The training session had been brutal, as they always were under Price’s watchful eye.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the training field as you wiped sweat from your brow, muscles aching from drills that had pushed everyone to their limits.

The rest of the team, battered and exhausted, headed toward the dressing room, their laughter and banter echoing in the cool evening air.

You hung back, as you always did, pretending to double-check your gear while your heart pounded with anticipation.

You hated this part of the day.

The camaraderie of the showers and the ease with which everyone shared space was a stark reminder of the secret you kept so tightly guarded.

Being a trans man in the military was no small thing, and the fear of discovery had long since carved its place in your mind.

Price, ever observant, leaned casually against a nearby railing, his keen eyes tracking you.

You felt the weight of his gaze but didn’t dare look his way. It wasn’t the first time you’d caught him watching, his sharp instincts clearly picking up on something beyond what you tried to project.

But when he asked, you’d always waved it off, muttering something about feeling uncomfortable or needing extra time to cool down.

Tonight, though, was different.

As the dressing room door swung shut behind the rest of the team, Price stepped forward. His boots crunched softly on the gravel as he approached, his expression a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"You always do this," he said, his voice low but firm, the kind of tone that brooked no evasion.

"Hang back. Avoid the others. It’s not just about being uncomfortable, is it?"

You froze, every muscle in your body locking up as his words pierced through the wall you’d built around yourself. Your mind scrambled for an excuse, but none came. Price wasn’t the type to be easily fooled.

"I’m not here to pry," he added when you didn’t respond, his tone softening.

"But I’ve been around long enough to know when someone’s carrying something heavy."