Just a Soldier

Chapter 45 - Civil War

Y/n's POV:

It's an usually quiet Friday, so Jimmy and I are taking advantage and having a catch up in his office. I'm attending the Captain America: Civil War premiere tomorrow, so it's nice to not be run into the ground after a busy week at work. "Will we be seeing Y/n in a dress tomorrow?" He asks and I laugh. "I actually don't know. Scarlett's team are sorting something that matches. I'm kind of hoping for a suit this time." I share and he nods.

"I don't know how you manage to look so calm whenever your doing things with Scarlett like this." He muses and takes a sip of his coffee. "Oh, trust me. I am far from calm. Inside it's like sailing on a stormy sea. I feel like I'm going to fuck up at any moment and I nearly always end up just staring at Scarlett, amazed by her." I disclose and he laughs.

There's a bit of silence before I decide to bring up a subject I've been wanting to talk about for a while now. "I think I'm ready to leave the military." I say, watching Jimmy intently for his reaction. A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "I was wondering when this conversation would come up." He replies and I feel more relaxed when I see him smile wider.

"I love this job. It genuinely has changed my life and enabled me to do so much. But I don't want to always be waiting to be called up to be deployed, spending time away from Ava and Scarlett. I worry I would end up hating something I once loved." I share and he nods along as I talk. "That makes sense and is totally understandable. It's certainly something I would support."

I let out a deep breath and feel a weight lift off my shoulders as he speaks. "I know that I won't be able to hand in my PVR (Premature Voluntary Release) until after my next tour and I also want to be in a position that I'm not sent straight back to the UK." I share my thought process and Jimmy's face scrunches as he thinks.

"You're correct. There is the possibility for a civilian consultancy role but that won't be stood up for around 18 months at least. Your likely deployment date will probably be May or June next year. If you want the opportunity for the new role, you'd have to wait until a couple months after returning before being able to PVR." Jimmy summarises. To hear a timeline actually really helps. It's still over a year until I can leave, but I know I could do it without risking staying here in the US.

"Or you just marry Scarlett and that solves it instantly." He teases and I roll my eyes as he laughs at his own joke. " Oh I plan on it. But we're just not there yet. We've only been together for 8 months and just moved in. Give me some time." I respond with a smile. After talking with Scarlett the night we moved in, and knowing she sees us marrying and spending our lives together, I've never felt so confident in our relationship.

"But your useful suggestion is actually plausible. I think I need to have a discussion with Scarlett about this. But it can wait for a few weeks. Thanks Jimmy, for always being there to support me. You're my rock and I'm not sure you realise how much you have helped me and Ava." I tell him honestly. He clears his throat at the unexpected compliment and nods, not quite finding his words.

He looks up at me and his eyes are slightly glossed. "Well, you're family. I'll certainly miss going back to the UK without you. But I know that you and Ava are going to have the best life here." He responds and it's my turn to fight back tears. We both look at each other and laugh. "That took an unexpected turn!" I say, sitting up straighter. Jimmy laughs but agrees.

We end up chatting for a while longer, talking about his son Harry who is just starting his second year at university back in Exeter in the UK. Jimmy and Missy had spent a few weeks back in England to see him and I can tell he misses him already. I certainly know that I'm going to miss Jimmy and Missy so much when his posting comes to an end.

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The next day is a bit manic. The morning was quite relaxed whilst we had breakfast together. Sophie and Matt came to collect Ava, as they were having her for the weekend whilst we're at the premiere tonight. Within about half an hour of them leaving, the mayhem started. Just like with the Jungle Book Premiere, the house was swarmed by all sorts of people to get the two of us ready for the big night.