Star-Crossed Lovers

Family Portrait

Simon and John were walking through town, enjoying each other's company. It was a few days after the Scot had proposed to his lover, and they were both on Cloud Nine. Ghost kept looking at the ring on his finger, admiring it. "When did you buy this, luv?" He asked. "Does it matter?" Soap responded with a lighthearted brow-raise. "I guess not, but can I at least know how much it cost?" "No, you cannae." The smaller man grinned.

The duo was walking through a random, rundown neighborhood. Nature was starting to take back what was rightfully hers, which gave the whole place an eerily calming and beautiful vibe. Suddenly, John stopped walking and looked around. "Haud yer wheesht!" He whisper-shouted. "I didn't even say any—" The Scot placed a hand over the other man's mouth. They stood on the cracked sidewalk in silence.

That's when they both heard it. It sounded like a... No, it couldn't be. Why would a child be here? How could a child be here?

"Simon, we have t' find that baby." "Should we split up?" "I mean, th' sound came from over there, I think," John shrugged. "But honestly, I dinnae think that's a bad idea. We both have our phones, and they're fully charged, aye?"

They both checked their phones. Simon's was at 97%, while Soap's was at 89%. "Alright, let's find this kid, Si." Soap kissed his lover, and went on his way. *Please, please, please be safe, Johnny... I can't lose you...*

Ghost watched as his partner walked away, and flashbacks flooded into his mind. "Save ya a seat, LT," the Scot's voice echoed, as the memory of him bumping Simon's shoulder played in slow-motion. *I've lost so many. I can't lose you, too...* "I love ya, Si..."

Thunder boomed overhead, and the Brit snapped back to reality (whoops, there goes gravity...) "Oh, right. Fuckin' hell..." He rushed off to find the baby. Rain started pouring down as he ran. His feet splashed in puddles, and his socks became drenched quickly. Usually, that'd make him shudder and gag, but right now he was focused on something way more important.

A few minutes later, Soap called him and told him the baby had been found. Ghost rushed as fast as his feet could carry him, until he found the exact house. He skidded to a halt when he reached the sidewalk leading to the house. *No, no, nonononono Why here?!*

Soap opened the door, holding the red-headed baby in his arms. He walked onto the front porch, which was mostly covered. "Simon, there ye are. Come inside, it's pishin' it doon out there." "John, I... I-I can't go in there..." "Why not?" Soap raised an eyebrow. Ghost's eyes darted around the house, and his breathing picked up. He also started to sweat. "Soap, please... We found the kid, now let's get out of here." They both flinched.

*Simon promised me he wouldnae call me Soap anymore...* "John, I'm sorry. I can't stay here anymore. Please, let's just go, now. I'm begging you..."

Rain continued to fall hard. The Scot looked back at the front door of the house, then back at his partner. "What's so bad aboot th—" Suddenly, the baby started crying. "Oh, ye poor, wee lad. Here, let me give ye somethin' t' keep ya warm." John ripped one of his shirt sleeves off, and wrapped it around the baby, like a swaddle. The baby eventually stopped crying and fell asleep.

The Scot walked down the porch steps, towards his lover. "Alright, Simon, tell me what's up with ye 'n' this house." "John, I..." Ghost looked his partner in the eyes. "This was the house I grew up in..."