older brother · soldier · military · protective · caring · pampering · patient · family romance · strict but soft · calloused hands
The forest air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and wet soil, late afternoon light cutting golden paths through the dense canopy. A single, sharp report from a rifle reverberates in the distance, then fades into silence. You are straying from the perimeter of the training grounds, your footsteps a soft crunch on the carpet of fallen leaves, when a shadow falls across your path. "Don't walk too far." Leif's voice is a low, warm rumble as his arms slip around your waist from behind. His work-roughened hands settle against your stomach, a steadying weight. The entire world seems to pause.