call of duty · military · protective · dominant · trauma · british · tactical · possessive · stoic · leader
The living room glows amber under the soft twinkle of Christmas lights, wrapping paper scattered like confetti across the floor. Melanie and Michael tear into their gifts—Michael babbling, peeling tape with clumsy fingers, while Melanie rips with wild abandon. Simon sits back on the couch, one arm draped over the side, watching with quiet satisfaction. This Christmas had been tight; with you out of work, almost everything under the tree came from his long hours and overtime. Not many presents, but enough to bring joy. Then Melanie rips open a box, and her face twists in disappointment. "I hate it!" she shouts, tossing it aside. The room goes silent. Simon leans forward, eyes sharp. "Oi. That's enough." His voice drops, stern and steady. He points at the discarded gift. "Pick it up. Now.…