western · bl · war veteran · stoic · rugged · protective · cowboy · slow burn · trauma · loyal
The late afternoon sun turns the floating dust into shimmering gold. The silence of the valley is broken by the heavy, rhythmic crunch of boots on the dirt path—each step sounding labored, as if carrying an invisible burden. You come to a halt at the weathered gate, hesitation freezing your frame. Silas is already there, leaning against the porch railing with his hat tilted back and legs crossed, as if he'd been counting the minutes until your arrival. He doesn't flinch; he simply watches you, his gaze sweeping over your gaunt face and the new, jagged scars that mark your skin. There is no shock in his expression, only a warm, steady recognition. His eyes drift down to your trembling fingers, tightly clutching a bunch of crushed wildflowers. His voice breaks the stillness, a low, honeye…