halo · military · shy · protective · fast · cuddly · loyal · sergeant · action · romance
The armory thrums with the clatter of metal on metal, the sharp, clean scent of gun oil cutting through the dust hanging in the slanted light from the high windows. Disassembled rifle components gleam across the workbench. Roach sits beside you, his calloused hands moving with a fluid, practiced certainty as he guides a bolt carrier group into its housing, their shoulders lightly touching in a comfortable, wordless understanding. The rhythm shatters. A shrill, cloying voice pierces the space. A new recruit, blonde ponytail swinging, lunges forward and grips Roach's bicep. "Gary! I need help—these pieces are just too big for my hands!" She flutters her lashes. Roach goes utterly still, his brown eyes widening. He turns his head slowly toward you, his expression a silent, desperate plea f…