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the-wandering-pan-ace · 11 months

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Beyond the Loch | Monster CoD AU | Chapter 2.

Summary: “With monsters now being used the world over to wage war, the military is desperate to encourage non-human citizens to join their ranks. A young kelpie, John ‘Soap’ MacTavish, is invited to join the infamous Task Force 141, the first task force in history to be headed up by a monster. Soon after joining, he encounters a black dog, an omen of death known only as Ghost. Determined to prove that not all black dogs are harbingers of disaster and misfortune, he decides to become Ghost’s field partner, becoming close to the spirit while everyone else flees from him terror. Only time can tell if he’ll come to regret it or not.”

Notes: Decided to create my own CoD Monster AU! I’ve seen loads of different AUs, but this will be my own personal take on what creatures the different characters would be.

Pairing(s): Future Ghost/Soap. Other to be added.

Warnings: Unedited because I’m tired ;w;.

CoD Masterlist

Previous: Chapter 1.

Next: WIP

After a quick meal, some fresh meat for the first time in months, and getting settled into the tiny room he’ll be calling home from now on, Soap decides to return to the lake Captain Price had shown him beforehand. Seeing as it’s the very first day on base, he isn’t required to perform any actual duties – those will begin first thing the next morning – so for now he has a small amount of free time.

The cold water of the manmade lake is an absolute blessing for Soap’s skin, washing away the uncomfortably dry feeling that has been plaguing him for months. He dips his head under the water, letting out a content sigh through the gills that have formed along his neck. He hasn’t fully shifted yet, happy enough to simply laze about below the surface.

Large fish dart around him in an excited dance, unused to visitors in their domain. It would be easy to catch one, but Soap isn’t yet hungry enough to expend that much energy on a hunt. Instead, he toys with them, wiggling his fingers to draw them closer before running a hand along their smooth scales when they’re close enough to touch. Some of them dart away the moment he makes contact with them, while others are curious enough to allow his gentle caress.

Such friendly little animals. What a shame they also happen to taste so good.

When he breaches the surface again, Soap can see a lone figure sitting at the edge of the small wooden dock, legs dangling just above the water. It’s a peaceful spot, with only the wind blowing through the reeds and the gentle calls of waterfowl to be heard as dragonflies flutter from lily pad to lily pad. There have been no other people coming to the lake, save for Soap himself, so the area feels almost untouched and creates the perfect place to hide away from the rest of the base.

Pressing his legs together, Soap feels the familiar sensation of the muscles knitting together until he’s left with a lengthy tail in their place. He doesn’t bother with shifting his upper body, only requiring the tail to gently propel himself across the surface of the water and toward the dock.

When he reaches the old, wooden structure, he uses his tail to push up off of the bed of the lake and out of the water. With how shallow the water is around the dock, he’s easily able to drag his upper body onto the wood, coming to rest just beside the other monster. He looks up into the white skull mask of Ghost, offering a bright grin.

“Afternoon, L.T,” he chirps, smile becoming a little toothy as he decides to add, teasingly, “fine day fer a swim, water’s just right.” Soap hopes that the anxious twitch of his tail is the only tell of just how nervous he is to be pinned under Ghost’s calculating stare.

“I’ll pass,” the man grunts, finally, blessedly, shifting his eyes from Soap and returning them to the book he was reading previously, “not particularly in the mood to be drowned by my own sergeant on only day one.”

Soap lets out a dramatic gasp, clutching at imaginary pearls in feigned horror, “ye think so lowly of me, sir?” He sniffles, pretending to wipe away a tear in his heartbreak. “Well, ah dinnae ken if ye realise this, but ye cannae drown a ghost,” he says, as if imparting some great wisdom upon the other monster.

“Perhaps, but you’d get my fur all wet, then I’d stink of bloody pond water,” Ghost grumbles, turning a page.

It’s a battle to keep from outright snickering at the response, “tha big ol’ scary Ghost, scared o’ a wee bit of pond water.”

He receives a foul squint for his efforts at humour. “That’ll do, MacTavish,” the monster growls, once more returning to his book.

Soap snorts, but falls quiet, resting on his elbows as his tail slowly swishes back and forth. Unfortunately, the Scot has never been very good at keeping his mouth shut, and after only a short moment, is piping up again. “So, ye clearly ken a wee bit about kelpies, ye know much else?”

Ghost hums in thought as he continues to browse the pages before him, “not much,” he says eventually, “you’re supposed to be some sort of horse monster that tends to drown people.”

The kelpie slowly nods, scratching at the small layer of stubble attempting to grow over his jaw, “suppose tha’ just about sums it up, aye.” He pulls himself a little further out of the water, showing how his hips turn into a long tail rather than a pair of legs. He flexes the powerful appendage, letting droplets of water rolls off of it and back into the lake.

Soap doesn’t look up from where he’s watching the water, but he can feel Ghost’s eyes slowly roving over his body, unconcerned by the other man’s rather stark nakedness. “Y’know, it’s also a well-known fact tha’ us kelpies only ever take a human form tha’s strikin’ly handsome,” he grins, playfully raising an eyebrow as he glances at the black dog again.

The lieutenant’s eyes snap back up from where they had been observing Soap, brows immediately furrowing in annoyance, followed by a dramatic eyeroll. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, sergeant,” Ghost grunts.

“Am tellin’ ye the truth, L.T!” he laughs, “how d’ ye think we get all those bonnie lasses te come into the water with us?”

With a surprising amount of strength, Ghost lifts one of his legs up from where it’s hanging over the edge and uses it to shove Soap off of the dock and back into the water. “Clearly that trait skipped a generation,” he growls when the kelpie’s head pops back out of the water again before he cracks open his book again, evidently done with the conversation.

Soap laughs to himself at the lieutenant’s response but knows better than to push much further. No doubt the other man has very little downtime, so he’s not going to force his way into Ghost’s personal time when he was very clearly here to unwind alone.

Their brief conversation was enough to satiate Soap’s need for interaction anyway, so he’s more than happy to retreat back into deeper waters with a flick of his tail. He spends a good while stretching out muscles that haven’t been used in months, leaping from the water with the occasional dramatic twist, before diving back down again. Even after Ghost eventually leaves, he continues working, revelling in the pleasant way his body burns from exertion.

By the time he’s dragging himself out of the water the sun has just finished setting and no doubt the mess hall will be serving dinner soon. His legs are a little all over the place when he attempts to use them for the first time since climbing back onto dry land again, but he’s able to stagger over to where he’d previously abandoned his clothes.

The advantage of a base with a multitude of monsters is that there’s very little concern for nudity, considering the majority of them need to shed their clothes in order to change their form in any way. Any adjustments needed to someone’s fit have to be carried out by the wearer as the military would only supply the basics.

Thankfully, Soap was fortunate enough that he could wear regular human clothes, so he grabs his shirt, jeans and finally his boots. He doesn’t have a towel to completely dry off, but it isn’t too cold just yet, so Soap elects to throw on his clothes and drip dry.

After making himself somewhat presentable, Soap makes his way to the mess hall. It’s already bustling with a mixture of humans and monsters. It still feels so surreal to be seeing so many people comfortable with showing off their more inhuman traits around others and it gives him that warm, tingling sensation he always gets whenever he encounters a fellow monster.

He selects a piece of raw steak, practically drooling over it despite knowing it’s likely been in the freezer for who-knows-how-long. Searching the room briefly, his eyes land on a familiar face and he’s quick to head in their direction, placing his tray down beside the other man before plopping down beside him.

“Evening, Gaz,” he grins, grabbing his steak and taking a large chomp out of it.

The other sergeant offers a hum of acknowledgement while he’s sipping from his mug. “Enjoying dinner?” the vampire asks, placing his drink down with a slight cringe.

Soap visibly shivers at the sensation of raw meat between his teeth and the harsh metallic taste of blood flooding his tastebuds. “Mhm,” he hums, swallowing down the whole chunk of flesh, unbothered with chewing, “how’s breakfast?”

Gaz grumbles, sliding his drink slightly away from him, “still not used to drinking this stuff instead of eating, it doesn’t exactly taste that great.”

“Is it human, or...?” He’s always heard that vampires naturally enjoy the taste of human blood – some people tasting better than others – so it’s a little odd for Gaz to find it repulsive.

Gaz shakes his head, grabbing the mug again and forcing down another mouthful of the crimson liquid, “no, pretty sure it’s pig blood or something.” He swirls the blood around in his mug, watching as it laps dangerously at the edges of the cup, “it’s easier to get a hold of and doesn’t take away from people that actually need it for a medical reason,” he continues.

“Does animal blood work the same?” Soap is genuinely curious. He’s never really thought too much into how vampires work, but if he’s going to be working alongside Gaz then no doubt, he’ll need more than just a cursory knowledge.

“To a degree, it gives me the energy I need, but I need to drink it more often than if it was fresh from a human.”

Soap hums again at that, going back to tearing his own meal to pieces. He’s been a kelpie his entire life, so it’s difficult to wrap his mind around the concept of being new to the life of a monster. He imagines it must be like suddenly changing into a completely different kind of monster, with different needs, instincts and abilities.

To have to unlearn a lifetime worth of behaviour and begin again almost completely from scratch must be a struggle to say the least. Like a kelpie foal, trying to run on wobbly legs they aren’t yet used to. Occasionally, they’ll lose their balance and fall, but their dam will always be there to help them back up to their feet again. He can’t help wondering if Gaz has anyone to help him.

He’s younger than Soap, perhaps by a fair amount considering how slow kelpies age, and seeing him in the evening it’s clear the other monster is bright and friendly. His brown eyes are still soft and full of life despite him now technically being undead, the little flicker of scarlet across his irises whenever they shift being the only indication of his true nature.

“It’s good to properly meet ye, Gaz,” he starts, drawing the man’s attention back to him again from where it had wandered during their brief silence, “I know ye weren’t exactly in the best state when we came to see ye earlier.”

Gaz snorts at that, shaking his head slightly, “was my fault for falling asleep in the rec room rather than my actual bed. Cap keeps telling me not to just pass out wherever I happen to be when the sun comes up,” he chuckles, scratching at the back of his neck sheepishly. “But it’s good to meet you too, Soap,” he smiles, offering a hand which Soap is quick to take, shaking it firmly, “glad I didn’t scare you off with my grumpiness earlier.”

Soap merely tsks, “Ah’m sure it’s won’t be the last time a pillow gets thrown at me face, certainly no’ the first time it’s happened,” he smirks, devolving into a fit of childish snickering alongside Gaz.

“It’s a regular occurrence for you then?” Gaz looks downright gleeful at this development.

Soap sniffs, tilting his chin up slightly, “ah’m not gonna dignify tha’ with an answer.”

He’s able to keep a serious face for all of about five seconds, before a snort escapes Gaz and the two of them proceed to burst out laughing. A few odd looks are levelled in their direction from the other people still in the mess hall, but both are too distracted to care. It feels good to have someone to be a little less serious with, not needing to worry about remaining professional like he would if interacting with a superior or subordinate.

He’s relieved that Gaz appears to be so light-hearted despite what he must have been through, and it’s remarkably easy for them both to fall into conversation, acting like old friends who have known one another for years. It’s only after they’ve been gossiping for several hours that Soap finally drags himself away from his fellow sergeant and in the direction of his bunk.

He’s going to need plenty of sleep if he hopes to be at his best the following morning, but he takes a moment to enjoy the frigid evening on his way there. The stars are a little difficult to see with the intense lights flooding the base and the moon is obscured by the moon, but the weather is pleasant enough, if a tad icy.

He’s about to open the door to the barracks where his room is housed when something in the distance catches his eyes. He glances off into the darkness, eyes momentarily struggling to pick anything out against the backdrop of trees and long grass. When he finally spots what had drawn his attention, he can feel a shiver run down his spine, unsure if the feeling is from excitement or fear.

A large canine looks back at him through familiar red eyes, glowing brightly in the night and illuminating the sharp features around them. Similar in shape to an alsatian, with pointed ears swivelling around at even the slightest of sounds and a rough, shaggy coat all over. He stands just taller than a fully grown bull, with broad shoulders and a lengthier body.

The Ghost stares back at him for what feels like decades, before he turns away disinterested and trots off into the tree line, seemingly vanishing into thin air. Even with Soap’s advanced hearing, he couldn’t hear Ghost’s movements, very much playing into his callsign.

He can see why people are intimidated by the creature, slinking through the darkness with only a pair of creepy eyes to give away his position. But there’s a small part of him that can’t wait to see that dangerous beast let loose on the battlefield, tearing through their enemies with sharp claws and deadly teeth.

A second thrill passes through him at the thought alone.

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the-wandering-pan-ace · 1 year

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The Moments After

First Next Last Masterlist AO3

A/N two things guys, firstly im so sorry at how long this chapter took, i struggle to write actual romance when its direct, especially when i know i want it to lead to something with a little heat, but i actually am a little proud of this one and hope yall like this chapter and it doesn't seem too out of character. Secondly, yall this is the end! i think i might write a few blurbs from Simon or Johnny's perspective from a few chapters. Thirdly ( i lied sorry) I would love to write anything for yall, send me ideas or comment directly on this post and ill see what i can do <3 thank yall so much for the support yall have offered this whole time!

They nearly collapsed into the SUVs. Simon surprisingly tolerated being piled on by Johnny who now that they were away from prying eyes, hadn't let go of either of them and instead pulled Badger down on to him to the point that Badger felt like he might be crushing him. Johnny didn't complain.

It was a long ride and Simon kept shaking them awake keeping them from falling asleep so soon after being concussed. The medic had insisted on at least two hours of them staying awake and monitored before they could simply go to sleep. Badger understood the reason but lamented the ability to sleep as soon as they hit the hotel room.

Johnny mindlessly filled the silence with conversation on nearly anything but he did seem to be avoiding speaking about the mission and he didn't ask Badger what had happened on overwatch that they nearly had to pull out. Instead though he did take to running a gentle but firm hand over the arm that he had trapped in his grasp. Badger hummed and nodded along to what Johnny was saying but he mostly paid attention to the passing city, he was counting cars and noting landmarks that they drove past. Johnny grumbled something at Simon when he started to fall off from speaking, and he twisted about in his position in the middle to nearly lay in both of their laps before he continued speaking. He had put his legs across Badgers lap and had pulled the arm he trapped previously to his chest playing with his fingers rather than his arm, he put his head down on Simon's lap and looked up at him as he spoke, Badger was a little surprised to see a gloved hand come to settle on Johnny's collar.

It was another short while before they came to a rolling stop in front of a nice looking hotel that stretched high, the driver brought them to a side door instead of the front entrance and slipped them hotel room keys and explained that Laswell had set them up and for them to have a goodnight.

They each had been handed a key with instructions to the way up to the rooms and the reassurances that the building was safe and secure. The additional Sentries and assurances that no one else was permitted on their floor had Badgers shoulders relaxing a tad. It would be nice to get some actual rest and not have to worry about watching his or the others backs for one night.

He was listening to the Handler intently as he spoke to them but caught that Simon had leaned down to whisper into Johnny's ear while looking almost anxious over to him as they spoke. Badger chose to ignore that for right now.

Once the Handler dismissed them Simon took the lead to the floor that contained their rooms, Badger focused on the three doors that were close to each other but painfully separate. He knew logically that they should have their own rooms, that it not only would be necessary when whatever resources Laswell at her disposal clearly wasn't limited, it would be improper for the three of them to share a room without it being necessary. Separate. It had to be fine.

He was focused on trying to ignore his feelings of anxiety that he missed the look the Simon and Johnny shared before they offered pleasantries before stepping into their own rooms.

Badger's room was quaint, neat and tidy, specifically unlived in. He felt out of place, the niceties of the room were a source of anxiety rather than comfort. He could feel the grime of the day and mission as thin film over himself, he could only imagine staining anything that he touched in here. There was a duffle bag set on the end of the bed closest to the door. He carefully lifted it from the bed and dumped the contents of it on the overly lit counter of the restroom.

It was simple enough, several changes of clothes, a small first aid kit and a fresh pack of cigarettes. He hummed with approval plucking the pack from the collection of clean clothes and stepped from the restroom to pull the balcony door open.

It was a small balcony, almost small enough to not deserve the name, it barely seemed to fit him, especially with the tacky lone bar chair propped to overlook the ledge and built-in counter. It took him a moment to get situated but eventually he fit himself in the corner without the chair and instead leaned against the wall with one of the disposable paper cups as an ashtray. He was halfway through a cigarette and staring blankly at the stucco walls that made the balcony private when timid knocks on the door reached him.

He turned slowly to face the door in full and took the cigarette away from his lips waiting to see if the knocking would continue. It did, of course. Badger put out the cigarette in the makeshift ashtray and walked to the door, checking in the peep hole to see that it was Johnny with hair damp and fresh clothes knocking at the door.

Badger froze for the moment and checked the time, it had been almost an hour since they've arrived here, almost an hour of him not cleaned up, sitting in the dark and zoning out staring at a wall, while Johnny at least had the common sense to clean up and he could only imagine that Simon had too.

“Badger?” Johnny called through the door to him, he was staring again and hadn't opened the door. “Badger I know you're standing at the door, open up” It was lighthearted but he could hear the concern lacing his voice. He took a breath and passed his hands over his front trying to look a little neat, he was still in his vest. Fuck. Johnny called out for him louder this time, and the door handle shook a little with his effort. He was bringing too much attention. He opened the door suddenly, Johnny's hand raised to knock on it and he looked startled suddenly looking back at him instead of the door.

Badger looked down at Johnny, he should say something, put him at ease. Instead he stared frozen like a statue blocking the entrance into the still dark hotel room staring down at Johnny who seemed equally stuck.

“What's wrong Badge?” His voice was whispered, and he turned away from Badger to look down the halls at the sentries provided by Laswell's people. Badger shook his head trying to coalesce any thought instead of the fog that seemed to have settled in his mind since stepping into the too neat, too clean, too nice hotel room.

“Nothings wrong Johnny, why are you here?” Badger was surprised at how steady his voice had sounded, Johnny turned back to him his face was pinched with his own thoughts, his brow furrowed and his eyes seemed to bore into his own.

“Why are you still in your vest?” Johnny's hand came up to pull on one of the straps on the front of the vest, He pushed Badger into the room and he followed. He paused looking around the room, and his eyes settled on the counter that was the only source of light in the room right now. “Are you okay?” Johnny questioned as he went over to the counter that Badger had dumped the duffle bag on, he noticed that Johnny had his own that was settled at the door just out of sight. Badger stayed silent watching him as he was neatly putting everything back in his duffle before handing it to him.

“We’re going to Simon” Johnny smoothed his hands over Badger's arm before leading him towards his own door before collecting his own bag and leading them to Simon's door. Johnny didn't have to knock, Simon had opened the door right as they were reaching it. Badger looked down the hall before stepping in. Both the sentries in sight were staring pointedly in different directions or out windows, specifically not in their directions. Johnny pulled on his vest again to lead him in the room.

Simon stepped back to the table that was pushed against the wall where he meticulously disassembled all of his gear and had the contents of his duffle bag set out neatly for inspection. It was clear that he had been going over it before they interrupted. Except they hadn't. Simon seemed to have known they would be standing there. Badger chose to ignore that too.

Badger's eyes settled on Simon taking him in noting the significant lack of gear hadn't taken too much away from his bulk. He was wearing very similar lounge wear to Johnny and Badger presumed that he too had a set tucked away in the duffle. Although unlike Johnny who was wearing a tight short sleeve with his sweats Badger could see the looser collar of a long sleeve under the wider collar of the hoodie that had ‘Lt. Reily’ stitched into the breast.

Simon caught Badger's eye looking him over before he flicked his eyes over to Johnny then back to him.

“There's hot water” Simon announced to them, he was focused intently on Badger, but Badger simply felt foggy again. Like he wasn't there. He wanted to be there. Instead he hummed in acknowledgment and stood dumbly watching them stare at him. Simon and Johnny shared another look before Simon took a step towards him removing the bag from his hands, his fingers were warm against his. He wasn't wearing gloves. Badger took another moment to look Simon over.

He wasn't wearing gloves obviously, but he also was wearing a balaclava cut similar to what they all had worn in Mexico though he was missing the eye black. He had pretty blond lashes. He was speaking at him.

“Badge why don't you follow Johnny, yeah?” Simon urged as he set the bag down on the desk beside his own and he too started to root about the bag. Badger was distracted from his staring when Johnny's warm grasp pulled him towards the restroom.

This restroom had slightly better lights, less overwhelmingly bright and more warm lighting. Johnny was speaking to him lowly but he was having a hard time following along, though he was sharply pulled back to the conversation as Johnny worked on pulling his vest off. Badger had flashed out to grab at Johnny's wrist, he tried to keep his grasp from being bruising especially when he watched Johnny flinch in surprise.

“I got it.” It came out more as a broken grunt than anything else, but he tried to smile down at Johnny to reassure that he wasn’t mad. He just had to be the one. He needed then control, otherwise it would feel like it was being torn from him again leaving him open for attacks. He was safe here. He took a deep breath.

“Okay,” Johnny nodded back to him and stepped to the shower, turning it on and placing his hand in the water stream testing the temperature before turning back to Badger, who'd now managed to peel off most of his gear and harnesses trying and failing at putting them down in a neat manner. Johnny simply took them from him, and pressed his shoulder into his arm for a moment, just trying to be close. “I'll have Simon work on these while you're in the shower” And he stepped out leaving Badger alone. He didn't want to be alone.

He frowned momentarily watching as the door clicked shut after Johnny stepped out, and he turned back towards the now fogging mirror barely catching a glimpse of his own face. He looked rugged, dirty and exhausted. His forehead was patched up with actual stitches this time and his nose was taped again. He tore his gaze away and focused on undressing trying his best to ignore the multitude of angry red and deep purple bruises covering most of his body, especially trying to glance over the largest that centered on where his plate had stopped the close range shot from the AQ Solider that pulled one on him.

The shower was scalding and he took care to keep his face directly out of the shower at Simon's reminder tossed from the other side of the door. He scrubbed vigorously at his skin to the point that is was raw, stinging under the heat of the water and he was rougher than he needed to be washing his hair scratching at his scalp feeling the film of grime that seemed to have collected all over his body leasing its grip on him to slip into the drain.

The water turned cold. And he snatched the handle to stop the water. He could hear his breathing picking up slightly and tore at the shower curtain to escape the claustrophobic walls of the cold tile.

The warm air of the steam greeted him when the curtain was thrown open. His breathing calmed again.

A towel had been set out for him on the toilet seat and there was a change of clothes on the counter. He made quick work of drying himself and dressing, thankful to whoever Laswell had packed the bags that the clothes had been a bit loose on him.

He stepped from the restroom and glanced Simon and Johnny out on the balcony chatting, they were overlooking the city line joking with each other quietly.

He moved to join them but caught himself in a mirror that was on a closet door. Or rather more specifically he caught the stitching on the sweater he had previously put on carelessly. The neat little stitching of “Lt. Riley” not his name. He looked out to the balcony again to where Simon, in just the long sleeved undershirt, turned ever so slightly from where he was speaking to Johnny to watch him. He nodded his head in a silent invite to join them on the patio. Simon's balcony was significantly bigger than the one in his own room, but it was similarly blocked in by stucco walls although it lacked the tacky built-in counter and lone chair. Instead it boasted two monotoned modern deck chairs with an equally too nice table between them. It was a quiet little sitting area.

Badger settled himself into one of the chairs on the balcony, Simon and Johnny who had been standing at the ledge looked over to him before Simon offered Badgers own pack of cigarettes to him. Badger made a face of false annoyance before reaching out to take one out of the pack.

“Do you have a light?” Badger raised the cigarette to his lips and looked over at them expectantly, both of them had their own lit cigarettes hanging from their lips. Simon's mouth curled up in a smirk before nodding down at Johnny. A devious look slid onto his face as he pushed off from where he was leaning on the ledge to waltz over into Badgers space.

He stopped right in front of him, settled in between Badger's knees from where he previously was settled rather comfortably in his deck chair. Now he was tense at having him stand between his knees and was looking up at Johnny confused, he started to sit up a bit straighter pulling back from the situation. Johnny's hand on his shoulder stopped him and he leaned down towards him.

“Johnny don't tease the poor bastard that much.” Simon's voice was teasing as he watched from the wall, taking a deep drag and flicking the ash over the wall. “Give him a light first at least”

Badger was sent back to the last time Johnny had pushed this close to him on the rooftop of the Mexican special forces base only a few days ago. It felt like a lifetime.

Johnny was humming to pull his attention back from the memory, he could feel his face heat under his gaze. Johnny was looking at him asking for permission, that much was clear. Badger nodded at him and leaned in a bit closer to touch his smoke to Johnny's. But instead he was pushed back into his seat and a comfortable weight settled on his lap, then his cigarette was lit and he felt like he was sputtering and his face felt ablaze.

Johnny looked proud as he settled in Badgers lap, pulling his hand to help support his spot and keep him steady. Johnny's own hands slipped around Badger's waist as he leaned forwards to rest his head on Badger's shoulder, looking over towards Simon, who looked rather pleased as he moved to stand behind the chair that Badger was now trapped on.

“You're not very subtle” Simon complained as he settled his hand on Badger's opposite shoulder, the other pulling on Badger's chin lifting it so that their eyes made contact. He had slid his mask up further onto his face, showing off a wolfish grin that was complimented by a scar crossing over his lips.

Johnny laughed, pulling back and taking a drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke into Badger's face, the same devious smile gracing his lips as he did so.

“I'm not trying to be. You've seen how daft he can be.” Johnny leaned towards Simon as he spoke, before turning back to Badger taking another drag before he continued to speak. “You've seen how he stares, plus I think he could use a bit of a distraction”

Badgers took a nervous drag of his smoke, eyes darting between the two men as Johnny leaned closer and closer as he spoke. He could feel his hands that held his waist caressing as he spoke. He was glad for the reassurance.

Badger just barely caught Johnny's glace flickering upwards to Simon before he watched him take a final drag of his cigarette before suddenly warm and only just barely chapped lips locked with his. He hummed into the kiss as the taste of tobacco and something specifically Johnny reached him, he could feel Simon's hand that he had forgotten on his jaw petting at him lightly.

Johnny pulled back only when Simon's fingers carded through his hair and tugged him back slightly, the sound he made was absolutely sinful. Badger tightened his grip on him, sliding his hands from his waist to his hips and thigh.

“You're hoggin” Simon chastised, his hand sliding down from his hair to run his thumb over Johnny’s lip, tugging it lightly. Simon's other hand that had been cradling Badger's jaw pulled him further from Johnny, tipping his chin upwards so that it was easier for Simon to catch his lips in a heated kiss.

He was nipping at Badger's lips and when he let out a soft gasp Simon licked into his mouth, he could taste the smoke lingering from before and quickly became distracted chasing it.

Simon's hand wandered from Johnny and onto Badger's chest, wandering gently before Johnny had caught his hand and slipped it under the collar of his sweater to press it to where he could feel Badger's thunderous heartbeat. A coy laugh escaped from Johnny as he watched Simon step closer pulling them both to him slightly in possession.

Another gasp escaped Badger as Johnny was squirming on his lap, his eyes pleading for attention again from either of them. Simon nipped at his lip a final time being careful of Badger's split lip before he leaned forwards pulling Johnny to meet him.

His hand slid up from his heart to settle back loosely on his throat and was caressing while his other was tugging into Johnny's hair yet again. Johnny lurched forwards to try to get closer to Simon. Badger quickly clung to him pulling him further onto his lap to keep him from falling and simply to keep him still, his constant squirming was going to cause a problem he certainly didn't have the energy for in that moment.

Badger watched them as they kissed, bouts of rough clicking of teeth to soothing laves of tongue over harsh bites. Entranced.

He's not certain how long they all had been trading kisses and soft touches but Badger was simply having a hard time just keeping his eyes open, and Johnny was slouching tiredly into both of them.

“I think it's time for some real rest” Simon was tugging at a lazily protesting Johnny from Badger. He was complaining of the cold and that he was comfortable and wanted to stay put. Badger was surprised when Simon simply lifted Johnny up and deposited him on the large bed that the hotel suite boasted.

Badger watched them from his spot on the balcony chair as he pulled on the sweater he was wearing trying to keep some of the warmth that Johnny had provided. He felt a lazy smile tugging on his lips as he watched Johnny try to pull Simon down in the bed dramatically only to be foiled when Simon shoved one of the numerous pillows in his face instead as he told him to wait.

Simon made his way back to Badger, his mask tugged back down over what was definitely bruised lips but little chilled puffs of breath escaped him as he stepped back to Badger.

He stood between his knees just like Johnny had before he sat down on him, Badger chuckled before meeting Simon's eyes.

“I don't know if I can hold you right now if you sit on me” it came out in a joking laugh, as he reached out to grasp at one of Simon's hands that seemed frozen at his side, Simon was staring at his chest. He looked down to where Simon was staring at the ‘Lt. Riley” stitched into the sweater. Badger felt his lazy smile falter a moment.

“I'll give it ba-”

“I think you should keep it.” Simon interrupted him and he could just barely see the rosiness of a blush reach the bridge of his nose.

“Alright” Badger whispered, running his thumb over his knuckles. Simon flipped the grip and started to pull him up and once Badger was standing he was tugged into a tight hug and he felt cold hands slip under the hem of the sweater to rest on his lower back and a face press into the top of his head. They stood like that for a while.

“Oi! It's baltic here alone, come ere’” Johnny protested from his spot in the bed, the look he tossed them looking down right threatening if they took too long. Badger hummed as Simon chuckled and led him inside and shutting the sliding door of the balcony and closing the curtains. He pushed Badger towards the bed before he disappeared into the restroom with a promise of only being a few moments.

Johnny didn't give Badger a moment to hesitate getting into the bed and instead pulled him down under the covers before clicking the lamp off and curling into him. The only light left in the room came from what filtered in under the restroom door. Johnny settled himself on Badger's chest, he tucked his face into the crook of his neck and his hand settled on his jaw caressing. Badger grunted in surprise at how fast Johnny had made himself comfortable but took in stride to hold him close.

“I'm glad you're safe” Johnny spoke into his neck and his thumb swiped over the split on his lip gently. His voice sounded watery, and Badger pulled him closer and hoped he would take comfort in the rumbling of his chest as he spoke.

“I'm glad you're safe too, that we all are.” He turned his head so that he could press his lips into Johnny's hair and he ran his hand down his back. He could feel Johnny fall asleep, slowly relaxing into him more and his breath evening, Badger was feeling the pull of sleep too until he felt the bed dip next to him.

He tried to sit up a little disoriented and sluggish until a gentle hand pushed him back down.

“Shhh, Badge, go back to sleep.” Simon's voice was soothing and Badger nodded in the dark, it was hard to see anything in the room. He felt lips brush the top of his head and the movement to his side settled, Johnny had mumbled in his sleep, adjusting himself so that he was also pressed into Simon. A hand settled on Badger's hip and tugged him a bit closer.

“You'll stay?” Simon's hand tightened on Badger's hip as the hesitant question escaped him. And for once Badger didn't have to think, there was no reason to.

“Of course” and it was Badgers turn to pull them both close.

Thirdly ( i lied sorry) I would love to write anything for yall, send me ideas or comment directly on this post and ill see what i can do <3 thank yall so much for the support yall have offered this whole time!

First Next Last Masterlist AO3

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