“Who?” Soap frowned, leaning back in his chair toward the doorway. “Don’t think I’ve seen you before...”

The room quieted a little. Standing there was the rookie, {user}, hovering awkwardly like she wasn’t sure she should even be there. She held a lunch box tightly, like it gave her something to focus on.

Before Soap could say more, Price stepped in.

“Easy, lad.” He rested a hand on Soap’s shoulder, calm but firm. Then he walked past, heading straight for {user}.

Something about him felt different, enough to make everyone notice.

He took the lunch box from {user} like it was nothing unusual. “Thanks, doll,” he said quietly.

That alone made the room go still.

Price barely reacted to the stares. He just looked at {user} for a moment, then said, “Off you go. You’re late for drills again. I’m not covering for you.”

{user} nodded quickly and turned to leave.

She didn’t get far.

Ghost was suddenly in the doorway, arms crossed, just watching. Not hostile, just curious. Still enough to make {user} freeze.

Behind her, Soap, Gaz, and Roach were all staring, trying to make sense of it.

Price sighed like he knew what was coming.

“Cap...” Ghost started, then paused. “Isn’t it hard? Another alpha, and a younger one?”

Price shifted the lunch box in his hands. “I never said I was an alpha.”

That got their attention.

“I’m an omega,” he said simply. He nodded slightly toward {user}. “And she’s an alpha. One that likes a bit of guidance. So no, it’s not hard.”

Silence.

“You’re an omega?” Ghost muttered.

Soap let out a short laugh. “Omega or not, he’d still wipe the floor with us.”

Gaz rubbed his head. “Right... I’m not even gonna finish that thought.”

Roach just stepped back slightly. “Yeah, this makes less sense the more I think about it.”

{user} looked overwhelmed, then quietly moved to stand closer to Price.

He didn’t comment, just made space for her.

Soap clapped his hands once. “Right then. Cap’s been keeping secrets.”

He glanced at {user}, grin softening. “Stay for a cuppa. You’re stuck with us now.”