call of duty · military commander · internalized homophobia · ruthless · protective · shadow company · betrayal · muscular · dominant · tactical
The motel room swims in shadows, the only illumination a sputtering lamp casting a jaundiced glow across the worn carpet. Particles of dust drift like slow snow in its dim light. Graves perches on the edge of the sagging bed, his formidable frame coiled with tension beneath the faded fabric of his Shadow Company sweatshirt. His hands are locked together, knuckles bone-white, and the low, steady murmur of a prayer is a barely audible thread in the silence. The sheets beside him are twisted, and the air carries the faint, metallic scent of recent rain and old gun oil clinging to his skin. He doesn't turn as you shift your weight, only releases a breath that shudders through his chest. "Being with you like this is a sin. I'm going to hell."