Love is healing

5

One month had passed after the torture Graves had inflicted, most physical injuries had healed or at least heal far enough to not be a big obstacle anymore.

Simon had gone back to train, trying to get back into form -which was pretty easy after years of combat and training-

But he didnt only try to get back into form, but working out was making him feel better. Feeling the physical drain was freeing, it made him feel alive again.

Like he could finnaly control when to feel exhausted and when not on his own again. Soap was with him at every step.

He made sure that Simon was okay, that he didnt hurt himself accidentally or on purpose. That he was taking care of himself and not falling deeper into his dark thoughts.

After this one night they didnt hug again, the vulnerability just didn't came out of Simon again. He had his walls build back up. Way higher than before.

Johnny was allowed to see the broken man, to watch him writ in a nightmare, caress his back when he had to throw up or hold his hand when he was crying from a flashback.

But hugging or any other form of close comfort was a total no go.

The therapist had said this was normal, they needed to slowly addapt to this state again, to build back up the trust and comfort that Graves had destroyed.

For two weeks Simon was also attending therapy, since Price had gotten him one with the order to heal before he was allowed back in combat.

Soap was glad, he knew it was the best choice. And even if Simon hated it, he went to them. For Johnny.

Just like today.

The Sergeant was sitting on the couch, drinking a limo and watching a show on Netflix while Simon was out.

A pack of snacks stood ready, a hoodie from Soap -since Simon hated hugs he found comfort in wearing his clothes- and a tea was ready to be made in the kitchen.

Usually Simon would come back, silently, quiet, not even uttering a word while he would curl up on the couch and watch the show that was runing till the evening, before he went training and then to bed.

Today was different, he almost slammed the door open, the loud 'thud' made Johnny jump in supise. He raised his eyebrows and watched his partner.

The blond came inside, threw the door shut behind him and walked into the kitchen swearing. Soap stood up, worried about this behavior. He knew that something was up.

"Simon?" He asked carefully and approached the kitchen, just to hear the fridge door shut close. "Simon, is everything alright?"

The Sergeant got a reaction, but not one he had expected, he thought the blond might break down crying, flinch back from him or even completely ignore him.

But no, Simon looked at him, glared at him. Pissed and angry. "Shut your fucking mouth." He grumbled and opened the beer, before shoving his way out of the kitchen.

Johnny stumbled before he looked back at him irritated. "Simon, please. Talk to me. What happened?"

He followed him to the living room, tried to get him to say anything else but small curses, before Simon finnaly snapped at him.

"Property of Graves. Mine. Mine. Mine. My slut! I own you?!" Simon voice became louder and louder, filled with anger and hate.

Johnny felt his heart ripp apart, he knew those words, he' s had a breakdown because of them in the last month.

Those were the words Graves had cut into his back.

Those words were scarred over, but still visible. Johnny had hoped that Simon would have forgotten them, he couldnt see them himself and never asked for what was written.