Sorcha Devlin never planned to find herself across the Pond stationed at the Thorpe Abbotts base, but as a promise to be close to her younger brother, she landed in this position. Cormack Devlin, younger by 2 years, was training to become a fighter...
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Though Sorcha would never admit it to anyone but herself, she missed Bucky.
Buck had managed to convince the brass to send his pal on a two-day leave, much to Bucky's dismay. Both Sorcha and Buck had to deal with incessant complaining from their friend before he left, attempting to convince them to join him.
"-absolutely not," Sorcha shook her head as Bucky perched himself on the mess table she was sitting at. "I have things to do here, plus I don't think the brass would appreciate me taking another leave. It's not like I'm some hotshot pilot who can do whatever whenever he wants."
Bucky's eyes sparkled with mirth as his smile widened at his friend's teasing, "It helps to have friends in high places Devs, 'specially 'hotshot pilot' places."
"Need I remind you that you got yourself demoted?" Sorcha raised her eyebrows at Bucky, who to his credit, seemed to enjoy her blunt but harmless ribbing. "I don't think Harding would appreciate you using special privileges you no longer have."
"C'mon, Devs. Harding loves me. M'sure he wouldn't mind if I asked for an extra pass. I'll say that I need someone to keep me in check!"
"God knows you need that, but you won't find it in me," Sorcha teased, trying to put the conversation to bed. "I don't think any girl you find out on the town would appreciate having me in tow. I'd hate to ruin your chances."
Bucky seemed to consider her point for a moment, exaggerating his contemplation by pulling a face, eyebrows creasing together in combination with the frown lines etched on his face, though a small smile tugging on his lips betrayed the name. Sorcha had half a mind to laugh at his obvious display for attention but realized she was getting some unkind looks from a table of Red Cross girls next to her.
Gently putting a hand on his arm, Sorcha regained Bucky's attention, "John," she spoke softly, "I think it'll be good for you to get away for a weekend, especially by yourself. There's a good reason Buck and Harding chose this for you. Just revel in having a good time, ok?"
A faint sigh sounded from Bucky as he took in his friend's words, all sense of lighthearted teasing thrown out the window. He offered Sorcha a small smile as he stood, "You win, Devs. I'll see you before I go."
"I promise to write you a thousand letters!" Sorcha teased as Bucky left, not wanting to end the conversation with such seriousness. His back was turned to her, but she knew he was laughing due to the rising and falling of his shoulders, giving her satisfaction as she turned back to her breakfast.
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It was a rowdy night in the officers club, the air a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The replacement crews would be going on their first mission soon, giving them a reason to have a semi-wild night out. Sorcha had planned to have a quiet night in with the other girls, but there was something in the air that made everyone on base spark with anticipated electricity. Due to these circumstances, Sorcha found herself tucked away in a somewhat quiet corner with Meatball. She was busy running her fingers through Meatball's fur when Buck sat in the seat next to her, quietly announcing his presence with a small grunt, the aged leather seat squeaking under his weight.
