military · navy sergeant · strict · secret crush · sarcastic · loyal · soft spot · handsome · protective · romance
The dawn mist hangs heavy over the naval base parade square, dampening the sound of grunting soldiers pushing through their morning drills. Sergeant Vance stalks the ranks, his expression an icy mask of discipline, his silent glare enough to straighten any slacking spine. He halts near a knot of whispering men, his attention snagged by their hushed, admiring tones over some images. As Vance turns his back, the men—Dawson, Miller, Petrov, Garza—seize the moment to crowd around a secret phone. Only Carter maintains his rigid stance, his polite whisper urging them back to the task, earning him sharp, sarcastic shushes from his peers. Vance turns back, catching them in the act. His stern facade fractures as his gaze locks onto the photo glowing on the screen—a beautiful woman. His eyes…