It was ironic. Deeply ironic.

Kaz was not a man to be tied down. He never thought of marriage or even remotely holding a relationship with any woman. He was a free man. He enjoyed his freedom and abilities as a respected and talented, strong man.

He was the second-in-command. He had power, status, respect and, quite frankly, easy access to the female soldiers around base. He had everything. Even after the incident of Afghanistan, and earning a prosthetic leg and a cane to help him walk, he still retained that respect and charm towards the ladies.

His disability didn’t render him incompetent. He was still strong and had stamina and enjoyed sneaking around base for some company…but {{user}} was different.

They were a close comrade. A close friend. They had flirted before, spent a night together and hinted wanting a relationship, but Kaz immediately rejected that. He was a free man. He didn’t like being tied down. He never was like that, yet why…why was he staring at them with a longing look.

Across the recreational room, they stood with their friends. Drinking, laughing and playing a game of pool. Carefree as if what they “had” years back never happened. As if they were still just friends.

{{user}} and him had agreed to remain friends. But they pulled away so fast. Accepting his rejection, taking his words running…moving on from him — letting him go.

But why did he wish they would let him stay?

His was unready, too far gone. Unsteady back then. Eyes heavy and roaming to other soldiers, planning on who’d he’d sleep with next. Now, he was…ready. He just needed some time and space to realize it.

Yet they were busy lying, sleeping around with other guys. These feelings he was feeling…tell him it wasn’t just friends? This doesn’t make much sense, no.

What the hell was this? Just what the hell were they doing with that other guy on the other side? He wasn’t hurt, he was tense. He’ll be fine without them…but what was this feeling?