coco

𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚙²

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝚂𝙴𝚅𝙴𝙽 — 𝚄𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝙰𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮...

— ᴾʰⁱˡ ᴶᵃᶜᵏˢᵒⁿ

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A SILENT WEEK PASSED, LULLING THE CAMP INTO A FALSE SENSE OF CALM... The men trained openly but discreetly, honing their bodies without drawing suspicion. y/n and Brady were tirelessly crafting weapons, transforming splinters and scraps of wood into crude but potentially lethal daggers. Their progress was slow and frustrating, the makeshift arsenal a testament to their desperate circumstances. The arrival of the Tuskegee airmen had been met with palpable hostility. It took a few days for them to recover and find their footing in this unwelcoming environment, but the tension was unyielding. 

Even as Buck tried to set a positive example, the animosity lingered, a bitter undercurrent that pervaded the camp. From the guards to their fellow prisoners, the prejudice was relentless, a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions even amidst shared suffering. "Keep your head down, stay focused." Lieutenant Alexander Jefferson murmured to Robert Daniels, who kept glancing around anxiously to ensure they weren't overheard. "They may not like us, but they won't go against us. We're on the same team here." He assured the uneasy soldier as the three of them walked around Stalag Luft III, formulating plans to escape.

A tense silence enveloped the camp as Robert muttered, his voice laced with frustration. "Easy for you to say. You don't have to watch your back every second." His eyes narrowed with disdain. "Not only do you have Richie with you, but you're also based in a friendlier room." He then scoffed. Robert, with a sympathetic expression, placed a steadying hand on his mate's shoulder. "We're all in this together, man. Just stick with us, and we'll get through this." His words were meant to be comforting, but the tension in the air was discernable. The arrival of the new men was like a stone thrown into a calm pond, ripples of unease spreading throughout.

Every glance, every whispered conversation, carried an undercurrent of scorn and suspicion. As they trudged through the frigid camp, they began discussing their observations and potential escape plans. "That's double-barbed wire, and there's a guard tower every 50 meters, with dogs everywhere. Running out of here is out of the question for me." Sighed Macon, casting a pitiful glance at his injured leg. "If you plan it right, we won't have to run." Robert mused confidently. "I don't know, Rob..." murmured Jefferson, skeptical. "I'm telling you, it could work" The man insisted. "Even if we get the truck, and now that I can believe, and even if we recruit one of those white boys to drive it..." Macon started, only to be interrupted by Richard. "Two. It's gotta be two — Krauts always travel in pairs."

"Uh-huh... Okay, so we got the truck, we got the two white boys in Nazi uniforms, then what? We gotta make sure the girl doesn't follow us around, because that's going to be an instant giveaway." Alexander scoffed, somewhat fascinated. "What girl?" Robert questioned, before being nudged and beckoned to turn around to see y/n, who was trying to keep an eye on them from a safe distance without being obvious. As soon as they all turned to see her, she turned around too, looking at the sky, and muttering about the beauty of the clouds because she was flabbergasted by their sudden move and prone to silly antics.

"The fuck?" Robert raised an eyebrow, more amused than offended. "What's her deal?" He wondered aloud. "She's one of the good ones. The only reason why our dorm is friendlier than yours." Chuckled Alexander. He hadn't really had a conversation with y/n but had exchanged a few smiles and nods. She also wouldn't shy away from scolding some of the men every time they openly showed disdain for the airmen. Small acts like these meant the most. "Okay, anyway... let's assume she gets bored of stalking us eventually, and we have everything we need to get outta here." He then continued. 

"It still took us what, four days to get here from Frankfurt?" He reminded them. "Yeah, and half of that was by train." Chimed in Macon. "Point is: where we gonna refuel?" He asked. "It ain't like we can just stop off at some POW camp and top off." Shrugged Jefferson "We ride until it's empty, and then we hike from there." Robert answered. "Three days might get us to friendly territory." He added. "Alex mapped it out." With that, y/n had all the information she needed. She sprinted back to Bucky and Gale, her heart racing, to update them on what she'd just overheard.

Stopping outside her barrack where the two men waited, she took a minute to catch her breath. "They've got a plan. They think they can get a truck and sneak out, but they'll need help. They've even mapped it out." She panted breathlessly. Gale looked at her with a mix of concern and admiration. "Are you okay?" He asked, noticing her flushed face. "Yeah, yeah, just...caught up in the clouds, you know." She said with a sheepish grin. "But seriously, they have a solid plan. We need to figure out how to support them without drawing too much attention." She declared. "You know, I think you might be right... It's about time we put our differences aside and work hard together." Bucky nodded, his mind already racing through the possibilities. 

"Speak for yourself- Gale and I never considered them any different than the rest of us." She rolled her eyes, glad to have opened the racist asshole's mind a little. "Seriously?" The raven looked over at the blonde. "How the hell are you such a saint?" He asked teasingly. "Just never thought of them enough to form any judgment." Deadpanned Gale. "Well, I think it's time you should." Replied the y/h/c. "We need to talk to them, but I don't want to go alone, or at all." She sighed, recalling her embarrassing moment earlier. "Alright, I'll do it." Volunteered the blonde, earning a kiss on the cheek. Giggling coyly to himself, the flustered man marched to his dorm.

"You flew P-51s?" Gale asked, attempting to strike up a conversation with Lieutenant Jefferson, who sat alone in a corner, engrossed in a book. His voice was casual but carried an undercurrent of curiosity. Jefferson glanced up, his expression softening slightly. "P-39s, P-40s, P-47s, P-51s, AT-6s." He listed off, his tone neutral. "AT-6s? I trained in those. They've got some powerful torque." Gale mused, easing himself into the conversation. He propped his leg on a nearby table, resting his elbow on his knee, leaning in to show his interest. Alexander nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "P-51s are much smoother. It's an easy transition from the AT-6."

Gale's eyes lit up with a mix of nostalgia and warmth. "You know, I started out wanting to be a fighter pilot." He took a seat, his posture relaxed but his eyes keen. "Then I ended up falling in love with the big birds, and I'm glad I did." He added, grateful for all he had in his life right now, despite the shortcomings that came along. The man's gaze softened further, the shared experience creating a bridge between them. "Funny how that happens. Sometimes the sky has other plans for us." He shrugged. Gale chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Yeah, it does. But it's those twists and turns that make it all worth it, right?"

The two men shared a moment of understanding, the intensity of their circumstances momentarily giving way to the shared camaraderie of pilots. "I've, uh, I've been building model planes since I was a kid." Shared Alexander, a bright grin spreading across his face as he recalled the fond memory. "Built every model imaginable." He added, his enthusiasm shining through. "But my masterpiece, you know... my absolute masterpiece — was a Supermarine Spitfire with twin two-foot floats and a three-foot wingspan." He explained proudly, his onyx orbs lighting up. Gale couldn't help but smile, the warmth of the soldier's story reminding him of his own childhood. "Drew planes myself from newspaper pictures." He mused, lost in nostalgia.

"How about that," Gale remarked, feeling a deep connection. The memory brought back flashes of y/n, his beloved, drawing random doodles on his arms. It was her innocent way of flirting when they were younger, and the thought filled him with a warm, bittersweet emotion. The casual conversation held an underlying intensity, the shared experiences of past dreams and present realities weaving a bond between the two men in the midst of their harsh circumstances. "What are you reading there?" Gale asked, his curiosity piqued as he noticed the book in Jefferson's hands. 

He wondered if y/n had read it; she often spent sleepless nights engrossed in her books, passionately recounting certain parts to him. He always found it adorable how animated she became when talking about her favorite stories. "Uh, it's a story about an artist." The Lieutenant replied, handing the book over. "He sacrifices everything to pursue his passion." He summarized. The blonde smiled softly, recognizing the cover instantly. "The Moon and Sixpence." He read aloud. He wasn't sure if y/n had read it, but he distinctly remembered her using the same book to smack some sense into the cheeky raven a couple of months back, the memory eliciting a soft chuckle from his lips. 

As the Major flipped through the pages, something caught his eye. It looked like a map, intricately hand-drawn. He carefully took it out and began examining it. "You draw this?" He asked, genuinely impressed. "Yes, sir..." Jefferson replied, a hint of wariness in his voice. "Is this to scale?" Gale inquired, inspecting each and every detail closely. "Uh, more or less. No elevation, though." Answered the fighter. "Wow..." Gale remarked, taking a deep breath. y/n was right; these guys were serious. "You know, we could really use your help." He said, his tone suggestive. "We?" Jefferson repeated, somewhat confused. 

"There's a group of us figuring out our next moves, running scenarios... We can't just stay sitting ducks." Gale replied, his voice steady and earnest. "Yeah, I noticed the new and improvised supergoons around." Sighed Jefferson, his disappointment evident. "Yeah, Duck's got a plan for that." Gale mumbled. "Who?" Jefferson raised an eyebrow. "Ducky- uh, y/n... The girl, lady." The blonde stuttered, not realizing he had said it aloud. "The one you guys sent to spy on me and my friends?" Jefferson teased, a slight smirk on his face. "Oh, no. No, that's all her. She's curious and cautious, and mostly just bored." The man chuckled softly. 

"But yeah, if it weren't for her, we wouldn't have made it this far." He admitted, his voice filled with admiration. "Sounds like you're really in love with her." Alexander observed, noting the tenderness in Gale's tone. "Of course. She's the best thing that ever happened to me." Buck smiled, his oceanic eyes softening as he spoke of the love of his life. "So... what would you guys have me do?" "So... what do you need me to do?" He then asked, his tone serious. "This." Gale said, holding up the map. "And be wary of Bucky trying to rope you into stealing from the Krauts. I wouldn't recommend it." He added with a sigh.

"That the tall, dark-haired drunkard?" Jefferson guessed, recalling his encounter from the previous day. "Yep." Nodded the blonde, confirming his suspicion. "Now, we need help charting the area to get out of here, and I think you would be perfect for that." Gale said, shifting the conversation to their urgent need. Jefferson studied the soldier for a moment, then voiced a lingering question. "Back on the first day, all the guys looked to you. You got the final say... Why didn't you gripe about us bunking in eight?" He asked. The blonde met his gaze steadily. "Let's just say, I knew you weren't spies." He replied, a playful smile tugging at his lips. 

"Ain't that a bitch..." Alexander laughed, shaking his head. "When the girl, Duck, stormed out of the room, we really thought she was gonna call the Krauts on us." He confessed. "She's a bit odd at times, but she'd never do that. If it weren't for her, I don't think I'd be having this conversation with you right now." Gale assured. "She definitely seemed a lot more... open-minded than the rest of you guys. No offense." Jefferson sighed, relaxing a bit. "None taken." Chuckled the blonde. "She certainly is, unless you steal her food. Then she's an absolute nightmare." He mumbled with a grin. "Sounds reasonable. Gotta have some boundaries." Jefferson laughed.

The mood lightened, but the vehemence of their situation prevailed. They shared a moment of mutual understanding, knowing they had to trust each other to make it through. "Gale Cleven. Major. 100th Bomb Group." The blonde then introduced himself, offering his hand with a warm smile. "Everybody calls me Buck." He added. "Second Lieutenant Alexander Jefferson, 332nd Fighter Group." Jefferson replied, shaking his hand firmly. "You can call me Alex." He smiled. As they shared this heartwarming moment, y/n, who had been eavesdropping, got emotional. She let out a loud sniffle, touching her stomach, feeling a rush of affection for the father of her baby.

"Um... y/n?" Gale called out, recognizing the sound. "Are you spying on us again?" He sighed, turning to face the door. "The statistical analysis... It's so beautiful." She sobbed, tears streaming down her face. "And I really want some honey with rice right now." She hiccupped. Confused but well-accustomed to her random mood swings which only seemed to have gotten worse the past couple of months, Gale Cleven chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Come on, let's find you something to eat." He sighed , gently guiding her away to comfort her. "You're so cute, you know that?" She cried, looking up at him with teary eyes. 

"As are you, sweetheart... as are you." He placed a tender kiss on her head, his heart swelling with love and amusement.

(2.4k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝚂𝙸𝚇 — 𝙲𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚝 𝙱𝚊𝚋𝚢 𝙵𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜

𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱. 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯...

— ᴿʸᵘⁿᵒˢᵘᵏᵉ ˢᵃᵗᵒʳᵒ

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THE DAY WAS A TUMULTUOUS ONE, TEEMING WITH DISCOVERIES AND RELENTLESS TRAINING... Exhausted both physically and mentally, the soldiers sought respite in a spirited game of cards in their dimly lit dorm, finding solace in each other's camaraderie. They had unearthed crucial details about the newest Nazi recruits and learned that reinforcements would be arriving daily, further tightening the noose of security around them. The ominous presence of higher authorities like the SS and Gestapo loomed over them, but for now, Stalag Luft III remained out of their immediate scrutiny.

Amidst the chaos, a striking event had occurred — the unexpected arrival of three black men. Their presence had sent ripples of uneasy tension throughout the camp, the full implications of which were yet to unfold. Many of the men reacted with hostility, viewing the newcomers as inferior and unworthy due to the color of their skin. Voices rose in anger, some demanding they be sent elsewhere to uphold segregation laws. The girl, however, had recognized them immediately — the Tuskegee Airmen. Those men had saved countless lives, displaying unparalleled bravery and skill in the skies. 

Her heart swelled with gratitude and admiration for their contributions every time someone brought the topic up. Unable to fathom why prejudice was so deeply ingrained in the minds of her fellow prisoners, y/n figured it wasn't just a matter of ignorance, but a reflection of the insidious teachings that had shaped their beliefs. She was well-aware that trying to change their minds with words alone would be an uphill battle, but she remained silently resolved, her respect for the fighters unwavering. The camp's tension simmered, a palpable reminder of the deep-seated biases that thrived, even in the face of shared adversity.

However, she didn't have time to dwell on any of that right now. She was far too busy dominating the poker game. "Ah, goddamn it, Duck... How do you always see through my bluffs?" Crank groaned, tossing his cards away in frustration. The other men chuckled softly. "It's easy when you have a face that screams 'I'm lying!'" She retorted, causing everyone to burst out laughing. "Hey, leave my beautiful face out of this, you envious troll!" He snapped jokingly, prompting more laughter and playful jabs from the group. "Envious? Hardly. I'm just calling it like I see it." She scoffed back, grinning as she raked in her winnings.

"Oh, come on, Crank. Maybe if you stopped looking so guilty every time you lie, you'd stand a chance." Brady chimed in with a smile. "Yeah, and maybe if you stopped winking at your cards, they'd stop betraying you." Bucky added, causing another round of laughter. The fellowship was tangible, a brief respite from the harsh reality outside. They slandered and teased each other with the kind of affection only shared among those who've endured the worst together. The room was filled with an enthusiasm that seemed almost out of place, yet desperately needed. "Alright, alright, let's see if I can finally beat this witch." Crank rolled his eyes, shuffling the cards for another round. "Or maybe I should just give up now and save myself the humiliation?"

"Oh, where's the fun in that?" y/n pouted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm always up for taking more of your ration chits." She shrugged. "You're ruthless, you know that?" Demarco shook his head, but there was a smile on his lips. "Ruthless, but fair." She defended, and the game continued, each laugh and quip a small rebellion against the gloom that hung over them all, until suddenly, the door flung open, and two new prisoners entered. The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with animosity. Cold glares were cast their way, the kind reserved for anyone they thought might be a spy. But in this case, it was quite clear these two men were anything but.

"Second Lieutenant Alexander Jefferson, 332nd Fighter Group." One introduced himself with a firm voice and formidable presence. "Second Lieutenant Richard D. Macon, 332nd." Sighed the other, a bit more weary. No one replied. The room remained silent, the atmosphere turning increasingly frigid. The girl, the only one not sharing this antipathy, was about to say something to ease the aggravation when she felt a twitch, almost a flutter, in her stomach. Her breath hitched — another baby kick. Abruptly, she stood up, mumbling an excuse that went unnoticed. She rushed out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. 

She made her way to the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Breathing heavily, she lifted her shirt and saw the slight bulge, now more noticeable. She placed her hand on her stomach, feeling the life growing inside her. The gentle kicks reminded her of the secret she carried, one that no one else knew about. Five to six months along, and no one had a clue. Not even Gale, the father. The fear of what this revelation could mean in their precarious situation paralyzed her. She leaned against the sink, her reflection showing the signs of her pregnancy more clearly now. The small bump, the subtle but undeniable sign of the life inside her. 

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The tears came unbidden, a mix of fear, love, and overwhelming emotions. She cried quietly, overwhelmed by her hormones and the immense responsibility growing inside her. She loved her baby fiercely but was terrified of what the future held. She had to protect this little one, no matter the cost. She wiped her tears, trying to compose herself. She couldn't let anyone see her like this... Back in the room, the atmosphere had not eased. The new arrivals stood awkwardly, sensing the hostility but unsure of its cause. Gale exchanged a look with Bucky, both of them silently communicating their unease.

"Why the hell are they here?" Ham muttered under his breath, barely audible. "Probably for the same reason we are." Brady replied quietly, trying to keep the peace. But before things could get worse, the girl returned, trying to appear composed. She glanced at Gale, who gave her a questioning look, noticing her teary eyes that she tried to hide behind her hair, but she just shook her head slightly, indicating she was fine. For now, she needed to focus on the present, on surviving this camp and keeping her secret safe. "Gentlemen, welcome to paradise." Addressed the blonde, beckoning to the beds they could bunk in.

"Alright, let's get back to it..." y/n then cleared her throat, trying to regain some normalcy. "Would you like to join us next round?" She offered, playing her card. The men shook their heads no, for the subtle scorns and irritable eye rolls did not go unnoticed by them earlier, but a soft smile was returned to the girl, for they were thankful for her gesture. As they settled into the room, the ambience remained tense. The girl knew she had to stay strong, not just for herself but for the baby growing inside her. She had to navigate this treacherous environment with even more caution now, knowing that her secret, if revealed, could change everything.

"C'mon, Ducky... Let's see how many smokes I can get off you this time then, huh?"

(1.3k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴 — 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚟𝚎

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘥𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨...

— ˢᵘⁿ ᵀᶻᵘ

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AFTER THEIR MEETING EARLIER TODAY, DEMARCO, BUCKY AND THE COLONEL DECIDED TO TAKE A STROLL IN SEARCH OF SOME USEFUL INFORMATION... Just as if luck was on their side, they saw the guards assembled by the heavily secured entrance, their posture unusually rigid. A black car rolled to a halt, its presence exuding an ominous aura. As Glemnitz opened the door with a precise snap, an unfamiliar officer in a sleek leather trench coat stepped out, his cold eyes scanning the surroundings before saluting his fellow Krauts. "Who is that?" Demarco wondered aloud, his voice barely a whisper, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.

"Think that's the new commandant." Buck replied, though his tone was uncertain, a hint of dread lacing his words. "A guard told me they were sending someone." Colonel sighed, his gaze fixed on the new arrival. The figure's presence seemed to darken the already grim atmosphere of the camp. The man's expression was inscrutable as he exchanged terse words with the guards, his demeanor commanding respect and fear in equal measure. The prisoners watched from a distance, the eerie silence amplifying the tension that crackled in the air. Each word spoken by the new commandant felt like a harbinger of impending doom, the weight of his authority settling over the camp like a suffocating shroud.

The trio continued their stroll, their minds racing with unease and uncertainty. This new development could mean many things, none of them good. They exchanged glances, a silent agreement to stay vigilant and gather as much information as they could. The stakes had just been raised, and they needed to be prepared for whatever came next. "The moment our boys landed in France, the order went out — all POW camps run by SS." Colonel informed, once they were a safe distance from the Krauts. "Seems like that would require a lot of them." Mused the blonde, his skepticism evident as he glanced at the others, a flicker of hope mingling with doubt.

"You think they're trying to scare us?" Demarco inquired, his voice hushed, eyes darting around as if expecting shadows to move. "Well, let's hope so. SS rules would put us in a world of trouble." Scoffed Colonel, his tone betraying a mix of fierce determination and underlying fear. The quietness that followed was unnerving, each step they took echoing ominously in the quiet of the camp. As they marched towards the other men, ready to break the news, the burden of the SS's potential involvement hung over them like a dark cloud. The odds were certainly a lot more worse now, and the dangers more imminent. 

The knowledge that their fate could shift into the hands of the higher Nazi authorities added a chilling layer to their already precarious existence. Colonel's mind raced with strategies and contingencies, knowing that they had to be more vigilant than ever. The other men noticed their leaders' somber expressions, a silent understanding spreading through the group. The camp felt colder, more oppressive, the usual sounds of routine mingling with an undercurrent of anxiety. "We need to be ready for anything," Colonel finally spoke. "SS involvement changes everything. We stick to the plan, but we stay alert. No mistakes." He commanded. 

The men nodded, their resolve hardening. The camp's atmosphere burned with a new intensity, a shared resolution to survive whatever came next. As they dispersed to their tasks, ready to update their comrades about their latest discovery, the sense of discomfort remained, a constant reminder of the looming threat that had now become a part of their daily lives.

*** 

"We gotta get the men in shape-" Bucky grunted, the dismal news driving him to shovel coal more aggressively. "It's not gonna look good to our German hosts, now is it?" He scoffed, his voice laced with bitter sarcasm. "We gotta get these guys ready to fight. There's no telling what these Krauts will do." He muttered to himself, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Yeah, but all of us training together, building up muscles... that's something they might notice." y/n chimed in, her hands skillfully and discreetly crafting hammers they could use. The urgency in her voice matched the stress in the air.

"But that stump remover there is a solution." The raven Major shrugged, glancing over at the makeshift training equipment. "We've all had a turn on that thing. It's hard work." He explained, the intensity of his gaze revealing his persistence. "It'll build the strength we need to resist." The atmosphere was charged with a sense of gloom and unwavering determination. Every movement, every word, carried the heft of their dire circumstances. The men worked with a newfound vigor, each one aware that their survival depended on their preparation and unity. Bucky's mind raced with plans and strategies, his body moving with mechanical precision as he continued shoveling. 

Y/n's focus never wavered, her fingers deftly assembling the hammers, each one a symbol of their defiance and readiness. The Major's eyes scanned the camp, taking in the faces of her comrades, each one hardened by the reality of their situation. "We need to keep pushing, keep working." Bucky sighed, his voice low but firm. "We don't have the luxury of time." He scoffed. y/n nodded, her eyes meeting his. "We'll do whatever it takes." She replied, her voice equally strong. The unspoken understanding between them was palpable, a shared spirit that bound them together. As they continued their tasks, the oppressive weight of their predicament hung over them like a dark cloud. 

But within that darkness, there was a spark of hope — a brute, unyielding drive to survive and fight back. Each hammer, each shovel of coal, was a step towards their ultimate goal: freedom. The camp was a cauldron of exasperation, the air thick with anticipation and fear. But beneath it all was a steely resolve, a tenacity to withstand whatever came their way. The men of Stalag Luft III were preparing silently, each one readying themselves for the battle they knew was coming. "Perhaps it could work if you guys up the rotations." y/n then suggested, her tone calculated. "Just remain consistent for a couple of months, and we'll all be ready to fight." She explained, her eyes scanning the determined faces around her.

"And the Germans will be none the wiser," Gale deadpanned, gathering nails and pins with a sense of purpose. His eyes were cold but intense as he observed the new guard, whom he sensed staring. "We can just tell them we're after the wood, stocking up for winter." Bucky shrugged, a cunning glint in his eyes. "Plus, extra wood means extra weapons," Demarco pointed out, his voice carrying a note of grim determination. Each soldier was acutely aware of the stakes, the palpable danger lurking in every shadow of the camp. They worked in a synchronized rhythm, every movement deliberate, every action a step toward their covert preparation.

"We need to stay sharp." Bucky murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "No room for mistakes." He sighed. "Agreed." y/n replied, her gaze fiery. "We stick to the plan, no matter what. We're in this together." Colonel reminded, eliciting a united nod from them all. Though perturbed, they all knew that their lives hinged on the harmony and secrecy of their preparations. Each nail driven, each piece of wood collected, was a silent act of revolt, a step toward their ultimate objective. As they continued their tasks, the looming threat of the Nazis was ever-present, a souvenir of the peril they faced. But beneath the apprehension was a burning desire to resist and fight back.

They were ready to face whatever came their way, united in their passion to fight for their freedom...

(1.4k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝚁 — 𝙷𝚞𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘳...

— ᴺᵒʳᵐᵃⁿ ˢᶜʰʷᵃʳᶻᵏᵒᵖᶠ

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IT WAS AUGUST 1944, AND EVERYTHING IN STALAG LUFT III SEEMED TO BE WITHERING AWAY ONCE AGAIN — hope, plants... even human lives due to sickness. The oppressive weight of winter loomed, advancing with alarming speed, while the Allies remained frustratingly out of reach. Two months had passed since D-Day, and their men were still entrenched in France. Whatever flickers of hope remained were slowly being extinguished. Yet, in the face of this relentless despair, a fragile thread of determination persisted among the prisoners of the Bloody Hundredth, bolstered by the whispered broadcasts from the forbidden radio.

"Where's the Vistula River?" Buck's voice was urgent, his ear pressed to the headphone as he furiously scribbled down every scrap of information he could catch. "Twelfth book from the right." y/n told Bucky without missing a beat, her eyes locked in concentration on the chessboard in front of her. She was engrossed in a tense game with Hambone, using pieces they had painstakingly carved from wood scavenged from the tree stump last month. "Hey, you can't do that! My pawn wasn't even there!" Hambone protested, repositioning the piece y/n had captured. "En passant." She replied coldly, removing the pawn again with a flick of her wrist.

"En what? You're just making it up at this point," Grumbled the man, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "It's been a legal move since the 1880s, Ham." Brady interjected, watching the game with keen interest. "If you're not going to continue, then move over. I've been waiting to play for an hour now." He sighed. The atmosphere was charged, the heft of their situation pressing down on them. Every moment was a battle, whether against the enemy, the freezing cold, or the gnawing despair that threatened to consume them all. Even in their games, there was no respite, only a relentless drive to stay sharp, to stay ready.

"Vistula, Vistula... it's, uh, here." The raven Major finally spotted, pointing to a spot on their hand-drawn map. "That's what, 450 miles?" Guessed Cruikshank. "No, it's less." Bucky corrected, though there was an edge of doubt in his voice. "Still seems pretty far away to me." y/n murmured, her focus shifting back to the board before her. "Yeah, but now our guys are here, almost at Paris." Colonel informed, his tone carrying a mix of hope and tension. "Hitler's worst nightmare — a two-front war." y/n mused, her mind working through the chessboard and the war simultaneously. 

"Check." Her eyes locked onto her opponent's, devoid of any emotion, yet charged with intensity. "With us right between them." groaned Ham, feeling the weight of both the chess game and their dire circumstances pressing down on him. He stared at the board, trapped in a position that mirrored their reality — surrounded, pressured, and desperately seeking a way out. The room fell silent, the air thick with unease and unspoken fears. "Well, the Krauts will slaughter us before they let us go." Scoffed Egan, his tone laced with bitter resignation. "We won't go without a fight." Declared Buck, his voice unwavering. 

"We need to make more weapons, whatever we can." He glanced over at the y/h/c, who had a reputation for being resourceful and deadly in a pinch. "y/n, think you can manage that?" He requested, knowing how crucial she was for their very survival now. "Roger wilco." She replied without hesitation, though her eyes remained on the chessboard, lost in thought. "Although, you must know... there is one other scenario." She started. "What?" Brady asked, unable to hide his admiration for her skill and composure. "Force-march." She answered, finally tearing her gaze away from the board to meet the eyes of the men around her.

The room grew even tenser, the implications of her words sinking in. A force-march meant potential death for many, especially in their weakened state. It was a scenario none of them wanted to face, yet they had to prepare for every possibility. The unease was palpable, each of them silently calculating their odds, the burden of their ordeal pressing down on them like never before. "They force-march us out of here before the Russkies can set us free." Explained Colonel, his voice grave and steady, understanding the grim reality they faced. "Okay, but where?" Crank questioned, anxiety creeping into his voice.

"Somewhere deeper in the Reich... maybe Bavaria." The girl mused, her eyes fixed on the chessboard as she made her next move, cornering the King with a calculated precision. "That would be a leverage indeed. All those POWs." The brunette nodded, his face set in morose determination. "But how would they do that?" Demarco asked, his voice tinged with fear. "Like this-" Bucky scoffed, making a gun out of his fingers and pointing it at Gale's head, a cold, dark humor in his eyes. The room fell silent, the implications of their situation settling heavily over them. The threat was real, and they knew it.

"We need to start preparing now." Colonel commanded, his voice cutting through the tension. "Conserving rations, getting the men in shape." He listed off their tasks, each one more critical than the last. "Everything we do from this point on needs to be to prepare for all three scenarios." The men nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. The truth was harsh, but they were soldiers, and they would face it head-on. The air reeked apprehension, each soldier lost in their own thoughts, yet united in their resolve to survive and fight another day. "Wait, three? I thought there were only two." Brady muttered, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Yeah, what is the third one now?" Hambone asked cautiously, eyeing y/n as she played her final move on the chessboard. "Pitched battle." She stated firmly, her voice carrying a hint of hostile finality as she declared, "Checkmate." And with that, the game had come to a brutal end... "What she said." Colonel agreed solemnly, his expression hardened with resolve. "We need to be prepared for mass execution, forced march, and pitched battle. And we need to start preparing NOW." The room fell into a tense silence as each one absorbed the gravity of their situation, their thoughts racing with the implications of what lay ahead. 

The mention of mass execution sent a chill down their spines, while the idea of a forced march deep into enemy territory stirred uncertainty and fear. Outside, the wind howled faintly, a stark reminder of the harsh life beyond their confines. Inside the barracks, the dim light cast long shadows across their faces, adding to the sense of foreboding that gripped them all. "We've faced tough odds before." Gale finally spoke up. "We'll make it through this too." He added confidently, lifting up everyone's shattered spirits. 

Nods of consensus passed between the men, a workless acknowledgment of their shared determination. They knew the road ahead would be treacherous and volatile, but they were all warriors — resilient, judicious, and united in their battle for existence. As they began to strategize and plan, the urgency of their preparations filled the room. Everyone present knew their role, each task assigned with a sense of purpose and urgency. They would prepare for whatever fate awaited them, standing together in the face of adversity, ready to confront the darkness that loomed on the horizon.

"Dismissed."

(1.3k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙴𝙴 — 𝙳-𝙳𝚊𝚢

𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳...

— ˢᵘᶻᵃⁿⁿᵉ ᶜᵒˡˡⁱⁿˢ

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TWO MONTHS PASSED, AND SUMMER FINALLY CAST ITS RELUCTANT LIGHT OVER THE GRIM DOORSTEP OF STALAG LUFT III... y/n was now three months pregnant, though she guarded her secret with a fierce determination. Subtle changes hadn't gone unnoticed by Bucky, who observed her newfound aversion to the stolen liquor she once enjoyed, and the careful way she moved during their makeshift exercise routines. He respected her privacy, never pressing for answers or making assumptions, but the thought lingered in the back of his mind. The quiet tension between them grew, unspoken truths and hidden fears weaving a complex web that both bound and separated them.

Now that the ground had loosened after the long, harsh winter, the men had a chance to gather some wood for cook fires. They worked hard, the prospect of a warm meal driving their efforts. After eight months here, y/n's mental health was fraying, though not as rapidly as that of the raven-haired Major. John Egan had taken to an odd pastime that teetered between amusing and worrisome — playing an imaginary game of baseball by himself in a secluded corner. With no bat, no ball, and no teammates, he hollered at the top of his lungs, mimicking pitches and swings, much to the bewilderment of anyone who passed by. 

Y/n, on the other hand, had a glimmer of hope to hold onto—the prospect of starting a family with her lover once this nightmare was over. Although her impatience and negativity grew with each passing day, the life growing inside her reminded her of the preciousness of her own existence, and how fortunate she was to still be alive, even in the bleak confines of Stalag Luft III. The future she envisioned kept her grounded, fueling her determination to survive and find joy again. However, that didn't stop her from occasionally venting her frustrations to Gale, and today was one of those days.

"You okay, Major?" Gale asked, raising an eyebrow as he noticed y/n glaring daggers at a tree stump for over five minutes. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" She snapped, pulled back to reality. "Just asking..." Gale chuckled at her odd behavior. "Oh, you're just asking?" She gave a sarcastic smile. "Well, the truth is, I'm absolutely fantastic!" She began to rant, her voice dripping with irony. "Eight glorious months here—still trapped, still freezing, still eating scraps. Living the dream, really." She paced around, her indignity intensifying. "We keep waiting for something to happen, and guess what? It never does. So yeah, I'm really freaking great, Buck. Just peachy." She finished with an exaggerated deadpan expression.

"Well, it could be worse. We could be dead." Gale reminded her, trying to steer the conversation toward a brighter perspective. "I can tolerate death better than this shit." She retorted sharply. "Not for me. I need you around." He said, his tone softening as he scoffed. "Maybe Bucky's right... Maybe we should stop just waiting for things to happen and start making things happen." she mumbled to herself, beginning to calm down. "Oh, yeah? And look what happened to those Brits who tried. They got executed." Gale snapped, his frustration evident. She crossed her arms, acknowledging the truth in his words. "Well, what do you suggest, then?" y/n raised her brows.

Gale sighed, knowing they were stuck in a grim situation with no easy answers. "We need to be patient." He stated. "Whatever we do, we need to be smart about it. We can't afford any reckless moves." He explained to the girl. The y/h/c exhaled deeply, a sigh of resignation escaping her lips. "I guess you do have a point..." She admitted, her agitation slowly ebbing away. "Just try not to overthink things, Duck." He urged, his voice gentler now. "We'll get out of here before you know it, I promise." Gale leaned in, placing a tender kiss on top of her head, a gesture of comfort and solidarity. He lingered for a moment, feeling the gravity of his promise, before heading back to join the men, ready to tackle the giant stump.

"That's it, boys, we're getting it!" y/n urged, her voice cutting through the air as the men pushed themselves to the limit. "Almost there, fellas." Peter chimed in, his own determination adding to the collective effort. "Keep that pressure on- it's coming." Buck encouraged, jumping in to help whenever he could but primarily focused on keeping everyone's spirits high. "There you go, Simmons, that's it, keep going." He clapped an exhausted ginger on the back, driving him to push harder. "Woah, this looks like a work camp the way you jackasses are grinding away." Bucky's voice boomed suddenly as he strode up to them, shaking off the remnants of his ten-hour slumber.

"Now that the ground's loosened up, we've got a chance of getting some wood for cook fires," Gale explained, his tone steady but underscored with urgency. "Take a break, c'mon — let's play some ball." Scoffed the raven, smacking Buck playfully on the arm before starting to horse around as usual. "You boys wanna play some ball?" He called out, swinging his arm enthusiastically. When no one responded, he shrugged. "No? Ducky?" He asked, turning to the y/h/c. "Can't... cramps." She lied, settling herself in a shady corner to rest. "Again?" He asked absentmindedly, his brow furrowing. "Excuse me?" y/n raised an eyebrow in disbelief, her tone sharp.

"Ah, no, no... That came out worse than I expected." He sighed apologetically, realizing his mistake. "It's just that the dates don't seem to match, but that could be just me. Forget I said anything." He muttered, his words drawing skeptical glances from the other men. "Sorry, Duck." He added, trying to smooth things over, but the damage was done. The men exchanged looks, their curiosity piqued, and y/n felt their eyes on her, the weight of their suspicion pressing down like a heavy blanket. Clutching her stomach protectively, y/n realized too late that no one here knew about her secret. 

In her efforts to keep it hidden, she had fumbled her cover story about having her cycle and mixed up the dates. "Get back to work, gentlemen. Give the lady some privacy." Gale intervened, rolling his eyes and trying to deflect attention from her. Undeterred, Bucky continued, "C'mon, Skins versus Bones — what do you say?" He pressed on, eager for a distraction. "Skins can be the away team... actually, no- we're all the away team. We're both away teams!" He rambled on, trying to lighten the mood. "Bones can take the first bat by mutual agreement, and--" Bucky's energetic spiel was cut off by Lawrence, who grumbled, "Either pitch in or knock it off."

"Alright, let's get back to it. The work won't do itself." Gale sighed, trying to diffuse the tension before he cast a reassuring glance at y/n before rejoining the men, unable to ignore the hint of doubt instilled in him by Bucky's atrocious statement. "Why don't you shut the hell up?" Bucky scoffed, shoving the man away. Gale, however, responded with a harder push, sending Bucky sprawling to the ground. "What the hell's wrong with you?!" Gale scolded, immediately regretting the force he'd used. "If you're not gonna help, stay outta the way." He walked over to Bucky, a hint of apology in his oceanic eyes as he approached his friend's collapsed body.

"Oh, so you're the new king of the camp, and I'm just in the way?" Bucky teased, lying comfortably on the ground with his head resting on his arms and one leg crossed over the other. "King Cleven says no baseball, just work, work, work... that's all he wants to do." He mocked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I'm sorry... c'mon." Gale sighed, extending his hand to his friend. "No no no no—work. You got a stump to pull, King Stumpity Stump; get to work!" Bucky kicked his hand away a few times. "Oh, get up, you loony," Gale urged, noticing the cold German eyes settling on them. "Come on, get up." He sighed, his patience wearing thin.

"No way, get back to work," Bucky remained stubborn, lounging on the ground defiantly. Gale finally grabbed Bucky's leg, trying to force him up. "Get off of me!" Bucky cried, kicking at the blonde. "Let go, you moron!" Gale grunted, struggling to free himself, but Bucky only got wilder. Within minutes, the two were wrestling on the ground, their grunts and yells filling the air as they threw kicks and punches at one another. The scuffle drew the attention of everyone around, turning the hard labor into a chaotic spectacle. "Take your shirts off!" y/n cheered, shamelessly enjoying the sight of her man getting his hands dirty. 

The playful moment took a dark turn when Bucky twisted Gale's leg, prompting Gale to punch him square in the face, knocking him out. "HEY- That's enough, fellas!" Colonel yelled, stepping in to break up the fight before it could escalate further. Just then, the intercom blared with an unclear announcement in German. "Back in the base, men!" shouted the Krauts to one another. The guards began gathering the Americans, rushing them back into their barracks. "What's going on?" Gale wondered aloud as y/n helped him and then Bucky up. "Must be something serious." y/n murmured, glancing around at the frantic activity.

"Whatever it is, let's just stay together..." Gale said, his eyes meeting hers with a determined look. "Agreed." Bucky added, shaking off the daze from the punch. The three of them, along with the rest of the men, hurried back towards the base, their minds racing with uncertainty. "Looks like the Krauts got some bad news." y/n shrugged nonchalantly, trying to downplay the severity of the situation. "They landed, didn't they?" Gale surmised, his voice tinged with concern as he observed Glemnitz's pale face. "You think?" Bucky scoffed, still nursing his bruised ego from the earlier fight. 

"We're in Western Europe." y/n said after a while, translating the ongoing talk between the guards, her tone tense with apprehension. "It finally happened?" Her eyes widened with shock as she glanced at Gale, her expression pleading for answers, uncertain of what this new development meant for their uncertain future. The atmosphere around them grew heavy with the weight of impending change, and the men exchanged worried glances, silently preparing themselves for whatever was to come next. "Quick, let's check the radio for any news." Bucky suggested as they rushed to their rooms.

"Get me some pen and paper... NOW, QUICK!"

(1.8k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝚃𝚆𝙾 — 𝙺𝚒𝚜𝚜 & 𝙼𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚄𝚙 (𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧!)

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴𝘯' 𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥...

— ᴾᵉᵗᵉʳ ᴰʳᵘᶜᵏᵉʳ

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WITH THE TALK OF THE GESTAPO'S POTENTIAL INVOLVEMENT, GALE CLEVEN COULDN'T GET A WINK OF SLEEP. The weight of worry pressed heavily on his chest, each breath a reminder of the stakes they faced. His thoughts kept drifting back to y/n, the woman he loved fiercely despite their recent clashes. Sure, things had been rough between them, especially over the past two weeks, but just because he was stubborn enough to give her the silent treatment didn't mean he cared any less. They needed space, a chance to cool off and gather their thoughts. Love wasn't always about the sunny days and clear skies. It was about weathering the storms together, facing the thunder and lightning hand in hand. 

Their love was a tempest — intense, tantalizing, and sometimes turbulent. They were two individuals with their own minds and hearts, bound to collide and reconcile, to argue and embrace. Gale's heart ached with the thought of her, alone with her worries. He knew they had their differences, but he also knew that those very differences were what made their love so raw and real. They were navigating through the darkness, but he held on to the hope that they would find their way back to each other, stronger and more united than ever. 

As he lay awake, the chill of the night seeping into his bones, he made a silent promise to himself: he would fight for her, for them, no matter the cost. Because even amidst the storm, she was his anchor, and he was hers. And as upset as he was about her constant lashing out, her reactions that baffled him and left him reeling, the blonde couldn't deny his adoration for her. The confusion and hurt she caused didn't diminish his feelings; if anything, they deepened his resolve to understand her better. He even swiped a bar of chocolate from Fredrich's office earlier, a rare gift sent to the guard by his mother that morning. 

But instead of presenting it to y/n to soothe her mood, he found himself atop the roof, seeking solace in the crisp night air. The night was cold but clear, devoid of snow. The stars glittered with a brilliance that momentarily eased his troubled mind. This rooftop was their sanctuary, a place where they could steal precious moments of privacy amidst the oppressive confines of the prison. The risks of being caught were higher than ever, but the reward of shared solitude was worth it. He leaned against the cold, rough surface of the roof, memories of their stolen kisses and whispered confessions swirling in his mind. 

This was where they had found each other time and again, where the walls and barbed wire seemed to fade away, leaving only them and the vast sky above. The man's thoughts were consumed by her — her smile, her strength, and even her fiery temper. He knew they were both navigating a perilous path, but he believed in fate, how they were meant to be, and the way they complemented each other's flaws and strengths. With a sigh, Gale unwrapped the chocolate, breaking off a piece and savoring the bittersweet taste. Just then, a soft whisper broke through the stillness. "Gale?" y/n called softly from a corner.

Startled out of his thoughts, he whipped his head around, heaving a sigh of relief when he saw her familiar y/h/c. "What are you doing here?" He asked, his voice tinged with surprise. "Can't sleep." The girl answered honestly, making her way to him. She sat beside him, both of them gazing at the stars in silence. The air between them was thick with the remnants of their earlier argument, but Gale decided to bridge the gap. "Beautiful night." He mused softly, pointing at the stars. "They look brighter tonight." He added. y/n simply nodded, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. "Yeah, they do." She murmured, her gaze still fixed on the sky. 

After a moment, she turned to him, her eyes reflecting the starlight. "I'm sorry, Gale, for everything." She whispered. Not expecting that, the blonde looked at her, his expression softening. "I know it's been tough. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have been so harsh." He reached out, taking her hand gently. "What's been bothering you?" He asked, the concern evident in his ocean blue orbs. Hesitant and anxious, the secret she carried weighed heavily on her. She wasn't ready to reveal it yet, so she diverted the conversation. "I've just been thinking... about the future." She said, her voice betraying a hint of reluctance. 

"About starting a family of our own once all this is over. Would you like that?" She wondered aloud, trying to get a reaction out of him. Gale's eyes widened with astonishment at first, but then cushioned with affection. "I'd love that, actually." He replied, squeezing her hand. "More than anything." He smiled, a little confused about the suddenness of this conversation. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their earlier conflict lifting. "Oh uh, I got you something..." He then mumbled, handing her the chocolate. "With the way you'd been acting lately, I assumed it was probably that time, and I didn't know how to help so I just- yeah."

Raising her brows, the girl accepted the bar, taking a bite. "How'd you manage to scrounge this up in this hellhole?" She scoffed slightly, letting it melt in her mouth. "It's amazing." She remarked, offering him a bite.  "I saw you and Bucky take multiple things from Fredrich's office, so I took a little something too. Then some more things..." He mused, whipping out some rubbers from his pocket, making the girl choke on her saliva. "I think I might've just developed a penchant for stealing. Makes my heart go fast." He shrugged, biting his lip cheekily as he put them back in, gazing up at the stars while chuckling at the girl's befuddlement.

"You know, I think the stars shine just for you tonight." He drawled, admiring the beauty of the night sky. y/n couldn't help but smile at that, a warmth spreading through her. "Is that so?" She spoke in a teasing tone, leaning closer. "I think they shine for us." She mused, laying her head on his shoulder, their fingers intertwining. "You always know how to make me feel better." She remarked, her voice husky. "That's because you mean everything to me." Gale replied, planting a kiss on her hand. "You're my world." Their eyes locked, and the air between them crackled with electricity. "I don't deserve you." She mumbles.

"I'd say you deserve better... So I won't ever stop trying to be better." He shrugged, taking another bite of the chocolate. Unable to resist herself, the girl leaned in closer, until their breaths mingled. "Chocolate is a powerful aphrodisiac, I've heard." She purred, her lips almost touching his. "Let's test that out then, shall we?" He smirked, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. The intensity of their emotions fueled their thirst, and they quickly lost themselves in each other. His hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, while she tangled her fingers in his hair, deepening the kiss. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them and the galaxy above.

Buck's lips trailed down her neck, eliciting a soft moan from her. "Gale..." She breathed, her hands sliding under his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin. He groaned softly, his touch becoming more urgent. "We should take this back to the bed." He suggested, his voice thick with need. She nodded, her eyes dark with desire. "Five more minutes." She pleaded, not wanting this moment to end. With a shared look of understanding, they continued to explore each other with growing intensity. His hands traced the curve of her waist, while hers caressed his chiseled chest, their touches igniting a fire between them.

He pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together as their tongues wrestled. His hand slid down her back, finding the hem of her shirt and slipping underneath. Her skin was warm and soft under his icy touch, and he could feel her shiver slightly. She responded in kind, her hands exploring his chest and abdomen, feeling the hard muscles beneath. She leaned in, pressing soft kisses along his jawline and down his neck, making him groan with pleasure. "God, you drive me crazy." He murmured, his voice a husky whisper before their lips meet again in a fervent kiss, each touch and caress growing more desperate. 

Gale's hands roamed y/n's y/b/t body, tracing the soft skin of her back and sides. She arched into him, her own hands tugging at his shirt, wanting nothing more than to feel his bare skin against hers. "I love you." He whispered against her lips, his voice filled with emotion. "I love you too." She breathed back, her heart swelling with the intensity of her feelings. He pulled her closer, his hand moving to the small of her back and pressing her against him. She moaned softly, feeling the heat of his body against hers, the sensation sending shivers down her spine. She slid her hands up his back, her fingers tangling in his hair as their kiss got messier.

Lost in their own private universe, nothing seemed to matter to them anymore. Gale's hands moved to the hem of her shirt, slowly lifting it up. She raised her arms, allowing him to pull it over her head and toss it aside. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of her before him, her y/s/t skin glowing in the moonlight. "You're so beautiful." He commented, his voice filled with awe. She blushed, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You're not so bad yourself." She teased, her y/e/c orbs sparkling with affection. He chuckled softly, leaning in to kiss her again, his lips trailing down her neck and across her collarbone. 

The girl let out a gasp, her hands gripping his shoulders as he continued his exploration. His hands slid down her sides, finding the waistband of her pants and slowly unbuttoning them. She shivered with anticipation, her own hands working to remove his shirt. Their movements were slow and deliberate, each touch and caress filled with love and longing. They undressed each other with a mixture of assertion and tenderness, their clothes falling to their side in a forgotten heap. Once they were both free of their clothing, Gale pulled her into his arms, their bodies pressing together, skin against skin.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips finding his once more in a searing kiss. He then flipped her over, pinning her down, his grip firm on her hips. Hovering above her, his eyes locked onto hers, the intensity of his gaze sending a thrill through her.  "Wait... Over here?" He questioned, the realization of their location sinking in, his tone laced with concern and amusement. "Yeah, unless you wanna get dressed, head down, and then undress again with the prospect of Bucky still being wide awake, trying to read Moby-fucking-Dick!" She retorted impatiently. "Okay, okay... Just calm down, you little freak." He chuckled, kissing her mouth shut.

As his lips moved with a slow, deliberate devotion, his hands roamed her body, exploring every curve and dip, eliciting soft moans from her. In response, her hands began tracing the muscles of his back and arms, pulling him closer. He was certainly a lot more leaner now, due to the lack of exercise and adequate nutrition, but still perfect in every way. Their movements became more synchronized, their bodies moving together in a rhythm as old as time. Each touch, each kiss, each whisper was filled with love and longing. They lost themselves in each other, their ardor building to a fever pitch. "I need you." She purred, her voice trembling with lust.

In a wordless command, he entered her, their bodies becoming one. She gasped, her hands clutching at his back as they moved together, their pace building with each thrust. Their breaths came in short, ragged gasps, their moans filling the air which eventually had to be muffled by a sloppy kiss. Their connection was electric, their bodies responding to each other's every touch and movement. As they reached the peak of their passion, their movements became more frantic, their avarice for each other overwhelming. They clung to each other, their bodies trembling with the rawness of their emotions. 

Finally, they reached the pinnacle, their bodies shuddering with the force of their climax. They cried out each other's names, their voices mingling in a symphony of zeal and ecstasy. They collapsed against each other, their bodies spent but their hearts full. They lay there for a moment, their breaths slowly returning to normal. Gale held her close, his hand gently stroking her y/h/l y/h/t hair. She nestled against him, her head resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "You're incredible." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Bucky was right... We should've done this long ago." She giggled in exhaustion.

They stayed like that for a while, savoring the warmth of each other's embrace. Finally, just as he realized it was probably best to head down now, Major Cleven broke the silence, his voice filled with a new sense of determination. "When this is all over..." He said, "I want to take you to a place that's just ours. Somewhere we can start our family and build a life together." The moment those words left his mouth, y/n's heart swelled with love. "I'd like that." She smiled, kissing his cheek. They lay there together, their hearts and bodies intertwined, ready to face whatever the future held. They knew that as long as they had each other, they could overcome any obstacle. 

And with that thought, they got dressed again without trying to attract any attention by falling over, and headed back to their barrack, where they eventually drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, their dreams filled with the promise of a bright and beautiful future together.

(2.4k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 𝙾𝙽𝙴 — 𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚎

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩...

— ᵂⁱˡˡⁱᵃᵐ ˢʰᵃᵏᵉˢᵖᵉᵃʳᵉ

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AS THEY CONTINUED WALKING AROUND THE LIFELESS FENCES OF STALAG LUFT III IN AWKWARD SILENCE, Gale decided to shift the conversation away from the messy argument that had unfolded in front of their friends earlier. "I think you were right... We should've made a run for it while they were out chasing those Brits." Mused the blonde, his mind wandering to the hypothetical escape they missed. "Maybe, but I can't help thinking you were right — better to play it safe." Bucky admitted instead, scanning the barren surroundings for any sign of their elusive, y/h/c-haired companion.

"Besides, y/n was fast asleep, and it's not like I have anything to rush back home for." The raven then added absentmindedly, his words trailing off. Catching Gale's perplexed look at his last statement, he let out a soft sigh. "The other guys get letters, you get letters, and you even have the one who writes to you with you." The Major mumbled. "To get a letter, you need someone to get it from." He explained. "Guess I never set that part up right..." He deadpanned. "That's just this place talking. You're tired." Comforted the blonde. "I am tired." Egan shrugged dismissively. "Yeah, well... You'll have plenty of time for that when you get out. You'll set it up right next time," Gale replied optimistically.

"They're only gonna know this me. Not the old me." Egan frowned. "Me before I got here..." He reminisced bitterly. "That is if we even get out." he added with a hint of resignation. "We'll get out. And this you will be the one worth knowing." Gale remarked confidently, trying to bolster both their spirits. Bucky couldn't help but contain his smile. "Since when did you get so wise?" He nudged the blonde teasingly. "Maybe I've had a lot of time to think."  Gale chuckled softly. "Yeah, well, thinking too much can get you in trouble." The raven muttered, well-aware of his best friend's overthinking tendencies. 

"Speaking of trouble, what's up with you and Duck? You two were going at it like cats and dogs back there. All week, actually." He then inquired. "I don't know, John. She's been different lately." Gale sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Distant emotionally. It's like... I can't figure her out." He added. "Maybe she's scared. We're all scared in here." Bucky offered, his tone sympathetic. "I know, but it's more than that. It's like she's shutting me out." The blonde confessed, his frustration and confusion evident. "And I don't know how to fix it." He finished, his voice barely above a whisper. Bucky nodded understandingly. "Maybe you just need to give her some space. She'll come around." He shrugged.

"I hope so." Gale nodded, his gaze withdrawn as he wrestled with his thoughts. "Or maybe it could be that time of the month, you know?" John said in a suggestive tone. "I mean, I don't mean to pry or be disrespectful here, but Ducky's moods have been switching faster than a weather vane in a tornado." He acknowledged, making his friend burst out laughing. "You think she's giving me a run for my money, huh?" The man shook his head. "Let's just say she's keeping us on our toes." Smiled the raven, glad to see his friend lighten up. "Besides, you've at least got something to distract you from the monotony of this place." He smirked, nudging Gale playfully. 

"But seriously, you'll figure it out. Women are like enigmas wrapped in mysteries — even I can't crack them." He added. "Thanks, Bucky. I'll keep that in mind." Gale smiled for the first time today, feeling a lot better. "Just remember, if all else fails, offer chocolate. Works like a charm, no matter how bad the situation may be." Bucky recommended. "Noted. Now let's see if we can scrounge up some chocolate in this godforsaken place." Chuckled the blonde. the tension easing between them. They continued their banter as they wandered aimlessly around the compound, their camaraderie a brief respite from the harsh realities of their confinement.

Amidst the imposing barbed wire and looming watchtowers, their friendship remained an unwavering beacon of camaraderie and support in the face of relentless uncertainty. Gale and Bucky found solace in their banter, a brief escape from the harsh realities of Stalag Luft III. But the tranquility shattered abruptly when a familiar voice called out to them from a distance. "Hey, Majors!" Crank panted, his urgency palpable as he ran up to them. "Simoleit wants you in his office. Now." He informed. "Just us?" Bucky asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Yeah, you and the colonel. Duck's in deep shit too for knocking out a Kraut guard." Crank sighed heavily, his expression grim with worry for their friend.

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap, instantly snapping Gale and Bucky into action. Without another word, they bolted towards the office, their hearts pounding with apprehension for the girl. The stakes had never been higher, and the ominous summons spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation. As they raced through the camp, past weary faces and whispered rumors, their thoughts raced ahead of them. What had happened? Was y/n safe? The uncertainty gnawed at them, driving their pace faster until they reached Simoleit's office, their minds racing with fear and anticipation.

Minutes later, after everyone had gathered in solemn silence, Major Simoleit's voice cut through the heavy air like a blade. "Because of this audacious escape attempt, Kommandant von Lindeiner has been relieved of all duties." He began, his tone grave and authoritative. "Most of the escapees have been recaptured." A collective murmur of disbelief rippled through the room, the weight of his next words hanging ominously. "But I regret to inform you... deeply regret to inform you that fifty of the recaptured escapees have been executed." The man declared, his voice steady and indifferent. "Executed?" Colonel repeated, his shock palpable.

Simoleit continued, his gaze piercing as he addressed the assembled prisoners. "I would caution you not to allow your men, or woman..." His eyes flickered momentarily towards the girl with the bruised knuckle, "to enact any reprisals, refuse orders, or make any attempt to escape in the future." His warning echoed ominously in the tense silence that followed. The severity of the consequences weighed heavily on everyone present, the reality of their captivity tightening its grip. Fright and defiance mingled in equal measure, each prisoner grappling with the cruel calculus of survival under the watchful eye of their captors.

As they stood in somber reflection, the harsh truth of their situation settled upon them like a shroud, casting a long shadow over any thoughts of hope or resistance. "There are orders for me to take an inventory of all Jewish prisoners of war at Stalag Luft III." Simoleit added, his words cutting through the tense atmosphere like a whip. Colonel took a deep breath, his jaw tightening with resolve. "There are only Americans in Stalag Luft III, Major Simoleit. Only Americans." He replied sternly, knowing the risks of denying direct orders but steadfast in his loyalty to his men. Simoleit's gaze sharpened, his expression unreadable. 

"Yes, well... There are ongoing discussions in Berlin to transfer all stalags in the Reich from the Luftwaffe's jurisdiction to the SS and Gestapo." He continued, his eyes narrowing as they settled on y/n. A chill swept through the room at his final words, every prisoner acutely aware of the implications. The mention of the SS and Gestapo sent a shiver down their spines, their worst fears crystallizing into a tangible threat. "This is an outcome I think we all would like to avoid, yes?" He cocked up a brow, his tone a thinly veiled warning. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, the unspoken understanding of what lay ahead casting a pall over the room. 

As a whirlwind of emotions warred within each prisoner, their thoughts racing as they grappled with the harsh reality of their captivity. Colonel's jaw clenched tighter, his mind racing with the weight of the German's words. Loyalty and survival danced on a knife's edge, the desperate hope for a reprieve overshadowed by the ever-looming specter of the higher authorities. As they stood under the watchful gaze of their captors, the resolve to resist grew stronger, a silent vow to protect each other at all costs in the face of impending darkness.

"Your good behavior would be very much appreciated." He finished. "Also, I'd keep that woman in check if I were you, Major Cleven." He added, glaring at the girl just as she turned to leave. As the tension thickened, Bucky couldn't hold back, blurting out defensively, "For punching a guard who was getting uncomfortably close?" He scoffed, crossing his arms. Simoleit's gaze turned cold, focusing on the raven with an icy intensity. "A guard who was simply performing his duty." He countered sharply, his tone brooking no argument. "Let it serve as a lesson to all of you. We will not tolerate insubordination or violence." He stated strongly.

Gale stepped forward, his voice steady but tinged with a simmering anger. "Sir, with all due respect, that guard crossed a line." He began. "He grabbed her waist in a way that I, as a man, would consider very inappropriate." He affirmed, attempting to divert the hostility elsewhere. "That guard quite literally invaded her personal space. Any woman in her position would have reacted the same way." He justified. Simoleit's expression hardened, but Gale pressed on, his conviction unwavering. "My lady does no wrong." He continued, his tone defiant. "I believe she was right to defend herself, and I won't keep her from doing so every time she feels threatened." He asserted. "The hand doesn't stop at the waist, we all know that." Bucky chimed in. 

Heaving out a sigh at the raven's absurd statement, colonel interjected calmly, seeking to defuse the escalating situation. "Major Simoleit, we understand the need for discipline." He said diplomatically. "But we must also consider the circumstances. Major l/n is a soldier. When attacked, she will retaliate, irrespective of the circumstances. It's in her blood." He explained. "Emotions are running high, and we must ensure fairness in handling such incidents." He added, hoping for the man's co-operation. Simoleit's stern facade softened slightly, though his disapproval remained evident. 

"Your understanding is noted, Colonel." He replied tersely a minute later, his gaze flickering briefly to y/n, who stood with a mixture of opposition and apprehension. "However..." He continued, his tone firm. "Let this serve as a final warning. Any further disruptions will be met with severe consequences." He professed. "Dismissed." As y/n quietly left the room, Gale exchanged a supportive glance with Bucky and Colonel. They knew the risks of rebellion in the face of authority, but they also understood the importance of standing up for what was right. In the harsh confines of this prison, solidarity and courage were their strongest allies against the oppressive weight of confinement.

"Hey, y/n- what the hell were you thinking?" Gale scoffed, rushing up to the girl whose ass he'd defended countless times in this desolate place. His voice carried a mix of concern and frustration, evident in the furrow of his brow and the urgency in his steps. "Leave me alone, Gale." She retorted sharply, her tone cutting through the air as she continued to storm away from him. The blonde quickened his pace, grabbing her hand to halt her abruptly. "No, you can't just walk away this time." He insisted, his grip firm yet gentle. "You punched a guard, y/n. Do you realize what that could lead to?"

She jerked her hand away aggressively, her eyes flashing with a mixture of rage and distress. "I had to." She snapped, her voice trembling slightly. "I didn't hear him coming, and the next thing I feel are his arms around my waist." She scoffed. Buck's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I get it, but you have to be careful. They'll use any excuse to make an example of us." He cautioned, his voice low but urgent. "I know." She muttered, her gaze dropping to her stomach. "I just... I can't deal with this right now." She sighed, her panic returning. Gale reached out tentatively, wanting to comfort her but unsure how. 

"We'll figure this out." He said softly, his voice tinged with reassurance. But y/n recoiled, her body tensing. "Just... leave me alone, Cleven." She whispered hoarsely, her voice thick with emotion. Without another word, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Gale standing there, his heart heavy with worry for her. As she vanished from sight, the y/h/c leaned against the cold wall, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Nausea churned in her stomach, a visceral reaction to the fear and uncertainty that gripped her. 

She wanted to throw up, to purge herself of the dread that threatened to overwhelm her fragile composure. Alone in the dimness of the camp, she pressed a hand to her abdomen, feeling the weight of her fear and the faint hope that stirred within her. In the face of perilous choices and relentless confinement, her resolve wavered but did not break. She would endure, for herself and for the fragile life she carried within, and just like Gale always promised, she knew they'd figure it out together. But for now, she just needed time to process everything that went on, and perhaps a way to break the news to her lover too. 

Deep down, she knew he would stand by her, as he always had...

(2.3k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙸𝙵𝚃𝚈 — 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙶𝚎𝚝𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢

𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘰...

— ᵀ. ˢ. ᴱˡⁱᵒᵗ

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TWO MORE WEEKS HAD DRAGGED BY, AND TODAY, THE FALLEN SOLDIERS SAVORED AN UNEXPECTEDLY HEARTY MEAL, courtesy of the Red Cross parcels that had miraculously arrived. The potatoes were fresh, the stew perfectly salted. Hell, Brady even discovered a sliver of salmon in his bowl — an accidental blessing from the cook, no doubt, who had been preparing meals for the Germans simultaneously. For the first time in what felt like forever, this morning held a faint glimmer of solace, a reprieve from relentless despair. But not for everyone... one particular y/h/c, was gripped by a gnawing anxiety that twisted her stomach and quickened her pulse. 

While her comrades found momentary comfort, she remained trapped in a silent turmoil, each breath a struggle against the rising tide of dread. She had been feeling nauseous for quite some time now, a sickly unease that refused to fade. And to make matters worse, her period was officially a week late. It wasn't entirely shocking — she had known the risks, understood the consequences of their voluptuous nights without protection. But she never expected it to happen so soon. The thought gnawed at her, each wave of nausea and every abrupt mood swing driving the reality home. 

The vomiting had started a few days ago, and the signs were unmistakable, each one ticking off a grim checklist in her mind.  Panic clawed at her insides, a raw and relentless fear. Here, in the middle of a war zone, surrounded by death and destruction, the prospect of an unplanned pregnancy was a cruel twist of fate. She glanced around at her fellow soldiers, their fleeting smiles and brief moments of respite, and felt the crushing weight of her secret. The symptoms matched perfectly, each one a confirmation of her worst fears. Her heart pounded as she contemplated the future, uncertain and terrifying, wondering how much longer she could endure this torment alone.

And Gale... Oh, Gale. What would he say? They weren't even married yet, not even engaged. The thought of his reaction churned her insides even more. Would he be shocked? Angry? Supportive? The questions swirled in her mind, each one more terrifying than the last. How would the Krauts react if they found out? The Stalag was no place for a woman, let alone a pregnant one. Could she sustain herself on the meager rations they received? Would she survive the harsh conditions? And most haunting of all — was she even pregnant?! The paranoia eroded her, each unanswered question a dagger in her already troubled mind.

"Some news, boys--" A voice boomed in, abruptly snapping her back to reality. Her eyes landed on the lieutenant who had come to update them about last night's events. "The Brits in North Compound built three tunnels." The man announced. "Three? Jesus Christ- how?" Scoffed Bucky, genuinely impressed for once. "They've been digging them for over a year." The lieutenant replied. "Thirty feet deep so the goons' seismographs wouldn't detect them. Seventy, maybe eighty men made it out." He informed. "Eighty? Holy shit... and the Krauts didn't discover anything?" y/n questioned, momentarily distracted from her own worries. 

"No, I think they did. That could be why the sirens went off last night." Brady shrugged. "What sirens?" y/n asked, completely clueless. "You would've heard them if you weren't snoring so loud." Grumbled Gale, his frustration seeping through his words. "Don't start with me, Cleven." y/n snapped back, her patience already frayed. The tension between them was electric. "Stop it, you two." Interjected the raven-haired soldier, his voice sharp. "This morning is finally less miserable than the others, and I don't need you two making it worse. Just bone or something and get over whatever the hell is bothering you!"

The girl felt her face flush with anger and embarrassment. She sank back into the corner, her panic returning with a vengeance. She placed her hand gently on her stomach, as if trying to sense what might be growing there. "Back to the point." The lieutenant cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the conversation. "Nothing like this has ever happened before. The Colonel believes there will be severe reprisals as more senior officers in the SS and Gestapo become aware of the magnitude of the escape." As he finished and left the room, the weight of their situation settled back over them.

 Y/n glared at Gale, their earlier argument simmering beneath the surface. "Why do you always have to make things worse?" She hissed, her voice low but venomous. "Me? You're the one who's been impossible to talk to." Buck shot back, his eyes flashing with anger. "It's like you're living in your own world, and I'm just supposed to guess what's going on." He scoffed. "Maybe I wouldn't be if you actually cared to listen!" She retorted, her voice rising. "I do care! But how can I help when you won't even tell me what's wrong?!" Gale's frustration was palpable, his fists clenching at his sides. Their argument hung heavy in the air, drawing the attention of their comrades. 

Y/n's heart pounded as she turned away, trying to control the rising tide of panic. She felt more isolated than ever, her secret eating her alive. The stakes had never been higher, and with each passing moment, she felt the walls closing in around her. "I can't do this right now." She muttered, her voice shaking. She pushed past the blonde, heading for the door. "y/n, wait..." Gale called after her, indignation evident in his voice. "You can't just walk away every time things get tough." He rolled his eyes. She spun around, her eyes blazing. "You think this is easy for me? You think I want to feel this way?" She cocked up a brow.

The Major's eyes narrowed with vexation. "Maybe if you actually talked to me instead of shutting me out, we could figure it out together!" He snapped. "Figure what out, Gale? You don't even know what's going on because you never listen!" She shouted back, overwhelmed by her emotions. "How can I listen when you won't say anything?" He questioned. "I'm not a mind reader, l/n. If something's wrong, you need to tell me!" He retorted. "Maybe I can't because I'm scared, okay?" She yelled, her nausea slowly resurfacing. "Maybe I'm scared and confused and I don't have all the answers." She sneered. 

Gale took a step back, the hurt in his eyes only fueling his agitation. "Fine. Be scared. Be confused. But don't expect me to just stand here and watch you push me away." The girl glared at him, her heart aching with a mix of wrath and anxiety. "I need some air." She said through gritted teeth, turning away and storming out of the room. The man stood there for a moment, his fists clenched at his sides. The disappointment and helplessness boiled over, and he decided he needed space just as much as she did. Without another word, he turned and walked in the opposite direction, his rage propelling him out into the cold air.

Y/n walked briskly, her steps quick and determined as she tried to clear her mind. She felt the sting of tears on her cheeks, the cool air a stark contrast to the heat of their argument. Finding a quiet spot near the edge of the camp, she sank to the ground, wrapping her arms around herself. Meanwhile, Gale paced around the other side of the compound, his mind racing with their harsh words. He needed to cool off, to think about what had just happened and why they seemed to be falling apart. The distance between them felt insurmountable, each step he took away from her only amplifying the silence. As they each found their separate spaces to breathe, the reality of their situation hung heavily over them. The uncertainty, the fear, the anger — it was all too much. 

For now, all they could do was be alone with their thoughts, hoping the time apart would somehow bring clarity to the chaos.

(1.4k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙴 — 𝙱𝙱𝙲 = 𝙱𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚢 𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝

𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵...

— ᴺᵃᵖᵒˡᵉᵒⁿ ᴴⁱˡˡ

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ANOTHER EVENTLESS DAY PASSED, BRINGING A FRESH WAVE OF DISAPPOINTMENTS... yet the men clung to their camaraderie, bonding over a tense game of cards the next morning after breakfast. Major l/n was feeling a lot better now, thanks to Bucky who had swiped some meds for her the previous night. As usual, she remained in bed, immersed in a book about a formidable Russian witch named Baba Yaga, who lived in a house atop a chicken leg — just as she had dreamed not long ago. Despite everything, the witch's fierce independence and power resonated with her, providing a flicker of inspiration in their bleak reality.

"Six of diamonds." Ham declared, tossing the card on top of the deck. "Queen of diamonds." Gale revealed with a grin. "Ten of diamonds." Demarco chimed in. "Dummy gives us two diamonds." Mumbled the blonde, shaking his head. "This is boring." Suddenly came a scoff. All eyes slowly turned to the raven Major, who had lost the round first and was still sulking about it. "Not as boring as reading Moby-Dick for the eighth time in a row." Sighed the girl, struggling to keep her eyes open. "I couldn't even finish it once." Admitted Bucky with a chuckle. "Can we build a death ray to take down all the Krauts?" He asked y/n with a playful glint in his eye.

"We could barely nail the radio, Bucky." She replied, smiling. "The only thing that death ray's gonna kill is ourselves." She rolled her eyes. Buck, who was still a bit bummed about yesterday's failure, couldn't help but laugh. "Guess you're right. Maybe we should stick to cards and bad novels." He retorted, tossing another card, a lot more harder than he'd intended. "Not unless you use this time to fix that stupid radio." The y/h/c suggested, getting out of bed. "Can't be that hard. Where'd you even go wrong?" She sat beside Gale, rummaging through the secret compartments they had built under the table to hide certain items.

"Honestly, I don't know. Maybe a connection is loose or a part is faulty." Gale sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Let's figure it out together." She said with a determined smile, pulling out the radio. "Two heads are better than one, right?" She shrugged casually, examining it closely. "Right..." Gale agreed, feeling a renewed sense of hope. He handed her a small screwdriver. "Let's give it another shot." But right before she could get started with dismembering it, he stopped her, his attention caught by Crank in the corner. "Uh, Crank? Think you could hand me that for a while?" Requested the blonde.

"What's he doing?" Bucky questioned a minute later, watching his friend brush the copper wire with a piece of cardboard. "Conduction." y/n replied. "Maybe there's some glue residue or oil, or maybe even dirt or something getting in the way of the current." Explained the blonde. As they stood side by side, watching the couple with amused smiles, their spirits were lifted by the unexpected teamwork. "Maybe we'll have this thing working in time for tomorrow's game." Demarco joked, dealing another hand of cards. "Or at least before we all finish Moby-Dick." Bucky added, making everyone chuckle. "One step at a time, boys." Gale mused. "One step at a time..."

Once he finished the adjustments, he placed the headphones against his ear, a mix of hope and fear of disappointment washing over him as he began testing the radio again. Faint static crackled, louder than yesterday, fueling his optimism. The curious faces of his comrades, however, made him uneasy. To stave off the negativity, he shut his eyes, focusing solely on the potential success of the radio. "I think... Yeah, yeah- I got something!" He exclaimed, heaving a sigh of relief minutes later. "It's German." Gale recognized, quickly moving on to the next channel. "It's music." He mumbled, frustration creeping in. 

More time passed until he finally caught what they were looking for.  "Hold on... Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's the BBC!" He declared, zeal surging through him. "Quick, get him some paper." Major l/n instructed, quickly passing the notepad to Major Cleven. The next hour was a flurry of activity as they all began exchanging notes and discussing the current situation. "Yesterday, Berlin took the heaviest bombing of the war." Shared Brady. "And apparently, Uncle Joe's Russkies seized a bridgehead at a place called Mogilev Podolsky, splitting the Kraut army in two." Added the girl. Excitement buzzed in the room as they absorbed the news, the grimness of their situation momentarily overshadowed by a flicker of hope and solidarity.

"Hey, Duck... you're a genius, you know that?" Demarco grinned. "I try." The y/h/c gloated with a wink. "Hey, I was the one who fixed it!" Reminded the blonde. "Yeah, because Ducky practically demanded it." Ham chimed in. "You failed miserably without her honorable presence." Teased the raven, and the men erupted into good-natured banter, ribbing each other relentlessly. Laughter filled the room as they teased and joked, their fellowship strengthened by their shared triumph. Despite the hardships they faced, moments like these brought a lightness to their spirits, reminding them that together, they could weather anything, even a world war.

"Welp, now that that's done... Let's start working on the death ray!"

(1k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝙴𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃 — 𝙴𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺...

— ᴴᵉⁿʳʸ ᶠᵒʳᵈ

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IT TOOK THE MAJOR THREE AGONIZING DAYS TO BEGIN WORKING ON THE HOMEMADE CRYSTAL RADIO AFTER PAINSTAKINGLY GATHERING ALL THE NECESSARY MATERIALS... The Krauts had been watching them with relentless vigilance ever since their furious outburst after a guard mercilessly shot one of their men. Adding to their plight, the girl had succumbed to the rampant flu, a cruel consequence of the squalid living conditions in their captivity. The tension was palpable, every second a battle against time and despair. Nevertheless, Gale Cleven never lost hope. He possessed a remarkable patience that refused to waver.

And so, here he was, crafting the radio at the crack of dawn while his lady lay in a deep, fevered sleep. This was the only sliver of privacy he would get until she recovered. His days were consumed with lifting everyone's spirits and keeping his best friend out of trouble, while his nights were dedicated to nursing her through her illness. He had even rationed his own food to ensure she had enough nutrition to sustain, in the lack of medical aid. Ideally, he would take her to a hospital, but as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III, trusting the Nazis was a perilous gamble, especially since she was still wanted by the Gestapo for her little temper tantrum back in Bremen.

As much as he loathed to admit it, Bucky was right. Regardless of the ever-present security threats, the camp shielded her from the more dangerous reaches of German authority. Everyone did their best to help, but the blonde couldn't shake off his worries and fears. In times as dark as these, anxiety and negativity were his constant companions, whispering doubts and feeding his growing unease. But in this moment, he felt a rare sense of calm, a glimmer of hope breaking through the shadows on his sullen face. He truly believed this could work, and maybe hearing some good news would lift the spirits of his comrades.

However, as he set down the knife he had used as a makeshift screwdriver, a heavy weight settled in his chest. He was finished. There was no turning back, and if this didn't work, nothing else likely would. His lips tightened as he scrutinized his creation, his eyes flickering to his now-awake dormmates who stood around him in tense silence and anticipation. Drawing a deep breath, he feared he might let everyone down. After a moment of hesitation, he picked up the headphones and placed them by his ear, testing the invention. Faint crackles were heard, but died within no time at all. His fears had indeed come true... Gale Cleven had failed.

Banging his fist on the table in frustration, the man massaged his temples, trying to keep his disappointment at bay. "Yankees trade DiMaggio?" The raven quipped, masking his own frustration. "It's not working." Sighed the blonde, breaking the bad news. The soldiers' hopes were dashed, but instead of lashing out, the girl's violent coughs softened their faces as the grimness of the situation sunk in. They decided to leave the barrack for some air, hoping to calm down and keep this truth from her to avoid worsening her condition. "Call us when it's time for breakfast." Bucky requested as the men left their room.

Once everyone was gone, the raven soldier turned to his best friend, voicing his thoughts in a conspiratorial whisper. "When this weather gets better... what do you say the three of us make our move?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Haven't you been paying attention? Duck's down, and the odds of us getting out of here alive and in one piece, especially with the Gestapo on our tail, are--" Buck snapped, dismissing the proposal before it was fully made. "Thirty-to-one, forty-to-one, fifty-to-one?" Egan interjected, aware of how absurd he must sound. "I don't have a plan yet, but I'll find one." He affirmed confidently.

"Well, maybe you should come up with one with better odds." Gale grumbled, rushing over to y/n's side as she was wracked with another coughing fit. He noticed her blanket had been kicked off in her sleep and gently repositioned it until she calmed down. "Jesus Christ..." He whispered, concern etched on his face. "When I do find a plan, will you come with me?" Bucky questioned, worried for his friend's health too. "My plan's to just get home with y/n in one piece." Replied the Major in a calmer tone. "Well, you'd die here, in one piece." John deadpanned. "From sickness or walking too close to that goddamn fence!" He scoffed.

"Don't you wanna eat something more than potatoes? To go somewhere other than the roof for dates?" John mused, walking to the door. "I mean, we can wait here and do nothing. Is that what you wanna do?" He taunted. "No. I can't stand this place any more than you." Spewed the blonde, his frustration evident. Without another word, John just nodded and walked out of the door to give his friend some space. As he did, his eyes met the groggy, y/e/c ones of y/n, who had finally awoken from her uncomfortable slumber, drenched in cold sweat. Offering her a soft smile, he finally left, deciding to raid Fredrich's office in search of some meds.

"What was that all about?" Murmured the y/h/c, propping herself up on her elbows, her throat sore and her head throbbing. Gale rushed over to her side, concern flooding his oceanic eyes. "Hey, you should be resting." He said softly, gently guiding her back down. She shook her head weakly. "I can't sleep anymore, Buck. My head's pounding, and I feel awful." She whined. "I know, sweetheart." He mumbled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. He fetched a damp cloth and dabbed it gently on her forehead. "You need to save your strength. Just try to relax, okay?" He cooed, placing the cloth aside.

Heaving out a sigh, y/n couldn't really resist as he continued to care for her because she simply didn't have any energy to do so. "What were you and Bucky talking about?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just some ideas. Nothing you need to worry about right now." Replied the blonde, his morning voice a soothing melody to her burning ears. He sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing her back in slow circles. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with both love and worry. "Did it work?" She inquired, glancing at the radio that lay atop the table. A soft frown formed on the man's face, as his shoulders fell in disappointment.

"Don't beat yourself up." The girl mused a minute later, the silence answering her question. "The first radio we made was by pure luck, and it wasn't even supposed to be a radio." She reminded. "I really thought I could do this, Duck." He mumbled, looking away. "I really think you still can do it... Just give it time." She assured, placing her hand on his. "I had this really cool dream, by the way... I made friends with this really awesome Russian witch who lived in a house that was built upon the leg of a chicken, and together we turned all the krauts into pigs, and had a tea-party on Hitler's grave." She then changed the topic in attempts to lighten up the mood. "Now that is a very cool dream." Gale chuckled, rather impressed by her subconscious's creativity to come up with something so ridiculous. 

He was about to ask her something related to the... awesome Russian witch, but just then, she began coughing again. Instantly looking around for water to help, y/n stopped Gale by holding him back as she slowly calmed down. "Don't bother. The cold makes it worse." She croaked, sinking into the bed in defeat. "Besides, it's not like you can protect me from everything." She rolled her eyes, feeling miserable. Smiling softly, Gale leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. "Maybe... But I'll always do everything I can to keep you safe." He promised. Returning a weak smile, the girl gave his hand a squeeze. "I love you." She whispered, truly grateful for his presence. "I love you too, more than anything, y/n." He replied, his voice thick with affection.

In a wordless command, Major Cleven then slipped into the bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, utilizing the privacy their roommates had given them. Nestling into his embrace, y/n found comfort in the steady beat of his heart. "Promise me you'll stay with me." She murmured, her eyes fluttering shut. "I promise." The blonde said, his voice firm and tender. He held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her body against his.  "I'll be right here. Always." He promised. In the safety of his arms, the girl finally began to relax, her breathing evening out as she drifted back into a more peaceful sleep. Gale stayed awake a little longer, watching over her, his heart filled with love and determination. 

No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them together.

(1.6k)

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a/n: soooo, long time... i was just a littttttle busy with the mess i created in my personal life, and cleaning up took a liiiiiiiittle longer than i had anticipated :p

anyway, now that i'm back, i hope y'all enjoy <3

xx

Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

Your story is so good. I hope you come back soon. I love how you write the bucky, buck, and duck story.

a/n: thank you so so much for saying this, i'm glad you liked my work so far <33

anyway, here's the next chapter...

xx

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝚂𝙴𝚅𝙴𝙽 — 𝙹𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚢, 𝙹𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚢

𝘪𝘧 𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳...

— ᴬˡᶠʳᵉᵈ ᴸᵒʳᵈ ᵀᵉⁿⁿʸˢᵒⁿ

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THE DAY UNFOLDED WITH AN EERIE TRANQUILITY, A STARK CONTRAST TO THE TUMULTUOUS CHAOS OF THE DAY BEFORE... The prisoners of war, braced for another storm of disorder, were instead met with an unsettling calm. It was as if the air itself held its breath. Their dread slowly gave way to disbelief, then to a wary sense of relief. In a twist of fate, the long-awaited Red Cross packages finally arrived, their contents a lifeline to the weary soldiers. The parcels were more than just supplies; they were symbols of hope and survival. But it was the letters from home that truly pierced the gloom.

As the men tore open the envelopes with trembling hands, emotions surged through the camp. Some letters bore the weight of sorrow, news of loved ones lost or hardships endured. Others carried tidings of joy, new births, and resilient families awaiting their return. Each word, each line, was a thread connecting them to a world beyond the barbed wire, a reminder of what they were enduring for. Tears were shed, both of grief and happiness, as the words from their safe haven became their anchor. The Americans clung to these fragments of their lives, drawing strength from the distant voices of their loved ones. 

This unexpected respite, this sudden flood of connection and support, infused them with a renewed determination. In the heart of Stalag Luft III, betwixt the grim reality of their captivity, the convicts found a renewed sense of purpose. The letters fortified their resolve, giving them the emotional armor they needed to face the uncertain days ahead. The calm of the day, so strange and serene, became a silent testament to their unyielding spirit and the power of hope. And for those who received nothing at all—no letters, no packages—the day held a different kind of solace. The food, though modest, was a welcomed reprieve from their usual rations.

Each morsel, each bite, was savored with an inaudible gratitude. They watched their comrades with a mix of quiet envy and shared joy, feeling the bittersweet sting of isolation but also the warmth of collective relief. The camaraderie among the men was unbroken, their bonds forged in the crucible of shared hardship. Even without the personal touch of letters or the comfort of familiar handwriting, the day's unanticipated peace and the simple pleasure of a decent meal offered a momentary escape. It was enough to nourish not just their bodies, but their spirits too.

In the collective breath of the camp, where every man felt the weight of their absence and presence, they found strength in each other. The unexpected calm and the small mercies of the day were a testimonial that even in the bleakest of times, hope could be found in the simplest of blessings. But that, unfortunately, was not the case for a certain y/h/c Major, who simmered with jealousy, unable to banish thoughts of this Marge from her mind. It wasn't that she didn't trust her man; it was the gnawing insecurity heightened by her current state. The hormonal tempest of her period wreaked havoc on her emotions, and the cramps only added to her misery.

Back at home, and even on the base, Gale had always made it a point to be by her side during those tough nights, ensuring she could rest peacefully, even after they had broken up. He would bring her chocolates, knowing they were her favorite comfort, and sometimes he'd sneak into the kitchen to whip up PB&Js for them to share. He'd even offer his share of pillows for her to hug tightly, helping to ease her pain. But now, in the harsh confines of the Fatherland, such luxuries were a distant memory. She lay on her bunk, feeling helpless and vulnerable, praying not to leave a stain she couldn't clean. A lame book sat open in her lap, offering little distraction, while she clung to her own jacket as a makeshift pillow. 

But now that it was nighttime, and most of their friends had fallen asleep, the blonde decided to check up on her, uncertain about her state. At first, she was a bit snappy, her frustration and discomfort bubbling over. However, as the moments passed, she softened, eventually falling asleep on his bed, her head resting on his lap as he gently played with her hair. They hadn't spoken much since the mail-call, an awkward silence hanging between them. Buck sensed that the letter she wrote might not have been meant to reach him...

Aware of her true feelings, he didn't want to confront her and risk making her uncomfortable, but leaving it unspoken had clearly given her the wrong impression. As he watched her sleep, a soft, peaceful expression on her face, Buck realized the depth of her vulnerability and his own affection. The quiet intimacy of the moment spoke volumes, bridging the gap that words had failed to cross. He resolved to find a way to gently address their unspoken feelings, but for now, he simply cherished the warmth of her presence, the rhythm of her breath, and the softness of her hair beneath his fingers.

It was way past midnight, and the girl softly began snoring, deep in her slumber, yet the man remained wide awake. He longed to lay by her side and hold her tight, but he didn't want to disturb her sleep by moving. Instead, he sat quietly, rereading the letter she had written, his heart heavy with regret for having hurt her but grateful that she was still in his life. The words on the paper were a window into her heart, filled with raw emotion and unspoken fears. Each line tugged at his own feelings, a souvenir of the bond they shared and the misunderstandings that had crept between them. 

The night stretched on, but he didn't mind. Watching over her, he felt a deep sense of peace, the kind that came from knowing that despite the hurdles they encountered, their love persevered. The mellow cadence of her heart, the sensation of her body against his, and the sensitivity she showed in her sleep were enough to keep him grounded, giving him hope for the days to come. Unable to sleep either, but for completely different reasons, the raven felt a wave of relief when he saw his friend's eyes open. "Can't sleep, huh?" He whispered, moving closer, propping himself up on his elbows to talk to him better.

Buck looked up, managing a weary smile. "Yeah, something like that. Just... thinking." He mused. Egan just nodded, understanding without needing to ask. He glanced down at the girl, peacefully asleep with her head resting on his friend's lap, and then back up at the blonde. "You okay?" He asked quietly, concern evident in his voice. Buck sighed, glancing at the letter in his hand. "I will be — Just need to figure some things out." Eyeing the letter, Bucky was tempted to question, but decided against it to respect their privacy. "You know, before Bremen, I left y/n a letter." The blonde began quietly. Intrigued, the raven turned to listen. "Yeah? What happened?"

"It was the day you left for London." He continued, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "y/n had finally given me another chance- And I uh, I fucked it up." He let out a disappointed scoff. "We went dancing, spent the night together... It was perfect. But the next morning, I had to leave early for the mission." He paused, the memory still vivid. "So, I left behind a letter, asking her out." He mumbled, his voice tinged with regret. "That's great, man. I'm assuming she said yes?" Egan smiled, trying to lift his spirits. "She did." Gale replied, a twinkle of hope in his eyes. "And maybe to something more." He spoke coyly, the implication of marriage hanging in the air.

The raven grinned widely, his heart over the moon. "That's amazing, Buck! Sounds like you've got something real special." The blonde nodded, a mix of determination and tenderness in his expression. "I just need to make sure I don't mess it up again. She's worth everything." The two mates sat there, the weight of their conversations lifting slightly, replaced by a shared sense of celebration and the bond of thorough understanding. "So did you officially pop the question?" Egan questioned eagerly. Buck chuckled softly. "Well, I mean, we did have a small discussion about our future together. But as for the official proposal... I want it to be somewhere more appropriate, you know?"

"Of course, man. You'll find the perfect moment." His friend nodded, soaring with happiness for the two lovebirds. "I was hoping you'd be my best man." Cleven declared, getting it out of his chest. "Of course I'll be your best man." He replied with a grin, shooting a fond glance at the sleeping beauty and then back at his friend. Those two were perfect for each other, everyone knew it. And now that they were actually planning on spending the rest of their lives together... Well, Bucky for one, could not be happier. "The only problem is, I might steal the show with my killer dance moves at the reception." He joked. "You sure you can handle the competition?"

"As long as you promise not to serenade my lady with your mellifluous voice."

(1.6k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝚂𝙸𝚇 — 𝙳𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝙵𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝙷𝚞𝚜𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚍

𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵; 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵...

— ᵐᵉ :ᵖ

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AFTER A HARROWING NIGHT OF FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY, THE PRISONERS OF WAR FOUND THEMSELVES GRAPPLING WITH PROFOUND QUERIES ABOUT THEIR SAFETY... How much longer would they have to wait for the packages to arrive? After enduring months of inadequate nutrition and training, how much resilience did they have left? Could they truly trust their captors, or were they constantly at risk of being shot? What transpired in Berlin the previous day, and were their comrades from the Bloody Hundredth involved? If so, what losses did they suffer? These haunting questions plagued the soldiers throughout the night, rendering sleep elusive as they wrestled with their anxieties and fears.

Yet, amidst the bleak darkness of the frigid night, a beacon of unwavering hope flickered to life. With the assistance of a certain y/h/c, Major Egan finally succeeded in acquiring the pack of Lucky Strikes he had been eyeing for so long. However, instead of indulging in it alone as he had initially desired, the girl convinced him to trade it to 'Creepy Joe' in exchange for some essential graphite. Together, they dedicated the remainder of their night to scavenging for materials, driven by Gale's steadfast belief in his ability to reconstruct the homemade crystal radio he had once built accidently, years ago with his very girlfriend.

Gathered around the table, the men immersed themselves in a game of cards, seeking solace in the familiar routine. Meanwhile, y/n chose to retreat to her bed, burying herself in a book in a desperate bid to escape the harsh reality that threatened to consume her sanity. Their activities were nothing out of the ordinary, merely an attempt to pass the time and avoid drawing any unwanted attention. Major Cleven, however, remained focused on his project, seamlessly blending in with his fellow mates. All seemed to be going smoothly until a glimmer of rosiness pierced through the monotony — mail call!

"Okay, um... Murphy." Mumbled the Mail Officer, his voice barely audible as he handed a letter to the brunette. "Finally..." Sighed the soldier, his expression brightening as he expressed gratitude for the letter. "Murphy-" The man repeated, this time handing him a second letter. "Hamilton." He continued, passing a letter to Ham, who accepted it with genuine appreciation before eagerly tearing it open. "And Cleven!" He finished, handing out the last letter. Though the girl wasn't expecting anything herself, considering she didn't have any family to receive letters from, her ears perked up at the mention of her man's name. 

'Who's writing to him?'  She wondered to herself, well-aware that he didn't have any family left alive either. "That's it, fellas, maybe next time..." Frowned the Mail Officer, offering consolation to the disappointed soldiers who hadn't received anything. "It's from my mom- both of them." Murphy smiled softly, tears brimming in his eyes as he read the letter, his heart warmed by the familiar words from home. "The hell? It says my girlfriend's pregnant with my uncle's son!" Exclaimed Ham, his shock evident as he crumpled the letter into a ball and kicked it aggressively, earning a few snorts of amusement from the others.

"I knew I couldn't trust someone who wears her socks inside out!" He grumbled, his frustration palpable as he vented his disbelief. Amidst the laughter and banter, Brady couldn't help but join in, revealing his own socks, worn in a similar manner, much to the mirth of the group. "Who's yours from, Buck?" The raven questioned, once the laughter had died down, curiosity piqued as his brows furrowed with a bit of discomfort when he noticed y/n's face fall — something she concealed within seconds, burying her head further into the book.  "It doesn't say..." Gale mused, bringing the note to his nose to see if he could recognize the scent.

"Don't tell me it's Marge." Scoffed Bucky, his tone laced with disdain. It's not like he disliked Marge, for he really thought her and Buck would make a great couple, but that was before he met Major l/n; and now that they were finally together, he wouldn't want anything to jeopardize their relationship. Not even a casual 'hello' from the amiable blonde Gale was once sleeping around with. "Hardly think so... Things between us ended quite messily." Buck replied honestly, his brow furrowing in thought. "Smells like sweat and blood too, so it's gotta be someone from the 8th." he deduced, before finally opening it to read what it said. 

Not even a sentence went by when he instantly realized who it was from. Casting a glance at her clearly jealous and grumpy face as she continued reading her book, Gale's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Oh..." He murmured, a hint of affection in his voice. The men nodded along, instantly understanding the significance of the letter. However, y/n betrayed no interest and didn't even look in his direction, her flaming y/e/c orbs fixed firmly on the words scattered across the pages of her book, though the flicker of jealousy in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by her lover, who let out a soft chuckle before proceeding to read whatever it was that she wrote.

𝐻𝑒𝓎, 𝒞𝓁𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃... 𝐹𝒰𝒞𝒦 𝒴𝒪𝒰!

𝒴𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒹𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝓅𝒾𝒹 𝓁𝓊𝓃𝒶𝓉𝒾𝒸. 𝒟𝒾𝓈𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝒸𝓉 𝓃𝓊𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝓌𝑜. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃, 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊? 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒, 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓆𝓊𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒, 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓂𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝓌𝑜𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒. 𝒟𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝒾𝒹𝑒𝒶 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓃𝒻𝓊𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈? 

𝒯𝑜 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒, 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃, 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒?

𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝓉'𝓈 𝓇𝑒𝓌𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝒷𝒾𝓉, 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓌𝑒? 𝐹𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓈 𝒶𝑔𝑜, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓅𝒾𝑒𝒸𝑒𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓇𝒶𝓃 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒾𝓃𝒸𝓁𝓊𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒶 𝓈𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉, 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒶 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝒹𝒷𝓎𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝒹𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝓈𝑒𝒶 𝑜𝒻 𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒻𝓊𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃. 

𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝓌𝒽𝑜𝓁𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝒷𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑜𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔.

𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓌, 𝒶𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝓌𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝒾𝓃 𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇'𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓈, 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶 𝓂𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓅𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓂𝒶𝒸𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝐼'𝒹 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓇𝓊𝓃 𝑜𝒻𝒻 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃, 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒. 

𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒷𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝑔𝑜 𝒹𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝐵𝓇𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼'𝓂 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝒹. 𝒟𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝒾𝒹𝑒𝒶 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑜𝓃? 𝒯𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇? 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒢𝒶𝓁𝑒. 

𝒪𝒽 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉, 𝐼 𝒶𝓁𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 — 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓈𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓅𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒, 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊.  𝐼𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝒶𝒹𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓉'𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒𝒹... 𝐼 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝐼'𝒹 𝒹𝒾𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃; 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃𝑔𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝒻𝒾𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓇𝒶𝑔𝑒.

𝐿𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝐼'𝓂 𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓁𝒽𝑜𝓁𝑒, 𝒷𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝓈𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝑔𝒾𝓋𝑒. 𝒴𝑒𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓂𝒾𝓁𝑒, 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓈 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁 𝒾𝓃 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒... 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝒹𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝑒? 𝒟𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓏𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝑔𝑜𝓃𝓎 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝒾𝓃𝒻𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓊𝓅𝑜𝓃 𝓂𝑒? 

𝒪𝓇 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑜𝒻𝒻 𝑔𝒶𝓁𝓁𝒾𝓋𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝓁𝑜𝓊𝒹𝓈, 𝑜𝒷𝓁𝒾𝓋𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓇𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓀𝑒? 𝐹𝓊𝒸𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒞𝓁𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃. 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊... 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝑜 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽. 𝐻𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝓅𝒾𝒹𝒾𝓉𝓎, 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝓀𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈, 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑔𝑜𝒹𝒹𝒶𝓂𝓃 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒷𝒷𝑜𝓇𝓃𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈. 𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎? 𝒲𝒽𝓎 𝒹𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝑒?

𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝓎 𝐼 𝒷𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝓅𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝓊𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝒶𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓂 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃 𝓂𝑒. 𝒜 𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒶𝒸𝓁𝓎𝓈𝓂 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓊𝓅 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒𝒹... 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃. 𝒴𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒶 𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓇, 𝒞𝓁𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃... 

𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓃𝒶 𝒹𝑜 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝓈 𝓅𝓊𝓃𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝓊𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓃𝒶𝒾𝓁𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓊𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑜𝒹.

𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒𝓇, 𝓂𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓈 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑜𝓎 𝐼 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝓀𝓃𝑒𝓌, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝐼 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝒻𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒷𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝒾𝒹𝒾𝑜𝓉𝒾𝒸 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒, 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝐼 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓅𝓊𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓂𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃... 

𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝒷𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝒹, 𝒢𝒶𝓁𝑒. 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃'𝓉 𝓈𝓊𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝐼 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒹𝑜. 𝐼 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒, 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓋𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓎𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝑔𝒶𝒾𝓃. 𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈, 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒: 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽, 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊...

Truly touched by her harsh yet genuine words, a warm, fuzzy feeling consumed Gale's body. His heart ached with the weight of his actions and the emotional turmoil he had caused his lover, yet he couldn't help but feel grateful to have someone like her in his life. He knew he didn't deserve her, but he was determined to make things right. Casting a glance at the fuming girl beside him, her jealousy evident as she stewed over the mysterious Marge Bucky mentioned earlier, Gale set the letter aside before climbing into her bunk and plopping down beside her. Ignoring his presence, she continued to read, playing hard to get, which only made him chuckle.

Unperturbed by her initial resistance, and not bothered by the presence of his friends in the dorm, Gale pulled the y/h/c into a tight cuddle, showering her with kisses all over her face. "I love you, I love you so much, y/n... I love you, I love you- I love you! I love you more than anything in this world." He whispered between kisses, his voice filled with genuine adoration. "Gale, stop- Gale, let me read-- Let me read!" She scolded playfully, trying to push him away, but her laughter betrayed her true feelings. But the blonde simply couldn't obey, his love for her bubbling over as he continued to pepper her face with kisses.

His heart overflowed with affection and admiration for the woman who had captured his heart. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me..." Gale whispered softly, his voice filled with sincerity as he gazed into her eyes. "Don't you ever forget that." He held her close, his arms wrapped around her protectively, as if he never wanted to let her go. In that moment, surrounded by the chaos of war and uncertainty, he felt a sense of peace knowing that she was by his side. Pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, he vowed to cherish her for as long as he lived, grateful for the love they shared in a world filled with hate.

"I love you too, Cleven... More than you could ever know."

(1.8k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴 — 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚘

𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥...

— ᴶ. ᴷ. ᴿᵒʷˡⁱⁿᵍ

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AS THE MEN BRAVED THE ICY CHILL OF THE COMMUNAL BATHROOMS, the biting cold water serving as their only means of cleansing, Gale Cleven felt a newfound sense of vigor coursing through him. The lingering effects of his night with y/n dawdled, not just in the physical realm but in the depths of his soul. She had offered him solace in more ways than one, alleviating not only his sexual frustrations but also the burdens weighing heavily on his mind. Her unwavering presence, her comforting embrace in moments of darkness, served as a beacon of hope amidst the bleakness of their reality.

With each frigid splash of water, the blonde felt rejuvenated, revitalized by the knowledge that he wasn't alone in this desolate place. y/n's immutable faith in him fueled his determination, igniting a fire within him to endure whatever trials lay ahead. In her, he found not just a lover, but a steadfast companion — a pillar of strength to lean on in times of need. And as he dried himself off with a threadbare towel, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of the lady who had captured his heart, knowing that no matter what hurdles they faced, they would face them together. And when he marched out after getting dressed, he found his best-friend by the sink.

"I think I might have a plan to get the news despite our confiscated radio." Mused the Major casually, feigning nonchalance as he helped the raven with his laundry, careful not to raise any suspicion. "Mornin' to you too, Buck." Egan greeted monotonously, his mood soured by his encounter with Fredrich earlier when his attempt to smuggle a pack of Lucky Strikes had gone awry. "Rough night?" Gale guessed, sensing the crabbiness. "Not as rough as yours... literally." Bucky snorted, eyes wide with mock incredulity. He couldn't help but tease the blonde about the far-from-subtle noises that had emanated from his bunk last night, echoing through the barracks with alarming clarity. "Y'all need to calm the fuck down- Jesus..."

Flustered by the insinuation, heat rushed up to Gale's cheeks, painting them a vivid shade of red. The concerning realization dawned on him that perhaps their nocturnal activities hadn't been as discreet as he had hoped. "Was it that obvious?" He asked coyly, his embarrassment evident in his tone. "Want me to lie?" The raven replied, raising an eyebrow knowingly. Just then, as if on cue, Demarco and Hambone sauntered in, their mock moans and exaggerated complaints about the Major filling the room with laughter. "Oh, shut up-" Gale retorted, rolling his eyes and playfully shoving them away as they walked off, their laughter trailing behind them.

"So uh, what was is that you were talking about?" Bucky then asked, grinning now that his tension eased and the atmosphere was lighter. "When I was a kid, Duck and I built this homemade contraption, kind of like a crystal radio." Gale began, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips as he reminisced. "Originally, we thought it would be some sort of death-ray to exact revenge on all those who wronged us--" He chuckled, shaking his head at their childhood imagination. "But as it turned out, it ended up being a radio." He explained. "I figured I could give it a try in here." Mentioned the blonde suggestively, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes.

"Obviously, it won't be as good as our old one." He added with a hint of sarcasm. "Considering the materials we used back then were a lot...deadlier, to say the least." His tone turned deadpan, a wry beam tugging at the corners of his lips. "But it might work well enough!" He affirmed, his optimism shining through despite the odds. Attentive, the raven eagerly awaited his friend's next words. "Think you can scrounge up some copper wire, graphite, and a safety pin for me?" Gale requested. "Ah, my little kriegie Marconi, huh?" Egan teased before promising, "I'll see what I can rustle up." However, their conversation was abruptly halted as the blare of the siren filled the air, causing the two to redirect their focus to the imminent danger signaled by the alarm.

"Daylight raid this far east?" The girl panted, hurrying to catch up to her friends as the panicked commotion intensified. The urgent blare of the siren echoed relentlessly, compelling everyone to scramble towards the safety of their barracks, herded by the anxious Krauts. "Back in the barracks!" Screamed the guards, their voices laced with fright as they shoved a few Americans inside before locking the doors. "BACK IN THE BARRACKS, NOW!" Bellowed Fredrich in a threatening tone as he strode towards the trio. Sensing the tension, Gale placed his hands on y/n's shoulders gently yet protectively, guiding her inside without further ado to avoid trouble.

"What's going on?" Bucky wondered aloud as they entered their dorm, joining the rest who were already gathered around the table, all sharing the same sense of confusion and concern. "It's gotta be Berlin." Declared the y/h/c confidently, her voice unwavering. "It's hard to pinpoint from the AA fire... Sounds like they're sending flak up from half of Germany-" Buck said instead, his brows furrowed as he analyzed the noise. "There we go," his ears perked up a few seconds later, recognizing a distinct pattern. "That sounds about right." He nodded in confirmation of the girl's prior statement. "It's Berlin or its environs." He concluded, his face grave with understanding.

"You hear that? It's Berlin!" Hambone chuckled, his laughter ringing out in the tense atmosphere, soon joined by the others in the room, their spirits momentarily lifted despite the circumstances. "Happy motherfucking Monday, Adolf." y/n grinned defiantly, eliciting quiet cheers from those gathered around the table. "Do you think the 100th's with them?" Murph pondered, his voice tinged with both concern and curiosity. "Mhm, gotta be." Affirmed the raven, his expression serious as he contemplated the situation. "It's gonna be rough up there — first daylight raid on the capital of Germany." Sighed Buck, his words weighted with the gravity of the impending events.

But before anyone could contribute further to the conversation, they were abruptly interrupted by a series of alarming sounds — a gunshot, followed by a yell, and then another gunshot, punctuated by a dog's frantic barking and a man's desperate scream. "The hell is that?" Brady scoffed, his voice tense with apprehension, as everyone in the room sprang up from their seats, their senses on high alert. "That was a lot closer..." Bucky mumbled, his voice tense with concern, as they all rushed to the window to assess the scene outside. "HELP!" Cried a familiar voice, sending a chill down their spines.

"Shit, that's one of us!" The girl exclaimed, her instincts kicking in as she dashed towards the door, followed closely by a few others. "WE NEED A DOCTOR!" the desperate plea echoed through the barracks, igniting a sense of emergency among the group as they hurried to aid their comrade in need. "Get them doors open- GET 'EM OPEN!" Commanded Egan as more puzzled soldiers emerged from their dormitories, the exigency in his voice cutting through the chaos. "What happened?" Asked Buck the moment they stepped outside into the frosty cold, undeterred by the biting snow assaulting their bare skin.

"They shot Harry!" Informed a ginger, holding up his bleeding friend. The words sent a ripple of shock and anger through the group. The moment those words left his mouth, all the Americans began yelling in protest. "Woah- hey! You hurt one of ours?!" y/n snapped, her voice dripping with fury as she stormed up to an unbothered Jerry, who held his gun proudly. "He was out of the block." Replied the man nonchalantly, his indifference only fueling the rage simmering among the prisoners. "They shot him for no reason." Scoffed a brunette soldier, stepping forward to help Harry balance, their collective outrage palpable in the frigid air.

"Where's Glemnitz?" Inquired Bucky frantically, his eyes wide with distress. "Get Glemnitz!" ordered the y/h/c, her command echoing through the discord. "IN!" Came another cry as the guards struck again, their orders clear as they urged everyone back into their blocks. More soldiers left their dormitories after overhearing the conundrum, adding to the befuddlement. "GLEMNITZ!" Gale called out, his face pale with disbelief as he took in the sight of the bleeding man, the severity of his wounds sinking in. "We need to get him to a doctor, quick!" Remarked y/n, her voice steady as she applied pressure onto Harry's stomach to slow down the bleeding.

"In- IN!" Barked the guards, their tone harsh as they reiterated their demand. Within seconds, their dog bolted straight towards the injured captive, tackling him to the ground while growling ferociously. "Get back inside, now!" The guards commanded, their voices cutting through the havoc as they attempted to regain control of the situation.

"Woah-woah woah, someone get that dog!" Yelled Bucky, his voice filled with indignation as he shoved the guard who had pushed him back. "Sauerkraut!" Hollered y/n, her tone stern as she tugged the German Shepherd away by his collar, careful to not further agitate him by inflicting any pain. "Just because you're German doesn't mean you have to be a mindless Nazi!" She scolded, her words sharp and biting as she shooed the dog away. "Goddamn greedy little bastard... gets fed better than all of us combined!" Grumbled Brady, his frustration evident as he picked Harry off the ground, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on everyone present.

Meanwhile, the guards resorted to more forceful methods to corral everybody back into their barracks. The only ones spared were those huddled around the bleeding man, assisting him in his time of need, their patience wearing thin as they awaited Glemnitz's arrival. "Harry was in the block... Why did they shoot him?" Gale said, his voice tinged with helplessness as he struggled to comprehend the senseless act of violence. "Bringen Sie ihn ins Krankenhaus, schnell." (Bring him to the hospital, quick.) The man ordered the guard who had shot Harry, his tone critical and demanding. "SCHNELL!" He yelled when no one responded, the primacy in his voice escalating. "Come with me..." The Jerry rolled his eyes, begrudgingly obeying as he reluctantly lent a hand to carry Harry to the hospital with the help of Fredrich. 

Unable to contain her outrage, the girl couldn't help but cast a deathly glare at them all, her eyes blazing with fury at their callous disregard for human life. "Now, get back inside!" Screamed Glemnitz, his unease palpable as he felt somewhat threatened by the mounting tension. And once again, everyone began shoving the Americans aggressively towards their barracks, their actions betraying a stony indifference to the events that had just transpired. "GET IN!" Shouted one of the guards at the top of his lungs, his words a sharp reminder of their authority. But his command proved to be the final straw for the girl, her blood boiling due to the blatant disregard she had been unfortunate enough to witness firsthand. 

"OKAY!" She yelled back, her wrath evident as she retorted with a barrage of ungodly profanities, her footsteps heavy as she stomped back to her room. Having reached his breaking point, Egan too succumbed to a similar temper tantrum, though his outburst took place outdoors. This only provoked the Germans to retaliate with even more force, their aggression met with defiance. "These goddamn goons are gonna take us out one at a time, Buck." Scoffed Bucky bitterly, his frustration evident as he marched in. "FUCKING KRAUTS!" He cursed, punching the door on his way inside, the echoes of his resentment reverberating through the block.

"We're all gonna die in here, aren't we..."

(2k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝚁 — 𝚂𝚗𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢

𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥...

— ᴿᵒᵇᵉʳᵗ ᶠʳᵒˢᵗ

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AFTER A NIGHT ABLAZE WITH PASSION, THE COUPLE LAY ENTWINED UPON THEIR BED, BODIES STILL THRUMMING WITH THE ECHOES OF THEIR FERVOR... They gazed upwards, their eyes tracing the intricate patterns of the bunk's canopy, where the girl usually rested, now enveloped in the steadfast embrace of Gale's arms. She nestled against his chest, her breath a gentle rhythm against his skin as his fingers danced through the strands of her hair, each touch a whispered declaration of their unyielding connection, a symphony of desire that lingered in the air around them. But beneath the veneer of tranquility, a storm brewed within the man.

Despite the outward calm, an unease gnawed at his core, a restless energy that refused to be quelled. Imprisoned for what felt like an eternity in the Stalag, where despair hung heavy in the air, he found himself consumed by the pervasive negativity. Doubt crept in like a persistent shadow, whispering chilling possibilities into his mind. What if escape remained an elusive dream, forever out of reach? What if the Nazis emerged victorious, casting a curse of tyranny over the world? What if harm befell his beloved? What if the Gestapo's menacing gaze turned toward her, threatening everything they held dear?

His breath quickened, heart pounding with the weight of his panic... y/n, who could sense his distress, simply raised herself on her elbow, placing a reassuring palm on his cheek. "What's wrong?" She asked, concern flooding her y/e/c orbs. "Nothing... Why would anything be wrong?" He deflected, his voice strained, unwilling to burden her with his turmoil. "You're not fooling anyone, Gale." She countered softly, her fingers threading through his tousled, sweat-dampened hair. "I know when something's eating at you." She mused, her touch a gentle anchor on his feverish face. "You always know." He sighed, after a brief attempt at denial.

"You have a tell." She shrugged casually as her eyes flickered to her own wrists for a short second, where faint bruises lingered, barely discernible in the dimness of their surroundings. "I did that?" Gale's disbelief was palpable as he sat up, his eyes fixed on her wrists with a mixture of shock and regret. "It doesn't hurt." y/n quickly assured, not expecting him to notice the shift of her eyes. Reaching out tentatively, the blonde inspected the faint marks left behind by his own hands. They really didn't cause her any pain, but the realization of his unwitting actions was enough to make his heart sink.

Placing soft kisses on the spot, he began apologizing profusely despite her continual reassurances. His grip had been too tight, a reflection of the anxiety churning within him, a force he couldn't always contain, especially when lost in the depths of his own thoughts. Even in their teenage years, she could feel his inner battles merely by the strength of his hold. It had always been a part of him, an unspoken language between them. While it added a certain ardor to their intimacy, she couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at her knowing something troubled her man. "So...?" She raised her brow, beckoning him to talk.

"It's just... All the things that are happening right now - I can't shake the feeling that it could've been avoided if I had just flown a little higher, or maybe pushed a little faster on 8th October." He confessed, the burden of guilt heavy in his words. He couldn't shake the sense of responsibility for their current predicament, the thought that his actions had inadvertently led them both into this grim situation haunting him. "We don't know how many of us are going to make it out of here. If the Krauts don't get us first, the malnutrition certainly will. And now, with our radio gone, there's not a shred of hope left!" He added bitterly, his voice tinged with resignation.

"And... And this wasn't how I envisioned things, truth be told." He scoffed, his gaze drifting away. "Especially not between us." He elaborated solemnly, his voice soft with regret. "What about us?" y/n questioned feebly, turning his gaze back to meet hers, searching for answers in the depths of his oceanic eyes. "After Bremen, I had plans. Plans to make things right." He admitted, his words anchored down by the gravity of his emotions. "I wanted to whisk you away on the most unforgettable date, to show you just how much you mean to me." His sigh carried the heft of missed opportunities and shattered dreams.

"The way things ended between us... It was the cruelest thing anyone could do to another, and you didn't deserve any of it—not one bit." He murmured, his voice cracking with emotion. "I wanted you to know that. I wanted you to see." He frowned, crossing his arms. "I know this isn't the right time or place for this conversation, but y/n, you're everything to me." He said earnestly, his tone burning with pure desire. "You're not just my source of happiness; you inspire me to be better every single day. You give me purpose, a reason to keep fighting... Without you, I don't think I would've made it this far." He conceded, his words pouring out in a rush.

"I want to be with you, Ducky..." He whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "I can't imagine a future without you by my side." His heartfelt confession left her speechless, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Did she feel the same way? Absolutely. It scared her, the depth of her love for him. She understood the unspoken implications of his words, and though she longed to express her passion to spend the rest of her life with him, she knew he was right about the timing. But now, with the confirmation of his feelings, she felt an overwhelming sense of certainty settle within her. In him, she had found her soulmate.

"You're right, this isn't the time or place for that discussion." She deadpanned, her tone matter-of-factly. "And as for your guilt... don't carry it." She sighed. "We're here, and that's what matters. Better us than the rest; at least we have a shot at surviving this hell." She asserted, a hint of defiance in her voice. "You'll figure it out, Buck. You always do." She affirmed, her faith in him unwavering "None of this is your fault." She continued, her tone softening. "Sure, I was a bit pissed about your sudden disappearance, but look at us now." She said with a smirk. "All huddled up together, sharing a bunk, cozy and comfortable..." She added, her voice taking on a seductive purr that sent a shiver down his spine.

"How many guys can say they're in the same boat?" she teased, arching an eyebrow playfully. "Thankfully, none," he chuckled, earning a playful smack from the ahead-of-her-time y/h/c, whose individuality never failed to amaze him. "Oh, I know you don't mean it that way-" Gale chuckled, his tone lightening. "I respect their choices too, and I'd be flattered if anyone felt that way about me." He admitted. "But like my stance with other women, I wouldn't want anybody to expect anything from me, regardless of their, you know... gender or preferences." He clarified. "Fair point," y/n agreed, settling back down and pulling him close as they cuddled together.

"You really are something, l/n." Whispered Gale, his voice filled with affection and adoration, before planting a kiss on her head. Enchanted by her enigmatic persona, he couldn't help but smile, reveling in her unique essence. She was unlike anyone he had ever known, and that's what he cherished most about her—her authenticity, her comfort in her own skin. "I still expect that unforgettable date, Cleven." She remarked sternly, before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep, snuggling into his chest. Letting out a soft chuckle, Buck knew that with her in his arms, he had found something truly special, and he vowed to cherish that until his very last breath.

"Once we're out of here, I'll take you on a thousand more, darling... I promise."

(1.4k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙴𝙴 — 𝙴𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙲𝚊𝚛 :(

𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳  𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥...

— ˢⁱᵍᵐᵘⁿᵈ ᶠʳᵉᵘᵈ

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GULPING DOWN THE SOUP HASTILY BEFORE THE GUARDS COULD DISCOVER HAMBONE'S INNER CHEF DURING THEIR NIGHTTIME STROLL, the girl couldn't shake off her mild suspicion when no one dared to meet her eye or acknowledge the deliciousness of the meal. "Hey, uh, what did you say was in the soup again?" Demarco finally asked the blonde, his skepticism evident. "He didn't." Murph replied simply, finishing his share with a nonchalant shrug. "Rabbit?" y/n ventured, idly toying with the bone of the meat she had consumed. "Yeah, sure." scoffed Crank. "There's been plenty of stray rabbits darting around beneath our combine." He added thoughtfully, causing the y/h/c to gag almost instantly as her mind conjured up images of the cat Hambone had been playing with earlier.

Amidst violent coughing fits, both she and Demarco began retching, their stomachs revolting against the questionable meal. "Use a bucket." Brady instructed calmly, unfazed by the brunette throwing up, as he finished his meal. "Quick, someone get another one before she--" Bucky started, but his words were cut off as y/n vomited outside the window. "Ugh, ew..." Echoed around the room as the sight and sound of her sickness turned everyone's guts, killing their appetites instantly. "Shut the damn window! It's freezing." Grumbled Murph, annoyed by the chilly breeze wafting in.

Gale approached his girl coyly, holding back her hair as she continued to purge her meal, his concern more for her nutrition than her picky taste buds. "Geez, Duck. It wasn't that bad." He scoffed, attempting to reassure her, though the worry in his eyes betrayed his words. "Yes it was, it really, really was." Demarco chimed in from the corner, his voice laden with misery. "Keep it down if you can, you two... It's protein." Deadpanned Brady, his tone indifferent as he reminded them of the nutritional value of their unfortunate meal. "The only kind we're gonna get until those Red Cross parcels show up." He added, a hint of resignation in his voice.

"You fucking asshole!" The girl snapped, her disgust palpable as she smacked the chef for subjecting them to such culinary torment. "You're welcome." Ham shrugged in response, not taking her outburst to heart. "Alright, let's get a move on then." Murmured Gale, his voice calm as he settled down. "Almost news time." He reminded quietly, moving to help the girl clear up the space and set up the table for their next activity. Within 5 minutes, everyone had finished their tasks. Demarco skillfully started up the radio, while Brady retrieved his notepad, ready to jot down any important information. 

Bucky and Murph positioned themselves near the door, keeping a vigilant watch for any unexpected visitors, while Crank and Smeagol took turns peering out the window, scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. With their positions secured, they settled in, prepared to receive the latest news and updates. "British, Indian and Gurkha forces continue to battle the Japanese in Burma, joining Major General Orde Wingate's-- Chindit expedition deep behind the enemy's front lines. In Italy, British forces were once again repulsed at Monte Cassino, while Allied troops remained pinned down on the beaches of Anzio."

"What is it?" Questioned the raven impatiently as the couple strained to hear the distorted voices through the shoddy headphones. "Nothing good." Scoffed the girl, her frustration evident at the lack of relevant information. "Where are them Russkies at?!" She exclaimed, the exasperation in her voice palpable as she banged her fist on the table. "Calm down, I'm sure they're doing the best they can." Demarco reassured, making a poor attempt at concealing his own disappointment. "Brass is here." Ham announced as the door flung open, revealing two figures entering to collect the daily news.

"The Brits tried another attack on Monte Cassino — didn't go too well." Buck informed the men somberly. "And the Krauts sent about 9 or 10 divisions to Anzio, may all of their knives chip and shatter." Grumbled the girl, fiddling with her fingers uneasily. "Amen to that." Echoed the collective sentiment among the group, nodding along to her final statement. "Alright so, pass the news on." Brass instructed, his tone serious. "We want the expectations among the men to be realistic." But before he could leave, a German cry pierced the air outside, signaling the guards' intrusion into the blocks. 

"Alright, fellas... Let's go." Bucky alerted as everyone began packing up hastily, hiding their notes and the rest of their equipment.

"Surprise appell." Brady mused darkly, crumpling the paper and stuffing it into his mouth, followed by Crank and Murph. No one dared to risk hiding it in their pockets, knowing the Germans could conduct a sudden search at any moment. The only one immune to a body check was Major l/n, and since she wasn't keen on swallowing paper, she opted to stash it in her bra instead. "Think you can handle more?" Gale asked shyly, holding up three more paper balls. "Yeah, pass them over." She replied with an eye roll, cramming them into her makeshift hiding spot. "Radio, Bucky." The y/h/c reminded, and he quickly returned it to its original location.

"I've got the headphones." Assured Demarco, already working on concealing them, and within seconds, all evidence of their covert operation had vanished. "Come on, let's go now." Bucky commanded, and the rest of the group filed out of their dorm, bracing themselves for the biting chill of the night air. Gathering outside, all the captives had finally assembled 15 minutes before midnight, obediently responding to their roll call as the rest of the Krauts investigated their rooms. "I swear to god, if they mess up my stack of books again, I will rip their throats out with my goddamn teeth." y/n muttered, putting on her beanie due to the cold.

"Let's just pray our underwear doesn't get mixed up again... I ended up wearing Brady's for a whole week." The raven sighed, prompting a chorus of disgusted chuckles from his friends. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up now, but just wait until you wake up with Crank's stinky underwear over your head the next morning." He warned, his tone laced with both humor and a hint of dread. Just as the girl was about to retort, a chilling scream was heard. "WIR HABEN ETWAS GEFUNDEN!" (WE FOUND SOMETHING!) Announced a Kraut repeatedly, sending a shiver down everyone's spine as they watched the soldiers rush towards Glemnitz, unveiling the chunk of wood concealing the radio.

"Fuck..." Cursed the girl, her voice filled with dread as the gravity of their situation sank in. "But they didn't get the headphones." Buck observed, his tone steady, his expression composed. "Well, thank god for small miracles." Bucky deadpanned, his eyes dark with bitter irony. "And let's hope they didn't dishevel the underwear." He mumbled, making sure not to reveal any sign of awareness or concern, as the officers made their rounds, questioning the prisoners about the contraband. "Fuck your underwear- I just don't want anybody messing with my rubbers." Scoffed Gale before instantly covering it up with a cough, hoping no one had caught that.

"Welp, only one way to find out... Something tells me it's gonna be a LONG night."

(1.3k words)

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a/n: alright so i know it's not the beeest title, but as a rescuer of 5 cats, i feel horrible for that cat :(

yeah, yeah, they did it cuz they needed it, agreed, but like... yk what i mean </3

xx

Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝚃𝚆𝙾 — 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗' 𝙰𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎

𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦...

— ᴮᵒᵇ ᴹᵃʳˡᵉʸ

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DEEP WITHIN THE CONFINES OF STALAG LUFT III, UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF THE GERMAN AIR FORCE, American prisoners had found themselves enduring the bitter cold and relentless misery of captivity. Yet, amidst the bleakness of the holidays, a peculiar sense of camaraderie flourished among the captives of the Bloody Hundredth. With a fair share of German captives in American hands, the Krauts made a half-hearted attempt at maintaining a semblance of humane treatment towards their prisoners, perhaps in fear of potential consequences. It had been five long months since the arrival of the key Majors of the 100th... Five months trapped in this dismal pit of despair.

As Christmas and New Year's drifted by, the captives exchanged makeshift tokens fashioned from the scraps of their barren existence. Each humble offering carried a silent testament to their resilience and defiance against the oppressive grip of captivity. Some gifted cherished photographs, a bittersweet reminder of happier days, while others fashioned charms from the most mundane of objects, like spoons and forks, infusing them with hope. A few even resorted to written correspondence, despite being mere bunks apart, seeking solace in shared memories and distant dreams. Yet, for others, the silent tears that soaked their pillows spoke volumes, a poignant lament for the families they yearned for and the comrades they had lost along the way.

Gale's and y/n's Christmas, on the other hand, unfolded in a world entirely their own — a realm where obstacles only fueled the flames of their passion, forging a connection unbreakable by any trial. Regardless of the relentless barrage of challenges that tested their relationship, they emerged from the crucible stronger, their love burning brighter than ever before. Their quest for secret moments of intimacy during the holiday bordered on reckless abandon, each clandestine rendezvous heightening the allure of their forbidden liaison. Under the cloak of night, they ventured forth, defying curfew and risking everything for the chance to be alone together.

Scaling the rooftop in a daring escapade, they sought refuge in the secluded huddle of a slippery corner, sheltered from prying eyes and the menacing gaze of Glemnitz. Every touch, every glance, ignited a wildfire of desire between them; each heartbeat echoed the urgency of their illicit tryst. For in that brief encounter, in the midst the shadows and the danger, they found comfort in the intoxicating embrace of one another, their love a beacon of rebellion against the oppressive forces that sought to tear them apart. Together, they braved the wintry night, their attempt to stargaze thwarted by the relentless snowstorm that obscured the heavens. 

Yet, as the icy flakes danced around them, they found themselves drawn closer, seeking pleasure in each other's arms, or rather, between their legs... against the biting cold. Their bodies pressed together, they fought off the chill, their shared desire kindling a fire within that blazed brighter than any star in the sky. With the threat of hypothermia looming, their determination to remain together only grew stronger, each embrace infused with a fervent thirst to chase away the cold. And as the night wore on, the star-crossed lovers ended up standing beneath a mistletoe, lovingly crafted by Bucky from shards of glass and crumpled newspaper. 

With hearts pounding and breaths mingling, they shared a passionate kiss — their final one for the night, sealing their love amidst the swirling snowflakes. However, as New Year's dawned, Gale fell ill with a terrible cold, rendering them unable to venture out into the frosty night. Undeterred, the y/h/c lovingly tended to him, tucking him in with gentle care. With his head nestled in her lap, she read to him his favorite book, the soft cadence of her voice lulling him into peaceful slumber. And as the clock struck midnight, they welcomed the new year in the tranquil cuddle of their shared love, their hearts entwined in a bond stronger than any storm.

The celebratory feast during these days consisted of boiled peas and semi-frozen cabbage which no one dared to touch. But all was well once they all toasted to some warm, stolen beer — a daring feat of ingenuity Majors l/n and Egan had orchestrated... the acquisition of an entire box of liquor, and they somehow miraculously evaded detection too, cunningly shifting the blame to an unsuspecting guard named Friedrich! As the bitter chill of winter permeated the camp, the loot brought a fleeting enthusiasm to the hearts of the prisoners, a rare moment of respite in their otherwise dreary existence. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, for the first time in their lives, the prisoners found solace in the ephemeral illusion of normalcy, if only for a moment, in the midst of their grim reality.  

And now that the winter began to relinquish its gelid grasp, their confinement became somewhat more tolerable, a welcome respite from the harsh conditions of the past three months. Despite enduring a diet that would make rabbits wince, consisting mainly of potatoes and turnips year-round, they sought consolation in the small luxuries afforded to them. Access to basic amenities, hygiene facilities, and the occasional diversion of books and music provided little escape from the monotony of incarceration. While they were grateful for these minor indulgences, what they truly longed for was news from the frontlines. 

A glimmer of hope to sustain them through the darkest days and the murkiest nights was all they really needed. Dreams of returning home, whole and unharmed, fueled their tenacity; a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty. And though their circumstances remained somber, they clung to the belief that one day soon, they would emerge from the shadows of war, their spirits unbroken, and their hearts filled with the promise of freedom. But until then they had to pull through the pickle they had landed themselves in. With five months already behind them, they braced themselves for the looming challenge of another five.

"Thanks-" Gale muttered gratefully, balancing the two jugs of hot water they had secured for bathing, waiting for the girl to collect her share before they moved on. "My fingers are too frozen for this." y/n sighed, struggling to maintain her grip without spilling any. "That's alright, I got it." The blonde assured, taking her share as well, ignoring the tremble in his stiff fingers, a reminder of the frostbites they had endured. "Need a hand?" The raven inquired, observing the two as they slowly made their way, having finished his own bathing hours ago. "I wouldn't say no," Buck shrugged, appreciating his friend's offer of assistance.

"Any word on the mail?" Gale inquired, turning to Bucky as they marched to the . "Nope." He replied, popping the 'p', his expression stoic. "Another holdup?" y/n interjected, her arms crossed tightly against the bitter cold, her hands buried deep within the folds of her coat. "War." Egan deadpanned, his tone heavy with resignation. "The Red Cross is struggling to get mail through to the camp." He explained. "Sure they are!" The y/h/c scoffed bitterly, rolling her eyes in disbelief. "They manage to deliver weapons, but heaven forbid they bring us food." She muttered sarcastically, her frustration boiling over.

"Yeah, maybe we should start considering your cannibalism idea... could really spice things up." Quipped the raven, playfully referencing her rant from the previous night. "Finally, someone sees the genius in my plan!" y/n exclaimed, her tone surprisingly earnest as she entertained the idea, eyes dead serious. "Don't encourage her... She'll actually go through with it." The blonde sighed, well-acquainted with his lady's eccentric tendencies. "Keep talking, and you'll be the first to be eaten." She retorted, her tone teasing but with a hint of genuine threat. "Don't threaten me with a good time, love, I might just take you up on that offer." Gale whispered huskily, his breath hot against her ear, sending shivers down her spine. 

"Well, I mean... If you insist." She purred innocently, trailing her fingers lightly along his chest, the frosty air crackling with undeniable chemistry between them. "Jesus Christ- I'm still here, you deranged lunatics!" Coughed Bucky, choking on his saliva, catching up to their innuendo, his face contorted in mock disgust, eliciting awkward giggles from the two. Upon reaching the communal bathroom, the blonde escorted y/n to her stall, where a curtain (courtesy of the Krauts) provided some semblance of privacy. Despite this gesture, Gale remained wary of the other men's snide remarks about her, refusing to leave her side.

He stationed himself outside the stall, a silent guardian, waiting patiently until she finished, ensuring her safety in a place where trust was a privilege they couldn't afford. "Are you sure you wanna wait? Your water might get cold, you know." The girl frowned, her tone tinged with concern and a trace of guilt. "As long as you promise to warm me up at night." He affirmed with a coquettish wink, his voice laced with imputation as he fought to suppress the chattering of his teeth to not make her feel worse. "What do you have in mind?" She mused, leaning closer to the man. With a sly grin, Gale replied, his ocean blue eyes twinkling with seduction.

"I think it'd be best if I show you instead..."

(1.6k words)

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Tag List: @deathwho @beebeechaos @sc4rl3tteb1tch @abysscorpus @darkwindysoul

[queen-c0bra]

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫|| 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘅 𝘆/𝗻 𝗹/𝗻

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· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ ▎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐈𝐑 ▎ »»————-　𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦: 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘵𝘩🕊️ 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈 𝙾𝙽𝙴 — 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜

𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯...

— ᶠ. ˢᶜᵒᵗᵗ ᶠⁱᵗᶻᵍᵉʳᵃˡᵈ

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AS Y/N L/N STEPPED INTO THE GRIM CONFINES OF STALAG LUFT III, HER HEART POUNDED AGAINST HER RIBCAGE, the dread of the unknown mixing with the flicker of hope. And there, amidst the shadows of despair, stood her beloved, a beacon of light in the darkness, defying the cruelty of fate. Their eyes locked across the barren expanse, a torrent of emotions rushing between them like a tidal wave. It was a reunion of souls, each heartbeat echoing the longing of years spent apart. The air crackled with electricity, drawing every familiar gaze toward the Majors, witnessing a love that transcended the brutality of war.

Bucky's supportive arm that held her steady as the two limped to the blonde was a mere fleeting touch compared to the magnetic pull between y/n and Gale. With trembling hands, she gently pushed him away, her silent plea for privacy echoing in the hushed anticipation of the onlookers. Her once-lifeless eyes were bruised and puffy, yet ablaze with fervor the moment they met the oceanic ones of the soldier, with an intensity that ignited a firestorm within him. In that moment, nothing else existed but the gravitational pull of their souls, drawing them inexorably closer.

Buck's gaze roamed over the y/h/c's battered form, each scar a testament to her strength, her resilience. Yet, in his eyes, she was more beautiful than ever, her spirit untamed, unbroken by the horrors they had endured. Their reunion was not just a meeting of bodies, but a merging of hearts, a collision of destiny. As they finally faced each other, standing six feet apart, the world around them faded into oblivion, leaving only the raw, primal yearning that consumed them. In that minute, not only did they they find solace betwixt the chaos, but also the purity of their love, which was a defiant rebellion against the tyranny of conflagration.

However, for the girl, seeing her lover standing before her felt like a wicked twist of fortune — a hallucination born from the depths of her fractured mind. She had convinced herself that he was gone, lost to her forever in the unforgiving jaws of the Fatherland, and the shock of his presence sent a jolt of panic coursing through her veins. Her heart thundered in her chest, the rush of adrenaline drowning out the clamor of her surroundings as she struggled to comprehend the impossible reality before her. The memories of their last moments together, the agony of their parting, flooded her mind like a torrential downpour, threatening to drown her in a sea of despair.

And just then, to make matters worse, Gale's concerned glance fell upon her, his brows furrowing with worry as he took in the savagery of her injuries. The apprehension etched into his features only served to amplify the tumult of emotions raging within her — relief, disbelief, and an overwhelming surge of longing that menaced to consume her whole. But underneath the surface of her roiling emotions lay a deep well of pain, both physical and emotional, the scars of her captivity still fresh upon her assaulted body and shattered spirit. Each step he took towards her felt like a dagger to her heart, reopening wounds she had thought long since healed, the rawness of her grief laid bare for all to see.

"Y/n..." His voice trembled with sympathy as he took in the extent of her injuries, his heart clenching at the sight of her pain. "What did they do to you?" His hands reached out instinctively, aching to soothe her wounds, to offer her comfort in the midst of her suffering. But as he drew closer, expecting her arms to welcome him eagerly, he was met with an unanticipated sting across his cheek, the sharp sound of her palm meeting his skin reverberating in the stillness of the camp. Shock painted across his features, Gale recoiled, his eyes locked with hers, searching for answers in the depths of her tear-filled eyes.

"You fucking asshole!" Her words lashed out like a whip, each syllable dripping with anguish and betrayal. He stood frozen, the weight of her accusations heavy upon his shoulders, the reality of his absence a bitter pill to swallow. "I hate you — I hate you so fucking much." Her tears fell like rain, each drop an attestation to the agony she had suffered in his absence, the loneliness that had depleted her soul. And in that moment, Buck felt a wave of remorse crash over him, the realization of the pain he had caused her cutting deeper than any physical wound. With quivering hands, he reached out to cup her face, his touch gentle yet desperate. 

"Y/n, I'm so sorry... I never meant to hurt you." He whispered, his marine orbs flooded with tears that almost dared to mingle with hers, a silent appeal for forgiveness hanging between them. In the wreckage of their meeting, amongst the shattered remnants of their relationship, the blonde vowed to do whatever it took to make amends — to mend the broken pieces of her heart and win back her trust. As the girl's sobs wracked her body, Gale felt a crushing burden settle upon him, the guilt of his disappearance like chains binding him to her sorrow. This wasn't the first time he had left her, even if under different circumstances, so he could understand where she was coming from.

Without a word, he enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close to his chest, offering her the comfort of his embrace amidst the turmoil of her teardrops. Her cries resounded in the hollow space between them, each sob a symphony of pain and longing. It was the first time he had seen her so vulnerable in years, and the fact that it was all because of him made him hate himself even more. But despite the demons he was battling internally, Gale Cleven held her tightly, as if afraid that she might slip away from him once more, his fingers tracing soothing circles along her back, his touch a lifeline in the nightmare that had become her life.

"I'm here, Ducky." He murmured softly, his voice a gentle whisper against her hair, his heart aching with every tear she shed. "I'm so sorry... I'll never leave you again, I swear." In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the universe withering away until there was only the two of them, bound together by the fragile thread of destiny. And as the girl wept into his chest, her pain mingling with his own, the blonde vowed to cherish her, to protect her, to be the rock upon which she could lean in the stormy seas of life. Caressing her as if she were the most precious thing in the world, his embrace was a fortress against the harsh realities of their surroundings. 

He pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head, his lips lingering there in mute devotion, a wordless promise of his unwavering commitment to her. With each hitched breath she took, he felt her pain engrave itself into his own soul, the ache of her melancholy booming through him like a thunderclap. But in that moment, all he could do was hold her close, offering her the sanctuary of his arms — a haven where her woes could flow freely, unburdened by the weight of the world.  As her whimpers began to subside, Buck brushed away the remnants of her tears with gentle fingers, his touch feather-light against her dampened cheeks. 

"Shh, it's okay." He murmured soothingly, his voice a hypnotic melody in the tranquility of their shared cradle. "I've got you, y/n. I'm not going anywhere." He whispered. And in the warmth of his hug, the girl felt a flicker of hope rekindle within her, a spark of light amidst the gloom that drowned all it touched. For in Gale's arms, she found not just peace, but also strength — the power to face whatever trials lay ahead, knowing that together, they could weather any storm. And as he felt her calm down, and relax into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, he figured that all was forgiven.

A tempest of sensations rampaged within him, threatening to engulf him in its turbulent wake. The sight of her battered form, the evidence of her misery inscribed into every bruise and scar, tore at his heartstrings with a ferocity he could scarcely bear. He had returned to her, yes, but at what cost? Suppressed tears streamed down his own face, unnoticed by all... He was grateful beyond measure that she was alive, that fate had granted them this improbable reunion, but the knowledge of the horrors she had gone through since he last saw her, weighed heavily upon him like a leaden shroud, considering that it was only 10 days ago that they had uh, fucked.

Each slash, each gash, felt like a damning indictment of his failure. He had promised to protect her, to cherish her, and yet he had allowed her to bleed at the hands of their enemies. But amidst the discord of his self-recriminations, Gale clung to the fragile hope that their love represented — one that had withstood the trials of war, and survived despite the odds stacked against them. And as his silent tears mingled with hers, he swore to do whatever it took to heal the wounds that marred her body and soul, to make amends for the pain he had caused her, and to ensure that never again would they be torn asunder by the cruel whims of war.

As the consequences of her ordeal finally caught up with her, y/n's body felt like lead, each movement a herculean effort. With each passing second, her head grew lighter, her senses dulled by the weight of exhaustion and distress. Her eyelids grew heavy, drooping shut as if seeking refuge from the havoc that reigned within her. The rhythm of her heartbeat grew labored, each thud sonorous like a drumbeat in the lull that engulfed her. Then, with a sudden lurch, the world seemed to tilt on its axis, spinning wildly around her. Her stomach churned as if caught in a whirlwind, and her senses reeled as she struggled to maintain her balance.

But before she could recollect herself, her legs gave out beneath her. She braced herself for the jarring collision with the ground, but to her surprise, it never came. Instead, she found herself wrapped in strong arms, her descent arrested by a guardian angel in the guise of her beloved. As her consciousness faded, the last thing she felt was the warmth of his embrace, and the purity of his affection. In that pivotal instant, y/n knew she wasn't just holding onto Gale Cleven's physical form; she was embracing the essence of undying love and solace he symbolized. He might've been an idiot for being captured out of the blue like that, but at least she knew that he was hers.

Besides, she had plenty of time to lecture him about basic relationship etiquette once she'd regain her consciousness.

(1.9k words)

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