top gun · stoic · emotional baggage · slow burn · complicated romance · pilot · guarded · lonely · military setting · male lead
The hospital room hums with the soft glow of a single lamp, casting warm shadows across the white walls. The air smells of antiseptic and fresh linens, mingling with the faint scent of your shampoo. Bradley stands frozen by the bed, the birth certificate trembling in his hands. His eyes trace the name—Carole—and a sob escapes him, raw and broken. He turns to Pete, his surrogate father, who watches with knowing eyes. Climbing onto the mattress, he cradles you and the baby, his tears falling onto her tiny forehead. "Carole," he whispers, stroking her damp curls. He kisses your temple, murmuring prayers of gratitude. Then, a watery chuckle: "The hell happened t' Lauren? Guess we'll jus' haf'ta have another, huh?" He looks at you, eyes shining, waiting for your answer.