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The soft embrace of Price’s cigar encases Ghost in a soft embrace as the snowflakes dance around each other under the streetlamps, sounds of chatter and laughter coming from his team mates fade into white noise as he watches from the place on the steps he was sitting on.
Christmas was always a hard time for Simon, ever since he lost his family – but, with the warmth and joy coming from his found family, it was easier to deal with, if you forget about the what if’s; what would Christmas be like with his nephew? Would they be making snowmen and snow angels like the others are doing right now?
“You alright, L.T?” a gruff voice speaks from besides him, pulling him out of his thoughts before he went too far into his own head.
None of the team went home to spend the holidays with their family this year, seeming as they were being tasked with one mission after another, they decided to spend it together. Ghost was thankful for this; it was an opportunity to keep him occupied and away from the hauntings of nightmares that loom behind him.
“All good here, Soap.” sighed Ghost.
The other knew Ghost struggled with the holiday’s, especially today, but he never knew the extent of it. He had a general idea of what happened of course but he never wanted to put Simon in a position that would trigger something.
Instead, he gives him a soft glance, not believing the words coming from his mouth, “Alright.”
Sitting in comfortable silence they watch the others; Alejandro and Rudy dance together to the carols sing out from the speakers while the sound of Gaz’s crackles at the sight of Price wearing a Santa hat fills the cold air.
Simon glances over to the other bundled up in a wooly hat and gloves to protect him from the cold air, a small smile sits upon his lips causing a small sparkle to appear in his eyes as he watches on in awe.
The sight before him causes a fire to erupt into flames, mimicking the crackling fire inside the mess hall, the fire roars when Johnny meets his gaze with a small smile – nose red from the harsh bite of winter.
“I got you something, it’s only something small.” Johnny spoke quietly, not wanting to interrupt the atmosphere around them.
The information causes Ghost to raise an eyebrow at him as a small blush creeps up the side of his neck under his mask, “Oh, I didn’t get you anything…”
None of the 1-4-1 planned to get each other’s gifts, they decided to join each other’s company and having a day off was good enough for them.
“I know, and it’s alright.” the words cause Ghost’s shoulders to drop in relief, “I wanted to do something for you… come on…” Johnny stood up silently, reaching a hand out to pull him up from his spot.
Ignoring the flutter of his heart beat, Ghost reaches out and takes the hand in front of him before following Soap towards the barracks, the crunch of snow underneath their footsteps keeps them company.
Soon, they come to a stop in front of the captain’s room, the chatter of outside becoming a hum as he waits for Johnny to unlock the door and pushing through to begin making his way towards the desk pushed up against the wall in the corner.
In the safety of Johnny’s room, he pulls off the balaclava on his face as his gaze settles over the other pull open the desk draw and grabbing a box in his hands.
“Here,” smiled Soap as he passes a wrapped box towards the elder male.
With a small smile on his face, Soap fiddles with his hands behind his back as Ghost opens the wrapped box with gentle hands.
Simon rarely ever got gifts for the holidays – the guilt of people spending money on him was unbearable, feeling like he didn’t deserve people wasting money on him, but just this once he will let it slide, if it was because it was Johnny, he wouldn’t admit it.
Raising the item up, Simon’s eyes widen as he takes in the sight before him, letting out a small chuckle as wide smile takes over his face, “You’re unbelievable, Johnny.”
A small charm of a bar of Soap for him to attach to his sniper.
Ghost forgot about the conversation they once had over the comms of the radio during a mission, one where he confessed that he collects charms for his gun.
“You like it?”
“Of course, I do,” Ghost smiles widely as Johnny pretends to wipe sweat off his forehead, “thank you.”
“I actually have something else for you,” Johnny stutters awkwardly as Ghost bores his eyes into him watching nerves take over Johnny’s body as he pulls out the final thing out of his pocket.
The last thing he was expecting was mistletoe.
“Johnny…” whispered Ghost, inching closer and closer towards the other, swallowing as his eyes slip down and land on the other’s lips.
Soap gulps as he stares at the other with wide eyes, “Simon.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“You don’t even need to ask, Si.”
That was all it took for the other to surge forwards and place his lips on the other, hands landing to sit comfortably upon his hips, with a gentle squeeze pulling a small hum of contentment from the depth of Soap’s throat.
The sound alone was enough to make Simon feel weak in the knees as his senses are filled with Johnny all around him; his touch makes his body burn hotter than a furnace as his head swims at the scent of his aftershave while it fills his pores and God, the taste of his lips, he couldn’t get enough.
Sweet with the taste of hot chocolate mixed with the grounding taste of mint. It was everything he could’ve dreamed of.
Without thinking Soap pulls back with a smile, “You slipped a tongue in there, you fucking–”
Placing a calloused hand on the other’s jaw, Ghost spoke gently, “Is that such a problem?”
“Shut up.” grunted Soap as he connects their lips together again like a piece of him was missing.