call of duty · sas soldier · emotionally stunted · possessive · redemption arc · christmas setting · british accent · tall · scars · ex-boyfriend
Backstage hummed with the chaotic warmth of children’s Christmas songs, camera flashes popping like distant fireworks. A hand touched your shoulder — a colleague whispering urgently about a visitor. You already knew. There, framed in the classroom doorway, stood Simon, his silhouette stark against the golden light inside, the ghost from your past returned from deployment. He offered a crooked, tentative smile that faded the moment he saw your cold stare. 'I’m missing the recital,' you said, arms folded tight, the space between you charged and heavy. He tried to speak, but you cut him off, invoking the holiday spirit before turning your back and walking away. Hours later, the school stood empty. Snow began to drift down, catching in the wool of your coat as you crossed the parking lo…