-nodding his head, he presses his lips to hers for another brief moment as she pulls back before his small smile sits on his lips, it not reaching his eyes- Three to four, depending on what happens. M'not not too sure of which. But I'll be back before you know it. Then it just deploys on when I get deployed. Though coming back to Kingston will be a little harder now.

-she leans back for a moment, looking up at him. unsure of how to say what she’s thinking, she just leans up into him and presses a kiss to his lips, having missed the closeness that came with it over these past days-

-pulling away a few moments later, she just sighs softly, refusing to allow even the smallest of spaces between them- …S’only four weeks. I mean, this is just training, right? You’ll be home soon enough.

Sounds like a nice plan to me. Just see the family one last time. It'll be nice.

‘Course. Dinner at the Reynolds’ before you ship off? I bet Zac won’t mind one bit. And if he does, I’ll hit him.

… Eh. Agree to disagree.

-arms tightening around her as he brings his lips to the top of her head, holding her against himself, not willing to ever let go though they still have a little while together before he leaves- Nothing to apologize for. I should have guessed. But we've still got some time.

-though the tears have been a near constant threat for the last few weeks, only now does she allow herself a few moments of weakness, the tears slipping over her eyes as she rests her head against his chest. when she finally speaks, the words come out jittery, slightly broken by the small sobs- I w-will… Promise.

-feeling his arms move around her waist, hers all but fling around his neck, pulling him close as she suddenly hates herself for being angry with him for so long- M’sorry.. M’really, really sorry.

Perhaps you should make time to explain all before I disappear for a while.

Probably a wise move on my behalf if that's the case. Though most would say I'm good in that retrospect.

S’all about politics, unfortunately.

‘Course. Military is where boys become men, anyways. You could use it.

-not wanting to interrupt, one hand comes up to sit over hers, taking hold of it in his and squeezing her hand, him shaking his head at her words, knowing he'll do whatever in his power to make sure he returns home safely to his family- I'll come back when I can, in tiptop shape, and everything'll be fine. You just take care of yourself, and Lizzie, and don't worry about me. It'll be fine.

-his arms wrapping around her waist softly, he offers her his own small smile- I love you too. More than anything.

-biting her lower lip, she just nods some before walking over to him. in spite of the weeks of near silence behind them, she reaches up with shaky hands and gently takes his face between her hands, thumbs running over his cheekbones- … You aren’t allowed to die, okay? You aren’t. Because I need you too much to lose you like that, and I just- I survived losing everyone else. But I won’t with you. I know I won’t.

-in spite of the tears in her eyes, she forces a small smile and pulls him closer- I.. I love you. 

Ah, now I understand. Gotta play the politics side of it too, huh?

Thanks, Han. Means a lot. Gunna be a big change, but I think it'll be good for me.

That too. But it’s bad for Queen of the Jungle to play favorites, so I can’t make it obvious, y’know?

Ah. Well, I mean congratulations. That’s a big step, but, er … I think you’ll do great.

-clenching his jaw, he nods, wishing he could have told her himself but knowing there were little options for that- Come through this morning. A little short notice, but it was coming sometime. Just wish you hadn't found out this way.

-running a hand through her hair, she looks up at him with tired eyes, resisting the urge to just turn and walk away- So I saw the letter.

Here was me just thinking it's because you liked me too much to off me just yet.

You'd be correct there. Letter came through this morning. I have officially resigned from Kingston. 

Precisely. And this is why you survive another day.

… Oh? Is this what Faye was talkin’ about earlier? The whole military thing, I mean.

-filing away some of the last paperwork he's been working on for the past hour, his head turns to look at Faye, the slightest of smiles pulling up at his lips before disappearing, closing the filing cabinet to focus his attention on her- Hey.. I didn't see you this morning.

-having been pacing in the hall outside, she eventually breathes a heavy sigh before leaning around the door of the Guard’s Station, not needing to look up to know he’s there- ….Hey.

I do. Why'd you think it leaves half of the people here trembling in their boots?

Not exactly a side project and not exactly little. Very shortly Kingston will be none of my worries.

Well, and because my roar is the loudest. You know how it goes.

Busy, huh? Kingston’s been so quiet these days, though. Got a little side project goin’ on?

all too soon | solo

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country” 

One month. One month was all it took to turn Jasper's life on its side and then back again. The past two weeks had practically been lived in silence, words hardly being exchanged between him and Faye bar the odd apology that would slip out of his mouth. Not because he regretted his decision, but because he had sprung it on her, expecting her to be fine with his choice. He wan't quite sure what possessed him to rush into such a thing, but what was done was done and he would always have to look forward to this new chapter in his life.

That being said, the man did not expect the training letter to come through the post as soon as it did. The crisp envelop easily teared open as he read the formal letter inside, his stomach dropping for the slightest of moments. The 15th of April would soon come around and on that date he would be sent away for training, his deployment overseas to come shortly afterwards. 

Leaving the letter laying around on the kitchen side for anyone to see, he stalked off to the computer, quickly writing a short resignation letter to Kingston Row Institute before printing it off and placing it in an envelop of its own. Little explanation was given to why he was quitting, but his work colleges would no doubt find out where he was going. Joe would all but force the information out of him.

Faye and Lizzie being out at daycare, he grabbed his Jeep keys and moved out of his home, locking up the small building before making his way to Kingston, for the last time in God knows how long.

Well lets face it, they'd love you for the bountiful mean you'd provide them. No wonder you're Queen in their eyes. 

M'glad to hear it, Han. And I've not been too bad. Just busy. Very busy.

Forgiven— though I may feed you to the jaguars later. I been real good, Jasper! Real good. You?

You'll have to forgive this peasant for not realizing. How've you been recently?

Well … I mean … yes. Hell yes.

Queen of the Jungle, huh?

Shazam. Queen of the Jungle is headed out for the night— ‘less anyone needs somethin’?

Then don't know. It'll probably keep you out of trouble that way.

Parties aren’t really my thing. 

You don't sound all too happy about that.

A party? -groans- 

-biting the inside of his cheeks, he stands there just watching her, at this point not exactly sure what she means and what she doesn't, he moves backwards to lean against the door frame- I can ring your dad to bring you home, if you prefer.

-knowing she doesn’t really mean the awful things she’s thinking, she goes ahead with them anyway, never one to stop herself- Then you leave. You get out and you go, because I won’t let you turn our lives into this! You leave!

-moving over to her bed, she begins shoving her clothes into a duffel bag, she speaks with a trembling tone- In fact, you better just get out of my sight because I-.. I don’t even want to look at you right now.