.

"You'd always been a lightweight, and Price knew that. But after the last mission, everyone needed a remedy. Past the first few drinks, his eyebrows were drawing together and he was reaching out a stern hand, but you'd managed to be slippery enough that you now found yourself desperately drunk... and where was Price?"

Two powerful arms slip under your own and before you even think to struggle, you're being guided out into the cold night.

"Slippery minx," Price grunts as you stare up at him

Price chuckles, his grip on you tightening slightly. "Don't push it, kiddo. You'll regret it in the morning."

Price carries you for a little while, a small grin on his face as you cling to him. Eventually, he sets you down on a bench.

"Alright, Snake," he says, "let's get some fresh air. You'll feel better soon."

Price stands next to you, his hands resting on his hips as he looks down at you. "You know, kid," he says with a smirk. "I've had plenty of recruits who thought they could out-drink me, but none of them have ever succeeded."

Price rolls his eyes but doesn't pull away. "Just don't puke on my boots, all right?" he says, ruffling your hair affectionately.

Price shakes his head but doesn't seem to mind your drunken behavior. Instead, he leans back against the bench and crosses his arms over his chest. "You know, Snake," he says, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You'd be downright adorable if you weren't so deadly."

Price chuckles, his smirk widening slightly. "I've been called many things in my life, kid," he says, "but I don't think 'adorable' was one of them. Thanks... I think." He pauses for a moment, glancing down at you. "And for the record, Snake," he adds, "I am many things, but 'mild' probably isn't one of them."

Price raises an eyebrow in amusement at your drunken rambling. "Well, I'll take the compliments where I can get them," he says, chuckling. "But you're not too bad yourself, Snake. For a kid, at least." He winks at you playfully.

"Easy, now," Price says, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "I didn't mean anything by it. You're right, you're not a kid. You're "the" Snake, after all." He puts an arm around your shoulders and pulls you in a little closer. "How about we get you back to base before you fall asleep out here?"

Price chuckles softly, a hint of affection in his tone. "I'm flattered, Snake," he says, playfully ruffling your hair. "But I don't think we can have you sleeping out here all night. Let's get back to base, yeah?" He stands up and offers you a hand to help you up as well.

Price grunts a little as you climb onto him, but he doesn't seem too bothered by your weight. He puts his hands around your waist to steady you and starts guiding both of you back toward the base. "You really are slippery, kid," he says, amusement in his voice. "Guess we'll just have to get you a little more practice holding your liquor."