Elliott was the one who did it. They cremated her in the fire then collected her ashes so she wouldn't have to stay in Afghanistan. Elliott went behind their make-shift building and slid down the wall, tears spilling down his checks. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a long needed drag. "Honey those things will kill you!" Leo scolded. He ran up to Elliott and sat next to him, Elliott sobbed in his arms then shared his fondest memories. How winter was the runt of the litter and almost died. How she was only 5 when she died. And how Elliott got first pick out of the dogs and just felt drawn to her. Leo listened the whole time, he even cried with him. They sat there for hours until it got dark. Elliott had fallen asleep in his arms so he picked him up and carried him to his bunk. He kissed his cheek and tucked him in. "I love you." He whispered then went to bed.
Today was the day. They could finally go home for 10 weeks until they were needed once again. "Let's go love we're gonna be late!" Leo yelled through the door, bag in hand. Elliott had been sitting on his bed staring at the small box of winters ashes. A small tear slipped from his eye and landed on it. "Oh baby." Leo said gently, he walked towards him and pulled Elliott into his lap. "I know it's hard but it'll be ok." He whispered in his ear. "S-She isn't coming home with us." Elliott sniffled. Leo just nodded and took the box from his hand and placed it in Elliott's bag. "Yes. She is." He said. Elliott smiled a little and nodded. They both got up and Leo grabbed both their bags. The plane ride was long and exhausting but when they finally got to the airport there were hundreds of people in a line cheering and holding signs for them. Thanking them for serving. Elliott spotted his brothers and dads and grabbed Leo's hand. He lead him to them and smiled when he saw his brothers faces. "He's hotter in person." Dane gasped. "Thank you." Leo laughed. Trey nodded, his eyes were wide. "Welcome home son!" Elliott's dad said and hugged him. Elliott's papa on the other hand..."ah you made it! I love you so fucking much oh my god I missed you!" He cried into Elliott's arms. "I missed you guys too." Elliott laughed.
YOU ARE READING
Not all war & heartbreak
RomanceLeo Hanes and Elliott Temro are soldiers. In constant fear of their likely death, they become close through comforting one another and serving together in dangerous situations. Will their difficult job bring them together, or pull them apart leaving...
