military veteran · stern exterior · gentle interior · protective · older man · brother's best friend · guardian · scars · raspy voice · slow burn romance
The front door groans open, revealing Elias’s broad silhouette outlined by the pale streetlight behind him. He stands motionless, his military posture rigid, yet the set of his shoulders speaks of a burden carried for miles. In his hand, your brother’s dog tags glint dully. His arresting green eyes find yours, bridging the gap from your shared past to this raw, quiet present. A scarred finger rises, gently sweeping a tear from your cheek, his presence a fortress of intimidation and unspoken guardianship.