Chapter 36

Santana's POV

"I don't know how to thank you James"

I step into the living room whilst wheeling my suitcase along the hardwood floor and stand beside the comfy leather couch, waiting for James to walk back in. As he does he smiles gently at me and gestures to take a seat which I do whilst he switches off the television before sitting opposite me with curious eyes. I know he wants to know what's going on, I mean I'm here in his living room with a suitcase of all my shit.

I open my mouth thinking of what to say but close it when James chuckles lightly "Santana, you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to" He breathes and I sigh with a small smile, looking down at my terrible manicured nails, making a reminder to get my nails done.

"I do want to tell you, you've welcomed your home to me. I think I owe you an explanation—"

"You are always welcome here-you know that" He smiles and reaches out for my hand which I let him take. "You do not owe me anything sweetheart. You are my daughter's girlfriend, her best friend—my house and arms are always welcome to you" He confesses with a gentle smile making me breathe out a smile and a thank you.

James glances at my suitcase and then back to my eyes where I can see concern but understanding in his bright blue eyes. His eyes remind me of Brittany's, they're just so blue to the point where I can actually see my own reflection in them. "Can I offer you something to drink? Maybe something to eat? I was actually thinking of ordering takeout" He suggests with a smile and I can't believe how lucky I am, I have a loving, amazing girlfriend with a dad who is just as amazing.

"Coffee is great" I claim and he nods before getting up and hobbling to the kitchen. In a split second I hear little paddles on the floor and look down to see a ball of blonde fur and a floppy pink tongue. A smile instantly appears on my face as my hand comes down to give Charlie a good scratch and stroke. This dog is Brittany's pride and Joy, she's stuck with her when her Mother left, when I left and when her whole senior year went down the drain. Charlie's big brown eyes boar up at me and into my soul, it's like they're telling me something. I feel like Charlie is telling me that everything is going to be okay, I'm going to stay here for a bit until I can get back on my feet and then when Brittany gets back it will all be okay.

Charlie's tail pummels the floor and her tongue flaps out of her mouth as I stare into her eyes with a smile. "You take two sugars in your coffee right?" James asks causing me to snap my head up to meet his eyes with a smile.

"Yeah that's right" I breathe as he passes me the warm cup "Thanks James". James takes a seat and we sit there for a solid 5 minutes just talking about anything and everything. It's nice to know that he misses Brittany just as much as I do, and that he hasn't got a letter yet. I wouldn't say I'm paranoid or eager I just want to know how my girlfriend is doing. But yet again, it has only been one day.

"So you don't mind staying in Brittany's room do you?" He asks and I raise my eyebrows with the shake of my head.

"James, I'd happily sleep on the couch" I laugh making him shake his head and wave me off with a playful smile.

"You know I would never allow that" He laughs with a pointed look and I roll my eyes with a grin. "Would you like me to help you with your suitcase?" He asks, pointing to my black case and I kindly refuse his offer because hello, I'm like way strong. After that gym session with Brittany and all the sex we have, my muscles have developed and defined greatly. Before I even consider going upstairs I sit with James for a little while and listen to him talk so passionately about his favourite Television show, Mash. I can only withstand half an hour before departing to my girlfriend's bedroom and somehow it looks so lonely and cold. Her broken bed seems icy like if I was to get under it, it would feel like I'm lying on a sheet of ice. The room is clean and it's weird not seeing a pair of mine or Britt's underwear thrown somewhere, the only thing that brings life to this place is the half-naked Megan Fox on the wall.

My eyes narrow as I stare at the very attractive model on the poster, for some strange reason it really aggravates me that it is there. I get that Brittany bought it when she was younger as her hormones were all over the place as was mine, but now, we're together and I don't want her looking at other women. Even if it is a poster. God I sound so sad, what is wrong with me? Brittany isn't fucking here!

I unzip my suitcase and begin to put my clothes in Brittany's drawers and wardrobe, smiling gently to myself as I imagine this is what it will look like when we move in together, our clothes neatly folded next to each other, our toothbrushes in the same pot, Just everything. Brittany and I, that's my dream. My phone ringing and vibrating on the edge of the blonde's bed brings me out of my little vision and I look down to see an unknown number. My brow furrows when I wonder who would be calling me but then my eyebrows raise and my eyes lighten when I think that it could be Brittany. I don't think I've moved faster as I lunge for the phone and put it too my ear.

"Hello?" I say eagerly, waiting to hear who it is secretly praying that it is my gorgeous girlfriend on the over line. I'm certain that if I was to hear her angelic voice it would make my day, the day that has been extremely shitty.

"Hi baby" Comes and I let out a breath as my eyes close unconsciously when I hear her voice. My heart starts to beat faster and my palms become sweaty as I picture Brittany's beautiful face and her bright blue eyes.

"B-Britt? Oh my god, Baby I've missed your voice!" I exclaim and hear her chuckle lightly over the receiving line.

"I've missed your voice too, the whole of you. I'm missing you so much San" She breathes and my eyes close as I swallow a tiny lump forming in my throat.

"Ugh god what I would do to kiss you right now!" I laugh and smile when she giggles, I love her little giggles.

"It won't be too long until I can kiss you, hold you and other things—"She hums and I know she's smirking which causes me to roll my eyes playfully "—Hey! Don't roll your gorgeous brown eyes at me" She comments knowingly and my jaw drops.

"Okay, 1 to you Sergeant Pierce" I rasp out with a grin upon hearing the blonde whimper slightly, I could get lucky and maybe get some dirty talk into this phone conversation. My body has definitely missed the blonde I mean we were having occasional sex and by occasional I mean every day. I know it's only been one day but one day feels like a whole month.

Just as I'm about to ask how she is and what she's up to I head a "Pierce, we're all set up". Swallowing, I clear my throat to get the blondes attention back on me as I hear her mumble a reply in a stoic and professional tone, nothing like she uses with me.

"Britt?" I question and hear her let out a tiny sigh, it was tiny but I still heard it and I frown in response. "What's wrong?" I ask with worry laced in my tone, I never know what's going to happen out there in Afghanistan but I know it's not going to be good so of course I'm worried.

"I'm being sent out today, I wanted to ring you before just in ca—"

"What? In case you don't come back?" I ask a little too harshly than I intended too

"No in case I'm out there longer than planned and I don't get to write or ring you. I don't want to worry you" She claims and I swallow, a wave of guilt running through me as I sigh.

"Britt I'm sorry, I'm just stressed with everything that's going on here and there with you" I sigh and freeze when I realise what I said. That was the last thing I wanted to do, worry Brittany even more when she has enough on her plate.

"What's going on there?" She asks and I shake my head, do I tell her now or through a letter? Maybe over the computer when she has some free time, not right before she's about to go out on a mission.

"It's nothing important babe, just focus on your tasks there" I pose and smile when she hums before I hear some rustling and a little grunt.

"Sorry, I was just putting on my gear" She croaks out a little probably from the weight of everything she has to wear.

"So what's this operation?" I question, already knowing that the blonde can't tell me because of multiple reasons, something to do with the contract and keeping people safe.

"You know I can't tell you that babe, but hopefully it will be a short one so I can get back to the base and give you a call." She mentions and I look at my feet with a smile, already looking forward till the day when I get a phone call off my girl.

I go to talk but stop and frown when a sharp shooting pain runs across my stomach causing me to grip it and gasp in pain. "San? Baby you okay?" Brittany asks but all I can do is bite my lip in pain as my stomach cramps in the most painful way.

"Y-Yeah" I stutter out with my eyes squeezed shut "Just- My period cramps are being an absolute bitch" I add and inhale deeply before exhaling and opening my eyes, relieved that the feeling in my stomach has died down a little. What the fuck was that? I've never had period pains like that, especially when I'm not even on my period. Must be pre-period pains.

"Take some painkillers, I don't want you in pain—" She doctors and I smile at her being so caring "—Listen baby I gotta go but I promise you that when I get back I will give you a call or even skype you—Say hi to my pop and Olivia for me babe" She continues and I sigh, wondering when I'll be able to speak to her again.

"Okay, Britt? Please be careful" I plead.

"I will San—I love you!" She shouts and I grip the phone hard as I breathe.

"I love you too"

The phone goes dead as well as my grip on the phone, sending it falling to the ground. I don't even look at it I just slowly turn around and gently lay myself down on Brittany's side of the bed. She always sleeps on the right and has done since she was 11. Sighing, I bury my face into the pillow and shudder when I can smell her, I smell her coconut shampoo and I love it. A smile graces my face as I gently weave my way under the comfy duvet and close my eyes, thinking about the next time I get to see Brittany.

Sleep doesn't come easily though because the little sharp shooting pain returns but this time with waves of nausea, luckily I don't feel the need to be sick just yet. My grip on Brittany's pillow tightens as does the one on my stomach as I slowly ease into unconsciousness.

Only 3 months, that's all…

Brittany's POV

Sighing, I throw the black brick that is referred to as a telephone onto my cot before hurling my rucksack over my shoulders and preparing myself mentally before I walk out of this tent and to my troop. I need to be in the correct mind-set to lead those soldiers out there to victory, I need to fight to survive. Nodding to myself, I head out of the tent and squint my eyes under the harsh light from the sun, making my way over to my troop of soldiers standing next to the vehicles.

Corporal Joe Becker notices me and throws me a wave, alerting the other soldiers to look my way and straighten up. A smirk graces my face when Amy subtly throws Joes arm off her shoulders before I reach them.

"Good morning guys and girls. How are we feeling this s'morning?" I ask in common courtesy, just trying to ease everyone's nerves because I can cut them with a knife they're that thick. Everyone mumbles but confidently send me a smile, besides Private Parker who bites her lip nervously and plays with her Interceptor body Armor. Clearing my throat, I glance at everyone "I hope you all had a good sleep, I need you all ready for today. You've obviously been briefed on the assignment but when we arrive at the RV point I will go over it one last time" I explain and go through one of my pockets on my jacket to pull out three maps. "Here are three maps of the town where we're attacking, I have took the time to circle certain points where there is high enemy movement and points where we can take cover" I add, looking at all of the soldiers faces to see if they're following which they are so I continue. "I'm confident about this okay? That's all we need, confidence and of course weapons" I joke hoping to raise their spirits and what would you know? It works.

I hum as I take a look at all the vehicles in front of us and contemplate which would be the best for this certain operation. Joe comes up beside me and folds his arms over his chest. "What you thinking? The mastiff?" He suggests and I shake my head, the mastiff is a heavily armoured, 6 x six-wheel-drive patrol vehicle which carries 10 troops plus crew members so 12. It's the most chosen vehicle when deploying out on large operations as these wheeled patrol vehicles have a less intimidating profile than tracked vehicles and give commanders on the ground in Afghanistan more options to deal with the threats they are facing. However if a mortar strikes we are all wiped out as we'll be all crammed into one.

Shaking my head, I look at the wolfhound a six-wheeled variant of the acclaimed Mastiff, but instead of carrying 12 troops it carries 6. Just like the Mastiff it provides troops with increased protection as they support missions in high-threat areas.

"We're going with the wolfhounds" I announce making everyone look at me "The wolfhound is structured to be protected against small arms, land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Runs about 65mph so it is fast. The Wolfhound is armed with a 7.62 GPMG self-defence weapon and the normal fit of radio and electronic equipment" I explain as I try to remember everything about this certain protected patrol vehicle.

When you go up in the ranks you are expected to know details about each and every vehicle, each piece of Armor and weaponry. Not to forget I have to know how to read coordinates and as I'm a sergeant and have to lead my troop in the right direction. "Is there any objections? Are we all happy with the vehicle choice?" I call out, scanning each face to see if there are any qualms and I'm glad there isn't. "Okay, so the wolfhound carries 6 troops, so I'm going to split us up. In one vehicle I want Corporal Reid, Private Mills, Private First Class Larsen- uh, Specialist Shaw, Private First Class Todd and Corporal Wolfe."

They all look at each other and nod professionally before I glance at Private Parker who plays with her fingers. "That means that Private Carr, Corporal Becker, Specialist Scott, Private Johnson and Private Parker you are with me" I assert and throw a set of keys to Corporal Wolfe who catches it with a smile. "I will lead, you just follow me until I stop when we arrive outside the radius." I add and load all of the stuff onto the vehicle, and by stuff I mean weapons, rucksacks, MRE's and technical equipment in case we need support. Hopping into the driver seat of the armoured vehicle, I look behind my shoulder at the interior at the back. There is 4 dirty tanned seats, two on the right side of the vehicle and two on the left side with a compartment on top of the roof where the gunner is manned. Soldiers pile in and there is not a lot of space, width and length wise as the tighter and more compact it is the safer and faster it is. Joe takes the passenger seat as Amy sits next to Private Parker who is opposite Private Johnson and Specialist Scott.

I'm given the go ahead and start up the vehicle before pulling out of the FOB and driving off on a sand road. Behind me follows my troop as I lead them to Marja, one of the most dangerous towns in the whole of Afghanistan. Last night whilst I was meant to be sleeping I was calculating the distance and it's going to take us roughly around 30-45 minutes to get there. The cruel sun beats down, its one malevolent eye unblinking, and the sky it's co-conspirator with not even a wisp of cloud to soften the harsh rays.

"I heard you talking to Santana, how is she?" Joe asks and I look at him with a small shrug trying to contain my smile but it's no use, whenever someone mentions her name I smile. I clear my throat and grip the large black steering wheel a little tighter as I drive through plains of dust and sand, surveying the emptiness on the outskirts.

"She's good, worried but isn't everyone? I just rang to hear her voice and tell her that I'm being sent out" I state and look in the rear view mirror to see if half my troop is still following me, which they are so I look back at the road but not before my gaze locks onto Private Parkers. She swallows as she stares into my Blue eyes and I look away when Joe starts talking again.

"It's so weird, knowing that you have a girlfriend now and that you won't be that old dog I knew and loved" He laughs with a playful wink causing me to shake my head with a chuckle.

"I'm still the same person Joe, I just won't fuck any girl with a pulse this time" I reason and clearly didn't say it quieter as I expected because I hear Private Johnson laugh.

"Wait, so you're the womanizer everyone keeps talking about?" He smirks and I clench my jaw, I know I shouldn't let it get to me but my past makes me feel ashamed because I have a beautiful girlfriend who didn't go off the rails like I did…

I keep my eyes on the road as I clear my throat, feeling everyone's eyes on me waiting for an answer. "I'm not that person anymore" I state simply, and I know they get the jest that I don't want to talk about it so they drop it. It's completely silent as I accelerate on the bumpy sand roads, besides the sound of the heavy wheels dragging on the rocks. Until I overhear a conversation that makes me frown.

"So what about you green eyes? You got anyone at home?" Private Johnson purrs with a smirk as he runs his eyes down the young girl's body, licking his lips in approval. I glance up at the rear view mirror and watch the interaction between the both of them, Private Parker fiddling nervously and uncomfortably as Private Johnson smirks and licks his lips.

"Uh-I um—" She stutters making Private Johnson roll his eyes and raise his bushy eyebrows.

"Well? Come on, spit it out!" He urges and I narrow my eyes as Private Parker practically cowers into her seat, gripping her rifle a little tighter than before. Before I process anything my mouth starts talking.

"Private Johnson, don't you think you should be thinking about this assignment instead of harassing Private Parker?" I assert harshly, watching him swallow and avert his eyes from PVT Parkers quickly.

"Yes Sergeant" He mumbles and looks to the side as I smirk slightly. Private Parker meets my eyes again but this time she's smiling, it's a grateful smile. Sending her a little nod, I look back at the road in front of me and shuffle slightly as we come in sight with the town. Slowly, I stop the vehicle on the outside where a flimsy brick wall smothered in a layer of dust is protecting the perimeter. By the looks of it this brick wall runs all over the town and the way in is to climb over it, but then my senses kick and I realise that there is probably underground tunnels where the Taliban's enter.

"Specialist Scott, get a visual on the enemy" I order and hear the soldier shuffle with his L115A3 sniper rifle in his hands as he peers out of the top of the vehicle. This is where it gets real now, we are about to invade enemy territory. Specialist Scott comes back down and lets out a breath as he looks at me.

"Two on the building to the right, one guarding the tunnel to our right and one on the left. From the looks of it, they're scattered about but I can take out the guards" he informs and I hum, pursing my lips and itching the side of my face.

"They're waiting for us, they know that we're coming and they are prepared." I smile bitterly, clever bastards. "No breaching, the best way to approach this is to go underneath them. We take them out one by one, clear?" I instruct with raised eyebrows and they all nod.

"Wait?" Says Private Johnson and I let out an impatient sigh "What do you mean underneath them?" He asks and I nod.

"There's tunnels either side of the town, I'm guessing they gain entrance into the town but as you can see they're slightly lower than the brick wall meaning that it's on lower grounds. If we go in that direction it will save us alerting every enemy in there and being under gun fire." I explain whilst taking off my belt and gathering myself.

My eyes drift over every soldiers' face here and nod, Private Amy Carr seems confident I mean she has already been deployed, Private Johnson looks nervous but he's covering it well, Specialist Scott seems excited, Corporal Joe Becker is like me, calm and situated and Private Parker—Private Parker is physically shaking but she's smiling.

"We can do this!"

We all exit the vehicle that is not in enemy sight and walk up to the other wolfhound that holds the remainder soldiers in my troop. They all jump out and I explain to them exactly what I said to the other soldiers, watching as they take it all in and understand.

"The hard part now is-"I breathe and turn around so I'm looking at the town, or well the outside. "There's two tunnels, do we split and a group of you take the left and another the right or we all stick together and go through one of the tunnels?" I propose with a hum, contemplating which would be the best idea. Half of these soldiers here haven't been deployed before meaning that they are all new to this, and we've been assigned the hardest operation out of all of them for our first one.

"It's your call serge" Joe reminds and I nod, moving my m-16 rifle so it's placed on my chest and not the back of my shoulder.

"We go in together, if we need to split we will." I claim and look at Specialist Scott. "I want you to cover us, be the overhead watcher and take out any enemy in sight. Enter with us and then find a suitable position that gives you an overall view, understood?" I command and he nods, sticking his chin out at me as he clears his throat with his rifle in his hand.

I sigh loudly and crack my neck from left to right before getting into position, a crouching position to eliminate any noise that could be made. I think of Santana and remember that I need to do this for her, I need to do this so I can get home and hold her again.

"Let's go!"

HEYY Guys! How are you? I hope you all had a good Christmas and a happy new year's! I know I did ;] So this was mixed POV chapter and I really enjoyed writing it. What did you think? I know it wasn't that long but… I am planning to write a shit long chapter next, I've already started writing it. Next chapter will be Brittany and her troop on the operation, clearing out the deadly town. I'm excited to write it! Anything you want to see? Like an IED going off and blowing up one of the soldiers legs or I don't know anything haha. So Santana is staying with James since that was what the majority of you wanted. Any of you notice Santana's stomach pains, do you think they're period cramps? ;] I want to say thank you for all your lovely reviews and PM's, you guys are awesome. Why don't you guys like Private Parker haha? She's just scared and don't worry I won't make her a threat, I promise. I'm hoping to get the next chapter up soon but I start back at college on Monday *Moment of Silence* so I'm gonna be so busy with work but I shall not neglect you! Hahaha. Till next time, and oh yeah remember up for any suggestions guys, we gotta start thinking about their futures huh? ;]