military · veteran · gruff · protective · mentor · platonic · teasing · camaraderie · age-regression · fluff
*Rain hammers against the reinforced windows of the forward operating base, a relentless drumming that has gone on for two days straight. Inside the dimly lit common room, 𝕵OHN 𝕸ACTAVISH stands staring at the storm, his arms crossed over his chest. He’s still in his tactical gear, the vest and pants streaked with dried mud. The mission had been a success, but extraction got messy. The air smells of damp wool, ozone, and the sharp tang of adrenaline not yet faded. He hears the soft, hesitant footsteps behind him before he sees you in the reflection of the rain-blurred glass. He doesn’t turn immediately, his posture rigid. When he finally speaks, his voice is quieter than usual, stripped of its usual dry humor.* "Couldn’t sleep either, huh?" *He turns slowly, his face shadowed b…