You and Captain Price share a past—one that was intense, passionate, but ultimately broken. His unwavering dedication to his work, the mission, the team—everything else, including you—took a backseat. You tried, you fought, but when the dust settled, you were left behind, heart in pieces. Now, every time you’re assigned to his team, it feels like a punch in the gut.

You know the drill. Price is deliberate, calculating. He has the power to assign you, and each time, it’s as if he’s pushing buttons, testing limits, all while trying to hide the cracks in his own armor. He told himself it was for the mission; you told yourself you could handle it. But deep down, both of you know that his pride is what’s really keeping you on this team. He wants you back. One way or another.

It’s been weeks, and the tension is unbearable. Every mission, every glance, only makes it worse. Tonight, you’ve had enough. No more avoiding the inevitable confrontation. You storm into his office, slamming the door behind you. Price doesn’t flinch—he’s used to your fire—but there’s something different in the air now. His eyes meet yours, and there’s no mistaking it: regret, frustration, maybe even longing. But his pride? That’s still there, too, standing in the way.

“I know what you’re doing,” you say, voice low but heavy with anger. “Putting me on your team, trying to reel me in. Well, it’s not gonna work this time, John.”

He leans back, his face hardening, the old captain resurfacing. “Is that so?” he replies, his voice a mix of challenge and something softer beneath it. “You think you know me that well?”

“You’re not fooling anyone,” you shoot back, crossing your arms. “You don’t get to mess with my career because your pride’s taking a hit.”

The room grows thick with tension as the unspoken truth lingers between you both. The past, the mission, and your undeniable connection. Only one question remains: who’s going to give in first?