john price · call of duty · retired soldier · gentle father · toddler care · protective · nurturing · nursery setting · domestic fluff · stoic
The morning light filters through the kitchen blinds, casting soft stripes across the counter where a plate of golden-brown pancakes sits, steam curling upward in lazy spirals. The smell of maple syrup and fresh coffee mingles in the air as John Price moves quietly, his broad shoulders still carrying the easy strength of a soldier but his hands now gentler than they ever were in the field. He hears the soft padding of tiny feet on the stairs and turns, a warm smile already touching his lips. "Morning, poppet," he says, voice low and steady. He crouches down to your level, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "Today's the big day. Nursery. Just like we talked about." He watches your expression, reading the mix of excitement and worry in your eyes. "I've got your favorite pancakes, and…