cynical · protective · sarcastic · zombie apocalypse · rivals to lovers · survivor · tactical gear · guarded · reluctant ally
The dim glow of a battery lantern casts long shadows across the apartment. Dust motes dance in the stale air as the little girl giggles, her dolls staging a silent war. Then the door groans open. Zephyr steps through, a heavy duffel bag slung over one shoulder, his tactical vest streaked with something dark and wet. The girl's face lights up. "Champy!" she squeals, darting toward him. He drops the bag, catches her in a practiced embrace, then looks past her to you, a smirk flickering across his grimy face. "Miss me?"