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major-mads · 10 months ago

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Chapter 1: Welcome to Thorpe Abbotts

John "Bucky" Egan x Ruth Morgan (OFC)

Series Masterlist

A/N: Ruth has been living in my head for months now, and I'm so so so excited to share her with y'all! This series is Jess (footprintsinthesxnd) and I's brainchild. Our ideas just seamlessly fit tegether, and here we are! We actually wrote this first chapter a week before the 26th, so if anything happens to almost exactly match the show, we came up with it before we saw it on there! (we're just good like that 😎)

Collab: On a Wing and a Prayer by @footprintsinthesxnd

Word Count: 5.3k

The hum of the engine was the only sound in the C-47 as it soared over the English countryside. The patients had finally settled, and the morphine finally took effect and brought them some sense of relief. Hope slumped back into her seat with a sigh, smiling over at Ruth who looked as exhausted as she was.

“You looked tired,” Hope smiled at her friend who just sighed.

“It’s been a long day. I can’t wait to get back to base,” Ruth pushed her short blonde hair out of her eyes, sighing again.

“Hey Frank, how much longer have we got,” Hope called to one of the pilots.

“We’ve had to make a detour, doll. We’re heading to Thorpe Abbotts airfield and will evacuate the wounded to Thorpe St. Andrews Hospital. It’s not far now.”

Hope felt her heart flutter, her throat drying as she slouched back against her seat.

“Hey Hope, what’s wrong?” Ruth leaned forward, gripping Hope’s hand and squeezing it, her large blue eyes filled with worry.

“It’s Hugh,” Hope muttered, her eyes a little teary but a smile on her lips nonetheless. “My brother is stationed at Thorpe Abbotts with the 100th Bomb Group. I haven’t seen him in so long.”

Ruth’s concerned frown turned to a smile, “So I’m finally going to meet this Hugh I’ve heard so much about.”

Hope laughed, patting her friend on the back gently, “You will, but don’t get any ideas.”

The aircraft soared towards its destination, and the occasional jolting and shaking on the metal bird brought no fear to the flight nurses anymore. Once, the ratting metal coffin struck the fear of God into them but now this was a peaceful ride.

Hope watched out the window as the lush, green countryside grew closer and closer.

“Hey, Frank! Stop hugging the hedgerows for crying out loud. Don’t let the girl down before we’ve reached the field,” Hope called, grimacing as the trees seemed to grow ever closer.

“Who’s flying this bird, Armstrong? You or me?” Frank retorted, not looking away from the cockpit.

“Well, maybe you could use some lessons in keeping the old girl airborne then. We’ll beat up the airfield at this rate.”

Ruth laughed, watching Hope argue with the pilot once more, “You know Hope, maybe you should have gotten your wings. Then you could be flying us instead of Frank.”

“You’ve got a good point there, Ruth. Ya hear that Frank, Ruth wants me flying instead of you.”

Frank’s reply was a muffled curse, and both girls found themselves giggling in response. The plane tooled along for a while longer until it finally began to descend, rattling as it lost altitude and shaking its victims vigorously. The wheels touching down on the tarmac filled everyone with great relief.

“Well that was one ropey landing, Frank. Maybe I could give ya a few lessons?” Hope asked politely, batting her eyelashes at the pilot who just huffed.

“Shove off, Hope. Now get to it, your blood wagons are waiting.”

Hope cringed at the nickname the ambulances had been given, they were lifesaving vehicles transporting sick men, why make it sound so ominous?

Hope hopped down from the plane, instructing the stretcher-bearers on which soldiers were in the worst condition. Between them, Hope and Ruth helped carry three wounded men to the ambulances when an obnoxiously loud voice called, “Well, I’ll be damned!”

Hope spun round, her boots scuffing at the earth.

“HUGH!” Her brother laughed jovially, jogging over to them.

“Gosh, I’ve missed you, Little Bird,” Hugh threw his arms around Hope’s shoulders, nestling his head into her neck as he always did. Hope couldn’t comprehend what was happening. She was finally in her brother's arms, finally reunited with him after so long. She gripped tightly onto the back of his uniform, burying her face in his chest. He smelt of smoke and engine oil just like he did back home.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she murmured, just loud enough for Hugh to hear as he tightened his grip on her further. She could feel Ruth hovering awkwardly behind her and she turned to greet her friend, pulling out of her brother's arms.

“Ruth, this is my brother, Hugh. Hugh, this is my friend, Ruth.”

Ruth smiled sweetly, sticking out her hand to shake Hugh’s but instead, he pulled her into a bear hug.

“Any friend of Hope’s is a friend of mine,” he assured Ruth and she smiled, her cheeks turning a deep red at the embarrassment of the situation.

“Hugh, put her down. Look, you're making the poor girl blush,” Hope laughed, which only caused Ruth to blush harder.

“My apologies Ruthie, where are my manners,” he bowed, taking her hand and placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

“Oh, uh- nice to meet you.” Ruth stumbled over her words, quickly using the excuse that she needed her flight jacket as an excuse to return to the plane.

“You’re a real pain in the ass, you know that?” Hope groaned, shoving her brother playfully in the ribs.

“I don’t know, I’ve always considered myself rather charming,” Hugh protested, puffing out his chest in pride.

Hope nodded, spinning around to call Ruth to join them. The blonde soon was walking back toward the group, now wearing her fleece aviation jacket, and to her relief, without a rosy dusting on her cheeks.

“I still can’t believe out of all the airfields in England, you managed to land at this one,” Hugh laughed, throwing an arm around both girls' shoulders. “You two are in for a real treat.”

As they walked through the base, Hugh pointed out the various hard stands.

“See, right there,” he pointed at a few heavies. “That’s “Just-a-Snappin’, Our Baby, and the M’lle Zig Zig.”

“Where do you guys get these names, Hugh?” Hope laughed, her eyes trailing over each one’s elaborate nose art, along with some very proud-looking engineers and artists who had clearly put so much love into the bombers.

Shrugging his shoulders, Hugh sighed, shaking his head. “I couldn’t tell ya. What’s your plane named?”

“Just the Angel of Death,” Hope chirped.

Hugh stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. “Always with the dark humor, aren’t you, Hope.”

After hearing so much about the man from Hope, Ruth felt as if she’d known Hugh for years when in reality she’d only known him for a few minutes. She knew the stories of how the siblings played in the woods of Columbia, Missouri, exploring the famous rock bridge that brought hikers and tourists into the town. She knew of his love for the St. Louis Cardinals, and how he wore his battered and dirty Dizzy Dean jersey for a week straight after they won the World Series in ‘31 and ‘34. Maybe he’d heard so much about Ruth from Hope that he felt the same way.

‘It would make sense based on his initial reaction.’ she thought, absentmindedly reaching up and grabbing the small pendant hanging from her neck, running her fingers over its smooth edges.

Before they knew it, the trio reached their destination: his officer nissen hut. They were long semi-circular metal huts, not known for their warmth or comfortability, but they were a soft place to land at the end of the day…which is a lot more than most young men of the time could say.

“Welcome to my humble abode, ladies,” he announced as they neared the building, holding out his arms in a ‘ta-da’ motion. “She’s not much, but she’s home.”

He began to open the door for them, but a voice in the distance stopped him.

“Charlie! No girls in the huts,” the voice called. “I told you that a few weeks ago.”

Turning toward the voice, Hope did a double take when she saw who its owner. Approaching them was a tall, tan, brunette, who wore a bomber jacket with his hair messily combed to the side. He walked with a swagger that instantly put a bad taste in Hope’s mouth.

She sighed to herself, thinking, ‘Why do all the cute ones have to be cocky?’

Hugh groaned, pointing at Hope. “Buck, come on, this is my-”

The man finally reached them, and Hope stopped herself from being captivated by his blue-green eyes.

“I don’t care who she is. You know the rules,” he interrupted, turning to the girls. “Sorry girls, but I think it’s time for you to go.”

Ruth cringed and side-eyed Hope, already expecting a snarky response to his comment.

“Well,” she paused, checking her watch for effect. “Seeing as we have patients in the infirmary, it actually isn’t time for us to go.”

It was then that he looked down at her upper arm, taking in the bright red and white medic band that adorned her uniform. Ruth could see the slightest show of remorse in his expression as his eyes rose back up to Hope’s.

“My apologies, ma’am. I didn’t know-”

Hope didn’t let him finish, cutting him off. “Maybe you should know all the facts before you make an assumption, Buck.”

“Hope!” Ruth hissed, trying to placate her friend, but the woman ignored her.

“See, other than my brother, this is why I can’t stand airmen. They’re cocky-”

Realizing the flaw in Hope’s argument, Ruth ran a hand down her face, secondhand embarrassment filling her. Just when she was about to interject, Buck beat her to it.

“Now hold on. Maybe you should know all the facts before you make an assumption, sweetheart.”

Hope’s mind ran rampant with frustration, and she stared up at him with contempt as he smiled cheekily at her. His eyes were locked on hers as they had a stare-down, neither wanting to be the first to give in.

“So,” Hugh cleared his throat in an attempt to break their silent battle. “Let me introduce you guys. Ladies, this is my squadron commander, Major Buck Cleven.”

Buck tilted his head slightly, not breaking eye contact with Hope. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she replied dryly.

Ruth shook her head and sighed, amazed at her fellow nurse’s childlike stubbornness.

“And Buck, this is my sister, Hope, and her friend Ruth. They’re flight nurses with the 806th MAETS.”

Ruth raised a hand and waved with a quiet, “Hello,” and Hope felt a little satisfaction when the man’s eyes widened at the word sister.

Buck’s eys left Hope for a moment to acknowledge Ruth, who stood beside her, with a nod and a smile. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“You, too, Major,” she responded with a small grin. He then turned back to Hope.

“So, you’re the infamous little sister we’ve all heard about?” Buck chuckled, placing his hands on his hips.

The woman glanced over at Hugh, who wore a guilty expression. “All good things, I hope.”

“For the most part,” Buck chimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I know about your little escapade to Kansas City, and how–”

Hope’s eyes widened in disbelief that her brother had divulged her most embarrassing moment. “Hugh!!” she cried, smacking his chest. “You lying piece of crap! You promised!”

“It’s not like I thought you’d ever meet anyone here, Hope!”

Composing herself, she took a deep breath and sent Buck a tight-lipped smile. “It looks like you know a lot more about me than I do about you, Major.”

“It would seem so, Nurse Armstrong.”

As Ruth amusedly listened to Gale and Hope’s banter, she felt like she was being watched. Glancing around the group, her heart skipped a beat as her eyes met another set of icy blues, ones that were new to the group.

‘How did I miss him walking up?’ she wondered.

Their gazes locked for a few seconds that seemed to last minutes, and a shudder ran through her. Breaking from his stupor, he quickly looked away with a light pink dusting on his cheeks. Ruth felt her own blush creeping up her neck and wrapped her flight jacket closer to her body, the English chill suddenly getting to her.

Her eyes seemed to have a mind of their own as they fought to return to the handsome stranger. It took all her willpower to keep them on Hugh, who was talking to the group.

“I can’t imagine going up without weapons on board. We’ve got 12 50-cal brownings and sometimes I feel that’s not enough.”

The battle within herself became too much, and Ruth finally gave in to her temptation. Her eyes flitted over to the man, and she silently sighed in relief when she found his gaze elsewhere. It was then that she discovered her first assumption of the man being ‘handsome’ was an understatement. He had a strong and well-defined jawline, expressive and striking blue-grey eyes, a straight nose, and a slightly curved lip, which held a pencil-thin mustache.

She liked the mustache.

He wore a crooked crusher cap and a white fleece-lined flying jacket that looked somewhat dirty, accompanied by his brown service top poking out at the jacket collar.

Ruth was mesmerized by the man, and she didn’t even know his name. A wide grin broke out on his face as he engaged in the group’s conversation, his upper lip curling up, allowing a few teeth to peek out the top, and Ruth felt her stomach lurch for the second time in a short few minutes.

Focus, Ruth. Focus.

An elbow to her side broke her stare, and the group’s eyes were suddenly on her as Hope looked at her expectantly.

“What?” Ruth asked, looking like a deer in headlights.

“I said that we would go insane without each other up there.”

“Oh,” she sighed with a small smile. “You would probably kill Frank if I weren’t there.”

The group broke out in laughter, and Ruth found her eyes absentmindedly moving to the mystery man. As he chuckled, his eyes wrinkled at the edges, and his full smile revealed a dazzlingly straight set of pearly whites. His loud laughter was infectious, and a few giggles escaped her mouth.

As the group’s chuckles started to die down, Hope looked over at Ruth. She took in her friend’s shy smile and blush, then followed her gaze to the airman across the circle. Realizing what was happening, she nudged Ruth lightly, a teasing eyebrow raised.

“What?” Ruth grumbled under her breath, leaning closer to her friend’s ear as the guys carried on the group’s conversation.

“You like him.”

The blonde’s smile fell and heat rushed up her neck. “Who?”

Hope tilted her head incredulously, rolling her eyes. “You know who.”

“No, I don’t,” she defended,

“He’s staring,” Hope grinned, nodding his direction subtly.

Ruth’s eyes rose to his, and sure enough, his striking eyes were gazing into hers yet again. This time, however, he didn’t look away. The corner of his lips quirked up into a barely noticeable grin, and she felt as if she was shrinking under the intensity of his gaze.

“Uh, I need to go check on the patients,” she sputtered, pointing her fingers in the direction of the infirmary. With a curt nod to Hope, she quickly turned and started toward the infirmary, her blonde curls bouncing with each step. A few seconds later, she spun to face the group and called, “But it was…uh…nice to meet y’all.”

Hugh didn’t miss a beat and hollered back his reply. “You, too, Ruthie!” He then paused until she was out of earshot. “She alright?”

“She’s fine,” Hope sighed, used to her friend’s more timid personality. She had hoped that over time, her extroversion would rub off on the nurse, but so far, she had no such luck. Ruth was more of a one-on-one person, not one for groups of people unless she knew them pretty well. It seemed the smaller the group got, the more Ruth seemed to come alive. It was like pulling teeth to get Ruth to agree to go out with the other girls of the unit, but when she finally stepped out of her comfort zone, she usually had a good time filled with friends, fellas, and amazing big band music.

Ruth’s admirer joined the conversation, and Hope smirked, watching his eyes follow her friend. “How far away is your base?”

“We’re in Berkshire, so by car, it’s about three hours, but by plane, probably 45 minutes.”

“So not far,” he chimed, raising his eyebrows and nodding to himself. Before anyone else could comment, he spoke again.

“See you boys later,” he said absentmindedly as he watched Ruth’s figure go around a corner. Clapping Buck’s shoulder, he set off and followed the nurse’s path around the corner, missing the raised eyebrows and confused expressions sent his way. All eyes followed him as he, too, disappeared around the corner.

Hope pursed her lips at the new development, unsure of the man following Ruth. “Should I be worried?”

“Yep,” Hugh confirmed with a curt nod.

Buck hit him on the chest, chuckling under his breath. “Johnny’s a good man, darlin’.”

Hugh suppressed a snort thinking of the commander’s wild habits and how Buck didn't exactly answer her question.

“Anyways, back wh-”

And just like that, the conversation continued, and Hope had a strange feeling of contentment being on base. Finally being with family again.

As Ruth briskly made her way around the nissen huts to the infirmary, her heart continued to beat rapidly in her chest, and her mind replayed his smile non-stop.

Get it together, Ruth!

When she finally reached the infirmary, she stopped at the door, taking a deep breath to gain some composure. Within seconds of opening the heavy door, the base’s head surgeon approached her, wiping his hands with a rag.

“Hello,” he greeted. “I’m Captain Emory Kinder, and I’m assuming you’re one of the flight nurses who landed earlier?”

Ruth wore her signature toothy grin and nodded. “Yes, sir. Ruth Morgan. My other half is visiting with her brother as we speak.”

“Brother?”

“Yep, Hugh Armstrong,” she replied, her smile widening as his face lit up.

“Charlie! Oh yeah, I know him. He’s been in here for a few hangovers after a rowdy night in Dickleburgh.”

“Really?” Ruth chuckled, picturing the confident young man drunk as a skunk.

“Oh yeah. We love him though. He’s a good one for sure.”

A patient called out to him, and with a nod, he was off, helping the man. Ruth busied herself however she could, bringing airmen water, re-wrapping their bandages, and pretty much anything that would get her mind off the man from earlier. She was inspecting a man’s arm wound when the creaking of the door opening filled the building. Paying it no mind, she kept working, noting how the tissue was already healing.

“It looks good, Sergeant. You should be back in the air soon,” she said quietly.

His wide-eyed morphine-induced expression looked pitiful, but he managed to mumble out a, “Thank you, ma’am.”

Ruth gathered her supplies and stood to her feet, throwing away the bloody bandages when Emory's voice rang through the air.

“Speaking of rowdy nights in Dickleburgh...Major, what can I do for ya? Is that shoulder giving you problems again?”

“No, Doc,” the newcomer began, his deep voice breaking the relative quiet. “The shoulder’s fine. I just wanted to, you know, come see the boy-men.”

When she turned toward them and saw the white jacket, the roll of bandages fell from her grasp and hit the floor with a thud, rolling a few feet away to the man’s feet. The heat returned to her cheeks in a rush, and her eyes froze on the bandages for a moment, silently cursing the little white bundle. She watched in horror as the man slowly bent down and picked it up, walking toward her as he threw it up in the air and caught it.

“I think this yours,” he said, one side of his lips quirking up into a smirk as he held it out to her.

Raising her eyes from the bandage to his eyes, she prayed her voice would stay steady. “Thank you, sir.”

She took the bandage and tried to remain calm, her free hand raising to run her fingers over the cool metal of her locket.

“John. Major John Egan,” he introduced himself, extending his hand to her. “But you can call me Bucky.”

Ruth’s brows furrowed in confusion as she took his much larger hand and shook it gently. It was surprisingly soft compared to the men she’d treated from the lines. “Bucky? It’s there another-”

“Yeah,” John chuckled and slowly released her hand, shoving his in his pockets, rocking back on his heels. “We call Cleven Buck, too. He hates it, but he deals with it.”

Grimacing playfully, she decided to go out on a limb despite her pounding heart. “Well, I, um, don’t know if I’ll be able to remember who’s who.”

“Oh no,” John tutted, his eyebrows raised and a wide-mouthed smile painting his lips. “We can’t have that. You can call me John, Johnny, whatever you want, doll, but I don’t think you’re going to have a hard time remembering my name.”

“And why would that be, Johnny?”

“Because you’ll see it at the bottom of each letter you’ll get from me.”

The blonde froze, dropping her necklace in disbelief as she swallowed thickly.

‘There is no way he just said that,’ her mind repeated. ‘There is no way he just said that.”

Pushing through her reserved personality and the tingling sensation swirling in her stomach, she decided to take a page from Hope’s book.

“What makes you think I’d let you write me, hotshot?”

Her mind went haywire. ‘‘Why did I just say that? I’m never taking Hope’s advice again. This is too stressful.’

For the first time in their interaction, his confident bravado seemed to fade and he didn’t quite know what to say. Perhaps he was always used to women giving in to his advances easily, but Ruth was not just another woman begging to be wooed. Johnny stood before her with furrowed brows, his upper lip sticking out slightly. He pushed back his jacket and placed his hands on his hips, his head ducking to the floor.

“Because I’d like to get to know you,” he replied earnestly, taking off his cap. “You’re gorgeous, and I would like to write you, Ruth.“

That was the last thing she expected.

In that moment, Ruth Morgan had a decision to make. Was she going to reject the airman or give him a chance? She knew she was attracted to him and there was chemistry there, but was she willing to put herself out there? The timid parts of her personality screamed at her to tell him no, but the parts that Hope had influenced were urging her to accept his offer. In the end, Ruth already liked Johnny, and she saw the sincerity in his statement as a deciding factor in the matter.

“Alright, you can write to me,” she answered quietly, pushing her hair behind her ear.

John watched as she walked to the infirmary desk and got a sheet of paper, scribbling down what he expected to be her address. He took in her features, just like he had earlier. Starting at her light blonde hair, his gaze traveled down her face to her familiar blue eyes, down her adorable nose, to her lips, which were pursed slightly as she concentrated on writing down her information. She was stunning, and Johnny knew that he wanted to see her again just from their short conversation.

Approaching him again, she held up a slip of paper, a toothy grin on her lips. “This is sensitive information, Major. It better not end up in enemy hands, and that includes your fellow airmen.”

“Yes ma’am,” he nodded once before fake saluting her, unable to keep his excitement inside. “Mission understood.”

“But just to be safe, I’m going to hold onto it for a little bit.” she leaned a little closer to him, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Just in case I, you know, change my mind.”

John grinned down at her and yet again raised his eyebrows as he nodded. Ruth noticed he did that a lot. “I’ll be on my best behavior, scout’s honor.”

Sliding the slip into her pocket, she started her nursing tasks once again, looking at him over her shoulder. “So, you were in the Boy Scouts?”

“No,” he chuckled, putting back on his cap as he moved next to Ruth to help. “I wasn’t, but Buck was. He ended up being an Eagle Scout before he aged out. One of the best in Wyoming, he says, but I don't buy it.”

He stood a good 5 or so inches above her, so his chin was at her eye level. In the small area at the nursing station, his shoulder was just barely pressed against hers as they both worked to roll bandages, and Ruth could feel the warmth radiating from his touch.

“It seems like you know each other pretty well,” she stated, looking up at him briefly.

His concentration remained on the bandage in his hands as he spoke. “Yeah. He’s my best friend.”

“How long have you known each other?” She asked, reaching up to mess with her necklace.

“We both joined up in ‘40 and were roommates in basic. Been together ever since.”

“That reminds me of Hope and I, although we haven’t known each other for nearly that long.”

John placed the finished bandage in the basket and turned to face her, leaning a hip against the counter as his earnest expression returned. “War makes people closer. Makes ‘em realize who’s important. What’s important.”

The blonde mirrored his stance, taking in his words. He was right. War did have a way of bringing people together. She gazed up at him with a shared understanding of how something as terrible as the war had brought out the best and worst in people, as well as brought people into their lives for the better. The pair’s eyes remained locked for a few moments, both realizing that perhaps there was something deeper than the flirting between them. His warm eyes seemed to search hers, and to her surprise, she didn’t feel nervous in that moment. Johnny’s gaze was like a warm blanket enveloping all of her senses to the point that all she could see was him.

“I feel the same way,” Ruth finally answered, fixing a stray curl that had fallen into her eyes.

Half of his lips curled up in a grin and he took a step toward her. “Ruth, I-”

The loud opening of the door jolted them from the moment, sending both their heads in the direction of the entrance. There stood an out-of-breath Frank, whose face was bright red and shimmering with sweat.

“Ruth! Do you know how long I’ve been looking for ya?” He cried, approaching them quickly.

Unsure of the man’s intentions, Johnny straightened and moved just barely in front of her, holding out a hand towards Frank. “Woah, buddy.”

Although it was an endearing effort, she couldn’t hold in a loud giggle at Frank’s offended expression that followed. “No, Johnny,” she laughed, gently lowering his hand. “This is our pilot, Frank. Frank, this is Major John Egan. What is it?”

The pilot’s eyes flicked between Ruth and Johnny for a few seconds before he sighed. “I’ve filled the Angel up and it’s time to go. Find Hope and meet me back at the plane.”

Just like that, he was out the door again, probably to get ready for takeoff. Ruth’s heart sank at the realization that she was having to leave. It seemed he also came to the same conclusion as he turned toward her and sighed.

“Looks like you’ve gotta go,” he said softly, slightly tilting his head to the side as he peered down at her.

The nurse looked at the door, then lowered her gaze to her feet. “It sure does.”

She almost gasped in surprise when something warm grasped her hand gently. Her eyes shot up to John’s hand that held delicately held hers. The contact sent a tingle up her arm and seemingly straight to her mind, muddying her thoughts.

“I'd like to see you again,” he murmured where only she could hear.

This quieter, softer version of him was unknown to Ruth, but she knew instantly that she liked the duality of Johnny.

The blush she’d resisted finally won and dusted her cheeks as she looked up at him. “I’d like that, too.”

John softly tugged her hand closer and bridged the distance between them slowly, his entrancing eyes flicking between her eyes and lips. Ruth could hear her heartbeat in her ears as she stood on her toes to meet him. She felt his warm breath on her face, and her eyes fluttered closed, anticipating the kiss. But before their lips could meet, the door opened again, and Frank called out to her.

“Ruth, come on! You can neck the Major later!”

The door quickly creaked closed.

Heat rushed to Ruth’s face, and she reluctantly pulled back from Johnny, setting her heels back on the ground. Johnny awkwardly stood to his full height, glaring at the door where Frank stood moments before.

“I’ll see you next time, Johnny,” Ruth smiled bashfully, gently squeezing his hand once before dropping it. She walked backward to the door, praying she wouldn’t trip.

Johnny let out a huff of air as the biggest smile grew on his face. “So there will be a next time?”

She simply grinned at him, shrugging her shoulders when she turned to open the door. With one last look over her shoulder, she closed the door behind her.

The infirmary was silent for a few seconds, and then the patients erupted in hollers, cheers, and whistles.

“Way to go, Bucky!”

“Leave some for the rest of us, Major!”

Amid their uproar, John remembered a crucial detail: She hadn’t given him her address! He took off toward the door, reaching for the handle when it creaked open, revealing a laughing Ruth on the other side. She held out the slip to him.

“I think you behaved well enough, Major.”

“Told you,” he chimed, his eyebrows raising. “Scout’s honor.”

John took the paper from her outstretched hand and watched as she left once again. When the door had slammed shut behind her, he read the note to himself with a wide smile.

Hotshot,

You can write me at the Grove, Berkshire, Hut 4. I like you, so try not to get shot down before I can return your letter, and I’ll do the same.

Safe Flying,

Ruth Morgan

Johnny shot his hand with the paper into the air, and the men cheered once again. Ruth, on the other hand, was in disbelief of what had just transpired. She had almost kissed him! She wanted to kiss him! Running her hands through her hair, she tried to focus on the task at hand: finding Hope.

Ruth ran around the base like a chicken with her head cut off looking for the woman, and was about to give up when she saw her sitting in a jeep with Buck in the distance.

“HOPE! There you are, I've been looking everywhere. Frank fueled up the plane. We have to go,” Ruth huffed, clearly out of breath from running, but her flushed cheeks, Hope thought, told a different story.

“Okay, I'll be over in five minutes,” Hope promised, but Ruth didn't look convinced.

“Your five minutes or an actual five minutes?” She asked, and the glare Hope sent her way had Ruth turning around and heading back in the direction she’d come.

“Okay, but I'll be timing you,” she yelled over her shoulder.

When Ruth looked back to see Hope kissing Buck on the cheek, it occurred to her that maybe there were more trips to Thorpe Abbotts in the cards for both of them.

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footprintsinthesxnd · 9 months ago

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Chapter 2: The Dance

Gale Cleven x Hope Armstrong (ofc)

Series Masterlist

This story is based on on the fictional portrayal of these men from the MOTA to series.

Summary: When their plane is diverted to Thorpe Abbott airfield Hope and Ruth's lives change forever. These two brave nurses must face the trials and tribulations of war, as well as suffering the heartache that war inevitable brings with it.

Collab: A Pair of Silver Wings by @major-mads

Dear Hope,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you have been keeping out of trouble. Hugh finally relented and gave me your address so I apologize for having not written sooner.

I often think of the day that we first met. I have awoken many nights thinking of you and how I wish we could have spoken longer. Forty minutes by air does not seem far and yet you feel as though you are miles from me. I can see why you are named Hope, because since our meeting, and I truly hope there will be other meetings, I feel as though I truly have something worth fighting for. I fear that Johnny also feels the same, I believe your friend Ruth has truly stolen his heart, but rest assured he is a good man and his intentions are pure. He was never the kind of man to write letters or be a one-woman man, but I feel he has changed since going into combat. Your Ruth brings out the best in him, as I feel you bring out the best in me.

I’m sure you have heard of Hugh’s latest antics, if he manages to smuggle any more women onto the base I fear he’ll be court-martialed for disobeying a direct order. Don’t worry I’ll try my best to keep him out of trouble.

I suppose the main reason for my letter is to inform you of the dance being held at the officers club next weekend. I would very much like to take you if you are free. I know Johnny is asking Ruth to go as well, so if you would like I can send a car to pick you up and bring you to the base. Of course, it will be late when the dance ends so I can arrange for you to stay in one of the Red Cross Woman’s Nissan huts, I believe they are well furnished although I have never been inside. I really do look forward to your reply and I hope that you will be able to attend.

You are in my thoughts always Hope.

Yours truly

Gale Cleven

Hope smiled, running her thumb over the crumpled letter as she read Gale’s words again. She had to admit she had thought of him often since their encounter over a week ago, not that she would admit that to Ruth, who somehow managed to bring up Johnny every chance she got.

When their letters came around this morning Hope had pocketed her letter, waiting for a quiet moment in the afternoon to truly appreciate Gale’s words. He had excellent penmanship, she noted, loving how his words seemed to glide across the page. The way he spoke caused her heart rate to quicken and she felt giddy, like a silly school girl with a crush on her classmate. Gale just seemed to have an effect on her that no man had ever had before. He was different from anyone she’d ever met. Hope had never believed in love at first sight, and she couldn’t say that she liked Gale when they first met, he’d been cocky and made assumptions, and yet he’d quickly changed into a charming young man.

Hope sighed, running her eyes over the letter again. It was 17:55 and Ruth was supposed to be meeting her at 18:00, but from the sound of the rain lashing against the windowpane, Hope hoped she’d be a little late. After receiving his letter, Hope wanted time to stand still, wanting to embrace his words and all that they meant. Hope had just finished reading the last line again when Ruth burst through the doorway. Hope didn’t look up but could hear her friend padding barefoot around the room.

"Who's the letter from?" Ruth asked, pulling on a pair of dry pants, a sweater, and some socks. Her footlocker closed with a thud and she plopped down on her creaky mattress, drying the ends of her hair with a towel.

Hope didn't look up from the page but held up an unopened letter. "You got one, too. You should open it."

"Not right now," Ruth sighed. "Right now, I need a nap."

Glancing at her with a raised eyebrow, Hope grinned. "It's from a certain Major."

In an instant, Ruth was on her feet, snatching the letter from Hope’s outstretched hand.

"If you'll excuse me," she said calmly as she excused herself for a moment.

Hope smiled in amusement as she watched Ruth try to contain herself from exploding with happiness. Chuckling at her antics, Hope returned her attention to her own letter.

The next thing Hope knew was the excitable squeal that left Ruth’s lips, “WE’RE GOING TO A DANCE!” She cried, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree, jumping up and down like an excitable child. Hope chuckled at her friend's enthusiasm, taking great delight in her friend's happiness. With everything they had been through together, they deserved to have some fun. Ruth’s jumping slowly came to an end, and the situation dawned on her.

Ruth's voice dropped to a whisper, and her eyes widened. "We're going to a dance."

Hope knew what was coming, and stood off her bed, grabbing onto her friend's upper arms gently.

"You're going to be fine, Ruth."

"I don't know, Hope. You know I don't like huge crowds," she replied.

The dark-haired nurse sighed. "Do you want to see Bucky? Yes or no?"

"Yes!" Ruth replied within a split second.

A satisfied grin worked its way onto Hope's lips as she spoke. "There's your answer."

She pulled Ruth into a tight hug, her own excitement showing through. "What are we going to wear?”

Dear Gale,

How excited I was to receive your letter. I feared my brother would be cantankerous and not share my address with you, but alas he must think you are a good man.

I would very much like to accept your invitation to the dance. I fear I have not danced for a while so my technique may not be perfect but I do very much look forward to seeing you again. I hear that Johnny is the life and soul of the party so I’m hoping he will help bring Ruth out of her shell. It means I will be free to enjoy myself without worrying Ruth is feeling left out.

I feel that in these trying times it is important to have something or someone to fight for, and I am pleased I am able to give you hope. I feel that since meeting you I often find myself wondering if we are sharing the same sky while I am in the air. What a peculiar thought really, but it is true.

I look forward to seeing you again very soon Gale. I will think of you fondly.

Hope

Gale rolled his eyes, looking over at his friend from his bed, which sat across the aisle of the officer’s hut. “I never said she didn’t.” Gale was only half listening to Bucky, too enthralled by his own letter from Hope to truly listen to his friend's conversation.

Sitting up against the wall, Bucky pointed at him. “I’ve got to show her my singing skills at the dance.”

The hut instantly broke out in complaints, each man having already heard the Major’s singing voice. “Please, Bucky,” Curtis called out. “Spare the girl some embarrassment. She’s already going as your date. That’s enough right there.”

Gale found himself trying to withhold a laugh but failed, snorting loudly and himself a glare from John.

“Laugh it up, Buck. You’re just gonna have to watch Ruth and I have fun while you sit in the corner with Hope. Does she know you don’t like to have fun?”

“Wait. My sister Hope?” Hugh piped up from the corner. He’d been reading a magazine and had been oblivious to the conversation until his sister was mentioned. His eyes now bright and his forehead creasing in concern.

“Oh, two can play at that game, Bucky,” Gale scoffed, choosing to ignore Hugh. “I’m gonna be the one sitting your crazy ass down when you start to act up. I can’t let you scare Ruth off before she gets the chance to know you.”

Narrowing his eyes playfully, Egan nodded and put down the letter. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Buck.”

“Now wait a minute,” Hugh interrupted, his brows furrowed as he pointed to the two majors. “You two are taking Hope and Ruth to the Officer’s Club dance?”

“Yes,” they both responded at the same time.

Hugh ran a hand down his face with a sigh. “Great. You four are not leaving my sight.”

“Come on, Charlie,” Bucky laughed. “We’re not that bad.”

His eyes widened as he turned toward the Major. “Oh really? Tell that to the bar owner in Greenland.”

Groaning, Johnny sunk back down in his bed and tried to keep that rowdy night from his head. Gale just grinned, recalling the look on the bartender's face when he’d delivered the unicorn. He wished he’d been there to see the incident in person but then again the stories of the night were bad enough.

He ran his thumb over Hope’s letter again, folding and unfolding the corner as he read the letter again, imprinting the words on his brain. He could almost hear her talking to him and found himself lost in his thoughts once more.

Saturday, July 31st, 1400 HRS: AAF

Grove, Berkshire

Hope looked at herself in the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time that afternoon. Despite having decided what to wear as soon as she’d read Gale's letter, she had managed to change her dress four times, before returning to her original choice.

She had to admit she looked quite pretty. Her dark hair pinned in neat rolls and the rest of her hair hanging loose in delicate curls, and she was thankful that the rain had finally stopped a few days before otherwise they really would be in trouble. Her makeup was simple yet elegant and her red lips turned up into a smile. Smoothing the creases out of her red dress she moved to the door, taking one last deep breath and putting her confident face on before stepping out.

“Now ladies, I want you to be safe tonight, be smart and don’t do anything stupid, alright?” Frank gave them yet another pep talk, adopting the worried older brother character.

“Frank, we’ll be fine,” Hope reassured him, patting him lightly on the shoulder. “You’ve met the boys, they’re good, honest men.”

Frank snorted, “Your Major Cleven might be, but the other one, well… just keep an eye on Ruth, would ya?”

Hope laughed, nodding in agreement, “I promise I’ll look out for her, Frank. I always do.” Hope turned, moving to get into the car where Ruth was already waiting, her knees bouncing nervously.

“Oh Hope, I got you these. Use them if you have to but try not to need them.” Frank threw a few packets through the window at the girls as the car moved off.

“What did he give you?” Ruth asked, unable to move her eyes away from the road ahead.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Hope replied, quickly shoving the packets of condoms into her bag and out of sight, her cheeks blushing bright red at just the thought.

1715 HRS: Thorpe Abbotts AAF Base, Norwich

Gale and John were sitting on their beds, finally sitting down after pacing up and down for the last hour listing all the reasons why the girls might not show.

“You two are being ridiculous, those girls aren’t like other women. They wouldn’t tell you they're coming and then not show,” Hugh had reassured them, after Curtis had begun grumbling about the state of the floor in the officer's hut.

“There won't be any floor left if you two don’t stop your God damn pacing.” John just glared at Curtis but Gale was inclined to agree with him.

“Curtis’ probably right, you know,” Gale fell backward onto his bed with a loud huff, the back of his dress uniform jacket would probably be creased when he stood up, but for the moment he just wanted to lie down and try to calm his nervous heartbeat. Johnny continued his pacing and eventually, Hugh and Curtis gave up and left the hut, moaning under their breaths about the Major’s ridiculous behavior.

————————————————————————

It felt as though they had been waiting for hours when the car’s dipped headlights finally appeared outside their window, causing both men to jump off the bed and in a frenzied panic straight up each other’s uniforms and check their hair in the mirror before dashing outside.

“Buck, move it,” Johnny tried pushing past his friend but Gale stuck his arm out to stop him.

“Calm down, John. Alright, we don't want to run at them and scare them off.” Both men took a deep breath before casually stepping out of the wooden door as if they were going for an evening stroll and hadn’t been pacing for hours.

“Why hello ladies,” Bucky yelled, trudging through the mud to the car. The windows were down, and they could see the girls’ conversing inside. “Don’t you both look stunning.”

Hope scoffed at John’s compliment but couldn’t help but smile as she was the grin that instantly grew on Ruth’s face when she looked his way. He ran a hand through his hair and leaned his elbows against the car's open window frame, taking in Ruth’s appearance.

Ruth grinned up at him, her dimples making an appearance. “Hello there, Major.”

“Ms. Morgan,” he greeted, before stepping back and opening the door for her. Offering her a hand, John helped Ruth out of the car, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles gently.

Hope stepped out from behind Ruth, and Gale rushed to help, taking her hand and carefully guiding her past the muddy puddle beside the car.

“You look gorgeous,” Gale spoke quietly in his normal soft spoken tone, which Hope felt was almost like a whisper in comparison to his friend's loud, outgoing nature.

“Thank you,” she gave him a small courtesy, blushing under his intense gaze, and instantly regretted her actions but her anxiety was eating away at her. She’d secretly been worrying about this evening since they had been invited, although she would never have let on to Ruth how she truly felt.

Gale pulled her closer to his side, when he noticed Hope shiver. He didn’t know whether he was being too presumptuous but he pressed a delicate kiss to her cheek, and Hope had to do everything in her power to stop her knees from shaking. ‘It was only fair, she kissed him last time’ Gale thought to himself.

“Well Ladies, your chariot awaits,” John motioned to the Willys jeep that was parked beside the Nissen hut.

“We have to go in that?” Hope asked, he eyes shooting from the jeep to Gale and back again, before tailing down to her pale blue dress that was most certainly going to be filthy by the end of the drive.

“It could be worse, I could have made us ride the bikes,” Bucky laughed, throwing his arm over Ruth’s shoulder, as he led her toward the jeep.

“I’ll have to take you on a bike ride. Buck here isn’t as talented of a rider than me, so you’re lucky. See, he hasn’t ridden in the pitch black all the way from Dickleburgh in the pouring rain half-drunk, so… ” He trailed off, realizing he probably shouldn’t have said that.

Hope couldn’t help but laugh at John’s antics, knowing that his light humour would help ease Ruth’s nerves. Gale smiled shyly, linking his arm through Hope’s, “You see what I have to put up with?” Hope nodded, watching as John chatted enthusiastically to Ruth. “The bikes would definitely be worse,” he assured her and Hope laughed in amusement.

“Yes, I can imagine they are.”

“I looked like a wet dog by the time I got back. Could’ve given Meatball a run for his money.” John laughed and Hope looked at Gale confused. She sometimes wished Gale didn’t take up all of her attention so she knew what was being discussed, but then looking up into his deep blue eyes she soon realised why.

“Meatball?” Ruth asked.

“Meatball’s a husky Demarco picked up in Greenland. He’s kinda the 100th’s mascot. The dog’s-”

“That damn dog is pure wolf and is nothing but trouble. The damn thing howls like a banshee in the Fort,” Buck interrupted as he and Hope got into the backseat of the jeep.

Settling into the driver's seat, John threw an arm over Ruth once again. “Come on, Buck,” he groaned, looking back at the Major in the rearview mirror. “He’s adorable.”

“Not when he jumps on your bed soaking wet at 3 am.” Hope gave Gale a sympathetic look and he grimaced back at her. Hope had always been a dog person and she was sure she’d love Meatball but she too wouldn’t have been impressed with that kind of wake-up call.

This Meatball seems like a character,” Ruth beamed, “I’d like to meet him.”

Johnny raised his eyebrows, tilting his head down toward her. “I think that can be arranged.” He then turned over the ignition and brought the jeep to a rumble. “You dodos ready?” he asked the group, a mischievous smile on his lips.

Taking a deep breath, Gale made eye contact with his friend, knowing immediately what was in store for them and instantly regretting not taking Hope on a lovely, romantic bike ride. “Bucky, please don’t kill-”

Before he could finish, the jeep was flying forward, its tires spraying mud behind them as they took off. John laughed loudly and tightened his grip on Ruth’s shoulder, pulling her closer against him. Gale did the same, and Hope was suddenly very grateful for their close proximity as she hung on for dear life. Hope wasn’t normally motion sick, having been used to Frank’s dangerous flying but this was something else. The jeep flew passed other airmen on their much-slower bikes.

”You’re crazy!” Ruth cried, shaking her head at John’s antics to which he just cackled.

The jeep jostled around in the mud as they rode, and after hitting, caused Hope to clutch onto Buck’s dress uniform jacket, tugging at the front. She no longer cared how precarious this situation looked, clutching desperately onto Gale like she was trying to rip his clothes off. Gale chuckled in amusement, pulling her closer to his side.

“It’s okay,” he whispered into Hope’s ear, “I’ve got you.”

Hope shivered as his breath tickled her neck, her heart pounding in her chest. Her eyes were trained on Ruth, who was desperately holding onto Bucky and as soon as she latched onto him, Bucky let off the gas slightly, slowing down to a normal speed. He wore a proud smirk, but didn’t take his eyes off of the road.

Hope relaxed a little, apologising to Gale, as she loosened her grip on him but he didn’t let go of her, continuing to hold her close to his side, seemingly very pleased with the situation.

‘God, this man is going to be the death of me’ Hope cursed, under her breath causing Gale to look down at her confused.

“What was that?” Buck called over the din of the jeeps engine, a crooked smile on his lips and Hope prayed that he hadn’t heard her.

“Oh nothing,” she replied, but Buck just smirked at her and she was almost certain he’d heard her.

Ruth and Bucky were laughing in the front and Gale chuckled at their antics. “Well, they seem to be getting on well.”

“They do,” Hope agreed, a smug smile on her lips. She knew this would be good for Ruth and it was lovely to see her enjoying herself. Although the squabbling over baseball from the front seat seemed to say otherwise.

Hope leant over to Gale, “Is Bucky a Yankees fan by any chance?” Gale nodded and Hope tutted, “Oh dear, that could be a deal breaker.”

Gale laughed, “ Please don’t tell me your obsessed with baseball too?”

Hope snorted, turning in her seat to face him, “Not a chance. I grew up with Hugh, remember? When you’ve had to listen to him blabbing about the St. Louis Cardinals every day for the last twenty odd years you wouldn’t be a fan either.”

Gale smiled softly at her, reaching forward to brush a stray hand away from her face, “Well then, I have a feeling we are going to get along nicely.”

The jeep rumbled to a stop in front of a large building, the sound of music and laughter already reaching their ears. Placing the car in park, Bucky turned toward her, his signature raised eyebrow grin adoring his lips. “I have my ways,” he winked.

John chuckled and grabbed Ruth’s hand gently, helping her out of the jeep, before Gale followed suit, helping Hope straighten out her dress.

Gale took Hope’s dainty hand in his much larger one, before tucking her into his side once more. Hope had never felt so safe as she did right now and she never wanted that to change. If only I could freeze us in this moment forever’ she thought as Bucky spoke, “Shall we?”

Ruth turned around to spare Hope a look and she grinned at her friend in return before glancing up at Gale who was already beaming back at her.

“Are you ready?” He asked, leaning into her. She grinned, nodding her head enthusiastically.

“Very ready. Although I haven’t danced in so long, you'll have to be patient with me.” Buck swallowed hard, nodding his head slowly. How was he supposed to break the news that he doesn’t dance, to the woman he invited to a dance?

John and Ruth were in front of them, and Hope reached out and squeezed her friend’s hand with a nod. Sometimes she just needed a little extra push in situations like these. Seeing the interaction, Bucky’s heart warmed in his chest at the realization that the girls’ friendship was much like his and Buck’s.

“You hear that, Buck?” John remarked, raising an eyebrow at the man. “She thinks I’m handsome.”

Gale rolled his eyes, reaching for the door when John flung them both open. “Whatever, John.”

The soft music carried through the night and when John threw open the door to the officers club, they were drawn in by the pleasant voice of Ella Fitzgerald blaring from the record player in the corner. The band was on a break and they had gathered around the bar, a few of them still with their instruments in hand. John led the group through the crowd of pilots and their dates to the dance hall, which was not yet full. Most of the couples were at the bar getting a drink to loosen up after a hard week. The 100th flew six missions in the past six days, so needless to say, the men needed a break.

“Come on, I want to introduce you to the Red Cross girls you’ll be staying with tonight. They’re a nice group, I promise,” Gale reassured Hope and Ruth, leading them towards a small group of women who were chatting in the corner.

“Good evening Ladies, this is Hope and Ruth,” Gale introduced them, motioning for Hope and Ruth to step forward. A chorus of ‘good evening Buck’ followed from the smiling women and Hope could help the pang of jealousy blooming in her chest as they smiled widely at her date. She knew Buck was a charming man, as well as very handsome and she suddenly feared that she wasn’t his only girl. Buck’s arm soon found its way to her hip, squeezing it gently and Hope cursed herself for being so insecure before.

“Hello,” Hope thrust her hand forward and several of the women shook it in return. Ruth was a little more reserved, giving the ladies a wave and a smile from her position between John and Hope.

“It’s lovely to meet you two.” One of the women spoke up, her dark curls bouncing on her shoulders and her kind eyes gleaming. “I’m Helen, and this is Tatty,” she gestured to the shorter woman beside her.

Tatty grinned and raised an eyebrow at Ruth. “You keep a close eye on this one, Ruth,” she chuckled. “The Major’s known to start trouble.”

Ruth peered up at him cheekily, her lip quirking into a smirk. “He’s said he’s gonna on his best behavior.”

As John opened his mouth to respond, Buck smacked his chest. “I’m gonna make sure of that, don’t worry.”

The small group broke out into snickers and Johnny smacked Gale on the back as he playfully glared at him, the women continuing their conversation while the men ribbed each other. The Red Cross women were warm and friendly, making Hope and Ruth feel instantly safe and included among them. The duo shared a glance and knew they were going to get along well with these ladies.

“Sorry girls but I’m gonna be stealing Ruthie from you now,” Bucky interrupted, leaning down toward the group with raised brows before clutching her hand and pulling her away from the conversation. She waved goodbye and followed him through the crowd, her dark dress swishing with each step.

Gale stepped up next to Hope, “I’ll also be stealing Hope from you, ladies, but I’m sure we’ll all be seeing each other later on.” He thanked the girls and earned himself a few low whistles as they watched him walk away.

Hope giggled, watching the blush creep up his cheeks. “Come on you must have plenty of women flirting with you,” Hope pried, hoping she wouldn’t step on his toes but also curious. Gale was a mysterious man and Hope did enjoy a challenge, Gale was a mystery she was hoping to crack.

Gale grinned, turning briefly to look at Hope, “I have some but none have caught my attention… not until… you, Hope.” Gale couldn’t meet Hope’s eyes and the flush that spread up from Hope’s chest caused her breath to catch in her throat. Could a man such as Major Gale Cleven truly be interested in a nurse like her? From the look on his face, apparently, he could.

Gale popped over to the bar, while Hope found a table, draping her coat and bag over the back of the chair. She could see Hugh from across the hall and waved at him but he seemed too preoccupied chatting to Curt and several women to notice her. Gale came back with a gin and lemonade and a ginger beer.

“ I see Sparky’s got his entertainment for the evening. I swear if he tries to smuggle any more women into the officers hut it might as well be renamed a brothel,” Gale laughed and then remembered the company he was in. Luckily, Hope laughed too, obviously well aware of her brother's antics.

“That’s a new nickname, Sparky. How’d he manage to get that one?”

Gale took a long sip from his drink, his forehead wrinkling as he mulled over the question, “Well, Bucky had a problem with his jeep last week so our engineer over there said ‘Don’t you worry, Bucky I’ll fix it for you’. So Hugh’s there under the bonnet cursing and moaning, pulling things around before he tells Bucky to turn on the ignition. So Bucky’s there trying and trying to start this thing. Curtis comes along asking what the matter is and your brothers only gone and left the spark plug on the floor. Put it back in and the jeep was working, good as new.”

Hope could no longer contain her embarrassment, running her hand down her face, as she tried to contain her laughter. “Oh no. I swear his not normally that bad. I promise. He’s generally a very good engineer.”

Gale chortled, “I’ll take your word for that.”

Trying to change the subject away from her brother’s embarrassing behaviour, Hope noticed Gale wasn’t drinking alcohol. “You don’t drink?” Hope asked, taking a sip from her drink and enjoying the satisfying burn as it slipped down her throat mixed with the bubbles of the lemonade.

“No, never do,” Gale replied plainly, linking his hand with Hope’s across the table they were seated at. Hope smiled back at him, worried that she’d ruined the mood but too curious to leave it there.

“How come?” Once again Hope found herself prying when she should know better. Gale stayed silent for a moment and Hope wondered if she really had put her foot in it this time.

“My dad drank… a lot when I was a kid, and he liked sports. He liked to bet,” Gale trailed off, his eyes glazing over as he stared straight ahead. Hope nodded, understanding the situation, and squeezed his hand reassuringly, bringing Gale back to the present. He smiled weakly at her.

“So, tell me about yourself. What was young Hope Armstrong up to before the war?”

Hope laughed, “I wouldn’t say young. I’ll be twenty four in September.”

Gale laughed, “Good to know. I’ll add the date to my diary.” The pair broke into a fit of laughter. “But seriously, tell me about yourself.”

Hope pondered for a few seconds, debating what she should reveal to him, “Well, I was born in Missouri. I went to Stephens Junior College for Women in Columbia where I study biology and I worked as an orderly in the local hospital. It’s where I decided to become a nurse,” Hope paused, noticing how Buck was watching her intently, seemingly hanging off every word. He genuinely seemed interested in what she was telling him, which surprised Hope. Most men only asked the question on autopilot and didn’t really care what response they got. “I started my nursing training four months before the war started in Europe. I qualified in ‘42 and I signed straight up for flight nurse training.”

Gale nodded, taking a sip of his ginger beer, “and then you met Ruth?”

Hope shook her head, “No I didn’t meet Ruth until December ‘42 when we were paired together. They wanted someone more senior with the less experienced nurses and because of my previous hospital experience and an extra year training apparently I was senior,” Hope laughed. It had always amused her that she was the younger nurse but also the senior one.

Gale nodded, “And that was the birth of the ‘Skytrain Girls’.” Hope laughed but Gale just nodded, “It’s what Hugh calls you.”

“Of course he does,” Hope sighed. “So now it’s your turn. Tell me about the infamous Gale Cleven.”

Gale chuckled, “Okay… well I was born on 27th December 1918 in Lemmon, South Dakota. I was at the University of Wyoming but I left my studies to become a bomber pilot. That’s where I met Bucky, in flight school. It’s where I became Buck.” He laughed. Hope’s forehead creased as she thought over Gale’s words.

“So he named you after himself?”

“Not quite. Apparently I look like a guy called Buck back in Wisconsin.” The pair found themselves laughing once more and any nerves that Hope had were quickly being diminished. Talking with Buck was easy and she found her heart rate increased as Gale’s eyes met hers once more.

Their eye contact was broken when John fell into the chair beside Hope, an almost-full pint of beer in his hand.

Hope scanned the area, noticing the absence of her friend. “Where’s Ruth?”

“In the restroom,” Bucky replied, his eyes drifting to the stage.

Gale watched him carefully noting the thoughts behind his stare, “How’s it going, John?”

He took another gulp of his pint, wiping the foam off his mustache as he raised his eyebrows and spoke enthusiastically. “You know she’s a teacher?”

Hope nodded, her smile widening as she watched the man get excited about Ruth. “Yep. She loves music, too, and I’ve heard you might have a slight thing for it.”

Without a word, he fell back against the chair, his gaze looking up at the ceiling. “Buck, Buck, Buck. Don’t let me drop the ball on this one.” He looked over at the other major, the corners of his eyes crinckled as he smirked. “That was a sports reference if-”

“I know what it means, John.”

A few moments of silence passed between the trio, and Hope was about to speak when Johnny beat her to it. “Buck, do you think I should sing?” John looked at the pair, deadly serious, and waited for Gale’s response.

“No, you said you’d be on your best behavior. Remember? What happened to five seconds ago with “not dropping the ball?” Gale gave his friend a sideward glare, still looking at Hope. John went to stand up and Gale’s arm flew out, shoving him back down in his seat. “What did I tell you, Bucky? You said you really like Ruth, so don’t screw things up with her.”

“Yeah, but she’ll like my singing, right Hope?” Hope knew John meant well, but she also knew what Ruth was like, she hated being embarrassed unless she wasn’t the only one being embarrassed. It didn’t really make sense, but it was just how it was for the blonde. Things weren’t as bad as long as she wasn’t alone.

“How about I sing with you?” Hope suggested, looking Bucky dead in the eye. A wide grin spread across the pilot's face and he nodded enthusiastically.

“See Buck, ya girl knows how to have fun. Too bad she’s stuck with you,” Johnny quipped before chugging the rest of his pint.

Gale’s face seemed to drop and Hope squeezed his hand again, “Hey, I don’t have to do this…”

But the smile quickly returned.

“No, no, you go for it. Knock ‘em dead, Beautiful.” Hope grinned, quickly downing the rest of her drink and taking John’s hand as he led her across the crowded dance floor to the microphones in front of the orchestra.

An uptempo, big-band version of “It Had to be You” filled the air as they got positioned at the front of the room. As soon as the guys saw Bucky step behind the mic, they collectively groaned, knowing what was coming. Hope swayed to the beat as she waiting for their queue, and a wide grin formed on her lips when she looked over to see Gale shaking his head at her, unable to hide his own smile. Stuck in the moment with Buck, she missed the queue, but Johnny sure didn’t. The second his loud voice filled the dance hall, she instantly realized why Buck had been so adamant against the Major singing. She had to stop herself from bursting out into laughter as he began to sing while animatedly dancing to the music.

“It had to be you,

It had to be you.”

Hope then joined in, her sweet voice making Johnny’s more bearable. From his position in the corner, she could see Gale’s eyes widening at hearing her sing for the first time.

“I wandered around and finally found

The somebody who,

Could make me be true,

Could make me be blue,

Or even be glad, just to be sad,

Thinking of you.”

The nurse’s eyes wandered the crowd for a moment, but Gale’s infectious smile dragged her back back to him. at her as she sang them.

“Some others I’ve seen,

Might never be mean,

Might never be cross,

Or try to be boss,

But they wouldn’t do.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw Bucky reach a hand out to the crowd, and when she looked closer, she realized he was pointing to Ruth, who stood in the back of the crowded hall with a blissful dimpled smile. The look of pure adoration on her friend’s face sent a surge of happiness through Hope. She hadn’t seen the blonde so happy for as long as she could remember.

Somehow, the rowdy and boisterous man beside Hope was able to bring out the person that she’d been trying to since they’d met.

“For nobody else gave me a thrill,

With all of your faults, I love you still,

It had to be you,

Wonderful you,

It had to be you!”

Hope decided to let Johnny have the grand finale and stepped back from the microphone. Based on the performance so far, she knew whatever was coming would be good.

“Baby, It had to be you,

Wonderful you,”

As the last note approached, Johnny extended his arms wide, sweeping them through the air in a grand gesture. The men were used to his antics at that point, so they were prepared, but everyone else’s eyes were on him expectantly.

“IT HAD TO BE YOUUU!” he belted out, his strained voice overpowering the music, causing a mix of groans and laughter to ripple through the crowd.

As the final notes of the song faded away, the room erupted in applause and cheers, most of them just glad Johnny was getting off the stage. He motioned to Hope and she took an elaborate bow, swishing her dress to the side and blowing a kiss to Buck, who caught it and held it against his chest. John then took a theatrical step back from the microphone, raised one arm high in the air, and with a dramatic flare, bowed deeply to the crowd. Hope took this as her sign to escape, scurrying off the stage and into the arms of her awaiting Major.

“You have the most beautiful voice,” Gale spoke softly, although no one around them would hear the news of John on stage.

“Thank you,” she whispered back, enjoying the burning sensation of Gale’s hand on her lower back. “Do you want to go outside where it’s quieter, I can’t hear myself think?” Hope suggested and Gale nodded, leading her through the crowds of people, his hand never once leaving her back.

————————————————————————

The cool evening air bit at her bare arms and she suddenly wished she hadn’t left her coat on the table. Gale noticed and instantly removed his dress uniform jacket, draping it around her shoulders.

“Can’t have a beautiful lady, such as yourself, getting frostbite now can I,” Buck joked, causing Hope to laugh at his chivalry.

“I hardly think I’m gonna get frostbite, Gale. It’s July,” Hope laughed, but seeing the way Gale’s face dropped broke her heart. “I don’t mean that I don’t want your jacket though… because I do. I’m glad you offered me your jacket. I really do appreciate it,” Hope stumbled over her words, cursing her anxiety but Gale just smiled, running his thumb over her cheek and tucking the stray hairs behind her ear.

Gale’s eyes suddenly diverted to the sky and he pointed upwards, just in time for Hope to see a shooting star, “Make a wish, Beautiful,” Gale whispered in her ear. Hope found herself wishing that the night would never end, that she could stay in Gale’s arms where they were safe forever. It was just a dream, and no sooner had the star appeared it was gone.

“What did you wish for?” Gale asked, noting the sadness that adorned her features, but Hope shook her head.

“If I tell you it won’t come true.”

“Well, we can’t have that then, can we? Especially if it was a good wish,” he uttered, his voice low and his eyes looking dark in the shade of the moon.

“It was a good wish,” Hope assured him. She reached up, running her thumb over his cheek.“I could just stare at you forever,” she whispered, enjoying how Gale’s eyes closed and he exhaled deeply into her touch.

“I don't ever want this night to end,” he murmured against her lips before leaning in. Hope had imagined kissing his lips before, how they might feel against hers, what he’d taste like. In reality it was so much better, not only did his lips mold perfectly to hers, but his hands came to rest on her hips pulling her flush against his chest as their hearts pounding in sync with each other.

“I hate to move too fast or be presumptuous, but never want to kiss anyone else for as long as I live,” Gale admitted, nuzzling his nose into her collarbone, sighing softly. His breath tickled but Hope pulled him closer, running her fingers through his blond locks and scratching at his scalp.

“Well it's a good thing you won't have to then,” she smiled into the night, enjoying Gale’s content sighs as she continued to stroke his hair, “Because you can kiss me for as long as you want to.”

“Hope? Is that you?” Hugh bellowed, rushing out from the side door of the hall, her bag clutched in his hand, the pair’s best friends on his heels. Ruth grimaced at the sight, and John pursed his lips, his moustache raising slightly.

Gale pulled away quickly but left his hand resting on her hip as he assessed the situation.

“Sparky, what’s got you in such a tizz?” He laughed and instantly regretted it when several condom packets went flying towards his face.

“Don’t you Sparky me, Asshole!” He hissed at Gale before turning towards Hope. “What the hell are you doing with these, Hope? Did he give them to you?” Hugh demanded, fist clenched at his side as Hope gathered up the packets, shoving them deep into her coat pocket. Her face was on fire and she couldn’t bear to turn to see Gale’s expression.

“So that’s what Frank gave you,” Ruth muttered under her breath from beside Johnny, whose expression morphed into one of amusement. Buck was always so straight-laced, and John found it humorous to see his friend in such a situation. Despite this, he was ready to step in at any moment to break up anything before it got out of hand.

“I wasn’t going to use them. They aren’t even really mine! Frank made us take them to be safe, but Hugh, I swear it’s not what it looks like,” Hope pleaded, removing herself from Gale’s side to go to her brother. “Hugh, I swear, I just shoved them in my bag on the way.”

She stopped for a minute, eyeing her brother suspiciously.

“Hang on, why are you going through my bag?” The nurse snapped, grabbing the small leather purse from his hands.

“You always carry first aid stuff with you and I cut my finger on some broken glass,” Hugh admitted sheepishly, holding up his bloodied finger. Sighing, Hope took hold of her brother's hand and assessed the damage.

“I do have some stuff in my bag,” she sighed again. “Go inside and wash your hands. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Watching her brother sheepishly retreat, Hope’s gaze moved to Ruth’s. The blonde sent her a raised brow, but Hope just rolled her eyes and shook her head. Ruth grinned at the realization she wasn’t the one with the rosy hue on her cheeks for once. From above her, John smirked and winked at Gale, who shot a ‘I can’t deal with you right now’ glare back at him. Taking that as their queue to leave, he tugged Ruth over to the door and held it open as she walked through, giving the couple one last glance before shutting the door behind him.

Hope turned to Gale, her eyes full of tears and her cheeks red from embarrassment. Gale just opened his arms up, pulling her into a hug and kissing her forehead.

Hope mumbled into his chest, “I hope you’re not disappointed that I said I didn’t want to… you know… tonight.”

Gale just chuckled, kissing her forehead once more, “not at all. We only met just over a week ago. I’d never expect anything like that from you until you’re ready.” He was unphased by the situation and just held her for a little longer, until Hope decided it was probably time to patch up her brother.

“Come on, I can’t have you going back inside on your own.” Gale linked his arm through hers but Hope didn’t move.

“Could we stay out here a little longer?” She asked, biting her lip and Buck had to stop his sudden intake of air as he looked at her in the moonlight.

Her hair hanging loose in curls around her face, her big brown eyes looking at him nervously.

“Of course,” Buck reassured her, bringing her back into his chest for a hug. The music from the officers club drifted outside through the night and the music of Glenn Miller filled the darkness. Hope found herself swaying in Gale’s arms and he swayed along with her, his hand moving to the small of her back.

As they swayed together Hope couldn’t help but chuckle, “And to think that you said you don’t dance.”

Gale laughed, looking down at the beautiful woman in his arms, “Well, maybe I just needed to find the right partner.”

The night soon came to an end, the music dying down and the airmen and their dates eventually scattering across the base.

After patching up a rather embarrassed Hugh, who couldn’t apologise enough and was eventually escorted away by an amused Curt, Hope spent the rest of the evening cradled in Gale’s arms. They had spent the last half an hour swaying slowly to the music that played softly through the window and chatting quietly until 11 pm came and the music died down.

“I suppose we should start heading back to the Red Cross barracks,” Gale whispered slowly even to Hope’s ear and she reluctantly pulled away, nodding sadly.

“I don’t want this night to end. I’ve never had an evening like this with a man such as yourself,” Hope spoke softly, causing Gale to smile and her sudden shyness.

“I don’t want this evening to end either but I have a feeling your brother will have my guts if I’m late back,” he laughed and Hope giggled too, clutching Gale’s hand.

“Come on then, Major.”

They walked slowly, Gale’s hand resting on her hip and Hope’s body pressed closely to his body. Gale had draped his flying jacket around her shoulders and the fabric smelt strongly over his aftershave that had been intoxicating her all evening. She could happily stay wrapped in his embrace forever but they all too quickly approached the Nissan hut inhabited by the Red Cross ladies.

Hope noticed John Egan strolling away from the hut, a smug smile on his lips as he punched the air, shouting enthusiastically before continuing his retreat into the night.

“Well someone is pleased with himself,” Gale chuckled, and Hope nodded in agreement.

“I’ll have to ask Ruth if she had a good night.”

Before they reached the door of the Nissan hut, Gale stopped Hope, spinning her around to face him. “Hope, I had a really great time tonight. I never thought I’d get to spend such an amazing evening with such a beautiful woman, who has the voice of an angel.”

Hope blushed, averting her eyes to her feet, “Thank you,” she mumbled. Gale reached down, cupping his fingers under her chin and raising her head to face him.

“I really like you, Hope,” he whispered, before his lips captured her, moving gently but firmly and rendering Hope breathless. Without a second thought, Hope grabbed onto the front of his jacket, pulling him behind one of the Nissan huts, their lips never leaving each other. Gale mumbled something under his breath but Hope didn’t hear him, too busy concentrating on the feeling of his lips on her neck and his hands travelling up her sides.

Hope could have very easily given in there and then, absolutely ready to find a quiet room and continue their advances but she knew they shouldn’t.

“Gale? Gale, we can’t,” she whispered, her words coming out in small short gasps.

Gale nodded, stepping away quickly, “I know. I’m sorry if I overstepped the…”

“Not at all,” Hope quickly reassured him, clutching his face in her hands and bringing him down for another gentle kiss. “I want this too, but we can’t, not yet.”

Gale nodded her, kissing her once more, “Good night, Hope Armstrong. Sweet dreams.”

Hope felt lost as she walked away from Gale, but the warm embrace of his flight jacket cradled her as she walked to the front door. Her hands grasping the handle she turned once more to see the figure of the mysterious Gale Cleven disappearing into the night.

Tags: @georgieluz @malarkgirlypop @docroesmorphine @major-mads @violetdaze25 @bcofl0ve @precious-little-scoundrel @b00ks1ut @liebgottsjumpwings

#on a wing and a prayer #gale cleven #hope armstrong #Hugh Armstrong #Ruth Morgan #john egan #masters of the air

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