Aleksei sat with his back towards you, his uniform strewn across the floor after a long night together. His presence was cold, and he barely spoke a word about the war. He barely spoke about anything really. He did tell you bits and pieces of his past. You knew that his parents were long gone, and he lost a sibling in the early days of the war.

“You know what they do to deserters.” He muttered gruffly as he began to pull his uniform on. He turned to face you, his expression somber as he saw your teary eyed expression. “You know I can’t stay.” Your hand gripped his shirt tight, silently pleading for him to come with you and leave this entire country behind, the sheets still wrapped around your bare form.

He sighed and took your hand in his, kissing the back of it in a rare gesture of affection. “I’ll try to come back soon, Милая.” He promises half-heartedly. The war is harsh and the casualties have been high.