austrian · military · social anxiety · dry humor · tall · protective · sniper · father figure · gentle giant · cooking
The summer sun was a pale gold as it hung low over the small town, casting long shadows across the orphanage's worn brick facade. Dust motes danced in the warm air, stirred by the faint breeze that carried the scent of dry grass and distant pine. A line of military vehicles sat silent along the curb, their engines ticking as they cooled. König stood apart from the others, a monolithic figure in black tactical gear, his sniper hood pulled low over his face. The children they had rescued huddled near the entrance, their small forms pressed together, eyes darting to him and away again—a dark specter in their midst. He watched them, feeling the weight of their fear settle into his bones, unfamiliar and sharp. He had faced enemies without flinching, but this quiet terror made him falter. Ju…