A/N) I am writing this piece because I have been in a rute lately and I feel like I'm disappearing from this fandom... which is sad to me so, yah, show me I have a chance to come back to life and review please! And tell me if I should make this a series of one-shots? Those never become popular for me... I don't know why. Maybe I'm just really bad at writing one shots... That's a sad thought.

Make my day!

She read the E-mail again, over and over and over. Her heart tugging every time, the words searing themselves and their meanings into her brain.

'Not coming home'... 'Not coming home'... 'NOT coming home'...

She re-read those words at the end. She understood what they meant but somehow she couldn't face them. It was a blow to any lonely mind.

Fanny Fulbright was a 22 year old woman, living in the suburbs alone. That is to say she was left alone since her husband went to the army. She swallowed hard, keeping the tears at bay. He'd promised to be home this winter. She absently played with the golden band around her ring finger. They'd been married for only six months and he was called away on duty almost immediately.

Now it's been 2 years and he still hadn't made good on his promise for that Florida vacation. Not that, that was the important thing right now. She swallowed again and tapped the E-mail off. Slowly she walked away from the computer and into their bedroom... it usually felt like it was only her bedroom though.

She laid out on the comfortable two person bed. They'd moved here only three months ago. And he'd only slept in here once before they called him away again. She shook her burning red hair out so it was splayed all over the white pillows, a stark contrast if any one saw one. Staring at the ceiling blankly she thought to herself, Why'd I marry him again? It was a horrible question. She hadn't meant to ask it but it ate at her mind often when she was alone.

It was just the loneliness talking. Yes, it was. She reassured herself, but then she'd think really hard and try to remember what she saw in this young Army boy.

Her mind rolled back a few years, they were in their last year at high school. Come to think of it she'd known him since the beginning of middle school ... but they'd only started dating in their first year of High. About to graduate, she remembered clearly now. He was young but more mature then boys his age. While other guys were talking about girls, vacations and hang out dates he was the one thinking further ahead.

What career he'd take. If he wanted a family. If he could afford to start a family.

Those were most of his thoughts, she remembered him telling her so.

It was the night before graduation. They were sitting on his back porch swing. The summer breeze flowed over them, bringing forth vacation time. Fanny swallowed as more tears threatened to rise at the memory.

"Hey Fanny? What do you wanna do after collage?" He'd asked simply, easily. He was always so direct.

She shrugged, she was always so brash and sudden, "Beat's me. Dun't really see much options." Her accent was prominent when it was just them. He'd said he liked it.

He smiled at her, that beautiful quick smile, "I figured you'd want to take over your father's business.'

She shrugged again and pushed her fiery hair out of her face, "Maybe, later. I dunno what I want really."

His eyes flashed over her, he was silent for a moment. Fanny wonder what he was thinking. The stars were twinkling that night, brighter then she ever remembered seeing them. Fanny hadn't said it out loud but she was afraid. Terrified actually. Of the future, of losing him, them, after high school. She didn't want to think of going down separate roads.

For as long as she could remember she was a lonely girl that few people got close to because of her dangerous temper and explosive attitude. Patton was the only one with the guts to try and succed. She didn't want him to fade away.

"I have some things in mind." He leaned back casually.

Fanny watched him, her green eyes flickering over his serene face. She would miss him. If he went away.

"I dun't want ya to go away." She suddenly said out loud.

Patton opened his dark blue eyes and looked at her face. She remembered her expression being sullen and red.

"Fan?" He sat up straighter, now completely focused on her sadness, "I'm not going to go away." He spoke gently. Fanny remembered how his voice alone felt like it reached out and hugged her. She remembered sniffing. Tears welling up, her heart's fears coming out then.

"Fanny, is that what your thinking?"

She nodded pitifully. Not wanting to look at him.

He reached out and pushed her frizzy hair out of her face, "Fanny, look at me a minute."

She did.

"I... wasn't sure when to do this, I thought after graduation but-" He reached into his side pocket and pulled out a little black box, "Marry me?"

Fanny's heart had stopped, her eye widened then blurred when she saw the beautiful small diamond ring as he opened the little magic box. She clasped her hands together and looked at him.

He smiled gently back.

"You-you mean that?" She choked out not realizing her tears were falling.

He nodded firmly, "If your willing to start the next stage in our lives together."

Fanny remembered now, clearly her answer. She had practically strangled him in tears and hugs and kisses, answering over and over, yes, yes, YES!

That's where it went. They were engaged for two years before the wedding day.

The young woman smiled to herself closing her eyes. THAT had been some wedding day. She was ready to soil herself out of fear and nervousness.

Her Mother was trying to calm her down in that little room she was pacing in. Her wedding dress was tight and fit beautifully flourishing out from the waist. She'd chosen a light green instead of the traditional white. Why? She recalled now, with a slight chuckle, because she wanted to stand out. To be different, to kick order in the butt. Always the rebel, even in a dress.

"Fanny dear, Calm down! Ye'll sweat yer makeup off!" Her mother tried to calm her.

Fanny wasn't listening, "What if we're not ready, what if I'm not ready? What if he expects somethin' from me that I don't have?! What if we can't hol' our own financially?! What if-"

"FANNY!"

Fanny stopped short, staring at her mother.

"He loves ya right?"

She nodded.

"Yoo love him, right?

She nodded again.

"Then? There's nothin' to worry 'bout sweet pea, you'll be fine. Thas all that matters."

Fanny smiled now. Yes, her mother was right that's all they needed.

She bit her lip as the music started. She took her father arm and he lead her into the main room. Her stomach swirled, the uncertainties clouded back. The what if's flew through her mind.

Then she saw him. Standing there, tugging at his black tie. He never was comfortable in formal attire. He saw her coming and stopped fidgeting. His face broke out into a huge grin. Her heart beat faster. The fears and worries vanished instantly. He and her was all that mattered.

"Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Fanny swallowed and bit her lip, looking at him. She knew the answer. Everyone knew the answer. Why would they all be here if that wasn't the answer?

"I do."

They'd said it! Fanny felt her heart overflow and practically threw herself at him. The crowd gasped, some aw'ed, the minister looked away with an 'oh my'.

Cheers went up. They were married.

Finally.

Fanny giggled to herself. She forgot it was only her in the white walled bedroom. She loved him. That's why she married him. He loved her, that's why she was here. She sat up, the bed creaking under her movements.

Her hair puffed out wildly. He loved it when it did that.

She was being selfish. Many woman gave up their husband in this line of work and survived. She would too. But that didn't mean she had to wait in loneliness.

She stood up and walked quietly back to her computer. She looked at the time, it shouldn't be too late over there.

She typed into Skype.

Hello? Patton, are you there?

No answer.

She waited a few more minutes. Still nothing. She sighed, oh well, maybe he's asleep. They go to bed early there and wake up for drills early.

She waited a little while more, clinging to the hope that he will answer.

Sigh.

She moved the cursor to click off.

Bring!

She smiled, her face brightening.

Hey Heart, what's up? I miss you.

She smiled bigger.

I miss you too. What time is it?

She waited.

2:00 in the morning.

Her eyes flashed concern.

Then why are you talking to me?

Because I love you. Duh.

She laughed softly to herself. Same sweet Patton.

Did you get my e-mail?

The question caught her off guard before she answered. Did she get it? Yes, and she nearly cried over it.

Yep.

She wasn't sure what else to say. The conversation came to a halt for a minute, both waiting to see if the other would answer.

I'm Sorry Fan. I really would rather be home with you but- you know they need me here.

She took a deep sigh, it's ok, it's all right, she was fine with it.

I need you more.

Shoot! Why did I type that? She mentally cursed her self. Now I'm makin' him feel guilty an' sad. I'm such a selfish brat!

I know.

She bit her lip, Dang it, now yer gonna cry. No Dun't. She hated her self even more now. Selfish!

I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. When are you coming home?

She took in a shaky breath, waiting to see what he would say.

One minute. Two. Four. Six! Why is he takin' so long ta answer? She began to panic internally.

Fanny.

Only her name?

Yes?

You know I love you right?

Silly question. She nodded, forgetting he couldn't see her.

Of course. You tell me so any chance you get. Why else did you marry me?

She could feel his warm smile spread as he read those words. Somehow imagining his smile made her feel better, and able to take on whatever news he had.

Then please remember, no matter what ok.

She frowned. What was he gettin' at? She waited. He must be thinking of how to write whatever news he had for her. That means it must be bad! She gritted her teeth, Oh Pat.

I'm not coming home for six more months.

There, straight, no extra words, no maybes. Just it. That's it.

She wasn't going to lie she started crying. Damn it all! She was bawling all over her keyboard!

Patton must have know she was because his next words came fast.

Fanny. Please Heart, don't cry. Your stronger then that. I'll be home in time for... something. I love you, don't forget ok.

She wiped away her streaming tears.

It's fine.

She lied through the screen. It wasn't like he did this on purpose. Stop being'selfish! She yelled at herself.

Really, I'll be all right. I'll just hang out with the girls no biggie.

No message for a full minte.

Ok. I'll call you when I can.

She bit her lip. When he can...

Ok.

She thought for a moment.

I love you.

A quick reply

Love you too.

Sign off.

She let out a deep sigh that seemed to come from her toes. She wished she could at least see him. Maybe she could go and... oh forget it Fanny.

She clicked off the screen and walked towards the front door. Quickly she grabbed her sweater and keys and left the lonely house without looking back.

He'll come home. She said to herself. And I'll be waiting. She sighed again. That didn't mean she couldn't miss him.