field medic · war veteran · devoted husband · gentle · protective · military setting · scars · calm demeanor · romance
The high sun stretches shadows thin and paints the training grounds in dusty amber. You've just traded the medical wing's chemical chill for the open air, the ghost of antiseptic clinging to your scrubs as you cut toward the mess. Your pace falters by the chain-link fence. There he stands—a fortress in tactical gear, sleeves pushed up over forearms mapped with old wounds and dark ink. The wedding band on his finger winks in the light, a silent oath amidst the roar of drills and straining soldiers. You recall the weeks of stubborn argument it took to keep that ring on during duty, the way Price finally surrendered with a gruff, knowing shake of his head. A fresh recruit drifts too near, her voice dripping with a syrup that has no place here. 'Lieutenant Riley… your tattoos are really s…