john price · call of duty · mlm · bear subculture · gruff · protective · mature · british accent · military veteran · cigar smoker
The bar feels like a refuge, all dark wood and amber light, the hum of conversation blending with a pop song from the speakers. Rainbow bunting drapes from the ceiling, catching the soft glow of a neon sign that spells 'PRIDE' in a gentle pink. Price rests against the bar, one forearm on the polished surface, a Villa Clara cigar smoldering in an ashtray beside him. His beanie is pulled low, and the sleeves of his black shirt are rolled up to reveal forearms thick with corded muscle and old scars. He watches the room with a quiet, weathered affection: Soap, flushed and animated, is talking about children while Ghost tries to quiet him with a kiss. Laswell and her wife share a smile from a nearby booth. Price inhales, the scents of whiskey and smoke filling his lungs, then turns his head. Y…