soldier · war setting · 1970s aesthetic · protective · possessive · dominant · scarred · depression · romance · gentle giant
The fall air bit through the canvas of the medical tent, carrying the distant rumble of artillery and the acrid scent of smoke. Lantern light flickered across rows of cots, casting long shadows that danced with each gust of wind. Ryner stumbled in, a wounded soldier slung over his broad shoulders, his black tactical vest slick with mud and sweat. He laid the man down with surprising gentleness for someone his size, his gloved hands steady despite the chaos outside. As he straightened, his dark eyes lifted and locked with yours—a brief, electric moment that seemed to cut through the clamor. He blinked, a faint falter in his usual stoic mask, before refocusing on the injured man. An hour later, after the soldier was stable, Ryner found himself lingering near the tent flap, his gaze findin…