The truck rumbled softly as John eased it into a parking space. Shifting into park before killing the engine, he glanced at her.

"We're here, love."

Charlie nodded, fingers tightening around her phone. She'd been quiet the last few blocks, eyes flitting between the passing streets and her lap. Not nervous. Just aware of what this outing meant after the date.

John lingered a moment longer, eyes drifting toward the street beyond the windshield. Then, without a word, he reached beneath his jacket and drew the Glock 19 from his belt. He glanced at her once more, then leaned forward and popped open the glove compartment. She watched as the weapon slid inside with a soft clink before he shut it again, leaving it behind.

A rare moment of disarmament of letting his guard down because she was here.

He exhaled through his nose, then stepped out first, boots hitting the pavement with that steady thunk. Before she could unbuckle, he was already at her door.

Opening it with one hand, the other reaching up to help her down from the tall truck.

"Come here," he said softly.

She slid forward, letting him catch her by the waist. His hands were large as he lifted her gently down. Like it was the most natural thing in the world. When her feet touched the ground, he didn't let go. His hand lingered on the small of her back, thumb brushing beneath the hem of her shirt.

"You alright?" he asked, leaning in close so only she could hear. His beard brushed her temple.

Charlie nodded, offering a small smile. "I'm okay. You already warned me I'd be meeting Cam again." She paused. "I'm just glad we had our own time earlier."

His lips curved upward. "Aye. Thought we could make this a double date. Easy in, easy out."

That earned a faint blush. She didn't answer, just leaned into his touch before they turned toward the Hong Kong Buffet. It wasn't anything fancy from the outside—just a modest sign, clean windows, and the smell of spices and grilled meats wafting out each time the door opened. But it was a local gem, tucked in a quieter corner of London. John had chosen it because Cam loved it (and he used to take her there while growing up when he couldn't cook at a time until Cam have to take over, when she turned fifteen). He figured the casual setting would keep Charlie at ease.

When they stepped inside, the warmth enveloped her immediately. The air was thick with the scent of soy, ginger, and sweet chili. It was a quiet mid-afternoon, so the usual rush had died down. Red and gold accents decorated the walls. Booths lined one side of the room while round tables filled the rest. The gentle hum of conversation and the soft clink of plates created a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.

His eyes scanned the room and he spotted them.

Cam was seated in a booth near the back—one of the larger ones. She'd dressed casual, but with her usual girly flair. A light cardigan draped over a dark blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, paired with vans shoes. Her red hair was tied in ponytail with a necklace rested at her collarbone.

Soap sat beside her, elbow on the table, already laughing at something Cam had said. He wore a black Henley shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his forearms and dark jeans. His hair—still growing out but styled into a subtle mohawk—gave him that usual rugged but boyish charm. And across from them—

"Bloody hell," John muttered under his breath.

Gaz.

Seated like he belonged there. Hoodie and bomber jacket, cargo trousers, and his usual trainers. He was mid-bite into an egg roll, glancing up when he noticed them.

"Hey!" he waved, a smile lighting up his face.

Cam turned and grinned, lifting her drink in greeting, while Soap show off his grin.

"Finally, you showed up," he began before he saw John smirked, steering Charlie gently toward the table. His hand never left her back.

Charlie stayed close, fingers brushing nervously at the side seam of her skirt. She wasn't sure why the nerves hit now. She'd met Cam and the group. But something about a double date with his daughter and his teammates—made it feel official. Like this was more than just tagging along.

Exclude Gaz since he told them that he was only here for food (and because he accepted their invitation since he wanted to get out of his den for a day).

Cam stood as they approached, giving Charlie a quick, warm hug.

"You look so cute," Cam said, stepping back to look her over.

Charlie smiled, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "Thanks. You look good too."

Soap leaned over the booth. "We weren't sure you'd find us in this maze. This place is bigger than I thought."

"Or maybe you're just easily lost," Gaz teased, wiping his hands on a napkin.

John snorted. "Settle down. We're here for food and I want my girl to be around with you lads. Be on your best behavior, alright?"

Gaz lifted his plate in agreement. "Yes, sir."

"Loud and clear, boss. But I've never eaten here. Gaz either."

"Me too," Charlie said with a small smile.

"Never had Hong Kong Buffet before?" Cam asked, surprised.

"No."

Soap shook his head, chuckling. "You're in good company. Cam's been on about it for weeks. Said we needed to try it."

"It's the best," Cam added, looking at Soap and grinned. "Dad loved eating here since he likes the food and it's easy access. I grew up eating there a lot with him when he wasn't on duty."

"Ah," Soap took in her words into his memory bank. "So, I bet you have your favorites in here, bonnie?"

Cam nodded. "Yeah, a lot. I can't pick and choose as my favorite. But I can't live without pineapple. On pizza and anything on drinks and a snack. You know this."

"Really? Me too!" Charlie quickly said before Cam turned her head to face her.

"See, Price? They have in common," Soap said, smiling big and pointed out.

Only in return, John rolled eyes before pulling the booth table back slightly so Charlie could slip in first. She slid in beside Cam while John took the spot beside her, resting his arm along the back of the seat.

She felt herself relax just a little.

"You know—" he paused, leaning back with his arms sprawled across the booth like he was getting real comfortable. "I noticed that you've gone soft."

John raised a brow. "Soft, Sergeant?"

"Yeah." Soap nodded, eyes glinting with amusement. "Two months ago, you'd have ripped my head off for even suggesting a date. Now look at you. Playing chauffeur. Bringing your girl to meet us at the buffet like a family man."

John exhaled through his nose, trying not to smirk. "Watch your step, MacTavish."

Gaz chuckled, shaking his head as he reached for his drink. "Hey, you're not half as grumpy as you used to be."

"I am not grumpy," John replied flatly.

"Tell that to every recruit who's ever crossed you," Soap quipped.

"Yeah, Dad... you did scare most of my friends back in school. And some of my teachers," Cam leaned in and said, giggling.

Charlie couldn't help but release a gentle chuckle when she giggled.

"Are you all done?" His eyes narrowed playfully at the table of traitors surrounding him.

Soap shrugged. "Not even close. But I'll give you a break since Charlie's here." He shot her a wink. "Don't worry, we've all agreed not to scare you off."

Charlie flushed, ducking her head. "Thanks. I think."

His hand slipped to her knee beneath the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't listen to them, love."

She glanced up at him with a small, shy smile.

Before anyone could say another banter again, the waiter arrived at their booth and gave them a polite smile.

"Welcome back," he greeted, eyes moving to John and Charlie. "Your table's already ordered drinks. Would you like something to start?"

John leaned back slightly. "Root beer."

The waiter then turned to Charlie.

"Water with lemon, please."

"Of course." The waiter gave a nod and moved off toward the drink station and returned with their drinks set before moving on.

Soap nudged Gaz with his elbow. "See, that's why we brought Price. He's the only one that orders like a grown-up. Meanwhile, you're on your third refill of your sweetest tea."

Gaz shrugged, unconcerned. "Tastes good. Not my fault you are not into tea or try new things."

"Whitever," Soap said, rolling his eyes. "I just don't get why Brits are so fussy about their tea being just right. Like hell, you had the poor waiter go back and forth just to add a bit more sugar and stir it a few times to make sure it dissolved."

"That's because it tasted like shite and it's not tea," Gaz frowned, defensive, taking another dignified sip like he was proving a point.

"It's tea, mate. You're just so damn picky!"

"Picky?" Gaz repeated, mock offended. "You don't brew tea like you're making mud. It's meant to be balanced. Not a bloody science experiment."

Cam sighed and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, as if she couldn't believe this was happening over the table, of all places.

"Gaz basically interrogated the waiter about the kettle temperature."

"I did not interrogate—"

"You asked him if the water had 'properly boiled.' Twice," Soap laughed.

Charlie stifled a giggle, trying not to look too amused.

"Because some of these places just heat it like soup," Gaz said, not even embarrassed. "You want flavour or you want warm water?"

John leaned back, smirking now, eyes dancing with silent amusement and looked at Charlie. "Gaz takes his tea more seriously than he takes breaching drills."

She felt the warmth in her chest settle deeper. Even though she was still shy, she liked this. The easy back-and-forth. The way they all seemed like a strange, mismatched family. And the way John, despite every bit of his stern exterior, wanted her here.

Gaz set his drink down, leaning forward now with a grin. "Right, since everyone's pointing fingers about my tea and the Captain going soft—" he glanced slyly at Soap, then Cam, then locked eyes with Charlie, "I've got to ask the realquestion."

Charlie blinked, caught off guard. "Um... what's that?"

Gaz leaned in like he was sharing a secret. "What's your trick, Charlie? How'd you get our grumpy Captain to chill out? 'Cause this"—he gestured around the booth—"is the day I'm waiting to see our boss to chill once for a lifetime. Honestly, I'm surprised Cam didn't have to drag you here."

John gave him a warning look. "Careful where you tread, Gaz."

But Gaz just grinned wider, completely unfazed. "Come on, Captain. Let your girlfriend answer."

Girlfriend.

It made her cheeks flushed.

All eyes turned to her.

She fidgeted with the sleeve of her sweater top, trying to find words. She wasn't used to this much attention. Especially not from his people.

"I... I don't think it's a trick," she said quietly, giving a shy laugh. "I just... talk to him. He listens. I guess that helps?"

"Listens?" Soap whistled. "Bloody hell, Price. That's a first."

Cam smirked as she looked at Soap and then back to Charlie.

"That's a miracle right there," Gaz leaned back, impressed. "Normally, he listens to any of us, selectively. But we all know he wants us to follow his orders and nobody gets hurt."

John didn't say a word. But his hand slid from her knee to her thigh, fingers pressing firmly. Pride, amusement... and a warning to the others not to push too far.

Charlie smiled nervously. "I guess... is that a thing?"

"Oh, trust me, sunny," Soap went on, "just wait until he holds your hand. He'll change your world, treat you like a princess while taking down any bastards who dares to threaten what is his. Hence, same goes to Cam, except he can't get rid of me."

Cam nodded to show she agreed, but her hand slid onto his knee, giving it a firm squeeze as she blushed.

He let out a low breath that could've been a laugh—or a growl. "Alright, enough. Before this turns into a bloody roast."

"Fair enough, Captain," Gaz said, raising his glass in surrender.

Just as Soap laughed, her phone buzzed on the table. Cam glanced at it, then hesitated. Her smile faded.

"Dad," she said, voice soft but serious now. "Can I talk to you outside?"

His brow furrowed. His whole posture shifted—relaxed father to sharp-eyed soldier in a blink. Charlie noticed it. The way his shoulders squared, how his attention honed in. Whatever Cam needed to say—it wasn't small talk.

John stood after giving Charlie a shoulder squeeze and kissed her head. "I'll be back."

Cam slid out of the booth after him. Soap and Gaz watched them go, the playful mood dipping into something quieter. Charlie kept her eyes on John as he followed Cam toward the restaurant's glass doors. She chewed gently on her bottom lip.

Soap leaned in, offering a softer smile now. "Don't worry. She's probably got somethin' personal to tell him."

Still, Charlie couldn't help but feel the slight twist in her stomach.

Not fear.