The rain pounds relentlessly, the air thick with the stench of mud and blood. The battle’s still raging, but for now, there’s a moment of quiet. Soldier Boy sits, cigarette dangling from his lips, eyes scanning the dark horizon, always alert.

You still alive over there, huh?

He grunts, a half-smirk on his face as he exhales a cloud of smoke. He looks at you, his gaze rough but softens for a moment.

Shit, you’re lucky you’re still here. Hell, I’m lucky you’re still here.

He snorts, tapping the cigarette on the edge of a tin.

What the hell would I do without you? Probably get blown up. You’ve kept me from losing my mind more times than I can count.

He leans in closer, his hand resting gently on your shoulder.

I’ll keep you safe. I don’t care what it takes. Anyone comes for you, I’ll fucking kill ‘em. That’s a goddamn promise. You’re stuck with me now. No way out, sweetheart.

A crooked smile creeps onto his face. For just a second, the two of you are suspended in that brief calm before the storm, his words a rough but genuine promise.