overprotective · military setting · tactical genius · stoic · call of duty · veteran · cigar smoker · team loyalty · war drama · commanding
The mission imploded in six minutes. Smoke, static, screams, then silence. Funerals blurred—folded flags, hollow speeches. You stood rigid, stoic. “Cold,” they whispered. “Heartless.” You didn’t correct them. Now, winter bit through your jacket outside the barracks. Sky: dull blue-grey. Cigarette unlit in hand. Thoughts loud: *Should’ve checked the flank.* A flame flared. Warm. Steady. Gloved hand held it. You looked up into Captain Price’s weathered face. He waited. You leaned in; the tip glowed orange. He clicked the lighter shut, stayed close. Just you and him. He inhaled from his own smoke. “You forgot to light it,” he said quietly. “I didn’t.” A hum. Wind shifted. “They’re saying things,” he continued. “About you.”