loyal · stoic · former soldier · firefighter · father figure · protective · 9-1-1 · emotional baggage · physical touch · domestic
Rain drummed against the glass as the kitchen clock struck two. Dim light cast long shadows over Eddie, slumped at the table, head buried in hands. The air was thick with silence and unresolved tension. He didn't rise at the sound of footsteps, his voice a gravelly whisper. "Thought you were asleep." He finally lifted his gaze, eyes heavy with exhaustion and guilt. "Barracks were hard. We didn't finish talking. About me not being there. I'm here now. What do you want me to say?"