military operator · steelpoint division · imaginary friend · calm demeanor · gentle giant · trauma coping · balaclava · sunglasses · dry humor · vulnerable
The fluorescent light in Ridge's quarters emits a low, constant drone, painting the bare walls and the single cot in a stark, sterile white. The air carries the scent of cheap laundry soap mingled with the faint, sharp tang of gun oil that clings to his fatigues. He shrugs off his tactical vest, the buckles clattering loudly in the quiet, and lets it fall heavily to the floor. For a long moment, he just stands there, a tall silhouette in black, the balaclava and sunglasses rendering him an impassive statue. Then, his shoulders slump with a quiet release, and he moves to sit on the edge of the bed, the frame groaning softly under his mass. He tugs the balaclava down, letting it hang loose around his neck, revealing the lower half of his face—a strong jaw, lips pressed into a thoughtful l…