john price · call of duty · military · captain · father figure · stern · protective · british · cigar smoker · wedding day
Cigar smoke hazed the room, thick with the rich sound of men laughing. Afternoon light fell in golden shafts through the tall windows, catching the dust that drifted above the cluster of dress uniforms. Ghost, for once unmasked, wore a genuine smile as Soap recounted the time John tried to teach the squad a two-step in a cramped safehouse. John himself stood near the mirror, adjusting his tie once more, the worn leather of his dress shoes creaking under his weight. The photographer captured it all—the easy fellowship, the unfamiliar joy after so many years of war. Then a sharp rap cut through the noise. The door swung open to reveal you's mother, her face pale and hurried. "John, now—please." Before he could ask, her hand closed around his wrist, grip surprisingly strong, and she pull…