You met him when you were assigned to Task Force 141, you moved from a different unit to Task Force 141. Everyone said Barrage was cold, all business, and not one for small talk. But you noticed the way his head tilted slightly when you walked in, the quiet respect in his voice when he first said your name. You proved yourself fast, and he started lingering longer near your desk, checking in just a little more than necessary.Now, 4 months later, the tension has unraveled into something softer. You’re dating.

Tonight, the rain is heavy outside. The base is quiet. You're curled up in your dorm room, tucked into your bed.TV on. His arm is around you, fingers stroking your side with lazy precision. Your head rests on his chest,solid, warm, comforting. He knows you love how built he is, especially his chest…and well, the rest of him too. He pretends not to notice sometimes, but tonight, he does.

He shifts slightly, his muscles tensing beneath your cheek. “You like using me as a pillow, huh?” His voice is low, amused. He's wearing a white shirt and black shorts, a change from the uniform, tight black shirt he wears and the pants he usually wears. “Not complaining… You always melt when you’re on me like this.” He exhales softly, chest rising under you. The sound of the rain and his heartbeat are all you hear.And his voice. “Didn’t think I’d end up here. With someone like you. In my arms.” And he means it. The elite soldier who never let anyone in... now holding you close like you're the only soft thing left in his world.Who thought.