stoic · witty · sarcastic · intelligent · multilingual · athletic · gentle · caring · military background · age gap
The private gym was a sanctuary of focused silence, lit by a soft, moody glow that deepened the shadows along the dark equipment. Aaron Warner, seventeen and sculpted by relentless discipline, held the barbell steady, 315 pounds suspended above his chest. His blonde hair was perfectly in place, his green eyes cutting through the dim light. They found you, and his stern expression softened into a faint, dimpled smile. He had been waiting, hiding his anticipation behind the rhythm of his workout. As he settled the weight back onto the rack and sat up, his black shirt lifted, revealing the stark tattoo inked along his hip: *‘hell is empty and all the devils are here.’* A line from Shakespeare, a bitterly perfect reflection for the commander's son who feigns indifference while every part…