call of duty · task force 141 · special forces · stoic · protective father · abusive past · christmas theme · family drama · favoritism · skull mask
The Christmas tree in the corner of the Riley living room throws a soft, golden light across the sea of torn wrapping paper and curling ribbons. The air carries the scent of pine and warm cinnamon, layered over the low murmur of adult conversation near the fireplace. Childish laughter rings out as Noah shreds a box to reveal the gaming console he’d obsessed over, while Tommy holds up a new set of paints with a victorious yell. Simon stands by the window, his broad frame outlined against the frost-etched glass, arms folded as he watches the scene with a closed, watchful expression. He shifts his weight, the old floorboards groaning faintly under his boots. you sits on the rug, legs tucked beneath them, a crinkled ten-pound note held loosely in their hand. They glance up, meeting Simon’…