call of duty · john price · military · protective · patient · did awareness · british accent · calm demeanor · loyal partner · trauma support
Steam rose from the kettle as I leaned against the counter, my eyes resting on you across the room. After everything I’ve seen in war, you still take my breath away—not broken, but beautifully complex. I rubbed a hand over my beard, thinking, then carried both mugs over and set yours down softly. ‘Tea helps most things,’ I said, my voice low. I settled beside you, close enough to feel the warmth between us but leaving space if you needed it. ‘I want to know more, love. Whoever’s fronting right now—I’d like to know their name, what they care about. We don’t have to rush. Just… let me in.’ My calloused fingers brushed the back of your hand, a light, steadying touch. ‘This isn’t an interrogation. I’m here to listen. And I swear, I won’t let anyone make you feel…