"You always packed decent underwear regardless of how sweaty or gross the job got. You would always take photos and send them to yourself, so you could keep your photo reel empty. It was an easy, subconscious task, as simple as two clicks and you were done, until your phone pinged." Price: "My office. Now." "When his phone had buzzed he wasn’t expecting, well, that. The end of his pen repeatedly tapping the desk surface as eyes lingered on your delicately sculpted features longer than appropriate. But he wasn’t exactly being inappropriate. Not yet anyway. After he sent his demand, he leaned back into his chair, that same chair he sat in when he first interviewed you, adjusting his posture, pulling on the crotch of his trousers to make room for what was happening underneath.The right thing was to reprimand you, hearing your footfall gradually growing closer. That was the appropriate thing to do. But as the door swung open, an easy decision grew difficult by the second."

"Captain Price looked up from his desk and met Nora's gaze, taking note of the worry in their expression." "Nora," "he said in a stern, yet caring tone," "take a seat. We have a bit of a situation that needs to be addressed." <Captain Price gestures towards the chair opposite his desk>

"Captain Price leans forward, clasping his hands together as he looks at Nora." "I received a picture on my phone," "he says in a serious tone," "And it appears to be from you." "There's a hint of disappointment in his voice." "Now, I know you're a responsible member of the team, so I'm hoping this was just a mistake, a lapse in judgment. Can you explain what happened?"

Captain Price sighed, shaking his head slowly as he listened to Nora's explanation. "Mistake or not, Nora," "he chided softly, but sternly," "sending me a picture of that nature is a serious breach of protocol. You know we have strict regulations on fraternization, and even though we're not in a romantic relationship, the fact remains that we work together and you're under my command."

"He leans back in his seat, folding his arms." "I won't report this, because I know you're a valuable member of the team and I don't want to lose you." "There's a hint of sympathy and understanding in his voice." "But I need to be sure that this was a one-time mistake. Can you give me your word that nothing like this will happen again?"

"Captain Price nods and looks at Nora for moment, sizing her up one more time before leaning forward on his elbows. His voice softens a little, giving way to a caring tone." "Good," "he says," "I trust you, Nora. I don't like pushing boundaries, but please keep in mind that our mission has to always come first. Fraternization can compromise the effectiveness of our team and put everyone's safety at risk."

"He leans back again, looking away for a moment." "Now, is there anything else you need to tell me or anything we need to discuss?" "He meets Nora's eyes once more, looking like he's genuinely concerned for her well-being."

"Don't mention it, Nora." "Captain Price replies with a gentle chuckle." "I prefer to understand the situation before getting carried away with discipline. You're still very valuable to the team, and our success depends on each member's ability to perform their duty to the best of their abilities."

"He leans forward a bit more, fixing Nora with a firm gaze." "Just keep in mind that these kind of incidents can't happen again. As your commanding officer, I need you to be mindful of your actions and understand the consequences of your decisions."

"Price leans back in his chair again, crossing one leg over the other." "But for now, let's just put this behind us and move forward, shall we?"

"Captain Price nods in acknowledgment and pulls out his phone from the pocket. He looks at it for a moment with a serious expression, then hands it to Nora, indicating for her to take it." "Yeah, of course, I'll delete it right now," "he says."

"As she scrolls through his photo reel, he takes note of how beautiful she looked. He's reminded of the times when he was young and foolish himself, but now he's a hardened veteran with a task force to lead. He can't let himself get distracted by frivolous attractions."

"He watches over her shoulder as she deletes the photo, feeling his heart race with a mixture of desire and guilt. But he doesn't dwell on those emotions; he knows better than to let them cloud his judgment."

"When she hands him back his phone, he puts it away."

"Captain Price notices Nora's gaze and, for a moment, feels a pulse of excitement course through him. But he quickly stamps it out, scolding himself. This isn't appropriate. He shifts his weight discreetly to try and alleviate the tension in his trousers."

"It's alright, Nora. Accidents happen," "he says smoothly, trying not to let his voice betray him." "Just remember to be more careful in the future."

"He leans forward slightly, folding his hands on his desk. His blue eyes lock onto her own, a paternal concern etched into his features." "Is everything okay now? Do you have any other concerns or questions?"

"Captain Price nods in understanding, observing that Nora appeared to have regained her composure. He would have to watch her closely, just to make sure that there were no lingering issues."

"Alright then, Nora. You're dismissed," "he says, standing up and walking her to the door". "Just make sure to be more careful in the future."

"He opens the door for her, placing a hand on her shoulder as she steps through the threshold." "And remember, if you ever need anything, I'm here for you. Don't hesitate to ask."

"With that, he watches her leave, a small part of him still feeling guilty for how aroused the photo made him. But he quickly stamps out that emotion; as attractive as Nora is, there's no place for those feelings in a professional setting."

"Captain Price returns to his desk, sinking into his chair with a sigh. He knew it wasn't appropriate for him to react the way he did to Nora's photo, but he couldn't help the reaction that it elicited within him. He runs a hand through his hair, wondering how Nora must be feeling about the situation."

"He stares pensively at his computer screen, lost in thought. He had always known that there was an age gap between them, and that a relationship would be strictly forbidden by military law. But now that the lines were so explicitly drawn in the sand, he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to cross them."

<Should I tell her how I feel?> "he wonders to himself. No, that would be too risky. It's better to keep things professional between them. Safer, too."

"John nods, listening intently as he leans slightly towards her." "I completely understand, Nora," "he says softly". "And believe me when I say that I never intended for you to feel this way. It's just that...the way you care for me, the way you make me feel, it's different from anything I've ever experienced." "He takes a deep breath, his gaze still focused on her." "But if you're uncomfortable with these feelings, we can talk about it, try to find a way to move past it."

"John nods in understanding, a heavy sigh escaping his lips." "I know it's difficult," "he says, his fingers drumming softly against the bar." "And I don't want to make things complicated or uncomfortable for you." "He leans in closer, his voice lowering to a hushed whisper." "But, Nora, I can't help the way I feel about you. And if there were any way we could make this work, I would do everything in my power to try." "He looks up at her with a pleading gaze." "Please, just think about it. We don't have to rush into anything, but I can't keep pretending like these feelings don't exist."

"John takes a sip of his drink, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before leaning back in his chair." "You're right," "he agrees, nodding slowly". "I apologize for getting carried away. The monotony has just been getting to me, and I was…using that as an escape." "He gazes at his empty glass, feeling a sudden wave of regret." "I promise you, though, when we are both sober and ready, we can have this conversation. Because I do want it to be somewhere you feel comfortable and respected." "His gaze meets hers, a determined look in his eyes." "Deal?"

"John glances at the clock hanging above the bar, nodding in agreement." "Yeah," "he says, standing up alongside her." "I should probably get some rest too. It's been a long day." "He reaches for his jacket, slipping it on as he speaks." "But I'll be here if you need anything, Nora. Just remember that." "As she pays her tab, he pulls out his wallet and places a few extra bills on the counter before following her towards the door." "Goodnight, Nora," "he says softly, opening the door for her." "Take care."

"John chuckles, shaking his head as he follows her out onto the street." "Yeah, I guess I did," "he admits with a soft smile." "Thanks for reminding me, Nora." "He pulls his jacket tighter around himself, shivering slightly in the cool night air." "It's been a while since we lived together, hasn't it?" "He glances over at her, curiosity in his eyes." "Do you ever think about those days?"

"John nods somberly, memories of their past missions together flashing across his mind." "I know," "he says quietly." "But you've come a long way since then, Nora. You're a skilled operator now, and I trust you with my life." "He looks over to her, meeting her gaze with a kind smile." "I'm proud of you."

"John chuckles wryly, raising an eyebrow at her teasing comment." "Hey now, it's not like I'm that old," "he protests with a grin." "Besides, someone had to look after you young ones." "He nudges her playfully with his elbow." "But seriously, Nora. You're like family to me. And family always looks out for each other."

"John chuckles at that, shaking his head in amusement." "Is that right?" "he says, looking slightly surprised." "Well, I guess I hadn't really thought about it like that." "He looks back over to her, a humorous glint in his eyes." "But come on," "he adds, grinning." "I can't be that old, can I?"

"John lets out a laugh, rolling his eyes playfully." "Oh, go ahead and tell the truth," "he says with a grin." "I can take it."

"John raises his eyebrows in surprise, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips." "Well now, Nora," "he says, chuckling." "I didn't know you had it in you." "He bumps her back gently with his shoulder, still grinning." "But seriously, I'm not getting too old for this stuff just yet," "he adds, the playful tone of his voice remaining." "And who knows, maybe we'll have to test that theory sometime."

"John smirks, taking in the color that's crept up her cheeks." "That's the spirit," "he says with a soft chuckle." "We can definitely talk about it…" "He reaches out to brush his fingers gently against her cheek, trying to coax out a more flirtatious response from her." "But maybe we can also do more than just talk sometimes, you know?"

"John nods, understanding where Nora's coming from. He knows that her habit of overthinking could get the best of her sometimes." "Alright, tomorrow it is," "he says, pulling his hand back and stepping away from her." "We'll have a clear head and can figure out what to do…or not do, I suppose." "He gives her a knowing smile, trying to lighten the mood slightly." "Just remember, kiddo, there's a difference between thinking things through and second-guessing yourself."

"John nods, quietly following along with Nora as they make their way back to the dorms." "Yeah, let's go," "he says, casting a sidelong glance at her." "It's been a long day. We could both use some rest."

"John lingers outside of his door for a moment before turning to face Nora, looking down at her with a faint smile." "You know, kiddo," "he says softly." "If you ever decide that...well, that you want to do something more about what we talked about tonight, just let me know. I won't push you into anything, but I want you to know that I'm interested." "He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper." "And I can be very discreet, if need be."

"John chuckles, a faint rosy tint appearing on his cheeks." "Yeah, I suppose you're right about that," "he admits sheepishly." "Drinks do have a way of loosening my tongue." "He takes a step closer to her, the temptation to lean in and press a kiss to her lips nearly overwhelming." "So, you'll let me know if you change your mind?" "he presses, his voice low and full of longing."

"John nods, a nonchalant expression on his face." "Right, tomorrow," "he says, though disappointment lingers in his voice." "I'll be here." "He watches as she slips into her room, closing the door behind her before finally turning to go into his own room."...

"The rest of the night comes and goes in a blur. John tosses and turns in bed, restless and unable to sleep. Thoughts of Nora fill his mind, haunting him with their intensity. He runs a hand through his hair, the weight of his desire nearly overwhelming him. What he wouldn't do just to hold her in his arms."

<As he lays there, tossing and turning, the room is quiet, save for the soft sound of rain hitting the rooftop outside. The only other noise is the sound of his own thoughts, churning around in

"his head. Eventually, he gives up on trying to sleep and sits up, turning on the lamp next to his bed. He rubs at his eyes, sighing heavily as he stares off into the distance.)"

"(After a few moments, John stands up and puts on a shirt and some sweatpants. He figures that going for a walk might help clear his head. So, he slips out of his room and starts wandering through the hallways. As he strolls along, he finds himself drawn towards Nora's door, like a moth to a flame. He stops outside her door, hovering uncertainly for a moment before finally giving in to temptation and knocking softly on the wood.)"

"(Nora stirs from her slumber, the sound of knocking making her shoot up in bed. She looks around the room, her gaze eventually landing on the doorway.)"