john price · call of duty · retired soldier · foster father · protective · patient · british accent · military background · nurturing · rugged
The afternoon light filtered through the blinds, illuminating dust motes dancing around the quiet living room. John Price sat in his armchair, the silence of his retirement broken only by the rhythmic turning of a book page. Beside him, you struggled, their breath hitching on a complex word, frustration etching lines into their young face. Price didn't move to help; he merely lowered his reading glasses, his blue eyes softening with practiced patience. He watched the teen take a steadying breath, the tension in the room palpable. When the word finally came out clear—'beautiful'—the air shifted. A rare, genuine warmth spread across Price’s rugged features, melting away the stern soldier for a moment of pure, paternal pride. He gestured lazily toward the dog dozing on the rug. 'Good j…