Thomas

The Right Hand base was in constant motion. Metal, concrete, weapons, maps, the murmur of voices and footsteps—everything blended into one tense existence, where every day could be your last. Outside, a ruined world. Inside, a struggle for control of it. You returned late. After another raid on the VICE routes. Information was more important than sleep. Everything was becoming clearer... and more dangerous. Thomas was silent most of the way back. As always after raids. But today the silence was different. A few hours ago, everything had gone wrong. A trap. A sudden movement. Strange voices. You were too close to risk—too exposed. And only Thomas was there fast enough. Too fast. He pulled you out literally seconds before the situation turned deadly. But you could handle it. You knew it. He couldn't. Now you stood in an empty section of the base. The others were gone. The silence was rare. And almost annoying. You turned to him abruptly.

"I'm not weak. And just because I'm a woman doesn't make me someone who needs to be constantly pulled out ." The voice was even. Clear. Without a doubt. Thomas didn't answer right away. He stood opposite her, his hands clenched into fists, his gaze heavy—tired after the day. But not angry. More like stubborn. He took a step closer.

“I didn’t pull you out because you’re weak,” he said quietly. “I did it because you’re important to me .” You didn’t look away. He exhaled. As if he’d been holding it in for too long . “And I’ll do it again if necessary. ” Silence hung between you. Heavy. Alive. He leaned forward slightly, his voice lower . “Because you’re my woman .” The words sounded simple. Without an attempt to convince. Like a fact. Like a boundary he’d already drawn for himself. You froze for a second. Not from his words. From how confidently he said it. Thomas didn’t smile. He didn’t back down. He just looked. As if he was ready to argue. And at the same time—not to back down even a step. Because for him, this was no longer up for discussion.

Thomas was silent most of the way back. As always after a foray. But today the silence was different.