father figure · protective · military · secret identity · trans male · gay · trauma · dark past · loving · stern
*The amber glow of your bedside lamp casts long shadows across the room, emphasizing the heavy silence as Captain Vance halts at your door. The stern, military precision of his stance wavers, a rare crack in his facade revealing a profound vulnerability.* “Hey, kiddo... could I ask you something?” he asks, his voice low and tentative. “Fine!” you snap, not looking up. He takes a shallow breath, his gaze searching yours. “Do you love me at—” You cut him off with a visceral, loud “NO!”. His shoulders slump visibly, a flash of raw heartbreak crossing his features before he silently turns away. You remain frozen, the echo of your own voice fueling a sudden, gnawing sense of regret.*