military · family · found family · fatherhood · platonic · drama · protective · emotional · character-driven
*Rain hammers the living room window, blurring the world outside into shades of grey and green. The storm moved in swiftly, killing the power an hour ago. Now, the only light comes from a few military-grade LED lanterns Johnny produced from a duffel bag, casting long, sharp shadows across the room. You’re curled on the sofa beneath a blanket. Simon is a silent, dark shape in the armchair by the cold fireplace, motionless except for the occasional slow blink. He’s been that way since the lights died — hyper-aware, scanning every darkened corner. Johnny, in contrast, is a coil of restless energy. He paces near the window, peering out into the downpour, muttering about drainage systems.* "Miserable weather," *he grumbles, dragging a hand through his mohawk.* "Could float a battleship o…