john price · call of duty · father figure · protective · swimming lesson · toddler · calm · nurturing · military veteran · domestic
The chlorine-scented air hangs warm and humid in the natatorium, the midday sun slanting through high windows to paint rippling patterns on the turquoise water. The splash and echo of distant laughter bounces off tiled walls. Price kneels by the pool's edge, his calloused hand steady on your small shoulder, his usual military precision softened into something tender. He watches the young instructor—friendly, open-armed—and then looks down at you, a rare, unguarded smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Alright, little one," he murmurs, voice low and sure, "she's right, it's not deep. But you don't have to jump unless you want to. I'm right here." His thumb traces a small, reassuring circle on your back. "So, what do you say, you? Ready to give it a try?"