the way i can see rafe rolling his eyes when he hears you yell across a party for jj to knock it off in picking a fight, and laughs at jj when he listens to you, and is like an embarrassed little dog.
a perfect world where rafe realizes he and jj are the same person in different fonts <3 thank you for the request, i love jj in this lmao😭🩵
you say you got it & you have to let me see - r.c
pairing: rafe x pogue!reader (bartender!reader universe)
The annual boneyard party was in full swing, and like clockwork, someone was trying to start shit.
You stood close to Rafe, your hand loosely gripping a beer bottle as you watched the mess unfold in front of you. "JJ!" you called out, voice loud and clear across the sand. "Knock it off!"
Rafe felt the corner of his mouth twitch, suppressing a grin. It wasn't even surprising anymore.
JJ Maybank—still the same hot-headed teen who grew up a few doors down from you—was in some guy's face, already half a second away from getting clocked.
His first instinct was to roll his eyes. Every year. Every damn year, JJ managed to start up some bullshit. Rafe glanced down at you, saw how your brow furrowed in annoyance, and the urge to laugh took over instead.
It was kind of funny, watching JJ go from ready to swing to immediately backing off the second you opened your mouth.
JJ turned like a kid caught stealing cookies from the jar, hands half-raised in defense as he looked at you with wide eyes. “Chill! I wasn’t even—”
"Yeah, yeah," you cut him off, pointing your beer in his direction. "Save it. Just walk away, okay?"
And, of course, he did.
Like a scolded puppy, he muttered something under his breath before shoving his hands into his pockets and trudging off. Rafe snorted, shaking his head. "Little brother still listens to you, huh?"
You shot him a look, half-smiling. "Someone's gotta keep him in line."
"Yeah, well," Rafe glanced at JJ’s retreating figure, still chuckling under his breath, "It's funny watching him tuck his tail between his legs every time."
He wasn’t usually one for parties like this anymore—too many reminders of who he used to be—but being here with you made it easier. You grounded him. Three years of dating, living together, dealing with life’s shitstorms, and somehow you still managed to make everything feel lighter.
You narrowed your eyes, “Don’t think you’re so different from him Mr. No one talks down to my girlfriend.”
Rafe’s grin widened, and he took a long sip from his beer, savoring the burn of the carbonation on his throat. You had him there. Not that he was gonna admit it. “That was different,” he drawled, flashing you a smirk.
“Uh-huh,” you said, arching an eyebrow. “How, exactly?”
He scratched at his jaw, the familiar prickle of stubble reminding him he hadn’t shaved in a few days. “I mean, I didn’t throw a punch every time. Just made it clear no one’s gonna talk shit.”
You rolled your eyes, but the corners of your lips twitched. “You’re lucky I love you, Cameron.”
Rafe’s heart did that stupid thing it always did when you said stuff like that, even after all these years. He could play it cool all he wanted, but you knew how to get to him. Always did.
“Yeah, I am,” he said, stepping a little closer, his body blocking the cool breeze coming off the ocean. He could smell the saltwater and smoke, but all he cared about was the warmth radiating from you. He took a swig of his beer, watching the flames from the bonfire dance against the night sky. “How many more times you think you’ll have to pull him out of a fight tonight?”
You tilted your head, thinking for a second before shrugging. “Depends on how much he’s had to drink.”
JJ was like a golden retriever sometimes—quick to rile up, but just as quick to bounce back. Rafe watched him for a second, the way he moved through the crowd, all ego and no direction. It reminded him of himself when he was younger. He chuckled, shaking his head.
“He’s gonna make it hard for me to take him seriously if you keep saving his ass.”
"Like you’ve ever taken him seriously," you shot back, giving him a playful shove.
True. Rafe couldn’t remember a single time in the last few years where JJ had been more than an annoyance.
"God, it’s like he’s still twelve or something," you muttered, shaking your head. You took a step closer to him, your arm brushing his. The firelight flickered in your eyes, making you look impossibly warm.
The kind of warmth Rafe had gotten used to over the years. The kind he was lucky to have. He turned to face you, an easy smile forming on his lips. “Yeah, but at least it’s entertaining.”
You smirked. "For now. I give it an hour before he’s passed out in the sand."
He tilted his head, giving you a mock-serious look. “You wanna place a bet on that?”
You squinted at him like you were actually considering it. “What’s the wager?”
Rafe leaned in, his voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down your spine. “Winner gets to pick what we do tomorrow.”
You raised an eyebrow, your smirk deepening. “And what exactly do you have in mind?”
He shrugged, trying to play it cool but knowing exactly what he’d want if he won. He could feel the stupid velvet box burning in his pocket. He carried it everywhere, hoping he’d man up and do it already. He couldn’t do it now—not here, not like this, not with JJ stumbling around somewhere in the background and the sound of half-drunk partygoers laughing around you.
“I don’t know. Maybe spend the day out on the boat. Just the two of us.”
“Alright, deal,” you said, holding out your hand for him to shake, “Sounds nice.”
Nice wasn’t even close to what he had in mind.
He took your hand, but instead of shaking it, he pulled you in closer, wrapping an arm around your waist. You let out a small laugh, leaning into him. The beer bottle in your hand dangled lazily at your side. You leaned up, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
“You’re lucky you’re cute.”
Rafe let out a breathy chuckle, turning his head to capture your lips with his. The kiss was slow, lazy even, like there wasn’t a party around you. “Still think I’m cute, huh?”
You gave him a look, lips curving into a shit-eating-grin. “When you’re not acting like JJ.”
He groaned, tipping his head back dramatically. “Don’t compare me to that fuckin' idiot.”
You just grinned, pulling away slightly, though your hand stayed on his chest. “Relax. You’re cuter, baby.”
“Damn right,” Rafe muttered, tugging you back to him. He liked having you close like this—reminded him that no matter how much shit had changed, some things stayed solid. You. Him. This.
He kissed the top of your head, breathing in the familiar scent of your hair, and let out a contented sigh.
JJ had somehow found another beer, and as Rafe glanced his way, he saw Kie giving him a hard time, probably for almost getting into it earlier.
“You think they’ll ever figure it out?” you asked, following Rafe’s gaze.
“Who, JJ and Kie?” He shrugged, taking another sip of his beer. “Maybe. Probably not, though. They’re both too stubborn.”
You hummed in agreement, resting your head against his shoulder. “Sounds familiar.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, we turned out alright, didn’t we?”
You smiled up at him, the firelight dancing in your eyes. “Yeah, we did.”
Just as you and Rafe were starting to get lost in your own little world, a sudden shout cut through the noise of the party. Rafe glanced up and spotted JJ again, this time charging toward some guy who was standing way too close to Kie.
Oh for fuck’s sake.
JJ's posture tense, fists clenched at his sides, and his voice already rising in that familiar way that screamed trouble. "Hey, man, back the fuck off!" He growled, pushing the guy away from Kie. The dude barely had time to react before JJ was already up in his face, looking like he was seconds away from throwing a punch.
"Jesus fucking Christ," Rafe muttered under his breath.
Without a second thought, he downed the last of his beer and started striding toward fight. You followed, a little concerned but mostly impressed by how quickly he handled it. He was always the one who kept things calm now—so different from his hot-headed younger days.
“Maybank!” Rafe’s voice boomed across the beach, and you could hear the change in tone.
He was done playing around.
JJ, too focused on trying to defend Kie’s honor, didn’t even hear him. Rafe didn’t hesitate. He grabbed him by the back of his shirt, pulling him away from the guy before anything could escalate further.
The younguer blonde whipped around, ready to argue, but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Rafe. “Dude, I—”
“Start walking,” He hauled him a few feet away, practically dragging him while the other guy quickly disappeared into the crowd.
You couldn’t help but watch the way Rafe took control of the situation, handling JJ like a dad trying to wrangle a rowdy teenager. You could see the way he deflated in response. He’d grown to respect Rafe too much to keep pushing.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Rafe said, his grip still tight on JJ’s shirt. “You’re gonna get yourself knocked out one of these days if you don’t stop acting like you need to throw hands over every little thing.” JJ scowled but didn’t say anything, and Rafe shook his head, letting him go. “Seriously, Kie can handle herself. And if she needs backup, that’s what we are for—not you getting your ass handed to you every time some guy breathes in her direction.”
JJ kicked at the sand, muttering something under his breath, but he knew better than to argue. Rafe’s voice softened a little, seeing JJ’s shoulders slump. “Look, I get it. But not like this. Not here.”
He nodded once, reluctantly, and Rafe gave him a rough pat on the shoulder before turning back to you. He caught your eye, and you felt the pride bloom in your chest. The way he handled himself, the way he diffused situations—it wasn’t just about being strong anymore, it was about knowing how to lead, how to take care of the people he loved. And, honestly? It was a turn-on.
You couldn’t help the way your eyes lingered on him as he came back over to you. He looked so composed, so solid, and that arm of his, the way he pulled JJ back without breaking a sweat—it had your mind going places. Rafe raised an eyebrow at you, a playful smirk on his lips.
“What?” he asked, already knowing you were checking him out.
You stepped closer, trailing your fingers up his arm, feeling the strength in the way his muscles flexed beneath your touch.
“Nothing,” you murmured, biting your lip as your eyes met his. “Just proud of you.”
Rafe chuckled, his hand slipping around your waist, pulling you against him. “Proud, huh?”
“Mhm,” you whispered, pressing yourself closer, feeling the warmth of his body. “It’s kinda hot.”
“That what does it for you now? Me playing babysitter?”
You laughed softly, your hand still resting on his arm, fingers trailing along his bicep. “Not just that. The way you handled it. You’re just—”
Rafe’s hand slid down your back. “Just what?” he asked, his breath hot against your neck.
You bit your lip, feeling your heart pick up speed. "Strong.” You smirked, letting your hand slide lower, down the curve of his chest. “Kinda makes me wanna—”
He cut you off with a kiss, his mouth moving against yours with a kind of slow intensity that had you melting into him. His hand gripped you tighter, pulling you even closer, because he could never have enough of you.
When he pulled back, his forehead pressed against yours, both of you a little breathless, he smirked down at you. “You keep talkin' like that, we might need to leave this party a little early.”
You grinned up at him, your arms wrapping around his neck. “Might not be the worst idea,” you teased, your voice low. “Think we’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
Rafe chuckled, his lips brushing against your forehead before he pulled away just enough to glance over his shoulder, making sure JJ wasn’t about to start up more trouble.
When he saw everything was calm, he turned back to you, “Let’s get outta here, baby.”
You didn’t need to be told twice.
He pulled you in close as you reached the car, wrapping his arms around your waist and leaning down to press a lingering kiss to your lips, making your head spin all over again.
"You're somethin' else, you know that?" he whispered against your lips, his hands sliding up your back, fingers tracing patterns on your skin.
"Get in the car, Cameron.”
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The Rain(All Might/Toshinori Yagi x Fem!Hero!Reader)
warnings: AU, pre-Izuku All Might, scars, angst, fluff, smut, mentions of teacher-student relationships, age gap, unprotected sex, mentions of anxiety, love confessions, size kink, All Might in both forms, reader is All Might's former mentee, suggestive themes
word count: 3k!!
pairings: All Might/Toshinori Yagi x Fem!Hero!Reader
summary: while out trying to run errands, Toshinori becomes anxious and nearly succumbs to a panic attack...then you are there to help him! when you get home, it turns into a full blown love confession.
a/n: big thanks to @cherryblossombankai! Tagging: @pixelcafe-network and dividers by @adornedwithlight
The rain drizzled from the sky. Toshinori sighs as he feels another fatigue attack coming along. He wasn’t sure if it was his anxiety working its way through his system or was it the lack of breakfast he had today, but the way he was feeling was telling him he was going to run out of stamina and soon. He wouldn’t be able to manage to get home.
Nevermind getting home, he wouldn’t be able to manage to get down the street from here. He tried to hide himself, ducking into an alleyway as his breath was getting more and more shallow. He folds in half, clutching the old scar that would never allow him to be normal again. His blond tresses brush against the cold, brick wall as he leans against the building. It’s not long before he’s coughing up some blood, and he curses himself for not having any tissues on him. Toshinori feels cold, defeated and depressed.
‘I used to be the number one hero. I used to be somebody. I could go for days without needing rest…’ He thinks pitifully to himself.
And then, there in the opening of the alleway, a familiar face appears. Your heart stops for a moment when you see your former mentor sitting on the cold, dirty ground. You rush over to him, kneeling down to get a better look at him.
“A-All Might?” You ask, wondering if he even recognizes you right now.
He smiles weakly. “I don’t think I deserve to hear that name coming from your lips.”
You’re quick to dig in your purse for a tissue. You wipe away the blood on his lips, then you press your hand on his forehead. He was running a low fever, and by the look on his face, you could tell he was very fatigued. There’s shame written all over his face.
Toshinori can’t stop thinking about how old he feels and how useless he feels right now. Especially considering it had been a few years since the two of you had actually seen each other in person. You knew about his true form, but seeing him in such a state hurts your heart more than anything.
“Do you need help?” You finally offer, not wanting to hurt his pride.
He nods. “Y-yeah…I’d like that.”
Gently you pick him up and carry him bridal style. Something about being the one carried makes him feel warm inside, despite the blush creeping up on his cheeks. It was a little embarrassing right now, but he was feeling too weak to even really care. He nuzzles against your chest as you make your way down the street to your apartment.
Once inside the comforts of your place, Toshinori feels a little more at ease. You sit him on the couch, removing his wet jacket and hanging it up so it can dry. In the kitchen, you rustle up your kettle to boil water for some tea.
Then you sit down next to him. He’s still shivering, even when you give him the steaming mug of tea. ‘I must look so pathetic,’ he thinks to himself. But the way you continue to dote on him makes him feel so adored. He smiles weakly again, but you know he’s trying to put up a front that he’s okay when he’s not.
“It’s been a long time, huh?” You finally cut the silence.
He takes a sip of his tea. “Two years now. But I always see you on the news,”
“Really? Are you really keeping up with the shit I do?”
He groans. “You know it’s not shit. You’re an amazing hero! You save so many, you inspire new generations of heroes.”
“Who do you think I learned it from?”
This causes butterflies to erupt in his tummy. He hasn’t felt this way in so long. He met you when you were in your first year out of UA. You were a bright-eyed young hero, just wanting to show the world that you were here. And boy did you ever make an impression. With your power-type quirk that gives you super strength and super speed, you and All Might were a perfect match.
He was your mentor for years. He watched you grow from that innocent little thing that was so keen on doing the right thing to the beautiful woman you are now. Sure it had been two years since you two had seen one another, but that didn’t stop the bond you already have.
“I suppose you had a good mentor to teach you all those tricks,” Toshinori laughs.
“He was always so good to me…a mentor that could make me feel so many emotions. Even ones I didn’t understand at the time.”
Toshinori notices the way you grow silent all of a sudden. He’s hesitant to reach out and to ask what you mean, but he knows what you’re talking about. Your admiration for the man had bloomed into something even deeper. The good ol’ days when you two would fight crime together are long behind you, but the love you have for him is still very apparent.
“Did you ever…tell this person how you truly feel?” He asks, worried that maybe you’ll never admit it.
You blush and look down at your lap. “I figured he knew.”
There’s a tension building between the two of you. He looks at you with the eyes of a very tired, worn down man. A man who feels like he’s lost everything, and yet here you are, one of the most precious gifts in his life. You’re still here. You saved him from what could have been a nasty panic attack in that alleyway too. He reaches out and caresses your cheek softly.
“What if I told you that your mentor loves you?”
The words sound like they are coming from someone else. You had imagined this moment for so long, only to push it all away the day you and All Might decided to part ways. You wondered if he had ever truly clued in on the crush you had on him, but this was letting you know that it was oh so real.
“He…loves me?” You ask, finally looking up at him.
Toshinori blushes and he takes your hand in his. “I love you.”
There’s a moment of silence before you get closer to him and begin kissing him. It’s soft and sweet at first, but soon turns into something a little hungrier and passionate. You feel like you can’t get enough, even though your lips are pressed to his and you have your hands on his body. You need to breathe him in, hold him until you two become one.
“I love you too,” you whisper against his lips.
His whole body feels warm now, despite the chill he definitely had earlier. His large hands cradle your face. He swipes his thumbs against your cheeks before he kisses you again. It’s so soft, and so delicate. You feel like you’re floating on a cloud. The one thing you had always hoped for was finally coming true.
There’s almost this clarity in his eyes when you pull away. He strokes your cheeks again, a small smile on his face. You can’t hide your own silly grin. A million and one thoughts pass through your mind, but you don’t seem to even know how to process everything. You’re snapped out of it when Toshinori shivers again.
“You need a bath,” you offer. “A warm bath.”
He can’t say no. You take his hands in yours and help him to his feet. He follows you diligently into the bathroom. It’s cozy here. It smells like flowers. Toshinori feels comforted immediately. He remembers when you told him about finding this apartment. It seems like it was only yesterday instead of just last year during a phone call.
You start up the water and begin digging in a cupboard for bath salts and essential oils. The room fills with the soft scent of lavender and jasmine. Toshinori looks at you and he notices you’re beginning to undress. There’s a look on your face; it’s one he knows all too well. The look of being insecure to undress in front of someone.
His eyes widen when you get completely naked. Your body is so beautiful. The skin looks so soft to the touch. But what really catches his eye is the large scar on your chest. It almost mirrors the one on his chest. It’s red in some spots, fading to a purple shiny look]\\. You try to hide it from him, but he approaches you.
“When did…when did this happen?” He asks you, regretting not being there with you whenever this happened.
You look away ashamed, “Not long after we parted ways. I guess I needed All Might more than I figured.”
He pulls you in close, kissing you deeply. Tears roll down your cheeks, but he’s so quick to hush you softly with the sweetest words. He rubs his nose against yours before kissing you so sweetly.
“You’re so strong,” he comments. “I know you fight with that same flame that lights up my heart.”
You’re swooning now. Who would have thought that Toshinori Yagi would be such a smooth talker? He smiles at you when you look up at him. Then you help take off his clothes, uncovering his own scar.
Both of you sigh happily as you sink into the large tub together. Toshinori pulls you even closer. His hands are itching to get all over you. The warm water makes you feel even more silky smooth to the touch. His lips are right by your ear as he leans in to whisper.
“I should have been there for you,” he admits. “I should have continued to help you grow. You needed me, but I was so foolish to let you go. I thought…I thought I was holding you back.”
You turn to look at him, “I never ever thought you were holding me back. Never ever did I think that, not even once.”
“I just felt like you could have done so much more without me,” he whispers. “But I failed you.”
You finally turn to face him and you straddle his lap. Being this close to you suddenly has his blood rushing down to his groin. Your breasts press against his chest. Toshinori looks at you with his lips parted and his cheeks pink.
“I don’t want to hear you talking so poorly about yourself. You really have no idea how amazing you are, do you?”
He shakes his head, “You give me too much credit.”
Another kiss pressed to his lips. Between more heated kisses, you remind him of his greatness. He wants to deny it, but when it comes from you, it sounds so heavenly. It sounds like the actual truth. Not the same words that fell from so many mouths before you and after you. No, those weren't empty praises from his admirers, but it sounds even better coming from you.
His hands caress your sides slowly; he’s taking his time to savor the feeling of your skin. You smell good too, your own musk melding with the floral scents that cling to the air. It makes the hair on his body stand on end as he keeps leaning in to kiss you.
There’s a deep noise that comes from his throat when he grows hard. His erection presses against your mound, slipping between your moist folds. You gasp at the sudden contact and you look at the man in front of you. There’s a perverted grin on his face.
“This is a new technique,” his voice is gravelly now. “A new technique I never got to teach you.”
One of his hands soothes down your body, stopping only to knead your breasts softly before heading down to your pussy. You let out a cute moan as he begins to stimulate you. All logical thoughts go out the window when he begins to rub your clit in slow circles. You feel his cock prodding against your hole.
“I know you’re strong enough to take this. You’ll be good for me, won’t you?”
Whispers of you promising to be good for him fill the air. He smirks at the way you’re grinding against him. He really pictured this moment so many times, especially when he’d lay awake at night thinking of you. And now, he has you here in his arms. He has you so close and he’s not going to let you go. Never again will he let you go.
Toshinori regains his strength enough to help position you over his throbbing cock. Slowly, you begin to sink down on it. Your mind is swimming as you try to adjust to his very large girth. Never would you have imagined just how good it would feel to finally take him. He presses a kiss to your temple as you lean in to rest against him.
“Relax for me,” he coos. “Please breathe.”
You shudder at his soft words of encouragement. Your whole body feels warm and relaxed as you rest against your lover. The man you’ve loved for so long, finally here to love you in the way you’ve wanted forever. You have to blink back tears as his arms wrap around you and he rubs your back slowly.
“That’s it. You’re taking me so well.” He whispers in your ear. “I knew you could take me.”
You whimper. “Toshi, you’re so big.”
This causes him to smirk again. He knows he’s big. And he knew you’d say something like that to flatter his ego. But it’s purely just you babbling as your mind struggles with the euphoric pleasure that he’s giving you just by pulling you down onto his cock. The minute he bottoms out, you let out a gasp.
Slowly, he begins rocking his hips. Words of praise fill your ears as you try to ride him as well. Toshinori kisses you, making your walls clench around him. He loves the way you’re already so close to your orgasm. He does everything to tease you, pushing you closer to that peak. And when you do cum, it’s explosive. He can see the pleasure all over your features. Your lips part, your body shakes and your eyes roll back.
“S-shit…” He finally manages to pull you off.
You see the way his cock is throbbing. It’s angry and red and leaking so much precum. In your haze, you reach for it to begin stroking him. Toshinori has to push your hand away as he feels the coil in his stomach tightening.
“N-no…don’t want it to end like this.”
He helps you out of the tub, being the one to lean on this time. Both of you take a while to dry each other off. Toshi sits on the seat nearby and you rub soft lotion all over his skin. You don’t skimp out on the praise and words of love either. Then he takes his turn to rub the lotion on you, treating you to a similar experience.
The sheets are crisp and soft. Toshinori wastes no time pulling you in to kiss you. There’s a new excitement in the air as he grows aroused. Without warning, he shifts into his muscular form. Your eyes widen; you try to take him all in.
“Like what you see?” He inquires, smirking down at you.
“Yes, but I love all of you.”
This nearly brings him to tears. How you could just so easily tear down the walls he’s put up for years is beyond him. But he’s lucky to have you now after not seeing you for so long. Your hands cup his cheeks and you two share a very heated and hungry kiss.
Toshinori bends you into the position he wants you in, and then he uses his cock to rub against your swollen, aching clit. He growls with every twitch and squirm of your body. He’s never seen anything more beautiful than you. With his mind fuzzy with lust, he pushes into you ever so slowly.
“T-Toshi!” You squeal as he finally bottoms out.
Just the sensation of his thicker cock hitting your sweet spot has you arching your back in preparation for another intense orgasm. Toshinori loves the way you look so fucked out already. He should chastise himself for being such a perverted old man, but the way you keep begging for him to fuck you, he knows he’s in the right to make you feel this way.
His thumbs rub against your nipples as he begins to pound you. You can’t even keep up with the amount of pleasure. You’re drenching the sheets below you, leaving a big mess. A few more thrusts has you over the edge, crying out his name like it’s your own personal mantra. Toshinori leans in even closer, kissing you sloppily.
“I’m close,” he pants. “Should I pull out?”
You shake your head, pleading for him to ‘cum inside, please’ which practically makes him blow his load immediately. Loud grunts of your name and a string of curses fall from his lips as he paints your insides white. More and more of it fills you up, and you swear you’ve never seen another man cum this much. When he finally pulls out, he strokes himself a few more times to paint your lower abdomen with a few more shots.
You look up at him, seeing the dark look of lust be replaced with a deep look of love in his eyes. Toshinori kisses you once more before he gets up. You lay there, trying to understand what just happened. When he returns, he cleans you up with a warm washcloth before joining you on the bed. He pulls you to sit in his lap, playing with your hair.
“I hope you know that I’m not letting you go again,” he whispers. “You’re stuck with me.”
He spreads your thighs, letting his half-hard cock rest against your mound. There’s a deep growl that rumbles from him as he nips at your neck.
“All mine now.”
reblogs and comments always appreciated!
©actuallysaiyan 2024– do not repost on other platforms, copy, translate or edit my works!
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These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)
From the Love Letter Series
Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal x Josephine Harris (OFC)
The realities of Rosie's choice to reup for a second tour hit hard for Jo when Harry Crosby is granted furlough. She must learn to navigate the ugly emotions that come with the situation while simultaneously being there for Jean who is going through her own set of emotions at her husbands temporary return. With the help of friends, Jo is able to find the brighter side of it all, with a renewed hope for her future. Meanwhile, Rosie must deal with the guilt of his decision.
Read part 7 Here
Follow along with the Love Letters Playlist
It comes in many forms; jealousy isn’t always the green eyed demon that’s depicted in books and movies. Sometimes, it comes as pain. As sadness. Desire, strangely enough. Jo could feel the emotions taking turns, and after they had all run their course, guilt would take over.
The guilt that she was a terrible friend to Jean, who was over the moon with the news of Harry’s impending furlough. Her best friend who had desired no more than to be in the arms of her husband for the duration of his time away at war, was getting her wish. So then why was she having to remind herself every day to be happy for her? Because it was Harry on his way to New York, and not Rosie? Because she couldn’t understand how after devoting himself to the cause, to signing up for a second tour of duty, didn’t he also deserve a moment of reprieve in the safety of his own home.
The last letter she had received from him had come shortly after the mail that had included news of Harry’s temporary return. It was clouded in sadness, despite his happiness for his friend. She could feel his desire to be home, the emotions palpable on the page. So much that she hadn’t told Jean of the letter. She had simply read it in the quiet of her room at night, hoping to keep her tears from falling too loudly.
Could she stand to be here while Harry was home? To see them reuniting, softly, sweet nothings whispered to Jean in passing, her gentle laughter as Harry pulled her into a hug just because he was close. Because he could. She had decided she would leave for the duration of Harry’s furlough. She could return to her parents for the four weeks, but something in her kept saying that four weeks would crawl if she were to go home. So, she had resolved to call Juliet Thompson in the morning. Her friend upstate was still on summer holiday, and she had a feeling she could use the company as much as she could- John Brady was still being held POW, and whenever the thought crossed her mind, Jo couldn’t help but feel guilt all over again. Rosie was safe in England, and she was beyond grateful for it.
The next morning felt like you could cut the tension with a knife. The days to Harry’s return were drawing near, and while Jo tried her best, she could feel the inevitable dark cloud looming overhead; she had begged for it to not creep in onJean’s good mood, but when she joined her friend for coffee, it seemed it was looming over both of them.
“Sleep well?” Jean looked over from the stove where the coffee was perking, a half smile on her face.
“Alright, all things considered.”
“Humid last night…” Jean mused.
“Slept on top of the duvet again.” Jo half laughed, knowing even if they weren’t tiptoeing around the inevitable, she’d have been a tad grumpy over the heat.
“Me too…” Jean turned, bringing the now finished pot to the table, placing it on the trivet. “Not even a breeze.”
“We want a breeze, we need to go back to Brooklyn, Jean.”
“That’s a hike,” she had set about pouring their coffee, hands staying busy. “Don’t know how you did it for so long before moving in here.”
Jo blanches at the mention of her living there, still not quite sure how to tell Jean that she’s going to be leaving while her husband is home. Guilt, again.
“Jo?”
“Hmm?”
“You haven’t touched your coffee, are you okay?”
“Oh, yes…no… I’m fine.”
“Yes no?”
“Jean… I think it's best that while Harry is home, I’m not here.”
“What! Josephine, this is your home!”
“When Harry is away, yes, but your husband is coming home, Jean, and that does not require a third party awkwardly bumbling around.”
“You could never,” Jean practically cried from her seat across from Jo. “You would never be an awkward third party to me, or Bing! We both love you Jo.”
“I love you both terribly,” Jo was trying so hard to keep the tears at bay. “But he’s your husband. You both have been apart for so long, Jean. You deserve privacy.”
“But…what if he doesn’t…” Jean burst into tears, the Harry that had left for the war was someone Jean Crosby wasn’t sure she knew anymore, and it scared her.
“Oh honey, no, don’t think that! You know Harry is so thrilled to be coming back to you, even if it is only temporary.”
“I’m not sure what to do anymore… I’m a wife but; I haven’t felt like one in so long.”
“You will both just have to take some time to get reacquainted.”
“And you? Will you go back to your parents?”
“I think I’ll call Jules first, and pay her a visit if she’s up to it.”
“Oh she’d love that!”
“Besides, the idea of four weeks at home with my parents after being here seems dreadfully boring.”
“Your mother would dote on you being home, you know that.”
“Dote or smother?” Jo raised a challenging eyebrow at her friend, their laughter somehow finding a place amongst their tears.
“Maybe a little bit of both.” Jean agreed, knowing that Jo’s mother would undoubtedly be worried from the moment she left the house each day to the moment she came home from work.
“We still have some time before Harry gets here,” Jo gave Jean’s hands a squeeze. “Why don’t you come with me to see Jules, and we can sneak Vika away from the hotel for a day and go shopping.”
“Wonderful!”
“We can get you all sorted out for your husband, Mrs. Crosby.”
The phone call to Jules had been easier than Jo initially thought; already missing John Brady terribly, she understood Jo’s feelings on not wanting to encroach on Jean once Harry arrived, and was happy to have the company of a friend nearby. She was thrilled to know Jean would be accompanying Jo on the journey up, and to make the two days with Jean enjoyable for all, she had called Ruthvika and asked if the three girls could stay at the hotel, promising Vika a weekend of fun and martinis. Jules’ childhood friend had been more than happy to set up a room for the girls, and even happier to know she was included in the slumber party. This would be good; it would be a bit of sunshine after a dark cloud, laughter and friendship, and just what Jo knew she needed.
My dearest Robbie,
My sweetheart, I miss you, and I hope you’re taking care of yourself over there. We’re in quite the heatwave here in the city, and from what you’ve told me, English summers are cooler than here at home, so with that, my love I envy you. It's not all bad, though. Jean and I have taken many trips to Coney Island on the weekends, and we brought your sister with us this last time. The fourth of July fireworks were spectacular as always, and I was so glad Jeannie was able to come with us for that.
I’m sorry to say I haven’t seen much of her since you’ve left, and even less so after I moved in with Jean. She calls on occasion, and I know she’s keeping busy with school. Your mother says she’s trying to distract herself with you being away and so, she buries herself in her coursework. I do know how that feels. Work helps to serve as a distraction during the day, but when the day is done, and Jean and I have both gone to bed, I feel that is when I miss you most. We all miss you something terrible, and in our own different ways.
I wanted to let you know that I’ll be heading upstate for a little while, to spend some time with Juliet and Vika. I must admit, I’m not very proud of myself, but it appears I have a bit of a jealous bug as of late, hearing that Harry is on his way home to Jean for a furlough. So, to make myself scarce and not be in their way, I’ve decided to pay a visit to Juliet for two weeks, before she has to return to her classroom to get ready for the school year ahead. I will go back to my parents for the second half of the time; I do miss them and I would love to see your mother as well.
I think being away from Jean and Harry might be for the best. Please, don’t misunderstand, I cannot wait to meet him, he’s not only my best friend's husband but he's your best friend as well, (we won’t tell Pappy I said that) so that makes him special. But Robbie, what have we done so wrong to not be granted the same good fortune? Why is it not you coming home? You’ve sacrificed so much, giving more of yourself and your life to this damn war, and yet, they can’t let you go, can they? Haven’t you done enough? Haven’t I waited long enough? Your mother and sister, don’t they deserve to have you home too?
I feel so guilty for feeling this way, but I can’t help but want the same happiness and excitement that Jean is feeling. I regret waiting so long to tell you I love you, Robbie. Why did we wait so long? We could have been spending time in each other's arms long before, and yet we were both too stubborn to admit how we felt. Do I sound silly? I’m sure I do, all of this griping and crying when you’re over there fighting and missing home. I should be checking on you and asking how you are, and instead I’m staining this paper with tears and going on about how envious and sad I am.
Please, love, tell me how you really are over there, or I will have to seek out Val for the truth. Has it been terribly difficult now that the invasion has passed and the fighting is well underway? I know you’re working and fighting hard, as are the rest of our friends that are with you over there.
Love, have you written to your mother lately? I know she’s missing you as much as I am, if not more, and would do with knowing that you’re alright. Last week she was worried they weren’t feeding you enough, and had it been anyone else who said that, I may have rolled my eyes, but the way she said it had left me in stitches, Robbie. You know how your mother can be. She comes by at least once a week with my mother to check in on me and Jean, and they bring covered dishes and baked goods that they’ve managed with the rations. I think they’re afraid Jean and I are only consuming martinis. They’re half right, and I will only admit this to you, a chocolate chip cookie does pair best with the infamous Jean Crosby martini.
We are leaving for upstate tomorrow, so I will post this first thing on my way out the door and hope it finds you soon. I’m counting down the days until this war is behind us. Until we can begin our days next to each other, and end them the same way. There is a future waiting for us, I just wish I knew when we could begin living it. Come home to me soon.
My heart is yours forever, with all of my love always
Jo
They packed light; still summertime and incredibly warm, they were able to get away with comfortable sundresses, and some swimsuits. They didn’t need much when they were together- Jules had said it’s the company that counts most. Vika had been a lifesaver and secured a room at her family’s hotel for Jo and Jean for the two nights that Jean would be with them before returning home. Not one to miss out, Jules had stayed as well. Squeezing into one of the beds with Vika while Jo and Jean occupied the other, it had been a slumber party just like the night at Jean and Jo’s home. Four friends laughing until their stomachs hurt, it had taken a visit from Vika’s mother to quiet them down, Jean rushing to hide the evidence of martinis that were scattered around the room.
It had been so much fun, that Jo had begun to forget why she had made the journey in the first place; until there were three, and they were waving Jean off from the train platform, two with tears in their eyes. The realization of not knowing when their boys would be home striking hard and fast.
“Two weeks and you’ll be back in the city, right?” Jean looked absolutely riddled with fear as she stood with her bag on the platform, Jo doing all she could to reassure her.
“Yes,” Jo sniffled, wiping at her eyes and trying in vain not to smudge her makeup. “I promise.”
“Please, Jo. Promise you’ll be there to meet Binger.” Jean gripped her hands so tightly, her eyes wild and nervous. The last time she had seen her so scared was when news of Bubbles’ death reached home, and worry for Harry had begun seeping in like a crack in the roof.
“I’ll be there,” she winked. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good. I’ll ring Jules once I’m back home. Bing doesn’t get in until tonight… gosh I’m so nervous!”
“You’re going to see that man and forget all about how nervous you were. Now go, before you miss your train.”
“Jo…”
She pulled her into a hug so fast, and so fiercely, that Jo barely had a moment to catch her footing before hugging Jean back. This friendship, forged in a dark time, was more than two women finding companionship while their men were away fighting. This was sisterhood, and as an only child, Jo had never known it before. The closest person in her life had always been Rosie, and now that his role in her life had shifted, Jean had seamlessly filled in that space.
“I will see you soon, yea?”
“Yea… yes, yes you will. I’ll have a martini waiting for you.”
“That’s what I want to hear,” Jo grinned, pulling back to give her friend a smile. “Now go on, otherwise Harry will have my head for making you late.”
“Your Robbie would never forgive him.” Jean laughed, wiping at her eyes just as the conductor hollered for All Aboard!
As the train pulled away, Jean Crosby waving from the window of the car, Jo felt herself become utterly depleted. The sadness that she had tried to ebb away at home, not divulging all of it for fear of guilt, slammed into her full force, and had it not been for Jules and Vika wrapping her up in their arms, she’d have collapsed on the spot.
“Come now, let’s get back to the hotel,” Vika urged her, gently steering her out of the train station and back towards the car. “Mammi can make us some chai, and we can have a rest.”
“I feel terrible…”
“Terrible, sick?”
“Terrible like I’m riddled with guilt and anger and sadness.”
She doesn’t catch Vika looking over at Jules, knowing that this is more than what Mrs. Patel’s chai can fix, because only Jules knows how she’s feeling, and only Jules can be the one to talk this through with her.
The hotel is quiet when they arrive back, and Mrs. Patel is at the front desk, a smile on her face as she watches her daughter and friends walk in, but the smile soon fades as she sees the look on Vika’s face.
“Did Jean get off alright?” She asks, nerves lacing her normally stoic and motherly disposition.
“She did, Mammi,” Vika replies kindly, joining her mother at the desk while Jo and Jules take a seat on the sofa meant for guests. “Can Juliet and Josephine use the apartment for a little while? I think they…well, Jean’s husband coming home hasn’t been easy for them.”
“Of course, you take them up. I will be behind with some chai and bhel puri.”
“Thank you Mammi.”
The pair on the couch sit quietly as Vika approaches, her voice soft as she speaks to both of them, but her eyes trained on Juliet.
“Jules, why don’t you two go up to the apartment?”
“Is that…okay with your mother?”
“It’s fine,” Vika’s eyes softened at Jules’ worry over possibly invading the Patel’s personal space, the phrase bundled in her simple question. “Mammi is going to bring up some chai and snacks.”
“Oh Vika, that’s not necessary!” Jo turned to her friend, knowing full well that the hotel needed their full attention.
“You and Jules need a moment, and I can cover the desk while Mammi is gone.”
“Yes, now you two go right up, and I’ll follow in a moment.” Mrs. Patel is standing next to them, and suddenly it’s as if their own mothers are there, ordering them to eat.
Nodding, Jo follows Jean upstairs to the apartment, and once inside, she takes in just what it is that makes her friend Vika who she is. The decor, the smells, the homey feel, and photos. It’s all very like Vika, and Jo somehow feels like she’s invading a space not meant for her at all, despite the protests of both Vika and her mother.
“Jules…”
“It’s just us, Jo. You can say whatever you need to.”
“I just,” the words felt trapped, caught in her throat with no way out unless she forced them up and out into the space between them. “I’m so angry!”
“You’re angry at Rosie?”
“So angry! He should be home, he flew twenty five missions. He was safe, and The Brass pulled the rug out from under all of them!”
“So that’s what happened…”
“Everyone after him needed to fly thirty missions, but his crew was safe at twenty five. He could go home, and he didn’t… he stayed… he signed up for a second tour.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he’s too good, and doing the right thing is what Robert Rosenthal does, and he can’t help himself. People are dying and can’t fight for themselves, so he’s doing it for them.”
“Oh Jo…” Jules rushed towards her friend. Instantly, her arms are tight around her friend as Jo finally allowed herself the chance to let go of everything that had been welling up. Things she knew she couldn’t say to Rosie’s mother, or her own mother. Things that somehow, right now, only Jules could understand.
“Harry getting a furlough…” Jules started, the words dying halfway as she felt Jo shudder a deep breath.
“When Harry got a furlough, I just… I wanted to be happy for Jean. I am happy for Jean! But I also wish it was Robbie coming home instead.”
“Honey, you’re allowed to feel angry about it,” Jules took a step back, taking Jo’s hands and giving them a gentle squeeze, leading her towards the sofa in the living room. “He’s been gone so long, and all you want to do is start a life that this war has put on hold for you, and you can’t.”
“Jean was so happy, and there I am playing pretend happy over coffee and then feeling guilty, while the poor thing, she’s so nervous that Harry won’t feel the same for her-”
“Oh I doubt that!”
“That’s what I told her,” Jo shook her head, the beginnings of a melancholy smile taking hold. “But since Bubbles’ death, Harry’s been…distant.”
“Oh you don’t think…”
“I don’t know. And if Robbie knows anything, he’s not saying.”
Jules was quiet for a moment, taking a seat on the sofa wordlessly. She seemed far off, her mind somewhere else entirely; if Jo had to wager a guess it was on a certain pilot serving the rest of his war as a prisoner in Germany.
“I haven’t had a letter from Johnny in a few weeks…” the words are nothing more than a broken whisper.
“Jules, honey…”
“I know that letters aren’t as frequent now that he’s,” she stopped herself from speaking the rest out loud, Jo not needing to hear it to know what she was thinking. “Olive writes, and promises updates, but I can’t help but be constantly worried.”
“When did you last hear from him?”
“The start of June, and now, August is on the horizon and I’m scared, Jo.”
She’s beside her in an instant, her arms mimicking Jules’ earlier movements, pulling her close and hugging her tight. Somehow, Jo thinks she can will all of their broken pieces back together just by being there for each other, in hopes that if they love their boys enough from a distance, it will help bring them home faster.
“Oh Jules, I’m sure Olive would have written if anything happened.”
“I know,” she sniffled, swiping under her eyes quickly. “No news is good news and all that.”
“And bad news travels fast.”
“Yes, you’re right,” she took a deep and shaky breath, exhaling forcefully to try and clear the fog that seemed to have settled around her. “I just… I miss him so much Jo. I don’t have to explain to you how that part of it feels.”
“We worry for different reasons but we worry just the same.”
The door of the apartment opened then, and both girls looked up through bleary eyes as Mrs. Patel stepped into the living room. She was holding a tray from the hotel, complete with two steaming mugs of chai and a bowl filled with snacks for them. Her gaze, normally hard and all business, seemed to soften at the sight of them. Crossing the room quickly, she placed the tray down on the table beside the sofa before coming to stand in front of them. Wordlessly, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a simple white handkerchief, handing it to Jules.
“Thank you Mrs. Patel,” Juliet accepts the handkerchief and gently dabs at her eyes, careful not to get too much of her makeup on the clean, white fabric. Afraid to leave a stain, a reminder of this moment. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to get this dirty.”
“That is what the washing is for, Juliet. Go on, both of you.”
Nodding, Jules continues to wipe her tears before passing it to Jo, who is in the same state as she is. Quietly letting the pain escape like rivers down her cheeks.
“Thank you for being so good to Ruthvika, ” Mrs. Patel speaks quietly, unsure of what she should exactly be saying, but knowing that she must offer something to her daughter's oldest friend, and now, Josephine. “Remember, we must continue to fight here every day; our own wars, they are painful, but keep hope, both of you, that they will come home to you safe.”
They were words that only a mother could speak. And because only a mother could offer that comfort, when she leaned forward to pull both girls close to her for the briefest of moments, it was the gauze over a wound that had spread so deep, neither Jo nor Jules were sure it would ever heal. Hope, it seemed, would fill the deep, painful space over time, and it would close the gap until one day, hopefully, the wound did not exist at all.
——————————————————————————————————
It felt longer coming home from upstate this time. Jo had attributed that to not having Jean for companionship. But she was in her home, now with Harry, who had arrived in New York safely, two weeks ago. The jealousy had seemed to fizzle and sit on the backburner of her heart now. Jean deserved every moment with Harry; but Jo couldn’t help the sadness that crept in when it was quiet, knowing that Rosie was still over there.
It had been a wonderful two week reprieve with Juliet, but now Jo was back home in Brooklyn. She had called Jean to let her know that she was coming back, and was promptly given a date and time to meet her and Harry for dinner and drinks. She was excited on one hand, to finally meet not just Jean’s husband but Rosie’s closet friend.
When the taxi pulled up to her parents home in Flatbush, she quickly paid the driver after he had pulled her suitcase from the trunk. The gentleman tipped his hat and drove off quickly, leaving her standing on the sidewalk, gaze fixed on the house. With a deep sigh, she made her way up the steps to the porch and pushed the door open. Once in the foyer, she dropped her suitcase to the floor and swiftly removed her gloves and hat, depositing them on the credenza by the door.
“I’m back!” She called, stepping further into the house. She could hear her mother rustling around, before she appeared in the foyer with an almost frantic look in her eye.
“Josephine!” Hugging her tightly, she stepped back, appraising her daughter and sensing the sadness immediately. “Sweetheart, welcome back!”
“Thanks,” she forced a grin, thankful her mother chose not to ask if she was okay. She knew there would be minimal gossip and cocktails that night, however. “Are you okay? Mom, you look worried.”
“You have a visitor. A gentleman is waiting in the living room for you.”
“Oh god, is he, is it… did something happen to Robbie?”
“He says his name is Mr. Lewis?”
“Lewis?” the name rolled over in her mind for a moment, before it dawned on her. “Pappy!”
Jo rushed from the foyer into the living room, any ladylike behavior thrown out the window as she came skidding to a stop in the doorway. There, on the sofa, sat a man who had been described to her in numerous letters from Rosie. The only person she had ever trusted sitting in the Co-Pilot’s seat of Rosie’s fort, and in his own words Rosie’s best friend.
“Hiya Jo!” Pappy grinned, standing from the sofa as he saw her.
“Pappy! Oh my- what are you doing here!”
“Rosie sent me,” he grinned, coming to greet her properly, the pair finally able to put names to faces, more than just a picture on Rosie’s side table on base or a name in a letter. “He thought with Croz home, you might need some cheering up.”
“You came all the way here just to cheer me up?” that couldn’t possibly be right, could it? Had Rosie sent him all this way just to keep her company for the second half of Harry Crosby’s furlough?
“Well, you’re Rosie’s sweetheart, plus Val would give me a wallop if she knew I didn’t come see you when you needed it. She sends her regards by the way, boy, wait till you meet her! Have you met Croz yet? I’m sure he’ll want to meet you too, you’re very popular amongst the Riveters crew you know? We all-”
“Pappy, slow down!” she laughed, and for the first time in weeks, she didn’t have to force the sound from her chest.
“Right! Sorry, but I am really glad to finally meet ya!”
“I’m so glad to meet you too.” she grinned.
Guiding him back down to the sofa so they could talk. She just caught her mother peeking around the doorframe, a smile giving way as she noticed Jo’s own.
“How did he even get in touch with you so quickly, the mail takes ages these days!”
“He’s a big shot Major now,” Pappy chuckled. “You know him, he finds a way.”
“He does find a way, doesn’t he…” she mused.
“How have you been doing? Your mother said you were upstate?”
“Oh! Yes, well with Harry home, I didn’t want to impose on them by staying with Jean-”
“Oh right, I forgot about that! Rosie did tell me you had moved in with Croz’s wife!”
“Yes, a few months ago, and we took jobs on the switchboard at the War Department.”
“Look at you! That’s great!”
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Jo nodded, and she realized she rather liked talking with Pappy. “So, when Harry sent the date of his arrival, I went upstate to visit with John Brady’s girlfriend, Juliet.”
“How’s she? Must be worried sick over Brady…”
“She’s handling it as well as can be expected, but she gets letters when the mail is cooperative, and Olive sends mail to her in the inbetween.”
“Cousin Olive,” he sounds almost wistful. “I miss her…”
“Wait, she’s your cousin? Robbie never mentioned that…”
“Well, we’re both Lewis’.”
“Does that automatically make you cousins, Pappy?”
“Sure it does! Make your own family, right? That’s what we’re all doing to get by.”
“You’re right about that. And how have you been doing since coming home?”
“Oh, my Ma is fussing over me one minute and the next she’s praying I meet someone and get married so I can be her problem.”
“Well, this is New York, you never know. Your mother might get her wish.”
“Rosie would love that wouldn’t he, hell, I’d love it if I were closer.”
Pappy stayed all afternoon, happy to chat with Jo and enjoy some lunch with her and her parents, before they moved outside to sit on the front steps. It was just bordering on early evening and the kids who lived on the block were still running through the streets, soaking up every second of the summer they could. The fire hydrant on the corner was spraying water, turning her little corner of Flatbush Brooklyn into a water park.
They had skirted around talk of the war and Rosie in detail, but now the sun was setting and Pappy would have to leave, and Jo wasn’t sure she wanted him to before she was able to ask him what she needed to.
“Pappy, where are you staying?”
“Oh! With Rosie’s Ma actually, yea, just down the block.”
“Of course you are,” she shook her head, a smile on her face at Robbie's generous heart. “You went there first, right? Before coming here I mean.”
“Oh sure, yea I didn’t want her getting worried. She’s sweet, I see where Rosie gets it from…”
“His father was kind. Robbie gets his determination from him; but his heart, his love of jazz, the kind look in his eyes, all that comes from Mrs. Rosenthal.”
“He’s alright, Jo, you know?”
“Are you saying that to placate me, or is he really alright?”
“I mean it, he’s really alright. And he’s not alone either…”
“I don’t like the idea of him flying without you, Pappy.”
“I considered it, ya know?”
“Staying?”
“He told me to go home, in the end when I couldn’t make up my mind, he did it for me.”
“And now?”
“Some days I wish I had stayed, finished what he and I started,” Pappy pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, offering one to Jo first, who politely declined. “And then I think of guys like Nash and Speas who didn’t get to come home, and I think I gotta grab it while it’s hot.”
“I don’t resent you for coming home, I hope you know that.”
“Oh, I know, I wouldn’t be here if I thought you did.”
“I just always felt like he was safer with you in that plane, and you with him,” she sighed, taking the cigarette from Pappy and taking a long pull. “This damn war.”
“He’d balk at you if he saw you do that.”
“Then it’ll be our secret.” Jo grinned, passing the cigarette back to Pappy.
They sat quietly while Pappy continued to smoke. The playful shrieks of the kids playing filled the companionable silence. She thought of a day when Rosie would be next to her, pressed shoulder to shoulder and her hand in his, possibly watching their own children play in the street.
They had done the same when they were young. Her father and Mr. Rosenthal would pop the fire hydrant open and they would run in the cool water while the August sun beat down on the street, Rosie’s curls plastered to his forehead, his blue eyes rivaling the clear skies they played under. As they got older, he had picked up a paper route for the summers and Jo would ride on the handlebars of his bicycle, much to her mothers dismay, and help him deliver papers to the neighbors before seeking shade on the front porch of her home. Now, she was on the same porch, and the person next to her was doing their best to fill the void of her usual companion.
————————————————————
Pappy had proved to be excellent company, not just for Jo but Mrs. Rosenthal as well. It seemed Rosie’s mother perked up quite a bit at having a young man to dote on as she would with her son. Pappy brought a sense of humor back to their block, and had Mrs. Rosenthal cooking up a storm once again, the need to feed him until her heart's content much as it was before her son left for war.
Jo had been at the house for dinner almost every night, after spending the days taking Pappy around New York City.
The phone had rang in the middle of breakfast, Mr. Harris stood to pick it up, allowing his wife and daughter to continue their conversation. When he stepped into the room with a smile on his face, Jo knew it was for her.
“Josephine, it’s Jean Crosby.”
“Oh! Wonderful, thank you!”
“Jean!”
“Jo! Oh how are you, I miss you!”
“I miss you too, dear, how’s Harry?”
“Oh he’s wonderful…actually that’s why I called.”
“Oh?”
“Is tonight good?”
“Oh, tonight is great actually!”
“Wonderful! Binger will call the Stork Club and reserve a table, is that okay? I know you don’t want to go to Minton’s without-”
“The Stork Club is perfect Jean, thank you. Tell Harry to make it for four.”
“Four?”
“Yes, Pappy’s here!”
“Pappy?!”
“Yes! Robbie sent him!”
“Oh what a sweet gesture! Well I can’t wait to meet him, and I know Bing will be happy to see him.”
Jo could hear Harry Crosby in the background of the call asking Jean who their fourth was for dinner, before she told him to hush while she was on the phone.
“What time tonight, Jean?”
“Seven thirty, unless you want to make it eight?”
“Seven thirty is fine,” Jo agreed. “I’m taking Pappy to Coney Island, but we’ll be back in plenty of time.”
“Where’s he staying?” Jean suddenly asked. “Surely not with you!”
“Oh no, with Robbie’s mother. And boy is she loving it!”
“I bet!” Jean laughed. “Well listen, I’m going to run, because Harry is looking for breakfast and I’m afraid he might burn our kitchen down if I leave him a moment longer. I’ll see you tonight dear, and I can’t wait!”
“Oh me too, Jean! Now go feed your husband, and I’ll see you later.”
Hanging up the phone she went back to join her parents at the table, her toast now a bit cold, but she wasn’t bothered. Not when she had a full day ahead of her.
“Going out tonight?” Her mother grinned.
“Yes, Harry’s making a reservation at the Stork Club for all of us,” she spoke from behind her coffee cup. “I’m so looking forward to finally meeting him and seeing Jean.”
“You and Jean have missed each other,” her father nodded, inserting himself into the conversation. “I could hear it in her voice when I picked up the phone.”
“I have missed her. Please, don’t think I’m not happy to be home with you both, but it's been so lovely living with her.”
“I think it’s done you a world of good with Robert gone. Naturally when he comes home, so will you, but right now, this is what’s best for you Josephine.”
“Your father’s right,” her mother placed a hand over hers, giving a gentle squeeze. “Then again, once Robert comes home, hopefully it won’t be long until you two are starting your life together.”
She was halfway through formulating a response when there was a knock at the door; using it as her escape from any more talk of her and Rosie’s future, she quickly jumped up to answer it. Pulling back the door, she found Pappy on the front porch with Mrs. Rosenthal behind him. He was dressed in civilian clothes for the first time since he had arrived, and grinning cheekily at her.
“Heya Jo!”
“Pappy,” chuckling, she couldn’t help but shake her head as he stepped inside the foyer. “Good morning.”
He gave her a gentle hug, before allowing Mrs. Rosenthal to greet her, the older woman scooping Jo up in her arms for a hug, the two of them saying so much without saying anything at all.
“Hello dear,” she grinned, hands still holding Jo’s shoulders as she appraised her. “Did we interrupt breakfast?”
“No more than Jean Crosby did just a moment ago.” Jo laughed, closing the door and guiding them both inside.
“Is she getting on well with her husband at home?”
“Oh yes, it seems that she’s doing just fine.”
“Wonderful,” Mrs. Rosenthal smiled. “I’ve had some mail from Robert…”
“Oh? Is everything-”
“He’s fine, dear. Missing you, but otherwise fine.”
“Well, I miss him too,” she pouted slightly. “There’s been no mail from him.”
“The letter I got was weeks past the date at the top, so just hold out hope, yours should be on its way.”
“Don’t worry, Jo,” Pappy chimed in. “He’d never forget about ya.”
“Thanks Pappy…” she gave his arm a gentle squeeze, righting her before turning towards the kitchen. “Coffee?”
The trio entered the kitchen to find Mrs. Harris already preparing a fresh pot of coffee, her father standing to greet Pappy with a handshake before gesturing for him to have a seat while Mrs. Rosenthal took up her regular spot at their table. It was all very domestic, and not lost on Jo how lucky she was to have the family she did; both blood and chosen.
“Pappy, we have big plans today.” She grinned, sitting back at her place to resume picking at her toast.
“We’ve had big plans all week!” He laughed.
“I’m taking you to Coney Island! Because everyone should be forced to ride the Cyclone at least once in their life.”
“…Forced?!”
“Well, Robbie forces me on it every year, and secretly I love it, but don’t tell him that. So now, I get to do it for you.”
“I’ve heard horror stories about that thing from Val!”
“Oh don’t be a baby, it’ll be fun! Jean Crosby even rode it with me!”
“She did?”
“Yes, she did.”
“Fine… if Jean Crosby can do it.”
All three of the parents in the room laughed as Pappy’s face blanched, the airman taking a cautionary sip of his coffee to settle his nerves. Surely, if Jean Crosby could do it… and he’d hate to have to tell Rosie he chickened out on the Cyclone.
_________________________________
The Stork Club was bustling as Jo and Pappy walked in. He had handled an afternoon on the boardwalk like a pro, and she’d be sure to tell Rosie all about it in her next letter, but now he was back in his uniform and she was dressed for a night out and he was guiding her inside and towards the bar so she could try and locate Jean.
“Oh! I see Croz!” Pappy was waving his arm in the direction of Harry Crosby, and when Jo turned she spotted Jean, on the arm of a handsome man, dressed in the same uniform as Pappy.
“Croz!”
“Pappy! Jean didn’t tell me you were the fourth!”
“Surprise,” Jean grinned, arm still looped through her husbands. “When Jo told me this morning I decided to keep it a surprise.”
“Well, this is great,” Harry beamed, giving Pappy a firm handshake, happy to see a familiar face. “What are you doing in the city?”
“Rosie sent me. He thought Jo might need a friend.”
“And now I have three.” She smiled, Jean now standing with her, the two girls’ arms linked as they watched the boys catch up.
“Josephine,” Harry turned to her, and she just felt Jean nudge her forward to say hello. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally meet you.”
His uniform looked almost identical to the one she had sent Rosie off in at Grand Central all those months ago. Olive green shirt and jacket, tie, khaki slacks, and crush cap. Harry was sporting oak leaf pins on his lapels, along with multiple other citations and pins that he had served long into this war. She imagined that Robbie's uniform looked much the same these days, save for his flight wings indicating him a pilot, while Harry’s was a globe for navigators.
Harry Crosby had big, brown cow eyes, and a gentle smile about him. He was every bit of how both Jean and Rosie had described him; Jean going on about how handsome he was and Rosie describing him as terribly capable but riddled with nerves. He was fiddling with his fingers, his hat tucked under his arm as he watched her step forward. Harry quickly handed his hat to Pappy and pulled her close for a hug, shocking her only slightly before she felt a sense of familiarity and comfort fall over her.
“Thank you, Jo, ” He whispered to her before stepping back. “I can’t say it enough.”
Before she could ask what he was thanking her for, he stepped back, taking her hands and continuing to talk to her.
“You two really have looked after each other haven’t you.”
“That’s what friends do,” she smiled. “And I should be thanking you for doing the same, Harry.”
“Oh, it’s Rosie who looks after me, really.”
“Still, you two keep an eye on each other and it just makes me feel more at ease.”
“Well, the feeling is mutual,” he grinned, releasing her hands and moving to wrap an arm around Jean’s waist. “Now, let’s go sit and we can exchange stories. Somehow I have a feeling you two girls have gotten up to quite a lot.”
Dinner was delightful, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. Friends, the really good ones, it seemed, were the key to getting through tough times, because they would laugh with you, and let you cry on their shoulder if you needed it. Jo had done just that with both Jo and Pappy, as well as Jules and Vika earlier on. They had let her get it all out, those bottled up feelings, and she felt grateful for it. Lighter and less tense, she was able to enjoy happy moments like this.
She was sitting next to Jean, the pair quietly conversing while Pappy and Harry spent some time catching up on the goings on at Thorpe Abbotts; it was something that both girls knew was meant for their ears only, so they took the time to chat amongst themselves.
“Has it been alright, now that he’s home?”
“We’ve had a lot of good, long talks.” Jean nodded, sipping her martini with a slight frown.
“What? Something wrong?”
“Mine are better.” She rolled her eyes slightly, making Jo laugh.
“Yours are dangerous,” she corrected her friend with a gentle slap to the wrist. “But they are the best I’ve ever had.”
“But yes, Bing and I have done a lot of talking.”
“Just talking?”
“Josephine!”
“Well, he is your husband, I would hope you’ve done more than talk.”
Jean fixes her with a stare, eyebrow raised and mock challenging as she sticks her tongue out in the most Jean Crosby way possible, causing Jo to fall into a fit of laughter so loud, that both men turn to look at the girls. Jean is quick to wave them back to their own conversation, while Jo composes herself.
“Did you have to do that?”
“Yes,” Jean grins. “It’s entirely too fun to watch you fall into stitches like that.”
“Now, tell me,” Jo rights herself again, placing a hand over Jean’s on the table. “You and Harry, you had a good talk?”
“We did. He told me about… her.”
“Oh Jean!”
“There was an affair,” she nods. “A woman in London, and while I understand he was coping with Bubbles, and then all of his friends being captured, Jo, it hurts.”
“It’s allowed to be hurtful and understandable. So much of life is.”
“He said he’s ended it, now coming home if even for a short while, he doesn’t want to see her again.”
“Oh Jean, I don’t know what to say.”
“You’ve listened for months while I cried over his distance, and that’s all I could have ever asked of you.”
“Well, then I should be thanking you too, and apologizing for being such a grump the last few weeks.”
“You were not a grump!”
“I was an absolute grouch, and it was not like me. I misplaced my feelings over Robbie being gone on your happiness.”
“Josephine…”
“Speaking of your happiness,” she grinned. “Looks like he’s trying to catch your eye.”
“Oh, Binger can wait just a second.” she pulled Jo tightly to her, the two women sharing a hug that spoke volumes.
There was no animosity, and no one upping the other. They were best friends, getting through the hardships of war together. Harry would be gone in another few days, and so would Pappy, and they’d both go on together again. There would be days at work and dinners from the automat, weekends with Juliet and Vika up in Victor, and nights spent in the quiet of their house with just the radio on while they sipped martinis. In between all of that, there should be two men to join in the simple moments of their lives, and one day they would be there, it was only a matter of time.
She knew, deep down, Rosie being in England was where he was supposed to be right now. If he had come home, he’d have been restless and unsettled, and neither of them could start a life properly that way. She knew that. As Jean said, we understand but we hurt, and that’s what all of this had been. Hurtful, and confusing but understanding. A part of her life that she needed to go through in order to get to the next part with the man she loved. It was just another chapter, the ticking hand on a clock, a turn around the sun.
Pappy’s laughter pulled the two girls apart, and they found him doubled over while Harry sat patiently waiting.
“Are you finished now?” Harry glared at him.
“No!” Pappy wheezed, reaching for his napkin to wipe at his eyes. “Tell me again how you face planted and Tattie had to put you to bed!”
“Pappy…”
“Oh come on! Croz, that’s funny!”
“Not for the fellas who had to haul me out of Operations.”
“Who did?” Jean posed the question to him casually, already knowing the answer from Val’s letter but wanting to hear her husband admit it.
“Rosie and Dougie…”
“Oh Dougie must have loved that!” Pappy roared with laughter again.
“He grumbled about me being heavier than I look for a few days after I woke up.”
“Slept three days straight through the landings. Only you Croz.”
“Yeah, yeah, only me.” He shook his head, letting Pappy get his licks in while he could before turning the conversation somewhere Jo would appreciate.
“You tell Jo about how Rosie was up in the sky humming Artie Shaw over the radio?”
“He did what!” She crowed, eyes wide in amusement knowing just how much he loved his jazz.
“I hadn’t… that one was rough.”
“You don’t have to,” Jo replied, understanding. “He says a lot of those early flights were rough, so-”
“No, no, if you want me to tell you I will!”
“He conveniently left out how he hummed his way back home, so…”
“It was our third mission, ever. And I won’t go into too much detail but, we ended up alone in the sky, and I guess to distract himself or us, he starts humming.”
“Artie Shaw, you said?”
“Over the radio, all of us heard it!” Pappy chuckled.
“The Chant, right?”
“How did you! Jo!”
“I’ve known him my whole life,” she laughed. “And I know what makes him tick.”
“Well, on that note, how about a dance ladies?” Harry posed the question to both of them, but he and Jean exchanged a quick glance that Jo didn’t miss.
Harry was at her side just as she stood, extending his hand to her just as she caught Pappy leading Jean to the dance floor, the two chatting idly.
“Harry? No, go with your wife, I know she’s missed you.” Jo tried to convince him, but he looped her arm in his and carried on walking.
“Promised Rosie I’d give you a good spin on the dance floor, and while I may have two left feet, a promise is a promise.”
“Oh goodness, Harry, you can tell him we danced, it’s really alright.” She laughed, letting him lead her regardless, Pappy and Jean fumbling along next to them in a fit of their own laughter.
Harry spun her through the upbeat songs, and took Jean in his arms during all the slow ones. They had carried on this way for quite a while, before returning to their table for a drink, both Pappy and Harry having removed their Class A jackets. How they had lasted as long as they had, especially in July, was unbelievable. The Stork Club was beginning to empty out, and as Harry and Pappy flagged down their waiter to settle the bill, Jo and Jean excused themselves to the ladies room to freshen up. With a bustling restroom filled with women reapplying lipstick and powder to their noses, both Jo and Jean were back at their table in no time. Harry and Pappy were fussing over the bill, the two of them doing quick math before placing some bills on the table just as the girls sat back down. Jean gently nudged Harry, drawing his attention to her as she gestured to his jacket with a nod of her head and a gentle smile. His eyes lit up before he reached behind to the jacket draped over the back of his chair, digging into his inside breast pocket, pulling out an envelope that Jo had become very familiar with over the course of the months Rosie had been gone.
“Before I forgot,” Harry handed the envelope to Jo, a smile on his face. “Special delivery.”
The front of the envelope didn’t have her address on it like all the others she had received before. No, this one had Rosie’s handwriting scrawled across the front and the words My Dearest Jo to indicate that it was for her.
“Oh Harry, he sent this with you?”
“He wanted you to have one that didn’t go through the APO review before going into transit,” Harry explained. “You didn’t think Pappy was the only surprise, did you?”
“You’ve been holding on to this the entire time you’ve been home?”
“Well, I had assumed I’d meet you a bit sooner but when Jean told me you were upstate with Juliet…”
“Harry…”
“She explained it to me, and it’s alright. I understand.”
“I shouldn’t have-”
“No, don’t say that,” Harry frowned, placing a hand over hers as Jean and Pappy looked on. “I know that me coming home wasn’t easy for you, and I know that Rosie taking on a second tour has been even harder. I hope you know we all gave him an earful when he signed those papers…”
“I’ve got it on good authority, from multiple sources.” She chuckled, swiping at her eyes to stop the tears.
“Val.” Harry and Pappy said at the same time, the woman’s name punctuated with a laugh.
“She keeps me informed,” Jo grinned. “Thank you, Harry.”
“For the mail?”
“For everything.”
_________________________________
Pappy had dropped her back off at her house after they had all left the Stork Club, before bidding her goodnight and turning to go back towards the Rosenthal home. Turning towards the living room, she expected to see her mother waiting up for her, but found that both of her parents had gone up to bed. With the living room vacant, she pulled Rosie’s letter from her purse before placing it on the table, and removed her shoes before curling up on the cushions. Carefully, she slid her thumb under the back of the envelope, and pulled the paper from inside. Unfolding it, she found Rosie’s handwriting scrawled across, his message to her waiting.
My dearest Jo,
I know that by the time you get this, Croz will already be home, and I hope he’s gotten this to you in one piece, and himself to Jean. I also hope Pappy has gotten there safely and proven good at cheering you up. I thought he might be a nice change in pace for you right now.
Honey Pie, I’m so sorry. I’ve hurt you without even realizing how badly at first, and I don’t know how I could ever ask you to forgive me. I’ve been selfish in staying to fight, when we could be together at home, starting our life. I thought that by fighting, staying here, I was doing the job I needed to keep you safe. It was also selfish, in part, because I thought if I left, I’d be restless. And you didn’t deserve me like that. You didn’t deserve to start a life with someone who felt like he should still be in the fight. As it turns out, I’m restless here most days, thinking of what we could be doing at home.
I’ll admit, when Croz got furlough, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Of course I’m happy for my friend, our friends if you include Jean, but part of me wondered why it wasn’t me. I’ve served twice over now, and yet somehow they can’t see fit to let me go for a few weeks. It’s rough, knowing that he gets to return to his wife, my crew is all home, and the other fellas here have their sweethearts. Sometimes seeing Ev Blakely and Dougie with Val and Olive stings, no matter how good they are and how much they make space for me in their circle. There are others who’s special someone isn’t here, and we lament on occasion, but I'm not nearly close to anyone the way I am with the fellas in Ops, and the Red Cross girls.
I wish you were here with me, in that navy blue jumpsuit slinging coffees with Val and Olive, yelling at us all for crowding the truck, helping to wrangle Meatball until Benny DeMarco comes back. But then, I know you’re safe at home, you and Jean looking after each other, your parents and my Ma all close by. I think that’s where I find I’m more grateful to have you, sweetheart. Safe.
I suppose I should update you on the goings on here, so that you know how our friends are doing as well. Val and Olive are just fine, keeping every fella in line and then some. It’s enjoyable to share an office with Ev Blakely; he’s mostly quiet while we work, unless Val stops by with coffee and a bit to eat for the pair of us. She often joins us for a while before going back to the Clubmobile. The same for Olive and Doug. Those two girls are never far apart, if one’s visiting so is the other. Dougie shares an office with Croz; it stresses him out. Dougie is usually very relaxed, but being office mates with Croz tends to work him up. Helen, Nash’s old sweetheart, has started corresponding with one of the fellas in the Stalag- Charlie Cruikshank. Everyone calls him Crank, but she has a special nickname for him that no one will divulge to us fellas. All I know is, she seems happy, and that’s good, because losing Nash tore her up. Red Cross Tattie is seeing Air Exec Jack Kidd- but no one is supposed to know. Jack’s not that great at locking his door. Poor Doug got an eye- and an ear- full last week. See honey, you’re not the only one who can gossip. I do alright from over here. Oh! Can’t forget Meatball- husky fur everywhere but, when it’s cold out, he’s great for staying warm. We shuffle him back and forget between our racks and the girls so that everyone gets a turn. Turns out, the dog likes sleepovers with the girls best- Val paints his nails with her red varnish! Not sure how much DeMarco is going to like that when he’s back though.
Speaking of our friend Harry, I need to apologize twice, because though I’m sure you know by now, I’ve kept this from you. It was not the easiest of positions to be in, because he trusted me, then again you have stood by Jean this entire time. There was someone in London, and I hope he’s confessed to her by now. He confided in me on New Years, and then Doug and the others saw him with her in London while on a weekend pass. I assume that’s part of what had Doug so stressed out, Croz was using the phone to make calls to her and arrange meetings when days were particularly rough. I hope you know that I would never step out on you, you’re it for me my sweet girl, and you always will be.
I’ve often pondered what our life might be like when this is all over, Jo. It’s a pretty picture that I like to conjure up when the days are particularly dreary. You and me, in a house all our own, with a front porch to sit on, just like we do now, watching the neighborhood kids. Maybe we’ll be watching our own kids play in the street, and I’ll be the dad who’s opening the fire hydrant for them to keep cool in the summer. We’d have our friends, and maybe spend summers at the Cape with them. Go dancing at Minton’s on Saturday’s, or have Jean and Croz over for dinner. Curl up on Sunday’s and drink coffee in bed, spend the day tangled together lazily. I can’t wait for all of those days, honey. I can’t wait.
Promise me you’ll keep your chin up, and that smile on your face. I know it’s hard now, and hopefully, Pappy’s been good company. You’ll have to let me know what adventures you two get up to while he’s there. If you do anything, I’m begging you to take him on the Cyclone. It’s a right of passage after all, and somehow, I imagine it would be quite comical. He’s a good friend, Jo, and he cares about you as much as he does me. He’ll be there to listen when you need it.
I love you honey pie, and I’ll be home soon. I promise. Sending millions of hugs and kisses and all of my love.
Yours forever,
Robbie
His signature and declaration of love were blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over and onto the paper. Holding his letter close to her chest, where it was free from the salty reminders of his absence, only then did she allow the tears to fall. Quiet sobs in the empty living room, praying to whoever was listening, begging, for him to come back to her.
_________________________________
“Mail call, fellas!”
Rosie looked up to find Tattie Spaatz in the doorway of his and Ev Blakely’s shared office, a handful of envelopes in her hands as she leaned against the doorframe. Blakely looked up, pulling the cigarette from between his lips and resting it in the ashtray on his desk before taking the offered mail from her.
“Thanks Tat,” he nodded, passing Rosie’s over to him. “Dougie’s off with Olive so, if he’s got anything you can drop it here, his office is locked.”
“Oh, even better, thanks Ev. See you later Rosie.”
“See ya Tattie…” Rosie half waved as she walked out the door, looking up from the papers on his desk just in time to see her casually stroll into Jack Kidd’s office.
“They’re at it again…” he shook his head, Ev’s laughter filling the silence.
“Yeah well, whatever she’s doing got the bug out of his ass.”
“You sound like Val.”
“Who do you think said it first?” Ev grinned, picking up his mail.
“Anything good?” Rosie nodded towards the envelope in his hands, his own mail resting next to him on his desk.
“My mother, more than likely with a few sentences for me and three pages for her future daughter in-law.”
“Aren’t all our Ma’s like that…”
Blakely didn’t respond, instead leaving Rosie to open his mail while he set to reading from his mother back in Seattle. Slipping his thumb under the back of the envelope, he pulled out a letter written in Pappy’s messy scrawl, but legible at the very least.
Hey pal!
How’s it going over there in East Anglia? Have you single handedly won the war yet, or did Harding tell you to save some Krauts for the rest of the crews? I’m just kidding, I know you’re up in Operations with the other guys, so hopefully the paperwork isn’t putting you to sleep yet.
I’m back at your Ma’s house. Croz and I took the girls to the Stork Club for dinner and some dancing, and before you ask yes, I warned your girlfriend that I have two left feet. She seemed happy to go out, and I think a little relieved to meet Croz. She’s trying really hard to be brave, but pal, she’s ready for you to come home. And don’t worry, Croz delivered your letter- I left her to read it after I dropped her back off at her folks house. You weren’t kidding when you said the same block! She’s practically across the street from your Ma’s house! Oh, and thanks again for letting me stay at your place while I’m here. Your bed is pretty comfy for a big shot Major. That’s payback for having to ride the Cyclone, by the way! She dragged me on that thing, and said that if Jean Crosby could do it I could too. Didn’t have it in me to tell her no, but dear god, how could you make that girl ride it year after year!
I don’t think I need to tell you, but just to make sure we’re all on the same page I’m going to do it anyway. Jo is amazing, and she’s so much more than how you described her. And she loves ya. I mean, she really truly loves ya! That kind of thing isn’t easy to find, so, would ya finish this damn thing and come home to her? She deserves to have at least that much. So do you.
Anyway, take care of yourself Rosie. Give my regards to everyone still over there with ya, especially Cousin Olive.
Your friend and Co-Pilot
Pappy Lewis
The paper fell to the desk with a sigh, Rosie’s head falling into his hands almost as fast as the paper from his grip. How could he be so stupid? Sure, Pappy was a great friend and he trusted him to be the friend Jo needed during Croz’s furlough, but Jo had a friend. She had Jean, and she had the girls here who wrote to her, and Juliet upstate. What she needed was him, and he dropped the ball.
“God damnit…”
“Rosie? You okay pal?”
Looking up, he found Blakely putting his own mail back in its envelope, turning in his chair to face him fully. He deftly pulled the cigarette from behind his ear and lit it quickly, focusing his attention back on him.
“Rosie…?”
“Yea, I’m just…” he swiped a hand down his face with a groan, trying to find the words to actually make sense of it all. He couldn’t. “No, Ev. I not okay.”
“Alright, well, what’s eating at ya?” The smoke billowed from his lips as he spoke, swirling around both him and Rosie. Though he wasn’t a smoker, Rosie found it oddly comforting as it wrapped around him.
“Pappy sent a letter. I asked him to go out and look after Jo while Croz was home, I had a feeling she wasn’t going to take his furlough all that well, and it turns out I was right.”
“Couldn’t have been easy, what, with Croz being home and you-”
“I should be home already, Ev.”
“Do you regret it? Reupping?”
“They say hindsight is twenty-twenty, right?”
“Jesus, Rosie,” Ev exhaled, turning to knock the ashes off the end of his cigarette. “What did Pappy have to say?”
“He took her to the Stork Club for dinner and dancing with Croz and Jean. She made him get on the Cyclone. I should be taking her to the club for dinner and dancing and dragging her on that damn ride.”
“Pal, I know we all tried to talk you out of it before you went in to see Bennet, and I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you should have listened to us. It’s not going to change anything.”
“There’s a but coming,” Rosie raised an eyebrow at him. “I’ve known you long enough, Blakely.”
“There is a but coming, you’re right. When you do get home, make sure that girl knows how sorry you are, and how much you love her.”
“Gonna marry her.”
“Good, put a ring on her finger. Shit, pal, if I could run away from all this with Val right now, I wouldn’t stop to question it. I’d just go.”
“I’m a bonehead. At least that’s probably the word Croz would use.”
“Want me to call you a bonehead?”
“No, please. I feel bad enough.”
“Don’t feel bad, you can’t beat yourself up too much. You’ll never get out of your own head if you do.”
“Thanks, Ev.”
“I know I’m not Croz, but we're friends so don’t ever feel like we’re not.”
“Sometimes it's easier to talk to him,” Rosie sighed. “His wife isn’t here, Jo isn’t here, we just have that to gripe over. You and Doug…”
“I get it, Val and Olive are here, and it seems like it’s a million times easier, but I’ll tell ya what, there was a time it wasn’t.”
“Bremen?”
“Bremen, and everything before Bremen. Africa especially.”
“Biddick…”
“Yeah,” Ev sighed. “I always worried something would yank me from her too soon. Then Curt went down and I realized I could just as easily have been the one to go down, and leave her without so much as a warning. Jo doesn’t see all of this, so she’s protected. Val sees bodies carried out of the hospital, and most of her friends covered in blood when they’re pulled out of a fort, or limping into Interrogation. I wish she didn’t have to.”
“I see your point. Sometimes it’s not always greener on the other side.”
“It is, and it isn’t.”
“Jo is protected back home, just wish I was there to protect her.”
“Soon enough, Rosie. Soon enough.”
“Thanks for the chat, Ev.”
“Anytime, Pal,” Ev stood from his seat, and clapped a hand on Rosie's shoulder. “Now come on, I’ll buy you a drink at the club.”
“And Val?”
“She’ll meet us later, I think she’s up in Harding’s office working on some stuff.”
Quickly, they shut off the lights and locked the office, leaving their paperwork for the next day. Rosie stuffed Pappy’s letter into his jacket pocket, following Ev out the door and through Operations until they were outside. Neither bothered to attempt to bid Jack Kidd goodnight.
The air was cool, and the lights that illuminated the walkways were just flickering on as they turned towards the officers club, already filling up with replacements spilling from the mess halls, and the odd crew they were friendly with.
“You think he told Jean?” Rosie turned to catch Blakely’s gaze as the other man lit up a cigarette. Realization dawned on him when he figured out what exactly Rosie was hinting at.
“He’d be stupid not to.”
“I only just told Jo, though I’m guessing she had an idea.”
“When did Croz tell you?”
“Remember New Year’s Eve? Before you and Dougie came into the racks with the bottle of Vat 69 I’m still not sure how you got your hands on.”
“Ohhhh yeah!” Ev grinned. “Wait! You knew from then?”
“I did…”
“He’s your guy for this stuff isn’t he…”
“Isn’t Doug yours?” Rosie replied.
“I’m Doug’s,” Ev laughed. “You want good advice, come to me. You want someone to tell you it’s okay to bring a donkey home from Africa, you go to Doug.”
“I will, uh, remember that.” Rosie laughed.
He couldn’t change any of this, and his decision would be something he’d live with for the rest of his life, but support made it easier. Jo had support at home. She had her parents, and his Ma, Jean Crosby and now Juliet and Vika upstate. Rosie had Croz, and though Ev Blakely had always been a friend, he realized this was the first time the two of them had gotten deep and shared the realities of war together. He had envied the man for months that Val was here with him, not realizing just how hard it had been for the woman to watch him fly off and potentially never come back. How rough it was on him to leave her on the ground time after time. To have pulled her through the aftermath of the Africa mission, while his crew had simply stood down and been meant to watch it all unfold.
These were the realities of this war. You missed people, you lost people, you made mistakes and you learned lessons. But, you also made friends, and sometimes if you were lucky those friends became your family. Rosie hadn’t realized it at first, but his family was growing both back home, and here at Thorpe Abbotts, and it all came down to one person.
My dearest Jo…
A/N: Thanks for reading! This series will continue for Rosie & Jo, so if you enjoyed this, please like, comment, reblog- whichever is your poison. Feedback is always welcome & my ask box is always open. If you want to be added to my tag list, or removed, let me know!
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