Photographs
A.N: This one is a slight past Chase x reader. It doesnt focus on them. The next one will be more on the actually guy and reader! However in this both are them are dead. So warning for that. Also Protective Bestfriend Rosenfeld.
Summary: Boyce gets invited to a WW2 museum where they had a new series of photos. Taken by Morton Chase.
*** and italics- means flashback
___- is a time skip
(Y/n)- your name
(F/f)- favorite flower
(H/c)- hair color
(S/c)- skin color
(E/c)- eye color
Word count: 3445
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He was old now. His bones creaked like the floorboards of the museum as he walked through it. He could still walk despite his age and despite his injuries he got in the war. The museum hadn't told him anything about the pictures just that he showed up in a few. This of course stirred his curiosity of what the pictures showed. Who had taken them? Maybe they had been taken after the war during cleanup. His musing was cut short with the arrival of a man.
"Ah, Mr. Boyce welcome! We were hoping you could make it," Boyce blinked as he processed the words "It's nice to be here. Please call me Ed. Mr. Boyce is to formal for a guy like me," The museum curator was a stout man with a slightly pointed nose and square glasses. His hair was black and curly and the tweed suit he wore was neatly pressed. Boyce smiled 'He takes pride in his job' the thought was quick as the man continued speaking. "I'm Lawrence, Ed we actually had a special reason for asking you to come today," Boyce raised a eyebrow. "What would that be Lawrence?" Lawrence smiled at him. "Well, today we have a group of kids that are looking around the museum, We were hoping you could tell them some stories from the war. Good ones of course, and if you recognize the photos...Maybe you could tell the kids those stories. You seemed close to the people in them," Boyce nodded along to Lawrence's rambling. "Of course I would like to. Somebody needs to pass on these old stories to the younger kids," Lawrence's green eyes lit up at the agreement. "Well the photos are this way please follow!" Lawrence scurried off before remembering Boyce was older. He slowed down he talked about the museum as he went how many veterans funded the place. However none visited nearly as much as Boyce. He was only half listening as he looked at the familiar weapons and symbols. Lawrence was a new curator that talked a little too much but Boyce didn't mind. It was a familiar feeling to listen to someone ramble. Boyce stopped short when he saw the new photos "I thought that camera was missing," It was the first thing he said as he looked at photos of the operation he went on.
"Someone named Paul from the village of Cielblanc donated it," Boyce laughed as he walked towards a photo. It was Tibbet handing a stick of gum to a small boy with a baseball glove and a baseball. "Not someone that kid there," Boyce raised a bony finger to the photo pointing it at the kid. "That's Paul. God he was so young then," "So you do know the photos? Do you know who took them? We never found that out," Boyce nodded "I know everyone in the photos and the stories. As for who took them well that was Morton Chase... He never got the chance to see any of his photos but when I see him again I'll tell him... They were the greatest photos of the war I've ever seen," A small smile had settled on his mouth.
He studied the photos when the scuffling of tiny feet could be heard. Boyce turned and was faced with a group of kids staring at him some in wonder others looked confused. "Okay children. We are going to hear some stories from the war from Mr. Boyce please be respectful and listen," He looked at the teacher a young woman not yet thirty. She has a gentle and graceful way about her it struck him then that if the war hadn't hit then maybe that's how (y/n) would have looked. Gentle and innocent instead of someone who had seen horrors no lady should see and witnessed the deaths of her friends. Boyce shook his head. No the fire in her eyes as she moved gracefully across enemy territory would always be there.
He cleared his thoughts as he sat down in a chair "Any stories you kids want to here?" A small boy raised his hand. "Can we know who that is?" He pointed at a photo. Boyce had to turn to see it but it was (y/n) staring out a window in Chloe's attic. "That's (y/n). She was the toughest gal we knew. Tibbet always said 'y'know she may not be a soldier but she's scarier than any of us'" Boyce laughed a little an inside joke that now only held a special meaning to him. "She was beautiful and a nurse. No one knows how she got on the same operation we did. It wasn't anyplace for a woman. But she was there and even with our airplane being blown up she still jumped and parachuted with the same conviction as someone who'd done it a million times. Jacob even thought that she had. She showed no fear when she jumped even though it was one of the scariest things in the world. However the important thing is we flirted with her a lot. I mean she was beautiful and tough? You'd be crazy not to. But that's when we found out that she was married. We should have guessed it but she never gave any indication but we also didnt know her last name. I remember it like it was yesterday,"
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Boyce looked towards the click noise he heard. (Y/n) had turned from the window to look at Chase swatting her hand at him with a smile. "Stop taking pictures of me pretty boy," Chase laughed quietly. It was a comforting sound to hear in the middle of war. Even hours before they were going to take down the church. "Well doll you're so gorgeous he just can't help it. I'd take photos of you as well if I had a camera," she sighed and looked at Tibbet. "How many times do I have to show you guys I'm uninterested before you get the hint that I'm spoken for?" Ford choked on the water he was drinking. "You're taken?" She laughed. While she was Chase had snapped another picture causing her giggling to cease to give him a half-hearted glare. She turned her attention back to the others "Of course I am! Gosh you guys are so stupid. I mean if you thought I was hot why would you not assume I was spoken for?"
"That's a valid point. But are we talking spoken for as in possible chance in the future for me or like not a chance in hell," She sighed with a light smile. She turned and reached into one of the pockets of her vest. She pulled out a small box that she opened and slid a small silver ring onto her finger. "Spoken for as in not a chance in hell," Tibbet let out a shocked laugh "Well shit doll who managed to tie you down? Or can we find out from your last name that we were never told," she rolled her eyes "You were told you just didnt listen," She smirked "alright doll then who are you really?"
She looked at Chase and smiled "secrets out," he said with a half smile. "Guess it is," she responded looking back at Tibbet "Nurse Chase at your service," All the guys froze "Hang on. You're telling me Morton Chase. This guy with the stupid camera. Got married to you. The most beautiful nurse I've ever seen," she nodded as Chase took her hand "yeah that's exactly what I'm saying," Her and Chase shared a gentle smile and Boyce could see from his spot how in love they were.
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"What happened to them Mr. Boyce?" He was pulled from his memory by a small girls voice. He looked at her "Tragedy. Though I guess we should have known. It was a war after all," He was pulled back into his memories as he began speaking.
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They all heard the gunshots before they heard Chase's voice. (Y/n) jumped up from her spot next to Rosenfeld and ran upstairs. Tibbet on her heels "doll slow down!" They all raced up the stairs letting Boyce tackle Captain Wafner. They watched (y/n) slide across the floor a little bit towards Chase. "Hey hun I'm here," she grabbed his hand. She looked at here "someone come over here and put pressure on the wounds!" Rosenfeld moved first he went across from her and pressed down. Tibbet and Chloe followed putting pressure across the wounds. "I'm not gonna die right? I can't die...I can't leave you alone," she shook her head "no no...you won't leave me alone I promise," they could see the tears in her eyes. All of them knew she was lying but kept quiet for his sake. "Hey Rosenfeld," Chase's voice got quieter as he turned his head. "What is it?" Rosenfeld responded. His voice was shaky but he did his best to keep it even. "I'm getting pretty tired so while I'm sleeping can you protect (y/n) for me? I promise I'll wake up soon so you don't have to stay up all night," Rosenfeld nodded no longer trusting his words "Of course I will...Morton. I promise I'll keep her safe for you," He nodded "Thanks Jacob. (Y/n)...I love you. I'll talk to you when I wake up okay?" She smiled.
"Okay. I'll be waiting," she smiled "Oh, and Morton...l love you too," Chase smiled back "good," Chase stopped wheezing after that he'd gone quiet and still. Tears ran down (y/n)'s face causing clean tracks on her (s/c) skin. Boyce couldn't stand the tears so he took the syringe he got earlier and stabbed it into Chase pushing down on the plunger with more force than neccessary. He threw the empty syringe aside "Come on Boyce...He's gone," Ford said it and now that someone had said it (y/n) had started sobbing quietly. Rosenfeld moved over to her helping her slowly stand and moving her gently away. She had latched on like a lifeline burying her face into his chest. Rosenfeld stumbled from the force but he recovered and began gently combing his hands through her (h/c) hair. He whispered things the others couldn't hear keeping her quiet while she mourned her lost love. Then all the sudden Chase sat up his breathing still rusty but better than it was before. (Y/n) gasped in shock and horror gripping Rosenfeld tighter. She stood behind him slightly "Jacob...," she whispered in the silence. Rosenfeld didn't respond he just gripped (y/n)'s hand a silent oath that he would protect her.
"Hey Chase...how ya feelin?" Ford asked the question. "Can I have some water?" Boyce handed him his water canister to which they watched him chug it down. "My head hurts a little but I'm fine otherwise," his hand unknowingly crushed the metal canister "That's weird," he said when he looked at it. Tibbet quietly said "add it to the list," as he watched. Chase surveyed the room spoting Rosenfeld. "Hey Jacob I'm awake now. You don't have to protect (y/n) for me anymore!" He said it like it was a good thing but Ford once again caught his attention.
"Chase, can you uh...can you stand?" Chase looked at him "I think so," and just like that Chase stood. Ford looked at Wafner who Tibbet held in place "what the hell is this?" Wafner laughed "Hitler wants a thousand year reich but a thousand year reich requires thousand year soldiers," "is it hot in here to everyone else? It's super hot to me," Chase had stripped himself of layers until he was in his grey tank top. He held his head "guys my head really hurts," they watched him stumble towards the wooden post in the room bashing his head against it which cracked it but it did not break. (Y/n) had let out a tiny shriek and clung tighter to Rosenfeld. Staring at Chase in horror he faced the other way and slammed his head backwards into the post. His bones jutted tightly against his skin not breaking the surface but getting far too close to it. His head was bent farther backwards than any humans should go he snapped his head forward and suddenly his head was compressed against his neck making him look awkward.
Chase looked at his arm black veins stood out against his skin. He turned towards Boyce grabbing him by the neck and hoisting him up. "What did you do to me!?" Boyce looked around he saw (y/n) behind Rosenfeld looking terrified but who could blame her. They all looked scared "Morton...," she said it loud enough that he let go of Boyce and turned towards her. He took a step in that direction before Rosenfeld got in his line of sight one hand held up towards (y/n). "Jacob? You don't need to protect her anymore. I'm awake now,"
Jacob shook his head "she needs protection from you," Chase shook his head quickly they all flinched as they heard his neck snap at each turn. (Y/n) hid her face in Rosenfeld's back as shots rang out. Ford had shot Chase. He fell backwards as Rosenfeld turned around and hugged (y/n) hushing her. They then heard wheezing breath when the looked Chase stood there bullet holes all over him. "Oh you've got to be shitting me," Ford said before anyone could do anything Boyce slammed his rifle into Chase's head knocking him down before he bashed his head in. Chase hadn't gotten up again after that.
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Boyce had elected not to tell the kids about the second half of the story only about the first time Chase had died. One girl raised her hand "Did her and um Rosefield get married?" Boyce smiled "Rosenfeld. No they didnt but (y/n) had a son Lewis Morton Chase. Jacob helped raised him along with me and Tibbet. He was our group's son. Though I think everyone thought she was married to Jacob even her own son," A little boy suddenly smiled and got up "That's my dads name!" Boyce laughed "really what's yours?" "Jacob Edward Chase! Daddy told me I was named after his dad and uncle!" Boyce smiled "Well I guess I'm that uncle then Jacob,"
Boyce told the kids more stories about (y/n), Chase, Tibbet, Ford, and Rosenfeld kids were being picked up by parents one by one some states to hear some tales others just left. Afterwards Boyce has seen Lewis again and said good bye to Jacob promising to visit for more stories next Sunday. Boyce held a bouquet of (f/f) to his chest in his other hand he held an old Chicago Cubs baseball card. He stood in front of the two graves a gentle smile on his face. "Cant believe they didnt bury Tibbet near you too but I guess he did die before you. I saw Lewis today he's grown so much...He looks a lot like Morton but with that same graceful edge you had (y/n). Oh, and his son is named after you Jacob. For his dad is what the kid said I guess you did your job huh? You protected (y/n) till the end. You kept your promise to Morton and extended it to her son...I guess he was yours as well since Morton was gone but you also never tried to be his father. It happened though," Boyce smiled "Anyway I brought some flowers for you (y/n), your favorite like always and for you Jacob I brought a Cubs card...Some kids reminded me of our adventures and I remember you kept one in the netting around your helmet. So I figured I'd bring one for you instead of flower since well...It's weird to bring your best bud flowers or so you said when we went to visit Tibbet. I hope all you guys are having fun together and I'll see you guys one day,"
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Today was the day. Boyce felt it in the air, the world seemed okay like if he was gone the world would still spin Lewis would be fine and so would his son Jacob. They knew his stories they would tell them and they wouldn't be forgotten. Boyce had spent the day with Lewis and Jacob telling them the final stories. He donated the rest of his money to the museum and a few charities he visited the graves one last time it was night now as he made it home. Sleep came quickly to him after that.
Warm sunlight graced his skin waking him slowly. He felt light like he could race the fastest animal in the world. When he opened his eyes he was in a field he saw a village close by. Kids running around and playing adults chatting he even saw some people in uniforms when he looked down he saw his outfit was his old uniform only it looked brand new. He scurried to a near by lake looking in he saw his reflection. He was young again like he was in the war "Hey Boyce!" He turned at the voice letting his eyes focus on the figure walking towards him "Tibbet?" It was a quiet whisper on the wind but Tibbet smiled "Man you recognized me from there?" He walked closer. He wore the uniform but with out the vest it also looked brand new he was smirking chewing his gum looking young as well. "Where are we?" Boyce questioned "Well how could you not know? We're in Cielblanc!" Tibbet chuckled like it was obvious. He held out a hand "let's go the others are waiting," Boyce took it and hoisted himself up. He dusted off his pants and followed Tibbet towards the village. It was different than he remembered more lively and beautiful but then he supposed the last time he'd seen it he was taking out Nazis who had overrun the town. He heard joyful laughter and when Tibbet and him turned the corner he saw them.
Chase stood in his grey tanktop dog tags resting on top his army issue pants and boots he looked like he used to before he died. He was smiling one arm was thrown around Rosenfeld's waist in an awkward side hug. Rosenfeld stood straighter he didnt wear the uniform just the long sleeve blue shirt and pants they'd given him when he was rescued from the church. It like everything else looked new and young again like time hadn't passed. Like no one had died like it was a new life for them. He saw Ford standing there with Dawson all of them looking like the war hadn't happened like they just met in life. He saw Chloe running towards them and following behind her was (y/n). The outfit she wore was a modified nurse's uniform. It was green like their uniforms it was still a dress but under the skirt she wore the same green pants and black army boots. She had ditched the vest and her medic helmet her (h/c) hair had a slight wave towards it like a breeze was permanently stuck in it. When she got close enough she passed Chloe hugging everyone. She paused a tad longer on Chase and when she was done she went back to his side leaning against him with a smile. He could see them holding hands from here when Tibbet decided to speak up "Hey doll thought you were gonna say hi to me!" Everyone turned (y/n)'s face lit up "Tibbet! I didnt know you were there! Who's that with you?" He walked forward "Its me...Boyce," "Well I'll be damned you're here already? Guess (y/n) and Rosenfeld won the bet," Ford smirked "You had a bet on when I'd die?" Everyone looked at eachother and nodded "yeah (y/n) and I said you wouldnt be far behind us," Rosenfeld gave a gentle smile and (y/n) hugged Boyce. "I'm so glad you're here! You can tell us all about what happened after we died!" Tibbet took his place beside Ford so all of them were in a neat little circle.
"Well, I suppose I should begin with this," He looked at Chase who had an arm around (y/n)'s shoulder holding her as close as he could smiling. "Chase," Chase looked at him "yeah?" He paused before smiling "Your photos of the war were the greatest I've ever seen,"