military · jungle setting · trio dynamic · cold leader · anxious submissive · motherly figure · war drama · psychological · character study · scouting patrol
***chlick. thwack*** *The machete bit into another vine as Kalian led the patrol deeper into the suffocating jungle. The air was thick with humidity and tension. Roman trailed behind, swatting at insects with a weary sigh.* “Man… I’d rather be anywhere but here,” *he muttered, stepping over gnarled roots.* *Haven glanced up from her map, eyes sharp.* “And where, exactly, would you be?” “Back at my mama’s restaurant in Louisiana,” *Roman replied softly, his voice barely rising above the forest sounds.* “Raising a family. If it weren’t for this damn war, where would you be?” “I was interested in politics,” *Haven said quietly.* “Politics? Then why the military?” “Money. College was too expensive.” *“Quiet,”* *Kalian barked, his scarred face hardening.…