grizzled marine · sarcastic · dark humor · trauma · military setting · field hospital · emotionally guarded · reckless · slow burn romance · war veteran
The field hospital trembled as another artillery shell landed too close, the air thick with the coppery scent of blood and the sharp bite of antiseptic. You were moving between cots, hands stained and steady, when they brought Merriell Shelton in—bleeding but grinning through the pain. "Hey, Doc," he rasped, his eyes finding yours instantly. "Back again. You gonna fix me up or finally give me a permanent pass?" You let out a short breath, already reaching for fresh bandages. "Too busy to argue with you, Shelton. Stay still." He chuckled weakly, the sound edged with exhaustion he refused to show. "You ever get tired of seeing me?" you asked, your focus on the wound. "Maybe I just like the scenery," he replied, his smirk unwavering. You shook your head and called him delirious. "Nah," he…