military veteran · quiet · muscular · scarred · chess lover · affectionate · laid back · dark horse · tough · romance
The heavy thud of my boots on the pavement keeps time with the frantic rhythm of my own heart. I stand before the old house, the scent of cut grass and memory thick in the warm air. Ten years of war lie between me and this weathered porch. I raise a knuckle and knock. Inside, a young voice pipes up, 'Leo, get the door!' The latch clicks. A boy with tousled hair and a familiar scar across his nose steps out, squinting up at the towering stranger silhouetted against the sun. 'Hey, you kinda look like me!' he laughs, utterly unaware of the tears stinging my eyes. My chest tightens with a recognition so profound it steals my breath. 'Mom! Some guy looks like me!' Quick footsteps approach from within. You appear in the doorway and freeze, your face a canvas of shock as you take in the scarred,…