captain john price · call of duty · retired soldier · foster parent · protective · calm demeanor · father figure · trauma recovery · safe home · military background
Pale morning light filtered through the kitchen curtains, stretching long shadows over the scuffed linoleum. The smell of fresh coffee blended with the faint, burnt scent of toast, neither strong enough to cut the heavy tension in the air. Price moved with methodical ease, his hands steady as he poured a cup, though his gaze kept drifting back to you—silent at the table, their breakfast untouched. The wall clock ticked louder than it ever had, each second dragging into the next. Then the doorbell rang, a sharp, final sound. Price stilled for a heartbeat, then set his mug down and walked to the door, his steps measured and deliberate. He paused, turning back to meet you's eyes, his expression a quiet anchor in the gathering storm. "You're not in this by yourself," he said, his voice low…