—- G o s p e l —
[ @extristitiavenit ]
Hope County was truly a beautiful place; the cascading mountains and rolling hills of fertile farmland seemed to stretch for miles and miles, disappearing into lines of thick spring pines that dotted the horizon. It seemed like it was such an idyllic place; Marion often found herself reminiscing about her childhood home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana whilst on her lunch breaks due to the overwhelming amount of very beautiful but very foreign scenery… A swampy transplant into an arid tundra, a fish out of water. Being sent all over the country was hard enough as it was, but never being able to stay in one place long enough to grow some roots was harder. It was always something- a new job, a boyfriend, loss of income— something- something- something… Deputy Fuller had hoped that a change of scenery into the God fearing farmlands would strike down whatever wandering roots that would grab soil. Maybe this could actually be the place she settled down and called it good. Maybe it was the place where she would live and die quietly after she finished with whatever dumb prospect this job was.
The station was quiet, though as usual there was a gentle chatter over the radio between squad cars and her co-workers idle conversations flowing through the air in a gentle hum while the air conditioning unit whirs quietly overhead. As nice as it was to have such down time, it did put a slight alarm through her. Could it be quiet here for longer than a day? Probably not- there was always something happening over the radio, with those Peggies meandering around the valley and mountains- the ‘Eden’s Gate’ project, or whatever.. She really didn’t care. It didn’t affect her life, (well- it did- it did so much she ended up in Hope County, Montana to fill in a position that was, in fact, permanently vacant); and the ways it did affect her were easily written off with a nice blunt and a cold drink at her small cabin after work. Quitting time was always on her mind- her hazy green hues darting over to the white bubble clock that hung over the dirty front door. 5:15 p.m.- another 15 minutes until she could clock out and head home… Outside, a caravan of white vehicles with that stupid cross painted on the sides of them head down the main thoroughfare- honking and blasting their music loud enough to be heard all the way inside the station offices- “Keep your rifle by our side!” The tune hangs high in the air like a flag, and soon the cacophony of tires and engines and guitars fade into the distance until there was nothing left but the gentle clicking of the clock and the hum of the air conditioner. Marion rolled her eyes, stretched her arms up above her head and let off a loud yawn; hands unceremoniously rubbing her face and pushing back her mess of black curly hair. What a boring day. Nothing but paperwork and emails, two phone calls from the F.A.N.G center and one from the Chief to keep an eye out for a package that may or may not show up. Again. What a thrilling job; (Junior) Deputy Sheriff and she may as well have been a fucking secretary.
Another shift, another day completed; clocking out with an actual time punch was always one of the best parts of the job, one of those ‘little things’ her therapist back in Los Angeles told her when she was in her early years of being on the force.. What a lifetime ago, freshly 18 and just wanting to do the right thing— a road to hell paved with the best of intentions.. The old machine reams the paper with a clunk and Marion is out the door with her bag and glasses in hand, headed out to the old Ford truck in the parking lot.. The sun was setting by now, the sky being painted in brilliant chunks of reds and oranges and pinks.. A nice view for the drive home too, tires whirring down the evenly paved road down into Holland Valley. Farm land, for miles and miles. At least, she thought, it didn’t stink like some parts of the country she had stayed in.. These people out here took good care of their livestock and it showed. When the engine of the trucks begun to rattle and almost scream with uncertainty, it made her flicker back to reality and ease off the road and onto the shoulder; smoke flooding from the hood of the car as the lever under her seat was pressed with trepidation and concern for how she was now going to get home.
Standing over the fried engine, lit cigarette between her lips and flashlight in her southpaw, she felt like a real tool standing out there in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere, nothing but trees and fields and cars that scooted by almost hurriedly as the night settled into the valley. Marion didn’t blame them- things tended to get sketchy at best when night came.
“Aaaah fuckin’… Ya’ piece of shit, perfect fuckin’ timing to die out on me huh. You juss’ loooooove causing me issues.” The bayou woman scoffed and slammed the hood down after settling on a diagnosis: Fried radiator and snapped belt, transmission broken. Absolute destruction. Leaning now with her back to the warmed metal of the hood, she idly flicks through her phone— no signal— no reach. There was nothing out here, and she wasn’t exactly able to take a radio from the station. That was priorly a write up. So with a scoff and a groan and a few more expletives, Marion cleared the cab of her belongings and shoved them unceremoniously into her leather backpack, turned off the lights and slammed the truck door closed with a thud. There was nothing now but the eerie silence and the air current moving through the trees- if she didn’t like the dark at home, she surely hated it when outside. There was a certain fear that comes with walking alone at night, but hopefully, hopefully, the 13 mile walk in almost pitch darkness wouldn’t be that bad.
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SFW Alphabet
John Price
Obligatory disclaimer that these are simply my onions and you are free to have your own 😌🧅
A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)
PDA is generally a no-go (unless you’re both off duty) but he is an old fashioned romantic at heart. He wants to kiss your hands and the top of your head and for you to cling to the crook of his arm when you’re out on the town. Lowkey but possessive.
B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)
Loyal and steadfast, always putting your needs above his own.
He was impressed with you from the start, but it blossomed into a friendship when you matched his dry humor during the infrequent but recurring instances you’d run into each other. Slowly but surely you work your way closer until you’re sniping witty remarks at one another over tea every morning.
C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)
He is such a cuddler in private. When you sleep in the same bed no matter what position you start in you always end up in a vice grip come morning. Having his strong arms wrapped around you as he kisses “five more minutes” into your shoulder is definitely not the worst way to wake up… 😳
D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)
Price will admit he’s married to the job, but oh how he yearns. One day he’s going to settle down with you nice and proper. If you want the picket fence life he’ll give it to you, and if not he’s happy to explore wherever life takes you so long as he’s by your side.
He’s a shit cook but makes up for it by volunteering for dish duty every time.
E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)
It would break his heart in a million jagged pieces if he let someone get that close only for it to not work out, but he’s mature. He doesn’t string anyone along and makes the break as clean and fast as he can. Always in person. Always with that sad smile.
F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)
Once he’s in, he’s all in. I think it would take him a while to propose bc he doesn’t want to tie you down to his lifestyle (if you’re non military) or damage the team dynamic (if you are military), but once he gets past that he makes it a priority to get down on one knee.
He has this grand plan compete with flowers and dinner, but it might slip out before then in a moment of pure domestic bliss. He wakes up and the sun hits your face just right or you come out of the shower with steam rolling and “marry me” just tumbles out his mouth.
Of course you’d say yes either way.
G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)
He swings to opposite sides of the spectrum on this one. Sometimes he’ll hold you like you’re made of glass, and other times he squeezes too hard, like you’ll disappear if he doesn’t.
Emotionally it’s the same. There are times he’s achingly tender and others where his temper gets the better of him. He’s always so apologetic afterwards, and tries to find ways to redirect that anger in the future but it’s definitely something he works on. The man is an emotional pressure cooker.
H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)
He loves hugs, but he doesn’t really know how to ask for them. The more secure and comfortable in the relationship he gets, the easier this becomes for him.
His hugs are warm and all-encompassing. He loves having you tucked up against his chest, loves that extra reassuring squeeze he can give just to remind him that you’re real and you’re there and you’re his just as much as he’s yours.
I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)
He feels it long before he says it. It’s just such a big step and even though he’s confident that what he feels for you is love, there’s a voice in the back of his head that tells him you can’t possibly feel the same, and that even if you do you shouldn’t.
He might say it first when he just can’t keep it in any more, but if you’re the one to do it he’ll be quick to say it right back.
J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)
He doesn’t get jealous often, but when he does it’s usually around someone who can give you the things he can’t; stability, consistency, youth and carefree fun, etc. He won’t say anything (unless he’s in a mood and finds something arbitrary to snipe at them over), but he’ll snake an arm around your waist and pull you close just to prove he can. Him, and not them.
K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss their partner? Where do they like to be kissed?)
Strong and passionate and all-consuming and always with an edge of desperation to them. He likes to kiss anywhere he can on you, but if he’s pressed to choose he’ll say the juncture where your neck meets your shoulder, just to hear the sweet sounds you make when his whiskers tickle.
He likes to be kissed on his face. The lips are an obvious one but he absolutely melts when you kiss his cheek or his forehead or the tip of his nose. He also likes when you kiss his hands - so much blood on them and you still handle them with tenderness and a certain kind of reverence that both breaks his heart and drives him mad. 🫣💓
L = Little ones (How are they around children?)
He’s the best with kids. They flock to him (you always tease it’s because he’s dad shaped and watch the tips of his ears go pink), and he talks them through their incoherent toddler babble with serious nods and follow-up questions. To see him cradling an infant to his chest is to see the gates of heaven.
M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)
Mornings on the go he makes sure you still take the time to have tea and a quick bite to eat together. Whether sitting in silence or quietly chatting about the day ahead he loves these early moments with you.
Having a lie in is a different story. You’ll wake up with his arms wound tightly around you and his breath fanning your neck. If you can convince him to get out of bed, you’ll make breakfast together. If not, you’ll have some of the best half-asleep snuggles of your life.
N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)
Cup of tea just how you like it + puttering around the sitting room doing independent activities in the same space. Maybe he’s reading or watching an evening football match, but whatever it is it’s not far from you. He 100% falls asleep on the couch in the middle of whatever he’s doing and starts to dad snore. You have many blackmail videos.
O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)
There are some things he’ll never tell you, no matter how close you are. You have to be okay with that. What he does reveal - slowly but surely - is sad, and often shocking. He hates to be coddled over it but from the look in his eyes you know he appreciates the support and space you give him to say what he does out loud.
P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)
The man has a short fuse, no two ways about it. He does his best, however, not to let that anger out on you.
Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about their partner? Do they remember every little detail they mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)
How you take your tea, your favorite foods, a catalogue of your petty grievances - he remembers it all. It still takes you by surprise sometimes when he brings up the cashier who bagged your produce wrong three weeks ago, but it warms your heart to know he cares that much.
R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in their relationship?)
The first time he woke up apart from you and searched for your body beside his in those few half-awake blinks before consciousness. Obviously it was a bittersweet moment to realize you weren’t there, but the fact that he wanted you to be said a lot, and really solidified how much he wanted the relationship and wanted things to work out with you.
S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect their partner? How would they like to be protected?)
He knows you can handle yourself, but that doesn’t stop him from walking closer to the road when you’re out on the town and guiding you with a warm hand on the small of your back no matter how many times you’ve traveled the route with him. He never fully goes into ‘civilian mode’ and will sit where he can see the exits at a restaurant and check corners for threats, etc.
The only thing he needs to feel protected by you is when you reciprocate his love and make it subtle but clear nonetheless that the two of you are together.
T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)
He’s an effort man through and through. Maybe you can’t always be together due to the demands of the job, but rest assured he has gifts planned months in advance that he’s hidden in your shared flat complete with a hand-written love letter for every birthday, anniversary, milestone, etc. If he does get to be there he completely wines and dines you old-school style, taking you to a nice restaurant and putting his jacket over your shoulders if you get cold. Maybe even if you don’t.
If it isn’t a big occasion he sometimes forgets that date nights can be as simple as going to the cinema or staying in to cook a meal together. He’s just about bursting with love, though, when you remind him by doing just that.
U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)
Obviously he indulges his vices (whiskey and cigars), but the biggest thing for him is that the job always, always comes first. Before you, before him, he will do anything to make the world a better place and pay the price he knows others won’t to keep it that way. It’s self-destructive, and as much as you can explain why it hurts to see him like that and why you wish he was more invested in coming home, you both know that if it comes down to it he will always make that tough call and stake his life on it.
V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)
He keeps himself well-groomed (hello beard maintenance!!) but he’s not too terribly concerned with his looks - that he’s willing to admit. Even though thirty-seven isn’t that old, he’s the type who took on a ton of responsibility very young and as much as that aged him prematurely, he let the people around him age him more. ‘Old Man Price’ is an easier persona to maintain than a war-torn Captain not significantly older than his team whose youth was all but stolen from him. All this to say, if he admits it to himself he is a bit self-conscious about greying early.
It helps when you tell him you find the whole silver fox thing sexy. 😘
W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without their partner?)
He’s whole on his own. Lonely, but whole. He knows exactly what he’s missing out on when he doesn’t let people get close and that makes it hurt even more, so when he finally does let someone in there’s a feeling of more.
Having a loving partner makes him better, certainly, but not complete.
X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)
He likes to grasp your chin and tilt your head up at him before he kisses you. Something about the trust and power you put in his hands at a moment like that really does it for him ❤️🔥
Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)
Lived-in clutter is one thing but I think he would be genuinely upset by someone who leaves a mess in their space. Disorganization makes his brain fuzzy and angry and he couldn’t live with anyone like that successfully.
Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)
He snores. Not obnoxiously loud but definitely audible, and only when he’s sleeping deeply. He’s mildly embarrassed by it but you think it’s cute and love watching him go ever so slightly pink in the face when you say so.
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