Work Text:
Simon: Gonna be home late tonight.
Johnny breathed a sigh of relief. He still hadn’t cleaned the floors earlier despite Simon’s incessant reminders, so he would take any extra time given especially since he knew how Simon could get sometimes.
It’s not that Johnny didn’t like Simon; far from it, actually. And, though Johnny would never admit it, the man was pretty easy on the eyes. He just wouldn’t consider him a first choice for a roommate. It was reciprocated anyways, so fair’s fair in his opinion. He didn’t have much of a choice though. After graduating and moving out he’d been struggling to make ends meet, at least until he finally landed a job, and Simon just so happened to be in the same boat as him.
They’d been living together for several months and it was fairly smooth, despite their rocky relationship. Truthfully, Johnny had been looking forward to getting to know Simon and possibly becoming friends, but Simon did not seem to have any interest in getting close with Johnny. It’s not that Simon was outwardly hostile towards him, but Johnny wasn’t stupid; he saw the brief looks of cringe when Johnny laughed a little too loudly, clapped a hand on his shoulder or otherwise acted “too much” to him. A few weeks of trying to get close with the man went nowhere, and thus he remained content in their relationship being purely professional. They didn’t interact much, Johnny and Simon’s jobs kept them both busy and they didn’t see each other much at the apartment-not that either of them made an effort to seek the other out.
Of course, Johnny still had to accommodate Simon's lifestyle, as he made sure to send Johnny frequent reminders of their various chores. Johnny could live with the chores, he’d been raised well and had basic standards of cleanliness, but Simon seemed to have specific ideas in mind when it came to how cleaning should be approached. Johnny remembered Simon’s look of annoyance one night when he mixed up the bowls and plates in the cupboards. He’d felt bad, a little shameful, but that day initiated a long lineup of pent up, though subtle, resentment with every awkward interaction they shared and lecture Simon gave.
With his additional free time, he decided to go to the gym. He was proud of his body, working hard to maintain it. Midway through his workout however, his phone buzzed with a notification he was glad only played through his headphones-a n anonymous text on Grindr.
Johnny generally didn’t have much interest in hookups, preferring something more long term, and only downloaded the app out of desperation one drunken, sad evening. His buddy Kyle had pushed him into it while they were at the bar, and while he received plenty of messages, most of them seemed to be suspiciously barren accounts with pushy attitudes (most of them asked what the hell kind of name is “Soap”, because like hell he was using his real name or photos) or people who simply weren’t what Johnny had in mind.
Johnny didn’t mind sex, he’d experienced it a few times in the past, but what he really wanted was just a man to cuddle up with. That, combined with his general stress lately, made him give in.
Ghost: Two goldfish are in a tank.
Johnny looked at his phone bewildered, rolling his eyes at what he predicted would be a corny punchline. He decided to bite.
Soap: Go on.
Ghost: One says to the other, “You know how to drive this thing?”
Ghost: Little army humour.
Johnny couldn’t help but smile at the dumb joke. The guy seemed to be a bit of a dope, his only pictures of himself in a weird black balaclava. He sort of digged it, to be honest.
Soap: That how you introduce yourself to most guys here?
Ghost: Yeah. Not sure how effective it is.
Soap: Consider me awed, Ghost.
Ghost: That was easy. You open yourself up to any guy on here?
Soap: Only the sexy ones. Or scary ones. You decide what you fall under.
Johnny’s smile grew wider. He felt a bit goofy texting the man, but considering the only texts he’d been receiving lately besides Kyle's were from Simon, he wouldn’t complain.
Ghost: You seem like a real charmer Soap. What’re you up to?
Soap: Nothing much. Just finished working out, heading back right now.
Ghost: Sounds like a great evening. I’d love to be in your position but friends dragged me out to the bar.
Soap: And you’re talking to me instead of them? I’m flattered.
Ghost: Not really much of a drinker myself. Truthfully I didn’t have high expectations, thought you were a bot considering your name and profile. Kinda felt like messing around.
Ghost: Bit surprised, to say the least.
Soap: Really know how to make a guy feel special, eh?
He’d been standing around shirtless in the change rooms for longer than necessary. The conversation was going so much better than he expected.
Ghost: One of my greatest strengths.
Ghost: Sorry if you’re looking for a hookup right now, by the way. My buddy’s gonna do more shots. Gotta keep an eye out for him.
Soap: Good friend, you are.
Soap: I’m not really looking for sex anyways. Not really that kind of person…even if having Grindr sort of says otherwise :P
Soap: Plus I don’t wanna piss off my roommate. Not sure when he’s coming back but I gotta take care of some chores real quick before then.
Johnny sighed internally, despite how menial the labour was. The feeling of dread was starting to sink in as he walked back, somehow worried he’d fuck up something as simple as mopping the floor.
Ghost: Sounds like you’re a good roommate. Got a roommate too, sometimes he’s real sloppy with housework though.
Soap: Trying my best here. Just wanna get on his good side, don’t even think he likes me.
Ghost: Wouldn’t worry too much. As long as you do your share of work he can’t really complain.
Soap: Yeah…Just wish I could become better friends with him. Been a bit lonely out here, to be honest.
Johnny’s smile faltered a bit. He really did want to get closer with Simon.
Ghost: Don’t sweat it, Soap. You seem like a really nice guy. Would be lucky to have you as a roommate.
Soap: Thanks, Ghost.
Soap: Say, you wouldn’t have any social media I could talk to you on instead, eh? Don’t really fancy the layout of this site…
Ghost: Feel ya on that. I got Snapchat, barely ever use it but might have to make an exception with you.
Soap: Gonna send me masked selfies?
Ghost: Might give you something more, if this goes anywhere.
Soap: Haha. Wouldn’t argue with that.
Soap: Don’t need much for a man to impress me, though. Not really here for sex like I said. Play with my hair a bit and I’m gone.
Ghost: Gonna keep that in mind. :)
The two exchanged their Snapchat usernames. They talked a little bit more on Grindr, Johnny wanting to keep the momentum of the conversation going.
Ghost: Shit, gotta run now. Buddy’s throwing up now.
Soap: Lol, you’re a good friend Ghost.
Soap: It was great talking to you. Been struggling a bit lately, talking to you made me feel a lot better.
Ghost: Of course Soap, I’m happy to help. Hope your roommate situation improves, yeah?
Soap: Yours too, Ghost. Talk to you again soon. :)
Ghost: :)
The following week Soap and Ghost talked every day, anytime they could, about everything and anything. It was the most he’d open up to a person in a long time.
Johnny loved how hardworking and diligent Ghost was, graduating with an engineering degree and landing himself a stable job. He loved how funny the man could be, pulling a laugh out of Johnny often. He even found the man to be quite caring, always keeping an eye out for Johnny and offering him a shoulder to rest on whenever he needed to vent about his life. Johnny returned the energy as best as he could.
It was a shock how well the two hit it off. Though with how often Johnny texted the man, Ghost was bound to get a bit attached too.
Soap: Need a hug bad right now.
Ghost: What’s the matter?
Soap: Nothing. Just need one.
Soap: Really badly.
Ghost: That sucks. Hope you’ll find someone.
Soap: Was hoping to find one here.
Ghost: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Ghost: That should be enough.
Soap: <3 🤗
Of course, nothing would be better than to wrap his arms around the man directly. He loved the feeling of another man’s embrace, especially from someone as bulky as Ghost (and his snaps, though they never showed his face, revealed the man’s extremely fit physique). Johnny would’ve loved to meet the man in person, but Ghost seemed to be pretty private and never brought up the subject himself. Plus, Johnny enjoyed the comfortability of their online conversations.
Johnny knew he was a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, and it extended beyond the flirtatious conversations he exchanged with Ghost. Many times he would talk about Simon, and how hard he tried to make him happy, to no avail.
Soap: He got upset at me again.
Ghost: Another outburst?
Soap: Yuuup.
Soap: Do you think he hates me?
Ghost: Probably just a “him” thing. Not sure how he could hate a bundle of sunshine like you.
Soap: You flatter me, Ghost.
Ghost: Seriously, Soap. I would kill to have a roommate like you. If I have to tell him how to put away our plates again I think I’m gonna riot.
Johnny felt a bit of shame, knowing he fucked up this way countless times. He didn’t want Ghost to judge him though and just laughed it off.
Later that night, Johnny went to air fry some food, feeling lazy after a hard day’s work. When he stepped into the kitchen, he saw Simon cooking a rather nice-smelling meal. He knew he should at least be cordial to the man.
Johnny opened his mouth to greet him, but when the words escaped Simon let out a startled shout and spilled some sauce on the floor. Simon turned around with an irritated look.
“What the fuck do you want? I’m a little busy here,” Simon snarled.
Johnny swallowed, the anxiety in his chest panging. “S-sorry. I just…Was gonna make some food.”
Simon rolled his eyes. “Can it wait? Don’t need you getting in my way as usual.”
Ouch. That one hurt.
“As usual? What exactly do you mean by that?” Johnny retorted.
“Besides constantly having me clean up after your mess? Doing everything wrong just to piss me off? Shall I go on?”
Johnny felt like he would throw up. He’d never seen Simon this heated before.
He needed to leave.
“...No, you don’t have to. Sorry for bothering you,” he let out before swiftly turning around to his room. He didn’t even register Simon’s look of regret as he left before Simon could stop him and apologize.
He texted Ghost again that night.
Soap: Yeah. He hates me.
Simon RIley was a man who prided himself on hard work. Johnny seemed to be the opposite.
It was definitely unfair of him, but Simon couldn’t help but cast judgment on Johnny. The man clearly hadn’t been told much as a kid to keep it down, or he wouldn’t be acting so energetic all the time. And, in Simon’s opinion, the fact that he’d catch Johnny lazing around in bed or around the apartment more often than not painted a clear picture.
It was almost (actually, entirely) based on envy, his view of Johnny. Simon had to claw his way to get where he is now, working two jobs through a difficult university degree after his parents basically disowned him. Meanwhile, Johnny struggled with (in his opinion) pretty basic housework, oftentimes carrying it out half-heartedly.
Simon was pissed at first.
However, after talking to Soap, he couldn’t help but feel a little guilty, too.
Hearing about Soap’s struggle with his own roommate was honestly kind of soul-sucking. Soap was an honest man who genuinely tried to get to know his housemate, yet the man seemed to be a pretty big asshole no matter how much Soap tried to defend him. He heard more stories overtime that, while vague, were definitely enough to elicit sympathy from Simon–especially since they were so similar to how he’d been treating Johnny. When the two became closer Soap opened up even more, even admitting that he felt so guilty one night over screwing up floors that he asked his mom in tears how to do it properly. He wished Soap was his roommate instead.
Soap didn’t have to know how “Ghost” had been acting towards Johnny. Especially not about his recent outburst.
In Simon’s rather pitiful defense, he’d been driven to near insanity from work, dealing with incompetent coworkers the whole day. Surprisingly, engineers seemed to be both socially inept and unable to follow basic instruction. He ended up taking his frustration out on poor Johnny, who didn’t even put up a fight. Of course, Simon couldn’t deny some of it was based on resentment, that Johnny was his roommate and not Soap. He truly felt a connection to Soap, and hearing about Soap’s struggles just made him wanna hug the man.
Of course, Johnny wasn’t Soap. It wasn’t fair of him to compare the two, especially when Johnny really didn’t do anything wrong.
So, Simon decided to soften up a bit on Johnny. It started out small, Simon uttering quick hellos to Johnny, who would only barely reciprocate. He wasn’t quite as harsh with the man either, providing him small suggestions with cleaning and being more patient with him.
It was a rough start, for sure. The conversations between them were still stilted, Johnny in a hurry to leave almost every time, but over a few days Johnny started to lower his guard down.
About a week later Simon was in the kitchen cooking something, when Johnny walked past him silently and opened the fridge. Simon decided to bite.
“...Hey, Johnny. How are you?” He forced out, cringing inwardly.
“Ah, I’m doing alright. Sorry if I’m bothering you…I know you like having the kitchen to yourself when you’re cooking.” Johnny seemed a bit forlorn. Simon cringed again, remembering Johnny’s face that day, his eyes bright with unshed tears.
“I…I don’t mind, truly. It’s our kitchen, you have the right to come in here as you please...Sorry if you felt otherwise. You don’t have to be afraid of bothering me. Honest.” Simon hated how formal he sounded.
Johnny didn’t mind though. “...Thank you. I appreciate it.” He smiled softly at the man. Simon’s heart warmed a little at the gesture.
“What’re you up to later, Johnny?”
“Ah, nothing much. I gotta head to work in an hour, then my buddy Kyle and I are going out for dinner. We’re going to that new Japanese place down the street.”
“Oh it’s delicious, been there a few times already. They make the best teriyaki chicken I’ve ever eaten,” Simon chuckled.
“Yeah? I love teriyaki.”
“A man of good taste, I see.” Now it was Johnny’s turn to laugh.
“Want me to bring some extra home?”
“Would love some, got work later though. Probably gonna go cold by the time I’m back.”
“Sounds like you got a busy day too, Simon.”
“Tell me about it.” The two shared a laugh. Simon noticed Johnny’s relaxed posture, a stark contrast from his constant rigidness in their past interactions. He considered that a success.
“I should probably go get ready now, wanna get there early. Was fun talking to ya, Simon.”
“You too, Johnny. Hope you have a fun night, yeah?” Simon replied, patting his arm on Johnny’s shoulder lightly. The smaller man beamed.
Johnny returned the gesture. “Of course, Si. See you later.”
Simon finished cooking and ate his meal in peace, waving Johnny away when he left out the door.
And, to his surprise, when he came home later that night, a box of teriyaki chicken laid on the kitchen counter, with a note attached.
Hope it’s not too cold. :) - J
It was only natural that Johnny had begun to fall for Simon.
It started out small, the two simply vibing well with each other following that conversation. Simon definitely came out of his shell a little more and started casually chatting up Johnny for a variety of conversation topics, ranging from their jobs to whatever gaming fixation Johnny developed that week. Simon started showing a lot more emotion, even full-blown laughing at times, which only fuelled Johnny’s heart more.
Johnny became closer with Simon, feeling much more comfortable with light physical touches with the man such as tapping his shoulder and such. One night, Simon received an unexpected call from his dad asking for money as he’d done several times before, which would always spike Simon’s anxiety.
“Everything okay, Simon?” Johnny asked, noticing the grimace on his face after hanging up his phone.
Simon didn’t reply, however; he had only silently approached the man and wrapped his arms around Johnny, resting his face in Johnny’s shoulder as the man pat him softly on the back.
“Oh, Simon…” He comforted the man softly.
Since then, the two have been attached to the bone, spending almost all of their free time together. Turns out they actually had plenty of time to hang out; Simon admitted he had more time than he let on, though Johnny laughed it off considering he was also stretching the truth about his free time. Whether it was working out together, making food or watching a movie, they usually did just about anything as a pair.
The anxiety in Johnny’s chest when Simon texted him began to die down, especially when they’d start conversations together out-of-nowhere. In many ways, Simon reminded him a lot of Ghost. His texting mannerisms, dry humour and personality was extremely similar.
Johnny: Two goldfish are in a tank
Johnny: One says to the other, “you know how to drive this thing”
Simon: …
Johnny: Good one, eh?
Simon: …Where’d you hear that one?
Johnny: Friend told me that one.
Simon: Interesting.
Johnny : Whatever, I thought it was funny :P
Simon: It’s hilarious, actually.
Johnny: <3
Speaking of Ghost, Johnny had almost forgotten about him. They rarely texted nowadays, Johnny mainly texting Simon. The last time they talked was about their roommate situations, both of them improving drastically. Johnny was happy for Ghost, and if he hadn’t gotten so close to Simon he would’ve been almost jealous. For the time being though, Johnny was content with Simon’s friendship.
Thus, when Ghost had propositioned the man to meet up, Johnny was less thrilled than he normally would be.
Ghost: Finally got some free time this tomorrow, got a day off. You down to meet up? Put a name to the face and all
If Ghost had asked a week prior Johnny would’ve been overjoyed, but now he was barely excited. He did still consider Ghost a friend though, and agreed to see him.
Soap: Ayy, me too.
Soap: Can’t wait to meet you.
He bit his lip, cringing at himself.
Ghost: Same here, mate.
Ghost: Got a surprise for you when we hang out. Think you’ll love it.
That piqued Johnny’s curiosity, but when he asked, Ghost refused to elaborate. The two continued their conversation for a while before Johnny called it quits to put on a movie. He finished brushing his teeth, encountering Simon on the couch.
“Hey, Si.” Johnny greeted, taking a spot next to the man.
“Hey Johnny.” Simon returned the greeting, though this time he scooted himself much closer to Johnny, their thighs touching. Johnny was shocked initially but brushed it off. That is, until Simon started carding his fingers through Johnny’s hair, the smaller man melting into the touch.
“Got any plans for tomorrow?” Simon nearly whispered.
“Mmm…Yeah. Hanging out with…a friend tomorrow.”
“Yeah? Sounds like a fun time.” Simon had his arm wrapped around Johnny’s shoulder, still playing with his hair and leaned his head on the man. Johnny could hardly focus now, barely able to focus on the movie. He wasn’t sure where the physical affection had come from, but he wouldn’t object.
Suddenly, Simon’s face fell a little, as he attempted to make eye contact yet constantly let his eyes dart. “Johnny…I wanted to apologize…for how I treated you before. I think…I know I was a shitty roommate at first. I’ve struggled a lot with myself and keeping it together after all I’ve been through, and I just took it out on you. You’re a great roommate, for even just putting up with me even after...”
Johnny cut him off though, beaming back at the man. “Oh, Simon…I forgive you, honest. I…I wasn’t the best roommate either, I definitely could’ve helped around more and put more effort. I know you’ve been through a lot and you’re, well, pretty fucking busy to say the least. I’m just glad I don’t have to worry so much when I see your name pop up whenever you text me.”
Simon let out a snort at that, Johnny mimicking the sound. “Thank you, Johnny. I’m glad we’re friends.” Johnny reached in for a hug, Simon gladly returning it. He held Simon in a tight embrace as Simon wrung his fingers through Johnny’s hair again. The position was a bit awkward for Johnny but he didn’t mind, he’d hold the man for all eternity as long as Simon let him.
Well, at least until he started cramping. Johnny contented himself by laying in Simon’s lap for the remainder of the night, Simon continuing to play with Johnny’s hair as the two continued talking through the night, eventually dozing off.
It was the safest Johnny had felt in a long time.
Johnny woke up the next morning well-rested, lying in a bed that was much softer than his own. When he realized this, he opened his eyes, confused, then mortified that he was in Simon’s room.
Fuck…What the hell did we do last night? He thought.
Johnny’s questions were quickly answered though when he opened his phone to Simon’s texts.
Simon: Hey, we both fell asleep on the couch last night. Didn’t wanna bother you so I just carried you to my bed, had to leave for work early today. Have a great day
Simon: Hope you have fun with your friend :)
Johnny smiled at the text, then grew a bit heavy-hearted realizing he was visiting Ghost soon. It wasn’t anything against Ghost, but Simon really did capture his heart and Johnny felt terrible for basically leading Ghost on. He decided to meet up with Ghost regardless, gently letting him down in person but hoping to continue being friends. It was the least he deserved after Ghost had supported him so much.
He sent a quick text back to Simon thanking him, then texted Ghost to confirm the details of the meetup, which was only an hour away.
Ghost: Sounds about right.
Ghost: Really excited to see you. Think we’ll have a blast :)
Johnny replied as enthusiastically as he could, though he truly wasn’t in the best mindset. He mentally prepared himself as he got ready, putting on a nice shirt and pants and styling his hair as he usually did before going out.
The time came and he arrived at the park for their meetup, waiting nervously for Ghost to show up. He informed Johnny that he’d be wearing a brown sweater and a black balaclava, so Johnny scanned the premises repeatedly for the man in question.
He soon located Ghost, as Johnny walked up nervously to greet him.
Ghost noticed, waving at him, then shocked Johnny to his core when he pulled up his balaclava completely, revealing a rugged, blonde man with light scarring around his face.
A face Johnny knew all too well.
“Surprise, Johnny.” Gho–Simon smiled. Johnny beamed back at the man.
“S-Simon?! You were Ghost all this time?” Johnny nearly screamed, thankfully the park was relatively empty that day. Simon nodded, then opened his arms up, inviting Johnny for a hug. Johnny basically leapt into his arms.
“Didn’t realize it was you at first. Then we started texting and I got a little suspicious, ‘til you stole my tank joke. That’s when I knew.”
“Ah- Fuck! That’s priceless!” Johnny laughed a full-body laugh, Simon joining him. In a weird way, this really was the best possible outcome Johnny could have ever hoped for.
While their laughter died down, Johnny’s excitement didn’t. “Well, now that you’re here…Wanna take me out on a date, Simon?”
“Wouldn’t hope for anything else." He made eye contact with Simon, as the two slowly leaned into each other for a kiss. It was chaste, a bit quick, but Johnny knew he’d have plenty of opportunities with Simon.
"Got any news on your roommate lately?” Simon joked, gripping Johnny's hand in his own.
“...Really great news, actually.”