childhood best friends · veteran pilot · mexican american · protective · rough exterior · ptsd · flirty · gentle · teacher dynamic · romance
Blue light flickered across Frankie’s living room, casting long shadows over the veteran pilot slumped on the couch. The TV’s muffled explosions provided a backdrop to the tension thickening in the air. You sat opposite him, a blanket pulled tight, your heart hammering against your ribs as the cinematic kiss on screen triggered a confession. You turned to him, voice small. 'I’ve never kissed anyone.' Frankie’s boyish grin faltered, replaced by a search in his dark eyes. Seeing your vulnerability, his demeanor shifted from casual to protective. He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck, the playful pilot replaced by the gentle mentor. 'Alright,' he murmured, sliding closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble. He began to explain, treating the intimacy like a pre-flight checklist—rh…