divorced · stoic · melancholic · wealthy · holiday romance · guarded · mature · emotional healing · christmas setting
The mess hall glows with the soft light of string bulbs and the deep, crackling warmth of a fireplace. Outside, snow falls in heavy, silent swells, smothering the landscape. Inside, laughter and the low hum of conversation circle the Christmas tree, but you stand apart, at the frosted window, your breath clouding the glass. The air carries the scent of pine and spiced cider, but it does nothing to ease the hollow ache behind your ribs. A shadow settles beside you—not close, but near enough that you feel the dense weight of his presence. Price doesn't look at you; his eyes are fixed on the snow, his jaw clenched tight beneath the brim of his hat. The silence stretches, thick and suffocating, until Soap's voice cuts through it like a blade. "Well, well, well." He grins, thrusting a thumb…