The pieces of my puzzle.

Forty four

(Azara's POV)

A gentle breeze blew through the open window of our bedroom, ruffling the curtains lightly as the salty ocean scent reached my senses.

It had been a week since coming back from Bora Bora and Bradly and I had used the entirety of that week settling into our new home; which had been easier than expected since Penny and Mav had very kindly unpacked most of our things while we were away.

Settling in was a breath of fresh air, though Bora Bora was unforgettable, the excitement of having a home of our was a different kind of peace.

While today was my last day off, Bradly had to get back to work today, and he wasn't the happiest about it. But nonetheless, duty calls.

"Do I reallyyyy have to go??" He whined as he stepped out of the bathroom, wearing his standard khaki jumpsuit, a white undershirt underneath, and a pair of black boots. His tone of voice and slumped shoulders somewhat resembling a toddler.

I chuckled at the imagery, putting away the last of the clothes I had been folding and stood to face him, my hands splayed flat against hie chest. "Well, not necessarily, but Cyclone may have something to say about you not reporting on base."

He groaned, wrapping his arms around my waist as he leaned down to bury his face in my neck, his mustache tickling the skin of my collarbone. "Ug. I guess I'd rather not be in Cyclone's bad books."

He faked a shiver of fear, making me playfully roll my eyes even though he couldn't see it. "Oh c'mon, he's not that bad! He's actually a nice guy once you get to know him."

Bradly's head shot up from my shoulder to meet my gaze, a look of surprise in his eyes. "Excuse me?! 'Get to know him'?!" His words were laced with shock, making me fight to hide a smile at his silliness.

I sighed, faking nonchalance as I pulled away and crossed my arms over my chest, a brow raised. "Yeah. Once you get past formalities and the tough exterior, he's actually a nice guy. Oh and his wife is great too."

He gaped at me, tilting his head to the side as if I had grown a second head. "Ok wait. hold up." He raised a finger in the air as if it made his point more clear. "You," he began, poking me in the chest for emphasis. "just casually got to know him? Like over drinks or something?"

I smirked at the disbelief in his tone, a shrug following my act of defiance. And I almost let out a laugh at the expression on his face. "Lunch actually."

His act of shock turned into a pure silly level as he plopped down to sit on the bed as if I told him he'd been lied to his whole life. "You just casually had lunch with Admiral Bates?! And you think he's.......a 'nice guy'?" He looked up at me with those brown eyes of his and then proceeded to shrug like he hadn't just been extremely over dramatic. "And you didn't come back and let me listen as you spill all the tea?"

I burst out laughing, resulting in him chuckling with me as he stood in front of me again, waiting for my giggle fit to subside. Once I had regained my breath I smiled up at him, grabbing his jumpsuit and pulling him closer. "You're so dramatic sometimes, you know that?"

His hands found my waist as he pressed his forehead against mine. "Well, it must be a good thing then, because you still love me."

I pretended to ponder his statement as I pursed my lips, leaning back slightly. "Mhhh.....debatable." I finally said with a smirk.

He mock gasped, grasping at his chest dramatically. "You're mean Captain." He said through a light smile, leaning down so his lips were millimeters from mine.

I smiled back, a true, genuine smile only he seemed to be able to drag out of me. I leaned up capturing his lips in mine as I whispered. "And you're late Lieutenant-Commander." I teased, shoving his bag into his arms.

He gave me a lopsided grin, kissing me one more time before heading for the door. "That I am. I love youu." He sing-songed the last part.

I giggled as I watched him walk down the hall. "I love you tooo."

As I watched his Bronco leave the driveway and disappear around a corner, I turned around to face the living room and the many bookshelves. "So books, looks like its just you and me, wheree should we startttt?"

And the rest of that day was spend reading, reading, and some more reading. I was lost in my own little world, between powers, magic, and dragons, I was perfectly at peace cuddled up on the couch with a cup of tea as I read. Until a text broke the silence.

❤️My Brads❤️

Hey hun, I wanted to let you know that I'm gonna be home a bit late tonight, I got some allergic reaction during training today and Mav insisted I go get it checked out. I'll update you on everything once I'm home. Can't wait to see you. I Love you. ❤️

I frowned down at the text, concern creeping into my stomach. An allergic reaction? Thats kinda odd. Bradly wasn't allergic to anything as far as I knew.

✨Az Paz✨

Drive safe, love. Hope its nothing too serious, but my dad's right, its better to get it checked out. Can't wait to see you either. I love you more ❤️

I started on dinner while I waited for him to get home, listening to relaxing music as I whipped something simple up. I was setting the table when I heard him come in, his keys jingling and his boots thumping on the hardwood floors as he made his way down the hall.

He smiled when he caught sight or me, promptly crossing the room in a few large strides and enveloping me in a bear hug. I inhaled the comforting scent of jet feul and sweat mixed with his cologne as I returned the hug.

"I missed you like crazy." He muttered, breaking the silence.

I giggled, leaning into him and smiling when his arms tightened around me. "We sound like typical newlyweds in those cheesy movies."

He grumbled an incoherent response as I pulled away just enough to see his face. He looked tired, as expected after a day of drills and testings, but more so than usual.

I framed his face in my hands, my concerned gaze locking to his as they fluttered open to meet mine, the smallest of smiles lacing his lips. "I'm fine. No need to worry."

I let out a huff, giving him a pointed look. "I'll continue worrying until you tell me what happened."

He shrugged, tilting his head slightly as he took a step closer. "I don't really know if it was before or during training, but I just started feeling...off. And when we landed and I got out of the jet, I had like a rash all over my arms and it started itching like crazy. So the doctor did some tests, drew blood and stuff, but we won't get the results back until sometime tomorrow. They did give me some lotion to put on, so it's almost completely gone now. Strange isn't it?"

I opened my mouth to say something, my eyes holding more concerned questions, but he cut me off before I could get the words out. "I'm fine Az. No need to worry. I promise. Let's just enjoy the rest of the night, okay?"

I sighed in defeat, my shoulders slumping as I looked up at him. "Ok."

"That's my girl." He whispered, his hand coming up to lovingly caress my cheek as he kissed me deeply.

And as we stood in the comforting silence of the kitchen, wrapped in each other's arms. I knew that, cheesy or not, I was where I was always meant to be.

Home.