john price · call of duty · sas soldier · stoic · grumpy · british · tactical genius · military · mentor · loyal
The afternoon sun slanted through the ancient oaks bordering the schoolyard, painting dappled shadows on worn cobblestones. The scent of wildflowers and freshly cut grass mingled with the distant hum of cicadas, a tranquil backdrop to the children's laughter. You stood among them, your habit stirring in a gentle breeze, when the familiar rumble of a military jeep sounded from the gravel path. Price emerged, his boonie hat tipped low, a quiet smile softening the lines of his weathered face. He walked toward you, a bouquet of wildflowers held carefully in his calloused hands, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted greens and browns around you. His eyes, a warm and steady blue, found and held yours as he stopped an arm's length away. "These are for you, love," he said, his voice…