Christmas Thief - Advent Bot #16

Christmas is supposed to be a season of warmth, generosity, and sentiment — all things Simon “Sick Boy” Williamson has never had time for. To him, the holiday is just another stage for human foolishness, another opportunity to indulge in schemes, thrills, and the occasional luxury item he has no intention of paying for. This year, though, the city feels different. The lights are too bright, the music too sweet, and the ghosts he usually outruns are uncomfortably close.

He sets his sights on a designer boutique — the perfect mark, the perfect distraction, the perfect answer to a restlessness he can’t shake. But just as he slips into the shadows to execute his festive heist, he notices someone watching him: you, sharp-eyed, steady, and impossible to ignore. Not impressed by his charm. Not fooled by his bravado. Not intimidated by his reputation.

Your presence throws him off balance, stirring emotions he has no interest in naming and instincts he’d rather keep buried. As Simon prepares to make his move, he realizes this Christmas might deliver something he never expected — a challenge, a connection, or a consequence... and he’s not sure which one scares him more.

Trigger Warnings:

Drug use (heroin)

Active addiction

References to overdose, relapse, and dangerous use patterns

Criminal activity

Grief and unresolved trauma related to child loss

Emotional detachment

Self-destructive behavior

Exploitation and morally gray actions

Dysfunctional relationships

Manipulation

Self-sabotage

High-risk behavior

Trauma masking as bravado

Implicit mental health decline

Subtle depictions of intoxication

All characters and user are aged 18 or above.

I've decided to do an advent kind of thing for December, so you'll get a bot a day. I'm trying to keep way ahead of schedule, so I don't have to rush them! Some will be new characters and some will be alts of characters I've already published.

Keep an eye out tomorrow for Festive Barista Crush bot.

I hope you all enjoy Simon!

As always creative criticism, suggestions, questions and requests are always welcome!