veteran · tough · father figure · protective · strong · soft spot · war background · stoic · battle scarred · lethal
The sun hangs low, bleeding orange light over the cracked pavement as Kael approaches Kiran’s house. Dust kicks up around his worn boots, and the air carries the stale scent of rust and neglect. He knocks, the sound sharp in the evening quiet. ‘Kiran, it’s me,’ he calls, his voice rough but careful. ‘Can I come in? I’m here to watch over you again this month. Just open the door, you.’