Rambling about insecure, just-a-guy Simon. Because I read this by @xoxunhinged (I've gotten permission to light up their notifications like a Christmas tree) and now I can't stop thinking about it.
I honestly don't think Simon is a stallion in bed. He's socially awkward, jaded, and—honestly? Inexperienced.
That man is dead tired. That man is most likely on antidepressants, and those are tricky when it comes to having his cock stand up to attention. They reduce libido, the sex drive is low, and his interest in people is below the pits of hell—it's tricky.
He doesn't look around for one night stands or long lasting relationships. He's trying to survive and live the time he has left as best as he can. Enjoys the company of his teammates who are now the closest thing he has to a family. Politely turns down advances because he cannot be arsed to go through the ritual of meeting new people and wants to, you know, relax.
But you're patient and you're soft when you sneak into his life, sliding in his booth right next to him with a "There's a creep staring at me. Mind if I sit here for a while?"
Why the fuck did you think he was less creepy than that other lad is beyond him, but he nods nonetheless.
Conversations come easy, you genuinely laugh at his dry jokes like they're the funniest thing you've ever heard. You accept to sip on his bourbon even if it makes your face screw up ("Straight up ethanol, mate. Jesus Christ."), as long as he tastes your Margarita—yes, getting bits of salt sprinkled on the glass' rim too, thank you very much ("Fuck they put salt on the glass for? Fucking hell.").
You politely ask the waiter for a pen, and you jot down your number on a napkin with a smiley face next to it. Johnny texts you in his place, and Simon throws a tantrum that would put a child to shame, but alas you meet again.
And again, and again, and again.
The first night he takes you to his flat he does it more out of obligation than desire, because he knows you must be waiting for him to take the lead. However, he categorically refuses to have sex, because he's big and brooding and insecure too, and managed to subtly sneak the option out of the way.
He has you on your back on the bed instead, as he rehearses what he's learned through sparse past experiences he's almost forgotten and porn he hasn't watched in a while. His face is between your thighs as he eats you out until you come on his tongue. It's the first time, you don't bother to check on him too often. Eye contact is still shy and too much of a dip into personal space.
So, you don't see his jaded eyes as he does it. His cock is hard in his pants but that's just a natural response of his blood flowing down to his privates and tightening his balls. He takes care of it when you fall asleep in his bed, surreptitiously sneaking into his own bathroom to have a wank so that the ache abates.
When you shyly leave the next morning, he's positive you won't call back. Last night's performance was subpar and he's not even sure you actually came on his tongue—alas, he'll get over it, like he always does.
But you surprise him with a text. A simple "are you free this Friday night? found a pub with lots of bourbon choices :)"
And Simon doesn't know what to do with himself. He comes there fifteen minutes early, hunched form hidden under a hoodie, after having answered with a "👍🏻" because fuck him he's not good with words. And you're gorgeous, already at the table in a pretty dress, having arrived even earlier than him.
That evening you chat, and drink, and laugh, and joke. You're brilliant and bright and a constant surprise, especially when you lean over the table to kiss him. His eyes sting with something new and untouched, and he feels himself unravel under the soft press of your lips.
You take him to your apartment, but you don't have sex. You lie down in bed, both of you off your heads with whisky and rainbow cocktails, cuddled and chatting—sometimes kissing, too. He tells you what he can about his job, you ask him questions about his life and he does the same about yours. You fall asleep sharing the same pillow, nose to nose, breathing each other's dreadful alcohol breaths.
And then you meet again but go your separate ways at the end of the evening. You don't push for sex, and he's starting to worry it's because of the last time he went down on you. But why, then, do you keep texting him, asking him out, and such? It leaves him stumped, because he doesn't think he's worth all this hassle if you're not at least getting off. Or getting something.
So, he decides to wear his big boy pants, even if his palms are clammy when he takes you home, one night. But this time you notice, and you're sweetly saying he doesn't have to do anything if he doesn't want to. Which sends his mind into a tilt. Which makes him look at you in a different light, a much softer one. And realizes that maybe he does want to—with you.
He takes you to his bed, makes sure you're comfortable as he kisses you until you're lying down on the mattress. He struggles to take charge but you don't seem like the type that would do it either. He thinks that's the first problem to arise, and he's already getting jittery at the thought he might be fucking something up, but you seem to have other ideas in mind.
Which is why, instead of having that seemingly mind-blowing sex he used to see on his phone, submitting and dominating dynamics and whatnot, you two work together as equals. His clothes come off easier than yours because he struggles with your bra, but it's fine because you help him unclasp it.
It's slow sex. It's clumsy, his hands touch wherever they land and you let him because the best way to learn is to explore. He preps you nicely until he's sure it won't hurt when he slides in.
You're so wet that sometimes he slips out and you chuckle against his lips as he apologizes. He finds that sound sweet enough to perk his cock back to attention, and he guides it back inside.
You're not moaning like past lovers he's had, nor like the actors on the cracked screen of his phone. You're breathing slow and deep, sometimes leaving kisses on the hinge of his jaw and whispering something tender that makes his anxiety wash away.
He comes before you do. It's enough to make his head spiral into a self-deprecating streak but you smother whatever fire blazing his brain with a gentle hand on his cheek, saying it's fine.
He knows it isn't, but doesn't dare to argue when you fall asleep next to him.
When he wakes up, you're still resting, naked and angelic in his bedsheets. And for the first time in a tediously long while, his cock hardens at the sight.
Simon's had people over in his bed already. He's given them the attention and the treatment they wanted, but those few times they stayed over, all Simon ever felt was exhaustion and sore muscles.
This morning, however, he feels the impossible need to just fuck you again, but this time he wants to make it all about you. He wants to shower you with praises and have you cream around him until you're melted into a puddle in his hold.
You wake up to fluttering kisses on your jawline, up to your cheeks. Simon feels your lips curl in a smile, morning breath tickling his skin when you whisper a dopey "Good morning".
Slowly and tenderly, you curl into him, and sleepy morning kisses turn into sloppier ones, until he has you straddling his hips, chest to chest, with his big arms holding you still and his cock up to your cervix.
He helps you ride him, working in tandem with your hips to make you come, but this time he bites on his own tongue and starts thinking about the structure of the English fucking government to hold off his orgasm. And only when you shatter above him, trembling and pulsating around his cock, looking beautifully flushed and shrouded in bliss, he allows himself to come, too.
So yeah, you probably won't have many subsequent rounds because he's tired already. You probably won't have hair pulling and dirty words growled in your ear because Simon did not have many chances to navigate this world; thus his confidence is tremendously low.
But he'd be lying if he said that the sight of you, so comfortable in his presence even if he looks like he's gone through hell and barely made it back, doesn't make his cock chub up for all it's worth.
And that's already an accomplishment of a lifetime, in his eyes. And in yours, too.
How it begins with John Price, who is known as the neighborhood handyman who always is too busy but always so helpful to the rest of the neighbors.
Busy, busy, busy. That was the best way to describe Mr. John Price.
He always had a polite smile on his face when he greeted you. And though it may have just been surface level, the soft warm smile crinkled his blue eyes in just the right way that left you reeling for a few moments after your usual hellos.
You didn't think much on it at first, until you kept pretty much running into him daily for a bit. It felt so odd that no matter what time of the day you had to run out, you always just seemed to run into him!
No, literally. You literally almost collided into him several times, earning some small hearty chuckles from the man and warnings to be careful as you left your abode.
There were times he caught you to make sure you didn't fully collide into him. By the arm, the shoulder, or even your side. (The firm grip he always had was not lost on you. You weren't sure if the universe was torturing you or not. )
"Careful now, that makes about the seventh time we almost collided." he would affably chuckle, gently patting the area he grabbed before letting you go, seemingly unaffected.
Agony.
Of course, eventually you came across neighbors asking for help with your odd encounters too, which made him all the more appealing to you.
"Oh John, dear...do you mind coming over to help us? We're in a bit of a jam today." "Sure thing, it may take me an hour or so because I promised to help someone else this morning, but I'll let you know as soon as I'm done."
Reliable, dependable, strong, and courteous. Not that you were keeping track or anything. (Or totally imagining being the one to be calling him for help or anything coquettishly. Not at all).
Before you knew it, the encounters, watching him help everyone, how he gently would "scold" you and held you the brief moments you almost clumsily toppled over him again, you got a crush of course.
(You knew you were done when you saw him in a beanie a little bit oversized, thinking it was so cute, and you were daydreaming about how his beard would feel on your face.)
It finally happened: something in your house needed tending to and you knew the right person to ask.
In this scenario, you were usually supposed to feel upset that something needed to be fixed, not be over the moon about it.
You knew without fail you would run into him as soon as you left the house, no matter how hard you tried, you'd run into him.
And even though you knew, it didn't stop your heart practically leaping out of your chest when you ran into him. This time chest to chest first.
"Whoa! Bit bold today aren't we?" He chuckled out quietly, one of his arms was mock surrendering in the air, while the other gently found the small part of your back.
Hoo boy and did that put you back for a bit.
"Ha......right...um, hey John. So, funny I ran into you again."
"That makes about ......the 30th time right?"
You could kill him if you didn't love him so much evidently.
"But who's keeping track right?"
"Right."
His eyes had a humorous glint to it today evidently.
"Anyways, I...." Phew. Was it getting a bit warmer out? Or was it just him.
"So, I need some help if you got some time." You fully expected him to put you off for a bit of a later time because you knew he always had something.
"Sure. I've got some time right now. You want me to take a look at it?"
.....fuck.
So this is how it ended up, you blustered a bit with the explanation but invited John Price into your home.
You could sense his wandering eyes on your home (kicking yourself for not tidying up first, but you weren't expecting him to just be ready??) and then led him to the living room, where he analyzed the situation quietly with sharp eyes.
After a few more minutes, he turned to you, eyes softening. "Wait a tic, just got to get some tools, be right back, and get this done."
"Oh god, John, I'm sorry, wait you can literally just come back later, I didn't mean to take up your time like this all of a sudden."
"It's fine. Surprisingly, my evening was free today." he gives you a reassuring smile that doesn't allow you room to question.
And just like that, he left and came back soon after with tools in question. You tried in a meager way to offer to help, but he politely re-assured he really didn't need it.
So he turns his focus onto starting repairs. You notice he starts to get lost in the process, not paying any mind to you or anything besides the task at hand.
You can't help but notice how he carefully and precisely moved, how his arms and muscles flexed as he reached for tools, how his relaxed t-shirt just fit on him, how calloused and thick his hands were, how oddly .....snatched his waist was?
Oh god, you needed to stop checking him out. You were thankful he was too engrossed. But you were in a limbo of figuring out what to do or leaving him to his own devices whilst you.....well, you weren't sure. You didn't exactly want to stop really looking at him or leaving his side either.
As if he could read your mind, he looked over his shoulder and spoke: "....this might take a while. If you want you can go handle some chores or other things you had planned. You can trust me to do the job and not do anything wrong. And if you don't, you know where I live". he quietly laughed out.
You couldn't really speak, instead promptly providing a quick nod and walking out into the hall.
You weren't sure honestly what to do. This whole affair had thrown you for a loop after all. You had plans to be a bit more smooth with your approach, but it didn't go exactly as planned.
A little dejected, you looked at the time on your phone. It was the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday. A bit of an awkward time to do or start anything you think, but suddenly an idea came to you.
"Hey John, I'm heading to the store but I'll be back, don't ruin my house while I'm gone!"
"I won't!"
You rushed to the store, picking up all the ingredients you needed, rushing back home and going directly to the kitchen to get started. What you were cooking needed as much time to cook as you could, so there was no time to waste.
Some odd hours passed, the both of you working away at your respective things. John was always one to get lost in his work. He liked when it occupied his mind and body fully and by the time he was done, he looked out of the window and saw it was dark.
He blinked moderately in shock, got up stiffly, his body also keenly aware of how long he was sitting on his knees working. He took one look at his handiwork, was satisfied, and made his way out into the hallway.
He could make out the faint scent of something warm cooking down the hall, following it until he got to the kitchen, seeing you standing by the stove top tending to something.
You were clearly lost in your own thoughts as you turned around and got startled, almost dropping the ladle in your hand, and slightly clutching your heart.
"JESUS. .......a little warning next time, yeah?????"
He chuckled, a smile instantly coming to his face.
"My apologies." He said with absolutely no hint of remorse at all. "So, living room should be done. Sorry it took so long. Lost track of time. But I wanted to tell you and give it one more lookover before getting out of your hair."
"You kidding? You're doing me a great big favor. You're always helping out the others, and now me, out of the kindness and generosity of your heart? Why would anyone complain about how long something like that takes?"
"Anyways, uh, not to make things awkward, but if you want, I actually made a beef stew. I'm not sure what you like so I can, actually pay you back properly later. But I figured after all that work, maybe a meal wouldn't be too bad...?"
Lord, you thought how more awkward that sounded actually coming out of your mouth and prayed it wouldn't deter him.
What you didn't notice was that John quickly surveyed the kitchen, noticing the strewn bags, the cutting board, and ingredients all around the counter as well as the humble pot that was boiling away on the range.
He noted your hesitance and your nervousness and the air thick with the scent of well-simmered stew. He couldn't stop the soft smile that came to his face and small flush that began to tinge his cheeks and the tip of his nose.
"....actually. I think that'd be lovely. Can't remember the last time honestly I had taken the time to enjoy a hot cooked meal."
You perked when you heard that and instantly went go for the bowls in cupboard, excited to have the chance. But you were probably a little excited and seemed like you were going to be clumsy, he appeared next to you and reached into the cupboard.
"Allow me. Can't have you doing all the hard work after all" he said playfully. (And boy did that make you flustered.)
However, you insisted on being the one to serve the stew. ("Can't have my contractor getting a burn whilst on site, you know. What WOULD the other neighbors think if I hurt their most precious handyman?") But truthfully you wanted to seem impressive, while also being incredibly nervous.
A thousand different thoughts came to your mind as you saw him carefully stand back against the counter, about to take a bite into the hot stew. You stressed if you seasoned it enough, if the potatoes and meat had enough time to become tender, etc., etc.
He took a bite and deliberated a few moments, before getting a few more spoonfuls in.
".....so....uh, how is it?"
"....it's wonderful. Can't remember the last time I had something this good honestly."
You felt your heart lurch. You couldn't really control your expression, but oh god, you were really in it. You were relieved, happy, and just......grateful. Grateful you had this chance.
"Man, that's such a relief. I was really worried if it would be alright with such a short window...."
"It's perfect. Definitely a good meal after some long work. Reminds me a bit of home honestly."
He looked down into the bowl with a soft expression.
"Oh geez, that's so nice of you to say. But I'm honestly glad to hear that. Everyone knows how often you're working and we just never know how to properly thank you. So I figured, maybe this would help."
He looked at you now and had you looked at him then, you would've seen the utterly fond sparkle he had in his eyes. How he held the bowl in his hands like it was the most precious thing he came across, how his ears turned slightly pink, and the slight way he shook his shoulders to indicate his own fidgetiness.
"I'm still so sorry for the last minute nature of it all though. I really didn't mean to take up your day with it."
You were still lost in your own tangent again, unaware of how he felt and what was going on.
"It's fine. I'll always have time to help you. No trouble at all. Especially if it always comes with wonderful food afterwards."
He wanted to also add "...and you." to the end.
But,
Another time he supposed.
A/N: I wanted to try my hand at writing something a little differently and challenged myself to write for one of the hardest people for me to think of things for, Captain Price LOL. So if it's a bit odd, that's why.
I also wanted to try my hand at a different flavor of characterization. I'm not good with smut, but I hope this is still well received and is coherent!
Because I fish I could go with them lmao, assuming that it's a big group trip
Captain John Price
Ever the leader of the group, he's making sure that everyone is keeping their phone on vibrate or low volume so no one can end up being a straggler who they have to go on a man hunt for
He wants everyone to at least be able to enjoy themselves but he's not going to be chasing them down, desperately trying to find them in the crowd. Just occasionally check your phones and you'll be all set. He's still as observant as always, keeping an eye out and his head in the game, even if he's supposed to be "Relaxing". He's a firm believer in never being too certain or wary
The group trip was more or less mandated as a 'go do things as a group so you can stay sharp, actually use down time, and bond'. Also because Price was needing a break, as much as he said he didn't, and the only way to get him to take it is to force him out of the office
Admittedly he can't be too peeved when the others seem excited (minus Ghost but what can you expect), AND there are a bunch of cute fish and creatures alike to look at
He takes his time with the exhibits - he's stopping to read the cards and identify the fish and other critters. Pair up with him if you want to actually take a breath and enjoy the experience at a reasonable pace
He'll content to just follow in the footsteps of the others and enjoy the day as much as he can, for once, taking it as it is. It's nice to not have to constantly lead or direct when they're fine doing their own thing and he can do his
It's not often he gets any form of time off or relaxation so you bet your ass he's trying his best to do such and make the most of the day he was forced to take. It's a conscious effort, too. He's so used to being in work mode that shutting that off is near impossible
It's why he doesn't go alone and someone is ending up as his buddy. Having someone there to talk can help get him out of his own head and focus on the present moment. You may have to snap him out of it every so often as he keeps thinking too much, it's a habit
Not to mention he likes having somebody there to tell his stories to. Idle chatter helps distract and helps him get closer to those around him. He's well aware he's often work focused so it is quite needed to shift his attention to the human aspect of it. His humanity is often hanging on by a thin thread so doing what he can to reconnect is vital to keep his head screwed on straight and to remind him what he's fighting for
You'll likely end up with him, sitting and watching the ocean tank - full of fish and sharks alike. It's an ever changing environment yet repetitive all the same, it puts him at ease to simply watch. He's quite fond of the stingrays. They remind him of himself :) (as in they can be hidden in plain sight and can kill you in an instant)
Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley
Despite the fact he would rather not be out in public when possible, he didn't exactly protest the idea of the aquarium. Sure, it could be busy but that means he can walk off undetected and hide in whatever dark corner he so pleased until they were done. He was already planning that from the get go
Seeing as his father used animals to psychologically abuse him during his childhood, he's usually quite reluctant to be around them and usually isn't much of a fan. It's not that he hates them, he knows it isn't their fault, he's just... Weary.
He knows that they won't and can't do anything to him, especially behind glass, but there's always that nagging fear and persistent memories that haunt him that urge him to stick to the shadows and wait it out
He has a reason to avoid pretty much every tank. Eels? Like water snakes, too slimy. Jellyfish? Remind him of being stung on a beach off the Gulf of Mexico. Otters? He's sharing with you the unfun otter facts of what messed up animal stuff they do
Yes, he is an utter stick in the mud. He is well aware of that. But the fact that he's even there to begin with is significant progress. It's like voluntary exposure therapy - he's at least trying to work through it, bit by bit. Having the team there helps and they're aware of what is going on, so they simply give him the space he needs to work out his own emotions. No one is there to judge, they're just there to have fun
They all check in on him to see how he's holding up. You're absolutely welcomed to too, or you can spend some time hanging out with him, exchanging terrible fish jokes to help lighten the mood. Just don't expect to go around with him or have him follow through the exhibits
Simon knows he wanted to push past a barrier of some kind aside from simply being there, so he decided to pick a singular exhibit to actually visit on his own - it would be a way for him to reclaim some more autonomy and prove his thoughts and past couldn't get the best of him. Naturally, he picked the shark one
While he's well aware of the danger sharks pose, he's not actually had a bad experience with sharks... Yet. Their reputation is usually a lot worse than they are. Plus, you know exactly what you're getting into when it comes to them. You know what to expect. It's not like they're hiding their teeth or the fact that they're apex predators
He'll sit on a bench pressed to the wall, watching them idly swim about from a safe distance. He never said he was getting close, but watching them and not instantly being flung back to his worser memories is a HUGE step forwards. Instead, he's a bit more surprised at how he can actually enjoy seeing them move. Seeing such powerful creatures there in the flesh is so much greater than how they appear on TV or in books
Not that he'll admit it, but he relates to them. He too is an extraordinary killer, feared by most, yet understood by few. Many judge based on his appearance alone and misassume, when he's simply trying to live his life no matter the hand that's been dealt to him
He wouldn't protest if you sat with him and watched the sharks for a while in silence. For a man who isn't fond of animals, there's no denying the softness in his eyes as they swim past
Sergeant Kyle "Gaz" Garrick
You'll probably actually enjoy hanging around him the most, he's the best buddy to have for trips. He's pretty much following Price if he's not rushing ahead with Soap. He's a bit more mindful in the sense that he will pause and look back, even back tracking to rejoin if they were getting too carried away
He's not the most well versed in all animal facts but he will happily tell you some of what he knows as you pass the exhibits. Did you know most piranhas are actually herbivores? Not the ones you're looking at, those ones are carnivores, but most species are. They're usually quite harmless. Usually. Not during dry season but that's different-
He's quite happy to see a variety of wildlife, from the smallest coral to the hulking fish. He can't say he's exactly used to it or that he's one who keeps an eye out for those things, but it's nice to see. It at least allows him to get a look at things he may otherwise never see or experience
Learning about them is important too because what if he needs it one day in the field??? Being able to identify what's around him, including the animals, can be super helpful. He isn't going snorkeling or to a coral reef any time soon but still, just in case. Gaz is smart, he will ALWAYS take a learning opportunity when he can
He's the one who already has the itinerary for the day with all the shows and educational events, and you BET he is on top of them and is going to go see them all
Please attend with him - he's usually the one picked out of the crowd because he's got the perfect energy. Winning smile? Winning heart? Winning attitude? It's hard NOT to notice him. He already has bad jokes in store and can win over the audience too
You just have to be cool with sitting front row and potentially in the splash zone. He's not sitting in the back, who knows when he gets to do this next? Also, why would you not want to be up close?? You're at an aquarium, there's water, you're going to get wet - that should be PART of the experience
You're both probably going to get a picture with an otter before the day is done
As cool as the other animals are, he's absolutely a fish person. He thinks they're extremely underrated for what they are. There's SO many different kinds of fish and colors too! How can you NOT enjoy that?
He's spending extra time in the coral reef and the fresh water areas because he loves how immersive they are - and just how many fish they have swimming around without many other animals. It is a glimpse into a world we never get to see
He also loves the octopi and squid. Creatures that can camouflage and ambush??? Absolutely wonderful, as far as he's concerned. He loves how intelligent they are too and how underestimated they can be
Stick near him, you won't regret it. He's great company and can happily talk about the different fish all day - and maaaaybe will just revisit a few of the tanks he especially liked (he's already calculating how to get a beta fish by the time you get back)
Sergeant John "Soap" MacTavish
To no one's surprise, he's leading the charge in. He is absolutely EXCITED about this. Cool animals??? A day with people who he cares about????? Sign him up
The group really just loosely follows him to start. He's got a solid game plan and is watching the crowd to see which is the least crowded area so that you can get the best view
Like I said, he's a man with a plan. Gaz might have the itinerary but he's the one scoping out the floor and already trying to figure out the game plan so you can stick together and see what you actually want to see
He naturally has a presence that can make others move out of the way. One look at extremely buff Scottish man who can have the meanest resting bitch face, and they'll move. That's not even including that you're being followed by three other not so short men. At least it makes for great crowd clearance and he knows it - and yes, he's using it to his advantage
Like Gaz, he too is reading the cards and is quite happy to learn about the creatures there. Not as thoroughly as Price, but he's still at least actively reading and trying to note things down in his mind
He's the one who makes the slightly inappropriate comments out of instinct, forgetting that there may be kids nearby. In his defense, he's not used to that - usually it's just adults. But he can't himself from going "Look of the size of that bloody bastard" while pointing at a grouper
His comments make for great banter, usually it's with Gaz - seeing as Ghost disappeared almost the second after they stepped in. "These little shits can function without a brain" - "Oh, so that makes the two of you :)" . It's like that the entire time, just a lot of back and forth - and yes, it's hilarious
He's not rushing through the exhibits but he certainly is sidetracked when there's so many things to look at and see. It's really a matter of what is catching his eye and why - there's so much to do and so many things he didn't know. It's VERY exciting for him in the best way
Whenever there's a creature he particularly admires, he'll actually stop and sketch it out, jotting down some notes about it in the margins of his sketchbook too. He brought a few colored pencils but it's really mostly just plain pencil
He's actually quite a good artist! As long as he has a wee bit of time to get the rough lines down, he can finish it off later really nicely. But he'd prefer to take his time. The aquarium is a great place for him to practice things like plant life and moving creatures
You're welcome to sit beside him and watch as he draws - or better yet, draw with him if you brought a sketchbook of your own. It fills in for some of the quieter time if you're blessed with a calmer exhibit. If you're lucky, he might even draw something so you can color it in as you wait for the group to catch up
Admittedly, he likes the piranhas. They're known and have a fierce reputation for a reason, but he in particular likes the shimmer of their scales and finds them to be under appreciated in that regard. He finds them beautiful and they're a lot more than their teeth alone
Naturally he also likes any otters or mammals too. He'll usually end up entertaining them, especially if they're seals - they're such funny creatures - they remind him of the seals he saw on the coast whenever he visited as a kid
BONUS
König
Seeing he isn't apart of the group, you'd actually run into him in NORMAL civilian style clothes (still wearing a surgical mask, albeit) if you wandered off on your own or got a bit too ahead - leaving the boys behind
Assuming that you don't happen to know him here, but it was at the seahorse tank. With the little seahorses clinging to the bits of plants that they had, here was this big guy with an utterly adoring expression on his face as he stared at them
He nearly jumped out of his skin when you made your appearance and commented about how neat they were
He couldn't help but to agree, they're such fascinating creatures and they're so tiny. It's a wonder how something that's the size of the tip of his finger can live like that
The whole reason he was at the aquarium was because he liked animals - and because his therapist recommended he get a bit more out of his comfort zone to further work on his social anxiety. Getting exposed to new environments at his pace would do him good in the long run. While he's been fine and can absolutely manage, he does want to push himself to come more out of his shell and to be more comfortable in his every day life. Plus, he has only one life, he needs to live it some
He also wasn't used to seeing so many aquatic animals - it would be something different, something that maybe could give him some ideas later down the line for some of his crafts. And it's a good reminder of how vibrant and diverse the world we live in is. It's easy to forget when you're surrounded by blood and gore all the time
Usually, people are quite intimidated by him, so he was surprised that anyone came up and even tried to say anything to him. But talking about seahorses and the other animals here was a LOT easier than talking about himself or anything else he usually had to default to
When you asked if he'd seen the moon jellies or the crabs yet, and he said no, how could you resist showing him right where they are and pointing them out? He'll love them! They're silly little guys like the sea horses
He's admittedly a bit flustered from the attention and having someone actually want to talk to him, but he finds it easier to open up and naturally when you're just... yourself. And clearly quite excited about being there - or more expressive of it than him
You sort of happen to end up walking along with him, chatting about all the different types of animals there are and what you like about them, or making comments about what they're doing and laughing about it
As awkward as he is - he's still got his sense of humor and charm about him underneath that you uncover as you get him to open up, even just a little bit
It's only when he sees your group at a distance and the recognition of who they are dawns on him . He backs away when you wave to them, making the connection. What a terrible coincidence - but the last thing he wants to do is create issues, especially when he's here to enjoy his day - and he's not wanting a fight, not right now. And especially not in civilian gear or in a place where they all can be banned from
(They do not get along in the slightest, trust me, it would not be pretty if they happened to put two and two together. There's not that many Austrians that tall who happen to have scars like he does)
He's back to making excuses as he back pedals trying to get out of sight before any of them see, but not before slipping you his number. After all, it would be such a shame to let such a good connection go to waste :)
(Romantic impied Task force 141 boys x gender neutral!reader headcanons :))
Summary: Being the sweetheart of the task force means the boys are not shy about the fact that they're all simps and always want some sort of contact with you at all times.
Consists of romantic/suggestive headcanons for each of the guys and little things they do with you <3
Words: about 1.5k (this was supposed to be short, whoops)
Warnings/Info: Can be read separately but it is intended that they all harbor feelings for you at the same time, possibly out of character for everyone, some swearing, the guys manhandle you, as always, let me know if I miss something!
Thinking about how each of the boys is so touchy with you, it doesn't matter where you are or who you're with, they're shameless.
Other units and teams who will sometimes share the base with 141 know better than to ask questions or directly say anything to one of the guys or you for that matter. Not that they could anyway, seeing as you always have at least one of them attached to your hip.
Price:
Anyone who walks into Price's office late at night to turn something in is used to seeing you next to the Captain on the little dingy loveseat he has in there.
John is usually smoking a cigar, taking care to not blow smoke your way while your head is resting on his shoulder. Your eyes closed as you hum at his words. It's terribly domestic for a military base.
John likes to gently play with your hair while he speaks about missions he's been on, always somehow trying to braid despite not knowing how to for jack shit, whether it because it's you or just the mindless motion, he's not willing to say.
John will usually walk you back to your room after dinner or time in his office unless he's swamped with work.
A small hand on the small of your back while he leads you. It's always a respectable touch, though he tucks you into his side, nodding at everyone you may pass.
If you're comfortable with it, he likes to press a kiss to your head, smiling that goofy ass smile, and tells you to get a good night's rest.
He lets you help him trim up his beard, he won't let you do all of it but he likes the closeness of it, him sitting down while you gently shape it up, tilting his head up and he tries his best to not stare directly at your chest.
The fact that he's letting you this close to his neck with a razor is a sign of trust, maybe small for others but for a man that doesn't drop his guard and doesn't truly trust others, it speaks volumes.
The first time he let you, you were barely putting any pressure and he grabbed your hand in his and showed you. "You're not gonna hurt me, put more force into it, yeah?"
Don't get me started on going out on walks in London with Price, he wraps you up in his beanie and some big leather jacket he has that dwarves you, helping you move through crowds by once again holding the small of your back, or taking your smaller hand in his. (He doesn't correct anyone if they mistake you as married)
He likes to kiss the back of your hand and laughs when it makes you blush and sputter out that his beard is scratchy.
Ghost:
Ghost is a subtle one, he won't actively reach for you or your hand but he does have some part of him against you most times.
Whether it be his leg, arm, or thigh, anything works. A normal place yall will be seen together is in the dining hall, you've both learned to ignore the stares from everyone else.
Simon never eats there, just sits with you until you're finished and then you both move on to either his quarters or somewhere else so he can peel his mask up to eat a bit.
However, while you're eating and telling him about anything under the sun, he'll lean over and wipe some crumbs off of your mouth with his thumb softly, which again, you're used to so okay whatever but Recruits always are taken aback in their seats.
Ghost's reflexes kick into overdrive with you. His hand going to cover a corner of a table 9/10 times before you completely wreck your shit, but when he does miss (sometimes on purpose).
He'll bring a hand up to rub at your head for you, chuckling under his breath before cooing down at you "That hurt pretty? Sure look like it did."
Whenever you two specifically are paired onto a mission, doesn't matter if any of the guys complain, he will share a cot/tent with you. He claims he runs the hottest (he doesn't, it's Johnny but he will not lose on this) and can keep your body the warmest.
He pretty much lugs you on top of him and wraps his arms around your waist, he'll press a hand against your head if you keep fidgeting, rasping at you to go to sleep. He takes great pride in the fact that you're usually out like a light very shortly.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, Ghost likes to hook a finger into your body straps and pull it really hard and let it smack you to get your attention if you're not actively paying attention to him, he'll soothe the area but he's smirking behind that fucking mask.
On that note, he definitely does the "You got something right here." And points at your chest and immediately pull up to flick your nose hard as fuck, he KNOWS his own strength but sometimes your eyes water and he immediately feels bad.
Ghost rests his head on your chest a lot, he finds your heartbeat to be soothing and reassuring, also grunts if you don't wrap your arms around him in return, bro literally shoves his head into you and groans
This is a grown man but it's cute so you let it slide bc he'll never ask for it outright, he just assumes you'll cradle his head.
Soap:
Johnny is the most shameless motherfucker here, I'm talking about draping himself over you, grabbing at your cheeks, ruffling your hair, kissing you dangerously close to your lips (it drives the others mad), he's the most unapologetic about it and will gloat to the others.
Manhandler #1, isn't above grabbing you by your hips and picking you up to move you somewhere, he's literally gone and grabbed you from some rookies side to come stand next to him with a smile and you're just so used to it that you just shrug and go along with it. (He gets slightly jealous, why would you stand next to some random ass dude and not him??)
Throws you over his shoulder, or likes you to cling to his front or his back and just carries you, he says it's a comfortable weight. If you ever dare say you're too heavy, he's gonna go to the gym and work out even more to PROVE to you that he simply doesn't care, he will carry you.
Extremely bad habit of sneaking into your room to fall asleep with you, Price has come into your room many times to see Soap sprawled on top of you, he's drooling and snoring and you're knocked the fuck out (he's like a glorified weighted blanket).
I've touched on this before but he only wants you to cut his hair for him, yeah he can go to the barber on base but he much prefers you and loves it when you scratch at his scalp. He also likes to just have his head in between your thighs but that's something else for another time-
Soap specifically slings you over his shoulder a lot, especially off base where he truly doesn't have any fucks to give.
You're not going to bed because you have other work?? Too bad, shoulder time you go. You're not willing to get up and make yourself food? Good thing he's here, either pick what you want from the kitchen or throw some clothes on bc he IS dragging you out of the house.
Johnny likes to draw on you a lot, it ranges from scribbles, to sometimes his name if he's feeling cheeky (he's drawn it on your thigh before and you didn't notice until Gaz shot you a look), to intricate drawings of whatever he can think whether it be a landscape or an animal.
He always holds you steady and it isn't uncommon for your limbs to fall asleep but it's worth it, if only to see him smile.
Gaz:
Gaz is probably the most secretly clingy person out of the four, he CAN function without your touch but does he PREFER to? No.
His first instinct in any situation is to grab you and shield you, he's the fastest of the four so his body moves without thinking and it's saved you more times than any of you would like to count.
The one mission where you both fell out of a moving truck, he tucked your body into his despite it costing him his shoulder popping out of the socket, you couldn't help but freak out while Ghost moved to pop it back into place.
"Why the fuck would you do that? Look at your arm!" "It's nothing." "Garrick what the fuck-"
When you're out anywhere off base, he's holding your hand, good luck trying to pull away bc he is not letting go. Too bad so sad, resign to your fate.
I think Gaz is definitely good at dancing, at least with you and when the right music is on, you cannot tell me this man wouldn't twirl you around and shit-fight me on it. He'll even lift you off your feet, laughing when you scramble to grab at his shoulders.
He goes stark still if you rest your head on his shoulder, not because he's nervous but because he's worried about waking you up when he knows you deserve a rest.
He'll usually wrap his arm around your shoulder to hold you in place so the heli ride doesn't jostle you so much, gentleness rubbing his knuckles along your arm to soothe you.
Gaz is the one who holds you when you have nightmares, on rare occasions when Soap isn't in your room and you just need to be held with no talking, you always without thinking find yourself in Kyle's room, his arms wrapped around your waist as he tucks your head under his chin, no questions asked.
He'll maybe hum a tune to help you relax but other than that, he lets you lead the way.
simon riley AND reader who are absolutely terrible at dating.
he ghosts you after the first date. you thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime connection with unmatched banter and crackling physical tension. guess not. you lose a couple of nights of sleep over it and chalk it up to men ain’t shit and move on.
simon who can’t stop thinking about your date as he gets shipped out the next day. runs through an op quicker than ever, barking at soap more than usual, toeing the line of unprofessional. every day that passes is a day he can’t touch his personal phone, leaving your text thread abandoned.
you get a text a month later. “you around?” have to check the thread to remember who it was, finding yourself absolutely shocked, struggling to remember the hulking mass of a man who made you giggle so much over that one dinner.
simon shows up to your picnic date with apology flowers and a new leather jacket. explains why he was gone without prompting, a gruff monologue as you find yourself getting distracted by the new scratch on his eyebrow and the scruff on his face. unconsciously, your fingers brush it barely, wanting to make sure it was real.
simon stops mid-sentence, gripping your wrist in an iron hold. the shock of what you did hits you, profuse apologies spilling from your lips as you try to explain and tug your wrist back. he won’t let you though, keeping it in place, your soft skin against his worn calluses.
“‘s okay, love. jus’ ask next time. still jumpy from work.” you finally snatch your hand back, embarrassment warming your body as you nod your head in acknowledgment. he thinks about letting the awkwardness settle and take roots, adding a string of failed dates to his black book.
instead you make the choice for him, attention catching on a nearby curious toddler. you give the little bugger a wave with your biggest smile, sticking out your tongue to make the kid laugh. simon decides then and there that he’s going to keep you.
.....ok this one's really more for me. I just think they're both neat and I like 'em. ( ꈍᴗꈍ)(´；ω；｀)
They're roommates in this AU! But not in that way y'all. This house is a nightmare LOL.
König
He is either somehow the most unassuming giant of a man or the most unintentionally really awkwardly off-putting guy you're going to meet.
Honestly it's not intentional, he just kind of doesn't know how to act properly/is slightly tone deaf.
He's quiet for odd pauses because he's either trying to practice what he says in his head or he's overthinking it a little.
He honestly hides his social anxiety well if you get him to talk. He'll sound pretty confident when he speaks/can come off a little arrogant (but that's really his way of masking his anxiety. 'If I sound confident enough, they can't tell' mentality.).
It's a hard adjustment and can piss some off, but when you look underneath it, it has sound reasoning and sincerity.
Lot of folks find him either a bit tough to approach or deal because they don't want to go beyond the superficial and he's kind of got a not so good rep, but he's used to it.
Honestly the really old folks are probably the ones who understand him the best/look past all the nonsense. He finds comfort in it and looks after them in his own way.
People always assume the worst in what he's doing, but then they see he's actually just doing normal stuff. It's a bit of a running gag. ("OMG! He's totally getting ready to bury a body!!" Actually he's trying to rake this elderly neighbor's yard because she's in a lot of pain, he just forgot to let her know he was doing it, and also he's a dingus that just makes it look like that).
You're gonna know cause you're gonna see this oaf awkwardly hang around and look like he's trying to do something. (He is trying to approach you, he really just doesn't know how.) He wants to show off to you about all the cool things he knows and can do and will talk to you for what seems like ages. (But it can come off abrasive and strongly opinionated)
It's his way of saying he wants to spend time with you and likes you. (And dear God if you can make it past it, still like him and interact again, he's sold).
Hobbies
Housekeeping (Ok hear me out, he's a pretty clumsily dressed guy and joined the military at stupid young teen age; but I think people would complain and once he moved out, he was like oh.)
Cooking (He's not really happy with the quality of food/lack of food he wants, so he has a "Well I'll make it myself then"/"They can't make it like home")
Antique/ Item Hunting (He likes trying to find things that remind him of home or his childhood or fits a specific niche he enjoys).
Community Service (mostly helping the neighborhood. He likes keeping it nice and safe.......in more ways than one)
Competitive Games (He's kinda garbo though, but trying to get better. But he can't help but get competitive regardless. Heskindaasoreloserthough.)
General Perception
That One Creepy Big Guy Who Doesn't Talk a Whole Lot.
Big Guy
Terminator
Lovely Young Man/Strapping Lad (by the elderly folks he helps)
Horangi
Neighborhood's local really aggressive Korean man. He's not even angry most times, he just talks like that.
He just doesn't like wasting time, and in his mind time is precious for everyone so he just doesn't mince words and just wants to get to the point. ("Tell me what I need to do to fix it and I'll do it.")
This behavior can be misinterpreted, so people assume he's just being insufferable.
I think he's actually really popular with cranky old men because he can keep up with them, throw it back easily and they don't take any offense to it. Do not approach if they're all shooting the shit, the conversation is indeed insufferable. (Good men but Jesus, they can complain).
Didn't want to bother with the pain of fronting the cost of living fully by himself , so he approached König about it because honestly König isn't too much of a hassle to him.
Left to his own devices, he's doing side gigs a lot, so he's in and out a lot of times.
He is a good character foil to König being the way he is and they bring out very honest facets of one another by accident. If you wanna speed run seeing their personality, just hang out with the two of them.
People jokingly wonder if he's a K-Pop idol because he often wears his sunglasses and a face mask. (It actually kind of annoys him because he's trying to keep a low profile and it's also been said mockingly to him too many times.)
Despite not being home a lot, he's actually really tidy and a neat freak. He will get slightly exasperated by uncleanliness or if certain things aren't the way he wants it.
You'll know with him because you make him pause. He's pretty much snappy with everything, so if you actually make him go quiet and think, you got him hooked. This man's tone and actions will be a bit more.....deliberate in between his usual self.
He is actually surprisingly clingy but in the way of "I want to be around you a lot during my few free moments, even if it's not doing anything productive" You make him actually want to waste time.
Hobbies
Cars (I feel like he has a light fascination with cars and mechanics of it, probably a 'I don't have this so it's fascinating' note. He wouldn't want to own one, but he has appreciation for sports cars)
Boxing/Sparring (A way to get out some aggression at times and solitary so he doesn't have to worry about most things. Probably a meditative act)
Cleaning (Probably a habit of covering his tracks, and is just oddly really good at it)
Side Gigs (they're mostly legal, trying to stay on the up and up, old money making day habits die hard, he's the guy who knows a guy from these things)
General Perception
That One Angry Korean Prick
Loud Guy
Angry Idol
Mr. Sensitive (sarcasm)
Bonus: The Roommates' Dynamic
Obviously this one's a bit special because they share space. So, extra HC time!
At a surface level, you'll think they probably actually hate each other because of how aggressive they talk and seem to butt heads.
But in reality, it's just two really nitpicky and straightforward people bantering. Plus working in the line of field they do, they're just both solution oriented and way too comfortable using coarse language with each other. ("Why the HELL is your shit laying around on the floor?" "I literally just put it down, I'm cleaning the tabletops?" "YOU DON'T THROW IT ON THE GROUND." "IT WASN'T THROWN." etc.)
Despite how they are, nothing's ever done in genuine mean spirit. They're just honestly two guys who are bad at talking in different ways but they mean well ......in their own way.
König is definitely more of a homebody and the common areas are more of his style of decorating. They actually have somewhat similar tastes so it works out, but if you look closely you'll see bits of Horangi's flare. ("I'm hardly around. Decorate how you want.")
They're particular about cleanliness in their own different ways, so they clash.
Both are living in a place with no family/have no family, so they're each other's emergency contacts.
It's definitely more of a roommate/coworker you live with situation. They don't actually have many hobbies they share.
They kind of keep each other in check honestly.
OK I FEEL THAT'S ENOUGH FOR THIS POST. IF ANYONE ELSE WANNA KNOW MORE JUST IDK. ASK. OR ILL POST ANOTHER LATER.
Hello,yes, I'm insane ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧. This is my personal take on what T141 would be like as neighbors ! This has been prattling around in my head a lot and I just need to get it out.
Shoutout to @ghouldtime who inspired some details for the lads! (please check them out they're so detailed with everything they write ಥ‿ಥ)
Price
He isn't seen around too often. People wonder if he's home at all at times given how much he spends so much time out of his home.
When he is home, he stills keeps busy! Never seems to sit still. (If a movie is playing, he'll still be doing something else).
Very skilled man though, if you need help around the house he's probably the first person you could call.
He's the first one to respond to trouble, he'll usually be the first at the scene. But depending on what it is.......it comes at a .......price (especially if it involves any of the T141 lads. That'll cost extra.)
Tragically, he's seen as neighbor dad. He grumbles a lot about not even being old or a dad really but he doesn't help himself.
He's polite but he usually will rush off to do whatever next if he doesn't really wanna talk. But if you do get him talking, congrats you definitely got his attention. 👀. Offers to help you despite his busy schedule.
Hobbies
Reading
Carpentry/woodwork
DIY/maintenance
Homebrewing
Contracting
Playing COD (Gaz: "Cap, you need one hobby someone your age does.")
General Perception:
The Nice Handyman Next Door who is always busy but he manages to make time if you really need help.
He's nice, but......there feels like something behind those crinkled eyes, something most people know not to push. Lordhelpyouifyoudothemanhasatemper.
Some local kids joke he's secretly a hitman (and well......they're kind of close).
Mr. Fisherman (it's the beanie. He doesn't even fish LOL)
Gaz
He is definitely the most approachable out of the whole team. He's actually pretty popular around the area and people come to him often!
He has such a handsome, young gentleman aura; the older ladies just eat it up when they see him. (He honestly uses this to his advantage if he wants to know anything that's going around the neighborhood.)
When he doesn't feel like being bothered, you'll notice he switches his wardrobe moderately and he has a different air around him.
He's actually really good at things he puts his mind to, without realizing it. It only adds to his charm.
He probably knows a lot of places around the neighborhood and could give you a recommendation if you need one.
He tends to be very polite and interacts pretty politely with everyone. Just a decent balanced interaction.
It's very subtle with Gaz. It's in his smile. He has a polite smile but if you notice it's a little different,his eyes are crinkled a little more, maybe the laugh is a little more hearty too, yeah :'). May volunteer to take you out to a place he knows.
Hobbies
Movie Watching (probably has seen some obscure ones he would share with folks)
Trying New Eateries
Video Games (he's insanely good on accident; can back up the massive shittalking. Introduced COD to Price LOL)
Walks/Exploring Surroundings (all the people interacting would give him more knowledge and he scopes it out)
General Perception
The Handsome Nice Young Man Who is Very Polite.
Neighborhood Model™/Heart Throb.
People wonder if he's a little too nice and if there's something else underneath (there is but he's not going to show it obviously).
Mr. Photogenic Smile.
Soap
Honestly he's actually very intense. Can be very unapproachable since he actually wears a serious expression all the time and he has to remind himself to actually not wear that expression outside of work or if he doesn't know you.
But once that guard is slightly down/the persona comes through, wew lad. Hope you're ready for a troublemaking, mischief seeking man. Man's a menace.
He puts his heart into everything he does. He is a commit or quit to the bit type of man.
Dudebros honestly probably flock to him a lot because of his outside hobbies and personality.
He may playfully make comments with the ladies but he doesn't want it to go too far. They definitely admire him though.
Don't be fooled though. He can change it at the flip of a switch, when it comes down to business, it's down to business.
Honestly even if it was a persona or supposed to be done playfully, you can tell the more it feels like he's your new roommate (more playful flirty banter, more inviting himself over, more teasing. It's over if he steals your food, he lives there now.) And if it's really serious, you'll see a much more serious, intellectual side of him.
Hobbies
Hitting the gym
Football (I think he could do both tbh and it's fun to get the competitive energy out)
Traditional art (drawing, painting, you name it. It's a surprising side of him but he enjoys it)
Barhopping (he would want a good pint and prolly likes the environment when there's a good game to catch)
Learning (Honestly really smart at things he specialized in, but he's trying to expand common knowledge things.)
General Perception
A Very Fit Loud Scotsman Who is The Bro To Bro.
People kinda think he's a meathead, womanizing jock at first glance, but he wins them over slowly and shows otherwise. (Unfortunately it happens a lot)
Mr. Tenacious
Mr. Punk.
Is he angry underneath all that ? (He is, don't ask about it)
Ghost
Of course he is the most mysterious and most reserved of the whole lot.
He's very quiet because when you put him in a normal environment, he legitimately doesn't have much to say unless the opportunity comes up for him to be smarmy or crack a joke. Unless he's talking to one of T141.
King of one liners tbh.
People make a lot of rumors about him given what they don't know of him, he doesn't let it bother him really.
Not a lot of people really approach him but when they do, he does give them the time of day. It's usually someone trying to vent about something. Someone probably did it and let others know he's surprisingly a good listener? He gives a comment or two if he feels it's warranted and usually they appreciate it.
If he doesn't pander it, he doesn't stop, he just keeps going what he's doing. Honestly has a decent read on bullshit and won't pander.
You'll know because he will hang around a lot. He won't say anything because he would rather strangle a man out before that but he'll also remember an obscure small detail you mentioned and he's gonna try and make you laugh in a subtle way.
It's also in his eyes. He is gonna have a very soft look. Ignore the rest of the body language, it's his eyes. RIP IF YOU HATE EYE CONTACT LMAO.
Hobbies
Movie Watching (Him and Gaz probably swap ideas, he surprisingly gets interested in narratives)
Reading (He probably has guilty pleasure short stories, you won't convince me otherwise LMAO)
Community art (Soap probably dragged him into one event and the old ladies begged him to come back. He doesn't go often but only if he feels it and it's just the older hens. Theydontgivehimshite)
Skulking about
Cooking (cooking in the sense he's trying to figure out how to make things that's palatable in the field in extremely dumb conditions)
General Perception
Spooky Scary Skeleton Man Who Should Not Be Approached
Mr. Big, Tall, and Scary
That Broody MF who doesn't talk enough.
Edgy man who thinks he's better than everyone.
Mr. Sexy (ALLEGEDLY...)
They have other hobbies and stuff beyond what I typed of course, but I wanted to try and give them something more.... normal given the AU?
A messy little comic about something in between. It’s not perfect but neither are they. It’s not romance but it’s not just strangers either.
I think a lot about dynamics like this. People who have a lot going on, maybe too broken still from this or that and don’t want to plunge into things. But there’s something a little more. And it’s healing for the both of them.
Maybe it would go a way, maybe it won’t, but it won’t change that level of feeling.
I would jsut like to remind everyone that when Gaz asked Laswell how she and Price met she told him funny white lies and Price told him “she’s pulling your leg sergeant.”
This means that one Laswell loves to joke and create harmless chaos and two Price knows this because she probably does this so often
