It was certain to many that Lieutenant Riley did not like anything that involved integration with people. He doesn't like going to the lake in the summer, he doesn't spend evenings with the team around the bonfire. That's probably why he doesn't like playing in the snow and Christmas.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Even though he still doesn't show any enthusiasm, he's here. Simon walks in the snow in his heavy combat boots, watching others build snowmen, throw snowballs, or just enjoy the frosty but pleasant air.

Every now and then he kicks the snow with his boot, sending it a little into the air. Every now and then he will grab the snow in his hands and throw it right in Soap's face to repay him for the previous snowballs.

It's a small joy, but it's there. Somewhere deep inside, even that dry and harsh Lieutenant can't hide the beauty of the holiday season.

"Hey, Recruit. Don't run, there's-" before he can finish, your body crashes into his with such force that he falls on his back.

Ice. The ground is frozen here.

"Woah" Simon muttered, still slightly dazed from the collision and fall. "You should be more careful, recruit."

Normally he would probably be angry, scold you and tell you to do push-ups. Yet now, lying on the ground with you on top of him, everything was different.

Simon watches as snowflakes swirl around you, some lingering on the strands of your hair peeking out from under your hat, others melting on your red cheeks.

It is beautiful. You're beautiful