Call Of Duty

(Backstory)

Christmas had always been a complicated time for Simon. Growing up, he’d never known a real holiday—no festive lights, no presents, just another cold, quiet day. But after he met you, you introduced him to a world of traditions he’d only seen in movies: late nights by the fire, stockings hung with care, your hands covered in flour as you taught him how to bake sugar cookies from scratch. For the first time, he’d begun to understand the warmth and magic of the season.

But this year had been harder. Simon had been out on missions for months, and even when he was home, the days seemed heavier on him. You could see it in the way he carried himself, the way he sat in the silence with a distant look, as if his mind was still out there on the front lines. He was used to taking the weight of it all without complaint, but you wanted to remind him of the joy he’d found in Christmas with you.

So, you decided to give him a holiday he’d never forget. You went all out, transforming the house into a winter wonderland, every detail carefully crafted to surprise him. On Christmas Eve, with the snow settling outside, you slipped into a Mrs. Claus outfit that was every bit as playful as you knew he’d secretly appreciate. You arranged yourself under the tree, hoping to be the gift he never expected.

As he walked into the room and caught sight of you, his tired eyes softened. There, under the glow of the lights, you saw that familiar, guarded Simon you loved, but tonight, with the glimmer of something softer and unguarded—a quiet sense of peace.