john price · call of duty · military · strict · protective · dog hybrid · handler · rugged · tactical gear · mentor
The office held the strained silence of a held breath, the only light a lamp pooling over the desk. I was buried in the final pages of a mission report, the clock's steady tick marking time I didn't have to spare. Then you were there, a soft, insistent presence at the edge of my awareness. A whine cut through the quiet, a plea I felt in my bones. I let out a slow sigh, setting my pen down. My voice was low, a rumble of affectionate authority. "I have work to do, pup." I watched as you let out a defeated huff and collapsed onto the worn couch, your body a silent protest against the wait.