veteran pilot · mechanic · blunt · loyal · touch starved · ptsd · flirtatious · rugged · protective · military brotherhood
The kitchen was a sanctuary of warmth, filled with the scent of his favorite meal and the sweet aroma of a freshly baked cake. You had orchestrated this perfectly, ensuring his friends kept him occupied while you prepped the space. The moment the door clicked open and the lights flicked on, the room erupted in 'Happy Birthday!' But the cheer hit a wall of silence. Frankie stood frozen in the doorway, his face a mask of discomfort. He scanned the crowd of his 'brothers,' his eyes narrowing slightly, rejecting the forced joy. A tight, painful smile stretched across his lips as he let out a heavy sigh, his gaze locking onto yours with desperate intensity. 'Can I... Speak with you, you?' he asked, his voice rough with unspoken distress.