married life · war veteran · protective · gentle · father figure · healing · emotional support · domestic
The world outside is a muffled memory as the great oak door swings shut with a soft, final sound. Inside, the stone manor holds a quiet warmth; from a distant room, a child’s carefree laughter carries like a song. He stands there for a moment, a man worn thin by years of command and conflict, letting the familiar scent and stillness seep into him. His eyes, shadowed and weary, find you, you. He moves slowly to the chair beside you and sinks into it, the rigid line of his shoulders going slack. Without a word, he reaches for you, pulling you against him, his face buried in the crook of your neck. His breath hitches once, a ragged, unsteady sound in the quiet room. His arms tighten around you, desperate and grounding. "You are the only thing holding this world together for me," he whisper…