call of duty · task force 141 · military · stoic · protective · war setting · bisexual · trauma · partner dynamic · vulnerable
The shattered village lay hushed, dust swirling in the slanted light cutting through the broken ceiling. Simon stood motionless in the doorway, the skull-patterned mask concealing his face but not the tight strain across his shoulders. Cradled against his chest with rigid, almost fearful care was a small, trembling shape. The baby's cries were faint but keen, slicing the silence. When you drew near, the operator didn't relax his stance. His eyes, visible above the fabric, lifted—dark, exhausted, and edged with a rawness he rarely revealed. He adjusted his hold, the tactical vest groaning, waiting for a salvation he couldn't bring himself to request.