It's Christmas and the feast is over. The kitchen is cleaned, the guests have left, everyone has gathered around the fireplace.
Simon is stretched out on the sofa, spreading over the whole length. It's still not his favourite holiday, but the memories of joy and peace replaced the feeling of dread he used to get around this time of the year.
Nestled to his side is Kyle, who somehow managed to fit just right into the gap. Head resting on Simon's broad chest, one hand curled into the ugly sweater. Not even moving when Simon moves his hand to his ass, pulling him a bit closer.
Simon's other hand lazily cards through Johnny's hair, who sits on the floor, eyes closed and almost purring from the scratches Simon gives him. so relaxed, he even stopped playing with his new fidget toy, not paying attention to the Christmas movie on the telly.
John just sits in his armchair, legs up, whisky and cigar on a small table next to him, reading a novel. When you climb onto his lap, his arms curl around you, arranging your position until he is satisfied. Then he goes back to his book, content to just have you there, slowly falling asleep.
Some days were just hard. Cold. Painful. You know it, when you wake up too early and confused. Body feeling broken and tired. You try to get back to sleep, but it's useless. So you get up, maybe a glass of water or a snack will help. You already know what you want, what you crave, but you don't want to be annoying and everything, but still...
So you just wrap the blanket around you and shuffle over to John's room, knocking as quietly as possible. You wait a moment then open the door.. you see nothing, it's pitch black, but a rustling from the bed let's you know John is awake.
"Something happening?" Voice rough from sleep, but eyes sharp on you, you can feel it..ready to sprint into action if needed.
"No, sorry, just... Can't sleep, everything is bad."
John huffs, relaxing again. "Get in, sweetheart. Too early for anything." He moves and lifts the blanket, as you pad over, crawling into the warm bed. "Careful, don't wake Kyle", John rumbles, tugs you close to one side. He smells like cigars and Kyle's body butter, and for a moment you want to retreat, worried you are disturbing something.
"'s fine, love, just go back to sleep. Yer always welcome, ye know that."
You just nod and settle, head on the broad chest, heartbeat in your ear. You fall asleep almost immediately, not even registering the warm hand on your back.
When you wake up the next time, you are surrounded by warm bodies, low voices talking over your head. You feel so safe and relaxed, warmth deep in your bones. The big hand on your belly squeezing lightly. "Good morning, luv... No need to get up, we take a team day." Simon's voice in your ear makes you shudder in the best way and you snuggle closer. When you open your eyes you see Kyle and Johnny next to you, Johnny's face buried in Kyle's neck, fast asleep. Yeah... Maybe a team day is what they all need. Team day meaning cuddles, fast food, trash TV and ignoring the world outside.
With a sigh you let your eyes close again, basking in the feeling of your team close.
It takes just a few days for them to fall into a routine. Of course, they are a team and everything, but it is also easy to integrate you into their group and to get used to the rhythm of this place.
Ghost befriends the goats. Nobody saw that one coming, but somehow it fits. Since he is usually the first one up, he slips out of the house and checks on the goats first. Feeds them before they are restless enough to try to escape their barn. He also feeds the chicken, since he is already up, and lets them out to the garden.
And the goats accept him as an equal. Or something like it. He quickly found a spot where he would sit down, light a cigarette, and a goat would appear to get head scratches. And somehow it is now 'Ghost's Spot'. He notices how this place seems to fit around him. As if there had been empty spaces in his shape, that he could fill out.
Gaz is up next, starting the kitchen (coffee, tea and setting the table) then he makes food (toast, eggs, pancakes maybe) which is enough to summon a sleepy Price who wordlessly accepts a steamy mug from Gaz, sinks onto a chair and just watches him work. And maybe it all feels so familiar, so safe and domestic, that he presses a quick kiss to Gaz' shoulder, grabbing his hip for a moment, imagining having this forever. And maybe Gaz waits for this every day, leaning back into the strong warmth of his Captain, relaxing because he knows he can.
Soap of course sleeps as long as his military conditioning allows, waking up in a messy embrace, since you cling to him like an octopus, but you are also used to sleeping alone most of the time, so you move around in your sleep, dragging Soap with you.
And he loves to take his time, watching you. Wondering how he got so lucky to find someone who not only accepts him as he is, makes him want to do better and is willing to accept his team as a part of his life. Of their life.
The first time you suggested to treat the farm as a safe house, it was half a joke. But the idea was there. You had made a quick sketch, how the one big guest room could be made into two separate bedrooms, speculating who would like what, he added security details, and it became a mind game. Build the perfect safe house. The perfect safe space. For all of them. Where they could unwind, breathe, remember to be human. To heal.
He once asked you why you were so open to this. He knows that most military spouses struggle with sharing their partner with their work and that leads to a lot of fighting and divorces. So you had sat down and looked him straight in the eyes.
"I have been thinking about this, to be honest. Maybe after the third time your mission took longer than expected, and I had no way of knowing if you would come back. And I talked to some people, you know, other SAS spouses and all that. Thing is, I know you. You would do what you think is the right thing. If you stayed here with me, you would always think of them, get restless, probably resent me for making you choose. Pretending to be fine. We would fight. We would break up. Or you would choose them and I don't know what I would do, but it wouldn't be pretty or civilized."
At that point Johnny had sobbed, the thought alone so stressful he had to grab you and pull you close. "You are not breaking up with me, please don't say tha'" he had whispered into your hair like a payer.
And you had just hugged him as tight as you could. "I won't. I had so much time to think about this. Even talked to a therapist. So, the idea is already there. You talk about them so much, I really want to meet them. I know we were keeping this our secret little bubble of happiness and all, but... They are a part of you. And I... I think I really want that part of you as well. Not in a... you know, not necessarily like a polycule. I mean, you and Simon, that's yours and I will not make it weird. But when you asked me to be yours, I told you, you get all of me. The good, the bad, the deranged. And you promised the same. And that we would find our way, no matter what. So I think that is part of it."
This time you were the insecure one. Loving Johnny was one thing. Telling him you would be potentially open to also welcome his teammates into their home and relationship was something else.
They had talked a lot about it. But you both knew, that you already made the decision and had started to make changes. The only ones who didn't know were the others.
Of course Simon is the first to get an idea. Since your workspace is in the barn, he decides to get some intel. It’s not like he doesn't trust you. Johnny trusts you, so you have his trust by proxy or something, but he needs to get to know you for himself. Find his own information. Untainted by emotion. So far he knows you have been in Johnny's life since childhood, probably because you two had similar struggles with ADHD. Supporting each other. Thinking about it, probably most stories about "that girl he knew back then" are about you. Maybe Johnny doesn't so much have a type than having a long lasting relationship with the same girl. Interesting.
Your barn is full of stuff, tools for the farm, materials, workspace for fixing tools. But also a small lab that has evidence of explosives, several big boards with notes and pictures and a surprisingly clean area that almost looks like a commando centre. He can imagine you sitting behind the screens, squinting at data. A sliver of a memory pops up, a mission where Johnny had called a contact for background information on a target... was that you? He thought his voice was softer, guessed he had a thing with his source. Might have been true.
But what draws his attention is a huge mood board kind of thing, big letters on top: Haven.
It is full of ideas for the farm. Some things already built, like the solar panels and main layout for the garden and the animals. But there are also plans for crops, ideas how to produce less waste, use plants that support each other, a list of topics that need more research. And profiles of each team member. Strictly personal information about them. Interests, hobbys, needs. The mattress for Price. The bigger bed for himself. The books and blankets for Gaz. Favourite tea and foods. In a different context this would be disturbing, clearly stalking behaviour and a security risk. It still was a risk, but it was... different. A little beep from one of the desks draws his attention to the screens. A message on one of them, simply stating a "Good Morning. Breakfast in 10. Please close the doors properly, the goats..."
He should feel guilty for snooping, but he doesn't. But he feels... Something similar to pride. You know your tech. He wonders what would happen if he was a real threat. Another beep.
"We should talk, soon"
He nods. Not a big talker but better to clarify where they stand than sitting on questions.
You let out a relieved breath. Snuggling closer into Johnny's chest, breathing in his musk. You missed him so much, always will miss him when he is away. The time you spend together is never enough, both of you know that. But hopefully you will have more of him, if this dream of yours works out.
"Big thinkin already?"
You hum a confirmation. "Simon found the mood board. We will have The Talk soon. Is.. is it okay if I talk to him first, alone? Let us get a feeling how we.." you blush, because ever since Johnny had confessed his feelings (and actions) regarding Simon, you had imagined what it could be like to share your man with Simon.. or to be shared between them. And also because Johnny had started to grope your ass and kiss your neck. "Hmm... told Simon breakfast is in 10. Don't start what you can't finish."
With a disappointed sigh Johnny lets go of you, but only to look at you. "But I'll stay close. Just in case you get into a fight. Or something else." It's his time to blush now, hunger in his eyes. "Need to know if you look as perfect in his arms as I imagine. Need to hear you say his name the way you say mine when I.."
"Johnny! Stop!" You plea, if he continues you will not be eating breakfast any time soon.
Your stupidly handsome spouse only chuckles but let's you get up. "Just communicating my needs, luv"
"Needs or wants? Because if that is a need, then I need to see what his hands look like on your body. Maybe he can show me how he managed to get these bite marks so perfectly symmetrical on your thighs"
"Ye can't do that to me and just leave!" is the last thing you hear when you slip out of the room, heading downstairs. It smells like tea and waffles and you could get used to that. In your head you already think about a plan to make sure the chores are distributed fair between all of you, but maybe you should first make sure you are all on the same page. you aren so in your head, you don't even register that you placed a good morning kiss on Prices cheek when you walk past him. You freeze, heat in your face, mortified as you turn back around to see Price staring at you.
Price, who is sitting next to Gaz, one arm comfortably around the other man's waist. Hand snuck under his shirt.
"Shit. I didn't think. I just. Sorry, no impulse control?" You manage to say. You could also pretend to have confused him with Johnny. But honesty was the house rule.
"My brain, it... You might have noticed that Johnny and I have a similar way of... Skipping steps? Please stop me anytime you like, just, I imagined how it would be to have you here and then I thought 'what if they stay' and I never quite got monogamy, so if you are exclusive, that is fine, I can adjust.. Oh no, word vomit, so sorry, please forget that I might have fantasised a bit how this could work and remember when Johnny forgot to tell you about me? Basically same thing, it's a thing, like what is reality anyways. That's a whole different thing, but basically sometimes what we think is what we do, so I think it would be so nice to have this, you know, all of us. If you would like... This should have been a proper conversation, I ruined it. Oh no, is it me, do you even like women? I guess I never asked because it doesn't matter to me much, I need a connection first and.."
You stopped when a large hand grabbed your jaw, turned your face towards Simon, who had appeared next to you, and unfamiliar lips pressed down on yours. Short circuiting your brain enough to stop rambling.
"Thought so. Works like a charm on Johnny as well." Simon rumbled with a grin. He moves you to a chair, placing your tea in front of you.
"Guess we'll have that talk sooner than later, dove"
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So much talking! There will be more! More talking, more kissing, more everything.
Love to hear what you think. Wishes and suggestions are welcome.
CW: Drug use, smoking weed, talking about effects of drugs, not much smut in this one, mdni, nsfw, 18+
"Hey, always wondered... Do you taste different, when you're high?" Soap was currently sprawled on your swing, head on Gaz' lap. You are still a bit surprised how you got here, sitting in your garden, surrounded by some very deadly, very disciplined men, smoking weed and having them observe you.
When Price came to your office the day after Ghost had learned about your habit, you expected to be interrogated or fired. Which was sad because you had warmed up to the 1-4-1 and they seemed to like you as well, inviting you to stay for a cold beer and a chat or asking you to join when Soap got a care package with delicious cookies from home.
Instead he had a proposition. Or a favour to ask you.
"You know that we fill an unusual position, that gives us more freedom than others and certain privileges regarding who we work with. When I requested you to be our main liaison here, that made you part of a very exclusive group of people who get our trust." He started and kept his eyes on your face, watching every reaction.
"I hope you trust us as well. As long as you are not compromised by it, your private time is your own. But it doesn't have to be."
Of course he registered your confusion and curiosity. You were incredibly professional but you also watched their training way more often than reasonable, stayed for a beer even if you barely drank, let Johnny hug you, as soon as you were a little bit tipsy.
"What do you.. Captain Price, could you be more specific? I'm afraid, I don't follow ..."
"We, the team, would like to spend time with you. Private time. Get to know you outside of work. As I said, we trust you. And to be frank, Ghost suggested that we could use a little bit of help with relaxing on our leave. Which happens to be the same time you are on leave."
You had no idea what he saw in your face but he seemed to like it, his voice almost turned into a purr. "The boys would be very grateful for a nice evening in a private garden or so."
"Grateful, you say..." You immediately had an idea how they could thank you and you just hoped you wouldn't ruin anything. "Let me think about it. And thank you for the paperwork."
After Price left you had spent half an hour thinking about any wild possibility this thing could go. And then made a list of things they had to talk about before doing this. Starting with food preferences, going through former experiences, expectations and emergency plans. With all of them being prime PTSD candidates you didn't want to risk anything.
It had been a few weeks, a mission putting your plans on hold, but you took the time to get to know them, talk to them and you found that you really liked them. More than a bit. But you knew to keep it professional, because you would not get your heart broken again. You had their trust and maybe friendship, that was enough.
And now they were here in your house, a perfect summer evening with dinner and stories, almost like they had done this before. But there was still the reason they were here in the first place.
"You can still say no." Price had said as you pulled out your stash, a beautiful box with all your tools. "Nah, I'm curious what you think. And what you want to know." It wasn't a lie, even though you were nervous. Ironic, since you knew the first draw would calm you down and it always made you feel like you were one step away from needing instead of merely wanting. Your hands moved without hesitation, grinding, rolling, licking the paper... You went classic today, best to start here for an introduction.
You felt their attention on you, watching your moves.
"Hmm, like the smell of it.. earthy sweet, it's calming" Ghost was sitting across from you at the table.
"Yeah, the scent and taste vary quite a bit depending on the strain. Some absolutely stink, I like this one because it reminds me of freshly cut grass and flowers." You lit the joint and inhaled, closing your eyes to savour the taste before you let out the smoke with a sigh, the act alone calming.
A few minutes later you knew your smile was a bit dopey and you felt that sweet buzz under your skin. Shit, you forgot that you got really cuddly with this one. Usually you were alone here, so it didn't matter, but now you were absolutely aware of Ghost's thigh under the table and his hand turning your grinder like a fidget toy.
"You do look even cuter now" of course Johnny was flirting. "More relaxed. Softer." You just wanted to describe how it fest, when Johnny dropped the next question.
"Hey, always wondered... Do you taste different, when you're high?"
"Some things" you started to explain, "Or it's more intense, it's not exactly different, more.. enhanced. Like you feel and taste details, you weren't aware before" is how you started but Johnny stopped you.
"No, I mean. When you eat asparagus and for a day you have that certain smell. Even your sperm, you know? Is it the same?"
Oooh, that question. Leave it to Soap to escalate a situation.
"Honestly, I don't really know, never put much attention to it. If you eat it, like in butter or brownies, probably. Guess you would have to find out yourself." You meant it like he would have to taste himself, but the moment you said the words you knew it was too late, four sets of eyes fokussing on you. Ghosts leg pressing against yours, his hand suddenly still as you looked up. "Whatever happens here, stays here, remember?"
You nod, suddenly the air is heavy and you are aware that you only wear your panty and a soft summer dress. "Not going to do anything you don't want to."
You nod again. So focussed on Ghost that you didn't notice Gaz moving over until a warm hand turned your face towards him. "May I kiss you?" A third nod, then soft lips on yours and you sigh into the kiss. Until that moment you weren't quite sure if you read the signs correctly but now the last bit of doubt vanishes. You trust them, you want them. So you open up, let Gaz taste you, leave you a bit breathless when he breakes the connection of your lips.
"Hmm, less smoke than kissing the captain" he grins, earning a huff from Price. "Maybe we should move this to a more comfortable position."
They move you, lead you to the blanket and pillows you had placed conveniently, since you liked to sleep outside sometimes. Soap and Gaz taking turns to kiss your lips, your neck, making a point of licking and biting to taste you. Until they have you where they want you, sitting between Ghosts thighs, leaning against his front, strong hands groping your hips, the fat of your tummy, holding you in place.
And if you had hoped it would come to this, then it was none of their business.
Okay, if you have read my "Haven" story so far, I need to know. I am at a point where I could add some divine or supernatural elements. Which would be very fluffy and a bit confusing probably.
Or keep it "realistic" and more "mature", you know adults talking serious things and doing adult stuff.
