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The smell of old, worn books has to be one of Johnny’s favorite smells in the world, the edges of the covers fading and rounding out by overuse. He never imagined himself working in a small bookstore that seems older than dirt itself but he loves it, more than he’s willing to admit.
Definitely not because of the large Brit that he works with, absolutely not. Especially not because of the deep baritone voice he has, or the huge muscles, or even–
“Johnny, can you quit daydreaming and come help me with this book shelf before it kills me?”
“Yes, Si!”
Johnny drops the book he had in his hands and scrambles over to Simon to help him with the alleged shelf, one that’s almost almost too tall to even fit in the store at all. He places his hands under Simon’s to help balance it back into its correct position, the tips of his fingers grazing the bottom of Simon’s palms. His hands are so cold compared to Johnny’s, it actually makes the Scot shiver.
When he first started this job two years ago, he and Simon didn’t get along at first. They had petty arguments a lot, so much so that Kyle, Johnny’s best friend, told them to get married and move on. After that, it’s like they flipped a switch automatically, making jokes and borderline flirting most of the time.
At least, that’s what it feels like to Johnny.
“Thanks, Johnny. Thought I could get it but clearly not…” Simon glares at the bookshelf like it burned him, making Johnny laugh softly at him. It’s adorable when he does it, no matter what it is. Today, he’s wearing a cartoon skeleton printed fabric mask that an elderly woman had gotten him, making it even cuter.
Simon must sense him staring and looks at him, eyes crinkling at the corner. It makes Johnny’s face flush, quickly turning away before Simon can see the real effect he has on him. Simon has different smiles, one for customers, one for friends, and one specifically for Johnny. It’s something he’s noticed over time, taking note that Simon’s smile reaches his eyes only for him and no one else.
It could be nothing, ya numpty. Don’t…
Or do…
Simon gives him a gentle shove to move out of his way for him to reach the boxes of new books he needs to put on the bookshelf, the cold touch of his hands actually feel nice against Johnny’s warm skin. He misses the feeling when it leaves, deciding to distract himself by helping Simon stack the books.
“Don’t fuck up the alphabetical order this time, Johnny. I mean it.” There’s no real heat to Simon’s words, wanting to get a reaction from the Scot. It seems to be something he enjoys greatly, wanting a reaction out of him. Johnny gives it to him, grumbling Scottish curses under his breath. The sound that radiates from Simon makes him smile, the soft laughter from the other man making his ears turn pink.
It's rare to hear, but Johnny gets it out of him somehow. Not even Kyle can get the man to laugh much, always attempting but never succeeding.
Johnny wonders why he’s the lucky one. Simon is a very closed off person most of the time, not really showing his true self to really anyone. Johnny can see through the persona he uses, though. Cause he’s been there.
Maybe it’s just how Simon is, which is fine. Of course it’s fine. Johnny wouldn’t dare change him, he adores him the way he is.
Adores….
No, not adores. Certainly not.
Can you adore your best friend? Surely… but does that also come with blushing like a madman, butterflies in the tummy, and thoughts that should never be spoken aloud?
Fuck no.
Christ on a bike, Johnny has feelings. The revelation makes him squeeze the books in his hands.
“Johnny, dunno where you are right now but if you don’t start shelving books, I’m gonna shove it somewhere you don’t want.”
Oh.
He can feel his cheeks heating up, trying to hide his face from Simon the best he can but he can feel those brown orbs on him, staring at him as he places books up where they belong.
This is bad. So fucking bad.
Soon after, they finish, Johnny grabbing the boxes the books were in and rushing them to the back to break down. Kyle is back there, spreading papers that are no longer needed, smirking at him when he sees his red face. He doesn’t need this right now, fuckin’ hell.
“Just tell him, bruv.”
“No.”
“John, it’s pretty clear the man likes you back. Take the risk.”
“By risk, you mean my entire friendship with him? Absolutely not, Kyle.”
“Stop being an idiot about it. What if I set something up for you?”
Johnny looks at him incredulously, hating the shit-eating grin that’s on the man’s face. It’s a possibility, but not one Johnny wants to chance. “You’d set up the stupidest thing. No.”
“Pussy.”
He then drops the boxes from his hands and takes a deep breath, not wanting his blood pressure to rise and smack Kyle silly. It’s tempting. Really tempting. Johnny’s about to open his mouth again until Kyle beats him to it.
“Baby.”
“That’s it.”
Johnny charges at him from across the office, smiling when Kyle lets out a high pitched scream as he begins to run away. He’s just able to reach his foot out enough to clip it, making Kyle fall with an “oomf”, getting on top of him with short attempts of smacking his friend around until Simon walks in. Everyone stops, all eyes wide as both men on the floor look up at the other.
God, Johnny is mortified, unable to look away from those brown orbs staring into his soul. Kyle only makes it worse, taking this as an opportunity to spout bullshit out of his mouth before Johnny can stop him.
“Johnny wants to go on a date with you!”
Now he’s fucking done it.
He clamps a hand over Kyle’s mouth, who proceeds to lick a line over his palm, making his scrunch his face up in disgust before wiping it on Kyle’s cheek. It’s a good distraction from looking at Simon, not wanting to be rejected by just a look on the man’s face.
“Okay, I’ll do it if Johnny really wants to.”
What?
WHAT?
“Really?!” Kyle shoves Johnny off of him and jumps up from the floor like a man on a mission. Johnny just stays put, staring at the carpet as if he’ll sink into it. This isn’t happening, it isn’t real. There’s no way Simon just agreed to that. This is a nightmare, the worst about to take over and then he’ll wake up with a gasp.
“Yeah, really.”
It’s starting to register now, making Johnny look at them both with wide eyes. “Really?”
Simon huffs in annoyance, rolling his eyes while running a hand through those floppy curls. Johnny can see the slight shade of pink dancing on his cheeks, slightly peeking over the mask, then sees it spreading down his neck too. Cute…
“How many times do I have to say it before I change my mind? Get off the damn floor, MacTavish.”
Johnny hasn’t scrambled to get up so fast before, fixing his mohawk back into place out of habit. He can only imagine how roughed up he looks from this. God, what is his life. Fucking Kyle and his stupid meddling as always.
Simon gives him that smile and he could melt back into the floor from it, giving a shy smile back. He actually has a date with Simon, holy fuck. What would Simon even enjoy? He’s more of a homebody, not really one for public spaces. Which is totally okay with Johnny, doesn’t mind at all. He could set up a candle lit dinner at his apartment–
Simon gives his arm a soft caress, making Johnny shiver at the touch. Ocean meets bourbon, their eyes fixated on each other. The look in Simon’s eyes seems genuine, even fond. Fuck, it made Johnny’s heart speed up. “I’m free this Friday, if you are? If you don’t want to plan, I can?”
Johnny presses his own hand onto Simon’s arm, hanging on loosely. “No! I mean–I can take care of it! Just text me what you’re not comfortable with?”
“Trying to take me somewhere sketchy, Johnny?” Simon’s voice drops an octave, almost sounding sultry to Johnny’s ears. Christ.
“Only if you’re into it, sir.” Johnny purrs back, chest fluttering at the look in Simon’s eyes shifting to something darker. Kyle gagging in the background brings him out of their little world, making him tip his head back with a sigh while glaring at the ceiling. Apparently, this urged Simon to take a risk of his own, leaning down to press his masked lips gently against Johnny’s pulsepoint that makes him gasp from the contact.
Before Simon pulls away, he whispers into Johnny’s neck, causing goosebumps to spread across Johnny’s skin. “I’m sure you’ll learn what I’m into.”
Kyle makes another gagging noise, still standing beside them like a creep. It makes Simon chuckle before pulling away, giving Kyle a small demand to clean up the mess they made previously.
Except, Johnny can’t wrap his brain around the complete switch in Simon just a moment ago. First he was bashful and then he’s kissing Johnny’s neck like they’re already lovers.
What the hell did Johnny get himself into…
💙🧼 x 💀🖤
Apparently, he’s getting into chaos that is called Kyle Garrick. His best friend practically demands to help with outfits since he claims Johnny can’t, “dress himself for shit.” Wearing a blue t-shirt with worn out jeans wasn’t “date material” by Kyle’s standards. Instead, Kyle bought him a fresh pair of black jeans, deciding with a dark navy blue sweater, along with leather boots to complete the fit.
It’s sweet of Kyle to go this far as to help him, Johnny shaking throughout the process of him getting ready. Simon was a man that deserves the best of the best, always being a person that everyone relies on, inside and outside of work. He was gentle with older folks and books the most, other than Johnny. This is really happening.
“I got you more of that hair gel you like too, let’s see what we can do with that hair of yours, mate.” Kyle says softly, making sure everything is perfect for tonight. Opening the cap of the gel to slick his hands up, the man carefully runs his gelled fingers through Johnny’s hair. The feeling is nice and comforting, making Johnny close his eyes with a hum.
“Thanks, Kyle. I appreciate ya.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t get used to it, Price would be jealous if he saw us right now. Besides, you haven’t actually told me where you’re taking Simon anyway.”
Fuck…
Johnny stays quiet as his heart drops, his brows furrowing together at the thought. He didn’t actually decide yet, unable to make a decision on where to go. Kyle seems to sense the look on his face and removes his hands to walk around and face him. Nothing ever gets past him, which infuriates Johnny the fucking most.
“You haven’t picked somewhere?” Kyle’s tone isn’t accusing, words gentle as Johnny becomes more nervous by the second.
“No, I haven’t. I was crossed between the book exhibit down at the library, the museum, or a walk in the park.” The Scot runs a hand down his face, sighing at his loose options. Simon really did deserve better than this.
Kyle hums, biting his lip as he thinks about the possibilities. He looks between Johnny and the window, really working that wonderful brain of his. “Why don’t you go to the book exhibit, buy some books, then go to the park? You both read and Simon isn’t exactly the crowd type. There’s a hill with that beautiful willow tree, it’s the perfect coverage from people.”
Honestly? That’s a brilliant idea. If they do that, it won’t be too straining for Simon and Johnny. This is already making his heart explode, better to keep it calm and on the low side before building up to bigger things. If that happens. Johnny isn’t sure why he’s so strung out with the thought that Simon may not want to continue, if he didn’t want to go out with him at all, he would’ve said no the first time.
Johnny stands with a bright smile on his face, the jitters easing a bit as he pats his best friend on the arm. “Thanks, mate. Better get going then, it’s almost time to pick up the beauty.”
Kyle scrunches his face in mock disgust, a playful smirk following after. “I guess you’re the beast?”
The comment gives no effect, Johnny laughing as he heads to the door to leave. “Precisely”
💙🧼 x 💀🖤
To say Simon is stressed is an understatement. This man is fucking horrified. He doesn’t know why, really. Probably it’s because this is his first date in almost 5 years, his last relationship not working out after career differences. His last partner joined the military, wanting Simon to follow. He did of course, thinking it was the right thing to do at the time. He did 4 years until he couldn’t handle it anymore, along with the physical damage.
He thinks of himself as a ragged man but he knows deep down, he’s a handsome and warm lad. Simon can’t deny that side of himself, he simply wanted to be around books and not care about his surroundings. Sure, Simon keeps up the stoic persona… because it’s hilarious. There’s nothing funnier than seeing people’s shocked reactions to how he speaks and acts.
His only soft spots are old people and children, that’s it.
And sometimes Johnny… (always Johnny)
When Kyle blurted out that Johnny wanted to take him out on a date, he was shocked. Still is, to be honest. Johnny chose him out of everyone who has made advances on him in the bookstore. To which, all of them pissed Simon off any time they made a move.
Simon doesn’t even know what they’re doing today, it’s just after 4 pm or so, the weather is pretty cozy too. Perfect hoodie weather, he likes to say. But this is no hoodie matter, maybe a sweater? What if Johnny is wearing a sweater, shouldn’t wear something different?
“You better hurry, I’m sure Soap is on his way.” Price’s gruff voice startles him, making him jolt. Just a little…
Simon looks at the mirror to connect eyes with the man, who is oh-so-graciously leaning against his bedroom doorway with ease. Probably should’ve asked Gary to come over instead of this twat, not really in the mood for this shit. “I can’t figure out what to wear.”
Price snorts and pushes off the doorway, slowly making his way over to Simon while trying to hide a smirk. He takes a peek into Simon’s wardrobe, humming low in his chest as he gets a good look. His eyes settle on a light brown sweater and snags it from the hanger. “This one, it goes with your eyes. It feels soft too, making it something comfortable to wear. It’ll also keep you warm if it gets a little chilly.”
Simon looks back and forth between the garment and Price, quickly taking it and throwing it on. It is comfortable and forms around his muscles well. He looks in the mirror as he adjusts it, letting out a slow breath. Once he has it settled, he gives a nod of approval. “Thanks, Price. Appreciate it.”
“Don’t thank me yet.”
“Hm?”
“Pants.”
Fuck.
The ping of Simon’s phone has him rushing urgently, grabbing a random pair of jeans from the wardrobe and almost tearing the damn things over his ass. Price just watches with amusement, clearly enjoying his distress while moving out of the Brit’s way for the front door. “Good luck, lad.”
“Mh…”
Simon slips his boots on and rushes out the door while ruffling his curls to make them less of a rats nest on his head, grumbling as he walks down his front steps with urgency. Johnny should be here any second if he isn’t already. Releasing his hair, he fiddles with the sweater to help calm down his nerves, his heart feels like it’s going to explode at any moment. He’s excited , for the first time in years about a damn date.
“Si!”
Upon hearing his name, Simon looks over to his left to see Johnny leaning against his car. Fuck , he’s stunning. Dark jeans with a blue… sweater. Because of course he is, Christ. Both garments shape his body beautifully, almost making Simon’s mouth water. Darker colors compliment him well and it makes Simon’s heart skip a beat, imagining Johnny in some of his clothes. Depending on how this goes, that might be a possibility.
What makes Simon finally start moving his legs is seeing Johnny jog over to him with that bright, toothy smile. He meets him halfway, both men staring at each other like pirates finding treasure.
Johnny looks him up and down, making his face flush. He’s fucking 32, dammit. How can this Scot make him feel like a teenager again? It’s not f—
“Damn, Simon… you look fucking bonnie today. I mean, you do everyday — but the ripped jeans with the sweater is driving my head in.” Johnny says in awe, hands twitching at his sides as if he’s fighting not to touch him.
Wait.
Ripped jeans?
Simon looks down at himself to find that he’s wearing black ripped jeans instead of something more appropriate. Guilt fills in his chest, “Oh… I’m sorry, I should’ve looked at what I grabbed.”
“Are you kidding? You look fucking amazing! It’s driving me crazy… You’re even blessing me with your face today. ”
He forgot his fucking mask, adding another tic in the check boxes for How To Fuck Up A Date. It’ll be fine, just go along with it and make it the greatest date for Johnny. That’s what matters, always.
“Figured you’d like to see my ugly mug to make today even better.” Simon chides, giving a smile that’s only meant for Johnny. Does he even know what he does to Simon? Silly haircut and all, the man is someone Simon has dreamed about.
“Ach, you’re the prettiest of them all, Si. You’re my beauty and I’m your beast.”
“Think you got that reversed…”
Price leans his head out of Simon’s front door, “Are you two about done? I’d like to leave. Go away.”
Johnny lets out one of his signature belly laughs, having to hold his tummy from how hard he’s laughing. “Yes, sir!”
💙🧼 x 💀🖤
Johnny is a good driver, Simon thinks. It shocks him since Johnny is typically like a giant firecracker, uncontrollable. It’s one of the traits Simon adores about him and drives him mad. Even the music is good, different from what he usually plays in the bookstore.
He looks over to see Johnny gently singing along to Her’s, a band Simon completely forgot about. It was one he enjoyed a few years ago, a former comfort band of his. Seeing Johnny singing Cool With You sets his heart aflame.
Dreading to break the moment, Simon whispers, “where are we going?”
“Hm?” Johnny snaps his head over to look at Simon before refocusing on the road, “I hope you’re okay with going to a book exhibit. It’s something small, think it’s teenage favorites? I figured it’d be nice to pick out some books then go to the park?”
That’s… perfect. “Not a fancy dinner? I’m shocked, Johnny.”
That fucking laugh, “Oh don’t worry. I made sure to grab our fancy dancy dinner at the nearby shop on the way to your flat.”
Simon gives him an affectionate side eye, “Oh yeah? What’s on the menu?”
“Your favorite jerky and cheese puffs, with some sparkling juice.” Johnny practically purrs, committing to the bit a bit too much. Simon loves it.
“A man after my own heart, you shouldn’t have.” Simon says monotonously, earning another laugh from those beautiful lips.
Not even a minute after, they’re pulling up to their destination, Yellow Book Road. It’s cheesy and stupid, a place Simon will note to check out another time. Competition , after all. That’s his excuse anyway. It’s a cute building, fully painted yellow with Wizard of Oz themed murals.
Getting inside was simple, not many people here as it’s already 5 pm. It’s a cozy store, plants everywhere and the decorative displays they have make him want to dive in. This is book nerd heaven. Nothing against One For the Books but a change of scenery is always good for the soul.
Johnny has already wandered off, staying close enough that Simon has a good eyeshot of him at all times. He watches as Johnny picks up a dark covered book, making him want to look around himself.
A few books catch his eye, Fan Girl being one. It’s tempting, but he rejects the idea. There’s a specific book he’s looking for, not really finding it yet.
Simon walks over to the Action labeled display, skimming through titles until he sees it. Maximum Ride from James Patterson. A series he holds dear to his soul, relating a lot to Max in his opinion. This series got him through his rough home life as a late teen into early adulthood.
“Find something you like, Si?”
Simon throws the book up in the air with a yelp, just barely able to catch it when it comes back down. “Jesus Christ, Johnny! Don’t do that!”
Johnny just cackles away, causing everyone to look at them. Little shit. “Sorry! I figured you heard my loud ass coming.”
“Yeah, totally. With your feet or your cheeks clapping in the damn wind?”
Those cackles only grow louder, making Simon playfully shove Johnny towards the register. The Scot immediately goes, still laughing as he places his book on the counter, still going even as he grabs Simon’s book to also pay for it. Again, Little Shit. It makes Simon smile wide, pulling his scars in the process. It’s so infectious, everything about Johnny just makes him fly high in the clouds.
They still have a little bit of time before sunset, both men walking up to the willow tree while cracking jokes. The park is becoming quiet enough that it settles something peaceful in Simon’s chest. This seems perfect – the soft chatter of children playing out in the distance and parents watching and talking. Johnny did good, better than good.
They get the blanket laid out, snacks, and books placed on a blanket Johnny also brought. Jerky, cheese puffs and sparkling juice is a weird as hell food combo but he’ll let it go this time. At least the juice is apple and not grape. It matters.
“So,” Johnny starts, a curious look on his face as he glances at Simon’s book, “what’s your book about and why did you pick it?”
Simon looks down at the cover. It’s not the same as it was when the book first came out, staring at the young woman, he smiles softly to himself. “It just reminds me of myself a bit, honestly. This teenage girl named Max is an experiment, along with five others. Their DNA got infused with avian DNA. The cool part is, they all have wings. Max is their leader, regardless of how young she is. She took it upon herself to get them to safety, even fighting against evil in the world together just to make sure it was better for everyone. The series is great.”
Running a hand over the cover, he huffs happily before looking back at Johnny. The Scot is staring at him so fondly it makes his heart hurt. Clearing his throat, he nods to Johnny’s book. “What about yours? Another young woman taking on the world and being a total badass?”
That mischievous smile is back, making Simon chuckle as Johnny readjusts himself on the blanket. He proudly holds up the book, “I can guarantee you that you will love The House of Night more. The series is about a girl named Zoey Redbird who gets marked by a vampire. Vampires are known in this universe, living amongst humans and even have their own school!”
He takes a deep breath to continue, “The authors took on the ritual aspect that witches typically use – the elements of the earth and so on. Everyone even has their own powers and quirks too! Zoey overcomes a lot, makes a lot of friends and enemies. I just love the idea of someone being chosen and no matter what they go through, they continue to help those along the way to their path of success, while also saving the world.”
Simon fucking adores Johnny’s excitement, making sure to listen to every word. But god, does he want to fuck with him. “Sounds lovely, Johnny. But Vampires over winged people? I dunno…”
“What?!”
Wanting to keep it going, Simon playfully looks uninterested. “Vampires are cool but I think maybe young kids beating the shit out of monsters and evil scientists seem cooler.”
He can’t hold back his laugh at the sight of Johnny’s face, mouth ajar and wide eyes. In a flash, Johnny reaches over to yank the book from Simon’s hands, replacing it with his own. “Fine! Then we’re switching, then you’ll really see what I’m talking about. Vampires are better, I don’t care. After you read that, you have to finish the series!”
“Okay, deal. Only if you also finish the series for that one. You also have to write a thousand words on why it’s better than yours.”
“Fuck off, you fuckin—“
20 minutes later…
“Wait! So — the flock live in a nice house in the mountains…”
“Mhm.”
“…and they got found by what they call Erasers?”
“Mhm…”
A few more minutes go by, the sounds of pages turning fill up the silence, until Johnny speaks up again.
“They took Angel?! The little girl? Wait a minute—“
“Johnny, I’m glad you’re so absorbed, but I can’t read shit if you keep yelling.”
“You remind me of Fang.”
“And you remind me of the Gasman.”
“You ass!”
Johnny tackles Simon in his playful fit, rolling around the blanket with laughter as they knock everything over. Their laughter intertwines with each other, like music filling the cooling air as the day begins to end.
They both stop as Johnny sits on top of him, smiling down at Simon with pure joy. “Ya know… you made a comment about me finding out what you like. You have yet to tell me.”
“I did, didn’t I…” Simon reaches a hand up to sweep some of the hair on Johnny’s forehead back, admiring that stunning face before placing the same hand on the man’s cheek. “But that’s something we can look into over time. Right now, we’ll just start with this.”
Simon adjusts them to where Johnny is sitting in his lap as he sits up, placing both of his hands on Johnny’s face now, smiling softly as the Scot titles his head. Those blue eyes shine so brightly that it almost doesn’t feel real that they’re sitting here in this park, souls burning together as they finally get to have this chance. A chance that Simon didn’t think was ever possible.
Slowly, the Brit leans forward to connect their lips, his chapped lips stealing some of Johnny’s chapstick. A gasp comes from Johnny as it becomes more heated, desperate to make sure this is not a dream, this is real. Simon starts to understand how real it is when Johnny runs a hand through his curly locks as the other holds onto his shoulder to stay steady. It’s like they both can’t get enough, fighting for dominance before Simon pulls slightly back, pressing their foreheads together.
They pant for a moment to catch their breath, looking into each other’s eyes as if they’re looking for deeper meanings. It’s kind of poetic – making out in a park as the sun sets, the sounds of birds filtering above them in the tree. Though, it makes Simon remember something.
“Hey, Johnny?”
“Hm?”
“Happy Valentine’s day.”
Johnny gawks at him before looking down at his watch to see the date before whining, “I completely forgot what today was…”
“It’s okay, I’ll let you make it up to me next year.”
“Fine… Happy Valentine’s day, Si.”