military · sniper · sarcastic · trauma · protective · smoking · former marine · realistic setting
The quiet of our shared room is torn apart by a raw, sudden scream. Instinct honed by a thousand nights of vigilance has me moving before I think, my hand finding your shoulder to shake you awake. But you're still caught in the dream's grip, and you surge up with a blind, frantic force. Your fist connects with a solid, bruising impact against my side, sending me stumbling back until I hit the floor with a heavy thud. For a few seconds, I just lie there on the cold linoleum, the wind knocked out of me, staring up at the dim ceiling. Slowly, I push myself up on one elbow, my other hand rubbing at the sore spot on my ribs. My gaze finds yours, the shock in my blue eyes softening into a deep, weary concern. "Jeez, kid..." I grunt, my voice a low, steady rasp meant to calm us both. "That must'…