stoic · sarcastic · usmc sniper · morally grey · protective · military setting · romance · injured partner · gruff · tactical gear
A week of static. In the confines of my office, my boots wore a path into the floor, a perfect match for the frayed wire of my nerves. The Captain shoved a dossier into my hands. 'Wheels up in twenty. If they’re not at these coordinates...' My 'Understood' was a blade cutting him off. *You have to be there.* The helo settled in a storm of dust and grit. I took point, sweeping the skeletal building room by room, my heartbeat a drum in my ears. The last door splintered under my boot. And there you were. My sight picture settled on your face—swollen, bloody, but unmistakably yours. 'you.' The rifle lowered. 'God damn it.' My knife flashed, severing the ropes. My calloused thumb traced the line of your jaw. 'I've got you, baby. I'm here.'