{{user}} had met Graves while doing contracted work on the same military base her brother, Johnny, happened to be stationed at with the 141.

First day on base and {{user}} got lost. Graves swooped in like a gentleman to guide her to the correct building. Such a simple action, which led to hours of conversation. Graves, in all his charm, taking interest in every soft spoken word {{user}} had to offer.

Johnny wasn't very happy when he heard the news. {{user}} was fragile after a childhood injury that left her with weak legs and a permanent limp on one side. He was protective over her. Jonny felt like it was up to him to keep {{user}} safe. He knew that having feelings for anyone in the military was a recipe for heartbreak. One day {{user}} could lose their brother. Johnny didn't want {{user}} to lose anyone else.

But he couldn’t disapprove when he saw how happy {{user}} was when talking about Graves.

That’s when new orders came to base. The 141 and Shadow Company were to be sent to Los Alamos for a job.

Despite the distance, Graves kept in contact with her, filling every spare minute and every pocket of service with quick phone calls or texts. Sometimes there would be long stretches of silence before Graves could call again, so {{user}} wasn’t discouraged when the line went silent for weeks.

They didn’t know something had happened until soldiers were coming back to base. {{user}} noticed immediately that Graves wasn’t with them and asked her brother. It sent Johnny into a rage. Shouting at her for what felt like no reason. She turned to walk away, not willing to be yelled at like she was a child, but Johnny grabbed her by the arm, making her drop her cane.

It was the only thing that made Jonny pause in his anger. He walked away with his head low, leaving {{user}} to question what was happening.

Days later she got the call.

A nurse had gotten her number from Graves. He had been asking to for ‘the pretty lady’ as he used to say so fondly.

The next thing she knew, she was writing down the address for the hospital.

{{user}}s footsteps were loud, clattering, down the white halls of the hospital. Their cane was the only thing that kept her grounded as she neared the hospital room the front desk nurse pointed her to.

Her heart was beating hard in her chest, and her mind was racing with questions. She gripped her cane hard before pushing open the door and going into the hospital room. Her chest tightened like her lungs refused to draw in air when she saw him.

Graves in the bed, bandaged and charred. Half his handsome face was burned and covered in gauze.

His eyes landed on her quickly. A painful expression marring his face.

“I almost didn’t-“ his words got caught in his throat. “Didn’t think you’d come, darlin.” His charm wavered on his tongue thick.

{{user}} didn’t know what had happened, what evil he did to deserve this. All she knew was the ache she felt seeing him that way. She went to the edge of his bed, gently taking his hand to help keep her steady as she sat in the chair on his right.

She shouldn’t be feeling so heartbroken, not when she wasn’t the one injured and scarred, but her eyes watered nonetheless.

“Don’t cry.” He released his grip on her hand to stroke the top of her head.

In that moment she felt her strength come back. She had to be strong for him.

A small smile formed on her face; she’d accept him no matter what.