A/N ~~ Hello beautiful people! Bit of a time skip again.. A LOT going on in this one so it's a little longer than usual so I hope you enjoy!
11th December, 2018
~~Day 65, Nepal~~
Normal POV
It's been 3 weeks since I left Lizzie in the Airport in L.A. I didn't think I'd feel the same as I did when I left London but if anything, it was worse. As much as I was so grateful to have those 48 hours with her, hearing her open up and tell me how she truly feels about me, made everything so much harder when it came to leaving again. I hate that I won't be home to spend the Holidays with her, I know how much her family means to her, especially her Mom. And knowing she wants me to meet her means the world to me, and Christmas would have been the perfect opportunity to meet her, it just gives me something to look forward too when I get home again. I can't lie and say I'm not nervous to meet her parents, but just knowing she wants me to meet them already means so much to me and lets me know what we have is real. I love the bond My Dad and Maisie have with Lizzie already so the chance to be close with her family as well would be incredible. Her Sisters are amazing and I can't wait to see them again as soon as I can. Little things like this are keeping me going whilst I'm out here stuck in this Medical Centre. The past 3 weeks have been non-stop since we got back from R&R. Dr Patel had to leave to go back to her Hospital job so it was just the 4 of us. The rest of 7 Section have been out working on re-building the small hospital, school and some temporary housing in the Village after being given the all clear it was safe to do so. So everyone is busy every minute of every day. Then, when Dr Miller had to leave for other commitments, and it was left to the three of us, and we all pretty much moved into the Centre..
For the past week, as well as Dr Karr, Natalia and I have been sleeping at the Medical Centre overnight so we can keep an eye on everyone recieving treatment and waiting to be moved to available beds at the Hospitals nearby. Luckily, the sleeping bags from last time are still in our office so we have been sleeping in there between doing our usual rounds and checking on patients routinely. It's made it easier on Dr Karr, allowing him time to get some proper sleep as well as us being close by for any emergencies. It's been strange being away from the guys again but needs must with this job and I'm just thankful that I haven't been alone through this. Dr Karr has been an incredible help but having Natalia here has been a breathe of fresh air. She's been going above and beyond for everyone recieving treatment, learning on the job and being completely hands on with whatever we are faced with. No matter what she has been fully committed and not afraid to ask for help. She is going to make a great Medic and I'm already proud of how far she has come in just a few weeks. I've been able to teach her a lot, different types of stitches and ways of cleaning a wound with limited supplies. She is completely invested in whatever I have been teaching her which is so impressive. And as well as being able to learn on the job, this past week has given me a chance to get to know Natalia better outside of being a Soldier. The nights we spent trying to get some sleep usually ending up being us just talking about life outside the Army. She was quick to ask about my life in London, so I easily told her about my little family, gushing over Maisie as I always do. She instantly felt bad about asking about my Mam but I soon put her at ease, telling her some small details about what happened before I flipped the questions to ask about her family..
~~4 Days Ago, Medical Centre~~
It was another night trying to get some sleep in this cold, dusty office. Using our jackets as make-shift pillows as we try and get comfortable but it's no use on this floor. So like the past couple of nights, Natalia turns to face me, blinking away her tiredness before she picks up from our last conversation last night. "So, tell me more about Maisie." She asks quietly so I turn on my side and begin to tell Natalia all about my little sister as she just lies beside me and listens intently. I find it so easy to gush about Maisie, as much as she annoys me and has a typical teenage attitude, I am so proud of her and I'm not shy to tell anyone who will listen. After I go on for far too long, I stop for a drink of water, turning the questions around for Natalia instead. "Now, tell me about your family back in.. London right?" I ask as I sit up to have a drink from my water bottle. She smiles softly as she shifts to lean up on her hand to look up at me slightly and begins to tell me about herself. "Yeah I live in London now but I'm originally from Cumbria. I moved to London to live with my boyfriend." I smile as I lie back down after finishing my water and putting it to one side, getting comfortable again so she can continue. "Who's the lucky fella?" I joke and she quickly laughs lightly making me smile. "His name is Christian. We've been together 3 years now." She gushes and instantly I see the sparkle in her eye talking about him. "How did you both meet living so far apart?" I ask, wanting to hear more and seeing her smile just talking about him is nice to see considering where we are and the circumstances we find ourselves in.
"We actually met after I completed my Basic training. I went for drinks in London and we ended up meeting in a bar. We talked and exchanged numbers that night before texting and getting to know each other when I went back to Cumbria. Then he travelled up to take me out on a date and it went from there." I can't help but smile at Natalia's words, loving the cheesy love story as she tells me about their first couple of dates together. "Does he struggle with you being away on Tour at all?" I question gently and she nods her head softly. "Sometimes but it's more of a worry thing than anything else. But he works as a Teacher so thankfully he is busy when I am away." I nod my head and smile softly as she frowns slightly, obviously thinking about him now we have talked about him so I try and change the subject to not let her overthink too much. "What about your family back in Cumbria? Who do you have up there?" She slowly starts to smile again as she shuffles a little to get comfortable again before she tells me about her family. "I have my Mam, Dad, Twin Brother and 2 younger Sisters." She tells me easily and I quirk an eyebrow in slight surprise. "Your a Twin?" I ask and she giggles a little at my reaction. "I am. Surprised?" She jokes and I chuckle. "A little yeah. But anyways, close family?" She instantly smiles at my question. "We are. They all still live in Cumbria so I visit as much as I can when I'm home." I catch her eyes gloss over, knowing she will be missing home the same as the rest of us before she starts to tell me about her family. She begins to gush about her younger Sisters, same as I did for Maisie before talking about her Twin Brother.
After a little while, I catch her start to overthink something whilst she talks about her parents. She talks about her Mam and how close they are before she seems to hesitate about mentioning her Dad. I let her gather her thoughts before she begins to talk again, a slight tremble to her voice. "My Dad he uh.. He teaches in the RAF now after serving for over 20 years. He loves his job and he uh.." She hesitates again and I move to catch her eyeline, letting her know I'm here. "Natalia, whatever it is, you don't have to tell me. But just know, I will never judge you on anything and if you need someone to talk too, I'm here." I assure her and she seems to relax a little as she smiles softly. "I don't really talk about it much but my Dad, is actually my Step Dad. He adopted me and my Brother when we were young before my Sisters came along." She explains and instantly her earlier behaviour makes sense. "That's amazing Natalia. Not many people step up like that. Are you close?" I ask carefully and she quickly smiles and nods her head, a lot more relaxed now she has opened up more. "We are. He's a great guy and been an amazing Dad. Couldn't ask for anyone better." She gushes and I smile at the sparkle in her eyes again. "I'm glad you have him. What happened with your biological Dad, if you don't mind me asking?" She quickly shakes her head softly, moving to lie down and face me as her eyes fall a little heavy. "He walked out on us when we were 6 Months old. Never seen him since." I quickly frown at her words. "Arsehole." I react quickly, making her laugh and nod her head in agreement before I laugh along with her. Not long after we calm down our laughter, sleep takes over both of us thankfully before we have to start another day..
It's been great getting to know Natalia more, a part of me hoping she does get a chance to join 7 Section full time. The guys all like her and I know Charlie has been impressed with her work. She'd make an amazing addition to the team, and it would give her the chance to gain even more experience before being on her own as a fully-trained Medic. The more confidence she has, the better for when she is taking care of her own team one day. In the week we have already spent staying in the Medical Centre, we have managed to learn a lot about each other and become a lot closer. She opened up more about her family, even with her Step Dad, as well as telling me more about Christian. He seems like a good guy and she thinks the world of him. It's nice to share some thoughts over missing someone back at home and as soon as Natalia remembered about my someone special, she started to quiz me about Lizzie. I ended up gushing about my girlfriend far too much but luckily Natalia found it sweet, once she got over the initial shock of my girlfriend being Elizabeth Olsen. Turns out Natalia loves some of her films but more so loves the Twins MK and Ashley so she freaked out a little before quickly asking me about our story. It was nice re-living our story from the beginning as Natalia wanted to know every little detail so it took a while to get through. She made sure to tease me about my little romantic side, not expecting me to be so soft since she has only really seen my Professional Side. As much as I loved being able to share our little story, talking so much about her made my chest tighten as I missed her more and more. We have talked a couple of times and have been texting when I get the chance over the last 3 weeks but I can't wait to have her back in my arms again. I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing her tell me she loves me but it gives me that little boost I need when she does..
I wake up from another night on the floor of the office, my back aching but I force myself up and get myself ready for the day. I roll up the sleeping bag and put it to one side before getting ready and heading out to wash up and brush my teeth. Once I'm ready to go I gear up and head out to get started with my rounds. I spot Natalia seeing to someone so I leave her to finish as I start seeing to some patients. I quickly manage to fall into my usual rythm before I sense someone behind me. I turn my head slightly and see Natalia waiting for me to finish so as soon as I do, I turn around and give her my full attention. "Good morning Jones." I greet easily as I move to wash my hands, Natalia following beside me with a small smile on her face. "Morning Lane. Good sleep?" She jokes and instantly I chuckle at her tone. "You could say that. How's the early morning shift been?" I ask in return and she nods her head softly as she leans against the wall, scanning the room. "Quiet. Everyone is doing fine we just need that transport." I nod my head in agreement as I finish drying my hands and slip on a new pair of gloves. "Yeah your right. Hopefully it will come by sooner rather than later." I reply hopeful that it won't be too much longer until these people get to a hospital. Maybe then we'd be able to get back to the bunks for a decent night sleep. "Well let's get everything done then you can go off for something to eat." I suggest before we both get back to doing what we need to do, leaving Dr Karr to get as much sleep as possible whilst he can. But I can't help but let my mind wander as I make my way around the room, the last couple of days talking about home and Lizzie bringing up emotions I try and ignore most days. No matter how much I push away the growing feelings, I can't help but miss her. My Bright Eyed Beauty..
~~Tuesday Morning, L.A.~~
Lizzie POV
Another morning and I am back in the Studio shooting some scenes for Sorry For Your Loss Season 2. The past 3 weeks have been non stop 6 day weeks in the Studio and I'm thankful for it. As much as I am completely drained physically, it's been good for me mentally not being at home worrying about Harley. Saying goodbye to her at the airport 3 weeks ago was even harder than it was in London. I was so thankful for Scarlett being there, I thought I was okay leaving the Airport but as soon as I got to her car, I broke down. A tidal wave of emotions hitting me all at once, all my fears coming up to the surface knowing she is going back to somewhere dangerous. Scarlett was quick to my side, comforting me for however long we were sat in the car park for before we eventually drove to my place, where I hit another wall seeing her clothes in my bedroom. Thankfully, with Scarlett and my Mom's help over the phone, I managed to calm down and think more clearly. I managed to think more positively but Scarlett still made sure to stay with me that night before she had to fly back to New York the next day. I couldn't thank her enough before she left, even though she was ready to stay another week to make sure I would be okay, I know she was overly excited to get back to Rose so I pushed her into her car in the end. I've had so much contact from my Mom and Sisters recently, they know how bad my thoughts can get so they are always on hand to help me think things through over the phone and make sure I am taking care of myself. They worry too much about me but I know it comes from a good place so I can never be mad. I managed to go for dinner at Mom's before filming took off again which was really nice and she was quick to want to know all the details from our 2 days together..
Harley has been able to ring me a couple times since going back, she already sounds exhausted which kills me but I know she will never slow down, no matter how much anyone tells her. Even Maisie text me worried about her but I quickly made sure she wasn't going to worry about her Sister, knowing she is just as bad as my Sisters for worrying. Harley loves how much Maisie reaches out to me and she is overly thankful for me being so good with her, even when I tell her I do it because I want too and not as a obligation. I can't wait for Harley to build up some close relationships with my family when she comes home. The only worry being my Dad, knowing he isn't a huge fan of same-sex relationships. I know MK and Ashley are worried about it too when we talk about Harley meeting the rest of the family but I'm not hiding anything from anyone. Harley makes me incredibly happy and I want to be open and happy with her by my side, no matter what happens. I've had so much support from my fans whenever I post anything about us on Social Media, everyone seems to love her and us being together. We get a few hate comments I always expect but they don't hurt me as much as I thought they would since Harley is quick to comfort me whenever I talk about them. I feel like just filling my Instagram page with pictures of Harley but I know she hates the attention so I post them slyly so she can't stop me gushing about her. My Marvel family always comment wanting to see us both as soon as she is home which is adorable and I love seeing how much the guys adore her, always quick to calling her an honourable Avenger being a Soldier which the fans also gush over. A few of them even started brainstorming Super Hero names for her which is beyond cute and I can't to show her them when she's home.
"Alright guys, let's go on lunch for an hour whilst we change the set and we'll be back with everyone then." One of the crew call out from behind the camera and instantly I let out a huge sigh. My body isn't feeling it today after I had a horrible sleep last night. I woke up at 2am from a nightmare about Harley, it's been a few days since I heard from her last so my worries are creeping in again. The last message I got she was losing another Doctor so no doubt she is working even harder to make up for it now. I hate to worry about her so much but I know she is safe and well, she just gets busy and forgets to check in. "Liz? Want anything from the Café down the street?" Kelly asks sweetly as we start walking off Set which makes me smile. "A latte would be amazing." I quickly reply, knowing I have lunch with me in my dressing room. "Of course. I'll be back soon and I'll drop it into your room for you." She replies with a beaming smile. "Thank you, I'll send you.." I try and offer to pay but she stops me before I can finish. "No need. I've told you before Elizabeth!" She scolds me playfully making me laugh as we part ways. I get to my dressing room and quickly find the sofa to pretty much fall into. My body is really hating me today. I lie back for a few minutes before getting up to search for where my phone is. Once I find it, I grab my lunch and sit down again to make sure I eat something and check any messages I have, hoping to see Harley's name on my screen. But as soon as I open up my phone, I don't see anything from her and instantly my smile fades as I go through everything and start to pick at my food. After I get through my messages and Kelly drops off my coffee, I sit back and scroll through my old messages from Harley, for the first time in 3 weeks my worrying about her is getting a little too much for me and all I want to do is hear her voice. So before I can talk myself out of it, I decide to try and ring her..
After her phone rings a few times, an unfamiliar voice suddenly answers her phone.. Instantly my chest tightening as I listen to the feminine voice rather than Harley's confident, slightly deeper voice. "Hello?" I hesitate for a second, checking I have rang the right number before bringing myself back to say something. "Hi.. Is um, is Harley there?" I stutter over my words, not knowing what to think since I have no idea who is answering her phone and why. "I'm sorry, she is busy with a Patient right now.." The very unfamiliar voice tells me with a very obvious tiredness to her voice which is not helping my spiralling thoughts. "Oh, okay.. Can you tell her I tried to reach her please?" I attempt to ask without sounding too rattled at all. "Of course, I will tell her as soon as I see her next." She replies easily with a more high pitched tone. "Thank you..?" I say with the hint of a questioning tone to try and find out who I am even talking to right now. "Sorry, my names Natalia." She tells me and instantly I cringe completely. "Okay thank you Natalia." I say through gritted teeth. "No problem Lizzie. Have a good day." She replies before we come off the call and instantly my heart begins to beat a little louder with a wave of emotions rushing through my body. Okay, how did she know who I was and why is she answering Harley's phone? Why is her phone even with Natalia? So many thoughts are running through my head, my food is long forgotten as I grip onto my coffee cup in my hand and look down at my phone screen intently. Then time seems to get away from me as I get a knock on the door and one of the crew come in to tell me that I am needed back on Set, so I thank them and decide to just focus on work to try and distract my troubling thoughts at the front of my mind right now.
I am so thankful when we finish shooting for the day. Not only is my body suffering, now my emotions are running a million miles an hour and I just want to be home so I can try to calm myself down. I say my goodbyes for the day, trying to hide how I am feeling so no one asks any questions before getting changed and heading out to my car to drive home. The traffic isn't too bad so my journey home isn't horrific and it's not long before I am home and making myself some tea. My mind is still working overtime but I try and distract myself as I sit at the table with my phone and tea, replying to some messages from the Twins and Scarlett. I can't help but wonder if Harley will ring back at all today, wondering if she will even get the message from Natalia. I end up telling Scarlett about what happened and she is quick to try and comfort me to help my worrying thoughts disappear. She always knows what to say to try and calm me down but I can't completely turn off from it all. Scarlett then quickly manages to change the subject, telling me to take a look online at the link she sent me earlier which I completely forgot about. I decide to trust her and hope it is something good to cheer me up, and as soon as I do, I see my name in bold and my stomach begins to twist. I quickly scroll through to find some pictures and I come across some Paparazzi pictures of me and Harley at the Airport again. They have already been shared once before the day after she left and I can't help but wonder why they are being shared around again. I start to read through the article and see that they are saying everything that has already been said about what was seen that day and how they are trying to dig into her career but can't find a lot on her Socials. I carry on going through the page, seeing what they have to say, a part of it making me feel all those emotions again as I see the pictures between the words in bold..
'Avengers Star seen saying an emotional goodbye to new Girlfriend Harley Lane as she leaves for deployment..'
'Elizabeth Olsen spends time with Military Girlfriend as she visits the Actress in L.A.'
'Scarlett Johansson being the Best friend we all deserve as she supports fellow Avengers Star Elizabeth Olsen at Airport in emotional goodbye to Girlfriend..'
I quickly wipe away my stray tears when I finish reading the article and close it down off my screen. Seeing all the pictures again bringing back some old emotions but then seeing all the comments showing so much love and support for Harley makes me feel so lucky to have the fans I do. All of them sending her well wishes and hoping she comes home safe and sound makes my heart glow. Seeing strangers wanting her to come home safe is amazing and gives me so much hope that she will. Seeing people even supporting me, saying how hard it must be for me to see her go and worry about her but being her support is the best thing. It makes me so emotional getting good comments and reactions from fans. I love my fans and they are all amazing and so supportive. I quickly shift to Instagram, deciding to post a little something of my own since it's been a few days with how busy work has been. I decide to post a picture I took of Harley sitting in the garden when she was here in L.A with me 3 weeks ago, her subtle smile beaming in the bright sun as she is looking at her phone and catching up with her team in their group chat they have. I don't even have to edit it, seeing how incredible she looks in it so I write a cute little caption and post it easily. I watch as it come onto my screen once it uploads, seeing the words underneath the photo making me smile as people start commenting already.. "Missing My Soldier, can't wait for her to be home again. <3 " As I sit and admire the photo, likes and comments come flooding in and I quickly try to interact with as many as I can, laughing at how many people are "shipping" my new relationship to the point names are already being made about us. My favourite so far has to be.. #Harzzie!
I get lost reading all the comments and replying to as many as I can before I decide to get started on some dinner, my mood lifted by seeing all the love and support, as well as seeing the entertaining comments that made me laugh so much. I can't wait to tell Harley about our new ship name, I know she will find it just as funny as I do. I choose one of her playlists she made me on my phone and play it through the speaker as I try to decide what to make. I end up just putting something together as I go, using some of the vegatables I picked from the garden yesterday before it goes bad. I finally get something cooking and once it is in the oven I go to my room to change into something a little more comfortable to sit and eat in. I sit and take off my makeup infront of my mirror and let my hair down before changing into some leggings and one of Harley's jumpers. I'm too lost in my own little world as I decide on getting my outfit ready for work tomorrow when I hear the music playing in the kitchen suddenly stop and my ringtone is going off. I don't think anything of it at first, thinking it will be just Mom or Scarlett but then I suddenly remember about trying to ring Harley earlier and maybe it is her trying to ring back. I quickly drop the clothes in my hands on my bed and rush through to the kitchen to find where I put my phone. I manage to find it sitting on the table, grabbing it and flipping it around so I can see who is ringing me and instantly my heart starts to race as I see Harley's name on the screen ringing. I disconnect my phone from the speaker as I sit down at the table and take a breathe before answering and bringing the phone to my ear, wanting to hear her voice more than anything..
Harley - "Hey Lizzie, I'm so sorry I missed your call earlier. Is everything okay?"
Lizzie - "Hi baby. No it's okay, your working, I understand that your busy.. I just wanted to hear your voice. It's been one of those days that's all.."
Harley - "Oh Lizzie.. Talk to me, what's going on?"
Lizzie - "I'm okay now, honestly, I just had a bad nights sleep then work all day. But I'm good, and even better now being able to talk to you."
Harley - "Good I'm glad to hear that.. Natalia told me as soon as I got back. But I knew you'd be at work so I wanted to wait until you were free."
Lizzie - "Your too sweet Harley.. But isn't it like, very early morning there?"
Harley - "Yeah but I'm on the night shift so I'm up anyways."
Lizzie - "Are you not up at the Base with everyone else?"
Harley - "No not at the minute, it's been so busy down here and we have some high risk patients waiting to be transferred to a hospital who need a lot of care so we have been sleeping in the office the past couple of nights.."
"You and Natalia?" Instantly I can feel myself starting to overthink about what Harley has just said but I try not to let it show in my voice. "Yeah and Dr Karr. We are hoping the transport is here by tomorrow but it could still be a couple of days." She explains sounding so exhausted it's hard not to worry about her. "Are you even managing to sleep?" I question, knowing exactly what she sounds like when she isn't sleeping enough. "On and off.. It's uncomfortable but the locals need all the help they can get." She tells me and all thoughts of Natalia pretty much disappear as I think about how amazing Harley is. I'm so fucking lucky to call her mine. "Your incredible Harley Lane.. I love you so much." I tell her easily and I can practically hear her smiling down the phone. "I love you too baby.. Now, tell me about your day?" She asks, sounding a little more awake now so I fall into easy conversation with her and tell her how work is going at the Studio. She listens and asks so many questions as I hear her shuffling around but all her attention is still on our phone call. When I get through everything I haven't told her already, I decide to tell her about the comments I have been reading online and instantly she is laughing so genuinely it makes my heart glow for her. I then ask her about how she is and she is quick to tell me about how she is getting to know Natalia better and teaching her so much and I am beaming with how proud I am of her. She is incredible and I don't shy away from telling her. All negative thoughts of Natalia are now gone the more Harley talks about their situation and how she is keeping Harley going by making sure she eats and drinks. I am actually so thankful she has someone there to take care of her when I can't. Then hearing her say those 3 words again reminds me she would never hurt me that way.. She's mine and I'm hers.
After what feels like hours on the phone, eventually I hear another voice and I hear someone tell Harley to go get some sleep. She quickly tells me it is Dr Karr and he even says a quick hello which makes me smile before I tell Harley she needs to go and rest. As much as I would love to talk to her even more, she needs sleep. So we say a long, dragged out goodbye and come off the phone. I can't help but smile so much as I move to check on the food I nearly forgot about and plate myself some up. My mood lifted so much hearing her voice again and knowing she is doing okay. I can't help but miss her so much more when I do speak with her, but I know the time is passing quickly and it's only another 3 weeks. I text everyone and let them know I have finally been able to speak with Harley before updating them on how she is. My Mom is the first to reply telling me how happy she is that she is doing okay before the Twins reply next to tell me that they are pleased she is safe and sound. I text Tom and let him know, knowing how much he worries and he sends me the sweetest message to thank me for constantly keeping him updated so he doesn't worry so much at work. After I finish my dinner I move to find something to watch on Netflix, wanting to just relax completely but not feeling like going outside or reading. I find something to watch and lay on the sofa, wrapping myself in Harley's jumper, which smells so much like her as I melt back into the cushions. I can feel my eyes falling heavy before my phone begins to ring again. I look at who it is and see Scarlett's name so I answer and she is quick to ask me about my phone call with Harley. I instantly begin to tell her about it and she listens and gives me some comforting words about my small lingering thoughts about Natalia which I am so thankful for before we fall into general conversation. I'm so lucky to have her as my best friend. She knows what I need before I even do..
12th December, 2018
~~Day 66, Nepal~~
Normal POV
I woke up a little later in the morning after coming off the phone to Lizzie. It was amazing to hear her voice again and hearing how much she is enjoying being back to work is so adorable. I love how much she loves her job. I could have listened to her all night but as soon as Dr Karr told me to go catch some sleep, I didn't oppose. Once I was up and ready to go again, I could hear some commotion from outside the office so I rushed out trying to get my belt buckled up as I rushed out. I was quickly met with a very excited Natalia which just made me confused until I noticed the transport parked outside as Dr Karr ushered the staff inside to start moving people out into the trucks. Instantly my shoulders relaxed as Dr Karr came over to pat my back with a huge smile. Finally things are starting to look like they are coming to an end. I moved to help with moving people out into beds and chairs, saying some small goodbyes as they were so relived to be going to a hospital so they can finally go home. Once everyone was ready to go we handed over the paperwork and anything else they needed and watched them go, leaving only a couple of people who will be able to go home in a couple of days. The three of us feeling so much relief as we walk back inside seeing a practically empty room. News seemed to spread fast and before we knew it, Charlie and the rest of 7 Section arrived to take us back up to Base. Unfortunatley with their arrival, it meant I roped them into helping with the big clean up job so Dr Karr wouldn't have much to do other than take care of the people still here. As much as they complained, we managed to get it done within the hour with so many of us so once we were done, I did a quick check in with Dr Karr before he pretty much pushed us out the door, knowing we will be able to get a good nights sleep tonight, as well as a shower and change of uniform!
As soon as we got back, I did a quick catch up with Charlie before excusing myself to go have a much needed shower before we were due to have something to eat. I never thought I'd be so happy to see my bunk but it's already calling my name. I dumped my bag and rushed into the shower, not caring if it was cold or not, I just want to be clean again. I stayed in there for far too long but as soon as I was out and in some fresh clothes, I felt a hundred times better. I sat on my bed and went through my bag before hearing Charlie calling us all in for food. We all made our way to the food tent, getting some decent food and sitting together to eat. The guys quickly start to tell us what they have been up too before asking us about what it's been like down in the Centre. I couldn't help but notice Natalia is a little quieter but the guys are quick to try and lift her spirits. She eventually perks up but I can see there is something going on but I don't bring it up as she starts to fall into conversation with some of the guys. We all fall into scattered conversations before Charlie arrives to tell us to go get an early night, knowing we all need it so we finish up and say our goodnights. I pop by Charlie's office and tell him about Natalia, I tell him I'm going to talk with her and he agrees easily, telling me to let him know how it goes in the morning unless it is something serious. I nod in agreement before he checks in with me so I spend a little time catching up with him before I go off to find Natalia. I pop my head in the tent and see her reading on her bunk as the guys are all winding down doing their own thing. "Natalia.. Can I borrow you a second?" I call for her and she quickly nods her head. "Just come to my room when your ready." I tell her, seeing her finishing her chapter and she smiles softly and nods her head. "Will do Lane."
I say goodnight to the guys and they all call back the same before I leave and head to my room. I slip off my boots and take my long sleeved top off, as well as my combats, leaving me in a t-shirt and shorts before I sit on my bunk to check my phone. Before I can though I hear a voice at my door and as soon as I look up, I see Natalia coming inside. I wave her over to pat the bed beside me, inviting her to sit and she does with a small smile. I move to sit beside her, both our legs hanging off the edge of the bunk as her head quickly lowers to look at her hands on her lap which instantly tells me I was right to think something is wrong so I don't waste any time to ask her. "You doing alright Natalia? You were a little quiet whilst we were eating earlier?" I ask getting straight to the point, hating seeing anyone upset or in their head like this. "I uh, yeah sorry I just, got a text from Christian and it hit me differently today for some reason." I quickly hum and nod in agreement, knowing exactly how she feels. "Being out here, away from home, it gets to everyone. Especially what you've been through at the Medical Centre. But just remember, people are proud of you and you've saved so many lives being out here. We've done a good job.." I try and comfort her as best I can, hoping it helps in any way. "Thank you Harley, you know, I would have never got through this if it wasn't for you." She replies softly and it makes me smile hearing her have so much faith in me. "You would have Natalia. Your stronger than you think." I assure her, knowing she is better than what she believes she is. She slowly turns her head to look up at me already looking at her, catching her soft gaze as she finds my eyeline. But then she begins to lean into where I am sitting, her eyes never leaving mine..
I watch her movements as if she is moving in slow motion, ready to stop her if she gets too close but before she can, she stops herself, her body suddenly completely freezing in shock as she realises what she was doing. Her eyes flickering between my own before she starts to think about it all but I clear my throat, snapping her back to reality as she shakes her head and leans right back into her original position. I get up from my bunk gently, turning back to face where she is sitting now staring back down at her hands. I know instantly she is in her head about what just happened, and as much as I want to comfort her and tell her it's okay, I can't be that person right now when she is feeling this vulnerable. I clear my throat again, suddenly my throat feeling very dry and she quickly looks up and jumps up to her feet in a panic. "I uh, I should go get some sleep." She stutters and I feel so bad for her right now. I know she didn't mean to do what she did, her stopping herself was enough to tell me that. "Yeah, you need a good nights sleep." I reply quietly and she nods her head before walking to my door. "Thank you.. For checking in with me. It means a lot.. And I, yeah." She stumbles and I can see the panic in her eyes. "No problem Natalia. That's what I'm here for. Goodnight." I quickly reply and she nods her head. "Goodnight Harley." I nod my head and she quickly rushes back to her bunk, no doubt she will be cursing herself and won't sleep well tonight. I sit back on my bunk, holding my head in my hands. I hate moments like that, I know she just needed comfort and that's what she was looking for. I was just there and thankfully she realised before it got even more awkward. Emotions run so high in times like this.. I just hope we can move past this and get back on track. I don't want this to effect the rest of our time here..
Emotions make everyone do stupid things..
A/N ~~ Oh Damn..
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My Soldier - Missing Home
FanfictionA story about Harley Lane having her whole world turned upside down when she meets one of the purest souls to ever exist.. Elizabeth Olsen. Following on from where Book 1 left off, Harley is on her way to take part in a 3 Month Out Reach Project w...