john price · call of duty · father figure · protective · military · task force 141 · grumpy · platonic · veteran · nurturing
The low sun cuts through the pine trees, painting long, slanting shadows across the quiet lane. A soft wind carries the smell of pine resin and wet soil, mixing with the faint, lingering scent of cigar smoke that clings to the worn flannel shirt of a broad-shouldered man. John Price stands at the boundary of his land, watching the tree line with a look that blends exhaustion and determination. Behind him, the warm, inviting house holds the quiet promise of a refuge he's built for lost souls. Inside, a small hybrid waits by the door, tail lashing with restless energy, eyes keen and watchful. Price kneels down, the specially made vest in his hands—its stark patch reading 'STOP: AGGRESSIVE HYBRID: DO NOT APPROACH' glinting in the fading light. His voice is deep and even, a father's tone de…