Chapter Text
“Baby steps dove.” Johnny cooed to the much taller man, who was struggling to keep himself up despite having John to support his weight while making their way to their room.
“Yeah yeah.” Simon growled dissatisfied with his condition.
It was a long mission but it wasn’t even over, he had to be benched. “I don’t need to be at base. I need to be out there.” Ghost grumbled as he was gently set on the bed by Johnny.
He didn’t like to be coddle nor did he like to be missing out on the action.
Price knew damn well that he could carry on even with a damaged leg, “You’re hurt dove, lets crawl before we run.” Johnny’s reasoning was logical, but Simon didn’t want logic he wanted to be strong, to be useful.
Scoffing as he was lead to the bed, the last place he wanted to be.
Sitting on the bed, hovering his hurt leg above the floor. Simon refused to lay down as he wanted to be out and about, he wanted to help.
“You need a shower, bad.” Johnny cooed rubbing the man’s unmasked face.
Running his fingers over the rough yet soft skin of his cheeks, Simon was practically purring at the contact.
A whine left him when he couldn’t feel Johnny’s hands against his face. Simon was shocked at how his body could betray him in such a way, now was not the time nor the place to slip up.
“What’s the matter cub?” Pet names were Simon’s weakness, Johnny knew the man was already dancing the line so he was just giving him a little push. Laying back on the bed he rolled on his side, wanting nothing more than to curl up and take a long nap.
“Mm tired.” Groaning he clutched his stomach. It felt like something was clawing to get out of him.
Johnny was trying to convince him he couldn’t lay in bed when covered in dirt and blood, but Simon couldn’t be reasoned with.
He was growing fussy.
If John wanted to get him in the bath it would have to be now.
“Si, come on let’s have a bath right quick.” Johnny forced himself under Ghost’s arm helping him stand.
Simon insisted he didn’t need a bath, that all he needed was a thirty minute nap. Johnny knew damn well if he was to lay down for even a second longer there would be no getting him up for a good few hours.
Limping to the bathroom, Ghost was sat down on the lid of the toilet while Johnny started warming the water.
“I don’t want to do this.” Simon sounded just down right pitiful, his voice nothing but a whisper. “What’s the matter doll?” Simon knew but didn’t want to tell, he felt stupid for even thinking it in the first place.
He didn’t want to bathe, he didn’t want the wound to be washed, it would hurt.
He didn’t want to be seen, he felt his body wasn’t his. While it was everything he could ever dream of since he was just 10 years old, it just felt so foreign to him. It all felt like a lie, an illusion that wasn’t fooling anyone; not even himself.
“I don’t want a bath.” Simon sniffled out, fighting with himself as he rocked himself back and forth slowly.
“Why not? What troubles you sweet my prince?” Johnny knelt down between Ghost’s legs wrapping his hands around the other’s waist, rubbing his sides in hopes it would calm him down. Tears welled in his eyes, not knowing what to say to the smaller man.
“It’s gonna hurt, I don’t want to hurt.” Tears flooded from his eyes, he started biting down onto his lip in hoping to slow the surge of emotion he was feeling.
John sighed reassuring the worried man he’d be just fine, “Come on love let’s get these nasty clothes off.” Shaking his head no, why couldn’t he just shower with his clothes on? Realistically he knew why but that didn’t change how he felt.
“Shirt first.” They were going to be slow with it, doing anything to keep Simon as comfortable as possible.
Raising his arms up so John could pull the shirt over his head, when it was off he covered his chest quickly, ashamed of the way it didn’t look like John’s. That it was fake, made by a surgeon.
“Such a good boy.” Pressing a kiss on Simon’s forehead, praise was something Ghost wasn’t used to. No matter how many times he was praised by Price and Soap, that didn’t stop the blush from creeping onto his face; this was no exception.
Nuzzling against John’s face for a moment, “Such a sweet baby.” Johnny cooed rubbing his index finger under Ghost’s chin, as if he were rubbing a cats chin.
A relaxed breath was let out as he leaned into the touch.
Hooking his fingers under Ghost’s trousers before slowly guiding them off leaving him in his boxers and socks.
“You’re doing so good dove.” Johnny was making sure to reinforce with positivity so things might be easier next time he was due for a bath, Simon asked Johnny to turn around while he took his boxers off.
It didn’t really make a difference given it was Johnny who would be the one bathing him. He slowly started stepping into the bath.
The water was warm and felt nice on his aching body, but the stinging sensation around the wound felt unbearable. He decided to keep his wounded limb out of the water until he absolutely had to clean it.
John took the cup they kept on the side of the tub for baths like this, usually he took showers by himself but he couldn’t do this alone, not right now at least.
Dousing his hair with the water before squeezing a dollop of shampoo onto his hands, he slowly started scrubbing gently through his dove’s hair, Simon was relaxed as the water hit his hair. Rinsing the shampoo out, it was time to condition.
Washing Ghost’s hair was the easy part.
It was his body that would be difficult, he didn’t like being touched by most but if it was Johnny all would be fine.
Most of the time.
Soaping up a rag he gently scrubbed Simon’s back before moving to his arms and chest, it was anything lower that Simon had a problem with. The tears started and he wanted out.
“I don’t want to do this anymore.”
“We’re almost done baby.” Johnny reassured, “Do you want me to stop?” Shaking his head before taking a deep breath.
Gently he scrubbed Simon’s legs making sure to be careful around the wound that had been treated just earlier that day, no matter how gentle Johnny was Simon would pull away and beg for the other to leave him alone.
“I know I know, we’re almost done.” Placing a kiss on his tearstained cheeks.
Draining the tub as he helped Ghost to a standing position.
Quickly patting him dry, and wrapping the towel around the taller’s shoulders. Soap got him to the bed, they didn’t want him standing or walking for long periods of time.
Maybe Johnny was taking it to the extreme by keeping him sat down at all times, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Leaving him on the bed as Johnny grabbed out a pair of boxers and something more cozy for Simon to wear.
Ghost felt he was floating, something in him burned to be held. He wanted nothing more than to be snuggled and peppered in kisses.
The fuzzy feeling in the back of his head consumed him.
“Come on love, one leg after the other.” Johnny helped slide his boxers up properly, taking the pair of sweat pants and cautiously sliding them over the wound and rolling them up so his pants wouldn’t make contact with the wound.
“Atta boy.” Johnny praised ruffling Simon’s wet hair.
Giggling quietly the little boy knew he was doing good and he was trying his best to behave despite everything telling him to jerk away from the other.
But he didn’t.
For that he was praised.
“Arms up.” John told him, obeying his instructions Simon lifted his arms up.
Pulling the shirt over the boys head he pressed a kiss on the baby’s forehead, “Such a good boy for me.” Johnny cooed.
They were trying to figure out if they should have a nap or if they should grab something to eat.
“Sleepy.” Simon mumbled while rubbing his eyes with balled fist.
A nap it was.
“I’m going to go have a rinse off, you stay in bed and get some sleep sweetheart.” Johnny tucked him knowing Ghost wouldn’t sleep without him being there.
It didn’t take long for Johnny to shower, he was rushing to get out the shower, not wanting to be away from his darling Simon.
Pulling his trousers up and pulling a shirt over his head before stepping out the bathroom to see Simon nodding off criss crossed on the bed, “You shouldn’t be up, down we go dove.” Helping Ghost get comfortable.
“Not tired.” Simon whined trying to wrap his arms around Johnny’s neck wanting nothing more to be held.
John watched as Simon hid himself in the crook of his neck.
Settling his head onto Johnny’s chest, suckling on his thumb while his eyes began to slowly become heavier and heavier. John hummed a little tune, a bit of twinkle twinkle little star for the baby to fall asleep to.
Once he was out cold John felt like he could fall asleep right then and there but he didn’t, if he slept now he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep as quickly later. Unlike Ghost who took an unhealthy amount of melatonin to fall asleep each night, he could sleep whenever he pleased without the consequences of not being able to fall asleep.
It was only rarely he could sleep without the use of half a bottle of melatonin.
Scrolling on his phone John waited for the baby to wake up, to see what the rest of their day would be looking like.
A good three hours later Ghost sat up rubbing his eyes before flopping back down on Johnny slightly knocking the wind out of the shorter man.
“Good morning sweet boy.” Johnny peppered his face in kisses, practically smotherin him in love and affection. Simon didn’t say a thing only let out a hushed giggle before adjusting himself to sit up. “What’s the matter love?” Johnny asked knowing what the baby was about to say but decided it was best the boy use his words. “Hungry?” Soft spoken and shy, nothing like the Ghost most people on base knew.
They knew him to be a hard ass, stubborn but obedient, not much of talker or show off, he kept to himself and only spoke when necessary.
Getting himself out of bed before assisting Simon to his feet, both grabbed a pair of slippers before heading out to the mess hall. It was about dinner time so there was bound to be at least a couple of people in there, most likely Gaz and Price because they were always eager for dinner.
Using crutches felt humiliating, he’d much rather struggle to walk.
“You shouldn’t be doing that.” There was a tint of warning in Johnny’s voice as if telling Simon he wasn’t allowed to.
“I’m fine.” Simon scoffed back.
“You’re not.” Soap growled back at him, Ghost was surprised the other could raise his tone with him. While Johnny was usually very understanding, but now was different he had a point to make.
Ignoring his caregiver he continued on their journey down to the mess hall.
Walking in with much struggle, Simon saw the disapproval on Price’s face as he walked in. Gaz winced, he couldn’t imagine the pain Ghost was in walking on a bum leg.
“Now what the hell are you doing, we got you crutches for a reason son.” Prince interrogated him the moment he sat down, looking to Soap for some kind of help as he didn’t want to say something wrong and get a scolding.
Johnny looked to Gaz not wanting to look the other in the eyes as he was already slightly upset with him.
Simon felt some kind of feeling bubble in his chest, like he couldn’t stand being next to Johnny.
He felt betrayed.
“I feel fine, sir.” Ghost cleared his throat before speaking not wanting his voice to crack, he felt he was under pressure when he wasn’t.
A soft kick to his wounded leg by Price and he let out a gasp before reaching for the wound.
“Fine my ass.” Price scoffed.
“Piss off.” Ghost let out a deep sigh trying to regain control of his breathing.
“Watch it.” Price usually didn’t mind the banter but this was a serious matter, Simon didn’t think Price would do such a thing.
There was a long silence, Gaz felt very uncomfortable with the energy that was created at the table. “Soap go back to the barracks and get him some damn crutches.” A slight nod before Johnny got up, Simon didn’t want to be left alone with Price, not right now at least.
Tears welled in his eyes, why was everyone being so mean to him?
Scolding him further, Ghost just nodded at every word he said.
“If you don’t lay off that leg it’ll never heal then what? I’ll tell you what, you’ll be benched until the end of time is that understood?” Letting out a quiet hiccup and small ‘yea’ before he gazed down at the table.
Usually he’d have a smart comeback but not this time, he felt powerless.
Simon needed Johnny right now, but he was nowhere to be found.
Gaz had never seem Ghost so docile before more or less on the verge of tears.
Price knew what was going on, he’d seen by the way Ghost had so easily just accepted the scolding that he was feeling spacey.
When Johnny did get back Price asked him for a word in private.
Only once again Simon didn’t want Johnny to leave him by himself, he needed his rock to lean on, to tell him that everything was going to be okay to tell him no one was upset with him.
“Is Si okay? Poor thing looks like he’s about to run the water works.” Price couldn’t help but feel bad for what he’d said to him earlier.
“He’s feeling a bit small right now, he’s just a tad bit sensitive. Not able to take what he’s dishing out, raised my voice with him a little and I shouldn’t’ve.” Johnny was feeling the guilt rush him.
Going back to the table, Johnny grabbed Ghost’s head laying it on his shoulder.
Not a word was spoken between Gaz and Ghost.
No one acknowledged Simon while he was resting on Johnny’s shoulder, he was to be left alone. It was almost an unwritten rule. That if Simon was being even the slightest bit clingy then only Price and Soap were to talk to him unless he spoke to you.
Soap took it upon himself to get both him and Ghost something to eat.
While he could bring him a tray of food, he couldn’t force him to eat it. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
“Just a couple bites Si.” Johnny was practically begging him.
Ghost insisted he wasn’t hungry and that he wanted to go to bed, the reality of it was he in fact was quite hungry but too upset to eat anything. They had been mean to him so he wanted nothing more than to shut them out, ignore them like they had ignored him, he was feeling so many big emotions and didn’t know how to deal with them.
Johnny wasn’t having it and neither was Price.
“Son, you need to eat to get better.” Only Simon didn’t believe that bologna, he knew there were many times where he was sick or injured and didn’t eat but still got somewhat better.
He couldn’t feel all that hungry when he felt sick to his stomach at the sight of food.
“Take one bite, will ya?” Johnny held out hope, only for Simon to shake his head while side eyeing Johnny, he was choosing to be stubborn for the fact that he was a meanie. “Baby doll, don’t be that way.” Cooing to him before raising a forkful of plain pasta to his covered mouth.
Making no attempt to lift his mask for the bite, Soap let out a sigh. He didn’t want to push the boy too much since he was already in a sensitive mood, Johnny knew that Simon was mad at him for snapping earlier so he would just give in to the boy for now.
Until Gaz had an idea, it was dumb but it was a last resort.
While Ghost was distracted Gaz whispered something to Price, a quick smile before he used his hands to cover his face.
Price let out some fake cries before peaking up to see Simon’s reaction.
Worry filled the boys eyes.
“Papas crying cause you won’t eat.” Johnny gasped, making a sad face Johnny fake comforted Price only for him to “cry” more.
Tears welled up in Simon’s eyes and he lifted his mask just enough to take the bite from the fork, no one around them really knew what was going on but all were too scared to ask.
“That’s ma boy.” Johnny praised rubbing Simon’s back before feeding him bite after bite until there was nothing left. When Price saw all of Simon’s pasta was gone he quickly perked up, “You made a happy plate sunshine! I’m so happy and proud of my sweet boy.” He said petting Ghost under the boys chin.
Truthfully he felt like throwing up, but he managed to keep it down.
Price and Soap showered him in praise, “Tired.” He spoke up with a hiccup. It had taken him a lot of courage to tell his Papa and Daddy that he wanted to go back to bed.
Soap excused them, helping Ghost to his feet before tucking the crutches under his arms.
It felt humiliating.
Toddling down the halls just to get back to the confines of his room.
Making it back to the room Ghost was instructed to go to the bathroom to handle business and brush his teeth.
“Straight to bed or do we want to watch cartoons?” It wasn’t something the caregiver offered often, Johnny didn’t like him watching screens all day.
“Bed time.” Yawning before crawling into bed, abandoning the crutches at the foot of the bed.
There was no arguing with that, Simon had his mind made up.
Waiting impatiently for Johnny to get in bed so they could cuddle, Simon was growing fussy. Whining and pouting for his Daddy to hurry up, “Easy dove.” Johnny warned giving him a look he definitely didn’t like.
Simon threw himself back onto the bed, he couldn’t believe that his Daddy was being so mean to him today when all he wanted was for his Daddy to cuddle with him. He couldn’t stop the few tears that had escaped him.
Crawling into bed beside Simon, Johnny was rather confused as to why his baby wasn’t laying right on top of him like normal. Simon had his back turned to him and was as close to the edge of the bed as he could get.
“What’s a matter dove?” Johnny asked sitting up so he could see his baby’s face a bit clearer. Ghost didn’t say anything just whined. “I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me what bothering you doll.” He sighed before pulling his baby closer to him.
“You and Papa are being mean to me for no reason!” Simon sobbed out hugging onto Johnny’s arm. Soap knew this was bound to happen as they were being a little too harsh to their boy more than they usually were.
“I know honey but we didn’t mean it we are just worried about our little boy. It doesn’t help that you’re not listening to us when we are trying to help you get better faster. I’m sorry and I can assure you so is Papa, but we love you too much to watch you make your life harder on yourself especially while you’re hurt.” Johnny explained to
Ghost didn’t say a thing, instead he turned to face Johnny and snuggled into his chest. The motion of his Daddy’s breathing quickly calmed his sniffles, he soon fell asleep. This was his way of telling Daddy that he was forgiven.
Johnny adored the baby, how he was so calm when he slept, of course there were plenty of times when he’d have to fight the baby to go to bed.
Rubbing soothing circles on Simon’s back to help him fall asleep faster, as if he wasn’t out the moment that his head was laid against Johnny’s chest.
All was right in their little world, safe as they could be, enjoying each others presence and the comfort they provided one another.
The mornings sun peaked through the black out curtains Ghost kept up, a small beam of light peering in.
Opening his eyes only to be blinded by the spot of sun, groaning as he rolled over. It was new day meaning another headache, patting on Johnny’s chest.
Small grunts and a loud gasp, Johnny was startled awake but truthfully he was always startled awake by everything.
“What’s the matter baby?” Smacking his lips while rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands. “Morning.” Simon wasn’t little but he was still feeling spacey, it wouldn’t take much to ease him back into headspace.
“Good morning love.” Johnny sat up, slowly getting out the bed so he could start his daily routine, giving Simon the few minutes of ‘starfish’ time.
Ghost always enjoyed his time to just sprawl and roll around on the bed.
Checking his phone to see if he got any text, only from price telling him to take it easy on his leg. Rolling his eyes Simon stood up, leg buckling under him finding himself on the ground.
It wasn’t this bad yesterday so why today could he not stand on his own?
Of course Soap rushed to his aid, toothbrush still in his mouth.
“Let’s not do that again.” Johnny warned.
Sat back on the bed and told to wait just a few more minutes, Ghost hated it. Hated feeling so helpless, so useless.
Crossing his arms he held a scowl on his face.
Waiting so impatiently for it to be his turn to brush his teeth and take a piss.
“Hurry up will ya?” Ghost groaned not wanting to spend another second feeling like he was confined to his bed.
“Watch your attitude.” Johnny warned before helping Simon out of bed and getting him adjusted with the crutches, “I don’t have an attitude.” Ghost snarled.
“Yeah you do, keep it up and I’ll snatch your tongue right out your mouth.” Simon woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Ghost had a smart remark to make but he bit his tongue before toddling off to the bathroom to get himself ready for the day. When done in the bathroom he saw that his clothes were all laid out for him, all he had to do was change into them.
Soap sat on the bed next to the night stand with bandages, he would have to rewrap the wound and keep fresh dressings on it for the next few days until it properly scabbed over.
Patting the bed beside him, Simon sat down lifting his hurt leg onto Johnny’s lap.
“Atta boy.” Praise would be the death of him.
Rolling his eyes before laying back, playing with the covers on the bed.
Carefully Johnny removed the blood soaked bandage peeling off what little scab was there, hissing in pain as he pulled his leg away only to be grabbed by the ankle and yanked back.
“Easy boy.” Soap spoke as if talking to a spooked animal.
Pins and needles in his lower calf, a small whimper escaped him as he bit down into the blanket while Johnny cleaned the wound.
Soap was as gentle as he could be when cleaning his wound.
“Almost done dove.” Wrapping the wound before tying off the bandage.
Rewarded with a five minute cuddle session.
Peppered in loving kisses and praises for his bravery.
“Up we go lad.” Helping Ghost on his crutches, Johnny held the door open for him allowing him to toddle out the room and into the main hall.
They met up with Gaz and Price in the mess hall with the addition of Köing who had gotten in last night.
Simon was not excited to see the tallest among them, as often times he’d carry Simon around like a rag doll. On occasion he would enjoy what it was like to be carried but other times it was down right embarrassing.
Köing didn’t care if others were around, ever since he’d learned of Ghost’s little predicament, he’d coddle and cuddle Simon as much as he was allowed to. It’s not like the little didn’t enjoy Köing’s attention, he loved it so much since it made him feel so tiny. However he didn’t like it when he wasn’t little and Köing is not the best at telling when he was big or little.
Once again Simon wasn’t very hungry despite being told he needed to eat to keep his strength up, that he’d never get better if he didn’t eat. He knew that eating would make him better, he just couldn’t will himself to eat much of anything.
Having a cup of yogurt, he felt rather proud of himself for being able to stomach the dreadful slop. Soap tried bribing him to eat just a little more but Ghost felt he had eaten enough.
“Not hungry.” He scoffed before pulling his phone out, tried to find something that could entertain him.
Before he was able to find his entertainment his phone was snatched from his hands and set furthest away from him. Ghost couldn’t believe Soap was this hellbent on getting him to eat a bite more than he’d wanted.
The others at the table stopped and stared before looking away, a sharp glared pierced through Gaz’s soul.
“Another bite.” Johnny told him, it was unlike him to tell rather than ask.
Price wanted to know what was going on between the two of them, why they were so moody with one another. It was very unusual for the both of them, he could see why Simon was a bit more moody since he was injured. What was Soap’s excuse?
“No.” Ghost said before using the table to lift himself up. He was not about to be bossed around while he was in his older headspace.
“Sit down.” Johnny raised his voice at Simon, something he never did. It shocked the man sending him flying into a younger headspace, he didn’t want anyone knowing so he didn’t trust himself to talk or look anyone in the eyes.
Slowly sitting back down, he turned away from Johnny.
Johnny snatched Simon’s face, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way, you choose.” His words sent a chill down Simon’s spine causing him to shift in his chair uncomfortably, letting a quiet whine escape him.
He tried to look for his Papa to help him but with the way his face was being held he doubt the other saw his cry for help.
“I’m not hungry.” Ghost was begging his caregiver to not make him take another bite.
He was at the point in the day where food overall just seemed repulsive, “Come on prince one more bite and we can go.” Johnny cooed to him. Simon didn’t like it when his Daddy would be mean to him then be nice to him the next second, it always confused him, was he in trouble or no?
“Want papa.” Sniffling before looking to Price who didn’t know what he was supposed to do. While he was one of the boys caregivers he wasn’t the main one, which usually meant what Johnny says goes. Oh but he couldn’t just watch his poor boy be pushed into the fire when he was already hurting.
Tears began to roll down his masked face as he wanted out of the situation at hand.
Price couldn’t say no to him, he had Gaz switch seats with Ghost, letting the younger boy rest his head on his shoulder. Soap was annoyed how easily Price let Simon get away with just about anything. Price was supposed to be on his team not Ghost, he was a snake.
He was not being forced to eat another bite, but at what cost? Johnny wouldn’t look his way or respond to his whines of discomfort when Köing would bother him, Daddy was supposed to save him from the overly clingy man not ignore him.
His Daddy was upset with him, everyone could feel it, Simon most of all.
When breakfast was over Gaz and Soap were off to the rec room with Köing, leaving Ghost behind. Ghost knew that his daddy needed some space but it didn’t hurt any less.
Simon was taken to his quarters by Price, while Price loved the boy he couldn’t have him trailing him like a lost puppy when there was work to be done.
“Don’t leave please.” Simon pleaded, he didn’t want to be alone.
No.
He couldn’t be alone, not like this.
“I know son, but Papa has work to do.” Price helped him settle on the bed, he was supposed to be on bed rest anyways.
Sobs erupted the moment Price left him.
Price knew he’d cry himself to sleep, at least he hoped that’s what would happen.
Only that wasn’t the case, not today at least. Grabbing his phone with shaky hands he did the one thing he knew to do in these situations. Dialing Johnny’s phone in hopes he’d come to his rescue.
Seeing that it was Simon calling he felt worried but only for a moment before remembering he was with Price, Johnny figured Price was laying down the law and that’s why he was getting a call. Hearing it go to voice mail, Ghost was in utter shock that Johnny could just not answer him, how could his daddy not answer him in a time of need?
He was distressed and without a caregiver to care for him.
Doing the only logical thing he could think to do, he stood out of the bed.
Sliding his house shoes on, struggling to the get to the door, there was no one there to tell what he had to do. His crutches abandoned at the side of his bed, he used the walls to support his weight.
Many stares of worry and concern followed him as he staggered down the hallway.
Breathing uneven and heavy, feeling as if the walls were closing in on him. His throat was tight like a string of barbed wire was tightly strung around his neck.
Swallowing hard with a weak sniffle, he pushed the door open to see MacTavish and Garrick kicking it back with others in the rec room.
The laughter died down quickly once they’d noticed Ghost.
Soap spared him a glance, before taking another look at the Lieutenant. Watching as tears rolled down that masked face and took notice of his lack of crutches, shooting up from his spot on the couch, Johnny rushed to his side.
“I’m so sorry dove.” Guilt rushed through his veins, why did he ignore the call? What in his right mind possessed him to do such a thing? He was supposed to always be there for his baby when in such a vulnerable state.
Why couldn’t he have not been so petty when Ghost was in a time of need? When Simon needed him most.
Helping him to the couch in the middle of the room, Köing patted one of the other guys so his seat could be taken by Simon. The cadet didn’t have to be told twice, just about every one evacuated the room outside of Köing and Gaz who didn’t see themselves leaving the room anytime soon.
Missing the closeness he had with Johnny, Simon didn’t let go of the caregiver when he was sat down on the couch.
Something in him told him to forget about Johnny the way he forgot about him.
Letting go of Johnny, he turned over to get a cuddle from Köing, someone who didn’t see him as a bother, nuzzling into the taller man using him to wipe his tears.
Shooting a glare at Köing despite Johnny knowing it wasn’t Köing to blame, he had only himself to blame.
He was the one who wronged Simon.
Simon wanted Johnny to feel what he felt, to feel abandoned and betrayed.
Köing was at a loss of what to do, all he could do was comfort Simon to the best of his ability. “It’s going to be okay little one, why do you cry?” Köing asked pulling Simon into his lap, he needed to calm down before he could even try to speak.
But he didn’t know how to calm down, not by himself at least.
Simon had always had Johnny and John to calm him down, to walk him through his big emotions.
Knowing that the baby was upset with him Johnny couldn’t just watch him suffer in his own fit of confusing emotions. Taking one of Simon’s hands he rubbed his thumb along the back of his hand, soothing circles that Simon was familiar with.
“Let’s take a deep breath in,” Soap hummed softly as he took a deep breath, watching as Ghost copied what he was doing. “Now out.” Praised at the end of their little breathing session.
Yet Simon refused to talk to him still.
While it hurt, Johnny couldn’t help but think Simon was right for ignoring him.
“Daddy is being mean and then,” Taking another deep breath while wiping his tears before he dared speak again “Then papa left me. By myself when I asked him to stay. I- I even used my manners but he left me by myself.” Ghost was good about articulating his words big or small.
Johnny got up and told the others to rally behind him, like an angry mob in the medieval ages.
Simon made an attempt to stand on his own, pulled back down to the couch by Köing “Be patient little one.” The taller spoke before scooping him up and settling him in his arms.
While it was an unusual sight to see, many had questions but none dare ask.
To ask why the Lieutenant was being held like a child? Why the lieutenant had his face tucked into Köing’s chest? Or why they could hear the soft sobs rack the lieutenant’s body?
Bursting into the captain’s office, Soap was at the head of their little mob.
Price was very confused as to what they were doing. They all knew better than to just barge into his office while he is working.
Slamming his hands down on the table Soap held a glare towards their captain.
“I suggest you watch what you say Sargent.” Price was already fed up with Soap and his little entourage.
Soap nodded before thinking of what he was going to say.
“Very well, why in the hell would you leave Simon by himself?” Huffing and puffing before waiting for a response, “Last I checked you dumped him on me.” His wording was horrid.
It made Simon feel so unwanted, so unlovable. Like he had done something to burden the captain, to burden Johnny.
He didn’t feel small and helpless, feeling nothing but an emptiness. Both guilt and anger bubbled inside him as he sat there in Köing’s arm, he wanted to say something but he wouldn’t.
He couldn’t.
Simon stopped his crying, he could feel himself shutting down both physically and emotionally.
Loosing his grip around Köing before patting the taller man’s shoulder, signaling he wanted to be put down. Köing shook his head no, the taller man wouldn’t be putting him down, not any time soon. He wouldn’t put him down because he couldn’t walk on his own and he knew the man need some kind of comfort.
Annoyed that he wasn’t being put down Simon began to try and pry himself off of Köing, only to have his head pressed into the taller’s shoulder.
Soap turned to see what the commotion was, “Settle.” Johnny told him. Simon was moving to much for anyone’s liking, when he didn’t listen he was told once more to settle down.
“I wont tell you again.” Soap warned, why did Simon let someone talk to him this way? Why did Ghost let anyone talk to him this way?
Ghost wasn’t a pet, to be ordered around by someone else, wasn’t his style.
He was a solo act.
Kicking into Köing’s sides wanting to be let down.
Soap would ignore it for now, Ghost didn’t do good in conflict that revolved around him.
“Yeah, and it was your responsibility to make sure he had someone there to watch over him.” Johnny was infuriated, never did he think he could feel this way about their captain, his parental figure.
But it was Simon they were talking about, his sweet baby boy.
For him to be abandoned by the people he trusted, loved, most when he was in a time of need.
“I thought he’d call you to come get him.” Guilt rushed through Soap as he looked to Simon who was getting more and more aggressive with his squirming.
Pulling his mask down just so he could take a bite out of Köing’s shoulder, this was by no means a love bite, he meant to do damage and damage was done.
Finally getting the message, Köing gently set Ghost down before putting a hand over his bitten shoulder.
Pulling his shirt down to see the damage, a thick bruise was forming while a couple of puddles of blood formed in the teeth marks.
Soap had seen it happen, see what Simon did. He would be punished for it later.
Trying to toddle out the room only to be stopped by Johnny. Simon fully expected a slap to the mouth as that was the consequence for bitting into people, only he didn’t get struck.
Pulling him in with such love and care as if he didn’t just bite a chunk out of Köing.
“What’s the matter dove?” Johnny held his hand up the moment Price opened his mouth, signaling for all to be quiet. “I don’t want to be a burden on you or captain.” Simon’s voice cracked as it shook, “I’m sorry.” He blubbered out repeatedly.
Suddenly being held didn’t feel so embarrassing.
It felt like a necessity.
He needed to feel something hold him together or he was going to rip at the seams.
“Baby, Simon look at me.” Johnny cooed cupping the Lieutenant’s face, rubbing the tears from his eyes with gentle thumbs. “You are no burden and even if you are you’re a burden worth barring.” Reassuring Simon that he was worth losing it all for. He truly was worth losing everything over.
Johnny had some gull to talk to the Captain the way he was.
“Come little one.” Köing cooed, with help from Johnny he hobbled over hugging his arms around Köing’s neck, Köing rocked him back and forth hoping to calm his fussing.
“He did but I didn’t answer, and that’s on me but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t have made sure Gaz or Köing or myself was with him.” Price saw where the other was going with this.
“Last I checked you were his caregiver not me, I wasn’t assigned to him. You were.” Price reminded him, the other didn’t see why it was such a big deal.
So what Simon was by himself for maybe ten minutes, it wasn’t the end of the world.
Only that it felt like the end of Simon’s world, he pondered never regressing in general more or less in front of Price or Soap.
Simon knew he was being dramatic about it, but his feelings were much bigger than he was and much stronger than he was or could ever be.
“Why don’t we just all admit we were wrong for what we all did, and from now on we need to be more careful about answering our phones, making sure he is with someone or maybe just maybe we don’t talk about him like he’s not there because clearly he is upset.” Kyle was the voice of reason, both of the men who had been somewhat at each others throats, throwing blame to each other.
“Simon, son I’m sorry I left you by yourself.” Price sighed hoping to get any kind of response, but he didn’t the masked man stayed quiet.
Köing could feel Ghost tremble under him, taking the collar of Köing’s shirt and biting down on it to muffle his soft cries.
“Baby doll, I’m sorry I didn’t answer my phone, it wont happen again. You aren’t leaving my sight, no matter how upset either of us are, do you forgive me pup?” Soap told him earning a weak nod from Ghost who was trying to calm himself down.
To no avail he dug his heels into Köing to scoot up, adjusting the baby in his arms lifting him up before rubbing soothing circles into Simon’s back.
“Do you forgive me son?” Price approached him, putting a hand on Simon’s shoulder.
Opening his mouth only for nothing to come out, “I’m sorry.” Simon choked out with a gasp. Simon couldn’t breath he couldn’t do this, he wanted to go to his room and curl up hoping his next breath would be his last.
“You don’t got a thing to be sorry for son.” Price reassured him before having a seat back at his desk.
Excusing themselves from the office, allowing Price to get back to his paperwork.
Simon was fussy, he whined and grunted at any given chance. Johnny knew it was time for a nap, now the only problem was trying to convince the baby that he needed a nap.
On very rare occasions Simon would pull himself out of headspace to try and convince everyone he wasn’t tired, and today was one of those days.
“Johnny I’m not tired.” Ghost spoke in a low growl not wanting to be put down for a nap, he had more dignity than that.
“Place ‘em on the bed.” Johnny instructed Köing, the taller followed the orders given. Ignoring Ghost’s remarks and orders to do otherwise.
Gaz and Köing were told they could leave, that he and Ghost would catch up with them later.
“I’m not tired.” Ghost sat up with his arms crossed, Soap helped him get his shoes off before instructing him to lay down. Ghost did not lay down, he sat there arms crossed with a deadly glare pointed to Johnny.
“Won’t tell you again little boy, ye’ve got to the count of three or I’m laying you over ma knees. Don’t think just because of the little incident means I’ve forgotten that nasty attitude you’d had with me earlier, ye understand?” Swallowing hard before he crawled into the bed, afraid of what consequences he would face if he refused any longer.
“Atta boy, that’s more like it.” Johnny cooed as he crawled into bed beside Simon.
Patting his chest so Simon would lay his head down and he did so obediently, “Close your eyes.” Soap gave the orders when they were off the field.
“Deep breaths cub.” Johnny hummed a little tune, watching as Simon slowly but surely began to doze off.
Eyes becoming heavier than he could bare and mind shutting down, he felt safe in Johnny’s hold. His body relaxed, and he was out.
Waking hours later, Simon felt better.
His heart didn’t ache, nor did his body for once.
Johnny had been up the whole time that Simon was asleep, watching over him and making sure he didn’t get trapped in a flashback or nightmare.
“Why hello there.” Kissing him on the forehead before patting his back a little aggressively because that’s how Simon liked it, “You feelin’ any better?”
“Loads.” Simon sat up sitting back, criss crossed as if waiting for something.
Johnny smiled at him, titled head like a confused puppy.
Ghost was waiting for the question.
“What love? Is there something you want?” Nodding shyly, he didn’t like using his words most the time.
While he wasn’t little, he was however still in a playful mood.
“What do you want dove?” Soap cooed shaking his head in a loving manner.
“I want to go see Gaz and Köing, ‘m bored. Wanna play.” He mumbled as if embarrassed to say it in the first place, “Well we’ll get you situated and head out to find em yeah?” Nodding in agreement Simon was excited.
Hopping up with the help of his crutches he waited for Johnny to open the door, waddling to the rec room.
Simon was more than excited to see Köing and Gaz were there.
“How was the nap LT?” A glare was casted in his direction, a disapproving look from Soap and he retracted his glare.
A soft sigh left him before he spoke, “Wasn’t half bad.”
While Köing and Soap had many rounds at a shooting game, failing way too many times.
Gaz kept the Lieutenant entertained, sitting him on his lap and covering his face with his hands before revealing himself. “Peak a boo I see you.” He cooed to Simon, at first he wasn’t having any of these childish antics. When Gaz got a giggle from the baby is when he knew their fun had just begun.