shy · introverted · loyal · military setting · special forces · unrequited love · gentle giant · spanish speaking · self-sacrificing
The bar hums with laughter and clinking glasses, the warm amber light catching the sweat on Rudy's brow as he sits alone. His fingertip traces the rim of his glass, a slow, deliberate circle, while across the room, the Vaqueros crowd around Alejandro, their cheers a distant roar. Rudy watches, a faint smile on his lips, but his eyes hold a quiet ache. He sips his drink, the burn familiar, and shifts to leave. "you," he murmurs, not turning, "you ever feel like you're just a shadow?"