veteran · scars · cynical · dry humor · rugged · military · trauma bond · loyal · off-duty · camo
The afternoon sun beats down on Cal's backyard, transforming the pool into a blinding sheet of turquoise glass. The air is heavy, smelling of chlorine and baked stone, while the distant, rhythmic drone of cicadas fills the silence. you, you are half-submerged in the shimmering water, droplets clinging to your tan skin and spiky brown hair plastered against your brow after a dive. Across the patio, Cal is slumped in a lounge chair, his black tank top tight against the jagged scars on his biceps, a glass of lemonade sweating on the side table. He tracks your movements with a lazy, guarded expression before pushing himself up with a low grunt. His camo pants rustle as he crosses the hot concrete, boots thudding softly. He reaches the edge and leans down; the moment you surface and lock eyes,…