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The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Y/N lay in bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as she listened to the soft breathing of Tate beside her. It was a sound she had come to treasure, a reminder that she was finally home, where she belonged. After years in the army, she had returned to the life she had always dreamed of—a life with Tate.
They had been best friends for as long as Y/N could remember. But it wasn't until she came back from her last deployment that they realized their bond was deeper than friendship. The moment Y/N stepped off that plane and saw Tate waiting for her, all the feelings she had buried during her time away came rushing to the surface. The reunion was emotional—tears, laughter, and finally, a kiss that sealed what both had felt for years. It was the beginning of their life together.
But now, just as they were settling into their new normal, Y/N had received the call she had been dreading. She was being asked to return to active duty. The news had hit her like a ton of bricks, and she hadn't known how to tell Tate. The thought of leaving her again, of stepping back into the chaos and danger of war, filled her with dread.
Y/N turned her head to look at Tate, who was still sleeping peacefully, her face relaxed in the soft morning light. Y/N's heart ached at the thought of leaving her, of putting their newfound happiness on hold. But duty called, and she knew she couldn't ignore it.
Taking a deep breath, Y/N gently reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from Tate's face. The simple touch was enough to stir Tate from her sleep, and she slowly opened her eyes, blinking in the light.
"Hey," Tate murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. She offered Y/N a sleepy smile, one that made Y/N's heart twist with love and sorrow.
"Hey," Y/N replied, forcing a smile. But she knew Tate could see right through her. They had always been able to read each other with just a look.
Tate's smile faded as she propped herself up on one elbow, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong?"
Y/N hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words. But there was no easy way to say it, no way to soften the blow. So she just came out with it.
"I got a call last night," Y/N said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "They need me to go back. I'm being redeployed."
Tate's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. For a moment, she just stared at Y/N, as if trying to process the words. Then, she shook her head, disbelief washing over her features.
"No... no, they can't," Tate whispered, her voice trembling. "You just got back. We just... we just started our life together."
"I know," Y/N said, her own voice breaking. "Believe me, I don't want to go. But... it's my duty. I don't have a choice."
Tate's eyes filled with tears, and she quickly sat up, pulling Y/N into a tight embrace. Y/N could feel Tate's body trembling against hers, and it took everything in her not to break down completely. She had to be strong—for both of them.
"When?" Tate asked, her voice muffled against Y/N's shoulder.
"In a week," Y/N replied, her heart breaking as she felt Tate's grip tighten.
They stayed like that for what felt like hours, just holding each other, neither one wanting to let go. The reality of the situation hung heavy between them, a weight that neither one of them could lift. Y/N could feel Tate's tears soaking through her shirt, and she finally let her own fall, unable to hold them back any longer.
After a while, Tate pulled back slightly, just enough to look Y/N in the eyes. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes red and puffy. But there was a resolve in her gaze that Y/N had seen before—a determination that had always been one of the things she loved most about Tate.
"I don't want you to go," Tate said, her voice firm despite the tears. "But I know you have to. And I'll be here waiting for you when you get back. Just like last time."
Y/N nodded, though the thought of leaving Tate again tore at her heart. "I'll come back to you, I promise. No matter what, I'll always come back."
Tate nodded, but there was a fear in her eyes that Y/N knew all too well. It was the same fear she had every time Y/N went on a mission, the fear that one day she wouldn't come back. But she pushed it down, refusing to let it take over.
They spent the rest of the week together, trying to make the most of the time they had left. They went on long walks, watched movies, and stayed up late talking about everything and nothing. They laughed, they cried, and they held each other close, trying to savor every moment.
But the day eventually came when Y/N had to leave. Tate drove her to the base, their hands intertwined the whole way, neither one of them saying much. When they arrived, Y/N turned to Tate, her heart breaking all over again at the sight of the tears in her eyes.
"I love you," Y/N whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "More than anything in this world."
"I love you too," Tate replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please be safe. Come back to me."
"I will," Y/N promised, leaning in for one last kiss. It was soft, tender, and filled with all the love and longing they felt for each other.
Then, with one last look, Y/N turned and walked away, her heart heavy as she headed back into the life she had tried to leave behind. But as she walked through the base, she kept Tate's face in her mind, the memory of her love giving her the strength she needed to face whatever lay ahead.
And as the plane took off, Y/N looked out the window, a single tear sliding down her cheek. She had promised to come back, and she would keep that promise. No matter what it took, she would come back to the woman who held her heart.
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