Love letters

Chapter 1~ Crossing paths

*Authors note~ chapter one of an Emily x reader au story. I don't know much about war so I'm so sorry if this isn't factually correct but I'll do my best with my research. I'll make it as GN reader as I can but may lean to Fem reader. I hope you guys enjoy and follow along with this. And I haven't forgotten about Happy Hours it's coming!*

Trigger warnings for the whole series are on my tumblr Masterlist but for this chapter mentions of leaving for war and loneliness money struggles etc

You always loved the late shift at Crimsons Cafe, your boss was always so understanding of your situation, a young lady just trying to get through school, she knew your home life was difficult but you were a good worker who was extremely reliable. In fact you were in charge of managing the shifts some of the time. You had a few regulars who you'd grown rather close with over your years of working there, most looking for a friendly smile and some casual conversation while they enjoyed some coffee and a bite to eat.

Nothing was different from the normal since the moment you tied that apron around your slender waist pulled a few strands of hair from your bun so it would frame your face while your pens were hanging from your apron strings. A notepad placed in the pocket and a deep breath before you started to help your colleague with a few people that had came in at the same time due to the rain starting to pour. A smile plastered on your face you worked until there was only two of you in the cafe. Coffee machine whirling with every drink you made and the clatter of plates and mugs being picked up and brought back to be washed and ready for the next customer.

You hardly noticed her when she slipped in from the rain, cap covering most of her face and hair tied back neatly in a low bun. She silently slipped into the far right booth, using the soaked newspaper as a distraction from what would be happening next. Pot luck really that you happened to notice her when one of your regulars, Edward, began to flirt with you. You were smiling and remaining polite but you knew she would be your way out from the conversation that was becoming fairly awkward. With yourself excused from him you headed to the table to check on the new customer.

"What can I get ya" you murmured hoping not to startle the women but you did just that. You quickly flashed her a smile noticing her dull eyes indicating she was having a tough day. "What do you recommend?" You could've swore you imagined it with how quiet it was but with the subtle nod to the menu you immediately suggested a toffee late which she agreed on before returning to the paper as the rain pored harder now. You immediately went and set to work on her late before sneaking another glance at the mysterious lady. Dark raven hair pulled into a tight neat bun, army greens covering her frame with no crease in sight and some tough boots. Her body language was a great juxtaposition of her uniform due to the fact she was hunched over to be as small as possible, hoping to go unnoticed by the wandering eyes of Crimsons Cafe.

Once you had the steaming mug of coffee you headed back to her table with the intent of brightening the soldiers day. You made sure to flash her another smile causing her cheeks to flush a pink that matched the bow in your hair. "Here you go ma'am" you murmured bowing your head slightly in respect. "I know you're busy but would you mind sitting down for a while and talking to me, I'm feeling a little low" the stranger murmured and for some strange reason you felt the pull to tell her to wait an hour as you had to close the cafe then you'll be free to give her your undivided attention. She agreed to wait and went back to reading the paper and starring at the rain falling. It was as if the drops of rain held all the answers to her troubles.

As if on auto pilot you went around the closing of the cafe and prepared it for the morning shift workers before approaching the solider again, "I know a place we can go if you still want that talk" you shot her a comforting smile before she nodded in response. It didn't take you long to gather your belongings and shoot a quick couple of texts off while locking the cafe up, before you led the solider to the pier. You favourite spot when you got the chance to relax was here, something about watching the waves crash against the shore was calming to you. That was how you found yourself sat with the solider you'd met two hours ago in silence at the pier.

Now off of work you could truly appreciate how stunning the solider is and truly it seemed criminal to see her eyes so dull, her beauty shone through despite it though. A shaky breath was taken before she spoke up so quiet you almost missed it over the wind and waves, "thank you for sitting with me. I don't have anyone else to spend my last hours with." You seemed stunned, and the solider seemed to notice the shaking of your hand so she held it in hers hoping to calm you a little. "You don't have anyone?" You whispered and even you could hear the sadness seeping from your words. "No ma'am I don't. But maybe if you don't mind I could send letters to this pretty girl with a bow in her hair, she made my last few hours before I set off truly worth fighting for."

A silence overcome you both once more as you gazed out over the sea where you could see lights of land far out. You didn't know the lady, but you felt drawn to her so after a few minutes of thought you agreed to send letters to each other. She told you her name was Emily or Private Prentiss and you couldn't help but think it suited her. She told you of other deployments she'd had and you told her of school and working at the cafe. The conversation flowing easily as the time seemed to slip away with the tide. Despite the instant connection both of you remained guarded so really all you knew was the basic information yet you still found yourself getting sad at the woman leaving for war.

You knew that she couldn't tell you details, but when you walked her to her bus stop you wished she could. With all the news recently it seemed like a death sentence, Emily deserved more than death and you were certain of it. When the bus arrived you immediately threw yourself into her arms, sensing she could use a hug like the other soldiers were doing with their family members. Her arms tightened around you and you felt a few warm tear drops against your neck, "stay safe private" you whispered to her causing her to pull back and gently bring your right hand to her lips. "Always" was all she offered you before wiping some stray tears you had trailing down your cheeks. It was bazar. You'd only just met the woman and yet here you were crying over her leaving. "You'll write?" The raven haired woman nodded and returned the question causing you to laugh and nod before she got on the bus.

The full bus drove away leaving the family on the pavement crying for the loved ones they may never see again and a pretty young girl with a bow in her hair that no one noticed there. Walking herself home guided by the street lights, the only company she had was her tears and memories of the one work shift she'd never forget. Of course you knew that there was a high chance that you'd never hear from her again, perhaps all you were was a time filler, but you didn't care. Arriving home soaked and cold you carried out your usual routines. If only you knew how you'd life would change from now on. The solider had succeeded in capturing your broken heart, if only you'd captured hers.