Chapter Text
[ So you’re coming home tonight? ] 15:21
[ Should be. Probably be quite late though. ] 15:21
[ That’s okay, I’m just excited to see you. ] 15:21
[ I’m excited to see you too, but don’t wait up for me. ] 15:22
Roach rolled his eyes at Simon’s response. Always more concerned about Gary getting enough rest. However, what Simon didn’t know was that his partner was planning something special for when he returned. Ingredients were waiting in Simon’s kitchen for when he finished work, which he’d make an amazing, romantic meal out of for the two of them to share. He'd taken the following day off, knowing Simon could potentially be a few hours late, so that upon arriving he’d find his lover stretched across the bed with candles littered around and rose petals covering the duvet. It was no special event, other than Gary celebrating and never taking for granted that Simon had returned to him safe and sound.
He chewed on the corner of his lower lip, nervous. He’d never done anything in the past quite like what he had planned. Especially not with Simon. Usually things resumed like he’d never been gone and Roach would sneak in a few hugs and kisses but they’d been together for three months at this point and Gary felt things needed to be taken up a notch. Sure, the sex was passionate and certainly regular but while Simon had the ability to be extremely romantic, it was almost like he was scared to be – which was understandable considering his background. Therefore, Gary thought he’d give luring Simon out of his shell a try. Ease him in with something tempting that involved only positive reinforcement and go from there.
[ Yeah yeah, I know. You say that every time. ] 15:22
[ Been up to much today? ] 15:23
[ Not really, been pretty quiet actually. ] 15:23
[ Soap been giving you any trouble? ] 15:24
[ Never. Missed having you around though. ] 15:24
[ Two weeks never seemed long til I met you. ] 15:25
[ Yeah? You been thinking about me? ] 15:25
[ Always thinking about you, Bug. You know that. ] 15:26
Roach glanced up and noticed a customer entering the bar.
[ I’ve got to get on, but we’ll talk when you’re back.
And maybe do some other stuff too, if you want? ] 15:27
“Hi, what can I get you?” He subtly tucked his phone into his pocket as he served the bloke waiting.
“Beer please mate. Here,” the correct amount in coins was handed over, which Roach placed into the machine before getting to work on the drink. It was difficult not to think about the approaching evening. About Simon’s expression when he walks in to find Gary waiting with such an enticing setup surrounding him; he also had yet to decide whether he’d wear something or not.
Beer spilling onto his hand stirred him from his thoughts and he glanced at the glass in his grip, noting he’d poured a little too much. His throat was cleared and then he passed the beer to the customer, nodding – hoping it wasn’t obvious. “Here you go, mate.”
The drink was taken and only once the guy departed from the bar and found a seat at one of the tables did Roach dig out his phone to see if Simon had replied.
[ Oh, I want. ] 15:27
His lips twitched, heart skipping a beat at the excitement the text brought him. Despite not being overly fond of sexual intimacy at the very beginning, purely because he hadn’t experienced much of it, Simon had managed to make him comfortable and show him new things that gave him confidence which in turn, led to Roach showing his partner a more affectionate side of intimacy that Simon himself wasn’t used to. They both benefitted each other in different ways. It’d been a learning experience for both of them and now, they perfectly matched each other when it came to activities that meant they had to be closer together. However, tonight was different for both of them, since Roach was never that bold with his ideas and Simon had yet to be exposed to these more intense desires Gary was having. Would it spook him? Make him uncomfortable? Would he overthink the situation? A finger tapped thoughtfully at the polished bar. Perhaps he merely needed to stop worrying and go with the flow. Otherwise he might end up preventing what could turn out to be the best night he’d ever had.
For now, he would focus on work – at least until he could be away from it.
Glancing at his watch, Roach finished off making Simon’s bed. He’d asked if Soap could stay over at Price’s for the night, which the Scot had gladly agreed to. Likely because he anticipated what would be happening in his own apartment and decided it wasn’t something he wanted to be a part of in any way, shape or form. It meant Gary could get on with cooking and not be interrupted, read: not have a large Scot sneaking food every damn time he looked away. He left himself plenty of time, allowing him to avoid rushing which led to the meal turning out perfect. It was placed in the fridge to keep and just needed heating up once they were ready to eat.
20:37. Timing the rest of the evening would be difficult, because Roach had no idea when exactly Simon would return and considering he’d already said it’d be quite late, there was no point setting up a load of candles if he wouldn’t be back for a few hours.
22:24. Two hours in and Roach had already made his way through three cans of beer. He’d started to doubt his plan, debating whether it was stupid and a waste of time. Whether Simon would want to come home and go straight to bed, only for Roach to try and keep him up. Would it turn out to be an inconvenience? The doubt led to physical discomfort, overthinking how he should lay on the bed upon Simon’s arrival and whether lacking clothes would be purely inappropriate. What if Simon wasn’t in the mood for anything?
“Fuck,” Roach grunted, placing his face into the palm of his hand. “Maybe I should just put everything away and pretend nothing ever happened…” He said to himself, tilting his chin to access the lip of his beer can for another swig. He shook his head. “Stop moping around, Gary. Just get yourself in the right mood and everything will be fine.” When had Simon ever turned him down? In fact, Riley always seemed to love confident Roach. Why was he doubting himself again? Rolling his eyes, he set the can aside and rose to his feet. He decided it’d be smart for him to sort everything except the candles out, because it’d save time and hopefully keep him occupied until the other arrived.
00:41. In-between preparation, Roach had sat on the sofa a few times to watch the TV. He’d spent enough time at Soap and Simon’s apartment to not feel uncomfortable being there alone, but with the gnawing awareness that Riley still wasn’t back he was growing restless. Impatient and frustrated because he should’ve known not to let his expectations get too high. Hell, sometimes Simon had come home a day or two later than even he’d anticipated. Gritting his teeth, Gary decided he’d wait another hour or so and then give up. There was nothing sexy about coming home to a sleep deprived, half miserable Sanderson. In a final push to maintain hope, he entered the bedroom and began lighting the candles to enjoy the atmosphere himself.
02:12. By this point, Roach had blown the candles out and was now curled up in Simon’s bed. His eyelids threatened to seal for the night and his breathing had evened out, the delightful woody, citrus scent still strong in the air as smoke whirled from previously burning wicks. Gradually, despite all resistance, Roach drifted off to sleep – disappointed that he’d gotten himself so nervous and excited over nothing.
It was gone four in the morning by the time Simon got home, having been held up due to an unexpected briefing. It wasn’t unusual for something like that to happen, but it meant he’d missed an evening with Roach who would likely be getting up for work in a few hours meaning for the rest of the day he would also be unavailable. Exhaling, he unlocked the front door and stepped inside, glancing around for signs of Soap. Someone had been cooking, which was strange because usually Soap was clean enough to leave next to no trace of his own mess. His brows furrowed with wary curiosity. There was a stray beer can on the living room table and he noticed his door down the hall was shut, rather than ajar which was how he always left it. Removing his boots, Riley placed his pack by the coat hanger and made his way towards the room, shoulders tense because unfortunately his lover was the last person that came to mind when he noticed something out of place. He was a target to many, essentially – more so in his own mind though that didn’t ease the paranoia.
Cautiously, the handle was nudged and he peered into the darkness, noticing someone was asleep in his bed. Before he could fully process that, the trapped scent of candles wafted into his personal space and he noticed the petals on the bedding. His lips quirked, a finger twitching as he approached the sleeping form. Upon closer inspection he could see it was Roach, sleeping soundly if not looking slightly perturbed. Simon found himself smiling fondly down at the other. He quietly lowered himself onto the single bed beside him, barely managing to fit as he positioned his chin on Gary’s shoulder and whispered his name. No response, prompting Simon to try again. This time, he brought a hand to Roach’s jaw and stroked a thumb over his cheek. “Bug.”
Gary stirred from his slumber, taking a few moments to try and process what had woken him when he became aware of the warm presence beside him. He looked over his shoulder to see Simon watching him and blinked – wondering whether this was a dream.
“Did you try t’ stay up?” Simon asked.
“I might’ve.”
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to Roach’s temple. “What’s all this about?” He reached out to pick up a handful of petals, drawing a groan from his partner.
“Nothing. It’s stupid,” Roach grumbled.
“Tell me,” Riley pressed, lifting the duvet to try and slip underneath it – pausing when Gary shifted and reached to stop him. “What?”
“I uh – may or may not have any clothes on under here.”
Simon stared for a moment, debating whether he was joking or not. What was he supposed to do with that information? “And you’re stopping me because?”
“I just didn’t want to shock you!”
“Would’a been a pleasant surprise,” the Brit shrugged. “Can I?” He inquired, gesturing to the hand blocking him.
Gary sighed, chewing on his lower lip. He tucked his arm back under the covers and nodded. He didn’t dare move as Simon made his way under the covers, the sensation of his cold jacket against his bare back sending chills down his spine. However, Simon took it a step further by resting an arm on Gary’s hip, allowing his hand to test the waters and brush against his abdomen. “Your hands are freezing,” Roach hissed.
“You still didn’t explain the candles ‘n’ petals, Darlin’.”
“I told you, it was stupid. I thought I’d do something nice for when you got back, but you were late and I… it was a stupid idea. Forget about it.”
Simon considered the other’s words. “What was it?”
“What?”
“The idea. What was it?”
“It doesn’t matter, Si.”
“It matters t’ me,” Riley argued softly.
Gary took a deep breath and shrugged. “I cooked us a meal, was going to surprise you when you got back. Hence… the no clothes and candles and petals. You were gonna walk in and I – you know, it sounds weird now I say it out loud.”
“I’m leaving the room f’ five minutes. Set it all up again.”
“What?” Gary shifted to eye his partner.
“You heard me. Oh, and leave the clothes off.”
“There’s no point, Simon, it won’t be a surprise anymore…”
“What won’t be?” Simon squinted, pressing a final kiss to Roach’s cheek before departing from the bed and shortly after, the room.
Gary stared at the wall beside him. Well he certainly hadn’t expected that. Admittedly, any frustration he’d had dissipated into thin air, a new sensation of arousal building at the pressure and tension Simon had left him with. He rubbed at his forehead, trying to decide whether he should go back to sleep or not – a debate that lasted seconds before he placed his feet on the floor. Abandoning his only cover, he made his way over to the candles and frantically searched for the lighter he’d misplaced earlier. “Where is it?” He whispered to himself in the dark. “Fuck, fuck, there you are!”
A newfound excitement gnawed at his gut. The promise of release, knowing Simon was just outside and likely as desperate for this as he was. Flicking the lighter a few times, he ignited each wick with a flame that burned with the same uncertainty as he felt. With that done, he quickly messed around with the duvet and repositioned the petals. Then, he placed himself on the bed with one arm tucked so he could rest the side of his head in his palm and the other holding a pillow in place to cover his crotch.
Eventually, there was the subtle creak of the door handle shifting and Gary couldn’t keep himself from smirking as Simon stepped in. Closing the door behind him, he stood silently – taking in the sight of his partner’s flesh reflecting the alluring ripple of the surrounding flames. The deep red petals contrasted beautifully with his skin, a few notably strewn across a naked thigh. Between Gary’s legs rested one of Simon’s pillows, keeping himself hidden for the time being. Roach was attractive, no, he was stunning. Indescribable. Simon couldn’t recall crossing paths with someone quite so eye-catching. Someone so incredibly loyal, patient and caring. Not a day passed where Simon didn’t practically worship Roach.
“Surprise,” Gary chuckled sarcastically, waggling his brows.
“I’m never prepared,” Simon stated breathlessly, closing the distance. He placed a knee onto the mattress, leaning in to get a closer view.
“For what?”
“F' how perfect you are, Bug.”
Gary felt his cheeks heat up, the hairs on the back of his neck standing to attention. “Only for you, Baby.”
Hands dared to explore, fingertips teasing inner thighs as his touch drifted up to the corner of the pillow and down again. “Can’t believe I almost missed out on this.” He tilted his head and caught Roach’s lips in a kiss, a free hand attempting to peel the pillow away which Gary grasped and stopped immediately.
“Lose some of your clothes first.”
“Oh?” Simon rumbled, smiling against Roach’s mouth.
“Or all of them.”
“Yeh? You gonna help me?”
Gary blinked up at Simon, a sharp breath leaving him as his hands were brought to his partner’s chest. Catching on, he began helping Simon remove his jacket and then his t-shirt underneath, casting them aside onto the floor. Steadily, he ran his palms down Simon’s torso, giving a few teasing licks and kisses to his collarbone. He dragged his tongue up his neck and stopped at his ear, nipping at the lobe. “Missed you so much.”
“Get these clothes off’a me, Darlin’,” Simon warned, expression slanted from the pleasure Roach was obviously bringing him.
Nodding, Gary clutched at the waistband of his boyfriend’s trousers and started unbuttoning them, pausing to meet Simon’s gaze. Biting his lower lip, he started to tug them down Simon’s waist but Riley was swift to interrupt, stepping off the bed to fully remove the rest of his clothes. With that done, he unabashedly set to freeing Roach of the pillow. It was thrown to the floor with the rest of his things, allowing him to gently press Gary back so he was laying down among the petals.
“Look at you,” Simon purred, pressing their lengths together and grinding. “Already so hard. That what you were hiding? How badly you want me?”
“I’d never hide that from you,” Gary replied softly, placing a leg across Simon’s back, giving him all the access he could possibly hope for. “Not possible for me to hide that from you.”
“Haven’t stopped thinkin’ about you, Bug.”
“In what way?”
Simon chuckled amid kissing Roach’s throat. “Every way. Hate not havin’ you around.”
“Did my texts help at all?”
“The dirty ones?”
“Yeah,” Gary breathed, trying to formulate a coherent sentence. “Those.”
“Of course. Love nothin’ more than you gettin’ me painfully hard while I’m surrounded by the lads.”
Roach snickered. “How did you manage?”
“Doesn’t matter,” he hummed, giving another kiss. “All that matters is you’re gonna pay for ‘em.”
“Oh yeah? How so?”
“We work t’gether, Darlin’. You really think it’s gonna be that difficult?”
“You wouldn’t,” Roach challenged.
“Good luck servin’ a customer with me around.”
Gary arched a brow, curious. “What would you do?”
“Make you feel good, Bug. So fuckin’ good in all the most wrong ‘n’ inappropriate ways ‘n’ places.” With that said, he rolled his hips again and Gary's eyes rolled with them, groaning at the sensation.
“I suppose I deserve that, huh?”
“You do.”
“Just as long as you promise the suffering will be worth it.”
Simon laughed at that, pressing their foreheads together. “Always.”