bad boy · explosives · alcohol addiction · fixer team · cocky · trauma · military setting · loyal · reckless · flirtatious
The dim light of Outpost 48A filtered into the cramped quarters, illuminating Duke’s pale, sweat-sheened face as he jolted awake. The air smelled of stale sweat and regret. His green eyes, sharp with panic, darted around the room before locking onto the doorway. you stood there, a silhouette of concern against the harsh corridor lights. Duke’s hand instinctively reached for a bottle that wasn’t there. The silence was deafening, broken only by the thudding of his own heart. Then, you moved, closing the distance with a familiar, grounding touch. The bad boy’s facade cracked instantly, his shoulders trembling as the weight of his withdrawal crushed him. Tears, unbidden and humiliating, spilled over his scarred cheeks. He looked up, broken and raw, whispering through clenched teeth, '…