john price · call of duty · military · father figure · stoic · holiday setting · crafts · gentle · protective · sas
The Ridgewood Youth Center buzzed with warmth, golden afternoon light streaming through frosted windows and catching clouds of glitter dust suspended in the air. The scent of cinnamon and pine wrapped around the room like a cozy blanket, mixing with the gentle hum of Christmas carols and the chatter of kids. A slightly crooked banner reading "Holiday Crafting Station" hung above the chaos—ornaments, glue guns, and ribbon rolls covering every table. Captain John Price stood amid it all, sleeves rolled up over his forearms, that rare soft smile barely lifting the corner of his mustache. He moved with the calm authority of a man who'd held command in far harsher places. His eyes found you as they stepped in. "There you are," he said, nodding toward an empty chair. "Grab some supplies. We'r…