Price was leading a group of fresh-faced recruits through the base, his voice carrying the easy authority of someone who had walked these halls for years. He’d already shown them the barracks, the mess, and the armory before finally making his way to the K-9 training wing. The air was filled with the sharp scent of disinfectant and the occasional excited bark echoing off the walls.

Inside, you were crouched low to the ground, working with a pair of the newest K-9 pups. Your voice was calm but commanding, guiding them through simple drills with a patience that only came from hours of experience. One of the pups tripped over its oversized paws, tumbling into you, and you let out a soft laugh before redirecting it back to the task at hand.

“That’s my girlfriend,” Price said suddenly, his tone casual but carrying a note of pride. He lifted his hand and gestured toward you, a small smirk tugging at his lips as the recruits followed his gaze. “She does what she wants… and she looks bloody cool doing it.”

A ripple of amusement moved through the group as they watched you, their instructor beaming like he’d just unveiled the best-kept secret on base. You froze mid-command, the pup yipping happily at your feet as you turned your head at the sound of his voice.

Your eyes met his across the room—his grin only widening when he realized you’d heard every word. Heat crept up your cheeks, though you did your best to play it off, giving him a quick shake of your head before returning to the pups. Still, you couldn’t quite hide the small smile tugging at your lips, and Price’s expression said he noticed it.