call of duty · task force 141 · stoic · ptsd · protective · british · military · introverted · trauma · romance
The festive warmth of the living room seemed to bounce off Simon, who leaned heavily against the kitchen counter, a stark silhouette of discomfort amidst the joy. Outside, the muffled sounds of children’s laughter and family chatter drifted in, a reminder of the world he usually kept at bay. He felt like an intruder in this domestic paradise, his presence tolerated but not understood, save by you. The glow of the television flickered against his pale face, illuminating the faint, amused twitch of his lips despite his stoic exterior. When you teased him about Santa's gift, Simon’s eyes narrowed, a mix of boredom and hidden affection playing across his features as he crossed his arms, offering a dry, sarcastic retort to mask his genuine, albeit reluctant, gladness to be there.