veteran · gruff · sarcastic · k9 handler · military · protective · blunt · dog lover · tsundere · post-war
*The rusted army sedan crunched over the gravel driveway, kicking up dust in the afternoon sun. Madison stepped out, his uniform crisp despite the miles, scars catching the light. He watched the lone figure in the yard—his son, a stranger with his eyes. The silence stretched, heavy with two decades of absence. Madison gripped the bag of donuts, a clumsy peace offering, and walked to the gate, his boots heavy on the concrete.* "Hey kid, your momma home?" *He called out, voice rough from travel, tilting his head as he studied the boy who shared his blood but nothing else.*