Strawberry Red

Chapter 17 Buck/Ruby

Buck climbed into his plane and sat down in his usual spot on the left. He'd be flying back with Bucky as they had to re-arrange the crews as a lot of them injured. The sun was already at its highest point, making it even hotter in the cockpits.

"There you are," said Bucky and climbed into the cockpit too. "Are you that eager to get the hell out of this sauna? Or is there another reason why you want to return to base so soon?"

"Shut it," answered Buck and smiled. His thoughts trailed off again to his red head. Truth to be told he was eager to get back to base, so he and Ruby could go out. The kisses they had shared the night before were mesmerizing. They were filled with passion and desire. It ignited a burning fire in him again, just thinking about it. He wanted to hold her in his arms again and kiss her until their lips were bruised by their love.

"Hey, Buck?" questioned Ruby when she entered the cockpit.

"Ruby? Aren't you supposed to be on Veale's fort?" Buck turned around in his seat to see Ruby in her flying gear ready to return to base.

"I should be," said Ruby shyly "But I'd much rather fly in your's"

"Of course, you can take a seat next to Crosby in the back," responded Buck. Ruby nodded and made her way out of the cockpit.

"You are never one to change the plan," Bucky teased, grinning.

"What's with all the teasing today?" asked Buck. They were done with their pre-flight check and headed towards the runway.

"I'm just happy for the two of you." It was now their turn to take off. They speed up rapidly and before they knew, they were up in the air again.

"Thanks, Bucky." Buck looked at his best friend. He was still grinning like an idiot.

"However, I do have one request," demanded Bucky and pushed the button to get the landing gear up. "I want to be your best man."

"You think you had to request that?" asked Buck and started to smile. "I wouldn't want to have it any other way."

The flight back to base was calm and uneventful. They took the same route as Major Veale had taken the day before with the nurses on board. Early in the evening they finally landed. The ground crews were waiting for them and started to cheer as soon as they came into sight.

"The 100th are planning to go to the pub in Diss. Do you want to tag along?" questioned Bucky when they exited the plane. They both had their bags strapped over their shoulders.

"Another time. I'm going to take Ruby on a date," answered Buck. Together they walked over to the car and got in beside their crew.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" exclaimed Bucky. "Where are you taking her to?"

"A small restaurant in Diss. I know the couple who own it. It's really lovely and they are so kind. And most importantly, the food is absolutely delicious." Ruby was getting into the car next to Buck. She and Crosby had been last to get off the plane.

"Ruby!" shouted Lemmons for her before the car could start. His crew was working on the damaged planes. "We need some help over here."

"Coming," answered Ruby and got off the back of the car again. "How about you pick me up at 8 pm.?"

"Sure thing." Buck nodded while watching Ruby leave to help Lemmons' crew. As is turned out a guy of Lemmons' crew managed to completely burn off the skin on his hands during repairing. Dr. Houston and she concluded that he should be sent to London to see a specialist. The burn was pretty bad. Ruby had only seen burns like that in aircrews but never in ground crews. She was putting fresh sheets onto the bed, so it'd be ready for the next patient when Buck entered the hospital.

"Oh, God. Is it all ready 8 pm.?" asked Ruby and rubbed her forehead. "I'm so sorry. I haven't even had time to change out of my flying gear. I can't go on a date looking like this. I should-"

"I don't care what you're wearing," interrupted Buck. "We're going to have an amazing time regardless of what you're wearing. If you feel more comfortable changing into something else, go for it. But if you're only changing for me, don't."

"Alright, then. Let's go," said Ruby and took Buck's hand into hers.

"You look ravishing tonight," whispered Buck into her hear. "As a matter of fact, you always look ravishing."

"Oh, stop it." Ruby was blushing furiously. Buck twisted her, so that she was pressed against his chest.

"I mean it," insisted Buck. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Ruby softly kissed Buck, her fingers gliding through his hair. She gripped onto his hair ever so slightly while Buck pulled her closer by the small of her back. The kiss grew more and more intense and passionate with every second that passed by.

"If we keep doing this, we won't ever make it to the restaurant," whispered Ruby as she pulled away from him.

"We can continue this later then." Buck smirked. Together they unlocked their bikes and cycled to Diss. They spent the drive talking and laughing. It came so natural to Ruby talking to him. It had always felt easy being in his presence. She felt like she was herself around him. And she never felt judged by him for her past. It was freeing for her.

They were driving on the main road just six blocks away from the small restaurant. They only had to pass by the pub and a few houses. When they reached the pub, they could hear loud noises. Thankfully, they passed the pub without any trouble.

"Here we are," informed Ruby and got off her bike. She leaned it against the outside wall and headed for the door with Buck trailing behind. She opened the door and immediately a delicious smell greeted them.

"They make the best pizzas here." Ruby was grinning and took Buck's hand to guide him over to a small booth lighted with candles. "So, tell me about yourself, Buck."