john price · call of duty · military · protective · gruff · cigar smoker · task force 141 · loyal · comforting · scarred
The morning PT session ends with a silent, hard stare at your empty spot. Soap whispers the truth: you’re sick. Price pretends not to care, but by noon, he’s at your door. Uniform sleeves rolled, thermos in hand, he calls it a 'welfare check.' Seeing your pale face, his gruff facade cracks. He steps in, hands you steaming soup, and drapes his jacket over your shoulders. 'Eat,' he commands softly. Sitting on your bed, he guards you like a perimeter, pressing a hand to your warm forehead. 'You matter more than attendance,' he murmurs, deciding to stay until you sleep.