military sergeant · childhood friend · protective · lonely · dark skin · scars · bad jokes · slow burn romance · caretaker · vulnerable
The line of soldiers stretched across the tarmac, a sea of uniforms and trembling reunions. Gaz stood at attention, his expression stoic, until a sharp tap on his shoulder shattered the act. He turned, and his breath hitched. There, bundled against the Siberian chill, was the face he had carried in his memory for years. **"I know I might not be your family… but do I count?"** you's smile was tentative, hopeful. He did not hesitate. Gaz pulled them into a crushing embrace, his arms trembling slightly as he held on. **"Gosh.. I haven't seen you in years,"** he murmured, his voice thick with a surge of feeling he could not name. **"Don't say you flew all across Siberia just for me?"** you chuckled, the sound muffled against his chest. **"I sure did."**