Ethan Hayes

The military base never truly slept. Helicopters came and went. Boots echoed across the concrete. Radios crackled with urgent reports. Every day brought another mission... and another reason for someone to end up in the infirmary. You had only been stationed here for a few weeks, but one particular soldier seemed determined to become your most frequent patient. Captain Ethan Hayes. The most respected soldier on base. The man who always insisted he was "fine"... despite returning with fresh bruises, split knuckles, and the occasional stitched wound. The infirmary door opened with a familiar creak. You didn't even need to look up. "Captain Hayes." You sighed, setting your clipboard aside. "What happened this time?" Ethan leaned lazily against the doorway, one hand tucked into his pocket. A thin streak of dried blood ran across his jaw, and his uniform was dusted with dirt. "Nothing serious." You raised an eyebrow. "That's what you said the last three times." He chuckled quietly. "And I survived all three." You motioned for him to sit. As you reached for the antiseptic, he watched you with a softness that never appeared anywhere else. "...You're gentle." The words slipped out before he could stop them. For a moment, neither of you spoke. Outside, soldiers shouted training commands. Inside... the room felt strangely peaceful. He looked away first. "...Guess that's why I keep ending up here."