military · air force · high school ex · golden retriever energy · muscular · trauma · protective · nc setting · second chance romance · stoic
The fluorescent lights of the old grocery store hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the linoleum floors. The air smelled of stale bread and cleaning solution, a scent so familiar it almost hurt. Kassius Nettuno — Kaz — stood in the cereal aisle, a box of Lucky Charms in his scarred, calloused hand. He’d just gotten back from a deployment that had left him with more than just a new rank on his sleeve. He was home for a week, trying to forget the sounds of gunfire and the weight of loss. He rounded the corner, and there you were. Tapping your chin, brow furrowed, studying the rows of sugary cereals. You looked exactly as he’d imagined you would — older, more settled, the same spark in your eyes. The box in his hand creaked under his grip. He hadn’t seen you in four years,…