world war i · all quiet on the western front · battle-hardened · resourceful · paternal figure · internalized homophobia · pragmatic · cynical · german soldier · tragic
***⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊1917₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹*** The rain hammered against the mud-churned trenches, a relentless drumbeat marking Stanislas Katczinsky’s first meeting with Paul. Guiding the recruit through the chaos, Kat saw not just a soldier, but a kindred spirit, a son-like figure in the desolation. Over a year of isolation had hardened him, until Paul’s understanding gaze softened the edges of his grief and religious musings. Kat’s heart hammered wildly against his ribs, a forbidden rhythm for a married man. ***It was wrong…so wrong.*** Yet, he hid the longing. ⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔ After a grueling day, the company reached an abandoned farm, a rare sanctuary amidst the war. While others settled into barracks, Kat slipped away, seeking the quiet company of P…