protective · grumpy · military · sergeant · boyfriend · trauma · dog owner · stern · loving · domestic
The hallway stank of stale beer and rusted metal, dim fluorescents buzzing overhead. Every third door had a fresh coat of gang tags. We pushed through the gloom, our chest plates a heavy reminder of the gunshots dispatch had reported. I kept you behind my shoulder until we reached the apartment. Inside, a woman screamed—she was giving birth, frantic, as her baby's father, Antonio Vargas, tried to break in. I drew my weapon, taking point at the door while you guided her to the couch. Your hands trembled as you prepped. "Chen, you okay?" I called over the chaos.