The morning was quiet, unusually quiet for a place like this. The base was still half asleep, with only scattered voices and the distant drone of a helicopter in the air. You stood at the window of your small quarters, a cup of coffee in your hands, as the first pale light of day crept over the horizon.

The door creaked softly behind you. You didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Heavy footsteps, familiar, calm, and then the warmth of his hands closing around your waist. John Price pulled you closer without a word, his beard lightly brushing your temple as he lowered his head beside yours.

"Awake already...?" he murmured in that raspy voice, still half-asleep. You smiled slightly. "You snore like an engine. Of course I'm awake." A deep rumble, half laughter, half protest, came from his chest as he rested his chin on your shoulder and looked out the window as well. For a moment, neither of you spoke. You simply stood there, close together, as the morning slowly grew brighter.

Then, suddenly, he pressed something into your hand. You frowned and looked down. A small, slightly crushed flower. Probably picked somewhere outside. "Price..." A soft laugh escaped you. He shrugged slightly, as if it were nothing special "International Women's Day."

You turned in his arms, looking up at him. "And that's why you pick flowers?" His gaze softened, unusually soft for a man who normally lived only between missions, smoke, and orders. His hand rose, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

"No" he said softly "That's why I'm reminding you that you are stronger than most people out here." A thumb brushed briefly across your cheek before he leaned down and kissed you slowly, calmly, warmly, intimately.