Sat, 19 Oct 2024 15:10:53 GMT

Ghost and kids Fluff #Ghoap #SoapGhost #GhostSoap

When Soap takes Ghost home for the first time, it takes less than 20 minutes for the man to disappear. John understands. It’s been a long time since Simon’s been around family and a MacTavish reunion is no small affair.

He gives him some time, figuring he may need a moment to himself. However he begins to panic when he can't find him. He checks the bathroom, the front yard, his childhood bedroom they'll be sleeping in for the week, but he comes out empty-handed.

He's about to start asking around when laughter from the sitting room draws him in. It sounds like all of his nieces, nephews, and younger cousins have congregated there instead of being outside with the adults.

Maybe they saw if Simon left.

Before he can even ask as he crosses the threshold, his jaw drops.

There, on the sofa, sits Simon holding John's 6 month old nephew with his 5 year old niece on his shoulders. He has the twins sitting on either side of him and more kids gathered at his feet.

All 13 pairs of eyes are glued to the television watching a pair of cartoon dogs try to keep a red balloon from touching the floor.

Lucy tugs on one of Simon's sleeves, pointing to the screen and whispering. Simon smiles at her and whispers something back, making her giggle.

John stands in the doorway for a while, watching the way the kids gravitate to Simon. They show him various trinkets they have in their pockets, trade seating arrangements so they all can have a turn sitting on his lap, and tell him about their interests.

Simon listens with rapt attention, smiling and laughing all the while.

John is so enamored with the view he doesn't hear his ma approach.

"Ye picked a good one," she whispers, smiling at the sight of Simon dancing with the kids to the theme song as the next episode plays.

"The best," John whispers back, heart squeezing at Simon's carefree smile.

"I take it this means I can expect more grandchildren," she says hopefully.

"Ma," he groans, cheeks warming. "We're no' even married yet".

"Get a move on then," she replies. "Dinnae ken what yer waiting for".

John shakes his head as she walks away. Turning back to the sitting room, he sees Simon watching him and makes his way over to the sofa, stepping carefully over the children.

With much reluctance, 7 year old James allows him to sit next to Simon on the condition that he can sit on John's lap as it /is/ his turn to sit with Simon. John acquiesces.

He leans his head on Simon's shoulder and watches the show with them, as well as he can while sneaking glances at his partner.

Simon smiles softly down at the baby in his arms, and John feels his heart squeeze again.

That night, after the festivities and tearful goodbyes from the kids to Simon, he and John get ready for bed.

As they lay wrapped in each other's arms, John turns to him.

"Ye ever thought of havin' some?" he asks. Simon looks at him quizzically.

"What?" he asks. "Kids?".

John nods.

"Yeah," Simon answers. "Long time ago. Haven't thought about it in a long time. Not 'til today".

"And?" John presses.

"/And/ I dunno," Simon answers, smiling at him. "Think I might. With you".

John can feel him chuckle as he hides his burning face in Simon's chest.

"Ma will be over the moon," he mumbles.

Simon hums.

"I know," he says. "She's already workin' on a baby blanket".

John whips his head up, eyes widening. Simon barks out a laugh.

"She showed it to me," he continues. "Told me she's worried if I wait for you to propose it'll never happen".

John shakes his head, muttering a few curses at her meddling. Simon runs a soothing thumb across his cheek.

"So?" Simon asks.

"So?" John replies questioningly.

"Would you want to?" he asks. "Get married and all that?".

John splutters at the casual way he asks.

"That's it?" he cries hoarsely. "No ring? No night out? I'm in my drawers fer crying out loud!".

"Easy, easy," Simon laughs. "I wasn’t askin' like that. Just askin'. I have plans for the real thing".

"Plans?" John asks, mouth dry. /He's thought about this/.

"Plans," Simon confirms. "You'll just have to wait and see".

"Bit presumptuous," John replies. "We're havenae even talked about it".

"And the one time I bring it up, you have a coronary," Simon teases.

John rolls his eyes and presses a kiss to Simon's lips.

“I want to,” he finally answers. “I want it all. A weddin’, wee bairns, all of it”.

“Good,” says Simon, pulling him closer. “So do I”.

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 15:05:01 GMT