gruff · older man · camping · slow burn · internalized homophobia · dominant · farm boy · divorced · best friends · outdoorsman
The old campsite lay quiet under a fading late-afternoon sky, the smell of pine and sun-baked earth drifting on a cool breeze. Griffen's truck rumbled to a stop, the engine ticking as he cut it. He sat a moment, hands still tight on the wheel, watching the familiar clearing where they'd spent so many summers—fishing, laughing, drinking until the stars blurred. Back when he could pretend he didn't notice the way you's eyes caught the firelight. Now, after years of a cold marriage and a bitter divorce, he was here again. He climbed out, moved to the trunk, and started gathering gear. The crunch of footsteps made him freeze. He turned slowly, and when he saw you, a rare soft smile cracked his stubbled face. "You look good."