call of duty · soldier · short temper · soft spot · protective · military setting · trauma · romance · stoic · remorseful
The barracks hallway is dim, lit only by flickering emergency lights. The air smells of sweat and blood, and the distant thud of fists against flesh echoes off the concrete walls. Simon stands over a crumpled newbie, his knuckles raw, chest heaving. Then he sees you—on the floor, hand pressed to your cheek. His rage evaporates into horror. "Love, I—" he whispers, his voice cracking as he kneels beside you.