𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎̀ 𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎 | Call of Duty | John Price

Chapter 1

"I don't know what you're talking about, Melon. I told you, I haven't went to the convenience store in days. I don't have any candy with me right now." Daisy rolls her eyes, her arms crossed over her chest as she stands defensively.

"You can't bullshit me, Ms Bloom. You better magically pull some candy out of your ass before I make you strip."

"Don't get freaky on me now, Mel. I'm being honest. No candy here—Other than the sweet treat between my thighs. And you know that's reserved for Daddy Price."

"Daisy Bloom!" Melody gags and tosses a pillow at her friend's head. "Don't talk about my father like that! I don't even want to imagine you near him in a sexual way."

"Girl, I promise you; One of these days I'm gonna ride your dad. It's inevitable."

"You're hopeless."

John Price's deep chuckle from the doorway makes them both jump. "I'm sorry, what was that?" He asks, his smile widening as he takes in the sight of his daughter playfully assaulting her best friend. Daisy's cheeks turn a deep shade of red, and she looks at the floor, mumbling something about her mouth being her downfall.

Melody's eyes widen, and she takes a step back, trying to compose herself. "Daddy! You're home!" She squeals, running to him and throwing her arms around his waist. "I missed you so much!"

"Fuck me sideways, I can't believe he came home the moment I said something dirty. God must hate me," Daisy mutters, smacking herself on the forehead as she falls back onto the couch.

John laughs, the sound warm and genuine as he ruffles Melody's hair. "I've missed you too, kiddo. A year is a long time to be away." His eyes flick over to Daisy, who's now pretending to be invisible behind a cushion. "Daisy, I'm sorry if I startled you. I didn't mean to walk in on your "private" conversation."

"No no no! Don't mind me. It's your home I'm talking nonsense in." She chuckles as she sits up and pushes herself off the couch to stand. "Just didn't expect you to hear me... Didn't expect you to be home yet. Good luck with the leech," she gestures to his daughter, who's still clinging to his waist.

Melody releases her grip and slaps Daisy playfully on the arm. "Don't be silly. I haven't seen my father in a year, of course I'll hug him for a while. You're just jealous you haven't gotten a hug." John's smile falters for a moment before he nods in agreement.

"It's good to see you both still getting along so well." Daisy's eyes meet his, and she notices something she hasn't seen before. A spark of curiosity, maybe even a hint of something more. She quickly dismisses the thought, attributing it to his long absence and the surprise of coming home to an unchanged friendship.

"Jealous?! Me?!" Daisy scoffs playfully. "I don't need a hug..."

Melody grabs Daisy's hand and pulls her towards her father. "Come on, Daisy, don't be shy. Give him a proper welcome home." Daisy's cheeks burn as she's dragged closer to John. He opens his arms, and she awkwardly steps into the embrace, her body tense. John's arms are strong and warm, and she can't help but feel a flutter in her stomach as she leans into his chest.

"Welcome back, Captain," she mumbles into his shirt.

"Thank you, Daisy," he murmurs, holding her just a beat longer than she expects. Daisy is unable to resist any longer and practically melts into his embrace, her arms locked tightly around his waist.

The moment stretches until Melody breaks the silence with a snicker. "Okay, you two, that's enough. Can't have my father and my best friend falling in love."

Daisy pulls away, her face redder than a tomato. "I'm gonna go," she mutters, making a hasty retreat towards the door. John's eyes follow her, and Melody notices the lingering look before she turns to her dad with a knowing smirk. "What?! Melody Price, don't you say it!" Daisy screeches, catching the look.

"Oh, please. You two have been eye-fucking each other this entire time. It's gross."

"I have a boyfriend, Melon! Shush! You be quiet! I'm going home!"

John clears his throat, trying to ignore the tension in the room. "Daisy, I'd love it if you stayed for dinner. Melody and I haven't had a chance to catch up properly, and it would be nice to have a third wheel." His attempt at humor falls flat, and he quickly amends, "I mean, a guest. It's been a long trip, and I'd enjoy the company."

Daisy hesitates, glancing at Melody, who nods encouragingly. "I would love to, but I've got a date tonight... But if you need me, I'll be right across the street... Where I live... I'll let you two get reacquainted. Catch you later, Melon." She winks at Melody and pulls out a candy bar from her bra before tossing it to her, who gasps and glares in return.

"So you did have candy?! You traitor!" Melody yells after her friend.

Daisy can feel John's gaze on her as she leaves, and she tries to shake off the feeling of his arms around her. It's just nostalgia, she tells herself. She's known him since she was 18, and she's just happy he's back safe. As she crosses the street to her own home, she wonders if Melody was right about the eye-fucking thing.

Sure, he's aged well, with those piercing blue eyes and a body that screams military discipline, but he's her best friend's dad. That's just wrong. Plus, Daisy has a boyfriend already. Not that it's going anywhere. But still—Falling for her best friend's father is not on her bucket list.