keep me breathing - john price x oc

1. before the worst

Flashback

2019

Kate Laswell was tapping her nails on her data pad impatiently, watching the man in front of her pace from left to right in her office like a predator ready to pounce. Just about sixty minutes earlier, they had received info that something was supposed to go down at the game at the Verdansk stadium that night. Something bad.

John Price sighed and came to a halt. "I want her with us. She's the best analyst I know. She knows the team, she is reliable."

It was Kate's turn to sigh. "I can't do exceptions because she's your girlfriend."

"We need her and you know it. I'm not asking."

"She's not authorized to be on this team. We can't just steal her away from her unit without the paperwork."

"Kate, since when do you care about the paperwork? This is Makarov. She stays out of action and feeds us info. That's all."

Laswell looked up and was met by a facial expression shaped by determination, and blue eyes were piercing hers. She knew right then, there was no use fighting once John had his mind set on something. She knew him too well for that. "Fine. Call her. We need to leave. If the info is right, we don't have much time."

Price nodded and grabbed his phone, not wasting another second.

Your phone was vibrating on the kitchen counter, and as soon as you saw it was John, you dropped your fork and answered instantly. The Chinese takeout was immediately forgotten. There were two possible scenarios John would call in the middle of the day while he was at work: something bad or something really bad.

You didn't even get a greeting, so it must be the latter. "Ava, grab your things. We're leaving for Verdansk, picking you up in 10. I'm sorry this is such short notice, but it's bad."

Your brain didn't even have the time to process what you were just told, you desperately tried to find any question to ask to let him know you paid attention. But before you could even do so, the call ended. This wasn't uncommon, but you were surprised that you would join John on a mission - this had never happened before.

By the sound of his voice, there was no room left for any hesitation, so you grabbed your go bag as if on autopilot. You always had one ready in case you were called in, but usually it was never something like this.

You checked the stove, the windows and locked the door. A car was waiting outside already. Did he fly there? You were sure the call didn't even end five minutes ago.

You got into the car and could already tell by John's stance that he was in full Captain mode. No time for greetings.

"You stay under Ghost's command at all times. You'll be at exfil in the helo."

"Yes, sir."

"Love, I mean it. Stay out of any combat unless it is absolutely necessary. You're not officially authorized to be here, but since it's Makarov, I need all my best soldiers in this."

"Understood." Makarov. Like a punch to your gut. You were taken on a mission that involved Makarov?

"If there is anything off, you radio us. Don't hesitate and think it's insignificant. Anything feels wrong, you tell me."

"I will." He handed you a manila folder with the mission brief. You wanted to ask if he is sure about you being there, but you didn't dare to. It was obvious the situation demanded you to be your full professional self, so you took a deep breath and clutched the folder close to you.