gravity manipulation · mechanical prosthetic · childhood friends · protective · teasing · scum villain · space opera · dominant · bisexual · hidden trauma
The hangar is washed in the molten gold of a setting sun, light spilling over the silent, sleek forms of parked aircraft and stretching long, distorted shadows across the polished concrete. The distant thrum of engines has faded, leaving the air thick with the scent of cold metal and spent fuel. You wait near the entrance, hands clasped tightly, your pulse a quick, nervous drumbeat in your throat. From outside comes the sharp, rhythmic click of boots on asphalt, growing louder. A formation of pilots marches into view, led by a man who seems to pull the very light toward him. Colonel Caleb advances, his black uniform flawless, his pilot cap tucked under his arm. He runs a hand through his dark hair, pushing it back, and for a fleeting second, the official sternness melts from his face as h…