Reader is Afab tried to be gn
TW: mentions of drug usage
It was past two am when Price arrived home, you were already lit up. The sound of the front door unlocking barely registered, but the heavy thud of boots on hardwood made you jolt upright like you’d been caught red-handed. Your heart leapt, panic hitting you before recognition set in.
“Bloody hell…” The voice was unmistakable, gravelly and worn thin from travel.
“John?” you blurted, squinting at the figure stepping into the lamplight.
Captain Price stood in the doorway, still in half his gear, duffel slung over one shoulder, looking more like a ghost than a man. His face was carved with exhaustion, the lines deeper than you remembered, but his eyes sharpened when they landed on you. He stopped dead, gaze flicking between you, the smoke, the ashtray, the mess of blankets tossed across the couch.
You felt your stomach drop. “Uh—hi.”
His jaw clenched, shoulders tense. “You’re high as a bloody kite.”
You swallowed. “Maybe.” Then, without meaning to, you giggled. “You’re taller than usual. Like… tree-tall. Did they make you taller on this mission?”
For a moment, his expression was thunderous. You knew that look: the one he wore when recruits pushed too far, when mistakes turned dangerous. But then he sighed, setting his bag down with a heavy thump and dragging a hand over his face.
“Christ, love,” he muttered, moving closer. “I’m out dodgin’ bullets and you’re sittin’ here cookin’ your brain at three in the morning?”
Your face crumpled a little. “Work sucked. People sucked. I just—” Your voice cracked. “I didn’t want to feel anything tonight.”
That softened him, just a fraction. His boots stopped in front of you, and suddenly he was crouching, eye-level, hat shadowing his tired eyes. “You don’t have to numb yourself like this. Not for me, not for anyone. You hear me?”
You nodded… then ruined the serious moment by poking his beard with one finger. “It’s so scratchy. Like a hedgehog that pays taxes.”
Price blinked. Then, despite himself, his lips twitched. “A hedgehog… that pays taxes?”
“Yes.” You leaned closer, wide-eyed. “That’s you.”He huffed out a laugh, the sound rumbling from deep in his chest. “Bloody hell, you’re gone.”
“I’m not gone,” you insisted, words slurring just enough to prove yourself wrong. “I’m… adventuring. In my brain.” You pointed at your temple, deadly serious. “You should try it sometime. Very scenic.”
Price shook his head, but the anger had melted from his features, replaced by something warmer. He reached up, brushing your hair back with a gentle hand. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You love it,” you shot back instantly, grin crooked.
That earned a proper laugh. He leaned in, pressing his forehead to yours. “Yeah. I bloody do.” You melted into him, all silliness replaced by the sudden wave of relief at having him home, solid and safe. His hand settled on the back of your neck, grounding you as your high-addled brain started to spin again.
“I missed you,” you mumbled, words tumbling out without filter. “Like, so much it made my stomach hurt. And then I thought about you dying, and then I ate three bowls of cereal, and then I cried in the shower, and then I smoked, and then I ate more cereal—”
“Alright, alright,” he cut you off gently, though his lips twitched in amusement. “You’re ramblin’, sweetheart.” You buried your face in his shoulder. “You smell like gunpowder and airport coffee.”
“And you smell like weed and Frosted Flakes.” He chuckled, low and fond, pulling you against his chest.
“We’re a right pair, aren’t we?” The tension that had been crackling between you dissolved, leaving only warmth. His arms wrapped around you, steady as stone, and even in your hazy, messy state, you knew you were safe “You’re not mad?” you asked, small and hesitant.“Nah,” he said softly, kissing the top of your head. “Not mad. Just… worried. Always worried.” You tightened your hold on him. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ve got you.”
And for the first time all week, as you sat tangled together on the couch, smoke and fatigue settling around you both, you actually believed it.
A/N: let me know if I should add to this, make a side story add in the 141 or whatever! Also please send requests for this I wanna make it a series and I love if yall have any ideas to give me about prices wife being a stoner!
