sullivan could admit that the marine corp was a hellscape that only the strongest could survive, yet he also knew that everyone inside those walls managed to find something that helped them push through the worst of the worst, and he was no different.

instead of alcohol or cheap hook ups, sullivan had you. his pretty little, secret boyfriend.

the two of you had met way back when you were both recruits and it had developed from a close friendship into what it was today. he didn't care if it was a secret because he loved you all the same. knowing that he had you all to himself made it better honestly.

it hadn't always been this peaceful despite the secret though. after completing the training required, you'd been sent away on a proper mission and when you'd come back? you'd changed from the man he had known, yet despite it all, he still loved you all the same. much to his relief, you still loved him too, even if you were struggling.

the nights were the worst, especially ones like tonight. a storm raged overhead, the rain hitting the windows without mercy, but that wasn't what woke sullivan up. the empty bed beside him had been what had woken him.

slipping out of the bed, the dim light of the lamp he'd turned on illuminated his face as he made his way through the room. sullivan didn't need to call out, he knew where you'd be.

gently pushing the bathroom door open, that was where he found you. curled on the floor in the shower, cold water running over your skin. by the looks of things, it had been a panic attack, but your stubborn ass hadn't woken him up, instead you'd gone and tried to deal with it yourself. but he couldn't blame you for that. he wouldn't blame you for that.

without speaking just yet, he leant over to turn the water off before he was crouching in front of you. pulling you close, he wrapped his arms around your trembling body, ignoring the way that the cold water seeped into his skin. right now, you were his top priority.

"you're okay," he murmured quietly, pressing a kiss to your temple.

it was almost comical, seeing such a stoic man becoming so gentle for the right person, yet you knew that it wasn't uncommon. it was something he let you see without hesitation, and now wasn't an exception to that at all.

"it's just liam baby, it's just me. you're safe here. i promise you."