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When Simon came back from Mexico he was broken. Tommy doubted there was anything even left of his brother still in that shell, he wouldn't show his face, he wouldn't show his body, and he barely talked.
Everyone was uncomfortable with it, and Tommy one day decided to discuss asking him to move out; Beth adamantly protested and Mary, their mother, didn't seem keen, but they were uncomfortable that one day he might lash out. Tommy tried to convince himself this was a reasonable fear and it seemed like it was considering that when he did react to it would be almost violently, however, he never harmed them, but they didn't know how long that would last. His therapy visits weren't helping. Hell, they didn't even know what happened to him in the first place.
One day Tommy sat Simon down to talk to him about leaving. As soon as it came out of his mouth Simon seemed to for a moment come back himself before his eyes became glassy, not the usual dull absence but another worse look. without a word he got up and started towards his room. Tommy tried to get his attention but there wasn't even recognition from Simon as he entered his room and grabbed a bag from under the bed, a duffel bag his military one. He threw it over his shoulder, grabbed his boots by the doorway, and walked out.
Tommy grabbed his shoulder despite his better judgment. Simon whipped around so fast that Tommy about got whiplash as Simon grabbed the offending arm and twisted. Just enough to hurt not to break. “Don't touch me don't ever touch me again.” His voice was quiet and menacing. “You want me gone, fine. I gave you everythin I could. I thought you could be a little thankful, maybe try to understand, but I see you don't care.” He sounded disbelieving at the audacity.
“Simon Riley is a dead man you killed him. You know I thought Roba would ave succeeded. Guess I was wrong when I crawled out of my grave I thought that was what would kill me. I was wrong. This is and I hope you're proud.” His voice broke halfway through but he glared at Tommy as tears sprung to his eyes. Simon didn't give Tommy a chance to respond as he turned and marched on. Tommy stood stunned.
He'd done the right thing, hadn't he?
oO0Oo
With nothing else to do Simon sets his eyes on the Zaragoza cartel. Infiltrates and eliminates the remaining cartel members leaving Roba for last. After all, it's his fault everything can be traced back to him. As the blood covered his hands he felt satisfied. Then Shepard crashed his party.
When the 141 was created Ghost had a family again. Price was the good father figure he had been deprived of, Gaz the brother that he should have had, Laswell a mother who would do anything for her boys, and Johnny, Johnny was his Beth.
Price always checked in on him making sure everything was okay, he ensured all the intel was vetted to the best of his ability, and he was lenient to benefit Ghost in most scenarios.
Gaz would hang out with him, pick and play with him, and gossip with him treating him like a human and keeping him up to date with happenings on base.
Laswell always gave him a hard time in a loving way, she made sure he was eating correctly, and she made sure he got all of his wounds checked out at medical.
Soap ensured his comfort in any situation be that sleeping or just in a social setting, he made sure Simon had his favorite tea and cigarettes, and he always made sure he wasn't alone with his thoughts.
None of the 141 feared him. They stayed with him through his panic attacks, brought him back from flashbacks, and reassured him when he was sure he was not worth the air he breathed. They all cared so much, specifically Johnny. The man was always there when he needed him and vice versa.
When the holidays came around Johnny had come to his room, as soon as Ghost opened the door he sauntered in not even waiting for his invitation and laid himself on Ghost’s bed. Ghost had just sighed and turned to face his sergeant, “What do you want Johnny?”
“Do ya have anywhere to go for the holidays?” Soap asked bluntly. Ghost blinked for a moment before answering, “No.” Soap just nodded as if he expected that for his part he probably did. “OK, you're coming with me then.” Soap said as if it wasn't a big deal.
Ghost blinked dumbly for a moment, “What do you mean I'm comin with you?” John rolled his eyes as if it was obvious, “Because Ma wants tae meet ye.”
With that, his fate was sealed because as he'd soon learn you don't argue with Mrs. MacTavish.
oO0Oo
The MacTavish’s and thus Simon had gone to Manchester for New Year's after a great Christmas at the family farm. It had been the best Christmas Simon had ever had, Simon and Johnny had also gotten together finally . The MacTavish’s had explained they went somewhere new every year for New Year's. Simon wasn't sure how he felt about going back to his hometown but…. Well, he'd follow Johnny anywhere.
They sat in a local pub around the table with food and drinks. Simon had his arm draped across Johnny's shoulders as they talked quietly to one another. It's about 30 minutes until midnight and about 10 until they leave to explore the festival being held. Simon had been elected their guide since he knew the city the best. Everyone paid their tab and ran to the restroom. Then it was time for them to leave.
The city was beautifully decorated and booths of people selling things lined walking paths. Simon never really celebrated New Year's here before but might have to come back at some point if only for the food.
A booth selling knives caught Simon's attention and he pulled Johnny over to it. Johnny had laughed the whole way but froze as one of the knives caught his attention.
A curved cutting knife with a black and White tang and a high carbon blade stained black with an engraved skull on it. The whole knife was about 13 inches long. It was beautiful. Soap reached for it and checked its balance. It was well-balanced and well-crafted, not any cheap creation. “How much?” Johnny asked the vendor. 316.96 was the answer and Soap bought it before Simon could protest. “Nah it's yae New Year's gift.” John dismissed as he handed the blade to Simon. Simon scowled but took it blushing.
As the night continued Simon spotted a nice lock-picking kit and bought it before he threw it at Johnny who caught it on instinct.
Everything was going well until, “Simon?” The MacTavish's and Simon freeze, but eventually, Simon turns around and sees Tommy. Simon flinches and steps back and Johnny seeing this takes a menacing step forward.
“Who the fock are yae?” Soap all but growls. The man puffs up, “I wasn't talkin to you so get out of my way.” That set Simon off because how dare Tommy speak to his Johnny like that. Simon stepped forward and grabbed Johnny around the waist pulling him into his body and putting his chin on Johnny's mohawk.
Tommy froze staring wide-eyed at the display. “Don't you speak to Im like that Tommy.” Ghost's voice was frigid and at the name soaps eyes blew wide before he glared even harder.
“You! You’re the one that did this! You're the one that broke Him! Simon let go o me, let mae give him what he deserves. He hurt ye!” Soap seethed. Ghost white pursed his lips while Neilina walked up next to them. “What is goin on, who is this?”
Ghost sighed, “My brother Tommy.” Ghost sounded resigned, but Soap started up again, “NAY, Tell the whole thin! He wanted to kick Si out after he came back from being tortured far months. The same brother who had gotten him off o drugs and got his life back on track, paid for their livin when they couldna afford it, and kicked their da out o the house because the bastard deserved it! Soap spat to his mother before turning on Tommy once more.
“DO YE HAVE ANY CLUE WHAT YE DID TAE HIM!? DO YE KNOW HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TAE CONVINCE HIM I WOULDN'T LEAVE TAE?!” Soap broke free before grabbing Tommy and shoving him into a nearby wall. Simon went to grab him but Ewan Soap's father held him back, “Let Im finish lad.” He warned as he too refrained from grabbing the boy.
“What about how if anyone on the team leaves without tellin him he thinks they abandoned him!? Do you know how many nights I had tae comfort him through night terrors of the horrible things he went through!? Do you know how many times he's tried to kill himself!?” His voice is lower, more urgent, more manic.
Tommy now pale as a sheet looks to Simon who is shaking, his mismatched eyes looking at him with apprehension. Simon then steals himself and walks up to them and pulls Johnny off and into his body once more.
“Love, m' anam it's OK don't let Im’ ruin tonight let's go our family is waitin.” Simon sooths as he moves Johnny back towards the others.
“Simon, wait,” Tommy called but he was ignored.
And as the group walked away Tommy realized he had never made a bigger mistake in his life.
oO0Oo
John plastered himself to Simon’s side after that as they continued meeting back up with Aileen, Sorcha, Sorcha’s kids, Blair, and Abree, and her husband Brice.
They barely walked a few blocks before another voice was calling out to Simon
“Simon oh my God is that you?” The large man froze before reluctantly turning towards the voice before he spots the culprit, “Beth…” Simon looked unsure.
“Oh Simon you're OK I was so worried I’d never see you again.” Beath sounded relieved as she looked him over.
“Why aren't you happy you all kick me out” Simon sneered.
Beth scoffed “GOD NO!! I begged Tommy not to I almost divorced Im’ over it. You ave done so much for us Simon I could never do that to you. Ell’ once Joseph was old enough to understand he wouldn’t talk to Tommy or Mary for months’.”
Simon scowled, ”My one mother’ was in on it too…..of course how silly of me to think savin her from Tommy’s bad decisions and that bastard she married would gain me any leeway.”
They were interrupted by Blair and Abree running up to Simon, “UNCLE SIMON!” They chanted. Simon smiled down at them, “Yeah?” Beth from where she was watching was now fighting back tears. Simon before Mexico had always adored kids and even after Mexico if he ever did show emotions it was always directed towards Joseph, Simon had always loved him.
She had always thought he would have made a good father before the incident but he had never shown interest in anyone so the chances of that were nonexistent and even lower after Mexico.
Then John walked up looking worried, “Si ye okay?” He asked as he wrapped an arm around Simon’s waist. Beth gaped at the display waiting for Simon to flinch, but Simon just leaned into the contact. “I am okay m' anam, but I want you to meet Beth.” At the name, the scot's head shot up as he looked at said woman. He began to scowl, but Simon cuffed his head lightly. “No don be like that Johnny. She fought for me.” At that, the scowl was dropped and instead, he offered a handout. Meanwhile, Simon had maneuvered the children so he was caring for Abree while his sister sat on his shoulders.
John was kind as he greeted her, however still seemed apprehensive. However, before she could formally greet him Joseph appeared by her side pulling at her shirt. “Mum, what are you doing over ea’-” he froze as he laid eyes on his uncle. Tears sprung to his eyes, “Uncle Simon?” he asked, voice breaking halfway through. John saw this and quickly grabbed Abree and Blair maneuvering them off the large man, Simon took a knee to be eye level with the boy as the two children now tucked under John’s arms watched entranced.
Joseph began to cry and he ran up to his uncle and hugged him tightly, Simon engulfed the boy in his arms.
“Do we have a cousin?” Blair asked as she tried to wiggle free before her mother came over. “John what is-” Sorcha- stopped and eyed up Beth, but before she could speak John leaned over and whispered into her ear before Sorcha walked up to Beth and offered out a hand, “I’m Sorcha John’s brother nice tae see someone who cares about the big guy as much as we do.”
As the night progressed with the two Rileys and the group of MacTavishs having a great time. Just before midnight struck Tommy walked into the plaza holding the group and he watched as his wife was laughing and talking with the adults while his child laughed and played with the kids of the family that adopted his brother caring for him how he never could. As the clock struck 12 he also watched as Simon was pulled into a kiss by John both looking at each other as if the universe only held them.
Tommy mourned what he lost as the new year ticked over