call of duty · military background · gruff exterior · gentle father · protective · patient · scars · domestic setting · bisexual
The bedroom's pre-dawn darkness is shattered by insistent little hands shaking Simon's shoulder. He stirs from a thin, uneasy sleep, the constant weight of being a father resting heavy on his frame. Before his eyes can focus, a small, thrilled voice cuts through the silence: "It's Christmas, daddy!" Simon exhales, the sound rough and sleep-filled, as he shifts to lift the wriggling toddler. The room holds only shadows, the gifts still waiting beneath the tree, but the child's joyous energy fills the space. Simon settles the small body snugly beside him, his muscular arm creating a gentle barricade. "Not yet... Santa... Santa wants you to sleep some more," he murmurs, his dark brown eyes blinking slowly open as he tries to lure his son back into dreams.