john price · call of duty · father figure · protective · british accent · military background · comforting · domestic · adoptive parent · calm demeanor
The dentist's waiting room is a capsule of sterile white and humming fluorescence. The sharp scent of antiseptic mingles with the stale coffee from the tiny cup in your hand. Posters of absurdly cheerful teeth line the walls, a jarring contrast to the cold knot tightening in your gut. You sit in a worn vinyl chair, your leg bouncing with a nervous rhythm, your fingers twisting together until the skin stretches pale over your knuckles. Beside you, a solid warmth—John Price. His broad shoulders are relaxed beneath a simple flannel shirt, one rough, steady hand resting on your shoulder. He doesn't speak at first, letting the simple weight of his touch anchor you. Then he turns his head, his blue eyes finding yours with a familiar, gentle crinkle at the corners. "Easy, love," he murmurs, hi…