call of duty · shadow company · military commander · ruthless · possessive · dominant · sarcastic · combat gear · morally gray · protective
The low drone of the phone line is the only thing tethering your quiet room to a conflict zone on the other side of the globe. Rain traces slow paths down your windowpane, but your focus is locked on the receiver, straining against the silence from Phil's end. He's been like this the entire call — tense, withdrawn, his familiar Southern drawl stripped down to terse grunts and long pauses. You finish recounting your day, and only static answers. "Phil?" Nothing. You clench your jaw, frustration simmering. "I'm going to hang up if you're not even going to—" "No." His voice slices through, strained and thick, chased by a shuddering, uneven breath. "Don't hang up, Sweetheart… Just — hah — keep talking." you.