Call of Desire

22. Dread

dread
/dred/
verb
anticipate with great apprehension or fear.

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John lay awake, staring at the ceiling. It was something around two in the morning, and they were meant to leave for Russia in a few hours. Simon's arms were wrapped around his waist, cuddling into his back. 

"Simon?"

"Hm..." The Brit sighed, moving closer to Soap. "Johnny?"

"I can't sleep."

"Neither can I."

John turned over, burying his face in the Brit's shoulder. "We're probably going to die in Russia, right?"

"Yeah." 

"So these could be our last hours together, yeah?"

"Mm."

"So," Soap hesitated. We should get married. He pushed that thought away faster than it could develop. "We should savour it, right?" 

"I suppose. What should we do?"

John paused again. "Tell me something I don't know about you."

Simon chuckled. "There's a number of things you don't know about me." 

"Oh, piss off." Smiling, Soap allowed himself to melt into Ghost. "Who is Simon? I've met and fallen in love with Ghost, but I've only ever seen glimpses of Simon."

"Mm." The Brit sighed, considering the words. "Simon... Simon doesn't see sunlight much. He usually just hides away. But, ever since he met you, he's been coming out a lot more."

"And who is Ghost?"

"Hm... I suppose he protects Simon. Takes all the hardships and pain so Simon doesn't have to." The man admits, stumbling over his words. "Never really thought about it." 

"I like Simon." 

"Do you?"

"Aye, he's sweet. He makes you look at me all soft and he smiles at me in this way that makes me feel warm inside." John beamed, his face growing warm.

"That's... that's really sweet."

"You deserve it." 

"You think?" Simon rubbed small circles on John's back.

"Of course I do."

"You're too good for this world, Johnny."

"Ah, only to you. I'm a dick to everyone else."

Ghost chuckled. "I doubt that, you're practically perfect."

"Mm."

"Mm?"

"Mm." Soap yawned.

"You wanna try to sleep again?" Simon asked, placing a gentle kiss on his lover's forehead.

John sighed, cuddling into Ghost's chest. "I suppose we should."

"Relax, my love. Everything will be fine." the Brit cooed, wrapping the soft blanket around them. The men melted into one another, becoming a bundle of comfort and warmth.