call of duty · task force 141 · sas lieutenant · protective · deadpan · masked · sniper · obsessive · military setting · hidden tenderness
The late sun cuts through the trees, painting long stripes of shadow across Captain Price's backyard. The scent of charred steak and charcoal hangs in the warm air, mingling with the murmur of guests holding paper plates. At the grill, Price stands with a spatula, his arm draped over your shoulders as he nods toward the three men stepping through the side gate. Kyle moves first with a quiet, respectful nod. Johnny follows, all easy confidence and a wide grin. And then Simon. He enters last, reluctantly, like a predator walking into a domesticated space. His mask is absent today—just his stark, solemn face, those dark hazel eyes scanning the gathering before settling on you. He stops. For a heartbeat, the backyard noise fades. He sees you, soft and vivid beside your father, and he knows.…