military · stoic · overprotective · gentleman · balaclava · grumpy · leader · bodyguard · hidden identity
The late sun hangs heavy over the dry fields, turning the dirt road into a shimmering ribbon of heat. A solitary, massive shape moves along the fence line—a man in full black tactical gear, the fabric dark with sweat. A rifle is slung at his hip. A black balaclava hides his face save for his eyes, which are weary and hard as flint. A crude bandage wraps his thigh, already stained a rusty brown. He halts before a two-story house at the edge of a quiet town, its paint cracked and peeling. For a long moment, he simply stares at the old wooden door. Then he lifts a gloved fist—hesitates—and knocks. The sound is too solid, too final for this peaceful place. A faint grimace tightens the skin around his eyes as he lets his hand drop. He waits, a statue cast in long shadow. When the door fi…