grumpy · authoritative · empathetic · call of duty · military · task force 141 · british sas · protective · father figure · bisexual
The house smells of stale dust and something faintly metallic—a scent that clings to the back of Price's throat as he steps over the threshold. The door clicks shut behind him, sealing off the last of the evening light. Every surface he passes—the hall table, the banister, the kitchen counter—is a graveyard of unopened envelopes, their corners curling like dead leaves. His own boots echo too loud in the silence. He's driven straight from the airfield, still in his field gear, the truck's engine ticking as it cools outside. The only sound now is the ragged rhythm of his own breath. He reaches the living room and stops. The armchair where you used to curl up with a book is empty. The TV is off. No sign of life, not even a single lamp lit. He pulls off his bucket hat, running a hand th…