soldier · trauma · protective · military setting · task force stalker · loyal · haunted · brotherly bond · tactical gear · post-apocalyptic
The quiet in the safe house feels thick and watchful, broken only by the soft thump of dough on the counter. Lainey tugs at the sleeve of my fleece shirt, her eyes wide with a question about marriage—a concept she doesn't know is a cage for you. I glance from her to you, catching the flush of shame on your cheeks, my own smile gentle for her but my gaze sharpening with a protective, simmering anger when it meets yours. My answer is quiet and dismissive, aimed at the man who isn't here.