My Soldier - Missing Home

Pack It Up Team

A/N ~~ Debating whether to go see MoM again this weekend.. Is 4 times too many when it comes to seeing the Scarlet Witch?


23rd December, 2018

~~Day 78, Nepal~~

Normal POV

Ever since the night I spoke with Natalia, everything went back to normal. Everyone was back to being themselves and the guys welcomed the new atmosphere easily, getting Natalia involved in their banter as we managed to get the small school building finished and even managed to get some more housing done around the Village. Charlie was overly happy to see us all working so well and I think he has made his mind up about Natalia but he won't tell me anything yet until he knows it's certain. I've been so proud of how everyone has conducted themselves on this unexpected few weeks, even more so dealing with everything we have had thrown at us. It's been an interesting one and one I won't forget in a hurry. It's been 11 weeks since I left London and I am more than ready to go home now and see my family. My mental exhaustion has started to get the better of me but then a couple of days ago when we got the School finished, I got a very unexpected visitor whilst we were packing everything up into the Truck. Charlie called me over and instantly my eyes were met with a smiling little green eyed girl beaming back at me before she started running right at me. I quickly knelt down and caught her in my arms, careful not to hurt her but she just hugged me tightly letting me know she is doing so much better. I couldn't believe my eyes when I pulled back and looked at her, little Naya was looking so much better and she was quick to tell me that she is feeling better and her cut is all healed. I got a little emotional seeing her alive and well, and even more so when her Dad came to thank me for saving her life. Charlie got some pictures of us all together and even some with the guys before we had to head off. Little moments like that making all this worth while and giving me the boost I need to keep going.

We had a huge downpour of rain yesterday whilst we were just about to leave Base so any building work was put on hold and instead we went to the Medical Centre to check in on how Dr Karr is doing. As soon as we arrived he was outside to greet us, looking well rested and overall so much better. He was quick to tell us that he is only taking care of three people now and everyone else made a full recovery. We dropped off the medication he requested and helped him with some tasks around the Centre before we were off to our next stop to visit some temporary housing to make sure everyone is doing okay and give them any medical help if they need it, as well as some supply boxes with food, water and medical supplies. Once we got there, we managed to get around everyone and thankfully they were all fit and healthy and very thankful for the boxes. After that we were told about a downed powerline and water mains so we split and made sure to help where we could before re-grouping and stopping by the school to make sure the building was still standing and surviving the rain. We were all very relieved to see it still standing when we arrived just as the rain was starting to ease so we got out the truck to do a routine check and everything seemed perfect. Some of the kids spotted us arrive and came to make sure their new school was still there before we gave them some of our free time and even ate together as some of the locals brought us some food to try. And it was incredible. We couldn't thank them all enough as we had to head back and do our dreaded paperwork since the rain began again so we set up camp in the food tent so we had easy access to some tea and coffee to keep us going.

Once we were all done with our paperwork, it was safe to say we were exhausted so we had something quick to eat before calling it an early night. I didn't even have the energy to check my messages so I stripped off and climbed into my bunk, my body needing sleep desperately. Thankfully I fell straight to sleep but it still wasn't enough as I am now struggling to wake my body up properly to try and function properly. I slowly tried to open my eyes but it is no use. My body is protesting and I am not up for a fight today and before I know it, my eyes are closed and I am drifting off to sleep again. I am about to give in when I suddenly start to hear my name being shouted outside the tent. I want to ignore it but then as soon as I look at my watch through my tired eyes, I jump up and out of bed seeing how long I have actually slept for. I instantly start to panic and rush around to get ready as quickly as I can. It's nearly 05:00 and Charlie will kill me if I am the one who is late so as soon as I am dressed I stumble out my tent still lacing up my boots as I see everyone lined up waiting for me, a few red faces as they are trying not to laugh at me. I quickly brush off my tiredness and give them all a glare as I stand up straight and get into line just as Charlie appears out of his office. He has paperwork covering his eyes so I quickly sort out my belt before he looks up and all I can hear is Natalia giggling beside me so I give her a quick nudge in the arm, which just makes her laugh a little louder before Charlie looks up and we all stand to attention. "At ease guys.." He calls out and we all relax and wait for our orders for the day. "Good run out today Lane if you don't mind. No rush this morning. Then in for breakfast before we get started." We all stand to attention again as Charlie heads back to his office and I move to stand infront of everyone.

"Alright guys, since you all found my morning amusing, time for some payback." I say with a devilish grin and instantly all their smiles drop knowing exactly what this means. I see them go to complain but I am quick to cut them off. "ANYONE who complains, whines or slows down will be in for an extra lap. If more than one of you slip, everyone runs it again. Understood?" I warn and they quickly close their mouths and stand to attention. "Yes Captain." They shout before I move to lead the group. "Alright in pairs, follow me and I will be checking on you all so make sure you keep up." I call back over my shoulder before leading a quick stretch then beginning our slightly longer route for the run. I don't take long to get up to a good pace, even though my body is hating me right now since I only woke up 10 minutes ago, I want to make the guys suffer a little for finding my late morning amusing so I push through and get us really moving. I keep taking a glance over my shoulder and everyone is keeping up and not one complaint the entire route which even surprised me. We get finished and as soon as we arrive, everyone stops and starts gasping for air making me laugh as I just cool down calmly. I love a good morning run. I make sure everyone is okay and thankfully they are so once they feel normal again, we all head for breakfast together since everyone suddenly has a big appetite. I sit with Natalia and Miles as everyone falls into easy conversation. "Do you run like that every morning at home Lane?" Natalia asks making me laugh but before I can say anything, Miles answers for me. "She certainly does, as well as hitting the gym everyday. She's a machine." He jokes patting my shoulder making me laugh as Natalia gasps in surprise. "He's not wrong." I add and she shakes her head laughing. "Your insane Lane."

We all share a laugh at Natalia before the guys are quick to carry on the Harley bashing around the table following from Natalia's question. "Lane was out running the next morning after one of the messiest nights out we've probably ever had in London. None of us could eat for 2 days but she was out running in the rain!" Bones tells her before Tyler adds to it. "Remember when we were in Afghanistan and she got lost and had to call it in after she ran too far from Base! We all had to search for her full kit since Charlie thought she'd get shot!" Everyone erupts into laughter at my expense but I don't care. I laugh with them and nod as Natalia looks to me as if asking if they are telling the truth. A few more stories are passed around the table, lifting my mood even more hearing them all remember these little things about our Tours before we are interupted by Charlie joining us with a huge smile on his face. Instantly we all stand to attention before he waves us off and we all sit back down. He leans down at the end of the table and glances at us all before standing up and clapping his hands together. We all share some quick glances, all thinking the same no doubt. He is never in this good of a mood.. What is going on? I clear my throat and everyone turns to me, as if hoping I ask the question everyone is thinking. "Everything okay Sir?" I ask and instantly he just chuckles and nods his head. Okay what the fuck is going on. We all wait as he hums and looks around at us again before finally putting us out of our misery. "Alright guys, Brig has just been on the phone again this morning with some news." Instantly everyone seems to tense at the mention of the Brigadier being in touch. That is never good news..

It feels like the longest couple of seconds in the World as Charlie takes a breathe before saying anything else. "Get your things packed up. We're heading home early." He announces and instantly everyone looks around, wondering if we heard that right. I look up to Charlie who is just smiling. Is he serious right now? "Sir, are you serious?" Tyler asks and Charlie nods his head without missing a beat. "Yep. Plane leaves at 08:00 hours. We'll land in London at 12:00 hours so go get packed up and ready to go." Charlie then leaves us to celebrate as the guys start cheering and singing making me just laugh as I turn to see Natalia beaming with a smile. "Is he being serious?" Natalia checks and I nod my head. "Charlie would never joke about something like this." I assure her and she quickly joins the guys as we all get up and share some hugs and cheers before heading to the tents to pack up our bags and get ourselves ready to leave. I can't even describe my excitement as I pack up my bags then take a quick shower before changing into some fresh clothes and Uniform. I do one last sweep of my room making sure I have everything with me and packed away before I head out to Charlie's office. I knock on the door and he calls me in straight away. His smile is contagious and makes mine only grow as he is packing the last of his paperwork away from his desk. "Ready to go home Lane?" He checks and I nod excitedly. "More than ready Sir. But can we make a stop on our way to the Airport?" I ask and he seems to read my mind too easily as he smiles softly and nods his head. "I was already planning on it Lane, don't worry." I smile and nod my head. "Thank you Sir."

I'm first to the truck so I start to load up before the guys start to appear and give me a hand. We pack up everything just as everyone arrives so we pack up our bags before Charlie arrives with Captain Rai. We all fall into line and Captain Rai says his goodbyes, thanking us for all our help and giving a special thanks to myself and Natalia for our work in the Medical Centre. We all say our goodbyes to him before Charlie tells us to get in the truck so we can get moving. We all seem to take one last look before we climb in the back of the truck and get comfortable for the drive to the Airport. Small conversations fill the truck but it doesn't take us long to come to a stop. I glance to Natalia who gives me a knowing smile as we quickly make our way off the back of the truck before the guys know what is happening and just like always, Dr Karr is standing waiting for us at the top of the stairs before he comes down to greet us. "Captain Harley, Natalia. I wasn't expecting you today." He says as he gets to where we are standing and instantly I feel a flood of emotions as he glances at our full Uniform and the guys sitting in the truck behind us and seems to add everything together himself. "We uh, we are heading home. Our work here is done." I say with a slight tremble to my voice. "We only got told this morning or we would have been here sooner." Natalia adds and he quickly waves us off and smiles. "No need to explain, I'm over the moon for you all. You have all been incredible and deserve to be at home for Christmas with your families." Dr Karr quickly replies and it only makes my emotions bubble a little more in my chest. Why is this so hard..?

Charlie and the guys come down and say their goodbyes to Dr Karr before Natalia does the same. She begins to get upset as he pulls he in for a hug and tells her how proud he is of how far she has come in these few weeks. He wishes her all the luck and love in the World before she says a final goodbye and joins the guys in the truck and they quickly comfort her before Dr Karr finally turns to me with a soft smile on his face. "Well Captain Lane. It has been an honour to work beside you. You have told this old dog some new tricks and I will be forever grateful for what you have done in this short time." He begins and I can feel my own eyes gloss over at his genuine words as he reaches out a hand for me which I easily take and shake softly. "You are a real hero Harley and the people you helped will never forget you or what you have done for them and their families." He adds and I feel a tear roll down my cheek as I clear my throat to try and compose myself. "Thank you Dr Karr but your the real hero here. You've got me through the tougher times we have gone through and I wouldn't have been able to do what I have without you so Thank You and I hope we cross paths one day in the future." I say with ease and I catch his eyes now glossing over. "I hope so too Harley. Now, go home and be with your family and that girl of yours. I'm sure they will be very pleased to have you home again. And please stay safe where ever you end up next." He whispers as he pulls me into a tight hug which I return without hesitation. "Thank you Dr Karr. Tell your family I said Hi when you get home." I whisper into his shoulder and he nods his head and squeezes me tight before letting me go again.

I climb up onto the truck and get back into my seat as Miles pulls the shutter up. "You all take care now! No drunken accidents whilst your home!" Dr Karr shouts and we all laugh and call back some replies before the truck starts up and he backs up to wave us off from the stairs. We all make sure to wave from the truck as Kai beeps the horn as we leave the Village and my chest tightens as we do. As much as this has been a hard one, meeting people like Dr Karr are always blessings and I will never forget him. Miles catches me deep in my thoughts and quickly taps my knee to get my attention. "You good Lane?" He checks and I nod my head. "Course, just been a rough one you know?" I reply and he nods his head in understanding. "You've done good Cap." He shoots back and makes me smile instantly. "Thanks Miles." I reply and he nods before I turn to watch out the back of the truck as we make our way to the Airport, the locals all waving and chasing the truck as we drive through the small streets. We all wave and watch them go by as we talk about the last 11 weeks here. Memories flashing into my head, good and bad, memories that I know are going to stay with me for a while. It doesn't take us too long before we finally arrive at the Airport and we all move to load up our bags and boxes from the truck to the plane we are catching home as Charlie takes care of the paperwork. Once we are loaded up we all take a breather before being stuck on a 10 hour flight back too London. We are all sitting on the runway when Charlie comes around to get us on the plane so we follow his lead and get in our seats, the buzz in the cabin lifting as the guys get us all excited for going home. We get into the air and we all join in with Tyler's singing to keep us entertained for the trip as we all laugh and soak up our last few hours together.


~~Sunday Morning, London~~

The flight was a little bumpy but we made it back to London without a scratch. We were all in extremely high spirits so unloading the plane and getting back to the barracks took no time at all. We all got to the usual de-briefing room but before we could get comfortable, Charlie stops us and we all wait for him to continue as we stayed standing in the room. "Alright guys I know de-briefs are long and draining and it's literally Christmas Eve tomorrow so I have decided on doing a de-brief at a later date. We all need the rest and to be at home as soon as we can so get yourselves home and I'll be in touch." Charlie announces and everyone starts to celebrate even more before Charlie calms us down again. "If anyone has anything they need to talk about, do not hesitate to ring myself or Captain Lane in the meantime. Do not carry around any burdens, especially over the Holidays. But for now, have a great Christmas and I'll see you all soon." Charlie finishes with a huge smile and the guys are quick to start saying their goodbyes. Bones, Tyler and Sparky are the first to leave, far too excited to get home. I say goodbye to Miles and Kai, making sure they are good before they leave. Natalia comes to me next and wraps her arms around me and squeezes me before pulling away again. "Thank you for everything Harley. I hope this is not goodbye for good." She starts to get upset and I just shake my head. "I doubt that Jones. But like Charlie said, my phone is always with me if you need anything alright? Don't hesitate." She nods and moves to say the same genuine thank you and goodbye to Charlie before she heads off leaving me with Charlie as he sits back in the chair behind him and lets out a huge sigh. I laugh and join him, leaning back on the desk behind me as we just take a minute to process before saying anything.

"That was a rough one Lane. You feeling alright?" Charlie checks in and I just nod and smile. "I'm alright. I just can't wait to be home in my own bed.." I joke and he quickly chuckles and sits up again. "You told anyone your on your way?" I quickly shake my head, not even looking at my phone since yesterday. "Not yet or I will be bombarded with messages. Dad and Maisie are in for a surprise." I joke and he laughs and nods his head. "Deffinently. Want a lift to the train station?" I smile at his offer, knowing he will take his paperwork home so he isn't stuck here for hours. "Do you even have to ask." I shoot back and he chuckles and grabs his bags as he stands up, stretching out his back as I get myself ready to leave. "Come on then let's get out of here." He ushers me out the door and we head downstairs and towards his car. We throw our bags on the back seats and climb in the front seats, buckling up before we make our way towards the Train Station. We chat about the last 11 weeks, Charlie's way of making sure I really am okay on the way before we suddenly find ourselves sitting in the car park. I lay back in the seat and look over at the main doors, seeing people in festive clothes smiling and singing. "You going to see Lizzie for the Holidays now your home?" Charlie asks and I haven't even thought about it yet until now. "I have no idea. She's back in L.A so who knows." I reply and he chuckles lightly beside me. "You'll get there, I give it 24 hours before you book yourself a plane ticket." He teases making me laugh and punch his arm playfully. "Dick." I mumble and he just laughs before a small silence fills the car as we both come to terms with being back to normal life once again..

"Take care of yourself Harley. Make sure you take some time for yourself alright, go see your girl." Charlie tells me before handing me my bag which I throw onto my shoulder. "I will. Say hi to the family for me and wish them a Merry Christmas." I reply and he smiles before pulling me into a quick hug. "Go on before you miss your train. See you soon Lane." He jokes and I shoot him a look as I slowly walk backwards away from him. "Not too soon Captain!" I salute jokingly and he just flips me off before waving. I wave back then turn around as he turns to walk back outside as I make my way towards my platform. I quickly get there just as my train arrives so I jump on and find a seat, knowing it doesn't take me too long to get home so I rest my head back and take some time to let my mind wander gently as the train quickly leaves the Station. My thoughts quickly going to one thing and that is wanting to see Lizzie as soon as possible. I start to think about Charlie's words in the car about booking a plane ticket and I can't help but wonder if it would be crazy to try and see her for Christmas. In 2 days.. How would I even manage that? Could I manage that? I then start to remember her reaction to me surprising her on my R&R and how happy she was to see me. I managed to pull that off so why not try again? Maybe..? I'm pulled out my thoughts as my Station is called so I grab my bags and get ready to leave the Train again, I must have been in a complete daze for that time to pass already. I exit the train and suddenly start to smile more and more as I leave the Station and begin to walk home. Luckily it's not that far to walk since I didn't think about the weather change and it is freezing right now! I pick up the pace and pretty much jog home before seeing Dad's house and my smile is taking over as I see movement through the window.

I get to the door without being seen and take a second to catch my breathe before knocking on the door and taking a step back, knowing if it is Maisie I will be attacked instantly. I drop my bags on the steps below me just as the door is unlocked and slowly opens infront of me before Maisie's wide eyes and open mouth start to look me up and down as she pulls the door open completely. "Hey Maize.." I greet quietly and her eyes instantly gloss over before she launches herself into my body. Luckily, I catch her in my arms as her legs wrap around my waist. I can feel her trying not to cry as she buries her head into my shoulder and grips onto my Uniform jacket just as I look up and see Dad appear at the door with a surprised expression on his face. "Hey Dad." I greet him and he quickly smiles and waves me inside. "Get inside it's freezing!" He jokes and I laugh as I step over my bags and carry Maisie inside in my arms as Dad lets me in before grabbing my bags for me. I step into the warm kitchen and instantly my heart glows being home again so I start to relax as Maisie shows no sign of letting go anytime soon so I just hold her in one arm as I hear the door close before I feel Dad's arms wrap around both of us. We stay like this for a little while before Dad pulls away and comes around to see my face with a beaming smile and glossy eyes. "What you doing home so early?" He asks and I chuckle and move to look at him properly. "Honestly, I have no idea. We got told to pack up this morning because we are going home. Jobs done." I explain and he just chuckles before Maisie finally pulls away from my shoulder to look at me through her teary eyes.

"I'm so glad your home Harley." She mumbles as I use my free hand to wipe away her tears. "Me too Maize." I reply trying not to get upset at seeing her upset before she slowly lowers herself to the floor again and we move to the kitchen table together. "Coffee?" Dad offers and I quickly nod my head as I sit down. "Please." I reply and he smiles and makes me one as I take in the feeling of being home again. "Does anyone else know your home?" Maisie asks and I shake my head. "Not yet. I wanted to just get home first before I started telling everyone.. And it's been non-stop all morning." I reply and she smiles up at me as Dad hands us a coffee each before sitting down with his own. "Not even Lizzie?" Dad asks and I shake my head. "Not yet. Time difference, I didn't want to wake her or anything." I explain and he nods his head in understanding. "Your cheek has healed up well Kiddo." Dad changes the subject and I smile and nod my head. "Yeah, thankfully no scars this time." I joke and make them both laugh before they start to ask what I have been up too since we last spoke so I sit and tell them and show them some pictures, feeling more and more at home the longer we talk for. Once I get through everything, Maisie rushes off without saying anything so I turn to Dad and he just shrugs before she returns with gift bags in her hands and dumps them infront of me. "What's all this?" I ask and she smiles and sits back down. "Your belated Birthday presents idiot.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" She cheers making me and Dad laugh as I put my coffee down and start to look through the bags infront of me. "Thanks Maize. You all really didn't have too get me anything.." I begin but Dad quickly stops me from complaining and tells me to just open them without whining, so I do as I am told and start opening my presents.

The first present I come across is from Tom so I open his card first before opening the present, even though we get each other the same present every year, I get excited opening it. As soon as I do, I smile at the new Newcastle United Football Kit with my name printed on the back above the number 4 since that's my lucky number and my old Rugby shirt number. I put it to one side and go to my next bag which is from Maisie. I pull out her card and laugh at the stupid joke card she got me before opening the multiple presents she has wrapped up for me. The first one being my favourite aftershave which I quickly open and spray on my wrists before opening the other two which are a hoodie and some jeans. I get up and wrap my arms around her, squeezing the life out of her since she always spoils me, with Dad's money of course, but she is a great gift giver. "Thanks Maize. Love you." I whisper and squeeze her again, kissing her head before letting her go so I can open my last bag. "Your very welcome, I thought you'd need help replacing all the hoodies Lizzie keeps stealing from you." She jokes and I laugh and nod in agreement. "Your not wrong." I joke back making us all laugh before I open my card from Dad and Emily. I then pull out the first present and open it, revealing a new jumper which Maisie deffinently picked out. I laugh at them both before opening the small box and instantly gasp a little when I see it's a brand new phone. I quickly look up in surprise as Dad just smiles. "You are due an upgrade Kiddo. Plus, the camera is amazing." He tries to defend the extravagant present as I get up and walk around to hug him. "Thanks Dad." I say into his shoulder and he squeezes me tightly, my bubbling tears coming back as he does.

After clearing everything away from opening my presents and saying more thank yous too Dad and Maisie, I decide on going up for a hot shower so I can change into some comfy clothes and make a start on washing my kit. Before I leave the kitchen, I make sure to warn them both not to tell anyone I am home yet until I do, knowing Lizzie will kill me if I don't tell her and they quickly nod in agreement before I head upstairs for a shower. I can't help but relax as soon as I walk into my room, feeling even more at home as I walk through and start off the shower before getting in as soon as it's hot enough. I jump not being used to hot showers yet but I quickly let the stinging take over as I just let the water wash away the last 11 weeks as I feel my body slowly deflate. I spend too long standing under the water before finally washing and getting out and into a towel. I come back into my room to dry off and find some clothes to change into. I opt for some joggers and a hoodie, wanting to be comfortable before I dry off my ridiculously long hair and sit on the bed to gather my thoughts. My mind quickly spiralling back to what Charlie said in the car.. Wondering if I should just book a plane ticket and surprise Lizzie for Christmas? Knowing how much she wanted me to meet her Mom and spend the day with her family. I know for a fact my Dad and Maisie wouldn't mind me going.. But how would I even do it without her finding out? Christmas is in 2 days do I even have time to get everything ready? Would I even get a plane ticket this late? I look over to my bags on the floor and walk over to get my phone, turning it on and waiting for it to come to life. Once it does, so many messages start coming through when one name catches my attention and instantly I know if anyone can help, it's her.

I click on the contact name and hesitate before not thinking anymore and ringing her, hoping she can answer since I have no idea where she is and what time is could be where she is. The line rings and I start to panic before she answers and I instantly begin to smile hearing her excitedly greet me from the other end. "Hey Harley! How are you? Is everything okay?" She quickly rambles and I just laugh at her slightly worried tone. "Hey Ashley, I'm good don't worry.. Are you with Lizzie by any chance?" I check hoping she isn't or she has just dropped me right in it. "No I am currently on my own actually.." She replies sounding a little confused which makes me chuckle. "Are you free to talk?" I check and she replies without hesitation. "Always, what's up?" She asks and I smile. This is crazy and I know I am going to probably stress myself out by doing all this but remembering how Lizzie reacted to me surprising her not too long ago and seeing how happy she was to see me without her knowing only makes me want to do this even more. "Do you know what Lizzie's plans are for Christmas?" I ask and I can hear her smile through the phone. "We always go to Mom's Christmas Eve and stay overnight. Where are you right now Harley?" Ashley asks with a knowing tone and I try not to laugh to give myself away just yet. "How long does she stay with her Mom?" I add and she huffs at me dodging her question. "Um, she usually stays until Boxing day or the day after depending on her plans and when Dad comes to see us all.. Now stop dodging my questions! Where are you? Are you home? What's going on?" I can't help but chuckle lightly at her before leaning back on my bed, knowing I'm going to be on the phone for a while after my next question..

"I need a favour.. And a plan."



A/N ~~ No Lizzie in this Chapter, wanted to concentrate on Harley coming home but she'll be back in the next one.. What do we think Harley's favour is??