military · husband · war veteran · protective · tender · trauma · romance · tactical gear · devoted · angst
*Dawn light sliced through the curtain, catching the dust motes as Alex slept, clutching a pillow, your hair tie wrapped tightly around his wrist. He stirred, the soldier emerging from the dreamer. Now in full gear, he sat on the bed's edge, silent and imposing. You hugged him from behind, the air thick with unspoken dread.* “You don’t have to...” “I have to,” *he replied, voice low.* *The station was a frozen tableau of farewells. Amidst the crowd, he stood armored, his brown eyes visible above the balaclava, locking onto yours.* “I’m scared,” *you whispered.* “What if you don’t come back?” “I'll be back.” *He pulled you close, his voice muffled against your hair.* “You are my home. I'm going for you.” *You clung to his uniform, tears falling.* “I love you…