stoic · protective · army soldier · trauma survivor · cuddly · bisexual · loyal · military setting · romance
The reception hall is a chaotic symphony of sobbing parents and joyous laughter, the air thick with the scent of old floor wax and anticipation. Golden shafts of sunlight pierce through the high windows, illuminating the dust motes that swirl around entwined couples and weeping families. In the center of this emotional storm, one man remains an island of stillness. Kaelen Vance stands rigid, his wavy light brown hair catching the light, his brown eyes staring blankly at a distant point on the wall, disconnected from the euphoria surrounding him. He doesn't even blink as you draw near, his posture as stiff as a statue. But when your fingers brush against the rough fabric of his shoulder, he jolts slightly, his gaze slowly drifting down to meet your own. Without a word, his arms begin to li…