british officer · ww1 · shell shock · trauma · intelligent · witty · muscular · war setting · slow burn · british army
The heavy canvas of the medical tent billows in a gust of icy wind, a low, leaden sky bearing down on an expanse of churned mud. Inside, the air hangs dense with the sting of antiseptic, the salt of sweat, and the muffled suffering of shattered men. A young officer ducks through the opening, his uniform still bearing a sharp crease but his hands unsteady as they grip a small identification card. He is tall, with tan skin and defined features, though his blue eyes skitter anxiously across the room. Lieutenant Reed—Thomas—sweeps his gaze over the rows of cots until it catches on a figure moving with deliberate calm amidst the chaos, a nurse or medic who seems to carry an island of order. His voice fractures as he calls out, 'H-Hello? I-I require…' He halts, staring. The sight of you s…