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Stepping off the helo, Simon was caked in grime. People avoided him as he trudged through base, the scent of an angry omega permeating through the halls. He had run out of scent patches mid-op, so he had to try his hardest to mask the he feelings pouring from his scent glands. In reality, Simon was distraught, emotions running high after a difficult solo op. He walked faster, keeping his head down.
Walking into his room, he closed the door and leaned up against it, taking in a shaky breath. Tugging off his mask, he slid to the floor, no longer fighting back the tears welling in his eyes. he crawled into his nest, too upset and exhausted to worry about all the dirt he was getting into it. Simon curled his hands into the walls of his nest, pulling a worn t-shirt towards his nose. he took a deep whiff but… it didn’t smell like alpha anymore.
A broken sob escaped him as he curled up in his nest, boots and pants covered in muck. The scent of an upset omega crept through his door, eventually floating its way to Price’s office. As soon as the captain caught a whiff, he sat bolt upright.
“Simon,” he whispered to himself.
Price threw the door open, a bit of panic on his face. Ghost lifted his head, his eyes red and puffy.
“Oh, love.” Price cooed, rushing over to the whimpering omega and wrapping him up in his arms. “You’re gettin’ your nest all dirty, doll.” He hummed, peppering kisses along the large man’s face. He helped Simon up, taking off his gear and his clothes.
“go wash up, alright?” The alpha gave him a gentle pat on the ass, pushing towards the shower. “I’ll fix up your nest.”
Simon showered up, moving slowly as his muscles started to relax under the warm water. After longer than he would usually take, he stepped out from the bathroom to find Price carefully arranging a nest. His nose was filled with the scent of pine and smoky cigars.
“feeling better, love?” His alpha cooed, pressing his scent glands into the fabric of the nest. Price had completely redone his nest, too much dirt in it to be saved. It was meticulously laid out, everything nicely folded and scented. Only the softest shirts and hoodies were used, and the obvious attention to detail causing tears to well in Simon’s eyes.
Price raised his hands, panic in his voice.
“I know it’s not perfect, and you can change it however you want, and I’ll get soap and Gaz in here to scent it and-“ Ghost stopped the alpha’s panicked rambling by practically throwing himself into Price’s arms. He sputters, chuffing as he catches the weepy omega.
“S’ perfect, cap.” Ghost purrs, nuzzling into Price’s chest. He wraps his arms around the beefy man, gently scenting him as Simon rumbled.
“You’re alright now, doll. I’ve got you.”
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Price swung open the door to the safe house, his boots clomping on the hardwood floors. He stretched, rolling his shoulders as Soap stumbled in behind him, panting heavily. The alpha sighs, turning on his heel and steeling his expression.
“what the fuck was that, sergeant!? do you have a fucking death wish?” Soap stammered, unprepared for a ribbing this soon.
“S-sir, I-I-“
“Can it, Sunshine! You were stupid out there, you can’t take those kinds of fucking risks!!” The captain continued, the stench of disappointment leaking through his scent blockers. A shiver ran down the omega’s spine as he caught the scent, tears starting to sting in his eyes.
“Ahm sorry sir, I-“
“I don’t need apologies or excuses, sergeant, I need actions. Don’t do anything that bullheaded or stupid again!” price punctuated his sentence with a deep growl, causing Johnny to let out a weak, choked sob. Price’s expression immediately softened, slipping out of his captain persona as his instincts took over. mate is upset. he spoke again, his voice much gentler. “Sunshine… are you solid?” Soap shook his head, tears starting to stream down his face.
“h-hurts sir…” he whined weakly. A stab of guilt shot through Price’s chest. His hands went to Johnny’s face, wiping the tears and shushing him shakily.
“It’s alright, sunshine, you’re okay.” he cooed, hands running up and down the Omega’s body to find the injuries. Soap trembled and whimpered, trying his hardest to hold in his tears. Price scooped him up, scenting him apologetically as he carried him to the couch. He grabbed the small first aid kit from the kitchen, rushing back so his omega wasn’t alone for long. He pet Johnny’s hair, whispering softly as he started to patch him up, cleaning his wounds as gently as he could.
Being the Alpha and captain of the 141 was difficult, but Price prided himself on knowing when his team needed a captain, and when his omegas needed their alpha.
Right now, soap needed his alpha.
Price peeled off his and Soap’s scent patches, nuzzling into the tender skin gently.
“m’ sorry for shouting, sunshine. I just worry, about you.” He whispered into Soap’s neck, planting a couple gentle kisses up the length of it. Johnny nodded, sniffling and leaning into the touch. “Just please try n’ be more careful, yeah? You keep givin’ me gray hairs.” He chuckled. Soap nodded, scenting Price back, his sour, upset scent slowly giving way to a gentle, sweet one. “now, purr for me, won’t you?” Price cooed, his voice dropping. Soap immediately started purring, his loud and choppy rumble filling Price’s chest with warmth.
“There’s my little motorboat.”
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The autumn air sent a shiver down Price’s spine as he stepped out for a smoke. Dewdrops still covered each blade of grass on the training field, and the sun was barely peaking over the horizon. He took a deep breath, a satisfied chuff escaping him as he took a drag of his cigar.
Scanning the field, he noticed a group of recruits sitting around and shooting the breeze, an unusual sight this early. He strode over to them, furrowing his brows.
“What you moppets doing just sitting around?” he asked gruffly. The rookies looked around at each other nervously, until one finally spoke.
“Sgt. Garrick is supposed to be training us today, but he hasn’t shown up yet.” Price’s expression tightened further. It wasn’t like Gaz to be late.
“How late is he?”
“…bout an hour”
Price sighed, trying to hide his panic.
“Okay, okay. I want you lot running laps until I say so, alright?” he ordered, raising his voice. A chorus of yessirs rang through the group as they stood and got to running. The alpha ran his hands through his beard, worry starting to show on his face.
He made a beeline to Gaz’s room, only stopping to tell an unlucky sergeant to take over training for the day. He knocked on his door, a bit harsher than needed.
“Kyle? You in there?” he pressed his ear to the door, hearing a weak groan. His heart clenched, panic shooting through him. “I’m coming in, Darling.” Price warned as he opened the unlocked door.
The room was dark, curtains still drawn, but Price could just barely make out the shape of Kyle in his bed. He turned on the lights, much to Gaz’s dismay. He groaned weakly, causing Price to flip them back off.
“Sorry, Love.” he hummed, approaching the omega curled up in his bed. “What’s wrong?” Price placed a hand on Kyle’s cheek, immediately feeling the heat radiating off of him. His scent was weak and sickly, causing Price to frown.
“feel like shit,” Kyle mumbled, leaning into the touch. He was sweating, his sheets and pyjamas soaked. Price needed to get his temperature down.
Price pulled the covers back, earning a sharp whine from Gaz as he tried to pull them back.
“Shhh shh… it’s alright Darling. just wanna get you cleaned up.” Price scooped him up and carried him to the bathroom, setting him down on the toilet lid. He started the bath, making sure the water was a bit cool before starting to get Gaz undressed. He didn’t protest much, either too weak or not fussed enough to.
Once Kyle was stripped down, his Alpha scooped him up and placed him gently into the bath. The feverish omega squirmed and whimpered, complaining that the water was too cold, but Price just whispered sweet words to him, keeping him calm.
“just need to cool you down a bit, darling. you’ll be alright.” He cooed, hands gently running up and down his shoulders as he shivered. Gaz rested his chin on the edge of the tub, putting in his best puppy eyes.
“Don’t give me that look, Garrick. you know it will make you feel better.” Kyle continued to pout, but his eyes started to slide shut.
Price smiled warmly at his sleepy little omega, feeling his forehead again. It had been about 20 minutes and Gaz was already cooler. He nudged Kyle’s cheek gently, chuffing happily.
“let’s get you out, sweetheart. you’re all cooled down.” He hoisted Gaz up, standing him up on wobbly legs and helping him step out of the tub. he wrapped him in a big fluffy towel he had placed on a heating vent, so it was nice and warm. The sleepy omega swayed and purred, his purr smooth and soft. Scooping him up again, Price carried him back to the bed where he had changed the sheets and added a couple more blankets. Sitting Gaz down on the edge, he got him in a new pair of boxers and tucked him in, lying down beside him. The alpha cradled Kyle in his arms, scenting him slowly. The omega whined, trying to push Price away.
“I’ll get you sick, boss…” he mumbled nose stuffy.
“Oh hush, I’ll be fine.” He chuffed. Gaz huffed, sinking into the touch with a pout. As much as he wanted to act reluctant, his soft purr gave away his true emotions as he fell asleep.
Price traced the lines of his face, sighing as he thought about how lucky he was to have such a handsome omega.
“Sleep well, Darling.”
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Their alpha had been distant all day, shuffling around base, locking himself in his office, and refusing to talk to anyone. The Omegas conferred, trying to figure out if any of them (soap) upset him in any way, but they couldn’t think of anything! They had been good boys all week!
Once dinner rolled around, the pack gathered at their table in the mess hall, waiting for Price to arrive. Soap and Gaz were chatting away, laughing loudly. Ghost, on the other hand, was spiraling. He checked his watch every couple minutes, trying to come up with any reason why their captain could be late. Once the clock hit 15 minutes past the start of lunch, Simon stood up abruptly and announced: “We need to go find Price.”
The three scurried over to his office, knocking and finding the door locked.
“Cap? you in there?” Gaz asked, knocking a couple more times. There was no response, but they could vaguely smell the Alpha’s scent creeping under the door. It was sour and upset.
Ghost stepped forward, banging louder.
“Price, if you don’t answer, we’re coming in.” Still no answer. Ghost nodded to Soap, who forced the door open.
Price was slumped over his desk, sweaty and pale. Kyle immediately rushed to check his pulse, a shaky sigh escaping him when he felt the steady beat under his fingers.
“Boss, you alright?” Gaz shook his shoulder gently, causing the Captain to stir. He sat up, running a hand through his hair.
“s-shit. How long have I been out?” he said groggily.
“Well, it’s dinner now.” Price groaned, leaning back in his desk chair.
“Is everything alright, Cap?” Soap asks, stepping forward and placing a hand on his forehead. “Christ, you’re burning up.”
“He probably caught what I had,” Gaz mumbled sheepishly. “Sorry, sir.” Price waved him off, chuckling warmly.
“I would’ve still cuddled you whether I got sick or not. Just been having a rough day. too much to do.” He grumbled, rifling through the papers on his desk. Ghost put his hand down on top of them, glaring at price.
“You’re done for the day, Luv.” He said firmly. “Let’s get you to bed, yeah?”
It took all three Omegas trilling and chirping to finally coax Price back to his room and into bed. Once he was tucked in, the alpha passed out almost instantly, snoring loudly.
When he awoke hours later, his whole bed was shaking. He sat bolt upright, thinking the worst, when he saw the cause. His three omegas were all curled up around him, sleeping and purring loudly. He chuckled to himself, sinking back into the bed. he was surrounded by the scent of sandalwood, lavender, and vanilla. His favourites. He tried to stand up, feeling a bit better but wanting to get back to work, until he felt a strong hand on his arm. Simon, unmasked and sleepy, glared up at him.
“Jus’ lay down Cap. We got you. I finished up your paperwork.” A soft and bright smile spread across his face.
“Really?” he whispered.
“really. You take care of us so well, this is our turn to return the favour. come on, let us take care of you.” Simon hummed, opening his arms wide. Price blushed, immediately cuddling up to Ghost, enjoying the deep rumble he was purring out.
“thank you,” he whispered, kissing Simon on his neck.
“thank you for everything.”