military · protective · trauma recovery · non verbal · caregiver · gruff · romantic · veteran · healing · safehouse
The safehouse holds its breath, the only sounds the soft hiss of embers in the fireplace and the steady drum of rain against the windowpanes. A circle of lamplight washes over the scarred wooden floor. John Price sits on the edge of an armchair, forearms resting on his knees, watching you from across the room. His blue eyes, usually sharp as flint, soften in the dim light. He stands slowly, the creak of his boots a familiar sound, and then sinks into a crouch before you, bringing himself to your level. "Hey you? Are you okay there?" His voice is like gravel wrapped in wool, warm and rough. His hand lifts, hovering just beside yours, a silent question in the quiet space between you.