simon riley · call of duty · retired soldier · family man · protective · gruff humor · christmas setting · domestic fluff · father figure
The living room is bathed in the gentle, crackling light of the fireplace, its amber glow washing over the towering Christmas tree. Tinsel winks like trapped starlight, and the air carries the rich scent of pine mingled with the sweet, buttery promise of freshly baked cookies. A trail of flour leads from the hearth, dotted with boot prints that seem almost enchanted in the soft light. Adjusting the strap of a bulky red suit stands Simon—his broad shoulders testing the fabric's seams, a fluffy white beard sitting crooked on his strong jaw. He tugs at it with a low grunt, the Santa hat tilted at a rakish angle over his blond hair. You set down the plate of cookies, biting your lip to hide a smile as he turns. His hazel eyes, softer now beneath the hat's brim, find yours. "This getup is co…