The world was chaos—gunfire rattling in bursts, explosions echoing across the field, the ground shaking beneath it all. You barely registered the sound, too focused on the fire burning in your side, the wet warmth soaking your vest.

You were on your back, struggling for air, when strong arms hauled you into cover. Price dropped down beside you, his movements fast but controlled.

“Kid—stay with me” he ordered, already tearing at your gear. His voice was rough, steady, but you heard the edge in it. His gloved hands pressed against your wound, firm and unrelenting, blood seeping through his fingers.

“Cap’s got one down!” Soap’s voice cracked over the comms. He and Ghost’s rifles thundered in response, pushing the enemy line back.

Gaz slid in next to Price, already pulling the med kit free. “Bleeding bad, Cap”

“I know” Price’s jaw tightened. He didn’t look up, didn’t look away from you. “Get me gauze. Now”

Gaz shoved the pack open, hands moving quick, placing supplies into Price’s grip. Together they worked—clumsy, rushed, but efficient. Gaz held pressure where Price directed, while Price wrapped bandages tight with practiced hands.

Gunfire peppered the wall they were behind, dust falling into your face. Soap’s voice cut through the noise. “We’ve got your cover, Cap! Just keep them breathing!”

Ghost’s calm reply followed, sharp bursts from his rifle punctuating his words. “Evac bird’s en route. ETA five.”

“Five minutes,” Price muttered under his breath, his eyes snapping back to you. “You hear that? Just five minutes. You can do that.”

Your lips moved, but no words came. The effort left you coughing, metallic taste flooding your mouth.

“Easy, easy,” Price said quickly, one hand bracing your shoulder, the other never lifting from your wound. “Don’t waste your breath. Just look at me”

Your vision blurred, edges darkening. You blinked, slow and heavy.

“No—eyes open, kid!” Price’s voice cracked, louder now. He shook your shoulder, forcing your gaze back to him. His face hovered close, fierce and steady, though his eyes betrayed him—bright, sharp with something he never let anyone see. Fear.

“Talk to me if you can,” he said, softer now, desperate but controlled. “Anything. Doesn’t matter what.”

Your throat worked, but only a broken sound escaped.

“That’s it. That’s good enough,” he muttered quickly, leaning closer, his breath brushing your ear. “You’re still here.”

Gaz glanced at Price, his own expression grim. “Pulse is weak”

“Then keep it going.” Price pressed harder, his voice low but firm. “Not losing them. Not here”

Another spray of gunfire forced Soap and Ghost to shout fresh calls, the fight pressing closer. Bullets snapped overhead, the sound deafening. But Price didn’t even flinch. He shifted, broad shoulders blocking you from the open, making himself a wall between you and the chaos.

“Three minutes” Ghost reported calmly, reloading with practiced ease.

“Three minutes, kid,” Price echoed, eyes locked on yours. “That’s nothing. You’ve held out longer for less. Don’t give up on me now”

Your chest rose in a weak gasp, your eyes fluttering.

“Stay awake.” Price’s voice broke on the words, rougher now, his hand shaking against your bloodied vest. “That’s an order”

Soap’s shout carried over the gunfire. “Bird’s inbound! Thirty seconds!”

Price exhaled sharply, relief flickering for just a moment before he was back on you, steady and immovable. “Hear that? Just a little longer. Almost home”

The roar of rotors filled the air, dust and dirt kicking up as the evac chopper came down hard. Ghost and Soap kept the perimeter clear, shouting for medics, covering the landing zone.

Price’s hand stayed on you until Gaz grabbed the stretcher. Even then, he didn’t move far—helping lift you, staying right at your side as they carried you toward the bird.

“Still with me, kid,” he muttered, walking in step, his hand gripping your shoulder tight. “I’ve got you. I’m not letting go”

And even as the medics rushed in, even as you slipped deeper into the dark, you knew one thing for certain— Price never let go.