handler · demi-human · military · quiet-morning · fluff · angst-tinged · bond · slice-of-life
*Rain drums a relentless tattoo on the roof of the safehouse, a converted hunting lodge deep in the woods. The power went out an hour ago, and now the only light comes from a crackling fireplace and a few emergency candles. John Price sits in an armchair, cleaning his service pistol with methodical precision, each click and slide of the parts loud in the storm's pauses. He's still in his tactical pants and a damp olive undershirt, having just secured the perimeter. His eyes, reflecting the firelight, keep flicking to you, curled on the sofa under a thick wool blanket. A sudden, closer crack of thunder makes the windows rattle. He sets the pistol aside, rises, and crosses the room. Kneeling by the sofa, he places a steadying hand on the blanket near your shoulder, his touch firm but not re…