My Soldier - Missing Home

Stay Awake Harley

A/N ~~ Your not ready..


~~Wednesday Afternoon, London~~

Lizzie POV

"Where do you see us in 5 years' time baby?" I can't but smile at Harley's soft, almost whisper. Her fingertips have been drawing imaginary patterns across my back for hours now, both of us too exhausted to move from our morning activities. So, after sharing a soothing bath, we opted to just lay in bed. It is a Sunday after-all, why get out of bed when I have someone like Harley to stay in bed with all day. My fingers are tracing over her scarred stomach, lightly going between her muscled abs, scarred skin and prominent hip bones. I love how she doesn't flinch anymore when I touch her scars, instead, she relaxes. Something I never thought would happen, but I am so thankful for how much trust she has in me. I can feel her heart beating strongly in her chest as my head is laying gently below her chin, which is gently resting against the top of my head. I love being so intimate, the skin-on-skin contact makes me feel impossibly closer to My Soldier. "Well, we'd be still together, obviously. I'd still be acting, and you'd be in the Army, doing whatever job you choose to be doing. I hope by then we'd be living together, whether that be here or London, or between the two. Maybe even engaged if the timing is right along the way." I find myself rambling as I feel Harley's heartbeat getting stronger and a little faster. I look up carefully, seeing a smile beaming from her face as she meets my gaze. "What?" I ask, making her chuckle as she leans down to kiss my forehead. "I just like what I hear. I'd love that to come true with you." My body practically melts at her words, my own smile beaming up at her as I lift myself up her body, meeting her lips with my own. "In that case, I want to be married to you, with at least two kids running around our huge back yard. Maybe even a puppy to grow up with them." I add, making Harley laugh loudly as she holds me tighter in her arms. "We will have it all and so much more baby girl." I choke up on my words, so instead I just kiss Harley with every emotion I am feeling right now. As much as we have talked about our future together, every time we do it becomes more and more real. Like it is all within our reach. Finally, I am not wishing for a happy ending, because every time I look into Harley's eyes. I see my future clearly with her.

"Lizzie? Are you okay?" Maisie's gentle voice brings me out of my thoughts, snapping me back to my reality. Since arriving in London yesterday, I have been falling into more and more daydreams, everything around me just reminding me of Harley and our time together. Sending me into memories of us whenever I am left to my spiralling thoughts. "Yes, sorry, I fell into a daze." I tell Maisie, smiling when I see her giggle a little before her attention moves back to the movie playing on the TV. Maisie has barely left my side since I arrived in London, her smile growing more the more we keep each other occupied. Stuart has already been overly thankful that I have been so good to her, keeping her busy so she can't worry about her older sister. I catch her from time to time, her thoughts getting the better of her as she lets a tear slip down her cheek. But I have been making sure to be there when she needs me most. The only time we have spent apart has been to sleep. Thankfully, being back in Harley's room has brought my body more comfort so I have been able to get a better sleep. Something about being back in her bedroom allowing me to feel a lot closer to her. And after a really good sleep last night, I found myself feeling more positive today. So, I decided on taking a walk with Maisie this morning, getting some fresh ingredients to make lunch and dinner with, as well as getting a few things I needed which I forgot to pack. Maisie was more than happy to join me, the morning walk giving us both the energy we didn't know we needed. Then after we got back, we unpacked the shopping before getting started on preparing lunch for everyone since Emily stayed over last night with us all. Once it was all ready, we ate together before Emily left for work. Stuart had some work to do so he left shortly after, leaving me and Maisie to relax and watch some TV together with some of the snacks we bought at the store. Just what we both needed.

We are currently on movie number 3, but ever since that daydream I fell into, I can't seem to shake the growing feeling in my stomach. The feeling bubbling, a familiar feeling, only this time it feels so real. I try and focus back on the movie, but the emotion starting to scratch its way up my body will not budge. My thoughts suddenly spiralling back to Harley. Worrying and fearing that something is happening to her. Something inside me trying to warn me that she is in some type of danger. My heart beginning to race as it pounds against my chest, a growing nauseousness and thumping headache adding to the slight tremble in my hands. This feeling unlike anything I have felt before. It feels so real, as if it is happening right in front of me. As if I can see Harley being hurt with my own eyes. Suddenly my eyes begin to sting with unshed tears, my throat burning with choking back the sobs wanting to escape. This can't be real. There is no way. But then I hear a muffled sob come from Maisie beside me, instantly my eyes snapping up to see her hand covering her mouth. I quickly move my hands, reaching for her arm to gain her attention. As soon as Maisie turns in my direction, I see her red, puffy eyes. Glossed over eyes with tears ready to fall. Can she really be having the same feeling I am having? Is that too much of a coincidence? It can't be. "Maisie? What is it?" I ask her softly, not wanting to upset her further. "I don't know, I just have this horrible feeling in my belly. It came out of nowhere." Maisie admits, her tears starting to roll down her cheeks. "That something bad is going to happen?" I add, only confirming my fears. "Yeah." She nods softly in reply, the knot in my stomach twisting tighter at her words. "I feel it too." I admit, seeing her eyes widen in response to my words. "You don't think-" She starts, but I can't let her fall into that spiral. "No. we can't think like that Maisie. She's going to be okay." I cut her off gently, squeezing her hands in mine as she nods gently in reply before I bring her into my arms for a much-needed hug, for both of us.

After some tears and more hugs, we eventually settled back onto the sofa to finish our movie marathon. As much as I know Maisie is missing being at School, there is no way she could be able to concentrate with everything going on with Harley. I just hope she manages to stay up to date with her work, Harley would hate to know if she fell behind because of all this. But all that worrying seemed to disappear when I received a facetime call from Scarlett mid-way through one of the movies we were watching. The smile has never left her face after she got the chance to meet Scarlett almost face to face over the phone. It was so sweet seeing her a little starstruck, but it soon faded when Scarlett got her talking, she was just as excited to meet Maisie after she had asked Harley about her so many times before. When Scarlett had to leave, Maisie could not stop gushing about it. It was nice seeing her completely distracted from worrying about her sister. "Has Harley met Scarlett before?" Maisie snaps me from my thoughts, making me giggle to myself as I think about the times they have met before. I nod my head softly as Maisie turns to face me properly. "A few times actually. They have a really good friendship, which I love to see since Scarlett is one of my best friends. And Rose absolutely adores your sister." I gush, making Maisie just beam back at me. I end up telling her so many stories about the time we have both spent with Scarlett, and Rose. We end up laughing together, the movie long forgotten for a little while. But we are soon snapped back into reality when a knock at the door makes us both jump. "Who is that?" Maisie quickly asks, both of us knowing we are not expecting anyone, and Stuart or Emily would just use a key. My heart starts pounding in my chest. Could it be? I shake my head at the thought, there's no way it could be. But then I see Maisie's hopeful eyes and it makes my while body jump into action. Maisie is quickly by my side as we head through to the kitchen and then to the door, not even looking through the glass before I reach for the lock, using the spare key hanging up to unlock it before reaching for the handle. My heart now racing as I take a quick, shaky breath before pulling the door open to reveal who is behind it.

It's like déjà vu when I open the door, meeting those tired, bloodshot eyes once again. Instantly my heart sinks, seeing how tired he is even still. "Hi Tom." He gives me a little smile before I wave him inside, Maisie letting out a sigh from behind me. "Sorry for dropping by without any warning, I just, wanted to come by as soon as I got back." Tom rambles a little as he comes inside as I close the door behind him. "I'm glad you're here Cuz." Maisie quickly tells him before he brings her into his arms. My heart melts at the moment they share, something they both needed. I move to make some hot drinks, letting them catch up a little at the table as I do. Once I bring the drinks over, Tom jumps up to help me before bringing me into a hug, squeezing his arms around me tightly as I feel him holding back the tears. I hate seeing him this way, but I guess we are all in the same way. Missing her so much it hurts. "How you been Liz?" Tom asks as we join Maisie at the table again. "Better now I'm here." I quickly tell him, seeing Maisie smile at my words. "Have you heard anything more?" He asks with wide, hopeful eyes looking between us both. "Nothing since we heard about Special Forces arriving." Maisie adds, making Tom nod softly with the ghost of a smile. "Uncle Stuart sounded hopeful about them arriving. I just hope they are onto something you know, no news is good news right?" Tom rambles a little again, making my heart shatter some more seeing him clutching to any last hope he's holding onto. "We'll hear something soon, I know it." Maisie states confidently, making me smile and reach across the table for her free hand to hold. I smile and nod my head softly in agreement. "Maisie's right. We just need to give them time to do their job." I add, squeezing Maisie's hand for comfort as I see Tom smile as he quickly blinks away some tears threatening to fall from his already red and puffy eyes. None of us expected Tom to get to London so soon with his filming schedule, but I am so thankful he is here now with us. Stuart will be happy to see him here, and to have someone else to be here for both Stuart and Maisie during this time is more than I could ask for. Now all we need is to know that Harley has been found safe and alive.

I just want My Soldier home again.


27th June, 2019

~~Day 56, Nigeria~~

Normal POV

Being woken up to the sting of cold water seeping into every inch of battered skin on your body is not something I thought would bring me any comfort, but the reminder that I am still alive and kicking is something I will always welcome. It's been around 14 hours since my beating in the yard, and every minute or every hour has been agony. Thankfully, Natalia has helped keep me as comfortable as possible with the little supplies we have to hand. Tyler and Kai have barely left my side, wanting to help in any way they can. As much as I try to tell them to get some rest, they won't leave me alone. I know I have been in and out of consciousness since the first time I woke up, but I have barely been able to rest an hour before the pain wakes me up again. I know nothing is broken, thankfully, but as far as I have been able to work out, my body is heavily bruised, and my shoulder is definitely dislocated. I am just staying hopeful that I have no internal bleeding, or else I am not making it for much longer. There are a few lacerations scattered across my body, which Natalia has been cleaning as much as she can, not wanting to add an infection to the list. Unfortunately, the only thing we have is cold water and the clothes on our backs, but for now, that will just have to do. "Harley? You alright?" I hear Kai's voice from beside me as I force my eyes completely open. I nod my head slowly, the room slowly coming into view around me as my eyes adjust to the bright light. "As good as I can be." I reply in a strained voice, coughing between words. "Come on, let's try and sit you up again. This floor is no good for your chest right now." I hear Natalia's stern voice, making me smile as she is now bossing the guys around instead of me. But the smile is short lived as the guys gently start to help me sit up against the wall.

"Fuck!" I groan as I finally get as upright as I can be. "Sorry Cap." Tyler quickly adds, making me shake my head at his words. I take some deep, calming breaths as Kai gets me some water. I take a few sips, my ribs and stomach tensing at the sensation causing pain throughout my whole body. Once I've had enough, Natalia re-adjusts the t-shirt currently holding my arm in place with my dislocated shoulder. I'm impressed at how she has done it, using Tyler's long sleeved top as a make-shift sling tied around my neck. When she is happy it is well in place and I am comfortable again, she sits back and has some water herself as Kai and Tyler sit with us both. A small, slightly uncomfortable silence falls between us all, and I can see that the guys want to say something. I hate this. I hate being the vulnerable one. "Come on guys, just say it. Whatever it is." I say, trying not to cough with the burning pain in my ribs. I catch Natalia's eyes gloss over slightly as she looks away. My eyes then fall to Kai, who sits up a little and clears his throat. "We just, okay, what the fuck happened out there Lane? Why did they do this to you?" He gets it out, instantly tensing as he meets my eyes again. I get it, why they didn't want to ask. But I would be the same if this was the other way around. We are a team, a family. We care about each other, so I know this must be killing them seeing me in this state and not being able to do anything about it. Not knowing what even happened to me in the short time I was gone for. I look between the three of them, seeing all eyes on me now as I shift a little uncomfortably. I don't want to tell them, I don't want to aggravate them anymore. But I also know they won't settle at all until they know. "I'm sorry Captain, I just-" I lift my good hand up in front of me, cutting Kai off before he spirals into any kind of apology that he does not need to give.

"Kai, relax. I get it. I would be the same." I start, making me nod in reply as he relaxes slightly. I think about what to say, giving myself a moment to breathe before beginning to tell them what happened. "I followed the route we see them take every day, and eventually I managed to find a locked room. When I got inside, I found maps and notebooks scattered everywhere. Maps of Nigeria with handwritten markings on them. I then searched the room for anything to use to contact the base, that's when..." I go quiet, suddenly remembering what is in my pocket. Without thinking, I lean down with my good hand into my side pocket, but instantly regretting it with the pain that shoots through my chest and ribs. "Shit!" I hiss, causing Kai and Natalia jump up to try and stop me. "Harley, take it easy!" Natalia protests, but I just shake my head and reach into my pocket. As soon as I find it with my fingers, my eyes slam shut as I bring the phone out my pocket. Already knowing it's broken just by feeling it, I shake my head as I re-open my eyes slowly. Looking down and seeing the smashed up burner phone in the palm of my hand. "Fuck." I sigh out defeatedly. "What is it, Lane?" Tyler asks, leaning closer to see what I am looking down at in my hand. "I found this in the room I was in, along with some battered radios, and managed to ring Charlie on it." I explain softly, not wanting anyone to hear us. "Your incredible Lane, but a fucking idiot." I can't help laughing a little, but soon enough the pain cuts me off with a coughing fit. Kai helps me take a drink before I look over at Natalia's small smile. "Thanks for that Jones." She laughs softly, a small proud smile on her face before the room falls silent again. "How long were you connected?" Kai's question cutting through the room like a knife, the question now on everyone's minds as I feel my heart pounding in my chest. Hoping more than anything it was long enough. "I'm not sure. I just hope it was long enough for them to get anything." I think aloud, my eyes now on the floor in front of me. Hating the idea of all of this being for nothing. "I'm sure they did Cap." Tyler quickly tries to comfort me, his hand on my leg squeezing gently to get my attention. I look up slowly and see them all with hopeful eyes and soft smiles. "What would we do without you Lane." Kai adds, making my lips pull into an involuntary grin at his words. "You'd all be fucked." I joke, making us all laugh gently together. Something you learn quickly as a Soldier, if you can't laugh about a situation, this is not the job for you. "Now you just need to rest Harley." I nod my head at Natalia's words, knowing she is right.

After resting my eyes for a little while, a small shift in my body weight causing a stabbing pain through the bottom of my back. Instantly, I'm awake again and my eyes spring open to see Kai and Natalia watching me closely. "You good Lane?" Kai asks, making me nod softly as I take some shaky breaths to calm my body down. Then my eyes start to search the room when I don't see any sign of Tyler, a wave of panic washing over me. "Where's-?" I go to ask as I try and push my body forward, but Kai beats me to it, pushing me back gently when he sees my sudden movement. "He's behind me asleep Cap, relax." He soothes, moving his body slightly to let me see him for myself. Instantly I try and calm down, the burning in my ribs and back getting stronger and stronger. "What is it, Harley?" Natalia comes to kneel beside me, looking over my body as she can see the pain I am in. "It just hurts." I tell her through gritted teeth. She nods softly and helps me sit up a bit better, her hand gently feeling across my back for any signs of swelling or heat. When I see her eyes widen a little, I know something is not right. But I wait for her to finish her checks before she hands me some more water. "What's going on Jones?" I ask, making her quickly shake her head in reply. "Your all good Lane, don't worry." She forces a smile, which I can see right through. But I also know this is something as a Medic, we use to help keep an injured Soldier calm and not to worry or stress them out. So I decide not to push her on this and just hoping she tells me if it gets to serious. A small silence fills the room again, and I go to check in on Natalia, but before I have the chance to say anything a loud bang against the Cage door snaps us all from our thoughts. My eyes snap to the door, seeing three bodies all standing there with venom behind their eyes. My body tensing, remembering what happened the last time I saw those eyes. "Tyler." I hear Kai nudges Tyler awake from the floor, who quickly jumps up and has his eyes up at the door. This is not going to end well.

When another two bodies join the group outside the Cage door, my heart begins to race in my chest. None of us make any attempt to move, we just keep our eyes trained on the door. They start to shake and hit the metal door, something we are all used to hearing and seeing at this point, but it doesn't make it any less intimidating with the weapons in their hands and loud voices. We are always outnumbered, even with our training, we'd struggle to get out alive. And now with the state they brought me back in, I know the guys are more reluctant to stand up against any of them. So, we just stay where we are, not saying a word. Hoping they will get bored and leave us alone again. But, when I notice one more body subtly joining them, the same black eyes that will never leave my memory I instantly feel my whole body go cold. Those words repeating themselves in my mind again as I see him eyeing my battered body up through the metal. "Begin." My heart is pounding in my chest, breathing getting sharper and harder to control. He's never been here before, so why now? My hands go clammy as I glance around the room, seeing Natalia trembling slightly as she slowly makes her way closer to my side. As soon as her hand reaches my bad shoulder, gently pressing against my arm, I see all eyes on her and my body burns up as the words I heard them saying in the room before they found my echo in my head. And I know more than anything, I need to protect her.

Without any warning, the door swings open forcefully, allowing all 6 bodies into the Cage with us. Kai and Tyler shoot up onto their feet, standing in front of where I am sitting against the wall with Natalia by my side. Screaming and shouting fills the small room as I look over to Natalia. "Help me up." I grunt out as I start to push myself up using the wall behind me with my one good arm. "No Harley, don't-" I cut her off, quickly shaking my head as I continue to struggle getting off the floor. "That's an order Jones, help me up, please." I say, pulling the Captain card knowing that is the only way I am getting her help right now. She just nods and helps me up, getting me to my feet as I steady my breathing and body as best I can. "You good?" She asks from beside me, making me nod my head in reply. "Never better." I wink at her, making her just shake her head laughing softly before the shouting in front of us gets a lot louder all of a sudden. I quickly push my way between Tyler and Kai, putting my body in front of my team as I face the 6 aggressive bodies in front of me. As much as my body is trying to protest against every movement I make, I push past the pain and stand up tall as I meet those eyes again. My teeth grind together as my jaw clenches to the point I feel like it is going to break, but I stand tall, there's no way I am showing any fear. Not now, not ever.

"You want more, Captain?!"

"Your DEAD Soldier!"

"Your worthless life will mean nothing!"

"We will kill you, then torture the girl!"

"STAND DOWN, ADMIT DEFEAT!"

They continue to shout and taunt us all, more and more threats made towards Natalia. I reach back, taking her hand in my own as Kai and Tyler stay by her sides, making it almost impossible for them to get to her without a fight. I watch them edging closer and closer with every scream and shout, but I don't budge. We are already pretty much back against the wall, so we have barely any room to move. My heart is racing in my burning chest, knowing this is where things take a turn. I just need to protect my team, no matter what. "GIVE US THE GIRL!" At those words, two of the guards leap forward, reaching past either side of my body to try and grab Natalia. Without any hesitation, I let go of Natalia's hand, stepping forward as I do and blocking their way as best as I can with my body. Every inch of my skin is burning as my body screams out in agony, but I just grit my teeth and stay strong as I feel each of the guards' barge into either side of me. Instantly I see their hands shoot up from their sides, coming straight at me as they try and fight past my body. I stay strong, not lifting my arms as I just resist against them, hearing them shout and huff in annoyance. I feel Tyler and Kai come closer behind me as two more guards start to push against me, all of them trying to get at Natalia. But there is no way they are getting to her, not as long as I am still breathing. "STOP!" One of the guards' shouts, the four in front of me stopping their actions instantly. They take a small step back and look back at the guy with black eyes, who is staring right at me. My heart stops as I see his eyes burn into me before his lips move. "The Captain." Is all he has to say before I feel hands now on my, roughly dragging me forward away from my team. I try and put up a fight, digging my feet into the concrete as I lean my body back, but it's no use and I end up right in front of him again.

He slowly steps forward, until he is up in my face. My body turning cold again as my throat runs dry and my heart races uncontrollably. I don't look away, not even blinking as I see his venomous black eyes flicker between my own. Right in this moment, I know I have no way out. "You will not see another day after this, Soldier." He seethes through his sadistic grin, and never in my life have I been more terrified of anything than I am now about what is about to happen. But before I can react in any way, my body is thrown backwards, colliding hard with the floor beneath me. My body screams but my focus is on the bodies now hovering above me with matching sadistic smiles as they eye me like prey. More shouting and threats follow as I try and take a breath, but my ,lungs fail me completely with the pain surrounding them. My eyes flicker between the faces above me, crowding my vision so I can no longer see my team. I try moving for a better look, but before I can, I catch the sight of a foot moving from the floor. Then more follow suit as they lift up before they all come down one by one, slamming into different parts of my body. Each collision sends waves of pain up my body, relentlessly stamping on me over and over again. Screams now leaving my mouth in protest, my arms lifting to try and protect me. But it becomes useless as I feel someone take hold of my wrists, kneeling behind my head as they pull my arms up over my head and away from my body. My shoulder making noises I have never heard before as it throbs in agony, but it's just another pain my body is going through as heavy boots keep colliding with my body on repeat without any sign of slowing down.

Suddenly, I hear a voice from behind the bodies hovering above me, Tyler's voice. Shouting and screaming, begging them to stop. And it works, but instantly I know this is not what I need right now. My body is on fire with pain, and I don't think I will get off the floor quick enough to protect any of them if they turn on my team. All eyes are now on Kai, Tyler and Natalia as the bodies move away from me slightly, my arms still being held above my head as I look over and see Kai and Natalia looking down at me with glossy eyes. Tyler looking straight ahead, his body ready to fight as he holds the others back behind him slightly. I try and shake my head silently, but he doesn't notice. Then I see a boot step over my body this time, my body tensing expecting another on-slaught but instead the body passes over onto the other side of me. I let out a quiet breath as I try and relax at all, but the waves of pain washing over my entire body make it almost impossible. I try and close my eyes, hoping for this all to be a nightmare, but then I hear that voice again and my eyes shoot open as I look over to where Tyler is standing head-to-head with him. "If you move, we kill them!" His taunting voice echoes through the room, my hairs standing on end as I see Tyler looking between his eyes before hands grab my body and drags me up from the floor. Instantly more waves of pain take over my senses as I am forced to my feet, being held up by multiple pairs of hands. My body hating every second as I am walked forward, held up in front of my team as they look to me. Eyes glossing over as their jaws drop. I must look as bad as I feel. That's not good.

"Haven't you all done enough!" Tyler begins to argue with the men in front of him, pushing and shoving as Kai joins him, putting Natalia behind their bodies. Her eyes never leaving my body as I fight to keep my eyes open. "YOUR ALL DEAD!" One guard shouts, instantly snapping me from my sleepy state as Tyler gets pushed to the floor. "Stand down! Both of you! That's an order!" I manage to shout over the screaming voices, and instantly I see Kai stand back and stay quiet with Natalia by his side. Tyler is next to get up, joining Natalia's other side as he protectively stands slightly in front of her, an arm over the others as his eyes meet mine. He looks for any doubt in my eyes, and knowing Tyler, I know he wants to fight out of this and get us all out. But right now, we are not getting out if we fight. We all know there are more bodies just waiting to get their hands on us outside this room. And now that I have seen it all for myself, it just confirms we need to survive, not fight. Not yet. I just subtly shake my head, and he seems to read my thoughts as he nods and stands down completely, his body slumping in defeat. "That's good Soldiers! Now stay back! Or things get a lot worse for your Medic!" He warns, stepping into Tyler's face and tauntingly tapping his cheek. I can see Tyler's eyes burning into him, so before he can lose control, I decide to do something I know I will regret. But if it means they are safe, there's no hesitation. "Oi! Leave them alone! It's me you want, I'm right here, do your worst." Even I can tell my voice is now as weak as my body, but I make sure to look up as all eyes turn to me. The bodies not holding me up start to stalk back in my direction, eyes burning into me as they do. My body is trembling in agony as they reach me, a hand gripping at my face as they lift my eyes to meet theirs. "These eyes will be what you think of as you die, slowly, painfully." He seethes in that voice that will forever haunt me before my body is dropped to the floor again. A loud thud filling the silent room before the waves of pain return. All six bodies doing anything and everything to inflict pain on me. Boots, fists and weapons all attack my body at once, the pain overtaking every sense I have as I go into a state of shock. Unable to breathe as I fall in and out of consciousness. Wave after wave of relentless agony cause my strained voice to try and plead for mercy. But it never comes. Even in the darkness, it doesn't come.

~~~~


"Harley? Harley..."


"Please open your eyes Harley."


"Come on Cap, wake up."


My eyes slowly flicker open, my entire body throbbing in agony. I can barely breathe, my senses are all over the place as I try and get my bearings. "Harley. Talk to me, tell me what hurts." My eyes find Natalia's, teary eyes looking down at me as she searches my features. "Everything." I choke out, my throat so dry and scratchy. "Try and stay awake for me, okay? I'll get you through this." Natalia stammers out, panicking as she starts to assess my very obvious injuries. Only now do I realise that my eyes are deceiving me, as I can't see Natalia properly on one side. "I'm not... Making it out, of here." I stutter through my words, taking short, sharpy breaths in between each syllable. "Yes, yes you are Harley!" Kai's voice suddenly fills my ears from the other side, but I can't see him. "Kai- I..." I try and talk to him, hoping he might move if I get his attention. "Save your breathe Cap, save your strength." He eventually moves into view, and I notice his bloodshot eyes as he looks down at me. I must really not be in a good way. "If the worst happens to me- Tell Lizzie I-" I force myself to talk, needing to get this out as I feel my body burning up with the pain. "Stop that, Lane! We are all getting out of here, I-" But I barely register the rest of his words as I begin to lose consciousness again. Fading in and out for so long I lose all track of time. They all keep me awake as bets they can, talking to me without expecting anything in return. I just nod and squeeze their hands to keep myself awake. But eventually everyone gets tired around me, so I force them to rest. Eventually they give in, taking in turns to rest before Tyler and Kai can't stay awake any longer and end up falling asleep at the same time. Natalia is talking beside me, my hand between both of hers, my other arm back in its make-shift sling. My mind starting to wander as I zone out of her words before something else suddenly washes over me. I look over to make sure the guys are still asleep before I say anything, squeezing Natalia's hand to gain her attention.

"Jones." I whisper, forcing my voice through the pain and dry throat. "Yeah?" She stops talking, looking over as she meets my eyes with her worried ones. "I'm tired." I admit, feeling my body starting to give out on me. "I know you are Harley. But if you sleep now..." She cuts herself off, biting her bottom lip as she squeezes my hand between hers. "I might not wake up again." I finish her sentence for her, knowing exactly what she is thinking. "Maybe..." She adds, eyes suddenly teary as she refuses to meet my eyes again. "I'm scared Natalia. I always thought I'd die in my Uniform but going out like this. It's a hard pill to swallow." I admit further, not feeling any need to hide my feelings right now. This could be... "Harley, you need to keep fighting. If not for you - for your Dad, for Maisie, Tom, especially for Lizzie." She cuts off my spiralling thoughts, eyes now burning into me with tears rolling down her cheeks. "I don't want to leave her, I promised her..." My thoughts now flood with Lizzie and the promises I made to her, about coming home to her. "You're not leaving her." Natalia adds, wiping her tears away before more fall uncontrollably. "Just- Tell her... I, that I never stopped thinking about her. And that..." My voice cracks and breaks with every word, not being able to form a sentence. "Harley, save your strength, please..." My eyes start to flutter between barely open and closed, my mind is rushing with one thought, the thought of not making it out of this place alive. Voices start to blur into the background, not being able to make out who it is or what they are saying. Then a hand reaches for my neck and wrists, checking for a pulse. I can feel it weakening with every breath I take, a new wave of pain hitting and stopping me falling into the complete slumber my body is craving. My eyes open again, blurred vision stopping me from taking in anything that is happening around me. So my mind goes to my happy place, where I know I can find some comfort. Imagining the words she said to me so many times before.. "I love you Soldier.. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side." Tears quickly form in my eyes at the thought of leaving her alone in this World, not being able to be by her side, hold her, kiss her one last time. Only now settling for being her actual Guardian Angel.. Watching over her from a distance. Until we can meet again..

And then everything goes dark.