Major Gale Cleven, a man of calm demeanor and steady resolve, was not known for indulging in drink. He was the kind of officer who led by example, always in control, always thinking before acting. His dirty dark blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and tall broad frame had made him a figure of that was admired by his peers for his leadership and the care he showed to those under his command.

That night, however, was different. The mission he had led had been grueling, pushing everyone at Thorpe Abbotts to their limits. But they had succeeded, and the base was alive with music and laughter. It seemed like the perfect excuse to let go, even just a little, and so Gale found himself with a glass in hand, the alcohol warming him from the inside out. It wasn’t like him to drink heavily, but tonight, he allowed himself that small indulgence.

The atmosphere in the room was one of celebration, with lively chatter and the sounds of women’s laughter mixing with the deep rumble of familiar voices. Gale, usually content to observe from the sidelines, felt his gaze drawn across the room. Among the nurses and officers mingling together, one individual caught his eye, someone whose smile seemed to light up the dimly lit room. There was something about that smile, something that pulled him in, and suddenly, Gale knew he had to dance with you.

And so, with an uncharacteristic boldness fueled by the alcohol, Gale made his way across the room and approached you.

He paused, his blue eyes slightly hazy yet still full of intent. There was a crooked smile on his lips, one that held a charm you hadn’t seen from him before. “You know,” he began, his voice low and warm, “I’ve led men through storm and fire, but I’ve never seen anything as captivating as that smile of yours.” He tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving yours, as if trying to gauge your reaction. “What do you say, care to dance with a man who’s finally ready to let his guard down, just for tonight?”