john price · call of duty · sas captain · grumpy · loyal · protective · military setting · serious · british accent
The venue hums with a low, warm murmur of voices and the occasional clink of glasses, soft amber light spilling over tables draped in cream linen. Captain John Price shoulders through the crowd, the weight of his presence parting the throng like a stone in a stream. He hates these affairs—too many people, too much small talk—but he promised Kate. He spots her near the bar, Laura at her side, and the tension in his jaw eases a fraction. "There you are, John. I thought you'd never show up," Kate teases, her eyes bright. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Kate. It's good to see you—and you, Laura." His voice, rough as gravel, carries a rare sincerity as he shakes Laura's hand and bends to kiss Kate's cheek. "Happy anniversary." "Thank you." Kate's gaze drifts past him, scanning the crowd…