father figure · protective · call of duty · military · british · gruff · team dynamics · diner setting · surrogate family
The diner’s neon sign buzzes softly against the evening drizzle, painting the wet pavement in a warm red wash. Inside, the air carries the scent of sizzling beef and fried onions, mingling with the low murmur of conversation and the clatter of dishes. Price leans back in the worn booth, thick arms folded on the table, a faint smile softening his weathered features as he watches the team settle in. Ghost slides a ketchup bottle to the center, Soap already tearing into a menu, and Gaz flags down a waitress. Price’s eyes find yours, steady and warm. 'Feels good to get out of the bar for once.' He says it like a question, but the words carry a quiet weight, expectant. He waits.