My Soldier - Missing Home

Back To Barracks

A/N ~~ A bit of a filler Chapter. Setting up what is coming next..


~~Sunday Morning, Newcastle~~

Normal POV

"Here you go baby." I hand Lizzie her coffee, her hands quickly hugging around the warm take-away cup. "Thank you Soldier, this is very much needed." Lizzie beams up at me with tired, hungover eyes. She is adorable. "Your very welcome.. Now, where would you like to go?" I ask as I take our bag back from her hand and we turn away from the coffee shop in Town. As much as I could have stayed in bed all morning, Lizzie was excited to come back into Newcastle City Centre so we had a small breakfast at the Hotel whilst we got ready before we got into a taxi since we were too lazy and slightly hungover to walk. "Can we go to the Market?" She asks sweetly as she links her arm around mine, holding onto my forearm as she holds her coffee in her other hand, her body wrapped up in multiple layers since it's even colder up here than it is in London. She looks adorable in her huge scarf and hat I made sure to pack for her, keeping her warm as well as slightly hidden away from people around us. "Of course we can." I reply easily, leading us in that direction down the City streets. There is no huge rush today, since our train back to London isn't until half past 1, so we just enjoy our morning together as Lizzie decides on going into all the shops she didn't get the chance too last time we were here. "Oh look at these Harley!" Lizzie quickly tugs me towards a stall in the market, her excited voice pulling my attention away from where I was looking at. Her eyes on the jewellery on the table infront of her. She seems a lot more awake after her coffee, her excited little giggle making my smile grow impossibly bigger as I follow her lead towards the table. "They are beautifully made.." She gushes as she looks at the leather bracelets on the table, deffinently hand made. "Give me your wrist." She asks sweetly, holding out her free hand. I laugh lightly as I hold out my left arm, letting her take my wrist gently before she turns back to the table and reaches for a bracelet. Her cute little humming as she takes her time to pick the right one out before coming to a decision. I watch with love-struck eyes as she ties the bracelet onto my wrist, a dark brown leather strap with khaki green hints running through it. "The colours will match your Uniform so you never have to take it off." She tells me giddily, a sparkle in her eyes as she looks up at me with a beaming smile.

"Your turn." I quickly shake off the rush of emotions that hit me from her words, knowing we both got lost in a moment at the mention of me being in Uniform again. I take Lizzie's left wrist and search the table, finding a light brown leather bracelet with matching green highlights in it to match with my own. I tie it onto her wrist carefully before meeting Lizzie's soft gaze that has never left me. "Our first coupley matching purchase together." I tease, causing Lizzie to giggle shyly as she tugs me close for a quick kiss. "I love them, and I love you Harley." She replies softly with bright eyes and a matching smile. "I love you too baby." I leave a soft kiss against her forehead before she excitedly turns to the women behind the table and she pays for the bracelets. She gives her more than what they cost, making the women beam back in thanks before we start to make our way towards the train station slowly as we leave the market. Lizzie is so happy with all her little purchases, I can't help but just watch her as she talks about how much she loves being here. As much as we both love London, being here away from the busy City and constant eyes watching us is something I can never get enough of. "I hate that we are going back to reality so soon.." Lizzie mumbles and I can't help but feel her tense slightly beside me. I wish we could stay here longer, but knowing I have 2 weeks of work starting tomorrow is slowly eating away at me. Not seeing Lizzie for the next two weeks is not something I want to happen, but knowing when I am finished, I get to be back in L.A with her to celebrate her Birthday gives me something to look forward too. "I know baby, but it's only two weeks. And then I will be flying straight back to L.A. in time for your birthday." I comfort her as I wrap my free arm around her body to pull her impossibly closer into my body. She melts into my side, resting her head into me as we continue our walk to the train station. "Then what happens after my birthday?" She asks unsurely, since we haven't come up with a plan just yet. "What do you want to happen baby?" I ask, wanting to see if she has thought about it at all since I have no plans after my training course.

"Well.. I have the weekend off for my Birthday, then I have some more filming to do before getting ready for the Avengers Premiere in L.A." Lizzie tells me as she goes through everything in her head. "So your going to be in L.A. For the next few weeks?" I confirm and feel her nod her head to my side. "Pretty much." She adds and I let my mind wander a little to what this means for us. "How about after your Birthday, we make up a plan of action?" I suggest, not wanting her to be overthinking all this whilst I am away with work and she is busy filming. "Good idea." She quickly agrees, making me smile as I feel her settle into my side content with the plan. We fall into a small, comfortable silence as we finish our walk and make our way inside the train station to find our platform. Lizzie rushes off to buy some snacks and drinks for the journey as I wait outside with our bags. She soon returns with two bags full of all sorts of things for us just as our train begins to enter the station. We find our seats and get comfortable, taking in the last of our view out the window as we leave the station slowly and begin our journey back to London. I feel Lizzie deflate slightly as we do, her eyes watching out the window as her head is laying on my shoulder. Once we are away from Newcastle, we share some food out on the table, laughing and teasing with each other, wanting to soak up the last few hours we have together before I have to take her to the Airport later today. Thankfully, her flight is a late one so she can see Maisie and Dad before she leaves. After our sandwiches and snacks, I catch a yawn escaping Lizzie's mouth making me laugh lightly at how her tiredness is creeping up on her. "Why don't you have some sleep before we get to London baby?" I offer and instantly see her eyes fall heavy just at the thought. "Are you sure?" She checks with a sleepy smile, melting my heart at how cute she is. "Of course I am, come on, come and get comfortable." I reach out my arm so Lizzie get cuddle into my side as she curls up on the seat. It doesn't take long before I feel her body settle into me as she falls asleep. I leave a kiss on her head before turning towards my phone, catching up on some e-mails about next week before scrolling mindlessly through Social Media to pass the last hour or so of the journey to London.

"We're back!" I call out into the kitchen to my Dad's house as I let us both in from the cold. Instantly Lizzie is met by Maisie as she is wrapped in a welcoming cuddle before it is my turn after locking the door behind us. "Did you both have fun?" Maisie asks excitedly as we follow her towards the table where Dad is already making us some warm drinks. "We did!" Lizzie beams as she gushes about what we have been up too since we left yesterday morning. Dad brings over some tea for us both before joining us at the table to listen as Lizzie talks about all my surprises. Listening to how happy she is makes it all worth it. Even the little details sound amazing coming from her. Once Lizzie is finished, Maisie and Dad catch us up on what they got up too when we were gone. After we are all caught up, I check my watch and see time is getting on and Lizzie still has to pack before her flight. Dad seems to catch on and quickly stands up from the table. "How about I make us all something quick to eat whilst you help Lizzie pack her things Kiddo?" He suggests and I quickly smile and nod my head in agreement. "Great idea." I quickly add and turn to see Lizzie smiling. We make our way upstairs and I bring Lizzie's suitcase onto the bed as she gets her clothes together. Her suitcase is not as full as it was when she arrived since she decides on leaving even more clothes here so she doesn't have to bring as many next time. I love how she is so comfortable, how she doesn't get all shy with small things like this anymore. But the slight blush to her cheeks lets me know she's still a little nervous. I make more room for her clothes before we finish packing up her suitcase. I catch her frown as she zips up her case, and it takes everything in me not to let my smile fade. "Please don't frown baby.. I don't like seeing you upset." I make my way to where she is standing, pulling her gently into my arms. She easily melts into my arms, her head laying on my chest. "I hate being away from you Soldier." She mumbles against my chest, making me chuckle as I leave kisses against her head. "Two weeks.. Then I am back in L.A with you." I reassure her, feeling her small smile as she nuzzles more into my body.

"You take care over there in busy L.A. Lizzie." Dad says sweetly as he hugs Lizzie before Maisie quickly takes his place and squeezes the life out of her. I can't help but laugh as Lizzie squeezes her back playfully before seeing Maisie with a slight frown when they pull apart. "Come back soon please." She whispers and Lizzie quickly pulls her into another comforting cuddle seeing her getting upset. "I will, I promise." Lizzie reassures her before reluctantly having to let her go before she is late for her flight. "See you both really soon!" She excitedly shares before following me out of the door, waving back as Dad and Maisie come to the door to wave her off. Thankfully, Dad is letting me borrow the car so I place Lizzie's suitcase and bag in the boot as she climbs into the passenger seat, still waving and saying goodbye. I get into the drives seat, starting the engine as Lizzie buckles up ready to leave. I reach over for her hand, seeing her trying not to get upset. "Ready?" I check and she nods softly before turning back to wave one last time as I slowly pull us away from Dad's house. The drive to the airport is surprisingly quick so I find a parking space a good distance from the main doors and shut off the engine and turning to see Lizzie's glossy eyes. I hate goodbyes. I let her take a moment before she turns to face me, smiling sadly when she meets my eyes. "I hate this part.." She whispers and I nod my head softly in agreement. "I know." I whisper in reply, not wanting to upset her anymore. I get out first, walking around to get her bags before opening her door for her to join me. I do a check for any cameras, and thankfully I don't see any so I reach out my hand to help Lizzie out of the car. Once she checks she has everything, we slowly make our way inside. After checking in, Lizzie leads us to one side away from the small desk for a private goodbye. As soon as we are away from the queue, Lizzie tugs me by my hoodie as she buries her head into my chest. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close, not wanting to let her go. A wave of emotion hitting me all at once. I never thought I would feel this way about someone, but Lizzie is so special. It's hard not to want to be with her every minute of every day.

"Make sure you ring me when your home so I know your safe." I whisper, feeling Lizzie nod her head before she slowly pulls back to look up at me. "I promise I will, as long as you let me know your home safe too." She adds and I can't help the smile that returns to my face at her bright eyes looking up to mine. "Of course I will baby.." I assure her before feeling her lean up to reach my lips with her own. I wrap my arms around her even tighter, lifting her body slightly into the air as we share a loving, meaningful kiss. "The next two weeks are going to go by so quick, I promise." I whisper against her lips, our foreheads pressed together. "I hope so Soldier.. Promise to ring me when you can?" She asks and I nod my head gently against hers. "I will. Don't over-work yourself.. Make sure your eating and drinking water.." I ramble but get cut off by Lizzie's lips crashing back into mine. I kiss her back instantly, pulling her impossibly closer before we both pull away a little breathlessly. "I'm going to miss you so much Soldier, promise not to go anywhere just yet?" She asks nervously, not wanting me to go away on Tour so soon. As much as I want to promise her, I can't because I never know when it's coming. "I promise if anything comes up, you will be the first to know and I will be on the next flight to come see you before anything happens." I compromise and she accepts it easily, pecking my lips over and over until she groans knowing she has to leave. "I love you so much Soldier. Thank you for my amazing surprises.. Stay safe. Don't work too hard." She teases and I chuckle and nod my head softly in reply. "Your very welcome.. I love you baby and I'll see you very soon." I bite back some emotion, hating that she is leaving after spending so much time together. "Very, very soon." She whispers before melting into my arms for one final cuddle before she turns to take her bag and walks through to her gate. My eyes firmly on my beautiful girlfriend as she walks through the airport. Just as she turns around the corner, she looks back and gives me a small wave which I easily return. I can see she is trying not to get upset, and before she can she blows me a kiss which I pretend to catch in my hand dramatically, making her giggle as she slowly walks out of sight. Shit, I miss her already.

The drive home is already painfully lonely but thankfully as soon as I walk into the house, Maisie is there for a much needed cuddle. Dad checks in with me as he makes me a cup of tea, knowing things with Lizzie are different from anyone else I have been with. "So, two weeks in Pirbright. How you feeling about it Kiddo?" Dad asks as we are all sitting at the table. "Alright, it's just a medical training course, nothing I haven't done before. It's going to be strange teaching on my own but it will keep me busy." I reply and Dad smiles in reply, knowing I need to be busy to keep my mind occupied. "Plus you'll be back on eating Army food and training everyday so you can burn off the junk food you have been eating lately." Maisie teases making us all laugh. "Your not wrong Maize." I tease back, she knows me scarily well. We spend some more time just being together before I check the time and notice how late it is. "I need to go finish packing.." I groan and Dad quickly laughs before starting to clear away the table. "You need some sleep too so get going." He adds and I nod my head in agreement. "I'll see you in the morning?" I check with Dad as I get up and pass him my empty cup. "You will Kiddo. Goodnight." We share a quick hug before I turn to see Maisie with a small smile on her face. "Mind if I keep you company whilst you pack?" She asks sweetly, I know she hates me being at work, knowing it's easier for me to be called up on Tour that way. "Not at all, come on." I quickly hold out my arm and she cuddles into my side as we make our way upstairs to my room. She jumps onto my bed, getting comfortable as I get my bags out and go through everything to make sure I have what I need. Maisie helps with folding some t-shirts for me as I get started on packing my bag of normal clothes for going to L.A. "Don't forget Lizzie's presents." Maisie reminds me and I smile in appreciation as I make sure to pack them into my bag, making sure I have them all since Dad, Maisie and Emily have gave me some from them to take with me. Once everything is packed, I move the bags off the bed ready for leaving early in the morning and then join Maisie sitting on my bed with a small smile as she glances over at my Uniform hanging up ready to wear for my first day.

"I've never seen you so serious about someone until Lizzie came along.." Maisie begins to say out of no where, making me look over to where she seems to be thinking over something in her head. "Are you going to leave the Army and settle down with her soon?" She adds and instantly my chest tightens at the thought. The Army has been my life for so long, but I know being on Tour is hard for everyone close to me. "I mean, eventually I will take a step back so I can start a life with Lizzie.. Maybe take up a permanent training position at the Barracks.." I ramble a little, not knowing exactly what will happen right now. "Are you going to move to L.A or stay in London?" She asks a little nervously. "I'm not sure, I haven't thought that far ahead Maize. I suppose it will depend on both our jobs at the time and in the future." I try and answer her curiosity as best I can, not wanting her to overthink this too much. "I hope you both move into a big house in London so I can have my own room to stay in." She adds with a growing smile and I can't help but chuckle at her sparkling eyes just at the thought. "I'm sure you could convince Lizzie to move to London in the future.." I tease and her eyes widen to match her beaming smile. "Deffinently.. After you get married!" She cheers excitedly and I burst out laughing at her antics. "Alright slow down, we are not there yet!" I defend playfully, making her pout as she punches my arm. "That girl is amazing and adores you, if you asked tomorrow I bed she would say yes!" She adds and it melts my heart seeing her so happy with someone who means so much to me already. Good to know she approves for when that day comes. Hopefully.. "If you say so.." I tease nudging her shoulder with mine making her giggle. "She would. I guarentee it Sis." She says with a little more meaning, making my smile grow. "Good to know." I grin back before watching her slowly get up from my bed. "See you in the morning for breakfast." She smiles and comes for a cuddle. "You will.. Goodnight Maize. Love you." I say softly as she slowly pulls away. "Love you too Sis. Get some rest!" She orders before heading to her room, making me laugh as I get myself ready for bed, knowing she is right, the next two weeks are going to be long and tiring like always.

Thankfully, sleep comes easy before my alarm gets me up early ready for the long day ahead of me. I get out of bed, feeling more awake than I thought I would, and head for a quick shower to help wash away the last of my tiredness. When I come back out into my bedroom, the emptiness hits me as my eyes flicker to my bed, searching for someone who is nearly half way across the World by now. The thought of the next two weeks without Lizzie hurts like hell, but knowing I will by flying out as soon as I finish this course to be with her for her Birthday gives me something to look forward to every day I'm at the Barracks. I wish I could have planned something for the day, but instead I think her Mom is planning something since Lizzie didn't want anything huge to celebrate. I get a little lost in my thought before snapping myself into focus to start getting ready. I get into my Uniform, knowing as soon as I arrive at Pirbright, I will be heading straight for a meeting with the Brig and Charlie after dumping my bags in my room. I check over everything in the mirror before doing something with my hair and then making sure I have everything packed. When I am completely sure I have everything, I lift my rucksack over my shoulder and then grab both my bags and make my way downstairs. I dump them down in the kitchen and then make myself a coffee to sit with at the table, knowing Dad and Maisie will be down soon to join me. I take the moment alone with my coffee to check my e-mails and messages. I send my usual morning message to Lizzie since she is not here with me in person, a rush of memories running through my mind from my time in Nepal since that was the last time we were properly apart. I know she won't get it before she lands, but I send it anyways before reading through some other messages from the guys and Tom. I let the guys know about my course, knowing they will want to know everything with me being at the Barracks with Charlie before hearing Maisie's footsteps rushing down the stairs to make it into the kitchen.

"Good Morning Sis." She greets with far too much energy for it being early Monday morning. "Morning Maize." I greet in reply as I stand up to make her a coffee. "Ready for 2 weeks of boring paperwork?" She jokes as she sits at the table. "Not really but when am I ever ready for it?" I joke back, making her laugh as I hear Dad coming downstairs so I get another cup ready for him too. "Very true.. Has Lizzie landed yet?" She asks sweetly as I pour out the coffee. "Not yet.. It's 11 hours so not too long left, but with the time difference it will be even earlier over in L.A." I ramble a little as Dad reaches the kitchen. "Morning you two." He greets as I turn around and bring both coffees back to the table and join them both to finish my own. "So she can go straight to sleep and catch up on the jet lag then?" Maisie asks, carrying on our conversation after we greet Dad. "Yep. Then she is jumping straight into work in the afternoon." I add and she nods her head softly at the information as she takes a sip of her coffee. "Got everything packed Kiddo?" Dad asks and I turn to give him a small smile. "Yeah all done. Taxi is booked. All ready to go." I confirm and he smiles behind his coffee mug. We fall into easy conversation before my taxi arrives outside. Dad grabs my bags as Maisie clings to my side as we walk towards the door. "Be safe and don't be going anywhere except from L.A!" She warns, making me laugh as I ow my head at her orders. "Yes Boss." I joke back before she comes in for a proper cuddle at the door. "Love you Sis." She mumbles into my chest, making me smile as I leave a kiss on her head. "Love you too Maize. Be good whilst I'm gone." I reply as we slowly pull away and I head towards the car waiting for me with Dad standing with the door open. "Let us know when your there safe alright." He tells me softly as he pulls me into a quick hug. "Will do Dad." I reply easily before climbing into the back seat. "Love you Kiddo." He adds before closing the door. "Love ya too Dad." I reply before it shuts completely and the driver confirms my destination with me then pulls away from Dad's house. I make sure I wave to both Dad and Maisie through the window as they watch me leave down the street. Not seeing them as much as I am used to is hard, but at the same time, I know they support me with my new chapter in life.

The train journey to Pirbright doesn't seem to take as long as normal, and before I know it, I am back into a car on my way to the barracks. I take in the journey from the view out the window, knowing my next two weeks are going to be looking out across a training field from my window whilst I get through paperwork everyday. The car ride is short and sweet before I am grabbing my bags and walking onto the barracks. I show my I.D at the front gates and make my way inside, heading for my usual room since Charlie let me know where I am staying this morning. I collect my keys from the main building and then get to my room to dump my bags down and then check my phone, seeing no new messages from lizzie just yet so I know she is still in the air. I make sure to put my phone on silent before making sure I look presentable to meet with the Brig. I make my way across the field, seeing some recruits out on a morning run giving me the usual warm feeling in my chest as I get the reminder of where I started out, before I make it to the main building and make my way towards the conference rooms and offices to find Charlie. When I turn the corner, I see him standing waiting for me with a small smile on his face. I return it easily, walking to reach him as he turns to face me. I stand to attention once I am stood infront of him, which he waves off almost immediately. "Morning Lane, good to see you." He greets and I ease my stance. "Morning Sir." I reply, seeing him at ease already as we wait to be called inside. "You look well Lane, how is everyone at home?" He checks in like usual, making my smile grow. "Thank you Sir. Everyone is great. How's Rachel and the little ones?" I ask in return. "They are good, little terrors but that's to be expected." He jokes lightly, making me chuckle before we are both interupted by the sound of the Brigadier calling us both inside his office. We give each other a nod before Charlie enters the room first as I follow shortly behind. We both stand to attention as the Brig turns to give us his full attention. "At ease." He calls before we do as he says and ease our stance infront of him, a smile soon forming on his face as he looks between us.

"Good Morning Lane, good to have you back with us." The Brigadier greets me, no doubt already having spoke to Charlie before I arrived. "It's good to be back Sir." I reply, nodding my head as I do. "Good to hear. Your group is already here but you have the morning to prepare in conference room 4. they will be with you at 13:00 hours." He informs me and I nod my head again in reply. "Thank you Sir." I return and he nods his head in reply. "Any resources you need, I'll be here all week Lane." He finishes and I stand to attention, taking it as my cue to leave. "Thank you Sir." I turn and nod towards Charlie and then leave the office to go and get started on the paperwork and setting up the Conference room. It doesn't take long to go through everything that is waiting for me, thankful I have done a few of these courses by now and not much changes each time. Once I have everything set up, I check the time and see it is nearing 12:00 hours so I take out my phone and finally see a message waiting for me from Lizzie. As soon as I read it, I can't help but smile as I see she is home safe and sound, and already missing me. I check when it was sent, and see it wasn't too long ago, so I send a quick reply hoping she is still awake. And as luck would have it, she rings me not even a minute later. "Hey Soldier!" She greets excitedly as her sleepy face fills my phone screen, making me laugh as I see she is already tucked up in bed. "Hello Beautiful. What are you doing still awake?" I reply easily as I sit back in my office seat, getting comfortable with my feet on the desk. "I've not long got into bed Angel.. And maybe I wanted to see you in your Uniform before I fell asleep." She teases, making me just laugh at her lazy grin. "Your cute baby.. But you need some sleep after your long day." I scold her lightly, making her pout a little. "I know, I know. But I miss you." She mumbles, making it hard not to just melt. "I miss you too Elizabeth Chase." I tell her easily, making her pout disappear and a beaming smile replace it straight away. "Awe.. I'm glad I stayed awake now." She gushes making me grin like a idiot.

"When do you start teaching?" Lizzie asks quietly, her voice quieter the sleepier she gets. "After lunch. I've been setting up the room and paperwork in order after meeting with the Brig earlier." I explain and she beams through the phone at my words. "Can I see your set up?" She asks sweetly so I take her on a quick tour, switching the camera around so I can see her adorable reactions to my work. "Look at my Soldier being all Professional at work." She teases as I turn my camera back around when I sit back at the desk. "I have some important work to do." I tease back, making her giggle with doe eyes staring back at me. "You need some sleep baby.." I call her out, seeing how heavy her eye-lids are. "Will you ring me later after your done teaching?" She asks sweetly. "Of course I will.. Just text me when your awake and I'll ring you as soon as I can okay?" I reply and she nods her head excitedly. "Now, go and get some sleep so I can get some work done." I add, making her giggle as she lies back on her pillows. "Okay. Don't work too hard Soldier." She teases, making me chuckle as she rolls onto her side to get comfortable. "I won't don't worry.." I wink down the camera, making her giggle shyly as she hides her blushing cheeks under her blanket. "Someone getting shy.." I tease a little further, making her hide even more. "Stop it.." She mumbles making me laugh as I hear the bell letting everyone know food is up. "What's that noise?" Lizzie asks, peeking out from under the blanket. "Letting everyone know food is ready.." I explain. "Go get something to eat Angel. You need to keep your strength up." She adds and I can't help but smile widely at her words. "I will, as long as you get some sleep." I reply, wanting her to get some rest. "Deal.." She pretty much whispers tiredly. "Alright, message me when your awake baby and I will ring you as soon as I can." I tell her and she nods her head softly in reply. "I love you Elizabeth Chase." I grin seeing her eyes light up at my words. "I love you too Captain Lane." She teases in reply, making me laugh a little nervously at her words. "Sweet dreams beautiful.." I see her eyes practically closing at my words before she finally says goodnight and goes to get some sleep. Leaving me to get some food before my first day of teaching starts.

I love my job, and passing on what I have learned over the years to others. But a part of me wishes I was still in L.A with My Girl..