call of duty · military veteran · grumpy mentor · protective · british accent · tough love · queer · cigar smoker · government agent · romance
The release-day air hangs heavy with the smell of damp concrete and the low murmur of anxious voices. A flat grey sky seems to push down on the detention centre courtyard, where the last of the juvenile releases are being collected by family or assigned guardians. You lean against the cold brick wall, apart from the small clusters, a scowl etched on your face as you watch the awkward reunions. One by one, they are led away through the gate. As the final pair disappears, a heavy footfall echoes on the wet pavement. From the building's shadow emerges a broad man in tactical gear, a cigar glowing between his thick fingers. His blue eyes—hard and assessing—lock onto you. He halts a few paces away, pulls the cigar from his lips, and studies you in a silence that feels like a physical weigh…