𝓖𝓵𝓸𝓻𝔂 | Robert Gould Shaw X Oc

X

Her Purpose

Roberts POV

As word got around at the gathering that I was commanding a regiment of colored soldiers everyone I passed by congratulated me. It was truly a honor that I was proud of.

"Bravo Robert." A woman said with a smile as I walked by. "Did you hear that a woman soldier will accompany the 54th as well." The woman said to a man who seemed to be her husband.

I stopped in my tracks turning around walking back towards the lady. "Excuse me. But did you say a woman soldier?"

"Yes, you should know you are the Colonel after all. Your father announced that she would be Sergeant."

My eyes widened. "Thank you for that information ma'am, now if you'll excuse me."

I marched to my fathers office opening the door. "Sergeant? Your letting her come along?"

"She has talents, she could be very useful." He said examining his cigar.

"You said you wouldn't put her in harms way."

"No you suggested it, I never agreed." He did have a point.

"This is what she wants, she trained for this moment, she is just as good as any other soldier." My father added.

"I agree with you on that but father she is just a young girl, I won't let her waste her life on this."

I walked out of his office marching forward to look for Josette.

Finally I found her outside under the night sky looking up. It was a beautiful sight to see, both her and the stars.

I walked towards her clearing my throat. She quickly stood at attention giving me a salute.

I chuckle with my eyes softening. "You don't need to do that."

Josette smiled in embarrassment. "Oh sorry Colonel."

Josettes eyes lit up as she began to speak. "Did you hear the great news sir?"

"Yes indeed I have, that is what I want to talk about."

"Oh I see."

"I have just been informed that you are Sergeant of the 54th...but are you sure you want to do this? You have your whole entire life ahead of you."

Josette stayed silent looking down.

I took my hand up to her face gently grabbing her chin making the fairly shorter girl look up at me.

"Your entire life, a husband, children of your own, wasted." I reminded.

"What if that life isn't meant for me Robert?" She asked quietly.

"I know what I want, you aren't going to stop me, nothing is. This is my purpose. I know deep down in my heart that this is what I was meant to do. Everything happens for a reason."

The both of us didn't say a word after that. Our faces were inches apart, both of us looking into each other's eyes. I slowly started to lean in, so did she.

I couldn't let my emotions get the best of me. Especially if I was now her Colonel. Just a inch away from the kiss that I longed for I spoke softly. "Congratulations Ms. Mikaelson for your new rank as Sergeant."

She opened her eyes with a bit of a confused expression. She backed away clearing her throat turning red. "Thank you Colonel."

"Good night sir." Josette said quickly hurrying back inside.

I leaned against the medal fence and scoffed to myself. "Damn you Robert. That was your one chance and you chickened out."

"I need to start acting professional I am her commander for crying out loud." I said with a nod.

Josette Mikaelson was going to be the death of me.

Josettes POV

I hurried upstairs pushing past men and women who were leaving the gathering. "Excuse me, sorry." I apologized as I bumped into people.

I was beyond embarrassed, immediately I entered my room closing her door.

Robert and I almost kissed. "How can I be so stupid." The truth is that I'm really fond of him, which I shouldn't be.

I must've got the wrong message. I made myself look like a fool in front of him how did I ever think that he wanted to kiss me?

Why do I even care about this? It's unprofessional, he is my Colonel. Robert probably hates me.

'Ugh Josette who cares! It doesn't matter because it will never happen.' I thought.

My best choice right now is to not mention it. Act like I don't care, be as tough as a stone because I will not break especially for some foolish man.

Robert Gould Shaw will be the death of me.