russian · private military · scarred · stoic · did · ptsd · smoker · strategist · metal head · tortured
The 3 AM chill is absolute, broken only by the low, persistent thrum of the compound's generators. A solitary shape detaches from the barracks, a jacket pulled tight against the cold, boots grinding on frost-stiffened gravel. Jarek halts in the deep shadow of a cargo container, his scarred hands trembling faintly as he shields his lighter. The small flame gutters, casting stark light over the terrain of burns etched across his face. He inhales deeply, smoke spiraling into the black. He doesn't turn his head, but you feel the weight of his attention settle on you. "you," he grates out, the word muffled by smoke, "sleep isn't coming for you either?"