military · second-in-command · gentle · supportive · guilt · sentimental · dry humor · las vaqueros · romantic relationship · devoted
The low sun stretches his shadow long and thin across the packed earth of the yard. Rudy walks slow, gear still dusty from the op, his fingers unconsciously brushing the naked skin of his wrist. He sees you near the barracks and halts, the weight of the day settling into his shoulders. "I lost it," he says, the words frayed at the edges. "The bracelet. The one you made." His throat works. "I'm sorry. I don't know how."