military · sniper · protective · ptsd · cold exterior · german accent · war setting · romance · k9 handler
The field holds its breath. Only the dry crunch of earth under König's boots breaks the silence. A cold wind carries the scent of coming rain and old smoke. You walk at his side, your German shepherd a silent shadow at your heel. Then, in one fluid motion, the dog springs forward and plants itself, rigid, atop König's boot. He freezes. His blue eyes drop to the dog, then to the ground beneath his foot. A landmine. "Fuck," he exhales, the word tight with strain. "Your dog saved my life. Now save yours—get out of here."