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sagesolsticewrites · 6 months ago

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Love’s Light Wings: Chapter 1 (“as boundless as the sea”)

John Brady x Juliet Thompson (OFC)

John Brady finally returns home, overjoyed to see his mother, and with a question to ask Juliet— who’s been waiting for him to come home to her for nearly two long years.

Word count: 3.9k

Warnings: none, I think? But please let me know if I missed anything!

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction based off the portrayal by the actors in the Apple TV+ series. I hold nothing but respect for the real life individuals referenced within.

Hugest of huge shoutouts to @winniemaywebber and @ginabaker1666 for reading this many many times before I posted it I love y’all 💕

Masterlist | read the prologue here!

“Juliet.”

At the sound of her name, Juliet jolts back to reality, pausing in her anxious thumbing through the pages of the book in her lap. She looks towards where the sound came from: her mother in the passenger seat in front of her.

She folds her hands together, trying to keep them still.

“Sorry, I—”

“I know you’re nervous, sweetheart,” her mother says, reaching back to pat her knee, “He may be a little different, after everything,” she acknowledges, “but he’s coming home. And that’s what matters.”

Juliet nods, turning to look out the window at the passing buildings on their way to the station.

“I know, Mama.”

The car is silent for the remainder of the drive as her father pulls up to the already crowded station, grumbling softly to himself about how they should’ve left earlier.

The little Thompson clan makes their way inside, Juliet keeping her eyes peeled for—

“Helen! Over here!”

Mrs. Alice Brady— John’s mother— stands near a pillar just on the outskirts of the platform where John’s train is meant to arrive, waving to get their attention.

They make their way over to greet her, making a halfhearted attempt at small talk— a near-impossible task when they all know John will be arriving any minute from his brief detour to Oklahoma. Sweet, wonderful, dedicated man that he was, his first priority stateside was to travel with his co-pilot to pay his respects to the family of one of his fallen crew members, and no one could fault him for making them wait a few extra days for that.

“Oh, he’ll be so excited to see you, sweetheart,” Mrs. Brady says with a watery smile, squeezing Juliet’s hand.

“Not nearly as excited as he’ll be to see you, Mrs. Brady,” Juliet assures her. John may be the love of her life, but he’s a mama’s boy through and through. “He always asks if I’ve been checking in on you in his letters, you know.”

“My sweet boy… I hope you told him not to worry about me too much, honey. I tell him myself as well, of course, but you know it’s no use.”

“I did my best,” Juliet jokes, Mrs. Brady’s responding laugh a spot of sunshine in her cloudy demeanor.

Then, there’s the faint sound of something rolling down the tracks. The hiss of steam. The high-pitched sound of a train whistle.

The entire platform goes silent for a moment, then joyful chaos erupts as the train comes into view, soldiers waving from windows in the distance.

It’s utter pandemonium as the train comes to a squealing stop, loved ones storming the train cars as soldiers search the immense crowd for family, friends, lovers.

Juliet instinctively grabs her mother’s and Mrs. Brady’s hands in an attempt to keep their group together as the crowd flows around them, scanning desperately for any glimpse of John.

“Ma!”

A familiar shout stops Mrs. Brady in her tracks, and Juliet turns to see John Brady fighting his way through the crowd towards his mother.

She flings herself into her son’s arms, tears streaming down her face. A sob of “you’re home” is all Juliet hears before she steps away to give them a bit of privacy. She can’t help the tears that spring to her own eyes watching him hug his mother tight, some part of her still refusing to believe that it’s real, that he’s finally back.

Her own mother squeezes her hand, her watery eyes a mirror of Juliet’s as she gives her a soft smile. Juliet focuses on the feeling of her mother’s hand in her own, that grip being the sole thing keeping her from floating out of her body at the moment, her mind a disbelieving loop of he’s here he’s here he’s here.

Then Mrs. Brady finally releases her son, and John turns to her with that shy, cheeky smile she first fell in love with, diverting her attention from his own eyes brimming with tears.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he says in a tight voice.

Her feet carry her to him as if they have a mind of their own, and then she’s flinging her arms around him, her own tears streaming over her cheeks, his name escaping her in a sob. John holds her tight, pressing soft kisses to the crown of her head, her forehead, her temples, anywhere he can reach as she buries her face in his neck.

Though his hug is just as fierce as it’s always been, his uniform is doing little to hide how thin he’s become, and it makes her want to shatter on the floor and force him into bed so she can nurse him back to health simultaneously.

He moves to pull away, presumably to get a good look at her after so long, but Juliet is loath to let him out of her arms just yet. He relents, wrapping his arms around her for a few moments more before leaning down to whisper tenderly in her ear.

“I’m home, honey. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon,” he whispers with a brush of his lips to her ear, “Let me look at you, hm? I wanna see my girl, my Jules.”

With a nervous, watery laugh, she pulls away to meet his eyes, hyperconscious of the tears and mascara streaming unattractively down her face.

John simply takes her in, a fond smile on his face as his thumb swipes under her eyes, whisking away her tears.

“There she is,” he murmurs, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, “How did you manage to get even more beautiful while I was gone, honey?”

She can’t even begin to think of a reply, but it doesn’t matter because soon his lips are on hers and nothing else matters but the fact that he’s here and safe and whole.

Eventually they pull apart, her arms around his neck, one of his hands tenderly cupping her cheek.

“I missed you so much, Johnny,” she breathes, pressing her forehead to his as her eyes close, trying to memorize every detail of this moment.

“I missed you more, Jules.” Comes his soft reply, brushing a kiss to her nose just to hear her delighted giggle, nose scrunching up adorably.

They both jump at the sound of her father clearing his throat behind them, separating sheepishly. John takes it in stride though, leaning forward to accept Mr. Thompson’s handshake.

“Welcome home, son.”

“Thank you very much, sir,” he says with a single firm shake that has her father nodding respectfully.

Then it’s Mrs. Thompson’s turn for a hug, almost as enthusiastic as his own mother’s, and Juliet can’t help but grin at the way she dotes on him like a son.

“We’d better leave now if we want to beat all this traffic back home,” Mrs. Brady says, glancing around at the other happily reunited families filing out to the parking lot, “Will you all be joining us for dinner?”

She turns to the Thompsons, an expectant smile on her face.

“We’d love to,” Mrs. Thompson answers, adding “As long as it’s not an imposition, of course—”

“Nonsense, you’re always welcome,” Alice assures her.

With some back and forth, the mothers figure out an arrangement to meet at the Brady home in an hour, giving John time to get settled in before dealing with guests.

The hour passes quickly, and soon the Thompsons are standing on the front step, Juliet’s mother holding a container of chocolate chip cookies she had frantically taken from the cookie jar— “We can’t go empty-handed, sweetheart,” she had reminded Juliet at the look on her face.

Mrs. Brady had greeted them happily, ushering them inside to a spread of what Juliet recognized as all of John’s favorite foods.

Speaking of John…

“Hello, everyone.”

He enters the dining room smiling, still in his uniform, and Juliet abandons all propriety to rush into his arms, John easily catching her with a laugh.

“I know it’s only been an hour, but I missed you too, honey,” he chuckles softly into her ear before releasing her to greet her parents.

They settle at the table for dinner, and retire to the sitting room for drinks after dessert, where John and Juliet curl up on a loveseat off to the side while the parents chatter.

“How have you been, Jules?” He asks softly, entwining his fingers with hers as he adds with a soft laugh, “I couldn’t exactly get updates on the boat over, so I want to hear everything.”

“Are you sure?” She asks, slightly confused even as she teases, “You didn’t get sick of all my rambling after all this time?”

“I could never get tired of your rambling, sweetheart,” he assures her, “And… I could use some normalcy right now after… everything.”

His eyes drift to the family picture sitting on the mantle: him as a teenager, flanked by his mother and his father, and Juliet recalls with a pang that his father never got to see him come home— how could she have forgotten?

“Well,” she begins, gently drawing his attention back to her, “We’re getting ready for final exams, and there’s one boy who— bless his heart— is nearly failing but he seems to think if he aces the final he’ll be fine—”

Her rambling is interrupted, however, by Mrs. Brady coming around to collect the remaining dishes.

“Oh let me help you—”

“I’ve got it sweetheart, you don’t have to—”

“I want to, please,” Juliet insists with a smile, and she follows John’s mother into the kitchen.

“So John,” Mrs. Thompson turns to him, “do you have any plans now that you’re back home?”

“I’m hoping to get back into teaching,” he says with a smile, “Hearing Jules talk about it made me realize how much I missed it.”

“Oh, that’s lovely,” Mrs. Thompson beams.

“I also, uh…”

His eyes flick anxiously between Jules’s parents as he steels himself, his audience waiting patiently for him to continue.

“Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, I love your daughter very much. Juliet… she’s the most wonderful person I’ve ever met, and I know that’s because of the wonderful parents she has. Your daughter means the world to me, and I’d…” His mouth goes dry, and he swallows nervously before continuing, “I’d be honored to have your blessing to ask her to marry me.”

Silence.

It stretched between them, and the longer they were silent the bigger the pit of dread in Brady’s stomach got until—

“Son,” Mr. Thompson says with a smile as he stands, reaching out for a handshake, “It would be an honor to have you as part of our family.”

He scrambles to his feet after a moment of stunned silence, returning the handshake eagerly.

“Thank you very, very much, sir.”

Juliet’s mother is beaming as she stands to give John a hug, glancing surreptitiously towards the kitchen before asking quietly, “When would you like to ask her? Do you have a ring yet?”

“I— well, I’m not quite sure about when, but I know I’d like to do it as soon as possible— properly, of course. And as for the ring…”

He takes the ring box his mother had given him out of his pocket, opening it to reveal a small emerald nestled between two even smaller diamonds, set in a delicate gold band.

“It was my grandmother’s,” he explains, unconsciously tilting it to catch the light so the emerald shines the same color as Juliet’s eyes, “I saw it one day and it just… made me think of her.”

“It’s lovely, John,” Mrs. Thompson breathes, “She’ll love it.”

“I hope so,” he replies sheepishly, tucking the box back in his pocket.

Juliet’s laughter drifts in from the kitchen, her and his mother’s voices getting louder as they return to the group.

“Is that the time already?” Mrs. Thompson says, saving John from scrambling to make up a topic of conversation as Juliet returns to his side, “Alice, this was lovely, thank you so much for having us, but we really should be going if we want to get to church on time tomorrow. We’ll see you there, yes?” she asks as they say their goodbyes in the foyer, beaming at Mrs. Brady’s confirmation that yes, they will, as well as the Thompson’s Sunday luncheon afterwards

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Helen,” Mrs. Brady grins, and with that the Thompsons begin to make their way back to the car.

“Well?” she turns to her son expectantly, the Thompsons long gone.

The smile on his face tells her everything she needs to know, even as he rambles in disbelief about how nervous he was, how accepting and even excited Juliet’s parents were, and how he can’t wait to ask her tomorrow.

“Tomorrow?” His mother says, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“I—” John blinks, as if he’d even surprised himself with that, “Yeah, I… I’ve already gone too many years without her. I don’t wanna wait any longer than I have to.”

A tender smile spreads across her face seeing how John softens just thinking about Juliet.

“I’m so happy for you, Johnny.”

“Ma, I haven’t even asked her yet,” he reminds her sheepishly, “And she hasn’t said yes.”

“She will, honey. Trust me.”

Juliet can’t help the smile on her face when they walk into church the next morning, seeing John talking quietly next to his mother in their pew.

Right where he should be, some small voice in the back of her mind supplies as they slide in next to the Bradys.

He turns to greet them, his gaze softening as it meets hers.

“Hi,” he says softly, a tender undertone filling the casual greeting with a warmth that spreads throughout Juliet’s body.

“Hi,” she replies in the same soft tone, wondering if she’ll ever really get used to hearing his voice again after so many years of nothing but letters.

The brief greeting is all they have time for before everyone stands as Mass begins.

John’s trying to pay attention-- it’s his first Mass back home, with his mother, at the church he grew up in, he truly is trying his best to pay attention.

But not only is Juliet driving him to distraction in that dress— does she truly have no idea how stunning she looks?— he can’t stop picturing her in this very church, in an entirely different dress, on an entirely different occasion.

He’d be standing at the end of the aisle, in his best suit. Flowers— gardenias, of course— would adorn the space, their friends and family filling the pews. A wedding march would start to play. He’d turn as the doors opened, revealing Juliet… his Juliet, looking utterly radiant in a white gown, a diaphanous veil covering her face, an emerald the same color of her eyes glittering on her left hand—

A gentle nudge to his left jolts him out of his thoughts, and he turns to see Juliet giving him a concerned look, eyebrow raised in a silent “Everything okay?”

He flushes— apparently he wasn’t as subtle in his daydreaming as he thought. All he can do is offer a sheepish smile, reaching over to squeeze her fingers for the briefest of moments before returning his attention— what remains of it, anyway— to the front for the rest of the service.

“We’ll see you in a bit!” Mrs. Thompson waves as the congregation files out to the parking lot, Mrs. Brady returning her farewell with a smile.

“See you later,” Juliet grins, brushing a chaste kiss to John’s cheek before following her parents to their car.

His mother gives him a knowing look as they slide into their own car, John putting on his most innocent expression.

“What?”

“You seemed a bit distracted today, that’s all,” Mrs. Brady says, “Everything alright?”

“I’m fine, Ma,” he assures her, absentmindedly running his thumb over the small velvet box resting in his pocket, “Just… missed being home.”

Her lips twitch up into a smile, watching her son fondly as they drive home— she’s got a potato salad sitting in the fridge for the church luncheon.

“She’s going to say yes, honey.”

John blinks.

“Wh—?”

“I’m your mother, you can’t hide anything from me John,” she says matter-of-factly, “I know exactly why your head was in the clouds today, and I know—” she turns to give him her full attention as they park in the driveway, “— that you and Juliet are going to have a beautiful life together.”

A tender smile spreads across John’s face as he looks down at his lap, eyes softening at the thought of a whole life with his girl.

“Thanks, Ma.”

“Always, sweetheart. Now let’s go,” they step out of the car, “the faster we get you through this lunch, the faster I get a daughter-in-law.”

“Ma!”

To say sitting through a lunch with nearly everyone he knows when he just wants five minutes alone with Jules is torture is, well… he knows it’s not— he’s been through too much to say otherwise— but it’s the closest thing to it he’s experienced since arriving home not even 24 hours ago.

The ring box is burning a hole in his pocket even as he approaches the Thompsons— Juliet on the other side of the room caught up in a conversation with one of their neighbors— politely greeting people as he passes.

“John, there you are,” Mrs. Thompson grins before lowering her voice “Your mother was saying something about you wanting to ask Juliet today?”

He does his best to smother his grin— of course that was the first thing she talked to them about.

“Yes, ma’am. I was hoping I could get a moment to talk to her once everyone else is gone…”

“We’ll take care of it,” she assures him.

“Take care of what?”

Juliet pops up behind her mother, eyes flicking suspiciously between her parents and John.

“Nothing, sweetheart,” her father says, “Just catching up with John here. He was just telling us that he’s looking to go back into teaching, isn’t that right?”

“Yes sir,” John nods, unable to help the grin on his face as he sees Juliet light up.

“Oh that’s perfect, Johnny!” She beams, “I’ll ask around and see if there are any openings.”

“I appreciate it, honey.” He smiles, arm sliding easily around her shoulders as she sidles up next to him.

He presses a kiss to the crown of her head, steeling himself for more socializing as she pulls him along to yet another neighbor.

Finally, what feels like years later, the last few guests have said their goodbyes-- save for the Bradys, who have insisted on staying behind to help clean up.

“Juliet,” Mrs. Thompson says once every available surface in the kitchen is covered with dishes to be cleaned, “why don’t you show John the garden? Alice and I will take care of all this.”

She turns to her mother, a puzzled look on her face. “No, I’d be happy to help, mama—”

Mrs. Brady steps in, gently shooing them off, “You two take some time to catch up without us meddling parents,” she teases, “Let us mothers gossip, hm?”

“ As long as you’re not gossiping about us,” Juliet teases back, but turns and leads John out to the back garden, where an assortment of vegetables have replaced what used to be a thriving variety of flowers.

“With all the rationing, Mama figured it would be better if we grew our own food,” she explains, fingers entwined with his as they walk along the brick border separating the garden from the rest of the yard. A smile spreads across her face as she adds, “But I convinced her to save some of the flowers.”

She points to a small section of tilled soil just below her bedroom window, where a white-blooming gardenia grows.

“Of course you did,” he says fondly, grinning as he presses a kiss to her temple, “It’s almost as pretty as you.”

She tucks her face into his shoulder in an attempt to hide the growing smile on her face.

“Hush.”

“What?” Brady laughs, “I can’t give my girl a compliment? Especially after I was away for so long…”

Juliet’s smile fades slightly at that, pressing ever so slightly closer to him as if to remind herself that he’s really there.

“I missed you so much,” she murmurs, her voice barely a whisper.

His hand comes up to tuck a dark curl back behind her ear, thumb stroking along her cheek until she lifts her head to meet his eyes.

“I missed you too, honey. More than you know.” He says softly, taking a shaky inhale before continuing “You know what got me through being in… in that place?”

Juliet shakes her head, quietly waiting for him to continue.

“Your letters, sweetheart. Well, Ma’s too,” he adds with a soft laugh, “But getting to hear you just talk about the kids, your parents, keeping me updated on the tiniest things like it was nothing… I didn’t realize how badly I needed a reminder of what was waiting for me back here until you kept giving them. And I realized something while I was over there.”

He pauses, exhaling shakily, and Juliet waits patiently for him to continue. Eventually, his gaze meets hers as he says reverently, “I wanted that, every day for the rest of my life. I want to hear about your Shakespeare lectures, about which kids are trying to get out of the grammar quiz, about which person in your book club is getting on your nerves—”

There’s a pause, and Juliet’s heart skips a beat as she realizes what’s happening.

“Johnny…” she breathes, hand flying to her mouth as he sinks down onto one knee in front of her, removing a small box from his pocket.

“‘I would not wish any companion in the world but you’,” he says in that soft, hesitant way that tells her he worked tirelessly to make sure he got the quote right— and he did, she notes gladly, from Act 3 of Tempest, and that’s an extra layer of wonderful because Tempest isn’t one she talks about very often so he must have been paying very close attention— “I never want to be apart from you again, sweetheart. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side, so…”

Tears are already streaming down her cheeks as he opens the box to reveal a delicate emerald ring, his own voice becoming thick as he continues, “Juliet, will you marry me?”

She nods furiously, the words fumbling in her mouth for a moment before she finally gasps “Yes, yes!”

A mix of relief and joy and utter adoration flashes across John’s face as he stands, reverently slipping the ring onto her left hand before dipping to capture her lips in a tender kiss.

A watery, joyful laugh escapes her as they break apart, so utterly happy she feels she might burst.

John’s gaze trails over her face almost in disbelief, thumb tracing over the ring nestled snugly on her finger. He opens his mouth to say… well, he’s not sure what to say. There aren’t words for the wondrous joy he’s feeling in this moment, so he settles for leaning in for another kiss--

A muffled shriek from inside causes them both to jump, Juliet’s forehead narrowly missing John’s nose, then there’s the sound of dishes being swept into the sink, followed by a:

“George! She said yes!”

Blue eyes meet sparkling green for the briefest moment before they collapse into giggles, and that is how the Thompsons and Mrs. Brady find them: laughing together in the garden, the emerald on Juliet’s hand shining in the sunlight.

#love’s light wings #love’s light wings: brady & juliet #john brady #john brady x oc #john brady x ofc #oc: juliet #oc: juliet thompson #masters of the air #masters of the air oc #mota #mota oc #my writing

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footprintsinthesxnd · 7 months ago

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Chapter two: Bike Rides and Turning Tides

Harry Crosby x Maggie Reid / Ken Lemmons x Maggie Reid

Series Masterlist

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

Summary: As Maggie is still trying to figure out what Ken and Harry mean to her, she realises who is there for her when she really needs them.

Collab with @georgieluz

July 4th 1943, Thorpe Abbot AAF base, 07:00

"Tell me everything," Mads threw herself down into the wooden chair on the opposite side of the table, her coffee steaming in front of her as she waited expectantly. "You avoided me all day yesterday, but I hear you were out on the hard stand with Ken all morning." She winked cheekily at her.

"There's nothing to tell," Maggie sighed, pushing her mushy, scrambled egg around on the plate in front of her. All morning Tatty, Helen and Mads had been quizzing her on her 'date' with Harry Crosby.

"Honestly, nothing happened. Harry just happened to be there, we had a nice chat, he walked me home. Then Ken showed up with flowers and a wrench, and then he left. So yes, nothing happened."

Mads looked a little disappointed running her index finger around the top of her mug before a new idea popped into her head. "But you wanted something to happen, right? I mean you like them right?"

"I don't know, Mads," Maggie groaned, she loved her friend's enthusiasm but right now it was just too much. Her mind was too preoccupied with the thoughts of two different men that Mad's chaotic behaviour was not helping.

"What are we talking about?" Archie and Jimmy appeared behind her, Archie bent over pressing a kiss to her temple as he sat down, stealing a piece of toast off Maggie's plate and biting into it.

"We're discussing Maggie's love life but she's giving me nothing," Mad's pouted.

"Like I said, there's nothing to tell," Maggie corrected her.

"So Harry Crosby truly was a gentleman then," Archie mused, finishing the piece of toast before he took a long swig of his coffee.

"Yes, but there wasn't just Harry. Lovely little Ken Lemmons was waiting outside our hut for her all night with a wrench and some primroses," Mads added, ignoring the glare Maggie sent her way.

"Ken Lemmons hey, who would have thought it, and primroses too. They're your favourites, right Maggie?" Jimmy added, winking at Archie.

Maggie glared at him. Of course, those two had something to do with this. The mischievous smile on their faces instantly gave them away as the culprits.

"They are actually," she replied nonchalantly, trying to ignore the two smirking faces in front of her. Instead, her eyes trailed upwards, catching those of a certain navigator who waved shyly at her across the mess hall.

She waved back, ignoring her friends who spun frantically around in their seats to see who she was waving at.

"Crosby!" The three exclaimed, turning back quickly as a few eyes, including Harry's glanced over.

Maggie's face grew redder as she felt Harry's eyes still on her, she wanted to look back over but then she knew she'd be blushing even more. Her heartbeat quickened in her chest as a pair of legs appeared out of the corner of her eye.

"Good morning, Crosby. Did you sleep well?" Archie asked cheerfully, sipping his fresh cup of coffee with a wide smile. Mads leant back in her chair beside him, smiling sweetly.

"Yes I-I did… thank you," Harry stumbled over his words, eyes trained on Maggie who plucked up the courage to send him a small smile. Harry looked so happy that the crushing guilt began to grow in her chest. Why had she expected the flowers from Ken? She'd had such a lovely evening with Harry, but then Ken…

"Isn't that right, Maggie?" Archie asked, sending a knowing look her way as she felt three pairs of eyes on her.

"Umm… yes, yes of course," she replied, absolutely oblivious to what she was agreeing to, but from the three smiling faces looking at her it must have been the right answer.

"Excellent, I still have the bikes from last night so feel free to borrow those," Archie declared, standing up and dragging Mads and Jimmy up beside him. "Come on Madison, let's leave these two to their fun day of activities."

Mads and Jimmy nodded, following after Archie but not before turning to give Maggie a 'thumbs up'. Maggie made it her mission to scold her when she next saw the nurse, but Harry quickly took the seat that Mads had occupied.

"I hope that's okay with you…b-because if not I can…” Harry began rambling but Maggie grabbed his hand, stopping the blushing navigator mid-sentence.

"Harry, I'm sure it's fine but I maybe…sort of…did zone out and I'm not entirely sure what I've volunteered for," she admitted, biting her lip anxiously while Harry's face relaxed and he chuckled.

"You've volunteered to take me out on a bicycle ride," he smiled cheerfully, "and a picnic."

Harry seemed awfully pleased with himself and Maggie could find it in her to tell him she had a lot of work to get through today.

"Of course, I'd be happy to. How about you arrange the picnic and I'll grab the bikes?" She asked hopefully, shovelling in the last of the powdered eggs on her plate.

"Yes, yes of course….absolutely…I'll," Harry stumbled backwards away from his chair, catching himself before he fell. "I'll get right on that… Yes, I will." His cheeks glowed bright red and Maggie couldn't help the smile growing on her lips as she watched him hurry away on his important mission.

Finishing her coffee, Maggie glanced down at her overalls, noticing the dark oil stains and rips in the fabric. She couldn't go out with Harry looking like this. What would people say?

Pushing herself hastily away from the table, she rushed from the mess hall, hurrying back towards the Red Cross hut, praying that either Tatty or Helen would still be there to help her. She wasn't sure why she was so worried. The first time she'd met Harry she'd fallen on her arse, flailing around on the floor in her overalls, but somehow this time was different. This time she wanted to impress her.

Her boots hammered at the Nissan but steps as she threw open the door, startling Helen and Tatty who were sitting on their beds, chatting quietly,

"Girls!" She exclaimed, "I need your help."

Thorpe Abbotts Base AAF Sector, 09:00

Maggie, tugged at the blue shirt that seemed to stick to her body, praying that she wasn't sweating through the thin material. She'd opted for a shirt and thin summer trousers after the fiasco with her dress last time she ridden the bike. Helen and Tatty had helped style her hair, pinning the front parts of her hair neatly, while her remaining curls hung loosely at her shoulders.

She waited anxiously, checking her watch for the fourth time in a few minutes. Maggie knew she hadn't set an exact time to meet Harry but the apprehension only grew and she began to chew at her cheek.

A dark-haired figure appeared from behind one of the Nissen huts, a wide smile on his face and a wicker basket underneath his arm. He waved excitedly at her, tripping over but managing to save himself before he hit the ground. Maggie gasped, hurrying forward but he recovered, cheeks a little redder but still smiling nonetheless.

"Sorry I'm late, Bubbles was drilling me about the other night," he admitted, placing the basket down beside him, "Don't worry, I didn't tell him too much."

Maggie laughed, leaning back against the bikes, "I do hope so, Harry. I can't have the whole of the Eighth Air Force knowing all my secrets."

"Duly noted," Harry saluted her, allowing his eyes to trail over her. "Maggie, you look… wow you look amazing," Harry breathed as he reached her. His dark eyes shone brightly and his cheeks crinkled as he smiled.

"Thank you," Maggie blushed, pulling at the sleeves of the shirt Helen had lent her. It wasn't normally her style, but then again her style mainly consisted of overalls, or corduroy trousers and boots back home.

The pair watched each other nervously, neither too sure what to say next before they both spoke in unison.

"We should…"

"Shall we…"

Harry chuckled, "Shall we go?"

Maggie nodded, pushing one of the bikes towards Harry so he could secure the picnic basket on the back, before climbing into the saddle.

"So, do you know the area well?" He asked, pushing down the pedals shakily and pulling onto the gravel road beside her.

"Well enough," she mused, pushing her bike ahead of his, "Keep up, Crosby, I don't want you lagging".

The chains in the bike creaked as Maggie's feet came in contact with the pedals, her boots pushing them forward as the rickety metal frame began to move. She couldn't vouch for the safety of this bike, especially considering Archie was just borrowing them, but she appreciated the sentiment and the fact that they didn't have to walk.

Harry grinned cheerfully beside her, his legs slowly pushing the bike forward down the tarmacked road leading out of the base. Maggie was glad that she had chosen to wear trousers instead of a dress after her last mishap with a bike resulting in her blue dress being stained with oil.

Maggie couldn't help but chuckle, watching as Harry threw his head back, allowing the sun to cast its glow over his handsome features, his eyes shining brightly as he glanced over at her.

They neared the exit to the base, turning right and following the road away from the village and towards the lush, open green landscape. The viridescent fields and hills roll by calmly.

Maggie pushed herself forward, keeping up with Harry easily.

"You enjoying the view," she jested, watching as Harry's cheeks grew a dark crimson and he glanced away. "I don't mind if you are, just nice to know."

Harry cleared his throat, "Well, maybe I do like the view actually," he admitted rather sheepishly, meeting his gaze for a few seconds.

"Good," she declared, "Maybe you'll enjoy the view as you eat my dust." She took off down the road, legs pedalling faster than before as the bike carried her swiftly away. She cheered and whooped, ignoring Harry's shouts of protest from behind her as he trailed along, bringing up the rear.

Maggie continued to cycle on, following the winding road down around the perimeter of the base, until the road forked over the river and she stopped at the small stone bridge. Harry appeared from around the bend, his legs pedalling faster than ever as he came to a screeching halt before her.

"Well," Harry sighed, catching his breath with a chuckle, "You sure did give me a run for my money."

Maggie laughed, "Never underestimate an English girl, Croz," she pointed her finger at his chest and he raised his hands in mock surrender.

"I would never."

The afternoon trundled on and Maggie finally found the spot she was looking for beside the river. It's where the river bent around an old tree, following either side of it on its path towards the sea.

She dropped her bike down on the grassy verge, flopping down beside it with a sigh. Harry followed suit, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt as the hot summer sun began to get to him.

"What's Iowa like, Harry?" Maggie asked, picking at the grass beside her leg as she glanced at him.

Harry smiled fondly, "Well it's generally pretty cold in the winter, it snows but it's not too heavy. The summers are my favourite, hot and humid and you have really long summer evenings. The summer evenings are my favourite. It's normally around mid-eighties Fahrenheit."

Maggie chuckled, "You Yanks and your Fahrenheit."

Harry shook his head, "Sorry, it's just the measurements I know." He waited a minute before continuing his story about Iowa. Maggie loved how passionately he talked about his home, she'd never travelled more than four hours from where she was born and yet many of the young men on base were hundreds of miles from theirs.

Harry paused for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "The State's flag has an eagle on it."

He seemed rather chuffed about that particular fact and Maggie laughed, enjoying his boyish behaviour.

"Well if I'm ever in a quiz about the State of Iowa I have a pretty good chance of winning," she laughed, causing Harry to blush, ducking his head down in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I know I reeled off a lot, it's just things that are familiar to me and…"

"No not at all," she interrupted him, "No I like hearing about your home. I can't even imagine what it must be like to be so far from your home. I'd love to visit the States someday," she mumbled, tugging absentmindedly at the sleeve of the shirt, "I just can't imagine travelling so far."

"Maybe one day I could take you there, to Iowa I mean. You could come to visit," Harry suggested a nervous smile on his lips.

Maggie smiled, "I don't know about that, leaving England. I'd never even left Dorset until the war began, now I've been to a few more places but nothing too far," she admitted, suddenly feeling self-conscious that she hadn't had to brave the trip to a new country to help with the war effort. Even the Red Cross girls had come further than she had.

Harry, sensing her uncertainty, reached forward, grasping her hand in his, "Then maybe this could be your first big adventure."

Harry was right, nothing was stopping her from travelling to the States with Harry after the war. She didn't have to stay there if she didn't like it, and her family would always be here waiting for her.

"Alright Croz, you've got yourself a deal. If this war ever ends you owe me a trip to the States."

Harry laughed at her enthusiasm, "You've got yourself a deal."

All too soon the morning drew into afternoon, and the pair decided to head back, pedalling slowly along the deserted road. The summers sun still hung high in the sky, beating down onto their backs. Maggie was pleased that the shirt she had borrowed was thin and the wind blew through the fine material cooling her easily.

Cycling home was nowhere near as fun as when they'd flown down these roads earlier, and Maggie could see by the way Harry hung his head low that he felt the same. Back on base, everything was loud and demanding, but out here, just the two of them the world was soft and quiet. If only they could say here forever.

"We should do this again sometime," Maggie suggested as they turned up the gravel road, and through the gates back onto the air base. The sign to Thorpe Abbott hanging by the post, and they both nodded to the guard on the gate.

"I'd like that very much," Harry nodded enthusiastically, his smile a little brighter than the gloomy look on his face a few moments before. Maggie's heart swelled as she looked at him, his face crinkling as he grinned at her. There was something warm and safe about Harry Crosby, like she'd known him forever and knew that he'd look out for her. Maggie wasn't sure what it was but it made her smile at him in return.

"Then we will have to arrange it. My sister and I cycled all over the place when we were children."

"I'd like to meet your family someday, I-if you'd let me of course," he added nervously, "They seem like lovely people."

Maggie wasn't sure whether she wanted Harry to meet her family. Life at home was so different from her life on base, here she was strong and independent but at home, she was back beneath the shadow of her perfect sister.

"Sure, maybe one day," Maggie replied vaguely, hoping the answer would settle Harry for the time being.

Pulling up their bikes beside the RAF Nissen hut and propping them against the wall, Maggie noticed a familiar figure watching them.

Ken sat on the bench across the field, fiddling with some spare parts on the table with Billy and Sammy. The two boys spotted Maggie, waving frantically and calling them over. Ken sent her a cold smile and Maggie couldn't help but feel out of place joining their peaceful moment. Harry walked beside her, grinning happily at Ken who greeted them indifferently, his voice low.

"Maggie. Lieutenant Crosby," he nodded, his eyes never leaving the motor he was tinkering with.

"Lemmons," Harry greeted him somewhat smugly and Maggie wondered if there was some unspoken conversation going on between them that she wasn't aware of.

"Maggie, did you go on a bike ride?" Billy asked, squeezing in between Maggie and Harry and looking up at her excitedly.

"I sure did, kiddo. We went on a little tour of the countryside, gotta show Harry here was England's all about."

The two boys nodded enthusiastically and Sammy moved around to join Maggie, both of them wrapping their arms around her to which Maggie did the same. She couldn't help but smile at their affection, but glancing up she noticed Harry and Ken watching her, both with soft expressions and round eyes that made Maggie feel slightly uncomfortable. She coughed, bringing them back to attention and Ken bent his head down, collecting his tools that were littered across the table.

"I should probably be heading back to the handstand, gotta finish up over there," he mumbled, never once looking in Maggie's direction. She couldn't help the guilt that brewed inside her as she watched him and the two boys go all away. How could she do this to Ken? But then again they were just friends, right?

It was strange really. When Maggie was with Harry she felt jovial, and carefree, like she could laugh forever, and she was happy when she was in Harry's presence. Then Ken came along, he was soft, quiet, and gentle and Maggie felt her heart rate increase for a completely different reason. She didn't know what she was feeling, but her heart felt more conflicted than it had the other evening.

Harry stirred beside her, leaning a little closer than he had before and tentatively wrapped his arm around her shoulder. For a moment Maggie froze, shoulders stiffening under Harry's touch but the warmth she felt from him quickly soothed her nerves. She leant into his touch smiling up at him. A pink blush was spreading across his cheeks and the tips of his ears turned a little red.

"I had a nice time today, Maggie," Harry spoke quietly, his lips seemingly moving in slow motion as Maggie processed his words.

"I had a nice time today too," she assured him, "but I'm still better at riding a bike than you, you're like an old man on that bike."

Harry chuckled, shoving Maggie's shoulder lightly, "All right you little Spitfire."

Maggie grinned at the nickname and Harry quickly interjected, "I know you're a Lancaster mechanic but geewiz you were quick down those lanes."

"No, no it's okay," Maggie turned so she could face Harry better, her hand coming to rest on his own, "No, I like the nickname."

Harry's nervousness from earlier disappeared, and he reached out, brushing a loose blonde lock that had blown across Maggie's face. "Good," he mumbled, his eyes looking down at her and Maggie could feel the heat growing in her cheeks. Maggie could feel Harry leaning forward, his breath fanning across her face. This was the closest they had ever been and…

"Maggie?" Jimmy called out, jogging over to the couple with his toolbox in hand. "I'm really sorry to break up whatever's going on here," his eyes darting between the two before he continued, "But Maggie I really need your help. The boys have a mission tonight and we've got a problem with our lead bomber."

Maggie shot up from her seat, dropping Harry's hand a little harsher than she would have liked. She watched as his face fell and she leant forward, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

"I'm so sorry, Harry but I have to go," she couldn't decide whether the interruption of their almost kiss was a good thing or not, but she pushed it from her mind.

Harry nodded quickly, the small smile returning to his face, "No not at all, don't worry. I'll see you later."

Maggie turned, quickly falling into step beside Jimmy. She wasn't sure whether she should have glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Harry or not, but her eyes remained focused ahead of her.

Jimmy could sense the tension around the situation and nudged into her shoulder, "Now it's none of my business and I don't know what I just interrupted, but you should know that Ken Lemmons's kid came around asking for you today. Came over to the handstand. I told him you weren't there and would be back later, then he stayed another hour or so playing with June. She's really taken a shine to him and you know dogs are a good judge of character."

Maggie turned, "You're right, Jimmy it isn't any of your business," she snapped, watching as her friend's eyebrows raised and his lips set in a thin line.

"As you wish," he began walking in the direction of the handstand, not glancing back to see if she was following. Jimmy was one of her best friends and despite their stressful jobs she'd never once snapped at him.

"Jimmy, wait. I'm sorry," she ran after him, grabbing his arm so he couldn't keep walking away from her. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it, I justâ€¦" She sighed, tugging her fingers through her blonde curls, "I just don't know what to do".

It was true, she didn't know what to do. All of a sudden two men were showing great interest in her, seemingly aware of each other and yet they still wanted to be around her. She wasn't sure which was worse, having no men interested in her or having two at the same time.

"It's no big deal," Jimmy shrugged, throwing his arm around Maggie's shoulders and pulling her after him. "Now were not placing bets or anything, but my money's on Kenny boy."

Maggie snorted, shoving him dramatically, "You are no help at all, Jimmy."

"Well, the boys got my vote."

And just like that, everything was back to normal, at least for Jimmy it was. He whistled the rest of the way to the handstand, swinging his toolbox as he went. Maggie remained quiet, her mind too preoccupied to join in with the tune. Every time she thought of the lovely day she'd had with Harry she saw Kenny's disappointed face smiling sadly back at her. The sooner the job on the bombers was done, the sooner she could go and find him. She had to talk to him, to explain herself in some way and…well she didn't know what to do after that, but she had to do something.

Thorpe Abbott base RAF sector, 19:00

"Are 'The Girls' airworthy?" Archie asked, swinging his bag onto his back as he sauntered towards his bomber. His flying jacket hung loosely on his arm and he looked like a poster boy for the RAF.

Maggie smiled, "She's as airworthy as she can be after the beatings you keep giving her, but she'll get you there and back if you treat her right."

Archie nodded, watching as his copilot, Murray, hoisted himself up into the fuselage, "Well, then I know she'll be fine."

Maggie nodded, throwing her arms around Archie's shoulders, "Just be safe okay? I don't want to find out you did something stupid and got yourself killed."

"I promise, nothing stupid Mags," he pressed his lips to her forehead, holding her close for a moment longer before he pulled away. This was the same ritual they had for every mission Archie had flown since they met, and so far it had worked.

Pulling away Maggie cupped his cheek tenderly, "You know you're a real pain in the ass sometimes, but I wouldn't trade you for anyone."

Archie grinned, squeezing Maggie's hand, "I'll be back before you know it." He stepped away, turning and heading to the plane before Maggie could say anything else, before she could protest, begging him not to go. He knew she wanted to and he couldn't blame her, but this was war, it's what he came here to do.

Maggie remained frozen to the spot, unable to move until Archie was back on the hard stand. She hated mission nights more than anything else that this wretched war had thrown at her, mission nights were the worst. She could never settle, could never sleep. Some of the other ground crew would try and catch a few hours shut eye until the siren went off to announce the bomber's arrival back home, but Maggie couldn't bring herself to leave.

She found her usual seat on the nearby stack of crates, settling herself in for a long night. June curled up on the lower crate beside her, nuzzling into Maggie's flight jacket that she'd laid out for the spaniel. Despite the warm afternoon weather, the nights were still cool in July and Maggie knew she'd grow to regret not having her jacket on, but how could she leave June without something soft to lie on?

The Lancaster's began to roar to life, pulling off the hard stand and out onto the runway. Archie saluted her through the small cockpit window as his plane pulled away, she saluted back, a large lump forming in her throat.

Before the tears could begin to fall, a coat was pulled around her shoulders causing Maggie to jump, before she noticed Ken looking down at her, a soft smile on his lips.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

"No, it's okay," Maggie replied, her voice thick with emotion. She couldn't bring herself to let her voice grow any louder.

"Thought you could use some company."

Maggie nodded, "Thanks Ken." She patted the crate, and Ken wriggled in closely, stroking June's head to which the little spaniel wagged her tail, beating it against the crate beneath her.

The Lancasters were at the end of the runway, lifting off into the sky one at a time. The sun was setting now, the blues of the day drifting into purples and pinks before the fiery orange spread across the landscape. The planes creating dark silhouettes against the terracotta sky. It felt like a bad omen, as if the planes were doomed to go up in flames, but Maggie tried to push the thought away. As they disappeared into the distance the airfield grew quiet, the rumble of the plane's engines disappearing leaving everyone waiting with baited breath for their return.

The hours seemed to pass so slowly that Maggie had begun to wonder if time was frozen until the sun had completely set and the sky grew dark. At some point in the silence, Ken had wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer when she shivered at the night's harsh breeze.

June whined sadly, scratching at Ken's leg until he lifted her, placing her onto Maggie's lap.

"It's okay June, Uncle Archie will be back. He always comes back to us," Maggie reassure her and the spaniel looked up, her brown eyes looking sadly at her.

"How long have you known Archie?" Ken asked, leaning his head against Maggie's, his hand rubbing small circles on her back.

The blonde thought for a moment, a smile forming on her lips as she spoke, "Just over a year. We became friends almost instantly. He's all I had for a long time."

Ken nodded, his lips forming a smile as he looked down at the girl in his arms. He wasn't sure what he was doing. Something just seemed to draw him to Maggie, and despite her obvious friendship with Harry, he couldn't help himself. Her head lay gently against his shoulder, her blonde hair fanning over his chest.

Maggie glanced up at Ken, their faces just inches away as she spoke and Ken could feel her breath on his face. "About earlier…with Harry, I mean…it's…it's not what…"

"Hey, shhh shhh, you don't have to explain anything. There's nothing to explain," he pressed his head against hers, nearly pressing his lips to her forehead. The closeness they shared was the most intimate moment that Maggie had ever felt, maybe even more intimate than her almost kiss with Harry that she tried to push from her mind. It didn't seem right, not like it did with Ken. Maggie's heart felt heavy as she snuggled further into Ken's arms. Why did emotions have to be so complicated?

"You don't have to wait out here with me all night if you don't want to. I'm used to waiting on my own, except June of course," Maggie added, her blue eyes drifting up to meet his.

Ken shook his head, "No it's alright. I want to stay with you…if that's okay with you of course," Ken added, scratching the back of his neck.

Maggie lifted her arm, running her finger over his cheek, turning his head to look at her, "Of course, I do, Ken. It's nice to have some company."

"Good," Ken pulled her close, ensuring his jacket was tightly wrapped around Maggie's shoulders, June shuffled up closer to benefit from the warmth of the jacket. "I'm not going anywhere."

Tags: @georgieluz @docroesmorphine @major-mads @violetdaze25 @bcofl0ve @precious-little-scoundrel @blurredcolour @artlover8992 @b00ks1ut @xxluckystrike @hockeyboysarehot @groovin2beats @kmc1989 @ginabaker1666 @hesbuckcompton-baby @vera-keller @blueberry-ovaries

#beneath the blue sky #masters of the air #harry crosby #Harry Crosby x oc #Ken Lemmons #Ken Lemmons x oc #maggie reid #Archie Sullivan #mota

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dontlookheswatching · 7 months ago

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Im bored and also working on a big post with some head canons about several characters with ref sheets, so im gonna make a birthday list real quick. I tried to keep a lot of this as canon as possible, but I have changed some ages and some birthdays aren't accurate because for some of these characters nothing would show up. Itll be going in order from January to December, 1st to the last day of the month.

January:

-Rogue(Heather Sam Marshall) - January 7th. She's currently 24, and her zodiac sign is a Capricorn.

February:

-Hoodie(Brian Hiatt Thomas) - February 5th. He's 24, and his zodiac is a Aquarius.

March:

-Eyeless Jack(Jack Zin Nyras) - March 15th. He's 24, and his zodiac sign is a Pieces.

April:

-Judge Angels(Dina Angela Clark) - April 2nd. She's 26, and her zodiac sign is a Aries.

-Alex Kralie - April 4th. He's 27, and his zodiac is a Aries.

-Sally Mae Williams - April 5th. She's physically and mentally 8. Her zodiac is a Aries.

-Ben Drowned(Benjamin Scott Lawman) - April 23rd. He's 22, and his zodiac sign is a Taurus.

-Ticci Toby(Toby Erin Rogers) - April 28th. Hes 22, and his zodiac sign is a Taurus.

May:

-Seedeater - May 27th. His zodiac sign is a Gemini. He is a creature that does not age, just exists.

June:

-Jeff the Killer(Jeffery Alan Woods) - June 2nd. He's 23, and his zodiac sign is a Gemini.

-Lost Silver(Jae-Ing) - June 6th. Hes 22, and his zodiac sign is a Gemini.

-Skitles(OC) - June 24th. He has no age. His zodiac sign is a Cancer

Kate the Chaser(Kate Miller Hayes) - June 25th. She's 25, and her zodiac sign is a Cancer.

July:

-Nina the Killer(Nina Rose Hopkins) - July 24th. She's 20, and her zodiac sign is a Leo.

-The Puppeteer(Blake Simon Smith) - July 25th. He has no age. His zodiac sign is a Leo.

August:

-Candypop - August 1st. He has no age. His zodiac sign is a Leo.

-Hobo Heart - August 3rd. He’s 23, and his zodiac sign is a Virgo.

-Eyeless Lulu(Lulu Mary Millers) - August 6th. She’s 15, and her zodiac sign is a Virgo.

-Occisus(OC/Samantha Lin Locke) - August 11th. She’s 24, and her zodiac sign is a Virgo.

September:

-Jane the Killer(Jane Eve Richardson) - September 1st. She’s 23, and her zodiac sign is a Virgo.

-HeartFixer(OC/Jamie Noel Martinez) - September 3rd. She’s 25, and her zodiac sign is a Virgo.

October:

-Bloody Painter(Helen James Otis) - October 1st. He’s 24, and his zodiac is a Libra.

-Suicide Sadie(Sadie Dawn Myers) - October 21st. She’s 20, and her zodiac sign is a Libra.

-Zero - October 25th. She’s 23, and her zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

-NightOwl(My boyfriends OC/Lin Felix Gaspar) - October 29th. He’s 25, and his zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

Nurse Ann(Michelle Ann Quesnberry) - October 31st. She’s 28, and her zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

November:

-Clockwork(Natalie Gwen Oulette) - November 6th. She’s 23, and her zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

-Sonic.exe - November 7th. He’s 15, and his zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

-Tails Doll - November 7th. He’s 15, and his zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

-Jason the Toymaker - November 15th. He doesn’t have a age. His zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

-Lure(OC) - November 17th. Hes 21, and his zodiac sign is a Scorpio.

-Dark Link(Shadow) - November 21st. Hes 21, and his zodiac sign is a Sagittarius.

-Jay Merrick - November 23rd. Hes 26, and his zodiac sign is a Sagittarius.

-Smile Dog - November 27th. He has no known age, as a hellhound. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.

December:

-X-Vrius(Cody Swann Diller) - December 9th. He’s 21, and his zodiac sign is a Sagittarius.

-Homicidal Liu(Liu Vicki Woods) - December 21st. He’s 24, and his zodiac sign is a Sagittarius.

-Laughing Jack - December 25th. He has no age. His zodiac sign is a Capricorn.

-Lazarus(Lazarus Dae Swann) - December 25th. He’s 12, and only ages every two years due to being part Zalgoid. His zodiac sign is a Capricorn.

-Masky(Timothy Que Wright) - December 26th. He’s 25, and his zodiac sign is a Capricorn.

-Kagekao - December 29th. He’s 27, and his zodiac sign is a Capricorn.

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jolapeno · 1 year ago

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in the interest of trying to be positive about another year around the sun. welcome to:

mvtthewmurdvck's birthday bash 🎉 BEGINNING ON THE 6TH OF JULY

so we all know i'm not good with compliments, but as it tied well with me hitting 5k (thank you, btw. i adore you all), i thought i could use my birthday time, to give you all something. so, over five days, you'll receive a birthday-orientated fic with some of my favourite characters (see the list under the see more).

YOU CAN ALSO SEND IN (before the 6th, but won't be answered until the 6th):

🩷 ask me anything (anything you'd want to know about me) 5️⃣ top five (doesn't have to be characters or fics. can be songs, books, tv shows etc) 🎬 directors cut (questions about my fics, writing)

06. BADLY WRAPPED SECRETS (COD: Ghost x Helen)

07. UNWRAP ME NOW (Triple Frontier: Frankie M x F!Reader)

08. PHONE SEX BONUS LATE NIGHT TEXTS PHONE SCENE (smut)

09. A PILE OF CARDS (Narcos: Javi P x F!Reader)

10. COVERT CELEBRATIONS (Marvel: Bucky x F!Reader)

one rule only: do not ask me which of these days is my actual birthday. you're getting the small nugget of info that it is somewhere in these days.

masterlist ⧐ fic recs

#mm birthday bash #ghost x helen #frankie morales x reader #javier peña x reader #bucky x reader #matt murdock x reader

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sunshineandlyrics · 1 year ago

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Helen, Isaac and Matt met Dolly in Nashville (17 July 2023) x

#they must have so much fun exploring the cities together #im so jealous #English tourists #team Louis #Helen Seamons #Matt wearing his sunglasses at night again #Matt Dinnadge #Isaac Anderson #Nashville #Dolly Parton #mine

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next-autopsy · 11 months ago

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A/N: Well, hi there!

I'm back! Hope y'all enjoy this chapter, lmk what you think, I love hearing from you guys x

Based on the actors portrayal/hbo show and written with no disrespect to the real life veterans. Also all images found on Pinterest.

TW: swearing, casual 1940s racism, yelling/fighting, not much else tbh....

Tags: @malarkgirlypop, @panzershrike-pretz hmu if you want to be added

Made of Glass

Chapter twenty one: Chock-a-Block

The next month was uneventful compared to previous ones. June was slow and felt heavy, dragging on and seeming longer than it was. Birdie spent a lot of the month by George’s side The two became increasingly close, sharing all sorts of pleasantries and childhood stories. Birdie loved hearing about his nine siblings and the practical jokes he pulled on them. It reminded her of her own mischievous family who she was missing more than ever.

July came and went by comparison. Birdie received a letter from her brother-in-law, stating his wife, her oldest sister, Helen had safely given birth to the couple's second child. They already had a little boy, Daniel and now were blessed with a girl. They named her Gracie, a variation of Bernadette's middle name and asked her to be the newborns' Godmother. Of course she was ecstatic and accepted gleefully. Sadly, she would miss the babies christening but the sentiment was there.

By the end of August, rumours were spreading that they would soon be on the move. Their next destination was a curious speculation. A bet ran through the regiment: Europe or the Pacific?

September started and the 506th was preparing to move once again, leaving Camp Mackall behind. Easy presented themselves prim and proper in their class A uniforms and packed everything they had in the basic olive green sacks provided for their belongings.

A train awaited them, the soldiers climbed aboard without question. It was packed but no one minded too much, they just bunched up and invaded their neighbours personal space like it was a game.

Bernadette shuffled through the teeny walkway of the moving train, legs and bags stuck out making her journey that much more difficult.

“Birdie! Saved you a seat!” Her attention was captured by the brown haired man calling out to her. She smiled when she saw him, guarding the space next to him like it was his job. Bernadette tried to make her way closer to Luz but the train wobbled and threw her off balance. She toppled over ungracefully and landed atop someone's lap.

She began spitting out apologies and her face turned red, rightfully embarrassed by the situation. When she looked up and saw Liebgott's face smirking at her, she wanted to die; right then and there.

“Good trip?” That shit eating grin made Birdie want to slap him, she settled for rolling her eyes and scoffing instead. Birdie got up and balanced herself, making sure to use his shoulders to aid her ascent. She shoved him hard enough for him to understand she was less than pleased about the whole ordeal, but in a playful manner so that he knew she wasn’t really mad. Joe smiled at her, a genuine smile that reached his eyes and caused her to reciprocate.

“Birdie!” George called out again, sensing she was distracted and needed some prompting. She whipped her head round to him and nodded to show she had heard the impatient man.

“You better go before he screams so loud the whole train hears.” Lieb joked, he didn’t really want to send her away but there was no real reason for her to stay. The southern woman spoke softly, telling him she would see him around before joining her friend at the other end of the train car.

Liebgott had been accepted into her posse with little resistance, he was already friends with most of the guys she hung around anyway. It was mainly Joe Toye and Bill Guarnere who didn’t love the fact that he and Bernadette were on friendlier terms, the two still held grudges against him for his previous treatment of the woman. He didn't really blame them, he had been particularly difficult when it came to Coldwell.

Over the past months, Joe had come to terms with the fact he actually wanted to be Birdie’s friend. Tipper kept trying to get a love confession out of him but he was adamant it wasn't like that. Sure he liked the woman, but in a totally platonic way of course. Besides, they were both soldiers being sent to the front lines, when would they have time to date and fall in love? Not that he wanted that. He didn’t.

Joseph Liebgott was perfectly happy being friends with Bernadette Coldwell and that was that.

The train had taken hundreds, if not thousands of soldiers aboard to a shipyard in Brooklyn, New York. It was Birdie’s first time in the city, though she didn't get to see much of it as they were ushered onto the SS Samaria in an orderly fashion.

The sun began settling, turning the sky a beautiful mix of pink and pastel orange, Birdie's favourite shade of the fiery colour. Luz had snagged a life vest for the woman and shoved it on her so he could pull her out onto the deck and watch as the ship passed the statue of liberty.

It was a surreal moment, one Bernadette would always remember. The green lady loomed over them, as if bidding the soldiers goodbye and good luck. It felt real now, they were finally leaving their beloved home country and joining the war effort.

As the ship left the mainland of America behind, the sombre mood grew. George and Birdie shared a cigarette on the deck before returning to the bunks below. It was crowded, more than the train had been and now, the lack of space was starting to get on everyone's nerves.

Everyone tried to keep themselves busy, playing cards, writing letters home or reading whatever books they could find. Most of the men smoked freely which caused the already state air locked in with them to be tainted with tobacco.

After five full days stuck in the overcrowded, sweaty mass of men, Birdie had had enough. She was ready to get off this ship, unsure if she could take another day. She had seen men get sick from the constant swaying and vomit where they stood and now she was noticing the raise in tempers as cabin fever descended.

It was unbelievably hot and all Birdie wanted was some fresh air and silence but conversation continued on around her, disregarding her wants.

She could hear Muck and Malarkey chatting to each other while they approached the area she was stewing in. The men in question climbed up the sides of the hammock like cots as you would a ladder and settled into the spaces next to and above her.

“Hey guys, I’m glad I'm going to Europe.” Toye spoke up, inserting himself into the conversation. He pulled out his switchblade knife and flicked it open for dramatic effect, “Hilter gets one of these right across the windpipe. Roosevelt changes Thanksgiving to Joe Toye day, and pays me ten grand a year for the rest of my fuckin’ life.”

“What if we don’t get to Europe? What if they send us to North Africa?” A voice from above Birdie called down. The woman tried to shuffle closer to Bill, her bunk mate, to see who it was but his body got in the way and unless Birdie wanted to mount the man, it would remain a mystery. Bill ruffled her hair and plucked the cigarette out of her hand.

“My brothers in North Africa.” Guarnere took a long drag of the stolen smoke, “He says it's hot.”

“Really? It’s hot in Africa?” You could actually see the sarcasm coming off of Malakey and he paused his reading of the comic he held in front of him to make fun of the man's obvious comment.

“Shuddup!” The Philadelphian shot at the redhead before continuing, “The point is, it don’t matter where we go.” Birdie reclaimed her cigarette while Bill was distracted, mid sentence, “Once we get into combat, the only person you can trust is yourself, and the fella next to you.”

Bernadette cleared her throat, raising her eyebrow at her talkative friend as if to tell him to rethink his words. Bill rolled his eyes and added, “Or lady next to ya. Happy?” She nodded, that would suffice.

“Hey, as long as he’s- uh… they’re a paratrooper.” Toye added from his place by their boots, trying to avoid a glare from the Mississippi woman.

“Oh yeah?” Luz exclaimed from the opposite side of the aisle, “And what if that paratrooper turns out to be Sobel?” He was climbing up to his bunk on the top most rack, George hoisted himself up and past Christenson, who added his two cents to the discussion,

“If I'm next to Sobel in combat, I'm moving on down the line. Hook up with some other officer, like Heyliger or Winters.” Pat had a special hatred for the CO after he was made to march twenty-four miles, full pack and in the dark, half of it completely alone; all on Sobel’s orders.

“I like Winters. He’s a good man.” Bill began speaking once more. It was then that Birdie noticed Skip leaning over his hammock above her and poking his head down so she and Malarkey could see him. Malarkey eyed up the cigarette he had in his hand and silently asked Muck for a puff, she shook her head and giggled at the two.

“But when the bullets start flying, I don't know if I want a Quaker doing my fighting for me.” Guarnere thieved Birdie’s nearly finished smoke yet again, she responded with an outraged, “Hey!” but he ignored her, pushing himself up and jumping down to the ground. Bernadette shuffled over into the empty space Guarnere had left.

“How do you know he’s a Quaker?” Skip asked, flipping down into Birdie’s, now vacant, cot and giving her an unlit cigarette to make up for the blatant robbery he had witnessed.

“He ain’t Catholic.” Bill shrugged, snubbing out the butt of his pilfered tobacco stick on the floor with his boot.

“Neither is Sobel.” Don called, passing his comic to Skip who immediately started flicking through the pages with interest.

“That pricks a Son of Abraham.”

“He’s what?” Liebgott, who sat across from where Bill now stood, had perked up at the term he used. He was happy to listen in to the conversation, it kept his mind occupied but when the expression was used like a slur he had to say something.

“He’s a Jew.” Bill clarified, assuming Lieb just hadn't heard the phrase before.

“Oh fuck…” Liebgott muttered under his breath, he laughed but not because anything humorous had been said. He threw the cigarette butt he was fiddling with down before shuffling off his bunk and jumping. He landed with a thud and stepped over to Guarnere so they were face to face. Joe looked down at the man, chest puffed, “I’m a Jew.”

Several men (and Birdie) sat up or shuffled closer to the two hot heads, anticipating a fight to break out.

“Congratulations.” Pronounced bitingly, not actually intended to congratulate, “Get your nose outta my face.” Bill pushed Lieb’s chest, forcing him backwards.

Birdie stared, she knew Lieb was going to swing, she could see him planning it out in his mind. She noticed his curled fist and knew an attack was imminent, before she could do anything, Lieb took a jab. His target blocked him and they grabbed onto each other attempting to… Birdie didn’t know what. Strangle each other? Hug? Who knew?

Multiple men also grabbed into the pair but no one could break them apart. Birdie scoffed and jumped down, she shoved people out of her way and when she got close enough to see her friends through the growing crowd, she yelled. It was the loudest her voice had ever gone; a screech, if you will.

“That’s enough!” Her words froze the horde of angry sweaty men. Bill and Joe still held onto each other, fists grabbed onto handfuls of shirt but now their focus was on the girl. She huffed and pushed surrounding men away from the idiots who began the kerfuffle until she reached them. Everyone else watched on, curious to see angry Birdie in action.

Bernadette yanked them apart, fuming. She turned to Guarnere first, her eyebrows were furrowed and her teeth clenched.

“You!” She pointed to him, glaring, “Keep that prejudice bullshit to yourself! No one wants to hear your stupid ass opinions! What the fuck is your problem?” Bill shrunk back, he had never seen Birdie this angry before and he didn't care to see it again. The woman whipped around to face Joe, he was smiling at her rude comments aimed at the man he wanted to punch. His joy in the situation only pissed her off more, if that were even possible.

“You think this is funny, huh?” She hissed at him, Joe’s smile dropped.

“Not everything is a personal attack so calm the fuck down. Why do you think punching him is the solution to everything?” The question was rhetorical so Joe only looked down to the floor, avoiding eye contact with the scary southerner. She was absolutely at her wits end and just had to get out of there.

“It’s like a fuckin’ pissin’ contest in here, Jesus!” Birdie growled as she turned and stomped off to get some fresh air on the deck of the overcrowded ship.

A/N: ooooo she's mad...

~ next-autopsy ~

Chapter twenty two

#band of brothers #easy company #hbo war #made of glass #band of brothers fanfic #fem oc #oc #made of glass chapter twenty one #next autopsy #george luz #joe liebgott #joe toye #bill guarnere #pat christenson #skip muck #donald malarkey

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