#Helen Fletcher

[bewitchingkitchen]

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE LOVE

Today I share three delicious recipes that center on that dreamy ingredient that almost every human being loves: chocolate. I have known a few members of our species who claim to “hate” chocolate, and my hope is that they get their genomes sequenced to solve the mystery. Anyway, I digress. The first recipe comes from my favorite baker-instructor-guru, Helen Fletcher. These are beyond amazing and…

[sleepyconfusedpotato]

Thinking of inserting Ruby and Garnet (Jade's parents) in the "Hunting Season" the mission where the team had to aid the SAS to destroy the scud launchers and earn their trust to raid the palace 👀👀

Imagine you're Marshall, Adler, and Case - war veteran and seasoned soldiers - expecting to meet Park from MI6, only to be introduced to two 24-year-olds to tag along with them.

---

Adler : "Park, I thought you're riding solo for MI6?"

Park : "They're extras. From Fletcher. This is Garnet, and this us Ruby."

Adler : "..."

Marshall : "Damn. They're basically babies. What's this Fletcher guy doing sending these two for our back-up?"

Adler : "if Fletcher sent you here, then you must be out for your own thing. We're just your ticket in. Something else inside the palace you want?"

Garnet : "Not particularly, Sir. We're just taking a look."

Ruby : "And we're here to help you as well. The more the merrier."

Marshall : "Heh. Look at the confidence on these two. Fine. You're coming with us, but we're not here to babysit y'all asses."

Garnet : "No need to worry about us, Agent Marshall."

---

At the beginning, they thought that these two were not too shabby. Holding their own, precise aim, sharp reflexes and instincts. They look like they've been holding a gun for as long as they know.

After speaking to Gladney and they had to destroy the Scud launchers, Marshall commanded Garnet and Ruby to go to the Scud launcher on the Satellite Farm Outpost, the one where it's way south while his team will deal with the rest two. Ruby and Garnet nodded.

Each of them proceeded to go on their own way towards the site onboard a vehicle.

---

When Marshall and Co. finally managed to to destroy the scud launcher in the Ridge Outpost, they radio'd Gladney.

Marshall : "We've destroyed one of the scud launcher on the northeast. We're heading west to the second site now."

Gladney : "No need for that, Mate."

Marshall : "...What do you mean?"

Gladney : "It's been taken care of. Park's associates have taken down the other two scud launchers."

Marshall : "That's fucking impossible."

Gladney : "My men told me that the boy and the girl came by themselves to each site. Quite literally tiptoed their way to the scud launchers and detonated it without a single Iraqi soldier knowing."

Marshall : "You gotta be fucking kidding me."

Adler : "Heh. Saved us some ammo. Fletcher trained them well, didn't he, Park?"

Park : "Never doubted him."

---

Ruby and Garnet rendezvoused with Marshall and Co. along with the SAS in front of the palace. Fighting their way towards the palace's entrance, Marshall saw a certain calmness in their faces, holding guns and switching between arms to finish the kill immediately.

As they entered the palace altogether, Marshall turned around to make sure that the babies are still with them, but Ruby and Garnet disappeared into thin-air, nowhere to be found.

Marshall : "Where the fuck are the babies?"

Adler : "On their own mission from MI6. I suggest we leave the Brits with their own business, and we deal with our own."

Marshall : "Tch. Those kids, they give me the creeps."

---

Towards the mission's end, Ruby and Garnet RV'd back at the rooftops, holding their positions until the exfil came. Along with the falling Iraqi heli's from Case's RPG shots, all of them boarded the exfil heli, witnessing the decimation of the palace together.

Park : "Good job you two. As always."

Ruby : "Thank you Ms. Park."

Garnet : *Observes Ruby* "Are you hurt at all?"

Ruby : "Just the usual bruises. You?"

Garnet : "Solid."

Ruby : *Leans on Garnet's shoulder* "We made it another day."

Garnet : "...and tomorrow awaits."

Ruby : "Hey."

Garnet : "Hm?"

Ruby : "When will... all this end?"

Garnet : "..."

Ruby : "The constant call. The bullets. The blood. When will we get to own our flower shop? Like you said?

Garnet. "...I don't know. But we'll live to see it together. I promise."

---

BOOM BOOM 🤯🤯 There it goes!! Just finished watching the BLOPS6 campaign and all I could think about was how to insert Fletcher, Ruby and Garnet in it. I wish they had more missions with MI6 and Gladney (I LOVE GLADNEY)

(I have a HC that Gladney is MacMillan's bestie and they will see little John Price at the SAS recruitment later in time but we'll talk about that later)

Thank you for reading!

[world-of-puppets]

The Puppet Book by Helen Jill Fletcher and Jack Deckter, 1947

[thewheelhouse99]

They all be calling each other.

What are they talking about?

[gameofthunder66]

'The Elephant Man' (1980) film

-watched 6/5/2024- 4 stars- on Pluto tv (free)

92% Rotten Tomatoes

I don't guess I've ever watched this movie before, but I do remember it was highly regarded whenever it first came out.

[balu8]

Maps Mizoguchi

Gotham Academy #7: Curse of the Inishtree Quill

by Becky Cloonan/Brendon Fletcher; Mingjue Helen Chan and Steve Wands

DC

[mediumgayitalian]

hello 😎 i’m jackie!! i have been in the percy jackson trenches since 2013. here again because pjotv is truly that good and also it never left. will be writing some stuff, i’ll tag it as #my writing, and also reblogging a lot from the coolest artist on here (mothmanavenue stans rise up). maybe doing some fic recs too!! who knows!! anyways. all my fics (including tumblr-exclusive ficlets) are linked under the cut :)

my ao3

full length fics are linked here

100 ways to say i love you fics are linked here [ao3]

wips are linked here:

road trip to new rome: 1 2

capture the flag: 1

modern courting: 1 2 3 4 5 6

modern au road trip slowburn [ao3] : 1 2 3 4

naomi solace: art more art 1 2

april fools prank fic: 1

mermaid fic: 1

percabeth pirate au: 1

naomi in hosptial fic: 1 2 3

music first hangout fic second part

fic rec fridays are linked here:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

headcanons:

french braid will

solangelo chores & living together

solangelo gift giving, music, fruit, pop culture, and sweaters

baby will & his siblings (and the tragedy of being the only one left)

big brother will

general will headcanons

the apollo kids

road trip au playlist/songs

ocd will

will solace rizz

lee fletcher appearance

baby will

rip michael yew u would have loved meg mccaffery

road trip fergalicious

will's wandering eyes

big three kids & capture the flag

solangelo as troy & helen

solangelo songs

solangelo line without a hook lyric analysis

nico & percy parallels

there is no hope for may castellan

dumbass dyslexia post

essays:

nico, luke, percy parallels; grief as resistance

unfinished stuff. will i ever finish? who knows. not me:

overworked will/worried everyone else

rly bad drabble

solangelo fight

failed modern courting update

apollo cabin lives

[bewitchingkitchen]

APRICOT CRUMB COFFEE CAKE

Is it a cake? Is it a sweet bread? Is it heaven on a plate? Yes to all! Another amazing recipe from Helen Fletcher, this is a bit involved but absolutely worth it… Slicing through it to reveal the coiled pattern inside is just too cool! APRICOT CRUMBLE COFFEE CAKE(from Helen Fletcher’s Pastries Like a Pro) ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 grams)1 teaspoon active dry yeast3 tablespoons warm waterPinch…

[sleepyconfusedpotato]

Is there any signs of a Black Ops OC? Or maybe any crumbs on Bara?

Hello Anon! (｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ

SO! ☝️In order to celebrate Black Ops 6 Gulf War that will be released this year, I've decided to release an OC of mine that has been brewing for a while now. Believe it or not... These OC's are very, VERY close relatives of Jade 👀

Introducing...

💎 Oscar Fletcher a.k.a The Jeweler💎

You're right, the man who took Jade during her childhood and forged her into the woman she is. The man whose heart and mind is as hard as a diamond, and whose blood and eyes are as cold as ice.

Born in 1934, Fletcher is a special agent of MI6, who got placed into the counter-proliferation division, quickly climbing the ranks due to his sharpness and ability to read the global state of affairs. Due to his ambition, he quickly climbed the ranks of MI6, and found himself in a position where he liked doing what's necessary without any watchful eyes. Fletcher sought the idea of a group of people who could do what is needed quickly and effectively, leaving no trace and no witness left alive. Oscar Fletcher collected a group of the most moldable people in the world, orphaned kids, and forged them into one of the most dangerous groups of people in the world, The Jewels. Fletcher is a colleague of Adler's, and the boss of Helen Park. Fletcher and Adler found themselves engaged in the same idea and mentality, quickly forming an alliance and friendship. In 1990, Fletcher joins Adler in the events of Black Ops 6: Gulf War.

---

There ya go 👀 SURPRISE Jade's handler is the Black Ops OC! He's 56 years old in the events of BOPS6, so 3 years older than Adler.

You can see my crumbs of Fletcher over here and here!

I have an idea of shipping him with Park. We'll see

[hannahhook7744]

Descendants Background Characters Names (Redone) Part 4;

Crysta (Blonde girl), one daughter of Arista (Ariel's sister) and Dylan. Seaside High was in serious danger of overcrowding, so quite a few students were encouraged to attend Auradon Prep instead.

Brian Robinson (glasses guy), son of Lewis and Franny Robinson.

Aqua, one daughter of Aquata (Ariel's sister) and Nexar.

Sitara, daughter of Mowgli and Shanti.

Trevor, the son of Big Nose and Assunta.

Prince Henry (the guy behind Mal and Lonnie), son of King Richard the Lionheart. He's supposed to go to Sherwood High, but he got expelled.

Shira (girl behind Evie), daughter of Ariel's friend, Gabriella. One of the Seaside students who transferred.

Leon du Lac (guy beside Evie) son of Lancelot du Lac and Elaine of Astolat (he's an exchange student).

The girls behind him are Mary and Dorothy, daughters of Tiana's friend, Georgia.

The red head girl under him is Sigrid, daughter of Kai and Gerda.

Adonis Jr aka AJ (right next to Lonnie), son of Adonis and Helen of Troy. His older siblings attend Olympus High, but his father thought he was too nerdy to compete.

Silvie (behind AJ), daughter of Sharma.

The girls below him are Princesses Noelle and Natasha, daughters of Cavin and Princess Calla.

Guy in stripes is named Prince Rowan, son of Wee Dingwall.

Girl in yellow beneath him is Celestina Potts, youngest daughter of Mrs. Potts.

Guy in a blue T-shirt is named Samuel 'Sammy' Sweet, son of Joshua Sweet.

Guy in a yellow T-shirt is named Makaio Bubbles, son of Cobra Bubbles from Lilo and Stitch (Bubbles adopted him from an unsuitable home).

The guy below them is Prince Ajax, son of Prince Thor and Pearl. One of the Seaside transfer students.

The guy next to Makaio is Prince Reynard, son of Princess Willow.

The girl next to him is Princess Wenhua 'Wen', daughter of Yao and Princess Mei, who flat out refused to go to the Imperial Academy.

Guy below her is Johannes Little, son of Little John.

Salvatrix Mim aka Sad Sally Mim, granddaughter of Madam Mim.

Elizabeth 'Lizard' West, daughter of Elphaba and Fiyero (aka the Wicked Witch of the West).

Orlie, daughter of Orddu.

Owena, daughter of Orwen and Bill Jukes (she's the youngest member of Uma's crew).

Morven Mim, aka Mimpathy Morven, grandson of Madam Mim.

Farley-Fletcher Fflam, son of Fflewddur Fflam.

Maureen 'Goo' Yagoobian, Michael 'Goob' Yagoobian.

Murky Maggie Mim, granddaughter of Madam Mim (she has four legs. This may or may not be Dorothy Tremaine's fault).

Ula and Uziel, daughter and son of Uliana.

Shepherd Scaremonger, Aka the Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Ichabod 'Icey' White, son of Snow White and Prince Florian. Along with Princesses Noelle again and Audrey.

Princess Natasha again.

The girl next to her is Rebecca, daughter of Safi.

Felicidad Daniela Ruíz, she's the daughter of one of the Encanto villagers. The boy next to her is Prince Ajax again.

Jonas again.

The girl below him is Adda Slim, daughter of Alameda Slim.

The guy next to Jonas is Morven Mim again.

Dizzy Tremaine.

Guy next to her is Abner, son of Captain Gantu.

Girl next to him is Tara, daughter of King Trevor.

Guy behind her is Blaise, son of Morgie.

Guy in the pirate hat is Sean, the son of the Sherriff of Nottingham (He's a member of Uma's Crew).

The girl behind him is Susan Finkelstein, Dr. Finkelstein's daughter.

The girl next to him is Quinlynn Hearts, daughter of the Queen of Hearts (and member of Harriet Hook's Crew).

 Axel, son of the Huntsman. 

Bathsheba (girl with the bandana), daughter of Ammand the Corsair.

Rummy Bloodbeard (boy behind bandana girl), son of Captain Bloodbeard.

Kevar (Kid in pirate hat next to Bandana girl), son of Marquis de Bouillabaisse.

Daang (First kid in goggles), son of Ed.

Niki (Red Head Girl), daughter of Hecate.

Birger (Kid with green hat), son of Loki.

Desmend (2nd kid with goggles) , son of Ed.

Harlan Alan Never, son of Arika the Mermaid.

Vidal Pezmuerto, son of Señora Pezmuerto.

The girls in the pink dresses next to Uma and Elle are Annika and Raylene Jenkins, the daughters of Coach Jenkins.

------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks @igetthedisneybox and @casinotrio1965 for the help.

[porterdavis]

Fun facts to know and tell

Every film for which Jack Nicholson has won an Oscar has also secured the Best Actress in a Leading Role award: Louise Fletcher for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Shirley MacLaine for Terms of Endearment (1983), and Helen Hunt for As Good as It Gets (1997).

[scotianostra]

On October 4th 1843, Allen Mair was hung for the murder of his wife, Mary Fletcher.

A sad tale for all involved, this is a double hammy, Mair, aged 84, or 85 depending on the source. He became the oldest known person ever executed in Scotland, and the last recorded hanging in Stirling. Not only this, but Allen Mair, who obviously was a man who held his own importance above all others was also noted for his unusually long, bitter scaffold speech, as recorded in Alex Young’s book The Encyclopaedia of Scottish Executions 1750 to 1963.

Before you start feeling sorry for the old guy read on.........

The crime happened at Candie End or Curshort parish of Muiravonside, on the night of Sunday 14th, or morning of Monday the 15th May that year, by” beating her with a stick or other weapon, by which she came by her death”.

In his youth, Mair had worked for the Earl of Selkirk, moving to America where he made a small fortune in the wool trade. Returning to Scotland, most of his money was soon squandered in petty legal squabbles, leaving Mair a poor man and what has been described in one source as misanthropic, in other words, he was a crabbit auld bastard.

Witnesses at the trial testified that Mary Fletcher had been abused by him for years, including being starved as well as placed in a locked box-bed for long periods of time. one said she had visited Mary once or twice a day and that round New Year when she had gone round, Mary had complained of having a sore back and she noticed she was not walking very well. She also stated, in front of Mair, that she had not had any food from him, as he had a habit of keeping the provisions locked so she could not get them. He shouted at her and wished her in hell with her soul burning. It was claimed he starved her frequently, but her neighbours provided her with what food they could spare, but this was always done when he was out. Countless times, Mair was witnessed abusing her.

The witness, a Helen Bennie last saw Mary on 14th May around seven o’clock when she gave her some supper. Soon afterwards she was aware of the sound of blows raining down and Mary crying out. They sounded to her like hammering. She heard Mary say for Mair to stop hitting her and to let her die in peace.

The next morning, having been too afraid to knock on the door, Bennie went round with some tea. It was then she saw Mary in the bed, bruised, blood covering her shirt and her arms bare. There was blood on the bed itself. She offered her the tea while Mair went to the minister’s house.

Mary told her Mair had beaten her. Bennie sent for a police officer and Mair was duly arrested.

Shortly afterwards, Mary died.

While he was incarcerated in the condemned cell with his legs shackled to a chain rooted in the flagstone floor, he refused food for four or five days in protest. He soon gave up. Condemned prisoner Allan Mair appealed to the Secretary of State for Scotland, but it fell on deaf ears with him stating: ‘The law must take its course’. The conviction stood and the night before his execution he heard the scaffold being erected outside and said what a horrible thing it was to be hanged like a dog.

On waking at 5am on Wednesday, October 4, 1843, one of his keepers read the bible to him and later he was visited Rev Mr Stark. Mair told him he was going to address the crowd and tell them how unjustly he had been treated. At 8 o’clock the provost and magistrates entered the Court Hall and Mair was brought in soon afterwards accompanied by two officers as well as the clergymen who had seen to his spiritual guidance. He was seen to be bent almost double and was weeping bitterly. A short passage was read to him form the bible while he rocked himself back and forth. During all of this he kept wringing his hands. Once this was complete, he was offered a glass of wine but refused, stating he would not go into the hands of god drunk.

The executioner then tied Mair’s arms behind him. He complained the ties were too tight. He was brought to the scaffold in Broad Street, but he was weak, so a chair was brought to him.

He shouted at the crowd he was innocent, that he had been ‘unjustly condemned through false swearing’. He cursed those who had convicted him. He paused so the executioner stepped forward and asked him if he was ready. ‘No, sir, I am not done,’ he replied. Mair turned to the crowd again and stated, ‘I have been unjustly accused, falsely sworn against and unlawfully condemned.’ He went on for another five minutes by which time the crowd was becoming impatient

Executed Today web site give part of his rant as...

The meenister o’ the paarish invented lees against me. Folks, yin an’ a, mind I’m nae murderer, and I say as a dyin’ man who is about to pass into the presence o’ his Goad. I was condemned by the lees o’ the meenister, by the injustice of the Sheriff and Fiscal, and perjury of the witnesses. I trust for their conduct that a’ thae parties shall be overta’en by the vengeance of Goad, and sent into everlasting damnation. I curse them with the curses in the Hunner an’ Ninth Psalm: “Set thou a wicked man o’er them” — an haud on thee, hangman, till I’m dune — “An’ let Satan stand at their richt haun. Let their days be few, let their children be faitherless, let their weans be continually vagabonds”; and I curse them a —

At this point the hood was placed over his head and the hangman adjusted the rope round his neck. He was forced out of his chair and while he was still muttering and wasn’t done raging. The old guy got his hands free and grabbed the rope, delaying his strangulation; the slipshod executioner had to fight off his prey’s clutches to hang him.

The last words I can find that he muttered were....

"I pray that God may send his curse upon all connected with my trial - I curse all the witnesses with all the curses of the 109th Psalm."

The decision to hang such an old and probably deranged man horrified many. The Spectator offered mock thanks to Sir James Graham for sending a message of deterrence to Britain's octogenarians. The weekly condemned the hanging as "an act of barbarism... which will stand as an instance of national debasement."

The second pic is from a Broadside entitled 'Execution of Allan Mair, you can read the full transcript on the link below.

https://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/view/?id=14745...

[thatbiologist]

G’eth Character Name Bank

First Names

Masculine Names

Alfred, Andrew, Arlo, Arthur, Balthazar, Barry, Ben, Benedick, Bernard, Burchard, Cedric, Charibert, Crispin, Cyrill, Daegal, Derek, Digory, Drustan, Duncan, Edmund, Edwin, Elric, Evaine, Frederick, Geffery, George, Godfreed, Gregory, Guy, Harris, Harry, Horsa, Hugh, Humphrey, Iago, Jack, Jeremy, John, Kazamir, Kenric, Lawrence, Leoric, Lorik, Luke, Lynton, Lysander, Madoc, Magnus, Maukolum, Micheal, Miles, Milhouse, Mordred, Mosseus, Ori, Orvyn, Neville, Norbert, Nycolas, Paul, Percival, Randulf, Richard, Robert, Roderick, Stephen, Tennys, Theodoric, Thomas, Tristan, Tybalt, Victor, Vincent, Vortimer, Willcock, Willian, Wymond

Feminine Names

Adelin, Alice, Amelia, Beatrix, Beryl, Bogdana, Branwyne, Brigida, Catalina, Catherine, Claudia, Crystina, Deanna, Desdemona, Elaine, Elinora, Eliza, Enide, Eva, Ferelith, Fiora, Freya, Gertrude, Gregoria, Gueanor, Gwen, Gwendolyn, Hannah, Hegelina, Helen, Helga, Heloise, Henrietta, Igraine, Imogen, Jacquelyn, Jane, Jean, Jenny, Jill, Juliana, Juliet, Katie, Leela, Lettice, Lilibet, Lilith, Lucy, Luthera, Luz, Lyra, Malyna, Margherita, Marion, Meryl, Millie, Miranda, Molle, Morgana, Morgause, Nezetta, Nina, Novella, Olwen, Oriana, Oriolda, Osanna, Pamela, Petra, Philippa, Revna, Rohez, Rosalind, Rose, Sallie, Sarra, Serphina, Sif, Simona, Sophie, Thomasine, Tiffany, Ursula, Viola, Winifred, Yrsa, Ysabella, Yvaine, Zelda, Zillah

Gender-Neutral/Unisex Names

Adrian, Alex, Aiden, Arden, Ariel, Auden, Avery, Bailey, Blaire, Blake, Brett, Breslin, Caelan, Cadain, Cameron, Charlie, Dagon, Dana, Darby, Darra, Devon, Drew, Dylan, Evan, Felize, Fenix, Fernley, Finley, Glenn, Gavyn, Haskell, Hayden, Hunter, Jace, Jaime, Jesse, Jo, Kai, Kane, Karter, Kieran, Kylin, Landon, Leslie, Mallory, Marin, Meritt, Morgan, Nell, Noel, Oakley, Otzar, Paris, Peregrine, Quant, Quyn, Reagan, Remy, Robin, Rowan, Ryan, Sam, Samar, Sasha, Sloan, Stace, Tatum, Teegan, Terrin, Urbain, Vahn, Valo, Vick, Wallace, Waverly, Whitney, Yardley, Yarden, Zasha

Surnames

Surnames, Patrilineal - First Name (Patrilineal Surname)

Ace, Allaire, Appel, Arrow, Baker, Bamford, Barnard, Beckett, Berryann, Blakewood, Blanning, Bigge, Binns, Bisby, Brewer, Brickenden, Brooker, Browne, Buller, Carey, Carpenter, Carter, Cheeseman, Clarke, Cooper, Ead, Elwood, Emory, Farmer, Fish, Fisher, Fitzroy, Fletcher, Foreman, Foster, Fuller, Galahad, Gerard, Graves, Grover, Harlow, Hawkins, Hayward, Hill, Holley, Holt, Hunter, Jester, Kerr, Kirk, Leigh, MacGuffin, Maddock, Mason, Maynard, Mercer, Miller, Nash, Paige, Payne, Pernelle, Raleigh, Ryder, Scroggs, Seller, Shepard, Shore, Slater, Smith, Tanner, Taylor, Thatcher, Thorn, Tilly, Turner, Underwood, Vaughan, Walter, Webb, Wilde, Wood, Wren, Wyatt, Wynne

Surnames, Townships in G’eth - First Name of (Location)

Abelforth, Argent Keep, Barrow Springs, Barrowmere, Bedford, Brunhelm, Bumble, Casterfalls, Dunbridge, Falmore Forest, Folk’s Bounty, Frostmaid, Fulstad, Heller’s Crossing, Hertfordshire, Humberdale, Inkwater, Little Avery, Marrowton, Mistfall, Mistmire, Morcow, Necropolis-on-Sea, Otherway, Parsendale, Piddlehinton, Port Fairwind, Redcastle, Ransom, Rutherglen, Saint Crois, Tanner’s Folly, Tavern’s Point, Wilmington

Surnames, Geographical Locations in G’eth - First Name of the (Location)

Cove of Calamity, Deep Woods of Falmore, Eastern Isles, Eastern Mountains, Foothills, Frozen Peak, Lakes, Maegor Cobblestones, Northern Mountains, Southern Isle, Tangle, West Coast, Wild Wild Woods, Woods of Angarad

Surnames, Nickname - First Name the (Something) 

Bald, Bastard, Bear, Bearded, Big, Bird, Bold, Brave, Broken, Butcher, Bruiser, Careless, Caring, Charitable, Clever, Clumsy, Cold, Confessor, Coward, Crow, Cyclops, Devious, Devoted, Dog, Dragonheart, Dreamer, Elder, Faithful, Fearless, Fey, Fool, Friend, Generous, Giant, Goldheart, Goldfang, Gouty, Gracious, Great, Hag, Handsome, Hawk, Honest, Huge, Humble, Hungry, Hunter, Innocent, Ironfist, Ironside, Keeper, Kind, Lesser, Liar, Lionheart, Little, Loyal, Magical, Mercenary, Merchant, Messenger, Old, Orphan, Pale, Polite, Poet, Poor, Prodigy, Prophet, Proud, Reliable, Romantic, Rude, Selfish, Sellsword, Scab, Scholar, Shield, Shy, Singer, Sirrah, Slayer, Slug, Small, Stoneheart, Swift, Tadde, Talented, Tart, Tenacious, Timid, Tiny, Tough, Traveller, Trusted, Truthful, Viper, Wizard, Wolf, Wyrm

[frozen-snowflakesandsunflowers]

Disney 100 ✨🏰🤍

Wishing you all a happy new year and to Disney, a belated 100th anniversary! 🎉

To celebrate Disney’s century milestone, I created an illustration based on 100 of Disney’s most known and loved characters from their respective movies/ series. I’ve included all the ones I’ve known and feel are generally popular but I’m sorry if your personal favourites aren’t here.

This has been in the works for almost four months now but due to many delays I couldn’t finish it on time. So here it finally is!

Out of all these range characters, the hardest to draw was the Cars. I’m not used to drawing cars so I’m not generally good at them (yet). Some of these may look simple and easy to draw but trust me, they’re not 😂.

With drawing the characters and the background, I like to be accurate with the respective style it’s drawn/ animated in and the colours too. But also I wanted to also simplify the 3D ones and add a little depth using shadow to the 2D ones. For example some of these films would have a desaturated grainy effect to it and I wanted to keep that. But finally after months of working on it, it’s completed and I’m happy with it! ✨.

Please, please do check it out on Instagram too:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zahra Sarfraz (@artofzahrasarfraz)

If this link doesn't work, my username is @/artofzafrasarfraz - it's where I put all my drawings up on. Please do share on stories and comment. Much appreciated 🥹🫶🏼🤍

All the 100 characters featured in this piece are listed below:

1927: Trolley Troubles / Oswald The Lucky Rabbit (2022): Oswald

1937: Snow White: Snow White and the Evil Queen

1941: Dumbo: Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse

1942: Bambi: Thumper and Bambi

1943: Private Pluto: Chip and Dale

1944: The Lion King: (Child) Simba

1949: Pinocchio: Pinocchio

1950: Cinderella: Cinderella

1951: Alice In Wonderland: Alice, Cheshire cat and Mad Hatter

1953: Peter Pan: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell

1959: Sleeping Beauty: Aurora and Maleficent

1963: The Sword in the Stone: Arthur Pendragon

1964: Mary Poppins: Mary Poppins

1967: 101 Dalmatians: Cruella De Vil and Patch | Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo

1970: Aristocats: Toulouse, Marie and Berlioz

1973: Robin Hood: Robin Hood

1977: The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh: Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin

1989: The Little Mermaid: Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and Ursula

1991: Beauty And The Beast: Belle

1992: Aladdin: Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie

1993: Steamboat Willie/ Mickey Mouse Series: Mickey & Minnie Mouse | Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas: Jack Skellingtion

1995: Lady and the Tramp: Lady & Tramp | Toy Story: Woody and Buzz Light-year | Pocahontas: Pocahontas

1997: Hercules: Hercules & Megara

1998: Mulan: Mulan | A Bug's Life: Flik

2000: The Emperor's New Groove: Kuzco

2001: Monsters Inc: Sulley, Mike and Mary Gibbs aka Boo

2002: Lilo & Stitch: Lilo and Stitch

2003: Finding Nemo: Nemo and Dory

2004: The Incredibles - Helen Parr aka Elastic girl, Robert (Rob) Parr aka Mr. Incredible, Jack-Jack Parr and Edna Mode

2006: Cars: Lighting McQueen and Tow Mater

2007: Enchanted: Giselle Phillip

2008: WALL - E: Wall-E & Eve | Phineas and Ferb: Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher

2009: The Princess and the Frog: Tiana | UP: Carl Fredricksen and Dug

2010: Tangled: Rapunzel & Flynn Ryder aka Eugene Fitzherbert and Pascal

2012: BRAVE: Merida | Wreck-It Ralph: Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz

2013: Frozen: Elsa, Anna and Olaf

2014: Big Hero Six: Baymax

2015: Inside Out: Joy and Sadness

2016: Moana: Moana | Zootopia (2016): Nick Wilde & Judith (Judy) Laverne Hopps

2017: COCO: Miguel Rivera

2020: Soul: Joe and 22

2021: Luca: Luca | Encanto: Mirabel and Isabella Mardigal | Raya And The Last Dragon: Raya

2022: Red Panda: Mei Lee aka the Red Panda

2023: Elemental: Ember Lumen & Wade Ripple | Wish: Asha and Star

[sjsmith56]

You’ll Never Know

Summary: Non-canon one shot. Bucky meets a Wren on his arrival in Liverpool in June, 1943. This is their story, told in flashback by post-FATWS Bucky.

Length: 5.8 K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, named OFC, Sam Wilson, Steve Rogers, named OMC.

Warnings: Flirty Bucky, jealousy, Bucky dealing with his first HYDRA experience, anxiety.

Author’s notes: See after the story for more to avoid spoilers. Growing up in a family with British veterans of WW2, I was exposed to much of the music of the time. Vera Lynn was a national treasure to the British. You'll Never Know, sung by Vera Lynn.  Words and music by Jean Miles, Paul Robi and Tony Williams.  https://youtu.be/JZtWNlCTc6o?si=b8CQJx98_JmY5rvz. Dividers from vecteezy.com.

There was always a certain level of anxiety present whenever Bucky had to wait for something.  Perhaps it was because of all those years of being forced to be silent and still while he waited for a target to enter the cross hairs.  Or maybe it was just his thoughts overwhelming him and the nervous tics manifesting physically; the sniff of his nose, the intense stare followed by the pulse of muscle in his cheek, or the intense scrutiny of his hands.  It was obvious to Sam that as the private jet got closer to England that Bucky might be reaching the point where he would change his mind about this meeting.

"Tell me about her," he said, to the man who had become his friend.  Bucky glared at him, knowing damn well that Sam knew about Helen, as it had been reported in every fucking newspaper in the United States and England since the news about him and her went public.  Sam shook his head and leaned forward, fixing Bucky in his gaze.  "No, I mean, tell me more than what I've read about."

The former Winter Soldier sighed and looked out the window of the jet.  He thought back all those years to when his ship landed in Liverpool, at the end of June 1943, disgorging the thousands of American soldiers it carried, into that port, where trucks were waiting to distribute the arriving men to various bases, waiting for the next leg of their journey to the front.  He looked Sam in the eye, noticing a serious demeanour rather than his usual joking manner.  He nodded, then began talking.

It was raining the day the Americans arrived, not a pouring rain but a soft drizzle that slowly soaked everything it came into contact with.  Helen Fletcher, a Wren Clerk in the Women's Royal Naval Service, was waiting beside one of several trucks with a clipboard of names of the soldiers who were being transported to Sefton, a small village on the Merseyside, northwest of Liverpool proper.  Even with her raincoat on and holding an umbrella over her head, she was soaked.  These men were only going to be at the base for a few days before boarding another transport ship that would take them elsewhere, as their destination was classified.  Given the rumours going around it was likely they were heading to Sicily, as part of the invasion force of Italy, but Helen knew better than to share that information.  The driver of the truck nearest to her put up a sandwich board on the bonnet, high enough for the men of the 107th Infantry to see they had to check in with her.  As the steady stream of men disembarked in the drizzle, other clerks in front of their trucks checked in the soldiers for their dispersal to other bases, some of them being driven directly to the train station to transport the men deeper into the heart of England.  It was strange how Helen would always remember hearing the opening lines of You'll Never Know at that exact moment, blaring from a speaker that was broadcasting a steady stream of music.

You'll never know just how much I miss you

You'll never know just how much I care

And if I tried, I still couldn't hide my love for you

You ought to know, for haven't I told you so

A million or more times?

"Barnes, James Buchanan, Sergeant, 107th Infantry," drawled a noticeable Brooklyn accent. 

She looked up to see the bluest eyes she had ever seen in the middle of an incredibly handsome face.  He seemed taken aback by her as well, as a soft grin appeared on his face.

"Do you need my serial number, phone number, date of birth, marital status or ...?"

She smiled at him, then returned her attention back to the task at hand.

"Thank you, Sergeant, no."  She gestured to the trucks behind her.  "If you'll just board a truck marked as heading to Sefton that would be acceptable."

"Hey, I know this song," he said, turning his head towards the speaker.  "Alice Faye sang it in a movie.  I didn't know it was out as a record."

"It's Vera Lynn," she answered.  She looked at the next man in line.

"That's Johnson, Martin Frederick, Private, 107th Infantry," said Bucky, before the man could speak.  "Board one of the trucks marked for Sefton, Johnson."  Helen looked at him with some disbelief.  "Just tryin' to help ma'am.  I know all these jokers.  Some of them aren't to be trusted around a pretty lady like yourself."

"And you are to be trusted, I presume?"  She awkwardly checked off Johnson's name then levelled a cool look at Bucky.

"Very much so," he smiled.  He looked at the umbrella and gently took it from her, freeing up her hands so she could check off the names on her list. "How should I address you, ma'am?"

"Wren Clerk Fletcher," she answered, with her position pronounced in British fashion, sounding similar to clark, instead of the American clerk.

Of course, he mistook her pronunciation as Clark-Fletcher.  "Wren, that's a pretty name."

"It's part of my rank, Sergeant.  I'm a clerk in the Women's Royal Naval Service, Wren's for short.  Now, if you'll let me continue doing my job."

He smirked a little, then identified the next man in line, and everyone else that was waiting to check in.  The whole time he kept her entertained with comments and observations about different things, while asking questions about the entertainment options available in Sefton.  She tried to keep her responses professional, especially when her supervisor, Leading Wren Clerk Fotheringham, came to check on her progress, but he was so damn charming, it was difficult.  Finally, they had the last man checked in and her driver stowed the sandwich board away, then helped her into the passenger seat of the truck cab, before he took his place behind the steering wheel.  He looked behind them towards the back section of the truck and smirked. 

"He's looking at you."

She turned around to see Sergeant Barnes grinning at her from a gap in the canvas cover of the truck.  Smiling slightly back at him, she faced forward.

"Just get us there and give me a head start to get to the clerk's office."  She shook her head.  "Yanks."

Fortunately, for her, but not for the sergeant, the 107th were ordered to muster in formation at their arrival at the base, where their commanding officer read them into the rules that would govern their behaviour while they were guests of the British Armed Forces.  They had liberty that first evening but would be confined to base after that until the next leg of their transportation had been arranged.  Helen went straight to the clerk's offices to hand in her list of soldiers and peel off her wet raincoat.  As she was still on duty, she and several other of her fellow Wrens performed some filing duties and caught up on their typing.  It was almost 6 pm when she finished, and she met another couple of Wrens to walk to their barracks together, the rain having finally dissipated. 

"Wren Clerk Fletcher!" 

She turned and groaned slightly at the sight of the American sergeant, who had been leaning against the building across from the entrance to the clerk's offices.  He stamped out a cigarette and strode towards her with a big grin on his face.

"Sergeant," she answered then waited to hear what came out of his mouth.

"Do you have plans this evening?"  She had to give him credit for being direct.

"Repairing some stockings," she replied, frankly.  "Or maybe I'll wash out my underwear and hang it up to dry."

He laughed out loud.  "You sounded like one of my sisters just then.  I've grown up with torn stockings, underwear hanging up in the bathroom, curling irons, and all sorts of talk that would make other men blush."  His face grew serious.  "But I'm not other men.  I just wanted to know if you would join me for a drink at a local establishment.  It would be my first experience in a British pub, and I would like to walk in with a pretty girl."

"I really shouldn't fraternize with you," she said, frankly.  "We've been warned about some assumptions you Americans have about us."

He placed his hand over his heart, giving her a wounded expression.  "I assure you that I will be a complete gentleman.  Please, let me buy you a drink."

It would have been easier to turn him down if he weren't so easy on the eyes and if he didn't have such confidence.  But she also knew some of the other women were interested in meeting up with some of the Americans and the last thing she wanted to hear was that someone else had snagged the handsome sergeant.  Despite herself, she was still a woman. 

"Very well.  Meet me at the gate at 7:15.  It's a short walk to the nearest pub, although I expect it will be quite busy."

There was a radio in the barracks and once again it was playing, You'll Never Know.  Bucky hummed along as he shaved in the communal washroom, taking extra care to get every last bit of stubble off his cheeks.  When it got to the second verse of the song, he sang along to it.

You went away and my heart went with you

I speak your name in my every prayer

If there is some other way to prove that I love you

I swear I don't know how

You'll never know if you don't know now

"Who's the object of your attention this time, Sarge?" asked Johnson.  "That Wren clerk?  She's a looker, but she doesn't look like your usual type."

"She's a dame," answered Bucky.  "They're all my type."

There were grins from the others at his assurance in handling women.  Satisfied with his shaving job, he patted on some aftershave, then gathered his kit together and headed towards his bunk.  He dressed in his service uniform, thinking it would be the last time he would look this good.  They would be training for the next two days at least, wearing their combat gear.  During the next sea journey, they would be wearing their fatigues.  After that, who knew?  Finishing off his tie, he tucked it into his shirt, making sure the edges were crisp.  He checked to make sure he had his cigarettes, a couple of rubbers, and his money.  The paymaster had paid them on the ship just prior to their arrival in Liverpool, paying them a combination of American dollars and British pounds.  Most of the men, Bucky included, had signed for most of the American money to be sent home to their families.  Still, he was sure he had enough to pay for drinks for himself and Wren Clerk Fletcher.  With a last patting of his pockets, he headed out of the barracks towards the main gate.

He was surprised to see Fletcher already there, wearing civilian clothing, a blue dress with navy trim, and carrying a white sweater.  Her legs were bare but at least they looked better than the dark stockings she wore with her uniform.  She did smile when they made eye contact.

"You look handsome, Sergeant," she said.  "Much nicer than your fatigues."

"Call me Bucky," he said.  "You look nice as well.  That colour suits you."

"Thank you.  My name is Helen."

They walked out of the gate together, as he followed her lead to the pub.  Other couples were also walking together, mostly British, although it appeared a few of the Americans had banded together to enjoy a night of liberty after a week on the ocean.  The first pub they arrived at had a lineup out the door, so they kept walking, passing by several until they found one that had room.  Finding a booth inside, they shared the same bench and he asked for her preference.

"Gin and tonic," she said.  "I should warn you that the beer is warm.  Most Americans don't seem to like it but it's what we're used to."

"I don't drink much beer," replied Bucky.  "Whiskey is my drink."  A bar man came over and Bucky ordered for both of them.  He turned to look at her.  "So, Helen Fletcher; tell me about yourself.  Are you from here?"

"No, I'm from the south of England, Sussex.  My family have been in the Navy for generations so when the opportunity arose, I enlisted in the Navy as well.  It's been clerical work, mostly, although I've put in for a transfer to a different position, which I'm not at liberty to talk about.  What about you, Sergeant ... sorry, Bucky."

"I'm from Brooklyn, part of New York City." Their drinks came and he offered the bar man his money.  The man waved it off, saying to pay it before he left.  With a smile, he lifted his glass to Helen.  "To your good health.  I worked on the docks, was a boxer, and was in art school for technical drawing when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.  I'm the oldest of four, the others are sisters, as I told you earlier."

He fished his wallet out of his pocket and withdrew a picture of him with his mother and sisters.  She watched his face as he smiled softly at the photograph, obviously missing his family already.  Placing it carefully back inside he smiled shyly at her, and she realized she had just seen the real man behind the confident mask. 

"Tell me about Brooklyn and New York," she said.  "I grew up near Southampton and there were always ships going there."

"It's always on," he began.  "It doesn't sleep, even when it's quiet there's something always going on somewhere.  On the docks, there are ships being loaded and unloaded, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  I go out to the clubs, as I enjoy jazz and dancing.  If I had more time, I would have liked to take you dancing."

"I would have liked that," she answered.  "Your father ... is he in the picture?"

"He died.  I quit school at 16 to support the family, which is how I ended up at the docks as it paid the best."  He shrugged.  "I wanted to go to college, maybe take engineering or architecture, but it's hard to do when you're pinching pennies to keep your family fed and clothed."

She squeezed his hand and smiled kindly at him.  They talked about many things, laughing when it was funny, and commiserating when it wasn't.  After he paid for their drinks, they walked back to the base in the dark, with Helen using her shielded torch to light the path through the blackout.  Before they got to the gate, Bucky stopped and ran his hand down her arm before he kissed her.  It was a good kiss and Helen kissed him back.  Then they had to run for the gate to check in before curfew.  Even though he didn't have liberty the next few days while waiting for their next embarkation, they met in the base mess hall, for coffee in the evenings.  Sometimes, they sat on a bench and just talked.  Then his orders came through and he didn't have to tell her because she already knew that the Americans were shipping out early the next morning.  They sat on one of those benches, holding hands and although they wanted each other, they both knew there was no way to have enough privacy to satisfy their desires.  When Bucky walked Helen to her barracks before lights out, he looked at her in the darkness, and touched her cheek.

"I have to believe that I'll see you again, some day," he said gently.  "You have my mailing address for the unit.  Drop me a line every so often so that I know you're missing me."

"I will miss you, Bucky," she answered, her voice wavering a little.  "You're not an easy man to forget."

Their kiss goodbye was passionate and filled with the type of longing that neither had ever felt before.  Then they parted and she entered her barracks, leaving him in the dark before he made his way back to his unit.

As he finished telling Sam about those first few days, Bucky knew that was when he fell in love with Helen Fletcher.  Even though she was obviously from a higher social status than he was, she never made him feel like he was anything lesser than herself.  She was funny, independent, self-assured, and unlike any dame he had ever met.  Once he got to know her she was no dame; she was a lady.  The flight attendant arrived with some food for them and asked if they wanted something stronger than coffee to drink.  They both chose scotch.  The meal was great and when the dishes were cleared, they leaned back in their seats and sipped the Macallan scotch that apparently was standard offering on this private jet. 

"So, you obviously saw her again," said Sam.  "When was that?"

"After Steve rescued me from the HYDRA factory," replied Bucky.  "I was in rough shape since I was hiding what Zola did to me.  My nerves were on edge and no matter how much I drank, I couldn't get drunk.  But I agreed to join the Howling Commandos and we were at the pub.  Peggy Carter came in, wearing a killer red dress that stopped conversation.  She ignored me.  Steve was always her guy.  Then she left and we started some serious drinking, until another lady came in, with an escort, an officer.  It was Helen."

The conversation stopped in the pub for a second time and Bucky glanced towards the doorway into the snug, hearing the sound of footsteps approaching.  A British officer was escorting a woman in a Wren's uniform, and Bucky straightened up when he realized the Wren was Helen.  Steve noticed where Bucky was looking and turned to see, then turned back.

"You know her?"

"Yeah, I do," said Bucky.  "Excuse me."

He finished his drink and walked towards the table where the barman was taking the couple's order.  When he moved aside, Helen saw Bucky and her eyes widened before she stood up and wrapped her arms around him.

"Bucky, I thought you were MIA," she cried, as she looked critically at him.  "The last letter I sent to you was returned with that marked on the envelope.  How did you get back?"

"Rescued by that guy over there," he said, pointing at Steve.  Then he looked at her date.  "Who is this?"

The man stood up and offered Bucky his hand.  "Lieutenant Edward Elliot," he said.  "I work with Wren Clerk Leader Fletcher.  We're just friends, I assure you.  Please join us ... your friend as well.  It would be an honour to buy you both a drink."

Bucky waved Steve over and they slid into the horseshoe shaped booth, with Bucky and Helen sitting next to each other.  Elliot found out what they were drinking and ordered from the barman when he brought the original order over.  It was obvious that whatever Bucky thought was happening between Helen and Elliot wasn't as she couldn't keep her eyes off of him.  When the other drinks arrived, Elliot raised his glass.

"Here's to Captain Steve Rogers and his daring rescue of the prisoners in Austria," he said.  "I say, well done Captain.  You showed a lot of initiative in your actions."

They all sipped their drinks and Helen looked at Steve, offering him her hand.  "Since Bucky seems to be a little tongue tied at the moment, I'll introduce myself, Helen Fletcher.  We met in Liverpool when the 107th disembarked after their trip from New York.  Bucky, you did receive my letters before you were captured, didn't you?"

"A few," he said.  "Missed the news about your promotion."

"Well, I am a Wren Clerk Leader now.  I still can't tell you where I'm working but it's closer to London than Liverpool was, that's for certain."  Elliot frowned a little.  "Edward, don't be upset.  After what these gentlemen accomplished, I'm sure they'll be showing up at our offices soon."  She looked at Bucky.  "Were you mistreated during your captivity?"

He barely smiled, then nodded.  "I'd rather not talk about it.  I'm here now, and that's what's important, right?"

"Of course," she answered.  "Do you have liberty coming to you?  I have a few days and I would love to see you."

"He has a few days," said Steve.  "I'm sure he would like to catch up with you.  Three day pass sound alright?"

"Don't we have training?" asked Bucky.

"I think that will wait while you all recuperate."  Steve nodded at Helen.  "Some things are more important than training."

He wasn't about to argue with Steve in front of Helen, but he did back at the base.  It didn't make sense to Steve that Bucky didn't jump at the opportunity to see her.  He had to push his friend quite hard to get the real reason for his reluctance.

"You saw him," said Bucky.  "Handsome lieutenant, obviously at her social status.  What do I have to offer someone like her, compared to him?  It's better I don't pursue it."

"That's bullshit," said Steve, holding out the pass that he approved.  "You know she only had eyes for you and Elliot wasn't bothered by that at all.  For God's sake, Bucky.  Take a fucking chance on love, will ya?"

"Language, Captain," grinned Bucky.  "You kiss your mother with that mouth?"

"No, I don't.  That was a terrible thing to say to an orphan."

Bucky rolled his eyes, but he accepted the pass and packed a valise for the next three days.  He phoned the number that Helen gave him and made arrangements to meet her at the train station before they went to a friend's flat who was going away to Bath for several days.  They would be alone.  That night, as he tried to sleep, he had doubts but he was also excited at the prospect of seeing her again and actually being with her.  Perhaps, that would help him deal with what he went through in Austria.

The following day, he took a train into London, getting off at the station she mentioned.  When he got up to the street level, she was waiting for him, wearing a green dress and an overcoat, since it was a cold November day.  Taking his arm, she led him to the flat, a short walk away.  Unlocking the door, she stepped inside and waited for him to join her.  When she first mentioned the flat, he thought it would be a small place, like what he would find in Brooklyn.  It was big, with large windows, that had shutters and blackout curtains.  There was a sitting room, dining area, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms.  As she hung up her overcoat and removed her galoshes, she stood in the middle of the sitting room, waiting for him to come in further.  He smiled at her but still seemed uncomfortable.

"It's a nice place," he murmured.  "Certainly, nicer than I was expecting."  He looked to the two bedrooms.  "Which one is mine?"

"I was hoping we would share," she said.  "When we last saw each other it was something we wanted.  Do you not feel the same about me?"

He swallowed.  "I don't know if I'm worth ...."  By the look on her face, it wasn't something she wanted to hear.  "How serious are you and Lieutenant Elliot?  I don't want to come between you."

"You think we're together?" She chuckled.  "I'm not his type."  He looked blankly at her.  "Edward doesn't like women, other than as friends.  We enjoy each other's company, but you don't have to worry about him."

"He's ....?"  Bucky couldn't bring himself to say it.

"You can't tell anyone, or he could face a court martial even though he's vital to the war effort.  Now, would you come over here and kiss me like you did when we said goodbye in Liverpool?"

He crossed the room faster than he had ever moved before and wrapped her in his arms as he kissed her deeply.  It led to the bedroom and for the first time, they shared more than a kiss.  Bucky had to go back to his bag for a rubber and stopped to turn on the radio so the music would drown out the sounds of their lovemaking.  He almost laughed out loud when You'll Never Know came on.  It was definitely their song.

(You went away and my heart went with you

I speak your name in my every prayer)

If there is some other way to prove that I love you

I swear I don't know how.

You'll never know if you don't know now

They laid in the rumpled bedclothes afterwards, with the afternoon sun shining on them, as they faced each other.  Bucky played with Helen's hair as he gazed at her face.  She noticed some marks on his chest and touched them gently.

"What happened?"  He swallowed and looked away for a moment.  "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'll listen and perhaps that will help."

"You can't tell Steve," he said.  "He'll look at me as if I'm different and I couldn't stand that." 

"Alright, it will be between us."

"I was tortured by HYDRA in that Austrian factory.  They cut me open as part of a medical experiment.  There was a doctor, Zola, who was ...." 

He shook his head and Helen kissed him, then held him in her arms as he buried his face in her neck.  It was the only time he would ever speak of what he went through.  She never told a soul.

The next three days were spent exploring London, as Helen showed him the city, having been there many times.  They visited the parks, Buckingham Palace, and even several museums.  The evenings at the flat were for listening to and dancing to music, then making love for hours, as Bucky showed he had great stamina in that area.  On the day of his return to base she walked him to the train station, and they stood outside the gate, gazing at each other before he picked his valise up and showed his ticket to enter the platform.  She watched him until he was out of sight, then returned to the flat, getting dressed in her uniform for her return to Bletchley Park, where she was part of the contingent that operated the Colossus computers used to break the Axis codes and cyphers.  Elliot, the officer in charge of the support staff in the Colossus room asked if she had a good rest and she just smiled then said she hardly slept a wink.

Whenever Bucky was back in London she would try to get leave at the same time.  Usually, she managed but it wasn't always possible.  Still, they counted all the time they had together as precious.  For over a year, when they were together, they were inseparable, except for their work.  After Christmas together, in 1944, Bucky made the decision to ask her to marry him.  He almost did it then, but Helen was a bit under the weather with a stomach ailment, and he decided to wait for the new year, when she felt up to celebrating with him. 

The Howling Commandos were called to a mission in Austria, as they were closing in on Red Skull, Johann Schmidt's location.  A train, rumoured to transport Dr. Zola between HYDRA bases, was expected to travel a vulnerable section where an attack could be made on it.  All it needed was three men to zip line onto the top of the speeding train, break inside, take control and arrest Zola for interrogation.  Colonel Phillips was certain that Zola would give up the main base where Red Skull had most of his operations. 

"That's where you fell, wasn't it?" asked Sam.  "Damn.  It was a secret mission, so she didn't even know where you going?"

Bucky nodded his head.  "Just like I didn't know she was in Bletchley Park.  All of the mail we exchanged went to a post office box.  When Steve got back and tried to find her to tell her what happened, he was shut out.  Peggy pulled some strings and was able to get a message to Helen to contact Steve.  He told me on the trip to Siberia after Leipzig that it was the hardest thing he ever did, telling her I was dead.  She just collapsed and he caught her before she hit the floor.  He had to phone Edward Elliot to come for her.  He promised to look after her.  They got married a month later."

"Wait a minute, he was gay, right?"

Bucky nodded.  "But he was her friend, and she was pregnant with my baby.  It saved her reputation, and it sheltered him from any accusations of being gay.  Remember it was illegal in England then.  He could have been arrested, faced a court martial and imprisoned.  They stayed married for over 50 years until she died.  When he died, my son found the box with all the letters between us, including the one she wrote telling me about being pregnant that was returned because I was KIA.    There was also a letter from Edward telling him about me being the Winter Soldier.  That was after I fought Steve on the helicarrier and my identity was reported.  He kept it quiet, until ... well, you know the rest."

"You didn't have to agree to making it public," said Sam.

"I know, but I grew up in a neighbourhood where some people found out that their moms were really their grandmothers or aunts.  Some of them were my friends and it affected them, that the times were so much against single mothers that their families found it necessary to hide the truth.  Hiding the truth kept me a prisoner for 70 years, Sam.  Acknowledging James Elliot as my biological son was the right thing to do.  His real dad was Edward and by all accounts he was a great dad.  They adopted two more kids, and they'll be there as well.  It's closure for them and for me."

"Well, I think it's a brave thing that you're doing, Buck," said Sam.  "I respect the hell out of you for taking this step."

They landed at Heathrow an hour later, and were picked up by a limousine.  Their hotel was beautiful.  Given a two-bedroom suite that looked out over the Thames, it was an impressive sight for both men when they stood on the balcony taking in the cityscape. 

The following morning the BBC liaison phoned to say that the Elliots were arriving at the hotel by 10 am.  The private meeting with them was scheduled for 10:30.  Lunch would be served then the interviews would begin at 2 pm.  Bucky wore dress pants, an open necked shirt, and a sports jacket.  He didn't wear his gloves, deciding to openly display his vibranium hand.  As the time approached Sam reminded him to practice some grounding exercises as he could tell Bucky was anxious.  Then they were called down to the private meeting room, and were introduced to the BBC film crew, who were set up next door while Bucky met his son and son's family for the first time.  It would be filmed from a respectful distance. 

Then the door opened and the Elliots came in.  Bucky could barely breathe as he saw his son, James, a man of 80 years of age, who looked 60.  He had greying hair, but his eyes were as blue as Bucky's, and they shared the same jaw, same cleft in the chin and same build.  With glassy eyes, he approached Bucky and stood before him, studying the man who fathered him in late 1944.  As they hugged, Bucky felt the sobs bursting out of James and he rubbed his back.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you," he murmured.  "I loved your mother very much and wanted to marry her.  I never knew about you."

"I know," he answered as he stood back and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.  "She loved you so much, too.  You falling from the train almost killed her but Dad, he was there for her."

"Edward was a good man and I'm glad he took care of her and of you," said Bucky.  He pulled his own handkerchief out and dabbed at his eyes.  Then he looked at the others.  "Now, introduce me to my grandchildren and great grandchildren, and your siblings."

The introductions were made, then Sam took pictures of them for Bucky.  James' son Alan carried a box in, and they opened it on the coffee table.  It contained all the letters Bucky wrote her, as well as the returned letters from when he was MIA, then KIA.  There was also a photo album and Bucky almost cried again when he saw there were pictures of him and Helen together, then pictures of her, Edward, and the family as they grew up.  They appeared to be a family full of love and respect.

There were so many questions on both sides that were traded back and forth before they were served lunch.  It was obvious by James' youthful appearance that he had inherited some of the super soldier qualities, as he told them about the excellent health he enjoyed, slowed aging, and stamina.  But he wasn't as strong as Bucky, or as quick.  Nor did he have his visual and hearing abilities.  Officially, if they were asked the question, the answer was that he and his family enjoyed good health and nothing more. 

Before they switched to the set-up studio for the interview they asked Bucky about the song, as their mother sang it often, saying it reminded her of an old boyfriend.  He brought it up on his cell phone playlist and told them how it was playing on the Liverpool docks when he first met her, when he shaved for their first date, and how it was playing on the radio the first time they made love.  When the interview was aired, they played the song in its entirety as part of the closing credits that showed the images of a young American sergeant with his British Wren girlfriend.  It could have been portrayed as a tragedy.  Instead, the story was one of enduring love during a time when no one could be sure of their loved ones returning from the war.  On the flight back to New York three days later, Bucky slept the entire way, dreaming of the woman he loved so much.

You'll never know if you don't know now.

More author’s notes: This non-canon story of WW2 Bucky falling in love with a British woman was prompted by the thought of what Bucky would do if he found out he fathered a child during the war. I like to think that he would step up as certainly that was how he was likely raised. Splitting the story into him dealing with his anxiety over meeting his son and his flashbacks of meeting and falling in love with Helen allowed Bucky to get closure on a part of his previous life. The character of Edward Elliot is a tribute to the many gay and lesbian citizens who joined the war effort, even knowing that if they were found out, it would mean court martial and imprisonment. Alan Elliot, Bucky's grandson was named after Alan Turing, influential in the computer work at Bletchley Park that broke the secret German codes. Prosecuted as a homosexual in 1952 he died in disgrace but was formally pardoned in 2009 and is now regarded as one of the founders of the computer age.

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Hey! Would you be able to spread the word about this?

BackseatPhilosopher: signal boosting this from a friend in North Carolina, for anyone (probably mostly US folks, given How International Shipping Be) in the market for Yarn And Stuff

> Hey yall- as you might know the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in Fletcher, NC was canceled due to the impacts of Helene. If you're able consider doing crafty shopping from (what would have been) 2024 SAFF vendors. Special shoutout to queer owned Briar Patch Fiber Co

>

> https://saffregistration.org/secure/vendors.asp

Thank you!

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