COD Oneshots

Nanny (John Price)

John Price leaned against the doorframe, his gaze softening as he watched his son, Ben, engrossed in a puzzle on the living room floor. Despite the bittersweet sting of visiting his old home, John made sure he never missed a chance to see Ben. It was a ritual he held onto, a lifeline in the turbulent seas of his life post-divorce.

He and Lisa, Ben's mother, had agreed early on that they would maintain a civil front for Ben's sake. The warmth they once shared had faded, replaced by a cool detachment that settled between them like an uninvited guest. Still, they worked as a team when it came to their son, ensuring that his world remained as stable as possible.

"Hey, buddy," John called, stepping fully into the room. Ben looked up, a bright smile spreading across his face as he scrambled to his feet and ran to his father.

"Dad! Look at my puzzle!" Ben exclaimed, dragging John toward the colorful pieces spread across the floor.

John crouched down, admiring his son's handiwork. "You're doing great, Ben. I'm proud of you."

The sound of soft footsteps approached, and John turned to see Y/N, the nanny, entering the room. She carried a laundry basket, her smile warm and welcoming. Y/N had been with the family for almost a year now, and her presence had become a comforting constant in the house.

"Hello, John," she greeted, her eyes twinkling. "Ben has been working hard on that puzzle all afternoon."

"Has he now?" John replied, standing up. "I can see he's inherited his mother's patience."

Y/N chuckled, setting the basket down. "He's a bright kid. Must have gotten that from somewhere."

John felt a familiar flutter in his chest as he watched her. Y/N was more than just the nanny. She was a beacon of light in his life, a steady presence who brought warmth and understanding. Conversations with her were a rare treat—intelligent, insightful, and often leaving him with a sense of peace he hadn't felt in years.

"Y/N," John began, "how have you been?"

She smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "I've been well, thank you. And you?"

John nodded, the usual weight on his shoulders feeling a little lighter. "I'm doing alright. Work is busy, but seeing Ben always makes it worth it."

They chatted for a few more minutes, their conversation flowing effortlessly. John appreciated how Y/N never pried into his personal life but always managed to make him feel heard. She had a way of grounding him, of making him feel that everything would be okay.

As the evening drew on, John spent quality time with Ben, playing games and reading stories. Throughout it all, he couldn't help but steal glances at Y/N, grateful for her presence. When it was time for Ben to go to bed, John tucked him in, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.

"Goodnight, buddy. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Goodnight, Dad," Ben murmured, already half-asleep.

John quietly closed the door, making his way back to the living room where Y/N was tidying up. He paused, watching her for a moment, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him.

"Thank you, Y/N," he said softly. "For everything."

She looked up, her eyes meeting his. "It's my pleasure, John. Ben is a wonderful kid. And you're doing a great job."

John smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. For the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful about the future. As he stepped out into the night, he knew he had more than one reason to keep coming home.

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The next time John arrived at his old home, he carried with him two carefully wrapped packages. One was a brightly colored box for Ben, and the other, wrapped in simple brown paper, was a first edition of a book he and Y/N had once discussed during one of their many late-evening conversations.