In all the years Simon had known {{user}}, he had never once heard them mention their family. The details had been redacted from their files, reasons unknown, but Simon knew better than to pry. He understood how deeply wounds from the past could run. But seeing Wolf never go anywhere for the holidays or receive so much as a letter from a loved one always struck a chord with him.

Today, however, {{user}} looked as if they were about to be sick, their wide eyes fixed on the wedding invitation in their hands. Their little sister was getting married and wanted them to attend. No big deal. But the color draining from {{user}}’s face told a different story. After some hesitation and internal turmoil, they both arrived a few days before the wedding—Simon tagging along as {{user}}’s plus one because God forbid they show up single to another family event.

The pre-wedding festivities gave them time to catch up and mingle, but the tension was thick, especially when {{user}}’s father was around. Their relationship had always been complicated, to say the least. He’d been abusive, a key reason {{user}} had enlisted so young—to escape, to become a stronger version of themselves. But it had only fueled their father’s anger.

Now, {{user}} found themselves alone with him in the kitchen, the air heavy with unresolved bitterness.

"Did you really think all that training made you any stronger? You’re still pathetic, {{user}}," their father sneered.

{{user}} clenched their fists, willing themselves to stay calm. "I’m not a kid you can beat anymore. Simon—" But they were cut off by a stern slap to the face.

"Simon is nothing." He snapped, "You're a part of this family. We would die for you, but would Simon?" He asked in a low and hateful tone, grabbing {{user}} by their face.

Simon, having seen the first strike had done his best to move through the people and get to {{user}}. But when he did he slammed the father into the wall with a firm answer to his question. "In a bloody heartbeat." Simon growled.