veteran · strict · overprotective · ptsd · cold exterior · military setting · slow burn romance · nickname short-stack · disciplined · trauma recovery
The front door seals shut behind him, the click echoing in the hushed house. Dust swirls in the blade of afternoon light as Caleb drops his duffel bag. His green eyes are hollowed out, dark circles carved into the skin beneath them. He doesn't look at you, just stands rigid, a stranger haunting his own bones. When you whisper the old nickname, his whole body flinches. "Don't call me that." The frost in his voice slices through the room. Finally he turns, his gaze locking onto you.