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To say he was annoyed was an understatement.
Ghost was being loud again after Soap had made it incredibly clear how tired he was.
Not sleeping the night before, then work, and now an energy filled Simon exhausted him to the bone. Even his head pounded. The bed called for him, but Simon wouldn't stop moving or trying to get Soap's attention.
He knew it wasn't his fault he was so high energy. With nothing to do all day, and being off on leave from what Ghost called a minor injury, he was practically bouncing off the walls with need to do something. Anything.
That meant Ghost was nuzzling up to Johnny, licking his cheeks or nudging him for attention. He'd only cease as he got affection. Head pats, praise, hugs. He didn't even stop when Soap tried to hiss or move back.
Johnny kept huffing, and moving away. Neither of them cared to get out of bed though. He pet Simon, kissed his head or gave him a small purr just to get him off his back. But Simon didn't give in. He didn't stop, the whines just got louder with complaint. Any other day, Soap would be happy to play, he just wanted to rest now.
He gave a loud, long meow as Ghost pawed at him. The most he got in return was a guilty look, and a small whimper. As much as he felt bad for it, Simon finally stopped. The pup curled up at Johnny's side, giving him the most pitiful look. Soap was sure there would be tears if Ghost wasn't still trying to inch closer.
And Soap hissed.
It wasn't Ghost's fault he needed the attention so bad, he knew Simon trusted him to get attention from. He'd been alone all day, it made sense. Johnny was just so damn tired. But they were both regressing, more and more as the other pushed back against any attempts to get away or cuddle closer.
It felt bad. The way Ghost squirmed back. If he had puppy ears, they'd be pinned back in distress. Simon gave a sad whimper, as he pressed his head against her shoulder simply. No pushing.
Johnny finally took a deep breath. His eyes felt sore just from having them open so long. Very slowly, he closed them.
And it was a false sense of security to think he could sleep. Ghost was immediately nuzzling back up again. Putting more pressure on him than necessary. Johnny's eyes shot open at that, biting back the urge to growl.
Teeth nipped gently at Soap's shirt. Not trying to pull it off, but trying to get him to play. But the slight nervousness, and fear glimmered in Simon's eyes. He wanted attention, still. Somehow he looked sorry and energetic at the same time. Those looks didn't often mix with Ghost.
Johnny pushed his head back, and then flipped over on his side, back to Simon.
The loudest whine came from Simon at that.
Soap closed his eyes and tried to rest. There was still movement behind him. The occasional nuzzle, or nip at his clothes.
But eventually, after god knows how long, Simon settled down and simply pressed back against Soap. He didn't pull, he didn't whine. But maybe that was from fear of upsetting Soap. The kind of pup that flinched at fast movements, or pinned his ears back at the sound of disappointment or anger. He was a good boy, Soap told him many times, but sometimes he couldn't help but be disruptive.
It was okay again, quiet and calm, Soap noted.
Finally, finally, his eyes could stay closed. Johnny relaxed. It all melted off of him for now. Simon was sturdy behind him, the pup's face tucked behind his neck. Soft and shallow breaths so close to his ear. It wasn't steady, but Soap knew Simon hardly ever was. He didn't think much of it.
Instead, he slept. As his body ached for him to do. Johnny let everything darken completely.
Ghost was quiet the next time he woke, and the morning after that.