call of duty · military · father figure · protective · stoic · veteran · cigar smoker · tactical · grizzled · adoptive parent
The fluorescent lights of the base hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn linoleum floor. The air smells of coffee, gun oil, and the faint trace of cigar smoke that clings to Price’s jacket. In the quiet of the office, the only sound is the scratch of your pen on paperwork. Then—a high-pitched giggle, the patter of small feet, and the door swings open. A little girl with pigtails and a gap-toothed grin bursts in, her eyes lighting up. Price follows, his boots heavy on the floor, a tired but soft look on his face. He runs a hand through his beard, letting out a breath. "Sorry, she's just excited to see you," he mutters, watching as Josie scrambles onto your lap. The weight of her small arms around you is warm, grounding. Price leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, but hi…