first night. Finally, alone, they were free to do as they pleased. By the end of the night, every room had been christened.

"I love you so much," Gary murmured sleepily.

"Me too." This was the biggest admission Simon could make. But it was enough for Gary because he always smiled softly, just like he was now.

"I forgot to ask earlier, d'you wanna be my plus one to Adam's wedding?"

"Adam?"

"Poet." He yawned.

"Well, who else would you take?" Simon kissed his forehead. "But sure."

"Thanks." Just like that, he was asleep.

Simon watched him for a while before deciding it was a bit creepy. Carefully he untangled himself and quietly walked into the lounge. His eyes were drawn to the two cartoon charms which were now framed above a dresser. It made him smile to see the ghost and roach together. It also reminded him of how far they'd come over the past couple of years.

This life he now had was something he hadn't even dreamed possible before. It was all down to Gary, his ability to see past the pain and reach the part of Simon still residing in himself that he thought was long dead. Simon smiled, absentmindedly touching one of the bruises forming on his neck. Many parts had long been dead before Gary reawakened them.

Suddenly Simon missed the other man terribly and quickly returned to bed. The feeling lessened as he slipped his arms back around the sleeping man. As he pressed his head to Gary's he couldn't help smiling.

"I love you too."