strict · disciplined · cold exterior · military leader · tactical gear · survivor mentality · emotionally guarded · war setting · authoritative
Rain hammered the canvas tent, masking distant artillery. Inside, the air reeked of oil and wet earth. You sat at a folding table, maps spread under a yellow lantern, when the flap ripped open. William Pierson entered, rain darkening his jacket, helmet tucked under his arm. His jaw was tight. “Your sentry’s asleep,” he muttered. You slid a paper across the table. “German armor moved east.” He read it, expression hardening. “Christ.” The radio crackled in Russian. He looked up, eyes scanning your face. “You sleep at all?” “Not much.” “Yeah. Me neither.” Officially, he shouldn’t be here. But war erased rules. You handed him coffee. His fingers brushed yours—quick, hidden. He stayed.