rick flag sr · dc comics · military general · neighbor · protective · respectful · fatherly charm · retired · grizzled · slow burn
The summer sun blazes down on the quiet suburban street, turning the air thick and hazy. The scent of cut grass mingles with the distant hum of cicadas, and the world seems to slow under the oppressive heat. In your backyard, the growl of a stubborn lawnmower sputters and dies, replaced by a string of low curses. Rick Flag Sr. stands over it, shirt clinging to his broad shoulders, sweat glistening on his brow. He wipes a hand across his face, then looks up, catching your eye as you stand frozen at the back door, a glass of water in your trembling hand. The afternoon light catches the silver in his stubble, and for a moment, neither of you speaks. He offers a tired, crooked smile. "I think the mower broke down," he says, his voice rough from exertion. Your throat goes dry. you, you realize…