Chapter Text
Spring 1943
The music was blaring in the bar as the officers and enlisted airmen celebrated the night their friend and co-leader, John ‘Bucky’ Egan’s last night on American soil before being shipped off to England the next day after becoming Air Executive for the 100th Bombing Group. The drinks were flowing, and the fellow airmen took great joy in partying the night away without even needing a reason to. They knew they would be joining him in the next couple of weeks and were eager to finally fly into combat and win the war.
The said man and his best friend, Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven were sat together on a table with two beautiful women beside them. Tomorrow one would go to Europe and the other would stay behind- for at least another 2 weeks. No one could be happier and prouder than Bucky Egan to finally pave the way for his boys to take up occupation at Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk, England. Bucky of course would have to test out all the local watering holes so he could let his friend(s), in particular Curt Biddick, know the best place for a drink.
Bucky was paying the bar and his friends’ antics by the bar more attention than his supposed date and the brunette was starting to pout in annoyance.
“Bucky, the next round is on us!” Crank shouted across the bar and lifted his pint glass in his direction. Bucky smirked as Brady elbowed Crank in exasperation. A well-known fact about Crank is that the round is never solely on him, always ‘us’. Buck chuckled under his breath at the men’s antics before trying to re-direct his attention to the blonde beside him. It was not Buck’s idea of a good time, but he knew Marge from back home and felt rude saying he was busy tonight without inviting her out.
“Well he has never done that before.” Bucky commented in an attempt to start conversation at the table.
“Yes, he has. Normally you are too drunk to notice Bucky.” Buck retorted, not afraid of calling out his best friend knowing Bucky won’t take it to heart. Bucky knows his faults he just does not want to fix them and Buck as his friend won’t force him too. Bucky is Bucky and nothing is going to change that as Buck soon realised after knowing the man for 3 years.
“So um you’re Bucky and he’s Buck?” the brunette questioned with a barely detectable scoff in her voice.
“Ah, that’s a long story.” Bucky attempted to divert the conversation. Not that he is embarrassed but because it didn’t matter. Gale Cleven will always be Buck now and Bucky did not need to explain the story to anyone and especially not some woman he was never going to see again.
But Buck being Buck has to be polite when Marge tries to tell her friend. Classic Buck.
Bucky raised an eyebrow at Buck when Marge was too busy talking to her friend. A friendship as close as theirs sometimes doesn’t need words to communicate. Bucky was confused as to why Buck brought Marge in the first place. Buck told him the other day that he didn’t see a future with her. Buck widened his eyes a little meaningfully. Bucky chuckled under his breath. His friend was too soft when it came to women for his own good. Bucky chuckled again when he thought about how his baby sister would adore Buck- she always had had the sweetest disposition out of the whole Egan clan.
Charlie.
Bucky looked into his half empty tumbler with unseeing eyes and unconsciously frowned as he thought of the missing third and last child of Mr and Mrs Egan from Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Buck caught the shift in Bucky’s emotions quickly and shifted his head sideways wondering why his always cheerful friend suddenly lost his spark on his big celebration night.
“Girls, why don’t you put a song on?” Buck asked the two women politely with his deep drawl. Marge looked at Buck with a questioning smile but chose not to question the out of character request. Marge grabbed her friend and walked over to the record player in the corner of the bar.
“Do you want to talk about something?” Buck asked with a raised eyebrow at the suddenly sullen Major.
Bucky scrunched up his nose in hesitation. Speaking about Charlie was something he hadn’t done for a while. Especially after her letters stopped coming.
“No not really I just uh had my sister come to mind just now.” Bucky weakly smiled at his friend, brushing off the conversation as best as he could.
“Why would you suddenly look sad when thinking about your sister? Go ring her up right now if you want to talk to her.” Buck said with mild exasperation- Wisconsin was not on the other side of the planet! Bucky rolled his eyes.
“Not that one. The one in London. My baby sister.” Bucky retorted suddenly having the urge to down his whiskey in one gulp.
“Oh” Buck replied not knowing what to say.
He knew the story to a degree. Bucky told him briefly one night a year ago while off his head drunk. Bucky Egan was not normally a sad drunk, but it was his younger sister’s birthday back then, her 21st, and Bucky had not forgotten it, so he decided to get plastered out of his head that night and of course had to drag the mild-mannered Buck with him.
“Still haven’t heard from her huh.” Buck confirmed, seeing the direction this conversation was going. Bucky winced at his words. No he hadn’t.
“The letters stopped coming a long while ago.” Bucky admitted before taking the plunge and finishing off his drink in one gulp.
“She may just be busy Bucky. I heard London took a heavy beating. She’s alright.” Buck reassured his friend with his calm words and demeanour.
“Oh I know she is alright. I would have received a death notification otherwise.” Bucky bitterly coughed out, wishing he had another whiskey in his hand other than the empty tumbler which he slammed down on the table maybe a bit too hard but not enough to break it. A few of the men at the back of the bar and the two ladies at the record player glanced over at the duo briefly.
“Bucky.” Buck sighed not knowing what else to say. His kid sister went to London 3 years ago and then dropped off the face of the earth.
“When you get over there, look her up.” Buck advised, knowing he would do the same for his own sister.
“Hmm and what if she does not want to see me?” Bucky asked, and for the first time ever insecurity was present in his voice.
“Then you will know.” Buck replied simply. Bucky cracked a smile at that. Buck really was Bucky’s other half. He knew him so well and knew just what to say. Bucky looked away for a moment at the bar door with a wistful smile.
“I never wanted her to go you know but she was so headstrong. I blame those Egan genes ya know?” Bucky started rambling trying to remember the events that took place 3 years ago. He had tried to block them out for the most part. Buck stayed quiet but with a small smile. Talking about Charlie might help his friend get it off his chest. “She uh read about how much the British were suffering and their mass losses and the bombing of the cities.” Bucky shook his head at the memory of his big-hearted sister.
“She couldn’t help herself. I knew she couldn’t. I tried to deter her. I did but she was not having none of it.” Bucky shrugged with a small smirk.
“Sounds like someone else I know. “ Buck commented with a smirk of his own. Bucky laughed in agreement.
“Yeah. She took after me alright. When we were younger, she used to follow me everywhere. I used to call her my little shadow.” Bucky’s eyes watered involuntarily as looked vacantly at the table, thinking on his Charlie. Buck looked with concern at his friend. Bucky realised what he was doing and soon snapped out of it. He sniffed back his tears and raised his empty glass high in the air.
“Hey Crank, where are those drinks huh?” Bucky shouted across the bar in typical fashion.
“Alright, alright they’re coming!” Crank shouted back in annoyance.
Crank came over and passed Buck his ginger beer and Bucky his new whiskey tumbler before travelling back to the other boys at the bar and raising a glass. “Let’s have a toast for Major Egan! To our new air exec, Bucky!” The boys cheered and Bucky grinned at the attention.
“Of all the drunks in the 100th.” Everett muttered quietly not but quiet enough as Bucky grinned wider at the comment.
“Well someone’s gotta make a nest for the rest of you dodos!” Bucky commented with glee and his classic smile on his face like the conversation with Buck had never happened.
Bucky glanced over at Buck carelessly watching the girls still standing by the record player with a disinterested look in his eye. “How the hell did we end up as best friends? You don’t like to dance, you ignore beautiful women, you don’t drink, you don’t gamble, you don’t even like sports!”
“We are one of life’s great mysteries.” Gale smiled, already aware of the Bucky lecture he had given him many times over the last 3 years. How the two men became best friends is also one of life’s great mysteries. Bucky smiled as he thought again how his sister would like Buck but may eat him alive if she picked up on any of Bucky’s bad habits.
Bucky let out a breath and gave a quiet sigh. “So this is it.”
“This is it,” Buck confirmed with a release of a breath “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“If I don’t die first.”
“Hate to break it to you Bucky, but you are the 100ths new Air Executive now and you’re not going over there to fly missions.” Buck gently said with a small shake of his head.
Bucky winced at that knowing the blonde’s reaction to his next news. “Hmm yeah. Listen, I uh, had a conversation with the CO of the 389th and I’m flying with those boys until you show up. I’ll be an observation pilot.”
Buck leaned back in his seat in surprise. “You son of a bitch.”
“Well someone’s gotta get a taste of real combat,” Bucky grinned undeterred by Buck’s reaction. “Tell you what it’s really like up there.”
“Well don’t you die on me before I get over there,” Buck started “I want to meet Charlie.”
Bucky rolled his eyes. “Don’t count on it and of course you do,” Bucky replied not surprised in the slightest.
Bucky stepped out of the B-17 and felt like throwing up. He loved to fly. Normally there was no better feeling in the world. What did he NOT love was flak, German fighters and for his plane to be on fire- and not necessarily in that order.
He had just finished his third mission as an observation pilot with the 389th. He thought that on the first mission they were just unlucky and barely managed to make it back to England on two engines. On the second mission, he wrote it off as a coincidence when most of the back half of the plane was shredded through with bullet holes but on the third? They had to nosedive to put out the fire on the wing and limped back to England on 2 engines. Now he knew. It was not bad luck or coincidence. These daylight missions are suicide. What is he going to tell his boys who were coming tomorrow? What is he going to tell Buck?
Bucky looked over his shoulder at the torn-up plane in contemplation. The engineers were doing the first order of business when a plane comes back, washing out the blood inside with buckets of water. The sight would have sent any normal person into a gag but fortunately for Bucky he had grown used to it in a short space of time. He suppose he should count himself lucky it wasn’t his blood this time.
The sight was enough to make him drink. Not that Bucky Egan needed an excuse to drink.
The pub was crowded that night. Every night really.
The noise didn’t bother Bucky. The louder the better he thought with glee.
He was nursing a whiskey and was halfway inebriated before he had the great idea to challenge Morris, the Irish man that worked labour on the air base, to a competition so he could win a couple of bikes. Bucky knew that Buck would get a kick out of it when he arrived the next day. Tommy, his friend, did not let him down and easily made the shot just off centre of the middle of the apple. Bucky thought briefly of his sisters, both very different in personality. The oldest, Eugenia, would absolutely have given him a smack for his behaviour. But Charlie…. Oh Charlie would have loved it! Bucky smiled, imagining her youthful face lighting up when he won.
Thinking about Charlie, Bucky hadn’t had the time to look up his sister and to be honest wouldn’t know where to start. She technically didn’t work for the Americans since she came over before America entered the war to aid the British.
Bucky’s brain was so frazzled he couldn’t make out much of what was going on around him but what did pique his interest was the group of nurses from base huddled in the corner.
“Our new commanding officer is arriving tomorrow.” Doris commented after taking a sip of her glass.
“Yes, do you think she will be nice?” A timid girl by the name of Ellie asked. Another nurse scoffed at Ellie.
“Nice? I hear she’s been here for years but she’s American. If that’s true, I doubt she will miss the chance to rub it in our faces about her experience.” Said the brunette called Beatrice.
“I hear she’s been to Africa!” another chipped in. Some they were talking over each other with bits of gossip that had been floating about the new officer.
“It doesn’t matter where she has been or what she has done. She will be our commanding officer and we will show her the respect and dignity that her rank commands.” Motherly Louise quietened down the younger girls.
Bucky raised an eyebrow with intrigue. He hadn’t heard anything about this new commanding officer arriving. Bucky knew every single one of the nurses (some on a more intimate level than others) and could not wait to meet the new officer- hopefully she’s more exciting than these few nurses.
Chapter Text
The next day Bucky, hungover and feeling sick, drove his jeep towards the hardstands after watching the fleet of B-17’s land safely at Thorpe Abbotts airfield. He had carelessly thrown the two bikes in the back, proud to show Buck what he had been up to in his absence. The jolting from the jeep did not help Bucky trying desperately to keep his alcohol down from last night coming back up.
He couldn’t help when he saw Morris hard at work to toot his horn and rub it in his face again that he won the bikes with a gleeful smile on his face as he raced past in his army issued jeep.
When Bucky arrived at the hardstand of Buck’s fort, he smiled the biggest smile in a long while at being back with his boys.
“DeMarco!” Bucky yelled with excitement. Benny DeMarco looked up from carefully lowering the newest member of the 100th, a beautiful white and gray husky.
“Hey Major!” DeMarco yelled back, looking like the classic flyboy with his aviator sunglasses covering his eyes.
“Where’d you get that dog, Benny?” Bucky enquired not even that surprised.
“I won him at craps.” DeMarco shouted back over the sound of the engines of nearby forts.
“You took this baby above 10,000 feet?” Bucky asked, leaning his hand down to stroke the placid dog’s head.
“He’s got a mask,” DeMarco started “cost me 3 bucks but boy he loves to fly!” DeMarco announced proudly at his new companion.
“He wouldn’t stop howling.” Buck intervened from behind in exasperation, sneaking up on the two officers. Bucky grinned at the sight of his best friend. He wouldn’t admit this to him, but he missed him a lot.
“Because he’s part wolf.” DeMarco defended his furry friend.
“That wolf is part dog.” Buck retorted, taking off his aviators.
“He got a name?” Bucky asked, breaking up the two pilots’ back and forth.
“Meatball!” DeMarco announced proudly.
“Welcome to the hundredth Meatball.” Bucky announced before DeMarco left with the 100th’s newest mascot.
Bucky shook Buck’s hand once the two were left alone together. “Did you miss me?” Bucky teased knowing his response already.
“Like a stone in my shoe.” Buck responded in his cowboy drawl. Bucky laughed knowing he truly did miss him. The two hadn’t been apart for a long time.
“How have you been getting on?” Buck asked, glancing around the air base with interest. Bucky’s face fell slightly at the thought of his last mission before quickly recovering to reiterate their supply problems with regard to masks and parashoots. The two friends teased each other about Bucky’s position and then Bucky passed on the information about Brady’s fort being missing from the rest seconds before they heard from familiar hum of the B-17’s engines.
“Well there’s Brady.” Bucky announced.
“His landing gear is not responding.” Buck commented, watching the one wheel come down but not the other.
“Geez on your first day in England?” Bucky asked in disbelief.
“Unlucky.” Buck stated. Bucky winced at the word. Luck was everything round here and the 35 crews that had landed today from Greenland didn’t even know it yet. His best friend didn’t know it yet.
“Yeah.” Bucky said darkly before hopping into the driver’s seat of the jeep. Buck frowned at Bucky’s change in demeanour but decided not to comment.
They arrived at the crash sight just after Lemmon’s and his crew had assessed the damage the fort took on the crash landing.
“Everyone ok?” Bucky enquired with concern. The smoke coming from the plane was not a pleasant sight and reminded him too much of his last mission with the 389th.
“Yes sir.” Lieutenant’s Brady and Crosby replied quickly when they realised the two Majors in the jeep were behind them.
“Brady, step into my office.” Bucky invited and Brady immediately walked over to the jeep with a sheepish look expecting a reprimand. Brady explained the difficulties they faced since leaving Greenland. Buck kept quiet as he let Bucky talk to the younger pilot.
Everyone felt better once Ken Lemmons announced that the damage looked worse than it is. No one, especially Brady, wanted to potentially lose out on their first bombing mission.
“Go see the nurses to get checked out.” Bucky ordered the young Lieutenant. Brady nodded and walked off.
“They oughta take good care of him.” Bucky told Buck with a knowing grin.
“Do I want to know how familiar you got with the nurses on base already?” Buck spoke for the first time in a while.
“No sir you do not,” Bucky teased with raised eyebrows and smirking lips. “But you know what? I heard in the pub last night that their new commanding officer is coming today, and I would very much like to see what she looks like and how long her legs are.” Bucky gossiped with excitement. Fresh meat.
“So uh we might have to sneak round the nurses’ quarters later.” Bucky told his friend. Buck raised an eyebrow at the use of ‘we’.
“I am not sneaking with you round the nurses’ quarters.” Buck said with a small smile fighting on his lips.
“Why not?” Bucky asked with a grin. Buck just shook his head in denial.
“Geez you haven’t changed a bit.” Bucky replied in false disappointment and shaking his head.
“What? in the two weeks we were apart?” Buck questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Why don’t we do what we always do? you get yourself in trouble and I bail you out.”
“I take offence to that. We don’t always do that.” Bucky protested while trying to keep an eye on the road.
“Name one time it was the other way around.” Buck countered with a smile. Bucky kept quiet. “So, do you want to tell me about this unicorn story?” Buck asked, his curiosity could not be kept at bay any longer.
“Well the unicorn is my favourite extinct animal.” Bucky replied with a straight face. The two Majors stared at each other for an uncomfortable moment before Buck cracked a smile at his eccentric friend.
It was later that afternoon when a shiny black Packard 180 Club Sedan pulled up at the security gate to Thorpe Abbotts air base. The female passenger barely visible in the back seat from people outside the car.
“Captain Egan. Colonel Huglin’s expecting me.” The young soldier on gate guard duty did a double take at the familiar surname before checking his board and confirming Captain Egan was expected to arrive today to Thorpe Abbotts.
“Yes, ma’am uh… sorry Captain Egan. Go ahead. His offices are straight ahead.” The young boy stuttered before letting the car through.
Charlie’s driver parked the sleek black car in front of the tin building signposted as Colonel Huglin’s commanding office.
“Much appreciation for the ride Frank.” Charlie told her driver who she knew very well from London.
“Not a problem Charlie girl. I’ll get your luggage out and be off then.” The older man, Frank, said. Charlie smiled at her kind friend who she knew coming on 2 years now.
Charlie left the safe confines of the car and turned around to take in the new site of the air base she was now stationed at. It was no London hospital that was for sure. Frank gently lifted her luggage out the boot of the car and bid the young Captain farewell.
Charlie lifted her bag and hesitated looking down at herself in her newly minted US Army khaki dress uniform and black heels. It was an unfamiliar sight for her who was used to her normal nursing dress. Only a couple of months ago she was still in London and various other places when needed under the command of the British before the American higher ups demanded her expertise to help out her own countrymen. It was something Charlie was not sure on but when they mentioned her brother…. Well there was no hesitation anymore. Didn’t mean she liked to leave London. The mud reminded her of back home. Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
“Oh I’m so sorry.” Charlie heard it before feeling someone bump their shoulder into hers. It almost sent her off balance in her black high heels before strong hands steadied her at her shoulders.
Charlie frowned in annoyance before looking up at the purest blue eyes she had ever seen. They were set deep into a cherub looking face with pale skin and dark blonde hair which was sporting a pilot’s cap resting at an angle on his head. The blonde man paused after taking in the woman he had accidently bumped into.
“Are you ok?” Buck asked the young woman who took his breath away at first sight. She looked so polished, like she had just come out of a movie premiere, shoulder length wavy dark brown hair, dark blue eyes, red lips, pale skin. Buck did not fail to notice the captain bars on her uniform.
“Oh fine, just contemplating what kind of sadistic person invented high heels.” Charlie nodded down at her heels which were a little mud splattered already. Buck huffed a laugh, relieved the woman did not scream at him to watch where he was going.
“Well I would not be able to comment I’m afraid Captain.” Buck replied politely, making sure to use her title and possibly get her name if he was lucky.
Charlie looked up and really looked at the man, noting his high rank. “No I suppose not Major.” Buck looked at her luggage trailing behind her and offered his help with it as a form of apology.
“No thank you. I just need to see Colonel Huglin and will be on my way to my quarters.” Charlie declined his offer. Buck raised an eyebrow with intrigue. Did this mean this was the new commanding officer of the nurses Bucky was talking about?
“Ah so you are the one I have to wait for before I can see the Colonel.” Buck stated. “You look a little familiar. Have we met before Captain?” Buck asked, looking at the familiar blue eyes with intensity. Charlie suppressed a blush at the amount of attention this blonde officer was giving her. She had received a lot of attention over the years from all types of men. This man was no different and yet there was something about him.
“I highly doubt it,” Charlie denied before checking her watch “If you will excuse me, Major.” Buck watched the new Captain on base walk away into Colonel Huglin’s office. His eyes squinting as he tries to place where he knows her from.
“Captain Egan,” Colonel Huglin greeted the young woman sat up straight and proper in the chair opposite him. “I just had your brother in my office.” Charlie perked up at the mention of Bucky.
“Mmm what has he done now?” Charlie asked knowingly and also with a touch of disinterest. Charlie’s heart felt restricted every time Bucky is mentioned.
“He has no order, no discipline on or off base. He wants a demotion.” Colonel Huglin told the new officer assigned to his base.
“So why don’t you give it to him Sir?” Charlie asked, not bothered in the slightest about her older brother’s behaviour. Colonel Huglin looked surprised at the woman. Charlie sighed at the Colonel’s reaction. “John Clarence Egan will not change and if he has earned himself a demotion due to his unruly behaviour, I see no reason why it would affect yourself or your command. There must be another candidate that would be better suited to the role of Air Executive.” Charlie voiced her opinion without hesitation or emotion.
“Hmm. Does your brother know you are being stationed here?” The Colonel asked, changing the subject.
Charlie looks sharply at the Colonel with a tight jaw “No,” she immediately replied and then narrowed her eyes with suspicion. “Is that why I’m here? because of Bucky?” Charlie asked with a frown. Nobody ever told her why her orders led her to Norfolk.
“I have no information on that. Your orders came from someone much higher up at command. They seemed to be impressed with you. With your work.” The Colonel said.
“I’m a nurse. I have not done anything extraordinary than what other nurses have done.” Charlie bluntly said with a straight face. The Colonel sighed before reaching for a brown file on his desk in front of him and opening it.
“I wouldn’t say that, Captain. You arrived in London in 40’- served throughout the heavy bombing of London in the biggest busiest hospital, was asked to provide aid on the ground in North Africa in 41’- was wounded and returned to England to recover, served as a flight nurse in 42’ for evacuating casualties from North Africa- was wounded again and taken back to England to recover and has since been head nurse of a busy London hospital with over 50 nurses under your command,” Colonel read from the file in front of him. “It’s an impressive file Charlotte and definitely not the experience of an average nurse.”
Charlie bit her lip as her history was read out in front of her. Like she hadn’t experienced it all first hand. Her wounds that she had received still ached when it got cold and wet even after they had healed. Colonel Huglin sighed at the woman who in reality was not much older than the youngest boys on the B-17’s crews.
“You have done an awful lot in the last 3 years for the British, but we need you back now Charlotte. We need your help. Our nurses are good, but they don’t have the experience you have. We need you to take up command,” Huglin told the still silent woman. “And as befitting a commanding officer.” Huglin pushed along the desk 3 small wooden boxes. The box in the middle the biggest of the three and what drew Charlie’s attention. Charlie hesitantly reached out for the biggest box and opened it slowly.
“Oak leaf.” Charlie whispered.
“Congratulations Major Egan. It’s important that everyone takes you seriously and obeys you and this promotion will ensure that.” Colonel Huglin explained. Charlie looked troubled at the promotion. It seemed only yesterday she was made Captain let alone now a Major.
“And the other two boxes?” Charlie asked, not wanting to open them in case of another surprise.
“Two purple hearts- for each wound you received in service.” Colonel Huglin explained softly. Charlie’s eyes glazed over at the mention of her wounds. Sometimes she thinks she will never recover from them, physically or mentally.
“I was under British command when I was wounded.” Charlie retorted. Colonel Huglin shrugged.
“Doesn’t matter. You were still wounded in the service of an ally of the United States and therefore will be eligible for your purple heart medals.”
Charlie picked up the two unopened boxes but made no move to open them up. Colonel Huglin watched the newly promoted Major with careful eyes.
“You have fully recovered from your wounds, correct?” Huglin asked for reassurance after her strange behaviour.
“Yes, they have completely healed.” Charlie confirmed with a blank face, a little overwhelmed with the whole situation.
“Good. If that is everything, Private Ellis will show you to the nurses’ quarters.” Colonel Huglin dismissed her, already looking down at the next pile of paperwork to work through.
“Colonel Huglin?” Charlie asked with her typical strong and confident voice. A much different person than a few minutes ago. Colonel Huglin sighed in annoyance and looked up at the visibly more confident woman. “Come see me in the infirmary when you have a minute, I’ll need to have a look at your lungs.” Charlie commanded, nodding to the blood stain splatter that had not been cleaned up properly before walking out the door without a look back. The Colonel looked at the remains of the blood with a sigh before unconsciously smiling at the now closed door with some fondness. He thought that this Major Egan was much more tolerable than the other one.
Charlie was fiddling with putting on her new oak leafs on her collar when she ran into the blonde pilot from before outside the office still.
“Oh hello. Apologies my fault this time.” Charlie apologised. Buck took note of the new rank and immediately congratulated the woman.
“Thanks.” Charlie replied with not much enthusiasm while groaning in annoyance when the pin on the insignia would not go in.
“Allow me.” Buck politely asked and Charlie dropped her hands to acquiesce to the expertise of the blonde Major who immediately pinned the insignia correctly to the uniform.
“Thank you Major.” Charlie said with gratitude.
“Cleven.” Buck commented. Charlie raised an eyebrow.
“My name is Gale Cleven,” The blonde introduced himself “And what is your name? This is our second meeting after all, and I still do not know who I am talking to.” Charlie smirked at the familiar name. Oh yes, she knew who Gale Cleven is alright. Her brother after all is a talker.
“I am sure you will find out my name soon enough Major. I really must go, and you should not keep the Colonel waiting any longer. See you later Major Cleven.” The brunette replied with a knowing smile. Before Buck could protest, the woman was already making her way towards the waiting orderly. Buck looked at the retreating form of the woman for a moment with a small smile before deciding to finally face the Colonel.
“Oh Major Cleven?” Buck paused at the call of his name and turned to find the smirking face of the woman who had stopped in her tracks “Has anyone ever tell you that you look exactly like Buck from Manitowoc Wisconsin?” Buck froze in shock. Charlie smiled knowingly at Buck before turning around to leave. Buck watched her retreating figure in awe.
“Well I’ll be damned.” Buck whispered under his breath before a smile slowly grew on his face.
Notes:
Ok so I really had to get this chapter out but please be aware I will not be updating as frequently as this all the time but I absolutely loved this chapter and I hope you do too!
Bucky and Buck are quite a pair aren't they? I love them so much and can totally imagine Bucky sneaking round the nurses' quarters, can't you?
I hope Charlie's introduction sits well with you all.
As always please excuse any spelling errors and typos
Thank you and please let me know what you think!
Chapter Text
“Am I not sharing quarters with the other nurses, Private Ellis?” Charlie questioned with confusion when they arrived at a lone small wooden structure which only had one cot inside.
“Colonel Huglin was given orders by command to give you private quarters Major.” The private replied. Charlie frowned. Someone high up has been pulling a lot of strings when it comes to her placement and comfort. She didn’t know anyone high up in the American military and it couldn’t have been Bucky- he neither has the rank or knowledge of her arrival.
“Oh I was not aware. Thank you, Private Ellis, you may take your leave.” The private gave her a friendly smile and salute before hurrying back to the Colonel’s office. Charlie put down her luggage and started sorting out her clothes and belongings. She didn’t have a lot. Travelling light became a necessity when she had volunteered for North Africa. Her one constant was her framed picture. Charlie brought out her prized possession and set it down on her nightstand. It was a picture of herself and Bucky smiling at the camera with Bucky wrapping her up in his arms. It was taken 1 week before she left for England. The glass in the frame was cracked but the picture was still in good condition. She had thrown it at the wall one night after a particularly gruelling day in a makeshift tent hospital when in Africa. Charlie sighed at the sight of Bucky’s smiling face with apprehension. She hoped Bucky would receive her warmly after their time apart.
Charlie stowed all her gear away, checked her appearance in the small mirror provided and then made her way to the nurses’ quarters that Private Ellis pointed out earlier on his very brief tour.
Charlie stepped into the long wooden hut of the shared nurses’ quarters. It was nearly full and there was a few of the women laying on their cots reading and such while others dolled themselves up for going out tonight to the officer’s club. She eyed the shared quarters and raised an eyebrow at the mess.
A nurse soon noticed her standing silently in the doorway and hoped up instantly from her cot.
“Oh ma’am” The woman flustered at seeing her new commanding officer. At the woman’s exclamation the other women jumped up almost at attention to their new superior.
“Lieutenants,” Charlie greeted, taking off her army issued hat to reveal her sleeky dark locks and dark blue eyes. “I’m Major Charlotte Egan and will be your new commanding officer.” She greeted the young girls and older woman serenely.
Some of the girls shared a glance in surprise at the familiar surname. Of course, everyone knew Bucky on base.
“Yes, I am related to Major John Egan, I’m his sister, and no he does not know I am here. It’s a surprise so please keep it to yourselves until I see him tonight at the officer’s club.” Charlie asked.
“Of course, Major.” Louise replied respectfully with a knowing look at the younger woman with tired eyes. The other girls murmured their agreements amongst themselves. “Would you like me to give you a tour of the infirmary?” Louise offered. Charlie smiled gratefully at the motherly woman.
“That would be lovely thank you,” Charlie accepted “I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to come to me if you have any questions or issues.”
“I’m Louise Hartley.” The older woman introduced on their walk to the infirmary.
“Charlie.” The brunette replied with ease.
“How long has it been since you last saw your brother? if you don’t mind me asking.” Louise enquired gently. She did not think she had ever overheard Bucky talking about his family. Not like the other men do sometimes.
“3 years. I left for England in 1940.” Charlie told the woman, relaxed in her presence.
“A long time then.” Louise commented not wanting to pry further.
“Yes.” Charlie replied with tightly with pain behind her eyes.
“Here we are!” Louise exclaimed at the inconspicuous building with a red cross painted above the door. Charlie raised an eyebrow, it was certainly not London, but it would do. There was no one in the infirmary apart from a doctor in a white coat hurrying about with a clipboard and a couple of nurses in uniform giggling to each other.
“Dr Huston, our new commanding officer has arrived, Major Charlotte Egan.” Louise introduced.
“Egan?” The doctor raised an eyebrow.
“I see Bucky has made his presence known everywhere.” Charlie commented, not surprised in the slightest. He always was the life of the party.
“Yes, they’re siblings.” Louise explained quickly not wanting the wrong idea to be passed around.
“That alcohol loving, singing man-child is your brother?” The doctor asked for confirmation again.
“For 22 years of my life.” Charlie confirmed with a small smirk. Oh Bucky had not changed a bit!
“What’s his baseball team?” The doctor asked with narrowed eyes.
“Yankees.” Charlie automatically responded.
“Oh dear lord it’s true.” The doctor rather dramatically exclaimed. Louise looked nervously at the interaction between Charlie and Dr Huston.
“Don’t worry doctor. I’ve sure you will find I’m quite a bit different than my big brother.” Charlie reassured the doctor who seemed to be panicking at the thought of two Major Egan’s running around base and causing mischief.
“I would like to hope so.” The doctor exclaimed before walking away muttering about unicorns and narwhal tusks. Charlie raised a questioning eyebrow at Louise for clarification, but Louise shook her head and couldn’t stop a smirk appearing on her face thinking about the story that went base wide and pretty much made Bucky famous as the ‘wild one’ of the 100th bomb group.
“Bucky.” Buck greeted his best friend when he sat down opposite him in the mess hall with a tray of food with his dinner on.
“Buck.” Bucky greeted back, halfway through chewing some kind of meat that was not recognisable anymore. Bucky scooped up some more food to shovel into his mouth and then realised Buck had not even picked his fork up and was just staring at Bucky with a faint smile on his face.
“What?” Bucky asked around swallowing a large bite of potatoes. Buck shook his head and eventually picked up his fork. Bucky narrowed his eyes at his friend’s strange behaviour.
“What?” Bucky repeated, wanting to know what tickled his friend.
“I’ve got a surprise for you later.” Buck couldn’t help but say, barely containing the grin he wanted to display.
“Why? My birthday is not till September.” Bucky questioned with confusion.
“You’ll see later.” Buck dismissed his enquiry while properly tucking into his own meal now.
“Buck!” Bucky whined like a child. Buck looked at the ceiling for help, instantly regretting saying anything now. He hopes that Charlie will be able to rein her older brother in but if what the limited information Bucky has told him is true, then they might have a case of two troublemaking Egan’s on base.
“Is it the new nurse CO? is she hot? Oh god please tell me she is hot.” Bucky spoke looking up at the ceiling as if in prayer. Buck smirked knowingly and Bucky caught on fast.
“How long are her legs?” Bucky asked eagerly “Buck!” He whined when Buck wouldn’t answer.
Charlie was reapplying her red lipstick for what felt like the 100th time. She was nervous. It had been 3 long years since she had seen Bucky. She had changed. Bucky had probably changed although you wouldn’t think it after hearing about his antics on base from the others. They also did not leave on the best note when Charlie took off for England. Bucky was very much against it and there was still some tension in his letters before Charlie decided to stop writing. It was a hard decision to make but it made it easier to do her job and live her life in England. To detach from everyone. Charlie only hoped that Bucky still held her close in his heart and would be pleased to see her after all this time.
Charlie took one last look at herself in the mirror and sighed, trying not to take off her new layer of lipstick by biting her lip. It was a hard habit to break. Charlie’s class A uniform was in pristine condition and pressed to perfection with no wrinkles. Her hair was sleek and curled perfectly and her eyes were lined with a light layer of kohl to make the blue pop. She was ready.
“Major, are you coming?” Louise asked after knocking at her quarter’s door.
“Almost. Go on without me. I’ll meet you in there.” Charlie called back, needing a moment to herself.
“Ok. See you soon.” Louise replied with a little uncertainty. Nobody knew the story between the two Egan siblings. This could either be a very sweet reunion between brother and sister or a very dramatic one as they yell at each other.
“Ok. Let’s go Charlie. You’ve faced worse than an angry brother.” Charlie grimaced as she looked down at her skirt covered thigh that hid her most recent wound.
Charlie’s heels clicked as she walked over to the officer’s club an took a deep breath outside the double doors. She could hear the music and chatter already drifting through to her ears.
Charlie finally gathered her courage and walked into the big room. She took a moment to pause to take it all in before deciding to head for the bar at the other end. She had an inkling that is where her brother will be.
“Major.” Her nurses greeted her as she passed their tables. Their tables consisted of a mixture of nurses, red cross girls, and airmen. The airmen attempted to stand up to salute her higher rank, but she waved them off, not stopping in her mission to reach the bar. There was some murmuring from some of the men at the new face in the crowd, but Charlie ignored it. Charlie reached the bar area and smiled at the familiar sight of those signature dark curls. Charlie took the bar stool next to her brother and caught Buck’s eye and smiled at him over Bucky’s shoulder. Bucky was sitting with his back to Charlie while to talked to his buddy, whiskey glass in front of him nearly gone already.
“What can I get for you Major?” The barman asked.
“Major Egan. I will have what the other Major Egan is drinking.” Charlie introduced herself and spoke loud enough for everyone at the bar to hear. Bucky, who was taking a sip of drink, choked, and nearly spat out his drink on poor Buck. Charlie focused her eyes on Bucky and could see his shoulders tense before he slowing turned around on his stool to face his baby sister. The airmen nearby who heard this exchange all quietened down to watch the two Major Egan’s in anticipation. They were indefinitely worse than gossiping women.
Dark blue eyes locked with similar dark blue eyes and Charlie felt like time stood still. Her brother looked the same, older perhaps, but the same. She hoped she did not look too different. Bucky analysed his sister for a moment and took in her oak leafs with pursed lips.
Bucky didn’t say anything and then turned back around to thump Buck’s arm with his fist. The Wyoming native huffed at the sudden pain in his arm.
“What was that for?” Buck asked in annoyance.
“You said the new nurse CO is hot. Have you been looking at my sister?” Bucky accused his friend, pointing his finger at him.
Buck frowned in surprise and a little annoyance. He was also uncontrollably blushing. For what reason he did not know. “I never said the nurses’ new CO was hot.” Buck replied. Bucky frowned further.
“You said it with your eyes. Are you saying you don’t find my sister attractive?” Bucky countered now offended. Charlie thought she would join in now instead of letting Bucky have all the fun.
“You don’t find me attractive Buck?” Charlie asked with a frown. Buck spluttered at that question and Bucky was biting back his grin- trying to keep a straight face.
“I never said I don’t find you attractive.” Buck tried to placate the two hellions.
“So you have been looking at my sister.” Bucky accused. Curt whistled into his glass from nearby trying to fight his glee. Buck looked at Curt and Brady for help nearby but they avoided eye contact.
“I have NOT been looking at your sister.” Buck slowly said, starting to sweat a little.
“Why? Am I not good enough for you?” Charlie asked, fighting her grin so much that she swore she nearly cracked a tooth.
“Yeah, why is my sister not good enough for you?” Bucky chimed in, pretending to be angry. Buck spluttered out what was words but didn’t make sense. His tongue was twisted, and he didn’t know what to do or say next. He was completely speechless.
And as if they had rehearsed it to perfection, both Egan’s broke out into giant smiles at the same time before looking at each other and then they clambered into each other’s arms as if they had spent no time apart. Charlie affectionately cupped Bucky’s face within her hands delicately before letting go his face go. Their arms around each other’s waists were still entangled when they turned to face Buck who had been frozen.
“I think we broke Buck.” Charlie commented loudly with a sympathetic smile while resting her head on her brother’s chest as she snuggled into him. He still smelled the same.
“Nah he will be fine,” Bucky reassured her before flagging down the barman who had tried to hide earlier at the tense conversation “One more ginger beer for Major Cleven please.” Bucky ordered while relishing in squeezing his little sister to him.
“You two…” Buck started regaining his voice slowly “you two might be the death of me.” Buck disclosed while taking a long sip of his ginger beer. His throat was incredibly dry.
“Hopefully not, I am very much looking forward to getting to know you Buck Cleven.” Charlie announced with a cheerful smile.
“Speaking of getting to know,” Biddick cut in, getting everyone’s attention “I personally think you are very attractive-“ Bucky frowned and extended his whole arm, pointing at Biddick with his index finger “No.” Bucky simply said. Biddick looked a bit offended but held up his hands in surrender.
“And that goes for the rest of you dodos. No looking at my baby sister with those lusty disgusting eyes.” Bucky told the nearby pilots and crew with a stern look. Charlie looked at Bucky with exasperation and couldn’t help rolling her eyes- he really hadn’t changed. She muttered under her breath that she is hardly a baby anymore. Buck was the only one to hear that and smiled at the brunette with some sympathy.
“Alright kill joy. Are we drinking or not?” Charlie asked, breaking the sudden tension in the air.
“Oh yeah she is an Egan alright.” Kidd exclaimed and the rest of the men laughed including Bucky and Buck.
“As if I had any doubt,” Bucky retorted with a grin “Come on, we can talk about where the hell you’ve been.” Bucky guided Charlie over to a nearby table so they could sit down with their drinks. Charlie gulped and her smile faded some. Bucky didn’t notice but Buck’s careful eyes did.
Notes:
So this is chapter 3!
For anyone sitting in this Friday night, this is a treat for you!
Enjoy and please let me know what you think
Chapter Text
“- and that is the story of how I nearly destroyed a whole bar with a narwhal tusk pretending to be a unicorn.” Bucky finished telling his infamous story. Charlie had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard.
“Oh Bucky.” Charlie could only splutter out between wiping her happy tears and holding her stomach because it hurt so much from laughing.
Bucky looked at his sister with open affection. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her so happy before.
“I’m so happy to see you Charlie.” Bucky exclaimed, hugging her with his arm over her shoulder to his chest. If he had a girlfriend, he had no doubt they would be jealous at the closeness of the siblings.
“I’m happy to see you too.” Charlie replied, smiling the brightest smile she had. When she was a kid, she idolised her big brother and the feeling had not changed in the 3 years they had been apart but they both noticed that now there was some distance that came with the separation.
“I’ll get us some more drinks. Another whiskey?” Bucky announced after noticing their glasses were empty.
“Yeah, thanks Bucky.” Charlie confirmed.
“When I come back, I want to hear about your adventures next!” Bucky shouted over his shoulder, on his way to the busy bar. Bucky didn’t see Charlie’s face fall. Charlie looked at the wall in thought with a frown before she started searching in her now discarded jacket pocket for her cigarettes and lighter. Charlie let out a half-relaxed sigh when she took her first puff of the night on her cigarette. She leaned her head back on the chair’s head rest and looked at the ceiling deep in thought until she saw a shadow fall over her. Charlie semi lifted her head up to see Buck standing next to her seat.
“Those things will kill ya.” Buck told the younger woman. Charlie scoffed at the notion.
“Yeah, that or something else.” Charlie muttered quietly but not quiet enough for Buck not to hear. Buck frowned at the sudden turn in her mood. Charlie puffed on her cigarette some more and gestured to the empty chair next to her.
“Take a seat Buck. Join us.” Charlie offered with a small smile. Buck hesitated at the invitation.
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude. I’m sure you both have a lot of catching up to do.” Buck tried to weasel out of the Egan reunion after the last conversation all three of them had.
“We are not going to catch up 3 years’ worth of stories in one night. I’m sure Bucky will not mind you joining us.” Charlie reassured the timid officer. Charlie did wonder how her rumbunctious brother managed to become best friends with one of the quietest, sweetest man. Buck looked back at Bucky waiting at the bar and chatting with Major Kidd before deciding to sit next to the newly promoted officer.
“How uh did you know who I was?” Buck asked, trying to make conversation at the same time as trying to satisfy his curiosity.
“’Gale Cleven.’ ‘What kind of a name is Gale?’” Charlie recited with a giggle. “That is what my brother wrote to me about the first time you two met.” Buck couldn’t help but laugh. It was typical Bucky.
“My brother wrote a lot about you that I almost feel like I know you already,” Charlie declared “My brother thought that we would really like each other if we ever met.” Charlie told him, taking one more puff before putting out her cigarette in the ash tray on the table.
“Yeah, he said the same thing about you. Didn’t really talk about you after you stopped writing.” Buck added, subtly prying. Charlie was someone he couldn’t read. She was like Bucky but also not at the same time. She was unpredictable. He hoped she didn’t hurt his best friend again. Her going cold turkey hurt Bucky. A lot. A lot more than he would admit.
“Yeah, I guess not.” Charlie agreed, her buzz instantly wearing off with the direction the conversation was going. She hoped Bucky returned soon with the drinks.
“Lieutenant Reed,” Charlie suddenly called without looking away from Buck’s stormy eyes, it made Buck, Beatrice, and her male companion jump- the couple were walking past their chairs after a trip to the bar “You’re on shift tomorrow. No more drinks after that one.” Charlie ordered finally looking sternly at the said girl with authority. Beatrice stammered over her words in surprise.
“Yes Major.” Beatrice replied before hurrying away. Charlie watched the couple leave with a detachment that made Buck do a double take. It was like she was a completely different person to the one before. Someone who was used to being in charge. A natural leader.
“This ought to wet your whistle.” Bucky interrupted the moment by slamming the drinks down on the table. Charlie’s face lit up at the sight of her brother. He just radiated light and happiness. Buck watched as Charlie’s face changed so rapidly at the arrival of her brother.
“Oh Buck. I didn’t know you were joining us or I would have gotten you a drink too.” Bucky said noting his best friend sitting next to his sister. Bucky did not pick up on the tension in the air.
“That’s ok Bucky. I just finished mine.” Buck told his friend with a smile.
“Well alright. Hey Curt! Come join us.” Bucky said before shouting over their heads at his Brooklyn friend.
“Alright! I’m coming!” Curt shouted back, slightly inebriated just like Bucky was.
Curt dropped down in a seat between Buck and Bucky and opposite Charlie.
“Major, Major, Major,” Curt greeted the three of them “Jesus is it a Major convention or something?” Curt asked with a giggle. Charlie smiled at the small man’s cheerful personality.
“No because we invited you.” Bucky replied with a laugh poking at his Lieutenant bars.
“So, you did.” Curt agreed giggling. Charlie looked at Buck in bewilderment at the pair, but he just smiled and shook his head. So, this was nothing out of the ordinary then.
“Right where were we up to,” Bucky asked rhetorically while taking a sip of his whiskey. He raised an eyebrow when he saw the still smoking cig in the ash tray “Did you smoke that?” Bucky accused Buck with a frown. Buck shook his head in denial and a little offended his friend accused him first.
“Guilty.” Charlie admitted with a shoulder shrug.
“Since when do you smoke?” Bucky asked, pointing his finger at his sister.
“It’s been a while.” Charlie replied vaguely, not wanting to go into anymore detail.
“How long is a while?” Bucky pushed with a raised eyebrow.
“Bucky I am not 19 anymore.” Charlie replied with a roll of her eyes, not entertaining the direction the conversation was going in. Bucky’s face hardened at the reminder of the years they had been apart.
“No I suppose not and speaking of what the fuck Charlie?” Bucky replied, alcohol causing his lips to be looser than normal.
“What?” Charlie asked innocently, sipping her whiskey slowly.
“Where the hell have you been?” Bucky asked, starting the difficult conversation. Buck shifted in his seat uncomfortable as to what was to come. Curt was drunk enough not to know where this conversation was going.
“England.” Charlie replied nonchalantly.
“No, not just England,” Bucky retorted while pointing his glass at her “I overheard some of your nurses the other day speaking about their new CO serving in Africa.” Bucky accused, not letting that information go. All the jigsaw pieces were on the board, but Bucky could not figure out how they went together quite yet.
Buck watched Charlie’s face drop for a moment before she recovered quickly.
“I visited. I heard it was nice this time of year. Someone should probably have told me there was a war on.” Charlie joked. Curt chuckled at her quick wit. Bucky snorted into his glass, drinking quicker.
“Cute.” Bucky replied, not amused.
“I know I am.” Charlie smirked back.
“More like fucking gorgeous,” Curt butted in “Seriously how are you related to him?” Curt pointed at Bucky with wide blue eyes. Buck couldn’t help breaking his silence with a laugh at that. Charlie smirked at her brother with a shrug of her shoulders. She couldn’t deny that statement.
“Hey!” Bucky yelled in offense.
“You know what Curt? You may just be my new best friend.” Charlie declared with a touch of the Egan dramatics.
“I’ll take what I can get after threat of violence from this one,” Curt nodded at Bucky pouting in the corner “Want to dance gorgeous?” Curt asked Charlie with a charming smile and cheeky wink. Charlie giggled and her smile grew larger at Bucky’s annoyed face.
“I would love to,” Charlie accepted Curt’s hand to pull her up off her chair. “Don’t look so down brother. You can always ask Buck for a dance.” Charlie teased before waltzing off with the Brooklyn native.
Bucky was pouting while watching his sister and Curt spin around the dance floor. Charlie was laughing at a joke Curt told and was not paying all the attention needed for the dance. Buck watched Bucky silently.
“What?” Bucky asked stiffly after feeling Buck’s stare warm on his face.
“Why are you being such a stick in the mud?” Buck asked, not seeing this side of Bucky before.
“Me? A stick in the mud?” Bucky laughed at the accusation in disbelief. No one had ever told him that John Egan was a stick in the mud.
“Yes. As soon as Charlie got here you announced to every man around to keep their paws off.” Buck started before Bucky interrupted him.
“She’s my younger sister. Of course I’m going to scare guys away from her.” Bucky defended while still watching Charlie out of the corner of his eye.
“And you literally are not letting her leave your sight,” Buck finished, watching Bucky watch Charlie. “She’s a 22-year-old woman Bucky not a kid anymore.” Buck told his friend.
“Yeah, well I haven’t seen her since she was a kid,” Bucky bitterly said, ignoring Buck muttering under his breath ’19 not 16’. “And anyway did you see that?” Bucky pointed carelessly at the still dancing pair.
“See what?” Buck asked, unconsciously admiring the swish of Charlie’s skirt as Curt spun her around.
“The way she deflected my question! I mean Buck come on its suspicious right? I haven’t found out one thing about where she has been or what she has been doing all night!” Bucky was waving his arms around, really animated now.
Buck looked at Charlie with a frown, recalling the conversations and nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, she has been rather tight lipped, but it’s been a long time since you were together. She will open up to you eventually. Give it time.” Buck reassured his friend with his calm voice.
“Yeah.” Bucky reluctantly agreed before downing the rest of his drink.
The next day Charlie had asked for all the nurses to line up outside the infirmary. Charlie’s typical polished army uniform was traded in for her entirely white short sleeved nurses dress with her curls pulled back away from her face and her white nurses’ hat with the red cross sitting perfectly in the middle of her head. The rest of the nurses wore a variation of her outfit, a blue dress and a white pinafore with the red cross on the bodice along with a little white hat.
Charlie’s eyes narrowed at the dozen nurses under her command with scrutiny.
Bucky, Buck, and a handful of their friends- Crosby, Bubbles, Curt, Brady and Kidd- happened to have left the officer’s mess and saw the nurses lined up outside the infirmary with curiosity. They walked closer in an attempt at finding out what was going on.
“Do I have your attention, Lieutenant Parker?” Charlie asked the young girl with a hard voice when her eyes kept drifting to something behind her. Charlie had a feeling it was the men but did not dare to break her concentration with the issue at hand.
“Oh uh yes ma’am.” The girl replied with a blush of embarrassment at being singled out.
“Major.” Charlie corrected.
“Major.” The girl repeated, trying to not look at the men behind Charlie.
Charlie looked up and down the line of girls with narrowed eyes, noting the untidy hair and messy uniforms. They hadn’t even had casualties yet and they were a state. Charlie walked up and down the line of girls before stopping back in the middle.
“My disappointment in you cannot be understated.” Charlie voiced lowly but enough for all the girls to hear as well as the men watching. Charlie could feel the heat of their gazes from behind, but she didn’t care.
Some of the girls shuffled their feet anxiously at the reprimand and were looking at their shoes. A couple had the gall to look directly back in defiance.
“You have been without discipline for too long,” Charlie continued “You are messy, untidy, lazy and incapable of taking orders.”
Curt whistled under his breath at the telling off the girls were getting from Charlie. Bucky looked at his sister in shock. This was a side of his sister he had never seen before.
“When I order you to limit yourself to one drink because you have a shift the next day Lieutenant Reed, I expect you to listen to me,” Charlie told the woman in front of her. Lieutenant Reed looked at the ground in shame. Charlie didn’t bother to wait to hear an apology before she was moving in front of the next nurse on her list. “When it is asked of you to check the stock of medicines and bandages Lieutenant Willis, I expect it to be done,” Charlie told her next target before moving again to another nurse “And Lieutenant Riley, if I catch you with a man again in my infirmary you will be going home for unbecoming behaviour of a ranked officer.” Lieutenant Riley nearly burst into tears at the public reprimand and Charlie’s face softened some, leaving the woman alone.
Charlie’s face turned to the defiant eyes of a nurse who was not happy with the dressing down.
“Do you have something to say Beatrice?” Charlie forgone her rank and surname with a raised eyebrow.
“Yeah. What was Africa like?” Beatrice changed the topic with a malicious glint in her eye. Buck looked at Bucky with concern, wondering where this conversation was going. Bucky couldn’t tear his eyes away from his sister, watching her twitch uncomfortable at the mention of Africa. She was nervous he realised with surprise.
“Hot. Why? You want to go?” Charlie retorted after a while of processing the sudden change of direction, not willing to open up about her experiences with these girls. Charlie also did not forget the men on the sidelines watching, listening.
“I heard nurse fatalities were high.” Beatrice pushed, eyeing the scar peeking out of Charlie’s uniform near her collarbone. Charlie swallowed loudly at that statement.
“Yes, they were. 1 in 4 nurses were killed or wounded during the Africa campaign.” Charlie admitted truthfully. Pained at the words. Pained at the memories it brought back.
“Were you one of the nurses?” Beatrice asked with mock innocence. Charlie’s head snapped up at that remark. Bucky’s eyes widened at the conversation taking place and the new information.
“What?” Charlie was surprised, wondering how she knew that. Did she read her file?
“It’s just that you have a scar right here-“ Beatrice clarified pointing to her own collarbone to demonstrate. Charlie’s hand flew up to her collarbone self-consciously before tugged her collar to hide the revealed scar. Charlie glared at Beatrice’s smug face with barely concealed anger.
“Get out of my sight,” Charlie told the woman direct before looking at the rest of the nurses “All of you.” Charlie amended her command. The women quickly all left and soon only Charlie was left. Charlie could feel the heat of the men’s stare on her back, of her brother’s stare but she refused to turn around to face them. She knew they heard everything, but she did not have the strength to start another conversation right now. So she did what she normally did to calm down. She lit a cigarette, took a couple of puffs before beginning to sing blue skies under her breath before walking away before her brother even thought about approaching her.
Bucky made to follow her, but Buck placed a hand on his shoulder to hold him back.
“I don’t think now is the right time Bucky.” Buck told his friend. Bucky let out a huff in exasperation.
“Well when is the right time, Buck? She just admitted she was wounded!” Bucky half yelled. Kidd put another hand on Bucky’s shoulder, helping out Cleven.
“She didn’t admit anything. Beatrice was goading her.” Buck tried to calm Bucky down.
“I know my sister. She has a nervous twitch, and she was definitely nervous when Africa was brought up. And Beatrice said she has a scar.” Bucky traced with his finger on himself where Beatrice said it was. He hadn’t seen it yet, but he would he thought with determination.
Buck sighed on how to deter Bucky when he is in this state of mind. If Bucky wasn’t careful, he could scare Charlie away.
“Look Bucky, you are going to have to be careful about how you approach this. It is probably a very sensitive topic to Charlie.” Buck tried to reason with his buddy.
“Uh huh.” Bucky nodded, not really paying much attention to his friend. Head too wrapped up in Charlie and what she’s hiding.
“Are you paying attention?” Buck asked in exasperation, noticing Bucky’s mind was elsewhere.
“Hanging on every word.” Bucky retorted with a dark smile before walking away from the boys at pace, going the same direction Charlie disappeared in. Buck watched his clueless friend go with a sigh before running his hand through his blonde hair. Curt chuckled lightly under his breath. Buck looked over at the shorter man questioningly.
“They’re Egans’. They will work it out. Don’t worry.” Curt reassured his leader and friend joyfully.
“Yeah, and if they don’t?” Buck asked, certainly thinking about the time when it was only the one Egan he had to worry about.
“They kill each other.” Curt said with a nonchalant shrug. Buck raised an eyebrow at Curt for his calm delivery before watching the shape of John Egan disappear in pursuit of his sister’s shadow.
Notes:
So that was chapter 4. As always let me know what you think :)
Chapter Text
25 June 1943
Bucky never did find his sister that day. He followed after her, but she had disappeared. Instead he was called back to command for a special briefing on the first mission for the 100th. One that his best friend Buck would be going on without him.
On the morning of 25 June 1943, the crews picked to fly on their first mission were woken up at 0300 hours for chow before their briefing. Buck was surprised when he entered the mess hall to see Charlie’s white nurses’ hat among a crowd of brown sheepskin jackets. When Buck further investigated the sight without even thinking about lining up for his food, he found the young woman sitting at a table among his friends, Curt, Dickie, and DeMarco to name a few. An empty seat was left beside Curt and opposite Charlie and Buck did not hesitate to claim it for himself.
“Curt, I’m flying with you today.” Buck announced while dropping into the empty seat without hesitation. Charlie’s bright blue eyes locked onto his and he felt unable to look away.
“You are?” Curt asked in surprise.
“Sorry Dickie, I know that puts you in the tail but at least you will be able to shoot back.” Buck told the man opposite Curt and Curt’s usual co-pilot- barely breaking away from the hold of Charlie’s gaze. The man shrugged while smoking his cigarette. Buck then focused on the unexpected guest.
“What are you doing here Charlie?” Buck asked with a light smile. Charlie smiled back and shrugged her shoulders innocently while taking a bite of her oatmeal.
“I’m a morning person.” She replied simply with a mischievous look. Buck didn’t believe her. Yes you can be a morning person but definitely not a 3am-4am morning person.
“Morning person my ass. She was just scared she will never see my beautiful face again.” Curt joked before taking a bite of his eggs.
“Of course, how would I go on?” Charlie joined in with the jest, placing a hand on her chest expressing her heartbreak. “But seriously, you’ll be fine,” Charlie emphasised looking at every man at the table, her gaze lingering slightly longer on Buck. “And if you’re not…” Charlie continued watching the anxious men’s reaction “I’ll be here to patch you up.”
“Oh yes our fearless hardass head nurse Egan.” Curt joked breaking the tension around the table.
“I’m not a hardass!” Charlie protested “and I’m pretty sure you missed Major in that title Biddick.”
“Not a hardass? You really bit into those girls yesterday.” Curt told her between bites. Charlie rolled her eyes.
“Well they have not yet comprehended that they are not back at home anymore. They all need to pull their own weight, or I’ll send them to London for an eye-opening experience.” Charlie told the men at the table before taking another bite of her oatmeal.
“Alright alright you two,” Buck intervened before the conversation got too out of hand. “Is Meatball saddling up?” Buck asked DeMarco with the said husky at his side. DeMarco was feeding him food from his plate. Charlie’s eyes softened at the well-behaved dog. She loves dogs.
“Lemmons or Winks will watch him,” DeMarco replied, “You don’t want to go on this one buddy I promise you.” DeMarco spoke to his trusty companion.
“I would have loved to watch him, but I need my infirmary to stay sterile for when you return.” Charlie commented, watching with soft eyes as Buck patted the dog lightly with his hand. DeMarco smiled gratefully at Charlie and at how willing people are to looking after the furry addition to the 100th bomb group.
“Well I better get some of those eggs before they’re all gone.” Buck announced to his friends, making a move to get up from the table.
“No don’t bother Buck, these eggs were hatched and powdered before my balls dropped.” DeMarco advised, looking cautiously at the egg on the end of his fork. Charlie made a face at that comment and Curt chuckled at the girls face.
“Alright I’ll pass on the eggs then,” Buck advised before looking over at Charlie’s half eaten oatmeal. It did not look like she intended to finish it. “Are you having anything else to eat?” Buck asked her with concern.
“I’ll have a cigarette later.” Charlie told him, unbothered. Buck did not look impressed at that.
“Yeah, because that is food.” Buck deadpanned.
“About as much as food as those eggs.” Charlie smirked teasingly. Buck fought the smile that wanted to creep onto his face.
“She has you there.” Curt commented to his friend. Charlie’s face stretched into a wide smile that nearly lit up the entire room. Buck felt the eyes of many men around the room stop to take in the sight of the beautiful woman smiling brightly.
“Yeah, I guess she does.” Buck reluctantly admitted.
The group slowly started to leave the mess hall, along with men from other tables nearby. Soon it was only Charlie and Buck left on the table. Buck had a feeling Charlie was staying on purpose. Only a scattering of guys on other tables were left and so they had enough privacy from prying ears.
“Charlie-“ Buck started to begin the conversation before Charlie cut him off.
“How much did my brother hear yesterday?” Charlie asked with concern, lighting a cigarette so her hands were occupied.
“He heard everything.” Buck admitted, wondering where this was going.
“So he knows.” Charlie muttered to herself. Buck sighed.
“No he doesn’t know anything, and I think that is the problem. He knows nothing about where you’ve been or what you having been doing since you left the US,” Buck told her, trying to make her see sense and take pity on her brother “He just hears snippets from other people like Africa for instance. He doesn’t really know anything. You need to talk to him.” Buck told the enigma of a woman.
Charlie sighed staring at her half-gone cigarette held in between her fingers, before looking up to Buck’s waiting gaze.
“It’s not that easy,” Charlie admitted “I’ve been at war a long time. I’ve been alone a long time.”
Buck’s eyes softened. “Yeah, more than most,”
“And you’re not alone. Not anymore.” Buck told her.
“You haven’t been up yet Buck but when you do, you’ll understand. What you see, what you feel. It’s indescribable.” Charlie told him. Knowing nothing she says will help him once he’s up there. Buck tried to digest her words but knew that he wouldn’t understand. Not yet.
“I’ll let you know this afternoon when I land.” Buck told her confidently. Charlie hesitantly reached out a hand and clasped the back of his hand, that was resting on the table, in hers. Buck tried to suppress his surprise and strange delight at the feeling of the warm weight and embrace on his hand.
“Stay safe Buck and good luck,” Charlie smiled softly, memorising his bright blue eyes and perfectly wavy blonde hair. “I’ll be waiting for all of your planes to land.” Buck felt like Charlie wanted to say more but hesitated with an awkward smile before leaving the squadron commander alone in the mess. Buck watched the door where Charlie exited with fondness.
Buck soon finished his breakfast just in time for the briefing for the mission. The U-boats pens on the Wasser River in Bremen was the target today. Bucky joined in the briefing even though he heard all of this already, sitting next to his friend. His mind was calculating after hearing about the positioning of the anti-aircraft guns all along the river. It would be a tough mission with that number of guns pointed towards the sky. It was another reason as to why he wanted to be back flying with his boys instead of just waiting for them to come back. If they come back.
After the briefing ended and the men kitted themselves out in their sheepskin, they all left for the trucks. Although something drew Bucky and Buck’s attention. Charlie was talking to Colonel Huglin from a distance, and she had a concerned face. Huglin was trying to placate the passionate woman. Charlie threw her hands up in the air in exasperation when the Colonel walked away from her.
“Colonel!” She yelled after him with annoyance.
“Later Charlotte.” The Colonel replied with more familiarity than Bucky and Buck were expecting. Bucky narrowed his eyes at the brief interaction.
“What the hell was that? ‘Charlotte’?” Bucky asked no-one with suspicion.
“I don’t know.” Buck replied, trying not to think about the mysterious relationship Charlie and their CO had. He didn’t want to think about that just now. Buck walked over to his truck which had the rest of the men on his fort.
“What’s this? Settling accounts?” Buck joked.
“It’s my lucky deuce.” Bucky explained.
“Your lucky- Jesus John.” Buck scoffed at the notion of superstition.
“Take it,” Bucky tried to push it into his friend’s hand “I’ve gone on two missions with it already. I had two wheels down. Look two corners bitten off one for each mission and here I am. Take it.” Bucky pushed his friend. Buck hesitated for a moment longer before accepting the note.
“Alright.” Buck acquiesced before throwing his bag into the bed of the truck. Bucky watched as his friend loaded up in the truck with mixed emotions.
“See you later.” Curt told John with kisses in the air directed at him. Bucky smiled and returned them. A running joke along with their running argument of who the little and big spoon is in their relationship. The tailgate was locked once everyone was aboard, and Buck hit it with his hand to indicate to the driver to go.
“Alright I’ll see you all later.” Bucky shouted as the truck moved off. Believing that he will see them all again.
“That’s where I’m going.” Curt pointed at the sky.
When the trucks rumbled past the infirmary, Charlie leaned against the doorway with mixed emotions. When Curt’s and Buck’s truck came, Curt spotted Charlie and waved.
“When I’m back we are going dancing gorgeous!” Curt yelled. Charlie could not help but smile at that and nod her agreement. She accidentally locked eyes with Buck and felt something in her chest tighten. Charlie sent a silent prayer up that their plane comes back.
Curt was impatiently tapping his fingers on the controls when Buck made his way to the cockpit after conducting some visual checks on Wild Cargo.
“You saved my seat.” Buck exclaimed happily.
“Yeah, I’d rather offer it to you than have you sit on my lap until I move.” Curt told the man as he sat down and adjusted to the tight quarters. Buck smirked at that. He had quite the reputation when it came to taking the left-hand seat in the B17.
“Ready for the checklist. Form 1A?” Buck started the required checks to make sure everything was working as it should. As they waited to taxi once their checks were complete, Curt brought up a subject Buck did not see coming.
“Are we going to talk about Charlie?” Curt asked pointedly with Buck.
“Charlie? What about Charlie?” Buck asked, not expecting where this was going.
“About you and Charlie.” Curt prompted. Buck looked bewildered at his co-pilot.
“I don’t know what you are getting at Curt.”
“Oh no no, don’t deny it. I’ve seen the looks the two of you have shared.” Curt told him with a grin.
“Curt.” Buck reprimanded with a look.
“I’ve noticed the way she looks at you and the way that you look at her. For the record, you never looked at Marge like that before,” Curt told him. Buck looked out the window instead of responding.
“You like her.” Curt told him.
“You like her too.” Buck told him. Curt chuckled at that.
“Not in the same way. Charlie is a friend. Charlie is potentially more than a friend to you.” Curt told him.
“I don’t even know her, Curt. How can I like someone I don’t know?” Buck asked, feeling a bit lost and unfortunately entertaining Curt’s line of questioning.
“You don’t have to know everything about a person to like them. That will come with time and especially with Charlie, patience.” Curt told him. Buck looked impressed at Curt while also noting the two B17’s left in front of them before it was their turn.
“Where did you get that from? Back of a cereal box?” Buck joked. One plane left in front.
“Hey! I can be wise when I want to be,” Curt retorted. There was silence for a moment “Are you worried about Bucky’s reaction?” Curt asked.
Buck didn’t want to think about Bucky at that moment when discussing Charlie. “There is nothing for him to react to. Nothings happened.” Buck calmly replied.
“He’s your best friend and her brother. He is going to catch on if you keep giving each other those longing stares.” Curt logically said. Buck ignored that and focused on the task at hand.
“We’re green.” Buck told him, slamming his window shut. Curt did the same and their fort soon took off from Thorpe Abbotts and onto Bremen.
Notes:
Hi everyone
I have finished my university for the year so I suddenly have a lot of free time and do I couldn't help not posting another chapter this week.
Hope you all enjoy!
Also a fun fact about me... I live in Norfolk, England, so I am literally an hour's drive away from Thorpe Abbotts. I haven't visited the old airfield yet but hope to one day :) Norfolk has lots of old airfields from the WW2 era. Some are still Ministry of Defence land and so they lay abandoned but not open to the public whereas others have been built over when the land was sold to build houses on. Nearly every town in Norfolk has/ had an old airfield that was used by the RAF or USAF during WW2
Chapter Text
The sirens from command tower let everyone on base know that the forts were returning. Some smoking from their engines and some were shooting red flares to inform the ground crews about casualties on board. Charlie watched from the infirmary window with a tight chest as she along with everyone else counted the number of forts returning and the number that did not return. 3 forts were lost.
Charlie’s chest eased some when she saw Wild Cargo with Buck and Curt inside land safely. They had come back.
“Get ready girls, we have casualties inbound.” Charlie told the anxious nurses behind her.
It felt like a lifetime before the casualties started arriving at their door, the stretcher bearers bringing them from their fort on the hardstand by ambulance to them as quickly as possible.
Charlie was shouting out orders to her nurses as she tried to triage the wounded that were being brought in in large numbers. Charlie noted Colonel Huglin among the few carried in. He was unconscious. Charlie had tried to deter him from flying but he wouldn’t have it.
“Doctor Huston, Colonel Huglin has a stomach ulcer that may well have burst.” Charlie informed the busy doctor as he looked at his notes.
“Great. Why the hell was he up there then?” The doctor sarcastically replied, run off his feet with the influx of men.
“I tried to stop him.” Charlie whispered, looking down at the unconscious Colonel with concern. She did not know the man well but liked how he respected Charlie and not just her rank but her experience. He was one of the few men in command that did.
“Nurse Egan, take it from me, there is no stopping these fly boys. You tried.” The doctor told her, the words comforting her some.
“He’ll be transferred to Redgrave hospital as soon as possible.” The doctor said before departing to assess another man. Charlie looked at the Colonel for a moment longer before moving onto the next patient.
It was an hour later when Charlie found herself returning to Colonel Huglin’s bedside. All the men now undergoing treatment. She decided to sit beside the Colonel and read to him. He was still unconscious. Charlie did not hear Bucky and Buck wander into the half empty infirmary.
“Charlie.” Bucky said, making her jump a little at the soft touch on her shoulder. Charlie turned her head round to see Bucky and Gale standing behind her.
“Is interrogation finished?” Charlie asked Buck, wondering where the time had gone.
“Yep.” Buck confirmed.
“Colonel Huglin had a stomach ulcer. It burst when he landed. I tried to tell him not to go up there in his condition.” Charlie explained, trying to detach from the situation. Like she was used to. She was finding it harder this time around.
The two men looked at their CO with sympathy. It also explained the scene before they took off of Charlie and the Colonel talking.
“Don’t go thinking anything else was going on John Egan,” Charlie told her brother, knowing where his thoughts probably led “I liked Colonel Huglin. He respected me. Not many men in command do you know.” Charlie explained with sad eyes.
“Yeah, well he did not like me.” Bucky told her.
“I can’t imagine why.” Charlie said snidely. Buck coughed to cover up his laugh.
“Transport is here!” A man announced at the doorway wearing a red cross armband.
“Over here! Take this man.” Charlie immediately replied back. They gave the stretcher bearers room to manoeuvre Colonel Huglin from the bed to the stretcher.
“You’re going home.” Charlie whispered quietly to the Colonel reassuringly while giving his hands a squeeze before they took him away. Buck looked on in awe at the gentleness and kindness Charlie was displaying. It was a sight not yet seen by either Buck or Bucky. Nurse Egan may be a hardass but it was evident that she was also empathetic, gentle, kind and comforting to the men in her care.
“What do you two want?” Charlie asked the two, crossing her arms once Colonel Huglin was gone. “I still have yet to clean up.” Charlie looked down at her blood splattered white dress without much care. It was something she was used to and doesn’t turn her stomach anymore.
Buck’s chest tightened at the sight of Charlie covered in blood.
“Just checking on the boys Charlie.” Bucky replied holding his hands up in a form of surrender.
“Doctor Huston can take you round to see them, Majors. Excuse me.” Charlie formally said before disappearing to her quarters. While she didn’t mind the blood anymore, she still couldn’t wait to change into clean clothes. Also, the emotional toll it took on her when treating men was not something she wanted anyone to see. Least of all Bucky and Buck.
Buck and Bucky watched her leave both with indescribable expressions on their faces.
It was some time later once Buck was shown Bosser’s wounds and Dickie’s wounds that he exited the infirmary. Bucky was long gone. He had been called back to command for paperwork. The joys of being Air Executive Officer.
Buck immediately ran into Charlie, a clean and well-groomed Charlie. Quite a different sight than an hour before.
“Buck.” Charlie greeted in surprise, not expecting Buck to still be here.
“You were right,” Buck admitted, skipping the pleasantries. Charlie looked a bit lost at what he was talking about “I understand now. It’s indescribable.” Buck told her. Charlie caught on fast, thinking back to their prior conversation in the mess hall.
“Yeah.” Charlie whispered, looking away from Buck, unable to hold his gaze.
“You’ve been hit.” Buck stated. It was a statement not a question.
“Twice,” Charlie whispered, finally meeting Buck’s eyes again. “When I first met Colonel Huglin, he gave me three boxes; one was my oak leafs and the other two were my purple hearts.” Charlie told him.
“How bad?” Buck asked. Charlie looked at him blankly “How bad were you wounded?” Buck re-worded his question.
“Bad enough. I’m still here though.” Charlie vaguely told him. Not sure why she was opening up to him.
“Yes, you are.” Buck confirmed with his drawl.
“Get some rest Gale. You’ve had a hell of a day.” Charlie parted company with those words to the blonde-haired blue-eyed pilot that Charlie did not want to admit took up space in her mind. She thought about him more often than she probably should.
Later that night, Charlie couldn’t sleep. She huffed and puffed after turning from her left side to her right for the hundredth time before giving up. She hopped out of bed, pulled on a casual dress out of ease and an overcoat before stomping out the door. She thought maybe a walk around the base would help her clear her mind. It was too early for anyone to be about and so she knew she would not be interrupted. What she did not expect to see was her brother and Curt in the distance drinking on top of the wing of a B-17.
“What are those two idiots doing?” Charlie muttered to herself confused. She decided to walk closer to the fort and the two men.
She knew just from where she was that her brother was drunk. Surprise surprise there. She knew he liked to drink but did not realise how much that habit had gotten worse until now.
Charlie got close enough for talking distance when she watched Curt punch Bucky in the face. She just about withheld her gasp of surprise. To her shock and annoyance Bucky started laughing afterwards.
“I felt that, Curt.” Bucky told his friend with a smile.
“What the hell are you two playing at?” Charlie hissed from below, surprising the two men who did not notice her arrival.
“We were uh just uh…“ Curt stumbled over his words, unable to form an explanation.
“I asked him to hit me.” Bucky told his sister, unable to think straight.
“I’m not even going to bother to ask why.” Charlie told them, crossing her arms in annoyance.
“Why are you out here? It’s late at night-“ Bucky questioned.
“It’s early morning Bucky.” Curt corrected him.
“It is?” Bucky was surprised “Even so, you should not be walking around at all hours by yourself.” Bucky lectured.
“Why?” Charlie asked with a raised eyebrow. Bucky threw his hands up in the air dramatically.
“Do I have to spell it out for you? I thought you were smart. You’re a woman. There are hundreds of men on base.” Bucky told her incredulously, before gradually climbing down the wing of the B-17 with Curt right behind him. Curt bid the pair goodbye, feeling tired enough to leave for his cot.
Charlie couldn’t be bothered to argue further with him. “I couldn’t sleep.” She admitted.
“Yeah, me either.” Bucky said while standing in front of her. Charlie looked at his face with concern. Poking where Curt hit his nose with her finger non too softly.
“Ow.” Bucky exclaimed.
“It’s not broken at least.” Charlie commented, feeling the bone area of his nose.
“Yeah thanks.” Bucky half-heartedly said. “I’ve got to meet that goddamn new CO.” Bucky announced.
“Yeah, me too.” Charlie admitted. She looked at her brother and could see the toll of the recent losses were weighing on him “I’m sorry for the men you lost.” Charlie told him. Bucky didn’t seem to even hear her. Charlie decided to just go for it and immediately pulled her brother in for a hug, cuddling her head into his chest and wrapping him tightly in her arms. Bucky paused for a moment before hugging her back just as tight.
An hour later found a still drunk Bucky sitting down in front of the new CO, Colonel Harding.
“Are you hungover Major?” The Colonel asked.
“No sir, that won’t come for another couple of hours.” Bucky responded drolly, trying to concentrate on not throwing up.
“You’re still drunk.” The Colonel stated neutrally. By now Colonel Huglin would have ripped Bucky a new one.
“Coffees sharpened me, Sir.” Bucky replied before taking another sip from his disposable cup.
“Yeah, you can thank the other Major Egan for that.” Harding told him pointedly.
“Well Colonel Huglin did not think too much of your skills as an Air exec-“ Bucky interrupted the Colonel
“Well I didn’t think too much of his- “
“-too much of his flying?” Harding finished for him. Bucky smirked a little at that before something caught his eye on Colonel Harding’s desk. It was a written statement with Buck Cleven’s name on it and there was a file with a picture of his sister paperclipped to the front. She was dressed in full class A uniform. Bucky flickered his eyes between the desk and to the Colonel who had just lit a cigar.
“Well I ain’t Colonel Huglin.” Harding announced with a flair of his hand surrounded by smoke.
“No, you’re not.” Bucky confirmed before his eyes flickered back to the file with his sister’s picture on it. Colonel Harding followed his eyes and lifted the brown file for Bucky to see.
“I see you spotted your sister’s file,” Harding commented “This is one of the biggest files I’ve ever seen.”
Bucky stayed silent. What was this? What did he want with his sister? Bucky’s eyes narrowed.
“Looks like we have been keeping track of her since she landed in England. Since her first day in London. The file is an impressive read.” Huglin baited Bucky. Bucky stayed silent.
“Rumour has it that you still do not know what your sister has been up to the last 3 years,” Harding said before offering up the file to Bucky “Do you want to read it?” Harding offered. Bucky’s hands twitched. He wanted to snatch it. He wanted to devour it. He wanted to know everything. But he couldn’t. Not like this.
“My sister will tell me when she’s ready.” Bucky trusted those words. Trusted them to be true. Eventually he will know everything. Harding looked at the flyboy in front of him in a different light. So, he was able to exercise restraint.
“Very well.” Harding slammed the file back on his desk. The meeting continued and Bucky received the demotion he had been vying for so long for.
Bucky walked out of the office and ran into his sister waiting to be called in. He paused in front of her for a moment and kissed her forehead gently, something he used to do all the time when they were younger, before leaving. Charlie looked behind her at Bucky’s retreating back with confusion and concern.
Bucky found Buck and Kidd eating in the mess hall. He flopped down on the chair on the opposite side of the table to Buck. Buck looked at him expectantly.
“Boys.” Bucky greeted demurely.
Kidd looked up from his plate “Bucky.”
“Well?” Buck asked, knowing Bucky had to see the new Colonel this morning.
“I got demoted.” Bucky casually announced.
“To?” Buck prompted.
“CO of the 418th squadron,” Bucky looked to Kidd “Sorry Jack, you boys are back with me again.”
Jack continued eating “As long as I get my fort back.”
“Yeah, Harding wants to see you about that.” Bucky winced as he delivered the not well received news. Buck looked from Bucky to Kidd with concern. Jack Kidd looked surprised and stopped eating.
“What? I’m air exec?” Kidd asked. Bucky continued to look down at the table guiltily.
“You son of a bitch.”
“It wasn’t my idea,” Bucky replied “Huglin recommended you.”
“Then you’re both sons of bitches. God damn air exec!” Kidd got up from his seat.
“Look at it this way, Le May thinks we are the least disciplined bomb group in the entire wing, maybe you can make a difference.” Bucky tried to cheer up Kidd.
“I don’t want to be the guy wiping your ass Bucky.” Jack Kidd said before leaving the mess hall in a huff. Buck continued to look unfazed by continuing to eat his breakfast. Bucky set his sights next on his friend.
“You got up early this morning.” Bucky stated factually. It was not a question. Buck continued to look at his plate as he scrapped up all the little pieces of food left.
“Did I?” Buck asked with his mouth full.
“See Colonel Harding, before me?” Bucky asked. Buck looked up at that silently “Oh I can read upside down Buck.”
“All I said was that the army was right about you being a leader. That you lead best as a squadron commander. You don’t have to send me any flowers.” Buck mumbled around the food in his mouth. Bucky smirked, thinking on his next words.
“I made one last request before being demoted,” Bucky said, changing the subject. Buck prompted him to continue with a hmm. “I want to write the letters to the families of the boys that we lost. I think it will be better coming from me and not someone they ever met.”
Buck looked at his friend for a long few seconds “I’ll help you.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Bucky replied with a smile. Bucky shifted in his seat before his next words. He had thought about these a lot.
“You know if this whole thing ended and there were only two pilots left up in the air, it would be me and it would be you, Buck.” Buck smirked at that and leaned back in his chair.
“Don’t count on it.” Buck replied while getting a toothpick out to chew on. Bucky smiled back at that before looking down at his hands.
“Is there something else you would like to tell me?” Buck prompted around the toothpick in his mouth. Bucky looked up at Buck and then to the window where the sun was blaring in before shaking his head.
“You have a tell. Spill Bucky.” Buck exclaimed patiently.
“I do not have a tell.” Bucky protested. Buck just looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Bucky scoffed being meeting Buck’s eyes again.
“Harding had Charlie’s file on his desk.” Bucky started.
“Oh Bucky don’t tell me-“ Buck interrupted
“He offered me the file.” Bucky continued his story, ignoring Buck.
“Bucky, you didn’t! Please tell me you didn’t.” Buck begged, knowing where this was going.
“I didn’t,” Bucky confirmed with hints of frustration “I wanted to, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t. I remember what you said the other day. Charlie will come to me when she’s ready.” Bucky said. Buck relaxed at that and huffed out a sigh of relief.
“Good. That’s good.” Buck exclaimed.
“Yeah.” Bucky drawled, not entirely happy with his decision but taking comfort in that Buck confirmed it was the right thing to do.
3 weeks later- 16 July 1943
In the 3 weeks since the new CO was appointed, Charlie had been bonding more with her nurses. Once the boys had started going up frequently and coming back with injuries, they really seemed to be taking the job more seriously and were now pulling their weight. A handful of the nurses unfortunately couldn’t hack it and returned to the US. The replacement nurses were more receptive to Charlie’s command and the job that is being asked of them.
It was a rare sunny day in England and Charlie was in the infirmary when the ground shook before the explosion was even heard. Charlie’s heart tightened as she looked out the window to see smoke and fire coming from a nearby field.
“Major Egan.” The doctor called hurriedly as he charged outside to his waiting jeep. Charlie raced after him and plopped herself in the passenger seat, clutching the medic bag to her chest. The ride was bumpy and uncomfortable as is the norm with the willy jeep. When the jeep stopped alongside others by the crash site, she swore her ass would be bruised for a month.
Charlie jumped out hurriedly but paused alongside Buck, Bucky and Colonel Harding who were watching from a safe distance. Bucky stopped his sister from getting closer by holding by free hand in his.
“What happened?” The newly promoted Major Kidd asked as he and another officer stepped out of a newly arrived jeep.
“Practice mission. He went into his turn too early, too slow. Stalled out.” Colonel explained simply, as if it was just another day.
“Who was he?” Bucky asked.
“One of the 349th. New crew.”
“Barnhill.” Gale Cleven told the group of officers before walking away. He couldn’t stand to watch anymore. Another 10 guys gone just like that. Their losses were taking a heavy toll on the group.
Charlie watched Buck leave with concern. She knew he took the losses to heart. Bucky too. Bucky insisted on writing to every family when they lost another man personally in his chicken scratch handwriting that Charlie had to correct sometimes as it was all too often illegible. But her brother tried.
Her relationship with her brother improved over the coming weeks. Charlie was trying to open up more and Bucky was trying not to push her too far. Her change of heart came from when she heard her brother was back in the pilot’s seat after being demoted from Air Exec. He would be in danger once again and Charlie would have to wonder each time whether he would be coming back.
It put things into perspective for Charlie. She didn’t want Bucky to go down without knowing her. The new her. The more adult her. She didn’t think she could forgive herself.
And so, Charlie gave her brother some more insight into her life in London and more brief details of Africa. Some bits are still too sensitive for Charlie to think about let alone talk about. But she’s trying.
Notes:
Alright that is chapter 6!
Bucky was tried and he came out victorious! What a good brother he is!.
As always let me know your thoughts. I can't wait to see how you guys found this chapter
Chapter Text
It was a night like any other when she was persuaded by her brother to join him and his friends at the local pub in Dickleburgh. The same pub if the tale goes, Bucky nearly lost an eye by challenging a local labourer to a darts competition for two bikes. Charlie smiled when Curt retold the tale to her. It was a classic Bucky move.
Charlie was later than the rest, the reality of being head nurse, and walked into the pub long after the party was in full swing. Charlie shouldered her way through the bustling crowd, American uniforms filling up nearly every space in the cramp little village pub, before spotting her brother’s head of curls from a distance. Bucky seemed to spot Charlie at the same time.
“Charlie!” Bucky yelled over the noise as loud as he could, waving his arm around. Charlie chuckled. He was thoroughly buzzed already. Charlie broke through the last group of standing men, sparing a raised eyebrow at her brother’s English fling flirting with a newly promoted Major Dye at the bar, before taking in the scene where most of the B-17 commanders were sitting down opposite some English officers in their distinguished blue attire.
“I’ve saved you a seat.” Bucky told her proudly, gesturing to the seat between himself and Buck. Charlie’s heart jumped inside her chest when she took in Gale Cleven in all his polished glory. His blonde hair glowed in the dark fire lit room.
“You truly are my favourite brother,” Charlie teased while sitting down in her saved seat gracefully. Charlie tried to snatch Bucky’s drink, but he moved it away too fast “It’s just such a shame you didn’t save me a drink also.” Charlie mocked with a pout when the drink was out of reach from her grabby hands.
“1. I’m your only brother and 2. What am I your servant? Get your own drink!” Bucky told her while rolling his eyes at an amused Buck who along with the others were watching the whole interaction.
“I’ll get you a drink, ma’am.” Harry Crosby offered, only just returning from the bar with drinks for the others.
“Oh Harry, you are too kind. A Whiskey please.” Charlie addressed the polite Lieutenant navigator. Harry wasted no time in hurrying along to the bar. Charlie’s wide grin soon drooped when she saw who the RAF officers were opposite.
“Charlotte Egan as I live and breathe.” The taller man on the left exclaimed with delight.
“Oh joy,” Charlie could not hide her distaste “William. Bryan. I see you’re still alive.”. The two familiar men chuckled at Charlie’s usual frostiness. The third RAF man was not someone she had met before but judging by his baby face, is a rather new pilot to the party in the skies.
“You as well sweetheart. I thought for sure they were going to send you home,” Bryan replied, looking at the grown woman up and down. Their investigative eyes on Charlie made the American men shift uncomfortably in their seat. “How is the leg?” William asked curiously. The Americans watched Charlie carefully, Bucky and Buck especially. Charlie froze at the question.
“Still hanging on.” Charlie mumbled barely through frozen lips. She could feel the questioning gazes on her from the surrounding American men.
“I’d say,” Bryan chuckled “I thought you were going to lose it after we got fished out of the English Channel. You should have saw the doctor’s face. He was not optimistic on your chances.”
Charlie winced at everything spilling out of the bloody Brit’s mouth. Jesus Christ. She could feel the burn of Bucky’s glare narrowed in on her face.
“English Channel?” Bucky questioned, a hint of anger in his voice. “Why the fuck were you in the English Channel?” Bucky asked his sister, grabbing her arm and speaking into her ear to be heard over the crowd of voices.
Charlie tried to laugh it off, but she knew there was no avoiding this conversation. Not now.
“We took heavy fire from a Messerschmitt 109. Lost the engines. Had to ditch in the water. Luckily the British got to us before the Germans did.” Bryan recalled matter-of-factly into his glass of Scotch.
“You know Charlie that sounds a lot like you were on a plane.” Bucky said sarcastically to his nervous sister. Bucky noted her nervous twitching that she was known for when cornered like a wild animal.
“On a plane? Of course we were on a plane!” William, more than buzzed now confirmed with a laugh.
“Will you please shut the fuck up?!” Charlie hissed to the RAF officers, knowing it won’t do any good anyway.
“Ah you haven’t told them.” Bryan smugly realised. Charlie tried to get up from her seat with the excuse of checking on her drink Crosby was supposed to be bringing but Bucky grabbed her arm to force her back into her seat.
“Spill Charlotte.” Bucky ordered her, all amusement gone. Charlie winced at the use of her full name- oh she was in trouble. Charlie glanced briefly at Buck for a life raft, but he seemed curious as well as to the story and was not offering her an out. Crosby just that second happened to have returned with her drink and she tossed it down in one as liquid courage. Something any other day, Bucky would be proud of.
“I was a flight nurse last year after returning from Africa. We ferried wounded soldiers from Africa back to England.” Bucky’s eyes widened even more as he took in the new information. Even Curt was too shocked to interrupt. “Like Bryan said our C-47 took on fire from a German fighter and we had to ditch in water- in the English Channel.” All the Americans were looking at Charlie with wide eyes. Flight nurses were a relatively new concept and the fact that Charlie was one? It blew their minds.
“You were wounded when you crashed?” Bucky prodded. He never noticed anything wrong with her legs before. Even her walking stride was the same as he remembered.
“No. Shrapnel went through my thigh before we even landed in the water. Their bullets cut through the metal of the C-47 like Swiss cheese.” Charlie corrected, trying not to touch the leg out of habit.
“I thought for sure she was done for. The amount of blood…” William inputted making Bucky, Buck, and Curt glare at the insensitive interruption.
“I’m fine. I don’t even have a limp,” Charlie tried to reassure her brother who had suddenly grown pale at the picture being painted by the bloody British idiots across the table. “I’m fine Bucky.” Charlie repeated to her upset brother. Buck watched the scene next to him with a sad smile. He knew the Egan siblings were close but he didn’t realise how close until now.
“Yeah. You’re fine.” Bucky told her and himself. Clinging to that reality. She could have died over here, and he wouldn’t have even known what she was doing or where she was. Bucky slung an arm around Charlie’s shoulders and hugged her loosely to him. Needing that physical reassurance.
“You know I admire you Americans, you’re up there in broad daylight, seemingly oblivious to the downsides.” Bryan interrupted the moment between siblings, getting bored of the conversation now.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Captain.” Major Kidd politely replied.
“Never mind ole’ boy. One for the higher ups.” Bryan brushed it off while sorting the tobacco in his pipe.
“It’s a question of philosophies. We bomb at night because it doesn’t matter what we hit as long as it’s German but bombing during the day is suicide,” William took hold of the conversation in a matter-of-fact way. Charlie worriedly looked at her brother who suddenly appeared very interested in the new conversation taking place along with Curt and Buck also leaning forward in their seats. “I could foresee in the future American strategy adjusting due to the unfortunate losses you will no doubt continue to suffer. Maths.” Charlie huffed at their speech with a roll of her eyes. Charlie eyed Curt’s half empty drink and took that too. The Brooklyn native barely battered an eye lid at the thievery although Buck raised an eyebrow at her action.
‘God they are such dicks’ she muttered under her breath to Bucky who chuckled. Buck just about heard from next to her and smirked at the remark.
“Maths.” Bucky hung onto that word with a smirk.
“I mean maybe if you bombed during the day you’d hit your targets.” Curt smirked tipsy from the drinks already consumed. Not missing the one Charlie stole for one second.
Before the RAF officers could respond to that Bucky couldn’t help himself “Why the hell do you Brits add an ‘S’ on the end of Math?” Bucky’s head bobbed unnaturally due to the number of drinks already consumed.
The British seemed to find that funny and Charlie had the sudden urge to ask them ‘Are you laughing at my brother?’ but decided to exercise restraint by biting her lip.
“Because there’s more than one of them.” Bryan said mockingly, sharing a smirk with William and the new boy, Robert. The Americans were not amused.
Bucky’s smirk got bigger “I can see more than one of you too, pretty sure I can knock all of you out.” Charlie shared a concerned look with Buck at where the conversation was going and held onto Bucky’s arm in case he tried to get up and swing a fist. There was a chorus of ‘ooo’s’ from both sides as they tried to calm each other down.
Charlie thanked god when Crosby returned with their drinks once again. She couldn’t help practically downing it again after the tension that had arisen from the two sides.
“This ought to wet your whistle boys. Charlie.” Harry broke the tension with his easy-going smile.
“Calm down Bucky. They’re not worth it.” Charlie whispered to her brother when everyone was distracted with the arrival of the drinks.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Bucky said not very quietly before kissing Charlie’s cheek sloppily. Charlie winced at the feeling on her face. Buck was still looking concerned at the British opposite who were observing the Americans with a critical gaze.
“How about a song? I heard you sing Major.” The British officer, Robert, inputted for the first time. Charlie groaned loudly at that. Everyone knew Bucky couldn’t carry a note. Buck and Curt chuckled at Charlie’s reaction. There was a lot of shaking heads from Majors Kidd and Veal at that proposal.
“Pick one. What’s your favourite?” Robert egged on while the noise from the tables got louder and the multiple disagreements among the men and Charlie.
“That’s a good idea!” Bucky exclaimed, loosening his necktie with one hand while pointing sloppily at the Brits with the other. Curt thankfully cut in. Their resident hero who saved their ears.
“You want to get Major excited? Baseball.” Curt prompted.
“Specifically, Yankees!” Bucky cut in, making a point that no other team existed than his beloved Yankees. Charlie sighed with a smile. Charlie remembered him talking non-stop about the Yankees when they were younger.
“Oh, my buddy Buck here thinks they’re a waste of time, don’t ya?” Bucky teased his friend who had just finished sipping on his ginger beer. Charlie smiled at the pair with affection.
“It’s not just sports he doesn’t follow. I mean you don’t follow anyone do you?” Curt asked Buck who was suddenly put on the spot. Charlie watched amused as Buck’s face redden at the sudden attention placed on him and leaned back into her brother’s arm that was slung across the back of her chair.
“I follow you, Curt.” Buck simply replied around a wooden pick in his mouth.
Charlie sat back in her seat with a grin and crossed her legs as she listened to the story of ‘no engine Cleven’ as told by Curt. Curt’s version at least. Apparently, there are some variations she thought with a giggle. Charlie noted during the story that the British were humouring them and were smirking and talking to each other the whole time. After the boys knocked their glasses together in honour of their friend, much to Buck’s embarrassment that Charlie took great joy in, Bryan asked Buck if he had rather be a fighter pilot.
“Buck is a fighter pilot. A fighter pilot who happens to fly a bus.” Bucky defended his friend after a long sip of his drink.
“So are you Bucky.” Bubbles commented with a point of his finger at his leader.
“So are you.” Curt repeated to Bubbles with a smirk.
“Bubbles.” Bucky shook the navigator’s hand with respect to the man with a drunken smile.
“So let me get this straight, you’re Buck and he’s Bucky?” Robert asked with a confused face.
“It’s a Wisconsin thing.” Charlie butted in, sharing a knowing smile with her brother and Buck. The British did not seem to be deterred.
“Is there a shortage of nicknames in the 100th?” Bryan joked sharing a chuckle with William next to him. The Americans did not laugh at that. Charlie glared at the insensitive Brits, slamming her glass down.
“No, just a shortage of crews.” Bucky forlornly replied, his smile fading at the reality of what he just said. The British lost their smiles at that comment also.
“Mmm pity.” Bryan commented before taking a sip of his beer. Charlie could tell that comment riled up Bucky.
“Pity. Pity. Pity, Pity. Pity, what?” Bucky asked with an edge to his voice. Buck for the first time wasn’t trying to calm down Bucky, he wanted to know what they meant by that comment too.
“I said it’s a pity, you’d have more if you flew your missions at night.” Bryan said, no hint of joking in his face or voice anymore. The tension in the air suddenly deepened at that.
Charlie lit up a cigarette after the pause in conversation “God Bryan, you are such a dick.” Curt chuckled loudly at that. Bucky and Buck were still laser focused on the RAF officers. Charlie’s comment didn’t even reach their ears.
“Why’d you have to go say something like that?” Bucky asked, looking at his other fellow Americans who did not seem happy at all at the turn the conversation was going in. Charlie knew what was going to come next and she sighed in frustration.
“Well perhaps I was getting bored of all the heavy petting going on at your end of the table,” Bryan announced before locking eyes with Charlie “Charlotte my dear, you may want to rethink your company- none of these boys will be around much longer- you know where to find me when you need a shoulder to cry on and a warm bed to share.” Bryan smirked, looking the woman up and down salaciously.
“Not even if you were the last man on earth ‘darling’.” Charlie mocked back with a smirk, withholding her shudder at his eyes on her body.
“Yes well, I see which side you have decided to ‘service’” Bryan spitted back, embarrassed by the public rejection. Bucky’s face thundered at the implication in his words. Buck, Curt, and the others also stiffened at the words directed at their resident head nurse and Bucky’s sister.
“I don’t even know what that means.” Bucky said with a stiff smile. One word away from throwing hands.
“Let’s make a bit of sport ourselves. How about it? Anyone of you will do.” Bryan egged on confidently, concentrating on Bucky in particular.
“I think that’s an excellent idea.” Buck agreed, surprising the rest of the American side. Buck was not normally the type of man to encourage fighting but when Charlie got brought into it, all bets were off in Buck’s mind.
“Oh ho, here we go!” Curt exclaimed, knowing Buck wouldn’t fight for any old reason. The insulting of Charlie and their lost men was too much for Buck to just step back from.
Bucky tried to get up from his chair, always the eager one to get stuck in first but Buck pushed him back down with a hand to the shoulder as he rose up from his chair. Charlie watched Buck’s serious face while puffing on her cigarette with a face that was indecipherable. According to what Bucky had told her in letters about his friend Buck, this was totally out of character for him. Curt rose up from his seat before Buck could reach the Brits.
“Hey, hey please. I want this guy. I’ll owe you one.” Curt begged Buck who looked back at Charlie that was watching the whole interaction with a weird expression. Unreadable.
“Alright, but you owe me one.” Buck emphasised after shooting another glance at Charlie, he really wanted to do it for Charlie more than anything.
“Ladies let’s go. After you.” Curt prompted and gently lifted the only lady into his waiting arms. Charlie giggled in surprise after being lifted from her seat.
“Oi, watch your hands, Curt.” Bucky admonished carelessly, drunk, after watching Lil at the bar with Major Dye. Charlie rolled her eyes at where her brother’s focus was.
Curt draped an arm over Charlie’s shoulders and led her out in the fresh air. Buck and the rest of the American’s followed. The British were already out there.
Charlie stood with Buck from the sidelines as Curt prepared himself by taking off his rings and his jacket. Kidd and Veal were egging Curt on with Harry and Bubbles also giving him a pep talk.
“I have never heard you ever challenged anyone to a fight before Buck.” Charlie prodded as they stood away from the others.
“It’s not right to insult a lady like that.” Buck drawled, accidentally giving his reasoning away. Charlie smiled sweetly at that response.
“You were going to fight for me?” Charlie questioned with a soft smile “There is really no need Buck. I’ve had worse thrown at me. I wouldn’t want your pretty face hurt.” Charlie pouted while swaying with the wind.
“You’re drunk.” Buck stated while looking down at the shorter lady in disbelief with a more critical eye. They were standing so close together that her shoulders were nearly touching his.
“Not drunk. Just tipsy.” Charlie corrected. Their conversation was cut short when Bucky left the pub last and made his way to where Buck and Charlie were standing. Charlie rolled her eyes knowing where he was. His brief infatuation with Lil had to stop. She didn’t want him anymore.
“What does RAF mean?” Curt teased the British in his strong accent.
“Riff raff.” Bucky retorted before shimmying in between his sister and best friend, tucking each under his arms. Buck tried to focus on the goings on of the fight and not the beautiful woman two feet away.
“So why does this sport interest you?” Bucky asked his friend curiously.
“Boxing?” Buck questioned. Bucky hummed in confirmation. “Test of manhood.”
“That so?” Bucky prompted.
“About as true a measure of your will to fight as any, and it’s man-to-man.” Buck explained, confusing his friend even more. Charlie wasn’t really paying attention to their current bromance. She was just happy enough to get out into the fresh air after the pub was close to suffocating her.
“So, you just don’t like team sports?” Bucky asked in bewilderment “How’d you end up commander of a plane leading a squadron in a war, where you don’t want to be on the losing side, and still not like team sports?”
“Oh, leave him alone Bucky.” Charlie commented. She was ignored.
“I just don’t lose sleep over whether the pinstripes beat the polka dots.” Buck retorted, defending his philosophy.
Suddenly their attention shifted to the start of the fight. Curt and Byran circled each other in a makeshift ring with their American and British comrades surrounding them so things don’t get too out of hand.
“Now, seeing as you like to do your fighting at night, Bryan.” Curt goaded the British officer. Charlie watched the pair with a sparkle in her eye.
“Hit him where it hurts Curt!” Charlie shouted, jumping up and down excitedly- her tipsiness showing. Bucky smiled at his sister under his arm with fondness. He was so focused on Charlie that didn’t see that Buck was also looking at his sister with what can only be described as longing.
Bryan took a swing but missed Curt’s fast reflex of dodging his fist. Charlie gasped at her friend nearly getting hit. Curt’s first and only hit made impact on Bryan’s face and he went down immediately.
Bucky’s face rebuked as if he was hit himself at the force Curt put in his fist on Bryan. Buck remained unmoved- he had total faith in Curt the whole time. Charlie smiled brightly at a victorious Curt Biddick who couldn’t help but mock the British before he went.
“Guess who can hit their target at night!” Curt said in parting to the ecstatic American observers and the now annoyed British who were helping Bryan off the floor.
Curt soon joined the two Buck’s and Charlie. Curt swept Charlie up in his arms and swung her around in his arms as if they were dancing. Charlie giggled, trying to hold in her alcohol at the sudden movement.
“That was for you, gorgeous.” Curt announced as Bucky and Buck watched from a short distance.
“Oh, my hero!” Charlie giggled, hugging the short man who tucked her head below his chin as he hugged back.
“Hands Biddick!” Bucky yelled out of habit now but with a hint of seriousness despite his intoxication.
“I’m not touching something I shouldn’t!” Curt yelled back.
“Everything of my sister is something you shouldn’t be touching Curt.” Bucky mumbled under his breath, his heart not really in it. Curt soon let go of Charlie and Bucky picked the smaller man up by the waist in his strong arms and walked off with him on the cobblestones. Buck and Charlie followed behind the loud pair together.
“Never mess with the Irish!” Curt warned, waving his fists in the air. Charlie chuckled as Bucky and Curt carried on ahead. Charlie struggled in her tipsy state with her high heels on the old cobblestone paving. Buck noticed this and supported her by wrapping an arm around her waist so he could hold her up if she fell.
“Oh, my hero.” Charlie repeated herself from earlier with a creeping smile, the warmth of his arm around her waist was a welcome surprise. Charlie placed a tentative palm on Buck’s chest to steady herself.
“You seem to throw that term out a lot.” Buck commented with a wide grin.
“Only to a select few.” Charlie teased, unable to look away from his blue eyes which shined in the moonlight. Buck chuckled softly at that. The pair didn’t realise that Bucky and Curt had stopped ahead and were watching the scene from 10 feet away.
“And you told me to keep MY hands off.” Curt said quietly to Bucky who was looking at the scene with confusion- head fully tilted like when a dog is trying to understand what is being said. His sister and Buck? That was news to him.
Notes:
In honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day I present to you chapter 7! I am a massive fan of the Band of Brothers series as well and despite it being 22 years old, it still holds up as one of the best portrayals of the paratroopers perspective on D-Day. I don't know why but I especially love binge watching the series every Christmas break. Does anyone else do that?
Of course for the best D-Day beach scene, it would have to be Saving Private Ryan hands down. It was so good that we actually studied it in English class when I was in High School.
I hope you all like this chapter :)
Chapter Text
“Were you going to tell me you’re flying today?” Charlie shouted out to her brother. She was waiting outside the meeting hall with her hands on her hips and her feet a tapping already decked out in her spotless white nurses’ uniform.
“Uh oh, someone’s in trouble.” Curt remarked to Buck who chuckled in response. The men were leaving the meeting room after their briefing on their next target, the submarine pens in Trondheim, Norway.
Buck heard his buddy mumble ‘shit’ under his breath at getting caught.
“No point avoiding it. It’s better to face the enemy head on.” Buck told his best friend with an amused smile.
“I’m telling Charlie you called her the enemy.” Bucky childishly muttered before walking over to his expectant sister with his hands held out like he was surrendering.
“Charlie,” Bucky carefully approached slowly “Come on, I didn’t know until they woke me up this morning.” Bucky explained. Charlie did not look like she believed him.
“Uh huh.” Charlie muttered, crossing her arms, and glancing behind him at Buck and Curt watching the whole thing.
“I’ll be back before you know it.” Bucky told her, pulling her arms away from her chest and holding her hands in each of his.
“You better.” Charlie told him with a threatening tone although her fierceness faded away when Bucky noticed how soft and mournful her eyes were.
“I expect you to be here waiting for me when I do come back.” Bucky prompted trying to make her smile with a silly face. Charlie cracked a smile at her goofy brother.
“Of course I’ll be here.” Charlie said with a roll of her eyes.
“Good. I don’t want to come back to find out you’ve left to become a flight nurse again.” Bucky joked but with a hint of worry. He had had nightmares recently of Charlie disappearing from base one day and no one would tell him where she went.
“Don’t be silly Bucky.” Charlie whined, a reminiscent time of when they were still children.
“Good. I love you. Mwah.” Bucky planted a big kiss on Charlie’s forehead. Charlie frowned and childishly tried to wipe away the saliva.
“Is it my turn now?” Curt cut in and before both Egan’s could react, he planted a giant kiss on Charlie’s forehead right where Bucky did. Bucky and Charlie looked at him wide eyed for a moment in shock before Bucky started to glare and Curt started to sweat.
“CURT!” Bucky shouted. Curt chuckled nervously before fast walking away to his fort’s waiting truck. Bucky followed him and put him in a headlock while sternly talking to him about keeping his lips away from his sister. Charlie smirked at the sight and heard a chuckle from beside her- Buck was standing next to her and she didn’t even notice till now.
“You are not going to kiss me too, are you?” Charlie asked Buck jokingly.
“No.” Buck drawled. Charlie felt a little deflated at that and turned to watch her brother and Curt than to focus on Buck. She didn’t know what to say or do next. Charlie suddenly felt warm arms wrap around her waist and her head was guided gently to a very warm neck decorated in a beautiful sky-blue neck scarf. Buck smelt like musky cologne and grease. Not an unpleasant smell by any means. Charlie automatically returned the hug and froze as to what to do next.
“Stay safe.” Charlie whispered into the leather of Buck’s flight jacket. Charlie felt Buck’s chest rumble at that.
“Mmm. I’ll be seeing you later,” Buck told her quietly but confidently “Officer’s club tonight?” Buck invited, peering down at the shorter lady in his arms.
“How could I say no to that?” Charlie teased, getting lost in his blue eyes again.
“Alrighty.” Buck took that as her acceptance.
Curt and Bucky had stopped horsing around enough to see the entanglement the littlest Egan was in with 6-foot Buck Cleven.
“Bucky, I don’t think it’s me you have to worry about my friend.” Curt commented with a smirk. Bucky shook his head in disbelief.
“They are just friendly, that’s all. It’s my best friend and my sister, of course they’re friends with each other.” Bucky denied matter of factly. Curt looked at Bucky with a weird expression and muttered under his breath ‘oh dear lord’.
Soon enough the call to mount the trucks began and all the men loaded onto their truck with their crewmates.
Charlie watched from the control tower as the B-17’s left one by one. When they all eventually left, Charlie heard her name being called from down below. Charlie peered down to see her nurse and fellow friend, Louise Hartley, waving up at her. Charlie took one more look at the horizon where the planes disappeared before going down the stairs to meet Louise.
“Charlie don’t look so down; they’ll be back soon.” Louise reassured her friend with a pat on the back.
“Yeah.” Charlie tried to smile in agreement, but it felt forced.
“Do you want to talk about that display with Buck Cleven earlier?” Louise teased. Charlie was surprised they had an audience for that.
“No, there’s nothing to talk about.” Charlie brushed it off.
“Well ok but I know for a fact women’s’ hearts would be breaking everywhere if Buck Cleven was to become involved with someone.” Louise told her with a smile. Charlie chuckled but decided to not pursue that avenue of talk. Charlie’s eye was caught by Lemmons and Wink by the hardstand with two local boys. They looked excited over something.
Charlie walked down to investigate.
“And what are you lot up to?” Charlie asked inquisitively. The two local boys looked a little guilty but excited.
“We’re cleaning the hardstand.” Lemmon explained. The two boys nodded along. Charlie eyed the canisters and her nose twitched at the smell of fuel. She could piece it all together.
“Plane fuel and oil burns at around 300 degrees. You keep well back when you ignite it,” Charlie lectured the young boys while also shooting looks at the ground crewman “I don’t want to see any of you in my infirmary.” Charlie told them. The young boys nodded respectfully at the head nurse.
“Yes ma’am.” The boys agreed respectfully with a nod of their heads. Charlie looked at Lemmons and Winks with narrowed eyes.
“Yes ma’am.” Lemmons and Winks repeated in sync with a tilt of their caps at the authority figure. Charlie nodded at the group before walking away, Louise following her.
Charlie and Louise walked side by side with each other for a while in silence before Louise broke the quietness.
“Have you ever thought about having kids?” Louise asked randomly. The British children prompting the line of questioning. Charlie was silent for a few seconds.
“I don’t know, when I was younger yes.” Charlie replied.
“Younger?” Louise laughed “You’re only 22 Charlie.”
“I feel a lot older than that sometimes.” Charlie admitted to her older friend. Louise’s eyes softened.
“That’s probably because you’ve done more things, experienced more things, in your life than most 22-year-olds.” Louise told her. Charlie shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t know, maybe.” Charlie replied while taking a peek at the still empty sky. Louise noticed where her eyes and heart was at that moment.
“Come on, we should get the infirmary prepped for when the boys return.” Louise distracted her with a task she knew Charlie could not pass up.
“Ok.” Charlie agreed and the pair fast walked over to the said infirmary.
“Who’s going to tell Charlie about Curt?” Bucky asked Buck after leaving their respective forts and clambering onto a waiting jeep. Buck looked at Bucky in surprise.
“You’re her brother. Why would I tell her?” Buck asked with a raised eyebrow. Bucky looked long and hard at Buck.
“Well, I don’t know Buck, I’m not the one who gave her a warm long hug before leaving this morning.” Bucky sarcastically retorted. Buck huffed out a sigh at this side of Bucky. His childish side.
“Have you been stewing over that the whole mission?” Buck asked in bewilderment.
“Yes.” Bucky immediately answered.
“Even when we were getting pounded with flak when we hit Norway?” Buck asked.
“It never left my mind.” Bucky confirmed, trying to concentrate on driving at the same time.
“Right.” Buck said. A silence came over the two men in the jeep as Bucky weaved in and out of the traffic on the runway.
“Do you like my sister?” Bucky asked breaking the silence.
“God damn it Bucky.” Gale swore. He was like a dog with a bone.
“What? It’s a simple yes or no question.” Bucky said innocently with wide eyes.
“Are you going to sock me in the mouth if I answer either yes, or no?” Buck asked his friend knowingly.
“No.” Bucky replied unconvincingly.
“Nice try,” Buck quickly jumped off the jeep when it came to a stop outside the hut for interrogation. Buck paused and then turned around to face Bucky still sitting in the jeep “Can’t we just tell Charlie Curt’s living it up in Scotland? The man’s not dead.” Buck asked with confusion. Bucky threw back his head and laughed.
“Yeah, you do that and let me know how it turns out.” Bucky chuckled at his clueless friend with his head shaking before climbing out of the jeep.
Charlie was thankful that there was not as many wounded this time around when the boys started pouring through the doors. A lot of surface wounds and cuts. The infirmary was a very calm, quiet place when Harry Crosby came to visit his pal, Bubbles who was sick and bed bound.
Charlie was nearby sitting in a chair rolling bandages. She chuckled as she heard Harry recount his story to Bubbles.
“Ginger or peppermint.” Charlie commented after the boys started messing around with each other. Crosby was too busy sticking his head in Bubbles’ direction to notice her sitting there.
“What was that ma’am?” Harry politely asked.
“Take some ginger or peppermint before your next mission. It helps with motion sickness.” Charlie told him with a kind smile.
“Thank you Major.”
Charlie looked up from her tedious job when she heard approaching footsteps. Charlie caught her brother’s eye and he winked at her before focusing on the navigator.
“There he is!” Bucky exclaimed. “How you doing, Bubbles? My sister taking good care of you?” Charlie rolled her eyes at that.
“Never better sir and yes very good care sir.” Bubbles replied respectfully.
“That’s good,” Bucky commented before turning to Harry “I was looking for you.”
Harry bashfully stood up with an apology immediately on his lips.
“What for?” Bucky asked. Charlie watched the display with interest.
“I didn’t give PRs the whole flight back. I messed up the rendezvous-“ Harry nervously rattled off.
“I know,” Bucky interrupted “The radio silence really threw off those jerries. That and hitting the deck. Now, Harding, he couldn’t be more impressed by you.” Harry couldn’t hide his surprise.
“So, I’m transferring you to Blakely’s crew full-time,” Bucky told him before turning to the other navigator “Bubbles, you get better. We’ll find you a new fort.” Bubbles looked surprised but nodded in acknowledgement.
“And Croz, we gotta give you an actual nickname.” Bucky said with glee.
“They call him Bing back home.” Bubbles intervened.
“Bing Crosby? That’s just lazy,” Bucky rebuffed the suggestion. “Unless you can sing, can you sing?” Bucky asked curiously.
Bubbles chuckled “like a donkey.” Charlie smirked.
“No, not a note, sir.” Harry denied.
“I’m no good either, but I’m loud and hell if you commit with enough enthusiasm, it really doesn’t matter.” Charlie loudly scoffed at that. Bucky shook Harry’s hand before spinning around to see to his sister trying to not look like she was eavesdropping.
“Hello sis. Did you miss me?” Bucky asked with a grin. Charlie raised an eyebrow.
“You weren’t gone long enough to miss.” Charlie rebuffed.
“That hurts,” Bucky clutched his chest dramatically. “Has Buck been to see you yet?” Bucky asked inquisitively. Charlie frowned in confusion.
“No, why?” Charlie asked suspiciously. Bucky muttered ‘son of a bitch’ under his breath cursing his friend, but Charlie heard it all the same. Charlie’s frown deepened.
“You came home one plane short, who was it?” Charlie asked.
“Now don’t freak out-“ Bucky started holding his hands up already. Charlie’s face darkened.
“Don’t you tell me not to freak out John Clarence Egan. Who?” Charlie snapped.
“Curt’s engine 1 got hit by flak- he’s fine!-“ Bucky quickly reassured his sister “He had to crash land in Scotland.”
Charlie cursed under her breath.
“Nothing about the term ‘crash landing’ gives me any confidence Bucky,” Charlie rolled her eyes.
“Look we are waiting on transport to bring him and his crew back here. As soon as he is on his way, I will let you know, and you can inspect him for injuries yourself.” Bucky told her while holding her shoulders to comfort her.
“Alright?” Bucky prompted.
“Alright.” Charlie reluctantly agreed.
“Good. Now tell me, are you going to the officer’s club tonight?” Bucky asked changing the subject.
“Yes. Buck already asked me.” Charlie confirmed.
“Uh huh. Was that before or after he wrapped you up in his big strong arms this morning?” Bucky teased. Charlie’s face unconsciously reddened, and she began to power walk away to the back office but not before telling her brother to ‘fuck off’ on her departure. Bucky grinned cheekily as he watched her leave.
Notes:
This next chapter was a bit later than normal, sorry guys and girls!
With regard to the temperature that fuel and oil burns at- I literally could not find the information anywhere online so I made it up
Also those who have watched the series would not be able to miss the foreshadowing happening in this chapter
I hope you like the interactions between Charlie and everyone
But next chapter guys, you are going to LOVE the next chapter 😊
Chapter Text
The night was in full swing at the officer’s club that night, the band was playing loudly and the officers sitting down were tapping their shoes to the beat of the music. Majors Buck, Bucky, Jack Kidd and Veal were among those sitting on chairs along the wall of the club enjoying the evening.
“Do you know what this is missing?” Bucky shouted to his best friend over the noise. Buck looked exasperated already.
“Apart from your sister? Nothing.” Buck replied, keeping his eyes peeled for the beautiful brunette.
“She’ll turn up she’s probably still primping herself,” Bucky reassured his friend “But no I meant vocals!” Bucky declared.
“No, it’s not.” Buck immediately replied knowing exactly where this is going and trying to shut it down as fast as possible.
“I’m gonna sing.” Bucky announced at the same time he intended to leave his seat. Buck didn’t even look at him before swinging an arm to keep Bucky still seated. His eyes were peeled for a certain missing Major.
Bucky decided on a different approach “Jack, should I sing?” The said man glanced at an excited Bucky.
“No.” Jack Kidd replied with a shake of his head.
Bucky turned his head to the other side where Veal was sitting and repeated his question with an immediate negative response.
“All right. You’re right.” Bucky combed a hand through his hair. Buck relaxed thinking Bucky will finally listen to him.
Bucky blind sighted him by getting up faster than Buck had the power to bring him back down. His distraction in searching for the youngest Egan made him drop the ball.
“It’s my song, Buck.” Bucky explained simply before walking away to the vacant microphone in front of the Army band.
Never saw the sun shining so bright
Never saw things going so right
Watching the days hurrying by
When you’re in love my, how they fly
Blue days all of them gone
Nothing but blue skies from now on
That was the scene Charlie walked into when she finally arrived at the officer’s club. Colonel Harding gave the nurses’ special permission to not wear their dress uniforms tonight and instead were encouraged to dress casually in celebration of the minimal losses suffered from the Norway mission. Charlie decided on a deep red floaty dress that emphasised her small waist and delicate collarbone. Charlie hesitated on whether to wear the dress or not as it exposed her scar near her collarbone, the wound she received in North Africa in 41’ when her aid station got bombed. But she decided she was done with hiding her past. She just had to live with it now and think about the present.
Bucky saw his sister first and immediately ran up to her, took her hand in his and spun her around to the closing notes of his favourite song. Charlie yelped in surprise but that soon turned into a giggle as her enthusiastic brother spun her around again before hugging her to his chest in a sort of slow dance despite the music slowing down.
“You look beautiful.” Bucky commented quietly, looking her up and down, only pausing his eyes for a second on the scar.
“Why thank you kind sir.” Charlie teased with a grin.
“Now I know a certain Major who would say the same thing.” Bucky said with a smirk. Charlie rolled her eyes and pushed away from her older brother with a groan. Bucky let her go without a fight.
“What? It’s true!” Bucky yelled after her, still standing in the middle of the dance floor now alone. Charlie was heading towards Louise who was waiting for her at the bar but couldn’t help stopping to poke her tongue out at her brother before continuing.
Bucky laughed carefree at the childishness. Some things never changed.
Buck was silent as he approached Bucky from behind to stand next to him, following Charlie’s movements with his eyes.
“What did you do now?” Buck asked with exasperation in his tone with a hint of fondness.
Bucky put on his most innocent face and shrugged his shoulders. Charlie at that moment turned away from her friend to glance over her shoulder and where she left her brother to find both men staring at her with different kinds of adoration. Charlie could feel the blush creeping on her cheeks after making eye contact with Buck’s before turning back to Louise and the conversation they were engaged in.
“Bucky you are an enigma.” His blonde friend declared with his Wyoming drawl.
“Oh yeah, and why’s that?” Bucky asked, taking his eyes off his sister and nurse Hartley laughing together.
“Well I remember not so long ago when Charlie first showed up, you were hell set on scaring everyone and everything away from her. Now you are practically encouraging-“ Buck recalled before being cut off. Bucky poked Buck with his finger.
“Encouraging? Oh no no no sir. That I am not,” Bucky was quick to cut in with a shake of his head “I am negating the risks is all.” Buck looked puzzled.
“Negating the risks? Now what the hell does that mean?” Buck asked.
“I mean that whilst I know no one, and I do emphasis the ‘no’ part Buck, is good enough for my little sister, you are undoubtably one of the better candidates than the rest of these dodos.” Bucky explained while eyeing up the pilots, co-pilots, navigators, and bombardiers with a critical eye as they all went about their merry evening.
“Oh, gee Bucky you really know how to melt a guy’s heart.” Buck expressed an annoyed face.
“Your heart? Hey, I’m just trying to protect hers.” Bucky pointedly looked at Charlie. Buck softened at that.
“You know I would never intentionally hurt her.” Buck told him. Bucky looked at his friend and patted him on the shoulder, he knows Buck. Bucky realised long ago that if there was ever a perfect man for his sister, Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven would be it.
“Yeah,” Bucky long drawled out “It’s just the unintentional part I worry about.” Buck knew what he was hinting to. If Buck’s plane went down.
“We can’t control the future so let’s just live in the now and enjoy what we’ve got.”
Bucky smacked his lips together in thought. “Yeah, and you know what? I very much want to enjoy the now with her.” Bucky pointed at one of Charlie’s new nurses that turned up fresh off the boat last week. Buck looked where he was pointing at and sighed.
“Charlie will kill you. Didn’t she just give you a talk the other day about keeping your hands off her nurses?” Buck reminded him but was also resigned to that fact that that would not stop Bucky Egan.
“Yeah, but I’m going for it anyway. Wish me luck.” Bucky smirked in parting before crossing the room to the gaggle of nurses sitting together in the corner.
“You don’t need it. You make your own.” Buck whispered after his confident friend with a fond smile. Buck realised soon after he was left abandoned and decided to go for it and join Charlie at the bar, hoping she won’t mind the interruption.
Charlie was enjoying her tumbler of whiskey and laughing with Louise at the bar when a shadow appeared from behind her shoulder. Charlie was pleasantly surprised to find Buck standing behind her with a soft smile. Charlie couldn’t help but return the smile after taking him in. He looked so handsome in his dress uniform and his blonde hair was wavy and coiffed to perfection. The pair didn’t realise it, but they were staring at each other for a long few seconds, appreciating the sight of the other. Louise watched the interaction with a wide and eager smile.
“I apologise for interrupting you ladies. Would you mind awfully if I were to join you? My wingman seems to have left me all alone.” Buck politely asked. Charlie nearly melted at his soft accent.
“Oh well we can’t have that, Major. Come take my seat.” Louise immediately offered.
“Oh no ma’am I couldn’t do that.” Buck protested.
“I was just leaving anyway. Doris has been calling me over.” Louise lied while pointing into the crowd.
“Oh well thank you ma’am.” Buck soon took up Louise’s recently vacated seat next to Charlie. Louise soon bustled away but not before shooting Charlie a knowing glance and a wink.
“So, my brother has left you high and dry huh?” Charlie asked with a teasing smirk “Who is he chasing after this time?” Buck hesitated and Charlie narrowed her eyes.
“It better not be one of my girls.” Charlie warned, cursing her brother’s name in her head.
“Uh no not that I’m aware of,” Buck lied smoothly through his teeth “But anyway I do much prefer the company of another Egan tonight.” Buck changed the subject.
“Very smooth Buck.” Charlie complimented, fighting a blush.
“Would you like me to get you another drink?” Buck asked, noticing her empty glass.
“A beer please.” Charlie asked. Once their drinks arrived, the pair moved to recently vacated table away from the bustle of the bar.
“You know I really didn’t believe it when Bucky wrote to me to say that he found his new best friend and that he doesn’t drink.” Charlie commented while glancing at the ginger beer Buck was sipping on. Buck chuckled.
“Yeah, well sometimes I can’t believe I’m friends with him either.” Buck replied with a smile. Buck went silent for a moment, taking in Charlie in her pretty deep red dress and her perfectly pinned curls and red lips.
“You’re staring.” Charlie commented with a raised eyebrow.
“I can’t help it. Any man would and have at the most beautiful woman in the room.” Buck stated, noticing the men that had given Charlie several glances since her entrance. Charlie fought to contain her grin.
“I very much doubt I’m the most beautiful woman in the room.” Charlie retorted, fiddling unconsciously with her hands. Itching to hide her scar. A habit recently formed since she received her wounds. Buck seemed to pick up on Charlie’s dark thoughts.
“Well beauty is subjective but with the number of men that have glanced over at you in the last few minutes, I think it is clear that I am not the only one to admire your beauty tonight.” Buck complimented. His words warmed Charlie’s heart.
“Bucky never mentioned Gale Cleven was such a charmer.” Charlie joked.
“That’s because I haven’t tried to charm anyone in a long while.” Buck truthfully said. Charlie smiled at that.
“And I’m the lucky recipient of Gale Cleven’s charm?” Charlie teased before sipping from her glass.
“Yes, ma’am you are.” Buck confidently smiled. Charlie sobered at her next thought, she unconsciously traced the scar visible by her collarbone with a finger.
“Would you like to know the story?” Charlie asked with sad eyes. Buck shifted in his seat at the change in atmosphere.
“I want to know everything about you,” Buck truthfully told her leaning forward in his chair, eyes flicking to the scar briefly before meeting her eyes again “But if you’re not ready, I’ll wait.”
Charlie smiled at the man next to her. Sometimes she genuinely believed Gale Cleven was not real.
“I’m ready to tell this story,” Charlie confirmed, thinking back to her time in North Africa. “I never intended on going to Africa you know. But the battle for the skies over Britain was won and the bombings in London were starting to become few and far between. I felt restless. And then they were asking for volunteers for working within a mobile field hospital in North Africa. I thought… well it was a lot different from what I thought,” Charlie recounted to an interested Buck who was intent on taking in every word.
“The Africa campaign to be put bluntly was a mess, at least for the field hospital staff. The frontline changed so rapidly we barely had any time to pack up everything including wounded before we were ordered to move. And then one day we never got the order to move,” Charlie trailed off forlornly. Buck’s eyes shone with concern.
“Our field hospital came into range of the German’s mortars. We were in surgery at the time when our makeshift surgical tent took a direct hit. 1 wounded soldier, 1 surgeon and 2 nurses killed. Just… gone, just like that. Everyone tells me I’m the lucky one. I walked away with only some shrapnel,” Charlie motioned to the scar carelessly. “I don’t feel very lucky.” Charlie whispered, thinking back on her friends and fellow nurses who perished.
“No, I don’t suppose you do,” Buck commented softly. “Although I for one am very thankful you are still here. And I know another troublemaker pretending to be a Major, is very happy you are still here” Charlie smiled a little teary at that, fighting her laugh at the comment about her brother. Buck looked around the room at the couples taking to the dance floor.
“Now I know Bucky probably mentioned in his letters that Gale Cleven does not dance,” Buck stated. Charlie nodded at that. Oh yes Bucky had rattled on about the things Gale Cleven does not do in detail in his earlier letters of 1940. “However, I am making an exception. For you,” Buck rose from his chair and offered his hand to a surprised Charlie “Will you do me the honour, Miss Egan?” Buck asked politely. Charlie smiled widely at the request.
“How can I say no to that?” Charlie said while taking Buck’s hand without hesitation. Buck slotted Charlie’s hand gently into his elbow and led her over to the dance floor much to the surprise of anyone watching. Everybody who knew Gale Cleven knew he didn’t dance. The fact that he decided to dance with his best friend’s little sister and a Major in her own right? It was a recipe for gossip to spread.
“People are watching us.” Charlie mumbled to Buck when she noticed the eyes on them.
“It must be because of how beautiful you look in your dress.” Buck complimented, paying the observant eyes no attention. Charlie huffed a laugh under her breath as they moved around the dance floor to the beat of the music.
“Yes, I’m sure that’s why.” Charlie replied with a roll of her eyes. She smiled happily as Buck led them around the dance floor effortlessly. He was supporting her with one arm around the back of her waist and the other clasped in her hand and they were a perfectly respectful distance away from each other. Charlie didn’t know the reason why Buck detested dancing so much when he was obviously such a natural at it!
Charlie failed to spot her cheeky grinned brother with his own dance partner before he appeared side-by side-with them.
“Watch those hands, Buck!” Bucky warned half in jest as he twirled his partner around. Buck rolled his eyes at his friend. Charlie raised her eyebrow at Bucky’s dance partner, her newest nurse who arrived a week ago. Said new nurse was trying to hide her face from her CO.
Buck decided to get his own back on Bucky and pulled Charlie closer to his chest, so they were practically touching. Charlie huffed in surprise at the movement and when she looked up, she was barely an inch away from Buck’s face.
“Gale.” Charlie breathed, feeling Buck’s breath on her face. Buck chest rumbled in pleasure at the sound of his god given name falling from her lips.
“You look even more beautiful up close.” Buck whispered, starstruck in Charlie’s sky-blue eyes.
“Why thank you kind sir.” Charlie whispered back with a flirty smile, unconsciously looking towards his inviting full, red lips.
They were pulled out of their bubble with a groan coming from their left. They both turned their heads to see Bucky pulling a face at the pair “Really? Right in front of me?” Bucky asked with narrowed eyes. Buck and Charlie in sync rolled their eyes before moving away from Bucky and his dance partner, putting some distance between them before the song finished.
Louise came running over to Charlie- pulling her away from Buck with a promise to return her soon. Charlie left Buck after agreeing to meet him at the bar. Buck sulked over to the bar without the beautiful brunette only to find Bucky already waiting for him.
“Another ginger beer please.” Buck ordered, deciding to stand next to his friend. Veal was on the other side of Bucky drinking his own drink. “No.” Buck said with authority when he saw Bucky opening his mouth.
“What?” Bucky asked offended at the immediate shot down.
“Whatever you were going to say, don’t.” Buck told him before taking a sip of his glass.
The scene Charlie walked into when she finally left Louise for the bar was her Buck and her brother crowded round a telephone with smiles on their faces at whatever the person said on the other end.
“I’m Irish!” Charlie heard from next to Buck and grinned recognising the voice immediately.
“Yeah, all right. Well, you just get back here soon, Curt.” Buck said after listening intently to Curt for a moment.
Bucky yelled into the telephone “We miss you, Curt. We’re glad you’re still with us.” Buck smirked and pulled the telephone away from Bucky.
“Yeah, John says he misses his little spoon.” Buck teased, sharing a grin with Charlie.
“Hey, I’m the big spoon here, remember?” Charlie heard from the line. Charlie really needed to know the story behind that she thought with a wide smile.
“It’s gonna be cold tonight, Curt.” Bucky butted in quickly.
Buck glanced at Charlie with a twinkle in his eye.
“Hey uh someone special wants to say hello.” Buck told Curt before passing the handle to Charlie. Charlie smiled gratefully at Buck for including her.
“Curt?” Charlie asked down the receiver.
“Gorgeous? Hey how are ya?” Curt asked surprised.
“How am I? How are you and your men? Are you ok? Any injuries?” Charlie rattled off like a worried mother.
“Charlie don’t worry. We’re ok. Just cuts and bruises. Can’t wait to be back at Thorpe Abbotts.” Curt reported to her, trying to reassure her.
“Good. As soon as your back, report to the infirmary with your men.” Charlie ordered, relieved everyone seemed to be ok.
“Charlie, we’re fine.” Curt insisted with a bit of a whine.
“That wasn’t a suggestion, Biddick.” Charlie pulled out the last name to emphasis how serious she was.
“Alright. I’ll see you soon.” Curt agreed.
“See you soon.” Charlie put the phone down after those words in parting.
“Feel better now?” Bucky asked his sister around a mouth of whiskey.
“Much. Walk me home Gale?” Charlie asked with a fluttering of her eyelashes. Buck immediately agreed and took her hand in his much bigger one- leading her toward the exit. Bucky mouthed ‘Gale’ in confusion. Since when did his sister call him Gale?
Charlie and Buck paused when they heard a man announce loudly ‘Bike race in the mess hall! Who’s in?’
Charlie and Buck looked at each other with a smile growing between them. Buck had eager eyes, knowing that Bucky could not turn down the offer, and Buck wanted to beat him badly.
“Come on!” Charlie encouraged, tugging Buck by the hand toward the mess hall and the gathering crowd.
“I thought you wanted to go home?” Buck asked confused.
“Not quite yet,” Charlie teased “You’re gonna kick my brother’s ass first Major Cleven.” Charlie ordered.
“Yes ma’am.” Buck agreed with a grin, loving the feel of her petite hand in his.
Charlie watched from the sidelines as money changed hands and the well-dressed officers lined up their bikes. She grinned when Bucky and Buck pushed through the starting line up to get to the front.
“Rank has its privileges, boys.” Buck said as he pushed some junior officers out of the way.
“I see money changing hands. I hope that’s going on me,” Bucky smirked before spotting his sister. “Charlie! You bet on me, right?” Bucky pointed to his sister. Charlie smirked back at her brother knowingly. Buck followed Bucky’s finger with his eyes, finding the beautiful brunette leaning against the wall with glistening happy eyes. Buck blew a kiss at Charlie in a very public show of affection. Bucky groaned under his breath ‘oh god’. Charlie blushed at Buck’s very public gesture.
“Here’s the deal, boys. You got one lap of the officers’ mess, two laps of the enlisted men’s mess. When you hear the starter pistol, go!” An unfamiliar man announced to the room. Charlie chuckled at her brother and Buck already elbowing each other before the pistol went off.
Charlie watched with glee as Buck quickly took the lead with ease. Bucky nearly caught up a couple of times, but he was not the best at taking the turns. Charlie was on the verge of celebrating Buck’s win when they all started crashing into each other. Charlie was worried for a moment that they were hurt before watching the duo struggle to bring each other down to win the match and to stop the other from winning. Charlie giggled at their care-free childish side come out.
A piercing siren interrupted the night’s atmosphere. Over the noise being emitted from the room, not everyone seemed to have heard it.
“Hold up, hold up!” Kidd brought attention in the room, and everyone froze. “Don’t you hear those sirens?”
All personnel, take shelter
All personnel, take shelter
The announcement was heard over the speakerphones.
Buck’s first thought was Charlie.
“Charlie!” Buck yelled and Bucky copied him “Charlie!” The pair clambered up ungracefully untangling from each other and immediately found Charlie between pushing past some people in their way.
“Come on, we gotta get to the shelter.” Buck ordered a surprised Charlie. Buck and Bucky each took a side of Charlie and bustled her out into the fresh night air towards the air raid shelter.
Charlie dug her feet in when it came to actually going down the stairs of the air raid shelter. She looked at the dark abyss that awaited with a sense of trepidation and fear.
“I’m not going down there!” Charlie declared with a shake of her head. She shrugged off Buck and Bucky’s hands and stood away from them with crossed arms.
“Charlie, stop messing around. Come on!” Bucky groaned in annoyance.
“No, nope. You can’t make me!” Charlie said on the verge of hysteria. Buck recognised that Charlie was not messing about. She was seriously afraid of the air raid shelter.
“Alright, alright,” Buck softly spoke, to defuse the tension. “Let’s all just calm down.” Buck aimed that at an incensed Bucky.
The trio along with some other staff watched the sky moments later as it erupted in orange glows alongside the usual spotlights pointed at the sky. The sounds of bombs exploding and the anti-craft fire in the distance took over their senses.
“Do you know how many times I watched in London as people were pulled out of their air raid shelters after a bomb hit?” Charlie asked, unable to look away from the sky. The men shared a look between them before focusing on Charlie. “They were lucky most of the time if it was a direct hit. Instant death. It’s the others that haunt me. I can think of nothing worse than being buried alive and slowly dying of suffocation.” Charlie shared her trauma, trying to make the men understand.
“Yeah,” Bucky squeezed his sister’s shoulder in an effort to comfort her. “Well, that is not going to stop me from throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you down there if those bombers start heading this way.” Bucky told her. Buck rolled his eyes at his insensitive friend but not denying the fact he would do the same so that Charlie would be safe.
“Yeah, well I hope your back can take the force of my kicks if you throw me over your shoulder.” Charlie countered with a smirk. Bucky and Buck chuckled at that. Charlie suddenly shivered from a cold breeze, only just remembering she was in a short sleeved dress in the middle of an English night. Buck noticed and wordlessly unbuttoned his jacket and draped it over Charlie’s shoulders before wrapping his arms around Charlie from behind to keep in the heat. He rested his chin on the top of Charlie’s head as they stood to watch the sky in wonder. Bucky decided in that moment not to comment for once on their physical affection for each other. Charlie smiled at the sudden warmth and the closeness of Buck wrapped around her.
“Looks like they’re hitting Norwich.” Buck commented as more anti-aircraft guns opened up on the German’s Luftwaffe.
“Some poor bastards are getting it handed to ‘em.” Bucky remarked almost emotionless at the turn of events.
“Yeah. We could be next.” Buck thought aloud. Charlie watched as a nervous ground crew man fingered a pack of smokes in his hand.
“Don’t you dare light that. Maintain light discipline.” Charlie ordered the young man who looked shocked at the Major addressing him.
“Yes ma’am. Sorry ma’am.” The young man blustered before disappearing down into the shelter. Buck and Bucky didn’t even blink.
“We’re getting through this.” Bucky said with confidence.
“Says the gambler.” Buck teased. Charlie discreetly sniffed Buck’s jacket, taking in his unique smell.
“Well, if I’m gonna bet on anything, I’m gonna bet on us, Buck.” Bucky told his best friend.
Charlie listened as the two talked back and forth in silence. Charlie listened intensely when Buck talked about his childhood with his dad and felt sadness that he had to experience that as a kid.
“That RAF prick was right. These daylight missions, they’re suicide.” Charlie squeezed Buck’s hand that was resting on her torso at that. Even the word ‘suicide’ put her on edge.
“Then why didn’t you agree with him?” Bucky asked while rubbing his eyes tiredly. It had been a long night.
Buck sighed “Didn’t like his delivery.” Charlie held in a snort at that.
“Well, if you aren’t a betting man, what’s the move?”
“We lead our boys through it.” Buck told him simply. Charlie looked up at Buck behind her and they shared a long intense look as their eyes spoke about everything they wanted to say to each other before Charlie pressed her face into Buck’s neck and Buck leaned more into Charlie while at the same time tightening his arms around her small form. Protectively. Lovingly.
Notes:
I am so happy to share this chapter with you guys and you have been amazingly patient waiting for this!
I have had such a busy few weeks so I am sorry for it's delay. This weekend alone has been crazy. I traveled to Duxford, Cambridgeshire today which is a war museum for planes, tanks etc and I got to see the B-17 with my own eyes. What a beauty she is!
As always let me know your thoughts on this chapter :)
Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The days that followed the night of the bombing were some of the best days of the war for Charlie.
Buck showed up at Charlie’s Nissin hut the next morning with a big wicker basket and an even bigger grin that caused butterflies to flutter around in her stomach.
“Would you like to go on a picnic with me ma’am?” Buck asked with hopeful eyes. Charlie fought hard to hide her blush but knew she was not entirely successful.
“I’d love to.” Charlie replied immediately with a dazed voice. She felt like she was having an out of body experience in Buck’s presence. Charlie was snapped out of her daze when noise of people talking around the corner reached their ears. Charlie giggled with a mischievous smile as she quickly closed her hut door and grabbed onto Buck’s offered arm before they set off a leisurely walk. Charlie knew anybody could see them, but she didn’t care anymore. Charlie doesn’t think anyone could possibly ignore the other night when herself and Buck danced together. Everyone was aware that they were sweet on each other. Even Bucky.
Speaking of Bucky, Charlie could swear she could hear his voice and she found herself to be right as she saw her brother and Curt loudly discussing baseball with volatile movements of hands as they spoke. Anyone could mistake her brother as Italian when it came to expressing himself with his hand movements. Charlie paused, stopping Buck as well in his tracks. Charlie lifted her finger to her lips to mimic to Buck to not make a sound. Charlie silently stepped back and took Buck with her. The pair ended up jogging and hiding behind an unoccupied Nissin hut.
“What was that?” Buck asked curiously with light panting from their little run.
“That was avoiding my brother and Curt.” Charlie said confused with what Buck was asking.
“Yeah, I know. I saw them. Why are we hiding though?” Buck asked in confusion.
“Because it’s Bucky!” Charlie unhelpfully explained with a raised eyebrow in confusion at what Buck was asking “He would have asked to tag along and with Curt. We would never get any time to spend together.”
Buck’s face softened at her explanation. “Yeah, I suppose that’s true,” Buck said with a sigh imagining Bucky screaming at him about his hands like he does regularly with Curt “I was scared just then that you didn’t want to be seen with me.” Buck admitted bashfully. Charlie frowned.
“Of course I want to be seen with you Buck. Who wouldn’t want to be seen with you? It’s just my brother is complicated. With me he’s different.” Charlie tried to explain. Buck’s face brightened with her kind words.
“He’s my best friend so I know how he can be I guess.” Buck admitted.
“Mmm. Come on let’s get going before he somehow finds us. He has a sixth sense for that I swear.” Charlie encouraged, dragging Buck along with their hands connected. He didn’t mind. He was used to Egan’s dragging him along on their adventures. The pair finally reached their destination, a meadow with beautiful summer flowers in bloom and various trees scattered around in open space. Buck and Charlie settled down on a blanket under a tree before Buck opened his wicker basket and retrieved the food inside. Charlie looked on in wonder as he pulled out the different cheeses, ham and breads packed inside as well as some fruits.
“Oh, Buck it’s wonderful.” Charlie commented in awe. Buck fought a blush that was threatening to appear.
“It’s nothing. I’m sorry I couldn’t get more but you know rationing.” Buck shrugged it off a bit dejected.
Charlie placed her hand on top of Buck’s knee waiting for him to look up at her. She didn’t have to wait long before his beautiful blue eyes locked onto hers.
“Buck this is more than enough. Thank you, you’re so thoughtful.” Charlie told him with gratitude.
Buck froze, feeling her hand caress his knee in an innocent way but at the same time lit a small fire in him that he did not want to exterminate. Charlie noticed Buck freezing and was confused for a second before soon realising it was because of her touch. Charlie hesitated. She didn’t want to make Buck uncomfortable, so she gently lifted her hand off Buck’s knee with an apology on the tip of her tongue, but Buck soon caught her moving hand in his and brought it up to his lips to kiss the back of with stormy eyes.
“Buck.” Charlie breathed quietly in wonder not knowing what to say. She had never been in a position like this with a man before. Normally Bucky fought them all off when they were home and when she came to Europe, she was much too busy to think about any romancing when she had a job to do.
“I don’t think I’ve told you yet, but you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” Buck declared confidently with no hesitation. Charlie couldn’t hide her blush. Buck looked even more endeared with her when she tried to form a reply but couldn’t grasp what to say. Buck cupped her face in one of his big hands with tenderness Charlie had never felt before.
“The most beautiful.” Buck repeated with a whisper. Charlie unconsciously leaned into his touch, edging closer to the older man. The couple were soon only a few centimetres apart and Charlie could feel Buck’s faint breath on her face.
“May I?” Buck asked, his eyes moving down towards her lips every second or so before seeking out her blue eyes again questioningly. Charlie did not respond and in true Egan fashion decided to instigate what they both wanted by slamming her lips onto his. Buck’s eyes widened in surprise before they slowly closed as he savoured the feeling of Charlie’s lips on his for the first time. Buck soon took over the kiss when Charlie started faltering. Buck’s hand on her face patiently moved to the back of her neck as he caressed the skin there tenderly. The pair were in a world of their own for several minutes as they savoured the taste of each other, but they soon had to break away to breath properly and when they did, Charlie soon attached her lips back to his once they were able to take some deep breaths, not able to help herself.
Buck and Charlie’s lips slowed down the pace and Buck gently guided the pair to lay down on the blanket beneath them, so they were both laying on their side with their lips connected. Buck pulled away wanting to look at Charlie’s sweet face and Charlie did reluctantly but not before planting a sweet chaste kiss on the tiny mole that rested on Buck’s high cheekbones.
Charlie bit her lip under the powerful gaze of Buck’s wide blue eyes.
“You Egan’s are going to cause me a whole heap of trouble, aren’t ya?” Buck said with a fond smile, not mad at all. Charlie giggled knowingly.
“mmmhmm.” Charlie hummed in agreement “Yes I have no doubt we will, but I don’t think you would like it any other way.” Charlie teased while stroking the small hairs on Buck’s chin with beyond fondness. Buck chuckled and leaned in closer to Charlie’s face, rubbing his nose tenderly against hers. Charlie sighed at the contact and how sweet Buck was being with her.
“No, I certainly will not.” Buck agreed, drunk on the sweet scent of Charlie’s perfume. It surrounded him and made him forget about everything but her.
“Now aren’t you glad my brother didn’t tag along.” Charlie teased before softly pressing her lips to his before he could answer, she couldn’t get enough of his taste.
“Mmm very glad.” Buck replied between chaste kisses.
It was an hour later that found the couple wrapped up in each other’s arms content with just the proximity of the other. Charlie was resting her head on Buck’s strong chest, enjoying the sunlight coating them in different colours from under the tree. Buck had gotten too warm and had discarded his jacket on the ground leaving him in his khaki shirt. Somewhere along the way Buck’s dog tags came loose from under his shirt and Charlie’s fingers had immediately seeked them out, playing with them between her fingers peacefully, not wanting to think about the reason for them.
“Did Bucky ever tell you any stories from home?” Charlie asked curiously, breaking the silence between them.
“A few yeah.” Buck replied lazily while drawing patterns on Charlie’s arm with a finger, tightening his hold on her, not wanting to let her go for any reason.
“Did he tell you much about our family?” Charlie asked cautiously. Buck shifted, wondering where this conversation was going.
“A bit.” Buck vaguely replied, not wanting to push the subject.
“I’m sure you have noticed but Bucky is different with me,” Charlie commented, not sure what to tell him. Buck kept silent, encouraging Charlie to continue. “Our dad died when I was little. I don’t even remember him and then suddenly Bucky had to be the man of the house. He took that responsibility more seriously when it came to me. The baby,” Charlie explained. “I adored Bucky when I was younger, I followed him everywhere. His little shadow he called me.” Charlie recited with a fond smile. Buck smiled at that. He had heard this from Bucky himself. Bucky was proud that she was his little shadow. Charlie then frowned, thinking hard about something else.
“But there came a point where I didn’t want to be Bucky’s shadow anymore. I wanted to be my own person and do my own things. I wanted to go to Europe and help. Bucky always told me I had too much of a bleeding heart.” Charlie scoffed, not wanting to meet Buck’s inquisitive eyes.
“I know I hurt Bucky when I left and again when I stopped writing to him, but I just felt… suffocated. Bucky didn’t let me breath. He was always there in everything I did,” Charlie teared up as she thought about the place she was in 3 years ago “I love my brother. I do. But I can’t go back to how we were.”
Buck chewed on his lip thoughtfully at what Charlie had told him.
“Have you told Bucky any of this?” Buck asked. Charlie sighed and shook her head in denial.
“No, I don’t think I can. Not without hurting him even more.” Charlie admitted.
“I know you don’t want to hurt him Charlie and I don’t want to tell you what to do but I always think honesty is the best policy.” Buck advised with a soft smile. Charlie returned his smile abet weakly.
“I know. When the time is right, I’ll tell him.” Charlie told Buck and herself while staring up at the blue sky in wonder and dread.
The days that followed were bliss to the new couple. They sneaked around like teenagers, trying to find even 2 minutes to themselves to exchange loving kisses (behind the Nissin huts becoming a popular place for that activity) or even just to see how each other’s day was going. The added pressure of avoiding Bucky’s watchful eyes made it even more exciting.
“Come with me to the pub in Dickleburgh tonight,” Buck said between rushed kisses “Bucky and the others will be at the officer’s club. We won’t be interrupted.” Buck told her, pausing to take a breath and to hear her answer.
“Yes, I’ll come with you.” Charlie replied with a wide grin in happiness.
Buck made a sound happiness in this throat as he took a step back to take in the visibly flushed young head nurse after a particularly passionate kissing session. Buck groaned at her dishevelled image in wonder, Charlie Egan’s uniform is never out of place unless there was an influx of wounded servicemen. Buck thought about how he had done that too her too much bear and couldn’t help leaning in again to kiss her lips deeply.
“You are so beautiful. Like an angel.” Buck mumbled against her lips. Charlie chuckled before pushing Buck away gently.
“You have a meeting to attend Major Cleven. I’ll see you tonight.” Charlie tried to snap him out of it but also to preserve some of her dignity. The hungry look in his eye was almost too much to bear. It made her body warm and jittery but in the best way possible.
“Yes ma’am. Till tonight.” Buck responded dutifully and soon moving away with haste but not before he turned around to take one last look of Charlie Egan leaning against the wall of a Nissin hut, cheeks flushed with her chest rising up and down rapidly in her pristine white nurse’s uniform. It made him feel something he had never felt before. He didn’t know what it is yet but he liked it. He liked it a lot.
Buck, true to his word, picked up Charlie from her Nissin hut once he was sure all the boys were occupied in the officers’ club. Buck in his infinite wisdom had decided to steal Bucky’s jeep to take them to the next village, Dickleburgh. Buck was not about to let Charlie cycle there in the dark even if he was with her.
Charlie looked curiously at the waiting jeep, Buck sitting behind the steering wheel.
“Is this Bucky’s jeep?” Charlie asked with a frown. Buck sheepishly nodded.
“Won’t he notice it missing?” Charlie asked with concern. Buck shrugged unconcerned.
“Jeeps go missing all the time. It will be fine. I doubt he’ll notice it missing tonight. Maybe tomorrow when he is hungover.” Buck explained with a cheeky grin and a wink. Charlie giggled at Buck’s daring side. It was a side she hadn’t seen till now. It did something to Charlie’s insides that made her want to crawl into Buck’s lap and kiss him and keep kissing him forever. But she didn’t. She had to get a hold of herself otherwise she might do or say something she shouldn’t. Not yet.
The ride to the pub in the open top jeep thrilled Charlie and it made her feel like a teenager again. Charlie was the happiest she had been in 3 years since she left the US.
“Hey Bucky!” Curt greeted the ex-Air Executive having just that minute got back from Scotland after a couple of days of traveling by train, truck, and bus.
“Curt!” Bucky exclaimed in happiness, pint of beer in his hand. “So, you finally decided to show up huh?” Bucky ribbed the small Irishman, ignoring everyone else around him. It was lonely without Buck to admonish him for his drinking or even singing.
“Yeah, yeah you just missed your big spoon.” Curt teased never hesitating to throw it back at Bucky when he deserved it.
“Pfft,” Bucky scoffed “You keep telling yourself that Biddick.” Curt looked around and finding the lack of Major Cleven surprised him.
“What no Buck tonight?” Curt asked in confusion.
“Nope. He said he was tired and didn’t want to head tonight.” Bucky confirmed, not thinking much of it. Buck didn’t drink so he only found the social aspect of attending the officer’s club desirable.
“Hey, it’s been a little flat in here tonight so what do you say to me and you and a few others heading over to Dickleburgh to mix with some locals ay?” Bucky suggested, nowhere near as drunk as he should normally be right around now. Curt shrugged, not minding the change of plans at all. The pub and locals in Dickleburgh were always welcoming to the American Airmen and to be honest most nights it was preferably to the officer’s club on base. More selection and variety and a chance to mix with some ladies not related to the base.
“Sure, I’ll pass the word.” Curt confirmed before making his way round the half empty room. Bucky nodded, watching the men gather up before he downed the rest of his beer and walked out of the officers’ club in search of his jeep. He left it not far from the club. Bucky paused and frowned when he saw the empty sidewalk.
“Where’s my jeep?” Bucky asked quietly to himself, unsure if the drinking had affected his eyesight. Bucky looked around at the semi-quiet dark empty airbase before his eyes rested again on the sidewalk he swear he left his jeep on. Bucky’s eyes suddenly widened comically as he realised what happened.
“SOMEONE HAS STOLEN MY GOD DAMN JEEP!” Bucky shouted.
Notes:
Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. I hope you like it :)
As always let me know your thoughts
Chapter 11
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It was a long walk for the boys of the 100th to the pub in Dickleburgh without Bucky’s jeep. Bucky had been muttering curses the whole way about what he was going to do to the son of a bitch who stole it. The thought of the walk almost put Bucky off from going to Dickleburgh. Almost. Curt had managed to wrangle DeMarco, Kidd, Brady, Blakely, Crosby, and Bubbles to tag along with them to the pub. DeMarco left Meatball at home to rest. It was tiring running about all day on an open airfield for a dog such as Meatball.
“Hey Bucky, ain’t that your jeep?” Curt pointed out in his strong Brooklyn accent. Bucky whipped his head up to indeed see his jeep perfectly parked on the side of the road opposite the pub entrance.
“Yes, yes, it is,” a grin slowly worked its way onto Bucky’s face. “I’ve found you.” Bucky whispered to himself, lasered focused on his lost jeep. Curt shared a look with DeMarco at Bucky’s disturbing demeanour.
“Come on let’s go inside and enjoy the night, ay?” Curt coaxed his friend, wrapping an arm around the taller man’s shoulders to guide him.
“I’m gonna find that son of a bitch who stole my jeep.” Bucky announced to his friends, letting himself be pulled along by the shorter Irishman.
“Yeah, yeah, Jesus who do you think you are, Sherlock Holmes?” Curt sarcastically asked under his breath.
“Gale!” Charlie giggled while the blonde tried telling her a funny story about him and Bucky from boot camp.
“I swear it’s true. Bucky walked right up to this oblivious poor guy and socked him in the mouth because he cursed out the Yankees!” Buck told her, barely holding back his laughter. The pair were seated in the corner of the bustling pub with their drinks getting warmer by the second as they chatted closely with each other. Buck had his arm around the back of Charlie’s seat and every so often his fingers would play with a loose curl.
“He must have got into so much trouble for that! I can’t believe he never told me.” Charlie exclaimed; her cheeks flushed from the heat of the crowded pub.
“He probably didn’t want to worry you. He was fine but he got creamed out by our company commander at the time,” Buck recollected with a fond smile “and that was the last time that anyone brought up baseball in Bucky’s presence.”
“Tell me about home, about Casper, Wyoming Gale” Charlie said while leaning into Buck’s arm, so her head was nearly resting on his shoulder. Buck automatically wrapped her up in his arms, unable to keep his hands off her but still trying to be respectful. Buck gulped at their close proximity and her use of his given name. The way she said it gave him goosebumps. He had never felt like this about any woman before.
“Oh Casper,” Buck sighed, his accent deepening automatically into his natural cowboy drawl as Bucky would like to call it “It was, it was a hell of a place.” Charlie stared at Buck to carry on with her long eyelashes fluttering.
“It was green, very green. Not unlike England I suppose. There were mountains on one side and open farmland on the other. I can still remember seeing the snow on the mountains in the distance.” Buck told her in a daze as if he was imagining it right in front of him.
“Sounds picturesque,” Charlie commented, trying to imagine what Buck was seeing. “When the war ends and we all get to go home, would you go back?” Charlie asked in wonder.
Buck looked down at Charlie in thought, unconsciously biting his lip. It distracted Charlie for a moment as they were not that far from her own lips.
“Well that depends.” Buck replied vaguely. Charlie frowns at his non-answer
“Depends on what?” Charlie asked curiously. Buck smirked faintly.
“On where you want to live. We could go anywhere you want.” Buck told her confidently.
“Who said we are sticking together after all this ends?” Charlie teased, unable to hide her bright smile. The thought of we after the war ends brought butterflies to Charlie’s stomach. She desperately wanted that we.
“Oh, Charlie, you know you are stuck with me now. Don’t deny it honey.” Buck told her with a knowing smile. Charlie reached up and caressed Buck’s face with a light touch.
“I am, am I?” Charlie asked, inching her face closer to his. Buck’s face slowly got closer too.
“Yes ma’am.” Buck barely was able get out before their lips descended on each other starting off slowly before descending into a passionate inferno.
The couple were not sure how much time had passed but they were soon interrupted by a loud clearing of someone’s throat and a knock on the wooden table to get their attention over the loud noise of the pub. The two broke away and balked sheepishly at seeing a tall figure towering over their table with his arms crossed.
“WHAT THE HELL?”
Bucky led the way into the pub with a purpose. The rest of the men followed behind him as they cracked jokes with each other.
“Woah, it’s busy tonight ay boys?” DeMarco commented at the quantity of bodies in the too small pub.
“Yeah.” Bucky replied absentmindedly while running his eyes over the crowd of people. Curt was the first one to spot Buck and Charlie canoodling in the corner, much too close to each other for anyone to explain away their intimacy. Curt eyes widened when he saw them then lock lips passionately. Well, that’s new Curt thought with satisfaction. He then turned to Bucky who had not spotted them yet and cursed silently under his breath. Things could get ugly. Curt decided to prolong the inevitable and stepped into Bucky’s eyeline and hopefully covering the couple.
“Hey how about a drink first of all?” Curt tried to coax Bucky away from the direction of his sister and best friend.
What Curt did not consider is Bucky’s 6’3 form in comparison to his 5’8. Bucky had a clear view over Curt’s shoulder at the couple. Bucky widened his eyes in surprise at their forms locked together. It took him a second to gather his thoughts before he roughly pushed past Curt to get to the pair. Curt followed along calling his name , pleading with him to leave them alone but retreated when he knew he was too far gone.
Bucky finally reached the occupied table after shoving his way past the crowds of people, servicemen and locals alike. The couple did not realise his arrival and it took him knocking on their wooden table for them to break apart from each other. Their red faces were quite a sight.
“WHAT THE HELL?” Bucky yelled at his sister and best friend who had just been sucking on each other’s faces.
“Bucky.” Charlie commented worried at how her brother would react.
“Bucky.” Buck greeted trying to clear his throat awkwardly.
“Bucky we were just… um… just—" Charlie stammered unsure what to say that won’t set her brother off with flying fists.
“Sucking on each other’s faces? Yeah, I saw that,” Bucky told them with a frown before zeroing his eyes on his red-faced best friend. “Buck I am going to ask you a question and I want a completely honest answer from you.” Bucky told his friend with furrowed brows. Buck gulped in anticipation.
“Yeah of course Bucky.” Buck agreed preparing himself for THE question. A question that all big brothers ask their sisters boyfriends.
There was a pause before Bucky said anything and Charlie looked anxiously on at the two Bucks knowing that if they came to blows, she wouldn’t know who to go to.
“Did you or did you not steal my jeep?” Bucky asked seriously. Buck mouth opened involuntarily in surprise. Charlie tilted her head, wondering about the sanity of her big brother.
“Uh yes, I did. Sorry Bucky.” Buck sheepishly appeased.
“Oh, thank god! I thought some pimple faced 18-year-old private took it for a joy ride!” Bucky exclaimed before collapsing his body into a free chair opposite the couple. Charlie and Buck shared a subtle look between them at Bucky’s out of character shenanigans. “Next time Buck just ask and I’ll happily hand the keys over.”
“Yeah, sorry Bucky I’ll ask next time.” Buck told him, while sharing a look with Charlie “Was there uh anything else you wanted to ask me?” Buck prompted. Bucky frowned in thought looking at the near empty glasses.
“Yeah, do you guys want a refill? I’m buying tonight. I left the rest of the boys at the bar but I’ll let them know you are here and we’ll join.” Bucky told the pair, rising out of his seat.
“Bucky, what Buck means to say is do you have anything to say about us?” Charlie asked her brother before he could leave, confused with his lack of reaction while gesturing between Gale and herself.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact I do now that you mention it,” Bucky squarely looked at the pair “Please don’t kiss in front of me, it’s disgusting. Now you guys want the same again?” Bucky asked and took their silence to be agreements before leaving them alone once again at their little table.
Charlie and Buck looked at each other in bewilderment. “What the hell?” Charlie questioned to herself as she tracked her brother’s retreating form fighting for his space at the bar.
“That was… not what I expected.” Buck commented after a moment.
“No, it was not,” Charlie replied before turning to take in Buck’s handsome profile “But hey at least he didn’t sock you in the mouth.” Charlie cheerfully added.
“Yeah sure.”
Neither of them saw Bucky returning to the table empty handed.
“Hey Buck, help a fella out with some of the drinks.” Bucky asked. The blonde man stood up and followed his friend but when it came to fighting their way to the bar, Bucky’s hand landed on Buck’s shoulder and guided him away from the bar and to the nearest exit of the pub.
When the two were out in the fresh crisp air, Buck felt Bucky’s hand tightening on his shoulder.
“Right well is this the part where I get socked in the mouth?” Buck broke the silence and turned around to face his best friend.
“No, I’m not going to sock you in the mouth,” Bucky confirmed with narrowed eyes “But I am going to lay down some rules.”
Buck couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Rules?”
“Yeah, Rules for dating my sister. Not guidelines. Unbreakable, unbendable rules.” Bucky told him with the most serious face he had ever seen on Bucky.
“Alright. Lay them on me” Buck said, knowing this was big brother Bucky he was talking to and NOT his best friend Bucky right now.
“Number 1, you act like a gentleman at all times,” Bucky started to list with his fingers.
“When have I ever not been a gentleman?” Buck questioned with a raised eyebrow.
“Number 2, you take care of her no matter what happens.” Buck sobered at that next one as he knew what Bucky was implying.
“And number 3 and probably the most important, there will be no hanky panky. Do not, I repeat, do not impregnate my sister.” Bucky finished.
“I wouldn’t Buck. Come on you know me.” Buck told his buddy.
“Look Buck, I do know you, but I also know that Charlie has worked so damn hard to be where she is now, and I cannot let her go home in disgrace. I know things happen in the heat of moments, but please can you just keep a lid on it until we are home?” Bucky pleaded with his best friend.
“Of course, Bucky.” Buck agreed immediately. The pair were soon interrupted by Curt sticking his head out of the pub doors.
“Hey, you twos’ we’re waiting on ya!” Curt yelled to the pair before being pulled in again.
“Come on, let’s get a drink.” Bucky wrapped an arm around Buck’s shoulder and guided him back into the pub.
The two Buck’s found the table at the back where Buck and Charlie were sitting occupied with Charlie surrounded by a sea of familiar green US uniforms.
“Where have you two been? Curt couldn’t find you at the bar.” Charlie questioned with narrowed eyes as soon as she spotted the pair.
“Went out for some fresh air.” Bucky replied with a cheeky grin. Charlie did not look satisfied with answer and as soon as they each took the vacant seats on either side of her, she grabbed Buck’s face with her hand first to examine him for bruises or cuts.
“Well, it doesn’t look like you have been beating on each other.” Charlie said after then turning to Bucky to examine but he gently pushed her hand away.
“That’s because we haven’t,” Bucky replied, trying to enjoy his drink. Charlie still did not seem satisfied. “We have come to an understanding.” Charlie still did not look satisfied, but Buck distracted her by wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pleading with his eyes to let it go.
Charlie reluctantly did so, and the night proceeded without any conflict. Charlie enjoyed the narration from everyone as they told stories about their childhood and their flying training back in the States. No one commented when Buck played with Charlie’s hair absentmindedly or kissed her cheek when she laughed at a funny story of Curt’s. They all knew what was happening but didn’t see the need to bring it up. Bucky most of all was happy to see how much his sister and best friend made each other happy. He just hoped it lasted.
Notes:
So everyone this is the next chapter which has been posted earlier than normal because I am on holiday in Northumberland and Scotland from tomorrow for a week.
I hope everyone likes it :)
Apologies for any spelling errors and as always please leave me a comment if you did enjoy the chapter
Guys I'm not gonna lie but the next chapter is going to be emotional! You all know what's coming😢
Chapter 12
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The days that followed kept Buck and Charlie apart as the 100th prepared once again to go up in the sky. The red light was lit as a signal to standby, and it kept every person on base on edge. Charlie especially, as this time she would have an awful lot more to lose since she established her relationship with Buck.
It was a crisp English morning when the boys were woken very early for their briefing. After the last few missions they had flown, everyone had lost their enthusiasm. They all just wanted to live to reach 25 and then be sent home. Everyone was starting to think it wasn’t possible.
Charlie got up early as usual to meet the boys in the officer’s mess for breakfast. It was a sombre quiet affair. Charlie squeezed Buck’s hand from under the table and gave him a peck on the cheek when it was time for them all to go to their briefing. Charlie even gave Bucky a peck on the cheek which surprised him. Charlie wasn’t normally the affectionate type.
The men poured out of the briefing hut with cautious optimism whilst ribbing Curt for something. Charlie was just able to catch some of what was being said.
“’Why does that line go down to Africa?’” DeMarco mocked the Irishman’s words.
“Alright alright. Cut it out guys!” Curt replied, his face a light tint of red in embarrassment.
“Africa?” Charlie stepped to question with a raised brow “Are they sending you gentlemen on holiday?” Charlie questioned teasingly.
“Well, we have to bomb a Messerschmidt 109 factory first, then after we get to go on holiday!” Curt explained with his hands “Apparently we get beers on arrival, so I suppose it’s a holiday.” Curt told the Major enthusiastically.
“Uh huh.” Charlie did not look convinced and stepped over to where her silent brother and boyfriend were with concerned eyes.
“Everything will be fine Charlie girl, we’ve got this.” Bucky reassured his younger sister, trying to put on positive face.
“Yeah, Bucky’s right. Piece of cake.” Buck supported Bucky’s statement with a forced smile. “And did you know your brother is reserve command pilot of the wing.” Buck also told Charlie with a grin.
“What the hell is a reserve command pilot?” Charlie asked in confusion. The rest of the boys laughed and shot looks at Bucky.
“Who knows!” Curt laughed. “I think they are just making it up as they go along now because they don’t know what to do with Bucky. I mean think of it, he was air exec and then he got demoted and now he’s in limbo- going back and forth from other forts.” Curt explained to the listening men and Charlie.
“Yeah, well I go where I’m told.” Bucky defended himself.
Charlie and the others laughed at that “When do you ever do as your told Bucky?” Charlie teased, feeling Buck sneaking up beside her so he could wrap his arm around Charlie’s waist as they laughed.
“Let’s hope this fog clears up soon, I don’t fancy going up in this muck as it is now.” Buck said once the laughter died down. Everyone quietened at that and nodded in agreement. Nobody liked the fog. Some found fog superstitious, a sign of something bad to come. Others just found it difficult to navigate in- it didn’t take much for planes to go way off course due to the confusion of low-lying fog. It was a nightmare for pilots for many reasons.
“I’m going to get going and check on my plane, make sure Kenny has fixed everything- of which I have no doubt- that kid is a miracle worker!” Curt announced to the group.
Charlie broke away from Buck’s hold so she could give Curt a hug. She had never hugged him before but suddenly had the urge to. She had a bad feeling in her stomach that would not go away.
“Stay safe Curt.” Charlie told the man once she pulled back from the Brooklyn native.
“I’ll be fine. Nine lives me,” Curt told her with a grin before walking backwards towards his plane “But hey Charlie, save me a dance on our next night out!” Curt asked her with light playful eyes.
“I promise I will.” Charlie called back before his figure disappeared swiftly in the low fog. Soon after men began breaking away, some wanting to pray and others wanting to either check their plane or perform their own superstitious routines before they were green.
Soon only Charlie, Buck and Bucky were left together. Buck stepped away so the siblings could have some privacy.
“I’m going to go check on Crank and the crew. I’ll see you in Africa,” Bucky told his best friend, giving him a clap on the back before turning to his sister. “And I will see you in a few days. Try not to miss me too much.” Bucky teased with a smirk.
Charlie pulled her brother into a hug and his huge form soon enveloped her smaller one into a warm cocoon with his hot flight jacket keeping his body temperature warm. “I’ll try but I’m afraid I have gotten rather used to you being around all the time so you will need to come back as quick as you can so I can embarrass you in front of your friends about your early years as a pimple faced teenager.” Charlie told her brother, trying to push down her worry and tears as far down as they would go. She still had a tight hold on him. Not willing to let him go just yet.
“Please don’t Charlie. I have a reputation to uphold.” Bucky told her with an innocent smile, staring down at her smaller form.
“Your reputation is of a womanizer and an alcoholic. I don’t think some stories of you when you were younger will damage it very much.” Charlie bluntly told him before squeezing him with her lingering arms still around his waist.
“We will talk more about this when I’m back. Negotiations will take place as I have quite a few stories myself that I believe you wouldn’t want to get out.” Bucky smirked. Charlie gasped in outrage but was not surprised.
“Yes, I suppose we will talk when you’re back.” Charlie reverted with as much dignity as she could without showing her worry about something else now. Damn her brother and his memory full of information.
“Stay safe Bucky.” Charlie told her brother, eyes lingering on his face before letting him go from her embrace.
“I will. I’ll always come back to you. Promise.” Bucky told her, giving her one last squeeze of hands on her waist before he too let go. Charlie’s eyes lingered on Buck waiting on them before she turned back to her brother.
“I know you both are in separate aircraft, but please can you look out for each other.” Charlie asked her brother, never imagining in a million years that she would be in this position and asking this of her brother of all people.
“Of course. I will do what I can. He may be your boyfriend now, but he was my best friend first. I’ll always look out for him.” Bucky told her.
“Thank you, Bucky,” Charlie told him sincerely while cupping his face with one of her hands gently as a gesture of affection. “I WILL see you in a few days.” Charlie emphasised leaving no room for speculation.
“Yes, you will, any tips for Africa?” Bucky asked. Charlie thought for a moment.
“Apart from being hot?” Charlie teased but Bucky did not look amused. “Try to ration your water as much as you can. Water is precious for that continent, and you don’t know how well you will be resupplied when you land also try to stay in the shade as much as possible to avoid heat stroke, the sun is very strong over there.” Charlie watched as Bucky digested the information with a thoughtful face.
“I love you.” Charlie told her brother before kissing him on the cheek.
“I love you too.” Bucky returned the gesture and the kiss on the cheek before immediately walking off without looking behind him. He knew that if he didn’t walk away then he may never will. Bucky had a bad feeling in his stomach too about this mission but as Egan’s typically do, they don’t share their concerns and power through to get the job done. A family trait that lives on in every one of the siblings.
Buck walked up to Charlie once Bucky had left and wrapped his arms around her again in unspoken comfort for both him and Charlie.
“This mission doesn’t feel right.” Charlie confessed, looking at Buck’s face with unshed tears in her eyes.
“Shh shh. It’s ok. Everything is going to be ok.” Buck comforted Charlie by pulling her as much into his arms and as close as she could possibly get to Buck’s body.
“Come back to me.” Charlie pleaded, locking her wide blue eyes onto Buck’s serene baby blue ones.
“Always.” Buck promised before pulling her into a gentle, loving kiss. Buck didn’t even bother to look around for spectators before he did it. He didn’t care in that moment. He had to kiss her before he left. He just had to.
“The fog is putting everyone on edge. Nobody likes the fog. It is not a sign that something bad is going to happen.” Buck explained, trying to settle her nerves. Charlie took a deep breath while enjoying Buck’ warm embrace.
“Maybe you’re right.” Charlie admitted, admiring Buck’s strong jawline and gorgeous tussled hair.
“Mmmhmm and when I am right, I will see you in a few days to tell you ‘I told you so’” Buck drawled with confidence. It didn’t matter if he believed it or not, he had to make Charlie believe it. To believe that they are coming back. He couldn’t imagine leaving her like this, in this state of worry. It wasn’t fair on her and her soft heart.
“You better,” Charlie near threatened, holding onto Buck’s confidence like a lifeline. “I have something for you.” Charlie suddenly remembered. Her hands brought out from her pocket a small black and white photograph of herself. Buck had asked for a picture to bring with him on missions and of which he could take out in the cockpit for good luck.
“Thank you, darling.” Buck drawled when he reached for the photograph. “You are beautiful, but I must say nothing gives you justice but the real thing.” Buck complimented after glancing at the photo which he soon after quickly and gently tucked into his jacket pocket. Charlie’s cheeks threatened to redden at the sweet compliment.
“I need to go.” Buck told her, knowing his crew was waiting on him to complete his walk around and checks. Charlie nodded in acknowledgement before reaching up to lay a parting gentle kiss on his lips which Buck immediately responded to in kind.
“I’ll be waiting here for you.” Charlie told him before breaking away from his touch.
“A few days.” Buck promised.
“A few days.” Charlie repeated quietly in agreement.
Buck turned around after one more lingering look and disappeared quickly into the fog in search of his plane and crew.
Buck checked his wristwatch as he watched from a far as a number of men sat down to listen to prayer outside of his waiting fort. Suddenly a jeep pulled up, only visible through the thick fog because of his headlights.
“All three task forces are socked in. We have a 30-minute delay.” The messenger shouted out to the on-edge men before driving off to let other forts aware of the situation. Buck sighed in annoyance. He just wanted to get this over and done with. The waiting does not help anyone or their nerves.
Buck took to pacing around not too far from his fort. He tried to not think about Charlie, but he couldn’t help it. It seemed nowadays all his thoughts lead back to her. Buck saw as a familiar baseball rolled towards him and Buck sniffed as he leant down to pick it up. The fog was so thick that he heard Meatball coming before he saw him, the heavy panting and thudding of the paws on the ground.
“Come here, Meatball. Come on. Good boy.” Buck greeted as he held out a hand to pet the fluffy dog. Meatball whined lowly, feeling the nervous tension in the air. Animals can do that. They can sense when something isn’t quite right.
“Hey Buck.” A barely recognisable figure appeared through the muck. Buck instantly recognised the man from his accent alone.
“Hey Curt.” Buck returned before drawing back his arm and throwing the baseball for a waiting Meatball. Curt’s face become clearer as he got closer.
“Some soup, huh?” Curt said while looking around.
“Yeah.” Buck agreed, noting that it wasn’t clearing up like the Brass said it would.
“We have fog like this back home. Always spooked me as a kid.” Curt commented, unable to take his eyes off the never-ending white mist.
“No one likes the fog. Charlie’s spooked. Said she has a bad feeling.” Buck admitted.
“Yeah. I do too. I didn’t want to say anything to Charlie- make her more worried ya know?” Curt explained. Buck smiled appreciatively.
“How are your boys doing?” Buck asked changing the subject. He couldn’t afford to think about Charlie anymore- he had to get his head in the game so he can come back to Charlie.
“Antsy,” Curt replied almost immediately. Curt saw the look Buck was giving him. “Not me.” He corrected. “I’m feeling good. I feel like this could be a big one, you know?” Curt admitted, not sure what to feel. This mission was momentous. Something the USAF had never attempted before and unfortunately for the 8th Air Force; they were the Guinea pigs, and everyone knew it. They were also the task force that was supposed to take the brunt of the enemy fighters- everyone knew they got the shit end of the stick.
“It is.” Buck agreed solemnly wondering how many planes would make it back to base.
“I think we could do some real damage.” Curt admitted with some excitement at being a part of this mission. Buck didn’t respond. He didn’t know how to feel. Curt saw that he wasn’t going to get anything more out of Buck.
“Well, better get back to the ant farm.” Curt said confidently. Buck’s eyes landed on Curt’s face a little longer than normal.
“See you in Algeria.” Buck promised.
“See you there, Buck.” Curt smiled as he walked away. His form soon disappearing in the fog. That was the last time Buck saw his friend.
Notes:
Hey everyone!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer?
This chapter feels a bit like a filler but idk.
Let me know what you think. I think everyone knows what happens next 😢
Chapter 13
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It was a full 24 hours before news was received at Thorpe Abbotts that 11 out of the 21 bombers from Thorpe Abbotts made it to Africa. That meant 10 crews were lost and would not be coming back home- 100 men. The staggering high number brought a tear to everyone’s eye. Everyone began to think about a friend they had in one of those forts. News further down reached all the bases that the mission whilst a success at hitting their targets, came at a heavy loss for the whole 8th Air Force. Out of the 376 bombers sent up, 60 bombers did not come back. Charlie was sitting with her nurses when she heard the news. Some of the younger nurses burst into tears. 100 men from Thorpe Abbotts would not be coming back. Charlie and Louise comforted the younger girls as much as they could whilst trying to keep their own emotions in check. Charlie couldn’t help but think about Bucky and Buck… and even Curt.
No one knew who made it yet and who did not. The mission lasted 14 hours flying time and news coming from Africa was slow going in that part of the world. Charlie kept herself busy by fussing over the infirmary and her girls, so she didn’t have to think too much.
Charlie knew she was going overboard when Louise walked up to her with a sympathetic smile 4 hours later.
“It’s late Charlie.” Louise gently told the younger woman. Charlie blinked in confusion before looking out the window to dark skies. Charlie was so focused on folding the spare bed sheets to perfection that she did not realise the time.
“Oh, yes I suppose it is.” Charlie admitted, blinking her eyes as if she was truly seeing something for the first thing in hours.
“Is there anything I can do?” Louise asked, trying not to baby her friend.
“I think I would really like a drink right now.” Charlie admitted, with teary eyes. She knew that she couldn’t hold on anymore and that she needed to let it out. She had been strong for so long for the others and now she needed to not be strong, she wanted to feel everything. She needed to let it out.
“Come on, let’s go to the club.” Louise guided her vulnerable friend with a comforting arm around her shoulders, letting her lean on her.
“Thank you, Louise, although I should warn you us Egans can drink.” Charlie tried to joke despite her internal pain. Louise smiled at her friend trying to crack a joke despite everything.
“Oh, I have no doubt. I have met your brother remember?” Louise teased although she instantly regretted mentioning Bucky to her right now.
“Yeah, I know.” Charlies simply replied with a smile. Louise let out a breath in relief.
The pair were not the only ones needing a drink that night. Charlie and Louise walked into the normally bustling officers club to a half empty room. A small number of men in uniform were scattered out in small groups. Even some red cross girls decided they needed a drink that night. Charlie spotted Colonel Harding and Major Redman among a small group nursing their glasses solemnly. It was not a night for celebration despite the mission’s success.
“Colonel, Major.” Charlie greeted when she reached the bar the two officers were lingering by.
“Major Egan.” The two older men nodded in acknowledgement.
“Any news?” Charlie asked with a hint of hopefulness. Charlie’s face fell when they shook their heads.
“Not yet.” Major Redman confirmed verbally.
Louise ordered for the two of them whiskies. It was a heavy drinking night tonight. Without it, she didn’t think either of them would sleep a wink.
It was a couple of hours later and several drinks in when the telephone by the bar rang. The noise startled a tipsy Charlie from her bar stool. Louise just about stopped the woman from falling off it in surprise. Major Redman damn near jumped over the bar to pick it up on it’s first ring. This was it. What everyone was waiting on. A crowd started to form around their small group at the bar, everyone what to know who made it and who didn’t. The Major was silent for a moment as he listened to the voice on the other end of the phone.
“I need a napkin!” He asked, flapping his hands impatiently. Charlie shoved it under his nose quickly. The anticipation is killing her. Major Redman scribbled away on the napkin before slamming the phone down on the receiver. Everyone was dead silent and trying to see what the Major had scribbled.
“I don’t have individual names, only the names of the planes that made it to Algeria.” Redman announced. Charlie nervously played with her hands.
As Major Redman read out the names of the planes, Charlie felt a pressure lift from her chest when she heard Buck and Bucky’s forts names among the list. Charlie let out a shaky audible sigh of relief. Louise pulled Charlie into a hug when she looked like she was going to collapse from the news. Charlie didn’t know how to feel. Charlie thought she knew deep down that they were not gone but she had been at war for so long and had suffered so much loss already with friends never coming back that she didn’t want to get her hopes up. The knowing that they had made it was enough for Charlie. She could now sleep easy tonight. Charlie was so focused on who did make it, that she never even gave a thought to the names of the planes that didn’t.
It was 5am with Charlie lying in bed when she realised that Curt’s plane was not among the names read out.
The days that followed were the hardest for Charlie- her eyes constantly red from the crying that she did at night when no one could see or hear her. But she knew everyone knew.
On third day since the Regensberg- Schweinfurt mission, everyone heard the familiar sounds of the B-17 engines approaching the base and gathered to see the survivors of the depleted group land safely back home. Meatball was excited and immediately took off when he spotted DeMarco’s form in the distance. Charlie was amazed that the dog could recognise him from so far away in a sea of green khaki. It nearly brought a tear to Charlie’s eye when she spotted Bucky’s big form drop down from a nearby fort. The forts were in a bad way, they were given only the necessary repairs to make them airworthy by the 12th Air Force before they were able to fly back to England but not before the better conditioned forts dropped their bombs on a target in France on their way.
“Bucky!” Charlie yelled, waving her arm at her older brother. Bucky gave his sister his cocky smile behind his aviators before lightly jogging over to her and scooping her up in his arms.
“You made it.” Charlie breathed into the leather of Bucky’s sheepskin jacket, inhaling his familiar smell in comfort.
“Yeah. I promised I’d come back, didn’t I?” Bucky reminded her, stroking the hair on the crown of her head like he used to when they were both kids in Wisconsin.
“Mmm.” Charlie muttered, not wanting to let go of her big brother and protector just yet. That was until she saw Buck approaching the entangled pair slowly. Charlie’s eyes did not miss the cuts on his face starting to scab over- they were not there when she saw him last.
Charlie quickly untangled herself from her brother much to his protest and nearly launched herself at Buck. Charlie cradled his injured face in her hands gently with sad eyes as Buck wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.
“Oh, what has happened to your face?” Charlie fussed over the older man as she gently prodded his wounds.
“It got a little hairy out there but I’m ok. They are already starting to heal.” Buck reassured the fluttering woman in his signature Wyoming drawl.
“Hairy? Yeah, you could say that” Bucky butted in to the couple’s not so private moment “No engine Cleven made a return.” Bucky joked lightly. Charlie’s mouth dropped open in surprise and Buck was silently cursing his best friend.
“What? Your lost all 4 engines?” Charlie asked her boyfriend.
“Ah only for the last what? 2 minutes of the flight?” Bucky teased his friend but was grateful deep down due to his friend’s skill that he was able to make it to Africa at all with his fort in the condition it was. It was nothing short of a miracle.
“Yeah.” Buck agreed, wanting to change the subject. He didn’t want to think about what almost happened. The fact that his fort nearly went down this time.
“I missed you,” Charlie told Buck with a small smile. “I missed both of you.” She amended, looking towards her brother this time.
“I never got a chance to miss you, this one couldn’t stop talking about you. It was Charlie this and Charlie that.” Bucky teased his friend whose cheeks suddenly reddened because of his best friend’s big mouth. Charlie grinned at hearing that.
“Oh really?” Charlie queried with a coy smile she shared with Buck. Bucky sighed at the obviously in love couple and muttered about how they were ‘smitten kittens’.
The men were pulled away not long after for interrogation and Charlie was left to her own devices, so she threw herself into making sure her nurses were occupied and doing their jobs until the boys were released from the interrogation hut.
When they were released, the two men guided Charlie into the officers’ club even though it was empty. They grabbed a table to themselves, and Bucky quickly went to the bar for some drinks. He returned with a soft drink each for his sister and friend and a beer for him.
The small group was quiet and subdued as they sipped at their drink. Charlie waited for them to talk- knowing they had something to tell her, and she already had a feeling what it was.
“Curt’s plane went down.” Bucky bluntly told his sister. Charlie sniffed, holding back her tears at hearing the news firsthand, from someone who was there. Charlie nodded in acknowledgement.
“Yeah, I know,” Charlie admitted, barely able to hold back her tears. “Do we- uh um- was there any parachutes?” Charlie struggled to get out, holding onto a slight bit of hope.
When Buck shook his head, Charlie couldn’t hold it in anymore and she let the tears roll down her face. Buck pulled her body into his form and Charlie rested her head on his chest as she let out the agony she had been feeling for days. Her last hope of Curt suddenly showing up was extinguished. Bucky squeezed his sister’s hand, comforting her as well as himself. Curt was his friend too. A very good friend and he hadn’t quite processed the news yet.
10 minutes passed in near silence as Charlie cried her suppressed tears for a dear friend who she would never see again. The thought should have been unfathomable but unfortunately for Charlie this wasn’t the first friend she had lost to this war, and she had a horrible feeling that it wouldn’t be the last.
When Charlie’s tears settled down to a complete stop, the three friends raised their glasses to their dear friend. “To Curt Biddick.” Bucky said morosely.
Charlie and Buck followed his gesture “To Curt Biddick.” They said simultaneously.
“Fly like an angel Curt.” Charlie whispered.
Notes:
This is gonna get you right in the feels 😢
Curt is my baby and should have not left us so soon
More angst and sadness to follow unfortunately....
Chapter 14
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The days, weeks even, that followed the Regensburg- Schweinfurt mission haunted everyone at Thorpe Abbotts. It was a reminder- a painful reminder- that nothing in this world was guaranteed. But there was some sunshine at the end of the tunnel when it came to one of the 100th’s own Captain approaching his 25th mission. Captain Dye was not someone Charlie had really interacted with. She liked to think it was sibling solidarity after Captain Dye stole her brother’s girl, but she knew that was not entirely accurate or fair. Lil was just someone Bucky had hooked up with, she knew, and HE knew that she was not someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. That notion was something Charlie had been giving a lot of thought over the last few weeks because she had no doubt in her mind that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Gale Cleven. It startled Charlie when the thought first came to her mind and not because it was unwanted, but it contradicted her whole mindset when she first arrived in England in 1940. After losing so many friends and even potential lovers, she swore she would do her job to the best of her ability and go home when the war ended. There was never any plan for falling in love with a man here.
She didn’t know what Gale Cleven had done to her, but she was hooked on his beautiful smile and his cowboy accent. Nearly every thought in her mind now led back to him. It had taken her by surprise, but she was open to it. Open to his love.
It was a rare sunny day in England when it was Dye’s turn to do his 25th mission. Everyone gathered for his return: the brass, the nurses, the maintenance crew and of course the pilots and their crews. It was something to give them some hope- that it was possible to complete 25 and go home.
Charlie had allowed her nurses to take a break from the infirmary and to come outside and wait for the return of Captain Dye’s plane. Charlie and the other nurses were wearing their crisp white uniforms. Charlie watched on as her nurses mingled with the pilots with a semi-relaxed position near a recently promoted Captain Brady and Harry Crosby.
“Geez what has Buck done to you?” John Brady leaned next to Charlie on the jeep to ask her. Charlie raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean?” Charlie queried. John looked around at the gathering crowds intermingling with ease- it was a small sea of white and khaki uniforms.
“I remember a time Major when you gave your girls a right dressing down in front of everyone.” John prompted.
“They deserved it back then; they were disobeying orders and lazy. They’re not now.” Charlie simply replied with a shoulder shrug. John and Harry shared a look.
“Uh huh.” John nodded along. Charlie huffed out an irritated sigh.
“Look I can’t very well tell them off for fraternising now when Buck and I are doing it,” Charlie admitted, eyeing the behaviour of her girls. Louise walked over to their small group silently “As long as no one ends up pregnant and they all do their duties and what is asked of them, I have no problem with it.” Charlie said.
“Who’s pregnant?” Louise asked loudly, only catching the tail end of the conversation. John and Harry chuckled in amusement. Charlie’s eyes widened in panic.
“No one! Keep your voice down!” Charlie hissed at her friend while glancing around with paranoia.
“Alright calm down.” Louise told her friend.
“Never ever shout the P word around,” Charlie told them with a wild look in her eye. Harry, John and Louise started to look a little concerned with Charlie’s behaviour.
“Charlie, are you ok?” John asked, eyeing her fast breathing.
“Yes, I’m fine. Bucky’s not here yet right?” Charlie asked anxiously. The small group looked around and shook their heads.
“No.” Harry answered for them. The two men and woman was still looking at Charlie curiously.
“Bucky beat the shit out of my boyfriend when I was 17 because he thought I was pregnant. I do not need him doing the same to Gale.” Charlie explained.
“Any older brother would have done the same.” John told her.
“I know but I do not want any misunderstandings between Bucky and Gale- they’re best friends and I do not want to ruin that.” Charlie told them before noticing Bucky’s jeep pull up in front of their crowd of officers and nurses. The two friends were dressed smartly in their dress uniforms like the others and were both wearing aviator sunglasses on this sunny day. Bucky had his usual sheepskin jacket that Buck hated on while Buck had a lighter sheepskin jacket than he would usually fly with on. The men jumped out of the jeep and greeted some of the men with handshakes before Buck noticed Charlie and immediately made a beeline to her.
“Hi Darling.” Buck greeted his girl, ignoring John, Harry and Louise standing next to her, and pulling her into his arms in a warm embrace. Charlie giggled as the taller man ducked his head so he could nuzzle her neck and inhale her sweet perfume.
“Gale.” Charlie giggled. Buck’s eyes darkened every time Charlie used his god given name- he just wanted to sweep her off her feet and carry her away to his bunk.
Their moment together was interrupted by a familiar voice “Urgh gross!” The pair reluctantly pulled away from each other to see a frowning Bucky staring at the couple in disgust.
“Oh, Bucky I think they’re sweet.” Louise told her brother, happy for her friend. Buck manoeuvred Charlie so he could stand behind her and wrap his arms around her waist and rest his chin on the top of her head.
“No, they’re not. They’re nauseating.” Bucky announced with a roll of his eyes.
“Are we almost as nauseating than that little pit stop you made to comfort poor Lil?” Charlie countered in a mocking tone “Yes, don’t think I didn’t see that.”
“She looked upset.” Bucky tried to defend himself. Charlie scoffed. John, Harry and Louise stepped back, knowing this would be the start of an Egan sibling argument. Buck kept a hold of Charlie but now in a way to protect his best friend from her fists and not just to hold her close.
“Bucky when you are going to realise that whatever you two had is over!” Charlie told him, annoyed with him and with Lil. It had started to become a bone of contention between the two Egan’s. Charlie never knew her brother to act like this, but Charlie knows why deep down.
“I know that, Charlie.” Bucky told her.
“Do you?” Charlie retorted with a raised brow.
“Yes, I do.” Bucky replied in exasperation, his voice gradually getting louder.
“Because she is with Dye now.” Charlie told him. Bucky rolled his eyes at her stating the obvious. Bucky fought very hard to keep his mouth shut, knowing he had hurtful words on the tip of his tongue if Charlie didn’t stop.
A tense silence ensured for a long 10 seconds before Charlie opened her mouth again.
“You know what your problem is Bucky?” Charlie asked rhetorically. Bucky groaned and muttered under his breath but not that quietly ‘I’m sure you are going to tell me’.
“It’s not that you want Lil Bucky, it’s just that you can’t stand to lose.” Charlie told him.
“Are you calling me a sore loser?” Bucky queried in disbelief. Charlie nodded seriously.
“Yes, ever since we were children.” Charlie told him with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Charlie, Lil was never a game—” Bucky started to say before being cut off.
“Everything is a game! Hell, even this whole war is one big game!” Charlie exclaimed in exasperation. Buck looked down at his girlfriend with a raised eyebrow.
“What are you saying?” Buck asked, squeezing her softly as he felt her heartbeat speed up.
“You’ve seen the command room, haven’t you?” Charlie asked knowingly to the small group looking at her “The models to represent us on the map and the models to represent the Nazi’s? It’s a game of chess. Which pawn can take another and how much land each pawn can grab.”
The group was silent for a moment deep in thought.
“Woah Charlie that’s a dark way to think about things.” Harry commented.
“I’m sorry but it’s true.” Charlie admitted, well aware for a long while now of how command moves pieces on their board like chess.
The group were soon distracted by the familiar sound of a B-17’s engine and they all turned to see the lone B-17 flying back to base.
“It’s Dye!” “25th mission!” “You’re going home!” erupted from the crowd of gathered personnel. Charlie smiled at everyone’s excitement for Captain Dye’s return. Everyone in their little group lightened up at the prospect of one of the original 35 crews had finally made it to his 25th mission and would be going home. Bucky grinned at the other men’s excitement. It gave them hope. Hope that they can go home too.
Buck held Charlie close to his body, not letting a single inch of space between them. Charlie looked up at Buck’s face lighting up in happiness for his men. Charlie sighed quietly in contentment. This was something she wanted all the time, for men to go home alive and for Buck to look happy. Buck felt her stare on his face and could not help himself from ducking down and capturing her lips with his whilst everyone else are distracted.
“I love you.” Buck declared quietly after pulling back for a moment to catch his breath. Charlie’s heart swelled at the confession.
“I love you.” Charlie told him without any hesitation. Charlie knew that Buck was it for her. No one would ever compare to him. Buck grinned at hearing Charlie returning his love before locking their lips again with more passion this time. The couple startled when they heard and felt the B-17 fly low over the crowd and buzz the tower in a victory lap. Charlie and Buck chuckled at the interruption but were not mad about it.
Bucky glanced back at the happy entangled couple and for once did not groan or moan about them being ‘gross’. “He stole your move.” Bucky commented to his dear friend with a small smirk.
“He stole your girl.” Buck retorted. The two men and Charlie looked at each other before chuckling in amusement. The Egan sibling argument from earlier soon very much forgotten.
“Yeah, and now, you’re stealing my sister.” Bucky told him, eyeing the super close couple and their swollen red lips in mild irritation.
“He’s not stealing me anywhere.” Charlie told her brother with a small smile.
“Uh huh.” Bucky unconvincingly acknowledged.
“It’s the truth. Anyway, we already decided when we get back home that we’re going to buy a house right next to you so we can see each other every day.” Charlie told him with a happy smile. Bucky smiled at that. That didn’t seem like a bad dream to hold onto. Maybe Dye’s recent success had filled everyone with hope that they could make it home, even Bucky.
That night, the roar of the music from the officers’ club overwhelmed the usual silent night air. The party inside was in full swing and everyone had been invited including some of the local girls from the area to dance with the large number of airmen. There was simply not enough nurses and red cross women to go around.
The party really got rowdy when Captain Dye arrived with Lil hand in hand. The men crowded round the happy couple offering their congratulations and teasing the pair. When the couple finally fought their way to the back of the club, they found the group they were looking for, Buck, Bucky, DeMarco, Brady, Crosby, Bubbles, Kidd and Blakely. Charlie was perched on Buck’s lap due to the shortage of seats but neither of them minded. Charlie was distracted with stroking Meatball who was lapping up the attention next to DeMarco’s chair, when the happy couple arrived.
“Hey! There’s our very own Charlie Robertson!” Bucky announced pointing his finger at the approaching couple, he was already a few drinks in with another carelessly perched in his hand.
“Charlie? Who’s Charlie?” Lil questioned in confusion amongst the crowd of people and the loud music blaring.
“1922. White Sox at Tigers. No runs, no hits, no errors.” Charlie answered for him with a smile. Bucky pointed at his sister with a giant grin.
“That’s my sister!” Bucky declared proudly. DeMarco looked impressed at Charlie’s knowledge with him himself being a baseball fan also.
“Yeah, he’s the last guy to throw a perfect game,” DeMarco commented before looking at Charlie again in a new light. “I think I’m in love.” He declared.
“Oh no you’re not.” Buck and Bucky exclaimed at the same time. Charlie laughed at the different degrees of serious the men were exhibiting.
“I already have one lovestruck fool to watch around my sister, I don’t have time for another.” Bucky said with a smirk. Buck huffed in annoyance.
“Oh, gee thanks Bucky. You’re a real swell friend.” Buck sarcastically told him. Charlie kissed Buck on the cheek to comfort his hurt feelings, but it soon turned into a soft nuzzle that Charlie did not want to pull away from and Buck could not help but lean into her soft touch- the two soon very much wrapped up in each other not paying anyone else any attention.
“Do you see what I have to put up with?” Bucky looked away from the happy couple in annoyance at their public displays of affection.
“You get to go home before Florida?” Jack asked Dye, interrupting the side conversation.
“Oh yeah, 3 days. Maybe go hunting with my pops, let mom fuss over me and then I’m dropping by some stations to prove that 25 can actually, you know, get done.” Dye rattled out.
John Brady scoffed playfully “Yeah, by the skin of his teeth.” The table occupants went quiet at that. Everyone knew it was luck of the draw when they went up now. Everyone has had pretty close shaves by now.
“We’re all that’s left, aren’t we?” Dye questioned, feeling the change in the mood. Buck looked down in thought, hugging Charlie on his lap closer to him.
“12 crews out of—” Blakely started to say, standing by the table.
“--35 that flew in from Greenland.” Crank finished for him.
“That’s right.” Bucky confirmed.
“We’re just happy for you Dye.” Buck told the man, not wishing to bring him down on his celebration party but everyone couldn’t help but think about their own mortality and if they would ever reach 25 themselves.
“That’s right. We are. Very happy for you. Very happy.” Bucky reiterated, raising his glass to the man of the hour.
“And to the fellas who aren’t here tonight, who should’ve been.” Dye raised his glass. Charlie’s eyes glassed over when her mind immediately went to Curt. Charlie had a Curt sized whole left in her heart when he went down.
“Drink to that.” The men agreed and Charlie lifted her own drink in solidarity.
“Yeah, cheers to that.” DeMarco agreed next to Charlie and Buck’s chair.
“Gentlemen, I’m going to go check on the boys, make sure they aren’t celebrating too hard without me.” Dye announced while grabbing Lil’s hand in his.
“Charlie Robertson,” Bucky repeated as the pair departed. “I’m gonna need another drink. Anyone?” Bucky asked the group who declined. Charlie looked at her brother’s retreating form with concern. He was drinking a lot more than normal even for Bucky Egan’s standards.
“He’ll be fine.” Buck whispered to Charlie, noticing where her eyes led.
“I hope so.” Charlie quietly replied. Buck planted a gentle kiss on her temple.
“Come on,” Buck encouraged Charlie to stand up. Charlie looked at Buck in confusion “Let’s go greet the new guys. Take your mind off things. We’ll drag Bucky with us.” Buck explained. Charlie smiled at how thoughtful Buck is.
“Ok.” Charlie let Buck take her hand to lead her around the full room. Bucky did not need any persuasion to join.
Notes:
I hope you guys liked this chapter. I have been on a writing binge lately and I have written up to chapter 18 in advance. I'm hoping to get this story finished before the end of September.
There was some Charlie and Bucky friction in this chapter but don't worry our Egan siblings will be ok
Next chapter has a hot and heavy scene you guys will like- I hope!
Chapter 15
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It didn’t take long for Charlie, Buck and Bucky to find a group of 4 men conversing with each other against the wall of the room whilst the party continued throughout the night. Charlie took note of their young youthful faces not yet hardened by war.
“Fellas.” Bucky greeted the group first, Charlie and Buck trailed slightly behind her brother.
“Major Egan, Major Cleven.” The men returned the greetings, remembering their faces from when they first arrived on base. The rest of the men looked at the unidentified woman with curiosity.
“This here is Major Charlotte Egan, my sister and head nurse on base.” Bucky introduced his sister with a flair. Charlie smiled softly at the new men. Bucky eyed how Buck possessively wrapped an arm around her waist- letting the new men know Charlie is off limits.
“And unfortunately, she happens to be very much in love with my best friend.” Bucky finished, causing the new men to chuckle.
“Well, your best friend happens to very much be in love with her too.” Buck countered, planting a chaste kiss on her cheek, which caused Charlie to giggle.
“Rosenthal. Nash.” Bucky greeted trying to test his memory from earlier in the day.
“That’s right.” Nash confirmed.
“Co-pilots Spatz and Lewis?” Buck questioned unsure.
“Speas, sir.” The man corrected.
“Speas.” Buck repeated.
“Lewis sir, but people call me pappy.” The joyful man on the far left introduced himself.
“You boys uh- you were pilots before the war?” Bucky questioned curiously. The men immediately shook their heads.
“Lawyer sir.” Rosie corrected. Charlie looked at the new man with intrigue. Lawyer? Really?
“Lawyer?” Bucky questioned in surprise.
“I practiced—” Rosie was cut off from explaining.
“Where’d you learn to fly a B-17?” Buck asked. Charlie elbowed him for interrupting the man.
“Laredo. 9 months. 12 hours a day. Gunnery Training. Lieutenant Nash too.” Rosie replied, trying to impress the veterans.
“Well, you boys, you come with a hell of a reputation.” Bucky told the group.
“Are you talking about us flying in our skivvies, sir?” Rosie brought up with a smirk. Bucky stopped laughing in confusion.
“I’m not following.” Bucky admitted but still with a smile on his face.
“Well, we were known for flying in our underwear.” Lieutenant Nash explained with a small smile while he regretted that Rosie brought it up in the first place and in front of a woman no less.
Charlie was trying not to laugh at the picture the men were painting in her mind.
“All of you?” Bucky queried in amusement.
“Yes sir.” They replied.
“That’s what the kids are doing these days?” Bucky questioned mostly to himself.
“In Texas, those forts get so hot, you could fry an egg on the instrument panel.” Rosie tried to explain the logic.”
“Is that so? We hadn’t heard about the underwear, but we heard you’re outstanding pilots.” Buck inputted, giving Charlie’s waist a squeeze unconsciously.
“We’re happy to be in the war, sir. We’ve been requesting a combat position for months. Now that we’re here, feels like we’re actually gonna do something.” Rosie told the senior officers proudly. Charlie’s smile dropped. She could only think about how these boys did not have a clue yet.
“Yeah, you’ll do something alright.” Bucky agreed ominously which only the seniors picked up on before he walked off without a word. Buck and Charlie shared a concerned look between each other before making their excuses to follow after him.
‘Did I just talk about my skivvies in front of—’ Charlie heard as they left the group and couldn’t help but chuckle despite the dark turn the night had taken.
Charlie soon excused herself from their little group at the bar where the rest of the veteran pilots had decided to congregate, to use the restroom. When she got back, she re-joined the pair of Bucks leaning against the bar, catching Rosie once again walking away from the pair.
“All these uh new faces, we go down, they won’t remember us either. Like we never existed Buck.” Bucky said with melancholy.
“But I will remember. Don’t ever talk about going down, either one of you.” Charlie broke up their sad fest with her presence. Charlie cupped her brother’s cheek with her hand, trying to get him to focus on her but he wasn’t in the mood, and he batted her hand away. Buck tucked her under his arm, not wanting another Egan fight to take place. Not tonight.
“Charlie, leave him.” Buck whispered in her ear over the loud band playing. Charlie huffed but decided to concede.
They were all absorbed in their own thoughts that they did not notice Colonel Harding approaching with Major Redman following.
“My boys!” The jovial Colonel greeted his veteran pilots, obviously a few drinks like the rest of them.
“Colonel Harding.” The group mumbled, drawing closer to the inevitable speech their leader is well known for.
“Listen up,” The man with the cigar in his hand began “I just had a mood killing conversation with Doc Stover. Now, he thinks you sissies could be getting flak happy.”
“Not us, sir.” Bucky was among the group to deny quickly.
“I told him war is war and the longer you go at it, the more it screws a man up and it’s been that way since the first caveman son of a bitch, excuse my French Charlie, picked up a club and went after the other. Did cavemen go for head-shrinking?” Harding said, glancing quickly at Charlie tucked tightly underneath Buck’s arm who held her close to him.
“No” multiple voices chimed in.
“What counts is that you soldiers show up ready and able to fight. What you do between battles…” The Colonel giggled as he trailed off suggestively. Of course, Charlie was not surprised at how happy Bucky was enjoying this conversation.
Charlie huffed under her breath at what the Colonel was implying.
“Yes, well when you get VD you won’t be able to show up ready to fight.” Charlie muttered under her breath but not too quiet that Buck did not hear. Buck chuckled lightly into Charlie’s ear, passing it off as an affectionate nuzzle and of course Bucky shot a dirty look their way at their public display of affections.
“Aerial combat like this hasn’t been around since the cavemen, sir.” Red commented, not endeared by the conversation.
“Well, of course not, Red. Every war has its novelties.” Harding admitted before turning around to eye the decorations in the party with a critical eye.
“Who the hell decorated this fiesta?” Colonel Harding asked with annoyance in this voice.
“Well, I put together a committee, sir.” Major Kidd pipped up from the standing group.
“The damn plane look like it’s in a nosedive.” Harding critiqued to the amusement of the group.
Bucky chuckled, thinking about how grateful he is that he isn’t air executive anymore. “Fire ‘em. Fire the committee.” Bucky commented with a smirk. Major Kidd glared at Bucky in annoyance.
“I won’t bother next time.” Kidd sulked at the lack of appreciation. No one paid him any attention.
“Come on, get in. Come here. Got something to tell ya.” Harding herded the men and Charlie, so they came closer. Charlie ended up sandwiched between Buck and her brother.
“You know how we could end this whole thing tonight?” Harding asked the group with confidence. Charlie had a bad idea about where this was going. “We fill up one of our forts with as many 500-pounders as she can hold. We bomb the hell out of Hitler’s hidey-hole.” Charlie watched as Bucky and Buck’s faces dropped at what the Colonel was suggesting. Charlie could see Harry Crosby; Bubbles and the rest of the men were amused by what Harding was saying but her brother and boyfriend did not find what Harding was saying to be humorous at all. “I’m sure Red and Bubbles could locate that moustachioed little fucker.”
“Yes sir.” Bubbles agreed, convinced the Colonel was joking.
“Now who’s flak-happy?” Bucky questioned and all eyes turned to him. There was a brief silence and Charlie watched concerned as her brother swayed dangerously with the amount of alcohol he had already consumed despite leaning on the bar behind him.
“Who?” Harding questioned.
“You are.” Bucky told him, face as straight as Charlie had ever seen.
“You are.” Harding repeated. Charlie looked between the two men, not knowing where this was going with concern.
“No, you are. Sir.” Bucky retorted, flicking the back of his hand onto Harding’s chest audibly. Another silence descended again over the small crowd of officers as they waited to see what happens next.
Charlie was relieved the tension was broken when Harding started to laugh and turn around to give the room another once over.
“Single fillies.” The Colonel announced to his men “Come on boys. Let’s get the lead out.” Charlie pulled a disgusted face at that order and watched as the men followed him onto the dance floor as they all tried to find a woman to dance with. Charlie saw Blakley bringing Tatty under his arm with a raised eyebrow. Well, that’s new.
Charlie stood with Bucky and Buck that remained at the now empty bar.
“You need a break,” Gale told his friend when everyone else was out of earshot. “I think the Colonel out to fix you up a weekend pass.”
“You should come. Both of you. But there will be rules such as no kissing in front of me.” Bucky joked. “London. Let’s do it up, Buck. Paint the town red.” Bucky tried to persuade his friend, ignoring Charlie’s searching eyes for the time being.
“Yeah, maybe next time.” Buck dismissed the idea quickly before moving away from the bar to a resting Meatball.
“Come here, Meatball.” Buck coaxed, kissing his head affectionately. “You wanna dance.” Buck asked hypothetically before heaving the heavy husky up into his arms so they could dance together. Charlie and Bucky watched on in amusement and soon others looked over at Buck taking Meatball for a spin around the dance floor with smiles as the pair moved further onto the dancefloor and away from the Egan siblings.
“Are you not jealous, sis?” Bucky joked to a silent Charlie who couldn’t keep her eyes off the unusual pair.
“Oh, very much so. Meatball is a catch.” Charlie grinned and Bucky rolled his eyes at his sisters’ silly response. The pair continued to watch the dancing couples’ side by side against the bar.
“You know I love you right?” Charlie asked after a moment of silence, throwing Bucky off at the change in conversation. She did not look at her brother.
“Yeah. I know.” Bucky admitted, not looking at Charlie either.
“I know that things are hard right now, but they will get better. You and Buck are only a handful of missions away from going home.” Charlie told him, believing in her words so ardently. Bucky sighed before finally turning to watch his sister. Charlie copied his action, turning her eyes away from everyone else.
“Say Buck and I do go home. What about you?” Bucky asked, a crazed look in his eye that she hadn’t seen before. Charlie frowned.
“What about me? I’ll remain here until the war ends and then join you at home once I’m discharged.” Charlie told him, not understanding.
Bucky shook his head at that “I can’t Charlie. I can’t leave you behind. I can’t.” Charlie frowned in confusion.
“What?”
“If I leave you behind Charlie, I might never see you again.” Bucky admitted his fear “Something will happen, I know it. The Germans will bomb the base if I’m not up in the sky bombing them.” Bucky irrationally shared his thoughts.
“Bucky, nothing will happen. I promise. Everything will be fine. You and Gale need to go home.” Charlie told him, worried the alcohol is making him lose his mind.
“It’s not fair Charlie. You’ve been here longer. Longer than anyone else. You should be going home first. It’s not fair.” Bucky rambled, grabbing her arms to pull her sloppily into his chest. Buck from across the room took note of the uncomfortable look on Charlie’s face and Bucky’s sloppy actions with concern.
“But I’m also not the one in danger all the time.” Charlie told him.
“Your wounds would say otherwise.” Bucky muttered loud enough for Charlie to catch it.
“I’ll follow you back home once the war ends. I promise.” Charlie repeated trying to appease her brother.
“Uh huh and oh wise one when is the war going to end? Because I can’t see it happening any time soon.” Bucky sarcastically asked his sister. That was the moment when Buck re-joined the Egan siblings, just catching Bucky’s sarcastic response. Charlie looked up at Buck for help. This was a side of him that she hadn’t seen before.
“Hey Bucky. I’ve spoken to Harding, and he has agreed to give you a 48-hour pass. You can hit up London like you always wanted.” Buck told the man, hoping to distract him away from his sister.
“Hey that’s great! I’ll have a drink down there for you.” Bucky laughed at his own joke. Buck made eye contact with a nearby Blakley and Kidd, silently asking for help.
Blakely and Kidd came over, noting Bucky’s inebriated state and sighed.
“Hey Bucky. It’s getting late. Why don’t we walk you back to your bunk?” Kidd took lead and guided Bucky out of the door of the building with Blakely assisting, without resistance from Bucky.
Buck and Charlie watched them go with varying degrees of emotions.
“Are you ok?” Buck asked Charlie who looked upset.
Charlie bit her lip in hesitation “Bucky seems to be under the impression that if he goes home, he won’t ever see me again.” Buck pondered that for a moment.
“He just has abandonment issues from when you left for England. He’ll get over it.” Buck tried to appease Charlie who shook her head negatively.
“No not abandonment. He thinks I’m going to die here. That the German’s are going to bomb the base and kill me if he’s not in the air.” Charlie corrected. A shadow fell over Buck’s face at the scenario painted out in front of him. Buck shook it out of his mind, trying not to even entertain the thought.
“That’s not going to happen.” Buck firmly told Charlie.
“I know.” Charlie admitted, not scared. After her two near death experiences, she lost the ability to get scared. She knew now that what will be will be. There’s no use dwelling over it.
“Bucky’s not thinking rationally right now. The 48-hour pass will do him some good.” Buck told her
“Yeah.” Charlie absentmindedly agreed, her eyes still on the door where Bucky disappeared through.
“Come on, dance with me.” Buck coaxed Charlie towards the dancefloor, trying to distract her from the elephant in the room. Charlie gingerly followed Buck, trying to keep her eyes on him and no one else. Buck’s arms wrapped around Charlie’s waist as they swayed back and forth to the slow song being played, the pair silently lost in their own thoughts until Charlie pulled slightly away from Buck enough to catch his blue eyes with her own. Charlie and Buck looked at each other like it would be the last time they ever did. The previous talk of dying spooking them maybe. Charlie slowly leaned into forward into Buck and gently latched her lips onto his before pulling back to gage his reaction. Charlie was surprised to see a look on Buck’s face she had never fully seen before. It was full of passion and longing. Buck, without a word, took Charlie’s hand in his own and marched them out of the hall, not caring for what anyone else saw or thought. The couple disappeared into the dark night air and Charlie soon found herself being pushed up against her Nissin hut door by a ravenous Buck. Something had come over Buck and he could not control himself anymore.
“Buck!” Charlie squealed as quietly as she could when his lips soon descended from her lips down to her neck.
“Shh baby.” Buck mumbled against the skin on her neck as his hands wandered over her hips, squeezing her waist and body against his own.
“Gale!” Charlie squealed again but quieter when Buck hovered over a particularly sensitive piece of skin. Gale immediately broke away from Charlie at hearing his given name and Charlie gulped at the dark look in his eyes.
“Come on, we need to get inside.” Buck ushered her into her sole occupied hut in a hurry. Buck just about had some sense left to lock the door, not that anyone should be coming into Charlie’s hut at night anyway.
Buck led Charlie to her single bed where she flopped back onto the bed, Buck soon followed, hovering on top of her body. Buck paused for a moment to take in the sight of Charlie sprawled on her bed with her hair fanned out like an angel.
“You are so beautiful.” Buck told a suddenly bashful Charlie.
“And you are so handsome.” Charlie fired back, leaning up slowly from the bed so she could reach Buck’s jacket buttons, unbuttoning them one by one. Buck watched on as her nimble fingers made quick work of them. Charlie then loosened his tie and chucked it away somewhere in the room before working on the buttons on his shirt. When that was off and Charlie was able to run her hands up and down Buck’s bare chest with nothing to stop her, Buck attacked her mouth with a newfound passion. He wanted to be as close to her as possible. He wanted to feel her everywhere. Nothing could compare to what he was feeling right now.
“We can’t—We can’t have sex,” Buck told her breathlessly between kisses. Charlie made a humming noise, not really paying attention to what Buck said. “I can’t risk you getting pregnant.” Charlie moaned at Buck’s hands roaming over her body.
“Charlie? Are you listening to me?” Buck stopped his ministrations and pulled back to look at the fired-up woman.
“Yes, I heard you. Why can’t we have sex?” Charlie pouted, not thinking straight- her thoughts so much in a daze when Buck is this close to her. He was intoxicating to her. A powerful drug.
“Because if we have sex, I will want to impregnate you and make you the mother of my child. But we can’t. Not yet.” Buck truthfully admitted. Charlie blushed at the thought, not displeased with the idea but recognising that the timing was not right.
“One day.” Charlie wished.
“One day. When we’re married or your brother will kill me.” Buck confirmed, wishing for anything that that those days will come sooner rather than later. ‘Remember rule number 3’ Buck muttered under his breath, too quiet for Charlie to pick up on. Charlie sighed, coming down from her high before wriggling to get off the bed but Buck’s hand stopped her movements.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Buck asked her teasingly. Charlie frowned.
“But I thought you said—” Charlie began.
“I said we couldn’t have sex. I did not say we couldn’t do other things.” Buck told her with a gentle smile before locking his lips with her again and pulling her back underneath him. Buck’s hands roamed Charlie’s body now with more of a purpose. His hands soon reach their destination of her outer thighs, her dress had ridden up leaving her legs exposed to him. Buck looked at Charlie for silent permission before his fingers soon found each side of her panties and his fingers slowly pulled them down her legs. Charlie giggled as Buck’s face soon after disappeared beneath the folds of her dress.
Notes:
This is the last fun chapter before the angst begins....
Sorry for the delay in posting but I hope this chapter makes up for it!
As always let me know what you think
Chapter 16
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It was early the next morning when Charlie slowly awakened with a smile on her face. Her arm listlessly extended outwards to feel where Buck had inhabited her bed last night. Charlie frowned when she felt nothing but semi-warm sheets. He had left recently. Charlie turned onto her back and winced at the light coming in through the gaps in the curtains. It was daylight. Charlie quickly sat up and reached for her discarded watch on her bedside table. She huffed out a relief when she realised it was not as late as she thought it was and promptly flopped back onto her soft pillow. Charlie looked up at the ceiling and couldn’t help but grin as she recalled the events of last night with Buck. It was something she had not experienced before and couldn’t wait to do it again.
Charlie’s nose twitched as her thoughts moved onto everything she had to do today workwise and sighed before reluctantly rising from her bed, but not before sniffing Buck’s unique scent he left behind on the sheets. Buck wore a distinct cologne that could be recognised a mile away. Charlie smiled as she remembered some of the pilots ribbing him for it on one of the nights they shared at the officer’s club.
Charlie’s musings were interrupted with a loud knock on her door in passing and the usual greeting of ‘up and at em’ as her wake up call. Charlie huffed in annoyance at the rude awakening before pulling her tired sore body up from the bed with great reluctance.
Charlie hummed to herself as she flitted around the half empty infirmary, making herself busy as always by ensuring everyone, patient and nurse, had everything they needed. She had heard the loud engines of the forts return around 20 minutes ago and as always did not watch and count the planes like others did on base. She would rather not know the number of men lost. It was not something she felt she should dwell on. Her focus has always been on the living and who she is capable of saving. Some men are beyond their capabilities of saving. It was something she learnt very early on in London and again when she became one of the first flight nurses. It was a lesson she took very much to heart.
Charlie had just taken a little break in her office which consisted of a steaming cup of coffee and the rolling of bandages when she heard the familiar sound of boots marching into the infirmary. Charlie had a smile ready on her face, imagining it was Buck coming to see her as he always does when he returns from a mission.
Charlie turned around from her sitting position and the smile instantly dropped off when she saw it was Jack Kidd and John Brady coming towards her. No Gale in sight. Charlie quickly took note of the two men- they both looked exhausted still in their sheepskin but unhurt. It did not explain why they were in her infirmary.
“What are you two doing here? Are you both ok?” Charlie asked, giving them both another look over when they stepped into her office and closed the door. Charlie’s stomach dropped when the pair did not immediately answer but they shared a look between themselves which Charlie caught with her sharp eyes.
“Is Buck still in interrogation?” Charlie asked, again the men did not answer, Jack Kidd hesitated to reply. “Where’s Buck?” Charlie asked the burning question which kept her up late at night sometimes.
“Charlie… Buck’s plane went down.” Jack finally found the words to tell her. John Brady winced in readiness at the expected sobbing but there was none. Charlie frowned, trying to process the information.
“I see.” Charlie said, a sense of numbness overcoming her. Jack Kidd and John Brady shared another look again between them. This time Charlie did not catch it.
“Charlie did you hear me?” Jack asked softly.
“Yeah, I heard you,” Charlie answered, holding onto her emotions and tears for dear life. She hated crying and she definitely hated crying in front of other people. “Did uh- was there any parachutes?” Charlie fumbled over her words, wanting some hope. Something to cling onto.
“Some planes reported chutes but to be honest Charlie there was a few planes going down and we can’t tell from which planes the chutes came from clearly.” Brady answered, trying not to recall the mess of this morning.
“Oh.” Charlie could only say, still trying to process the information.
“I think you should take the rest of the day off Charlie.” Jack advised cautiously on the oddly emotionless woman who had just lost her boyfriend.
“Hmm.” Charlie hummed, her mind not entirely there. Not entirely listening.
“Does uh- does Bucky know?” Charlie asked before the pair went to leave her in her thoughts.
“No. Not yet.” Brady replied, only imagining Egan’s reaction to finding out Buck went down- his best friend.
“Ok.” Charlie simply replied not knowing what else to say. Jack Kidd and John Brady shot their last concerned looks back at the head nurse before leaving her alone. If Charlie had bothered to look up, she would have seen them talking to Louise in hushed, worrisome tones before leaving the infirmary all together.
Louise immediately barged into her office with purpose and without knocking before she yanked down all the blinds so nobody could look in and then did not hesitate to scoop her friend up into her arms. Charlie blinked a couple of times before realising she couldn’t see anymore, and her vision was blurred. Charlie wiped an eye with one hand and looked at the now wet hand in wonderment. It took her a moment to realise she was crying.
“Buck’s gone Louise.” Charlie told her friend in a broken voice thick with tears.
“I know.” Louise solemnly acknowledged. Louise’s hand slowly started to stroke Charlie’s hair as the younger woman could not contain her anguish anymore, her sobs becoming uncontrollable and audible.
It was many hours later that found Louise and Charlie in her hut. Charlie was laying down on her bed as Louise cuddled with her heartbroken friend. It was something she had never wished on anyone let alone Charlie-- heartbreak of being the one left behind. A soft knock on Charlie’s door startled the pair and Louise immediately got up to answer it as she had earlier in the day. Charlie could not face seeing anyone right now.
Louise was not surprised when the closed door revealed Charlie’s brother, Bucky.
“Can I see her?” Bucky asked, voice barely above a whisper. Louise noted the sorrow in his own voice.
Louise nodded and stepped outside so the siblings could have some privacy.
Charlie sat up in the bed with her back against the headboard when she heard her brother’s voice at the door. Charlie was not surprised when her brother stepped into her small cabin and Louise stepped out.
“He’s not gone Bucky. He’s not gone. I can still feel him, right here.” Charlie told him before Bucky could say anything and patted her hand heavily on top of her heart where Gale Cleven had claimed it for himself.
Bucky looked at his sister for a moment in silence. Her hair was a mess, her mascara slightly smudged and her eyes were still red from the tears she had shed. Her uniform was also dishevelled. Bucky could not recall ever seeing her like this before. Bucky walked towards the bed and sat down on the side of the bed nearest to Charlie.
“You believe me, don’t you? Nobody else believes me.” Charlie whimpers, needing reassurance from her older brother.
“I believe you,” Bucky told her with confidence “Gale Cleven is not gone.” And Bucky believed those words- he wasn’t just saying them to appease his heartbroken sister.
Bucky reached out with a hand to wipe the loose tears that had not yet fallen from Charlie’s eyes delicately.
“I’m gonna find him and I’m gonna bring him back.” Bucky promised her with certainty. Charlie had seen that look on her brother’s face a dozen times. It was determination. When John ‘Bucky’ Egan is determined, there is nothing he cannot do.
“I love him Bucky.” Charlie told her brother with so much pain and sorrow.
“I know you do, and I know for a fact that he loves you too,” Bucky reassured her, staying strong for his sister. “I’ll bring him back to you. I promise.”
Bucky did not miss the sudden silence of the men when he walked into the officer’s club looking for a drink after visiting his devastated sister. He had just overheard them toasting to the 100th. In Bucky’s eyes he couldn’t see one good reason why. Hi best friend had just gone down, and they had lost 8 bombers on one mission in Bremen. ‘What the hell did they have to celebrate?’ Bucky thought bitterly.
“Harding wants to see you.” Bucky told Crosby in passing, patting him on the shoulder on his way to the bar.
‘Hey it’s Egan’ ‘What’s he doing back so early?’ Bucky could hear separate conversations at his surprise appearance, but he didn’t care. Harry Crosby looked at Bucky’s retreating back with sympathy and shock.
“Fill her up, Mike.” Bucky asked, handing over his flask.
“Sure thing.”
Bucky looked around the room, noticing all eyes on him but not giving a shit. After hearing that Buck went down, he felt a range of emotions; anger, upset and hurt. But after seeing how heartbroken his sister is without even contending with his mixed emotions, he felt only one thing- revenge. He wanted it so bad, and nothing is going to get in his way. He didn’t have time to be sad- not right now. He wanted to go up and bomb the living daylights out of them- it was only thing he could do. The only thing that might, however minuscule, make him feel better. Feel something.
“No use wondering, gentlemen. You can all do the math as to why I came back early.” Bucky told the men, putting a damper on their night.
“Jesus. Another mission.” Crank and Brady scoffed in frustration.
“We’re flying every day now?” Someone else in the crowd of men asked incredulously.
Bucky didn’t even glance up when the red standby light was flicked on. He just wanted a drink. He was ready to go up again- ready to get his revenge. Most of the men were not and so the red light hung over their heads like a noose. Even trying to enjoy a film, that red light was still there reminding them of what is to come.
“Uh Major Egan?” Crosby approached the Major hesitantly. Bucky looked up from his flask.
“Charlie um -how’s Charlie sir?” Crosby asked, noticing her absence as much as Buck’s in the room. The couple were such a delight to watch together that they were considered the life of a party.
“How’d you think? Heartbroken.” Bucky scoffed at the question callously. Crosby ducked his head and started to walk away, not wanting to upset Bucky anymore.
“Hey Cros?” Bucky called back to him in a softer tone- apologetic for snapping at the younger man “I’m sure Charlie would appreciate a visit and another friend to talk to. Maybe in a few days when things have settled down some?”
Harry smiled at the suggestion and nodded his head in silent agreement. Bucky returned the smile with a small one of his own- the first since hearing the news of Buck. It would be good for Charlie to have some company Bucky thought. Being alone would not be good for her. Not now when she is grieving.
It was not long before the new mission was announced, and the briefing scheduled for all airmen to attend. Every available plane was marked to be up the air for this mission- 17- all the planes they had left- bombing the railroads at Munster.
The target was controversial for some. Crank made his feelings known. It was a Sunday, and the bombs were going to be close to the city centre, a cathedral was nearby. For Catholics like Crank, it did not sit well with them. Bucky didn’t care. A target is a target.
When the men poured out of the equipment hut carrying their bags over their shoulders, they hesitated at the sight of the elegant woman dressed in a black dress. Charlie had come to see her brother off. She couldn’t hide away in her hut anymore.
Charlie didn’t care how much her face was probably still red and puffy from her tears, she had to be here. To see her brother. A lot of men respectfully nodded their heads and gave pitying smiles at the woman as they passed her by to their waiting trucks. Charlie nodded back at the familiar faces with unseeing eyes. She was only focused on her older brother.
Bucky walked quickly with purpose to his sister once he saw what the small commotion was amongst the men.
“Are you ok? What are you doing here?” Bucky asked his sister with concern when he reached her.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question given the circumstances?” Charlie retorted. Bucky ushered her further away from the men, so they had more privacy to speak.
“You’re going after him, aren’t you?” Charlie accused, knowing her brother. He won’t be able to let Buck go- not until he knows whether he made it safely to the ground.
Bucky bit the inside of his cheek, not wanting to admit it. Not wanting to worry her. He looked away.
“I know you Bucky.” Charlie implored, trying to catch his eyes- the same blue eyes as hers.
“I’m not coming back without him.” Bucky eventually admitted, turning back to Charlie.
“I know.” Charlie admitted, wanting to cry all over again but needing to be strong for him. For what he was about to do and what he was about to experience.
“I do love Gale, Bucky.” Charlie started, her eyes beginning to water.
“I know you do.” Bucky interjected.
“But I also love you.” Charlie continued, reaching up to cup his face between her hands so he looked her in the eyes. “I don’t want you to endanger yourself trying to find him. I cannot lose you both.” Bucky’s eyes softened at his sister’s words. It was not that long ago that they had been reunited and now it was Bucky’s turn to leave her this time.
“I will find him Charlie. I promise. I promise I will bring him back to you.” Bucky told her with determination. There was no other option. Gale Cleven was not dead, and the Egan siblings believed that wholeheartedly even if no one else did.
“Promise me you will bring yourself back too.” Charlie demanded, wanting to hear the words. Wanting her brother to come back to her too. Bucky paused and was silent for a moment.
“I promise.” Bucky said earnestly. Then without another word, removed his sheepskin jacket and wrapped it around Charlie’s shoulders.
“Buck always hated that jacket. The first time we see each other again I don’t want another lecture from him about how much he hates it,” Bucky explained, trying to lighten the mode. Charlie snuggled into the soft fabric- it smelled like her brother- like home. “Keep it safe for me. I’ll be wanting it back.” Bucky told her. Charlie nodded in agreement.
“I love you.” Bucky told his sister after kissing her forehead gently before jogging off to his waiting truck.
“I love you.” Charlie whispered after him- watching him for as long as she could. She watched him acquire a new sheepskin from an annoyed Jack Kidd before boarding the last truck with Brady and the rest of his crew to their waiting fort.
It was hours later, and Charlie was sitting on her unmade cot still wearing Bucky’s white sheepskin jacket when she heard a knock at her door. Charlie hesitated before answering the door to Harry Crosby. His brown eyes shined with pity and sympathy.
“Bucky’s plane went down. I’m sorry Charlie.” Harry told her, feeling for the poor woman who had lost her boyfriend and brother within 48 hours.
Charlie knew this was going to happen, but she still held onto some hope that her brother would return in his plane untouched. Charlie knew that it was now time to enact her plan. The plan she had always had when something happened. Running away.
But not running away from the war. Running towards it.
Charlie quickly turned around and began packing up her things. Harry was confused and a bit concerned by the young woman’s behaviour.
“Charlie what are you doing?” Harry asked in confusion and bewilderment.
“I have somewhere to be.”
Notes:
aaaaaaaaa it's happening. Both Buck and Bucky are now gone :(
Charlie's going too. Back to what she does best!
It's happening guys! I have wrote a few chapters ahead already and I am so excited to share them with you. I hope you like it as the story deviates from the TV show now.
As always I appreciate all of your comments
Chapter 17
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
October 1943
After the past week of being knocked unconscious, nearly killed by civilians and being hunted down like a dog, it was almost a relief to Bucky Egan when he walked through the gates of Stalag Luft III. If the sound of the god-awful alarm blaring was any indication, this was going to be a long, uncomfortable stay in Germany. He just hoped he could find Buck amongst all these men that clambered to the fence trying to find their friends.
Bucky was not enthusiastic about his chances. The number of names being called from the captives at the camp gave him some hope that he could find a familiar face amongst the crowd. He had only one good eye at that point, the other one slowly healing from the beating he took- it made recognising anyone next to impossible. There were John’s being called from all directions, but he couldn’t be sure if that was for him. Nobody called him John anymore- well next to nobody. It had been Bucky from the start of basic and had never changed.
Suddenly the call of “Bucky, Bucky, over here!” reached his ears and he perked up, looking to his left to find Crank, Murphy and Glen fighting the crowds to be seen by their friend and co-leader. Bucky felt a sense of relief and let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. He wasn’t alone. Not anymore. It was a fear he had that he didn’t even recognise until that moment.
“Crank, Murph, Glen!” He yelled back, the relief visible in his voice. It gave him hope. Hope that he could find Buck as well.
“Hey! Any of you know if Buck made it?” Was the first question out of his mouth while walking much faster now to talk to his fellow airmen.
“What?” Crank yelled back, not able to hear over the sound of the crowd. Bucky yelled louder “I said if Buck—” Bucky was interrupted by the voice he had been wanting to hear since he heard his plane went down.
“John Egan! Your 2 o’clock!” Bucky turned to his right on the opposite side of the wired fence to see the familiar face of his best friend leaning casually against the wired fence as if he had no care in the world. Bucky heaved a sigh of relief and couldn’t help smiling at finding him. Buck smiled back at him, not surprised by his appearance.
“What took you so long?” Buck joked shaking his head. Bucky huffed out a laugh, the first resemblance of happiness in the week since his plane went down.
“I was on vacation, seeing the sights of Germany.” Bucky joked, not altogether untrue. He had seen some sights alright.
“Yeah? See anything good?” Buck asked, talking in a code only the two of them knew.
“No, nothing good.” Bucky shook his head. He couldn’t see a way out of this for them. Not yet. But he was determined to get back to Thorpe Abbotts with Buck. Back to Charlie who was waiting on them.
Once Bucky had been processed into the camp by the Luftwaffe guards, he immediately found Buck waiting for him along with Brady- another new face, Hambone, DeMarco and Crank.
“Charlie?” Buck asked hesitantly, it was all he could think about since he went down- how Charlie was. He luckily was able to grab her photo that she gave him before his plane went down and the German’s surprisingly did not take it off him when he was processed into the camp- it’s his most treasured possession.
“At Thorpe Abbotts. Waiting on us.” Bucky confirmed. Charlie was safe. Away from all this. It was that thought that encouraged him to keep carrying on. She was depending on them both to make it back home safe.
“How is she?” Buck asked, dreading her reaction to the news of his plane not coming back.
“She’ll be fine. My sister is tough. She never thought for a second you were gone. Kept going on about how she could still feel you in her heart. She wouldn’t have them send your crate home; she moved it into her hut to keep it safe.” Bucky told him, knowing that he had been waiting to hear this for a while.
Buck heaved out a sigh of relief. He didn’t know how Charlie was going to react and was scared she would go off and do something stupid.
“She’s ok?” Buck asked for confirmation.
“As ok as she’s going to be with both her boyfriend and brother shot down over enemy territory and captured as prisoners of war. She knew I was coming after you.” Bucky shrugged.
“Wow Bucky, that gives me such a great sense of relief.” Buck sarcastically retorted, before really looking at his face. “What happened to you?” Buck asked, taking note of his beaten form. Even Buck did not experience that.
“We were shot down a week ago, where have you been?” Brady asked curiously. Bucky winced at the memories of nearly being bludgeoned to death and then being carted into the woods to be buried in a mass grave.
“Like I said earlier, seeing the sights.” Bucky was not ready to share his story. Not yet.
“Alright,” Buck recognised something had happened to his friend that he did not want to share yet. He had a haunted look in his eyes- something he had never seen before. “Let’s get you situated in our hut.” Buck herded his friend away from the eyes of the camp guards and further into the bustling camp.
“Where are you going?” Harry chased after Charlie who had just placed a call to someone, he didn’t know but overheard the words’ ‘location’, ‘pick up point’ and the time- ‘2 o’clock’. Charlie rushed back to her hut to pack her bags.
“I’ve been re-assigned.” Charlie simply replied, not giving the man much thought as she speed walked- focusing on getting as far away from here as possible and as quickly as possible.
“Re-assigned?” Harry questioned incredulously.
“To the 813th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron.” Charlie told him.
“Medical Air? What?” Crosby didn’t understand.
Charlie sighed, stopped in her tracks and turned around to face him “I’m going back to being a flight nurse. I don’t need to be here anymore.” Charlie told him. Crosby gaped in surprise.
“What do you mean? We still need you here Charlie.” Harry argued.
“No, you don’t,” Charlie shook her head “Buck and Bucky are gone. I need to be where I am most useful, and Thorpe Abbotts will be fine without me.” Charlie admitted.
“What if they come back and you are not here? What am I supposed to tell them?” Harry asked, trying his best to persuade her. Bucky asked him to keep an eye on Charlie before the Munster mission and it would be impossible for him to do so if she wasn’t even on base anymore.
“They are not coming back Croz. Not yet at least. Bucky went after Gale specifically,” Charlie told him before sighing “Thorpe Abbotts is in good hands. My nurses are the best- I trained them that way. You all will be fine without me. My expertise is needed elsewhere now. This was always the plan Harry.” Charlie admitted. Harry couldn’t say anything else. Charlie walked away and this time Harry did not stop her.
It was only an hour later that a jeep entered the compound to pick up Charlie Egan. It was a low fanfare and a blow to her remaining friends on the base when Charlie left. A tearful goodbye shared with Louise- now promoted to head nurse, and well wishes and hugs shared with Rosie, Harry and even Jack Kidd.
Charlie knew she was doing the right thing. This was always the plan she repeated to herself.
The first night in Stalag Luft III for Bucky was paradise in comparison from where he had been the last week. But it also gave him time to think. Think about everything he had just experienced. It was whilst he was thinking that he recalled the creepy interaction he had with Lieutenant Haussman only a couple of days ago.
Flashback
“I am your interrogator, Lieutenant Haussman.” The small man announced behind his desk. He was well groomed, clean and well spoken in English. That was Bucky’s first impression of him. Bucky felt inadequate just by being in the same room as him. He knew he smelled, he knew he was covered in dirt and blood. Bucky was not feeling his best.
The door shut behind Bucky and he silently sighed.
“Please, sit.” The uniformed man invited with a smile on the edge of his lips.
Bucky slowly, cautiously walked towards the empty chair on the opposite side of the Lieutenant’s desk and plopped down unceremoniously. Lieutenant Haussman jumped up fast from his seat “Can I pour you a whisky?” He asked, already moving before hearing Bucky’s response.
“Thanks.” Bucky replied, adjusting in his comfy seat- now well-adjusted to the cold stone cells.
The pause gave Bucky time to have a look around his office and he barely was able to hold back a scoffed at the picture of Hitler hanging proudly from the wall next to his desk. It felt like a warning to Bucky to tread carefully around this man. His manners and appearance were deceiving.
The pristine condition of the Lieutenant’s uniform and his face made it very clear to Bucky that this was no regular soldier- he would bet money that he had never even seen a battle let alone partake in one. Even with this new realisation, Bucky knew he had to be careful. Restrained- something John Egan was not known for.
“Here’s uh mud in your eye.” Bucky lifted his cup in a type of salute before taking a big gulp- hoping he won’t regret it.
“I don’t know that one.” The Lieutenant admitted “Here’s mud in your eye.” He repeated before taking a sip.
“So where shall we begin?” Haussman started, opening a file on his desk. Bucky’s file.
“How about I was in a town, and someone shot 4 of the guys with me.” Bucky couldn’t help but bring it up. It was something he knew was going to live with him for the rest of his life.
“Russheim something. I don’t know—” Bucky replied before being cut off.
“Russelsheim. That’s tragic. I will add it to the report.” Bucky had the feeling he was not being genuine in his response. Like he already knew about the massacre and didn’t care. “Your colleagues, the ones who were killed, if you give me their names and rank, I can pass it onto—”
“I don’t know their names. We just happened to be put together. Look, I appreciate the drink and would really appreciate a thicker blanket, but as far as what you’re gonna get from me, it’s gonna be name, rank and serial—” Bucky’s patience with the man was wearing out.
“And serial number. Yours is O-399510.” Haussman interrupted smugly. “Yes, I already know that”
“I also know you were born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Married? From what I hear definitely not. Family? Your sister, Charlotte Egan. Commonly known as Charlie. Now Charlie she is even more famous than you and Buck Cleven. You cannot imagine the number of times your sisters name has been mentioned by the prisoners that come through here. Some have even likened her to an angel. The British certainly hold her in very high regard. I hear she is a flyer as well, like you and Buck Cleven.” Haussman was edging for a reaction. Bucky gritted his teeth at the mention of his sister.
“Charlie doesn’t fly no more.” Bucky replied, getting agitated and wanting to shut down the talk of his sister.
“No?” Haussman smiled as if he knew something Bucky did not. It did not sit well with Bucky. Haussman decided to ease off.
“Squadron 418th, the 100th Bomb group. H for Heavy, headquartered at Thorpe Abbotts.” Haussman finished reading from his file. Bucky stared at him with contempt. It appears Bucky did not have to tell him anything- he knew it all already.
“Are you a baseball fan, Major?” Haussman changed the subject quickly with a creeping smile that set Bucky on edge. “Certainly, that’s not a national secret.” Haussman lightly teased.
“Cigarette?” Haussman asked, pulling out all the stops to ease Bucky into a sense of security. Bucky took it- knowing it may be the last time for a long time he is able to have one and he definitely felt he needed one right now.
“Sorry they are not as good as your American brands. Lucky strike is my personal preference.” Haussman admitted before getting back to his baseball talk.
“Baseball is still a bit of a mystery to me with all the sticks and bases, running in circles,” Haussman sighed, shaking his head in confusion. “There was the big championship last week, wasn’t there?”
“Yeah, the world series.” Bucky piped up. He couldn’t help it. Baseball talk he could get behind.
“Yes, the world series. The New York Yankees versus the St Louis Cardinals. A rematch, yes?” Haussman enticing Bucky to talk more.
“We were up two games to one when I went down.” Bucky admitted, disappointment clear in his voice.
“So, you are a Yankees fan?” Haussman gleefully asked, “Would you like to know the outcome of the world series?” Bucky then recognized the conversation for what it was. An opening to talk. An unspoken trade. Information for information. Bucky was not playing this game.
“Was Buck Cleven a Yankees fan?” Bucky stayed quiet. Haussman knew something about Buck, but Bucky was not about to resort to trading information to find out what.
“I hear he was quite a flyer. I read of his exploits in the Regensburg attack. He was your friend, wasn’t he? I heard from other sources that he was also to be your brother-in-law. Buck and Charlie so in love. She must be devastated.” Haussman taunted with a smirk on his face. Bucky wanted to reach across the desk and bash Haussman’s head into the wood repeatedly until he stopped moving. He knew he couldn’t. The guards were right outside the door and Haussman had information. Information he was not willing to give up for free.
“It seems we are shooting down all the good pilots.” Haussman further mocked “Did you know that on your Munster attack, only one of your plants returned? One.” Haussman emphasised. Bucky did not say anything. He was done with this conversation.
“But back to you Major Egan, I regret to inform you that you are, as you say, in a bit of a pickle. We know you were originally apprehended near Ostbevern but we don’t have you in any record as a crew member on any of the planes from the Munster attack. The Gestapo would say that makes you a spy.” Bucky was under no illusions about what Haussman was trying to do.
“They would be mistaken.” Bucky replied to that. Scaring him into giving up information was for amateurs. Bucky didn’t care about himself. Only about Buck and his sister and one was sitting safely back at Thorpe Abbotts.
“One thing I can tell you, Major, the Gestapo is never mistaken.” Haussman replied seriously. The room was tense as to the underlying threat.
“So, I need verification of your group, your squadron, and your plane so that I can confirm to them that you are indeed what you say you are.” Bucky did not even need to think about his response. He puffed on his cigarette before replying.
“John Egan. Major. O-399510.” Bucky recited. Bucky wondered how many other guys fell for these interrogation tactics. Lots judging by the amount of information Haussman had managed to gather about him.
“Major, may I say that you’re not doing yourself any favours?” Haussman calmly replied “The Gestapo, they are different than me. Me, I’m like you: A flyer, a man of honor. And I can understand things in a way that perhaps my colleagues from the highly indoctrinated security forces might not.”
Bucky understood the threat well and was not entertaining him.
“I’d like to talk to you about Buck Cleven, John.” Haussman tried again “But I’d like you to talk to me as well.” Bucky was unmoved. Bucky was not proud of a lot of his qualities- he was a drunk, he was loud, and he was a terrible singer to name but a few but Bucky knew he was loyal and a man of honor. And men of honor did not give up information to the enemy.
“The number of replacement B-17’s expected at Thorpe Abbotts next week, for example.” Haussman prompted, showing truly what he wanted from Bucky.
Bucky recited his name, rank and serial number. Bucky was not a traitor.
Haussman’s smug smile that he had been sporting for the best part of the whole interrogation slipped off quickly “I see.”
Haussman decided to terminate the interrogation there and called for the guards to take Bucky back to his cell but before he left, Haussman said the most peculiar thing.
“If I see Charlie before you do, I will tell her you say hello Major.” Bucky didn’t have time to question him as he was quickly ushered away.
Bucky’s interaction with Haussman and especially that last sentence was bothering him the most. After finally settling into the Stalag, it was that recent memory that kept him on edge. Haussman knew something he didn’t, and it bothered him.
Notes:
This is actually one of my favourite chapters and I hope you guys have enjoyed it too. It reveals information which a few of you questioned and yet still keeps back some important information
As always I love to read your comments 😊
I have had a busy weekend so I am happy that I'm able to get this chapter out to you today. I went to ABBA Voyage in London on Saturday and for my British readers, I definitely recommend going- it is amazing 😍
Chapter 18
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
January 1944
Charlie breathed in the bitter cold air as she stared out at the snowy landscape. It made her melancholy. Reminded her of home- Wisconsin. And Bucky. It’s hard to believe that it has been 3 months since her brother went down.
She missed him everyday. Gale also.
She smirked when she thought about how her brother would have loved this view- the snow covering the planes, and the fields surrounding RAF Balderton in Nottinghamshire.
“Major Egan!” Her name was called from behind. Charlie slowly turned around to see a new recruit flight nurse who she had made acquaintances with only a few days before.
“Alright Reba?” Charlie asked. She was a kind girl. But new to all this. She had only finished her training in Kentucky a few days before departing the US on RMS Queen Mary for England.
“It’s beautiful.” Reba commented, now standing next to Charlie with her sheepskin jacket wrapped snuggly around her.
“Yeah,” Charlie breathlessly agreed before turning slightly to keeping an eye on the loading of equipment onto the waiting C-47. “You ready to go up?”
“Yes, I’m ready. I think.” Reba admitted not confident at all.
“Just remember your training. You focus on your patients and let the pilots focus on the plane. You’ll be fine.” Charlie advised her kindly.
“Thanks Major.”
“I’m going to Italy, so I’ll be back before you. You can tell me all about it when you get back” Charlie told her. Reba smiled and nodded in agreement. Charlie said farewell to the anxious new flight nurse before walking over to her plane.
“We ready to go yet?” Charlie asked the waiting pilots and surgical technician who would be in the plane with her.
“Nearly. We would have loaded her up faster if you helped.” Tom, the surgical technician, huffed in annoyance.
“Rank has its privileges.” Charlie repeated the line which held so many memories. Tom rolled his eyes. It wasn’t the first time he had heard that one.
“Hey Egan, how many hours flight time have you logged? You seem to always be up in the air- probably more than us!” One of the pilots, Bradley asked with amusement in his voice.
“Ah I don’t know, I lost count after 300 hours. We’ve been short on flight nurses.” Charlie admitted. The last 3 months to Charlie had been busy to say the least. Charlie liked it that way though. It gave her almost no time to think.
“Not anymore. We received 26 from the States the other day. That should be enough for a while. If they can hack it. Flying is not for everyone. Especially women.” The co-pilot, Sam piped up arrogantly. It made Charlie bristle at the dismissiveness in his tone. She was sure her face reflected her feelings as Sam soon corrected himself.
“Not you of course Charlie. You are one in a million you are!” Sam complimented quickly. The small group had known each other since Charlie transferred back in October. Not always were they placed together but when they were, they seemed to get along fine. Charlie was a mystery to the personnel that worked at RAF Balderton. Everyone had heard about her background and recent personal losses. No one had ever said anything to her or pried. She kept herself to herself for the most part and did her job well. It was what she wanted- less chance of losing friends if she never made any in the first place. What everyone did know about Charlie is that she was an amazing nurse. No one could ever deny that. The flight nurses that had come through the base looked up to Charlie as one of the leading figures in modernising women’s role in the war. Charlie didn’t care about any of that. She was doing her job and waiting at the same time. Waiting for news from Germany.
“Right, let’s go.” Charlie told the men when she saw the plane was stocked up on medical supplies.
“Yes, ma’am.”
The flight was short. Charlie got to work as soon as the plane came to a stop. It was a drop off of medical supplies in return for a collection of wounded men. Charlie helped unload the plane as quickly as possible so the waiting wounded could board. Charlie made sure each man was comfortably settled onto the specialised fixed bunks inside the C-47 before Charlie was handed notes from a waiting nurse on the patients being flown back to England.
“Jeez I sure couldn’t do what you do, major.” The young nurse who handed her the notes commented, looking green just looking at the plane.
“There’s nothing to it. Just trading a hospital for a plane.” Charlie brushed off, signing off on receiving the wounded before handing the paper back to the young nurse.
“Right.” The nurse uneasily agreed.
“Hey nurse! Where’s your medical red cross?” A soldier who had just said goodbye to his buddy that was loaded asked.
“What?” Charlie asked in confusion.
“Your red cross? To show it’s a medical evacuation plane?” The soldier prompted.
“Is this the first evac plane you’ve seen?” Charlie countered, crossing her arms. The soldier looked confused but nodded.
“We don’t have a medical red cross. We carry military supplies and sometimes troops- not allowed to use it.” Charlie explained before leaving the surprised nurse and soldier in her wake as she quickly walked towards the ready flight.
“You’re going to get shot at!” The soldier shouted at her retreating back. Charlie ignored him, climbed into the plane and slammed the door shut.
Getting shot at didn’t bother Charlie anymore. She couldn’t do anything anyway. Their fate rested in the hands of the pilots of the C-47 and the Germans.
When the flight landed back at RAF Balderton and Charlie quickly ushered over the waiting nurses and doctor crew to unload the wounded and handover her medical notes, she spotted Reba waiting for her. She had gotten back earlier than Charlie. Charlie frowned- that wasn’t right. Charlie walked towards Reba slowly and saw some minor cuts on her face- her face which looked like she saw a ghost.
“We lost an engine to flak. Had to turn around.” Reba explained to Charlie’s wordless question. Charlie took the girl under her arm and steered her away from the crowd behind her and ushered her to walk with her.
“Come on, let’s go get a drink.” Charlie told the girl with a sigh. Welcome to the war.
Stalag Luft III
Sagan, Germany
January 1944
“What do you think Charlie’s doing right now?” Buck asked his best friend. The pair were the only ones in their shared room. Buck was lying on his bed looking up at the wooden bunk on top of him where he had placed Charlie’s picture, hands folded beneath his head. He wanted to see her face before he went to sleep and when he woke up. Bucky was sitting at the table in the centre of the room. Bucky raised an eyebrow at the question. It wasn’t the first time Buck had asked him that.
“Oh, I don’t know, probably screaming at some junior nurses or throwing the tennis ball for meatball to chase.” Bucky replied nonchalantly.
“Yeah, maybe.” Buck replied wistfully, imagining her laughter and smile. Anything to keep her memory alive in his mind.
“Do you think she’s wondering about what we’re doing?” Buck then asked after a couple of seconds of silence.
Bucky rolled his eyes at his friend “Yeah, probably.”
The pair were soon interrupted from their musings with the announcement of ‘mail call’. The assigned mail man soon made his way to their room, chucked a bunch of letters before soon rushing out to finish his round.
“Brady, Brady, DeMarco, Murph- ah there is one for you and one for me!” Bucky announced, plucking their letters free from the pile and chucking Buck’s over to him while leaving the rest on the wooden table.
The men opened their letters at the same time and read them with interest. They were the first letters to have been received since being held prisoner.
“Mine’s from Harry Crosby.” Buck told his friend.
“Mine’s from Kidd.” Bucky replied in kind. The men read their letters intently in silence. And then a second time to make sure they understood what had been written- disbelief and surprise clear on their faces.
They chaotically looked up at the same time and met each other’s eyes before saying in unison.
“I’m going to kill her.” - Bucky
“Shit Charlie.” - Buck
“I don’t know if I’m cut out for this, Major.” Reba admitted to Charlie, trying to resist the urge to pick at her recent wounds on her face.
“Your first time going up is always the hardest.” Charlie told the young woman. The pair had found a quiet table in the half empty mess hall and had each been given a coffee. Charlie brought out a familiar flask from her jacket pocket- Bucky’s flask- and wordlessly added the amber liquid to both their cups.
“Drink it,” Charlie instructed, Reba looked at the woman in surprise, “It’s good for the nerves.” Charlie repeated Bucky’s familiar line. Reba hesitantly picked up her coffee cup and sipped it before pulling a face at the tang of the whisky on her tongue.
“It was not what I was expecting.” Reba admitted, her taste buds slowly acclimatising to the whisky.
“It never is,” Charlie whispered, her memories flashing through her mind. “My first time going up wasn’t good either. I ended up throwing up as soon as we landed back at base.” Charlie admitted.
“Really?” Reba asked surprised. To her and the other girls, Charlie Egan was an unstoppable, unflappable force- someone to look up to and their fearless leader. No-one had ever seen her otherwise. It was hard to believe that Charlie Egan had ever thrown up after a flight.
“Half the men were dead before we even made it back to base. Messerschmidt’s strafed the C-47 with bullets. Like Swiss cheese.” Charlie recalled almost nostalgically. It seemed like a lifetime ago now.
“Oh.” Reba’s face turned green thinking about it. Charlie turned to look properly at the woman, thinking about what to say to not scare her off but to make her realise her reality.
“Flight nursing is not easy Reba. No one has ever said it is and yes, it is dangerous work for all of us that take to the skies to evacuate wounded men. No one will ever think badly about you if you decide to transfer to a nearby hospital. I would not think badly about you if you chose to do that, but I will say this Reba, those wounded men depend on us to fly them out of warzones and to administer care on the flights that will save their lives, otherwise they may die in transit. They have families, wives and children they want to get home to, and we are a cog in the machine able to do that. We are important Reba, we do important work and whilst we may not get the recognition we deserve, we are able to make a difference to individual men who may not stand a chance of getting home alive without us,” Charlie passionately told the woman, speaking from her heart- her still aching heart.
“Think on it Reba.” Charlie advised before leaving the woman alone.
Reba was speechless. The young woman watched her Major walk away without another word. Reba stared in awe at the retreating woman’s back. Reba’s resolve strengthened after Charlie’s resounding words- she would go up again- men’s lives depended on it, on her. This was what she was trained for.
Charlie stood by herself, thinking about her brother and Gale, as she always did when she got a few minutes to herself. She wondered if they were eating well, if they were keeping warm, if they were being treated right by the Germans. Sometimes she even wondered if they were still alive. She shook that thought off as soon as it came to. They had to be alive. Otherwise, everything she was doing was for nothing.
“Another flight?” Bradley asked Charlie who was stood on the airfield by herself in the cold as she watched the going’s on of the base. Another C-47 was being loaded up with munitions this time. One of reasons why they couldn’t display the red cross.
“Yeah.” Charlie breathed, patting her chest to make sure her heart was still beating, a habit she developed and couldn’t stop. It was something to remind her she was still alive. And if she was still alive, she could keep going. Keep going until Bucky and Gale were back. She just had to hold out a bit longer until she could see them again.
“Do you ever rest Egan?” Sam asked with some concern in his voice.
“I’ll rest when I’m dead. Let’s go.” Charlie retorted before marching towards the nearly loaded-up plane.
Notes:
I'm really really really excited to share this chapter with you :)
You guys get to finally find out where Charlie goes- a lot of you did guess right- She went back to what she knows.
Reba Whittle is a real person, a real flight nurse in WW2 and I mean no disrespect by writing about her. Some later parts are based off of her real experiences. I would recommend anyone who does not know about her to look her up. She had an incredible journey in the war. Her character will make recurring appearances but as I have not finished writing this story, I'm not sure yet as to how much more I will write about her.
I have had a crazy week- I've changed jobs and I am starting Uni again in only 3 weeks.
Luckily I am on holiday from Friday for a week so I am hopeful I can churn out more chapters then until everything becomes too overwhelming for me. Fingers crossed I can write lots to keep you all entertained!
Thank you for reading this chapter and as always let me know what you think :)
Chapter 19
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
March 1944
“Thanks.” Gale said after collecting two pitchers of water from the assigned hut. His head was wrapped up enough to keep the bitter cold out although it did little to help his runny nose.
“Need a hand?” The familiar voice of best friend asked, similarly wrapped up with a beanie hat on his head to protect his ears from the wind.
“I wouldn’t say no,” Buck retorted, walking side by side with his friend- inseparable since Bucky had shown up in Stalag Luft III. “Any word on the mail?” Buck asked, hopeful.
“Nope.” Bucky sighed.
“Another hold up?” Buck prompted.
“War,” Bucky simply replied, not surprised. “Red Cross is having trouble getting mail into the camp.”
“Oh.” Buck was disappointed.
They had received their first letters from Charlie last month. They hadn’t received anything since and although the pair would not like to say it out loud, they were worried about the sudden radio silence- about Charlie.
Bucky and Gale had read and re-read Charlie’s letters many times in the last month so much so that they could recall them word for word.
Flashback
“Mail call!” was shouted down the corridor of their hut. Buck and Bucky’s ears pricked up at that, but they did not rush to the door like Murph and Crank did. The man assigned to handing out the post practically threw the bunch of letters at the eager men before quickly disappearing. Crank quickly sifted through the pile, the mail had obviously been held up for a while as there was a lot of letters there.
“Buck. Bucky. For you.” Crank handed the letters to the respective men before plopping down to read his own. Buck and Bucky looked at the identical letters with identical handwriting for a moment before sharing a look.
“That’s Charlie’s handwriting.” Bucky commented. The room fell silent. All the men had heard about Charlie leaving Thorpe Abbotts to go back to being a flight nurse. It was news that surprised and worried the men who had become friends with the younger sister of their Major.
Buck lifted the letter to his nose, trying to smell her familiar perfume.
“Yeah.” Buck breathed in agreement, catching a very faint familiar whiff.
Buck was the first to open his letter and read the contents, his eyes roaming over the page in heavy anticipation. He read it to himself once before deciding to read it aloud to the men in the hut. Charlie meant something to them too and Buck thought it would be a good boost of morale- morale that was slowly sinking with everyday they spent in the Stalag.
Charlie writes:
Dear Gale,
I am relieved to hear from Crosby that you made it safely into a Stalag. Whilst I know you will be annoyed that you were shot down in the first place, I am just happy that you are alive.
I know you will be looking after the guys from the 100th as you normally would and please say hello from me.
Now onto the elephant in the room, so to speak, I know that Harry and Jack wrote to you and Bucky about myself leaving -censored word-. Please be assured that I am safe and well.
I felt useless staying around without you two and so I decided to go back to what I do best- helping people.
I have thought about you and Bucky and the rest of the guys every day since I saw you last. Even Curt.
If I can do my bit to help even a little bit, then I will be happy.
Every time before I take off, I think of you all always.
I love you and I will see you soon.
With all my love,
Your Charlie x
The rooms occupants look at each other for a moment, taking in the beautiful words of someone they held dear to them.
“She always has had a way with words, our Charlie, I should know- normally she leaves the not so nice ones for me.” Bucky joked to lighten up the atmosphere.
“Yeah, and I wonder why that is.” Brady mocked his superior without any malice. A couple of the men chuckled, reviewing their memories of all the times the Egan siblings had quarrelled in public.
“Alright alright. Read your letter now Bucky.” Buck said, ever the peace maker.
Bucky grinned before opening his letter and reading it to himself first before reading it aloud for the waiting men
Dear Bucky,
You are such a dumbo ! (laughter rained around the room as he read out that line)
I know you said you were going after Gale but jeez Bucky! (Buck grinned at that)
I know you found him- I expected nothing less.
By now, I know that you have received letters from Harry and/or Jack, and I know what you are going to say but hear me out. After you and Buck went down, I felt so suffocated being at -censored-. I couldn’t breathe and no before you think it- I was not running away. I felt a higher calling. To fly again. What can I say? I’m an Egan through and through.
I feel like I’m actually doing some good. I need that after everything that has happened.
I’m where I’m supposed to be.
I will write as often as I can but at the moment, I’m logging more flight hours than you and Buck combined. I don’t like the peace and quiet. It gives me too much time to think.
I know you already will but look after Gale and everyone else from the 100th you find. You will all need to band together to get through what’s coming.
I will find you all and see you again.
I love you and please for the love of god, do not upset the Germans!
With all my love,
Your favourite sister, Charlie x
“She thinks she’s funny.” Bucky commented after the group of men chuckled at her German comment. It was such a typical Bucky thing to do if he wasn’t in a Stalag, but Bucky had seen first hand what the Germans here are capable of and wouldn’t dare.
“She sounds good. She sounds… well.” Buck commented once the group broke away to their individual bunks to read their own personal letters, giving the two Bucks some privacy.
“Yeah, I don’t know. Something was off in her tone- she didn’t sound normal.” Bucky admitted, thinking about her words.
“The letters were a little shorter than I was expecting.” Buck admitted, not wanting to think about something being wrong with Charlie when he was locked up in a Stalag.
“Yeah.” Bucky agreed.
“But she’s alive.” Buck commented, relieved.
“Yeah. She’s alive.” Bucky repeated, relief evident in his voice.
End of flashback
That night, their hut of men tucked into a homemade broth with mystery meat. Not a mystery to some of the men in the room. The group gulped it down as quick as they could, they were hungry and cold. All that could be heard for a couple of minutes is the clatter of their bowls as they tucked in.
“What did you say was in this soup?” DeMarco questioned sceptically, breaking the silence.
“He didn’t.” Murph replied. DeMarco looked at his bowl in confusion.
“Rabbit?” DeMarco asked, not satisfied with Murph’s answer.
“Yeah, sure. There’s been lots of stray rabbits running around under our combine.” Murph sarcastically retorted. DeMarco’s brain clicked and he immediately started to gag and flounder about.
“Use a bucket.” Bucky told him, not even phased at DeMarco’s reaction. No one else flickered an eyelid when DeMarco brought up his whole dinner.
“Keep it down if you can Benny. It’s protein,” Brady told his friend, looking a bit green himself but determined to finish his meal. Food is sacred. “The only kind we’re gonna get until those Red Cross parcels show up.”
“Let’s get a move on boys, almost news time.” Buck softly commanded his men.
The men, like clockwork, organised the radio so Buck could listen intently to the channel they had managed to pick up on their makeshift radio.
“What is it?” Bucky asked as Buck jotted down the information.
“It’s nothing good.” Buck replied.
“Brass is here.” Someone announced and the door swung open to welcome the Colonel- the highest ranking American at Stalag Luft III and the unquestioned leader.
“The Brits tried another attack on Monte Cassino. Didn’t go well. And Krauts sent nine or ten divisions to Anzio.” Buck relayed unenthusiastically.
“Pass it on. We want expectations among the men to be realistic.” The Colonel commanded.
“Do you think Charlie’s flying there?” Crank asked. The room stilled at the comment and sudden realisation that their friend could be flying into that.
Buck replied hesitantly “I hope not. Sounds like the Brits are taking a beating.”
German shouting voices suddenly could be heard, breaking everyone out of their thoughts.
“Surprise appell, let’s pack it up.” Bucky told the men, and the men completed their routine of hiding the contraband, including the radio, and swallowing bits of paper that they didn’t want the Germans to find.
Hundreds of miles away at the same time Charlie was in a C-47 flying through a barrage of flak in the dead of night.
March 6th 1944
Charlie could almost cry at the letter she had received from Harry at Thorpe Abbotts.
Nothing gave Charlie or anyone more hope than when downed flyers made it back home. Sergeants Quinn and Bailey from Curt’s plane that was lost over Regensburg had made it back.
Charlie had an irrational thought that maybe Curt had made it to the ground safely too, but she knew differently. She felt he was gone. Charlie sniffed her tears back at Harry’s encouraging words. It was so good to hear from Harry, it made her still feel connected to Thorpe Abbotts and the men she left behind there- her friends. The letter almost felt like the lull before the storm. Everyone knew what was coming imminently- the invasion of Europe.
The next letter from Harry a week later was not full of positive news.
Dear Charlie
It was not a good day at Thorpe Abbotts today. We targeted Berlin- the first daylight raid on the Capital. It did not go well. 16 out of 31 ships came back. We lost 150 men in one morning. And the men that did come back…. They were not in good shape. It was a sight I will not forget for the rest of my life.
We really needed you today.
I’m sorry Charlie, I’m not trying to guilt you but I feel so much anger and despair and heartbreak that we are still losing so many men and yet nothing seems to have changed in the year since we have been here at Thorpe Abbotts. It’s hard to see that we are winning the war. Some days just feel pointless. Missions pointless.
Something big is coming and I know you know this. If you’re flying into the pea soup, of which I have no doubt you are, please stay safe- news of anything else would just break everyone’s heart.
Your friend always,
Harry
The letter had almost broke Charlie’s resolve to return to Thorpe Abbotts. Almost. For the friends she had left behind.
March 7th 1944
Charlie watched as Reba Whittle, Second Lieutenant Reba Whittle, carefully evacuated with help, men on stretchers from her recently landed C-47, with pride. The young Lieutenant spoke to the wounded men with care as she passed them over to the waiting ambulances and liaised with ground nurses as to their conditions.
Reba had come a long way since their deep talk in January.
Charlie turned around to walk away but a call of her name stopped her.
“Major Egan!” Reba called to get the woman’s attention. Charlie spun around to find Reba running up to her. Charlie shot the woman a meaningful look.
“I mean Charlie.” Reba corrected herself, remembering months ago that Charlie preferred her first name when it came to Reba. They had bonded together over the trauma they had seen and their similar interests.
“Are you ok?” Charlie asked. Charlie always asked that question first when Reba lands back at the base. Reba had once likened Charlie to a mothering hen.
“I’m fine. We hit some turbulence on the way back but no fighters or flak.” Reba reported to her friend and superior. Charlie let out a silent sigh of relief. It was not uncommon for evacuation flights to be shot down. In fact, they lost a flight nurse last week. A sombre moment for all the remaining nurses on base but by now they all knew the risks. It was not for the faint of heart.
“Good.” A silence filled the air.
“Are you alright, Charlie?” Reba cautiously asked the uncharacteristically quiet woman.
“Mmm. Can you feel it?” Charlie asked staring at the sky with not a cloud in sight.
“Feel what?” Reba asked, wondering if the Major had finally lost her marbles. No one would blame her if she did. Charlie Egan had logged more flight time than any flight nurse ever. Had seen more than anyone could imagine.
“There’s a change in the air. Something’s brewing.” Charlie thought back on Harry’s words something big is coming…
Notes:
Guys I am so so sorry. I went on holiday for a week up north and was supposed to get this chapter out before I went but things were very very crazy my end and the internet connection where I was, was not very good.
I hope this chapter makes up for the delay!
Enjoy :) Let me know what you think
Also the friendship between Charlie and Harry for the win!!! :) :)
Chapter 20
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Stalag Luft III
“Mail call!” was called out and the men sitting in their hut turned around to greet the man assigned to the job with anticipation.
“Murphy, Murphy, Hamilton and… Cleven,” The man called as he handed out the letters. “That’s it fellas. Maybe next time.”
“It’s from my mom.” Murphy exclaimed happily to the room.
Buck walked over to his bunk and sniffed his letter.
“Who’s yours from, Buck?”
“Charlie.” Buck replied.
“Charlie.” Bucky mocked the way Buck spoke his sisters name.
That night Buck and Bucky were lying in their respective bunks but still wide awake whilst the others slept.
“I want to talk to you about Charlie.” Buck exclaimed out of the blue to his friend.
“Oh yeah? What about her?” Bucky asked curiously. Buck paused for a long time and Bucky’s mind immediately jumped.
“Hang on a minute,” Bucky sat up to look at Buck with an intense stare. “Did you sleep with her? Did you sleep with my sister?” Bucky asked barely giving Buck time to respond before he was getting up from his bunk with the intention of knocking the living daylights out of him. He didn’t care if Buck’s his best friend.
“You son of a bitch!” Bucky spoke loudly. Buck held up hands up in a surrender stance before Bucky got too close.
“No, I did not sleep with her. Can you please calm down?!” Buck quickly denied before Bucky could swing. The pair were being too loud, and Brady peeked through his eyelids at them with annoyance.
“Hey, we’re trying to sleep here.” Brady huffed in annoyance before turning over on his other side, giving his back to them.
“Sorry John.” Buck apologised to the captain before turning back to Bucky who was breathing heavily from getting worked up.
“Can you calm down now Bucky?” Buck asked in annoyance.
“Sorry,” Bucky apologised realising he was being overdramatic. “What did you want to say about Charlie?” Bucky prompted.
“Forget it.” Buck huffed.
“No come on. I’ll be on my best behaviour.” Bucky encouraged his friend. Buck was silent for a moment as he thought about his words.
“I love Charlie, Bucky.” Buck confessed. Bucky rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, I know. I feel like I hear it nearly every day.” Bucky gagged mockingly.
“I love her so much Bucky that I want to marry her,” Buck told him. Bucky shut his mouth at that. “But I won’t until I have your blessing. Will you give your blessing?” Buck asked, hoping his friend would allow him this honour.
Bucky was silent, mulling over the request and his reply.
“My sister and my best friend. How could I ever deny them happiness?” Bucky spoke to himself but loud enough for Buck to hear.
“Of course I give my blessing.” Bucky told him with a grin. Buck grinned back.
“Better you than any of these dodo’s anyway.” Bucky teased while glancing at the sleeping figures of their downed bomb group.
“Ah they aren’t so bad.” Buck defended his men. Their men.
“No, I don’t suppose they are.” Bucky agreed with a soft voice. It wasn’t often that he shared how much he liked his men. Bucky was more of a person to show his affection through action- one of the reasons why he personally stressed the need to write the letters to the families of downed flyers himself.
“I was thinking maybe you’d be my best man.” Buck changed the subject.
“I will be your best man.” Bucky confirmed after a moment of silence. “Just as long as Charlie doesn’t want me to be her maid of honor.” Bucky joked. The pair looked at each other for a second before they fell into silent laughter- trying to keep it down for the sleeping men.
March 8th 1944
“Charlie.”
Charlie’s breath hitched at hearing her friend’s voice down the phone.
“Harry, how are you?” Charlie asked, clutching the receiver tightly, anticipating bad news for him to call.
“I’m good, I’m good. There’s another mission over Berlin.” Harry cut straight to the point. Charlie’s breath hitched at his words. The last mission over Berlin did not go well for the 100th.
“It’s also Rosie’s 25th mission.” Harry exclaimed.
“Oh.” Charlie thought about Rosie and their first meeting back at Thorpe Abbotts. He was young and wet behind the ears but oh so eager to prove himself. That was back when Buck and Bucky were still there. The fact that Rosie had now reached his 25th mission seemed unfathomable to Charlie- he had survived 24 missions.
It also brought a bitter thought to her mind since Buck and Bucky were unable to reach their 25th before being shot down. What was so special about him that he could reach 25 but her brother and boyfriend could not?
“There’s going to be a big shin dig when he comes back.” Harry explained. No one voiced the unspoken words they both were thinking- if he makes it back.
“It would be really good if you could come.” Harry finished.
“Oh Harry, I don’t know—” Charlie was interrupted.
“No one has made it to 25 in a while,” Harry exclaimed. Charlie fell silent. Charlie imagined that a lot of the old original crew from Greenland were so close when they went down- she knows Buck was. He was only 3 missions off.
“And it would be really good to see you.” Harry added, tiredness seeping into his voice.
“Are you ok, Harry?” Charlie asked, recognising more than fatigue in his voice. Harry was silent for a moment.
“I’ve just finished writing the letters to the families of the boys we lost on the last mission.” Harry told her, voice wavering at the tremendous loss that never gets easier. Charlie sighs quietly.
“Bucky would be happy that you are doing it in his stead,” Charlie’s voice thick with emotion. ”Better you than someone who never knew them.” Charlie repeats what Bucky always used to tell her when she questioned why he did it.
“Yeah.” Harry replies unconvinced.
“I’ll see you later.” Charlie’s mind made up. Harry perks up at that.
“You’re coming?” Harry asks in surprise. He thought it was a long shot.
“Of course.”
Harry Crosby, Jack Kidd and Everett Blakely were up on the control tower deck when Charlie arrived by Jeep. They were too intently focused on looking at the sky with their binoculars to notice her arrival. Charlie kept quiet as she too looked up into the sky, waiting like everyone else for the familiar hum of the B-17’s engines.
“There! East by south-east.” “Fourteen! One down!” the men spoke over each other.
“Anyone seen who’s down?” Harry yelled, nerves all over the place. “Or seen Rosie?”
“Rosie!” the shouts soon came from everywhere. Everyone from the ground crew to the engineers were out to see Rosie return. Charlie left Thorpe Abbotts before she got to know him better, but she could tell by everyone’s reactions that Rosie had become a beloved figure at Thorpe Abbotts. Charlie grinned at seeing everyone so happy. At seeing everyone so hopeful. It was without a doubt a big boost to morale that Rosie made it back from his 25th mission.
“He’s gonna buzz us!” Harry shouted before ducking onto his belly as the big B-17 known as ‘Rosie’s Riveters’ flew low over the tower. The rest of the men ducked as well.
“Son of a bitch!” Someone yelled out.
“Hey, how about that!” Harry yelled over the sound of the engine to Jack Kidd before glancing down to see Charlie standing by her jeep with a smile.
“Charlie!” Harry yelled out, even more happy now that we saw his friend again. Jack Kidd and Everett Blakely ran to the side of the tower where Harry was to see their former head nurse grinning up at them. She was a sight for sore eyes. It had been 5 months since any of them had seen Charlie Egan.
Harry rushed down the stairs at pace and didn’t hesitate in scooping the smaller woman up into his arms.
“You made it!” Harry exclaimed, overjoyed.
“Yeah, I made it.” Charlie confirmed before she was soon tackled out of Harry’s arms and into Louises’.
“Charlie!” She squealed in delight.
“Hi!” Charlie greeted, no hesitation in returning the hug.
Charlie looked over Louises’ shoulder to seeing Rosie being practically lifted out of his plane and placed on the mens shoulders while crowds of men surrounded him to cheer at his success. Charlie caught Rosie’s eye and softly smiled at him. Rosie smiled back.
Later that night, the celebration party was in full swing. It had already started without her when Charlie arrived dressed up in a nice red dress and heels, hair curled to perfection. It had been so long since Charlie had even thought about clothes other than a sheepskin jacket and trousers- it made a nice change to her new normal.
The music carried on as normal when she entered the officer’s club, but she could feel eyes on her and conversations hilted when she walked past. Charlie made a beeline to Rosie who was leaning at the bar for another drink.
“Major Egan!” Rosie straightened up when he noticed her appear at his side. Charlie smiled as she took in his features- still soft but with a hint of hardness in his eyes- he had seen a lot since she last saw him.
“Charlie.” She corrected him.
“Charlie.” He repeated.
“I wanted to say congratulations for making it to 25.” Charlie told him with a smile.
“Thank you, ma’am.” Rosie replied.
“Charlie.” She corrected him again.
“Charlie.” He repeated again.
“How uh-how have you been?” Rosie asked, remembering her last moments at Thorpe Abbotts were not happy ones. She had just lost her brother and boyfriend within 48 hours of each other- a sad day for everyone on base.
“Good.” Charlie replied shortly.
It was that moment that Harry wondered over to the pair and wrapped an arm around Charlie’s shoulder.
“Come on, let’s grab a seat. Have you heard from Buck and Bucky?” Harry prompted, pushing the pair to some vacant seats by Jack Kidd and Everett Blakely.
“Yeah, from both. They are well considering ya know,” Charlie told the boys as they listened. “Bucky is getting on everyone’s nerves as usual, so I guess they are doing alright.” The boys chuckled at that. Classic Bucky Egan.
“And yourself? How’s the 813th?” Harry asked.
“Busy but rewarding. My girls were only shipped over a few months ago and have taken to it well.” Charlie told the group, while taking a sip of the beer in front of her. Harry hesitated at his next comment.
“I heard you lost a flight nurse recently.” Harry mentioned and the boys went silent at that. Charlie could feel their eyes on her and she couldn’t meet them.
“Occupational hazard,” Charlie replied before taking a bigger sip. “C-47 can’t take as much punishment as a B-17.” The men didn’t comment- there was a sombre feel in the air.
“Are you keeping tabs on me Cros?” Charlie asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Somebody has to. Bucky would kick my arse if he thought I wasn’t.” Harry lightened the mood, and the men chuckled at that. They could see from day one how attached Bucky was to his younger sister.
Jack Kidd was unusually silent, and Rosie thought this was the best time to tease him. Rosie nudged Jack. “What, you gonna miss me that much?” Jack stayed silent. “Jack, you alright?” Rosie asked.
“Brass is upping the end-of-tour requirements from 25 to 30 missions.” Jack blurted out. The group fell silent.
“Are you serious?” Rosie asked in disbelief.
“Only for new replacement crews coming after next week. Any crew in between will have to make 28. You and your boys are off the hook, Rosie.” Jack reassured him.
“What?” Some new face Charlie didn’t recognise overheard.
“Changing the rules on us mid-game? That’s bullshit, Jack.” Charlie couldn’t help but agree but she knew it wasn’t Jack’s fault.
“They want us all to fucking die up there and no one gives a shit!” The man exclaimed to the whole room which quietened down in volume at his outburst. Once the man left the volume in the room rose again as everyone was talking about the change in policy.
“It is bullshit.” Charlie agreed verbally with the unknown man.
“Yeah.” Harry chimed in defeated. They knew it. Everyone knew it. But no-one could do anything about it.
The next morning Charlie watched as the dead were loaded into waiting ambulances and were driven out of the gates of Thorpe Abbotts. Charlie could see Rosie waiting in a jeep from a distance as he watched the ambulances drive by. Rosie was pensive as he watched the men who would never make it home pass him by.
It came as no surprise to Charlie that when she saw Rosie next, hours later, he was coming out of the main command building where she knew he had a meeting with Colonel Bennett.
“You re-upped, didn’t you?” She asked Rosie, surprising him by appearing out of nowhere. Rosie was silent for a moment as he thought about his words.
“They need me here.” Rosie defended.
“I understand Rosie. I understand you probably better than you think.” Charlie told him quietly. “It’s why I keep going up too. The job’s not done yet” She admitted.
“The job is not done yet.” Rosie repeated. Two practical strangers were on the same wavelength.
Notes:
And without further ado, my 20th chapter. Can I just say how insane it is that I am publishing the 20th chapter of this story. When I first started it, I had no idea how well received it would be and how much I would enjoy writing it!
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as well. I think it had quite a lot included this time around.
Buck and Bucky quarrelling and Buck finally asking for permission from Bucky to marry Charlie- I felt that this is very important for their friendship
Harry and Charlie's sudden friendship kind of hit me out of nowhere to be honest. I never imagined how close the two would become and it just seemed to come out of me. I felt in the show that Harry is portrayed as such a complex character (the affair with Sandra etc) and he lost Bubbles early on and when you lose your best friend like that, even though he gained a new one in Rosie, it never quite heals the wound. I like the fact that Harry reaches out to Charlie- wants to include her in things such as Rosie's 25th shin dig. Harry also has so much responsibility on his shoulders for planning the navigation routes for the group etc that I want to write him as someone who suffers lose but perseveres for his friends.
Rosie... well I love Rosie but I don't think I am going to make him close to Charlie like Harry is. Rosie and Charlie understand each other on another level not everyone gets and I wanted to create some kind of connection there in this chapter. They both have witnessed so much- loss of friends etc and understand that they have to keep going even if they don't want to "The jobs not done yet"
Chapter 21
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
June 1944
Letters were regularly sent and received from Charlie to her brother and Gale in Stalag Luft III. The problem was that there was such a delay in the Red Cross getting the letters through that the information contained in the letters could sometimes be months out of date before it reached its recipient. Nevertheless, the letters were the few bright moments of Buck and Bucky’s stay at the Stalag. Every letter received from Charlie was another feeling of relief as to her keeping safe in the skies after her transfer back to being a flight nurse for the 813th Medical.
Over the months, Buck had become more and more worried about Bucky and his state of mind. Today was one of those occasions: when Bucky decides to play baseball with no-one.
Buck had been alerted by the other men that he was ‘at it again’.
“Bucky?” Buck got his attention.
“Big game going on here, Buck.” Bucky replied. Buck looked around trying not to make it too obvious that the men were worried about him.
“Me and the guys were wondering what the score is.” Buck asked, playing along. Bucky just chuckled.
“You ok, Major?” Buck asked, hoping to break him out of whatever state he was in.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be okay?” Bucky asked with a raised brow.
“Just asking.” Buck tried to play it off.
“You’re just asking? Well, I’m great, is the truth. I’ve been here for 8 months now,” Bucky raised his arms at the empty yard and barbed wire fences “Still trapped, still cold, still eating scraps. And we keep waiting for something to happen even though it doesn’t.”
Buck huffed “It could be worse. We could be dead.”
“Well, maybe for you. At least that I could stand. I can’t stand this.” Bucky admitted “What are we waiting for?”
“We all think something’s going to happen. Maybe we need to make it happen.” Bucky urged.
Buck did not look impressed. “Like those Brits did? Go and get executed? We have to be patient.”
“Charlie is relying on us to make it back to her in one piece.” Buck stressed.
“Yeah, well we are going to die here, in one piece.” Bucky spat, trying not to think about his sister these days. It was better to think without emotions. Truth be told, Bucky hadn’t given his sister much thought for a long while. The letters were erratic, and she couldn’t reveal much without it being censored. All he knew was that she was still flying and still alive. That was enough for now. She wasn’t here. In the Stalag. They were. They must find a way out themselves.
Charlie was not surprised when a meeting was called at the start of June of 1944. Their commander Colonel Barker gathered all the flight nurses and medical technicians on base.
“As of today, medical evacuations are on hold.” The Colonel told the room. Silence overcame the crowd before whispers began erupting in pockets. Charlie was standing beside Reba and stared up at their commander. He was stressed even though he was trying to hide it.
“Quiet! Quiet please!” Colonel Barker shouted out and the room soon fell silent again.
“The invasion of Europe is imminent; all resources are being allocated where they are needed- including the C-47’s. We’re grounded until further notice.” Colonel Barker continued.
“And our pilots?” Charlie asked loudly enough to be heard. Charlie thought about Sam and Bradley. They needed pilots to fly the C-47’s wherever they are going.
“They are being temporary re-assigned with their C-47’s,” Colonel Barker replied. “Let us pray they all make it back to us.” Colonel concluded before leaving the room. The room erupted into loud discussions amongst the flight nurses and medical technicians. Charlie blinked, taking in the limited information the Colonel gave before immediately leaving. Reba followed silently.
Charlie stopped at the airfield and watched as the mechanics carried out final checks on the waiting C-47’s. Reba stood at Charlie’s left-hand side.
“It’s finally happening.” Reba broke the silence.
“Yeah.” Charlie whispered back.
Charlie had thought about this day for so long. There was always going to be an invasion- there had to be- Nazi Germany wasn’t going to just give up their captured territories if the Allies asked nicely. It had to be fought for. Died for. There was no other choice. It just didn’t feel real until today. Charlie thought about the thousands of men that would soon be sent off to combat with a good percentage of them never coming back. Charlie tried to not to think about it, but she couldn’t help herself. Charlie instead tried to think about it in positive terms- it was 1 step forward to getting Gale and Bucky back.
It has been months, years in the making but this was it. The start of the retaking of Europe.
June 6th 1944
It was 10am when the radio crackled to life and the music was replaced with a BBC news announcement. Charlie and the other flight nurses and some medical technicians were hanging around their breakroom. It had been 4 days since they had been grounded and everyone was bored stiff.
“D-Day has come. Early this morning the Allies began the assault on the north-western face of Hitler's European fortress. The first official news came just after half-past nine, when Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force issued Communiqué Number One ... This said: 'Under the command of General Eisenhower, allied naval forces, supported by strong air forces, began landing allied armies this morning on the northern coast of France'".
The room was silent as everyone listened with bated breath. As soon as the announcement was over cheers broke out from around the room. The Allies were now in western Europe.
“They did it,” Charlie whispered with a smile on her face. Reba, never far from Charlie’s side, wrapped Charlie in a celebratory hug like others were doing around the room. “We’re in Europe.”
“Hey Major!” Charlie turned around to see some of the girls looking expectantly up to her. “When do you think we will be able to fly again?”
“Let’s see how many of our C-47’s make it back to us,” The thought sobered the room. No one knew the loss the paratroopers and C-47 crews had suffered yet. “They will need to make significant land gains to secure us some airfields anyway. I imagine most of the wounded are being ferried by sea at the moment. We will have to be patient.” Charlie explained to the younger, eager women.
“Yes ma’am.” They acknowledged before going back to their own conversations.
5 days later the familiar hum of the C-47’s engine was heard over head. Charlie watched as she counted the planes coming into land, back at home. 13 made it. They had sent 17.
“Bradley! Sam!” Charlie called out when she recognised her usual plane amongst the line up.
Charlie watched as Sam got out first and Charlie’s face dropped when an unfamiliar man got out afterwards. That was it. No one else followed.
“Sam?” Charlie questioned, knowing something was wrong. Sam looked at Charlie with a haunted look in his eyes. The other man ignored Charlie and walked past them.
“Bradley’s gone Charlie.” Sam told her bluntly before walking past her to get to his bunk. He was exhausted, mentally and physically.
Charlie stood there for a moment longer as she digested Sam’s words. Charlie let out a breath before carrying on. It was all she could do.
Stalag Luft III
Bucky was awakened to the sound of groaning and huffing from outside his window. He sleepily rubbed his eyes before peeling back the makeshift curtain on the window nearest to his bunk to see Buck and a few others without their shirts on using the tree stump remover contraption.
“There you go. Keep that pressure on. It’s coming.” Buck encouraged his men who were grunting in exertion.
“Ohhh,” Bucky sounded to make his presence known. “This looks like a work camp the way you jackasses are grinding away.” Bucky approached the group.
“Now the ground’s loosened up, we’ve got a chance of getting wood for cook fires.” Buck explained, watching his men intently.
“Take a break. Come on. Let’s play some ball.” Bucky stumbled about swinging his arms as if he had no care in the world.
“Boys, you wanna play some ball? No?” Bucky mimicked hitting a ball with an imaginary bat. “Come on. Skins versus Bones. What do you say?” Bucky continued to pester. “Skins can be the away team. Actually, no, no we’re all away. We’re both the away teams,” Buck huffed in annoyance as Bucky continued “So Bones can take first bat by mutual agreement—”
Bucky was interrupted by a new face from another bomb group “Either pitch in or knock it off”
Bucky quick to anger pushed the man “Why don’t you shut the hell up?”
Buck soon intervened and pushed Bucky away from the man before a fight could erupt. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Bucky fell hard onto the muddy ground with a groan.
“You ain’t gonna help, stay out of the way.” Buck told him with disappointment. But Bucky wasn’t done. Bucky laid back on the ground and tucked his arms underneath his head casually, like he was lying in bed and grinned up at his friend.
“You’re the new king of the camp and I’m just in the way?” Bucky queried, enjoying this. Buck breathed out a sigh, looking around knowing that all eyes in the vicinity was on them. Including the Germans. Buck didn’t want the Germans to get involved. He had seen first hand how they liked to settle disorder.
“King Cleven says ‘No baseball. Just work, work, work.’ That’s all he wants to do.” Bucky mocked, annoyance starting to seep into his voice.
“I’m sorry. Come on.” Buck offered his hand to Bucky but Bucky kicked it away.
“No, no, no, work. You got a stump to pull, King Stump Stumpity Stump. Get to work.” Bucky didn’t care for the audience they were attracting. They all knew Bucky Egan had a few loose screws, but this was something else.
“Come on. Get up, you loony.” Buck tried again to pull Bucky up but kept getting kicked away.
“No, get back to work.”
“Get up, you loony.” Buck repeated, his temper boiling over as he grabbed hold of Bucky’s leg and pulled him on the ground before Bucky started kicking back.
“Get off of me.” Bucky protested, pulling Buck onto the ground with him. Buck still had a strong grasp of Bucky’s leg and Bucky grabbed one of Buck’s. They both wrestled on the ground with each other yelling ‘get off’ and ‘how’s that?’ as they groaned at the pulling the other was inflicting before Buck had enough and sucker punched Bucky in the face and his head hit the ground. Bucky laid there for a minute in a daze.
“Ha. You are definitely not marrying my sister now! You just hit your brother-in-law!” Bucky cackled in disbelief. Buck had never hit him before. It came as a shock.
“Hey! That’s enough, fellas.” The Colonel came out of his hut to reprimand the pair still lying on the muddy ground.
Then the most peculiar thing happened- an announcement over the speakers in German to the guards. This was nothing out of the ordinary on a day-to-day basis, but the guard’s reaction told a different story.
“Back in the base, men!” Was shouted from guards everywhere. Buck and Bucky paused on the ground as they watched the guards frantically try to herd everyone back to their assigned huts in a hurry. “Back in the Barrack!”
“Looks like the krauts got some bad news.” Buck watched with fascination as one of the higher up officers in the Luftwaffe issued orders to a nearby enlisted guard.
“They landed, didn’t they?” Buck questioned as Bucky tried to get up from the ground with a huff of effort.
“You think?” Bucky asked sceptically out of breath from their fight.
“We’re in Western Europe. It finally happened.” Buck told anybody close enough to listen. Then Buck remembered something and turned out to look at his struggling best friend push himself up from the ground.
“Hey, are you serious about me not marrying Charlie?” Buck questioned, a little worried but trying to hide it. Bucky smirked.
“You hit me, Buck!” Bucky scoffed.
“You were asking for it.” Buck retorted with no regrets. Bucky thought about his actions for a moment before shrugging his shoulders.
“Yeah alright I’ll give you that.” Bucky agreed, a grinning growing on his face. Buck grinned back.
Notes:
Hi
I hope everyone is/ has had a good weekend!
Without further ado, my 21st chapter for this story....
Finally D-Day has arrived!
I did use a bit of creative license with this. I can't find any information that supports what I have written but I can only think from a logical perspective that all resources would be allocated to the invasion including the C-47's for the airborne to drop from. I hope it doesn't seem that far out from what everyone else was expecting/imagining...The speech from the radio that Charlie and the rest of the 813th listened to is real and did broadcast word for word.
Bucky is losing it a bit and playing around with Buck. I blame the lack of entertainment in the Stalag.
As always let me know what you think :)
Chapter 22
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
August 1944
It had been two months since D-Day. Charlie and her flight nurses had never been busier. It was constant. The Battle for France was bloody and costly, but the Allies had done it. They had secured a strong foothold in Europe and the Germans were retreating. At least that’s what all the wounded soldiers that passed through their evacuation planes were saying. Charlie didn’t know. After seeing wounded after wounded being loaded onto her plane, it didn’t seem like anything had changed but it must have. She dreamed it did.
Progress into France was slow and Charlie was still biding her time until France was completely liberated before the Allies moved onto other captured countries and finally Germany where her brother and Gale were still being held as prisoners of war.
Charlie was becoming impatient.
With the invasion of France, getting mail in and out of the Stalag’s was proving even more difficult. Charlie had not heard from either of them for months and it was worrying Charlie.
Stalag Luft III
August 1944
“Where’s the Vistula River?” Buck asked as he listened to his DIY radio.
Bucky immediately searched the shelf full of various books making noises with his tongue as he read the spines of the many books- a collection built up over the years since the first lot of POWs were captured. Bucky soon found the book he wanted and yanked it out. He flicked through the pages until he came to the map that was hidden away from the Germans between pages.
“Vistula, Vistula.” Bucky muttered as he searched on the map.
“It’s here.” Bucky pointed. The rest of the men in the room excluding Buck gathered around the map with interest.
“That’s what, 450 miles?” Crank asked.
“No, it’s less.” Bucky corrected.
“Still seems pretty far away to me.” DeMarco commented dejectedly.
“Yeah, but now our guys are here, almost at Paris.” Bucky pointed out.
“Hitler’s worst nightmare, a two-front war.” Said the Colonel.
“With us right between them.” Crank injected.
“Well, the Krauts will slaughter us before they let us go.” Bucky told the room darkly.
“We won’t go without a fight,” Buck spoke up, not wanting to think about what was to come. “We need to make more weapons. Whatever we can.”
“There’s one other scenario. They force-march us out of here before the Russkies can set us free. Move us somewhere deeper in the Reich, say, Bavaria. That’s leverage, all those POWs.” The Colonel addressed the men about a thought he had been having for a while.
“How would they do that?” DeMarco asked.
“Like this.” Bucky imitated a gun with his fingers and pointed it at Buck’s blonde head.
“We need to start preparing now. Conserving rations, getting the men in shape. Everything we do from this point on need to be to prepare for all three scenarios; mass execution, forced march or pitched battle.” The Colonel ordered
“Christ.” DeMarco exclaimed.
The Colonel, DeMarco and Crank soon filed out of the room leaving Bucky and Buck alone.
“Have you heard from Charlie?” Bucky asked his best friend.
“You know I haven’t.” Buck replied.
“Do you think she’s ok?” Bucky asked out loud trying to figure out what was going on in Buck’s head. He hadn’t talked about Charlie in a while. The lack of communication from her almost made her seem like a ghost.
“I don’t know.” Buck admitted.
“Holy shit!” Sam shouted from the cockpit as the plane was being bombarded with flak from Toulon, France. They were not supposed to be here. They were alone.
Charlie looked concerned out the window at the amount of flak being sent up from a still German occupied part of France.
The plane was empty apart from Charlie and the pilots up front. They had just finished dropping off medical supplies when the plane took a wrong turn and ended up over occupied Toulon.
“Hold on!” Sam shouted back to Charlie as the plane bobbed up and down violently as Sam tried to dodge the flak being sent up with a vengeance.
“Hey I see something!” Charlie shouted back to Sam as she peered out the window. “I see planes!”
“German or ours?” Sam asked.
“I can’t tell.” Charlie replied, squinting as she tried to identify the planes. Charlie hoped it wasn’t German as there would be no getting away from this. This would be her last flight.
“They’re American! P-51’s!”! Charlie exclaimed once she saw the familiar markings of the squadron of 5 fighters.
“American? Thank god!” Sam exclaimed.
Charlie and Sam watched in awe as the fighters pulled up on each side of the struggling C-47 and escorted it to safety out to open sea.
“They have red tails.” Charlie whispered to herself as she peered out the window at their saviours.
Charlie waved at the fighter on her right and the man in the fighter waved back.
“Was he black?” Charlie questioned at the same time the man asked himself “Was that a woman?”
The squadron soon split off from the C-47 as soon as it was safely over water and aware from the anti-aircraft guns.
Charlie looked back at the planes as they once again disappeared into the wall of flak, heading inland to complete their mission. Charlie didn’t know that shortly after none of the planes would make it safely back to their base.
Stalag Luft III
It was not a coincidence that Buck, the Colonel and DeMarco had decided to take a walk by the entrance into the Stalag that morning. They had heard rumours of a new Commandant for the camp, and they were curious and cautious as to what was happening.
“Who’s that? Think that’s the new commandant?” Buck asked the Colonel when a shiny new black Mercedes pulled into the gates and a squirrely looking man in impeccable clean uniform stepped out of the opened door. No one missed the insignia on his hat. SS.
“A guard told me they were sending someone.” DeMarco admitted.
“The moment our boys landed in France; the order went out. All POW camps run by SS.” The Colonel told his men.
“Seems like that would require a lot of em’” Buck retorted, unimpressed as they casually passed the greeting of the new commandant to the old with the signature Hitler salutes.
“You think they’re just trying to scare us?” DeMarco asked.
“Well, let’s hope so. SS rules would put us in a world of trouble.” The Colonel admitted.
Since the discussion in their bunk about the three scenarios now that the Allies had landed in Europe, Bucky had woken up. In fact, he could not stop talking- and planning about what was to come.
“We gotta get the men in shape,” He started while looking around before shovelling some more dirt- re-energised after a long winter. “It’s not going to look good to our German hosts, now, is it? We gotta get these guys ready to fight. There’s no telling what these Krauts’ll do. All of us training together, building up muscles, that’s something they might notice. But that stump remover, that’s a solution. We’ve all had a turn on that thing, it’s hard work. It’ll build the strength we need to resist. Up the rotations and if we are consistent for a couple of months, we’ll all be ready to fight.”
“And the Germans will be none the wiser.” Buck injected. “We tell them we’re after the wood, stocking up for winter.”
“Plus, extra wood, extra weapons.” DeMarco added.
“I’ve never heard him speak this much in one go.” The Colonel commented, gesturing at Bucky. Buck and DeMarco scoffed at that. Bucky before the Stalag could not stop talking.
“You’ve never heard him speak about his sister.” DeMarco replied, reminiscing about Bucky ranting on and on about his sister deciding to fly again and how dangerous and silly she was being. He soon got over it but not before everyone in a five-foot radius heard his opinion on the matter for weeks on end.
“I didn’t know you have a sister.” The Colonel commented. Bucky smiled at the thought of Charlie for a second before his face dropped. The Colonel took that to mean something bad.
“She’s ok right?” The Colonel asked tentatively at the suddenly sad Major Egan.
“Wouldn’t know.” Bucky muttered loud enough for the immediate men to hear.
“We uh haven’t heard from her for a while.” Buck explained, his face clouding over at the possibilities for her silence other than the hold up from the Red Cross.
“I’m sure she’s just fine.” The Colonel reassured the suddenly solemn men. Even DeMarco looked down about the thought of Charlie getting hurt in some way.
“She’s a flight nurse so who knows anything.” Bucky bitterly exclaimed before walking away but not before kicking a lone metal bucket with his foot in anger. The small group of men watched the back of Bucky Egan as he made haste away from the men.
“He’s just frustrated with the radio silence. He worries about her.” Buck tried to explain Bucky’s behaviour to the Colonel who looked concerned.
“It’s not just him. We all worry about her. Hell Buck, you’re going to marry the woman!” DeMarco retorted, not wanting Bucky’s behaviour to be considered the norm.
“You’re marrying Bucky’s sister?” The Colonel queried with an amused smile. Buck blushed inadvertently at the words he had been hoping to hear for a while. All the POWs that are part of the 100th had heard about Buck asking permission from Bucky to ask Charlie to marry him- nothing could be kept a secret for long from what Charlie used to call the gossiping hens.
“Well, I haven’t exactly had a chance to ask her yet.” Buck admitted, rubbing his neck bashfully.
“We all know she’ll say yes. Colonel you should have saw the two at Thorpe Abbotts- inseparable they were.” DeMarco explained to the older man who was enjoying seeing his senior Major acting so shy.
“Well, I can’t wait to meet the young woman once we’re out of here.” The Colonel commented.
“Yeah, once we’re out of here.” Buck echoed.
After their brief interrogation, Lieutenants’ Jefferson and Macon finally made it to Stalag Luft III. Macon’s neck had to be held a certain way to avoid pain so Alex Jefferson and another red tail man held him up on their shoulders as they walked the long walk to the gates of the Stalag. The majority of the white men already imprisoned did not look impressed at seeing the African Americans. There was a lot of questions being thrown about to the newly arrived POWs. It was overwhelming to say the least. The prisoners were desperate for any sort of news from the front.
Amongst the crowd was Buck, Bucky and Crank watching from a distance.
A man came up to the small group as soon as they crossed over into the camp.
“Hey, red tails. You guys saved our asses so many times, I tell you what.”
Another guy butted in “What unit you with?”
The other red tails man answered “332nd“
The friendly man took note of the injured Macon and said “Let me help you guys. I’m over in the north.” The guy ushered them away from the crowd.
“Thank you.” Macon muttered quietly.
“Yeah. Come with us. We’ll get you fixed up.”
Buck watched from a distance with serious eyes. He didn’t really know what to make of the red tail men. They were the first African American’s to enter the Stalag- or at least as far as Buck knew.
Later that night, the men including Buck, Bucky, DeMarco, Brady, Murph and Crank were playing cards in their room. They were laughing and joking, and some were smoking cigarettes. They were the most relaxed they had been all day.
They all stopped and looked up when they heard footsteps entering their room. The room silenced at the presence of the two African American men. Richard Macon was trailing behind Alex Jefferson due to his neck injury.
“Second Lieutenant Alexander Jefferson, 332nd Fighter group,” Alex introduced himself, not sure how else to address the room full of white men.
“Second Lieutenant Richard D Macon, 332nd” Richard followed.
The 100th boys looked at each other silently before looking at Buck for his instruction. He was their unquestioned leader.
“Gentlemen, welcome to paradise. Follow suit Lieutenant.” Buck greeted them, feeling unable to turn them away, he was sure they had already been turned away from other rooms simply because of the colour of their skin. Buck had no intention of doing the same. The 100th men slowly began resuming their activities. Macon looked at Bucky, who was lounging in his bunk, longer than the rest of the men before he followed suit and threw his meagre belongings into the nearest available bunk, grateful to be able to finally rest.
“I’m telling you Alex, I saw a woman in that plane.” Macon quietly began resuming an earlier conversation the pair were having.
“You were going what 240, 250 miles per hour? You don’t know what you saw.” Alex told him with a chuckle.
Macon looked back at where Bucky was again before turning his back to the room of men “I know what I saw.”
The pair didn’t realise that DeMarco had snuck up behind them- unintentionally.
“Hi. What are you two talking about? I’m Benny DeMarco, Captain.” DeMarco greeted the two men.
“Alex and Richard,” Alex greeted the captain “and we were talking about Richard’s imagination.” Alex jested. Richard was not smiling.
“It’s not my imagination- I saw a woman in that C-47, no doubt.” Richard repeated. DeMarco’s eyes narrowed at that.
“Hey, Bucky! I think you might want to hear this. Buck too.” DeMarco shouted over his shoulder, not turning away from the two Tuskagee men. The two Lieutenants suddenly looked concerned about the attention now on them in the room.
“What is it now DeMarco? Are you missing Meatball again?” Bucky joked sleepily as he brushed his shoulder with his friend after reluctantly getting up from his bunk.
“These two—” DeMarco started before being interrupted.
“Just me.” Richard corrected.
“Lieutenant Macon saw a woman in a C-47.” DeMarco announced loudly, enough for the whole room to go silent. Buck got up and stood shoulder to shoulder with Bucky. Their eyes were serious but full of hope.
“Did she look anything like me?” Bucky asked. Macon had been looking at Bucky in a strange way since he first laid eyes on him- something was niggling at him about the man, but he didn’t make the connection until now.
“Yeah, she did.” Richard confirmed, taking in the familiar dark hair and piercing blue eyes.
“Charlie.” Bucky breathed.
“Charlie.” Buck echoed.
Notes:
Well....
Charlie's getting impatient.
Issues with communicating with each other
Bucky's nearly himself again and he is ever so bitter about Charlie's job position and.... a sighting that may give the boys hope when letters fail to get delivered.
Let me know what you think of this chapter. Apologies for any typos.
I am so so busy right now with life but I am trying to stay consistent in publishing a chapter every week.
Chapter 23
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Stalag Luft III
August 1944
“We still don’t know anything. We don’t even know if that was Charlie.” Bucky exclaimed to his silent, thinking friend who sat down in their empty room alone.
“It could be her.” Buck hoped.
“Yeah, could be.” Bucky exaggerated, not convinced.
“It’s the first sighting we’ve had.” Buck reasoned with a not convinced Bucky.
Flashback
“Who’s Charlie?” Alex questioned to the room of men. Everyone seemed to know this ‘Charlie’ woman.
“My sister.” Bucky answered at the same time as Buck “My girlfriend.”
“Tell me what happened.” Bucky questioned Macon.
“We were ordered to strafe key targets in Toulon, France. Flak was firing up before we even got there and then we realised they weren’t firing at us. There was a C-47 in trouble. It was by itself and trying to dodge the heavy anti-aircraft fire. I ordered our squadron to escort her out into open water and away from the flak. We surrounded her on all sides, and I happened to look over to see a face peering out from one of the small middle windows of the plane. It was definitely a woman.” Macon explained.
“Flight nurse. It was an evacuation flight.” Brady commented to no-one in the room. Everyone was thinking the same- Charlie.
“Did the C-47 make it?” Buck asked. The room tensed up at that question.
“As far as I’m aware they got away virtually unscathed. They were very lucky. I haven’t seen flak that heavy before,” Macon said and the room let out a breath of relief.
“They should not have been out that way in the first place. They must have been lost. That side of France is entirely occupied by the Germans. They got lucky.” Macon explained.
“Thank you.” Buck shook Macon’s hand, Bucky and the rest of the boys followed suit.
“This Charlie woman sure means a lot to you all, huh?” Macon commented, unable to believe the number of white men shaking his hand. Before this he could only count on one hand the number of white men who voluntarily shook his hand.
“Like you wouldn’t believe.” Buck smiled grimly.
End of flashback
“He was going 250mph, he doesn’t know what he saw.” Bucky argued, not wanting to believe his sister almost got shot down. Again.
“I believe he saw Charlie.” Buck told him.
“OK.” Bucky simply said before walking away. He didn’t want to argue about this with Buck. He also needed a moment to process his emotions- not one of his best qualities. Bucky knew deep down that the woman Macon saw was Charlie too. He just didn’t want to admit it to anyone or himself. Because admitting it would make it all real- that she is a flight nurse, that she is flying into danger on a daily basis and that he may never see her again if her plane goes down. Bucky had lost a lot of friends since they flew over from Greenland in 1943. He did not want to lose a sister too.
September 27th 1944
It had been a busy couple of months for Charlie and everyone in the 813th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron. Not only were they still taking casualties away from France, but they also had Operation Market Garden and the fallout from that to contend with. The operation was launched on 17th September 1944 and temporarily the 813th were put on standdown once again so that their resources including their C-47’s could be allocated to the American paratroopers who were to be dropped on German occupied Holland.
The mission did not go well and with the front lines between the Allies and Germans becoming difficult and blurred, getting medical aid in and wounded men out of Holland was proving difficult for the air evacuation flights.
The difficulty of this was one of the reasons as to why Charlie was asked to join Lieutenant Reba Whittle on a flight to St Trond, Belgium- a recently liberated city. It was not typical for there to be two flight nurses on a single C-47 but with the Allies advance coming to a halt and heavy causalities being taken, Charlie felt she had no reason to question the order.
“You ready?” Charlie asked Reba who had just helped the medical technician, Jonathan, with loading the C-47 with crated medical supplies.
“Just about.” Reba huffed out of breath, eyeing Charlie with envy who stood to the side smoking her last cigarette before boarding the plane. Charlie never helped to load the plane- it was something she had refused to do from the start and why should she? She earned her rank of Major and Major’s did not do heavy lifting.
“It’s only Belgium. We will be back in only a few hours.” Charlie commented before putting her cigarette out under her shoe.
“Yeah, I hope so. Some of the girls wanted to head out tonight for a drink at the pub. Did you want to come Major?” Reba invited sweetly.
“I’ll give it a pass.” Charlie answered immediately, automatically. Charlie never went out anymore. It seemed wrong to do so when Buck and Bucky were locked up in Germany definitely not having a good time.
Reba wanted to argue and persuade Charlie, but she saw the look in her eye and closed her mouth. It was the same look Charlie always had when she was thinking about something sad. Reba never asked her- nobody did. Charlie Egan was a bit of a mystery to some, but they all knew she had lost more than anyone to this war. It was why she kept coming back for more flights and more medical evacuations.
“Ok. Let me know if you change your mind.” Reba replied. Charlie nodded, looking intently at the waiting C-47 now full of supplies but later would be full up of wounded men. Charlie kissed her palm and then placed her hand flat on the cool metal just right of the doorway- a tradition she always did. Charlie was not superstitious and was under no illusions that her little tradition would prevent them being shot down, but it was a way for her to silently make peace with herself before getting into the aircraft. Everyone had traditions that they did before flights, and this is the one that Charlie chose. Reba wore a cross around her neck and always kissed it when taxiing- it’s the little things that always give people some peace of mind.
The plane was only 10 minutes in the air when Charlie noticed Reba struggling to keep her eyes open. Charlie chuckled at the hilarious ways Reba was trying to stay awake- blinking rapidly, dozing and then shooting up guiltily and finally she was pinching her arm.
“Just go to sleep Reba!” Charlie shouted over the loud hum of the engines.
“It’s ok, I can stay awake Major.” Reba shouted back.
“We’ll be busier on the way back with wounded, rest now and you will feel better. You don’t need to do anything right now, it’s ok to sleep.” Charlie told the woman gently. Reba nodded gratefully at Charlie before soon after dozing off.
Charlie could never sleep when flying- the engines were too loud and the seats too uncomfortable.
Charlie was lost in her thoughts for the majority of the flight, thinking back on memories and of things she wished to do the in the future- where Buck and her would live, what she would do once the war ended- things like that. It was those musings that kept her preoccupied. So preoccupied that she did not notice that almost 2 hours had passed. Charlie frowned at her watch. Something wasn’t right. They should have landed by now.
Charlie hastily unbuckled her harness and steadily made her way to the cockpit.
“What’s going on? We should have landed by now!” Charlie demanded to the two pilots she was not familiar with- Lieutenants Parker and Forbes.
“We’ve been blown off course! We’re trying to find a new heading.” Lead pilot Parker explained as co-pilot Forbes fumbled about with the map in his hands.
“Fuck…” Charlie quietly murmured when she looked ahead and saw the barrage of anti-aircraft fire just in front of them- protecting a city. A German city.
“We’re over Germany! Turn around!” Charlie ordered the pilot who looked just as panicked as her at the realisation that they overshot Belgium by a lot.
“Fuck!” Lieutenant Parker exclaimed before trying to turn the plane around as quickly as possible.
But it was too late.
Minutes later the aircraft jutted violently as shell splinters ripped through the plane’s aluminium skin and a cry of pain yelled out from behind.
“I’m hit!” A man’s voice yelled. Their medical technician, Jonathan.
“Shit,” Charlie muttered before looking behind her briefly. “Keep turning her around, I’ll see to him.” Charlie yelled at the pilots before making her way back into the body of the aircraft. Charlie found a shaken Reba already at Jonathan’s side applying pressure to his bloody left leg.
“Is he ok?” Charlie asked Reba who had tears in her eyes. She was scared. Charlie tried not to show that she was too. She had to take charge.
“I think so. He got hit by shrapnel.” Charlie turned her head and ducked just as more shrapnel pierced the plane and Jonathan cried out again. His left arm was now bloody and torn.
“Oh god!” Reba screamed, covering her face into Jonathan’s now wounded arm.
Almost immediately afterwards the plane began a sharp descent down. Gravity all of a sudden had no meaning and the unstrapped man and women in the body of the plane were lifted off the ground before violently being slammed back down when the plane levelled out again. Charlie groaned at the impact of her body meeting the hard cold metal floor. Charlie forcibly opened her eyes to see Reba lying down, bleeding profusely from her head. Charlie thought she could see her move. She was still conscious- barely. Jonathan Hill was not conscious. Charlie crawled with all her finally strength to Reba and heaved with effort the small woman into the nearest seat and strapped her in.
“We’re crashing! Brace for impact! Brace for impact!” Lieutenant Parker yelled as loud as he could.
Charlie didn’t have time to do anything. She didn’t have time to find a seat of her own. She didn’t have time to strap in. Charlie’s eyes widened at the thought that this may be her final moments. All of a sudden her memories flashed before her eyes- pre-war memories with Bucky and more recent memories of her time spent at Thorpe Abbotts- Curt, Harry, Jack, Brady, Louise, Rosie, Bucky and… Buck. Charlie settled on the memory of Bucky and Buck standing together and laughing on the day that Lieutenant Dye finished his 25th mission. They were both so handsome standing there together in the sunlight. Charlie let a single tear run down her cheek before she clinged tightly to strapped in Reba- tucking her head beneath Charlie’s chin to try to protect the woman. If she could do nothing else, she will ensure that Reba Whittle makes it.
That’s when everything goes black.
The next thing Charlie remembers is coming to and feeling very hot- the flames of the plane almost in touching distance of her skin. Charlie blinked open her eyes to find the night sky mixed with the bright moon, dark clouds and smoke. Something was on fire. Charlie blinked some more- her head hurt; her whole body ached. She didn’t want to get up. She wondered if she was dead, and she was in hell- if that was why she was so hot.
Charlie then heard something unusual- the sounds of a struggle. Charlie needed to get up. She needed to get up, but she couldn’t. Charlie opened and closed her hands- she could feel them. She reached out and felt soil beneath her fingertips. She clawed into the soil, hoping to find purchase and strength to heave her body up. With her last reserves of strength she managed to get onto her hands and knees and looked up to find a German soldier, an officer, holding onto something small on the ground. A small body. A woman. Reba. She was struggling within his grip. He was holding down her arms and was nearly sitting on top of her.
Charlie narrowed her eyes and pushed through her pain. She had to save Reba. Charlie was bruised, bloody and dirty- she was unrecognisable.
Charlie groaned quietly as she rose up like a zombie and reached down to pick up some metal debris lying around the crash site. Charlie stumbled on unsteady legs over to the pair. The officer must have realised someone was behind him because when he turned around, Charlie was already standing over him and she used one big swing (one her brother would be proud of), and he went flying. The metal debris was so red hot from the heat of the crash that his skull concaved instantly. Charlie couldn’t feel the heat of the metal burning her palm. It was burning her flesh, and she couldn’t feel it.
“Reba.” Charlie muttered, trying to voice if she was ok- she couldn’t get it out. All of Charlie’s strength was depleted- she was going to collapse. Charlie dropped the metal- her hand had stopped working. Reba’s eyes were unfocused- she was concussed.
“Charlie?” Reba voiced with hope.
“I’m here.” Charlie answered, trying to give her hope that everything is going to be ok.
Charlie heard the echoing of boots thundering on the floor behind her. Charlie slowly turned her body around, her eyes already half closed- on the brink of collapse- when she saw the butt of a rifle and then everything went black once again.
Notes:
Ahhhh! I think this is the chapter the majority of you have been waiting for such a long time!
Charlie's in trouble!
Let me know what you think :)
Chapter 24
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Reba couldn’t stop crying.
She didn’t know what to do.
2 hours earlier, Reba watched unable to help as a soldier slammed his rifle into Charlie’s face knocking her out cold. Charlie hadn’t come around yet. Reba was worried.
The soldiers after knocking out Charlie rounded up the two pilots, medical technician and Reba. Charlie had to be carried between two soldiers and was taken to a nearby house and put in the cellar. They were now prisoners of war. Reba watched the body of the German officer as she was herded up and taken away with the others from the crash site. Was he SS? Reba asked herself, noticing the skull insignia on his discarded hat.
A doctor soon paid a visit to the prisoners of war in the cellar. A few soldiers stood guard as a German doctor treated their wounds. Reba received a bandage around her head to stall the flow of blood. Reba looked over at Charlie. She still hadn’t moved.
“Please sir, can you look at my friend?” Reba grabbed the hands of the doctor as he was about to pull away. The German soldiers shifted at her sudden action, and she recoiled quickly from touching the German doctor. The German doctor looked warily at the soldiers behind before moving over to take a look at the unconscious woman. The soldiers started to talk to the doctor in their native language. Reba couldn’t understand a word, but she had a feeling the soldiers were not happy with Charlie being looked at.
The soldiers appeared to eventually relent, and the doctor started to examine the woman. Reba felt bad that Charlie was being examined while she was unconscious- she wouldn’t like that- but Reba was scared at how still she was. Would she ever wake up?
“The woman hit her head, yes?” The doctor asked Reba in broken English.
“Yes, twice I think.” Reba answered tearily. The doctor hmphed and continued to examine her eyes beneath her lids before moving on to her body. He pressed down where her ribs are, and she groaned startling the soldiers who flinched. The soldiers were wary of the woman- they saw what she did to the German officer- or at least saw the aftermath.
The doctor then moved onto her hand that was severely burned. The smell of burnt flesh flooded the enclosed air.
“Your friend has a severe concussion and possibly broken ribs, if not severely bruised, but she should be fine. Her hand is severely burned. I will wrap it.” The German doctor told Reba before bandaging up Charlie’s hand and then packing his things away before leaving the dank dark cellar. Reba huffed out a sigh of relief and slowly crawled over to her, wary of the soldiers, to hold Charlie’s uninjured hand.
Reba did not know how long they sat in that cellar. Enough time passed before more soldiers arrived including an older senior looking officer who took special interest in Charlie. He issued an order in German and a couple of his men heaved Charlie up between them and took her outside. Reba was about to protest and ask where they were taking her before the rest too were marched outside. Charlie was already lying in the bed of the waiting truck when Reba and the other prisoners climbed in with two soldiers following. The truck was 30 minutes into its ride when Charlie appeared to come to. She started groaning at first, feeling the aches of her body all at once before she started clutching her head. Charlie felt like she had the worst headache ever. The up and down of the truck’s movements did not help.
“Charlie!” Reba exclaimed, trying to get her to focus on her. Reba went to kneel down to Charlie when a soldier grabbed her wrist and made her stay in her seat forcibly. Reba looked on helpless as Charlie began to get her bearings. It wasn’t long after that the truck came to a stop and Charlie was dragged off the truck roughly and held up by a soldier on each side. Charlie chuckled- she thought this was a weird dream.
The place they arrived at resembled a POW camp- it had the wire fences, the dogs and the watch towers but wasn’t that big. It was a sorting centre. A Dulag Luft.
Charlie watched as the two pilots and medical technician were put in one cell together. Reba was put in one by herself and then Charlie was finally thrown in the last cell alone. Charlie flopped down on her straw mattress utterly exhausted. Charlie closed her eyes and tried to remember what happened.
The wall of flak…. The plane going down… clinging to Reba before they crashed…. The heat of the flames from the crash site…. The sound of a struggle….the German officer on top of Reba…. The swinging of the metal….
Charlie’s eyes popped open in a panic. Charlie looked down at her hands, frightened. She killed someone. Oh no…. Oh no no no. Tears welled up in Charlie’s eyes. She was never meant to kill anyone. She was meant to save lives not take them.
“What did I do?” Charlie whispered to herself and unconsciously began rocking back and forth on the floor.
The events flashed in her mind over and over again. He was sitting on top of Reba. He was going to… hurt Reba.
“I did the right thing. I did the right thing.” Charlie repeated to herself. Charlie protected Reba. That was the right thing to do, right? Charlie felt like she didn’t know anything anymore. All Charlie knew was that she had to be strong, for Reba and the rest of the crew.
It felt like an age before Charlie heard the metal bolt of her cell unlocking. Charlie’s eyes sharply watched the door open slowly.
“Come with me.” The German soldier ordered in poor English. Charlie moved too slow for his liking, and he snapped “Now!” Charlie was roughly manhandled out of her cell and was led to a closed wooden door. The German soldier knocked gently and a melodical voice answered. Charlie was not so ceremoniously shoved through the doorway before the door was slammed shut again.
First impressions were important to Charlie and the sight of the clean, groomed man in pristine uniform made Charlie feel inferior- dirty.
“Major Egan, Charlotte. May I call you Charlie? I feel like I know you already.” The man greeted with a creepy smile. Charlie warily looked around at the impeccable room and barely held back a scoff at the big picture of Hitler proudly displayed on his wall.
“Please sit,” The officer invited, gesturing to the empty chair opposite his desk. Charlie slowly sat down, trying to hide the wince of her bruises. “I am your interrogator, Lieutenant Haussmann.”
“I don’t need an interrogator. I am a nurse. I don’t know anything.” Charlie protested.
“I’m sure that’s not true, Charlie. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?” Lieutenant Haussmann grinned knowingly.
“Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Family? One brother, Major John ‘Bucky’ Egan of the 100th bomb group and one sister still living in the US. Ah you are the baby of the family,” Lieutenant Haussmann exclaimed happily. Charlie gulped. “Married? The rumours say soon to one Major Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven also of the 100th bomb group and would you look at that? Buck and Bucky are best friends. What a coincidence!” Lieutenant Haussmann exclaimed reading from his file with joy.
Charlie gritted her teeth. How did he know all of that? Charlie tried to keep her face blank as much as possible.
“Are you a baseball fan Charlie?” the officer suddenly asked, lighting a cigarette and leaning back in his chair. He wordlessly offered Charlie one who took it without hesitation. “No?” he prompted when Charlie remained silent. “Your brother is. He was sitting in that chair… nearly a year ago?... yes, nearly a year ago today and we were talking about the World Series.” Haussmann revealed.
Bucky was here? Charlie blinked at that new information and looked around as if she could trace anything to prove he was actually here.
“And a few weeks before him I had Buck Cleven sitting in that chair,” Haussmann revealed. “And now I have you, Major Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Egan. The last of the trio.” Charlie stayed silent.
“You know when men come through here, they tell me things. Not necessarily things of interest to the German high command but little snippets of their lives in England and their friends. I have had a lot of people come through here talking about you- and Buck and Bucky. I feel like I know you already.” The officer exclaimed happily.
“You don’t know me.” Charlie rebuked, not knowing what else to say. What did he know?
“No? I know that you have been in England since 1940. You went even before America joined the war. A brave undertaking for a young woman. You worked in the hospitals in London during our great firing bombing campaign. You became a flight nurse and logged hundreds of hours flight time evacuating men from the front. Admirable. You were even wounded twice and received two purple hearts for your endeavours. You were then transferred to Thorpe Abbotts where you were made head nurse and reunited with your brother. You fell in love there with your brother’s best friend, Buck. But they were then suddenly gone- shot down over enemy territory. You went back to being a flight nurse and logged many more hours before finally being shot down and now you are here.” Lieutenant Haussmann laid out the last 5 years of her life in one paragraph.
Charlie’s eyes teared up involuntarily and she suddenly found she could not make eye contact with the pristine German officer anymore and so she looked away, focusing on the details in the wallpaper.
“Do you like flying Charlie?” The Lieutenant asked curiously.
“I like nursing,” Charlie corrected. “I am a good nurse.” Charlie said more to herself than the listening Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Haussmann’s face dropped. He sighed deeply before his next sentence.
“Hmm well it appears we have a problem, Charlie. You killed a German Officer. That would class you as a combatant.” Lieutenant Haussmann stated, smile no longer on his face.
“I didn’t mean to,” Charlie protested quickly “He was sitting on top of Reba. He was going to… hurt her.” Charlie explained.
“While that may be so, there are no witnesses to corroborate your story.” Haussmann explained.
“Reba can corroborate it—” Charlie started to say but was interrupted “German witnesses” Haussman amended his statement.
“But unfortunately Major Egan there is an even bigger problem. The man you killed was not only a German officer but an SS Captain.” Haussmann told the young woman. Charlie blinked in uncertainty.
“What does that mean?” Charlie asked quietly.
Haussmann sighed and threw his pen down on his desk. “It means Charlie that the SS are asking for retribution. They want to execute you.”
Charlie mulled over the officers’ words. Charlie shook her head to herself. This was worse. Charlie now wished that she had died in the plane crash. It was a better way to go than be lined up against a wall and shot.
“But I may be able to convince them to let you live. If you prove yourself useful.” Haussmann countered, looking over his glasses at the woman who unconsciously curled into herself at the threat of execution.
“Useful?” Charlie scoffed. “Useful how?” Charlie asked, knowing where this was going.
“You may be just a nurse Charlie, but you know things as well. Things that could be invaluable to say our intelligence service.” Haussmann gently approached, a sly grin forming on his lips. Charlie frowned. She couldn’t do it. Not ever. She could never sell out her country even to save her life. It’s not who she is. So she responded the only way she knew how.
“Charlotte Egan. Major. N-078964.”
Haussmann sighed in frustration.
“You are not doing yourself any favours Charlie. The SS are cruel people. They will not kill you quickly.” Haussmann tried again.
“Charlotte Egan. Major. N-078964.” Charlie repeated- hoping Buck and Bucky will forgive her. Haussmann grew impatient.
“Guard!” Haussmann shouted and the guard came in. “Escort her back to her cell.” Before the guard could pull her away forcefully, Haussmann stopped him wordlessly.
“You know Charlie you are a lot like your brother. Stubborn to the bone.” Haussmann commented.
“I know. What will happen to Reba?” Charlie asked, scared for the young woman. Charlie wouldn’t be there to help her anymore once she’s gone- killed.
“Lieutenant Whittle will be transferred to a POW run hospital outside Frankfurt where she will receive the best care.” Haussmann told Charlie. Charlie smiled tearily. Reba will be safe. She hoped.
“Thank you.” Charlie choked back her tears before being half dragged back to her damp cold cell.
Charlie was thrown forcefully into her waiting cell, being careful not to hit her head again. Not that it mattered anymore. Charlie suppressed the urge to get up from the ground. The ground felt very inviting right then. Charlie felt the fight leave her body. She had lost hope. She would die here, and the worst part is that Buck and Bucky would never know what happened. The Germans would probably cover up her execution- it’s a war crime after all. She would probably be buried in a shallow grave in the middle of nowhere and no-one would know where she went or what happened to her. A lone tear made its way down her cheek and fell onto the dirty floor. It dissolved instantly- like it was never there. Just like she will be.
For hours Charlie waited and waited. She flinched every time she heard a cell door open. Her anxiety was through the roof and her body could not stop trembling. She never dreamed she would die like this.
Finally she heard her cell door unlock, and she peered up at the waiting German soldier.
“Get up!” He yelled.
Stalag Luft III
“Now John here’s gonna demonstrate for you.” The Colonel said, holding up some wire to show the group of men watching from their doorways of the barracks.
“You hand over the papers. Immediately grab the wrist. Bring the ball straight across the temple. Here or here. Knock him clean out.” The demonstration was for the men wanting to fight back when the time came, and everyone knew it was coming.
“It’s going to go straight into the neck and then you’re going to push it forward and rip his throat out.” The Colonel moved onto to showing how to use the knife.
The next morning the men were taking it in turns on the stump remover. Building up muscle. Biding their time. They had a plan, and they were not going down without a fight.
The alarm sounded for new POW’s entering into the camp. The men didn’t pay any attention to it. They were too focused on the task at hand. That was until Murph came running over as if he had the devil himself chasing him.
“Buck! Bucky!” Murph yelled anxiously before he even reached the group. All the men stopped and turned to see what the commotion is.
“It’s Charlie! It’s Charlie!” Murph repeated out of breath from running across the yard.
Notes:
Okayyyyyy so I left this chapter on a bit of a cliffhanger but I know a lot of you have been waiting for this to happen for a long time and so I very much hope that you enjoyed this!
Lieutenant Haussmann as some of you guessed did make his appearance. This won't be the last time we see him.
Can anyone guess what is going to happen next? Charlie's up for execution and Murph has just run through the camp looking for Buck and Bucky shouting her name
Chapter 25
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“What about Charlie?” Buck demands stepping towards Murph.
“She’s here! She’s coming in now. She doesn’t look too good Buck.” Murph gasped out as quickly as he could. Buck and Bucky shared a silent look between them before taking off as fast as they could towards the fence where new POWs come into the camp.
‘What the hell was Charlie doing here?’ they both thought as they sprinted across the camp’s yard.
When the pair got to the fence, they could see the usual crowd of men forming- trying to see if it was anyone they know being admitted into the camp. Buck and Bucky roughly pushed past as many men as needed to get to the metal wire fence keeping them separate from the new inmates.
‘Hey, is that a woman?’ ‘Hey Mike, get a load of this!’ ‘What the fuck?’ ‘How’d she get here?’
The commotion enveloped the crowds of men. Bucky and Buck fought harder to see if it was in fact Charlie. They needed to know. The thought brought them both relief and anger.
When they did finally manage to fight their way through, they froze.
Charlie was bruised and bloodied and was being assisted in walking between two USAF Lieutenants. She would have been unrecognisable to anyone that didn’t know her. The violent red bruise on her face from the rifle butt obscured most of her features but the two Bucks’ knew those blue eyes anywhere.
“CHARLIE!” Bucky yelled at the top of his lungs. Charlie’s head twitched at hearing that but brushed it off. That could have been for anyone.
“CHARLIE! CHARLIE!” Buck and Bucky were now yelling unison, trying to be heard over the noise of the men gathered.
Charlie’s head shot up rapidly. Charlie looked to her right where the calls came from and found her brother and boyfriend staring back. Charlie’s eyes involuntarily watered at the sight of them both. Alive and well albeit smaller in size. They had lost weight since Charlie saw them last.
When Charlie finally got to the end of the chain link fenced walk into the camp, Buck and Bucky were waiting impatiently.
“Are you ok?” Buck immediately asked, taking in her injuries- lingering on her head and bandaged hand.
“Yeah. Turns out I have a hard head, who knew?” Charlie joked. Buck cracked a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Bucky was frowning.
“What happened?” Bucky demanded, unable to believe his sister is here in front of him in a German POW camp.
“Not now Bucky.” Charlie shut him down fast with a glare. Aware of the eyes on her- both POW and German. Buck noticed this too.
“Is it safe to say we are relieved of our duty and are passing over this handful to you?” Lieutenant Parker asked the small group, still helping to hold up Charlie.
“Yeah, we’ll take her off your hands.” Buck volunteered to take Lieutenant Parker’s place in holding up Charlie, Bucky did the same on the other side and took Lieutenant Forbes’ original place.
“Fuck you, Parker. At least I can read a map.” Charlie bitterly retorted. Parker’s face went red- out of anger or embarrassment Charlie couldn’t tell but he soon stormed off with Lieutenant Forbes following after him.
“What was that about?” Bucky queried with a raised brow.
“I’ll tell you later. Can we get back to your barracks now?” Charlie muttered, not liking the feel of so many eyes on her.
“Yeah ok. Come on.” Buck directed the trio towards their barracks, now soon to be Charlie’s temporary home.
The barracks was empty when they got there. Possibly everyone left to give the three some privacy. This was going to be a difficult conversation.
“Are you sure you’re ok?” Was the first thing Buck asked when Charlie got seated onto her new bunk, underneath Buck’s and across from Bucky’s. Charlie winced when she pressed her uninjured hand to the painful bruise on her head. Her head was painfully pulsing still.
“I’m fine.” Charlie answered.
“What happened to your hand?” Bucky asked, noticing the bandaged hand. It was bandaged so thick that she couldn’t use her fingers.
“It got burnt.” Charlie replied dreamily, staring at her bandaged hand in wonder. Charlie felt another dizzy spell coming on.
“I’m just going to lay down… for a bit.” Charlie told them before she flopped down unceremoniously.
“Charlie?” Buck questioned with concern. Buck and Bucky towered over her small form.
“I’m… fine. Just… tired.” Charlie got out just before she passed out altogether.
The evening soon approached, and Charlie was still sleeping. She had been sleeping for 5 hours straight. Buck and Bucky had taken it in turns to check periodically if she was still breathing. She was sleeping like the dead.
The rest of the boys of the 100th had returned a few hours ago. They each took a turn to look at Charlie when they did come in. It was a familiar face they hadn’t seen in almost a year. It was both comforting and horrifying that she was even here with them.
“Are you going to wake her?” DeMarco asked when dinner was ready to be served. Soup again. Buck and Bucky shared a look. It turned out they didn’t need to as Charlie’s nose had caught the whiff of food- she couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten something- and she awoke pretty quickly.
“Hmm something smells good,” Charlie yawned when she rose up. Her head felt a thousand times better. Hopefully a sign of it healing. “Hi.” Charlie was not surprised to find about 11 pairs of eyes watching her- some familiar and a couple unfamiliar.
“Here. Take this.” Buck passed his soup bowl over to Charlie before taking another one for himself.
“Thanks.” Charlie said settling between Buck and DeMarco at the makeshift table, opposite Bucky who was watching her intensely. Charlie found that she couldn’t make eye contact with her brother. His eyes had too many questions in them and there was anger there. Charlie didn’t know if it was directed at her.
“How are you feeling?” Buck asked, between sips of his soup. He watched in fascination as Charlie gulped hers down quickly. Quicker than anyone else. She must have been starving Buck thought.
“Better. Head feels better.” Charlie replied in short sentences between mouthfuls.
The room was quiet as everyone ate but Charlie could feel the questioning eyes on her. Charlie tried to ignore it.
As soon as Bucky finished his meal, he loudly thunked his bowl on the wooden table everyone was crowded round. Everyone stared at him, but Bucky only had eyes for Charlie who was unconsciously trying to hide behind Buck. Bucky was staring so intensely at Charlie that he hadn’t blinked in a few minutes.
Charlie scoffed and thunked her bowl down just as loudly on the table before making eye contact with her brother.
“What?” Charlie challenged. The rooms’ occupants tensed up.
“What?” Bucky repeated mockingly with a harsh laugh. “Let’s start with what the fuck are you doing here Charlie?”
“Isn’t it obvious? My plane got shot down genius.” Charlie retorted.
“Uh huh. This wouldn’t have happened if you just stayed at Thorpe Abbotts.” Bucky lectured Charlie, resisting the urge to point his finger at her.
Charlie chuckled darkly “How long have you been keeping that in?”
“I haven’t. Everyone here knows my feelings on your new occupation.” Bucky told her.
“It’s not a new occupation Bucky. I’m still a nurse. I’m just doing it 20,000 feet in the air.” Charlie argued. Everyone in the room was watching the back and forth between the Egan siblings. Alex Jefferson and Richard Macon were particularly curious- this was all new to them.
“You can do your job on the ground Charlie.” Bucky tested.
“Well I’m on the ground now, aren’t I?” Charlie gestured with her hands at where she was. Bucky scowled at her.
“Umm Miss, if you don’t mind my asking, why are you here?” Alex asked, interrupting Bucky’s retort building on his tongue.
“The Germans put me here.” Charlie replied, not giving the entire truth.
“No I mean you shouldn’t be here. Not in a POW camp. You should at least be in a… hospital or something.” Alex reasoned.
Charlie’s body tensed up at where his questioning was leading. Buck, Bucky and the rest of the boys watched as Charlie’s face changed.
“Charlie?” Buck questioned gently, knowing she was holding something back. Something important.
“What did you do?” Bucky asked not so gently- accusingly. Charlie avoided their eyes and shifted away from them.
“I didn’t do anything.” Charlie protested, not able to make eye contact with anyone.
“Stop lying.” Bucky lowly accused, voice hard as steel. Charlie cracked.
“I didn’t mean to do it, I di—I didn’t.” Charlie rambled, unsure of what to say- of how to get the words out.
“Do what Charlie?” Buck softly asked, his voice smooth as honey.
“I think I did something bad Bucky.” Charlie whimpered. “I did- I did something bad.” Charlie amended her sentence. Bucky’s eyes softened at his sister. It reminded him of not that long ago when she came running to him in tears when she broke something she shouldn’t have.
Bucky rose up from his seat and not so gently pushed Benny out of the way so he could sit and hug his distraught sister.
“Charlie, I know you. I know you could never do something bad enough to be put in a place like this.” Bucky soothed, running his hand up and down her back like he just to do when she was little. His shadow, his baby sister always.
“Bucky,” Charlie croaked, throat thick with tears pulled back from him to look him in the eye “I killed someone.”
The room went dead silent at her confession.
Bucky’s lip twitched at hearing those words. Words he never thought he would hear come out of his baby sister’s mouth.
“No you didn’t” Bucky denied, sure his sister was losing her mind. She couldn’t kill anyone. She’s not capable of it.
“I did,” Charlie nodded slowly, tears drying on her face “Bucky, he was an SS Captain.” Bucky blinked, taking in all this information. And then his mind jumped.
“What did he do?” Bucky demanded, voice wavering on what he was going to find out “What did he do to you?” Bucky was scared as to Charlie’s reply. What if he had…. No, no, not his sister. Absolutely not.
“Not to me,” Charlie quickly denied, knowing where Bucky’s thoughts were going. “There was another flight nurse on the plane with me.” Buck and everyone else in the room was watching the conversation between the siblings silently. Everyone held their breath when Charlie mentioned another flight nurse and wondering where she was because she was definitely not sent to Stalag Luft III with Charlie.
“I wasn’t supposed to be on the flight in the first place but all of a sudden command wanted two nurses. After Market Garden’s failure- that was what they called the paratrooper drop on Holland- we have been having difficulty breaking out and casualties were high. We were supposed to land in St Trond in Belgium, deliver some medical supplies and collect wounded on our way back. We never made it. We overshot Belgium and flew over Germany. We got hit heavily with flak and our plane went down.” Charlie told everyone, wanting it all out in the air now.
“How the hell do you overshoot a whole country?” DeMarco asked in disbelief.
“I’m going to kill those two pilots.” Bucky promised darkly remembering the faces of the two men who helped Charlie into the camp.
“Don’t bother. I already gave them an earful. Not that it’s going to help us now.” Charlie rolled her eyes.
“When I came to, I was outside the plane, but I could feel the flames not far. Someone must have dragged me out- maybe Reba,” Charlie continued her story, voice beginning to waver as she recalled the events “But I could hear something strange. Like someone was struggling. My head was woozy, and I wasn’t thinking clearly but I knew I had to get up so I managed to drag myself up and that’s when I saw a man in German uniform sitting on something small.” The men’s eyes narrowed as they listened intently. They could tell where this was going.
“He was sitting on MY flight nurse. The bastard. He was going to… hurt her.” Charlie got angry all of sudden as she could now clearly recall what the man was about to do to her Lieutenant. Charlie gulped before she said her next sentence.
“I wasn’t thinking. I picked up some metal debris from the crash- I didn’t realise it was burning hot from the flames,” Charlie looked down at her bandaged hand. It still hurt and was becoming itchy as the skin attempted to heal.
“I swung it at him, and he died.” Charlie finished simply, scared to see her brother’s reaction. Buck’s reaction. Everyone’s.
“I didn’t know my sister is Babe Ruth,” Bucky sarcastically replied, “How many times did you swing?” Bucky asked seriously.
“Just the once but I umm didn’t realise how hot the metal was,” Charlie replied hesitant to tell this part. “His skull caved in Bucky.” The room fell silent and then Bucky started laughing- full on belly laughing.
“Stop laughing Bucky. It’s not funny!” Charlie protested. Feeling embarrassed.
“Yes, it is! Oh dear god Charlie!” Bucky laughed harder.
“I didn’t mean to do it.” Charlie whispered. Charlie all of a sudden felt Buck’s arm come over her shoulder in a side hug.
“It’s ok Charlie. The reality is he would have… hurt your friend and then… hurt you. You did the right thing.” Buck rationalised with her- avoiding the ‘r’ word like her. Saying it would just upset Charlie more and everyone else in the room.
“Buck’s right,” Bucky agreed, finally over his laughing fit “And if you didn’t kill him, I would have. No respectable man would do that to a woman. Ever.” Bucky darkly commented. The men in the room muttered their agreements to the same.
“It’s nearly lights out. Let’s pack everything away guys.” Brady noted. The men got a move on and as if they rehearsed it themselves, Charlie watched in amazement as they all went about cleaning up after themselves and putting things back where they belonged. Ready for the next day.
“Bucky?” Charlie whispered, not wanting to be overheard by the others except maybe Buck.
“Yeah?” Bucky absentmindedly asked while making sure the table is cleaned.
“Can I sleep with you tonight?” Charlie asked hesitantly, scared Bucky will say no.
Bucky’s head jumped up at that request, staring into his baby sister’s identical blue eyes to his. She hadn’t asked to do that for nearly a decade.
“Yeah of course.” Bucky agreed gently. Buck shot a look at the Egan siblings and caught Bucky’s eye. They exchanged a silent conversation- they were worried about Charlie’s state of mind.
“Come on, my bunks’ over here.” Bucky guided Charlie to his bunk carefully without saying anything else to anyone in the room.
“Bucky?” Charlie quietly asked while lying in bed with her big brother, her head resting over his heart. A soothing rhythm that she remembers from when she was a child.
“Yeah?” Bucky whispered.
“Is everything going to be ok?” Charlie asked childishly, wanting some reassurance from her big brother.
Bucky thought back to everything that had happened in the last few days- the boys preparing to fight back with knife training, preparing to stock up on food if the Germans forced them to march and now Charlie appearing.
Bucky didn’t know what to do now. Charlie had thrown a spanner in the works. She was never supposed to be here. Bucky was meant to come up with a plan to escape. He can’t. Not now. He can’t leave Charlie, and it would be too dangerous to take her with them. So now it’s a waiting game.
“Yeah. Everything is going to be fine.” Bucky replied, his mind on overdrive. The future uncertain for them all.
Notes:
Hey!
You guys have possibly been waiting for this chapter more than any other and I have delivered!
Let me know what you think :)
Chapter 26
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Right let’s set some ground rules.” Bucky commanded to a still sleepy Charlie who was now sitting upright on Bucky’s bed and barely suppressing a yawn. The morning sun was blaring in.
“What am I? 12?” Charlie mocked, letting a small yawn escape. Charlie thought someone would have cracked a laugh at that, DeMarco maybe but no, everyone in the room was focused on her and looking very very serious. Charlie had never seen Crank frown so much.
“Rule number 1, you don’t travel anywhere alone. Always have one of us with you at ALL times.” Bucky ignored her quip.
“Rule number 2—” Bucky started again before Charlie commented not so quietly “And so it continues.”
“Rule number 2,” Bucky started again glaring at his sister for interrupting him “Stay away from the fence. Stay away from the guards.”
Charlie scoffed “I know you’d like to think of me as a friendly golden retriever Bucky but believe it or not, making friends with our captors was not on my to-do list.”
Bucky scowled.
“Golden retriever?” DeMarco whispered not too quietly with Brady. “I always thought she was more like a husky.”
“Are you comparing Charlie to Meatball?” Brady whispered back.
“What? Piercing blue eyes and stubborn to a fault when she doesn’t get her own way? Yes!” DeMarco agreed.
Charlie overheard the entire conversation and glared in their direction.
“Hey Benny, John,” Charlie sweetly called for their attention. The two pilots looked like a deer in headlights “My head may have taken a beating, but my ears work just fine.”
“RULE NUMBER 3,” Bucky yelled louder, trying to get everyone’s attention once again “Don’t mingle with anyone outside of this room. We don’t know who to trust outside of the 100th. There could be German spies in the camp.”
Charlie frowned in thought before looking up and catching the eye of Richard Macon who was quietly minding his own business with Alex Jefferson by their own bunks.
“Who are they?” Charlie asked, having a feeling that he looked familiar.
“They’re Lieutenants’ Richard Macon and Alex Jefferson from the 332nd Fighter group. They’re ok.” Buck answered.
“I feel like I know him from somewhere.” Charlie muttered, unconsciously getting up and walking towards the pair. The men of the 100th shared looks with each other and proceeded to watch the interaction from afar.
“Hello, I’m Charlie.” Charlie introduced herself, her eyes landing on Richard Macon more often than not.
“Alex. Richard.” The men replied.
“I’m sorry for staring but I swear I recognise you from somewhere.” Charlie said to Richard, Charlie noted he had a visible injury to his neck.
“I recognise you too,” Richard admitted “You didn’t happen to be in a C-47 over Toulon a few weeks ago did you?”
“Maybe. Did you happen to be flying a P-51 with a painted red tail over Toulon a few weeks ago?” Charlie countered with a growing smile. Richard smiled.
“I may have been in the area, yes,” Richard coyly confirmed “It’s nice to see your C-47 made it back ok.”
Charlie smile dimmed “Yeah that time it did. I’m sorry to see you never made it back to your base.”
Richard shrugged indifferently- as much as he was able with his limited mobility. He had been at the Stalag a few weeks now and had come to accept what had happened to him and his whole squadron.
“Every time you go up in the air is the possibility you don’t make it back. I’ve accepted that a long time ago.” Richard wisely told the young woman.
“Yeah, I know,” Charlie acknowledged. The boys that were listening in before silently acknowledged that statement as they also knew all too well the dangers “You’re injured. Have you had that seen to yet?” Charlie asked Richard.
“Not yet. The line to see the camp doctor is long. There’s only one.” Richard explained. Charlie hesitated in what she was going to say next.
“Would you- would you like me to see if I can help?” Charlie asked, not wanting to make the man uncomfortable.
“You would do that?” Alex asked in surprise. Charlie looked lost when she spoke next.
“I don’t really know what else to do now that I’m here,” Charlie confessed, suddenly looking very out of sorts standing in the room “Nursing is all that I have known.” Richard nodded in acquiesce for Charlie to have a look at his injury. Charlie wasted no time in sitting down to examine her new patient.
Buck and Bucky watched them from across the room.
“She’s not ok.” Buck whispered to his best friend.
“Ya think?” Bucky sarcastically retorted.
“Cut it out,” Buck huffed in annoyance and softly pushed Bucky on his shoulder. “And you need to be kinder to your sister.”
“Kinder? I’m kind!” Bucky protested.
“You pushed her too hard last night and she started crying!” Buck exclaimed in exasperation.
“No, the story she was telling made her cry. Not me.” Bucky protested. Buck rolled his eyes.
“She would have told us in her own time.” Buck reasoned.
Bucky scoffed “Jeez Buck. You still haven’t figured my sister out. Charlie wouldn’t have told us anything if I didn’t push,” Buck rolled his eyes again. “By the way, is this how it is going to be when you two are married? I’m the bad guy?” Bucky queried a little too loudly.
Buck’s eyes flared up with annoyance and he not so gently slapped Bucky’s mouth closed with his palm.
“SHUT UP!” Buck mouthed before looking over his shoulder to make sure Charlie hadn’t heard them. Thankfully she seemed to be too engrossed with seeing to Richard to hear anything Bucky had said.
Bucky pulled Buck’s hand off his mouth with a smirk.
“Sorry, that was my bad,” Bucky apologised “but umm did you notice something else last night about Charlie?”
Buck frowned, he had thought about every word she said last night- all night, “Yeah. She’s holding something back.” Buck had recognised it straight away. Charlie wasn’t entirely honest last night.
“Yeah, she’s hiding something and I’m going to find out what.” Bucky declared.
“Nicely.” Buck prompted.
Bucky rolled his eyes “Yeah, nicely.” He reluctantly agreed.
“Jesus Christ you two.” Charlie walked alongside DeMarco and Brady as they escorted her to the makeshift latrines.
“You heard Bucky, no going anywhere alone.” Brady recited.
“Yeah, but the latrines?” Charlie questioned in disbelief.
DeMarco kept a keen eye out for any unwanted attention as they crossed the yard. “Charlie some of these guys haven’t seen a woman in years. Better safe than sorry.” Charlie looked at DeMarco with a raised brow before nodding her head in acceptance.
“You’re right, I just thought the latrines would be safe. Like an unspoken rule ya know?” Charlie agreed.
“Hey John, did you hear Charlie just say I’m right? I feel like it’s my birthday.” DeMarco teased. Charlie scowled and thumped the taller man on the arm. DeMarco let out an audible ‘ouch’.
“Stop teasing her Benny.” John Brady grinned at the mischievous pair. Charlie grinned at Brady.
“You always were my favourite John.” Charlie hid behind John in case DeMarco wanted revenge. While Charlie was hiding behind John she noticed his hair.
“Your hair is getting long John, want me to cut it for you?” Charlie offered.
“Do you have scissors?” John asked Charlie.
“Forget the scissors, do you really want this maniac near your precious hair with a sharp cutting tool?” DeMarco teased.
“Hey!” Charlie protested “Why am I a maniac?” Charlie asked, stepping out from behind John with her hands on her hips.
“Where do I begin?” DeMarco replied with a smirk.
“Stop teasing her.” John scolded DeMarco again before placing a hand on the small of Charlie’s back, guiding her along.
“Yeah, stop teasing me.” Charlie stuck her tongue out at Benny childishly.
“I’m surrounded by children.” John muttered to himself, not quiet enough for the other two not to hear.
“Be honest John, you missed me really.” Charlie nudged her friend with a smile.
“Of course I missed you, doesn’t mean you had to drop in to visit though.” John replied, heartbroken that Charlie was placed here with them. When their future was so uncertain.
“Wasn’t my choice although being here is better than my other option.” Charlie muttered to herself. John and Benny still overheard and shared looks between them.
The trio eventually made it to the latrines and John went in first to check that it was clear.
“All clear,” John announced when he returned “We’ll wait outside for you.”
“My knights in shining armour.” Charlie said in departure before going in. It was only 5 seconds later that she stepped back out again.
“What is that smell?” Charlie’s eyes were watering at the stench.
Brady and DeMarco smirked at each other.
“You get used to it” Brady advised.
“Hold your nose” DeMarco advised before steering Charlie back in and closing the door.
When Charlie had gone again the pair laughed to themselves. Maybe they should have warned her about the horrendous lingering odour.
While Charlie was with Brady and DeMarco, Buck and Bucky invited the Colonel to their barracks to discuss the situation and arrival of Charlie.
“I guess by now you have heard the rumours about an American woman entering the camp,” Bucky started, wringing his hands “It’s my sister. It’s Charlie.” Bucky admitted.
“I’m sorry to hear that Bucky,” The Colonel told one of his most senior officers. “Do we know why she was put here?” he asked.
Buck and Bucky shared a look. “She admitted last night that she killed a German officer. An SS officer. He was going to rape the other flight nurse that was on her plane.” Bucky told him.
“Oh. Where is this other flight nurse now?” The Colonel asked curiously.
“We don’t know. Charlie hasn’t said. To be honest she hasn’t said a lot, and I get the feeling she’s holding back something.” Bucky voiced his concerns.
“Yeah, it’s not just you. She is hiding something.” Buck chimed in.
“Any idea what?” The Colonel questioned.
Before Bucky and Buck could reply, the door to the room slammed opened and Charlie sauntered in with a huff. She didn’t take note of the occupants in the room and directly made a B line to her brother. DeMarco and Brady were not so subtly grinning from the doorway.
“John Clarence Egan! You could have warned me about the smell from the latrines, you goof ball!” Charlie exclaimed loudly before thumping him on the arm. Bucky lot loose an exaggerated ‘ouch’ and rubbed his injured arm but couldn’t help smirking at how annoyed his baby sister was.
“I mean the smell…” Charlie carried on, barely managing to hold back her gag. She could still smell it. The odour lingered in her nostrils.
“Charlie.” Buck tried to get her attention, but Charlie was too caught up in her predicament.
“Don’t get me started on you Buck, you didn’t tell me either!” Charlie warned looking cross at her boyfriend.
DeMarco was loudly laughing from the doorway now and Brady was trying to suppress his own. Charlie glared back at her friends before taking a minute to calm down and inspect the room. That’s when she noticed the unfamiliar man sitting near her brother and boyfriend. A Colonel.
“Oh, sorry Sir, I didn’t see you there.” Charlie jumped to attention and saluted the higher-ranking man.
“At ease Major Egan. I have heard a lot about you from Majors’ Egan and Cleven.” The Colonel replied. Charlie narrowed her eyes at her brother and boyfriend, wandering what they told the Colonel about her.
“All good things I hope.” Charlie sweetly replied, suddenly looking the picture of innocence. Bucky scoffed at the role she was putting on.
“Very much so. I am very sorry that you have been placed here however Major Egan.” The Colonel told her sympathetically. Charlie’s face dropped and she awkwardly tried to smile while avoiding eye contact with anyone. Bucky and Buck watched her face carefully. She was acting off.
“Mmhmm.” Charlie nonverbally acknowledged.
“It was very nice to meet you despite the circumstances, but I’ll bid you goodbye for now. Please come to me if you need anything.” The Colonel said in passing before getting up to leave.
“I’ll walk you out Colonel.” Bucky offered quickly. As quick as lightening he had jumped up and lead the way out of the barracks. Charlie looked at Bucky’s back with suspicion before brushing off his odd behaviour.
“Do you see what I mean Colonel? She’s acting… weird.” Bucky softly spoke to the Colonel once outside in the yard.
“Yeah, I don’t even know the woman, but something is not right. Keep an eye on her Bucky.” The Colonel advised.
“Yes sir.” Bucky agreed.
Meanwhile inside the room, Buck and Charlie had been left alone for the first time in a year.
“Are you ok?” Buck asked gently while scrapping a lose bit of hair away from Charlie’s face. They were sitting side by side on Buck’s lower bunk bed.
Charlie reached up to cup Buck’s face with the palm of her hand, gently running her thumb along the faint scars that now littered his face.
“I’m ok,” Charlie nodded “I missed you,” she confessed. “So much.” She added, unintentionally tearing up.
“I missed you too,” Buck confessed, his face unconsciously moving closer to hers “I have regretted for a year not waking you up that morning before I left for Bremen.”
Charlie’s eyes softened “I regret not waking up in time to see you go.” She admitted.
“It doesn’t matter now because we are here together.” Buck comforted her.
“Yeah.” Her voice cracked lowly before she couldn’t hold back anymore and lunged forward to capture his lips with hers. Buck wasn’t surprised and was ready for her. The kiss started off fast and desperate, so much time had passed and neither one believed they would’ve been able to experience this feeling again with the other, until the kiss slowed down and they were able to savour every taste and feeling of the other. Buck was ever so gently cupping the back of Charlie’s head whilst Charlie was clinging to Buck’s dog tags.
The pair were so intoxicated with the other that when they heard the door to the room open, they were slow to pull apart from each other. They were in their own little world which was sharply broken by Bucky’s exasperated cry.
“Oh, come on you two! Really?”
Notes:
Hi Everyone!
Chapter 26 is now up. I hope you like it and as always let me know what you think :)
Chapter 27
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
October 1944
Thorpe Abbotts
Harry sighed as he finished planning out yet another route for another mission over Germany. He thought about the days when he wouldn’t have to do it anymore. The days when the lives of men were not in his hands. Routes were crucial when mission planning. Avoiding enemy fighters and flak were the most important aspect of any good route into and out of enemy territory.
Harry handed off some maps to a junior officer before walking back to his office, looking forward to a glass of whiskey and some music from the radio.
He frowned when he saw the light already on in his office, he got closer and recognised Rosie and Jack waiting for him and he smiled.
“What you have nothing else to do today? Cause let me tell you I’ve been flat out. How about you two take some of my work on huh?” Harry joked walking around the pair before taking his seat behind his desk.
Harry didn’t look at them properly.
Harry began scribbling on a report, something he had left to finish later, ignoring the two anxious men.
“Harry.” Rosie tried to get his attention.
“Yeah?” Harry replied, distracted and focused on his report.
“Harry.” Jack tried to gain his full attention.
Harry huffed in annoyance and looked up to see Rosie and Jack with solemn faces. Harry’s face fell instantly.
“What? What is it?” Harry asked with wide eyes.
“A C-47 was shot down last week,” Rosie began softly. Harry’s lip began to quiver- anticipating what was coming “It was supposed to land in St Trond, Belgium. It never turned up. It was an evacuation flight. They only released the plane manifest today. Cros…” Rosie trailed off, not know of how to break the news to his friend.
“I know what you’re going to say.” Harry sat back in his chair, looking defeated.
“She was on the plane Harry,” Jack told him. “I’m sorry.”
Harry nodded his head slowly, taking in what he was being told with great reluctance.
“And umm,” Harry’s hand shook as he pulled it away from his face and placed it on the desk “Do we know where the plane went down?”
“No. Not yet but this is being investigated but with the war… we might never know. There was another flight nurse on the plane other than Major Egan. Their families are going to want answers.” Jack replied before signalling for Rosie to leave Harry be.
Jack and Rosie left after squeezing Harry’s shoulders sympathetically. When his office door was finally closed, Harry’s fingers found his pen lying on his desk and he threw it at the door angrily before huffing out a breath and screaming ‘Fuck!’
He leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before bringing his head down again.
“Shit. Charlie…” Harry said more softer before allowing a tear to slide down his cheek. Another friend gone.
Stalag Luft III
“Do you two mind? I’m eating.” Bucky huffed in annoyance from across the table when he spotted Charlie feeding Buck a stale biscuit from the rations they had been given.
“We’re eating too. What’s your point?” Charlie replied in confusion. DeMarco grinned behind his spoon. Charlie had brought a sense of normality to the men of the 100th. It almost felt like they were back at Thorpe Abbotts. Almost.
“Whatever” Bucky muttered under his breath knowing he wouldn’t win against his younger sister. Buck was no help either. He had been acting like a loved-up sap since Charlie had entered the Stalag.
There was a comfortable silence in the room whilst everyone ate their meal. It didn’t last long.
The familiar sound of boots on the wooden floor echoed outside the room and everyone froze.
The door was not so gently slammed open.
“Major Egan. Lieutenant Haussmann commands your presence.” The German officer loudly announced in heavily accented English.
Charlie didn’t want to look up at the questioning eyes of the boys but knew she had to. When she did, she realised all eyes were on her brother and not her.
Bucky slowly put his bowl down and stood up reluctantly. The German officer shook his head.
“Not you. The other one. Charlotte.” The German Officer corrected. Then all hell broke loose.
The boys stood up almost in sync and started voicing very loudly their disapproval to Charlie walking away with a German officer to visit another German officer with nobody else present. They were all shouting over each other to be heard whilst Charlie looked on in disbelief. Bucky was one of the loudest, shouting. Buck however was looking at Charlie with questions in his eyes. Charlie ignored them all and stood up, willing to follow the waiting German officer who was a minute away from calling in his crony friends to rough up the 100th men.
Bucky caught her arm when she went towards the officer “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Bucky questioned, angry with no idea.
“It will be worse if he comes back with his friends,” Charlie explained, trying to reason with him “Calm down all of you. I will be back soon.” Charlie spoke to the room of men.
Bucky reluctantly let go of her arm after sharing a look with Buck. Charlie smile was strained as she left the men of the 100th behind. Their eyes followed her out of the room. Charlie didn’t miss the way other men in the Stalag watched as she was led across the open yard to the commandant’s office.
“What’s going on Charlie?” Buck whispered to himself. Bucky began pacing the room.
Meanwhile Charlie was led to the commandant’s office. The door was opened for her, and it revealed a smiling Lieutenant Haussmann sitting behind the commandant’s desk.
“Ah Charlie. Welcome,” Haussmann greeted her. “Take a seat, please.” He indicated with his hand to the seat opposite the desk and him.
“You know your demanding to see me caused a stir with the boys.” Charlie told him before taking the offered lucky strike from Haussmann. She then leaned forward to accept the flame from his lighter being offered.
“Yes. I thought it might.” He acknowledged.
“Is that it?” Charlie questioned with a raised brow.
“What do you want me to do Charlie? Snatch you from the latrines?” Lieutenant Haussmann asked with a shrug of his shoulder.
“No. It wouldn’t work anyway. They follow me everywhere including to the outside of the latrines.” Charlie admitted.
“Smart boys. Very protective.” Haussmann commented.
“They have their moments,” Charlie praised with a smile “Any news?” Charlie asked.
“Lieutenant Whittle has been moved from a holding facility to a Luftwaffe Intelligence centre at Oberursal just outside Frankfurt.” Haussmann relayed.
“You told me she was going to a hospital.” Charlie accused, not happy at the sound of an intelligence centre.
“And she will. Eventually,” Lieutenant Haussmann responded with a puff on his cigarette “Look I’ll be honest with you Charlie, no one quite knows what to do with her.”
“What do you mean ‘do with her’?” Charlie questioned in disbelief. “She’s a nurse. She’s a woman. She’s an American. Treat her well.”
“Do you know how many women prisoners of war we have Charlie? No?” Lieutenant Haussmann looked annoyed now.
“We have you and we have Lieutenant Whittle. That’s it,” He answered himself “You, we know what to do with. Lieutenant Whittle? Not so much.” He admitted.
Charlie was silent for a moment as she stared down the junior German officer.
“She’s an excellent nurse,” Charlie admitted softly, calmer “Put her in a hospital, let her work and you won’t regret it.”
Haussmann stared at Charlie for a moment silently.
“You really care about her, don’t you?” He asked in amazement. Fascinated.
“Enough to kill for her.” Charlie muttered, just loud enough for Haussmann to hear.
“Hmm,” He sighed, slouching in the chair relaxed before looking away from the woman to inspect the décor of the borrowed commandant’s office. “How is Buck Cleven and Bucky Egan?” he asked.
The question surprised Charlie. “They’re ok. I think. I’m not sure.” Charlie admitted.
“A year in this place would change any man.” Haussmann commented nonchalantly. “Oh well, at least you three are together again. Your story is, how do you say, sweet?” he questioned hesitantly, wondering if he got his wording right.
“I supposed you could call it that.” Charlie admitted. The Lieutenant nodded to himself.
“Well Charlie I did come here for more than just giving you an update on your friend,” he admitted before leaning forward in his seat. Charlie gulped. “You’re off the hook from the SS.” Charlie let out a breath of relief. It would be torture to the boys if Charlie was sent to a Stalag only to be pulled away a few days later to be shot.
“How?” Charlie questioned in disbelief.
“I have my ways of… getting around people.” Haussmann vaguely said.
“Is that all you’re going to say?” Charlie queried in surprise.
“It’s better for you and me, yes. Just know you’re safe- at least from being executed.” Haussmann told her.
“Why? Why help me?” Charlie questioned warily and happy at the same time.
The Lieutenant sighed and leaned back in his seat “You remind me of my younger sister. She wanted to be a nurse too. She was killed in a night bombing in Hamburg.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Charlie said. Haussmann waved her off.
“It’s this war. No one is coming out unscathed. We’ve all lost someone,” Haussmann sighed. Charlie’s mind immediately jumped to the multiple faces that never made it back to Thorpe Abbotts and rested on her dear friend, Curt. Charlie sniffed to hold back her tears- she hadn’t thought about Curt in a long time. “I miss being able to fly without dropping bombs or firing machine guns.” He admitted.
“I’m sure a lot of the men in here can commiserate with that.” Charlie told the young man.
“Now, would you like a coffee before you leave or are your boys going to be waiting so impatiently for your return that they will start a fight with one of the guards?” Haussmann asked, changing the subject and sitting up straight once again.
“I would love a cup but I’m not sure if Buck and Bucky are reaching their breaking point yet.” Charlie admitted.
“They’re big boys. I’m sure Gale Cleven can keep Bucky distracted long enough for you to finish a cup of coffee.” Lieutenant Haussmann told Charlie.
Charlie thought about it and shrugged in agreement. After the week Charlie had, the first sip of coffee felt like heaven on her lips.
“Is it good?” Haussmann asked in amusement as Charlie closed her eyes in delight.
“Amazing! It’s hard to get your hands on any in England what with rationing and all.” Charlie admitted.
“Hmm. Another cigarette?” He offered; Charlie gladly accepted.
“This will be the first and last time I will be able to visit, Charlie. I don’t want to cause any more suspicions than I’m sure my visit here today is already causing,” Haussmann told her while lighting her cigarette before opening the door of the commandant’s office. The pair stepped out into the sunlight and to the entrance of the camp. Charlie was not surprised to see Buck and Bucky waiting for her. Only the guards and the fence separated them from her. Charlie noted how Buck had a tight hold of Bucky’s arm- restraining him from doing something stupid no doubt.
“With regard to Lieutenant Whittle, I will try to ‘encourage’ the red cross to visit the hospital she will be in. Hopefully if they see her, they will arrange to repatriate her back home. I will do my best.” Haussmann commanded her attention again.
Charlie looked surprised but pleased.
“Thank you.” She nodded gratefully as they walked side by side. What a sight they must have made, a woman American officer and a male German officer having a cordial conversation. Charlie knew all eyes, Buck and Bucky included were on them.
Charlie flicked her used cigarette to the ground and Haussmann copied her. He stomped on them both with his boot.
“Hello, Bucky. How are you?” Haussmann called out loudly from a safe distance and even gave a little wave. Charlie could see steam coming out of Bucky’s ears and Buck was trying to calm him.
“Do you have to antagonise him?” Charlie rolled her eyes at the junior German officer.
“It’s fun.” He replied with a grin. Charlie smirked, silently agreeing with him.
They made it to the wired fence and Charlie paused before leaving Haussmann to enter the camp again.
“Thank you for what you have done. I really appreciate it, and I can’t ever repay you.” Charlie told the young man.
“When I first met your brother, Charlie, I told him that I’m a flyer. That fact is still true today.” Haussmann told her meaningfully in parting. Charlie watched for a moment as he turned around, still in his pristine uniform, and walked away. He didn’t look back once. Charlie only moved once the German guards started shouting commands at her. There was something about Lieutenant Haussmann that gave Charlie hope for the future, the future of the world.
Charlie reluctantly approached the impatient pair.
“What the hell was that about?” Bucky demanded, confused as to why his interrogator from a year ago suddenly shows up in the Stalag asking for his younger sister.
“Not now Bucky.” Charlie told him before walking away. Bucky was going to chase after her, demanding answers, but Buck caught him in time.
“Not here.” Buck told his friend as he watched Charlie walk away, almost in a daze. Buck frowned in thought.
Notes:
Poor Harry. He keeps losing his friends :(
And a familiar face popped up in this Chapter. What do you think of Haussmann now? do you think he is genuinely good or just scarred from the war? I wanted to show a different Haussmann from other stories so I hope you like this version of him
I guess Charlie's head is off the chopping block so to speak.
Charlie is being very secretive and not telling Buck and Bucky the truth but be assured the truth always finds its way out eventually.....
Chapter 28
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
October 1944
Thorpe Abbotts
Harry had had a few days to sleep on the knowledge that Charlie Egan had been shot down in her C-47. There was one night however shortly after hearing the news, that his eyes popped open, and he rose from his bed with a sudden urgency.
He didn’t even bother to put on proper clothes before he was in his jeep and speeding out of the gates of Thorpe Abbotts.
When he returned 4 hours later, daylight was breaking, and the base was buzzing with men who had newly awoken and were ready to start their day. Rosie and Jack didn’t miss the sudden appearance of Harry speeding through the gates of Thorpe Abbotts in his jeep, they were on their way to the mess to have some breakfast.
Rosie and Jack watched as Harry, still in his pyjamas, heaved a heavy trunk from the back of his jeep. Nobody missed the initials painted in white. C. Egan, Major.
Harry didn’t know he was being watched until he looked up and saw his friends staring.
“Her trunk should be with the others, for when she comes back.” Harry explained, feeling their questions ready to burst out. Harry, without delay, dragged her heavy trunk into the mens barracks and put it between Buck and Bucky’s, where it belonged.
“Has he lost it?” Rosie asked Jack, concerned for his friend.
“No. He’s maintaining hope,” Jack replied softly before patting Rosie gently on the shoulder “It’s all we can do.”
Stalag Luft III
Charlie found herself wandering the camp for the first time alone. The number of eyes on her almost made her run right back to her barracks. She knew that what she was doing was reckless- wandering by herself in a camp full of men she didn’t know. She just longed for some alone time. A rare commodity in a POW camp.
Charlie’s attention was pulled to a man in an old dirty uniform, not unlike everyone else in the camp, making haste across the open courtyard. She wouldn’t have given the man a second glance but at that moment the light hit off something metal around the mans neck. A stethoscope. Interesting.
Charlie unconsciously found herself following the man who was in such a hurry. The man didn’t notice. Charlie’s feet hesitated the further away the man was going from where she knew her barracks is. She could easily get lost in the sea of wooden huts. But she had come this far, and she was curious. Something Egan’s are known for. Bucky will just have to kill her later. She is sure they are going to have a lot to talk about anyway. Like her near execution that had just been cancelled.
Charlie saw the man slow down as he approached a hut, not too dissimilar from the others, however this one had a poorly drawn cross above the doorway. The man did not dally in going inside. He left the door open, and Charlie quietly approached the open doorway but paused before entering. This could be dangerous. She didn’t know who was inside or who the man is.
“Are you coming in or what?” A voice shouted from inside. Charlie jumped instinctively and looked around at her surroundings. Her presence was starting to draw curious eyes. None she recognised. Things could turn ugly soon if she hesitated any longer.
Charlie breathed in deeply before entering the hut. She left the door open. Just in case she needed to make a quick getaway.
“I thought you’d never come in.” The man muttered loudly, not paying the woman any attention yet. His back was to Charlie as he searched for something on his shelf.
“Do you know me?” Charlie asked warily.
“No,” The man immediately replied still with his back to her before quickly turning around and making eye contact with the woman for the first time. “No, I don’t think so.”
“What do you want?” Charlie asked, tilting her head in curiosity. She wasn’t getting any bad vibes from the strange man. She didn’t feel the need to instantly flee.
The man laughed at Charlie’s question. “What do I want? Shouldn’t I be asking you that? You just followed me through half the camp.”
Charlie blushed in embarrassment.
“I was curious.” Charlie tried to shrug it off.
The man’s head tilted at that answer.
“Have you ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?” The man frowned “It’s dangerous walking around here by yourself just because you’re curious. Especially you. Don’t do it again.” The man scolded her.
Charlie frowned at the reprimand.
“You’re not my brother. I don’t need a telling off from you. A stranger.” Charlie retorted, annoyed suddenly with the man.
“Your brother would say the same thing. Next time don’t follow strangers’ home, Major Egan.” The man addressed her by her title and name. Charlie sucked in a breath.
“So, you do know who I am?” Charlie accused with narrow eyes. She was suddenly put on edge.
“I know your brother. Also, rumours fly fast in a place like this.” The man explained.
“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage since I don’t not know your name. Perhaps you can enlighten me.” Charlie politely prompted, crossing her arms.
“Major Frederick Ribbons. My friends call me Freddie.” The man, Freddie, introduced.
Charlie nodded in greeting.
“Why did you follow me?” Freddie asked again.
Charlie looked at her feet for a second before making eye contact with the man. “You’re wearing a stethoscope. I was curious if you were a doctor,” Charlie admitted before looking closer at the man “Are you a doctor?” Charlie asked point blank.
The man chuckled. “Yes. The camp’s only doctor so you can imagine how busy I am.”
“Hmm.” Charlie didn’t know what to say. The words were stuck in her throat.
Freddie looked down at Charlie’s wrapped hand, which she cradled unconsciously. It was still tied up in the original bandage that the German doctor did after the crash.
“Did you want me to look at your hand?” Freddie asked, nodding at her dirty bandaged hand. Charlie looked down at her hand blankly.
“No, it’s fine. I think I’m going to go. Sorry for disturbing you.” Charlie quickly answered before turning on her heel to leave. She had the sudden urge to run away.
“Charlie. Stop,” Freddie ordered and to Charlie’s surprise she did. “Sit down. You need your bandage changed at least.”
“No, no it’s fine. I really don’t—” Charlie protested but didn’t move to leave.
“Sit down.” Freddie ordered again and Charlie complied. Freddie turned around once he was satisfied the woman wasn’t going to disappear and rummaged around in a few boxed before he found a clean bandage.
Charlie watched warily as he sat down opposite her and gently unwound the dirty bandage that covered up her burnt hand. Charlie winced as the last of the bandage was unwound, some of it stuck to her skin and had to be gently pulled away. Freddie looked at the burn with calculating eyes. Medical eyes.
“This is a serious burn. How did you get this?” He asked, examining the bright red of the skin. It was already trying to heal but would take time.
“I picked up some metal debris that was from the crash of my plane.” Charlie shortly replied. Not wanting to go into detail. Not wanting to think about that night. “I didn’t even feel it.” Charlie whispered.
“Do you feel it now?” The doctor asked, pressing down on different parts of her hand, taking note of her reactions.
“Sometimes. It tingles mostly.” Charlie admitted.
“Any pain?” Freddie asked, looking away from her hand and into her eyes. Charlie looked scared.
“No.” Charlie muttered, tears welling up in her eyes. “I know what you’re going to say Freddie.” Charlie admitted. She knew all along.
“Charlie,” Freddie sighed, sitting back in his seat instead of leaning forward. He looked sympathetic. “I think you have nerve damage.”
Charlie let a tear fall from her eyes and nodded her head to show she understood.
“I know.” Charlie admitted. It was a secret fear she had been keeping to herself since the crash, but Freddie only confirmed her fears. “I can’t ever be a nurse again.” Charlie admitted for the first time out loud. Everything she had been working towards, everything she wanted for her future had shattered with those words.
“Charlie—” Freddie began.
“Don’t say that I can because I know I cannot. Have you ever seen a nurse use one hand? Because I haven’t.” Charlie snapped at him, knowing what he was going to say.
“You still have two hands Charlie.” Freddie tried to reassure her.
“But I can’t use one! I can’t even feel it!” Charlie cried out, wanting to hit something yet at the same time wanting someone to just hold her. Charlie wants Buck.
“It may come back. The sensations in your hand may come back. I’ve seen it happen. It could happen to you.” Freddie tried to give hope to the young woman. Charlie cleared the last of her tears away with her hand. She needed to think practically.
“Look at my hand,” Charlie whispered, staring at the lobster red skin that was leaking puss in an effort to heal. “There’s no coming back from that.” Charlie resigned herself to her future of not being a nurse. It was everything she ever wanted to be, and it was now gone just like that. Charlie didn’t know who she was without her job. It’s such an integral part of her life that she now felt lost.
“Well, I’m holding out hope.” Freddie commented, getting Charlie’s attention.
“Why? You don’t even know me.” Charlie asked solemnly, tears still heavy in her voice.
“I know a dedicated nurse when I see one,” Freddie kindly told the devastated woman. Charlie almost smiled at the compliment. Any other time those words would light up her face. “Come on. I should finish wrapping up your bandage and get you back to your barracks before your brother starts playing baseball again with ghosts.”
“Hmm?” Charlie didn’t catch all of that.
“Never mind. Let’s get you back.” Freddie didn’t bother repeating himself and made quick work of bandaging up her hand tightly.
It was early evening when the pair strolled through the camp, going back to hers. They weren’t in any rush. They were just processing everything.
“Could I… um could I perhaps help you… you know with patients.” Charlie said, breaking the easy silence between them.
“Would your brother allow it?” Freddie immediately countered. Charlie scowled at the mention of her overprotective brother and muttered under her breath but not quiet enough for Freddie not to hear ‘Fuck what Bucky wants’.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m my own person and can make my own decisions.” Charlie answered, withholding her scoff at the implication Bucky is the boss of her.
“This may be my last chance to be a nurse again. To help people.” Charlie admitted, trying to keep her eyes dry. She was so sick and tired of crying.
“Ok.” Freddie agreed for various reasons. Doing this may give Charlie some hope that she still has a future being a nurse and it was no secret the only doctor in the camp was in high supply.
“Ok?” Charlie queried, thinking for sure he was going to say no.
“Nerve damaged hand or not, I have no doubt you could stitch someone up faster with one hand than one of these boys with two. Your reputation precedes you Major Egan.” Freddie complimented the woman.
Charlie smiled softly up at the taller man. Freddie grinned back too. They understood each other.
A loud cough interrupted their little moment. Freddie looked up to see a handful of men loitering around the front of the 100th’s hut.
“Huh a welcoming committee,” Freddie commented, not bothered by the glares of the men boring into his face “Probably for you, not me.” Freddie joked.
“Yeah…” Charlie agreed trailing off. Charlie almost groaned when she saw Bucky suddenly charging towards her with Buck following behind.
“I thought I told you to not go anywhere without one of us!” Bucky scolded loudly before he even reached the pair.
“I’m fine thanks for asking.” Charlie sarcastically replied. Buck placed a hand on Bucky’s shoulder, trying to calm down his friend and holding him back from doing something stupid.
“We were just worried about you Charlie. It’s dangerous to wander about alone in this place.” Buck intervened with calming words trying to diffuse the situation.
“That’s what I told her. Don’t worry I kept a close eye on her.” Freddie injected, drawing attention to himself for the first time.
“Oh Doc, hello.” Buck greeted in surprise.
“Major Cleven, Major Egan.” Freddie greeted the two well known men. They had met briefly when Bucky had come into the camp a year ago all banged up and in rather bad shape. His demeaner left much to be desired as Bucky was not in a good head space back then. Although no one would agree his head is on right now either.
“I ran into the doctor, and he changed my bandage for me.” Charlie explained quickly, not wanting to get into an argument right now.
“Yes, I’ll need to keep an eye on your hand Charlie but it’s good news that there is no sign of infection so far,” Freddie mentioned allowed to his new patient and now nurse assistant.
“Not to worry boys, I kept the undesirables away from the good Major,” Freddie cheerfully exclaimed before turning to the shorter woman “Charlie, it was a pleasure to meet you. I’ll see you tomorrow at your barracks after appell.” Freddie said before walking off casually, whistling a tune while strolling back towards his hut.
Charlie watched her protection against Bucky and Buck’s curiosity walk away and sighed before ignoring the duo and walking into the barracks. She was tired, physically and emotionally, and wanted some rest.
Bucky and Buck followed after her, undeterred and eager for answers.
Notes:
Oh my baby Harry! I love the actor that plays him and who would have thought that he's Northern Irish! (for my American readers Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland are two very different places if you weren't already aware)
What does everyone think about Charlie's nerve damage?
Just a heads up- I am going to be taking a short break of posting new chapters over Christmas
Chapter 29
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Talk.” Bucky demanded.
Charlie was laying down on her bunk pretending to read a random book that was lying around the hut. Charlie had tried to ignore when the big figures of Buck and Bucky filed into the room after her and not so gently kicked out anyone else who was lurking around.
Charlie sighed loudly before slamming the book down on her mattress and rolling her eyes at the ceiling of the bunk above before moving her eyes to focus on an impatient Bucky and Buck.
“Talk? Ok let’s talk about Lieutenant Haussmann and how he is such a fan of you two. You guys must have made a hell of an impression on him. Did you really discuss Baseball with him Bucky?” Charlie smirked.
Bucky shifted on his feet, memories shooting back to his own interrogation after surviving the massacre at Russelsheim. Buck glanced at his friend out of curiosity. Bucky never talked about his interrogation.
“A fan?” Buck questioned.
“Yeah, he practically gushed over you two. Well and me as well. He seemed to be very well informed.” Charlie deflected expertly.
“Yeah, we know. We talked about this but as far as we know no one has given any information to him.” Buck replied, thinking back to the conversation the group had as soon as they were admitted to the camp.
“He laid my whole life out. He knew where I was in England and when better than you Bucky.” Charlie muttered, still disgruntled by that. She never had a chance to ask him how he knew all of that.
Bucky scoffed “Well that’s not hard Charlie.”
Charlie childishly stuck her tongue out at him. Buck narrowed his eyes at Charlie, thinking.
“Are you going to tell us why he came back for a follow up meeting?” Buck bluntly asked, not distracted in the slightest by her deflection. Charlie looked like a deer caught in headlights at that. She thought she had gotten away from talking about it. She was nearly home free.
Bucky crossed his arms, realising what Charlie had done.
“He was umm…” Charlie stammered, not knowing what to say without giving away everything.
“Are you—” Bucky hesitated, not wanting to ask her the question everyone is thinking. There was no other obvious explanation. “Are you feeding him information? To the Germans?” Bucky asked, scared of the answer. He didn’t what to do if his sister was an informant. The men would not handle it well.
“What? No!” Charlie immediately shut down the question looking very offended that he even asked. “How could you ask that? I’m your sister!” Charlie started getting louder as her temper flared.
Bucky held his hands up, in an effort to protect himself from her wrath. No one missed the breath of relief he exhaled at her answer.
“Well Charlie it doesn’t look good,” Bucky defended his questioning. “A German officer known to most of the prisoners as an interrogator selecting you to talk in private. It looks bad Charlie, real bad. Explain and no bullshit this time.”
Charlie bit her lip. She knew she had to tell the truth. She knew it didn’t look good but she didn’t want everyone to know the truth.
“He was giving me an update on Reba.” Charlie half truthfully explained.
“Why would he do that?” Bucky asked, not making sense to him “Out of the goodness of his heart?” Bucky scoffed mockingly. He knew his sister was still lying.
“No. I begged him to take care of her. She’s innocent. She doesn’t deserve to be a POW. She deserves to go home.” Charlie explained, pained by being away from Reba. Not knowing how exactly she was coping and hoping she was being looked after.
“And you don’t?” Buck questioned, reading the implication between her words.
“I killed someone Buck.” Charlie’s voice broke when she repeated the words that would forever haunt her.
“For her. You killed him for her.” Bucky stated fiercely. They were starting to dislike the woman they had never met. Why would Charlie protect this woman so fiercely that she killed for her?
“Yes, but it wouldn’t matter really would it if Reba wasn’t there. You said it yourself Bucky. He would have done the same to me if Reba was not there and there wouldn’t be anyone there to save me.” Charlie expressed darkly.
Buck and Bucky quietened at that scenario Charlie painted. It made the two men almost sick to their stomach at the thought.
“Haussmann said he will try to get Reba noticed by the Red Cross. She could get repatriated home.” Charlie added to break the sudden silence.
“I don’t understand,” Bucky began to pace the room, pulling at his hair. Something wasn’t adding up. “I don’t understand why he would do that for you. I don’t understand why he came all this way to tell you. I don’t understand any of it. What aren’t you telling us Charlie?” Bucky practically begged stopping in front of his younger sister. Buck was calmer and remained seated but very much invested in what Charlie had to say next.
Charlie realised then that she had to come clean. About everything. They deserved to know. Charlie was hardly able to handle the thought of what was to be her fate let alone tell anyone what her future was to be.
“Lieutenant Haussmann did come to see me for another reason,” Charlie admitted looking down at her feet before gathering the courage to look up at the pair, when she did, she had tears in her eyes. “When I was in the Dulag Luft, Haussmann told me that the SS wanted retribution for the death of their officer. I was to be executed.” Charlie revealed.
Buck and Bucky’s faces dropped at the news. It was very much unexpected.
“Executed? They can’t do that.” Buck denied quickly.
“Look around Buck. We’re in Germany. They can do what they want.” Bucky bitterly replied without taking his eyes off his sister. His thoughts ran back to Russelsheim. They will for the rest of his life.
“What did Haussmann say? Are you to be moved? We’re going to have move up our timeline Buck. I should let the Colonel know. We need to be prepared to make our move.” Bucky talked and moved at a thousand miles an hour. He wasn’t going to let it happen. Not his sister. They were going to have make their move soon to escape. Charlie’s days could be numbered. Buck also started to move around the room, checking on the weapons they had made and stored.
“Bucky stop,” Charlie protested, trying to get her brother’s attention. “Stop Bucky.” Charlie tugged on her brother’s arm to stop him leaving the hut to find the Colonel. “Bucky STOP!” Charlie eventually shouted and the two men froze in their actions.
“They’re not going to,” Charlie tried to get out her words, but she was feeling overwhelmed. “They’re not going to execute me.”
“Why?” Bucky asked suspiciously.
“Why? Can you just be pleased I’m not dead?” Charlie joked, trying to lighten the tension in the room.
“Charlie.” Bucky growled in warning. It didn’t make sense.
“I don’t know. Haussmann said he dealt with it. Said it was safer for him and me that I didn’t know the details.” Charlie reiterated.
“I’m even more confused.” Buck admitted.
“Yeah, me too,” Bucky agreed. “What does he want? A man like that always wants something in return.” Bucky questioned.
“He said that I remind him of his younger sister. She was killed in a bombing in Hamburg,” Charlie told them what the young Lieutenant told her. “Said he’s a flyer. Truth be told I think he’s tired of the war and the killing as much as we are, but I believe him. I believe he has good intentions.”
“I guess we’ll see about that.” Bucky said in parting before leaving the building. He needed some air and time to digest everything he had just heard.
Charlie watched her brother walk out before turning around to face a silent Buck.
“Buck?” Charlie called, not know what else to say. She didn’t know how he was feeling about everything. Charlie’s eyes were still shiny from the re-telling of her story.
“Come here.” Buck beckoned and Charlie fell into his strong arms. She sniffed up her tears. She didn’t want to cry anymore. Charlie burrowed her face into his neck and Buck’s arms tightened around her small form. He held her tighter than usual, but Charlie didn’t mind. Buck could only think about how he nearly lost her, and he didn’t even know it. He wasn’t letting her go again. Never. He still had to propose after all.
10th October 1944
Stalag 9C
Meiningen, Germany
Reba had only arrived at the hospital that morning and was already put to work in the burn’s unit of the on-site hospital. She didn’t mind. It was something familiar. Comforting. It helped her not to think. Thinking could be dangerous for Reba. It could lead to her spiralling. She needs to work to prevent this.
The hospital was a large building that had been a concert hall before the war and the patients were a mixture of Americans and British.
Everyone had been nice to her when she arrived, once they got over their shock. She was the only woman as she had been the other places she had been before. Reba held out hope she would run into Charlie at one of the locations she had been sent but no such luck so far.
Some of the men had gone out of their way to make Reba feel comfortable. Multiple men had given her gifts that they had collected over time. Some men had been in here for 4 years. A long time for anyone.
It made Reba both happy and sad. Despite being surrounded by hundreds of men, she still felt lonely. She longed to see anyone familiar and especially she longed to see Charlie, to make sure she is ok, to cry into her shoulder about everything. To thank her for saving her. Reba teared up every time she thought of her superior officer and friend. She didn’t want to imagine what the Germans did to her after she killed one of their own.
Reba remembered Charlie speaking about her boyfriend and brother. A rare thing for Charlie. She never spoke about them to anyone but Reba. Reba recalled her telling her that they were prisoners of war in Germany. Reba really did not want to break the news to them that Charlie never made it back home. That the Germans took her and made her disappear. That was what kept Reba up at night. Charlie just… being gone. Like she never existed. Reba knew the Germans could do it as well. No one would ever know. Reba teared up at the thought. It made her sad but also determined. She would find Charlie. She would find her.
18th October 1944
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
“How are you doing Croz?” Jack questioned as he watched his friend hard at work. Trying to ignore everything and everyone. He wasn’t the same after hearing of Charlie’s plane going down. They were gone. All his friends were gone.
“Just fine, Jack. Like I’ve told you for the billionth time.” Harry retorted, focusing on the charts in front of him.
“Uh huh.” Jack was unconvinced. “You haven’t been sleeping.” Jack stated.
Harry scoffed “I don’t have time for that. I’m too busy planning the routes for our boys into Germany just so they can come back terrorised, burned and bloodied- and that’s just the lucky ones.” Harry sassed. Not hiding his displeasure anymore to anyone. Nobody could blame him. Harry had lost more friends than most.
“Got more bad news for me?” Harry questioned, sick and tired but sharp enough to realise Jack was holding something in his hands with care. He just wanted the war to end. Maybe then he could be at peace. Unlikely but a hopeful thought. Harry still couldn’t stomach the thought of telling Buck and Bucky that Charlie’s plane had gone down.
“Uh no but perhaps some good news this time around.” Jack hesitated.
“Oh yeah?” Harry perked but wasn’t holding his breath. He had waited for weeks to hear about Charlie making it into a POW camp and so far, nothing.
“Someone tipped off the Red Cross to a woman working in a hospital in Stalag Luft 9C outside Meiningen, Germany,” Jack announced, and Harry straightened up at hearing that. “They are sending a group to the hospital to inspect and repatriate who they can.”
“Charlie?” Harry voiced shakily.
“It’s possible. We don’t know her identity yet.” Jack explained.
“A woman? Only one? There was two on that C-47.” Harry questioned with a frown.
“Yeah.” Jack agreed silently. Both thinking about the possibility of the other woman not making it out of the crash.
“When are they due to visit?” Harry asked. Now that was something. A glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness.
Notes:
So this chapter picks up right where the last one ended.
Secrets are revealed and Buck and Bucky are developing a real dislike for Reba, unreasonable dislike, but dislike all the same as they cannot understand why Charlie has done so much for this woman they have never met. I think everyone is feeling anxious and angry right now
Oh Harry I feel so sorry for the man but I think you can all guess what happens next :(
Please let me know what you think of this chapter :)
My last chapter update will be 22 December and then I will start posting again in the new year so that's 2 more chapters to go before the holidays! :)
Chapter 30
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
October 1944
Stalag Luft III
Charlie had shared her bunk with Buck the night of her confession. Bucky glared at the pair who were still not married, as he liked to remind them, but let them be. The other men shot her looks, still in the dark about yesterday, but left them alone. The next morning, the hut didn’t even have time for cooking breakfast before the Appell was announced by the shouting of German voices and aggressive banging on doors.
Charlie sighed as she pushed herself up from her bunk. Buck had already risen and was sitting casually in a chair with a cup of water. He didn’t want to wake Charlie. Buck’s eyes were soft as he followed Charlie’s movements. Charlie managed a smile at Buck before being ushered outside for the game of ‘Eins zwei drei’ as the boys affectionately called it.
Luckily the Germans were not in the mood this morning to draw out the counting and they were soon able to return to their huts. Breakfast was cooked by Hambo, a regular cook for the group, using what rations they had.
The peaceful morning was interrupted by a polite knock at the door and the head of Doctor Freddie Ribbons popping his head around the door.
“Morning lads, Charlie.” The Doc greeted. The men looking unconcerned with the visit although a little surprised.
“Nurse Egan, ready to get the day started?” Freddie asked unusually cheerful for the time of the morning.
“Yes doctor.” Charlie immediately agreed and put her bowl down, sliding it over to Buck wordlessly to finish. The men frowned.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Bucky asked, frowning deeply at the thought of Charlie being out of his sight.
“Doctor Ribbons said I could assist him with seeing patients.” Charlie explained, not wanting this to turn into an argument. Charlie wouldn’t back down from this.
“Oh, he did, did he?” Bucky questioned with annoyance.
“I want to help Bucky. I can’t just sit around doing nothing.” Charlie quietly talked to her overprotective brother, trying to reason with him without escalating the matter.
“If you want something to do, then you can cook, clean, do whatever, just as long as you stay here.” Bucky tried to persuade her. His jaw was tense and eyes wide.
“Hey! Murph and I are the resident cooks.” Hambo protested.
“I don’t know, maybe a change of cook might do us some good.” DeMarco commented while eyeing his breakfast with hunger and disgust.
All eyes glared at him and when he noticed, he waved them off nonplussed.
“I won’t let her out of my sight Bucky.” Freddie inputted, changing the subject.
Bucky threw up his hands in frustration “Buck?” Bucky silently asked, wanting his support. The pair had come up with the rules together for Charlie when she got here and now it seemed that allowing her to do this was a big breach of what they had agreed.
Buck crossed his arms eyeing Charlie’s hopeful eyes and her stubbornness seeping through. He knew Charlie would not let this go. Buck turned his eyes next over to Doc Freddie Ribbons, a man he didn’t know well but had heard good things about all the same.
“Alright Doc. DeMarco accompany them.” Buck ordered, trusting his friend and co-pilot to have Charlie’s back. DeMarco had street smarts after growing up in New York, he would know when something wasn’t right.
DeMarco pulled a face but nodded in agreement with his mouth full of his breakfast. Not appetising but necessary to eat for survival.
“We’ll wait outside for you Captain. Finish your breakfast.” Freddie told the man who nodded in agreement.
Charlie shot grateful eyes at Buck before leaving the hut after the doctor. Buck nodded to himself; certain he did the right thing. As much as himself and Bucky wanted to wrap Charlie up in cotton wool and keep her safe at their hut, she needed some freedom too. They couldn’t hide her forever as much as they wanted to.
“I take it you didn’t tell them.” Freddie raised an eyebrow at a guilty looking Charlie.
“No,” Charlie looked down at her bandaged hand, at least the telling of her story last night kept her mind off her hand. “They don’t need to know. Not yet.”
“Your choice.” Freddie shrugged his shoulders.
23rd October 1944
Stalag 9C
Meiningen, Germany
Reba had been at the camp for 2 weeks. The longest she had stayed in one place since her plane crashed in Germany.
Today was supposed to be a half day of working for her. She had decided to do the more boring parts of her job first and roll bandages in readiness for use. Rumours had spread of the Germans using some of the hospital space for wounded soldiers coming back from the front. If that was true, more supplies and more beds would be needed very soon. Reba finished up her day and left the hospital, making the most of the sunshine that was left before winter firmly set in. She never noticed a polished black car pull up to the hospitals minutes after she left carrying the insignia of the International Red Cross.
23rd October 1944
Stalag Luft III
Charlie had been assisting Doc Ribbons for the last 2 weeks now and whilst she felt better helping people instead of sulking away from everyone, her frustration and anger was almost at boiling point.
Her hand. Her stupid stupid hand. She never knew how much she needed it for even simple tasks until she wasn’t able to use it.
And if that wasn’t enough, she had to constantly watch out for curious eyes from the boys in the 100th. Nobody except Freddie knew about her hand and she intended on keeping it that way but with the way she was being watched, it was becoming a full-blown operation just to hide it.
It was DeMarco most of the time being sent to watch herself and Freddie and she had a feeling that he was getting suspicious. Charlie had tried to push Benny out of the room when seeing patients, but he was insistent- no leaving Charlie alone with strange men.
It frustrated Charlie beyond belief.
Her secret was close to coming out. She could feel it.
Just the other day, Charlie was seeing to a man who needed stitches courtesy of the German guards getting too aggressive and she couldn’t stitch in a straight line. It was her dominant hand that was burnt and now even the simplest of things are impossible. She caught Benny looking at her shaking hand with concern- something so simple she could do in her sleep at Thorpe Abbotts, now unable to. Charlie knew she didn’t have much time before all was revealed. Charlie was half surprised that Buck and Bucky didn’t pull her aside that night, she knew Benny wouldn’t keep his mouth shut about something like this. Bucky seemed to be oblivious, but she did not miss the colluding Benny and Buck were doing after dinner that night. They looked concerned and kept staring over at Charlie.
Freddie had warned Charlie that she needed to tell someone, but she didn’t want to burden them… or for them to pity her.
How was she supposed to do even the simplest of tasks when she got home? To cook? To clean? To hold down a job? To even carry a baby in her arms? Charlie feared what Buck’s reaction would be. Would he even want her, being damaged as she is? She knew she was being irrational, but she couldn’t help it. It was now her biggest weakness, and she didn’t know how to handle it. Charlie Egan had always been able to do anything she wanted and now she felt held back and useless. The one thing breaking her heart the most though was the fact that after she left the Stalag, she wouldn’t be able to be a nurse ever again.
It was that thought that caused her cry every night for the next 2 weeks.
12th November 1944
Stalag 9C
Meiningen, Germany
Reba had heard about the visit from the International Red Cross last month but paid it no attention. She was happy to continue as she had, still recovering from her injuries, but she was content. She wasn’t treated badly, and she liked some of the men she had come to know but she longed and longed for Charlie. She had to find her. And she wanted to go home. To her fiancé.
“Lieutenant Reba Whittle?” Reba turned around from cleaning instruments in boiling water to see a small crowd of unfamiliar people watching her.
“Yes?” Reba questioned, unsure of who they are and why they wanted to talk to her.
“We’re with the International Red Cross. We’ve been looking for you.” One of the men gently told the woman with a pleased smile.
Reba hesitantly smiled back.
23rd November 1944
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
Harry sat at the bar between Rosie and Jack sipping on his whisky, deep in thought. The number of planes going down had significantly reduced now that the new P-51 fighters had been approved to accompany the bombers to Germany and back. It gave them a fighting chance. A chance none of the original crew from Greenland was given. It was bittersweet.
Most days the whole base felt like it was full of ghosts. Men that should have come back but never did.
“No, no way! Bucky could charm the underwear off a goat if you let him.” Harry drunkenly rambled.
“Underwear off a goat? Why is the goat wearing underwear Croz?” Rosie scoffed, tipsy but not as far gone as Harry.
“And why is Bucky trying to charm a goat’s underwear off?” Jack asked, confused.
Harry chuckled. “Who knows why Bucky does the things he does.” Rosie and Jack exchanged looks, wondering if they needed to cut their friend off. It wouldn’t be the first time.
“Ok then. Important question,” Rosie changed the subject and looked serious. “Who’s the best flyer in the 100th?” Rosie asked. Harry rolled his neck towards the ceiling for a moment, not thinking about it as he didn’t need to think, he knew instinctively, before looking back at his friend. Rosie knew.
“No, no. Come on Harry, I’m your best friend!” Rosie protested, knowing what Harry is about to say, it isn’t him.
“What am I? Chopped liver?” Jack muttered into his glass, semi-offended.
“I’m sorry but it has to be Buck Cleven. He had a way about flying that just made it seem… magical.” Harry explained dreamily, holding onto his memories of better times.
“Yeah, he did.” Jack agreed, nodding.
“I refuse to believe it.” Rosie pouted, crossing his arms over his chest annoyed.
Harry and Jack chuckled at Rosie, ribbing him for being a baby.
“Excuse me? Major Kidd?” A young man in uniform interrupted the trio hesitantly.
“Yeah?” Jack replied, the most relaxed he had been in a while. Jack eyed the paper in the young man’s hand with trepidation. Probably more orders. Harry and Rosie also sighed in annoyance, knowing whatever the paper was, was going to interrupt their evening.
“For you, sir.” The man handed over the paper and soon fled the scene in a hurry.
“Just great!” Harry commented while taking another gulp of his drink.
Jack sighed, put down his glass, and held the envelope up to his face. His eyes widened when he realised who the letter came from. A sudden urgency overtook him, and he practically ripped the envelope apart, being careful not to harm the contents. Rosie and Harry looked concerned at his actions but felt no need to interrupt him.
Jack’s eyes read the contents with revered interest but his chest of hope deflated fast and he carelessly let the paper fall from his hands onto the top of the bar. Jack ran a hand down his face in disappointment. After a moment he let the hand fall to find Harry and Rosie eyeing him suspiciously.
“That was a letter from the International Red Cross,” Jack explained. He felt the worst when Harry’s eyes focused on his with hope and caution. “I’m sorry Croz,” Jack apologized, feeling like shit when the light fled his good friend’s eyes. “The woman in the Stalag hospital… it wasn’t Charlie.”
Notes:
Hi everyone!
This is a an earlier chapter than normal. Normally I would post tomorrow but I have a lot on with the run up to Christmas so here is Chapter 30! Only one more chapter to go prior to the holidays
Let me know what you think :)
I love reading all of your comments
Chapter 31
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
25th November 1944
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
“She’s dead. I know it now.” Harry Crosby declared loudly, drunkenly, in the officers’ club two nights after receiving the news that the woman POW in the German hospital is not Charlie Egan.
“You don’t know that.” Rosie retorted, trying to bring his friends spirits up. Rosie thought fondly of the young woman he met months ago when they shared a moment together, but he knew he wasn’t anywhere near as close to her as his friend Harry.
“I do.” Harry solemnly replied into his now empty tumbler before slumping on the bar.
“Is he still drunk?” Jack strode over to the pair in the half empty officers club with purpose.
“Yep.” Rosie outed his friend without a second thought.
“Jesus Croz it’s been 48 hours, and I haven’t seen you completely sober once. You are at risk of losing your job if this continues.” Jack reprimanded his friend.
“Yeah, I know,” Harry admitted, unable to care at that moment. “Jack… what am I going to tell Buck and Bucky?” Harry asked with a frown. Jack and Rosie’s eyes met for a second before Jack focused on Harry once again. His face had softened at the clear dilemma Harry was facing.
“You tell them what you always tell the family when someone goes down, she died serving her country and her lose will be felt by everyone that knew her. It’s all you can say.” Jack told him, remembering the words that were written to the families of downed airmen.
“Yeah alright.” Harry downed Rosie’s untouched drink in one go.
December 1944
Stalag 9C
Meiningen, Germany
Reba had been waiting patiently. And waiting and waiting.
She was to be repatriated home to America. When? She didn’t know. It had been two weeks since the Red Cross had visited her, and she was becoming impatient. She had tried to tell the Red Cross representatives that there was another American woman being held somewhere in Germany, but they wouldn’t listen to her. Apparently, no Charlie Egan had been recorded as being a POW by the Germans.
Reba felt sick deep in her stomach. She wondered not for the first time if the Germans had disposed of Charlie. It made sense from the Germans perspective. There’s no need to keep her after what she did to one of them and there is no trail of where she is or even was. It’s like Charlie Egan doesn’t exist. Reba groaned in annoyance. Someone must know something.
And as if her prayers were answered, Reba saw in the distance a figure in a sharp uniform step out of a polished black Mercedes car. A familiar figure. Someone she recognised.
January 1945
Stalag Luft III
Benny and Buck were keeping a close eye on Charlie. Benny spoke to Buck with concerns about the young woman’s hand. Bucky was excluded from the conversation… for now. Buck didn’t want to cause an argument or say anything until he had a chance to speak to Charlie by himself. Buck was concerned not just with Charlie’s physical health but her mental health too. It was no secret to anyone that Bucky had started to lose it only shortly after being admitted to the Stalag. Lately the only thing keeping him distracted was planning to escape the place. It kept his mind away from the dark thoughts he was having. Charlie was using the distraction of nursing to keep her thoughts from straying down a dark path.
Buck knew it was only a matter of time before things had to be addressed in the open. For everyone’s sake. Buck just didn’t realise it would be this soon.
It was a bitterly cold day from first light until sundown, that one day in December.
Everyone was crowded around the table as Hambo and Murph dished out everyone’s dinner into their bowls. Benny and Buck shared knowing looks when it was Charlie’s turn and she couldn’t get her hand to stop shaking, it was a slight shake but enough for anyone paying attention to notice. It turned out Bucky was paying attention.
“What’s wrong with your hand?” Bucky asked in front of everyone, frowning in concern. Charlie jumped in surprise at the question.
“Nothing’s wrong with my hand.” Charlie retorted quickly, defensively. She tried to lift her spoon but couldn’t without the stew going all down her and she didn’t want Bucky to ask anymore questions.
“Then why is it shaking?” Bucky asked unamused.
“It’s just the cold.” Charlie excused.
“It’s plenty warm in here.” Bucky countered suspiciously.
“Is it? I feel cold.” Charlie lied, trying to divert the attention.
“Here darling.” Buck quickly went over to his bunk and draped his blanket around her shoulders. Charlie snuggled into the coarse material of what the Germans call blankets. She hated the feel of the material, but she enjoyed the distinct scent of Buck it emitted.
Bucky narrowed his eyes but let it go. For now.
The next morning, everyone had left the barracks apart from Bucky, Buck and Charlie. Charlie was just about to so she could meet up with Freddie to get started on their work.
“I don’t like it when you lie to me Charlie. You’ve been doing that a lot lately.” Bucky grabbed Charlie’s arm, stopping her from leaving out the door.
“I’m not lying to you Bucky.” Charlie defended, feeling annoyed. Bucky just couldn’t let anything go.
“That’s another lie, little sis. Sit down,” Bucky ordered. When she didn’t his grip tightened, and Charlie yelled out in pain “Sit down.” Bucky repeated himself and Charlie immediately obeyed, sitting on a nearby bunk.
Buck marched over to the pair and crouched down to check on Charlie’s arm that Bucky had gripped tightly.
“Are you ok?” Buck softly asked his girlfriend, Charlie nodded slowly, frightened about what was going to happen next.
“You’re out of line Bucky.” Buck told his best friend, standing up to face the slightly taller man. Ready to fight him if need be.
“I’m out of line?” Bucky laughed in exasperation “Are you not tired of being constantly lied to by her? She’s been evasive about everything since she got here.”
“I’m sure she has her reasons.” Buck tried to reason.
“I don’t care about her reasons. Charlie spill, what’s wrong with your hand?” Bucky demanded to know.
Charlie straightened up, scared of how to say it.
“Leave her alone Bucky. She’ll tell us when she’s ready.” Buck was starting to get angry at Bucky’s persistent nature.
“No, I want to know, and I want to know now.” Bucky demanded.
“That’s enough Bucky.” Buck thundered, losing his temper and squaring up to his friend, not afraid to sock him in the mouth if he carries on.
“NO! that’s enough from you Buck. I want to hear from my sister.” Bucky started to shout back. Charlie was sure everyone could hear the argument from outside.
“Nerve damage.” Charlie whispered loud enough for the men to just about hear. Everyone stopped talking
“What?” Bucky asked, unsure if he heard correctly.
“I have nerve damage.” Charlie admitted, just wanting the two men to stop arguing with each other over her. She couldn’t take it anymore.
“How?” Bucky asked stupidly.
“The plane crash. The hot metal debris.” Charlie explained shortly, not wanting to relive that night. Not again.
“I can barely hold things. I can’t feel my hand, hell I can barely stitch in a straight line anymore,” Charlie revealed to the two most important men in her life. “You knew.” Charlie accused Buck. Bucky whipped his head around to Buck almost comically.
“Benny noticed something was wrong. I didn’t know it was nerve damage.” Buck confessed.
“You didn’t tell me?” Bucky questioned, a little hurt his sister and best friend couldn’t come to him with something like this.
“I didn’t know what it was. I didn't want to worry you.” Buck explained.
“I didn’t want anyone to know.” Charlie confessed.
“Why?” Buck asked. Charlie’s eyes swelled with tears, and she stood up pushing past the two bigger figures, needing to move away from them so she could think clearly.
“Because! Because look at me!” Charlie nearly shouted as she held her shaky hand up to them. “I can’t feel my hand! I can’t get it to stop shaking! I can’t be a nurse anymore!” Charlie’s voice broke on her last word in despair.
“I can’t be a nurse anymore.” Charlie repeated with tears now streaming down her cheeks, the saddest either of the men had ever heard her.
“Charlie,” Bucky didn’t let her speak anymore and wrapped her up in his big strong arms for a minute as Buck hovered close by behind. Bucky pulled back enough from the hug to see her red teary face and he cupped her cheeks gently as he wiped away her tears. As he used to do when they were a lot younger, and she had had a shit day at school. “Charlie, you can do anything you want. Be anyone you want.” Bucky softly told his devastated sister who slowly made eye contact with him. It was a familiar line. A line Bucky used to tell her once upon a time in Wisconsin when life was simpler and uncomplicated.
“Not anymore Bucky.” Charlie corrected, with an after-cry hiccup.
“Bullshit,” Bucky smiled softly “Charlotte Egan can do anything. That applies to both 10-year-old Charlotte Egan and present-day Charlotte Egan,” Charlie tried to smile at her brother, but she wasn’t fully convinced.
“The odds of the damage being reversed are not in my favour.” Charlie admitted, making eye contact with Buck who was patiently waiting to be acknowledged by the siblings.
“But there is still a chance. Something to hold onto.” Buck held out hope. Bucky silently did too.
“A very slim chance.” Charlie stressed to the pair.
Buck joined the duo and wrapped an arm around Charlie’s shoulders in a semi-hug. Bucky was on her other side.
“A chance however slim is all we need.” Bucky told his deflated sister.
“It’s all anyone ever needs.” Buck added quietly.
It was later that night when everyone had come back to the barracks after a long day, that the boys were listening in on Buck’s handmade radio. Buck had the receiver and was relaying information of what he heard to the 100th boys plus Alex and Richard. Charlie was fast asleep in her bunk, oblivious and exhausted from the emotional ringer earlier.
“Jesus Christ!” Buck exclaimed “The Russians crossed into Germany. East Prussia.”
“How close Buck?” Richard asked from lying in his bunk. A sudden German shout from outside alerted them to company and they all quickly hid away components to the radio just in time before the door was forcefully wrenched open. The boys feigned being busy doing different pursuits. Some of the boys just decided to glare at the German officer and his minions from their bunk or chair.
The German officer’s eyes lingered on Charlie’s sleeping form for a moment. Bucky, Buck and the rest of the boys caught on and their glares intensified.
“Lights out.” The officer demanded before leaving the room just as quickly as he arrived.
“They’re close. Really really close.” Buck commented, answering Richard’s question to the whole room.
“What are we going to do about Charlie?” DeMarco questioned quietly, in the know about her condition.
“Don’t worry about Charlie. She’ll be fine.” Bucky replied.
“But—” DeMarco began to protest.
“She’ll be fine.” Bucky stressed.
“Bucky and I will look after her.” Buck intervened, ending the conversation. No words were needed for the extent Buck and Bucky would go to protect Charlie Egan from everything out there wanting to harm her.
Notes:
Guys this is the last chapter before Christmas
I hope you like it and hope you all have a happy holidays with your families :)
There is still a lot of mystery going on and did anyone guess who came to visit Reba?
Chapter 32
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
January 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
Harry Crosby was busy writing intently at his desk. The months seemed to have flown by (excuse the pun) since he heard the woman at the German POW camp was not Charlie Egan.
Harry soon realised he was of no use to anyone drunk and angry. The boys were still going up on missions bombing Germany. The war had turned in their favour in the sky and on the ground. It was a sight he wished more of his lost friends had seen. As a result, casualties were lower than they had ever seen. It gave everyone on base hope that they would live to see the end of the war.
Harry couldn’t stop thinking about Lieutenant Reba Whittle held in a Stalag Luft, waiting to be repatriated home. He knew Charlie was her friend. One bleak December morning he had decided to drive up to Charlie’s old base to… he didn’t really know why he went. He thought afterwards it was just to get a feel of how Charlie spent her last days. The flight nurses that remained on base couldn’t gush enough about how close Charlie and Reba were despite their rank differences. From the sounds of things Charlie really took Reba under her wing. Harry smiled when he heard that, it was the type of person Charlie was- thoughtful and kind.
That was part of the reason why Harry had decided to liaison with the Red Cross to try and bring Reba Whittle home safe. It’s what Charlie would have wanted.
Unfortunately delays due to the war kept postponing her repatriation until now. Reba Whittle is due to leave Stalag Luft IX on 25 January for Bern, Switzerland before making the trip back to the US.
Harry was so focused on getting Reba Whittle back into friendly territory, it came as a total shock when he got the news that his friend Rosie’s plane reportedly went down over Berlin.
January 1945
Stalag Luft III
It was the commotion that woke Charlie from her sleep that late night. The boys were still up and hanging around the room quietly. After being at the Stalag for 4 months, she had gotten used to the noise and sharing a room with the dozen men and… the smell. This noise was different though. The voices weren’t just low but panicked.
Charlie slowly opened her eyes from her bunk and blinked a couple of times to adjust to the low lighting of the candles. Winter in Germany was cold, dark and depressing.
Buck walked over to a sleepy Charlie, knelt down and brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face.
“Wake up Charlie,” Buck gently told her, fear flooding his heart of what was to happen next. The unknown. “We’ve got to go.”
“Go? Go where?” Charlie asked, confused and still half asleep.
“The Soviets are closing in. The Germans are relocating us. We’re marching.” Buck told her gently.
Bucky marched over to the pair, not being as gentle as Buck. “Wear your warmest clothes, we don’t know how far we are marching for. Pack any spare food we have. Quickly! We only have 30 minutes.”
Bucky quickly walked off, barking orders at the men.
20 minutes later the bunk was nearly empty of all belongings showing that any of the occupants had ever resided there. Charlie stood next to Buck as they made sure nothing important was left behind. Bucky marched over to Charlie wrapped up in her coat, hat and gloves.
“Where’s your scarf?” Bucky demanded, inspecting his sister’s small form bundled up in as many layers as possible.
“I don’t have one.” Charlie replied innocently.
“Here.” Bucky started untangling the scarf around his own neck.
Charlie protested “Bucky, stop! That’s yours.”
Bucky wasted no time in tying it tightly around Charlie’s neck. “You need it more. You’re a lot smaller, you won’t be able to retain as much body heat as me.”
Buck watched the siblings with a small smile. They may fight like cats and dogs sometimes but there was no denying how much they loved each other. Buck knew that if Bucky hadn’t given Charlie his scarf, he would have given his own to the smaller woman.
“We’re going to be ok, right?” Charlie asked her older brother, showing her fear for the first time. Bucky cupped her face with both hands.
“We’re going to be just fine. Come here.” Bucky reassured her before pulling her into his arms. “You stick with either me or Buck. No getting separated, alright?” Bucky firmly told her. Charlie nodded in understanding.
Charlie only realised what he meant when they stepped out in the hallway of their barracks, and it could only be described as carnage. Men were everywhere rushing about to gather items, dragging large sacks behind them and generally moving fast and with purpose. Buck and Bucky cocooned Charlie between them and pushed through anyone that got in their way.
“Only take food that will keep!” A man was heard above the ruckus. “The krauts have already punched holes in the cans. They won’t keep.”
Charlie and the boys finally made it outside the barracks into more chaos. It was dark, cold and Charlie could smell smoke in the air.
Charlie looked up at Buck fearfully “Why would the krauts ruin the food cans?” Buck and Bucky shared a look between them over Charlie’s head.
“Everything’s going to be ok. Come on darling.” Buck soothing told her before leading her by the hand to an open space away from anyone else. Bucky followed behind, watching the Germans warily. Charlie looked around as the German guards set fire to the wooden huts. The smell of smoke was overwhelming. The fire lit up the night sky into shades of orange. It was beautiful and terrifying. Bucky and Buck shielded Charlie from sight of the Germans and what was happening. The wall of solid men kept the cold wind away from her. Charlie flinched every time she heard the harsh German language being shouted and the barking of the dogs. Buck wordlessly stroked down her back with a gentle touch, trying to soothe her. Buck noticed Bucky staring at the barbed wire fence that kept them contained inside.
“How you doing?” Buck asked his best friend.
“Would have preferred it if the Russians made it here first.” Bucky replied honestly, squinting as if in hope the Russians were just on the other side of the fence. Charlie laughed softly. They had all been hoping the Russians had come in time to free them. Charlie hadn’t been at the Stalag as long as the other boys but she knew how much everyone wanted to go home.
“You’re not thinking of running, are you?” Buck asked, trying to get inside Bucky’s head. Buck adjusted his scarf to cover his head when the snowflakes started to come down. Charlie looked at the flakes in disgust. Once upon a time she would have loved to have snow but not now. Not when they would be marching in it for god knows how long and how far.
Bucky glanced down at Charlie who wasn’t paying attention to their conversation before looking back up at Buck’s expectant eyes “You’re not thinking of running, are you?” Bucky countered. Buck glanced down at Charlie in the same way. They were both on the same wavelength. They can’t. Not with Charlie. And neither one would leave her behind.
“Not in this icebox.” Bucky verbally replied while holding a whole other conversation with Buck through eye contact. Bucky pulled the collar on his coat up to keep his neck warm just before catching within the corner of his eye Hambo walking past. Bucky frowned and called out his name. Ham ignored him and the trio looked on as Ham tried to pry open a can of food.
“Hambo, I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Bucky advised softly.
“Yeah?” Ham retorted, not caring in the slightest. “Who knows when we’re gonna get this kind of food again, you know?” Ham said before being pushed not so gently by a German guard.
“Fuck off.” Hambo told the guard who was manhandling him away.
It was soon time to leave the camp. The men formed rows for marching instinctively. Charlie felt left out as marching did not come naturally to her but Buck and Bucky had her bundled between them so tightly she felt safe away from any harm. For now.
“Anyone who tries to escape will be shot. Please do not try.” The camp commandant repeated himself as the POW’s walked past him. The commandant shot severe looks at Buck, Bucky and Charlie as he repeated himself again. Charlie felt vulnerable and scared as they were marched out of the camp gates. She could see the flames from the huts burning and the spotlights pointing at the prisoners. The warmth of Buck and Bucky on either side of her kept her grounded.
All of a sudden noise of explosions from afar caught everyone’s attention.
“That’s the Russians. They’re close,” Someone exclaimed loudly. “That’s gotta be the Russians.” The men started cheering, hoping they were to be saved soon. The guards did not like that. One screamed in the men’s faces in harsh German, urging them to move forward. Charlie shared a look with Buck. The Germans were losing the war, and they knew it. The machine gun on the horse and carriage at the front of the marching column made Charlie nervous. It was only the presence of Buck and Bucky on either side of her that calmed her down.
Charlie didn’t know for how long they marched or how far. All she knew was that she was freezing, hungry, thirsty and exhausted. She didn’t think she could carry on much longer. The snow blizzard made conditions ten times worse. There were men dropping from formation and collapsing on the ground, never to get up again. Charlie had wanted to check on the fallen men but Bucky and Buck stopped her. There was nothing she could do. It was taking all of her strength just to stay upright herself. She had stumbled a few times and either Buck or Bucky helped her up to carry on. Charlie sincerely believed that without their help, she wouldn’t have made it this far.
They would find out many years later that the winter in Germany of 1945 was the coldest winter in living memory.
January 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
Harry sighed on the phone as he talked to one of his contacts at Headquarters. He turned around to face his friend and fellow 8th airman, James Douglass, bombardier once he put the phone down. Reba Whittle was the least of his worries now.
“Nothing. Still no news on any of ‘em, Rosie or the crew.” Harry told Douglass.
“So, what’s the story?” Douglass asked around the chewing gum in his mouth.
“They went down over no-man’s land east of Berlin.” Harry solemnly replied.
“Jesus Christ.” Douglass swore before taking a big puff of his cigarette.
They were soon interrupted by a groundcrew man. “Major, Sir.” The out of breath man said.
“What the hell are you doing here, son?” Harry asked, confused.
“We’ve got wheels up in five and the equipment room’s locked.” He puffed out in a hurry. Harry swore angrily and immediately marched to the equipment room and broke the lock on the door and quickly handed out the parachutes waiting for them. Harry then marched into the officer’s mess hall where he knew he would find Captain Clouter, the one responsible for the equipment. Harry huffed and puffed, trying to rein in his anger but failing when he got to the table full of laughing airmen sharing jokes.
“I guess you’ve never flown over Germany without a parachute, huh?” Harry asked as calmly as he was capable of in that moment between heavy breaths. The table quietened instantly.
“Well, I don’t know Crosby, have you?” Clouter tried to joke and make light of the situation. Everyone at the table and in the hall stared at the two high ranking officer’s encounter.
Harry had had enough. Harry forcibly gripped the back of Clouter’s head and smashed it into the table in front of him.
“Now, from here on out, you’re gonna keep that equipment hut opened and manned until wheels up plus 30 minutes. Yes, Major?” Harry told him between gritted teeth. His anger was just rolling off of him in waves.
“Yes, Major.” Clouter softly replied.
“Yes, Major?” Harry egged him on to repeat.
“Yes, Major!”
Blakely patted his friend on the back silently to let the man go and Harry stormed off as quickly as he stormed in.
“Alright. You heard the man. Clean up. Let’s go.” Blakely told the stunned men. Noone had ever seen a side to Harry Crosby like that before.
Blakely soon left after Harry and caught up to him before he could enter the command tower.
“Harry! Harry, Harry!” Blakely tried to catch up, semi jogging after Harry’s smaller form. Blakely was finally able to snag his shirt sleeve and stop the man.
“What?” Harry snapped, not in the mood to talk to anyone.
“What has gotten into you?” Blakely asked, confused as to Harry’s behaviour.
“This is about incompetent officers not doing their jobs! If it was one of the men from Greenland in charge of the equipment hut, we wouldn’t even have this issue!” Harry retorted, his anger not easing in the slightest.
Blakely sighed before running a hand down his face.
“Yeah, well there’s not a lot of those left to pick from.” Blakely replied honestly, not trying to antagonise Harry more.
Harry calmed down some and replied with a ‘yeah’ in agreement.
“Any word on Rosie?” Blakely asked, knowing where Harry’s head was at right now. Everyone on base adored Rosie and it was a shock when they heard his plane went down, but none more so than his friends.
“No. Nothing.” Harry sighed.
“Well, I might have some news for you,” Blakely told Harry and Harry perked his ears up at that. “About that woman flight nurse that went down with Charlie?” Blakely started.
“Yeah? What about her?” Harry asked curiously.
“The German Red Cross are escorting her to Bern, Switzerland- neutral territory- before repatriating her home. She should be on her way there if she is not there already.” Blakely told him. Harry frowned at the news. He was happy that the woman he had never met got to finally go home but what does that have to do with him?
“Good for her. Why do I care?” Harry deadpanned, waiting for the catch.
“Well apparently, she has been very vocal about being sent to England first. More specifically Thorpe Abbotts. Once she has been processed in Switzerland, she is scheduled to be put on a flight to Normandy and then by ship back to England. Someone has pulled a lot of strings to get her sent back to England.” Blakely told Harry.
“Why does she want to be sent here?” Harry asked in confusion.
“She says she has information about Charlie. And she will only speak to you, Harry.”
Harry’s breath caught in his throat.
Notes:
Happy new year!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas break.
I pre-wrote a few chapters over Christmas because this year is going to be BUSY for me. Working full-time and studying for my degree part-time is no joke guys!
As always let me know what you think about this chapter :)
Chapter 33
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Road to Muskau, 48 miles from Stalag Luft III
January 1945
The march was slow going. The brutal weather and the fact that over 10,000 allied prisoners of war were forced to march in these weather conditions made the whole affair agonising and torturous. Charlie, Buck and Bucky were holding on for now but even the strongest men had given up over the last couple of days. Bodies were scattered all along the road to Muskau, not visible to the naked eye as the snow was dropping so quickly and covering up the evidence. Charlie could tell that even the German guards who were better fed and better equipped for the cold weather in warmer clothes were starting to weaken in strength. It would have been the perfect time to stage an escape- if anyone had the energy for it. No one had. It was a 5-kilometre column of walking zombies at that point. No one knew how much further they had to march.
It took 3 days for the column to reach to Muskau. As soon as the Germans directed the POWs into the abandoned brickworks factory, everyone rushed in to escape the harsh weather. Buck and Bucky tried to shield Charlie away from the volume of bodies all moving to the front but they couldn’t help being justled as the desperate men tried to snag a space to lay down inside and get warm again. A small fire was lit in the big room and everyone crowded around to warm their hands up- some of the men had stopped feeling them many miles back. Buck was at Charlie’s back, protecting her and shielding her from the cold as much as he could. Charlie heaved a sigh of relief when she felt the first hint of warmth since they left the Stalag.
It was hours later when everyone had decided to settle down and snag a space for themselves on the floor to rest. Exhaustion was rife throughout the POW’s. They had barely slept for 2 days.
Bucky had wandered off to check on the men whilst Buck and Charlie were cuddled up together in a dark corner of the room. Buck wrapped his long arms around Charlie and Charlie sighed into Buck’s neck, happy for the first time in a long time at the close proximity to Buck. Charlie knew she had pushed Buck away during their stay in the Stalag. She knew she kept so many secrets from him. She didn’t want to, but she felt so unsure about everything, and she didn’t know what to do. The Stalag was a very different place from Thorpe Abbotts. It was crowded with virtually no privacy and everything that had happened to her just made her so unsure about everything, but she knew now that everything is going to be ok- as long as she has Buck.
“I’ve missed this.” Charlie muttered into Buck’s clavicle.
“What? Cuddling in a room with hundreds of strange men?” Buck joked quietly, not wanting to disturb any of the sleeping men. Charlie huffed out a throaty laugh.
“Has my brother been rubbing off on you? No, I miss being this close to you.” Charlie admitted, pulling back from his neck to look into his spectacularly blue eyes.
“All you had to do is ask.” Buck replied with an underlining meaning.
“I know and I’m sorry,” Charlie told Buck before cupping his face full of facial hair he never used to have. “I’ve been secretive and pushing you away, I know I have, but not anymore. I promise to be better from now on.”
“Charlie,” Buck squeezed her smaller body in his arms for a moment “I know you had your reasons. I’m not angry. I just would have liked for you to let me help you.”
Charlie bit her lip “I know. I’ve just been fighting my own battles for so long, it’s hard to remember I have someone else I can lean on.”
“You can always lean on me,” Buck told her “And whilst I know he’s a pain in the ass, Bucky is pretty solid too.” Charlie chuckled and Buck smiled.
“You know you are still the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.” Buck blurted out, watching Charlie’s face lighten up considerably.
Charlie scoffed “Yeah? How many pretty girls have you seen recently?” Buck smirked, looking around at the hundreds of men spread out along the floor.
“Well, I don’t know, before you turned up Brady was looking plenty pretty to me, couldn’t hold a torch to you though.” Buck joked. Charlie’s smile widened.
“Really? Well, I’ll be sure to tell him that the next time I see him.” Charlie bantered playfully. Buck planted a swift kiss on her forehead.
“There’s no point. There will never be anyone prettier to me than you Charlie Egan.” Buck declared. Those words melted Charlie’s heart, and she paused for a second to take in Buck’s face full of love and warmth.
“There will never be anyone more handsome to me than you Gale Cleven.” Charlie told Buck quietly while stroking a thumb over the apple of his cheek.
“I love you, Charlie.” Buck confessed, knowing this moment will stick inside his head for the rest of his days.
“I love you too Gale.” Charlie replied before leaning in to capture Buck’s lips with her own. Buck responded instantly to the familiar pressure.
The pair were so wrapped up in each other that they did not notice Bucky sitting between Benny and John Brady on the floor across the room staring at the pair lost in their own bubble.
“How much do you want to bet that those two end up engaged before we even get back to England?” Benny asked around his sore throat. Brady chuckled.
“Do you really think someone as smoove as Buck Cleven would ask his girl to marry him while still being a prisoner of war in Germany?” Brady scoffed. Bucky remained silent as he watched his favourite people.
“Who said Buck was smoove?” Benny countered, asking around the still form of Bucky- ignoring him entirely.
“Who said he isn’t? he got Charlie Egan didn’t he?” Brady counteracted.
“He won’t propose. Not here.” Bucky inputted for the first time in the conversation. Brady and Benny paused at Bucky’s comment.
“How’d you know?” Brady asked curiously.
“Because I know my best friend.” Bucky replied, before preparing to lay down and get some sleep.
“You aren’t going over there?” Benny asked Bucky, surprised Bucky wasn’t planning on joining them- at least to make sure Charlie and Buck were being proper.
“Why?” Bucky asked around a yawn while trying to get comfortable on the stone hard flooring “What are they going to do in a room full of hundreds of men?” Bucky retorted.
Benny and Brady shared a look and shrugged their shoulders at each other before settling on either side of Bucky to sleep. The body heat from the men surrounding them kept them as warm as possible despite the conditions.
January 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
Harry waited by the command tower in nervous anticipation. Lieutenant Reba Whittle was expected to arrive this morning after her ship from Normandy docked in the early hours of the morning.
She had been sent to Bern, Switzerland initially by the Red Cross and was, against advice, adamant she wanted to be sent to Thorpe Abbotts- not straight back to the US.
Harry could only think that she had important information about Charlie Egan. Why else would she want to be sent to Charlie’s old air base?
Harry was nervous. She either had good news or the worst news possible.
Harry had been hovering by command all morning and he was starting to get twitchy. It had just turned lunchtime, and the men were making their way to the mess hall when a black car turned up at the security gates. Harry’s head perked up at the unfamiliar car. Harry watched on as the passenger in the back of the car talked with the young guard before the car was let through. Harry held his breath unintentionally. He nearly jumped when he felt a hand touch him on the shoulder. Jack Kidd smiled weakly at his friend standing behind him. Jack knew how much this conversation was going to mean to Harry. It was hopefully going to give him the answers he had been seeking since September 1944.
Harry watched when the car came to a stop outside command and a short woman with short brown hair wearing oversized OD’s stepped out of the car.
“Lieutenant Whittle?” Harry asked. The unfamiliar woman smiled weakly at Harry.
“Yes sir, you must be Major Crosby.” The woman confirmed before standing at attention to salute the higher-ranking officer. Harry saluted back after a moment.
“You can call me Harry,” Harry told her before gesturing to Jack Kidd waiting behind “This is Major Jack Kidd.”
“Major.” Reba nodded in greeting.
“You can call me Jack,” the two men took note of Reba’s slow careful movements. “Would you like to sit down with us and have a drink and some food?” Jack asked. Reba smiled gratefully.
“That would be lovely.” Reba replied as she began to follow the two officers. She stumbled slightly and Harry caught her arm before she could hit the floor.
“Are you alright?” Harry asked her with concern.
Reba weakly nodded “I’m sorry. Since the plane crash and hitting my head hard, I suffer with dizzy spells.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. Hold onto my arm.” Harry led the woman.
“Have you seen a doctor since leaving Germany?” Jack asked, slowing down to match the two officer’s pace.
“I saw a couple of German ones during my capture, and I had a brief check over by some medics since arriving in Switzerland.” Reba admitted.
“We have an excellent doctor on base and a wonderful handful of nurses if you want to have a consult.” Jack told her.
“Yes, I have heard.” Reba smiled thinking about the stories told by Charlie of the doctor and nurses at Thorpe Abbotts.
The trio walked into the mess hall and found an empty table in the corner of the room.
“Did you want anything in particular?” Jack asked Reba who shook her head.
“After the last 4 months of stale bread and soup, anything will taste great.” Reba joked making the two men laugh. Harry and Reba watched as Jack walked away before focusing their eyes on each other.
“I know Charlie was your friend, she talked about you and a couple of others a lot when she was with us.” Reba started, unafraid to get to the point.
Harry smiled at the thought of Charlie spinning tales of her time at Thorpe Abbotts. “Well, she was pretty fond of you too from what I’ve heard.” Harry countered.
Reba chuckled “Yes well Charlie was easy to befriend,” Harry raised his brows at that. “Don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t at first. She was still grieving for her brother and boyfriend when we met. Anyone with eyes could have told you that. Most of the flight nurses gave her a wide berth.”
“But not you.” Reba looked distant as she recalled her and Charlie’s first encounters together.
“No, not me. I felt connected to Charlie. She helped me a lot since landing in England,” Reba admitted. Harry was listening intently “On my first flight I was a bag of nerves, and do you know what she told me before I went up? ‘Just remember your training. You focus on your patients and let the pilots focus on the plane. You’ll be fine’. I repeated that to myself every time I had to go up and it saw me through some hairy flights.”
“Yeah, that sounds like Charlie. Tough as nails,” Harry smiled sadly before clearing his throat and pausing. “Reba, I have to ask what happened on that final flight. I have to know.” Harry pleaded.
Reba looked down into her lap and fiddled with her hands nervously. Jack returned to the table with plates of food and cups of coffee. No one reached for them.
“It was a mistake. Both of us should never had been put on that flight. We have always had one flight nurse to every flight. Always,” Reba’s eyes swelled with tears already as she thought about the events from 4 months ago. “We were to fly to St Trond, Belgium delivering medical supplies. We never made it- we were only supposed to be a couple of hours in the air!” Reba cried, sniffing her nose. Harry looked on desperately, waiting to hear the words he knew was coming.
“Charlie told me to go to sleep, I was tired after the last few days of constant flying, so I did. I was awoken to the aircraft being hit by flak. It judded the whole plane violently. I didn’t know what was going on. Our medical technician, Jonathan was hit by shrapnel. I tended to him. Charlie came out from the cockpit to check on us. I didn’t know we were over Germany. We were never supposed to be there. It was only later on that I found out that we had been blown off course. Then the plane got hit again and Jonathan took more shrapnel. Then the plane started to go down,” Reba wiped the tears away with her sleeve before Jack offered her his handkerchief. Reba smiled weakly in thanks.
“I hit my head, and I couldn’t remember much after that. Not until I woke up to a heavy weight on my chest.”
“Debris?” Jack guessed. Reba shook her head.
“No, it was a man. A German officer. He was pinning me down with his body. I tried to get him off, but he was too strong,” Harry and Jack exchanged uncomfortable looks between them. “Then Charlie came up behind and hit him with something. He never got up again.” Harry sighed with relief. He thought she was about to say Charlie had died in the crash and something unspeakable had happened to Reba.
“Charlie killed the German officer. I later found out he was SS,” Reba continued. Jack and Harry felt uneasy after hearing that.
“What happened to Charlie, Reba?” Harry asked.
“We were separated. We both were sent to some kind of processing centre and then after that… I never saw her again.” Reba admitted. Harry rubbed his face.
“Could they have executed her?” Jack asked Harry.
“Killing an SS officer? I wouldn’t put it past them.” Harry replied shaking his head.
“Charlie’s not dead.” Reba told the pair “I thought she was for so long but before I left the Stalag I received a visitor- not someone I ever expected to see again.”
“Who?” Harry asked, desperate for any good news.
“He’s a POW interrogator, a Lieutenant Haussmann.”
Muskau, Germany
January 1945
In the early hours of the morning Buck carefully extracted himself from Charlie’s hold, stopping to talk to some men before finding Bucky already awake and cocooned between the Benny and Brady who were still sleeping comfortably. A little too comfortably if you asked Bucky. He had to remove Benny’s arm from his person more than once in the night. He loved his boys but not that much.
“Scuttlebutt is we’re heading to a train station at first light.” Buck skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.
“Scuttlebutt know where we’re going?” Bucky asked stiffly, dreading the day they would have to leave the warmth and protection the abandoned factory provided. If they had to march far again, Bucky didn’t think he would make it.
“No. Just to be ready at dawn.”
“How’s my sister?” Bucky asked.
“She’s fine,” Buck replied quickly “She’ll be fine.” Buck amended.
“Yeah? Well, you take good care of her.” Bucky told his friend.
“You know I will.” Buck promised.
Notes:
So that was chapter 33. I wrote it over Christmas so I hope you all like it.
Can you just imagine the trio of Brady, DeMarco and Bucky betting and joking together? I love them!
Buck and Charlie had a sweet moment together which has been severely lacking in the last few chapters. I hope this one made up for it!
ALSO Reba met Harry! I know a lot of you guys were waiting for this.
As always please let me know what you think :)
Chapter 34
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
January 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
“What did this Lieutenant Haussmann tell you?” Harry asked, leaning forward to hear Reba.
“His visit was unexpected.” Reba thought back to her surprise visitor.
Flashback
“Lieutenant Reba Whittle.” The German officer greeted the woman, recognising her instantly.
Reba looked cautiously at the smartly dressed German officer; one she hadn’t seen in months.
“I understand you are to be repatriated, congratulations Lieutenant.” Haussmann grinned at the woman, making her uncomfortable. Haussmann dropped his grin when he realised the woman had not said a word back to him.
“Can I speak with you for a moment over there Lieutenant?” Lieutenant Haussmann gestured to a corner of the courtyard unoccupied by anyone but far enough away no one would be able to overhear. Reba glanced uncomfortably around the courtyard and noticed some of the prisoners watching the exchange with wary eyes. Haussmann soon noticed the attention their interaction was bringing. Haussmann cleared his throat “Please Reba. You’ll be in full view of everyone.” Haussmann added lowly, trying not to scare the skittish young woman. Reba shifted nervously before complying.
Haussmann could feel the eyes of the prisoners on them. He didn’t want to draw attention but knew in a setting like this, it was unavoidable. He couldn’t stay long; rumours were probably already brewing as to what a German Officer would want to talk to a female POW about.
“I’ll get straight to the point- Charlie Egan’s alive,” Haussmann told Reba. Reba’s eyes widened in disbelief. “She’s being held in Stalag Luft III in Sagan.”
Reba was in shock. She had thought Charlie had been killed. Reba’s eyes narrowed.
“How do I know you are telling the truth?” Reba asked warily.
“I have no reason to lie. When I last saw Charlie, she was alive and well- she has been reunited with her brother and boyfriend and other airman of the 100th bomb group.” Reba’s eyes watered at the thought that her friend had survived and had her family back.
“In fact, Charlie was the one to ask me if the Red Cross could visit your Stalag to get you noticed.” Haussmann confessed. Reba smiled tearily at hearing that- hundreds of miles apart and Charlie was still looking out for her.
“Could you… could you get the Red Cross to repatriate her?” Reba asked with hope and wide eyes. Haussmann sighed.
“It doesn’t work like that. Charlie has never been officially recorded as a prisoner of war- she’s essentially a ghost,” Hausmann tried to explain “And the Germans would not let her go after what she did. Her being alive still is the best I can do.”
Reba looked sad at hearing that.
“I understand. Thank you for letting me know.”
“Safe travels Lieutenant.” Haussmann walked away abruptly. Eyes were everywhere.
End of flashback
“Do you believe him?” Harry asked Reba, taking in all this new information. Information the Allies and US command had no idea about.
Reba shrugged her shoulders “I must believe him,” Jack and Harry sat back in their seats looking bewildered “Otherwise I would need to come to terms with the fact she is already dead.”
Somewhere in Germany
February 1945
Charlie was huddled standing up between Buck and Bucky along with hundreds of other men. They were packed in like sardines in a cattle cart of a train. Only glimpses of the outside world could be seen between the sliver of gaps in the wooden walls. They had been traveling for days. Or at least it felt like it. Time seemed to have slipped away from them as they were carted like cattle around. Nobody could tell you what day it was anymore. Charlie tried to tune out the whining of the men. Everyone was tired and that turned some of the men into crabby babies. Charlie wanted no part in soothing them. She just wanted to get to their destination. Hopefully it is somewhere warmer than the inside of the cattle cart. This was already an improvement from marching in the snow.
Charlie tuned into Buck and Bucky’s conversation after barely listening to Solly’s fear of being shipped off to their slaughter. No one wanted to hear that. Buck tried to nip it in the bud before the men started to panic. Fear spread faster anything else. They had to believe they were making it out of this alive. There is no other way.
“Hasn’t gone exactly how we thought, has it?” Bucky muttered to Buck.
“Not exactly,” Buck glanced over at Charlie who was hugging herself into her coat as much as possible. Bucky too glanced at Charlie. Charlie’s arrival at the Stalag was the one curveball none of them expected. “You wish you’d done it differently?”
“Can’t say I would have. You?”
“I wasn’t planning on getting shot down.” Buck declared. Charlie snorted at that. Who was? Buck and Bucky realised Charlie was listening in and smirked at her trying to act oblivious. “You know, I really did believe that if there was only two B-17s left, be you and me flying ‘em.” There was silence for a few long seconds. Charlie had always betted on her brother and Buck being the last two in the sky.
“Last few years would have been a lot rougher without you, John.” Buck admitted. Bucky gruffed before nodding his head “Same.”
“You two are so cute, so when’s the wedding?” Charlie joked, trying to lighten the air. Buck and Bucky went wide eyed at those words.
“Wedd- wedding, what wedding?” Buck nervously stuttered, shooting a look at Bucky like a deer in headlights.
“Yours.” Charlie deadpanned looking suspiciously at the pair. Bucky rubbed his neck and tried to smirk but failed.
“Don’t be silly Charlie.” Bucky brushed her off.
“Why are you two acting weird?” Charlie questioned with narrowed eyes. It was just a joke!
“Weird? We’re not acting weird.” Buck denied whilst shooting meaningful looks at Bucky. Did she find out Buck was going to propose?
Charlie opened her mouth to further interrogate them when Solly declared fearfully that the train is slowing down.
“Nuremberg. It’s fucking Nuremberg,” Solly cried panicking. Charlie frowned. Why is Nuremberg reason to panic?
“I’m a dead man.” Solly declared before Buck and Bucky jumped into comfort the man.
The group of prisoners from Stalag Luft III were forcefully pushed off the train and made to march through a town recently bombed to bits. For a lot of the men, they had never seen the result of their bombing campaigns. It was a sobering moment. After marching for many more hours, they eventually made it to Stalag Luft XIII. It was nothing like Stalag Luft III. The wooden huts were not in a very good condition, and they would not be helpful in keeping the cold out. The fence was still made of barbed wire but security in the camp just seemed… less somehow. No dogs. No watch towers.
The prisoners from the Stalag watched the newcomers pour into their already overpopulated camp. It would be a very tight fit for everyone indeed.
“Gale? Gale!” Buck’s name was called and the trio stopped to identify the man running up to them. His face did not ring a bell for Charlie. “Gale Cleven!” The strange man declared.
“Jesus, I’ll be,” Buck retorted “George. How the hell are you?” Buck shook George’s hand.
“Long way from home.” George replied. Charlie snorted. That was the understatement of the year. George glanced curiously at the woman by his friend’s side.
“Oh, my god. Hey, this is George Neithammer.” Buck introduced. Bucky smiled. Any friend of Buck’s was a friend of his.
“John.” Bucky shook the man’s hand.
“Only guy I’ve ever met knows more about baseball than you do.” Buck told his best friend.
“Is that right?” Bucky asked sceptically.
“Now that I doubt very much.” Charlie injected smirking at her brother who lightly shoved her.
“Who’s your team?” George asked Bucky.
“Yankees. You?” Bucky asked excitedly.
“Cubs.”
“There’s always next year.” Bucky joked.
“Who’re you?” George asked Charlie.
“Charlie.” Charlie nodded to the man in greeting.
“My sister.” Bucky wrapped his arm around her shoulder and Charlie pushed his arm off her in annoyance. Bucky chuckled and Buck smiled at their interaction.
“And my girlfriend.” Buck added. George’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
“Wait, you’re dating your friend’s sister?” George asked in disbelief. Charlie rolled her eyes.
“Best friend.” Bucky corrected almost insulted at the incorrect title the stranger had awarded him.
“You can save your jokes. We’re heard them all before.” Charlie inputted. George held his hands up in a surrender motion.
“Right, well I’ll see if we can find you boys and girl some tents with some fires going,” George walked the small group further into the camp. “I’m warning you, most of them don’t.”
“That’s okay. Happy enough to just get out of the snow.”
That was February. It was not till April that the POW’s in Stalag Luft XIII were ordered to march again. It was still cold and wet but at least there was no snow.
March 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
It came as no surprise to anyone when Rosie returned to Thorpe Abbotts at the beginning of the spring. Harry had received confirmation he had survived and was in Russian territory. It took many flights to get Rosie back to England, but he eventually made it- to his and everyone else’s relief. Rosie may not have known it then, but he had made a name for himself on base and in the 8th air force. Everybody loved Rosie.
Everyone was happy when Rosie returned to where he belonged.
It was the first night of his return that Harry invited his friend out for a drink at the Officers club.
“So, how are ya?” Harry started while sipping on his glass.
“Still here.” Rosie retorted darkly.
“Yeah, I can see that.” Harry chuckled, appraising his friend who seemed darker. He had lost his spark somehow. Harry couldn’t put his finger on it.
“Any news here?” Rosie asked, wondering what had gone on in his absence.
“Reba Whittle came by. She talked about Charlie. She’s on her way back to the States now.” Harry told him. Rosie straightened up at hearing that.
“Oh yeah? And?” Rosie prompted.
“Supposedly Charlie’s still alive. Reba said she was put in the same Stalag as Buck and Bucky.” Harry told him.
“Supposedly? Do you not believe her?” Rosie asked. Harry shook his head and sighed.
“I don’t know what to believe anymore,” Harry admitted “And her source is… questionable at best.”
“Whose her source?” Rosie asked curiously.
“A German POW interrogator.” Harry snorted. Rosie blinked in surprise.
“Hmm.” Was all Rosie could muster.
“Yeah, I know right.” Harry snorted.
“In an ideal world, Charlie would be with Buck and Bucky. They would keep her safe. But is this an ideal world?” Harry questioned not expecting an answer.
“In an ideal world Charlie’s plane wouldn’t have gone down in the first place but best-case scenario? Her being put in a Stalag with people she can trust.” Rosie told his friend.
“So, you think I should believe her?” Harry asked, looking for guidance.
“I think that even in lies there is truth and even in the dark there is light.” Rosie said.
Harry snorted and shook his head “What is that supposed to mean?”
“You’ll figure it out.” Rosie tossed the rest of his glass down his throat and walked out the door.
“Jesus, did he take one too many hits to the head?” Harry asked himself before downing his own tumbler.
Notes:
So sorry guys for the lack of update last week! January has been a crazy month and I know it is only going to get crazier but I am determined to finish this story so please don't fear, updates are coming!
Please let me know what you think of this chapter :)
Chapter 35
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
April 1945
Stalag Luft XIII, Nuremberg, Germany
It was a rainy morning when the Colonel went to talk to the German leaders. Charlie watched on with the senior officers, which included Buck and Bucky, under cover of a wooden veranda.
“What did he say?” Buck asked the Colonel, developing a bad feeling in his stomach. Charlie kicked the muddy ground with her worn boots. Charlie thought the snow was bad. She was starting to dislike the mud and rain even more.
“The Germans want to stay ahead of the Allies. They’re worried they’re getting too close again, so another march.” The Colonel told his senior officers plus Charlie with a sigh. A lot of the men had only just recovered from the last march. Many men had lost body parts to frostbite and Charlie, along with Freddie who completed the march, were the unlucky ones trying to help the boys get back to some resemblance of being human. “We leave at 19:00 hours.” Bucky pulled a face of disbelief and annoyance.
“Another night march?” Bucky asked, not likely the sound of this.
“Yeah, but I told them we won’t go more than 20 kilometres a night, and they agreed,” The Colonel clarified. “Spread the word.”
Buck and Bucky shared a knowing, secret look between themselves. Charlie was too dejected to look too far into it.
It was later that night when the columns of men and the one woman set off in the dark towards another Stalag. Some men were given lit wood to hold to light the way in the pitch black.
“Popeye’s saying they’re taking us across the Danube tomorrow. We move tonight or we don’t move at all.” Bucky whispered to his friend but not quiet enough for Charlie not to hear.
“Move? What are you talking about?” Charlie questioned. Buck and Bucky shared another meaningful look between them which was starting to piss Charlie off. Buck and Bucky had purposefully not told Charlie about their discussions on escaping their captivity. They weren’t sure what she would say although they are able to guess. Charlie did not sound happy.
“Escape. We need to make a move Charlie, or we’ll all die at this rate.” Bucky lowly said to his sister.
“We are doing just fine here.” Charlie protested in a loud whisper, trying not to draw attention to herself.
“Fine?” Bucky laughed in disbelief. “We are not doing fine. How many men have you had to patch up recently? We are dying in here Charlie. If not from the Germans, then from starvation, disease or fucking marching around half of Germany.” Bucky urged her to open her eyes. Charlie paused in thought at what he said. She never wanted to come to the realisation that the men were dropping like flies. Some enough it would be every man for himself, or it was already but hadn’t realised it yet.
“So your plan is to escape? How?” Charlie questioned, looking briefly at Buck who had kept quiet and out of the Egan’s sibling quarrel. He was a smart man.
“It has to be tonight.” Bucky ignored her question and instead talking to Buck and his friend George who started hanging around the small group.
“Tonight?” Buck queried, looking worriedly at Charlie who had suddenly and uncharacteristically gone quiet.
“Tonight.” Bucky confirmed with determination.
“We won’t be able to make a run for it after that, Gale,” George told his friend firmly. “The river’s too damn big to get back to this side. Listen guys are starting to break out into groups.”
“Buck, if we keep it tight—me, you, Charlie, George, Aaron. You know it’s a better chance to move unseen.” Bucky tried to sway his friend into his way of thinking.
Everyone paused when they heard the familiar noise of a plane. Buck unconsciously pushed Charlie behind him before the cry of ‘P-51’ was shouted out. ‘Cigarettes and torches, put em’ all out!’
Then chaos erupted. The men scrambled past each other trying to find some cover from the aircraft that didn’t know they were POWs on the ground. Charlie swore she would remember the sound the plan made as it dived over them for the rest of her days. She froze. Buck and Bucky forcibly dragged her to the side of the road and then pulled her down. Buck partially covered her body with his own as the bullets from the plane started flying. As soon as it went past Bucky jumped up with a fury and approached the German commander who stood stoically while watching the Americans “Glemnitz! We told you we had to stop marching at night. We’re being attacked by our own goddamn planes! It’s not safe. We told you it’s not safe.” DeMarco and Brady had to pull Bucky away from attacking the German officer. It would surely be a death sentence if he did.
“Bucky.” Buck tried to get his attention while still crouching over Charlie who laid on the ground. Bucky tried fighting Brady and DeMarco, but it was two against one.
“Bucky!” Buck yelled louder with his voice cracking near the end which immediately garnered Bucky’s attention.
“Buck, you ok?” Bucky asked, not able to see Charlie from behind his bigger form.
“Charlie’s been hit.” Buck told him while trying to staunch the bleeding. Bucky’s heart dropped at hearing those words.
“How- how bad?” Bucky stuttered. Brady and DeMarco paused, scared of what had happened to their resident nurse and friend.
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Charlie sat up from the ground and glared at the useless air force boys, finally coming into view. “It’s a fucking graze. Anyone would think I was dying the way you lot are acting.” Brady and DeMarco looked sheepishly at the group before walking away, trying not to get caught in Charlie’s crosshairs.
Bucky sighed in relief. If Charlie was swearing at them then she’s ok. Charlie looked down at the bullet graze on her arm and Buck trying to apply pressure with his scarf.
“It’s fine. It doesn’t even need stitches.” Charlie assessed before looking at a guilt-ridden Buck.
“I’m fine Buck.” Charlie tried to reassure him.
“I was supposed to protect you.” Buck whispered, unable to look at Charlie.
“You did Buck. You did.” Charlie softly told the man before pressing her forehead against his, trying to reassure him she was still here. Bucky coughed at the affectionate moment before walking away. He did not want to see that even though he was happy his best friend and sister had found each other.
When the march continued, Buck looked at Bucky intently after marching in silence side by side. Charlie had decided to stay near Brady and DeMarco even though the Buck’s didn’t want to let her out of their sight.
“I’m in,” Buck told his friend. Unable to think about anything else other than the fact he near lost Charlie tonight. Bucky was right they are all going to die unless something is done. “We make a run for it tonight.”
It was only an hour later when they reached a town. The Colonel was adamant that they were done marching for the night and gave out orders for men to find billets in the town. The German soldiers tried to stop the POWs from trying to break into people’s houses, but the men were desperate and tired. They wanted somewhere to lay their head down and rest and they didn’t care if it was a German’s already occupied house. It was in other words chaos between the German guards and POWs who outnumbered them.
“According to Jefferson’s map there’s a forest a few miles northwest.” George told the small group who were in no hurry to find somewhere to sit down. They had to be ready. “If we make it that far, we should be pretty well covered.”
“We’ll make it that far.” Bucky said with determination. They had to. It was their only hope.
“I say we head down that way, take advantage of the confusion while we still can.” Buck told the group after looking around at the scores of men going in every other direction.
“Over that wall.” Bucky directed, after taking stock of the situation and the empty street they planned to escape down. “Alright. Who wants to go first?”
Everyone looked at each other for a second before George volunteered to go. Charlie bit her lip nervously. She had a bad feeling about this and wasn’t sure that now was the right time to escape but she understood this is their only chance. George slipped away from the group and down the empty street and over the wall without raising an alarm. He made it safely and unnoticed. Charlie breathed out a sigh of relief. Maybe this could work she thought.
“Alright Bill, go.” Bucky ordered next. Bill went again unnoticed and slipped away over the wall. Buck, Bucky and Charlie all looked at each other wondering who’s next.
“Charlie—” Buck started to say before she interrupted.
“You go Buck. Bucky and I will follow. Together.” Charlie told him before glancing at Bucky who furrowed his brows.
Bucky sighed in annoyance but nodded “Get going. We’re right behind you.” Bucky told Buck who was glancing nervously at Charlie.
“Alright.” Buck squeezed Charlie’s hand before making quick work of walking away to where Bill and George disappeared to. Buck was nearly at the wall when Bucky and Charlie took a quick glance around before making their move, following Bucky’s footsteps.
Charlie’s heart jumped in her throat when she heard German shouting “Halt! Halt!” and the familiar click of a rifle. Bucky immediately turned around on his heel and grabbed the German’s rifle, so it wasn’t aimed at Charlie and a fleeing Buck.
“Hey, don’t shoot. Don’t shoot.” Bucky ordered
A shot was fired in the air with the struggle.
“Go Buck. Get out of here.” Bucky yelled.
Charlie turned around to get one more glimpse of Buck who was looking back at the Egan siblings before jumping the wall to relative safety. Charlie smiled sadly at Buck before he disappeared from sight.
Charlie gasped when a German soldier hit Bucky in the back with the butt of his rifle and ran over to the struggle. Another soldier ran up to the wall the escapees hopped over and began firing shots in the dark. Charlie knew he wouldn’t be able to hit anything. They had done it. They were free.
“Colonel! Colonel!” Charlie yelled, scared her brother was going to be shot next if someone didn’t intervene.
The Colonel appeared from the crowd in a hurry and demanded the Germans to release Bucky who had given up struggling with the gun now that he knew Buck was safe and long gone.
“Goddamn it. You touch one hair on his head, and you’ll have a riot.” The Colonel threatened the Germans. “Glemnitz!” The Colonel shouted in anger “This is one of my senior officers and he is essential to—” The Colonel paused when Glemnitz finally arrived in the watching crowd.
“Order your man to release Major Egan. Now.” The Colonel demanded much quieter now that he had their attention. Two German soldiers were holding up a lightly beaten Bucky. Charlie wanted to intervene but knew she couldn’t. Brady and DeMarco found her in the crowd and grabbed a hold of her in case she decided to do something stupid. Glemnitz spoke in German to his soldiers and Bucky was released from their hold. Bucky grunted at the new bruises he had suddenly acquired. The crowd soon dispersed at orders being thrown in German to the guards. Only Charlie, Bucky and the Colonel remained.
“What the hell was that all about?” The Colonel asked the siblings.
“George, Bill and Buck, they went over that wall.” Bucky told him.
“And you?” The Colonel asked looking at Charlie and Bucky who were left behind.
“We were to follow but were caught.” Charlie robotically replied. Bucky strided over to his sister and grabbed her with both hands on her upper arms and shook her a little.
“Why’d you chose to stay with me? You could have been home free Charlie!” Bucky almost cried at the thought of his sister still being here. She could have been free with Buck.
Charlie grabbed Bucky’s face with both hands and brought it down from his ridiculous height so they could see each other eye to eye.
“Do you think I don’t know about your sacrificial tendencies Bucky?” Charlie asked in disbelief. “I know you Bucky and I was never going to leave this place without you. Never.” Charlie told him.
There was a silence between siblings for a moment before Bucky blurted out “You’re so stupid.” And then stormed off leaving Charlie alone.
“I love you too.” She whispered to his retreating back.
Notes:
Sorry for the delay guys and girls! It has been a crazy month!
Soo much angst in this chapter. Let me know what you think :)
Chapter 36
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
April 1945
Stalag VII
Moosburg, Germany
Two days after Buck’s escape, they marched into Stalag Luft VII in Moosburg. This was nothing like Stalag XIII. It was heavily defended and massive in size. There were machine gunner nests on the roofs of buildings along with the normal machine guns in the watch tower. The place was a fortress and very well defended. Charlie didn’t miss the way the existing prisoners of the camp eyed up the newcomers in wariness. Charlie also didn’t miss the lingering glances of the strange men aimed at her- some doing a double take in surprise at seeing a woman amongst the men. Bucky saw this and stepped closer to Charlie until he was almost breathing down her neck, protectively. They hadn’t talked since Bucky had called her stupid, but he was always there, watching her, making sure she’s safe. Charlie had been hanging around Brady and DeMarco since the escape and Bucky had decided to be alone. It nearly broke Charlie’s heart to see Bucky without Buck. The pair were nigh inseparable.
“Come on.” Bucky came up from behind Charlie and grabbed her hand, dragging her off to their new digs. Charlie didn’t protest. Charlie and Bucky were luckier than others given their higher rank/ status and were able to get a relatively private hut to rest their heads and get out of the wet and cold weather. DeMarco and Brady joined them in their hut. The others were close by in similar huts and others had to sleep outside due to the overcrowding. The Stalag Luft was not supposed to cater to the number of inmates now housed within its fences.
“Are you talking to me again?” Charlie asked her brother once they settled in. DeMarco and Brady shared a look between each other and stepped out of the hut to give the siblings some privacy. Bucky didn’t look at her and continued with his task of digging out his limited belongings from his sack.
“Bucky?” Charlie’s voice broke when he didn’t say a word. Bucky winced at the sadness in his sister’s voice, unable to carry on as they had.
“I’m angry Charlie.” Bucky said, not used to talking about his feelings. It was something he never did, something the Egan’s were not taught how to do.
“With me?” Charlie questioned, already sure of the answer.
“Yes and no.” Bucky replied with a sigh. He was angry. About many things.
Charlie scoffed at his vague response. “What does that mean?”
“We were so close. You were so close to getting out of here. Of being free. I don’t understand why you didn’t go with Buck.” Bucky shook his head, trying to comprehend what happened only a couple of days ago. He felt dejected.
“I didn’t want to leave you.” Charlie told him again. Bucky shook his head, still not understanding.
“Why?” Bucky asked simply.
Charlie turned away from him, unable to look at him when he is like this “Because.”
Bucky’s annoyance flared up and he grabbed his sister’s head, so she looked him in the eye “Because, what?” Bucky demanded.
“You’re my brother. You’re the person I go to when I feel sad or scared. You’re the one person in the world who knows all my secrets. The one person I can depend on to keep me safe.” Charlie blurted out what she was feeling.
“Buck could have kept you safe.” Bucky told her, feeling emotional.
“But he’s not you,” Charlie told him before hesitantly wrapping her arms around Bucky in a hug he was slow to reciprocate “He’s not my big brother.” Bucky’s arms tightened around Charlie’s waist at hearing that.
“Who’s going to keep you safe if Buck and I both left?” Charlie whispered into his chest. Bucky remained silent but held his sister close to him- needing the physical connection she was offering.
“Are you still angry?” Charlie tentatively asked after they stood hugging for a couple of minutes in silence.
“Yes, but not at you,” Bucky quietly replied, somewhat lost in his thoughts “angry at this fucked up mess we’re in.”
“We’ll be fine if we stick together, right?” Charlie asked optimistically, looking up with hope at her brother. Bucky strained a smile which resembled more of a smirk than anything else at his sister’s innocence.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine as long as we’re together.” Bucky tried to sound normal and reassuring. He couldn’t stand still any longer and let his sister go with a kiss on the forehead.
“Same rules as before Charlie. No going anywhere in the camp without someone we trust with you.” Bucky commanded, sounding more like himself. Charlie smiled and mockingly saluted him. Bucky chuckled at her cheekiness, desperately trying to hide his worry.
April 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
It had been two weeks since Buck had escaped the Stalag in Germany. He didn’t feel right. Nothing felt right. Guilt was his biggest emotion. He could still see Bucky and Charlie in his mind every night before he hopped the wall the evening he escaped. The scene wouldn’t leave his mind. He kept thinking to himself what he could have done differently so they all could have escaped with him. He never came up with an answer that made sense. He feared for their safety, especially after hearing the gunshots that were not aimed at him and the other escaped men that fateful night. Did the Germans shoot them? Buck shook his head. He couldn’t think like that. He couldn’t afford to think like that. The escape was not smooth. The group had no idea where they were going. It was only luck he and the other man managed to escape the group of children who had found them in the forest- only more luck that they had no ammunition for their weapons.
The journey from the town they were picked up in by American infantry in West Germany back to Thorpe Abbotts was a long one. Buck was grateful for the lift back in a B-17 heading to England from France. The familiar hum of the engines was something he didn’t realise how much he missed.
Crosby, Kidd and Rosie were waiting for his plane to arrive. They received the news only two days ago that a stray pilot of theirs had been picked up after escaping a POW camp. Crosby laughed to himself when he heard it was Buck. Everyone had money on it being Bucky- it was something crazy enough for him to do.
Crosby soon sobered when he realised, he had to break the news to Buck about Charlie.
Buck hopped out of the silver B-17’s hatch with ease. “Thanks for the lift, guys.” Buck said in passing before looking around at the base he hadn’t seen in nearly two years. Buck wore his now raggedy uniform and his long winter coat. No belongings. No nothing.
“Major. Welcome back.” Crosby jumped out of his jeep to greet his old friend.
“Crosby, they still got you at this dump?” Buck teased, happy to see familiar faces.
“Sure do.” Harry confirmed.
“Major.” “Rosie” The men greeted each other while drawing attention to the reunion others came to call out greetings including ground crew and Lemmons.
“You got a musette bag Major?” Rosie asked, oblivious.
“No, I left that in the suite at the stalag,” Buck retorted. “What you see is what I’ve got.”
“I gotta thank the CO for letting Hank pick me up in Paris.” Buck commented, admiring the B-17 for a moment.
“We’ve been running a few shuttle missions the past couple of weeks.” Crosby commented as a wing of B-17 flew past slower than normal before dropping their payload of parcels on the field nearby. Buck watched curiously.
“What’s this for?”
“The Dutch are starving to death, so the Allies are dropping tons of food west and southwest of the Zuider Zee.” Rosie explained.
“Supposed to be a flak truce with the Germans, so no flak or AA guns. So far, they have refused but, hell, we’re flying anyway.” Crosby said with apprehension. They all knew that if the Germans did not adhere to the flak truce, it would be a turkey shoot. They had to drop the payload low and slow, so the food was intact by the time it reached the ground.
The jeep ride back to the accommodation huts was silent. Buck was trying to take it all in that he was in fact back at Thorpe Abbotts. It seemed unreal. Maybe if Bucky and Charlie were with him, he wouldn’t feel so disjointed. The room where Buck, Bucky, Brady, Crank, DeMarco, Kidd and Blakely used to sleep was virtually untouched. No one had the heart to move into it after their planes went down. Buck took a minute to breath in the staleness of the room. Rosie and Harry were waiting patiently for Buck to assimilate. Buck eyed the room curiously before his eyes landed on three footlockers side by side. A heavy layer of dust coated the top of them. Buck walked over. Rosie and Crosby shared a nervous look between them.
Buck wiped the dust away from the names of the owners. “Major Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven’, “Major John ‘Bucky’ Egan” and… “Major Charlotte Egan”.
“Why is Charlie’s footlocker here?” Buck asked with his back towards Harry and Rosie, his fingers lingered on Charlie’s name. Harry muttered ‘shit’ under his breath.
Buck turned around to eye Rosie and Harry curiously.
“Buck…,” Harry nervously started, trying to form the words he knew he had to “Charlie’s plane went down over Germany.”
“I know Cros.” Buck told him. Putting the nervous man out of his misery.
“You know?” Rosie asked confused.
“She’s in the Stalag with Bucky and the other men. She’s safe.” Buck told them, believing his words as much as possible. She is safe. She has to be.
Harry let out the breath he felt like he had been holding for 2 years.
“She’s alive?” Harry asked, believing only Buck’s word.
“She’s alive. Bucky is keeping her safe.” Buck confirmed, assured in giving that fact. Bucky would keep her safe without fail.
“Oh, thank god.” Harry nearly collapsed. Rosie patted his friend on the back and Buck looked on at the scene with concern.
“We thought…,” Rosie tried to explain to Buck. “She was never recorded as a POW.” Buck nodded solemnly. They all thought she didn’t make it.
“She’s ok,” Buck then thought about her nerve damaged hand and amended his statement “She’s alive.” Buck turned back to the footlockers.
“Egan wouldn’t let us ship it to your folks.” Harry explained. Buck unlocked the locker and flipped it over. “Kept saying, ‘I expect him back’, and ‘my buddy’s just MIA’.”
“If both of your footlockers were still here, I couldn’t stand the thought of Charlie’s being shipped home, of them being separated, so I drove to get hers from her RAF base.” Harry answered the question from earlier.
The first thing Buck picked up was his framed picture of Charlie that he kept with him- Charlie was dressed smartly in her class A uniform and was smiling at the camera. The picture was one of two that he had. The other he had in his pocket- he was lucky enough to grab it from the B-17’s instrument cluster before he bailed out. Buck gently rubbed his thumb over the glass of the picture frame of Charlie. He wished she was here with him. He wouldn’t be able to fully rest until she’s back where she belongs and is safe.
“So Major, operations were kind of hoping you wouldn’t mind flying on this mercy mission I was just telling you about.” Rosie told the semi- listening Major. Buck next pulled out the dollar bill Bucky had given him before his first mission. Memories were floating back to their early days at Thorpe Abbotts when they had little care in the world.
“Should be a milk run but you can’t be sure what the Germans are gonna do.” Rosie continued.
“Be nice to get behind the yoke again.” Buck said, thinking that doing anything to distract himself from the fact that his girl, best friend and men were not with him was worthwhile. Buck tucked the ‘lucky’ dollar bill in his pocket wordlessly. Harry smirked at that.
“So, Bucky and Charlie didn’t make the breakout with you, huh?” Harry had to bring it up- they were all wondering. It was a very rare occasion when Buck and Bucky were seen apart from each other.
“No, no, Bucky had to—he had to stay behind with the men. Charlie stayed behind for Bucky.” Buck had trouble saying it without his voice dropping.
“They’re okay though, right?” Harry queried, unsettled by Buck’s demeanour.
“Yeah, when do you ever know them to not be okay? Charlie’s keeping him in line, like always.” Buck smiled, believing his words. Harry and Rosie smiled back at the thought.
Buck hoped they were okay. He didn’t know what he would do if they weren’t.
Buck couldn’t wait to get back into a B-17. And if they were dropping food parcels instead of bombs? Well, that was a nice surprise. Buck didn’t know if he could stomach dropping bombs anymore- not after all he had seen and done.
Buck prayed that night that Bucky and Charlie and the rest of the 100th’s captured men returned safe and sound. The war was coming to an end, everyone knew that, but no one knew how it was going to end- Buck hoped it did not end in more bloodshed.
Notes:
We must protect precious Buck at all costs!
Chapter 37
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Late April 1945
Stalag VII
Moosburg, Germany
3 weeks. That was how long it had been since Buck and a few others escaped. Charlie had been waiting for Buck to be marched back into the camp, captured but alive. He had not. Charlie could only hope he had made it back into friendly territory. No mail had been received since leaving the last Stalag, so everyone was antsy about what was going on in the world. Especially the war. Whispers had begun that the war was nearly over- that the Russians had the Germans on their knees. It didn’t feel like it to the prisoners of war who were barely surviving on scraps of food that the Germans let them have. Charlie had a feeling that if it was up to them, they wouldn’t give the POW any food at all. With the Russians advancing into Germany, food trucks delivering supplies were becoming scarce- not only for the POWs but for the German prison guards also.
Bucky had really stepped up since Buck’s escape. He took charge of the rag tag group of 100th men in addition to the Tuskegee men who had become part of the group who could be trusted. Bucky was becoming what he was from the start as air executive, a leader.
“Charlie!” Bucky called out to his sister as she sat by herself away from the others, lost in thought. “You ok?” Bucky asked, sitting down next to the quiet woman. Charlie hummed her answer.
The pair sat in silence for a moment, wondering what to say to each other. Their relationship had improved since their argument after Buck escaped but things still were not how they used to be.
“You thinking about Buck?” Bucky asked, reading his sisters mind.
“We haven’t heard anything.” Charlie stated, no longer able to hide her concern.
“There could be a number of reasons for that. No one has heard anything outside of these wire fences since we arrived. No mail. Nothing.” Bucky tried to reassure his sister, holding out hope that if anyone was going to make it back safe, it would be Buck Cleven.
“Do you think he made it? Do you think he’s safe?” Charlie asked her brother the question she had been playing around in her head for the last 6 weeks.
“Yeah, yeah I do.” Bucky believed his words. If anyone was going to make it back safe, it would be Buck Cleven.
“How’d you know?” Charlie questioned, surprised at Bucky’s assuredness. Like he knew something she didn’t.
“Because I do,” Bucky simply replied with a shrug of his shoulder, not allowing his thoughts to go to a dark place. “Now come on, there’s some food being cooked by Ham that has your name on it.” Bucky got up from the ground, wiped the mud off his already dirty tired uniform and then held a hand out to pull Charlie up as well.
“Not cat I hope.” Charlie joked. Bucky avoided her eyes with a smirk. “Oh Jesus Bucky, I am not eating it!” Charlie cottoned onto his sly smirk. Charlie tried breaking away from Bucky’s grip on her wrist, but he was too strong.
“Come on Charlie, you need to eat,” Bucky pulled her towards the gathering men of the 100th. “It’s protein. And you’ve been losing weight.” Charlie huffed in displeasure but followed along to the group.
“Everyone’s losing weight.” Charlie commented, not liking being singled out.
“I know but we are all going to need our strength soon. I have a feeling something going to happen soon.” Bucky told her before shoving a bowl into her hand. Charlie pulled a face when she looked into the bowl at the unknown ingredients with disgust.
Charlie looked back at her brother “When we get out of here, I’m turning vegetarian.” Bucky and a nearby Benny and Brady laughed at her declaration.
“When we get out of here, do whatever makes you happy Charlie.” Bucky wrapped an arm around her shoulders affectionately.
“Not eating cat makes me happy Bucky.” Charlie deadpanned before reluctantly taking a bite of the broth.
“Yeah, me too.” Benny chimed in agreement before taking his own bite, wincing as he did so.
2 days later, Charlie found Bucky talking with Alex around a fire.
“I’m guessing when this is all over, Alex, they’ll probably send us home out of Marseille or Le Havre. I can’t see ‘em shipping us out off merry old England.” Bucky spoke with hope to the younger man.
Charlie frowned as she swore, she could hear a plane.
“Do you hear that?” Charlie whispered to Bucky who looked up into the sky all with others as the sound got louder and closer.
“Macon, that’s a P-51.” Alex said to his friend.
“Americans?” Charlie grabbed Bucky’s sleeve in anticipation before a yell came out from a British POW ‘it’s the Yanks!’
“That’s a P-51.” Alex repeated almost to himself.
The German machine gunners opened fire on the low flying fighter plane from their guard towers. Charlie and the rest of the POW’s watched as the P-51 came right at the camp flying low and opened fire on the machine gun nest on the roof of the building right in the middle of the camp. Everyone began cheering. Bucky kept a tight hold of Charlie in case he had to drag her down to avoid gunfire. Everyone’s cheers quietened once the plane passed away from the camp until Alex noticed the plane turn around “He’s coming back! He’s coming back!” Alex and others cried out before everyone ducked to avoid the gunfire from the plane, Bucky throwing himself on top of Charlie to protect her. Once the plane had passed again, everyone got up to cheer once again. Bucky pulling up Charlie before letting out a loud cheer at the smashing the plane gave the guard tower and machine gun nest. “Come on!” Bucky clapped his hands in excitement. That was before the German machine gunners started opening fire on the crowd of prisoners in the yard. The same yard where they were standing now.
Men instinctively ducked at the bullets heading their way. Bucky lost Charlie’s hand in the panic of the crowd and cursed to himself as he tried to find some cover and figure out what was happening. Everyone was moving in one direction- away from the direction of the gunfire. Unfortunately for the guards on the ground, they were outnumbered and so the prisoners tackled them on the ground, beat them and took their weapons.
Bucky heard the cry of ‘it’s the Americans! Americans are at the gates!”. They were finally here. Finally, they had come to rescue them. Bucky knew he had to do something otherwise they were all going to be killed before the Americans get to them.
“Fellas, take out the tower.” Bucky commanded the group following him through the mayhem. Bucky desperately wanted to search for Charlie, but he knew he couldn’t. He had to make sure they all were going to survive first. Bucky knew Charlie was smart. She would stick with someone she knew or hide somewhere. Bucky couldn’t go to her this time.
Bucky glanced back at the Nazi flag blowing in the wind above the main building in the Stalag before finding a crowd of men hiding underneath a tent tarp, trying to survive the carnage.
“Who’s got the flag? Who has a flag?” Bucky asked frantically.
“No flag, sir.” The men replied before Bucky ran back out into the fray and mortars going off to the next tent.
Everyone kept denying they had a flag until someone yelled ‘I’ve got it! Here.” Alex ran over to Bucky with it to hand over. Bucky looked out into the chaos of mortar fire and machine gun fire before making a run for the building holding the Nazi flag up, Alex on his heels. Everywhere else, the remaining German soldiers were being beaten to a pulp, if they were lucky by the prisoners who had been treated wrong by them for so long. Bucky saw the Sherman tanks were about to breach the barbed fire fence and made haste.
“Help me up!” Bucky ordered Alex and Brady who helped lift Bucky onto the roof, a crowd beginning to gather below. Cheers and celebrations had already begun. ‘we’re going home’ ‘freedom’ was being yelled out by the ecstatic men, for whom some had spent most of the war interned behind the barbed wire fence for many years.
“Go Bucky!” his friends yelled as he climbed the flagpole. When the Nazi flag was dropped into the crowd, they tore it up savagely. It was a symbol of everything they had fought against.
Bucky attached the American flag and the crowd that included men from all over the world; Africans, British, French, Polish, Australian, cheered not because of the country but of what the country represented- freedom.
Bucky held tightly onto the flagpole and tuned out the noise for a moment as he pressed his forehead to the wood, taking in the view and the fact that they were free.
“Bucky!” “Bucky!” was yelled below. Bucky opened his eyes and met similar ones to his. Charlie. Charlie was ok. Bucky smiled before carefully making his way down from the pole and building roof.
When his boots hit the muddy ground, he was immediately engulfed in a fierce hug.
“Where have you been?” Bucky asked his sister, still enveloped in her arms.
Bucky could feel her chuckle “Trying not to get shot.”
“Is that so?” Bucky chuckled himself, feeling a little delirious. Is this real? Are they actually going home?
“I can’t believe it.” Charlie spoke exactly what Bucky was thinking.
“Me neither.” Bucky whispered in disbelief. They are going home. But first a pit stop.
May 1945
Thorpe Abbotts, Norfolk
This was Buck’s first food delivery run. It had taken him a while to get cleared to fly by medical. He had lost a lot of weight in the Stalag and was sick with a cold on his return home. Running around in the freezing cold woods of Nazi Germany did that to you he guessed. It was a beautiful spring day in England for his first time getting back behind the yoke. Buck watched from a distance as Rosie conducted his final outside checks of the B-17. Croz and Douglass had already climbed inside. Buck chewed around the toothpick in his mouth for a moment longer before taking the plunge to climb back inside the metal of the familiar airplane. After greeting Crosby and Douglass, Buck moved into the cockpit and heaved a sigh as he sat in this preferred seat on the left. Something Bucky always used to tease him about. It had to be the left seat. Buck glanced around the cockpit with a sly smile, it had been too long and if he was being honest with himself, he had been dreading it- the feeling of getting back into the seat- but he was happily surprised. It felt right, like he was supposed to be back. It felt natural. Buck pulled out Charlie’s picture from the inside of his sheepskin pocket and placed it in its rightful spot next to the instrument cluster.
“I hope you don’t mind but I usually take the left seat,” Buck said when he heard Rosie coming up behind into the cockpit. “Well always actually.” Buck admitted.
“I’ll get the general on the phone,” Rosie replied with a straight face before smiling “No, I’m just kidding you.” Buck smiled back. The two veteran pilots took a moment to take in the sunshine. “It’s an honour.” Rosie told Buck, before shaking his gloved hand.
“Ready pre-flight checks?” Rosie asked, looking at the time.
“Never readier.” Buck grinned. He had missed this. It felt like coming home. It was a sort of home but not without Bucky and Charlie to share it with.
“Form 1A?” Rosie asked.
“Checked.” Buck confidently replied, it felt like riding a bike.
“Controls and the seats?”
“Check.”
Buck signalled to the ground crew before starting engine one “Start one.” Buck grinned at the familiar sound. There was nothing quite like it in his eyes. Rosie could see the pure joy on Buck’s face and couldn’t help but grin along with him. With the war coming to an end, they both knew it may be one of their last flights in the B-17.
The Germans had decided to honour the truce and not a single piece of flak was fired at them while over occupied Holland. It made everyone feel good. They were feeding people instead of blowing them up- and they were not getting killed doing it.
On their imminent arrival back at Thorpe Abbotts, Buck radioed the tower. “Clearup tower, this is chowhound one requesting landing instructions. Over.”
“Chowhound one, you are clear for overhead approach. Runway 281 at 1,200 indicated. Winds are 300 at 12. Altimeter, 29.96. Over.” Buck frowned at the familiar voice. He could have sworn it was--. No, it wasn’t possible.
“Clearup tower, please repeat. Over.” Buck was hallucinating. That was the only explanation.
“You heard me the first goddamn time, Gale.” Bucky’s voice clearer than ever being fed into the chowhound crews’ headset.
“Well, I’ll be damned.” Buck smiled to himself before freezing. Wait- what about Charlie?
Charlie wrestled the microphone off her brother with a frown before speaking into it “Hi, baby.”
Buck blushed faintly at the term of endearment being broadcast so widely. He knew he was getting flak for this when he landed from the guys. Buck could just picture Bucky’s face at hearing that.
“Hi darling.”
Before everyone knew it, they were landing back at Thorpe Abbotts only to be greeted by the beeping of a jeep horn and Bucky’s smiling face as the plane was manoeuvred to its hard stand. Bucky was wearing his uniform as he normally would on base along with Jack Kidd’s borrowed sheepskin jacket. He hadn’t had a chance to get his old white one back yet.
“Look who it is, the stone in my shoe!” Buck joyfully shouted above the noise of the engines.
Bucky chuckled heartedly. “Oh, I’m back!”
Buck’s breath hitched when he found Charlie waiting at his hard stand, standing picture perfect as she always was with a sly smile on her face. She was in a new uniform too, but no one could ignore the amount of weight she had lost as a prisoner of war, more weight than Buck and Bucky or any of the 100th men. Buck could not deny the weight loss made her any less beautiful in his eyes. She has and always will be picture perfect. Charlie grinned when she caught Buck’s eye. When the plane came to a stop, Rosie and Buck shut the engines down. Buck was almost frantic in his actions.
“Go get your girl, I’ll do the post-flight checks.” Rosie told the poor man. Buck didn’t think twice, he leapt from his seat and hurriedly made his way to the exit hatch- ignoring everyone and everything in his path.
Buck walked slowly towards Charlie, hoping this is not a dream. Charlie walked slowly towards Buck, unsure of what to do first.
“Hi baby.” Charlie whispered only loud enough for Buck to hear. Buck cracked and swept Charlie up in his arms before dropping his head down to kiss her passionately. A few cheers erupted from the slow growing crowd but the couple ignored everyone else but each other. Eventually the couple stopped kissing and just rested their foreheads against the other.
“I love you, Charlotte Egan.” Buck intensely told the woman in his arms.
“I love you, Gale Cleven.” Charlie reciprocated, the pair too wrapped up in their love to notice anything or anybody.
“Never leave me again. Never part from me again.” Buck practically begged, unable to hide the anguish the separation had caused him.
“Never.” Charlie promised before kissing Buck again.
Bucky watched the couple with a smile on his face. His sister and best friend was happy. There was nothing else he could have wanted more than this.
“Come on Croz, let’s leave the lovebirds for a moment.” Bucky wrapped an arm around the smaller man, guiding him and others towards the officer’s club. Harry had been waiting patiently to greet Charlie but understood the lovers needed a moment to themselves, so he let Bucky lead him away.
“You guys better still be stocking the good whisky or we are going to be having words.” Bucky teasingly warned before looking over his shoulder one more time at the couple with a giant smile. And just like that everything was right in the world again.
Notes:
I literally cried writing this chapter!
Let me know what you think :)
Chapter 38
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“So, how’s it feel being back up there?” Bucky asked Buck when the couple arrived at the officer’s club to a round of applause from their friends. Crank, Ham, Benny, Brady and all the other former POW men of the 100th had the same idea as Bucky and decided a drink in their old haunt was essential when returning to Thorpe Abbotts. The air was jovial with the return of the missing men of the 100th. Bucky had settled into a booth with Buck and Charlie opposite and Buck’s arm was around Charlie’s shoulder, not wanting her too far away from him.
“It felt good.” Buck replied with a smile. Bucky smirked at his friend, knowing him too well. Buck loved flying as much as Bucky does.
“Some things never change.” Charlie affectionately said glancing at Buck and Bucky’s happy faces, glad they were all reunited again.
“So, the camp was liberated?” Buck asked, looking between Charlie tucked securely under his arm and Bucky sipping on his drink.
“Yep,” Bucky popped his ‘p’ childishly “General Patton’s Third Army just rolled right in after we took out the guards.” Buck frowned at how nonchalant Bucky was being but left it alone. He had only just returned afterall.
“Charlie!” Harry yelled before approaching the booth, Douglass, Rosie and Jack Kidd following in his wake.
“Hey Cros, how are ya?” Charlie greeted but making no move to untangle herself from Buck.
“Good although I really should be asking you that.” Harry slid into the booth next to Bucky, Douglass and Rosie followed, and Jack Kidd stayed standing.
“I’m fine.” Charlie chuckled almost automatically.
“Yeah?” Harry found it hard not to stare at the way her old clothes now hung off her skinny frame. Buck’s arm squeezed Charlie’s shoulder, almost to reassure himself she’s here with him. Buck had been getting nightmares since his return to Thorpe Abbotts of Charlie never coming back. Douglass and Jack tried to avoid staring at the even smaller woman than they knew previously.
Charlie knew immediately what Harry was getting at. Her weight loss was very noticeable. “Food was absolutely terrible in the Stalag; you would have hated it Cros. Ask Ham or even Benny- he could tell ya stories that would make your eyes water,” Charlie said to Harry in good humour. Everyone cracked a smile at that even Harry.
“I’ll put the weight back on, don’t worry.” Charlie reassured her friend and indirectly Buck and Bucky who she knew were also concerned but hadn’t said anything.
“Good,” Harry commented, there was a comfortable silence over the booth before Harry spat out what he had been holding in for a while. “Lieutenant Reba Whittle visited the base on her way home to the States.”
Charlie’s eyes involuntarily filled with water “She did?” Reba was on her list to look up, but she was scared as to what she would find.
“Yeah, she did.” Harry softly confirmed knowing how much this would mean to Charlie.
“Was- was she ok?” Charlie hesitantly asked.
“She was fine. She was still suffering from a head injury but other than that, fine.” Rosie reassured Charlie.
“She did hit her head pretty hard in the crash landing.” Charlie whispered almost to herself, but everyone could hear her. Buck kissed Charlie’s forehead softly to bring here back to the present as she was starting to space out thinking about the past.
“I’m sure she is getting all the help she needs back in the States.” Buck told his girl. Only the men in the Stalag knew how much Charlie thought about Reba nearly every day.
“Speaking of help, have you seen a doctor yet?” Bucky asked his sister with a knowing look.
“No, not yet. I’m fine.” Charlie replied with a fake smile. Buck squeezed Charlie’s shoulder.
“Uh huh.” Bucky said with narrowed eyes. Harry, Rosie and the other men not at the Stalag looked at each other in confusion.
“Are you sick Charlie?” Rosie asked with concern.
“No, I’m fine.” Charlie repeated, still with her fake smile plastered on. Buck and Bucky shared a knowing look between them, Charlie was procrastinating over seeing a doctor about her hand.
“Ok then.” Harry cleared his throat, recognising the uncomfortable tension building.
“I’m a little tired, I think I’m going to retire early tonight.” Charlie announced before starting to slide out of the booth. Buck and Bucky shared a look between them.
“I’ll walk you back to your hut. Your footlocker is in our hut, so I’ll move that for you.” Buck immediately jumped up after her. Charlie squeezed Harry’s shoulder softly with her good hand, “We’ll have a proper catchup tomorrow, Croz.” Harry smiled back, happy his friends were back and safe. The scene today was something he had been holding our hope for nearly a year.
There were multiple shouts of goodnights from the remaining men at the table as they watched the couple of the hour walk away, Buck’s arm curled around Charlie’s waist protectively. The couple were stopped a couple of times by the men on other tables as they moved through the room. Harry couldn’t help smiling at how Benny and John Brady were making Charlie laugh loudly at their joke. Buck watched on utterly mesmerised by Charlie.
“Those two are still going strong,” Jack commented as they all watched Charlie and Buck smile and engage with the other men while trying to escape outside “It’s nice to see.”
“Yeah, they’re good for each other.” Bucky admitted.
It took Buck and Charlie a while to escape the officers club. Everyone wanted to talk to them. Charlie really was tired by the time they were released. Buck never let go of Charlie once and was still holding onto her while they walked to Buck’s shared hut.
“Why is my footlocker in your room?” Charlie asked confused, only now making the connection that the last time she saw it, was before her dreaded flight to Belgium, still sitting pretty in her room on her air base.
“Harry took it when your plane went down, put it with mine and Bucky’s. Guess he knew you would be back for it.” Buck replied, taking in the silent night air.
Charlie cracked a smile at hearing that “He’s a good friend.”
Buck agreed “Yes he is,” Buck and Charlie were taking their time walking back to Buck’s hut. “Do you want to talk about earlier?”
“No.” Charlie shook her head. Not wanting to think about that today of all days.
“Ok.” Buck immediately agreed. Charlie snuggled further into Buck, grateful that he wouldn’t push like Bucky would. Buck squeezed Charlie closer to his side.
The couple soon came across Buck’s shared hut sitting in darkness. No one was there. They were all at the officer’s club. Charlie followed Buck into the room and made a face at how messy the room was already. Most of the men had only returned today!
“What is with you men and being tidy?” Charlie joked, trying hard to ignore discarded underwear sitting on someone’s bunk. Charlie spotted Buck’s clean bed and could immediately spot her brothers bed next to him- it resembled his room back home- a chaotic mess.
“Hey, don’t throw us all in together.” Buck protested before finding Charlie’s footlocker and lifting it into his arms.
“Are you ok to carry it?” Charlie asked with concern.
“It’s not heavy. We’ll take the jeep the rest of the way.” Buck replied, remembering that Charlie’s hut as with the other women’s accommodation was on the opposite side of the base to the mens for obvious reasons.
“Ok.” Charlie followed Buck out to Bucky’s jeep. “Are you stealing Bucky’s jeep again?” Charlie teased.
“Borrowing.” Buck corrected with a grin.
It was a short drive to Charlie’s hut. Nobody was about. Everyone was celebrating in the officer’s club. Buck lifted the footlocker into Charlie’s private hut. Colonel Harding offered up Charlie’s old hut to stay in. No one had ever filled the room since she left.
“Thanks Buck.” Charlie watched as Buck gently placed her footlocker down against the wooden wall.
Buck turned around to find Charlie shedding her jacket, leaving her in her short-sleeved blouse, pencil skirt and heels. Buck couldn’t help but watch from a distance, admiring Charlie’s beauty.
“What are you doing?” Charlie caught him and she grinned knowingly.
“Admiring the view.” Buck cheekily replied.
“Uh huh. You want to admire the view a little closer?” Charlie teased, not entirely joking.
“Why do I feel like that would be a bad idea?” Buck asked but crossed the room anyway in two long steps until he was right in front of Charlie.
“I don’t know Major Cleven, why would it?” Charlie flirted. Buck groaned before wrapping his arms around Charlie’s waist, pulling her towards him to minimise the gap between their bodies.
Charlie cupped Buck’s face in her palm, gently running her thumb over his sharp cheekbones. “Do you like it when I call you Major Cleven?” Charlie breathed softly only centimetres away from joining their lips, enjoying the intimacy and alone time they had not experienced since their capture.
“You will be the death of me darling.” Buck rumbled, praying for some self-control around his beautiful girlfriend.
“I hope not, I’ve got plans for you baby.” Charlie retorted. That was the last straw for Buck. Buck ducked his head down to capture Charlie’s lips with his own. Charlie moaned at the intensity of the kiss. Obviously, this morning’s kiss was not enough for either of them. Hands scrambled to find purchase on each other. Buck tried and tried but could never find their bodies to be close enough. He wanted to absolutely inhale Charlie and become one with her. Charlie just wanted Buck’s jacket off. She fought fiercely to have it roll down Buck’s arms while he was trying to hold her as tight as possible. Charlie was relieved when it was off, and she could fling it into the nearest corner. Buck herded Charlie back towards the bed but not before Charlie was able to get a few buttons on Buck’s shirt undone enough for her to see the white undershirt and free his dog tags. Charlie happily fell back onto the bed once her legs met the side, Buck followed after, hovering over her body while pushing up her pencil skirt enough for his body to fit between her legs. His arms on either side of her head held him up so he wasn’t crushing her with his weight.
“This is a bad idea.” Buck repeated trying to get his breath back whilst staring down at his grinning girl.
“I don’t see you complaining baby.” Charlie breathlessly replied before grabbing his dog tags to pull him down and hungrily connect their lips again. Buck groaned, on the verge of losing his self-control. Buck’s hand roamed to one of Charlie’s thighs and he hooked it up over his waist to get closer to her, not thinking that now Charlie could feel everything through Buck’s uniformed trousers. Charlie moaned at the new pressure rubbing up against her private area and she began moving her hips to create friction. Buck almost choked at the sensation Charlie was creating. Charlie in the meantime wasted no time on discarding Buck’s shirt and soon after his undershirt leaving his chest exposed. The heat from his bare skin further fuelled the fire in Charlie, she couldn’t get enough, and she wanted to feel her bare skin on his. It almost made her crazy with need. Charlie began unbuttoning her shirt, but Buck’s hand stopped her when she was halfway down.
“No darling. I won’t be able to stop if you do.” Buck explained. Charlie groaned in frustration.
“I don’t want you to stop.” Charlie protested and almost as a point, rolled her hips into his. Buck groaned at the sensation and immediately made his mind up.
“Clothes stay on.” Buck almost ordered before thrusting his hips into Charlie’s.
“Gale!” Charlie nearly screamed at how good that felt. Buck groaned at Charlie using his real name. Charlie’s hands couldn’t keep still, she grabbed onto Buck’s waist trying to find purchase before switching to his wrists that were on either side of her head. Buck soon moved his arms away much to Charlie’s short-lived disappointment to grab each of Charlie’s thighs and lift them up and around his waist so he could thrust his hips even harder into Charlie’s. Charlie and Buck moaned in unison at the increased sensation.
“Gale!” Charlie loudly moaned, not remembering they were currently on base surrounded by other huts. Buck realised this before Charlie did and quickly sealed his lips over hers to quieten her noise.
“I know darling. Do you feel that sensation building inside you?” Buck intimately whispered between kisses. Charlie nodded her head, thrusting her hips in time with Buck’s creating a glorious feeling she had felt only a handful of times before.
“Are you going to let go for me?” Buck coaxed softly, dropping kisses all around her face that had turned pink from the heat and exertion of their activity.
“Yes, Gale, yes!” Charlie’s eyes rolled at the feeling of plunging off a cliff into pure pleasure. Buck thrusted a couple more times before he too released into his trousers. Buck was very conscious about crushing Charlie underneath him, so he stayed hovering over her on his arms during his come down before he felt Charlie brush his sweaty blonde strands back from his face.
“Come lay down baby.” Charlie coaxed Buck onto the small bed beside her. There wasn’t a lot of room so Charlie offered the most room to Buck who was bigger and she curled up as much as she could onto his bare sticky chest.
“Are you ok? Are you feeling, ok?” Buck asked, watching as Charlie played with his dog tags.
“I feel great.” Charlie reassured him with a comforting smile. Buck sighed in relief. Buck forgot that Charlie had never done anything like that before.
“I’ve missed you so much since we separated.” Charlie confessed, relieved at the feeling of being close again.
“I missed you too,” Buck confessed, unable to break eye contact with Charlie’s. “I almost turned back that night when I realised you and Bucky weren’t coming.” Buck admitted, remembering what was one of the worst memories in recent history to him, the night of the escape.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” Charlie commented to Buck’s confusion. “Who knows what they would have done to you if you had been recaptured,” Charlie shivered at the thought “I cannot live without you Gale.”
Buck’s eyes softened at the confession.
“I cannot live without you either Charlie.” Buck told her with sudden impatience. Impatience to marry her.
“I want to ask you something Charlie but I’m not sure now is the right time.” Buck noted the state of their undress from their earlier activities. Charlie smiled at that, not embarrassed in the slightest of what they had just done.
“Gale, after everything we have just been through, when is anytime the right time?” Charlie teased before kissing the corner of his mouth. Buck smiled softly before he left the bed. Charlie protested at the sudden loss of heat “Gale!”.
“One minute darling.” Buck reassured her whilst searching for his jacket in the now messy room. Buck finally found the jacket and he retrieved the small box from his pocket. Something he had been carrying out for a long time now. Buck hid the box behind his back when he walked back to the bed where Charlie had now sat up against the headboard, intrigued with what Buck was up to. Buck grabbed Charlie’s nearest foot with the one hand not behind his back and dragged her gently, so she was sitting on the edge of the bed. Charlie giggled at the ticklish sensation on her foot. Buck smiled at how light-hearted and happy Charlie sounded. Buck now had no doubts that right now was the right time to do this.
Buck slowly dropped to one knee and revealed the ring box he was hiding behind his back. Charlie covered her mouth with one hand in surprise. Buck grinned nervously up at Charlie before opening the ring box to reveal a beautiful small diamond ring inside.
“Charlotte Egan, you are without a doubt the love of my life. I want to do everything with you. I want to marry you, I want to have children with you, surprisingly I also want to own a home with you where unfortunately Bucky will live next door if he doesn’t claim our basement first,” Charlie’s eyes had teared up at the declarations of love and she chuckled at the Bucky comment knowing it’s true- Bucky was their unofficial third wheel and neither of them had any objections to it. “Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
Charlie couldn’t hold in her tears anymore. “Yes!” Charlie launched into Buck’s waiting arms, exploding with emotion at the romantic gesture. Charlie pulled her head back so she could kiss her fiancé finally.
“I love you.” Charlie whispered between soft gentle kisses.
“I love you too, future Mrs Cleven.”
Notes:
Guys! I am so sorry for the wait! Uni and Work has been crazy to say the least. I cannot wait until summer, whose with me?
Writing this chapter actually made me well up with tears. I hope it meets everyone's expectations
Let me know what you think :)
Happy Easter 🐣
Chapter 39
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The next day Charlie woke with a smile on her face. There was still a disturbance in the sheets where Buck had been last night, but he had long been gone. He had to get back to his hut before Bucky and the others came back from the officer’s club. Charlie held her hand up to the light and grinned at the thought of soon being Mrs Charlie Cleven. Charlie allowed herself a moment to kick her legs excitedly into the bed.
Charlie didn’t really have any responsibilities or anywhere to go on her arrival back to Thorpe Abbotts. Command had wanted Charlie along with the other returned POW men to go to the flak house to rest and recover. It came as no surprise to anyone when they all refused. It brought no greater joy to the returning POW men and woman to return to familiar Thorpe Abbotts and see their friends again.
Charlie decided in the end that she needed breakfast and coffee- Bucky, Buck and the others would certainly be in the senior officers’ mess by this time. Charlie decided to wear her class A uniform, not knowing what else to wear. She didn’t feel comfortable enough to wear civilian clothes on base and her pristine nurse whites seem unnecessary.
“Well well look who it is!” Bucky loudly announced when he saw his sister enter the mess. Bucky was unsurprisingly holding court as he was known to do with his friends surrounding him- Buck was of course present sitting opposite Bucky at the table.
“Couldn’t get up this morning?” Bucky further teased as Charlie walked over to the group of men, her heels clicking as she walked. Charlie tried to avoid Buck’s eyes at Bucky’s question or else she would blush at the memory of what they did last night. Brady wordlessly moved out of his chair next to Buck and took another empty one between Benny and Harry, so Charlie could sit down. Charlie smiled gratefully at the gesture.
“I don’t actually have anywhere to be, do I?” Charlie retorted, dropping down into her chair ungracefully and unbuttoning her jacket. Buck wrapped an arm around Charlie’s shoulders, greeting her wordlessly. Charlie revelled in the familiar smell of Buck and the heat coming off of his body.
“That’s no excuse sis,” Bucky cackled before he saw what Charlie just did “Hey! That’s mine.” Charlie had swiped his coffee and was already drinking it before Bucky could snatch it back.
“I need it!” Charlie retorted. Buck grinned at the two siblings fighting over a cup of coffee.
“Why do you need it? You guys left before us last night. I figured you would have had an early night.” Bucky questioned, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Benny and Brady nudged each other with knowing grins.
“You didn’t tell him?” Charlie asked Buck, turning her body into his, referencing their engagement.
“Tell me what?” Bucky was suddenly curious.
“I couldn’t get him to shut up long enough to and besides it’s better coming from both of us.” Buck teased, enjoying how annoyed Bucky was getting.
“Oh shit!” Harry exclaimed, his eyes suddenly catching the ring on Charlie’s finger. Charlie winked at her friend to keep quiet.
“Oh shit what? Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Bucky was getting frustrated.
Buck gently took Charlie’s small hand with her new diamond engagement ring into his hand and pulled it forward to show the guys.
Silence reigned over their table in shock. “Buck asked me to marry him last night.” Charlie softly announced. Soon the table erupted into shouts of ‘congratulations’ from their friends.
Buck and Charlie grinned at how happy everyone was for them. Buck kissed Charlie’s head affectionately, unable to hide how he really feels in front of his friends, his brothers.
“That’s some patience right there!” Benny commented “Brady and I thought you would have asked when we were still in the Stalag.” Brady nodded in agreement.
“Naw I told you he would wait until we were out of Germany.” Bucky injected. He had been silent in lieu of the announcement before taking in how happy his two closest people were. Charlie was beaming with happiness, and Buck was not far off.
“Were you guys placing bets on us?” Charlie asked with a raised brow. A few of the men guiltily looked away.
“I didn’t bet,” Bucky made clear to everyone before getting out of his seat to walk behind Charlie and Buck and wrap his arms around each of their shoulders in a semi-hug.
“Bucky!” Charlie and Buck complained simultaneously when Bucky unceremoniously planted a kiss on each of their heads with an audible ‘mwah’.
“What? I’m showing how happy I am for you!” Bucky defended with a cheeky grin before going back to his seat.
“I’m glad you’re happy because we are going to need your help.” Charlie told him and the others.
“With what?” Bucky asked.
“We discussed this last night and Buck, and I really want to get married within the next few days here at Thorpe Abbotts.” Charlie told everyone.
“Why? What’s the rush?” Bucky asked with a raised brow before noticeably looking down at Charlie’s stomach.
“No Bucky.” Buck knew where his thoughts were going and immediately shut it down. Bucky held his hands up in a lazy surrender pose.
“With the war coming to a close, we would really like to be surrounded by our friends when we marry.” Charlie explained.
“You don’t have to rush this, Charlie; everyone can travel to attend the wedding when we are back home.” Bucky reasoned with her.
“We’ve waited long enough for this Bucky,” Charlie replied “Besides we all know I’m going to be medically discharged soon and then I’ll be on the first boat back home. We don’t have anymore time.”
Bucky sighed and nodded, seeing how much Buck and Charlie want this.
“Well, I guess we have a wedding to plan.” Harry injected to the table that was silently listening.
“Now for a very important question: will you be my best man?” Buck asked an excited Bucky. Bucky grinned ear to ear. Bucky had been waiting to hear those words for a long time.
“I thought you’d never ask.” Bucky pulled Buck into an excited hug from across the table. Buck was taken by surprise at the move and almost face planted into the dirty breakfast plates.
“Bucky!” Buck admonished but couldn’t help grinning at the same time.
“You ok, Charlie?” Harry walked up behind Charlie who was looking onto the runway with unseeing eyes. Harry frowned when Charlie didn’t respond.
“Charlie?” Harry hesitantly clasped a hand gently on her shoulder. Charlie jumped nearly a foot in the air at the sudden touch.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare ya.” Harry apologised profusely. Charlie glanced around nervously. Charlie’s eyes were manic as if she was seeing Thorpe Abbotts for the first time before they settled on Harry. Charlie’s breathing also calmed down significantly once she realised where she was.
“No, I’m sorry Harry,” Charlie replied once she realised what had happened and what was said “I um- I must have been miles away.” Charlie tried to play it off as a daydream. Except her dreams tended to be more like nightmares since she got back. If she was honest with herself, she would admit to having nightmares for years, ever since she was first wounded in Africa.
“How are you doing Harry?” Charlie deflected, letting a smile appear on her face for his sake. Harry chuckled.
“Do you not think that question should be the other way around?” Harry teased causing Charlie to chuckle.
“No because I really want to know,” Harry’s eyes softened at that. The pair had grown close after Buck and Bucky had gone down and Charlie returned to being a flight nurse. They and a couple of others were all that was left from the original crew at Thorpe Abbotts. “Just because your plane didn’t go down like ours did, doesn’t mean you didn’t suffer- you did, but in a different way.”
“No one has ever put it like that before.” Harry looked out at the currently empty runway with a sort of longing. He missed flying. It wasn’t something he ever thought he would miss considering how sick it used to make him feel but it wasn’t just the flying he missed. The return of old faces brought up the fact that some would not return like the others did. His best friend, Bubbles, was gone, and he wasn’t coming back. He knew that but he had held out hope anyway. Until now.
“It makes me nostalgic you know,” Charlie broke the short silence “being back here. I didn’t think I would ever see Thorpe Abbotts again. But it also makes me sad.”
“Why does it make you sad?” Harry asked.
Charlie laughed despite feeling the water in her eyes rise up “The same reason it makes you sad,” Charlie pointed towards a B-17 being fixed up in the distance by Kenny and his crew. “Because I can see Curt sitting on the wing of that plane drinking straight from the bottle, his uniform askew from a long night of partying with my brother.”
Harry watched Charlie with sad eyes. “I saw him last night as well in the officer’s club. He haunts me.” Charlie’s eyes could no longer hold back the tears, and she let them drop freely. Charlie thought she was done with the grieving but in fact she just pushed it down far enough to function. It was never truly gone.
“It’s also the reason why Buck and I cannot get married in the US,” Charlie admitted to Harry, she hadn’t even told Buck or Bucky this yet. “Curt’s here. I can feel him here.”
Harry’s eyes reddened feeling the sadness and despair coming off of Charlie, wanting to finally let loose his grief too “I know what you mean, I can still feel and see Bubbles sometimes.”
“Yeah? I’m not going crazy?” Charlie had thought she was losing her mind. She seriously thought the prisoner of war camp had broken her when she returned to England.
“No, you’re not going crazy,” Harry reassured “Either that or we are all crazy now.” Charlie laughed at that, wiping the last of the tears away with her good hand. Harry glanced down at the injured hand motionless at her side.
“You going to tell me about what happened to your hand?” Harry prodded.
Charlie glanced down at the hand she was slowly learning to now use. “What did Reba tell you about the crash?”
Harry shrugged trying to recall the events “She mentioned you killed a German Officer that was going to hurt her.” Charlie’s eyes closed, hating to remember that night. It was up there for being one of the worst nights of her life.
“Mmm the plane had just crashed, and we were all… out of it... concussed. I came to, to find the German Officer struggling on the ground with Reba underneath him. My mind wasn’t thinking properly, I wasn’t thinking, I just picked up the nearest thing to me and hit him over the head to get him off her,” Charlie reiterated, breathing deeply. She had found while in the POW camp that remembering that night gave her extreme anxiety. She tried to avoid it but when you had a permanent reminder in the form of her injured hand, it was difficult not to think about it.
Charlie looked Harry dead on when she spoke next “What I picked up was burning hot metal debris from the plane, I have nerve damage.” Harry winced at the thought of bare skin picking that up.
“Have you seen a doctor yet?”
“I saw one in the camp. An American doctor not German,” Charlie sighed, desperately wishing for a cigarette, she hadn’t had one in over a year. “The odds of the damage not being permanent are not in my favour.”
“I’m sorry Charlie.” Harry didn’t know what else to say. Harry had never been injured, not like Charlie has.
“You know I usually can’t feel the shrapnel injuries in my thigh or collarbone. Only when it’s cold do they start to ache. But this,” Charlie looks down at her hand that had started twitching involuntarily “I’m going to feel this everyday for the rest of my life.”
“I know I won’t be able to be a nurse again. I know this. But what about other simple things, will I be able to do them?” Charlie confessed her fears to her friend.
“I’ve been a nurse for almost 5 years Cros, if I can’t be a nurse anymore, what else can I be?” Harry felt the emotion in those words, and he didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around Charlie into a warm hug.
“You know I said those same words to Bucky when we were at the Stalag, and do you know what he told me? He said ‘Charlie, you can do anything you want. Be anyone you want’ but he’s lying because I can’t Cros. Nursing is all I know.” Charlie mumbled into Harry’s shoulder, not wanting to let go just yet.
“He’s not lying Charlie. You may need to work harder than anyone else now, but you can still pursue your dreams. I believe in you.” Harry squeezed Charlie in his arms one more time before pulling back.
Harry saw over Charlie’s shoulder, Buck and Bucky standing 15 feet away watching the pair with concerned eyes.
“But do you want some friendly advice?” Charlie nodded while wiping away more tears from her face that she didn’t even know was there “Go see Doctor Huston. It can’t hurt to get a second opinion however much you may trust this American camp doctor.” Charlie’s eyebrows furrowed in thought before nodding.
“Yeah, ok.”
Buck and Bucky thought it was safe to approach the pair now that the tears were gone.
“There you two are! We’ve been searching for you.” Bucky announced as if they hadn’t been hovering for the past 10 minutes, trying to give the friends space together.
“Were you looking for us?” Charlie queried in confusion.
“Yep.” Bucky popped the ‘p’ in his annoying fashion.
“Why?” Bucky spluttered not sure on what to say. They weren’t really looking for them.
“No particular reason.” Bucky finally replied. Buck and Charlie rolled their eyes at how obvious Bucky was being.
“Harry and I were just talking, and I think I’m going to see Doctor Huston about my hand. To get a second opinion.” Charlie told her brother and her fiancé.
“Yeah? That’s sounds like a good idea.” Buck encouraged, not wanting to push her or patronise her. Buck knew Charlie would do this when she was ready.
“Yeah,” Charlie looked down at her feet with a frown before looking up into Buck’s blue eyes “Would you- can you come with me?”
Buck smiled gently “Of course, do you want to go now?” Charlie bit her lip before nodding. Now that it was on her mind, she needed to get it done. For her sanity. She had thought about it for too long and now she needed to know. To know what her future looked like.
“Alright, we’ll see you later.” Buck nodded to Bucky and Harry before holding out his hand for Charlie to take. Charlie snatched it quickly before giving Bucky and Harry a weak, anxious smile in parting.
Bucky clapped a hand onto Harry’s shoulder in gratitude for being a good friend to his sister as they watched the newly engaged couple walk towards the infirmary.
Notes:
Another chapter so soon? you guys are spoilt. I have had this story on my brain lately and believe me I am desperate to finish it but I really do not want to rush it so I am trying to take my time and cover my bases.
I have to say this chapter has a mixture of happiness and sadness.
I had to talk about Curt again. I honestly have never got over his death and neither will Charlie! Grief is a funny thing and everyone reacts differently to losing a loved one. Charlie is showing signs of grief over a year later because she has been suppressing her feelings for so long that she never really grieved :(
I hope you like this chapter
As always please let me know what you think
Also I just hit 100,000 words!!! Woo!
Chapter 40
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Well, it’s definitely nerve damage.” Doctor Huston exclaimed.
Charlie rolled her eyes “Tell me something I don’t know.” Buck sent Charlie a pointed look at her sharp tone.
“How long has it been like this?” The doctor asked, massaging the muscles in her hand with a critical eye trying to get a reaction.
“Since it happened.” Charlie replied.
“And nothing has changed?” The doctor asked, with a raised brow.
“I feel a tingling sensation sometimes. Some days are better than others when it comes to movement. The weather affects it too- my muscles seize up when it’s cold.” Charlie told him.
“That’s a good sign. Some function may be able to come back,” The doctor told her before sighing “But I’m not an expert. You will need to see a specialist doctor, there’s a couple of names I can give you but they are in London.”
Charlie shook her head “I appreciate it Doctor Huston but I’m shipping home soon. I’m expecting my medical discharge any day now. Is there someone in the US I can see?”
Doctor Huston turned around to find a pen and paper before scrawling a name and number “Here, this is the best Doctor I know when it comes to these injuries,” The Doctor handed the paper over to Charlie. “Charlie, this isn’t going to be resolved overnight. It may take months, even years.”
Charlie shared a knowing look with Buck who was silently supporting her throughout the meeting. “I know but it’s a chance I never thought I had before.”
The Doctor nodded. “Good luck Charlie Egan.”
Charlie gratefully smiled before getting up from her chair and immediately grabbing Buck’s outstretched hand.
“Thanks doc.” Buck politely said before departing with Charlie who looked like a giant weight had lifted from her chest.
“Are you scared?” Bucky was laying down on his bunk with his arms up and behind his head, Buck was on his own bunk next to him. The other boys were all fast asleep, something this duo should have been doing too.
“Scared about what?” Buck mumbled, unable to sleep like Bucky.
“Getting married.” Bucky simply replied as if it was obvious. Buck grinned in the dark at the ceiling, trying to suppress a laugh.
“Bucky, I have flown 23 missions, been shot down over enemy territory, was a prisoner of war for over a year, escaped said prisoner camp and somehow by the grace of god made it back to friendly territory without being recaptured or shot.” Buck reiterated.
Bucky shrugged his shoulders in the dark “What’s your point?”
“My point is that after doing all of that in the space of what? 2 years or so, is being married the scariest thing in the world? No.” Buck replied.
“I didn’t ask if getting married was the scariest thing in the world, I asked if you are scared.” Bucky retorted, turning his head to look at the shadow of his friend in the room.
Silence reined over the room for a few seconds “Yes, I am scared,” Buck admitted “not of marrying Charlie but of letting her down.”
Bucky scoffed “You won’t let her down.”
“How’d you know?” Buck fidgeted in his bunk.
“Do you think I would have allowed you to marry her if I thought there was even a chance of that?” Bucky asked rhetorically as if it was obvious.
Buck sighed audibly. “No. Charlie is everything to me.”
There was a silence between both men for a minute. “We should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow.”
“Mmm, my wedding day.” Buck breathes softly with a smile.
The morning of 7th May came slowly, at least it felt like it to Charlie. Charlie had been up since sunrise, the birds chirping and the blue sky had made sleeping impossible for Charlie. She also couldn’t contain her nervous excitement for the day. It made sleeping next to impossible. Charlie glanced for the hundredth time at her watch, the arms moving too slowly for her liking. Suddenly there was a knock at the door, breaking Charlie from her daydreaming and disrupting the quietness Charlie enjoyed in the early hours of the morning before the base awoke.
Charlie frowned in confusion before making her way to the door in her nightdress. Charlie barely had time to think before two small female figures came bursting into the room as soon as Charlie unlatched the wooden door.
“What are you doing Charlie? Do you not know what the time is?” Tatty exclaimed in horror at Charlie’s current state.
“What?” Charlie asked in confusion.
“Helen, we need the works, did you bring everything?” Tatty ignored Charlie and asked the smaller woman who looked on in amusement at the scene.
Helen nodded gleefully before giving a quick hug to a still bewildered Charlie.
“What’s going on?” Charlie repeated.
“On honey, you didn’t think you were going to get yourself ready for your own wedding, did you? We’re here to help!” Tatty replied with a soft smile before leaving the hut to help Helen with the boxes of beauty products, curlers etc that were transported on a jeep Charlie highly suspected was stolen.
Charlie’s eyes started to water. Charlie really did think it was just going to be her getting ready by herself. When Charlie returned to Thorpe Abbotts a few days ago, she had learned that her friend Louise had been rotated home. Louise was her only girlfriend aside from Reba who Charlie hoped was recovering well in the States. Charlie was very much prepared to be by herself that morning so the fact that Helen and Tatty had decided to assist Charlie, despite not being very close before, made Charlie emotional.
“Oh no dear, none of that,” Tatty flustered seeing the tears threatening to fall from Charlie’s eyes when the pair came in with their loaded boxes. “We do not want swollen red eyes for the wedding,” Tatty wiped the tears away gently. “This is your day Charlie, everything is going to be great.” Tatty smiled at Charlie and Charlie returned a watering one.
“Thank you.” Charlie whispered, words could not be formed as to how much Charlie was eternally grateful for this kind help from Tatty and Helen.
“Of course,” Tatty said before taking a good look at Charlie’s bedhead. “Come on, we need to get a move on, we only have a few hours.”
Helen giggled at Charlie’s horrified face before being ushered in front of the mirror so Tatty could start working on her hair.
It was hours later when Charlie was nearly ready. Her hair had been curled and elegantly pulled up into a bun with curly hair hanging down at the front to frame her face. Charlie’s make up was done by Helen who had kept it light and simple apart from a little black eyeliner to make her eyes pop. Charlie just had to put on her wedding dress; a beautiful white dress Charlie had bought from a woman in the village that fitted her perfectly. It was long and straight with lace detailing. Charlie was initially happy to wear her class A uniform to get married in. She felt like she had earnt it after all the years of service and sacrifice she had made for her country. Charlie had been proud to wear her uniform to marry in but Bucky had found the beautiful dress and he had made an argumentative case that wearing a dress instead of her class A uniform does not diminish her hard work over her 5 years of service and he had very much wished for her to look like a proper bride for him to giveaway. Once Charlie had seen the dress Bucky had found, she didn’t have a retort. Charlie felt like it was perfect.
Another knock at the door was heard when Tatty and Helen were doing the buttons up on Charlie’s dress. Tatty and Helen looked at each other.
“Whose there?” Tatty called out in annoyance at being disturbed.
“The brother of the bride!” Bucky’s voice carried from behind the wooden door.
Tatty’s eyes widened before narrowing in annoyance. Tatty was muttering under her breath, Charlie had no doubt she was cursing her brother, before yanking the door open.
“What do you want?” Tatty asked Bucky with a huff, blocking his entrance to the hut with her body. Bucky smiled in his typical handsome manner.
“Tatty, you wound me,” Bucky dramatically placed a hand over his heart “I’m just a loving brother wanting to see his baby sister on her wedding day.”
“Let him in Tat.” Charlie smirked, knowing Tatty was getting wound up by her brother’s antics. Bucky winked at Tatty as he brushed past her in the doorway.
“Stop annoying her Bucky.” Charlie scolded. Tatty and Helen left to give the Egan siblings some privacy.
“Hey it’s not my fault if--- wow!” Bucky started before seeing Charlie for the first time, all dressed up and ready to go.
“Good wow?” Charlie asked, surprised at the nervousness bubbling up inside her.
“Very good wow,” Bucky confirmed before coming closer, “Charlie you look amazing!”
Charlie shyly smiled “Thanks.”
Bucky fiddled with something behind his back.
“What have you got there?” Charlie’s eyes narrowed on Bucky’s missing hands. Bucky bit his lip as if debating whether to give it to Charlie.
“I uh found a veil for you,” Bucky admitted before slowly moving his hands out in front to show Charlie the crisp white material “I wasn’t sure whether you even wanted a veil but I saw this in one of the shops in town and I figured you know may as well give you the option---.” Bucky rambled on part in embarrassment and part in nervousness.
“Bucky it’s beautiful.” Charlie interrupted him knowing he would go on and on forever until someone stopped him.
“You like it?” Bucky slowly smiled, showing off his find to his sister by letting her see different angles of it.
“I love it,” Charlie declared before hugging her brother suddenly, taking him by surprise. “Thanks, big brother.” Bucky felt water building behind his eyes, but he refused to cry right now, Bucky gently wrapped an arm around his sister, trying not to disturb her hair or make up. God knows Tatty would actually kill him if he did.
“Sure, no problem.”
Bucky stepped back and helped Charlie put on her veil, again trying not to disturb Tatty’s hard work.
“Voila!” Bucky stepped back further to view his sister in her entirety with the veil on. “Beautiful.” Charlie beamed at the confidence boost.
“You are too pretty for Buck. You just say the word and I’ll wizz you away on my jeep.” Bucky joked, half serious. Bucky thought he had prepared himself for this but nothing prepared him for seeing his little sister all ready to get married to his best friend.
Charlie rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t do that to your best friend.”
“I’ll do anything for you.” Bucky frowned, serious. Charlie’s face softened, wondering how she managed to get such a loving, protective brother.
“I know you would,” Charlie cupped her brother’s face in her hands “but believe it or not, I do actually want to marry Buck.”
“I know,” Bucky admitted before glancing at his watch “Are you ready?”
Charlie took a deep breath before smiling “Yeah, let’s go.” Bucky offered his arm to Charlie and led her outside her hut and to the waiting green jeep.
“Don’t worry, I’ll go slow.” Bucky pre-empted her concern about her hair flying about in the open top jeep.
“That would be appreciated.”
The jeep ride to the Church in Dickleburgh was not very long, maybe 15 minute drive with Bucky driving slower than usual to protect Charlie’s hair and makeup. When they did arrive, DeMarco was waiting outside with Meatball on a lead, everyone else was inside, waiting.
“DeMarco!” Bucky shouted joyfully, reminiscent of when the 100th first landed in England. Bucky helped Charlie get out of the jeep without dirtying or ripping her dress.
“Hey Bucky, hey Charlie,” DeMarco greeted “Charlie you look like a million bucks!” Charlie thanked DeMarco with a shy smile.
“Charlie, I got you your own flower boy.” Bucky gestured to Meatball who was on lead and even had flowers tucked inside the band of his collar.
“Aw Meatball baby,” Charlie knelt down to give Meatball a head rub, but he leaned in to lick Charlie’s face, and she barely was able to pull away in time “Oh no Meatball, not until after the ceremony.”
“Does Buck know he’s going to have to share your kisses when he marries you?” Bucky joked.
“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t marry him at all!” Charlie retorted with a smirk. A silence soon ensued as Charlie pauses for a moment to take in the gravity of this life changing moment.
“You ready sis?” Bucky asked, not wanting to rush her. Charlie turned to her brother, so handsome dressed up in his class A’s.
“Yeah, I think so.” Charlie smiled.
“Benny, Meatball, after you.” Bucky herded the flower boy and his assistant to the doorway.
“See ya on the otherside Egans.” Benny said in parting before they could hear the music start to play and Benny and Meatball disappeared inside.
“You sure you’re ready?” Bucky asked again.
Charlie laughed “Yes Bucky, you’re just not ready to let me go.” Bucky twinged at that home truth being said out loud.
“Yeah maybe.” Bucky admitted.
“It’s not the end of anything Bucky, it’s just the beginning.” The music inside changed to the wedding march and Charlie threaded her arm through Bucky’s.
Charlie and Bucky went inside the Church without another word. It was a nerve-racking but wonderful moment when all eyes fell on them, or more specifically Charlie. Charlie saw her friends starting back, Brady, Rosie, Harry, Hambone, Murphy, Crank, Benny, Kidd, even Colonel Harding and right at the front was her Gale, waiting on them. Charlie’s first thought when she saw him was that he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. He almost distracted her from the empty seat left on the front bench between Brady and Benny, Curt’s seat. It was something Buck and her had discussed when planning their wedding. Curt was there with them in spirit.
Bucky grinned at his best friend as the Egan’s got closer, he could see the evidence of his nervousness showing, the soft biting of his lip and swinging of his hands, he had only left Buck alone for half an hour that morning after leaving his hut to get to Charlie’s to escort her. Buck was fine when he left.
Bucky and Charlie reached the waiting Buck and the priest. Bucky symbolically took Charlie’s hand and placed it into Buck’s waiting one.
“Take good care of her.” Bucky muttered to Buck as he did so.
“You know I will.” Bucky grumbled a little at that before stepping to Buck’s side of the room, playing his duel role of giver of the bride and best man of the groom.
Charlie smiled up at Buck who was beaming down at her. “You look beautiful.” Buck muttered to Charlie before the priest started the ceremony.
The ceremony did not last long, Charlie and Buck had decided to keep their vows traditional and short.
“…I now pronounce you man and wife; you may kiss the bride.” The priest declared. Buck swooped Charlie into his arms as soon as the words were formed and kissed her like a man starving. The room erupted into cheers and whoops. Even Bucky cheered amongst the loudest in the room.
Buck pulled apart from Charlie for a moment after the kiss. “Mrs Cleven.”
Charlie grinned “Mr Cleven.”
Notes:
Guys! I am so sorry it took this long to get this chapter out! Things were pretty crazy last time I posted. I had just finished my Uni for the year at the end of June and then I was on holiday for a week with my family and then it was my birthday and so I was away for that again.
I hope this chapter makes up for the absence.
2 Chapters to go- 1 normal chapter and 1 epilogue and then we are done folks!
Chapter 41
Notes:
Guys this is pretty much it- the end of an era! Just the Epilogue to follow now
I'm not usually one to recommend songs to play while reading a chapter but I will say I have just been listening to Chemtrails over the Country Club by Lane Del Rey on repeat, her vocals are amazing anyway but this song just hits different :)
As always let me know what you think
Chapter Text
It was the weirdest feeling in the world waking up to find someone else curled up behind you. Charlie kind of knew what it was like in the Stalag, when they had to double up in their bunks or else they would freeze to death in the winter. This felt different. Better. More comforting. Charlie just laid there for a second taking in the sunlight streaming through the gap in the curtains. Charlie felt Buck move behind her, rustling the duvet, so she rolled over to be greeted with his blue eyes, squinting tiredly.
“You’re awake early.” Buck mumbled while squeezing his arm around Charlie’s waist to bring her as close to him as possible. Charlie rested her head on his bare shoulder at an angle so she could still see his face.
“Mmm,” Charlie agreed whilst unconsciously running her fingers along the bare skin of his opposite shoulder before placing a gentle kiss on his jaw “the sun woke me.”
Buck brushed the hair back from Charlie’s face before cupping her face with one hand, bringing her face up to his so his lips could meet hers in a slow, gentle intimate kiss.
“This doesn’t feel real.” Charlie admitted, trying not to ruin the moment.
“What do you mean?” Buck asked, brushing his nose against Charlie’s.
“I didn’t think we would get here,” Charlie sighed, “like I’ll wake up and be back in the Stalag all over again.”
“I know Charlie, but we got out. We’re safe. And now we have the rest of our lives together.” Buck reassured Charlie, hugging her body to his. Charlie rested her head above Buck’s heart, calming at the sound of his steady heartbeat.
“The rest of our lives.” Charlie mumbled, her face slowly smiling at the thought that nothing can split them apart now.
“There they are! Major Cleven, Major Cleven!” Bucky mock saluted, unceremoniously happy that morning. Charlie and Buck were caught off guard at how Bucky did not seem hungover at all.
“Nah, Major Cleven times two, yeah that’s better.” Charlie rolled her eyes at her brother’s antics.
“No that is not better Bucky.” Buck replied as he unloaded his and Charlie’s bags from the back of the borrowed jeep.
Charlie and Buck were lucky all things considered. They were married yesterday and were granted leave to spend their wedding night off base. Bucky was instrumental in finding a seaside lodge by the north Norfolk coast for the couple to spend their first night together. The only catch was they had to be back on base by 0900. No lay in for them.
It was May 8th 1945. A day everybody would remember for the rest of their lives.
Charlie immediately got to work in the infirmary, taking charge of the small number of nurses still on base, the majority had been discharged from service after the bombing raids from the 100th had stopped. The infirmary that once consisted of men coming back from missions with burns, frostbite, shrapnel wounds and much more sits nearly empty with only a couple of men admitted for flu and one with appendicitis. It felt surreal to Charlie that this is their reality right now. It left the remaining nurses with little to do.
“Doctor Huston.” Charlie greeted the smoking man taking a break outside.
“Major Cleven.” The doctor greeted back, the new title almost stopped Charlie in her tracks. Apart from Bucky’s teasing that morning, it was the first time she had been addressed with her new name, it felt… right. Charlie had a smile on her face the rest of the day.
Charlie was busy folding bedsheets newly washed and ready to be put away in the back room when she heard a commotion in the main room breaking her out of her internal thoughts. Charlie frowned in annoyance and dropped the bedsheet she had in her hands, she left the room, ready to tell the nurses to quiet down. She was surprised to find a group of nurses and service men crowding around the radio.
“What is going on here?” Charlie asked in confusion.
“It’s Winston Churchill Major.” One of the nurses explained before turning back towards the radio. Charlie walked closer to listen what was being said.
“Yesterday morning at 2:41 a.m. at Headquarters, General Jodl, the representative of the German High Command, and Grand Admiral Doenitz, the designated head of the German State, signed the act of unconditional surrender of all German Land, sea, and air forces in Europe to the Allied Expeditionary Force, and simultaneously to the Soviet High Command…. Hostilities will end officially at one minute after midnight to-night (Tuesday, May 8), but in the interests of saving lives the “Cease fire” began yesterday to be sounded all along the front, and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed to-day.”
Charlie felt like she was underwater. Everything seemed to fade away; the cheers from her fellow nurses, Winston Churchill’s voice still carrying on over the radio and the hugging of nearby airmen. Then Charlie finally breathed, and all the noise suddenly came back.
Charlie in a daze turned around to find Buck in the doorway, his chest heaving from running all the way there.
“Gale.” Charlie whispered, unsure of what to do or what to feel. Everything was so overwhelming. Buck took three big steps, eating up the distance between them, before cupping the back of Charlie’s head and leading her lips to his in a passionate, intimate display of their love.
Buck felt water on his cheek, he pulled back to find tears flowing freely down Charlie’s face. “Wars over Charlie.”
“It’s over?” disbelief clear in her voice.
“It’s over.” Buck confirmed before wrapping her in his arms. Charlie clinged tightly, feeling like she would fall without his support.
It was that scene Bucky stumbled across after running all around the base looking for them. The infirmary was empty, the nurses leaving to celebrate with everyone else. Charlie broke away from Buck’s embrace when she heard hurried footsteps getting closer, she knew who it was.
Bucky paused when Charlie made eye contact. Her red eyes and mild red cheeks gave her away.
“It’s over Bucky.” Charlie repeated, hoping if she repeated it enough, she would begin to believe it.
Buck stepped away from his wife, letting Bucky sweep Charlie into his arms, knowing the mixed emotions she would be feeling right now.
Bucky kissed his sister’s head before slowly rocking her in his arms “It’s over.” Bucky smiled faintly at his best friend over Charlie’s head. They could all go home.
The night that followed was electrifying to say the least. The officer’s club was opened to everyone that night; village locals, enlisted men whatever their rank, the nurses and the red cross girls.
Buck, Bucky and Charlie had left the party early, wanting some time and space away from the crowd of happy people. Charlie had laughed when she saw Harry being pulled to the bar by Tatty and Blakely, Rosie following behind with Helen. Charlie was happy just to see them happy.
The trio had decided to sit down on the observation deck of the control tower, watching the flares being set off by Lemmons and his men in celebration, the amber night sky brought back memories of bombing runs and Bucky unconsciously flinched every time another one went off. Charlie had offered for them to move their little party inside, but Bucky brushed off the offer. He was right where he wanted to be, with his family.
Buck looked on forlornly at the illuminated hard stands the flares lit up. Parked B-17’s everywhere. At least 30 B-17’s were just… there. All patched up, no shrapnel holes, no leaking fuel from fighter bullets. They were just stood there… unneeded, unwanted. It sparked a sadness in Buck that he couldn’t comprehend. He had wanted the war to end as much as anyone but now that it had, what happens now? where do they go from here?
Bucky passed his flask to Buck who took it to Charlie’s surprise and wordlessly tipped his head back to swallow the liquid inside. Bucky didn’t look surprised.
Buck answered his own question when he handed the flask to Charlie, who took it with a small smile, but refused to let go of Buck’s hand afterwards. He was going home. He was going home with his wife. Buck realised then that nothing mattered anymore, he didn’t have to have all the answers now, just as long as he had Charlie everything would be ok.
“The offer still there to live in your basement?” Bucky broke the silence.
Charlie huffed a laugh at her brother. “Of course, once we actually get a house with a basement.”
“I suppose that is what we should do first when we get back, find somewhere to live.” Buck’s timber voice injected, thinking about home for the first time in a long time.
“Yeah no, the first thing you’re gonna have to do is go home to see mom and Eugenia.” Bucky interrupted. Charlie’s eyes widened almost comically.
“Bucky.” Charlie pleaded, not wanting to talk about their family now.
“It’s been 5 years Charlie.” Bucky firmly told her, not wanting to hear any excuses. Bucky knew deep down that this is something she has to do.
“Ok, first stop is Manitowoc, Wisconsin.” Charlie reluctantly agreed. It was not that she didn’t want to see their mom and older sister, it’s just it had been so long, Charlie was afraid of what she was going to find.
The trio watched the continuation of the celebration in silence before they saw a familiar group of servicemen gather around one of the B-17’s, looking for some solace from the party. They could clearly see Brady, Crank, Hambone, Murphy and Benny with Meatball trailing behind.
Charlie looked at Buck and Bucky before moving to get up from her deck chair and walk down the steps of the tower to the ground floor. Buck and Bucky silently followed after her.
Charlie walked up to the group of former POW’s, understanding their need to get away from the crowds and noise. “Hey fellas.” Buck greeted just behind her, before sitting down with his men, best friend and wife, understanding the mixed emotions everyone was feeling from being a POW to the war now finally ending. They were going home. Something that none of them ever thought was possible after all they had been through.
It took a week after that for the base to be dismantled bit by bit, the feeling was bittersweet to Charlie. Thorpe Abbotts meant a lot to Charlie. It was where she met Gale, it was where she fell in love, and it was where her heart was broken when she heard she had lost him.
Charlie’s medical discharge had finally come through. It was official, she was going home. And so was everyone else.
Charlie had already said goodbye to her brother and husband that morning. The B-17’s was to be flown to Greenland to refuel and then back to the States. Their pilots and crew along with them. It was a tearful goodbye by all parties. It did not sit right with Buck and Bucky to leave England without Charlie, but they had their orders. They were not discharged from the Air Force… yet. Charlie had reminded them that she would be with them soon. Just a lot slower given she was supposed to board a ship back home.
What Charlie had not told them was that she had cornered Colonel Harding later that morning, after they had all said their goodbyes.
Charlie’s jeep pulled up, just behind the wing of the giant flying fortress, her bag packed with her meagre belongings. Charlie saw Harry walk to his own flying fortress but he stopped and did a double take when he saw Charlie kitted up in her own sheepskin, looking ready to fly. Harry rushed over as quickly as he could with his 15-pound bag over his shoulder, and swooped Charlie up in a hug.
“What are you doing here?” Harry asked his dear friend once he broke away.
“I pulled some strings so I could travel back with you guys.” Charlie simply explained, smiling at how happy she was that she wasn’t being left behind.
“Do they know?” Harry asked with a knowing smile, nudging his head at the cockpit where Buck and Bucky were.
“It’s a surprise.” Charlie smirked innocently.
“I’ll see you on the ground in Greenland.” Harry parted with, noting the time was getting near to take off.
“See you soon.”
Charlie took a breath taking in the activity of everyone getting ready to depart England. Unknown then, for some of the men it would be for good. Some men would not return to England for the rest of their lives. Others would come back religiously, to honor the friends that never came home.
Charlie, many many years later, would read her good friend, Harry’s memoir A Wing and a Prayer, Harry would describe the feeling of the end of the war and departure of Thorpe Abbotts ‘At first it felt unreal, impossible, unimaginable and then, inevitable’. Charlie agreed wholeheartedly.
Charlie climbed into the B-17 with some difficulty; she was unused to the large size of the plane in comparison to her usual C-47.
Charlie could hear Gale and Bucky’s deep voices in the near distance. Charlie slowly worked her way towards the cockpit, greeting the crew she passed.
“Form 1A.”
“Checked”
“Controls and seats?”
“Checked”
“Fuel transfer valves and switch?”
“Off.”
Buck watched as Bucky looked off into the distance with mixed emotion “Leaving a lot of good men behind.”
“A lot of brave men.” Buck acknowledged, on the same wavelength as his friend. They both knew they were speaking about Curt without saying anything. They both had lost friends, some they had knew for years and had trained side by side with but somehow Curt’s death just hit harder than most. They knew it hit Charlie hard- she had developed a fondness and bond with him that couldn’t be said in words alone.
“Yeah,” Bucky tried brushing it off “intercoolers cold.” The pair got back to the job in hand.
“Room for one more?” Charlie’s voice floated from behind them. Bucky and Buck did a double take, surprised and confused.
“Charlie? What are you doing here?” Bucky frowned, knowing time was running out to take off with the rest of the formation.
“Rank has it’s privileges.” Charlie smirked mysteriously, copying the words from Buck years ago. Buck took Charlie’s free hand and brought it to his lips for a gentle kiss, so grateful someone, more than likely Colonel Harding, allowed her to join them on their flight home.
“Yes, it certainly does Major Cleven.” Buck flirted with his wife. Bucky didn’t even have it in him to groan at the disgusting display of the married couple eyeing each other up like it was the last time they would see the other.
“There should be a free seat back there,” Bucky interrupted, fiddling with one of the dials. Charlie smiled at her big brother, beyond happy they were not separated.
“Ok,” Charlie hugged her brother from behind his chair a little awkwardly before kissing him on the cheek, “Don’t crash the plane.” Charlie teased.
Bucky chuckled “Oh ye of little faith.” Charlie found her seat and sat down ready for take-off.
Charlie looked out the rear gunner’s window once they were in the air and above the clouds, she almost teared up at the sight of so many B-17’s filling the sky. They were going home; she only wished more of them were.
Charlie took comfort in that her nearest and dearest were now safe. The war was over, and they could live their lives again, in peace. Charlie smiled as they flew away from England, green grass turning into blue ocean, England was her home for over 5 years, and she was finally letting go, finding a new home with her husband.
Chapter 42: Epilogue
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Jackson, Wyoming
July 2nd 1947
“Gale? Can you get the door please?” Charlie called from the kitchen, pre-occupied with the food cooking.
Buck put down his newspapers and rose from his armchair with a grin already prepared for the guests they were expecting.
To no-one’s surprise, it was Bucky and his wife Josephine Egan (formerly Pitz).
“Well well, looked what the cat dragged in.” Buck greeted his friend with a tight hug. Bucky was grinning the whole time at the sight of his best friend.
Buck released his friend, to greet Josephine with a kiss on her cheek “Jo, nice to see you. You’ve been keeping this one out of trouble?” Buck joked.
“Keeping me IN trouble more like.” Bucky teased, lovingly squeezing her waist with his arm.
“Hey!” Jo protested with a smirk.
“I’d expect nothing less.” Buck teased the recently married couple.
“Gale, are you holding our guests up at the door?” Charlie asked, walking towards the trio with purpose, apron still on over her light pink dress. Buck looked over his shoulder and grinned at the sight of his wife. Wife. Sometimes Buck still cannot believe Charlie had married him and agreed to the spend the rest of her life with him.
“Uh oh, now who’s in trouble Buck?” Bucky teased, eyes softening at the sight of his little sister. “I probably should have warned you about Charlie’s strikingly similar personality to our mother before you guys married.”
Buck laughed “I knew what I was getting into before I said, ‘I do’”.
Charlie huffed out a sigh in annoyance, stopping just short of the front door. Bucky dropped the teasing and opened his arms to his sister “Come ‘ere, I promise I’ll stop.” Charlie pouted before accepting Bucky’s warm hug. Bucky gently enveloped his sister in his arms, being extra careful with her growing belly only just becoming visible to the outside world.
“How’ve you been sis?” Bucky asked, kissing her hair.
Charlie sighed “Nauseous and tired.”
“I’m sorry my nephew has been giving you a hard time.” Charlie frowned and narrowed her eyes.
“Niece.” She corrected.
“Whatever you say.”
“Bucky, do not antagonise a pregnant woman,” Jo scolded her husband “Anyway have you ever heard of mother’s instinct?” Charlie grinned, moving to hug Jo.
“I knew I liked Jo.” Charlie teased, greeting her sister-in-law.
“Great, the women are ganging up on us.” Bucky joked to a silent Buck.
Buck rolled his eyes at his oblivious friend “Bucky, shut up. Charlie let’s go inside; I do not want you to get a cold.”
Charlie smirked at her husband “Gale, it’s July.”
“Doesn’t matter, in you go.” Buck ushered his pregnant wife in, Bucky and Jo taking up the rear.
Charlie soon left to tend to the cooking dinner, Jo following to lend a hand. Buck and Bucky sat down in the living room together, silent for a while.
“Charlie looks… really happy, happy and healthy.” Bucky commented, breaking the pause.
“She is, she’s been doing a lot better recently.” Buck admitted.
“And the nightmares?” Bucky asked.
“Less frequent.” Buck admitted.
“That’s good.”
“How is married life with Jo?” Buck asked his old friend. It had been many months since they had seen each other. With both Buck and Bucky still serving in the Air Force, their paths crossing seemed to be rarer and rarer than ever.
“It’s great. Really, it’s all I ever wanted in life.” Bucky admitted, thinking about the life he and Jo were building together.
“I’m happy for you Bucky.” Buck expressed, patting the man’s shoulder.
“You too Buck, you and Charlie. I miss seeing you both everyday.” Bucky admitted.
“We’ve left the basement exactly as it was when you moved out. You and Jo say the word and you can both move in.”
Bucky chuckled “Yeah, and how do you think my sister will take that?”
Buck smirked “It was actually her idea. She misses you too Bucky. She found it hard when you moved out.” Bucky smiled.
“You guys are going to need the room with the baby coming.” Bucky changed the subject.
“5 months to go and I’ll be a father.” Buck wistfully commented.
“Are you scared?” Bucky asked, reminiscent of the conversation they had the night before Buck and Charlie’s wedding.
Buck grinned “Bucky, I have flown 23 missions, been shot down over enemy territory, was a prisoner of war for over a year, escaped said prisoner camp and somehow by the grace of god made it back to friendly territory without being recaptured or shot.” Buck quoted himself from 1945.
Bucky grinned knowingly “What’s your point?”
Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Cleven (nee Egan)
Charlie and Gale settled in Jackson, Wyoming after the war. They had bought a house and as promised, Bucky moved into their basement and lived with the couple for the first year and a half post-war.
Charlie struggled both mentally and physically. Memories of friends lost (Curt and so many others), and traumatic scenes of her experiences kept her up at night with frequent nightmares and panic attacks. Gale tried to help her through each one with his soft and patient approach. It was only after the birth of their first child that they subsided, but never fully stopped. Charlie never talked about the war for the rest of her life.
Charlie went to see the specialist doctors, Doctor Huston recommended, when they got home for her nerve damaged hand. After many physiotherapy visits and doctors’ visits, and despite her hand never being the same as before, she regained almost full motor function.
Charlie’s fear of never being a nurse again was proven untrue. Charlie’s local hospital took one look at her work experience and hired her on the spot as head nurse without any hesitation. Charlie served her local community in Jackson, Wyoming for 35 years. Throughout her years of service, hundreds of nurses trained under her and accredited her for making them the best nurses they could be. As a testament to her character, 600 people attended her funeral in 1997.
Charlie and Gale lived a good life together. They were together for 52 years until Charlie’s death. Buck would always say 52 years together was never enough time. They had four children. two boys and two girls. And just like Bucky said, the first was a boy, named after him. The second, also a boy, was named Curtis, in memory of their lost friend they never forgot.
Charlie was beyond devastated when she heard her brother, Bucky, passed away in 1961 from a heart attack. She would speak to him in spirit before bed every day after his passing until her death.
Buck, whilst heartbroken, smiled when Charlie passed, knowing she was no longer in pain, and that she had reunited with her beloved brother. Knowing the Egan siblings were waiting for him in heaven.
Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven
Buck Cleven stayed in the Air Force and served in Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1964 as a full bird Colonel. His best friend Bucky Egan had passed away only 3 years before and Buck had decided life was too short not to spend every day with his wife instead of being pulled half a world away. Buck had served his country for over 20 years and was happy to give up his wings. Buck never failed to tell Charlie every single day how much he loved her.
Whilst in the service, Buck had earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a doctorate in physics. Buck eventually became president of Webber College for 7 years in the 1980’s.
Gale and Charlie spent the rest of their lives raising their four children and even welcomed 10 grandchildren. Gale asked to be buried next to Charlie and Bucky in Arlington National Cemetery. Gale Cleven passed away in 2006 and got his wish.
Gale and Charlie’s children would comment on how their father was waiting 9 years to be reunited with the love of his life and he passed away with a smile on his face.
John ‘Bucky’ Egan
Bucky stayed with his sister and best friend, in their basement, like promised for a year and a half. Bucky struggled after the war with alcohol. It was a sign Buck and Charlie saw coming. He had always enjoyed a drink before everything turned to shit but after… it was worse. Until one day, he came home and introduced his sister and best friend to Josephine Pitz former Women’s Air Service Pilot, and suddenly Bucky’s life was so much brighter. Bucky soon stopped drinking and never touched a drop for the rest of his life.
Like Buck, Bucky continued his service in the Air Force and later served in Korea and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Bucky flew several air support missions again the Chinese and North Korean ground forces. He never wished to give up his wings. After the war, he served as deputy chief of staff for operations of the Fifth Air Force in Japan before being appointed director of operations for the Pacific Air Force in Hawaii in 1956. In 1958, he was assigned to The Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Jo followed him through all of his overseas assignments. They raised their two daughters on Air Force bases all over the world, loving the nomadic lifestyle. Bucky still looked forward to coming back to Jackson, Wyoming to visit his sister and best friend. Bucky would always insist, for the rest of his days, that his home was Jackson.
It came as a shock to everyone when Bucky Egan passed away in 1961 from a heart attack. Charlie and Buck supported Jo and their daughters following his passing, and the Egan family moved into the Cleven’s home for a short while, needing to be near each other after Bucky’s passing. Charlie was supportive when in 1977, Congress passed a bill recognizing the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) as veterans. After the Air Force certified the WASP as military personnel, the bill was approved and signed into law by President Carter on November 23, 1977. Jo worked with the WASP headquarters in Washington D.C to push for this bill. Charlie knew Bucky would have been proud of his wife.
In 1962, Bucky was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit. Bucky was still on active duty when he passed. Bucky was the first to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Jo, would follow in 2006, alongside her husband.
Harry Crosby
Harry Crosby would be described as one in a million by Charlie and anyone that knew him. Harry had an incredible service record. He led missions of as many as 2,000 heavy bombers as lead navigator for the 100th bomb group. He also flew 32 combat missions by the wars end. Harry left the Air Force in 1945 a Lieutenant Colonel.
Harry earned his master’s degree in 1947 and his PHD in 1953. Harry authored and co-authored six textbooks on college writing during his career at Boston University.
Harry and Jean shared four children together.
Charlie and Harry remained good friends for the rest of Charlie’s life. Harry, with his family. would frequently visit the Cleven’s and Egans and vice versa.
In 1993 Harry’s WWII memoir A Wing and a Prayer was published. Harry recalls Charlie calling him days later in tears having read his book, blubbering through her tears about all of the friends they had lost. The book had reminded Charlie of her good and bad memories during the war. Something she had supressed from her memory for so long.
Harry broke down in tears when he got the call from Buck 4 years later that Charlie had passed away. Harry mourned his friend for the rest of his life.
Harry Crosby died in 2010 at the age of 91.
Benny DeMarco
Benny DeMarco returned home without his dog, Meatball. Meatball was taken in by a local English family. Benny did not want to put Meatball, now an elderly dog, through the stress of flying back to the States.
There was not a day that went by that Benny ever forgot about Meatball. Benny received the news of Meatball’s passing in 1947.
Benny embarked upon a long career in business. Benny rarely spoke of the war and diminished contact with many of his fellow veterans of the 100th. The only exception was Buck Cleven. On every October 8th Benny would visit the Cleven family in Jackson with his own and reminisce about the day their plane went down. Charlie loved it when Benny and his family visited and urged him to talk to John Brady who was devasted when Benny cut all contact.
Benny met up with his fellow veterans, including John Brady, at a reunion once before his death in 1992.
Benny’s son, on his father’s behalf, would continue to visit the Cleven family on October 8th until Buck’s death.
John Brady
John Brady returned home and married his long-term girlfriend in 1945. The couple settled in Maryland and had three children together. John spent a career in business.
John Brady frequently met up and organised the 100th bomb groups’ reunions. Lots of familiar faces attended including Buck with Charlie, Bucky, Harry, Jack Kidd and Rosie. John waited many years for Benny to come but he never did until just before his death in 1992. Benny and John formed a bond when interned at Stalag Luft III and John hoped every year Benny would show up and it would be like the years apart never existed. John received a call from Benny’s son when Benny passed away. John’s wife could only describe John’s reaction to Benny’s passing to be one of pure pain. John never forgot the friend Benny was to him throughout the tough years they spent together.
John was also close to Bucky after serving many missions as his co-pilot. Bucky often invited John and his family to vacation with them and visit Bucky when he was stationed in Hawaii or Japan. John attended both the Egan siblings funeral, out of love and respect for the people they were and to support an inconsolable Buck.
John Brady passed away in 1999.
Reba Whittle
Reba Whittle was repatriated home after visiting Thorpe Abbotts. In May 1945 she returned to duty. Her flying status was suspended on the grounds of recurrent headaches- an after effect of her injuries. Reba married her long-term boyfriend in August 1945 and applied to be released from active duty. She was finally discharged in January 1946.
Reba continued to suffer from her injuries which were a mixture of physical and psychiatric. She sought compensation from the Veterans administration and in 1950 began a series of appeals for military medical retirement. This was a fight she would have for a decade. The Army repeatedly denied appeal after appeal. Hospital stays in both civilian and military facilities would not sway the Army’s opinion that her injuries did not incur under battle conditions, even though she was shot down while on active duty over enemy territory. Reba received three small settlements but nothing toward a monthly income disability benefit. By 1960 she gave up that battle. Charlie cheered her friend on and supported her fight but never joined her cause or made her own claim. Charlie knew it was a losing battle, and she never wanted to share her story of what happened to her ever again.
Reba and her husband, Colonel Tobiason had two sons, one of whom went on to serve in Vietnam.
Charlie and Reba corresponded through letters and phone calls. Charlie went down to see Reba and her family in person, to Texas a few times as well.
One day, Reba stopped writing to Charlie and stopped taking her calls. Charlie never saw Reba again and only found out about her passing in a newspaper in 1981.
On January 26, 1981, Reba Whittle, died due to brain cancer. The cancer was speculated to have been linked to her massive brain concussion following the plane crash.
In April 1983, Reba’s husband wrote to the Department of the Army following the announcement of the honoring of the Army and Navy nurses captured and imprisoned by the Japanese, which stated that the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration knew of no other American military women to have been taken prisoner. On September 2, 1983, Reba was finally given official prisoner of war status. In 1997, Reba was posthumously awarded the Prisoner of War Medal- 16 years after her passing. A year later after Charlie’s passing, Buck applied for Charlie to receive the same recognition and medal.
They were both the forgotten women POW’s of the European Theatre.
Notes:
I'm not crying, you are!
Thank you to everyone who stuck with me through this journey. It has been a long journey. I cannot believe I started this story over a year ago!
I hope this Epilogue was everything you wanted :) 42 Chapters and 108k words later we are done
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