#loving her was Red

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Loving Her Was Red

Summary: Now that war has begun there are some major changes for Dick and Lois, and as D-Day approaches can they endure. Warnings: unrequited love, D-Day, themes of war, injury.

I’m finally posting the last few parts of this series as they have been sat completed in my drafts for months so I thought I’d get them out here. I’m not sure if many people are still following this story but i put lots of work into finishing this series at the start of the year so here it is.

D-Day

June 3rd 1944, Milton Hall, Peterborough

“Well Lois, here’s to you. You saved our asses out there,” Ray clinked his glass of whiskey with Lois first, then with Raoul, who sat smoking his cigar in silence.

“I was just doing my job, Ray,” Lois reassured them, relaxing back in the armchair by the fire. She had quickly become firm friends with Ray, he reminded her of a lot of men from Easy Company, whereas Raoul, who Ray often called Raffy, was softer spoken.

“Well then I sure am glad you’re good at your job,” Ray laughed, swigging back his whiskey, before pouring himself another one.

Raoul mumbled something and excused himself, leaving Ray and Lois in silence.

“So have you got yourself a broad back home?” Lois asked, watching as Ray’s eyes creased as he smiled.

“Yeah, I’ve got a beautiful girl, Barbara. She’s a real beauty. Here?” Ray dug into his jacket pocket and revealed a picture of Barbara. Lois smiled, taking the photo and studying the smiling woman looking back at her. Barbara was a beautiful girl, her brown curls seemed to bounce despite the still photo.

“She sure is a looker, Ray,” Lois passed the picture back and Ray grinned.

“So, have you got a guy in Europe coming home to you?”

Lois laughed, “not quite.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a picture of Dick. The edges were crumpled slightly and she lovingly rubbed her thumb over the picture before passing it to Ray.

“A paratrooper, huh?” Ray laughed, “and a Lieutenant at that. Good job, Drake.”

Lois groaned, reaching back and snatching the photo from Ray’s grip, “Don’t laugh.”

“I’m not,” Ray continued to laugh. “I don’t know if you're just fun and adventurous and he looks like he’d be really uptight.”

“He’s not uptight. Dick is…”

“Ah he has a name. Good to know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lois glared at the Lieutenant but he just grinned in amusement.

“Well, one day when you invite me to your wedding I’ll know the groom's name,” Ray raised his eyebrows cheekily, taking another sip from his whiskey. Thinking back, Ray reminded her a lot of Lewis Nixon. Lewis had consumed her thoughts more and more since their parting and the blush that consumed his face when she’d kiss his cheek when they parted. When these thoughts did consume her mind the images of Dick wandered into her mind, brushing Lewis away and becoming her all consuming thought. She’d tried not to think of Dick too often, worried that one he’d distract her and two that if she thought of him too often it would erase the perfect illusion of their beautiful time together in Aldbourne where there was no war and only love.

“Earth to Lois, hey where’d you go?” Ray asked, waving his hand in front of Lois’ face until she snapped out of her dream. Lois swatted his hand away, causing Ray to snort. “All right there, Captain. Take it easy.”

Lois just glared at Ray and he soon fell silent, choosing to look fallornely into the bottom of his empty glass. Lois didn’t know whether to make further conversation with him but after a while he too retired to bed and Lois was left by the dying fire alone.

“Well Dick, our time has nearly come. I’ll see you in Normandy,” she whispered into the embers before surrendering to her exhaustion and returning to her room.

June 5th 1944 in the sky above Normandy with the 101st Airborne

Dick stood in the doorway, watching the world flash by below him in dark shades of green and black. Flak fire blew up around them, hitting several of the C47 and sending them into an explosive nose dive towards the ground. Dick winced as one plane hit in a great burst of fire. He knew they weren’t going to get through the war unscathed but to have already lost so many. The green light flashed beside him and he felt his legs buckle as he threw himself into the night, feeling the static line tug free and ricocheting him into the breeze. Bullets flew past his head and he prayed that somehow he made it to the ground alive. The rippling fire of machine guns and Ack-Acks accompanied his dissent to earth.

The ground connecting with his feet brought him back out of the daze he’d slipped into as he fell and he jumped in response, quickly cutting his parachute free and cursing at the loss of his leg bag and his M1. He was suddenly glad that he’d put his picture of Lois into the inside pocket of his jacket and not with his bible in his leg bag. He wasn’t sure what he’d have done if he’d lost her.

All he had left was his knife and someone he’d not fancy his chances against a German soldier with just a knife. Another paratrooper fell beside him, fumbling and tugged at his parachute.

“Flash?” Dick whispered and shook his head at the private’s profanity. “I don’t think that’s the correct reply, Trooper.” Dick approached the young boy, helping him out of his chute. “I say Flash, you say Thunder.”

“Yes, Sir. Thunder, Sir.” The young boy replied, pulling off his helmet and his may west as Dick opened the boy's musette bag.

“Coach?” The boy looked at Dick, “It’s Hall, Sir. I was on the basketball team.”

Dick nodded, “leg-bag?”

“Prop blast got it, Sir, and my radio and batteries with it,” Hall complained, shoving his helmet back on his head. After establishing that their leg bags were out of reach, Dick tapped Hall on the shoulder, “Follow me.”

June 5th 1944 in the sky above Normandy with the SOE’s

Lois cursed as she hit the ground with a thud, wrestling against the straps of her parachute to pull herself free. She could hear the gunfire to her right in the distance and was thankful that she’d landed away from the main parachute drop zone.

She pulled off her may west and shoved it with her parachute, covering it in the long grass. She was glad her radio had survived the fall and pulled the bag across her body. Keeping her head low, she shuffled towards the direction of an old frame house that was pinned as the rendezvous point. Ray jumped before her and Raoul jumped after, but the amount of men currently being scattered over Normandy, they could have landed anywhere.

Lois knew she was about a mile from the house, glancing at the map once more before shoving it back in her pocket with her compass. It was the compass Dick had given her before she’d left for London.

“It will always guide you back to him.” He’d promised her as they parted ways.

Taking a deep breath, Lois put her best foot forward, keeping her head low as she dashed through the open field, glad that the summer had been warm and the grass and bushes had grown tall providing excellent cover.

The farm house lay in a shadowy, wooded area on the outskirts of a small village. Lois knew it was risky being so close to civilians who could report her but it was the set rendezvous point and if she had any hope of meeting up with Ray and Raoul then that was her only option.

Creepy through the open door, Lois' eyes were plunged into darkness. She scrambled around for her touch, suddenly acutely aware of how bright the gunfire had made it outside, lighting up the sky in an amber burst of ammunition.

A shuffling noise from the back of the kitchen caused Lois to freeze. Was it Ray or Raoul? Shining her torch cautiously around the room she came face to face with a very startled paratrooper who in response threw a plate across the room at her.

“Fuck!” Lois cursed as it clattered loudly to the floor, ceramic shards cascading across the room. “What the fuck was that, Yank?” She hissed, “Did you really think you could smite a Kraut with a plate.”

An amused laugh followed and Lois shone the light back up to reveal the face of none other than Lewis Nixon.

“Only you could be that stupid,” Lois cursed, moving towards him and throwing her arms around him in a quick hug. “But I truly am relieved it was you.”

Lewis chuckled, “It’s good to see you too, Lois. Who would have thought it? You and I stuck in Normandy together, huh?”

Lois nodded, her eyes scanning out the smudge kitchen window to ensure their prescenes hadn’t been noticed. “Where did you land?”

“Just behind the house. I could hear someone coming so I came straight in here. Thought I stood a better chance in here than in the open.”

Lois nodded, turning back to Lewis, her eyebrow raised, “Aren’t you supposed to be taking the guns that are firing on the American beaches?”

Lewis nodded, adjusting his M1 on his shoulder, “I am but we missed the DZ and have been dropped all over the goddamn peninsula.”

Lois nodded, pulling out her map, “Well, I think we’re about here,” she thrust her finger out to the map, pointing at their precise location. “And over here is where you want to be.” She pointed at Sainte Marie Du Mont.

Lewis nodded and although he should be on his way he seemed reluctant to leave. “Do you want me to stay? You know, until the others arrive?”

Lois snorted, “You know I can take care of myself, Lewis, and anyway you have some work to do and you don’t have long to do it.” She pointed to her watch and Lewis sighed.

“You’re right.” He trudged towards the door, shoulders slumped and for a moment Lois wanted to tell him to stop, to wait for a while, after all she could be sending him to his death. But if he waited with her then they could end up dead.

“Lewis,” he stopped in his tracks and turned, a hopeful smile on his lips. She hurried towards him, throwing her arms around his neck and placing a kiss to his cheek. “Be safe alright. Look after yourself and Dick if you find him. He needs you more than he’d let on. You need each other.”

Lewis kissed her forehead, nodding slowly, “I will.” Watching him go, Lois felt the pang of sadness in her heart that she’d felt that day when he’d walked down the front garden when they’d said goodbye. It was strange really, after all Lewis Nixon was not the sort of man she would have ever considered being friends with, and yet in some strange way she wouldn’t be without him. Knowing that he had Dick’s back and Dick had his, filled her with some sense of relief. At least they had each other.

Dear Lois,

I know I won’t be able to send you this letter for a while, but I cannot help but think of you on the night it all began.

Lewis tells me he ran into you after the drop. I’m glad you landed safely. The whole of the 506 missed the drop zone and we were scattered but we have managed to regroup now. We have survived D-Day and may we live through D-Day plus one.

I fear that the days to come will be the hardest, but knowing that you are here, somewhere nearby brings me comfort and I pray that you are safe wherever you may be. I hope the compass is serving you well. I pray that we will both find our way back to each other.

May my words bring you some comfort, whenever you get to read them.

I love you

Dick

Dick sealed the letter, scribbling Lois name on the front before shoving it down into his pocket. They had made it, they had both made it to Normandy safely, that was the first step in a long line of steps that they had to walk to get back to each other, but at least they were one down.

Lewis stuck his head around the door frame, knocking lightly, “You alright?” He flopped down beside him on a rickety chair, taking his hit flask from his jacket pocket and taking a quick swig.

“Yeah, I’m fine. You?” Dick barely looked up at his friend, too preoccupied with Lois’ picture in his hand.

Lewis shrugged, “Can’t complain. What are you

doing?”

Dick oblivious to his friend's question until the picture was taken from his hand, “She sure is a looker, Dick. You did well.”

Dick snatched the picture from his friend's clutches, “She’s not an object, Lew. She’s a very talented woman.” Dick wasn’t sure why he felt the need to defend Lois so much, she was a beautiful woman after all but there was so much more to her than that.

Lewis, seemingly taken aback by Dick’s outburst, sat back down and lit a cigarette, “I never said she wasn’t Dick.” Lewis knew she was a talented woman. He’d seen her file, he’d read about her ventures in occupied France, about her education. He knew far more about her than what she probably told Dick. It saddened him really, that Dick wouldn’t be able to truly know her until after the war, and that was if they both made it that long. It bought Lewis some satisfaction to know more about her than his friend. Someone it made her not being his a little easier. Not that he’d ever tell her how he felt, why would he? Dick was his best friend and he wasn’t about to ruin the best thing he had going. No he would sit, silently and reserved, nursing his unrequited love from afar and ignoring the burning feeling in his chest.

“I sure am glad to see you, Red,” Ray threw his arms around Lois, squeezing her tightly, “And you too, Raffy.” He tried to hug the French man but earned himself a rough push which sent him falling back into the worn armchair.

“It’s good to see you too, Yorkie,” Lois laughed as Ray scrunched his nose at his nickname. While Lois had earned her undercover name for her fiery personality, Ray came from New York, he was a true New Yorker and it had stuck.

“When you too have finished your reunion. We have some Nazis to fight,” Raoul interrupted with a harsh glare.

Lois nodded quickly, gathering up her radio, “Of course. Let’s go.”

As the trio headed out under the cover of darkness into enemy territory, Lois couldn’t help the feeling of dread building in her stomach. They had been trained to the highest level of how to fight and evade the enemy and if in doubt to end their lives to avoid capture and allowing information into the wrong hands. It always baffled her that they wanted to create such a nightly-knit team between the agents and yet they were so dispensable. Lois only hoped things wouldn’t come to that, but nothing in life is certain.

Tags: @georgieluz @iceman-kazansky @yeahcurrahhe-e @msmercury84 @blvestxr @dustyjumpwjngs @theflyingfin @jump-wings @kafka-ohdear @kmc1989 @mads-weasley @docroesmorphine @liptonsbabe @hesbuckcompton-baby @ronsparky @allthingsimagines @bucky32557038ww2 @hanniewinnix @inglourious-imagines @l13bg0tt @1waveshortofashipwreck @malarkgirlypop

(I’ve tagged people who were previously interested in this series - if you’d like to be added or removed from the taglist please let me know)

[chez-cinnamon]

Some more AU design ideas, this time with Zooble and Queenie!!

Honestly loving them both even if they're first drafts-

And some bonus doodles!! Leaderboard for life.....

[arttsuka]

@wolfythewitch 's gravity fowls au, again...

Mcducket with Tate (when he was an egg)

Stan would sell 'mystery eggs' and it would just be rocks or something

[fanaticalthings]

POV: You're the oldest sibling

it's tough being the oldest.

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Bonus:

[hitokiri-izou]

I'm sorry but ena the order is NOT beating the gaiathra triclops allegations

[jiyaneru]

baby, why don’t you come over? 🍷

[swordmaid]

brienne the blue 🌙🌞

[spicy-apple-pie]

Jason brings up the fact that he's changed Damian's diapers as often as possible.

[f0x-gl0ves]

Sadie adler moment

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

The Dungeon Meshi crew 'leap' into action!

[lazylittledragon]

what could go wrong

bonus:

[footprintsinthesxnd]

Loving Her Was Red

Summary: Lois Drake an SOE from England didn't expect to fall in love, she didn't want to but there was something about the blushing, red-headed officer that melted her cold exterior. But war is no place for love and can they endure. Warnings: unrequited love, Sobel being Sobel, heartache

We’re going to War

14th May 1944, Aldbourne

Lewis Nixon had always been an observant man and he was no different now from his spot on his bed, watching as Dick filled in some paperwork. “You know Dick, if you’re that fond of Lois you could always ask her out,” Lew declared, watching as his friend's face contorted awkwardly until he replied.

“And what good would that do either of us, Lew? She is so far out of my league and we will be leaving England soon enough. War is no time for romance,” Dick replied, never one looking up from his papers.

Lewis groaned, taking a small swig from his hit flask before continuing, “Dick, she seems like a nice girl and you are not the kind of man who does one-night stands. I know this, hell the whole company knows that. Lois must have been really special for you to go to bed with her the first night. There has to be something more in this, Dick.”

Dick huffed in frustration, pushing the papers across the desk and looking up at his friend, “She’s too good for me, Lew.”

Lewis stared at his friend blankly for a moment before snorting, “You’re kidding me! Any girl would be lucky to have you, Dick. Now I’m not taking no for an answer, you ask Lois out or I will do it for you.”

“Lew, no please don’t…”

“Then do it and if you don’t I will find out. I’m the intelligence officer, after all, I know everything.”

Dick laughed, “Why do I get the feeling she’s growing on you.”

Lewis looked away, his cheeks turning a little red as he muttered, “S-she’s not. She’s okay for you… I don’t like her… why would I like her.”

Dick’s forehead creased as he watched his friend disappear from view.

The conversation played over and over in Dick’s mind as he followed the path up to the house Lois was billeted at. He knocked on the door nervously, smoothing down his hair with one hand and grasping hold of the flowers he’d bought with the other. Kate’s face appeared at the door and she grinned enthusiastically at him.

“Lieutenant Winters, how nice of you to drop by. To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?”

Dick would tell she was trying not to combust with excitement on the doorstep and scream for Lois immediately but as soon as his reply came that he was here to see Lois Kate sprinted from the door, shouting up the stairs. There were some rustling and hushed voices from within before Lois appeared in the doorway. She looked as beautiful as ever.

“Lieutenant Winters, how nice of you to come by. Please do come in.” She pushed the door open wider and allowed Dick to step into the passageway.

“Please I must insist you call me Dick,” he spoke softly, unsure if Kate was still nearby.

“Whatever you say, Lieutenant,” Lois grinned, biting her lip and looking up at him. Dick gulped, straightening himself before thrusting the flowers towards Lois.

“For you.” Lois looked a little surprised but took the flowers gratefully with a smile. She moved through to the kitchen, taking a vase from one of the cupboards. Dick watched from the doorway, unsure whether the invite extended to the kitchen or just the hallway.

“Dick, please don’t hover. You can take a seat. Would you like some tea?” Lois asked, two cups already in her hands.

“That would be lovely. Thank you,” Dick took a seat at the kitchen table, his eyes never leaving Lois until she finally took a seat opposite him.

“So what brings you to Ramsbury, Dick?” Lois reached across the table, her fingers brushing against Dick’s until he took her hand in his, smiling at her as he blushed once more.

“Well…” Dick wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to ask next, “well, I- umm.”

“Dick,” Lois squeezed his hand, running her fingers over his knuckles with a small smile on her lips. “It’s okay.”

Dick smiled sadly at her, “I’m sorry. I’m not good with women.”

Lois laughed, “Well you’re lucky I’m not any woman and I like you very much.”

Dick now filled with some brief confidence, “Well I was wondering if you’d like to go out… sometime… with me.”

A big grin spread across Lois’ lips, “Absolutely. I would love to Dick.”

Dick grinned back at her, the nervousness leaving him as he leant forward across the table to press his lips firmly to hers. It was soft and gentle and Dick found himself unable to pull away until something crashed down the stairs and a very confused Donald Malarkey stood watching them, his shirt half done up and roughly tucked into his trousers and the rest of his uniform tucked under his arm.

“Lieutenant Winters,” he saluted before scurrying away.

“What was all that?” Dick turned back to Lois who just smiled.

“That was Kate’s doing.”

18th May 1944, Aldbourne

Dick tugged nervously at his tie, straightening it for the tenth time since he’d arrived at the pub. He wasn’t sure why he was so worried. It was only going to be a few drinks in the Crown. He’d wanted to take Lois to London, or Swindon but Sobel had cancelled all the weekend passes again and so the best he could do was sneak off for a few hours to see Lois in Aldbourne. He’d never snuck off the base before, always following the rules but he was sick of Sobel's antics and after finally working up the courage to ask Lois he wasn’t about to let her down. He’d left Lew and Harry in charge of his alibi so who knows what he could return to.

Dick took a seat in a dark corner of the bar, away from prying eyes and anyone who might tell Sobel of his whereabouts. He was watching the door the whole time, holding his breath as the anxiety built again. That was the moment Lois came in. Her brown locks curled and pinned in her usual style, her lips coloured with her signature red lipstick and her blue dress hanging to her curves as her hips swayed. Dick had to all but hold himself down to stop himself from immediately leading her back to her billet for some alone time.

“Lieutenant Winters,” she greeted him, pressing her lips to his and Dick instantly melted into her touch.

“Good evening beautiful,” Dick smiled and pulled out Lois’ chair allowing her to sit down before taking his own.

“I’m sorry this isn’t more glamorous. Sobel’s been running us all ragged and cancelled our passes again. I swear that man…”

“I have never seen you like this Lieutenant,” Lois interrupted a cheeky smile on her lips. “But I like it.”

Dick blushed again, smiling when Lois grabbed his hand and pressed a gentle kiss to his knuckles.

“And anyway this is perfect. I wanted to spend time with you, I don’t mind where we spend that time.”

Dick wasn’t sure whether she was insinuating what he thought she was but his blush grew deeper once more.

The evening went swimmingly. They laughed and talked as if they had been doing so for years. Conversations came easily to them as they discussed their homes, their families, and life before the war. Dick was pleased to finally know more about Lois. She’d grown up in Benthal Green with her mother and father. Her father was a WW1 veteran and had a temper that even Dick wouldn’t have wanted to mess with. Her parents had been killed during the bombing on 3rd March 1943 while Lois had been undercover in Europe. Her knew she felt their loss greatly but wouldn’t elaborate on her family after that.

“I do have one question,” Dick spoke up, taking a sip of his ginger beer. “Why did you sign the letter you left as ‘R’?”

Lois laughed, cringing slightly that she’d signed it as ‘R’ instead of Lois. “Well…” Lois pondered over her next words. “It’s my code name, ‘Red’ or ‘R’. I guess it’s just habit.”

Dick smiled, reaching across the table and squeezing Lois hand, “I like that.”

Lois chuckled, “What’s there to like about it.”

“Well, we’re R and R. Richard and Red.” Lois grinned brightly at him. She’d never considered it that way before and the fact that Dick was thinking of their names side by side made her heart flutter. Dick must have felt just as excited about the prospect as she did, for he quickly changed the subject, blushing furiously.

Dick touched briefly on the D-Day plans which Lois was already fully aware of.

“I wish I could tell you more about my job but it’s highly classified,” Lois smiled sadly and Dick reached across the table to squeeze her hand.

“Please don’t worry about it. I trust you and maybe one day when this is all over and only if you wish to, you can tell me about it.”

Lois smiled brightly this time, nodding at him, “I’ll hold you to that, Lieutenant.”

Dick rolled over, his eyes blurry from sleep and his arms outstretched towards the woman next to him. To his surprise she was still there, snuggled up next to his side, her face buried into his neck. She groaned sleepily, clutching him closer. It was still dark outside, the morning rays having yet to break through the thin curtains.

“What time is it?” He mumbled, voice thick from sleep as he buried his head into her hair, placing a sweet kiss on her forehead.

“Still early. Go back to sleep, Dick,” she mumbled in reply but Dick shook his head.

“No, I should go. Sobel will have my guts if he catches me.”

Lois looked up at him sadly but nodded anyway, “Okay. I have a meeting with Nixon again today so I’ll see you later.”

“Of course,” Dick replied, kissing her one last time before he dressed quickly and hurried out of the house, waving awkwardly at Kate and Malarkey who were sitting at the kitchen table.

“Malarkey, weekend passes are cancelled. What are you doing here?” Dick spoke sternly, trying to avoid the embarrassment of being caught by one of his men.

“I could ask you the same thing, Sir,” Malarkey retorted before remembering himself. “I’ll head back to base, Sir.”

Dick nodded, following after him. Malarkey had a large smirk on his face causing Dick to sigh. “I’d appreciate it if you could keep this encounter to yourself, Malarkey.”

“Whatever you say, Sir.”

Dick was surprised to find that Sobel was in fact not pacing at the gates waiting for them.

“Head straight back to your hut, Malarkey.” The private nodded, rushing off towards his Nissan hut.

Dick walked into the officer's room to come face to face with Harry and Lew sat at the desk waiting for him.

“Christ Dick, thank God you’re back. Harry said you never went back to your billet last night,” Lew began, throwing his arms around his friend and wrinkling his nose. “Christ you need a shower man, you smell like a woman now.”

Dick blushed and his two friends fell about laughing.

“Well, how was our dear Captain Drake?” Harry asked, grinning cheekily at Dick who did his best to ignore the looks shared between his friends.

“She’s very well, thank you. We had a lovely evening.”

“I’m sure you did,” Lewis laughed, throwing Dick’s PT kit at him. “Here change into this, Sobel should be here any minute.”

Dick stripped off quickly, ignoring the laughter from Lewis as he pointed out the love bite Lois had left on his neck. He was just tying up his shorts when Sobel came barreling through the door followed by Evans, both surprised that the three officers were ready and waiting.

“What’s all this?” Sobel asked, eyeing the men suspiciously.

“What is what, Sir,” Dick asked, hoping amongst hope that Sobel wouldn’t notice the love bite that Lois had left on his neck.

“Well this,” Sobel waved his arms around. “What are you all waiting for? Go!” He ushered the men outside and Lewis patted Dick on the shoulder.

“You were lucky this time, Dick but I wouldn’t change it again.” Dick nodded to his friend, he had a feeling that Lew was right but for some reason, he just could keep away from Lois Drake

“You know what’s funny about all this?” Harry wheezed as they finally made it back to the Nissan huts, sweat trickling down his forehead and his cheeks red. Lewis was always teasing him that he hadn’t had to run Currahee but Harry was a tough little man and he soon went after Lew for that comment.

“What’s so funny, Harry,” Lew asked, flopping down onto the crate at the end of his bed.

“Well, we came into this with one man married, one man engaged and one man single and now Dick is getting more action than either of us.”

“Alright Harry, settle down. I’m not getting any action…” The two men looked at him judgmentally. “Okay, maybe I’m getting a little action.”

“Dick, you have been rolling around in the sheets with Miss Drake nearly every night this week,” Lew squeaked, waving his hands above his head.

“It’s Captain Drake,” Dick corrected him as Lewis just rolled his eyes. Dick blushed, “Okay maybe I am getting some action.” He laughed as his friends continued their jesting.

20th May 1944, Aldbourne

“Lois, this package came for you this morning. It looks official,” Kate slid the large brown envelope across the table towards her. Lois set down her tea with a sigh. The A4-sized envelope stopped open easily and the contents spilled out onto the table. There were two sets of identification papers, photographs, French francs, and a list of instructions. Lois read the instructions carefully and Kate couldn’t quite make out what she was thinking.

“Lois, what is all this?”

“It’s my mission. I’m going to war.”

“You’re what!” Kate shot up from her seat to see the papers but Lois quickly shoved them back in the envelope.

“I won’t be allowed to discuss it with you, Kate. They’ll want me to go up for a briefing in person. I’m sorry Kate.”

Kate looked a little deflated but took her seat. “I understand. Maybe soon they’ll be sending me on a mission too.”

Lois smiled at her friend sympathetically, “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be, Kate.” This wasn’t Lois' first debut, she’d worked in the Bletchley Circle since the war began, deciphering codes and sending coded messages to allies. Her first mission had been to go undercover in occupied France and work closely with the French resistance. However, her cover was blown near the end of the mission and she was extracted for her safety. She hadn’t been in the field since and now all of a sudden they were sending her back out there again. Lois' heart sank at the realisation that she would be leaving Aldbourne soon, it sank even more when she realised she’d have to break the news to Dick.

The mood was sombre in Lois billet that night. Kate excused herself after dinner and went for a walk and Lois headed to bed earlier. She was just pinning her hair up in curlers when there was a knock at the door. Dick was standing in the doorway with a bunch of wildflowers in his hand and an endearing little smile.

“Good evening,” his face fell when he saw Lois' appearance; standing in the doorway in her nightdress. “I’m sorry. I can go if you were planning an early night…” but he was cut off when Lois threw her arms around him.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Dick wasn’t sure what was going on but he dropped the flowers and engulfed her in a warm hug.

“What’s wrong, Sweetheart?” But Lois shook her head.

“I can’t tell you but I wish I could.” Dick nodded, stepping back off the step. “I understand. I can go if you want me to.”

“No Dick, please stay.”

Instead of their normal dash up the stairs, whipping each other's clothes off as they went, this time was sombre and slow. Lois hand linked in Dick’s as she led him towards her room. Dick sat down on the bed, removing his boots before laying back against the headboard and beckoning Lois to join him. She curled into his side, her head resting against his shoulder while his fingers danced down her back.

“I’m sorry. This probably isn’t the evening you had planned, Lois mumbled, tears slipping freely down her cheeks now.

Dick froze, his forehead creased as he spoke, “Do you think that’s the only reason I came round? Lois, I want to spend time with you. I enjoy spending time with you. Not just the sex, although the sex is great,” he blushed and Lois could help but laugh at his embarrassment. “But Lois, I love spending time with you. You’re a wonderful woman.”

“I love spending time with you too,” she whispered before leaning up to kiss his lips. Lois had kissed Dick many times since she’d first met him and yet this kiss felt even more special than all the others, it was a silent promise to each other.

“We’re supposed to be leaving Aldbourne soon,” Dick whispered, his lips pressed against Lois' forehead. She looked up at him, her eyes trained on his lips as he spoke. “Lew can’t tell us exactly what is planned yet but I fear the invasion of Europe is finally on the cards.”

Lois nodded slowly, she knew that what was being called D-Day was imminent, she also knew that Operation Jedburgh was directly linked to help aid the allied invasion of Europe. The main question Lois was asking is would it work?

Dick shuffled over slightly so he could look down at her, a broad smile on his lips, “Lois, the last few months we’ve spent together have been the best time of my life. I don’t want to leave on a sad note.”

Lois smiled weekly at him, “It’s been the best time of my life too, how can this not be a dad time? We’ll be apart for so long.”

“Well, how about you write to me and I’ll write to you whenever we can,” Dick suggested.

Lois sighed, “You won’t know where to send them though if I’m send to France. I’ll be undercover, I won’t have a permeant address.”

“Well, we can write the letters to each other, everything we are thinking, feeling, anything we want to say to one another and then when we can post them, we will.”

Lois looked up at Dick, her eyes misty from the unshed tears and she admitted something she never thought she would. “I love you, Richard Winters.”

“And I love you, Lois Drake.”

The next morning Dick had left early, leaving Lois alone with her thoughts while she packed for her trip to London. Her mind drifted from her mission to London, to Dick, to Lewis… Lewis!

She watched as the intelligence officer paced up and down the path, mumbling to himself. She leant forward, bracing herself against the bed to stare out of the window. What was he doing? He had a file underneath his arm, and he nearly dropped it several times while waving his arms around as he mumbled. He then seemed to make a decision and strode towards the door, tapping the knocker three times before a deafening silence followed.

Lois made her way downstairs slowly, her mind trying to piece together the situation. She opened it with a wide smile and Lewis gave her a curt nod.

“Captain Drake.”

Lois smiled, “Lieutenant Nixon, what can I do for you?”

The officer seemed flustered, she’d never seen him so out of control, he was cool and calm, barely ever lifting an eyebrow at any situation.

“Well… I umm,” he paused again, swallowing hard. “Well I hear that you have a mission and we’ve had some extra intelligence so… here.” He thrust the folder into her hand and she accepted it gratefully.

“Thank you, Nixon.”

“You can call me Lewis if you want to,” he gave her a small smile, his breathing finally falling into a more normal rhythm.

“Thank you, Lewis. Would you like to come in?” Lois pushed the door open further but Lewis shook his head.

“No, thank you. I should be heading back to base.” Lois nodded understandingly.

“Well, I look forward to seeing you again sometime, Lewis. Let’s hope it’s under different circumstances,” Lois leant forward, giving the officer a quick hug and pecking a kiss on his cheek.

Lewis' cheeks flushed red and Lois pretended not to notice.

“Goodbye, Lois. Good luck.” Lewis turned away and strolled quickly down the path, quickly disappearing from view.

Lewis felt his heartache as he turned away and began his walk down the cobbled street. He didn’t know whether his heart ached for the woman he had fallen for going into a combat zone, or whether his heart ached for his friend who would have to let go of the woman he loved, or whether his heart ached for himself, for he could never share how he truly felt about Lois Drake.

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[bluerosefox]

Phantomish Rogues

Team Phantom get ripped from their home universe into the DCverse. With no money or real ID's in this world. Now thats a problem.

Another big problem is that Danny is badly injured and his core kinda put him into a deep cryo sleep. He needs to rest and gather ectoplasm.

Bigger problem Team Phantom have no clue how to get home because they don't know how to decode the Fenton Portal blue-prints, not even Jazz who at the time didn't pay attention to her parents portal work anymore by the time they finished it. The only one who does have an idea is Danny!

Biggest problem, they landed in a place called Gotham that seems to be overrun with actual villains and heroes? (vigilantes). And for some odd reason many of them seem to find them no matter where the Team goes to hide.

Until they can get their hands on a safe space, tech, and money, Team Phantom might have to go a bit Rogue/Villainous if they wanna keep Danny safe until he wakes up.

[robinsleeping]

Steph is just a star 24/7

[kawareo]

Doomed siblings my beloved

plus fannypack Gale

[larunart]

Maybelle Elizabeth Colter AKA “Black Belle” from Red Dead Redemption 2

Probably my favorite side character in the game, gonna try and draw some of the others too. Suggestions are welcome!