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marysuevirusWell damn. That took me way too long! I'm sorry, guys. I'll try not to let it happen again. I know, I say that every time, but I think the block for this one is down so... cross your fingers! lol Anyway, here you go!
Title: Letters Home
Fandom: Marvel Universe (seriously AU though...)
Rating: 18+
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognizable characters here. They and the world this is set in are the property of Marvel Entertainment. The Purple Team is the property of![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ginevrasm (Morgan), ladydeathfaerie (Dare), sessys_fangirl (Jehnna), nanaeanaven (Roxxy) and dazzledfirestar (Haley). They are not to be used without permission. I make no money from this, and it is simply a form of entertainment.
Warnings: M/F sexual situations, violence (lots of it), World War 2 AU (yes, that's a warning)
November 7th, 1943
Dear Morgan,
I know this letter is most likely a surprise. Unfortunately it’s not going to be a pleasant one. We had a bit of an incident with your fiancé here last week. He thought I was you. Apparently no one in your family mentioned me to him because he simply would not believe anyone who tried to tell him the truth. I fear it would have turned ugly if my father hadn’t had him removed from our home.
He’s still looking for you, Morgan. Perhaps it is time for you to move on again.
Morgan read the letter a few more times before crumpling it up and throwing it out. She could feel a headache building behind her eyes. She was so tired of running. She liked it here. Her boarding house was comfortable, the matron friendly and a wonderful cook. The people she’d met were kind… well, most of them. Dare was a good friend, even if she was a little crass. And the girls she’d met that night. Something about them seemed so comfortable, almost like home. It’d been far too long since she’d had real friends, and now Faye wanted her to give that up.
Maybe that wasn’t the best idea. Maybe if she stayed put and let some tentative roots take hold, when Bennet found her—because he would— maybe she’d have some sort of protection. Maybe she’d be able to finally convince him to leave her alone.
She knew that would put anyone around her at risk, of course and that weighed heavily on her. How many times had she cursed her father’s involvement with the du Paris family? She shuddered to think what her uncle’s home had suffered at Bennet’s hands, and what might have come to Faye in her place had he not been stopped. He must be an idiot. Had she not told him she had a cousin in England that looked just like her when they had began… whatever one would call it? Courting was what her mother had said. Not that it mattered now.
She was tired of running, and she was done with it. She stared at the piece of paper in the trash and nodded to herself. She wouldn’t be a coward anymore. She’d face this when it came to her door. She could almost hear Faye’s voice telling her that it wasn’t cowardice, it was self preservation. But no, this time she wanted to stay, so stay she would.
~*~*~*~*~
Bobby banged on the door as hard as he dared. His voice came out as a low, somewhat angry whisper. “Barton, for God’s sake, we have to go!” A sound that could have been ‘just a minute’ made its way through the door, followed by a distinctly feminine giggle.
“Should you really be standing out in the hall like this?” Bobby jumped when Pete touched his shoulder.
“Casanova’s still at it.”
Peter just barely held back a laugh. “I had figured I’d have to drag both out you out of here kicking and screaming.”
“He’s going to get us caught.” Bobby crossed his arms and opened his mouth to continue his mini-tirade when the door swung open.
Haley was standing there, in her robe, looking mildly bemused. “Good morning, gentlemen.” She smiled. Clint’s chuckle could be heard in the room behind her. “Never fear, he won’t be another minute.”
As if on cue and buttoning the last of his buttons, the man in question appeared. “If I had my way, I’d keep you locked up here for the rest of the day.” He swept Haley into his arms again and pressed a kiss to her lips, ignoring the other men completely.
She pulled back and playfully smacked his arm. “I’m sure that would go over well.” She laughed. “Now, go before you really do get caught!” She kissed him again and gave the other two a smile before disappearing back into her room.
“Alright, who has a plan?” Clint turned toward Pete and Bobby a moment later.
“Jen’s already downstairs, keeping Mrs. Carlisle busy, so…” Peter shrugged. “We could just shuffle you two out the front door.”
“While you get a nice homemade breakfast.” Bobby frowned a little more.
“Shouldn’t you be in a better mood?” Clint’s eyebrow rose and he smirked. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Jehnna was running out of excuses. She could hear the vague thump of footsteps and the low hum of voices in the front room and she was almost sure that Mrs. Carlisle was onto them. “Really, I didn’t hear anything.”
“I could have swore…”
“Really, Mrs. Carlisle,” Jehnna let out a soft laugh. “Who could possibly be in the front room? Haley and Rosemary weren’t up when I came down, and Peter’s still getting dressed. I’m sure it was nothing.” A moment later, Jehnna heard hush insistences to get moving and the creek of the front door. She almost let out the breath she’d been holding since she’d come downstairs.
“Was that the door?” Mrs. Carlisle moved faster than Jehnna thought the old woman capable of. Oh, this was not good at all…
As they rounded the corner, Jehnna almost groaned. She saw what she figured Mrs. Carlisle saw; her husband shooing two other soldiers out the front door. She worked her brain at a speed that she was sure would hurt later. “Mrs. Carlisle—”
“Mates of yours, Mr. Parker?” Mrs. Carlisle moved toward the door. “Are they here to pick you up?”
Jehnna and Peter exchanged a look. “Yes, ma’am.” Peter smiled, looking almost innocent.
“Have you boys had breakfast?” Jehnna studied Mrs. Carlisle for a moment, catching a quick glimmer in the old woman’s eyes. Perhaps Mrs. Carlisle wasn’t as clueless as Haley had suspected. Jehnna nearly chuckled.
“Umm…” Clint and Bobby exchanged a look. “No, ma’am, not yet.”
“Well, if it’s alright with my other charges,” she leveled each of the men with a look that plainly stated that she knew full well her charges would have absolutely no objections, “then you’ll have breakfast here.” She shuffled herself back toward her kitchen. “No one leaves this house hungry.”
Haley and Roxxy came down the stairs fifteen minutes later and both froze at the scene in front of them. Jehnna was of course, no surprise at all. She was seated where she was always seated at meals. It was the rest of the kitchen’s population that surprised them. Peter, Clint and Bobby were all seated around the kitchen table, digging into an impressive array of breakfast foods that Mrs. Carlisle was, it seemed, constantly restocking. “What…?”
“Come now, girls! Sit down and eat before this lot finishes everything off on you!” She smiled at both of them and waved them toward their seats as she set down another plate full of hash browns down. “Honestly, boys! You’d think the army doesn’t feed you!”
“Oh, they do!” Bobby nodded after swallowing a mouthful of sausage. “But it’s never this good, Mrs. Carlisle.”
“Oh, so sweet!” She pinched his cheek and went back to the oven.
Haley took the chance to lean over the table as she sat down. “Care to explain what the heck is going on here?”
Clint grinned at her before shoveling some more scrambled eggs into his mouth. “We’re having breakfast, Haley. I thought that was pretty obvious.”
She glared at him and scooped up some hash browns for herself. “You,” she let out a harsh whisper and kicked him under the table, “are an ass.”
“I can’t wait to hear how this happened.” Roxxy chuckled as she sipped the strong tea in front of her usual seat.
Breakfast was a pleasant affair and soon after the boys left with promises that they’d be back and ready for a night out later. The girls were helping clean up when Mrs. Carlisle finally spoke. “I do hope neither of you are being too dense about all this.”
Haley turned; a dish rag in hand and confusion on her face. “What…?”
“I’m not so old that I can’t recall the passion of youth.” She stared at both Haley and Roxxy for a moment over the rim of her glasses. “I know how easy it was for a handsome man in a uniform to turn my head. Mr. Carlisle was a military man, God rest his soul.”
“Mrs. Carlisle, I’m sure—“
“But a woman is expected to be prim and proper. And I’ll not have charges of mine behaving any other way. I know that it isn't always possible to keep such things in mind. Not in the heat of the moment.” She shook her head, sending white curls bouncing.
“Mrs. Carlisle…”
“They seem like nice enough boys but…”
“Mrs. Carlisle!”
“I won’t hear excuses, girls.”
Roxxy finally broke through the lecture. “Mrs. Carlisle. We wouldn’t dream of bringing strange men into your home.” Roxxy took a few steps forward. “I’m going to marry Bobby, and Haley’s engaged to Clint.”
The older woman smiled but shook her head. “I didn’t want to assume you two would treat the boys you spoke of like that. But do try and keep in mind that engaged will do you no good if he gets you in trouble before you’re well and properly married.” She met both of their eyes before starting again. “You are both better than that.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Carlisle.”
“I will… be lenient about this. But if anything… happens.” She stared over the rim of her glasses again letting the girls know clearly what ‘anything’ she was referring to. “I will not be held responsible for such things.”
Both Haley and Roxxy nodded and turned back toward the sink full of dishes. Roxxy whispered a few minutes later. “Guess we aren’t as sneaky as we think.”
“Guess she’s not as deaf as we thought.” Haley shook her head and handed another plate to the woman beside her.
~*~*~*~
He was seated in the perfect place to watch her. He hadn’t planned that at all, though he had wondered at Henry picking the table near the bar, but with her standing by the telephone, whispering pretty intently into the receiver he was suddenly finding it a whole lot harder to concentrate on the drills they’d run that day.
He should be focused, he told himself for the tenth time. He should be looking to improve the performance of the platoon, and finding some way to get Storm and Barton to take something seriously for once. That was probably a lost cause, when he really thought about it. Henry’s voice cut across any plans he may have had along those lines. “For God’s sake, Scott! Just go talk to the girl before you stare a hole right through her back!”
Scott lifted his drink to his lips in an effort not to sputter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I’m sure you don’t.” Henry shook his head. “It’s very tempting to just leave you here alone until you get up the nerve to talk to that young lady. I’m sure that table over there has an extra seat.” He waved toward the table that currently held Parker, his wife, Drake and his girlfriend. He knew from many nights—nearly all of their nights off actually—that Barton and his little songbird would join them when the music slowed down… maybe. Storm was staring daggers at the girl behind the bar, and every time she took another round over the two traded a barb. No love lost there, apparently. Henry sighed and shook his head. “You’re just going to sit here all night again, aren’t you?”
“No.” He shifted a little.
Henry stood, taking his glass with him. “Well, if you decide to be social with anyone who might give you the time of day, I’ll be over there.” Before Scott could argue the point, he’d moved off into the crowd and left the lieutenant alone at the table.
He sighed heavily. Maybe Henry had a point. After all, he really didn’t have anything to lose by talking to her. Except his pride… he swallowed another mouthful of beer and focused his attention on her. She was still at the telephone.
“Faye, you aren’t listening!” She played with the cord; a nervous gesture no doubt. “I don’t want to keep doing this…. I don’t know!” She tilted her head back. “Can’t you just… point him in the wrong direction or something?”
Scott’s brow crinkled as he listened. Who could this little slip of a thing be hiding from? That was what it sounded like. He suddenly had the urge to sweep her up and… no that was ridiculous. He couldn’t play hero to a girl whose name he didn’t even know. He pushed his chair back as she hung up the receiver and went back to her seat by the bar.
Her hands were shaking so badly that she didn’t seem to have the wherewithal to get the lighter in her hand lit. No doubt that cigarette was well earned. He leaned in, striking a match on the bar. She jumped; eyes wide as she turned to see who had snuck up on her. A quick assessment must have gone in his favor because she leaned in and lit the cigarette off the offered match. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “You looked like you needed it.”
“Well, I did.” She shifted in her seat as if she was deciding if she should walk away. Instead she reached for the glass in front of her and finished her drink.
“Can I buy you another?” He almost flinched as the word came out. That was so clichéd even he knew it. “I mean, if you’re staying…”
“Look, I’m really not in the mood for company, if you don’t mind.” Her spine straightened and he took a second to take her in. The reds in her hair shone out in the dim light of the pub and the deep green of her dress brought out the same color in her eyes. She was beautiful, and he was pretty sure she’d be beautiful even if she wasn’t in a dress that probably cost more than he would make back home in a year. It was far too dressed up for a place like the Coach and Horse.
“Okay. I’ll still buy that drink for you though.” The bartender—the woman who’d been threatening to pour pints over Storm’s head all night, as luck would have it—made her way over and took the order.
“Well, again, thank you.” She gave a bit of a shy smile to him. He returned it with one of his own.
“You’re welcome.”
“What made you come over?”
He had been ready to turn around and go back to his seat but her question stopped him. He smiled again, hoping he wasn’t coming off like some of the men in his company did. “I was curious. Rumor was you’re American, but you’re not with the USO or the nurses or the WACs so… how’d you end up out here?”
She stiffened and he expected her to tell him to take a flying leap. “It’s… complicated.” He watched her sip her drink and waited for her to continue. She changed the subject on him though. “What about you? Lieutenant…?”
“Summers.” He slid onto the seat next to her. “Scott Summers.”
“Well, thank you for the light and the drink Lieutenant Summers.” She glanced at him through her lashes and he couldn’t tell if she was being coy on purpose or if that was just how she was. He wanted to know though.
“Do I get your name?”
“Morgan.” She sipped her drink. “So, where are you from Lieutenant Summers?”
“Call me Scott.”
“Okay, where are you from, Scott?”
He ordered another drink and started talking. He told her about Anchorage, his dad and his brother in the Air Force, how he’d said he’d rather jump out of planes than fly them when his father asked how the hell he could sign up for the paratroopers. He stopped there, shrugged and staring into his glass for a moment. “I guess that does sound a little crazy.”
“No, no… not that crazy.” She smiled and leaned on the bar. “I think… well, you wanted to do what you thought was the best you could do.” She stared into her drink. “Some people don’t understand that.” A dark look passed over her face for a moment.
“I… I heard some of your telephone conversation earlier.” He waited to be told to mind his own business. “It seemed like you were really upset.”
She shrugged one shoulder but didn’t look up. “It’s nothing.”
“It didn’t sound like nothing.” He sighed. He’d probably pushed too hard. He had a tendency to do that if he actually managed to open his mouth and talk to a girl. “I just mean, I hope you have some friends that can help if… if you need help.”
“I don’t want to be a bother to anyone.” Again, she didn’t look up.
He frowned and his brow crinkled again. “Why would it be a bother?”
“I… I don’t think it’s a good idea to get anyone else mixed up in my troubles, Lieutenant.” She stiffened but raised her eyes to his. “It’s just… easier this way.”
“Easier for who?”
“Everyone.” Her eyes glued on the bar again.
“Really? That’s not a real answer.”
“Who are you to ask me that anyway?” She frowned at him. “Believe me, it’s easier for anyone and everyone if I don’t let anyone else involve themselves in my business.”
“Alright. If you say so. I just think that’s a pretty low view of the people around you.”
She looked confused and shook her head. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means I see you in here every time we’re on leave. That bartender, the girls my men are hanging around with; I’ve seen them come over and talk to you week after week. They seem to want to be your friends if you’d let them.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I’d like to be your friend if you’d let me.”
“That’s really not—“
“It’s better than sitting by yourself at the bar, isn’t it?’
She sighed. “Well, yes… but—“
“So, maybe I’ll come over and buy you a drink when I see you. Maybe, if you need a friend, you’ll feel a little better knowing you’ve got one.” He smiled. He thought it was pretty smooth… for him anyway.
“Scott…” She looked up at him and whatever she was going to tell him seemed to drift away. She sighed again. “Alright. Since you probably wouldn’t leave me alone anyway…”
“No, I am very determined.”
She laughed. It was a lovely soft sound and it reached her eyes. “Alright.” She got a very determined look of her own and her eyes narrowed despite her smile. “But none of that chivalrous nonsense out of you. Just friends.”
He smiled and raised his glass to her. “Yes, Ma’am.” Somehow, he was pretty sure the next months on the base were going to be a lot smoother and all the crap from Storm and Barton was going to be a little easier to take.
After all, that’s what friends were for.
Title: Letters Home
Fandom: Marvel Universe (seriously AU though...)
Rating: 18+
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognizable characters here. They and the world this is set in are the property of Marvel Entertainment. The Purple Team is the property of
ginevrasm (Morgan), ladydeathfaerie (Dare), sessys_fangirl (Jehnna), nanaeanaven (Roxxy) and dazzledfirestar (Haley). They are not to be used without permission. I make no money from this, and it is simply a form of entertainment. Warnings: M/F sexual situations, violence (lots of it), World War 2 AU (yes, that's a warning)
November 7th, 1943
Dear Morgan,
I know this letter is most likely a surprise. Unfortunately it’s not going to be a pleasant one. We had a bit of an incident with your fiancé here last week. He thought I was you. Apparently no one in your family mentioned me to him because he simply would not believe anyone who tried to tell him the truth. I fear it would have turned ugly if my father hadn’t had him removed from our home.
He’s still looking for you, Morgan. Perhaps it is time for you to move on again.
Yours Sincerely,
Faye
Morgan read the letter a few more times before crumpling it up and throwing it out. She could feel a headache building behind her eyes. She was so tired of running. She liked it here. Her boarding house was comfortable, the matron friendly and a wonderful cook. The people she’d met were kind… well, most of them. Dare was a good friend, even if she was a little crass. And the girls she’d met that night. Something about them seemed so comfortable, almost like home. It’d been far too long since she’d had real friends, and now Faye wanted her to give that up.
Maybe that wasn’t the best idea. Maybe if she stayed put and let some tentative roots take hold, when Bennet found her—because he would— maybe she’d have some sort of protection. Maybe she’d be able to finally convince him to leave her alone.
She knew that would put anyone around her at risk, of course and that weighed heavily on her. How many times had she cursed her father’s involvement with the du Paris family? She shuddered to think what her uncle’s home had suffered at Bennet’s hands, and what might have come to Faye in her place had he not been stopped. He must be an idiot. Had she not told him she had a cousin in England that looked just like her when they had began… whatever one would call it? Courting was what her mother had said. Not that it mattered now.
She was tired of running, and she was done with it. She stared at the piece of paper in the trash and nodded to herself. She wouldn’t be a coward anymore. She’d face this when it came to her door. She could almost hear Faye’s voice telling her that it wasn’t cowardice, it was self preservation. But no, this time she wanted to stay, so stay she would.
Bobby banged on the door as hard as he dared. His voice came out as a low, somewhat angry whisper. “Barton, for God’s sake, we have to go!” A sound that could have been ‘just a minute’ made its way through the door, followed by a distinctly feminine giggle.
“Should you really be standing out in the hall like this?” Bobby jumped when Pete touched his shoulder.
“Casanova’s still at it.”
Peter just barely held back a laugh. “I had figured I’d have to drag both out you out of here kicking and screaming.”
“He’s going to get us caught.” Bobby crossed his arms and opened his mouth to continue his mini-tirade when the door swung open.
Haley was standing there, in her robe, looking mildly bemused. “Good morning, gentlemen.” She smiled. Clint’s chuckle could be heard in the room behind her. “Never fear, he won’t be another minute.”
As if on cue and buttoning the last of his buttons, the man in question appeared. “If I had my way, I’d keep you locked up here for the rest of the day.” He swept Haley into his arms again and pressed a kiss to her lips, ignoring the other men completely.
She pulled back and playfully smacked his arm. “I’m sure that would go over well.” She laughed. “Now, go before you really do get caught!” She kissed him again and gave the other two a smile before disappearing back into her room.
“Alright, who has a plan?” Clint turned toward Pete and Bobby a moment later.
“Jen’s already downstairs, keeping Mrs. Carlisle busy, so…” Peter shrugged. “We could just shuffle you two out the front door.”
“While you get a nice homemade breakfast.” Bobby frowned a little more.
“Shouldn’t you be in a better mood?” Clint’s eyebrow rose and he smirked. “Alright, let’s get this over with.”
Jehnna was running out of excuses. She could hear the vague thump of footsteps and the low hum of voices in the front room and she was almost sure that Mrs. Carlisle was onto them. “Really, I didn’t hear anything.”
“I could have swore…”
“Really, Mrs. Carlisle,” Jehnna let out a soft laugh. “Who could possibly be in the front room? Haley and Rosemary weren’t up when I came down, and Peter’s still getting dressed. I’m sure it was nothing.” A moment later, Jehnna heard hush insistences to get moving and the creek of the front door. She almost let out the breath she’d been holding since she’d come downstairs.
“Was that the door?” Mrs. Carlisle moved faster than Jehnna thought the old woman capable of. Oh, this was not good at all…
As they rounded the corner, Jehnna almost groaned. She saw what she figured Mrs. Carlisle saw; her husband shooing two other soldiers out the front door. She worked her brain at a speed that she was sure would hurt later. “Mrs. Carlisle—”
“Mates of yours, Mr. Parker?” Mrs. Carlisle moved toward the door. “Are they here to pick you up?”
Jehnna and Peter exchanged a look. “Yes, ma’am.” Peter smiled, looking almost innocent.
“Have you boys had breakfast?” Jehnna studied Mrs. Carlisle for a moment, catching a quick glimmer in the old woman’s eyes. Perhaps Mrs. Carlisle wasn’t as clueless as Haley had suspected. Jehnna nearly chuckled.
“Umm…” Clint and Bobby exchanged a look. “No, ma’am, not yet.”
“Well, if it’s alright with my other charges,” she leveled each of the men with a look that plainly stated that she knew full well her charges would have absolutely no objections, “then you’ll have breakfast here.” She shuffled herself back toward her kitchen. “No one leaves this house hungry.”
Haley and Roxxy came down the stairs fifteen minutes later and both froze at the scene in front of them. Jehnna was of course, no surprise at all. She was seated where she was always seated at meals. It was the rest of the kitchen’s population that surprised them. Peter, Clint and Bobby were all seated around the kitchen table, digging into an impressive array of breakfast foods that Mrs. Carlisle was, it seemed, constantly restocking. “What…?”
“Come now, girls! Sit down and eat before this lot finishes everything off on you!” She smiled at both of them and waved them toward their seats as she set down another plate full of hash browns down. “Honestly, boys! You’d think the army doesn’t feed you!”
“Oh, they do!” Bobby nodded after swallowing a mouthful of sausage. “But it’s never this good, Mrs. Carlisle.”
“Oh, so sweet!” She pinched his cheek and went back to the oven.
Haley took the chance to lean over the table as she sat down. “Care to explain what the heck is going on here?”
Clint grinned at her before shoveling some more scrambled eggs into his mouth. “We’re having breakfast, Haley. I thought that was pretty obvious.”
She glared at him and scooped up some hash browns for herself. “You,” she let out a harsh whisper and kicked him under the table, “are an ass.”
“I can’t wait to hear how this happened.” Roxxy chuckled as she sipped the strong tea in front of her usual seat.
Breakfast was a pleasant affair and soon after the boys left with promises that they’d be back and ready for a night out later. The girls were helping clean up when Mrs. Carlisle finally spoke. “I do hope neither of you are being too dense about all this.”
Haley turned; a dish rag in hand and confusion on her face. “What…?”
“I’m not so old that I can’t recall the passion of youth.” She stared at both Haley and Roxxy for a moment over the rim of her glasses. “I know how easy it was for a handsome man in a uniform to turn my head. Mr. Carlisle was a military man, God rest his soul.”
“Mrs. Carlisle, I’m sure—“
“But a woman is expected to be prim and proper. And I’ll not have charges of mine behaving any other way. I know that it isn't always possible to keep such things in mind. Not in the heat of the moment.” She shook her head, sending white curls bouncing.
“Mrs. Carlisle…”
“They seem like nice enough boys but…”
“Mrs. Carlisle!”
“I won’t hear excuses, girls.”
Roxxy finally broke through the lecture. “Mrs. Carlisle. We wouldn’t dream of bringing strange men into your home.” Roxxy took a few steps forward. “I’m going to marry Bobby, and Haley’s engaged to Clint.”
The older woman smiled but shook her head. “I didn’t want to assume you two would treat the boys you spoke of like that. But do try and keep in mind that engaged will do you no good if he gets you in trouble before you’re well and properly married.” She met both of their eyes before starting again. “You are both better than that.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Carlisle.”
“I will… be lenient about this. But if anything… happens.” She stared over the rim of her glasses again letting the girls know clearly what ‘anything’ she was referring to. “I will not be held responsible for such things.”
Both Haley and Roxxy nodded and turned back toward the sink full of dishes. Roxxy whispered a few minutes later. “Guess we aren’t as sneaky as we think.”
“Guess she’s not as deaf as we thought.” Haley shook her head and handed another plate to the woman beside her.
He was seated in the perfect place to watch her. He hadn’t planned that at all, though he had wondered at Henry picking the table near the bar, but with her standing by the telephone, whispering pretty intently into the receiver he was suddenly finding it a whole lot harder to concentrate on the drills they’d run that day.
He should be focused, he told himself for the tenth time. He should be looking to improve the performance of the platoon, and finding some way to get Storm and Barton to take something seriously for once. That was probably a lost cause, when he really thought about it. Henry’s voice cut across any plans he may have had along those lines. “For God’s sake, Scott! Just go talk to the girl before you stare a hole right through her back!”
Scott lifted his drink to his lips in an effort not to sputter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I’m sure you don’t.” Henry shook his head. “It’s very tempting to just leave you here alone until you get up the nerve to talk to that young lady. I’m sure that table over there has an extra seat.” He waved toward the table that currently held Parker, his wife, Drake and his girlfriend. He knew from many nights—nearly all of their nights off actually—that Barton and his little songbird would join them when the music slowed down… maybe. Storm was staring daggers at the girl behind the bar, and every time she took another round over the two traded a barb. No love lost there, apparently. Henry sighed and shook his head. “You’re just going to sit here all night again, aren’t you?”
“No.” He shifted a little.
Henry stood, taking his glass with him. “Well, if you decide to be social with anyone who might give you the time of day, I’ll be over there.” Before Scott could argue the point, he’d moved off into the crowd and left the lieutenant alone at the table.
He sighed heavily. Maybe Henry had a point. After all, he really didn’t have anything to lose by talking to her. Except his pride… he swallowed another mouthful of beer and focused his attention on her. She was still at the telephone.
“Faye, you aren’t listening!” She played with the cord; a nervous gesture no doubt. “I don’t want to keep doing this…. I don’t know!” She tilted her head back. “Can’t you just… point him in the wrong direction or something?”
Scott’s brow crinkled as he listened. Who could this little slip of a thing be hiding from? That was what it sounded like. He suddenly had the urge to sweep her up and… no that was ridiculous. He couldn’t play hero to a girl whose name he didn’t even know. He pushed his chair back as she hung up the receiver and went back to her seat by the bar.
Her hands were shaking so badly that she didn’t seem to have the wherewithal to get the lighter in her hand lit. No doubt that cigarette was well earned. He leaned in, striking a match on the bar. She jumped; eyes wide as she turned to see who had snuck up on her. A quick assessment must have gone in his favor because she leaned in and lit the cigarette off the offered match. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “You looked like you needed it.”
“Well, I did.” She shifted in her seat as if she was deciding if she should walk away. Instead she reached for the glass in front of her and finished her drink.
“Can I buy you another?” He almost flinched as the word came out. That was so clichéd even he knew it. “I mean, if you’re staying…”
“Look, I’m really not in the mood for company, if you don’t mind.” Her spine straightened and he took a second to take her in. The reds in her hair shone out in the dim light of the pub and the deep green of her dress brought out the same color in her eyes. She was beautiful, and he was pretty sure she’d be beautiful even if she wasn’t in a dress that probably cost more than he would make back home in a year. It was far too dressed up for a place like the Coach and Horse.
“Okay. I’ll still buy that drink for you though.” The bartender—the woman who’d been threatening to pour pints over Storm’s head all night, as luck would have it—made her way over and took the order.
“Well, again, thank you.” She gave a bit of a shy smile to him. He returned it with one of his own.
“You’re welcome.”
“What made you come over?”
He had been ready to turn around and go back to his seat but her question stopped him. He smiled again, hoping he wasn’t coming off like some of the men in his company did. “I was curious. Rumor was you’re American, but you’re not with the USO or the nurses or the WACs so… how’d you end up out here?”
She stiffened and he expected her to tell him to take a flying leap. “It’s… complicated.” He watched her sip her drink and waited for her to continue. She changed the subject on him though. “What about you? Lieutenant…?”
“Summers.” He slid onto the seat next to her. “Scott Summers.”
“Well, thank you for the light and the drink Lieutenant Summers.” She glanced at him through her lashes and he couldn’t tell if she was being coy on purpose or if that was just how she was. He wanted to know though.
“Do I get your name?”
“Morgan.” She sipped her drink. “So, where are you from Lieutenant Summers?”
“Call me Scott.”
“Okay, where are you from, Scott?”
He ordered another drink and started talking. He told her about Anchorage, his dad and his brother in the Air Force, how he’d said he’d rather jump out of planes than fly them when his father asked how the hell he could sign up for the paratroopers. He stopped there, shrugged and staring into his glass for a moment. “I guess that does sound a little crazy.”
“No, no… not that crazy.” She smiled and leaned on the bar. “I think… well, you wanted to do what you thought was the best you could do.” She stared into her drink. “Some people don’t understand that.” A dark look passed over her face for a moment.
“I… I heard some of your telephone conversation earlier.” He waited to be told to mind his own business. “It seemed like you were really upset.”
She shrugged one shoulder but didn’t look up. “It’s nothing.”
“It didn’t sound like nothing.” He sighed. He’d probably pushed too hard. He had a tendency to do that if he actually managed to open his mouth and talk to a girl. “I just mean, I hope you have some friends that can help if… if you need help.”
“I don’t want to be a bother to anyone.” Again, she didn’t look up.
He frowned and his brow crinkled again. “Why would it be a bother?”
“I… I don’t think it’s a good idea to get anyone else mixed up in my troubles, Lieutenant.” She stiffened but raised her eyes to his. “It’s just… easier this way.”
“Easier for who?”
“Everyone.” Her eyes glued on the bar again.
“Really? That’s not a real answer.”
“Who are you to ask me that anyway?” She frowned at him. “Believe me, it’s easier for anyone and everyone if I don’t let anyone else involve themselves in my business.”
“Alright. If you say so. I just think that’s a pretty low view of the people around you.”
She looked confused and shook her head. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means I see you in here every time we’re on leave. That bartender, the girls my men are hanging around with; I’ve seen them come over and talk to you week after week. They seem to want to be your friends if you’d let them.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I’d like to be your friend if you’d let me.”
“That’s really not—“
“It’s better than sitting by yourself at the bar, isn’t it?’
She sighed. “Well, yes… but—“
“So, maybe I’ll come over and buy you a drink when I see you. Maybe, if you need a friend, you’ll feel a little better knowing you’ve got one.” He smiled. He thought it was pretty smooth… for him anyway.
“Scott…” She looked up at him and whatever she was going to tell him seemed to drift away. She sighed again. “Alright. Since you probably wouldn’t leave me alone anyway…”
“No, I am very determined.”
She laughed. It was a lovely soft sound and it reached her eyes. “Alright.” She got a very determined look of her own and her eyes narrowed despite her smile. “But none of that chivalrous nonsense out of you. Just friends.”
He smiled and raised his glass to her. “Yes, Ma’am.” Somehow, he was pretty sure the next months on the base were going to be a lot smoother and all the crap from Storm and Barton was going to be a little easier to take.
After all, that’s what friends were for.
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