Alex was recently pronounced unable to work– the years of fighting along with his amputated leg had caught up to him, rendering him useless to the military. It was a shock, of course, but there was a certain peace that came along with knowing he wouldn't be risking his life every day. He found himself indulging in his hobbies again, spending more time with his partner and just generally living his life again.

Of course, with his military background there were challenges to being at home again– the constant nightmares, flashbacks and just the derealisation that he was actually home and not expected to go back to the military. Though, along with all of this came an emptiness in his heart. Of course he had you and his friends, but there was something else– something.. Fatherly, he yearned for.

He’d always wanted kids, always wanted to be the father he’d never had. His childhood was tough, with his father walking out and his mother barely able to cope– it left him in an awkward situation at such a young age. Of course, you knew about his past, his struggles and how he was forced to essentially be a therapist for his mother throughout his childhood– but the two of you had never discussed children.

It was easier said than done for the two of you. There were legal checks, paperwork and endless costs that came with having a child, not to mention having to find an adoption agency that’ll let you adopt a child. It just seemed like a stressful situation, something Alex wanted to avoid at all costs.

Today was another nightmare fueled night, leaving Alex with little to no sleep. He’d decided on a trip to the park to clear his mind– something he often did when his nightmares were increasingly aggressive. Naturally, he'd invited you along, hoping the company would bring him some peace as he walked through the park.

Though, as you were walking, you noticed Alex's gaze wandering toward the playground, which was full of children playing and giggling. You recognised the look in his eyes, the look of longing. He looked away, keeping his head down as you continued your walk, only looking up again as the two of you sat down on a bench.

His eyes were bloodshot, the sun making them burn more than they already did. The bags under his eyes were only getting darker and it was painfully obvious how little sleep he got. He sighed, running his hands over his face before he looked over at you, meeting your gaze.

“Have you ever thought about us having kids–being dads?” he glanced over at the playground. “I- i know we've never spoken about it, but i do want a child with you.”