My Soldier - Missing Home

Dad Talk

A/N ~~ **Bit of a sensitive topic in this Chapter as David and Harley have a "Chat" outside..
~~ Remember to Always Be Kind.. Spread the Word and I Love you all <3


~~Boxing Day, L.A.~~

Normal POV

Well.. That could have gone better. I had a feeling from what Lizzie and her Sisters have said that David wasn't going to be my biggest fan, but I thought I'd at least get some sort of chance with him before he turned so cold. I don't think I spoke more than 5 words but even that was enough for him. His whole demenour changed as soon as Lizzie said that I was her girlfriend so it's pretty obvious where his problems lies. If I had known this was going to be his reaction, I would have approached this all differently but on the other hand, I am so proud of how Lizzie handled everything. I don't know how much she has had to deal with in the past when it comes to her Dad being difficult but the way she held herself was amazing. I know what he said and how he acted affected her, but I don't think he could tell when he looked at her. I am so thankful for Jarnie when she rescued me from the room, as much as I hated leaving Lizzie, I knew her sisters would take care of her if anything was said so I didn't hesitate to leave. Jarnie quickly made sure to check I was okay before pouring us another drink as we got back to talking and preparing everything for dinner. We laughed and talked as if we have known each other for years and it's been so nice getting to know her and the Twins more. I see so much of where Lizzie gets certain traits from Jarnie and how much care she has for Lizzie is amazing, no wonder her Mom means so much to her. I was a little defeated when everyone came in for dinner, the atmosphere in the room changed as soon as we were all together again. It was nothing like yesterday's dinner but we powered through, making small talk when we could and thankfully, everyone was finished pretty quickly so I was first to offer to clean up to try and avoid anymore awkward situations. Ashley jumped in to offer to help so everyone else moved off to the other room with their drinks.

"How you feeling?" Ashley asks once we are alone and busy doing the dishes. I turn to see a small sympathetic smile on her face as she is busy drying a plate. "I'm alright, I'm used to people judging me before they know me just because I'm Gay. I just don't want to be the reason Lizzie is pulled into the middle of it all with her family because she chose to be with me.." I explain my troubling thoughts but Ashley is quick to jump to defend the situation. "Lizzie isn't like that. Yes her family mean the world to her but we can all see how much she loves you Harley, and she won't walk away from that because Dad is being difficult." I can't help but laugh at how straight forward Ashley is about everything but I would rather have someone like that than someone who sugar coats everything. "I am proud of her for how she dealt with it all earlier. I expected her to crumble with how he reacted but she didn't which shows a lot.." I add and she quickly nods her head and smiles as she takes the plate from my hands. "Exactly. Especially with how much Mom is obsessed with you, no one has won her over so quickly." I chuckle and smile proudly at her comment as we fall into a small comfortable silence, listening to the conversation going on in the other room as Jarnie is taking the lead. We can't make out much until I hear my name and instantly Ashley starts laughing quietly so we can still hear everything. "I think Harley is perfect for you Liz. She worships you and we can all see how much you adore her. I'm so happy for you sweetie." I can't help but chuckle as Ashley turns back to see my reaction. "That women is going to marry you if you don't marry Lizzie!" Ashley jokes making us both burst out into laughter before we both try and listen into the rest of the conversation going on in the next room. We don't catch much, but what we do catch from Jarnie keeps us laughing for a little while.

We are pretty much at the end of the dishes but before I can reach for one of the last plates, I can feel a presence behind us in the kitchen suddenly. I shrug it off thinking it is just Lizzie or Jarnie coming to check on us, but then when I hear a deep cough of someone clearing their throat, my body tenses as we both turn our heads to see David standing holding a box of cigarettes in his hand as he is looking between the two of us. "Hey Dad, need a lighter or something?" Ashley asks sweetly but her Dad just shakes his head towards Ashley before turning his attention back towards me. "Harley, can I have a word with you, outside?" He asks in a tone that can only be described as intimidating, like he is giving me no choice. As much as I am not intimidated by him at all, I wouldn't disrespect my girlfriend's Dad, so I nod my head and stand up a little straighter. "Sure, I'll follow you out." I reply in a monotone voice. He nods his head and makes his way outside with a cigarette already in his mouth as I see him walk out into the back yard through the window. Once he stops, I turn to Ashley and hand her the plate in my hand that I was about to wash. "You okay to finish up in here?" I ask and she quickly smiles and nods her head. "Yep not much left anyways. You good?" She checks with a worried expression. I nod my head as I dry my hands on the hand towel and leave in next to the sink. "Yeah, what's the worst that can happen." I joke, making her laugh lightly before giving my arm a squeeze as I straighten out my jumper and make my way outside. I have no idea what to expect from this chat but all I do know is that this could be a very important talk. One that I don't want to go wrong. I shake out my nerves as I walk down the few steps, seeing David looking away from where I am, cigarette smoke puffing from his mouth as he paces in a small circle.

I leave some space between us as I walk over and reach where David is standing, as soon as he hears my foot steps he stops pacing and turns to face me with him arms crossed over his chest, finishing the last of his cigarette. A few beats of silence go by between us, before he seems to get his thoughts into order and clears his throat to begin speaking. My heart is beating harder in my chest, not knowing what he is going to say is a slight worry so I decide to put my professional head on and face this like an Army situation. Knowing I am at my most level headed when I am at work. I take a deep breathe as I watch him do the same and his lips part to begin to speak. "So, I don't know how much you know about me or what Liz has told you about me, but one thing that everyone knows is that I am very protective over my girls. And that will never change. I want you to know where I stand on everything that has come to light today." I nod my head, sensing his defensive tone straight away as he stares right back at me as he speaks in a harsh tone. "Alright, sure." I reply quickly, not wanting to give him any time to work himself up about anything. "It goes without saying that your never to hurt Liz in anyway. And you need to treat her right. Like she deserves." I grin slightly, that's a given really. "Of course." I keep my answers short, knowing he must have a bit to say to bring me outside like this. "And I hope your not with her for her money. As much as I have the up-most respect for anyone in the military, I also know you don't make a huge amount of money. So if you are with her to keep you, it won't last long." I have to hold back the reaction I want to give him for that remark, as if any human being would do that to someone like her. "I can assure you Mr Olsen, I am not with Lizzie for anything other than the fact I fell in love with her. Money doesn't come into the matter. I would still love her if she didn't have a penny to her name. I can promise you that." I let myself explain, not wanting to give him anything to use against me if I did give a short answer.

"Good. Now, I want to be honest with you.. I'm not against completely the whole same-sex thing, but I also don't want it shoved in my face. If Liz wants to be with you then that's her decision to make. As much as I want her to be with a Man and have everything I know she wants in life, I can't change her mind." He is really digging for a reaction with these comments. I take a sharp breathe to hold back my initial reaction as I watch him get rid of his cigarette butt and almost instantly reach for another fresh one, guess he has a lot more to say. "If it's kids your referring too Mr Olsen, two women in a relationship can still have their own children. And Lizzie would carry those kids and be the most amazing Mother to them. And I'd support her through everything." I ramble without thinking too much and surprise myself with what I come up with but I can't help the grin that follows, knowing that is exactly how I feel about it. I can tell he is taken back by what I said as well but I don't falter. "Would you leave the Army if she was to get pregnant?" He asks suddenly, what kind of question is that? First he thinks I am in it for the money and now he's asking me to leave my source of income? He really is trying to catch me out with all this. "I'd do what was best for us and the child Mr Olsen." I reply without having to think too much about it and see him raise an eyebrow. "Mhm. What happens if you die out there? What happens too Lizzie? We can all see how besotted she is with you. It would break her.." Is he for real? What because I am a Soldier and go out to help people, I shouldn't be with someone because there is a chance that something might happen to me? Getting killed wouldn't be so great on me either! Dickhead. "She knows the risks of my job. And I've told her many times if it ever gets too much she can walk away and I'd still love her regardless. But I love my job and I have worked very hard to get to where I am right now. And I will do my job until my circumstances change."

He seems to be considering what I have said with a unreadable expression as finishes his second cigarette. I can feel my breathing getting harsher the longer I stand here thinking back over the ridiculous questions he has asked when he has barely given me a chance to even get to know me or learn anything about me and my career. I catch him looking back over at the house and huff under his breathe before looking back up to meet my gaze. "Okay. Well you best get back inside." He suddenly seems to want to finish the conversation, but I have something I want to say. Something he needs to hear. "Can I just say one thing..?" I state more than ask which seems to startle him a little but he manages to shrug it off and crosses his arms over his chest again. "Sure.." He huffs and I quickly bite back a response and clear my throat, not quite sure what I am about to say but I feel like I need to defend myself in a way he has not allowed me too. I hate being judged and don't think I should have to defend myself but in this case, he is not a stranger and needs to realise he will never intimidate me neither will he come between me and Lizzie as long as I can help it. "Just because I am a Women and in the Army, doesn't mean your daughter will lose out on anything. I will always put Lizzie first. No matter what. She's safe with me Mr Olsen. And I hope we can build a solid relationship one day, for Lizzie and your family. And for my future family with your daughter. I am not going anywhere anytime soon, and I want a future with your daughter. I believe she wants the same so I hope one day, we can put any differences aside and call each other family." I say with as much confidence as I could put behind my words. He needs to know where I stand. And as much as I want to stick around and wait for his reaction, I want him to really think about what I just said to him, so I decide to leave him to it and walk away first.


~~Boxing Day Afternoon, L.A.~~

Lizzie POV

I was so relieved when Dad excused himself for a smoke outside. I can't believe how he has reacted to Harley and our relationship. I didn't expect him to be so against it without even giving Harley a chance. I don't want to be the reason there is tension in the family, but I know I can't give up on what I have with Harley because of all this. She has made me happier than anyone I have been with in the past, no matter what her gender, the people who care about me should support me. Mom, Trent and the Twins have been more than welcoming to Harley and quickly seen how amazing she is and how happy she makes me, so why can't Dad see the same? I let out a breathe I was holding onto as he laves the room and Mom quickly moves to comfort me, obviously seeing how much it is starting to effect me. "You okay Sweetie?" I nod my head, holding back my tears, not wanting to get upset right now. "Yeah I just, wish he would give her some sort of chance.." I reply and she nods her head. "I know, but your Dad is stubborn and always thinks he is right, he'll come around we just need to give him time to get out of his own head first." She reassures me and I smile as I quickly wipe my eyes and accept the hug before we hear a crash come from the kitchen, all of us quickly jumping up and obviously thinking the same thing but before we can all panic, Ashley comes rushing into the room. I let out another breathe but the look on her face is worrying me all over again. "Ash? What's wrong?" MK asks in a worried tone and Ashley quickly catches her breathe leaning forward on the couch before looking over in my direction. "Dad has just come into the kitchen and asked Harley to go outside for a chat." She explains and instantly my stomach twists at her words. "What do you mean a chat?" MK questions and Mom quickly turns to face them both. "He'll just be giving her some sort of 'Dad Talk' to try and intimidate her, but Harley won't let him get very far and they'll be back in a minute or two." Mom quickly assures us but it doesn't help one bit.

I get up off the couch properly and begin to pace the room, my head spiraling with thoughts of what Dad could be saying to Harley and how Harley will react. She only got back from Nepal a few days ago, her emotions will still be settling down, she might snap unintentionally if Dad tries to push her to react badly. God why does he have to be acting like this..? I get so lost in my head that I don't even realise anyone has left the room until I feel a soft grip on my arms, stopping me from pacing anymore. I look up from the floor and see Ashley's eyes trained on me as she offers a small smile. I force a smile in return, making her only giggle as she wipes the tears from my cheeks and pulls me into a hug. I look up over her shoulder and notice we are now alone in the room, so as I pull back I give her a questioning look. "Where's Mom and MK?" I ask and she quickly guides me to sit back down with her. "They are in the kitchen making sure Harley is okay outside." She explains carefully and I nod my head softly in reply, not even knowing how long it has been since she went out there. "We both know Harley won't let Dad say anything out of turn Liz. You have no reason to worry about her, and as for Dad, he will have to get over it because we all know Harley is going to be in your future no matter what." Ashley rambles a little but her words mean so much and bring me so much comfort. "Thank you Ash. I just, I'm scared something is going to push her away. And Dad picking right now to say anything to her might push her emotions since she just got back home.." I begin to explain my worries and she listens as I ramble about what Harley has talked to me about. I can see Ashley's smile growing the more I talk and when I finish, she just beams back at me. "What?" I question and she shakes her head softly. "I can't wait to find someone who loves me like you and Harley love each other.." She says without hesitation and it almost washes all my fears away as my smile returns easily.

"I never expected to feel like this so soon.. But I can't stop it, even if I wanted too." I add and Ashley's smile has yet to falter. "She's your Soulmate." I nod instantly in agreement, knowing it myself more than anyone. There is no denying it, I was always supposed to find Harley, and a part of me wishes it had been sooner but now she is a part of my life, I am never letting her go. Before we can continue our heartfelt conversation, Mom and MK come back with unreadable expressions on their faces, causing all my concerns to rush back to me but before I can question what has happened, I hear the back door open and close. We all quickly look to see who it is and to my relief, it's Harley. I jump up and rush over to her as she enters the room, her face stern with her eyes trained on the floor infront of her. As soon as I am infront of her, I rest my hand against her stomach to stop her walking, causing her to look up slightly and meet my eyes. I can't read her at all right now and that alone is worrying me as she forces a small smile. "Are you okay?" I ask quietly and she just nods her head and reaches for my hand on her stomach. "I'm alright." She whispers in return and brings my hand up to leave a soft kiss against the palm of my hand before walking us both back towards where I was sitting beside Ashley. I sit in the middle as Ashley moves along a little beside me to let Harley join us. Her demenour fading from her stern, unreadable one to her usual happy self as soon as she sits down and takes in a deep breathe. She quickly re-visits a conversation with MK and Ashley that they were having earlier, and after a few glances around the room, they easily fall into conversation with her. I catch my Mom's worried look as she looks between us all before she leaves to walk into the kitchen. I want to follow her but I leave it for now, not hearing anything so Dad must still be outside. I try and listen to what is being said in the room but my mind is focused on watching Harley's movements, trying to work out how she is feeling but from the outside, it looks like nothing has happened.

Not too long later, we all hear the back door open again followed by Dad's voice talking with Mom quietly. Their conversation doesn't last very long before they walk through to join us. As soon as they do, I can see Dad is ready to leave so we all start to get up as he starts to say his goodbyes. I notice Harley takes her time to follow us all as the Twins say goodbye first then I follow. "Take care sweetie.." Dad says in a strange tone but I shrug it off as we share a hug and he kisses my head like always before I turn back to find Harley stood beside Ashley just behind me. I move to her other side as I see her looking up towards where Dad is thanking Mom for dinner then he turns to meet Harley's gaze. I quickly reach for her arm between us and she makes no attempt to move as the tension in the room shifts massively once again. "Mr Olsen. Pleasure to meet you. Drive home safe." Harley says in that stern, confident voice again, her whole body tense as she seems to hold her breathe almost. "Yes, you too Harley." Dad returns in a matching tone of voice before MK offers to walk Dad to the door. Once he leaves, I feel Harley's body deflate beside me as I catch Ashley squeezing her arm before walking towards the kitchen with Mom leaving us alone. I quickly turn to face her, hoping to find out what happened but as soon as I meet her eyes, I see that switch again in her demenour as a soft smile quickly replaces her stern features. "Are you sure everything is okay Harley?" I ask gently and she quickly pulls me into her arms by my waist, my arms reacting instantly as I reach them up over her shoulders. "More than okay." She mumbles into my shoulder as she squeezes me before we are called into the kitchen by Mom. We pull away slowly and I catch her wipe her eyes with her free hand, instantly I know she is hiding something but before I can question her, she smiles and leads us both into the kitchen.

After a team effort to make some hot chocolate and plating up some sweet treats and snacks, we all move into the living room again to watch another Movie together as we all laughed and talked like we did all Christmas Day. The tension completely gone and Harley was back to herself within seconds. I could see Mom was not convinced, and she knew I felt the same, but we didn't comment on it, hoping she will talk to me later. We ended up watching two Movies together before I noticed the time and how late in the day it is now. I turn my head slightly on Harley's shoulder, talking quietly into her ear since my body is curled up into her side under her arm. "Are you ready to head home when this Movie is finished?" I ask quietly and feel her nod her head softly as she looks down slightly to meet my eyes. "Whenever your ready baby." She whispers back and kisses my head before I turn to see Mom giving me a small smile somehow knowing what I just said making me laugh softly. It only takes another 10 minutes for the movie to end and everyone begins to stretch out and yawn in unison around the room. I slowly climb up from my position on Harley, letting her stretch out as I search the room and begin to clear everything away before we leave. Everyone does the same with their plates and cups and we all end up in the kitchen as Mom tells us to leave the last of the clean up to her for later. "Well, we are going to head home so Harley can start catching up on her sleep before we head to London." I comment and everyone nods and hums in agreement as Harley just laughs then yawns to prove my point. The Twins move to say their goodbyes to Harley across the room, making my smile only grow at how close they are already as Mom comes to say goodbye to me. "Make sure she takes care of herself Liz." Mom whispers into my ear and I quickly nod my head. "I will Mom." She squeezes me tighter before we both end up laughing at the Twins giggling behind us with Harley.

When I turn away from Mom, I find my Sisters sandwiching Harley in a Twin-hug making me laugh before they finally let her go, scolding her as they do to take care of herself better. I smile as they reach me and we share some hugs and goodbyes, both of them quietly telling me to make sure Harley is okay after whatever seemed to happen with Dad. I assure them I will and promise them to let them know when I do know before we all turn to see Mom squeezing the life out of Harley making us all burst out into fits of laughter. "Thank you for everything Jarnie. I think I may have managed to gain the weight I lost in Nepal already." Harley jokes as Mom finally lets her go, making her laugh. "Your more than welcome Harley. You are welcome here anytime sweetie." Mom beams as she squeezes Harley cheeks as she walks past towards the fridge to no doubt get us our left over containers like every year. I smile as Harley come to my side as Mom packs us some food into a bag, her arm snaking around my waist to pull me a little closer as she leaves a kiss on my head. "I think I still need to feed you up some more." I tease as I squeeze the side of her stomach playfully making her laugh. "Behave you.." She warns playfully back making me giggle as Mom puts the bag on the table for us and we all start to head back out the kitchen together. Harley offers to go and get out bags from upstairs so I slip on some shoes and my jacket at the door and wait for her to come back. Once she is back downstairs, we make sure we both have everything and make our way out to my car. Mom, MK and Ashley follow behind us and I open the trunk so Harley can put our bags in as I say another quick goodbye to everyone. They all make sure to tell me to drive safe and let them know when we get back before Harley is pulled into more hugs goodbye, Mom making sure to remind her how she is her new favourite and to come back soon making my heart glow instantly.

When we both manage to peel away from everyone, we get in the car and wave goodbye as I drive us out the street and towards home. The radio playing quietly into the car as Harley's attention is now focused out the window as her body is resting back against the seat, her head lying back against the headrest. I can't help but worry about her as I steal a few glances in her direction as my mind begins to wander. The past 2 days have been such a rollercoaster of emotions. From missing her and feeling guilty, too having her here with me again and feeling at my happiest, then it all came crashing down again earlier today, but now I get to leave with the warmest feeling with how much my Mom and Sisters love Harley and Harley loves them in return. I should be happy having her here with me, driving home together and knowing she isn't going anywhere this time, but the feeling of her holding something back and hiding how she is truly feeling is starting to eat away at me. I know something was said with Dad, but I have no idea what it was. I wish she would tell me so I can make sure she is doing okay but I know if I push her on this she will pull away even more so I have no choice but to wait for her to come to me when she is ready. And as much as it kills me to see her like this, I have to hope I am still her safe place now she is home and she will come to me when she is ready too. When we come to a Red Light, I stop the car and reach over for her hand that is resting on her lap. I lace our fingers together with ease and lift her hand in mine up to leave soft kiss against her knuckles. She turns to give me her full attention, something about her eyes giving away how she is truly feeling but I don't want to say anything right now so I just smile over at my Soldier. "I love you Angel.." I say softly into the small space between us, her lips pulling into a more genuine smile at my words. "I love you too baby." She returns easily before I turn my attention back to the road ahead of us, our hands resting on top of my lap, wanting to have her close without over-crowding her too much right now..

The journey home seemed to last a lot longer with how quiet Harley is beside me, her thumb and fingers nervously playing between my own as I drive us back. I wish I could help but until I know what is even going on in her head, I have to be patient. But the longer I am sat worrying, the more my mind begins to spiral. When we do pull up onto the drive outside my house, no words are spoken as I shut the engine off and Harley climbs out the car and heads for the trunk to get our bags. I don't say anything as I follow behind her, grabbing the smaller bags since Harley has the bigger ones before I close the trunk and lead us towards the front door. I unlock it and let Harley through first with the bags and closely follow behind her, locking the door behind me as she takes the bags through to the bedroom. I make my way towards the kitchen, checking the house as I go before reaching the kitchen and putting the food Mom gave us into the fridge. Once that is all done, I take the other bag towards the bedroom and find Harley in the bathroom with the door pulled shut behind her, the shower running already as she has some music playing on her phone. As much as I don't want to just leave her to deal with this alone, I don't want to make any of this worse so I leave her be. I head back out to the kitchen and decide to check on the garden before it gets too dark. I take my time, giving Harley as much time as I can to be alone with her thoughts as my own carry on spiralling over and over again. I don't want her to shut me out, but I also know this is new for me to deal with. I didn't see this side of her when she came home from Iraq when we first met so I need to try and adjust as much as I can. I know deep down this is not anything personal, but a part of me is hurting with how she is keeping things from me like this. We have talked about how we need to be more open with each other, but now she is doing the complete opposite with something that could effect us both massively..

I need my Harley back.. Before I lose her.