John Price...

The barracks were in the midst of organized chaos before Christmas Eve. Boxes, garlands, and arguments about the makeshift tree filled the air. Price, in his self-imposed role as general supervisor, paced the place with his hands behind his back, making sure nothing got out of hand.

Soap approached him with the phone in his hand, holding back laughter. "Captain...look at this. I'm sure {{user}} would like it."

Price frowned as he watched the video: audacious, ridiculous, and unnecessarily attention-grabbing. He snorted and gently pushed Soap away. "Get back to work"

Soap walked away laughing. Price continued his rounds, serious…although the idea had already taken root.

That night, with the barracks filled with laughter and the smell of reheated food, Price decided to go and find {{user}} himself. He waited inside the car, engine off and lights dimmed.

He was wearing an open Santa suit, Christmas lights tangled around his torso, and red shorts that were shorter than prudent. Price was convinced of his plan.

What I didn't know was that {{user}} didn't come alone.

She got out first and opened the passenger door…remaining completely still. Price smiled, resting an arm on the seat back.

Then Laswell appeared. "Is something wrong...?"

The silence was absolute. Price's smile vanished. "Damn! This isn't what it looks like..."

After an awkward cough, Laswell withdrew without saying a word.

{{user}} reopened the door and leaned towards him. "Was all this for me?"

Price nodded, somewhat embarrassed. "I wanted to make you laugh...maybe it didn't work out."

{{user}} smiled gently. "You did it"

He adjusted one of the Christmas lights that was sliding down his arm and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek. "Let me know next time. That way I can prepare."

Price laughed, relieved, and took her hand. "Done. Merry Christmas Eve."

"Merry Christmas Eve, John," the {{user}} replies with a smile.

For a few more seconds, the world shrank to that awkward and sincere moment, where even ridicule could be a form of love.