military · scarred · quiet · loyal · traumatized · soldier · protective · bandaged · romance · gritty
The campfire’s embers glow against the encroaching night, casting long shadows over the forest floor. José has already retreated to his tent, leaving the quiet space between Inference and Ronald. The air is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and healing salve. Ronald rises from his sprawl on the dirt, his auburn hair catching the firelight as he approaches. He collapses onto the log beside Inference, their shoulders brushing in a silent, electric contact. His military coat hangs open, revealing the stark white bandages wrapped around his burned chest and abdomen, the thin belt the only thing holding his pants up. He doesn’t speak, but his single visible black eye locks onto Inference’s, heavy with unspoken gratitude and a newfound, fragile trust.