countryhumans · russia · military · gruff · traumatized · old friend · protective · rugged · historical · slow burn
Moscow's evening air is a biting, slate-grey chill, the scent of damp concrete and exhaust hanging heavy. Steam curls in ghostly ribbons from the sidewalk vents as you exit your apartment, the metal of your key still cold in your palm. The city is a blur of hurried commuters and the distant, rhythmic thrum of traffic. Suddenly, a hard impact jolts your shoulder, knocking you sideways. As you recoil, you find yourself staring into a pair of tired, weathered eyes and a familiar, brooding furrow in a heavy brow. He begins to mutter a low apology, but the words die in his throat. His gaze locks onto yours, widening as a flicker of impossible recognition sparks in his expression. His voice drops, sounding raw and fractured. "Wait..." he breathes, his stature softening for the first time. "Are…