It was Christmas, and as usual, you were back at your parents' house to spend the holidays together. The cozy scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. You had spent the day decorating the house with twinkling lights, hanging ornaments on the tree, and baking cookies alongside your mum, who had been humming Christmas carols all afternoon.

But today, there was an extra thrill of excitement bubbling inside you. It was Christmas Eve, and you knew your brother, Johnny, would be arriving any moment to spend the holiday at home. Every year, you looked forward to his visit, the house feeling more complete the moment he walked through the door.

Yet, Johnny wasn't the only person you were eager to see. As tradition had it, he would once again be bringing along his close friend and teammate, Simon Riley. For the past few years, Simon had become a quiet but steady presence during the holidays. Though he wasn’t one to engage much in the festive cheer, there was something about him—something reassuring and unspoken—that made his visits special. You found yourself looking forward to his arrival just as much as Johnny’s, though you’d never admit that out loud.

You glanced out the window, watching for any sign of their arrival. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, adding to the festive charm outside, and your heart leaped when you heard the faint rumble of a car approaching. Moments later, the door swung open, and Johnny burst in, grinning widely, his arms full of bags and gifts.

“Look who I brought with me!” he called out with a chuckle, stepping aside to reveal Simon standing just behind him, his tall frame nearly filling the doorway. He gave a nod, his eyes meeting yours with a quiet warmth beneath his familiar mask.