My Soldier - You're My Home

Understanding

A/N ~~ Hey everyone! 

  So, first of, I am extremely sorry for the long wait. I don't want to get all into it but, life has been a bit crazy lately. My partner has been getting tests and procedures done for the last few months and it got a little serious... To be blunt, I was terrified of losing her.

  BUT, thankfully everything has been done that needed to be done and she was given the all clear not too long ago. To say that we have been through it both physically and emotionally is an understatement!

  I am just so thankful we are through the other side together.

  Anyways! Sorry for the rant, but just wanted to kind of explain myself a little after promising not too be M.I.A. again. So, again, I am truly sorry, but I am back and here with a slightly shorter Chapter since I just wanted to get one finished and published for you all!

  Hope you are all doing AMAZING and keeping warm with the sudden drop in weather! (In the UK that is). 

  Love TJ, The Author! <3

~~Thursday Evening, Atlanta~~

Lizzie POV

She lied.

She lied again.

How could she?

She promised me.

She promised me she would never lie to me again!

Pacing the bedroom over and over, my mind reeling with what just happened with Harley. My heart hurting at the thought of her lying to me again. After what happened with her Brother in Newcastle, she promised me she would never lie to me again. I can feel the strain between us, pulling at the trust I have for Harley. The trust we have built since the night we met is being tested to it's limits. I don't want to lose my trust in Harley, because I know when I lose trust in someone, it becomes hard to keep a healthy relationship. The easiest thing that came to me when I met Harley was trust. I trusted her so soon, even before we got together. I'm terrified of losing what we have built together. I can't lose her. Not now, not ever. She is the best thing to ever happen in my life. But I know this is going to be something we have to fight to overcome. Our arguments have never been so heated, but with everything that has happened recently, and then Harley's outburst, it was inevitable.

My legs are burning, my feet throbbing from pacing so harshly around the bedroom floor. My eyes are stinging with so many tears, my throat scratching with every breath I gasp at. I feel like the air is being sucked from the room slowly, painfully. Every second I am here without Harley is suffocating. I want to run to her, to gain the comfort I need from only her. But she is the reason for my hurt. She lied. She lied to me then left for London. I knew there was something more to all this, but I had no idea it was something so serious. I wish she had just come to me, to tell me what she had to leave for. I would have gone with her, I would have been with her through it all. Everything she went through in London, I could have been by her side and supporting her through it all. I can't begin to imagine how much strain this has had on her mentally. But because she felt like she had to lie to me, I didn't know, and I couldn't help her. I'm so angry at her for pushing me away like this!

With my anger bringing a fresh wave of tears, I rush towards the bathroom, running the water cold to splash at my face, needing to try and calm down somehow. Gasping at the sharp cold contrast, gripping at anything to keep me grounded as I slow my breathing. My emotions are spiralling, and I need Harley. I hate how much she has hurt me, but right now, we need each other. We can't leave this like we have, both so emotionally drained and fuelled, we need to talk. When my tears start to slow and my heart hurts a little less, my thoughts turn to Harley. Remembering how drained and exhausted she has been lately, how distant she has felt. It all makes sense. She has been dealing with so much alone, it breaks my heart all over again. It feel like no matter how much I offer, she deals with so much alone. Something she had done for all her life, but I wish she would just realise she has people there for her. To support and help her. No matter what comes her way. People care, I care, I just wish she would let me in completely.

Washing down my face, only the redness left as a reminder of the tears, I know I need to try and fix this sooner rather than later. We need to talk. I feel calmer now, calm enough to talk. The hurt and anger is still bubbling under the surface, but I know this is not good for either of us. Taking one last calming breath, I make my way towards the bedroom door where I left Harley. I don't know how long it has been, but I know this needs to happen. Stretching out my trembling hand, I open the door slowly, my bloodshot eyes searching for Harley. Stepping out of the bedroom, I start to search the open apartment. The more I look, the more my heart rate seems to pick up. There is no sign of Harley anywhere I search. My footsteps become panicked as I continue to look for my Soldier, but it quickly becomes clear that she is no longer here. Looking towards the front door, I spot two crutches propped up against the wall, my heart sinking at the thought of Harley leaving without them.

I need to find her.

I don't think twice before rushing around the apartment, grabbing my keys, phone and jacket, slipping into my shoes and running out the door towards my car outside. Barley remembering to lock up the apartment behind me, wanting to get to Harley, I rush down the stairs towards the car park. As soon as I reach the car park, the pouring rain showers over my head, like a physical reminder of the emotions raging inside my chest. Pulling my jacket close to my body, I force my feet forward towards my rental car, carelessly getting inside in a rush to get out of the rain and to find Harley. Placing my phone in the stand before starting the engine, I take a second to breath, needing to think about where Harley could be right now. She has no one in Atlanta to reach out too, and the last thing she would want to do is worry her Dad and Maisie by calling them. My brain begins to panic as I quickly run out of options to start searching as I start the car and turn on the heater and wipers. I can't stay here, but I don't know where to start. I need some help.

The dial tone starts to ring out through the car speakers as I slowly pull the car out of the car park, no destination in mind just yet the wipers struggle to clear my view. Thankfully, a familiar voice finally answers the call, and her voice puts me a little at ease, knowing I am no longer alone. "Lizzie, hey you okay?" Scarlett asks with a hint of worry to her voice. I try and keep my own voice calm, my thoughts spiralling as my head keeps looking from left to right, searching the streets as I cautiously drive through the pouring rain. "Hi, Scar." My voice instantly breaks and cracks, my emotions already getting the better of me as my worry for Harley only intensifies. Knowing how close Scarlett and Harley are now, my choice was between her and Tom. But I didn't want to worry Tom, knowing how protective he is of Harley, the last thing I want to do is put any strain on him when he is working. And with Scarlett, she always has a way of being able to keep me grounded, even from over the phone.

"Lizzie, what's wrong?" She quickly asks in a panicked tone as my eyes are still frantically searching the streets either side of the road I am driving alone. "It's Harley, we-we had a fight and now she-she's gone, and I don't know where she is. I'm worried she might be hurt. She didn't take her crutches or a jacket and-and it's raining so heavily and I-" I rant out through fresh tears, clumsily wiping them away so I can still see. But Scarlett just lets me get out my words before her soothing tone replaces my frantic one. "It's okay, Liz. Just breathe. Concentrate on driving for now. The last thing we need is you getting into an accident." Scarlett reminds me, and I take her words and begin to breathe more calmly. "That's it, just breathe and talk to me. How long ago did she leave?" Scarlett questions now that I am a little calmer. I check the time on my phone and have to guess at how long ago she left since I can't say for sure. "Okay, so she doesn't have her crutches, but you had been arguing so she is probably running on adrenaline right now." Scarlett begins to talk aloud, her voice acting as an anchor to keep my thoughts and emotions grounded so I can concentrate on finding her.

"Is there anywhere she would go if she was on autopilot? Somewhere she walks too often when she is on her own?" Scarlett asks, and my mind begins to come up with options. "The gym maybe? She uses the same one quite often." I reply, and Scarlett seems happy with my answer when she quickly replies a little more confident. "Great idea, Liz. Are you near there?" She asks, and I have to pull over and use my phone to search for the direction through the heavy rain, not trusting myself too much right now. "I am about 20 minutes away." I answer, cursing myself since I drove in the opposite direction from the apartment. "That's okay, but that's where I would be searching." Scarlett comforts, and I quickly turn the car around and make my way towards the gym. Trying to map out where she would walk in that direction and following the route as best I can in the car. "Talk to me, Lizzie." Scarlett encourages, and I wipe away at my blurry vision, more tears threatening to spill. "Sorry I just- I hate it when we fight. And this was a big one, Scar." I tell her honestly. "We both got so angry, so emotional. It was scary." I add and hear Scarlett quickly beginning to talk me through it.

"I know it's scary, but maybe it needed to happen. Every couple argues, Liz. It's healthy. Especially when there is so much emotion between two people." Scarlett comforts, and I know she is right. No one is perfect and never fights. I just worry about pushing Harley way emotionally. "She lied to me, Scar. About why she went to London." I begin to explain my side and why I got so angry. Telling Scarlett about Harley's outburst and why it hurt me so much. She listens to every word as I keep my eyes trained on the streets searching for any sign of Harley as I talk. When my throat gives out, Scarlett quickly takes over. "I know how hard it is for you to trust anyone, Lizzie. I really do. But I also know Harley now after spending so much time around her, and I know she tries to protect you without realising. She is always thinking about you before anyone else, even herself. She just doesn't want to be a burden on you." Scarlett begins, and I make sure to take in her words. She really is good at reading and understanding people better than anyone I know, and I trust her judgement more than most.

"Harley wouldn't lie to you to hurt you. And it sounds like she had something difficult to deal with, and wanted to do it alone so she could show everyone she is stronger than ever. She didn't want to be seen as weak by people she has so much respect from. Her Soldier life is something no one will understand, because no one has lived it but her and 7 Section. She just wanted to prove to everyone she is still the strong, independent, badass Captain she always was and is. Yes, she went about it wrong, but you can see her intentions. You just need to hear her out and talk through it all together." Scarlett explains carefully, and she really is completely right. I was hurt in the moment, but I understand why she did it. "I was hurt, Scarlett. I felt like all the trust we had was crumbling. But I also know I can never understand how her brain works when it comes to her emotions after so many years living as a Soldier. I just wish I could sometimes, so I could be there for her." I sniffle as I try not to cry anymore. I hate feeling this way. But I know we will be okay. I just know it.

"You will both become stronger because of this. It just takes work. And I know there is no way you are both walking away from each other. You were always meant to find each other." Scarlett adds and it brings a warmth to my heart I really needed. I truly believe Harley is my Soulmate and we would have found each other when the time was right. We just need to grow, together. "Thank you, Scarlett." I whisper, not trusting my voice. My eyes stinging as I try to focus, knowing I am nearing the gym. The rain is hammering against the car, only getting heavier as the minutes tick by. Harley must be freezing if she is in this rain and has been all this time. Driving past the gym, I slow the car and even do a lap of the car park just to make sure. Looking inside I notice it is closed, so she can't be inside. "She's not at the gym, Scar." I say aloud and hear a small sigh from Scarlett through the phone. I know she is just as worried as I am about Harley and wants to know she is safe. "Is there anywhere else?" Scarlett asks, and I can't seem to think of anywhere.

Deciding to just continue driving past the gym, I keep my eyes focused on anything to help me find Harley. There are barely any other cars on the road, or anyone walking around in this weather. So, I make sure to study anyone I see to make sure they are not Harley. My mind begins to spiral the longer I am driving, my thoughts going to dark places as I try and focus on Scarlett's voice. What if she has had a fall and is hurt? I try and shake off the thought of Harley being hurt somewhere and alone. It's my biggest fear right now. "Liz, talk to me?" Scarlett asks softly, somehow sensing my increasing worries. "I'm just worried, she could have fallen or-" I begin to spiral aloud, but Scarlett soon cuts off my words. "She's strong, Liz. And her body will be fuelled by adrenaline. She won't have fallen, she'll be okay." Scarlett comforts, and I go to speak in reply, but another figure catches my attention not too far away. I can't make out the person, but they are huddled over sitting on a bench on the opposite side of the street to where I am driving. My heart rate picks up the closer I get, my gut seemingly telling me that this could well be Harley.

"I think I see her!" I practically shout as I get closer, seeing the figure more clearly as I start to pull over to the side of the road. They are sitting on a bench, head in their hands as the rain bounces off their body with force. "Lizzie? Is it Harley?" Scarlett asks in a panic as I park the car a little clumsily to the side of the road. My eyes still searching the person on the bench, not seeing them move an inch even with the sound of the car. But then I manage to catch sight of the tattoo on her upper arm just under her t-shirt sleeve, confirming it's Harley. My heart racing wanting to just get to her. "I've found her!" I tell Scarlett, hearing her sigh in relief. "Go to her, Liz. But please let me know she is okay when you can." She pleads, and my heart sinks at the thought of her not being okay. "I will, Scarlett, I promise." I tell her confidently before racing out of the car into the treacherous rain outside. Pull the hood of my jacket over my head before running across to where Harley is sitting.

As soon as I reach the bench where Harley is sitting, I catch her body trembling as the sounds of her sobbing become clearer over the rain. My heart breaking instantly when I hear her cries but hesitating for a second, so I don't scare her. Slowly approaching her, reaching out one hand as I keep my voice calm but loud over the sound of the rain still falling over us. "Harley, baby, it's me." I repeat a few times, louder each time before I see her tense at finally hearing my words. "It's just you and me, Harley." I repeat as I reach out towards her shoulder, gently resting my hand on her ice cold body. She is only wearing a t-shirt and pants, so it is no surprise that she is soaked through. I lay my hand flat against her shoulder, feeling her jump slightly before she slowly relaxes as much as her body can being this cold. But when she shows no sign of looking up, I slowly drop down in front of where she is sitting, hearing her cries again as I kneel in front of my Soldier. My heart shattering at the sound of her heavy sobs. My hands moving to hold onto her forearms, hoping the skin on skin contact will help ground Harley enough so she can realise it is me and she is safe.

Eventually, I catch Harley slowly look up in my direction, meeting my eyes with her own red, bloodshot ones. Seeing so much pain and emotion behind them, I know I need to just get her home so I can help her. "Baby, I know your hurting, but we need to get you home." I begin to talk to her, keeping my voice soft but loud enough for her to hear. "My car is across the street, I can help you. I just want to get you home and warm." I continue, seeing her eyes search between my own as I talk. "Your safe with me, Harley." I add, catching her eyes soften slightly before her head gently nods in reply. Taking her hands in mine, I gently guide us up to out feet, feeling how ice cold, her skin is but trying to ignore it for now. Once we are standing, I move to Harley's side, wrapping my arm around her body to keep her close before moving us both towards the car. She is a little wobbly on her legs, but we make it too the car and I guide us to the passenger side so I can get Harley into the warmth of the car. Making sure to shield her head, she climbs into the seat, a blank expression on her face as I close the door and rush around the other side.

It doesn't take long to drive back to the apartment, the entire journey was silent, the only noise coming from the heaters and the soft hum of the radio. Harley's eyes have not left the window, her chest rising and falling heavily. My worry only growing seeing her so lost in her thoughts. When I park the car, her eyes flicker just for a second before more tears roll down her cheeks. I let her take the time she needs before she slowly starts to unbuckle her seatbelt. Taking that as a sign she is ready, I rush around to her door, opening it for her before reaching for her hand to keep her steady. Locking up the car behind us, I keep her hand in mind as we slowly climb the stairs towards the apartment together. On our way towards the apartment door, Harley seems to freeze, and her eyes snap towards a hole in the wall near the stairs. Instantly I look to her other hand and only now notice the blood and bruising surrounding her knuckles. My heart hurting knowing she has lashed out, all I want to do is help, but right now, I just want her inside and to warm up.

Eventually we get inside the apartment, Harley using the walls to help her as she kicks off her shoes as I lock up the door. When I turn to her, her eyes are down at the floor as I get out of my jacket and shoes before slowly walking to reach where she is standing. "I'm sorry- I, my clothes are dripping everywhere I-" Hearing just how hoarse her voice is only hurts me more knowing it is from her crying. Harley is so strong, so seeing how much she is hurting hurts me. I just want to wrap her in my arms and hold her there forever. "It's okay, Harley. It will dry, don't worry about it." I comfort her, moving towards her with care as I carefully reach out for her hand. "Why don't we get you straight to the bathroom for a warm shower?" I suggest, not wanting to force her into anything. Catching her gently nodding in reply, I guide her through the apartment slowly, keeping her hand in mine as we walk into the bedroom and then bathroom, letting go of her hand reluctantly as I move to start the shower. When it is running, I turn back and see how lost Harley is in her thoughts, and as much as I want to cry for her she needs me right now.

Moving in front of Harley again, I tilt her chin up every so slightly, catching her unshed tears as she blinks them away. "Can I help you?" I ask softly, catching her eyes soften at my words. "Yeah." She whispers in reply, making me smile as I wipe away some tears from her cheeks with my thumb before stepping back a little and reaching for the bottom of Harley's t-shirt. Struggling a little with how wet it is and how the material is sticking to Harley's skin, I eventually manage to move it up her body and over her head, turning to place it on the rail to dry out before turning back to see Harley taking over with her pants. I help her when she needs it, and eventually she is undressed and climbing into the shower. Moving her prosthetic into the bedroom for her, I leave her to shower but soon realise she is just standing under the water when I go into the bathroom again to check on her. My heart and head are stuck on what to do, not wanting to overcrowd Harley, but at the same time wanting to help her. So, after hesitating, I decide on joining her in the shower.

Stripping off my own soaked clothes, I slowly and carefully climb into the shower behind Harley. Her body doesn't tense or jump when I reach out towards her, feeling her skin still cold from the rain. I guide us both under the water, letting it shower over us as I just hold Harley close. One hand staying on her hip as my other hand reaches up towards her chest just below her neck, feeling her heart pounding against my palm. Looking up to meet her eyes, I catch the swirling emotions that have her stuck not knowing what to do, so I take over for her, reaching for the sponge and shower gel behind her and beginning to gently wash her cold skin. Keeping my movements soft and slow, I can feel Harley's body slowly warming as her muscles seem to relax more and more. In this moment, I feel closer to Harley again. Selfishly, keeping my movements slow, wanting to drag out this time together as I feel Harley eyes watching my movements before I move to stand behind her as I guide her to sit down in the shower chair so I can wash her hair for her.

Quickly washing myself and my hair, I leave Harley sitting under the warm stream of water before I guide us both out of the shower and into warm towels waiting for us in the bathroom. We make our way back into the bedroom, helping Harley to sit on the edge of the bed as I move to get us both some clothes to change into. Harley is still completely lost in her thoughts, so I leave her clothes on the bed beside her as I slip into something warm before throwing my hair into a messy bun to dry off and then make my way out the bedroom and towards the kitchen. Hopefully letting Harley have a moment to herself to get dressed she will slowly come back to me whilst I make us both some tea to help warm us up even more from the rain outside. I make sure to send a text to Scarlett as I wait for the tea to brew, letting her know we are both home. She is quick to reply, asking about Harley. I tell her that she is not talking much yet but promise to let her know more when I do. once the tea is done, I take both mugs through to the bedroom, where I find Harley sitting where I left her, but she is now dressed. my heart aching watching her mindlessly staring at the floor, tears slowly rolling down her cheeks.

"Come on, baby, I've got you." I gently guide Harley into bed, pulling the blanket over her body as much as I can to keep her warm before clearing away our towels back into the bathroom. Rushing back to Harley, I move to sit beside her in bed, reaching for her hand to hold between my own. Gathering my own thoughts, I can feel her tense up beside me as the room goes quiet for a moment until her soft voice breaks it. "I'm sorry for lying to you." She whispers, just loud enough to hear her, and the cracks in her voice have me close to crying again. I hate seeing her so fragile, but I knew this day would come after everything she has been through. I just wish she had let me in sooner. "It's okay, Harley. I get why you did, I may not understand completely, but I get it." I begin to try and comfort her, but she shakes her head gently as her free hand wipes at her face. "I shouldn't have lied to you, Lizzie. I knew it was wrong, but I just couldn't process it all myself, never mind burdening you with it all too. I was a mess, and you don't deserve that." She continues, tears rolling down her cheeks as she stares down at the bed.

"Why didn't you talk to me about the meeting?" I ask carefully, and catch Harley take a quick breath in before she squeezes my hand slightly in hers. "I don't want to be a burden on anyone, especially you Lizzie." She replies and it breaks my heart all over again hearing those words. "You could never be a burden on anyone, Harley. I just want to be there for you, no matter what comes our way." I explain as clearly as I can, hoping she hears every word as I move so I can sit facing my Soldier. Meeting her emotional gaze, I have to bite back my own emotions bubbling in my chest. "I'm here for you, Harley. We are in this together." I repeat, squeezing her hands in mine. "I know, and I am sorry for breaking your trust again. I promised you I would never lie again, and I did, I'm so sorry." She breaks again, crumbling under her own guilt. Moving forward on impulse, I wrap my arms around Harley, wanting to comfort her through all of this. I feel her arms around my back and melt into her body, feeling her cry into my shoulder as I just hold her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following morning comes around quicker than I'd hoped. It has been a restless night for both of us, Harley has been in and out of sleep after practically crying herself to sleep on my shoulder. I've tried to sleep when I can, but my body has been on alert every time I felt Harley move beside me. The morning sun is creeping through the half open window in the bedroom, so I know I need to get up and make some calls. Looking to my side, I can't help but smile softly seeing Harley peacefully sleeping now. Not wanting to wake my sleeping Soldier, I gently climb out of bed and go to the bathroom to do a lazy morning routine before carefully moving into the kitchen to start on some coffee. Then I reach for my phone and call into work, knowing I need today to be at home with Harley. Not only does she need me right now, with my lack of sleep, I would be no good on Set today so I explain as little as I can about what has happened, thankful for the amazing team working on this project who don't question my need for a day off and offer any help they can give.

After coming off the phone, I take my coffee back to the bedroom, thankfully Harley is still sleeping so I gently make my way back to my side of the bed. Carefully slipping back under the covers, moving back towards where Harley is sleeping soundly still. Taking a closer look at my Soldier, hating the deep, dark circles around her eyes from lack of sleep and crying so much recently. Only wishing Harley would let me in completely so I can be there for her through all of this. Laying my head back on the pillow, I just take the time to admire Harley so up close, taking in every detail all over again. Letting my eyes roam over her features, my fingertips lifting to the side of her face, tracing along her jawline and forehead before travelling down the side of her neck and across her shoulder. I miss being this close to Harley, but now I understand why she has been distant. She has been dealing with so much emotionally on her own, I can't hold a grudge over something she has done all of her life. I just hope in time, she will realise she has people to lean on, who want to support her.

I get so lost in my own thoughts that I lose all track of time until I feel Harley's body wake up with a jump. I move back slightly, giving her some room as her body wakes up from the nightmare she must have had, keeping my hand on her cheek to ground her. Watching her eyes searching the room, I gently whisper calming words to help her remember where she is and that she is safe. Once she is awake, I help her up towards the bathroom, offering to go make some more coffee for us both. I can't help but worry that she will be closed off again, not wanting to talk about anything. We can't just brush this off, we need to be open and talk about what has happened recently so we can both move on. Together. Making my way back towards the bedroom, I catch Harley coming back from the bathroom, water trickling down her face as she flashes the smallest of smiles in my direction. I hand her the coffee I made her before getting comfortable beside her back in bed. Sitting back against the headboard, we both fall into a small, comfortable silence before Harley turns to face where I am siting.

"Thank you, for last night, taking care of me even after everything that happened between us. I don't even know where to begin with it all." Harley's word get caught in her throat as she speaks, head dropping like the night before. But before she can lose herself again, I lose the mug from my hands and move to sit in front of Harley again, gently lifting her chin so she is looking in my direction again. "You don't have to thank me for taking care of you, Harley. That's what we do, we take care of each other." I tell her confidently, looking into her deep hazel eyes as I speak, watching her take in every word I say. "I'm always going to be here for you, Harley. Through the good and bad." I continue, wanting to comfort her as much as I can. "I know you are here with me, I do. I just, I struggle with my emotions and opening up to someone. After everything I went through with my Mother and Steven, and then joining the Army, there has never been someone I have felt this close with to even begin to open up too." Harley stumbles slightly over her words, but I hang on to everyone. This is so raw and real from her, and it answers so many questions.

"I quickly picked up new ways to push my emotions down when I joined the Army, and it helped in a lot of ways when dealing with my younger years. I know I will never move on from what happened, but I can forget about it most of the time. And for so long it worked, but then you came along and shook my World. Giving me this calm I have never felt before. It made me realise I didn't have to hide my emotions anymore, and that for me was scary. But I want to be better, for you, for us." Harley completely opens up and it takes me by surprise. I love that she is being vulnerable, but I can also see how hard it is for her. "I get it, Harley, I do. Not that I could ever fully understand, but I can see why we are here." I add, seeing her taking a minute to breathe. "I just want to be your safe place, someone you can trust to open up too when you need too." I almost plead with her and catch her eyes gloss over at my words. I feel her hands gently take hold of my wrists, carefully pulling my body into hers. I follow her guidance, curling into her lap as I pull her arms around me.

After what feels like hours in Harley's arms, she suddenly seems to panic and her bodies jolt slightly underneath my own. My head whips up to meet her slightly panicked gaze, my heart racing again as I wait for her to say something, anything. "Are you not due to be at work today?" She asks in a rush, and I instantly relax at her words. Lifting my hands to cup her face, meeting her gaze with my now softer more relaxed demeanour I let out a soft giggle as Harley waits for some sort of explanation. "Harley, breathe. I called in earlier to let them know I won't be there today. We both had a long, emotional day yesterday and I knew I would be useless on Set today, so I am taking a personal day today." I explain, not wanting to say that I also wanted to be there to take care of her today, knowing she will hate the idea of me missing work for her. Harley seems to accept my explanation, feeling her calm down as I stay captivated by her deep, mesmerizing eyes.

Getting a little too lost, I get a little caught by surprise when I feel Harley's arms wrapping around my body a little tighter, pulling me close into her. My body completely relaxing as I listen to Harley's heart beating against her chest. I know we still have to talk out things more, but for now, I feel like we are going to be okay. We have some work to do, together, but I really do believe we are only going to get stronger because of this. I can't imagine not having Harley in my life, I want to spend the rest of my life by her side. I want to be there on her dark days, and on her days where everything is just right. I want to celebrate her successes and help her through her loses. I want to build a family with her, settle down and just be happy together. I know we have a long way to go and more obstacles to overcome, but I want to do that together. I want to be the one she gets down on one knee for and promises to Marry. I want to see her chasing our kids around a huge yard. I want to watch Maisie grow up by her side. I want it all with My Soldier.


There is no one else for me.


A/N ~~ How did I do?