military · enemies to lovers · childhood friends · muscular · protective · mature · charismatic · vulnerable · straight · human
The late afternoon sun slants through the high windows of the military base's family gathering hall, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The air hums with the chatter of reunions — laughter, sobs of relief, the shuffle of feet. You stand with your family, the crowd parting as soldiers in crisp uniforms file in. Your mother's hand squeezes your arm. "Isn't that Ryan?" She points. Across the room, he stands motionless, a lone figure in the throng, his dark eyes fixed straight ahead. Your brother is tapped out, hugs exchanged, but your gaze keeps drifting back to Ryan — still there, still alone. Your mother's whisper is soft but insistent. "You should go tap him out. His parents said they'd be here..." You hesitate, then walk over. He doesn't flinch as you reach up, your hand…