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Chapter Text

“...It's been 2 months since that day…”

*Flashback to 2 months ago.*
Light knocking sounds through Simon's office, bouncing off the walls.
“..Lieutenant Riley, sir? Captain Price is expecting you in his office. He says it's urgent.” A small voice squeaked out.

“Thank you, sergeant. dismissed.” Simon said exasperated, he stood up from his chair, stretching as he heard the footsteps retreating away from his door.

Mumbling to himself, he slipped his mask back on and through his door open, making his way to Price's office. On the walk there he wondered if it was another mission so soon, or if it was more paperwork. God he hoped it wasn't paperwork, he already was behind. Snapping back he noticed he was at the price's door, knocking as usual. He listened to the- “Come in!” of price shouting.

Peeling the door open, Price stared Simon down with a very intense look. Almost like he did something wrong. Maybe he just filled out a form wrong? He's never done it before but maybe his age is catching up to him, even only at the age of 36.

“Sit.” Price sternly stated, gestured to the chair right in front of his desk. Sinking into himself slightly, Simon sat in the chair.

“What's this about?” Simon asked nervously, trying not to let it show through.

“I got a call from someone. They said they knew you, knew your name and everything..”
That made Simon freeze. How would someone know who he was? He doesnt ever remember telling anyone but the higher ups like price his name, but now someone is asking for him?

“I, oh. well?” was all he could sputter out.

“..She said you got her pregnant and then vanished, she's been hunting you down since she found out. She said that she is putting the child up for adoption if you don't want her cause she cant take care of ‘this demon spawn anymore'.’.” he put air quotations around demon spawn.

“Oh.” is all Simon could think, about 2 ½ years ago he had a fling with someone, and left thinking that was that, that she was satisfied with it being a one and done. She must have read his ID while he was in the bathroom to know his name. Simon didn't know how to react. He felt scared, sad, and angry all at once. Price continued and interrupted his train of thought.

“Well? She said she'd give you the week to think about it but if she doesn't hear back from me or you by Friday, the baby is gone.. Her words, not mine in that last part.” price stated.

Simon's mind raced, the weight of the revelation settling in. The news of a child, a consequence of a fleeting moment from his past, left him grappling with emotions he hadn't expected. He looked at Price, who maintained his stern expression, waiting for Simon's response.

"Simon, you've got until Friday. Take this week to think about it," Price emphasized, a rare touch of empathy in his voice. "I know it's a lot to process, but you've got a responsibility now." Nodding slowly, Simon mumbled his acknowledgment, his thoughts spinning. As Price continued to brief him on the situation, Simon couldn't shake the mix of fear and uncertainty clouding his mind.

Wandering out of Price's office, Simon felt like he wasn't in his own body. He felt as if he was drifting about while his body was on autopilot. Heading back to his room, Simon closed the door and ripped his mask off, rubbing at his face with both hands.

“..What am i going to do..”
Simon whispered to no one but himself.

In the solitude of his room, Simon sank onto the edge of the bed, the reality of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. His mind buzzed with a cacophony of thoughts, each more overwhelming than the last. He glanced around the room, the military decor now feeling like a facade, a backdrop to a life that had taken an unexpected turn. The weight of the impending decision pressed down on him.

What kind of father could he be? Could he provide for a child he hadn't known existed until now? The questions reverberated in his mind, and the uncertainty gnawed at him. His thoughts turned to Oliver, the infant at the center of this unexpected revelation.

Images of a child he barely knew flickered through his mind, and the responsibility of a fatherhood he hadn't anticipated loomed large. The silence of the room was deafening as he grappled with the enormity of the situation. Simon reached for his phone, contemplating on whether or not he should call Price after only thinking on it for 20 minutes.

He shook his head, he'll wait it out a bit longer.

~~~~~~~~~

Thursday rolled around. He's all caught up on his paperwork and yet he sits in his office. Today he has to decide. Mustering up the courage, Simon practically leaps out of his chair and heads for Price's office determined not to lose the balls to do so.

Knocking on the door, Price shouted his famous “come in!”

“I think. I think I'll do it.” Simon says as he flings the door open fast enough it hits the door stop and bounces off it.
Price looks up with admiration in his eyes.

“I'm glad you decided to step up, simon. Come on, come on, sit down and we'll discuss more.”

More paperwork. Lots more paperwork, but two sat off to the side.

“Are you sure about this simon? This isn't something that can be undone easily., and it's not something you can just run from.”

Simon looked up, staring at Price dead in his eyes.

“Yes. I'm not going to become my father and be a deadbeat dad. She deserves someone who wants her. I'll do it. I will.”

Price slid the two papers in front of simon.

One for legally signing over his daughter to himself, signed by her mother already..

And the other for resignation.

Simon took a deep breath, his decision resolute. As he stared at the two papers in front of him—one signifying the legal acknowledgment of his daughter, the other a resignation from the military—a surge of emotions coursed through him.

"I'm sure, Price," Simon affirmed, his voice carrying a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

"I want to be there for her, give her a chance at a good life." Price nodded, his expression a mix of approval and understanding.

"It's a big step, Simon, but I respect your choice. You've got the paperwork sorted out, and I'll make sure everything goes smoothly on my end." Simon hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with the gravity of what he was about to undertake.

“What about Oliver's mother? Does she know about this?"

Price sighed, "I'll make the call tonight to her. but she understood and agreed, otherwise she would have sent the paperwork over presigned. Seems like she's genuinely struggling and believes this is the best decision for Oliver."

Simon nodded, absorbing the information. He picked up the pen, his hand steady as he signed both documents—one binding him to fatherhood, the other severing ties with the military. As he handed the papers back to Price, a sense of both relief and trepidation washed over him. The weight of the military uniform seemed to lift, replaced by the responsibility of fatherhood.

"What's next?" Simon asked, the reality sinking in.

"First, we'll get the legalities sorted out. Then, I'll help you through the transition. It won't be easy, but you're doing the right thing," Price reassured him, giving him a short but well needed hug. Leaving Price's office, Simon felt a mix of emotions. The journey ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to face it head-on. Oliver awaited, and for the first time, Simon felt a sense of purpose beyond the military's rigid structure.

* back to real time. *

Oliver's mother was right. She was a demon spawn. Simon is standing at the park with his now 3 year old screaming at the top of her lungs about how she doesnt want to leave, and how she hates him, running into the smallest opening in the play structure at the apartment buildings playplace.

Simon sighed, sitting down on the bench available for parents, watching as some moms at the park were staring him down whispering to each other. He knows he looks like a bad dad, but it's not that, it's just he hasnt had to take care of a kid since joseph..

Someone sits beside Simon. A shorter, but in no way small, man.. With a ridiculous haircut he sat beside simon. Eyeing him out of the corner of his eye Simon, with furrowed brows and a sense of exhaustion, glanced at the man who had taken a seat beside him. The stranger's presence was hard to ignore, especially with his unique haircut that seemed to defy gravity.

"You got your hands full there," the man remarked, his tone a mix of curiosity and amusement. Simon managed a half-smile under his mask, acknowledging the truth in the statement.

"Yeah, she's a handful. Just trying to figure this whole dad thing out." The man nodded knowingly.

"Kids, right? They're like tiny tornadoes. I've got one of my own. Name's John, by the way."

"Simon," he replied, grateful for the distraction from the ongoing commotion in the play structure. John's eyes flicked toward the play area, and a chuckle escaped him.

"She's got spirit, that one. Reminds me of my own when she was around that age." Simon sighed, watching as Oliver continued her protest within the confines of the play structure. "It's just been a tough adjustment, you know? I'm new to all of this." John leaned in, lowering his voice.

"Listen, it gets easier. They test you, push your buttons, but it's worth it. You'll figure it out." Simon appreciated the words of encouragement. "Thanks, Johnny. It means a lot." As they chatted, Oliver, seemingly satisfied with her rebellion, emerged from the play structure. Her tear-streaked face softened as she approached Simon.

"Daddy, I don't wanna leave," she pouted, her tiny hands clutching a worn-out stuffed cat. Simon sighed, ruffling her hair gently.

"We can stay a bit longer, but we need to go soon, okay?" Oliver's face brightened, and she nodded, content for the moment. As Simon and John continued their conversation, the judgmental stares from other parents seemed to fade into the background. Simon realized that, despite the challenges, he was not alone in this journey called parenthood.

~~~~~~~~~

The sun is almost gone, shining its bright golden glow on the play place.
“Oliver, it's time to go.” Simon said loudly to be heard over the other kids on the structure. Oliver crawled out of the play place, heading to Simon with a big yawn.

“don't wanna leave, im,” a yawn interrupts her sentence, “i'm playing.” Oliver said, trying not to fall asleep standing upright.

“You can hardly stand, let alone you yawn every half second. Well, come back another day.” Simon said, trying to reason with the child. He picked her up like a football, tucked safely under his arms earning a giggle from oliver.

“Okay.” Oliver slurs with sleep, getting heavier by the second. Simon continues to carry her up the stairs to his 2nd floor apartment. Opening the door to his home as silently as he could, he tapped it shut with his foot making his way to Oliver's cat themed bedroom.

Tucking her under her calico print blanket he made sure she, and her stuffed animal Mimi, are cozy as can be. He places a kiss on her forehead, and makes his way to his own room to get ready for the night.
~~~~~~~~~~~

*Wham* Simon flies up out of bed after being hit in the face with a toy. Holding his nose, he turns to face the culprit. Oliver stands there with a big smile.

“I want Pancake!” she screams, over and over. Simon checks his hand, “Not bleeding. That's good.” he thinks to himself.

“Alright, alright. Shhh, it's only,” he turns and looks, “6 in the morning, lots of people are still asleep. I'll make them after I get changed.” His words were met with loud cheers from the tiny being as she practically leaps out of Simon's room to the living room.

Simon follows after a short while later. “Chocolate chips? Or sprinkles?” he asks.

“Both! Both! Please, please, please!!” Oliver shouted from her toy corner. “Both it is.” Simon thought.

Heading to the kitchen, Simon dragging his feet, he grabs the necessary ingredients for Oliver's pancakes.

“I want help! I can make one!” Oliver screeches from below.

“Alright, you can do the mixing, and i'll help you flip the pancakes once you finish that.”

Simon reasons with his mini tornado, setting her on the counter. She will soon tire of this task and want to cause destruction elsewhere, but for now, she is diligent in her task of making a mess and mixing the pancake batter.

Simon pours out the pancake batter, making sure to add the chocolate chips and sprinkles like Oliver asked.

“Flip! Flip now!” She demands.

“We have to wait a moment, Missy, I'll let you know when.” Simon sighs, while Oliver pouts.

“I want down,” Oliver says, annoyed, “please.”
“Okay.” Simon grabs her and sets her down. She wanders off to her toy corner and begins to draw in her coloring book. Simon shrugs it off, continuing the morning pancakes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*enter a time skip of like 20~ minutes after breakfast*

“Do you wanna go to the park, bud?” Simon spoke to Oliver. Silence.

“Oliver?”

He peaks round the corner to see Oliver drawing very intensely. Staring for a moment, he sees she wrote ‘Bff’s’ on the top of the drawing.

“Ready! I want to go now.” Oliver shouts and runs to her shoes.

“That answers that.” Simon thinks.

Putting both their shoes on, Simon walks with Oliver under his arm like a football once again to take her to the apartment play place again. She is giggling away, finally being placed on the ground, she darts off to the play structure leaving simon to sit on the bench by himself.

Simon takes his phone to look though indeed, seeing no jobs that would work with his and Oliver's schedule. Glancing up, Simon sees Oliver with a kid, they seem to be having fun, he smiles under his mask.

“Heya!” A voice comes from beside him. Turning to see the silent walker he sees Johnny.

Chapter Text

I see Simon turn towards me, he looked slightly startled that I had snuck up on him. “Sorry, didn't mean to spook you,” Johnny smiles at him. “Seems like Elle and your little one are getting along well.”

Elle and Oliver run past the two on the bench giggling up a storm.

“Seems like it.” Simon remarks.

The kids come back around and stop in front of the two.

“Can she come over? I want to show her my dress up and i wanna play longer and it would be fun, pleease???” Elle tried to reason with them. Johnny looked to Simon.

“Its up to the big man to let that happen, but not today elle, we can do tomorrow.”

The kids turn their attention to Simon almost instantly, giving him the biggest puppy eyes ever. Its impossible to say no to this face, and they know it.

“Please dad? I love you forever and ever if i can go” Oliver tried to persuade Simon.

Simon sighed, “Alright, tomorrow you can go over.” Simon turned to Johnny, “Can I have your number so we can work out the details?”

Johnny seemed a bit stunned at the bluntness of the question, “Yeah. Okay, here let me type it in.”

Simon hands his phone over, watching as Johnny puts his name into his phone and hands it back. Simon holds his hand out.

“Hm?” Johnny responds, confused.

“Your phone?” Simon says a slight tone of amusement in his voice.

“Oh!” Johnny hands over his phone, and watches as Simon puts his number into the phone, adding a skull emoji at the end of his name.

Johnny smiled at Simon and took back his phone. “Well girls, it's set! Tomorrow you can have a play day.”

They run off screeching happily. Excited about tomorrow. Simon turns to johnny,

“What time would you like us over? Should i bring anything?” he fidgets with his sleeve, seeming nervous despite his calm demeanor in front of the girls.

“Maybe bring over a small snack for the girls? Other than that, don't bother, I insist! And ill message you the time later tonight” Johnny says in response.

“Okay, That sounds good.” Simon slowly stops fidgeting with his sleeve, seeming comforted by the knowledge of what he should do.

Chapter Text

A couple of hours have passed, the girls come back talking about how they are starving and want food. Johnny takes Elle, waving goodbye to Oliver and Simon. Sighing, Simon throws Oliver upon his shoulders, she giggles and they head off to their apartment together.

“You like Elle's dad?” Oliver asked, swinging her legs, “I like Elle, she's nice.”

“I do like Elle's dad, bud.” Simon nods, “I'm glad you like Elle, she seems to like you as well.” Simon responds, imagining the chaos tomorrow.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Simon asks a question he knows the answer to.

“YEAH! I'm ready to see Elle’s dress up. Can I bring my dolls?” she excitedly asks.

“Yes you can, but only if you don't fight me in the bath tonight. I'll even do bubbles.'' Simon retorts.

“Fiine.” Oliver sighed.

Opening the door, he sets Oliver down on the floor to draw her bath.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elle walks holding Johnny's hand, “I like Oliver, she's fun! And she has lots of cat stuffies she says!”

“She does? That's pretty cool, Glad you like her, hen!” Johnny smiles to himself, opening the door to the apartment. “Now, go get ready for the bath, grab your clothes, I'll start the water.”

“On it!” Elle salutes, as she runs off to grab who knows what style of clothes, giggling all down the hall. Wrapped up in her clean pajamas, and a tutu, Johnny dried Elle's hair before putting her hair into braids.

“Well, you're all fed and clean, time for bed so you can get up for tomorrow!” Johnny says, throwing the towel into the hamper.

Yawning, a small nod comes from Elle. “Okay, can I be tucked in again tonight?”

“Yeah, I'll tuck you in till you absolutely hate it!” Johnny states.

Turning off Elle's room light, John sent a text to Simon, “Come over around noon, and my address is..”

Simon's phone pinged on his nightstand, a text from johnny. He shoots back a quick response, “Sounds good to me, we’ll be there,” and continues getting around for bed. Tucked in for the night, Simon falls asleep, nervous for Oliver tomorrow.

~~~~~~~

Oliver wakes up to the smell of bacon and eggs, she scurries down the hall and clambers into her dining room chair, swinging her legs happily. Simon carries out the made up plates and sets one in front of Oliver, she thanks him, and starts to ding in, Simon does the same.

~~~~~~~~

Johnny wakes up to the feeling of something leaping upon him, Elle is sitting on his back screaming about how excited she is, talking a mile a minute. Stretching he knocks Elle off him, onto the bed and grabs her by her feet. She screeched with excitement, laughing with all the joy in the world. Heading to the kitchen johnny places Elle on the couch and continues towards the kitchen. Making up a thing of waffles, and sausage links, Johnny calls Elle to the table for breakfast and they get ready for the day.

~~~~~~~~

Oliver has been staring her dolls down for the best part of an hour now. Simon doesn't know how to help, he tried but Oliver just kept shaking her head. Snatching a doll from the pile she holds Fifi, a tuxedo cloth cat, like she had just won a race, arm raised above her head.

“This one!” Oliver says, Simon delicately grabbed Fifi and placed her into Oliver's day bag. Oliver, being preoccupied staring her dolls down again, doesn't take much notice in fifi or Simon. Simon sighs tired of sitting but stays close to help if needed.

~~~~~~~

Elle has been staring at her dress up pile, grabbing at some clothes but ultimately putting them back.

“Dad! Can you help me? I can’t pick..” she says dejectedly.

“How about your blue sparkly dress? I always think you look lovely in it.” Johnny states matter of factly.

Elle brightens up and runs off with that dress to get changed into it. Johnny signs and shakes his head. “Kids,” he thinks. Looking at the clock on the wall, only 1 hour till Oliver and Simon arrive.

Chapter Text

The doorbell sounds through the Mactavish household, Johnny stood up from the couch to open the door, only to be beaten to the door by Elle.

“They're here! They're here!!” Elle excitedly exclaims.

Opening the door there stood Simon with Oliver on his hip, and 2 bags in his hand.

“Sorry, hope we’re not early.” Simon said, placing Oliver to the floor.

“Oh, none of that!,” Oliver goes running past Johnny, “you’re right on time, here let me put the snacks away.”

Simon hands over the snack bag, following into the apartment and closing the door behind him.

“Hi Oliver's dad!” shouts Elle as she and Oliver run past carrying a pile of dress up stuff. Johnny emerges from the kitchen, waving a hand to follow. Simon follows over.

“Want to help make dinner?” Johnny asks sheepishly, “I thought we’d make pizzas for tonight.”

“Sure, just tell me what to do.” Simon replies as he rolls up his sleeves.

~~~~~~~~

“Kids! Food!” Simon announced.

They all came clambering out of the play tent covered in glittery makeup, and tutus galore. Hoisting the kids onto the chairs, Simon sits down across from Johnny's chair. Johnny rounds the island, with pizza in hand. He plates up everyone's plates and starts to dig in. Simon tucks a napkin into Oliver's shirt, then lets her dig in, starting on his own plate.

“This is delicious.” Simon exclames, eyes going wide.

“Well it only turned out with your help” Johnny responds bashfully.

“I like it too!” Oliver says with a mouthful of pizza, plate almost gone.

“ME TOO!” Elle said full of excitement, plate equally empty.

Johnny and Simon smile to each over, happy they made something everyone enjoyed.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Alright come ‘ere.” Johnny said to Elle, getting ready to wipe her face down.

“NO!” Elle starts flailing in her chair. Oliver sits pretty, letting Simon wipe her face off.

“Here let me.” Simon says to Johnny after wiping Oliver's face clean and turning her loose to the floor.

“Ready?” He asks Elle.

“No.. Maybe.” She said with a huff.

Simon wipes Elle's face off delicately, making sure to get the pizza sauce she somehow got to her cheek. Turning her loose to the floor as well with a “Done.”

“Oh how rude!” Johnny said sarcastically, clutching his non-existent pearl necklace. “She always fights me on that.”

Simon just smiles.

~~~~~~~~

The movie has long been done, Elle and Oliver are passed out asleep on their dad's. Simon and Johnny now watch the credits scroll by.

“Want to watch another movie while the kids sleep?” Johnny asks.

Simon checks the time on the wall, smiling softly.

“I would but it's almost her bedtime, I suppose we should be heading out.” Simon said softly.

Johnny carefully transfers Elle down to the couch, standing to help Simon get his stuff around. He grabs Oliver's bag of dolls and a paper falls out. It says bff's at the top.

It's a drawing of Elle and Oliver.

“She wanted to hand that over to Elle but must have forgot.” Simon states, shifting Oliver to get her more cozy in his arms.

“I'll give it to her later.” Johnny said with a smile. Handing the doll bag to Simon. Opening the front door for him he send him off with a wave and a “see you later.”

Chapter Text

As they walked through the quiet corridors of the apartment complex, Simon cradled Oliver closer, feeling the weight of her little body against his chest. He glanced down at her as she stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible in her sleep.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he gently adjusted her position, making sure she was comfortable.

"Must've been quite the adventure today," Simon whispered softly to himself, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Oliver's forehead. "All that excitement must've worn her out."

Reaching their doorstep, Simon carefully maneuvered Oliver in his arms, trying not to disturb her peaceful slumber. He fumbled with the keys for a moment before finally unlocking the door and stepping inside their cozy apartment. The soft glow of the lamps greeted them, casting a warm ambiance throughout the living room.

Walking through the toy-filled living room, careful to avoid tripping on anything, Simon places Oliver down onto her cat bed once more, closing the door behind him, when a notification pinged his phone.

“Simon, Garrick and I are coming through town here tomorrow. Can we stop in and see how you're doing? If you say no we’re still coming over. - John”

Sighing, Simon sent back a thumbs up emoji to Price. Knowing his threat to come over if he declines is true. Sitting at the table he stares at the living room mess Oliver and he made before going to Johnny's house. Simon sits there and scrolls through his phone for a while before heading to his bedroom to get some rest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morning arrived with a knock on the door sounding though his apartment.

“Dad! Someone’s here.” Oliver shouts from her play corner.

Simon mumbles to himself, teacup in hand, he opens the door to reveal John and Garrick with a wide smile on both of their faces.

“It's good to see you, now where's the little one?” John asks

Garrick just gives Simon a slap on the shoulder before walking past him to follow John into the home. Oliver looks up and sees the two, giving a strange look to her dad.

“These are my friends, Oliver. This is John, and this is Garrick.” Simon says exhausted, setting back down at his table to finish his drink.

“Oh my gosh she's so cute!” Garrick notes. He squats down to her height, “what are you playing?”

“Barbie!!” Oliver immediately answers Gaz, Handing him some in a demanding way. “You play with Suzie and Jake. I'm Barbie and Greg.”

John giggles to himself, going to sit beside Simon.

“How's fatherhood treating you?” Pierce asks, looking at the worn out and tired Simon.

“Its doing me in. Haven't been able to wake up as early as i used to, But it's rewarding in its own ways.'' Simon responds watching Gaz play barbie with Oliver, smiling to himself.

“Met any new people?”

“Yeah,” he takes a sip of his tea. “Unsurprisingly another John. Crazy hair and a wild child he has.”

“Oh? How old is his little one?”

Sighing, Simon thought back. “I actually don't know. never asked. But I'll guess around 4? Preschool aged at least.”

“Well I'm glad Oliver has got a play buddy, and you got someone to ask questions to.” John said, patting Simon on his shoulder.

~~~~~~~~~

“Me and Gaz should be heading out to check into our hotel, just wanted to stop by to bug you for a short bit. Well bug you again before we leave.” John states. “Gaz! Let's go, we've got to check in!”

Gaz wanders over, stickers and some glitter on his face.

“It was nice to see you again, and nice to see your kid. She is one feisty child. Almost yelled at me cause i got the name of her barbie wrong.” Gaz chuckled to himself, peeling off a sticker.

Picking up his bag, him and Price walk out the door, waving a quick goodbye, they close the door and then the room falls silent.

“I like your friends.” Oliver states.

“Yeah?” Simon asks

“Yep!” Oliver responds

~~~~~~~~~~

Simon had messaged Johnny asking where he was going to send Elle to school, He said Tiny Tikes Preschool. The paperwork he requested for Oliver came in the mail today, and here Simon sits filling it out. Signing one last thing he slipped the papers into a new envelope to send out tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Price and Gaz came over at the end of the week and visited before having to head out for work again. Price got lots of drawings for him to hang up, drawings calling him grandpa. He almost cried when he seen that, out of joy that is. Gaz on the other hand got drawings as well, labeling him one of Oliver's best friends, which is a big thing to Oliver and to Gaz. Simon gave them all a quick hug, knowing he wont see them again for a while due to working in the military, and the possible threat of never seeing them again due to their job. Oliver followed suit, not knowing the meaning behind the hug, just happy to give one.

~~~~~

It was nerve wracking at first, counting down the days til Oliver started preschool. Only 2 more days.. Oliver knows about school, what she’ll most likely do there, she knows Elle will be there, but Simon doesn't think she's ready. Or so Simon thought.

The days came and went and here Simon stood, mask on, holding his little one's hand as he walked her through the first day crowd to her classroom. Simon was anxious for her, Oliver on the other hand couldn't care less, all smiles she was.

~~~~~

Oliver walked through the classroom door, Simon followed behind to make sure she got settled. Oliver was only looking for elle. Wanting to see her friend, and wanting to sit next to her. And there she was, waving with a big grin sitting in a seat with one open next to her.

“Oliver!! Over here!” Elle screamed with joy.

“Elle!!” and Oliver took off, letting go of Simon's hand, leaving him to stand in the crowd of children and parents. Simon stood back, watching as the two girls hugged each other nearly falling over. He stood alone, watching as Elle and Oliver talk over everything. Seems she got settled herself. A slap on the back jolted him back to reality.

“It's hard, but it's good for the kids.” Johnny said, resting his hand on Simon's shoulder, a small smile on his face.

The teacher eventually came in to tell the parents to wrap up settling in time. Simon looked at Elle and Oliver who waved at him with a cute smile on her face, and he waved back then wandered out of the classroom with johnny.

They walk down the halls and out to the parking lot, Johnny follows Simon like a lost puppy to his car.

“So, I was thinking..” johnny starts.

“That's dangerous.” Simon remarked sarcastically.

Johnny punches him playfully in the shoulder, “Anyways, I was thinking, would you like to go out for lunch one day?”

Simon blue screened, but still answered, “Yeah, I'd love to.”

Chapter Text

The day came, Johnny and Simon had worked out the details through text to have lunch after dropping the kids to pre-k. Simon is panicking about his outfit though, “Navy blue? Black? Oh but what if he likes white shirts more?” Simon thought to himself. He still has an hour before the ‘date’.

He eventually figured out to go with Navy blue, It complimented his pants and made his eyes pop. Starting his walk to the small cafe round the block of his apartment, he’s nervous but excited to meet up with johnny.

Johnny on the other hand, was equally nervous, arriving 15 minutes early at the cafe. He wore his favorite button up dark green flannel print shirt, and a pair of nice jeans. He ordered 2 cake slices, remembering what Simon said about liking sweets when he was over with his daughter.

Hearing the bell above the door, Johnny looked up to see Simon walking in messing with the hem of his sleeve. He looked wonderful, his eyes shone a beautiful shade of cobalt blue. His hair was slicked back, and his outfit fit like a glove, showing off his muscular arms. Johnny felt slightly sheepish about his outfit, he went with something more cozy, and didn't even bother to do much styling to his hair.

~~~~~~~~~~

Simon walked through the door and saw Johnny, his outfit fit him perfectly. The green of the flannel complemented his eyes, the beautiful shade of Brunswick green. Walking over to the booth, he takes a seat across from johnny. Simon notices the cake, and looks surprised.

“You remembered?” Simon said questioningly, surprised even.

“Well duh. It's easy to remember things about your favorite person.” Johnny flirts, winking.

Simon flushes slightly under his mask, looking away.

“Well thank you.” Simon said, as he picked up the fork to start picking away at the cake.

“Not a problem at all Si.” Johnny said smiling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A couple hours had passed, the light of the day was starting to die out due to winter approaching. Simon checked his phone, taking note of the time.

“It's almost time to get the girls, want to walk? Shouldn't be too far.” Simon states.

Johnny nods his head, getting ready to pay.

“Don't bother, already got the bill.” Simon smiles back, putting his mask back over his face.

Simon stood and started walking, leaving stunned Johnny behind to catch up.

“What! But I invited you, I should have payed!” Johnny said shocked.

“I don't care to hear it, you can get the next one.” Simon retorts.

‘Next one?’ Johnny lets those words ring through his head. ‘next, there's going to be another outing?’ he smiles to himself.

Chapter Text

Arriving at the school, Johnny and Simon wait outside with the rest of the parents for their kids to walk out behind the teacher.

“You mean it though?” Johnny said out of the blue.

“Mean what”, Simon responds back confused.

“You really mean it, that there will be another outing?”

“Of course, can't go back on my words-”

“Dad!!”

Johnny and Simon's heads snap to see both their kids running towards them. Oliver jumped into Simon's arms while Elle ran into Johnny's legs, almost toppling him over with a hug. Both happy to see their fathers.

“Can we go to the movies with Oliver?” Elle asked.

Johnny looked to Simon who nodded his head.

“Of Course love! What movie did you want to see?”
Both little ones look at each other then shout “KUNG FU PANDA!”

It seems they've been planning this out for a while. Simon tossed Oliver under his arm like a football again, while Johnny gave Elle a piggy back ride. Luckily the theater was only 3 blocks away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The movie had ended, and everyone began to leave the theater. Simon picked up the popcorn bucket to refill before leaving.

“Come on girls, want to fill up your drinks before we go too?” Simon asked.

They nod their heads, slightly tired after the long school day and movie. Johnny grabbed both girls, propping each on either hip. While Simon took care of the drinks and popcorn.

~~~~~~~~~~

On the walk back to the apartment Johnny was thinking, so was Simon. They arrived at Johnny's apartment first. The girls gave each other a hug after being set on the ground, Elle wandered into the home, Oliver followed Simon as they walked up a flight of stairs, and went only a few doors down.

“Hope you had fun today. What do you want for dinner?” Simon waits for a response, as he opens the door. Oliver responded back to him with spaghetti and garlic bread. A quick meal, Simon was grateful for that.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bath time had just gotten over with, Simon sits with Oliver on his lap brushing her hair, when she asked something he wasn't expecting.

“Why don't i have a mom?” she said, rather curious.

Simon just sat there in shock, he never really thought this far into having to tell her, he kinda hoped she'd never ask.

“Well, uh..” Simon started, “your mom just wasn't ready to have a kid, she still loves you. She just couldn't take care of you..'' Simon states bluntly.

“Oh, okay.” she responded back quietly.

“Anything else you'd like to know bub? I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear.”

“No, but.. Just pinky promise you never stop loving me.” she holds her little pinky out to Simon.

Simon locks pinky's and then gives her a big hug, going back to brush her hair for bed. Simon then carries her to bed, and places her and fifi under the covers, planting a kiss on both of their heads.

“Night love.” Simon says before walking back to the living room.

Picking up his phone he takes a deep breath in and

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Johnny and Elle had grilled chicken, and mashed potatoes. Elle loves mashed potatoes. She fought about bath time as she usually does, but went to bed fine after johnny tucked her in. johnny went to his room and picked up his phone, only to notice a message had come through not even 20 seconds ago.

‘Its Simon. Would you like to have a date night this upcoming Friday? I've got a babysitter who said shed watch both girls for the night.’

Johnny could feel his face brighten up, red as a tomato. He shot back a message,

‘Id love too!.’

Chapter Text

The girls are excited to meet Jules, she's an older lady, maybe in her 60’s. Jules is a retired kindergarten teacher, but missing the hustle and bustle of the classroom, she resorted to babysitting on the side. Jules knocks on the door and is greeted with a wall of a man, oh so much taller than her, and a shorter, less stocky man, but still bigger than her nonetheless.

“Hi, I'm Simon.” the taller one states, reaching his hand out.

Jules shakes his hand, while the shorter man wanders into the apartment looking for something.

“Please, come in” Simon says, moving to the side to allow Jules into the home.

“Johnny, could you bring the kids here to meet Jules?”

“Already on it!” Johnny said as he walked out of the hall with both kids on his hips. Placing them down, he says, “This is Jules! Jules, this here is Elle, and this is Oliver.” smiling proudly.

Jules looks between the girls then between the men, and smiles a knowing smile.

“It's nice to meet you kids, are you ready to have fun?” she said, her voice full of joy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simon and Johnny wave the girls goodbye as they set out for their date night. Simon picked the place, it was a nicer restaurant in town a short walk from the apartments. Both men dressed up into nicer clothes, and styled their hair. While walking Johnny decided to be a little bold. They haven't really expressed their love for each other, johnny didn't even know if Simon liked him, but still he reached his hand out and grabbed Simons hand.

Simon jolted a little, not expecting his hand to be touched, but after realizing who it was, he relaxed into the touch, giving 3 squeezes to Johnny's hand. Johnny could feel a large smile on his face appear, giving 3 squeezes back, and they continued on toward the restaurant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a wonderful date, it went perfectly. They had been seated in a private dining room, candles lit making the room smell beautiful and giving each other a wondrous glow. The food had been even better, cooked to perfection, seasoned very well, it was lovely. But not as lovely as how each other looked under the candle light.

Simons eyes glowed a beautiful sea blue, Johnny's a wondrous forest green, their outfits matching perfectly to each other, complementing each other even.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The evening came to an end, and as the candles dimly glowed. Simon stood, walking to Johnny and holding his hand out for him. Johnny grabbed his hand and they waltzed out of the restaurant back to Simons apartment. Nervous energy floats around the two, neither wanting to ruin the moment. Simon decided at the door to his place he would tell Johnny how he felt. He had to.

They approach the front door, and before they could step inside, Simon turned to johnny and said,

“I like you. Well, more like love, but you know what i mean, i hope anyways..” and before he could continue his rambling, johnny pulled him into a loving embrace, and kissed him.

1.. 2.. Maybe even 3 seconds go by before they pull apart. Simon, in awe of what happened, Johnny ecstatic about it all. And they turn towards the door, and open it up calling out for their kiddos.