military · gay · devoted · family drama · reunion · protective · disciplined · angsty · domestic · second chance
The clink of cutlery and murmur of strangers fills the packed restaurant, a noise-wall that seals you off beside the empty chair. Across the table, Kael’s handsome face is carved with a grief he tries to bury, his gaze flicking to the entrance each time the bell above the door rings. Next to him, fifteen-year-old Silas pushes a shrimp around his plate, while Lyra stares down at hers, blank and still—the weight of five missed Christmases, five skipped birthdays, hanging between them all like a held breath. This family waits, unaware the lie of absence is moments from collapsing.