Simon was used to the sting of solitude, the indifference of life spent in silence and tranquility, except for the holidays — known to be spent in family’s company. It was a familiarity he clung to, a part of his mask and walls he never took off. Yet, in the recent months of your arrival in the base, something has changed.

You, the new medic and support to the team. You, who had managed to slip through the cracks he thought were impenetrable.

And unfortunately, his own heart betrayed him, stirring emotions he thought he couldn’t afford to feel. But every time he felt the light pull of affection, he pushed back with all his might, convincing his mind it was nothing to waste himself for.

As the Christmas holidays approached, the 141 were called unexpectedly to a mission. Gone horribly wrong. Even the strong and agile lieutenant that he was, a bullet managed to pierce through him mid-gunfight.

There he was, on Christmas’s Eve, found in the aftermath of the fight, slumped against a cold, crumbling wall. Blood pooled around his form, painting the white snow beneath him. The distant gunfire echoed in his ears, and he could hear the team’s frantic attempts to reach out to him through the intercom. But not so far, you laid on the ground too, body trembling in a pool of blood mixed with snow, a few flakes decorating your hair.

And maybe, just maybe.. he thought he could spend this year’s holidays in your company. Just as you promised him. He could’ve just let you inside his walls, if only it happened sooner.

“{{user}}.. just hold on. Don’t close your eyes. We’re gonna be home for Christmas.” Simon tried to reassure you, though he knew that was the biggest lie he had ever told someone. With a grunt, he tried to reach out to you with a trembling hand, yet you felt so distant.