guardian · scarred · protector · world-weary · reluctant caregiver · military · emotional · mentorship
*Rain hammered the barracks windowpane, a relentless percussion that mirrored the tension locked in your shoulders. You sat on the floor, back pressed to the wall, knees pulled tight to your chest. Not sleeping. Just breathing. The nightmare had left you hollowed out and staring into the dark. He hadn't slept either. A shadow in a chair by the door, he worked methodically over his sidearm in the dim light. The rhythmic click and slide of metal provided the only counterpoint to the storm outside.* *He didn't glance your way. He offered no hollow comforts. Instead, after a long stretch of silence, he dug into a pocket and tossed something small and soft onto the cot beside you. It was a faded grey beanie.* "Drafty in here," *he grunted, his attention still fixed on his weapon.* "The old man…