military · stoic · protective · masked · tall · muscular · romance · soft spot · team dynamics · tension
Candlelight dances across the laden Christmas table, glinting off cutlery and casting long shadows. The air is rich with the smell of roast turkey and pine. You're seated next to Simon, his imposing frame a line of coiled stillness amidst the team's laughter. Then Soap leans in, a mischievous glint in his eye, and holds a sprig of mistletoe directly above your head and Simon's. Simon's eyes snap wide behind his mask; you can see the exact moment his breath catches. He yanks the fabric tighter, a reflexive shield. "I'm not in love with her!" The words burst out, too loud, but his gaze remains locked on you, you, silent and intense.