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Ever since Price gave the Task Force a month leave, Soap managed to convince Ghost to come to Scotland with him. Despite the fact that it was quite simple.. John still considered that a challenge. One he won.
Ghost has been more willing to spend time with Johnny since they became a "thing", and the Scotsman skylighted with delight.
It was nice to know that Ghost enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed his.
Soap never tried to force Ghost to do or wear something he didn't like or felt comfortable wearing, and he gradually eased Ghost into the relationship.
Ghost slowly stopped wearing his balaclava in Johnny's house too, which was a great start.
The soft look in Ghost's eyes and that small smile he gives Soap is full of love, adoration and value. Soap doesn't think he'll ever get tired of that smile. It's so beautiful.
But he recently noticed something: every night when it came to showering, Ghost always insisted on Soap taking the first one. Of course, this isn't weird, but Johnny soon noticed that after his showers— mostly baths— there's cold water left for Simon.
The man never mentioned it either. It could be because Ghost enjoys cold showers, but it didn't sit well with Soap.
So he showered extra early tonight to ensure Ghost had hot water, but the man quickly noticed Johnny's sudden shower and asked about it.
"You're taking a shower instead of a bath? Quite surprising." Soap scoffed as Ghost laughed. "Don't think Ah haven't noticed you're takin' showers with cold water Simon." He replied and placed his hand on the back of Ghost's neck.
The touch felt amazing against Ghost's skin. "And what about it?" He inquired, leaning into Soap's touch. "I plan on treating ye like a princess tonight Ghost, no buts."
Ghost laughed heartily, but raised his brow in a puzzled expression. "How are you going to do it, Johnny?"
Soap hummed and smiled before responding. "I could prepare you a nice bath and help ya wash, only if you feel comfortable with that Simon." The man looked at him expectantly, as if trying to figure out how sincere Soap was with that offer. Soap smiled sweetly.
"Sounds like an interesting offer." Simon nodded . "I trust you Johnny." He smiled and turned to face Soap. God, Ghost was so beautiful. "Won't disappoint you!" Johnny giggled and dashed back into the bathroom.
He eventually heard a chuckle coming from where he had left Simon. Maybe Simon did like the idea.
Soap made sure that the bath was warm, but not too hot or cold. He wanted everything to be just right. And Ghost's expression when he saw the hot tub said it all.
"Bubble bath?" He asked. "Aye, didn't wanna make ya feel awkward by being completely scud in front of me." He smiled awkwardly.
Johnny's thoughtfulness made Ghost's heart skip a beat. The Scotsman never left his side, always clinging to Ghost like a koala but never to the point where it would be overwhelming.
He also never made things unpleasant, too personal, or too controlling.
He genuinely cared about Ghost.
Johnny abruptly turned around and motioned for Ghost to enter the tub. Before doing as he was told, the man only let out an amused huff.
And God, the bath felt different yet amazing. He felt as if an electric current was coursing through him. He couldn't recall ever feeling anything like this. He closed his eyes and relaxed in the warm water. It was like floating on clouds. It felt magical.
"Enjoying yourself L.T.?" Soap said this as he slowly massaged the man's shoulders with his hands. Leaning back into the warm water, the man hummed happily. He opened his eyes and turned to face Johnny, who was kneeling beside him and looking at him with such tenderness and affection.
He loved the way the other man looked at him, so pure and open.
His heart warmed as he continued. "Yer relaxing pretty good aren't ye, Simon?" The Scotsman spoke softly.
"Thought of everything Johnny." Ghost praised and sighed as he felt his tense muscles relax even more.
He felt a pleasant shiver pass through him. He was so at ease now.
Soap's fingers brushed through his hair, gently wetting it before applying shampoo and running it through the strands. The heat spread throughout his body, melting him. Johnny was touching him, tenderly. Like he's something precious.
Like he's worth loving.
The scent of soap wafted through the air, mingling with the lingering scents of pine trees and fresh grass. It made him feel safe, peaceful. A sense of contentment settled deep inside his bones.
His face relaxed, and the tension in his body began to dissipate. He finally felt at peace.
He felt Soap's fingers run down his forehead and the Scotsman whispered. "Feel better Si?" He felt lips press against the top of his head. The contact was light, almost hesitant. The man most likely did not want to make the other man feel uncomfortable or afraid.
But Ghost could read between the lines. He knew how to interpret Soap's gestures.
The man was worried, he was giving him space, letting him have control of the situation. It felt wonderful.
"I am, thank you Johnny." He spoke quietly in response.
His face relaxed even more, and he felt his skin warm up.
They stayed that way for a while. The two men enjoying their privacy in the blissful silence. Soap eventually helped him out of the tub and allowed Ghost to change while he waited in the bedroom.
Johnny was giggling as he lay on the bed, looking at his phone. Ghost approached slowly and cuddled close to Soap, feeling the man tense but quickly relax.
This wasn't the first time they cuddled, but it was the first time Simon initiated one. Johnny has shown him so much love, and Ghost has finally decided that he, too, should do something to comfort and encourage his partner.
As a result, he drew Soap in close, pressing his face against Soap's shoulder. The man quickly put down his phone and hugged Simon, rubbing circles into his back to soothe him.
Ghost closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and relaxed into Soap's embrace.