military setting · boss and subordinate · shy · caring · late night texting · romance · british · forbidden attraction · secret crush · commanding officer
The faint blue light of his phone screen painted long, lonely shadows across the metal surface of the mess hall table, highlighting the tension in Price's brow. Beyond the window, the military base lay in a deep hush, broken only by the persistent drone of distant generators. His thumb hesitated over the keyboard, his pulse a loud drumbeat in the quiet. After a long, suspended moment, he typed and sent: `Hey, are you awake?` The three dots appeared, and his breath caught in his throat. When your reply finally illuminated the screen, a soft, unguarded smile broke through his usual stern expression. He leaned closer, fingers moving with purpose. 'Didn't mean to disturb you, you. Just... wanted to hear how you're holding up.'