My Soldier - Missing Home

Breathe Harley

A/N ~~ Guys! Your all amazing and I love you all!


~~Monday Night, London~~

Normal POV

After talking things out with Lizzie about Taylor, we decided to stay outside since it is not too cold tonight. I am so thankful she didn't jump to any conclusions and gave me the opportunity to explain everything to her myself. I love how much trust we are building in our relationship from where we began, seeing her being able to not worry as much and have the trust in me is a lot for her so I appreciate it so much. We have come so far already together, and we are only getting stronger. When we finally break away from our kiss we got lost in, Lizzie's arm snaked under my jacket as my arms wrapped around her body. We stay like this, a comfortable silence falling between us as we soak up our small alone time. "Your always so warm Harley.." Lizzie mumbles into my chest, making my smile grow impossibly wider as I lean down and leave small kisses on the side her of head. "Like my own personal hot water bottle." She adds, making me chuckle as she hugs me tighter under my jacket. "I'll always keep you warm baby." I reply softly, feeling her smile against my chest as I rest my chin on top of her head. We both soak in the comfortable silence a little longer until I look over across the back yard and spot the small steps where we first met. An instant warmth growing across my chest at the flood of memories from that night. I chuckle to myself, remembering how nervous I was deep down when I first looked into her eyes and realised I was sitting opposite the most beautiful women in the world. Lizzie seems to feel my gentle laughter as she slowly leans back from where she is leaning against my chest, her eyes lifting to meet mine as I glance down to meet her gaze. A confused look in her eyes as she steps back to get a better look at me, making my laughter continue as I lean down and kiss her forehead, helping her eyebrows to relax. "What's going thorough your head Soldier?" She asks sweetly as my lips linger against her skin. I can't help but smile as I get an idea, wanting to share my memories with her in the best way possible.

I carefully turn us around, giving me room to step out of Lizzie's hold. I see her begin to pout at my actions but before she can, I hold out my hand for her to take. She glances down at my hand, smiling slightly before looking back up to meet my eyes with a softer expression. "Where are we going?" She asks, making me laugh lightly as she takes my hand anyways. "Not far, I promise." I assure her as I feel her hand reach mine. I take a hold of her hand and gently lead us towards the steps further down the garden, instantly hearing her gasp and giggle as she realises where we are. I lead us down the steps together before sitting down where we did the night we met. Lizzie looks down at where I am sitting, as if she is replaying the memories of that night the same way I did a few minutes ago. Her hand still in mine as her eyes gloss over slightly. I run my thumb over the back of her hand, giving her some comfort as she seems a little lost in her thoughts. I let myself slowly do the same, remembering our first conversation together here like it was yesterday. How nervous she was when she sat down, seeing how anxious her entire body was. How she nearly fell down the steps being so lost in her head. "That night seems like so long ago.." Lizzie's voice finally pulls me from my thoughts, her soft voice catching my full attention. I look up at where she is standing, seeing a small smile ghosting her lips. "It really does." I reply just as softly as I gently pull her hand in mine, urging her to sit with me. She quickly follows my guidence, but instead of sitting beside me, she sits on my lap. I can't help but chuckle at how easily she comes to sit with me like this now, her body completely relaxing as soon as she is in my arms. As soon as she is comfortable, with my arms wrapped around her safely, her hands find my hand on her lap so she can play with the rings on my fingers as my other arm keeps her close so she doesn't fall.

"Can you remember that night?" Lizzie asks in a soft whisper, her eyes searching my features as she lifts one hand from her lap and starts to run her fingers through my hair. "Of course I do. How could I forget the night I met the love of my life?" I tease playfully, but with complete truth behind it. Instantly her smile reaches under her eyes as her cheeks blush slightly under the dimly lit yard. A small, nervous giggle leaving her throat as she takes in what I just said. "It feels like I have known you my entire life.." She whispers again, making me smile and laugh softly as I nod my head. "I know, I feel the same way. I barely remember you not being in my life anymore." I tell her truthfully, that adorable giggle getting slightly louder this time. "You made me feel so at ease without having to try that night." She adds, making my heart beat so hard against my chest. "I'm just glad I was there to help you. I was a nervous wreck inside." I admit, making her laughter grow again as her eyes reach mine again. "Were you really?" She questions, making me cringe a little at the confession. "Yeah, I mean, you were and still are the most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on. So yes, I was extremely nervous that night." I add, making her cheeks only heat up more as her smile never falters. "Your so sweet Harley.. But you weren't the only one who was nervous that night." Lizzie admits and instantly I can't help the grin that appears on my face. "Is that so.." I tease gently making her squirm a little as she giggles. "Can you blame me? An incredibly good looking English Soldier, with the sweetest personality and deepest hazel eyes made my heart race like it has never raced before that night. The way you took care of me and made sure I was safe and warm, and you barely knew me. No one has ever done that for me before you." I can't help the stray tear the falls down my cheek at her words, which she quickly notices and wipes away softly with her thumb as her eyes never leave my own.

"The way you looked at me that night, is the way I have wanted someone to look at me my whole life. You looked at me like I was your whole World, and you've looked at me like that ever since that night." Lizzie mumbles shyly into the small space between us. My smile taking over my face at her adoring words. She's right, I've always looked at her like that, ever since day one. "That's because ever since that day, Elizabeth, you have been my whole World.. Every minute of every day." I ramble out of no where, but it's all true. Every word. I catch Lizzie's eyes glistening in the small rays of light coming from the house behind us, seeing a tear rolling down her cheek. "Don't get upset baby.." I say softly, wiping a tear from her cheek with my thumb. She gently leans into my touch, letting it linger as her eyes flutter closed. "It's strange.. Tom talked about you on Set, telling us about his best friend in London and how much he missed you. You sounded too good to be true sometimes, but now that I know you, I know everything he told us was true. I never once thought I would meet you, never mind fall unapologetically in love with you." This girl is trying to kill me off tonight. I love this side of her, when her walls are completely pulled down and she is just her. "You, Miss Olsen, are the real sweet talker. Your melting my stone cold, Soldier heart over here." I tease, wanting to see that beautiful smile of hers and it quickly makes an appearence, causing me to smile instantly in return. "I'm spending too much time in England.." She teases back in reply, making me laugh at her teasing tone. "You'll be a Yorkshire Tea drinker before you know it." I say playfully as I squeeze her thigh under my hand causing her to giggle loudly. "Stop teasing!" She says through her laughter as she squirms slightly under my touch. God I love the sound of her laughter. It's one of my favourite sounds in this World.

"Would you have asked to see me again, if I didn't ask you first that night?" Lizzie asks after a small beat of silence, both of us still sitting together in Tom's yard. "Without a doubt." I reply without hesitation, making Lizzie giggle at how quick it came out. "Really?" She asks slightly shyly making me smile. "Of course, like I said, there was something there from the moment I looked into your eyes." I ramble slightly, seeing her cheeks tint bright red again at my words. "Were you surprised when I asked you?" She asks sweetly. "Yep. I never expected to even meet you that night, never mind you wanting to see me again. I mean, your you and I'm just.." I begin to falter, my voice wavering but Lizzie quickly shifts her eyes to meet mine again, a hint of worry behind them. "Don't finish that sentence Harley. Your not just anything, your the most amazing person I have ever met. Please never even think about putting yourself down like that." She tells me sternly, shocking me a little but it feels nice hearing that from her. I can't help but smile as my eyes glance between her eyes and lips. "I love you.." I say without hesitation, causing her smile to grow again. "I love you too Soldier." We share another smile and a quick kiss before Lizzie settles back into my body, her hands back playing with the rings on my fingers. We have lost all sense of time being outside, away from the loud party inside the house behind us. I feel a little guilty, but this time with Lizzie is too special to miss out on. It's crazy how much this girl means to me, and how much better I feel by just being around her. She makes me a better version of myself. The more I am with her, the better I become. The more my nightmares and negative thoughts seem to disappear. She makes my World brighter with just one smile. And I never want to lose her. No matter what happens. I can't imagine my life without her in it.


~~Monday Night, London~~

Lizzie POV

Being in the exact same place where we first met has made me feel so many emotions all at once tonight. Being here again with Harley, remembering that night like it was yesterday feels so strange. We've both changed in some ways, I know I have grown from the person I was that night. I was in a bad place when I left L.A. But coming to London was just what I needed, and ultimately, meeting Harley came right when I needed her the most. She became my real life Guardian Angel, giving me the safety and care I always wanted in someone. I felt so drawn to her that night, I had to see her again. I couldn't not. It was the best decision I ever made. She has been my rock and my happy place, my sense of comfort and safety. She has loved me on my dark days, as well as my good days. She has broken down my walls I have built so high, she's helped me trust again. And I trust her with my life. I've never had so much trust in someone than I do with Harley. She really is it for me. I want everything and more with her. I get brought out of my thoughts when I feel Harley move slightly, checking the time on her watch, no doubt making sure it's not nearing midnight yet. I can't help but smile when I feel her wrap her arms back around me tightly, my head still resting against her shoulder as we just be together. It's beginning to get a little colder outside now, so it must be getting late. I snuggle into Harley a little more, wanting to feel her body heat as a slight breeze begins to blow past us. "How about we head back inside?" Harley asks quietly, making me shiver as I feel her breath against my ear. I nod my head softly against her neck, as much as I am loving this time with her, we really should go back inside and re-join the Party. I reluctantly pull myself away from Harley's body, her arms falling from around me before I slowly start to get up from Harley's lap. Once I am standing again, Harley carefully follows me to her feet, brushing down her clothes.

Once we are both back on our feet, I turn back towards Harley, seeing her already smiling back at me with that small cheeky smile she seems to keep just for me. And I can't help but melt with just one glance. God it's crazy how in love I am with her. I have to snap myself from my adoring stare towards Harley, composing myself as much as I can so I can form words to say to her. "Are you ready to head back inside Soldier?" I ask softly, running my hand gently down Harley's arm as I search for her hand. I watch as her smile grows as she nods her head in reply, her eyes shimmering under the moon light. "Yeah let's-" Before Harley can finish her sentence, she is cut off by the sound of a huge bang going off behind us. We both jump at the sudden noise, my hand gripping onto Harley's arm as her entire body tenses infront of me. I turn my head slightly, still gripping onto Harley as I see a flash of light in the sky behind us, multiple colours filling the night sky above us. Then another loud bang quickly follows, my body expecting it this time but I feel Harley jump again. I look back towards Harley, immediately freezing seeing the colour drained from her face as her eyes are completely glazed over. Shit, this is not good. "Harley..?" I pretty much whisper, not wanting to startle her anymore. Her body so tense and frozen in place. Not even flickering at the sound of my voice. "Harley, talk to me.." I say a little louder this time, trying to get her attention but still there is no reaction. Before I can try again, another 3 or 4 Fireworks go off not too far away one after the other, barely a second between them. I don't have time to react as I feel Harley move from my grip, her body jumping backwards, sending her completely off balance into the wall behind her. I quickly follow her, lunging forward to reach for the back of her head, not wanting her to hit the wall and cause herself an injury.

I manage to catch her head from hitting the wall, her body slumping back but not falling completely, her hands managing to keep her up on her feet with the help of the wall. I pull my hand from behind her head, both my hands now on either side of her face to try and pull her attention back to me. "Harley.. Harley look at me! Please!" I try to get through to her, wanting to calm her down before she falls into a spiral. Her eyes already flickering in so many directions as her breathing begins to get heavier. "Harley! Please look at me!" I try again as I follow her body as it slowly lowers to the floor, her back still against the wall behind her. I follow her down to the floor, kneeling infront of her body as she slumps down onto the floor. Harley's chest now rising and falling more and more erratically as her eyes finally slam shut. So much fear and worry hits me when her eyes close, but right now, I know there is not a lot I can do but just be here and help her through whatever comes next. I hate this side of her job, how much it effects her everyday, even when she is at home and in a safe environment. We're managing to work on her nightmares and how I can help her with them, but her PTSD attacks are so much harder since they can be set off without any warning. I can't help but let my concerns and worries grow and grow the longer she is like this. Her hands gripping at her shirt infront of her chest as her other hand is laying flat on the floor. We end up like this for what feels like hours, Harley's heavy breathing is all I can focus on until I catch the noise of the sliding doors from the kitchen opening slowly. I snap my eyes up away from Harley, hoping it's not everyone coming outside. Thankfully, it's just Harry. As soon as he finds me, he rushes down and sees Harley in her current state, his eyes widening seeing her like this. "Is Harley okay?" He asks as she kneels down carefully nearby. "Yeah she's just, a firework went off and.. Could you get Tom for me please?" I stumble over my words but he quickly nods his head and gets up from the floor in a hurry. "Yeah, I'll go get him." He rushes off after I quickly thank him then turn my attention back towards Harley.

I slowly reach out my hand towards Harley, wanting to make sure she can feel me and know that I am still here with her and she is not alone. I gently place my hand on top of her knee, gripping slightly so she can feel my presence. Then before I know it, I hear the doors open again from the kitchen. I look up in that direction, seeing Tom with a worried look across his face as she rushes down to where we are. "What happened Liz?" He asks slightly breathlessly as he kneels down beside me to face towards Harley. "Some early Fireworks went off just before really close by, she just froze then pretty much collapsed to the floor." I explain as best I can, knowing Tom will understand better than most. "I told Harry to keep everyone inside for now, I know she hates people seeing her like this, unless it's someone she trusts." I turn and smile at Tom, hearing how much he cares for her and would do anything for her. "Thank you Tom." I say softly, seeing him smile slightly before we both look back towards Harley still in the same position. "So, we just wait for her to calm down so we don't make her worse?" He questions quietly, hoping we are doing the right thing. "Yeah, that's what I try and do. I've already tried pulling her out of it but she can't hear me yet." I add and he nods his head softly in reply. Tom then moves to sit on the steps not too far away, his eyes still trained on Harley as he begins to bite his nails nervously. I stay as close as I can with Harley, not wanting to crowd her but keeping myself as close as I can with my hand still on her leg with a soft grip on her knee. I know I can't push her to come out of this any sooner but it kills me seeing her this way. I wish I could do more, even take away her pain. "Lizzie.." I hear Tom's soft voice beside me, bringing me from my small trance. As soon as I look up again, I see tears rolling down Harley's cheeks, instantly breaking my heart more as I reach up to wipe them away as gently as I can.

I leave my hand against her cheek, hoping it brings her some comfort as I get comfortable sitting beside her now. Her breathing is slowly getting better and her tears have stopped. My other hand is resting gently against her knee, rubbing small patterns to try and give her something else to ground herself with. A quiet minute passes, that feels more like hours, before Tom breaks the silence as he shifts to sit closer to us both. "How has she been since coming home Liz? Has she been okay?" I love how much he cares about Harley, it's so genuine and their bond is unconditional. "She's had some bad moments, a few nightmares. But she has managed to sleep in bed which surprised me. I know she struggled with what happened with my Dad, which I still feel so guilty for, and we argued about it but we squashed it the same night and she seems to be okay about it now. I just hope my Dad comes around soon. And other than yesterday, she has been positive." I explain to him as best I can, my attention shifting between Tom and Harley as I speak. I catch his genuine smile at my words as he nods his head softly. "She's happier when she's with you. You give her something to be better for Liz. I've never seen her so happy than when your together. Please don't hurt her.." He whispers the last part and it breaks me hearing him this way. I know he's being protective, but it also tells me that he has seen her at her worst too. "I'll never hurt her Tom. She's it for me." I assure him and his smile reappears as we both look to Harley, who seems to be calming slowly. "You both deserve this. I can't wait to be there at your Wedding." He teases and I can't help but laugh lightly at his excited tone. I can't lie and say I haven't thought about being Harley's Wife one day. It may be way too soon to be thinking about that but with Harley, I feel like I have known her for so long that time really doesn't matter. And with her career, should we really wait if it feels right? Because who knows when she will be gone for Months again. Or worse.. Something happens to her and we run out of time together.


~~Monday Night, London~~

Normal POV

I'm back there. Back in Afghanistan. Being bombarded by every side. Gunfire and bomb explosions is all that I can hear as we take cover, hoping nothing gets too close and we make it out of this alive. Screams for the Doctors can be heard in other rooms of the Hospital as more and more explosions go off. Part of me wants to get up and run to them, help them get to cover, but I can't put myself at risk like that. Not when I have a team to take care of here. 7 Section needs me. Alive. More screams fill my ears as gunfire begins round after round again. It's like complete sensory overload. I can barely see anything and my ear drums are about to burst under the heavy noise constantly surrounding us. The lights in the hospital are so bright, and the ground beneath me is shaking so violently I keep losing my balance... It feels like an Earthquake going off.. I slam my eyes shut, ready for the next round of explosions but before they reach us, I'm suddenly falling. I drop to the floor, taking the air from my lungs as I do. I open my eyes as I reach for anything to help me balance but it's no use. There is nothing nearby as my legs wobble uncontrollably. The ground below me shaking and trembling. Noises surrounding me again, only this time it's things falling and crashing to the floor. People screaming for help as the Earthquake makes it hard to take any type of cover. I keep reaching out to try and stand up but it's no use. The Earthquake below my feet is too violent. I can hear the Locals in Nepal screaming, the cries of those kids, Doctor Karr shouting for assisstance. All those kids I couldn't save screaming out in pain, crying for help. But m body is stuck under the ground beneath me trembling so much I can't find my balance. Panic filling my chest as I struggle through my clouded vision to try and do something, anything to get out of this mess I am in again. I knew being home was too good to be true. I know I can never escape the traumas..

Then a familiar voice.. A voice so quiet but loud enough to hear over everything else..

Okay Harley. Focus. Focus on the voice..

Breathe Harley.. Just breathe.

I try and calm my breathing, knowing once I can fill my lungs again, I can begin to ground myself. In and out. Deeper and deeper until my lungs begin to fill. As soon as I manage to take a full breath in, I suddenly begin to feel a faint touch against my cheek. That familiar warmth against my face. I use it to start and ground myself, knowing she is here with me. I'm not alone. I clamp my eyes completely shut again, focusing all my energy on slowing my breathing down and calming my body so I can bring myself from these spiralling memories. Slowly they begin to blur out into nothing but noise. The darkness giving me the clarity I need to know that I am not back there again. It was all just memories. Nightmares. Trauma I know will never go away but I have control now. As soon as I manage to get past the memories, the burning in my chest begins to take over, a wave of panic hitting me all over again as I struggle to catch my breath. My eyes shoot open as I try and fill my lungs again, instantly the cold air stinging my blurry eyes. Tears filling my eyeline as the cold air hits me out of nowhere. The panic setting in more and more as I try and breathe again. I can feel my body falling into another spiral until that same voice distracts me. The voice sounding a lot closer this time. As if it is coming from right infront of me but I can't see anything. "Harley, breathe for me. I'm right here." Lizzie? She's here. She hasn't left me. Okay, I need to breathe and focus on her. She's my anchor. I close my eyes again, focusing on her voice as she continues to talk to me. "I'm right here Harley. I'm not going anywhere." She repeats a few times as I slow my breathing once again. Forcing away the tightness building as the burning intensifies. The warmth of her hand never moving from my cheek as I start to feel her thumb rubbing gently against my cheekbone. Her voice is so soft and gentle. I can hear she is worried. I need to open my eyes again.. I need to show her I am okay.

"That's it Harley.. Take your time. Just breathe. I'm right here with you baby.." Her voice becomes even clearer as I slowly open my eyes and her face comes into view slightly. The tears in my eyes causing my vision to blur but I can see enough to know it's her infront of me. The tingling in my hands and arms matching how intense the burning is in my chest, the slight numbness causing pins and needles as I lift one hand up the wipe my eyes. My breathing still heavy but levelling slowly as I focus on Lizzie. Her bright green eyes coming into focus as I manage to wipe my eyes clear. Her gaze almost burning into me with how intense her stare is. Worry and concern behind her gorgeous eyes, breaking my heart knowing she has seen another attack. My chest tightening again until her voice pulls my attention back to her. "Hey baby.." She almost whispers with a slight smile ghosting her lips. Tears in her eyes as she looks over my features. Every breath I take in burning but I force past it all, clawing my way out of another attack. I catch another figure out the corner of my eye but they quickly disappear before I can see who it is. I shrug it off, putting it down to my slightly blurred vision before finding Lizzie's eyes again, seeing her already looking back into mine. "How long..?" I begin to try and speak but my voice comes out so strained as my throat almost closes with how dry it suddenly is. Thankfully, Lizzie pretty much reads my mind, knowing exactly what I wanted to ask and giving me an answer without hesitation. "Not long baby.. Your safe. No one else is here. It's just us. Tom has gone to get you some water." She explains carefully and slowly so I can take in every word. My heart bursting with how thankfully I am for her right now as I feel her free hand find my own, squeezing it tightly as she laces out fingers together. I nod my head softly in reply, not trusting my voice but I try anyways. "Thank you.." I manage to whisper, making her smile in return.

A few moments of silence pass as I manage to bring my breathing back to a calmer state just as Tom's face comes into view beside Lizzie, his signature smile shinning through as he searches my eyes quickly. "How you feeling mate?" He asks softly, making me smile slightly at his infectious smile. "Better.." I husk out, making his smile falter slightly before he holds up a bottle of water already open for me. "Take some small sips." I nod my head softly and push myself up so my body is a little more comfortable before taking the bottle with a grateful smile. I let the cold water soothe my burning throat as I use my other hand to wipe my eyes again, a little roughly this time to help bring back my vision properly before handing Tom the bottle back. "Thanks." I say a little easier this time, beginning to feel better. I blink away the last of the blurriness, finally being able to see Lizzie and Tom properly, seeing the worry still behind both their eyes. I clear my throat, the burning starting to calm itself slowly but I know that will take a while to go away so I try and ignore it as I take a few slow deep breaths then meet Lizzie's eyes again. "I hate New Years.." I mumble, causing both Lizzie and Tom to laugh lightly as Tom pats my shoulder and Lizzie grips onto my leg. "Not the best time for a Soldier huh?" Tom comments making me chuckle and nod my head. "How about we get you up off the floor?" Lizzie suggests softly. I nod my head, taking another deep breath as they both stand up and get ready to help me. I accept the help, knowing my body will be a little wobbly. Once I am up, I rest myself against the wall behind me, letting the slight dizziness pass before looking between them both watching me closely. "You okay?" Tom asks unsure on whether I am or not. "Yeah I'm good, thank you. Both of you." I say genuinely, making Tom beam back as Lizzie runs her hand up and down my arm soothingly. "No need mate, that's what we are here for." Tom quickly replies, making me smile and nod my head before turning towards Lizzie. "I told you, I'm here, no matter what baby.." She assures me, slipping her hand into mine.

"Feel free to go upstairs into the guest room, or if you don't want to stay, I can order you both a car? Anything you need.." Tom says suddenly and I can't help but smile at his caring nature shining through. "Thank you, but it's alright Tom, I'm okay." I try and assure him but he instantly turns to search my eyes for a hint of uncertainty. "You sure? I really wouldn't mind Harley. I know how much those attacks take it out of you and.." He rambles slightly and I move my free hand to grab his shoulder gently, stopping him from spiralling. "Tom, I promise you, I'm okay." I say a little sternly, letting him know I am in fact okay. "Thank you for caring so much but I am at least going to stay to see the New Year in." I add and he smiles genuinely as I squeeze his shoulder in my hand. "It's what I'm here for Harley, I'm not your best friend for no reason." He jokes playfully making us both laugh. "I'll leave you two and head back inside to let Harry know your okay." He adds and I nod my head a smile at his words. "Thanks Mate." He comes in for a hug, Lizzie letting go off my hand so I can hug him back properly before he hugs Lizzie then heads back inside. I watch him head up into the kitchen before turning to find Lizzie already looking up at me with gentle, worried eyes. "Are you sure you want to stay?" She checks barely above a whisper as she steps closer, resting her hands up against my chest, her way of subtly checking my breathing and heart rate. "Yeah I'm sure. Let's see in the New Year then we can head home." I reassure her, a small smile forming on her lips as she sees that I am okay. "Only if your completely sure Harley?" She asks one final time, making my heart race a little at how much she cares. "I am, I want my first New Years kiss with you in the place we first met." I ramble a little, admitting a little plan I had in the back of my head, causing her smile to grow wider with my words. "Sounds perfect to me." She replies with less worry behind her eyes now before she reaches up, pecking my lips just as we hear the kitchen doors sliding open behind us.

Suddenly, everyone from the Party begins to slowly come outside, gathering mostly further up the garden so we decide on staying where we are. Moving slightly so we are back next to the steps where we sat the night we met. Tom and Harry come down and join us with a couple of other people as Tom keeps his eyes on his watch. I check my own, seeing it only a couple of minutes before midnight so I reach into my jacket pocket for my ear defenders. But before I can begin to put them in, Lizzie takes them from my hand with a soft smile on her face. "Let me.." She whispers subtly, making my smile grow so much as she places them in my ears carefully, the voices around me fading after the first one is in place. I wait for her to put the second one in but before she does, she tilts my head slightly, bringing her lips to my ear. "I love you Harley Lane." She whispers before everything goes quiet. I can't help my beaming smile as she comes back to look right at me, her bright eyes shinning even brighter tonight in the moonlight. "I love you too baby." I whisper in the small space between us, causing her cheeks to tint slightly as her nose scrunches up adorably. I lift my hands up and make sure the ear defenders are properly in place and won't fall out at all before turning to look over and Tom and Harry, who are already smiling like idiots watching us both. I share a quick smile with Tom before turning my full attention back to Lizzie, who is still watching me carefully with nothing but love in her eyes. We get lost in each other's eyes before she looks around suddenly then quickly looks back at me, stepping in closer and lifting one hand up to my chest. I look over to Tom and catch him counting down along with everyone else, but before as I try and work out what he is saying, I feel Lizzie tap my chest gently just as I see Tom shouts Ten. I can't help the racing in my chest at the small gesture from Lizzie as she taps out the countdown since I can't hear anything. Deffinently one of the most caring and thoughtful things anyone has done for me.

I count 7 taps of her hand against my chest before I feel Lizzie pull away slightly so I can see her face again. The beaming smile already on my face as she meets my gaze with a matching smile. She squeezes my hand in hers as her other hand stays resting against my chest as she makes sure to mouth clearly as she counts down for me. "Three.. Two.. One." Then without hesitation, I pull her back into my body, crashing our lips together as my free hand finds her waist to keep her steady with the sudden movement. Everything around us completely fading when my eyes close, colours exploding behind my eyes as every emotion rushes through my body in waves. A moment of nothing but pure happiness. The kiss doesn't last too long, Lizzie pulling away softly to meet my eyes again as the colours continue to explode, only this time, they are really above us filling the sky. "Happy New Year Harley.." Lizzie mouths clearly, my heart pounding in my chest as I hold her close. "Happy New Year Lizzie." I reply softly into the small space between us before Lizzie reaches up, leaving delicate pecks against my lips until she pulls away and turns around carefully in my arms to watch the Fireworks. My arms naturally wrapping around her waist, keeping her flush against my body as she easily leans back into me, her head lying back against my chest as her arms rest on top of mine. It's still strange watching Fireworks without the noise, but at least I know this way, they won't effect me like earlier. I miss the small things I didn't have to worry about before joining the Army, little things I never expected to miss but I know I can't change it so I need to just learn to adapt. And I am so thankful Lizzie is as understanding as she is with it all. She understands in her own way. And I love her so much for it. I leave some kisses against the side of her head as we enjoy the light show filling the night sky, my thoughts filling with how much this year has changed my life. And how I get to start a New Year with the love of my life. My missing piece.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for us..