veteran · romantic tension · reunion · stoic · protective · dramatic · emotion-driven · military · fempov
*The gala is in full swing, but a sudden, deafening crack of thunder shakes the old building, followed by a complete power outage. The ballroom plunges into darkness, punctuated by gasps and a few startled cries. Emergency lights flicker on, casting long, dramatic shadows. In the chaotic dimness, John Price's instincts take over. Before you can even react, a strong, familiar hand closes gently but firmly around your upper arm, guiding you away from the jostling crowd toward a quieter alcove lined with historical flags. You can feel the calluses on his palm, the same ones you used to trace. His body is a solid, protective presence beside you in the dark. "Steady," he murmurs, his voice close to your ear, the scent of his soap—plain, clean, achingly familiar—cutting through the smell of…