#Strength Together

[psychotic4ghost]

Strength Together A Story By Psychotic4ghost

TW: NSFW, pnv, oral, language WC: 4.4k (a big boy)

Masterlist <- Chapter 9 // Chapter 11 ->

Ophelia felt warm as she twisted and turned. Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of stubble and her nose twitched to the smell of a woody, earth scent. It was Simon, he was fully wrapped around her and snoring. Their legs intertwined and her head rested on his meaty bicep. She could hear his breathing even out as his eyes blinked open. 

“What time is it?” She asked now that he was awake. He shifted his arm, her head bobbed as he flexed his muscle to read his watch. 

“Two. Why are you awake?” Simon responded, his voice as deep as she’d ever heard it. The grogginess in his tone sent chills up her spine. 

“I don’t know.” She responded honestly. 

“Nightmare?” He asked as he examined her face. She had had a nightmare each night since her kidnapping. Which means two total so far. This was their third night having to share a room and she hadn’t had one yet. 

“No. I’m not sure why I woke up.” Ophelia searched his eyes, not knowing what she was looking for. She could read the tiredness that radiated from him. “Go back to sleep, I’m sorry I woke you.” 

“‘S fine.” his Manchester accent was laid on thick in his voice as sleep threatened to pull him back under. “You sure you’re okay, lovie?” Lovie, he had taken to calling her that often since he rescued her. 

She nodded her head softly. “I promise, Si.” 

He grumbled before letting his eyes flutter shut. His hold on her tightening. He had his free arm draped over her waist. 

“Si?” She asked before he could fully be taken by sleep again. He opened one eye to look at her, giving acknowledgement. “I…um. I need to use the restroom.” 

“No.” He grumbled, his hold tightening again. “Don’t wanna move.” 

“Should I use your bed then?” She asked in a playful but still assertive tone. 

Simon let out an irritated huff at her words. “Be quick.” He released his tight grip on her, letting her wiggle out of his grasp, he gently pushed on her back, helping her sit up right so she could climb out the bed that was pushed against the wall. 

She didn’t move for a moment, instead she sat on the edge of the bed, contemplating her next moves. “What is it?” Simon asked, his listening skills were insane to her. Knowing she hadn’t even begun walking yet. 

“I–  don’t worry about it.” She pushed up off the bed and slipped into her fuzzy pink slippers. She rounded the bed and entered the bathroom. She didn’t use the bathroom though, instead she sat on the toilet lid, her hands combed through her hair as she thought. 

A light knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. “I’m almost done.” She called through the door. 

“What’s the matter?” He asked, his voice slightly muffled through the wooden door. 

“Nothing?” She asked but also answered. 

He opened the door without warning, startling her as she pulled her knees to her chest. “What the hell, Simon?” 

“What are you doing? What’s wrong?” This wasn’t like Simon. The first two nights he had respected her space and insane amount despite her need for cuddles. But tonight he was moodier. 

“I– I was just taking a moment to think.” She responded, trying her best to keep her angry look.

“You ‘ad to wake me up ‘n hide in the bathroom to think? Couldn’t do that ‘n bed?” He was getting snappy with her and she didn’t much care for it. 

“I can think where I please.” She said as she placed her feet back on the ground to stand. 

“Did you even need to go?” He asked as his movements hesitated. 

“Well…no…” Before she continued her thought, his hand was gently on her wrist, pulling her out of the bathroom. “Simon what are you doing?” 

“I’m goin’ back to sleep. If I wait for you t’ come back, you’ll jus’ wake me up. Besides, talk to me.” There he was, the less grumpy Simon she was used to. 

“I don’t want to. These… aren’t exactly– she paused– thoughts I want to share.” She mumbled as she was gently tossed into the bed. His action of dominance stirred something in her. Her cheeks peeked in a pink hue as she stared up at him. 

“Oh. I get it.” He spoke smoothly, she expected him to take offense to her lack of wanting to share with him but no, he sat next to her on the bed and looked at her, waiting for her to talk. 

“Y-you do?” She asked, not sure if he did actually understand. 

He nodded his head, “I can be helpful, ya know.” A small smirk tugged at his lips, he often left the mask on the desk when it was just the two of them and she could see the smirk clear as day. 

“Simon!” She smacked him with the first pillow she could reach from the bed. 

A deep, raspy chuckle left his throat as he caught the pillow. “I’m teasing, lovie. Though you did really seem to enjoy kissing me back in the infirmary. 

“Will you stop it?” She asked in a more teasing than serious tone.

“You’re always welcome to do it again, Ophelia.” The use of her name startled her as she lunged for another pillow to hit him with. He grabbed her wrist, stopping her from reaching the pillow. “I’m serious.” he hummed, his face was closer to hers now as he leaned in the same direction as her to stop her from grabbing the pillow. 

They stared into each other's eyes for what felt like an eternity before Ophelia leaned ever so slightly closer. Simon could read her anxious thoughts and closed the distance, his lips soft against hers as they collided. She didn’t waste time meeting him in passion. She could feel the tip of his tongue swipe across her bottom lip, begging for entry which she gladly obliged. His tongue explored her mouth, her teeth, her tongue, her cheeks, all of it. A soft moan escaped her and he ate it up. 

“Simon. We– we can’t.” She spoke, nearly breathless as they pulled apart finally. 

“And why’s that?” He asked, sharing her breathless state. 

“Because. A-aren’t there rules?” She asked, still panting. 

“Hmm, yes but not for doctors. I am not your Lieutenant, Lia.” He searched her face for a reaction, he found her shocked expression to be absolutely adorable. “You’re not a field medic…technically.” 

“Simon, I–” 

“Tell me no and I will stop.” He spoke matter of fact. 

“I don’t think I want you to. I’m just…nervous.” 

That pulled a deep belly laugh from Simon. He didn’t mean to laugh at her but he noticed her mildly hurt expression. “Lovie, I've got you. Listen, I’m not good with words. I’m not– I don’t… express feelings well. But I’m comfortable with you. So if that means I gotta take the lead, I will.” Ophelia placed a gentle finger to his lips before replacing her finger with her lips. 

The kiss was shallow, soft, almost a ghost of a kiss before she wrapped her arms around his neck and let her body weight fall back into the bed, pulling him with her. He rested just above her, his elbows keeping him from crushing her. 

“Are you sure?” He asked. 

“Yes.” She breathed out. She looked deep into his eyes, searching for his thoughts on the subject. She found lust, tender, sweet, loving lust as one of his hands snaked over her tummy. He held his hand there for a moment before slowly sliding up to her breast. He squeezed just lightly enough to gauge her reaction. Her eyes fluttered shut at the feeling as she bit her lip, biting back a moan. 

He continued his soft assault on her breasts, giving both the attention they required. “Were you gonna hide in the bathroom…to take care of this?” He asked, his voice low and husky. 

“I– I was.” She admitted, it felt naughty to admit that she was going to hide in his bathroom to relieve herself of this ache she felt. To be honest, she had felt this itch since the night before but she tried her best to suppress it. “All our touching and cuddling made it hard to fight my thoughts.” 

“You thought of me? This way?” He teased as he slithered his hand down her tummy and to the hem of her sleep pants. 

She glared at him, not wanting to answer the obvious question. She knew it was only a way to tease her. He chuckled at her attempt to look menacing, knowing the power he held over her in this moment. He slid his hand over her clothed cunt, wiping the glare right off her face. Her brows knit together and her eyes shut while she fought herself, trying to not bite her own bottom lip. 

A possessive growl left Simon’s throat. “I won’t let them take you again.” He said through grit teeth, the idea of protecting her made him even more eager for her. All she could do was whimper at his words and the soft friction his middle and pointer finger were creating. The teasing was already creating pressure in her lower tummy, the feeling of wanting and needing growing more and more with each rub of his thick fingers. 

“Simon, please.” She didn’t know what she was begging for but whatever it was, she needed it badly. 

“Hmm.” Was all Simon cared to give as he tugged down her sleep pants, leaving her in just panties, knowing he was going to tease her more. He stared for a moment, basking in the sight that lay before him. She was so beautiful to him. A precious flower that he swore to protect, his precious flower. As much as he wanted to tease her for his own enjoyment, he too couldn’t hold back much longer, he wanted –no– needed her and bad. 

“Fuck, lovie.” He breathed out more to himself. The doe-like look she gave him sent him reeling. He could feel his sweats tighten in an aching but pleasurable pain. “Lia…” 

“Simon.” She spoken with a breathlessness to her, she was struggling to keep her composure and was failing the more they stared into each others eyes, 

“You’re beautiful. So, so, so fucking beautiful.” She turned pink almost instantly at his words, not knowing how to respond. Her rosy cheeks were the only response he needed to know how she felt. He grinned. It was genuine, a smile even Price had probably never seen before. 

He felt a tickle, breaking his train of thought. Her soft hands had begun to trail up and down his sides, she fiddled with the hem of his shirt as her cheeks grew redder and redder. “Please, Simon.” She pleaded, just above a whisper. “I need you.” 

Hearing those words lit a fire in Simon’s chest, his hands that rested on her hips pulled away so he could remove his own shirt. It wasn’t the first and probably not the last time she’d seen him shirtless. She was always captivated by every little scar that peppered his chest and arms. Her delicate fingers trailed over the deeper of his scars, the burn along his left pectoral muscle and down across a deep stab wound just above his left hip bone. “Beautiful.” She whispered to herself. She traced over the skull tattoo on his bicep and down to his hand where she laced and locked her fingers with his. 

Simon used this to his advantage, he pulled their interlaced hands up above her head, pinning her there. Her breath hitched in her throat causing Simon to let a small, breathy chuckle escape; she turned pink again. His free hand danced across the top of her panties, a silent question in his eyes. She nodded her head quickly, needing to feel him more intimately. 

His fingers hooked under the fabric and with a quick and skilled motion, he had them down around her ankles where she happily kicked them off into the abyss of the dark room surrounding them. His eyes raked down her body, breathing in the stunning view of her nearly naked sight. He needed more, needed to see more. He unlaced their fingers and stripped her of her shirt with little to no thought and tossed it behind him. She yelped at the sudden movement and coolness that washed over her now fully nude self. 

“Fuckin’ hell.” he nearly growled as he took in all that he was before him. He lowered his head and peppered light kisses up from her collar bone to her neck, forcing her to look up so he could kiss his way to her ear. His attack on her neck continued as he worked his way out of his sleep pants and boxers. The weight of him tapped against her tummy. She forced his head back so she could see his length. Her eyes widened at how big he was, she figured with his height and build that it’d be bigger but she wasn’t expecting her calculations to be correct. 

“I’ll be gentle.” Simon cooed as he watched her intently. 

“It’s gonna hurt.” Ophelia mumbled. 

Simon shook his head, “I promise it won’t.” He could see the visible worry in her brows causing him to chuckle. “But if we need to stop-” he was cut off by her sweet words. 

“No. No, I can take it. I want to. I need to.” Fire burned behind her eyes this time. Lust filled her chest and mind as she stared down at the monstrous length that laid gently against her bare tummy. 

“If at any point we need to stop, you need to tell me.” He watched her, waiting for a response but receiving nothing as she continued to stare. “Ophelia. That's an order.” 

Her eyes snapped up at his sudden sternness. “Y-yes sir.” She muttered without thought. 

“Good girl.” Simon spoke clearly before slowly lowering himself down her body. He continued to trail kisses down her collar bone, to her breast, to her tummy before stopping just at her heat. Fear mixed with hunger overtook Ophelia's eyes as she watched this beast of a man do his work. 

His hot breath tickled the inside of her thighs as he continued downward. He nibbled softly into her thigh, licking and kissing where he bit to sooth the mild burn. He would hover over her cunny, his hot breath tickling her before moving to the other thigh, a tease no doubt. 

“Si…please…I need to feel you.” She breathed out as she balled the sheets in her fists, her legs squirming around his head as she did. 

No words were spoken on his part. A simple smirk was all the communication she received before he abruptly attached his lips to her awaiting, slick with arousal cunt. A near yelp left her throat at the sudden contact. “Oh f-fuck.” 

“Little flower does know how to swear.” Simon mumbled and chuckled as his mouth was still pressed deep against her, the vibrations causing her back to arch.

“I-I’ve sworn b-before.” Speaking was hard for her as the man between her legs was blanking out her mind the more his tongue swirled around her sweet bud. 

“Hardly.” She could tell he was lowering his voice to make the rumble deeper. 

She was getting close, the more he spoke, the more vibration, it was pushing her to the edge and he knew it. His hands curled under her thighs, his fingers surely bruising the tops of her thighs as he held her in place. She pushed against his grip, wiggling more and more as her climax grew. 

“C’mon, lovie. Cum for me.” He let out another possessive growl knowing it would tip her over and he was right. Her legs trembled, her back arched deeper, her knuckles turned white as her grip on the sheets tightened impossibly so. 

“S-s-oh my g-god.” Words were not her friend as she rode through her incredible orgasm. But he didn't stop. His tongue continued to swirl and his nose continued to press into her clit. A thick finger teased and poked at her entrance. “W-wait. Need…need to breathe.” She begged as she panted through the end of her orgasm. But was it really the end? Or was it part one? His thick, calloused finger pushed into her, her back arched more than she knew it could as sweet moans escaped her mouth. 

“Need you ready, lovie. Unless you really want me to.” Simon began to remove his finger but she whimpered, stopping him from moving at all. 

“N-no…I need more, d-don’t pull out. D-don’t.” Her words and thoughts were cut short as he pushed his finger back in but this time with another added. He knew what he was doing and she didn't know how to react. 

He continued his rhythm pushing her to the end yet again. But this one was coming fast, she hardly had time to brace for it before she was spilling over the edge again. 

Soft moans and near squeaks left her as she came for the second time. Ghost smirked, pleased with his abilities. He pushed off the bed, readying himself for what he had been waiting for when her soft whimper pulled his attention to her. 

“Wait…Si…” She reached for him. He gently leaned down, his elbows at either side of her head for support as he looked down into her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a soft and tender kiss. It was loving and warm, two feelings Simon wasn’t used to feeling. He could feel the passion radiate from her. Her legs found purchase around his hips as she pulled him closer to her. The tip of his cock brushed her incredibly sensitive folds. 

She continued to kiss him, hot and passionate as she tugged at his hips, a silent plea for him to give them both what they desperately needed. She wanted him close as he filled her for the first time. He understood her silent request and snaked a hand down between them to guide himself in, never breaking the kiss. He pushed in slowly, gauging her breathing and movements as he pushed further and further. She took him so well, never wincing or faltering in her breathing as he bottomed out effortlessly. 

“Shit.” He couldn’t help the curses that spilled from his lips. “Fuck, lovie, ya feel so fuckin’ good.” He dipped his head down, his eyes glued shut as he rested his forehead on her shoulder. The feeling was so intense, so perfect, so…right. 

One of her hands carded through his short hair, softly tugging every so often. Her other hand was draped over his back, not really doing much as she didn’t have much energy left. They sat there, his cock sheathed in her gummy walls for a few minutes, basking in each other's warmth before Ophelia wiggled her hips.  

“Just a second more…please.” Simon said breathlessly. Ophelia didn’t respond, instead she continued to massage his scalp. After Simon’s needed second, he began to move. His thrusts were deep but slow at first. He picked up pace after each thrust, growing faster and harder with each snap of his hips before the wet sound of their bodies colliding filled the room. Her moans spilled out as he found a brutal but steady pace. 

“Fuck. You-you feel so good. I’m not gonna last long, flower.” Simon was teetering over the edge of his own orgasm but he’d be damned if his little lady didn’t cum first. He kept his intense pace as he watched her face contort and scrunch. He couldn’t help but kiss his puffy red lips as he thrust as deep as he could inside her. 

“D-don’t stop, Simon. I-I’m close.” Stuttering was all she was good for as moans and whimpers cut her off. 

“Where?” Simon asked through pants. 

“Wha-”

“Where do you want me?” 

“I-inside.” She locked eyes with him as her cheeks burned at his question. “P-pill.” 

A guttural groan mixed with a growl pulled from deep within Simon’s chest to her words, he was so close he didn’t know if he could wait for her but luckily for him, she was at the same point. The string of whimpers and whines that left her lips told him he was allowed to cum. Simon leaned down and captured her lips with his. With one last thrust, he halted, burying himself as deep as he could. His hot, white seed coated the walls of her gummy insides. Her moans filled his mouth as his filled hers. 

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The singsong chirps from the birds outside peacefully pulled Ophelia from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open as she pulled her arms up over her head to stretch. She abruptly stopped as an aching pain shot from her hips to her lower back. A groan escaped her as she slumped back down into the bed. 

“Mornin’ lovie.” Simon’s voice came from directly next to her. She looked to her left to see Simon’s expressionless face. 

“Good morning.” She trailed off before starting again. “I’m sore.” 

“Mm, good.” Simon grumbled as he wrapped his thick arms around her tiny frame, pulling her close to him. The smell of sex and his natural musk pushed through her scenes, over taking them. She inhaled, loving the smell. 

“What time is it?” She asked as she strained her neck to look up at him. His eyes were closed, not a care in the world. 

“Uh,” Simon twisted his body to look at the clock, bringing her with him. “0500 hours.” He rolled back to the way he was, pulling her close again. 

“Don't you have drills today?” She asked as she attempted to free herself from his grasp. 

“Mmm. Yeah.” Simon mumbled, unbothered by his schedule for the day. “Not till 0600.” 

“You should start getting ready.” Ophelia mumbled, not really wanting to part ways either. 

“Shower with me.” Simon grumbled into her hair. His nose pressed against the top of her scalp. 

“I feel like that'll be less productive, Simon.” 

“Don't care. C’mon.” Simon rolled over to face the edge of the bed, pulling her with him. She was now on top of him, still absorbing all his warmth. 

He pulled them both up from the bed, he maneuvered their bodies so he was holding her bridal style. He pushed off the bed and made way for the small bathroom. Simon sat Ophelia on the closed toilet seat as he began prepping the shower. “I'm assuming you like the water hot?” 

Ophelia nodded her head as she sat there in silence, still not fully awake to process what was happening. An odd sensation took over her as she looked down. She could feel the aching soreness forming between her legs, reminding her what happened the night before. Her cheeks burned a bright pink without her consent. 

“What's wrong?” Simon asked as he finally pulled his attention away from the shower. He was only in boxers and she happened to be in his standard issued army green shirt. 

“Nothing.” She spoke barely above a whisper, embarrassment flooding her scenes. 

Simon knelt in front of her, his hand gently caressed her cheek while the other sat atop her tight. “We uh. We did…stuff…last night.” 

“Hm. Yeah. We did.” A smirk took place on Simon's lips as he stared up at her. “Could always do it again.” 

“N-no! You have drills with the recruits today!” Ophelia tried to hide her face from Simon but he held her hands on top of her thighs under his. 

He chuckled at her embarrassment, but paid no real mind to it before he slipped the shirt she wore from her body. He leaned back a little to admire his work and her body. She had bruises on her hips and upper thighs. She had light bite marks and hickeys peppering her collar bone. She shivered at the sudden coolness of the air around her. Her arms wrapped around her breasts, hiding from the man who sat in front of her. 

“Who do you think did all this?” He asked as he traced a finger over her bruised hip bone. “I've already seen you nude, Lia.” 

“Th-that's not the point.” She looked away from him, finding anything to look at in his rather plane bathroom, anything that wasn't him. 

“I meant what I said last night.” Simon broke the short silence. ���About protecting you.” 

Ophelia couldn't help but look at him now, his eyes were soft, a look she was becoming accustomed to. “I know-” 

“No, I mean it. Listen, watching you get taken from my grasp. You were feet from me and they bested me, taking you away. It was at that moment I realized what you meant to me.” 

“Si…” 

“I haven't felt this way in a long time. Soap…Johnny was the last person to make me feel comfortable. He always knew the right joke to say.” Simon sighed as his eyes flickered to the floor before locking his gaze with hers again. “I'm not saying you're a replacement by the way.” Hurt flooded his eyes at the many, many thoughts racing through him at that moment. 

“Simon, I know. I know you don't mean it that way. If anything that's a huge compliment. He has big shoes to fill.” She leaned forward, his forehead being at the perfect height for her to rest hers against his. They both closed their eyes, taking in the moment before Simon remembered the shower. 

“C’mon. Wasting time.” Simon slipped his hands under her thighs and lifted her, he set her gently down on her feet in the shower before removing his boxers and joining her. She gripped his forearms as her legs threatened to give out. 

“Sorry.” Simon spoke bluntly. He placed a hand on her lower back, pulling her close to him as the water cascaded down both their bodies. 

The two of them basked in the warmth of the shower for as long as they could be for cleaning up. Simone washed her for her but wouldn't let her wash him. He said he needed to move quickly so he finished up washing her slowly before turning to wash himself. 

She watched as he slid the bar of soap over his pectoral muscles, his abs, his thick arms, his tummy. He was beautiful to her, the scars that peppered his body were memorizing. It took every fiber in her being to not touch him as he lathered the soap. 

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

<- Chapter 9 // Chapter 11 -> Story Masterlist // Main Masterlist

[jaythirty]

Happy Wednesday😇🫶🙌🙌

[chloesimaginationthings]

Michael Afton’s happiest day in FNAF

[bigfatbreak]

Birds of a Feather previous / next

[inumbrapugnabimus-maybe]

How about three?

thanks for the ask @luckybyrdrobyn :D

Behold le closeups

[gravitysoda]

refusing an impossible wish and settling for one last game of chess.

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Another year has passed, and with it the opportunity to reflect back on all that has happened. While my growth was not as dramatic as last year, I can still see lots of positive change.

I'll never have enough ways to say thank you for all the love and support you have given me this year. On to 2025!

(2023 summary here!)

[ruporas]

post rescue

[turtleblogatlast]

I love Raph and haven’t said that enough so to be more specific I love that Raph is a soft boy who loves bear plushies, a gross boy who eats an assortment of things that are definitely better left alone, a smart boy who is more than capable of taking down villains through planning and fortitude alike, a strong boy who is dedicated to training his muscles and fighting prowess, a teenage boy who loves his brothers but is more than happy to tease and roughhouse with them, an angry boy who sometimes lets his anger take a hold of him to cover the fear, a gentle boy who is generous with hugs and affirmations to those he loves, a capable boy who takes on more than should ever be expected of a teenager, a good boy who just wants to be a hero and slowly comes to realize the cost of that duty, a good boy who has no reservations about putting himself in the way of harm coming to his family, a good boy who’s a great brother and son and person and deserves only the best the world has to offer.

[vakariaan]

"Though the world sees a strong and independent woman, I have never known someone with such gentle grace and more pure heart." ⬨

[wu-does-art]

I fcking loved the sally face au where the gang knew each other since kids, please post more of this au (also, ur art is so cool!!)

:]

ask and you shall receive!

[psychotic4ghost]

Sometimes I write spicy scenes and I HAAATTEEE them but then I walk away for a bit and come back and I'm like oh this shit is fire??? What a weird thought process for a writer. Anyway, Chapter 10 of Strength Together coming soon!!! (Now that I don't hate it anymore lmao)

[frownyalfred]

2 things I got feral for

1. Batman calling any of the former Robin's, Robin, to get them to snap out of a spiral or a panic attack

2. Other Heros, but excpecially the batfamily, being forcibly reminded that Batman is just a human. Seeing him go down, wounded or even at his limit. And being reminded that under the self confident, calm, cold manner is just another guy with no special power. Just a man

There’s something really poetic about former Robins still answering to “Robin!” even years later. It’s so ingrained in them, in their psyche, it forces them to get up and look for Batman no matter what.

And it’s equally poetic that Bruce can snap out of almost anything when he hears one of his kids say “B!” in that specific tone of voice. The one that says I need you now, something’s wrong.

[melly-artes]

Helping around the picnic table

[hey-heigo]

obsessed with this 4koma. what do you mean that's your first friend. i mean im guess im not surprised but are you serious

[nekrosmos]

Nikolai loves touching Price whenever he can. He has been waiting so, so very long to finally have him, and he is going to make up for lost time.

It can be as simple as gently placing his hand on his waist to guide him as they're entering a room, grabbing his hand for support to help him jump off his chopper, or tracing circles with his index against the back of Price's hand while they're eating a quick lunch together.

Sometimes, Nikolai will be bolder, grabbing the inside of John's thigh with his large hand as they're sitting around the same table during a meeting, squeezing it and watching Price tense up for a second, before letting go. Other times, he will sneak a hand under John's T-shirt, the palm of his hand moving up his back, feeling him shiver under his touch, letting go before anyone else can see.

Even when they're in the middle of an op, Nik will grab any opportunity to touch Price. Gently raising his chin with his fingers so that John's eyes can meet his before telling him good luck, handing him a gun and having his fingers brush against John's, lingering for a second too long while winking at him, or grabbing John's hat after it flew away and placing it back on his head and tenderly but briefly caressing John's earlobe between his fingers after doing so.

With the life they lead, those stolen touches can sometimes be all he gets for weeks before finally having John all to himself in their bedroom. There will be time, then, to show him the extent of his love for him. In the meantime, those touches will have to do.