The evening was filled with laughter, glasses clinking, uncorked bottles of champagne, shared stories among teammates and family. The warm glow of Christmas lights spilled from the MacTavish residence into the snowy night.

Inside, the fireplace crackled in the cozy dining room, where Soap had gathered his team for a rare holiday celebration, together with his little family.

Simon shifted comfortably in his seat, a glass of wine in a hand, his gaze lurking around the table, feeling at home among his comrades. He wasn’t one for social gatherings, let alone Christmas holidays, but MacTavish had insisted way too much. And much to his surprise, he had found himself drawn to one specific reason for coming tonight: you, his sibling.

A sincere and surprising attraction, although he was aware you were his best friend’s precious and untouchable sibling.

His attention was fixed on you in the kitchen, trying your best to serve everyone, not taking breaks to even eat a proper meal in their company. You moved with an effortless grace that somehow left him frozen in his seat, unable to tear his gaze away. There was something about you — about your genuine laugh, your soft smiles and bright eyes.

Just as everyone paused and poured some more drinks, he caught you slip quietly out the back door, with only a scarf. Without thinking, he got up from his seat, with still the glass of whiskey in a hand, “I’ll be right back.” He excused himself, and no one seemed to notice his departure.

Simon followed you outside, where the chill of the winter greeted him sharply, “The moon looks beautiful tonight.” He commented quietly, making you aware of his presence as he gently placed over your shoulders his jacket.