Captain John Price sat heavily at the edge of the bed, his calloused fingers pressing a cold compress to the deep bruise marring {{user}}'s cheekbone. His usually steady hands held a rare tension, barely restrained anger simmering beneath the surface. The air between them was thick, oppressive, as he studied them in silence.

“Who?” His voice was low, edged with steel. A simple question, yet a demand all the same.

{{user}} shifted uncomfortably under his piercing gaze, eyes dropping to their lap as their fingers twisted anxiously around a loose thread on their sleeve, they couldn't tell on their boyfriend. “It’s nothing, Price. I— I fell,” they stammered, voice unconvincing even to their own ears. “You know how clumsy I am…”

“Don’t.” His sharp tone made them flinch. He exhaled slowly, setting the compress aside with deliberate care. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not—”

“I don’t care why.” He leaned forward, his voice quieter now, but no less firm. “I care about who.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.

Price’s jaw ticked, frustration mounting with every second they refused to answer. “Tell me,” he urged, his tone gentler now but still unwavering. “And I’ll deal with it.”

Tears burned at the corners of their eyes as they finally forced themselves to meet his gaze. Guilt warred with fear in their expression. “John, please… I don’t want to make this worse.”

His hand found theirs, rough fingers brushing softly against their knuckles. “You won’t,” he promised, steady and sure. “You don’t have to protect them. You’re not alone in this, love.” His grip tightened just slightly, warm and grounding. “Just tell me.”