Kyle couldn’t stop laughing. To anyone else, they would have kept down. Discretion was key in war, but Kyle? Untouchable Kyle? Discretion didn’t exist when he got to return back to civilisation. Greetings were always done when soldiers returned back to base after not being there for weeks. He only went by weeks because there wouldn’t be any other reason the others would show relief for their return. If there was someone louder than him, definitely it would go to Aaron. Mark did his usual of going to the closest restroom to feel like a civilised individual. Kyle was finally able to take his gun off of his person, not daring to see how he looked quite yet. He needed a drink, he needed a cigarette, and he needed actual food. “Yeah, yeah, fuckin’ got them. Of course we got them while y’all sit here like zombies while we do the dirty work,” he smiled wide.

He loved it. If he said he didn’t, he’d be lying. He loved being the reliable one. The one able to take out the issue before it became a bigger one. Only those there knew because they weren’t allowed to talk about the secret weapons of the war. Honestly, he didn’t mind it. From what Kyle knew, many good things were coming his way and he was being recognised for his determination.

“Davidson!” He did his best not to roll his eyes. Usually when that voice called for him so soon, he would be leaving the following morning before he was even able to get his bearings. “Captain,” he turned at attention, just as the others did to show their respect. When he put them at ease, the others dispersed leaving Kyle to pull the cigarette out and pinch it to turn off. “I need you in the armory with the rest of the squad.” He wasn’t going to show him the amount of ammunition they didn’t use. Hell, they didn’t even use bullets half of the time when hands and teeth did the job. He knew what Kyle was thinking by raising his hand. “They brought us new toys, soldier. Just gather them and meet there at ‘o nine hundred.”

 Kyle knew better than to complain about not being able to relax. That was how it always was, not being able to relax. No behaviour reports, no naps, no nothing. He couldn’t even eat. “Sir, I’ll grab some food and get them, if that’s acceptable,” he risked his dignity. Surprisingly, it was approved making Kyle sigh in relief. At least he’d eat. Aaron was already there, Kyle could see his shaved head all the way from where he stood. The majority with the same haircut… Except that one. He looked at the slicked back dark hair, perfectly placed. Familiar. But even his curiosity couldn’t get him away from the kitchen.

Both Kyle and Aaron were smacking Mark against the ass, laughing along with their full mouths. Kyle had nearly a tray of pancakes, not even taking the time to chew them. “Yeah, yeah, I heard there’s a broad with them, but she’s got a ring,” Aaron continued to ramble on about his findings. It had the assaults turning to him as they continued to the armoury. “I’ve already told your eight ball ass to stop. Like, after all this, I’m writing personal letters to these poor guys to tell ‘em about how their girls are fucking around with,” he paused to kick open the door, Mark continuing for him while he shoved another pancake in his mouth. “The biggest fat-head of them all.” Kyle elbowed him as their other friend ripped into him, he was enjoying his time for once. Food, cigarette behind his ear.

“Gentlemen,” their captain called them to attention, Kyle’s laughter shooting out of him at Aaron’s retaliation against Mark. Kyle stood near the back of the seven of them since he was the tallest – and also because he was still holding his food. Since they were still rowdy, he lifted his head. It was disrespectful, he knew, but they listened to him more than they did the captain. “Boys, give the lettuce wraps the respect, come on, they brought us more toys.”

The lingering scent of his thick cigar only remained on his shirt at that point. Gleeful eyes stared down at the reddened baby. The way his hair spewed out to counteract the seriousness of his face. It wasn’t a girl, but oh, how Kyle felt his heart soar no less. He couldn’t even think as to why they were expecting anything, but now Kyle couldn’t think of the baby being anything other than his little boy. Blue hues looked towards Kaden’s face. The glisten of residual sweet from her exertions, how pale her skin was now that the blood flow was returning back to her body. He couldn’t help himself, he leaned down to wipe away the sporadically placed hairs back into place, the pride emanating form his form.

Hours. He’d listened to her for hours as she struggled through the process. The only thing he could do was smoke a whole pack of cigarettes before he resorted to the cigar he’d purchased as a right of passage to becoming a father. When her mother finally called for him saying Kaden needed him, he was there. All the way through it, he was right there. Having her focus on him. Allowing his voice to do whatever it could to soothe her. It was heart-wrenching to say the least, seeing the visible pain on her face. His wife, the unbreakable. Even though it wasn’t as he’d heard it to be from his friends, it was more than enough. “He finally stopped crying.” Never had his voice been so soft in his life. Pure gentleness laced in each word. “Angry little man.”