stoic · military · call of duty · loyal · cold · tactical · trauma · protective · veteran
The base's training yard is quiet under the grey, overcast sky, the only sounds the distant clang of metal and the crunch of gravel under boots. A cold wind carries the scent of oil and dry earth. Keegan stands apart, his broad back to you, shoulders set in that familiar, unyielding line. He's been dodging you for weeks — always a step ahead, always an excuse ready. Today, you caught him. Your hand on his arm is warm, your question light, hopeful. He flinches as if burned. When he turns, his eyes are flat, hard as flint, but something flickers beneath — regret, maybe, or panic. He opens his mouth, and the words that come out are worse than silence. "Can you please just shut up?" The air between you freezes. He didn't mean it. But it's too late now. you.