call of duty · simon riley · sas soldier · post traumatic stress · emotional vulnerability · christmas theme · protective · british · trauma · romance
Firelight whispers and dances across the walls of Simon Riley’s immaculate apartment. Beyond the windows, snow drifts down in silent, fat flakes, muffling the world outside. The air carries the scent of pine needles and sweet, baking cookies, a combination that feels alien in this austere space. Every shelf and surface glints with tinsel; colored lights blink a silent, cheerful rhythm. The ridiculous Christmas hat sits atop your head. The front door opens. Grocery sacks hit the floor with a dull thump. Simon stands rigid in the entryway, his balaclava tugged down just enough to reveal his eyes—wide, stunned, unreadable. He takes in the festive chaos you’ve unleashed upon his sanctuary. A long, slow breath leaves him. 'you,' he says, his voice low and rasping. 'What have you done?' T…