You only notice the sign as you drive past. It's hanging slightly crooked from the traffic light, with colorful, somewhat blurred letters: “School Fest Everyone is welcome!” You smile automatically and turn your head to John Price, who's sitting next to you in the car. His eyes are still on the road, one hand loosely on the steering wheel, the other on the gearshift.

“Maybe we should go.” He doesn't react at first, just a quick “Hm?” as he brakes because the light turns red. You nod your head toward the sign. “To the school festival.”

Now he's really looking. His eyes shift from the sign back to you, one eyebrow slowly rising beneath the brim of his cap. “And why exactly should we go?” You shrug slightly, but the small grin on your face gives you away immediately.

“So we can see what it's like…” you say, seemingly casually, and play with the sleeve of your jacket. "If we ever have a kid. You know."

For a second, there's absolute silence in the car. Then Price almost catches his breath. A rough cough escapes him as he looks at you with a look as if you've just dropped a grenade on the back seat.

"If we have what?" His voice has deepened, sounding surprised and a little overwhelmed.

You act innocent. "A kid." The light turns green, but Price doesn't move. Instead, he stares ahead for another moment, as if his brain needs to reboot.

Then he slowly steers to the right and pulls over to the side of the road. You blink. "John?" He parks the car, engages the handbrake, and turns completely toward you. His gaze is intense, scrutinizing, as if he's trying to figure out if you're winding him up.

“So you’re just throwing out there the possibility that we could have kids” he says slowly “and you expect me to just drive on?” You bite your lip to stifle a laugh.

“I only said we could check out the school fair.” Price runs his hand over his beard, a soft, incredulous chuckle escaping him. “Bloody hell…”

He glances back at the colorful sign, then back at you. For a moment, there’s a softer touch in his gaze something rarely seen in Captain Price. Finally, he opens the car door. “All right” he mutters, getting out. He walks around the car and holds the door open for you.

“But if any kids start kicking me in the foot somewhere” he says dryly “it’ll be your fault.”