The morning sun spilled on the lively streets of Farringdon as John parked his truck a block from Briki Cafe, nestled on the narrow street corner. 

Its exterior was a welcoming shade of teal, with large windows offering a clear view of the interior. Tiny string lights adorned the windows, adding a charming glow even during daylight. 

A chalkboard outside elegantly displayed today's specials, decorated with doodles of coffee cups and pastries. Inside, the cafe was suffused with the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the subtle sweetness of pastries. 

The space was filled with dark wooden tables and chairs, while a few tall bookshelves lining the walls displayed vintage novels and tiny pots of fake houseplant, creating a rustic and cozy environment.

John straightened his jacket before exiting the truck, smoothing a hand over his head where his beanie usually rested. Today, he had decided to leave it behind, allowing the cool breeze to ruffle his short, milk chocolate hair as he walked inside. The soft indie music played in the cafe, establishing a relaxed atmosphere that was ideal for patrons to read solo, enjoy coffee with a friend, or work on their laptops.

Near the window, Soap and Cam were already seated. Her long legs crossed as she sipped from her cup of black coffee—her go-to, strong and simple. She wasn't the type for overly sweetened drinks; she liked her caffeine bold that actually worked. 

Her outfit was well put together, true to her style—practical but with a quiet confidence that made it clear she hadn't just thrown something on. 

She wore a fitted dark green turtleneck sweater that complemented her fiery hair, which was lazily tied back in a loose ponytail, a few strands falling around her face. Paired with it were dark-wash jeans that hugged her lean figure, showing just enough of the muscle she carried from years of military training. The finishing touch? A worn leather jacket draped over the back of her chair and her trusty combat boots—scuffed but reliable, much like her.

Across from her, Soap leaned back in his seat, drumming his fingers against his coffee cup as he stole occasional glances at her. His known style as he wore his navy blue bomber jacket over a gray henley, casual but stylish jeans, and clean, well-worn sneakers.

"Enjoying your coffee, birthday girl?" Soap teased, tilting his head.

Cam took another sip, leveling him with a look. "It's good. Strong. Unlike you in that last match last night."

"Oi! I was tactically retreating," Soap said with mock-offended gasp.

She snorted. "You were getting your ass handed to you."

"You're ruthless, babe." He narrowed his eyes but grinned. "I like it."

She shrugged, taking another slow sip until she glanced up. Her sharp blue eyes landed on none other than her father approaching them. Soap noticed too.

"Look who finally decided to let his hair breathe," Soap said with a cheeky grin.

John gave him a dry look without a word as he made his way over to their table.

"Happy birthday, Cami," he said, his voice steady but carrying a warmth that was rare.

Cam smiled at him. "Thanks, Dad."

"Twenty-four, huh? Time flies."

She shrugged and added. "Wouldn't know. You've been MIA half of those years."

A brief silence settled, just for a second, before John gave her a nod—an unspoken acknowledgment. They were still working on things, still finding their footing after years of distance, but they were getting there. Instead of lingering on the past, John pulled out the chair next to her and sat down.

"So," he said, glancing at her coffee before meeting her gaze, "Coffee first? And then to the comic shop and lunch last?"

"Yeah," Cam said. "We're just waiting on others. Then, I'm being forced to have fun today."

John huffed a small chuckle. "Sounds painful."

"It is," she deadpanned.

"Hey, now. She needs to be properly spoiled," Soap chimed in. "It's my job to keep her happy."

Cam exchanged a smile at Soap.

As John settled into his seat beside Soap and across from Cam, he observed the couple exchanging smiles and laughter. A yearning for that kind of connection stirred within him—a companionship where you could sit with someone special, whether it was a planned meeting or a spontaneous moment. Despite pretending otherwise, he couldn't deny his desire for such a bond. Though he felt worn and aged, he couldn't help but wish for the relationship Soap had with his daughter. He longed to reclaim the time he once spent on father-daughter outings, like enjoying ice cream or visiting the park together when she was young. Alas, his deployments had stolen away the time he could have spent with Cam as she grew up.

She was becoming a young woman, yet in his eyes, she remained his little girl. He had to keep reminding himself of this, even though he instinctively wanted to shield her from anything in the world that might harm her.

As his musings were interrupted by the bell on the cafe door jingling as Gaz entered. He gave them his best smile as he approached their table. Dressed in a burgundy hoodie beneath a black denim jacket, along with dark jeans and white sneakers, his relaxed style suited him well as a young man in his early thirties.

"Morning, everyone," Gaz said brightly as he pulled out the empty chair next to John. He set a large paper gift bag decorated with comic book characters next to her chair before taking his seat. "Happy birthday, Cam. I know I'm a little early, but I wanted to give you your present now before you put up with all of us today."

"You didn't have to get me anything," Cam replied, though she looked touched by his gesture.

"Of course I did. Couldn't miss the Captain girl's birthday," he said with a wink. He slid the gift bag closer to Cam. "Go on, check it."

Cam glanced into the bag and her eyes lit up with excitement as she pulled out a sleek, custom flight jacket. Her name was sewn on the chest side with a zip pocket, and a 141 patch adorned the sleeve. The rich black leather emit a classic vibe, and as she traced the details, she noticed a subtle addition—her old Navy call sign discreetly imprinted near the collar. Cam blinked, momentarily surprised, then turned to Gaz. "Damn, Garrick. You got taste."

Gaz grinned. "I thought you'd like something useful. You might want to wear it when you're out and about—or, you know, when you're showing off."

Soap let out a low whistle, intrigued. "He really set the bar high for the rest of us."

John, who had been quietly watching, nodded in approval as Cam admired the jacket.

"It suits you," he said simply.

Cam carefully placed it over her lap and looked at Gaz with a big smile. "Thanks, Gaz. Really, I love it."

Gaz leaned back, smiling broadly. "I figured you deserved something that says badass pilot and 141 legend."

She laughed softly. "Can't say that I am a female version of Maverick too, if I put this on. Cue my red hair."

John chuckled, looking at his daughter genuinely happy and surrounded by her team—her second family. She was talking about the movie Top Gun, which they used to watch together when she was a young girl. Smiling at the memory, a bittersweet pang in his chest. So much had changed since those simpler times, but seeing Cam's clear joy now warmed him.

At that moment, Simon arrived from afar. He was dressed in a leather jacket over a dark green t-shirt, with dark jeans that fit perfectly, and his expression was unreadable, cue to scars on his face as it did caught some attention but he didn't bother to acknowledge. With his hands in his front pockets, he nodded respectfully to Cam and briefly said, "Happy Birthday," before sitting down beside him.

"I hope you don't mind, but we might be dragging you to places you're not into." Cam said and giggled.

Simon shrugged. "I'll survive."

John glanced back over his shoulder, then focused on the counter where he planned to grab a coffee. He wanted a simple, strong cup—something to hold onto. But then, his entire body tensed.

Charlie.

His brain short-circuited for a second, as if the universe itself had decided to test his emotions in the worst possible way.

She was standing behind the counter, her golden hair pulled into a loose ponytail, a few wisps framing her face as she worked. The soft glow of the morning light streaming through the windows only made her look more beautiful. Focused and unaware that he was watching. He looked away, fixing his gaze back to his group.

Fuck me.

He wasn't prepared for this.

Not in front of his daughter of all people.

Cam doesn't know what Charlie looks like—hell, Charlie didn't even know he had a daughter. It's only because he hadn't told her yet.

He felt heat creep up his neck, and he exhaled through his nose. Act natural. Don't look back. Don't—

He turned his glance back again.

She was smiling at a customer, handing them their drink, her eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that made his chest stir.

"Boss?" Gaz caught his expression when he titled his head, eyebrows drawing together.

John straightened, clearing his throat. "What?"

"You alright?" Gaz studied him for a second.

"I'm fine," he said firmly.

Soap, who had been sipping his coffee, glanced up at the exchange. His eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something was off. Then he followed John's gaze—straight to the front counter. And his entire face lit up.

"Aw, no way!" Soap all but screeched, drawing the attention of their entire table.

John turned his head sharply toward him. "Soap—"

But it was too late. Soap had fully turned in his seat, twisting around to get a proper look at the counter. And when his eyes landed on Charlie, his grin stretched impossibly wide.

"Oh, this becomes interesting."

John clenched his jaw. "MacTavish—"

Soap ignored him completely, instead leaning toward Gaz. "You seein' what I'm seein'?"

Gaz, amused beyond belief, followed Soap's gaze. The second his eyes landed on Charlie, his lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Aw hell," he muttered under his breath before turning back to John with a look of surprise and intrigued. "That's her? Damn, no wonder the Cap'n is sticking around for her."

Cam, now sensing the shift in energy, arched an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

John let out a long, slow breath through his nose. He was going to kill them both.

"Nothing, Cami," John said flatly.

"Nothing my arse," Soap snickered. He leaned closer to John, lowering his voice to an exaggerated whisper. "You weren't expectin' to see yer lassie here, were ye?"

John shot him a warning look. "Keep your voice down."

Gaz laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "And here we thought you were gonna be all composed about this."

Cam, who had been watching the whole interaction with growing suspicion, turned her sharp blue eyes on her father. "What are they talking about?"

John didn't answer.

Soap, however, absolutely did.

"The one I hook your old man with? She's here," Soap said with a wide grin.

Cam blinked. Then blinked again.

"Where?"

Gaz nodded toward the counter. "Right up front. Sunny hair. She's young, like you."

Cam, now curious despite a nervous pit on her stomach, see where they were looking. When her eyes found Charlie, her mouth fell open in realization. Slowly, she turned back to John, disbelief written all over her face.

"Is that her you've told me about last time?"

John pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes."

"Dad, does she know who you are? I mean, the whole deal—leader of Task Force 141, full Price mode?"

John exhaled deeply, his shoulders drooping. "...Cameron."

"And is her job as a barista?"

"She's more than just a barista," John grumbled, his voice tense.

Soap almost spat out his coffee. "Oh-ho, someone's getting defensive!"

"You said she's in school, right? How long have you been dating her?" Cam said, ignoring her boyfriend's comment as she stared at her father like he'd just dropped a live grenade on the table.

John exhaled sharply. "I'm not dating her."

"Yet." Soap added with a grin.

John shot him a deadly look. "You really want to test me, son?"

"Always, sir."

Before John could threaten Soap into shutting his mouth, Simon—who had been silent up until now—became dry as ever.

"Well," he said, "this just got interesting."

John shot Simon with a glare. "Not you too."

"Not often we get to see you flustered, Price. Might as well enjoy it." Simon said with a small shrug.

Cam kept her gaze fixed on her father before shifting it back to Charlie. The young blonde woman behind the counter, with her bright, golden hair, gentle features, and relaxed demeanor, might just be the reason her father was sticking around. And it puzzled her. She squinted again. The worst part? She couldn't deny that Charlie was attractive. Just as she began to process the idea that her father had a preference. The idea of him dating someone younger like she is, it kinda made her uncomfortable.

Until a phone buzzed and all heads turned as Simon lazily glanced down at the screen.

Incoming FaceTime call: Sexy Angel🪽💕.

Simon swiped the phone green icon on the screen and he lifted it to his gaze as the screen lit up, revealing Gabrielle's beautiful face. Her curls slightly windswept, the sun bright behind her. She was outside somewhere in Las Almas, the background showing a quiet street with colorful buildings. In her arms was Ivory, their daughter, who was busy smacking a teething toy against Gabby's chest.

"Hey, where's my birthday girl?" Gabby greeted, voice warm and cheery as she waved.

"She's right here," Simon turned the camera option to where his wife can see the group.

"Happy birthday, babe!" she beamed.

Cam, who was still mentally recovering from the Price and Charlie situation, blinked before offering a small smile. "Hey, Gabby. Thanks."

"Yeah, hey, I wanted to let you know—I sent you something. It'll probably get there late, but I didn't forget you, birthday girl."

Cam blinked in mild surprise. "You sent me something?"

"Of course," Gabby grinned. "Saw it and thought of you immediately. Figured it'd be something you'd like. Anyways, are they going to spoil you, or do I need to come over there and fight one of them? I'll start with MacTavish."

"Wha-?! Why me?" Soap said in an almost annoyed tone.

"Because you exist, mellizo," Gabby answered while rolling her eyes.

Soap scoffed in mock offense while Gaz chuckled.

Gabby, still smiling, let Ivory babble into the phone for a second before glancing at the others. "Alright, why do y'all look like you just walked into some top-secret shit?"

Simon, without hesitation, turned his phone more—just enough to give Gabby a view of the counter. "The one with a golden hair and an apron is here."

Gabby squinted for a moment before her face lit up in realization.

"Wait a sec—" Her eyes widened. "Is that—?"

"Oh yeah," Soap grinned in return.

Gabby gasped. "THAT'S HER?!"

John closed his eyes, already regretting the decisions that brought him here.

"Holy smokes, Captain Price, you sure have a type!" Gabby laughed. "She's adorable! This is a match made in heaven!"

"Gabrielle." John's voice was low, a warning tone.

She completely ignored him. "Hold on, hold on, how old is she? She looks way too young, John."

"Oh, I know, right?" Cam added but less enthusiastic of this moment.

John groaned, rubbing his temples with his index fingers.

"She has no idea you're a dad, does she?" Gabby guessed.

"Not yet," Gaz replied for John with a grin.

Gabby giggled. "I need to be there for this."

John was at his limit. "Alright, hang up—"

"No." Simon deadpanned after he angled his phone further towards John's scowling face.

John shot him a look. "Simon—"

And that was when Charlie approached the table.

He instantly froze.

The whole group went silent.

Gabby, still on FaceTime, blinked before breaking into a huge grin.

"Oh, this is about to get good," she whispered.

John, resisting every urge to murder everyone at this table, turned around. Their gazes locked, and Charlie was there with a small notepad in hand. His piercing icy blue eyes observed her demeanor and body language: the apron wrapped neatly around her waist. Despite a flicker of uncertainty on her face, her brown eyes remained warm and inquisitive.

"John?" she called before offering her a shy smile. "Is that you?"

He felt his group were watching this unfold, but mostly Soap and Gaz couldn't contain their cheeky grins. The urge to strangle these young men. But, he'll have to deal with them later because he had to act natural.

"Yes, it's me," he give his best smile to her. "This time without a hat."

"You... you look good," Charlie shyly commented it.

He felt a warmth rise in his chest at her compliment, despite the awkwardness of the situation. He was aware of his team's eyes on him, especially Simon still holding up his phone with Gabby's grinning face in view.

"Thank you," he said simply to Charlie. "You look good as always."

Her cheeks flushed pink as she tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "What can I get for you and your friends?"

John glanced back at the expectant faces around the table. Gaz raised an eyebrow, Simon's mouth quirked in a subtle smile, Soap leaned forward with undisguised glee, while Cam stared at Charlie with narrowed eyes.

"Just coffee for now, thanks," John said briskly, hoping to move this encounter along before it got out of hand.

But Gabby's voice piped up from the phone. "Aww don't be shy, we're cool! We don't bite."

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, willing patience, then turned back to Charlie with an apologetic look. "Sorry about them. This is Charlotte, she works here."

"Please, call me Charlie," she said warmly, giving a little wave towards the phone. "Nice to meet you."

"Yeah," Gabby said. "I'm Gabby, Simon's wife. That's our baby Ivory. You'll have to excuse the boys, they have no manners." She shot a mock glare at Soap and Gaz.

"Oh it's no problem," Charlie laughed. Her gaze returned to John and she tucked a stray wisp of hair behind her ear again, her fingers fidgeting against the small notepad in her hands. Her stomach flipped. She had never seen him without his beanie before. His hair—short, neat, slicked back—was nothing overdone. It was classic, practical, low-maintenance, exactly like him. But somehow, that made it unfair. Because now that she could see it, she wanted to touch it.

Badly.

Her fingers itched with the thought.

She imagined running them through, feeling the softness of it, maybe tugging just a little to see if he'd let out a low sound—

Charlie get a grip! She snapped herself out of it.

Her cheeks flamed, and she quickly looked away, pretending to glance down at her notepad as if she'd suddenly forgotten how to function. Until Simon—who had zero patience for awkwardness—decided to end it.

"Right," he drawled, nodding to John. "Don't forgot about us, including your daughter."

His jaw clenched. This wasn't how he had envisioned this playing out, but there was no avoiding it now. He took a deep breath and glanced at Charlie. Totally unaware of the turmoil inside her, he was dealing with his own internal conflict. If she continued gazing at him with those wide eyes and rosy cheeks, he was bound to lose the last shred of composure he had.

"Charlie," he began, his voice calm, "these are my men: Simon Riley, Kyle Garrick, Gabrielle Knocks on FaceTime, and Johnny MacTavish. He's the one who got me roped into you."

"Aye," Soap grinned slowly, like a child surrounded by a treasure trove of toys (mainly anything explosives and guns).

"And this is my daughter, Cameron," he looked at Cam. "Today's is her birthday. Twenty-Four."

She blinked, and then again before her eyes widened. Looking between John and Cameron as the realization dawned on her. She had not known John had a daughter, let alone one close to her age.

A flood of questions and emotions swirled within her—when had he had a child?

Was he married before?

Why had he never mentioned Cam?

Her gaze shifts to Simon, his scars, and Gabby on the small screen. Charlie had never encountered scars like his, ones that sparked curiosity about their origin, yet his eyes remained inscrutable—stoic and reserved. She chose to hold back her questions, at least for the time being.

"Oh..." She trailed off, feeling suddenly self-conscious under the piercing stare of his daughter. "It's, uh, nice to meet you, Cameron," Charlie managed finally, giving her a small, hesitant smile. She wasn't sure if she would get one in return. "Happy birthday."

Her sharp eyes assessing Charlie, and she felt her cheeks flushed.

John watched the interaction carefully, resisting the urge to intervene. This was new territory for all of them. He knew Cam would be protective of him, unsure what to make of her presence. And Charlie seemed suddenly shy.

"Thanks," Cam remarked after a brief silence. She averted her gaze as she picked up her coffee mug and took a sip.

An awkward beat passed before Soap clapped his hands together, dispelling the tension.

"Right! Coffee all around then?" He shot John and Cam a subtle look.

Charlie let out a small, nervous laugh. She glanced back at John, her brown eyes searching for something in his expression.

He just gave her a steady look.

And that's when it hit her.

He'd never told her.

She forced herself to refocus, clearing her throat. "Right. Um—coffee. Do you want sugar and milk?"

John, still watching her, caught the way her fingers gripped the notepad just a little tighter.

"No sugar," he answered. "Always."

She nodded, scribbling it down. "And for the rest of you?"

They rattled off their orders, though Soap purposefully made a show of ordering something obnoxiously sweet just to get a reaction out of John. ("Gimme that caramel-whitever with extra whipped cream, thanks, sunny.")

Despite her flustered state, Charlie smiled at them. "Coming right up."

As she walked back to the counter, let out a slow exhale, running a hand through his hair, unaware that he was only making things worse for her.

Gabby, still on FaceTime, let out a delighted squeal.

"Oh yeah," she said, grinning from ear to ear. "This is so happening."

---

📢 AUTHOR'S NOTE: WELL... THAT HAPPENED.

Guys. I am wheezing. 😭 THIS WAS NOT HOW JOHN WANTED CHARLIE TO FIND OUT.

💀 John: "Act natural. Don't look at her. Don't—"

💀 Soap: "OH HO, YOU WEREN'T EXPECTING TO SEE YOUR LASSIE HERE, WERE YE?!"

💀 Gaz: "This just got good."

💀 Gabby: "OH MY GOD, CAPTAIN PRICE HAS A TYPE!"

And Cam? Cameron Faith Price, certified menace, just sitting there, arms crossed, watching her father absolutely self-destruct in real-time.

But let's talk about Charlie's reaction. Because the poor girl is SHOOK.

• John Price... a father?

• His daughter is 24?

• Wait, I'm dating a DILF???

• How did I not see this coming?!

Charlie is spiraling. And honestly? SAME. 😂

💭 ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONS: LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS MESS.

🔥 1. HOW DO WE THINK CHARLIE IS GOING TO PROCESS THIS?! Is she gonna sit with it? Confront him later? Panic and pretend it's fine while internally screaming?

😂 2. SOAP. SOAP IS GOING TO BE THE DEATH OF JOHN PRICE. On a scale of 1 to 10, how dead is he?

👀 3. CAMERON. MY GIRL. Now that she knows, what do we think she's gonna do next?

🔥 4. GABBY'S FACE WHEN SHE SAW CHARLIE ON FACETIME?! Absolutely priceless. Who else wants her to keep digging for tea?

📖 New chapters drop every Friday (x3)!

💬 Bonus chapter if you guys get chaotic in the comments!

Tag yourselves—I'm Gabby, sipping tea from a safe distance and instigating. 👀☕