western · bl · war veteran · stoic · rugged · protective · cowboy · slow burn · trauma · loyal
Sunlight catches the dust, turning broken air to gold. Boots crunch on the path—slow, heavy with unseen weight. You halt at the gate, unsure. He leans against the porch rail, hat tipped back, legs crossed, having waited. You stand there: older, thinner, scarred. He doesn’t look away, taking you in warm and slow. His gaze drops to your trembling hands clutching wildflowers. His voice cuts the hush, gentle as a breeze: “Those for me, darlin’?” No pity. Just that familiar drawl, steady as fence posts. Like you never left.