Bouncing in his seat from the far end of the back seat, Soap chattered with Cam, who was seated beside him. Gaz, on the other end, joined in, but he was more content listening at their conversation.

John, gripping the steering wheel with one hand, focused on the road ahead. His eyes flicked to the rearview mirror occasionally, watching his daughter—who was enjoying herself as Soap raved about some comic book storyline she was only half-following.

He had chosen the route specifically to make the most of her birthday. First, coffee, now this place, and then brunch before he had his own plans for the rest of the day—which involved seeing Charlie again. Which, he figures Soap wanted Cam for himself (and this is where he'll stop to the line since he doesn't need to know what Soap would want to surprise his little girl tonight).

From the passenger seat, Simon remained quiet, his elbow resting against the window, staring outside as if contemplating all his life choices that had led to this moment.

"Alright," John muttered, his deep and gruff voice cutting through the conversation as he pulled into a parking space, "we're here."

The truck rolled to a stop outside Forbidden Planet, one of the most well-known geek havens in London.

Soap launched himself out of the truck the moment the engine turned off, dragging Cam along with him as the others followed at a much more reasonable pace.

John slammed the door shut and adjusted his jacket, giving the storefront a once-over. The large windows gleamed with vibrant superhero figures, neatly stacked shelves of fiction books—Cam's favorite—and a vast selection of nerd culture merchandise.

For Cam, this was a dream.

For John? It looked like a bunch of random and colorful plastics.

Gaz let out a low whistle. "Damn, been a while since I've been here. Wonder what they've stocked up on."

Simon eyed the entire store with his usual blank stare before muttering, "Looks like a recruitment center for cults."

John smirked. He's not wrong.

Cam turned on her heel and threw her arms out as if she was welcoming them to an amusement park. "Gentlemen, prepare yourselves—you're about to enter paradise."

Soap lowered his head and bowed before her. "Lead the way, my queen. The nerd kingdom awaits."

John grunted as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets.

***

Inside, the store was a geek's dream—and a nightmare to non-geeks. Shelves buckled under the weight of graphic novels, action figures, and collectibles, while posters of iconic franchises plastered the walls. There were a lot of customers darting between aisles like wide-eyed kids in a candy store.

Gaz made a beeline for the comic book and collectibles section, while Cam veered straight toward the fantasy fiction section. As John followed at a much slower pace, hands in his front pockets, scanning the store with mild disinterest.

The moment Cam reached her destination, her face lit up.

She gasped, practically vibrating as she grabbed a leather-bound collector's edition of A Court of Thorns and Roses from the display.

"Oh my God," she breathed, turning to Soap with the enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning. "Look at this! Isn't it gorgeous?"

Soap, who had smiled at her of what she was holding, nodded instantly like a supportive partner. "Perfect, babe. I'll get it for you."

John hovered nearby, offering a faint (and fake) smile. "Good pick, Cami."

Her eyes sparkled as she held the book close to her chest like it was some holy artifact. She turned it over, admiring the embossed golden lettering on the cover and the intricate design.

"Sarah J. Maas never disappoints," she sighed happily, flipping through the gilded pages. "I've been collecting this series forever, and this edition is perfect to finish my collection."

John huffed. He has no idea what she was talking about. "Never got the appeal on fantasy books. Witches, fairies, and whatnot. Seems like a lot of fluff to me."

Cam turned to him, mock-offended. "Dad, do not disrespect the masterpiece that is Sarah J. Maas."

His brows lifted, the corners of his mouth twitching. "Didn't mean any offense, but how many books can one person read about magical kingdoms?"

Soap, already invested in the conversation, chuckled and nudged her. "He's just jealous he can't sit still long enough to read more than a mission brief."

"It's not just about magical kingdoms," Cam countered, clutching the book tighter. "It's got spice, too."

John blinked, unimpressed. "Spice? You mean, like, actual spice?"

Cam and Soap exchanged a look. The kind of look that immediately made John suspicious.

"Oh, it's more than just spice," Soap smirked.

John narrowed his eyes. "Explain."

Cam, looking far too smug, tapped the cover of her book. "Dad, 'spice' in fiction means detailed romantic scenes."

John frowned. "Like... kissing?"

Soap snorted. "Oh, way more than just kissin'."

His expression flattened. "Go on."

Soap grinned. "Alright, Cap'n, let's break it down real simple for you. Y'see, when a book's got 'spice,' it means the characters aren't just holding hands and whispering sweet nothings."

John tilted his head, waiting.

"They're getting to it," Soap said, waggling his eyebrows.

"Getting to what, MacTavish?" His patience thinned instantly.

Cam sighed dramatically, as if explaining the most obvious thing in the world. "Dad, it means they're having sex."

His brain short-circuited for a second she had explained. He stared at her, processing, before he frowned. "Why the hell do you call it 'spice'?"

"Because calling it 'graphic sex scenes' in casual conversation makes it sound weird," Cam said matter-of-factly.

Soap nodded in agreement. "Aye, 'spice' just makes it sound classier. Like, instead of sayin' 'this book is full of shaggin,' you say, 'this book has a touch of spice.'"

John shook his head and he couldn't believe what he was hearing this since the day he was born. "So instead of reading actual literature, you lot are just reading porn with plot."

Cam rolled her eyes. "It's romantic fantasy, Dad. It's about the story, the character development, and the journey."

Soap grinned. "And the smut."

John pinched the bridge of his nose. "So let me get this straight. You read books about magical kingdoms, winged men, and spice."

"Yep," Cam confirmed, holding her book close.

"And you enjoy this?"

"Love it," Cam said with zero shame.

John sighed deeply, looking to Soap as if he was the last sane man in the room. "And you?"

"Oh, I don't read them," Soap said, waving a hand. "I just hear about 'em 'cause Cami likes to narrate."

His eyes flicked to Cam, horrified. "You read these out loud?"

Soap grinned. "She does dramatic readings. Full voices an' everythin'."

John looked at his daughter like she was a stranger. "What—why?"

She shrugged. "Because it's fun. And Johnny likes it."

John turned to Soap. "Do you?"

Soap smirked. "I mean, yeah. Sometimes it's educational."

John stared at him.

Gaz, who had been silently listening this whole time, lost it.

"Educational?!" Gaz wheezed, gripping a shelf for support. "Last time I remember, we barely have resources about sex and the consequences when we were kids in school!"

Soap, completely unfazed, nodded. "Aye. Some of these books go real in-depth. Good technique descriptions, too."

Cam gasped, smacking his arm. "Johnny!"

"What? I'm just sayin'!"

John looked between them, his patience hanging by a thread again. "So you're tellin' me... that you read about fictional fairy shaggin', and he listens?"

Soap grinned. "I mean, not always. Sometimes I just let her read to me. Makes it more fun."

His entire body stiffened.

Cam slapped Soap's arm again. "Stop making it sound weird!"

Simon, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "No, go on. This is interesting."

John turned to Simon, who stood with his arms crossed.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" John said, voice dry as sandpaper.

Simon gave the tiniest nod. "Yes. If Gabby was here, she would be on boat of this."

His instincts immediately went on alert. He didn't like where this was going.

"I can't believe this," John shook his head and he was ready to step out of this store. "What's the world come to?"

"A better love story than Twilight," Cam called after him.

John rolled his eyes but didn't argue as he give up. He would rather stick to reports than reading anything rubbish.

He could already picture it—Charlie defending Edward Cullen's brooding devotion, Cam countering with Rhysand's dominance and wingspan, and Soap egging them both on just to watch the chaos. If the women in his life ever got into a fictional debate over these fantasy men, John knew he'd be better off hightailing it out somewhere before it got too weird for him.

***

Thirty minutes.

Thirty long, mind-numbing minutes had passed, and John was convinced this shop was some sort of geek hell.

Everywhere he looked, there were shelves stacked with collectible comics, action figures, and figurines he didn't care for. Posters of superheroes and fantasy characters lined the walls, while die-hard fans swarmed every corner, debating the merits of some franchise or another. John leaned against a shelf displaying an array of oversized Funko Pops, his arms crossed over his chest. If someone asked him, he'd rather be somewhere than here. Hell, he'd even settle for sitting through a briefing. But here? This was borderline torture.

His patience was further tested as he watched Soap and Gaz locked in what could only be described as the most pointless argument of the day.

"Look, see this detail?" Soap said, holding up an original Batman figurine. "They've nailed the cape and the suit. Good ol' days."

"Yeah, but look at this retro Iron Man. Classic design. Timeless." Gaz talked back.

"Timeless? Kyle, Batman was way better back in the 1990s."

"So does Iron Man!"

"Okay, look, both of them lost their parents," Soap explained, "they're billionaire playboys and they are rich. But, Batman doesn't rely on AI while Iron Man, or Tony Stark, rely on AI. And not only that, they both can't cook except Bruce has a butler and Tony has a robot butler."

John pinched the bridge of his nose. "Are you two serious right now?"

"Dead serious," Soap shot back, shoving the Batman figure closer to Gaz's face. "And don't you dare disrespect Batman's trauma. It's iconic."

Gaz grabbed an Iron Man figure off the shelf, waving it in Soap's direction. "Iconic doesn't win battles, Johnny. Tech does! Ask Gabby. Iron Man would mop the floor with him."

"Bollock," John muttered under his breath, glancing to his left to find Simon, who looked equally unimpressed.

Simon stood stiffly near a display of anime collectibles. His broad shoulders hunched as he scanned the store with an air of silent disapproval. His blank face made it hard to read his expression, but the way he stood motionless screamed bored out of his mind.

"Still figuring a way out of here?" John asked, walking over to him.

"I've mapped out three exits, but Cam's got us locked down, and those two—" he gestured toward Soap and Gaz, who were now comparing comic books—"are clearly settin' up shop."

John smirked faintly. "No luck sneakin' off?"

"Negative," Simon said, the frustration hinted in his tone. "Tried to slip past the board game aisle, but some bloke in a Spider-Man costume started rambling about dice mechanics. Had to backtrack."

John raised an eyebrow. "Surprised you didn't take the chance to learn somethin' new."

Simon shot him a look, or at least what John assumed was a look of 'are you shitting me?'. "I'd rather be interrogated."

John chuckled under his breath, his arms still crossed. "Guess we're both stuck, then."

Simon shifted his weight, glancing toward Cam, who was happily flipping through a rack of limited-edition graphic novels. "What's worse is Cam's lovin' it."

"More like two kids," John said, nodding toward Gaz, who was still fiercely defending Iron Man's honor. "If they start throwing punches, I'm not stopping them."

Simon huffed a laugh, shaking his head. "You'd think we don't have actual lives outside this mess."

They stood there in silence for a moment, both men listening to their pointless argument. Then Simon spoke again, his voice low. "If we don't make it out of here soon, I'm puttin' in a request to ban mission downtime."

John smirked, his tone dry. "Good luck with that."

"I'm serious," Simon frowned. "Next time, we're draggin' them to a hardware store. Let's see how they like that."

John shook his head and said, "Careful. Cami might drag you back here for revenge."

"Fucking hell," Simon sighed, his shoulders slumped.

Just then, Soap's voice rose above the din. "Oi! Do you have a favorite superhero, Ghost? There's gotta be one brooding enough for you."

Simon deadpanned, "Does Death count?"

Gaz thought about his comment and he found a Spawn figure nearby. "Found your guy."

Simon gave it a cursory glance. "At least he doesn't wear tights."

John looked at the figure too, and he nodded in approval.

"Agree."

***

Outside, Cam clutched her bags of goodies, shining with joy, while Gaz juggled his own haul of goodies.

"I gotta say, Cam. You've got great taste," Gaz added. "You okay of me stopping by and we should binge watch Agents of SHIELD? I'll bring in beers."

"Gaz, you're more than welcome to stop by our place at any time," she said, looking at Gaz while clutching her bags of goodies. She then looked at Soap with a lopsided grin. "This has been the best day."

"Anything for you, babe," Soap said, kissing her head. "I'd walk through the fires of geekdom for you."

"Sounds like a fire hazard," Simon added, earning a glare from Niamh.

"Simon," she warned. "Don't ruin my happiness."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Simon said, his tone dripping with mischief.

John trailed behind, his thoughts already drifting elsewhere—Charlie.

He'd been keeping himself busy today—too busy—but his mind had found its way back to her anyway.

The usual warmth behind her brown eyes had been different. She'd smiled, sure, but he'd spent years reading people—analyzing their emotions, detecting when something wasn't right.

And something about Charlie wasn't right.

John exhaled slowly, glancing up at the overcast sky.

He knew she was probably still rattled from learning about Cam. He should've told her sooner—but he hadn't. Not because he was hiding it from her, but because he wasn't used to this.

Talking about himself. Personal things.

He'd spent his whole life compartmentalizing. Keeping his emotions locked up tight, building walls so high that most people never got past them.

But Charlie has gotten in his skin without any effort.

And now, he'd have to find a way to explain things.

John flexed his fingers inside his pockets, already thinking ahead—until Simon's parting shot. "At least now we know the old man can blush"—earned him a sharp glare.

"Go to hell, Simon."

Simon smirked last. "Already there, boss."

-----

📢 AUTHOR'S NOTE: PRICE VS. THE GEEK TAKEOVER

What started as a simple birthday outing for Cam quickly spiraled into utter chaos.

• Soap and Gaz nearly started World War III over Batman vs. Iron Man. 🦇 vs. 🦾

• Price learned about "fairy romance novels" and immediately regretted it. 📚🔥

• Simon mapped out three different escape plans but failed. 🚪❌

• And just when Price thought the day couldn't get worse... he remembered he has to see Charlie next. 😬

Safe to say, if Cam is happy, then he is happy but he would be more glad that the geek shopping spree is over. 🕊️

💬 LET'S TALK ABOUT IT! COMMENT BELOW!

1️⃣ Soap & Gaz debating superheroes—who are you backing? Batman or Iron Man? 👀

2️⃣ Price discovering "spicy" fantasy books—was he right to call it "fairy porn disguised as literature"? Be honest. 😂

3️⃣ Simon mapping escape routes—are you Team Escape Plan or Team Enjoy the Chaos?

📢 REMINDER:

New chapters release every Friday (x3)!

Drop a comment if you want a bonus scene!

Thank you, y'all! Don't forget to vote, comment, and share this book to your friends (if they root for Price x OC Female).