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major-mads · 3 months

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Chapter 4: Bars, Bike Rides, and Bittersweet Goodbyes

John "Bucky" Egan x Ruth Morgan (OFC)

Series Masterlist

A/N: The past few weeks have been insane...my car got stolen, I got food poisoning...but here's the new chapter! I'm starting to believe in the Ao3 writer's curse lol (even though this isn't posted on there). it's the longest one yet!! Thanks to everyone who's been reading the series!! Please comment and let me know what you think!!

Collab: On a Wing and a Prayer by @footprintsinthesxnd

Word Count: 13.2k...it's a long one for sure!!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15th, 1943: AAF GROVE, BERKSHIRE: 2000 HRS

The constant ticking of the clock in the corner of the base supply closet was the only sound filling the air as the Angel of Death’s nurses tallied their bandages, morphine syrettes, and other supplies that needed refilling after their busy weeks in the air. Looking up from her clipboard, Ruth sighed, seeing Hope staring at the wall before her in a daze.

“Whatcha thinking about?” Ruth called quietly, already having an idea of who was on her friend’s mind.

Hope blinked a few times and looked over at the blonde with a half-hearted smile. “Gale…I miss him.”

“I know,” she sighed softly, brushing some of her hair behind her ear. “I miss Johnny, too. It’s been almost three weeks. I love his letters but-”

“It’s not the same,” Hope finished for her.

Before either of the women could continue a voice echoed through the almost empty building. “You girls in here?”

Frank.

“We’re in the back!”

His shoes clacked against the concrete floors as he made his way to the back storage room, sending the girls a half-grin when he stuck his head inside the door. If they were paying attention, they would have noticed the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“How’re you two holding up?”

Their eyes met briefly, silently communicating whether or not they would be truthful. Ruth’s pale blues decided the answer was no, and Hope’s gaze moved back to her clipboard.

“We’re fine,” she answered, reaching up to grab a bandage from the crate. “Just tired.”

Frank moved to lean his shoulder against the doorframe, holding his captain’s cap under his arm as he spoke gently. “Are you sure that’s all it is?”

He looked over at them with a worried expression as the ticking of the clock filled the room again, neither of them speaking up. “You would tell me if there was something wrong, right?”

Ruth’s stomach sank. “Of course,” she murmured, turning to mirror Hope, who had her back turned to the man while filling up supply boxes.

Frank sighed and ran a tired hand down his face. “How about you both call it a day, huh? Go get some chow and then relax. You’ve been going almost non-stop for weeks.”

Since their last visit to Thorpe Abbotts on July 31st, they’d spent almost every day in the air, transporting patients from Italy to Africa, sometimes spending the night in nurses' tents in the middle of the Tunisian desert. If they weren’t on a run, they were doing things around the base, constantly on the move in preparation for the worsening invasion of Sicily. The sheer volume of casualties was horrendous, and it seemed that the men got younger with each one they laid eyes on.

Carnage takes a toll…and not just on those fighting on the fronts with bullets flying around them.

“Come on,” Frank urged, throwing his cap back on. He walked over and pulled each of them under an arm, turning toward the closet door. “That’s an order.”

Hope raised an eyebrow at him, unable to keep a smirk off her lips. “What makes you think we’re gonna start listening to you now?”

This time that Frank smiled, it was genuine. “I am a Captain, after all, Lieutenants.”

He walked them to the main exit of the hut, released them from his hold, and opened the door for them. They each wore a grin, and he saw it as a win. “Now go eat up. I’ll make sure everything makes it on the Angel.”

As he lightly pushed the pair out the door, Ruth turned around. “There’s just one thing I need-”

“I got it, Ruth,” he interrupted. “I promise.”

Hope grabbed the blonde’s arm gently, pulling her out the door behind her. “Come on, Rue. I’m starving.”

Watching from the windows as the women made their way to the mess hall, Frank sighed. He had come in a few minutes before he announced himself, and had heard the girls’ conversation. Part of him felt guilty for eavesdropping on them, but another part of him was glad he overheard it. Out of the three of them, he was the only one who had the power to do anything about the situation.

It was no secret they reminded him of his younger sister back home, and from the first time they met, the trio formed a close bond that was only deepened when they went up together for their first casualty evacuation. Frank’s heart ached to see the normally bubbly women so down, and he knew he had to do something about it.

Marching over to a nearby desk, Frank grasped the phone and held it up to his ear.

The operator’s voice crackled through the receiver. “Number please.”

“Norfolk, 7322, please,” he replied.

THORPE ABBOTTS AAF BASE, NORWICH

“Good job today, boys,” Johnny praised, raising his glass toward the other crew in the Officer’s Club bar. “I heard you stayed tight in formation, just like we taught ‘ya.”

Earlier in the day, select crews of the 100th had taken part in a mission targeting aircraft factories in Merville and Lille, both in occupied France. The mission was a success, and the ‘Bloody Hundredth’ defied its nickname by bringing all its forts home safely.

“It wasn’t your aftershave, Buck, but I still stayed close enough,” Claytor called from across the bar where he sat with the rest of Alice From Dallas’ crew.

Buck grinned, taking a sip of his ginger beer. “I’d expect nothing less, Roy.”

A familiar trumpet solo echoing through the hall stole Johnny’s attention, and his eyes rose from his almost empty glass to the dance floor, his mind taking him back to the last time he heard Artie Shaw’s Star Dust…

“May I finally have this dance?” he asked quietly, a gentle smile adorning his lips.

Ruth placed her hand in his. “Absolutely,” she replied softly, her other hand finding its place on his shoulder, her fingers lightly tracing the silver wings pinned on his uniform.

His hand on her side found a comfortable place at the small of her back, and he delicately intertwined their fingers, holding their hands out beside them. There was a few inches between their bodies, and Ruth could feel his warmth through the space between them.

The first notes of the chorus echoed through the room, casting a spell over the dimly lit dance hall. He led her with a tender sway, and he subtly used his hand on her back to pull her flush against him. The soft press of his fingertips against the small of her back, the feeling-

A hand clamped down on his shoulder, breaking him from his memory, his heart beating loudly in his chest just as it had been that night.

“John,” Gale said with a raised eyebrow. “Did you hear me?”

Egan nodded and pursed his lips, running a hand over his mustache briefly. “Yeah,” he rasped.

“What did I say?”

Pulling out his signature raised eyebrow grin, Johnny reached up and tapped Gale’s cheek. “That I’m the best pilot in the 100th…and I have to say that I agree with ‘ya.”

Buck just rolled his eyes and shook his head at the man. “That’s definitely not what I said.”

Drinking the rest of his pint, John raised a few fingers at the bartender, who slid a full one over to him.

“Then what did you say, Buck?” he asked, quickly gulping down half of the new glass. The major had already had a few shots earlier in the night, and he was starting to feel the familiar buzz. His cheeks were flushed from the alcohol and warmth coursed through his veins.

“It doesn’t matter,” Gale huffed, sipping his drink. “What were you dazed off thinking about? A certain blonde, perhaps?”

Bucky shifted his position against the bartop to face him and nodded once with a shrug. “Maybe,” he paused, his smirk falling to a frown as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. “I miss her.”

Out of all the things that Gale Cleven thought would come out of his friend’s mouth, the words “I miss her” were not what he expected. Sure, he knew John liked Ruth, and Hope had even told him that Ruth liked him back, but hearing it from his mouth made it real. The longing in his voice surprised the Major. In the three years the two knew each other, he couldn’t recall the older man ever speaking about a woman in such a tender way.

“Me too,” Buck replied softly, his own heart aching to see Hope.

“You too, huh?” Johnny quipped, a mischievous glint in his eye replacing the longing one from moments before as he leaned closer to Gale. “Well, last I checked, Hope’s the one you should be missin’. Ruth’s my girl, remember?”

Buck rolled his eyes, a chuckle escaping his lips despite doing everything to hold it in. “Yeah, yeah,” he groaned, his tone tinged with amusement. “You’re hopeless, you know that?”

“Hopeless romantic, you mean.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of hopelessly stupid.”

Johnny feigned offense and placed a hand over his heart. “Come on now, what’s life without a little excitement, right?”

“Speak for yourself, Johnny boy,” Buck replied, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Some of us prefer a quieter existence.”

“Where’s the fun in that? Life’s too short to play it safe.”

Gale shook his head, scoffing playfully under his breath and bringing his glass to his lips. “Hopeless.”

John’s grin widened as he glanced over at him, raising his eyebrows expectantly. “You’re the only Hope-less one here.”

Buck froze with his glass on his lips for a moment until he turned to Johnny with a confused and somewhat incredulous expression. “That was terrible, Bucky.”

“What? It’s funny. I thought it was pretty clever,” John insisted, chuckling to himself.

Gale just shook his head, using all his willpower to remain stoic. “Not really.”

Undeterred, John persisted, tilting his head toward Buck. “Come on, it’s a little funny.”

Finally, Cleven’s facade fell, and a tiny smile quirked his lips. “Okay, maybe just a little,” he conceded.

“See, I told you-”

The thump of a phone being placed on the counter in front of them cut him off, and both men looked up confused. Kidd held the receiver up to his ear. “Operator, I’ve got Major Cleven here.”

“Why do we keep getting calls at the bar?” John asked loudly as Jack handed Buck the phone, and Cleven shot him a “shut up” glare.

“Hello.”

“Is this Major Cleven?” the voice asked.

“It is,” Buck replied, looking over at Johnny skeptically. The other major then leaned close to hear the conversation. “May I ask who’s calling?”

“This is Frank Martin. The girls’ pilot.”

At the mention of the nurses, all amusement fell from their faces and they shared a worried glance. John suddenly felt sick to his stomach, and every ‘what if’ ran through Gale’s mind.

Why would he be calling?

Readjusting the earpiece, Buck cleared the emotion from his throat. “Are…are the girls okay?”

“Sorry, Major. Don’t worry, they’re alright,” he winced, able to hear the concern in the other man’s voice. “I’m just calling because they need a pick-me-up, and I was wondering if I could bring them by the base tomorrow-”

While Buck let out a relieved breath, John’s face lit up and he grabbed the phone from Gale’s ear, unable to contain his excitement. “Yes!” he shouted into the phone, causing all eyes to turn towards the bar. When they realized it was just Bucky being Bucky, they all went back to their conversations. “Maybe you’re not so bad after all, Frank!”

“What is wrong with you?” Buck hissed, snatching the phone back from him.

How Ruth calmed the man and riled him up at the same time, Buck would never understand.

Kidd shot him a look that mirrored Buck’s question and John shrugged. “It’s not my fault you’re so lonely, Jack,” he smirked, talking louder to be heard over the music. “I get to see my girl! You should be happy for me! I was just talk-”

“Will you shut the hell up, Bucky?!” Gale snapped as he held the phone back up to his ear. His eyes narrowed, remaining on Johnny as he spoke. “Sorry, Frank. Major Egan’s had a little too much to drink tonight.”

On the other side of the line in Berkshire, Frank was more than confused at how the loud, boisterous man could ever be with someone like Ruth. “I can tell.”

“We’d love to see the girls tomorrow. What time do you think you’ll be here?”

The Captain scratched his 5 o’clock shadow, calculating the drive time in his mind. “Around 1 in the afternoon, probably. If everything goes to plan, that is.”

“Thank you for doing this, Frank. We owe you big time.”

“Of course. Don’t tell ‘em I told you this,” he sighed, ”But they need a break, even if it’s just for a few hours. And as much as I hate to admit it, they miss you both like crazy…I just want to see ‘em happy.”

Gale’s heart sped up in his chest, and he looked over at Bucky who was staring off at the dance floor yet again, a soft grin on his lips. “Yeah, we know the feeling. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See ya.”

The call ended with a click, and John threw his arm over Buck’s shoulder, shaking him lightly. “I had a feeling tomorrow was gonna be a good day!”

Curt then appeared next to them, leaning on the bar top. “So I hear your nurses are coming into town tomorrow?”

“Don’t you go getting any ideas, now,” John grinned down at him, his mind starting to fall back under the influence after his moment of clarity. He reached down and picked up his pint, about to gulp the rest down when he had a sudden thought.

‘What are you doing?’ his mind screamed at him. ‘You can’t be hungover.’

Placing the pint back onto the bartop, he pushed it away from him, motioning for the bartender. “Can I -uh- get a water, please?”

Curt, Buck, and Jack all shared confused glances, and Kidd was the one to speak up. “I didn’t even know you drank water.”

“There’s a first time for everything, Jack,” John replied, chugging the glass, a few droplets falling from his chin to his dress jacket. “I don’t think Ruth would appreciate me being hungover tomorrow.”

Jack scoffed lightly, his brow raised skeptically at him. “Who are you and what have you done with John Egan?”

It was the thought running through all their minds. Out of the three of them, he knew the least about Ruth’s effect on John, Curt and Buck having witnessed it themselves over the past few weeks.

“It looks like Ruth has done in a little over a month what women have tried for 27 years.” Biddick grinned, throwing his arm around the major.

With a chuckle, Johnny lowered his glass and looked up at his friend. “And what is that?”

“She’s tamed you.”

Egan’s brows shot up in surprise, and Buck laughed loudly from beside him, covering his mouth with his hand to muffle the sound. “I wouldn’t say that, Curt,” he retorted. “Tamed is a strong word. Maybe more like watered down.”

John shrugged, pursing his lips. “Whatever. All I know is that Hope seems to have the opposite effect on you, Buck.”

“Oh no. Here we go again,” Gale groaned and ran a hand down his face. “Please don’t-”

Bucky grinned, pointing past the major to Kidd. “Jack, have you heard the story?”

“I have not.”

“So it’s the night of the dance. Ruth and I were dancing, right? We’re having a great time and then here comes Charlie…”

AAF GROVE, BERKSHIRE: 2130 HRS

Frank watched as his superior, the Major as he called him, left the base, waving goodbye to the few officers that remained to keep everyone in line. He only had a few short hours to get his plan to work and everything had to go exactly as intended.

He’d already spoken to the officer in charge who agreed to let Hope and Ruth have a day off after their weeks of endless work, and after seeing that their records showed they had the most men evacuated back to England in stable conditions. With this evidence, he agreed that it was only fair. Frank had their passes tucked neatly away in his flight jacket, not trusting the girls not to misplace them in the meantime.

The Austin was parked around the back of the officer's barracks. The car was in pristine condition and was the Major’s pride and joy. Luckily, with their beloved Major off base, everyone would assume he’d taken his car with him so its absence wouldn’t be missed.

All Frank had to do was get it from the officer's barracks and park it around the back in the store room by the C-47s overnight. The officers, he’d found out, had a meeting that morning and it was his best chance to ensure their barracks were empty.

Walking down the narrow, wooden path between the barracks, Frank checked over his shoulder repeatedly. He hadn’t felt this crafty since he’d been playing tricks on his younger sister all those years ago.

The car was parked exactly where it should’ve been. The blue bodywork gleamed beautifully, the silver-coloured wheels polished and hoods fitted over the lights to fit with blackout regulations. The keys, as always, were in the glove compartment, and Frank thanked his lucky stars that everything was going just right.

Pushing them into the ignition, the engine roared to life in all its glory and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride sitting behind the wheel of such a fine vehicle.

He drove the car quickly out onto the road and down towards where the planes were taxied, pulling off the main road through the base and cutting down the empty runway. There was something exhilarating about driving at 60 miles per hour in a car like this, and Frank felt a little flourish of the boy of his youth living out a childhood dream.

Pulling the car up into the store room, he ignored the looks of the ground crew Sergeant, who quickly dismissed whatever Frank was doing and continued his way across base.

He pulled a large sheet over the Austin, covering it from prying eyes before locking the storeroom door and walking away, whistling a little tune to himself as he went.

He wasn’t sure how his plane had worked so flawlessly but he’d thank God in his nightly prayers that it had. He had the passes, he had the car, and now all he needed to do was tell the girls…but that could wait until the morning.

THE NEXT MORNING: MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 0900 HRS

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Frank stood outside hut number four in the chilly morning air, banging his fist against the tiny covered window between Hope and Ruth’s beds. “Wake up, sleeping beauties! I’ve got some good news for ya!”

Stirring from her sleep, Hope became vaguely aware of her surroundings. Ruth was sleeping to her right, curled in on herself under the covers as she whimpered and mumbled incoherently, turning over onto her back.

“Is’ alrigh’” the blonde muttered, her brows furrowed.

Hope peeled back her blanket, ready to wake up her dreaming friend, but two more loud knocks beat her to it. The sound woke Ruth with a start, and her eyes shot open, frantically scanning the hut as her chest heaved. After a few moments, she seemed to get her bearings and looked over at Hope with a hand on her forehead.

“You okay?” Hope asked carefully.

Ruth nodded stiffly, brushing some stray hairs from her forehead. “Yeah. Just a bad dream.”

“I’m here if you want to talk about it.”

“I know.”

Frank’s voice came through the thin walls again, breaking their soft conversation, and Hope rolled her eyes. “I’ve got a surprise for you two! Come out here!”

“I think he’s full of it,” Ruth chimed, sitting up against the wall. “Why does he keep waking us up like this?”

“Probably because it’s the most annoying. It’s what Hugh would do.”

“Yeah. Sounds about ri-”

BANG. BANG.

“I can hear you in there!” Frank shouted, his lips almost against the window as he got as close as humanly possible to them from the outside. “Come out here! Really! I have something important to tell you!”

The duo shared an annoyed glance and slowly made their way to the door. “This better be good, Frank!” Hope groaned as she pulled it open. Just like the last time he had woken them up with a few sharp knocks and some yelling, they were the only ones in the hut. Most of the other nurses were out on missions or doing work abound base.

Grinning from ear to ear, Frank sauntered from their window to the door. “Morning.”

“Cut the crap,” Hope retorted with an eye roll. “What’s this super important thing we need to know?”

The man broke out in chuckles at her direct attitude and readjusted his crusher cap atop his head, his lips pulling into a slight grimace. “So I heard you two talking in the supply room last night about the guys-”

“What?” Ruth gasped, sticking her head out from the doorframe to glare at him, her brows furrowed.

Hope’s eyes widened. “You sneaky, son of a-”

Frank threw his hands up in surrender. “Hold on. Let me finish before you kill me, alright?”

Though they were still glaring up at him, the women nodded slowly, and he took a deep breath. “Because I hate to see you both upset, I worked it out for us to have the day off.”

Frank’s eyebrows raised expectantly, waiting for them to catch on to what he was saying, but all he was met with was confusion. “Thanks for that, Frank, but how is that “super” important?” Hope asked, tilting her head at him quizzically.

“I got us a car,” he added, his grin widening as his eyes widened in anticipation.

Ruth looked even more baffled. “I’m not following.”

“Oh for crying out loud!” the captain grumbled, slapping his palm across his face as he shook his head. “Ruth’s a blonde, so she has an excuse, but Hope, you ought to have caught on already.”

Ruth’s jaw dropped and she barely concealed an incredulous grin. “Hey!” she defended.

Removing his cap, Frank ran a hand through his sandy brown hair. “I’m taking you to Thorpe Abbotts for Pete’s sake!”

Hope and Ruth stood silent for a moment as each of their minds came to the realization of what that meant. He watched on as their confused expressions faded into pure joy and their eyes lit up, huge grins painting their lips.

Frank smiled, his heart warming at the sight before him. “Don’t thank me all at onc-”

Their bodies colliding into his cut him short, and his senses were filled with unintelligible squealing as they hugged him tightly.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Now, this does not mean you have my blessing, alright?” he remarked as they released him from their death grip. “I just hate seein’ you two so miserable.”

“When are we leaving?”

Peering down at his watch, Frank smirked. “An hour.”

The nurses’ faces turned from glee to horror at his words, and within a split second, they ran back into the hut, slamming the door behind them as they frantically got ready.

THORPE ABBOTTS AAF BASE, NORWICH: 1257 HRS

By the time the car rumbled to Thorpe Abbotts’ MP gate, it was 12:57.

‘Perfect timing,’ Frank thought as he glanced in the rearview mirror at the girls who were running their fingers through their styled hair with excited grins.

The gate guard approached the car, a friendly smile on his face. “How are ya’?

“Good, sir,” Frank nodded. “Captain Martin. We’re here to see-”

“You’re good to go, Captain. Major Egan said to keep an eye out for you,” the man interrupted, nodding for him to go on. “Tell Bucky he owes me one!”

“Will do.”

At the mention of John, Ruth perked up even more in her seat. She had thought about seeing him again from the moment they had last said goodnight, her mind reminding her of the warm and giddy feeling that coursed through her body in his presence.

Hope reached over and squeezed her hand tightly as she spoke. “I’m so excited.”

“Me too. I can’t wait to see him!”

Frank listened in from the front seat, his brotherly protective instincts kicking in. “Hope, you taught Ruth your right hook, right?”

“I tried to,” she chuckled, raising an eyebrow at her friend. “She knows the basics.”

“Go for the crotch, Ruth,” the man advised, nodding at her in the rearview. “It's our weakness, okay?”

She rolled her eyes and chuckled under her breath, her gaze turning to stare at the window at the passing concrete buildings. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

His attention turned to the other nurse. “And do you still have what I gave you last time?”

Hope’s face instantly heated up as she glared at him.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Be smart.”

They rolled to a stop in front of the main building, and both Hope and Ruth’s stomachs were swirling with nervousness and excitement. The duo shared one last hopeful glance and exited the car. Before Ruth could turn to close the door, she gasped as she was engulfed in a bear hug from behind and lifted off the ground. The white sheepskin sleeves around her waist were a confirmation of what she already suspected.

“Johnny!” she yelped, a wide smile on her face.

“There she is!” He laughed, his cackle reverberating through his chest as he held the blonde against him. His infectious laughter soon had her giggling along, all nervousness long gone from her system. Ruth’s head was spinning by the time he put her down.

Was it from his proximity? His comforting aroma of whiskey, cologne, and a hint of cigarettes? Ruth didn’t know…what she did know was that the feeling she got around him was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before.

She turned in his arms to face him, her signature blush dusting the tops of her cheeks. “Hi, hotshot,” she whispered.

Now that she was finally in his arms again, Johnny’s eyes drifted to her perfect and soft lips, and he had to use all his willpower not to lean down and press them against his.

His hands moved to her waist as he leaned down and kissed her cheek, unable to contain his affection. “Hey there, slugger. I’ve missed you.”

Their cool azure gazes met, and the hustle and bustle of the base seemed to fade around them just like it had that night in the dance hall with Stardust playing softly in the background. Ruth’s heart sped up in her chest as she felt the warmth of his touch and the adoration in his eyes.

“I really missed you, too,” she whispered.

John scanned her face, noting her vibrant blue eyes, dimpled cheeks, and light pink lips, “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

The clearing of a throat broke them from the moment, and the couple turned toward the sound. John kept a hand on Ruth’s waist as she bashfully turned her face into his shoulder to avoid Frank’s lingering stare from where he leaned against the closed driver’s door.

“I’ll be back at 5 o’clock sharp, alright? Tell Cleven, too.” The Captain stated and pointed behind them, his eyes slightly narrowed as he glared at Bucky. Following his hand, Ruth’s grin widened when she saw Hope and Gale in the distance with a dog bounding around them.

‘Is that Meatball??’ her mind screamed.

John nodded and sent him a two-finger salute. “Yes, sir. 5 o’clock sharp.”

“Have fun, kids,” Frank remarked as he reached to open the door. He stopped when a hand was thrust in front of him. For a second, the man stared at the hand before taking it and giving it a firm shake.

“Thank you again, Frank. Buck and I really appreciate it.”

The sincerity in his words surprised Frank after what he’d heard about Major John Egan, the wild and womanizing squadron commander of the 418th. Perhaps there was more to him than met the eye.

“You’re welcome, Major. Oh, the guy on gate duty said you owed him one,” he replied with a small smile. A genuine one. With one last look at the pair, he got back into the car and drove toward the exit.

As soon as he left, Ruth turned to John and pointed to their right giddily. “Is that Meatball?”

In the grass, he could see a white furball jumping around Buck and Hope. “Sure is.”

Without a word, she grabbed his hand and tugged him behind her as she beelined for the dog. Despite Johnny’s long strides, Ruth was walking so fast he had to jog for a moment to keep up with her.

“He’s a licker,” he warned as they approached the husky.

Ruth immediately sunk to her knees and began ruffling his fur as her voice went into dog mode. “Oh, you’re so fluffy! You’re such a good dog, Meatball,” she giggled, the dog’s tail wagging excitedly.

Hope couldn’t hold back a grin as she watched John’s gaze follow Ruth, a look of pure adoration spreading across his face. She stepped over and greeted him with a small hug.

“It’s good to see you again, John.”

“Good to see you too, Hope. How have ya been keeping?”

Hope shrugged, “Not too bad. Glad to finally have a day off. It’s been a tough few weeks.” She tried not to dampen the mood but both she and Ruth had been struggling, mentally and physically with the trials of their demanding job. John just nodded, and Hope, noticing that Ruth was still occupied with Meatball, decided to offer Bucky some advice.

“Ruth isn’t just another one of your floozy’s, John,” she said quietly. “She’s a special girl, so you better treat her right. Otherwise, you’ll have Frank and I to deal with. I’ve met your kind before, and the poor guy didn’t take too kindly to me punching him in the face…so don’t say I didn’t warn you. Is that clear?”

She raised her eyebrows waiting for his response, amused as John smirked, scratching the back of his neck. “Crystal, Lieutenant. I ain’t gonna cause any trouble. I really like Ruth. She’s a great girl and I’m not just planning on messing around with her.”

Hope seemed satisfied with his answer, giving him a small nod before moving back to Gale’s side. John let out a small breath he’d been holding. He’d heard about this other unfortunate guy from Hugh and he didn’t fancy meeting Hope’s right hook.

He was broken from his thoughts when something jumped up on his thighs, making him lose balance and fall to the grass roughly, the crusher cap flying off his head.

“Hey!” Bucky chuckled as Meatball climbed on top of him, the husky’s sticky tongue licking his face.

The group burst into laughter, and Ruth picked up John’s cap, holding it out to him as he clambered to his feet. With a smirk, he took it and placed the huge hat on her head.

John thought it was the most adorable sight he’d ever seen.

The cap completely covered her forehead and sat crooked like he always had it. She had to lean way back to see him under the bill.

“I don’t think it fits, Major,” she giggled, sending him a goofy salute as the cap fell back down over her eyes.

He couldn’t contain a loud cackle as he lifted it from her head, running a hand through his stray curls before returning it to its rightful place. Suddenly remembering there were other people there, Ruth’s face turned a deep pink.

“So what are you two’s plans for the next…” Buck checked his watch. “Four hours?”

“Uhhh about that,” John smiled cheekily at his friend, snapping his fingers and pointing to him. “I’m borrowing your bike back for the afternoon.”

“What do you mean, ‘borrowing it back?’” Gale asked with furrowed brows.

“Well, Ruthie and I can’t walk all the way to Dickleburgh, and there were no jeeps...so, bikes it is.”

The girls were barely containing their snickers at the way the Majors often went at it like an old married couple.

Buck’s hands moved to his hips. “And what if Hope and I are going off base?”

“Come on, Buck,” Johnny groaned, mirroring his stance. “I know you weren’t planning to. Were you?”

The younger man just glared at him with narrowed eyes. “No, but-”

Taking the confession as a win, John threw an arm over Ruth’s shoulders and pulled her against his side. “Thanks, Buck,” he hollered as he turned them toward the two bikes lying among the grass. “See you two later! Have fun!”

Ruth sent a small wave to Hope, then looked up at Bucky with raised brows. “You’re full of it, you know that?”

“What?” he asked innocently, squeezing her shoulder gently.

“I don’t know how he deals with you.”

They came to a stop in front of the bikes and Johnny released her from his grip, tilting his face down towards her with a smirk. “Ruthie. He doesn’t know how you deal with me.”

“Well,” Ruth shrugged. “You’re lucky I like you so much.”

John chuckled, the warmth of her smile melting away any last remnants of tension from his shoulders. “I consider myself the luckiest man in the world,” he replied, his voice soft with sincerity in a way that only happened around the blonde.

A shy smile played at the corners of her lips as her cheeks flushed pink at his words. “Smooth talker,” she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.

The Major’s heart raced as he looked into Ruth’s eyes, and in that moment, he was acutely aware of how close they were. His gaze flickered to her lips, temptation tugging him forward with an irresistible magnetic pull as he reached out a hand to gently tilt her chin upward. But just as their lips were about to meet, Ruth pulled back suddenly.

“Not so fast,” she whispered, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Don’t think I forgot about how you trashed the Braves in your letters, hotshot. I’m sticking by my promise.”

John grinned and raised an eyebrow. “You mean your threat? Two can play at that game, doll…you can kiss the mustache goodbye.”

They glared at each other for a few moments, neither willing to give in and admit their team was lesser. All the while, the urge to feel their lips against the others was becoming too much for the pair. Ruth broke first, sighing.

“This does not mean that I-”

She was cut off by John closing the distance between them and gently landing his lips on hers. Melting into the embrace, Ruth’s lips parted beneath his, her hands finding their way to his chest. As they broke apart, Johnny’s heart pounded in his chest and the nurse's eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked up at him with a playful smile dancing on her lips.

“I guess the mustache stays,” she teased, her quiet giggles filling the air.

Bucky chuckled, brushing a stray lock of blonde hair from her face. “For now,” he replied, his voice tinged with affection. “But don’t think you’ve won just yet, slugger. The Yankees will always end on top.”

“Whatever.”

Moving to stand up the bikes, Bucky handed one to Ruth before swinging his leg over it and settling into the seat, his grin widening as he glanced over at her. “You’re gonna love this place, Ruthie. It won’t be too crowded right now, either.”

“Where are we going again?” she asked, trying to get comfortable on the bike. In that moment, she was thankful she decided to wear pants that day instead of a dress.

“Dickleburgh. It’s about 10 minutes away, and it’s got the best pub around.”

Finally ready to go, she held herself up with a foot. “Alright. Lead the way, Major.”

"You got it,” he winked, pushing off and leading the way down the base’s main road.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting dappled shadows across the road as they pedaled through the picturesque countryside. For once there wasn’t mist or fog in the air, but the familiar smell of manure filled their noses when they passed a freshly fertilized field. Ruth’s face scrunched at the smell, and John chuckled beside her. As they rode, he couldn’t resist steaingl a few glances at the woman, captivated by how her blonde hair danced in the breeze.

“So, what’s your family like?” Ruth asked out of the blue, glancing over at him with a fond grin.

“It’s me, my mom, and my two sisters. My pops passed last year.”

She kicked herself for bringing it up. “I’m sorry, John. I can’t imagine.”

“It’s still hard,” he said with a small sigh. “But we manage. My sisters are all out doing their own thing, and I’m over here, so we all try to keep in touch with Ma the best we can.”

Ruth nodded. “I understand that.”

Silence lingered in the air for a few moments and Ruth tried to lighten the mood.

“Tell me about your sisters.”

A wide grin immediately tugged at his cheeks and he chuckled. “They’re spitfires, for sure. My older sister, Frances, named after my ma, is an Army nurse in the South Pacific. And Eileen…she’s the baby but bosses us around like she’s the oldest.”

“Wow. So you’re a middle child?” Ruth asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Sadly,” John groaned, looking over at her with his signature snarky smile. “But the middle child sure didn’t get forgotten in the Egan house. I’m the only boy, so….”

“You’re a mama’s boy,” she finished for him.

He slowed his pace to ride closely beside her, his mustache quirking up at the corners of his lips. “Well, Ruthie, I have been known to introduce myself as Mrs. Egan’s bad boy, John.”

Ruth’s eyes widened in disbelief at the comment, and she couldn’t help but cringe at the raunchy line, a soft groan escaping her lips as she shook her head in disapproval.

“John, seriously?” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with laughter as she shook her head. “Please tell me you don’t actually say that to people.”

With a chuckle, he shrugged nonchalantly. “No can do. But don’t worry, I promise I won’t introduce myself like that to anyone else. ”

“You better not,” she teased, playfully scoffing under her breath. “Or I might have to reconsider being seen in public with you.”

“We’ve already established that you can’t resist my charms, so would-.”

“Hey, hey.” She corrected, waving a hand over at him. “Back to your sisters, hotshot. You were talking about Eileen.”

“Right,” John huffed before nodding fondly as Eileen and Franny’s faces appeared in his mind. “Lena’s all grown and married now.”

“How old is she?”

“Twenty-two. Last time I saw her was at her wedding. She sends me letters every now and then checking in.”

Ruth cut her eyes at him, her gaze holding a mischievous glint. “What do you think of her husband?”

“Well,” Bucky sighed dramatically, raising his eyebrows. “I like the chump, but the fact that he kisses my sister, sleeps in the same bed as her…it makes my skin crawl.”

For the rest of the short ride, he told her of each of his family members, and by the time the village of Dickleburgh’s charming cottages and cozy storefronts came into view, Ruth could almost imagine the Egan family sitting at Sunday dinner, laughing and enjoying each other's company. It reminded her of her own that she missed so dearly.

Ruth’s pace slowed as they entered the village, John guiding them toward the heart of the town where the pub awaited them. They passed people on the street who nodded at them kindly, and she thought the overall atmosphere of the town was already very welcoming.

“Here we are,” he called over his shoulder, his grin widening as they approached the pub.

He dismounted smoothly, but Ruth tried to put on nonexistent brakes with her pedals out of habit. Her eyes widened in panic as she struggled to reach the ground without falling over, her toes just barely scraping the pavement.

“Johnny!” she called out, her voice tinged with alarm as she desperately tried to stop.

He spun around just in time to see Ruth’s panicked expression and her feet flailing as she tried to stop the bike. Reacting quickly, he dashed forward and caught her just before she slammed into the brick wall behind him, his arms wrapping around her waist to steady her.

“Sorry, doll. That one’s on me,” he grimaced as he helped her dismount the bike. “I should’ve warned you about the brakes. You alright?”

Ruth leaned into his warm embrace once she was on her feet, her heart still racing from the sudden scare. “I’m fine,” she assured with a nod. “Thanks for catching me.”

Johnny’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he gently guided her toward the entrance of the pub with a hand on the small of her back. “I think Frank would string me up if I let you hurt yourself on my watch.”

“Yeah, you’re definitely right.”

He opened the door for her, and as they stepped inside, they were greeted by soft light filtering through the open windows, casting a gentle glow over the cozy pub. A few people were sprinkled throughout the building, but for the most part, it was pretty empty, just like he had said. The second John appeared from behind her, the older bartender who’d been drying a glass busted into a hearty laugh.

“I was beginning to wonder if you’d been shot down by some bloody Jerry!”

“Not yet, Jack,” John grinned, approaching the bar with Ruth, who snickered under her breath as she watched him duck slightly under the low-hanging beams surrounding the bartop.

Johnny leaned against the bar, his hand sliding from her back to her waist, tugging her into his side. “Ruth,” he gestured to the blonde, before nodding at the man behind the counter. “Jack.”

She smiled sweetly at him. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Jack nodded.

Scanning the room, the Major’s eyes widened as if he’d suddenly remembered something. “My favorite dart slinger here?”

Jack shook his head and pointed across the room with a grin. Taking Ruth’s hand with eyes sparkling in excitement, Bucky beelined in the direction. “Ruthie, there’s someone I want you to meet. You’re gonna love him!”

He ducked under another beam into a smaller corner of the pub, and Ruth’s smile widened at the way his eyes lit up when he spotted a young man holding a few empty glasses.

“Tommy!”

A wide smile stretched from ear to ear on Tommy’s face as he noticed Bucky approaching. “Major.”

Releasing her hand, John threw an arm around Tommy’s shoulders, leaning down and pointing at Ruth in front of them. “This is my girl, Ruth, Tommy. I wanted her to meet the best damn dart slinger in all of East Anglia.”

Ruth could’ve sworn that her heart melted right then and there.

“Hi, Tommy,” she greeted, gesturing over at the Major. “You must really be the best if John admits someone’s better at something than him.”

Tommy’s eyes lit up at the comment, his grin somehow widening as he slowly extended a hand toward her. “Hi,” he said softly.

Ruth gently took his hand in hers, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of his friendly demeanor. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she replied, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

A fond smile played on Johnny’s lips as he watched their interaction. From the moment he first found out she’d been a teacher before the war, he knew she was amazing at her job, but this moment solidified the notion in his mind.

“See, I told you she’s a sweetheart,” he teased, giving Tommy a playful nudge and sending her a wink. “And she’s real pretty too, right?”

Tommy nodded enthusiastically, his hand still clasped in Ruth’s. “Yep. Pretty,” he agreed softly.

Ruth couldn’t help but blush at the compliment, her cheeks flushing pink as she glanced up at a smirking John before her gaze fell to the floor. “Thank you.”

With his arm still draped over Tommy’s shoulder, Bucky grinned and glanced between the two of them. “Alright, alright, you two,” he chuckled, his tone light and playful. “Remember that she’s my girl, Tommy. You can’t go stealing her from me now…I like her too much.”

The blonde shot him a playful glare, but couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. “You know, I doubt Tommy here wouldn’t make fun of my team. Maybe-

“Well, that’s it. I’ve got to go win her back,” John interrupted as he lifted his arm from Tommy’s shoulder and gently intertwined his hand with Ruth’s. “Don’t cause too much trouble, alright?”

Tommy started walking back up to the bar with a nod. “I’ll try.”

“I already love him,” Ruth mused, allowing Bucky to lead her over to a secluded table near the corner. He held out the chair for her and helped her sit down before settling into the opposite chair. “When did you meet him? When you first came over from home?”

“Yep. Tommy’s actually the reason we have those two bikes out there.”

The blonde tilted her head at him with a confused expression. “How?”

“Well, I told ya, he’s the best dart shooter around,” John started, leaning his elbows onto the table with a smirk. “Few months ago, a buddy of mine, Morris, bet his bikes that Tommy couldn’t hit an apple on top of my head…you know I can never say no to a good bet.”

“Wow,” she chuckled as she shook her head. “For a pilot, you sure don’t care about your eyesight, huh?”

“I cared more about those bikes. Buck was flying in the next day and I couldn’t have him gabbing about how long the walk was, now could I?”

1530 HRS: 3:30PM

The time flew by as they talked in the small pub, just soaking in each other’s presence. Their conversations ranged from childhood stories to their missions, and it seemed that there was nothing that they couldn’t talk about. John sipped on his pint and listened in as Ruth used her hands to animatedly tell a story, a few giggles escaping her.

“So there’s this drink back home called Cheerwine, and it’s almost pure sugar. We only got it for special occasions, but when James was around two, he got into some-”

“What?” he asked with wide eyes, his raised eyebrows wrinkling his forehead. “Your baby brother drank a bunch of wine?”

With a roll of her eyes, Ruth reached across the small table and placed a hand on his arm. “It’s not alcoholic. It’s a soft drink, hon. If you’d let me finish the story, you’d know that,” she quipped.

He grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers gently, lifting his empty one in surrender with a smirk. “My bad, my bad. Please continue.”

“Thank you…That day I got home from school and little Jamie was nowhere to be found. My Mama and Granny were freaking out, running around like chickens with their heads cut off looking for him. So I do the only reasonable thing an older sibling does when the younger one is missing…I went to get a snack.”

John chuckled across the table. “Sounds about right.”

“I went to grab something out of our cupboard, and if I wouldn’t be dawgoned, there he was!” Ruth exclaimed with a huff, “Fast asleep with three empty bottles of Cheerwine next to him.”

A loud belly laugh filled the pub, and a few of the newer patrons looked over at him with an annoyed glare, but the regulars didn't even bat an eye. "The little squirt had a sugar crash,” Johnny remarked, his eyes shining with amusement. “I can only imagine the look on your mom’s face when she found him."

Ruth nodded, a fond smile tugging at her lips as she remembered the chaos of the day. “Oh, she was not happy,” the blonde admitted with a chuckle. “But thankfully, Jamie was completely fine. He slept like a log for the rest of the day, though.”

Another part of the memory came to the forefront of her mind and caused her smile to falter slightly, eyes falling to the table. John squeezed her hand in concern, worry etching his face at her sudden change in demeanor. “You alright?”

“Yeah,” Ruth weakly replied, reaching up with her free hand to grasp her cross necklace. “Later that year, my Granny, she um, passed away. She gave me this. Said it was her good luck charm…You would’ve gotten along great with her.”

John rubbed his thumb over her knuckles gently. “I’m sure I would’ve. You know how I feel about good luck charms.”

“She first gave it to Dad when he went off to fight in France, and when he came back to my Mama a year later, Granny said it was the necklace that did it.”

“And what did your Pops have to say about that?” he questioned lightly.

“Well,” she snickered, her blue eyes raising to his and holding up air quotations. “He said it was because of his ‘skills as an infantryman.’”

They shared a few chuckles before Ruth took a deep breath and shook away her memory. She sat up straight and scooted her chair closer to the table, leaning over it toward John. “But enough of the past,” she grinned, excitement sparkling in her eyes. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten what’s coming up, hotshot.”

“And what is that?”

“Your birthday!” Ruth cried, her eyes widening at the realization of how loud she was. Leaning further over the table, she lowered her voice. “Your birthday!”

“Oh, that,” Bucky chuckled. “28 is gonna be the same as 27, Ruthie. I’ll just be one year closer to becoming an old man.”

She raised an eyebrow at him skeptically. “I thought you already were?”

“Oh, that hurts,” he replied with a barely concealed smirk, bringing a hand to his chest. “I never expected such a low blow from you, doll. Here I was thinking you liked me.”

Taking a sip of her cider, Ruth shrugged. “Maybe I’d like you more if you would shut up about the Yankees.”

“No can do. Maybe I’d like you more if you would stop yapping about the Braves,” he sassed.

They both glared at each other with narrowed eyes for the second time that day, neither wanting to give in first. Unlike the first time, John was the one that conceded, sticking a hand out. “Fine. Truce?”

Ruth eyed his hand for a few moments in contemplation before shaking it. “Truce.”

“On that note,” he started, squeezing her hand. “I’ve got to go to the head. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Yes sir.”

As he made his way across the pub, Ruth watched him go, a soft smile playing on her lips. He stopped to speak to Jack for a few moments and then let out a single laugh, sparing her a wink before disappearing behind the bathroom door. She sighed contently, shaking her head at how she turned into a puddle in his presence. The sound of John's seat scraping across the floor broke her from her thoughts.

Her eyes followed the sound, and her smile faded and was replaced by a wave of discomfort as she was met with the sultry smirk of a dark-haired American in his service uniform. He leaned over the table towards her and Ruth immediately removed her elbows from it, folding in on herself as she wrapped her arms around her stomach. She felt his eyes on her, and her gaze flicked around the room, getting stuck on the door that John disappeared behind.

“Hi there, beautiful,” the man greeted, his words slightly slurred. “Can I get you a drink, doll?”

The endearment sounded like nails on a chalkboard coming from his lips, the complete opposite of the way it made her heart skip a beat when Johnny said it.

“I already have a drink,” she muttered quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her heart racing in her chest. Ruth cut her eyes at the man quickly, her unease growing by the second as she prayed for John to return.

“Come on, don’t be like that,” he persisted, his body practically draped over the table. “What do you want? A pint?”

Her skin was crawling under his gaze as he undressed her with his eyes.

‘This is not happening,’ she thought. ‘You’ve gotta say something!’

Just when she was about to muster a response, the door to the bathroom swung open, and John emerged with a grin on his face. Relief flooded through her system at his familiar figure.

Bucky’s smile faltered as he met Ruth’s scared and uncomfortable eyes that silently pleaded for help. He was unable to see the whole table, so when he stepped forward and saw the man practically draped over her, a flash of protective anger crossed his features. His steps quickened as he made his way back to their table, his expression hardening with each stride.

When he reached their spot he clamped his hand roughly onto the man’s shoulder with a clenched jaw, his chest burning. “Thanks for keeping my seat warm for me, pal,” he gritted out, his sharp tone in contrast to the playful words themselves.

The airman’s eyes remained on Ruth and he didn’t even bother to look up. “I didn’t know you owned this seat,” he snarked, finally shifting his eyes from the nurse up to John, whose glare threatened to burn straight through him.

The second he caught sight of the golden oak leaf on John’s collar, his eyes widened and all color drained from his face. He shot clumsily to his feet, “Sorry-uh-Major, sir. I-I didn’t know,” he stammered, offering a split second salute before stumbling off to rejoin his friends across the room.

Ruth covered her mouth to hide her grin at the man’s horror, her heartbeat already calming with John’s reassuring presence. Staring daggers at the man, Bucky’s hands sat on his hips as he took a deep breath to steady himself. When he turned his gaze back to Ruth, his expression softened, and he reached out to gently pull her sitting figure into his side. “You alright?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

“Yeah,” she sighed, melting into his embrace. “Thank you…my knight in dirty sheepskin.”

Ruth’s giggle filled the air, and all the remaining tension left John’s body. “Not you, too,” he groaned. “Buck always rags me about the jacket looking dirty.”

”Well, if the shoe fits…”

He rolled his eyes, squeezing her shoulder lightly. “You ready to head out?”

“Sure. What time is it?” Ruth asked as he offered a hand and helped her to her feet.

John checked his watch quickly, scratching his mustache lightly. “Only 4. We’ve still got an hour.”

With a smirk, the blonde pulled him toward the door. “Let’s get going then, Major.”

“Add the drinks to my tab, Jack!” Bucky called over his shoulder as he quickly followed Ruth out the door, throwing his cap on haphazardly.

By the time they reached Thorpe Abbotts, clouds had moved into the English sky, replacing the bright sunlight with a dull and gloomy haze. Ruth followed John’s lead as he rode further into the base, pedaling past a few nissen huts.

“Go ahead and stop pedaling,” he pointed just ahead of them. “We’re stopping at my hut.”

“Alright!” She replied, coasting along the pavement for a few moments. Johnny had already hopped off his bike like a pro and leaned it up against the hut.

Smirking, he placed his hands on his hips. “You need help?”

“I think I got it!”

The bike beneath Ruth slowly rolled to a stop, and she stuck a foot out to catch herself in right front of John. Once she hopped off the bicycle, he propped it against his, taking her hand with a proud grin.

“Here’s home sweet home,” John chuckled, gesturing to the nissen hut before them. He tugged on her hand and opened the door, but Ruth stopped for a moment behind him.

She scanned their surroundings briefly, her voice lowering to a whisper. “I don’t think that I should be in there.”

“Rank has its privileges, Ruthie. We’re alright,” he smiled down at her, squeezing her hand once. “Anyways, the Hundredth’s known for our raunchy discipline, so why start following the rules now, huh?”

“Are you sure?” The nurse asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow at him. “Buck told us about Hugh getting in trouble for having girls in here.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” John chuckled, pulling her a little closer. “Don’t worry about Buck. I have a feeling Hope’s got him-uh…preoccupied.”

Taking one last glance around them, a grin formed on her lips and she nodded excitedly. “Okay.”

As he led her into the small building, Ruth immediately noticed the similarities in their living spaces. The men’s hut was just as cold as theirs, and everything down to the sheet color was identical, except for the various city names that were burned into the ceiling of the men’s room.

Walking past each name, she read them aloud. “Bremen, St. Nazaire, Le Mans, Trondheim, ” Her eyes scanned the beds they passed as well. On some of the nightstands stood pictures of women, others of smiling families, and Ruth found herself comforted by it all.

“Which one is yours?”

“This one,” he replied, tossing off his cap and flopping face down onto a nearby mattress with a creak.

Ruth chuckled and rolled her eyes at his child-like antics, sitting on the edge of the bed as John turned over onto his back to look up at her. He moved an arm behind his head, taking in her beauty as she reached over and picked up a book from his bedside table with a soft smile.

Her fingers traced the faded letters on the book’s cover with a tender reverence. “Guys and Dolls,” she murmured, her eyes distant as she flipped through the worn-out pages. “One of my students did a report on a story from in here.”

Continuing to watch her closely, Johnny’s stomach twisted at the longing he saw in her eyes. He could tell how much she missed her students, how teaching had always been more than just a job to her…it was a calling, a passion that filled her with purpose.

“Yeah, I like to read,” he replied, his voice gentle as he propped himself up on his elbows to get a better look at her. “Figured I could use a little entertainment to pass the time between missions.”

He decided he wasn’t going to dwell on the topic if she didn’t want to talk about it, not wanting to upset her. They all had touchy subjects, and for most of them, they dealt with home.

Ruth nodded, her lips curving into a wistful smile as she closed the book and set it back on the bedside table. “I miss teaching,” she admitted softly, her voice tinged with sadness. “The kids, the classroom…it feels like a lifetime ago.”

As he listened to her confession, a pang of guilt ran through him. Of course, he couldn’t have known the book would make her upset, but that didn’t stop his heart from clenching in his chest. Unable to bear seeing her in distress, he sat up against the wall and reached out instinctively, his fingers brushing against her arm gently.

“It must be hard, being away from something you love so much.”

Ruth’s eyes met his, and something he couldn’t quite decipher shone in the deep blue as she readjusted on the bed to face him, moving a little closer with a knee folded underneath her. As she gazed down at him, a whirlwind of emotions swept through her. She couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through her chest whenever he was near or the way his presence seemed to cause a permanent smile to hang from her lips. He always knew just what to say to quell her worries and anxieties in a way that no one ever had before. With each touch, smile, and laugh, she felt herself drawn to him more and more, a magnetic pull that she couldn’t resist.

John’s dark, tousled, and slightly unkempt hair framed his face as he stared up at her, tenderness radiating from his gaze. A few stray curls lay scattered across his forehead, and Ruth slowly reached up and ran her hand through his hair, feeling the soft strands beneath her fingers. A sigh escaped John’s lips as he closed his eyes at the sensation, his features relaxing into a look of contentment.

She gently slid her hand down to his cheek, tracing the contours of his face with a feather-light caress. Johnny’s eyes fluttered open at her touch, his eyes locking with hers in an unspoken exchange. He leaned into her hand and brought his own up, covering her much smaller one.

“It’s alright,” she finally replied quietly, fighting a sigh when he placed a soft kiss against the inside of her palm. “Some things make it worth being away.”

John sat up fully and reached a hand up to the side of her face, rubbing her jaw softly with his thumb. “I know the feeling.”

His eyes wandered her face for a moment, looking for any sign of discomfort as he leaned in. “Can I-”

“Yes,” she breathed, and for the second time that day, John connected their lips…but this one was different.

As their lips met, Ruth felt a surge of safety flood through her entire being. The slight tickle of his mustache was a familiar feeling that somehow brought her comfort. His lips were soft and tender against hers, moving with a gentle rhythm that made her stomach swirl. Ruth’s head spun, all thoughts dissipating as they got lost in each other’s embrace.

The taste of whiskey…the smell of his cologne… it was John. He was all-encompassing.

In that moment, Ruth Morgan knew she never wanted to kiss anyone else again.

Ruth melted into him, her heart pounding in her chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. John’s hand remained on her jaw, and his touch sent tingles coursing through her skin. She sighed softly against his lips, the sound muffled by their kiss.

Eventually, they pulled back breathlessly, their quiet pants mingling in the air between them as they leaned their foreheads together. John placed one last chaste kiss against her lips and leaned back to fully view her face, his hand running over the smooth skin of her cheek.

“Ruthie, you’re amazing…”

The nurse ducked her head slightly, looking at the bed between them for a moment before peering up at him through her lashes with a bashful smile. “Thank you.”

A lazy grin appeared on his face as their gazes locked again. “...except for the fact that you’re a Braves fan.”

Ruth’s eyebrows shot up and her jaw dropped, a scoff that soon turned to chuckles leaving her lips. “You’re such an idiot! What happened to our truce?” she howled, reaching her hands out to shove him, but John caught them before they could find their mark, holding them against his chest as Ruth fought against him.

“Not so fast!” he cackled, their laughter echoing through the small space.

The familiar sound of her giggles never failed to make his heart skip in his chest.

“You didn’t seem to care about me being a Braves fan a minute ago!”

“What was a minute ago?” Bucky asked cheekily, checking his watch for dramatic effect. The time that greeted him made his heart drop, the giddy feeling disappearing suddenly as his smile fell. “Oh, Come on.”

Ruth froze, her brows creasing. “What is it?”

He released her hands and held up his wrist for her to see.

4:50

“We gotta go” John groaned, clambering to his feet. “Frank’s gonna kill me if you’re late.”

When she didn’t move from the bed, he reached out his hands to her. “Come on, Ruthie. We’ve only got nine minutes to get over to the main building and it takes all of that on the bikes.”

Ruth let out an exasperated sigh and took his hands, allowing him to pull her to her feet. “I don’t want to leave.”

“I know, doll,” John mumbled, tugging her into a tight embrace. “I don’t want you to leave either, but you’ve gotta get home before the blackout goes into effect. The roads get real dangerous after that.”

Ruth knew he was right, but after being there with him by her side, she didn’t want to be without her Major. Serious feelings were slowly developing each time they spent time together, and it got harder each time they parted.

The couple spent the short bike ride to the main building planning their next meeting. Passing a few other airmen, Johnny grinned proudly at them as their eyes cut over to Ruth.

“Evening, fellas.”

“Major.”

As they turned the corner, the blue Austin came into view with Frank leaning against the side, Buck and Hope a few feet away.

“I wanna go to the pub and see Tommy again.” She called out, the wind whipping her blonde hair in all directions.

“Damn,” John cursed. “I’m being replaced.”

As she often did in his presence, she rolled her eyes, a high-pitched giggle leaving her lips. “You’re so overdramatic.”

They hopped off their bikes near the car, laying them in the grass gently. Approaching their friends, they walked hand in hand, arms swinging between them. Frank waved them over, sending the couple a smug grin.

“How’s your day been, Ruth?” Frank asked, nodding curtly to John who responded similarly.

She peered up at the Major with dusty pink cheeks. “Good.”

“That’s it? Good?” The Captain grumbled as he took a drag of his cigarette.

Snickering under her breath, Hope wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at Ruth who ducked her head, a grin plastered on her lips.

Johnny cut his eyes at Buck, who could see the mischief behind his friend’s eyes, and urged him silently to keep his mouth shut. “Well, If you-”

“Nevermind,” Frank interrupted the Major, raising a hand at him. “I don’t wanna know.”

Before anyone could speak, someone called out to the group. “Majors!”

Their eyes flew over to Hugh, who approached them quickly.

“I thought Buck had your blessing, Charlie?” John asked, a sly look on his face.

The group noticed his blank expression as he came to a stop beside his sister. “The light’s on.”

Buck and John’s smiles fell as their eyes met again. This time, there was no amusement in their gaze. The girls watched them with furrowed brows.

“What does that mean?” Hope asked, looking up at Gale expectantly.

Johnny sighed and squeezed Ruth’s hand gently, peering down at her with pursed lips. “It means there’s a mission.”

“Harding said to bring toiletries, a blanket, and a summer uniform,” Hugh announced, running a tired hand down his face. “I think this one’s big.”

The women’s hearts sank…of course, they knew what the guys did, but until that moment, they hadn’t been reminded of it firsthand. Ruth could see a flicker of fear in Bucky’s eyes, and reality came crashing down on her.

Every time they went up, they ran the risk of never coming down again.

This realization sent a surge of panic coursing through her veins, and she found herself unable to speak, her throat constricted with emotion. Feeling her hand start to shake in his hold, John pulled them away from the group, giving the couple some privacy.

“Hey,” he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached up to cup her jaw, leaning down to meet her eyes with his face creased in concern. “We’ll be alright. We always are.”

His words offered her a fleeting sense of reassurance, but Ruth couldn’t shake the overwhelming dread gnawing at her insides. The fear of losing him…of never seeing him again threatened to overwhelm her.

She nodded, her lips quivering as she fought to keep her emotions in check. “I know,” she whispered back, her voice barely audible. “But…just in case…”

With trembling hands, Ruth reached up to her neck, fumbling with the delicate chain of her granny’s necklace. She hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest before finally unclasping it and holding it out to John.

“Here,” she said softly, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Take it. If it got my Daddy through a war, it’ll get you through, too.”

John’s eyes widened in surprise and he gently pushed away her outstretched hand, closing her fingers over the necklace. “Ruthie, I can’t,” he protested. “I’m not taking it. I’m set on good luck charms, remember? This means too much to you.”

But she shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes as she pushed the necklace into his hand. “Please, Johnny,” she insisted, her voice unwavering. “I want you to have it. Just…just come back to me, hotshot.”

“I will. I promise.”

Johnny’s throat tightened as he met Ruth’s desperate gaze, the emotion in them stirring his own inside his heart. He took the necklace and brought her into a loving embrace, cradling her head against his chest. Ruth let herself get lost in his arms, finding comfort in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear.

“Hey Ruthie,” he murmured, his chest rumbling at his deep tone. She could hear the smile in his voice. “While I’m gone, don’t go and get another boyfriend okay?”

Pulling back from John’s embrace, Ruth sent him a teary smile and chuckled quietly. “Don’t take too long, then,” she retorted, her strained as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. “I don’t think I could handle having two boyfriends at once.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as a wide and toothy grin grew on his face. “There it is,” he marveled, shaking his head. “The most beautiful smile in the world.”

Ruth’s smile grew wider at John’s words, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue as she glanced up at him through her lashes, giggling. “Stop it. You’re making me blush.”

Silently, he reached up and ran his hand through Ruth’s blonde hair gently, his eyes studying her face as if committing it to memory. “I can’t help it,” Johnny whispered, his voice husky with emotion as he traced the curve of her cheek with his thumb. “I know I joke around a lot, but you’re just so damn perfect, Ruth. In every way.”

The nurse’s heart skipped a beat, and she bridged the gap, her lips brushing against his in a soft, lingering kiss. Pulling away reluctantly, a bittersweet ache settled in their hearts. John pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, his lips remaining against her skin for a moment longer than necessary. From over her shoulder, he caught sight of Frank checking his watch, and the Major knew it was time for her to go.

Although his heart sank at the thought of watching her walk away, he pulled her into one last embrace, wrapping his arms around her tightly before reluctantly stepping back. “Go on,” he said lightly, mustering the most reassuring smile he could. “I’ll see you soon, slugger.”

Ruth nodded slowly. “See you soon. Please be careful.”

She walked toward the car slowly, glancing over her shoulder at him every few moments. Just as she reached Hope, John called out to her, his eyebrows raised as he sent her a smirk. "I expect a letter waiting for me when I get back!"

"I’ll see what I can do, Major. And I expect one the second you get back!"

She held his gaze for a few moments, their blues having a silent conversation reassuring that they'd see each other again.

The couple's eyes finally diverged when Frank's regretful voice filled the air. "Girls, we'd better hit the road if we want to be back at base before it's too dark."

Frank opened the door for them, and with a final nod, she slipped into the car beside Hope, her heart heavy with both worry and longing as she watched Johnny’s figure grow smaller in the distance.

Glancing at the girls’ forlorn expressions as they each stared out their window silently, the Captain’s gaze softened. “They’re gonna be alright, you two. From what I’ve heard, your guys are the best pilots in the 100th. They’ll be back in no time.”

Ruth nodded slowly, her curls bobbing along her chin, but Hope remained glued to the window, her face hidden from Ruth by her dark hair. Frank eyed her carefully, watching as the tears rolled silently down her cheeks. He understood she had twice as much to lose, and knowing Hugh was never one to stay out of trouble weighed on her heavily. He’d have to keep a close eye on her over the next few days. While Ruth wore her emotions on her sleeve, Hope would suffer in silence in order to stay strong for her best friend.

The car was eerily silent as it made its way along the dark roads, the hooded lights casting a pathetic glow on the road ahead. Somewhere along the journey, Ruth had fallen asleep against Hope’s shoulder and she smiled down at her friend, pleased that at least one of them could get some rest.

AAF GROVE, BERKSHIRE: 2015 HRS

Once they arrived back to base the three split ways, Frank went to return the Austin before the Major returned the following morning. The girls went straight to their Nissan huts, undressing quickly and slipping into their nightdresses. Ruth sat on her bed, removing the letters from the box on her nightstand and reading over John’s words quietly while Hope busied herself around the room, folding clothes, tidying the cupboard beside her bed, and arranging the desk.

Ruth slipped beneath her bed covers with a sigh, her mind too preoccupied to sleep, but unable to settle as Hope continued to rustle and shuffle around the room.

“Hope, will you please settle down and go to bed? We’re back to work tomorrow and we should at least get some sleep.”

Hope looked a little forlorn, “Sorry Ruth,” she slumped down on her bed, continuing to rummage through her musette bag. The blonde groaned, rolling onto her side to shield her eyes from the lantern by Hope’s bed. Eventually, all movements ceased until Ruth felt her bed dip with a creak as Hope sat down beside her.

Ruth had never really seen Hope cry. She’d shed a few tears but never broken down and cried, not until now…

Her shoulders shook as the silent sobs escaped her lips, “I-I can’t lose them, Ruth.”

“Hey,” Ruth whispered, sitting up in an instant and pulling Hope into her side, “They both made a promise they would come back to you, Hope, and I don’t think that either of them would break it. They’re going to be fine…they all will.”

Ruth wasn’t sure if she was saying that part to comfort Hope or herself. The blonde had been sick to her stomach the whole night, unable to get the worst-case scenarios out of her mind. Her only comfort was re-reading John’s letters.

She helped Hope crawl under the covers like she had so many times before, but this time Ruth resorted to being the big spoon instead of her usual place as little spoon. The bed wasn’t really wide enough for two people but they made it work, cuddling close to one another.

“He told me I mean the world to him,” Hope whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she mumbled into the pillow. The simple thought of Gale’s words sent Hope’s heart racing in her chest, and Ruth heard every single muffled word.

“He said what?” Ruth burst with excitement, “Did you say it back?”

“Of course, I did,” Hope chuckled softly at her friend's enthusiasm. “He also said that when this war is over that he wants to marry me.”

Ruth’s heart was fit to burst. She loved Gale and Hope together nearly as much as she loved her and John being together. Everything was coming together perfectly for them and she could only pray that things continue that way.

Now the older nurse understood why Hope’s worry ran deeper than she previously thought. Yes, Ruth felt very deeply for Johnny, but they hadn’t made any long-term promises to each other. Gale and Hope had. The couple had plans for the future…plans that would lead to children, a loving home, and a family.

Hope’s vision of three children playing in a garden reappeared in her mind, each one with Gale’s sandy blonde hair. Maybe they had her eyes and his lips? Her nose? She could see him coming home from work after a long day, giving her a loving kiss before sitting in a recliner with their youngest on his lap, rocking them to sleep softly. They’d have a dog too, running around and playing with the children. Maybe they-

“Hope?” Ruth mumbled into her friend's hair, breaking Hope from her thoughts. She earned a muffled hum and continued, “When you get married, can I be your bridesmaid?”

Hope turned over to face her friend slowly so she didn’t knock her out of bed, “Of course you can. Although you might have to fight Hugh for the job.”

Ruth grinned, narrowing her eyes playfully, “I bet I could take him on. One glare from me and I think he’d be crying.”

Hope chuckled in amusement, “I have to admit. When you’re mad, you are something to behold, Ruth Morgan. It doesn’t happen much, but I sure wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of you when it does. I know the last time Hugh got on the wrong side of you he wasn’t best pleased,” Hope giggled, recalling her brother's shocked face at Ruth’s outburst. “I hope John is always on his best behavior. John better watch out. I don’t think he realizes what a firecracker he’s got.”

“Yeah,” Ruth chuckled, already imagining Johnny’s reaction to her spitting off at someone. “Hopefully he won’t be the one it’s directed towards.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s gonna be much of a problem. I saw the way he was looking at you today, Rue. You’ve got him wrapped around your finger, even if either of you don’t realize it.”

Closing her eyes, Ruth remembered his loving gaze in his nissen hut earlier. “Maybe,” she whispered, sinking into her pillow. “I still can’t believe all of this is because we evacuated some patients at their airfield on a random day.”

“I know,” Hope smiled softly. “Look at us.”

The girls chattered continued late into the night and come morning when Frank knocked on their door, they had finally fallen into a dreamless sleep, still tightly wrapped in each other's arms.

A/N: What I wrote about John's sisters is true!! Frances really was an Army Corps Nurse in the South Pacific during WW2 and Eileen got married in 1941 to Lowell Watson! Johnny's father, John Egan (Sr.) sadly passed away in 1942. The Egan parents named two out of their three children after themselves, John and Frances being their namesakes! Just thought I should share that the Egan family was pretty cool!

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