Call of Duty Oneshots

Dancing in The Rain | Captain John Price

Price walked up the steps to the apartment, grocery bags in hand. He felt tired from the long, boring day of sitting at a desk but it was better than beating his body up in the field. He had "retired" a year ago but Laswell couldn't help but ask for his input on whatever it is she occupied herself with.

The last set of stairs seemed to be the longest. He dug through his pocket for his keys and unlocked his door. When he walked in, he was welcomed by delicious smells in the air. With a smile, he turned to Katelyn, his 16 year old daughter, who was looking up from her school book and smiling at him from the couch. "Hi daddy," she said as she stood.

"Hey, kid." He smiled back as he set the bags on the counter. "Thought it was my night to cook?" He said. Katelyn stood and began rifling through the bags Price had brought. "Well, I didn't feel like burnt spaghetti so I thought I'd make your favorite instead." She began putting the groceries away. Price shook his head, "Thought you liked my spaghetti?" He laughed gently. "I do like it. But Laswell's been keeping you busy so I thought you could use a break."

As they waited for dinner to finish, Price and Katelyn watched their favorite TV show. A flash from outside filled the living room. Katelyn gasped dramatically, "do you think it'll rain?" She stood up and rushed to the window, glancing around at the sky. "Probably," Price said as he paused. "Can we go outside?" She begged. In all her life, Price had never told her "no" and he wasn't going to start now.

Standing outside, they stared up at the dark clouds that continued to roll in. "Can't stay out here too long or the food will burn." Price said. "I don't burn food, that's your job." Katelyn teased. Thunder sounded and it began to pour. Yelps of excitement sounded from Katelyn and she began to dance around foolishly.

Price covered his head from the rain but it was useless. "C'mon, let's go inside!" He shouted but Katelyn continued to dance and laugh. "Dance with me, daddy!" She shouted as she turned to him. He fought the urge to join her only for a minute before a thought entered his mind.

One day, she won't dance with me. One day, she'll refuse. And one day, I won't be here. So dance. Dance in the rain with your daughter while you can.

Feeling somewhat silly, he held back but the bliss in his ears from Katelyn quickly made it disappear and he danced until they both shivered. Until their stomachs hurt from laughing and cheeks hurt from smiling.

Eventually they both went back upstairs, soaking wet and laughing while Price had his hand around Katelyn's shoulder. "Thanks for dancing with your old man." Price said with a smile.

Once upstairs, they changed and realized dinner did in fact burn. After some teasing from Price, Katelyn begged for takeout. Without hesitation, Price ordered her favorite. Finishing their show and food, Katelyn and Price stayed up talking for a while before she grew tired. "Been a while since you let me carry you to bed. For old time sake?" Price said as he stood with his arms out. "Sure, old man." Katelyn teased with a tired smile.