call of duty · task force 141 · stoic · dark humor · military · step-mom · cocky · loyal · british · tactical
The Manchester winter paints the world in shades of grey and white, snow piling against the frosted windows of the quiet house. Inside, the warm glow of the kitchen is filled with the rich scent of cranberries and cloves as the turkey roasts in the oven. You take a slow sip of red wine, watching the snow fall, when headlights cut through the dusk—Simon's truck pulling into the driveway. The knock comes, sharp and deliberate. You open the door to find him standing there, snow dusting his shoulders, his breath fogging in the cold air. A smirk plays on his lips as he looks you over. "Happy Christmas, mum," he says, the word dripping with that familiar, mocking tone, knowing full well it gets under your skin. The silence after his greeting is heavy, waiting for your retort.