noticed a dip in posts about palestine on my dash, so i think it deserves to be said again: palestine is not a trend. caring about genocide is not a trend. there are still reports about humanitarian aid trucks intentionally blocked off from gaza, meaning so many fucking gazans, a big portion of them children, are just bleeding out with no help. it just came out recently that israelis disguised as women and medics infiltrated a west bank hospital, at which point they killed 3 palestinians (whom they claim were militants. right). these people are living day to day without even the most basic utilities. anyone who claims to have “activism fatigue” needs to question why they’re so severely lacking in the most basic forms of compassion. you don’t get to just grow bored of talking about palestine. please never stop calling attention to the genocide happening full force in front of us.
* walking round the supermarket muttering to myself* loneliness is still time spent with the world loneliness is still time spent with the world loneliness is still time spent with the world loneliness is still
Summary: James was only supposed to be gone for a week. It was just a training exercise. So why were two soldiers standing at Rose’s door? And why do they want to come inside?
Notes: This is for the wonderful @bronzeagepizzeria who told me they would love more of this when I dropped the drabble as a ficlet. I also don't know anything about the British military so this is from all the research I could do based on how little information they put out there. The funeral is a standard American military funeral. Please enjoy!
Read here on AO3
As he buttoned up his uniform coat, James looked at himself in the mirror to make sure everything was in order. He didn’t see Rose until she had come up from behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He smiled and turned around in her arms so he could see her face to face.
“Why do you have to go?” Rose whined, burying her face into the scratchy fabric covering his chest. His arms tightened around her as he pulled her into a tight hug.
“I don’t want to, love,” he murmured into her hair as he rubbed her back. “I have to. It’ll only be for a week while we validate our certifications again. Just some simple training exercises.” He planted kisses to her hair, smiling as she relaxed in his arms.
James wasn’t a man you would have expected to join the military. In fact, even he didn’t expect to join. She had known him since primary school after he grabbed her hand in his and whispered “run”. They had stayed connected at the hip since that day, being there for some of the hardest times in each other's lives. She was there for him when his parents died, leaving him to live with his cousin, Donna, his aunt, and his grandfather. He was there when her ex-boyfriend Jimmy tried to break into her flat while her mum was gone after she had broken up with him.
In year eleven, he and his friend Jack had made a pact that they would join the military when they got out of secondary school, much to Rose’s dismay. Even though Jack was simply an exchange student from America, he quickly became friends with James and Rose.
They all stayed friends, even when James and Jack honoured their pack and enlisted — James to the Royal Air Force and Jack to the United States Air Force. Tears were shed the night before James was set to go to the Royal Air Force College. Confessions of love were made, kisses were shared, and James promised Rose that he would think of her every single day he was there.
After a gruelling ten months of James being away and countless love letters shared between the two of them, Rose got to proudly watch her boyfriend graduate as an official officer of the Royal Air Force. Her mum comforted her as she cried, watching him receive the highest award you can earn during your time there: the Dacre Sword.
“The Dacre Sword is awarded to the officer cadet who is considered by the commandant to be the best of the intake,” the voice over the loudspeakers boomed. “Today, it is awarded to Officer Cadet James Noble, who is to be commissioned as an Engineer Officer.”
As soon as the ceremony was over, she ran to meet him. He swept her up into a big hug spinning her around. “God, I’ve missed you so much. My Rose,” he whispered into her ear. Setting her down, she met him with a beaming smile. “Oh, hold on. Close your eyes.” Rose followed his instruction.
“Okay, open up.”
She looked down to see James, wearing his dress uniform, on one knee. In his hand was a small velvet box with the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. A large sapphire was surrounded by tiny diamonds, all entwined in intricate metalwork. “James…” Rose gasped, her hands coming up to cover her mouth.
“You have been my best friend since primary school. I’ve loved you ever since the day I met you. Since ‘run’, really. Having you in my life has saved me time and time again. I would love to keep you in my life, no matter where it takes me. Rose Marion Tyler, will you marry me?”
“Yes! Oh my god, yes!” she shrieked, throwing herself into his arms as he stood up. This hug was even tighter than the one before — and James leaned down to kiss his fiancée . WHen they broke apart, he slipped the ring onto her shaking finger.
“How did you keep this during training?” She moved her hand, properly admiring the stones in the sunlight.
He shrugged, a smile on his face. “Your mum brought it here for me.”
Eight months later, after James got back from specialty training, the duo was married with their families in attendance. He was able to stay in London, purchasing a nice flat together as a married couple while he made the two-and-a-half hour commute to RAF Coningsby, where he was currently stationed. As an Engineering Officer, his job was to manage a team of Flight Engineers and monitor upkeep of the aircraft on his base while also helping facilitate testing.
It had only been five days since James left for his week-long training seminar. Rose had been regularly conversing with him during his time away over text or at night when he would call her before lights out. However, it was already one o’clock in the afternoon and she hadn’t heard from him. Figuring he was just having a busy day, she continued with her chores for the day.
That was until she heard three loud knocks at the door.
Opening the door, Rose was surprised to find two military members standing in front of her. A man and a woman, both dressed in the all-too-familiar dress uniform that she had seen her husband wear time and time again. The blue-grey jacket matched the trousers — a light blue dress shirt and navy blue tie were worn underneath. Their peaked caps were set carefully atop their heads, eyes visible just underneath the short visor.
Her heart sank as she saw the look in their eyes.
“Mrs. Tyler-Noble, my name is Squadron Leader Nathan Campbell and this,” he stated, gesturing to the woman next to him, “is Flight Lieutenant Sarah Wright. May we come in?”
“Of- Of course,” she stammered, offering them entrance. They took their caps off as they entered, pausing as Rose closed the door. While the officers were staying professional, she could see the dread in their eyes. She led them into the living room
“Let’s have a seat,” Flight Lieutenant Wright offered gently.
Rose could barely think. The anxiety settling in her stomach made her feel like she was going to throw up. There was only one reason the Royal Air Force would send officers in this way. She didn’t even realise Squadron Leader Campbell began to speak, his words shooting straight into her heart.
“The marshal of the Royal Air Force has entrusted me to express his deep regret that your husband, Flight Lieutenant James Tyler-Noble, died due to an unforeseen equipment failure during flight at RAF Brize Norton. The marshal extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss.”
Rose shattered. Sobbing, she could barely breathe. Flight Lieutenant Wright moved to sit next to her, rubbing her back comfortingly. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Tyler-Noble. Is there anyone we can call to be with you during this time?” The woman’s hand rested atop hers, helping ground her as she worked on regulating her breathing.
“My-” she hiccuped, “my mate Jack. Jack Harkness. He lives down the street. Please. ”
Her phone was handed over to the tall man who had moved to stand next to the Flight Lieutenant. The mobile was already opened to Jack’s contact, leaving him to step just outside of the room to call.
“Is this Jack Harkness?”
“ Yes, who is this? ”
“My name is Squadron Leader Nathan Campbell. I am a Casualty Notification Officer with RAF Brize Norton. I’m calling you by request of Mrs. Rose Tyler-Noble to come to her residence during this difficult time.”
“ I’ll be there in ten minutes. ”
The minutes felt like hours before Jack rushed in the door, freezing when he saw the two Royal Air Force officers with Rose. “Oh, Rosie,” he murmured, advancing and pulling her into his arms. Gripping his shirt, Rose broke down into more sobs. Her tears stained his shirt while he rocked her back and forth, holding her close to him.
They didn’t even notice the other two people leaving.
It took thirty minutes until Rose had calmed down enough that she could pull back from her friend’s embrace. “Rose,” Jack said quietly, “I am sosorry.” He noticed when she didn’t say a word, just gripped his shirt tighter.
Per Rose’s request, Jack stayed with her in her flat. Her excuse was that she needed help trying to get everything handled properly — but he knew it was because she couldn’t be alone. That was okay. He would always be here for James and Rose.
Jack took sole responsibility for planning the funeral. It was the least he could do to help take the overwhelming weight of the task off of Rose’s shoulders.
“So,” Jack sighed, stepping into the kitchen where Rose was making them tea. “The Royal Air Force doesn’t have a set military funeral.” Rose’s head shot up, looking at him quizzically. “However, you are allowed to plan it as you choose. Would it be okay if I planned a standard military funeral that we would have in the United States? The entire procession is meant to be respectful and-” He couldn’t finish his sentence before Rose slammed into him, hugging tightly.
“Yes, please,” she cried. “Give him everything.”
Four days later, Rose found herself staring into the mirror that James had been looking over himself in right before he left. Instead of her husband in his uniform, she found herself dressed in black, the traditional colour for mourning. Her engagement and wedding rings stayed on her finger. She had made her decision and she was never going to take them off.
The ride to Brookwood Military Cemetery was hard — the heavy silence, unsaid words hung thick in the air as Jack held her hand the entire drive there. The morning was gloomy, exactly as one would expect for a funeral.
As Jack parked the car, he opened the door for her and held out his arm for her to hold onto. She accepted, trying to focus on the feeling of Jack’s coat under her hand versus the reason they were there. He was wearing his United States Air Force dress uniform — something he almost never did since he’d been living in England. It was a bit rough, the dark blue fabric of his uniform coat matching his trousers. The same light blue shirt and dark blue tie was worn underneath, the shoulders of the coat had his silver rank insignia on them. His dark blue peaked cap helped cover his eyes, hiding the grief in them.
They made their way to the graveside and met with Jackie under the tent that covered the seating area. “Oh sweetheart,” she cooed, pulling her daughter into a tight hug.
Rose did her best to keep herself presentable, hugging her mum back. “He’s gone, mum.”
“I know. ’M so sorry.” Her mum understood better than most what it’s like to lose a spouse so early. Having lost Rose’s dad when Rose was so young, her heart broke watching her own daughter experience the heartbreak.
More people began to file in. Various people in military uniforms were greeted by Jack, while James and Rose’s family went straight to her. She tried to mentally keep note of who all was showing up. His cousin, Donna. His aunt, Sylvia. His granddad, Wilf, who bore his own uniform from his time in the Army. After the first half dozen people, it all became a blur. When the time came to move to their seats, Jack sat to her left while her mum sat to her right. On the other side of Jack was James’ family.
The hearse arrived, prompting the soldiers there to stand at attention, Jack included. A team of pallbearers, wearing the same Royal Air Force uniform she was greeted with when she received her husband’s death notification, carried the casket to the grave site while the soldiers all saluted. They gently set it on a pedestal underneath the large tent before stepping back. Laid delicately over the top of the casket was the Union Jack.
Jack had explained the general walkthrough to her before the funeral. The flag over the deceased represented the respect given for the member’s dedication and sacrifice to their country, as well as respect for the family’s loss.
The pallbearers stayed at attention through the ceremony, even as everyone else sat down while the chaplain began to speak. “Good morning family and friends. My name is Chaplain Virgil Hughs. It is my honour to welcome you today, as we gather here to remember the life and service of Flight Lieutenant James Tyler-Noble.”
“These hallowed stones tell the story of our country one name at a time, the stories of men and women who answered the call to defend our nation. They have answered that call in times of war, but also in times of peace, so that you and I might enjoy those freedoms laid before us. These freedoms have often come at a terribly high price. There are 37 acres that make up Brookwood Military Cemetery. Since 1852, countless members of our armed forces have been laid to rest on these grounds. As we look out across the landscape, I encourage you to remember this: No plot on this sacred ground can be purchased; each must be earned. And we know that Flight Lieutenant James Tyler-Noble has earned his place among us here today.”
Rose held back sobs as the Chaplain bowed his head. “Let us pray.”
As she closed her eyes, the man’s voice seemed so far away as all she could see was images of James. “O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant James, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
They had never been religious. In fact, James never even claimed a religion in all the time she knew him, but the idealism of him in the afterlife gave her a sense of peace that she didn’t know she needed.
“For our comrade in arms, Flight Lieutenant James Noble, our nation bestows military honours. In life he honoured the flag,
and in death the flag will honour him.” Two of the uniformed soldiers who had been standing through this walked up to the casket, carefully lifting the flag to waist height and began to fold it. The triangular fold was precise in its presentation, held in the white gloved hands of one of the squadron leaders.
Walking stiffly until he stood in front of Rose, kneeling down onto one knee and presenting the Union Jack to the grieving widow. Her hands shook as she accepted the flags. The squadron leader looked into her eyes, the blue of his reflecting his sympathy during the service. “On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Air Force, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honourable and faithful service.”
With those words, her resolve broke. Messy tears streamed down her face while she pulled the flag tightly to her chest. Jack rubbed her back while her mum wrapped her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “Please,” she wailed. “James!”
The rest of the service went by without fail — everyone paid their respects and began to file out. Jack and Rose stayed behind until it was just them. Rose rested her hand over the wood, trying to maintain that connection with the love of her life.
Jack silently reached into his pocket, pulling out a small medal. A Purple Heart — awarded by the President of the United States to a US military member injured or killed in the line of duty. Jack had received his after being injured during an IED attack on his squadron and saving every single member at great risk of death himself.
“Today, we remember the service and sacrifice made by Flight Lieutenant James Tyler-Noble,” Jack began. Rose recognized his words as a speech similar to the one he had received when the same medal that was in his hand was awarded to him. “To all who shall see these presents greeting, this to certify that the highest authority has posthumously awarded this Purple Heart to Flight Lieutenant James Tyler-Noble, Royal Air Force Engineering Officer. His ultimate sacrifice for his nation will forever be remembered.” The medal was set gently on the casket as Jack held a crying Rose in his arms.
While James may be gone, Rose will always have the memories they had together. In eight months time, she will have a beautiful daughter, Mia Jamie Tyler-Noble, who looks just like her father. And shining down from the stars, her late husband will proudly watch on as his daughter grows up and joins the Royal Air Force in his honour.
used to think people cried over some crazy shit before. then i realized that i was just emotionally repressed & that i’m definitely the weird one bc it takes me so much to reach the point where i can release pent-up emotions through crying. like genuinely so much. and normal people don’t function like that
Ville — a responsive one column sidebar or header-theme
This is a revamp of my retired theme ‘Pome’
static preview | code
Features:
toggle between sidebar or header
customizable post width, font size, photoset gutter, colours
sidebar/header icon (60x60px) with shape round/square
navigation menu as a drop-drown (home-link is also the header/sidebar title)
a font of your choosing (google fonts)
custom home + archive + ask link text.
4 custom links + endless tumblr pages
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to hide the archive or ask-link, simply delete the text in the field within the customization panel.
submit-link only shows up if you have it toggled on in your blog settings.
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