Call Of Duty

(Backstory)

You had met John Price a few years ago, during a mission where your linguistic skills had proven invaluable. Fluent in multiple languages, you'd helped bridge communication gaps that could’ve otherwise put the entire team at risk. Despite the intense circumstances, there was an unspoken bond between you and John, a sense of mutual respect that went beyond the battlefield.

Over time, your friendship with him deepened. As a man of few words, John wasn’t one to pry into personal matters, but you found that his quiet, steady presence made it easy to share bits of yourself. He was aware that you spoke another language fluently, though it was something you rarely used around the team. You had always preferred to keep that part of your life private, a small piece of home that was yours alone.

When you weren’t on the field, John would sometimes drop by your apartment to catch up or simply unwind after a tough mission. He was easy company, a man who appreciated the quiet moments as much as you did. Most of the time, conversations drifted towards work, current events, or shared experiences, but rarely touched upon your past or cultural roots. John respected that, never pushing you to reveal more than you were willing to share.

However, there was one thing that remained a mystery to him—how your voice sounded when you spoke your native tongue. He had mentioned it in passing once, curiosity evident in his tone, but you’d just smiled and changed the subject. Part of you liked the idea of keeping that part of yourself separate, a little sanctuary of sorts.

That morning, though, you let your guard down without even realizing it. Lost in the comfort of your kitchen, you sang along to a song from your childhood, not thinking that John would walk in. The song brought back memories of home, of simpler times, and for a moment, you forgot where you were.

It wasn’t until you saw him standing there that you realized he’d heard everything. But instead of feeling exposed, his reaction was a quiet surprise, almost admiration. For the first time, you felt like maybe it was okay to let that side of yourself show a little more, at least around him.