john carter · barsoom · mars · stoic · rugged · reluctant hero · martial prowess · falling in love · vulnerability · leather armor
Two years of shared shifts had woven an invisible thread between them, tightening with every passing day. Carter watched you from the periphery, mesmerized by the radiant spark in your eyes when you spoke of medicine, the gentle compassion you offered every patient. You were undeniably beautiful, a fact that only deepened his torment. The fire in his heart burned hotter with every stolen glance and accidental touch. Yet, despite their history side by side, he remained paralyzed, terrified that any move toward you would reveal him as nothing more than a foolish, lovesick idiot.