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NATE MANN as ROBERT ROSENTHAL

MASTERS OF THE AIR Part Six

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They got horses.

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ROSIE RETURNS!!!!! Oh I’m utterly OBSESSED with this bestie 🥺🥺🥺 “I just want you” WHAT! A! MANN!!!

The Apple Tree • Part 6

Rosie Rosenthal x Reader

warnings: 18+, soft dom, oral (m & f giving and receiving), sexual intercourse.

“Ready to go?” Sally saunters through the door of the schoolhouse, her skirt swaying in the cool breeze emanating from the doorway. You're midway through shoving a biscuit in your mouth as she slams through, distracting you and causing you to almost choke on a stray crumb.

“That's one way to make an entrance,” you say, feeling your face reddening from straining, trying to keep a cough at bay. “You're early,” you tell her, your eyebrow raised. “It's only three.”

“R-right…” she begins, her eyes darting around the room. “Just thought, since it's Friday and everything, you should get some extra time at home. Y'know, refresh before the weekend, be ready for tonight–”

“Tonight?” you cut her off. “We're only going to the bloody pub, Sal. They've seen me looking the least refreshed possible.”

“Yes, hm, I know but, uh–” she pauses, and you spot the telltale sign that she's keeping something from you: the corner of her mouth is twitching as she struggles to come up with a lie. Just like she can read you like a book after all these years, you're able to do the same with her. You peer at her, your eyebrow still raised, sighing at her. 

“Fine, okay. I'll go home and be ‘refreshed’,” your fingers making air quotes around the word. “But if I find out you're keeping something from me, you're in for it, lady.” You poke at her, then giggle to show her you're joking as her face drops and starts graying. “Come on then,” you sigh, wiping the last of the biscuit crumbs from your pants and closing your notebooks, placing them in a drawer in preparation for the new week. 

---

James is stood outside under the apple tree, smoking a cigarette and munching an apple, taking alternate bites and puffs of the cigarette. As he sees the pair of you coming towards him and catches sight of Sally, the worst happens. Watching him as if in slow motion, he bites down on the cigarette, his face contorting as he realizes what he's done. You and Sally break into a peal of laughter, James’ face turning the same shade of red as the apple he'd been eating.

“Alright, leave it,” he drawls, his eyes slightly downcast before he erupts into laughter too. “Come on, chicks, let's get outta here.” Throwing the bitten cigarette into the makeshift trash can (a bucket the children had painted and then nailed to a post), you begin in the direction of your cottage. 

—

It's halfway through the walk that you spot a familiar figure in the distance. Back slightly scrunched, clutching his hat with the same anxiety that seems to always be racing through his body, is Harry Crosby. 

“Croz!” James yells, raising a hand in greeting.

“Harry Crosby. A pleasure, as always.” you say as he nods at you, winking at James. 

“This is all very nice,” you start. “But what's going on?” You look between the three of them, all of them trying their best not to make eye contact with you. Sally's lips begin to purse and, once again, that mouth twitch. You grip her by the shoulder to get her to look at you. “Out with it, Sally.” She giggles, shaking her head and looks over at her man. He lifts his hands up, as if to say he's not breaking either. 

“Harry?” Your eyes squinting toward him, knowing that he'll be the one to crack. His face turns pale as he shifts from one foot to the other as you see the cogs turning in his head, trying to formulate a believable lie. 

“Oh, errrm, it's uh–just, well, Rosie…” You feel Sally and James shoot him a darted glance and you hear James sigh. 

“Come on, man! You were doing so good!”

“I'm–I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just–” he struggles to hide a smile, his hand covering his mouth as the color comes back to his cheeks. 

“You'd all better tell me what's going on, you cheeky little–”

“No,” Sally says pointedly, smiling at you, linking arms with James. “Let's just get you home, and then you'll see.”

—

You're a few steps away from your cottage when you see someone pacing from your front door to your white picket gate. Harry, Sally and James look towards you, all smiling as they see you let out a gasp. Shooting a glance at the three of them, you break into a full sprint towards your home. Not bothering to try and unlatch the gate, you leap over it and into Rosie's arms. There's a second of silence before you're both laughing in relief, you letting out an excited yelp as he lifts you off the ground.

“Oh, Rosie,” you murmur into him, his lips finally capturing yours in a tender kiss. 

“Hi, sweetheart,” kissing you again as he puts you down. Noticing the tears trickling from your eyes, his own eyes widen. “Hey now, pretty girl,” he says softly, taking you in his arms again. “Don't cry, shhh, it's okay.” 

“I'm sorry,” you choke out, gulping through your tears. “I just missed you so much, and…oh, it's been horrible.”

“I know, baby, I know,” he soothes, your head on his chest and him stroking your hair. You feel his breath shake a little, his hand stroking your back. “I missed you more.”

“Not possible,” you sniffle, looking up at him. He places his hand on your face and kisses you deeply. 

“I can't tell you how many nights I dreamt of doing this while I was away, just being with you. Kissing you, holding you. It's all that spurred me on, in fact.” He pauses, his thumb stroking your cheek. “I just wanted to come home to you.”

You hear the gate click open, pulling you from your little bubble with Rosie. You turn to see your friends with huge grins on their faces, Sally's eyes glistening with tears. 

“Are you all coming in?”

“No, we're gonna be leaving you to it,” James says, winking cheekily. “We'll see yall tomorrow!” 

—

Entering the house, you and Rosie both remove your jackets and place them on the coat hooks by the door. Without thinking, you go into autopilot, walking to the kitchen to boil a pot of water for tea. Lighting a match to turn the gas on, you feel Rosie's arms around your waist. Leaning over your shoulder, he blows the match out, and turns you around to face him. He kisses you so deeply that it takes your breath away, his lovely big hands pawing all over your body. You feel yourself pushed against the stove, the weight of the two of you against it causing it to move out of place. Giggling, you break apart.

“Do you want tea, or not?” You ask, looking up at him through your lashes. 

“No,” He kisses you again, humming into you. “I just want you.” 

You feel yourself being picked up and carried over to the dining table on the opposite side of the room. He sits you down upon it, and without hesitation, your legs wrap around his waist to get him as close to you as possible. 

“Woah, hold on, honey,” he laughs, his hands on your thighs. He starts pressing light kisses to your neck before giving it a small nip with his teeth, making you gasp. “Let me take my time, yeah?” He looks back at you, his blown pupils overtaking his baby blue eyes. You nod in agreement, reaching up to kiss him again. “Good girl,” he purrs, his lips meeting yours. 

The kiss deepens, you gasping for air as he toys with your belt, reaching out to unbutton his shirt. You get two buttons open when he pushes your hands away, placing them gently on the table. “No, honey,” he says breathlessly. “Wait your turn.” 

“B-but…” you stutter, confused. “I need to touch you, I haven't touched you in months. Please, darling.”

“No,” he repeats, his hands returning to your belt. “Not until I've taken care of you first.” In a swift movement, he's pulled your belt loose and unbuttoned your trousers, untucking your shirt painstakingly slowly. It takes everything in you to not rip it off yourself, and he sees your hands begin to move from their position on the table.

“Nu-uh,” he looks at you pointedly, those damn pretty eyes full of want. “Do as you're told. Hands down.” With a frustrated moan, you slam your hands back down on the table, Rosie back to kissing and nibbling at your neck and collar as he unbuttons your blouse, his mustache adding that delicious tickle and roughness you'd missed so much. You feel yourself white knuckling the table as he sucks and nibbles his way across your front, removing your brassiere nimbly. 

“Pretty girl,” he murmurs, his mouth making its way down lower to your chest. 

“Please, Rosie,” you beg, his mouth hovering over your puckered nipple. “Please let me touch you.” It all comes out as a whine, your brow furrowed with frustration. 

“Look at you,” he purrs in that deep, husky voice. “Begging like that.” You try to moan, but it comes out as more of a high-pitched whine as he takes your nipple into his mouth, his fingers fiddling with the other before switching sides. Your hands find themselves in his curls and he doesn't object.

“Finally,” you sigh. Your fingers run through his hair, tickling through his scalp as he gets lower, gesturing you to lift your hips up to remove your panties. You're already a glistening mess, and you whimper as he looks you up and down.

"Shit, honey,” he says, eyes widening as he surveys the area. “You really missed me, huh?”

“I did, I did, I really did, baby,” you mewl, groaning at the sight of him finally removing his shirt. You drink the sight of him in, looking at several new scars and cuts upon his chest and arms. Kneeling down in front of you, his hands on your thighs, he slowly pushes his tongue through your folds, moaning as he does so. “Taste even better than I remember, sweet girl.” Your hands find their way back into his hair, tugging lightly every time he hits the right spots. Just as you're about to reach your peak, he slips a finger inside you, the come hither motion toppling you over the edge. He laps up your release with a moan, your grip released from his curls. 

Before you can even come down from your high, he's lifting you up again, wrapping your legs around him as he carries you upstairs. It's a struggle to get the bedroom door open as he insists on still holding you there, the both of you breaking into laughter as you fight with the doorknob. 

“These damn old British houses,” he laughs, resigning to putting you down and forcing his way in. You take him by the hand and pull him into the room, your hands ending up on either side of his neck to pull him into a kiss. Trailing down his body, you stroke at the bulge in his slacks, causing him to moan into your mouth. 

“Your turn, Major,” you whisper, kneeling down in front of him.

“Oh, God…” his voice trails off at the sight of you unbuttoning his pants, freeing his length from his underwear. Collecting the beads of moisture with your thumb that have appeared at the pretty pink tip, you stroke him, seeing his eyes roll back into his head before taking him into your mouth. He moans at the sensation of your tongue working its way around him, breathing heavily within moments. He puts his hand at the back of your head to keep the rhythm he enjoys most, his eyes remaining closed in heavenly ecstasy. You look up at him, somehow smiling with your mouth full, heat building in your stomach at the sight of this beautiful man about to lose his mind because of you.

His hands untangle from your hair, and begin to stroke your face, pushing your chin away from him. “On the bed, babydoll,” he says, out of breath, cheeks flushed and pupils blown. “I need to be inside you.” 

As you lay there, waiting, you catch sight of his behind in your vanity mirror, the slightly faded tan of his peachy butt a delicious view. His strong thighs, the backs of his equally strong arms and that wonderful back of his turn you on even more than you already are, from what was it he once said? ‘Piloting a school bus like a fighter jet.’

“Are you ogling me, Y/N?” he teases, a playful grin on his lips 

“Yes, Major. Yes, I am.” You smile back, winking at him. He hurriedly plants a kiss on your nose, still smiling. 

“God, I love you.”

“I love you, too, darling. Now, please,” you moan, pulling him closer by hooking your finger on the chain of his dog tag. “Please fuck me.” His eyes widen at your request, biting his lip as he lines himself up at your entrance.

“Yes, ma'am.” 

Both sighing - all that pent up frustration being released - as he enters you, he gives you a minute to adjust to him. You grip the curls on the back of his neck as he begins to pump in and out of you, noses touching, breaths mingling. 

“Fuck, honey,” he pants. “You feel so good. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, sweet boy. More than you'll ever know.” 

Within minutes, you reach your second orgasm of the day, him murmuring praise as he watches you ride it out. “There you go, pretty girl,” he mumbles into your skin. “Told you I'd take care of you.” He begins to kiss your neck as his thrusts become sloppier, spilling into you moments later. Breaths shaking, he pulls out of you and you whine at the emptiness. He rushes to the bathroom to clean off, bringing a warm wet washcloth for you. 

You pull the duvet back and pat the spot - his spot - on the bed beside you. Before you've even finished wordlessly asking, he's in the bed, pulling you on top of him to snuggle. You bury your face deep in his neck, breathing him in and never wanting to forget his scent. You kiss him repeatedly, before softly stroking and kissing the new scars on his body. 

“Sweet boy,” your voice barely above a whisper. “Darling, beautiful man.” You feel him sigh underneath you, wondering if this is the first time he's been totally relaxed in weeks. You see his eyelids begin to get heavy, his face softening at your touch. 

“Can I spend the night?” 

“My love, you don't even need to ask. I'd let you spend every night in my bed if you were able to do so.”

“I'd love that,” he sighs, as much as he can muster in his exhausted state. You slip off him and onto your own pillow.

“Hmmm…” you feel him drifting off, not before he leans over to kiss your nose, your cheeks and then your lips. 

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too, Rosie.” 

taglist: @sagesolsticewrites @ginabaker1666

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"Can't wait to see where you take this story" well I can't wait to see where this story takes me either

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Has this been done yet?

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AUSTIN BUTLER as GALE 'BUCK' CLEVEN MASTERS OF THE AIR · part seven

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Nate Mann as Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal Masters of the Air (2024) — Part Six

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Backwards Hat

a/n: so! I wrote this for funsies like a month ago when Anto posted that pic of him and Raff and Barry and given that we won’t be getting any new Anto content (as far as shows, etc.) until next Wednesday when Shardlake drops (SOOOOO excited!!!), I figured we could use something to tide us over until then 😊 Happy Friday, stay strong Anto girlies (gn)!

Warnings: none! Pure fluff

Word count: 442 (short n sweet <3)

Masterlist

“Good job, my love!” You shout from the sidelines, biting back a smile as Barry and Raff begin their incessant teasing when Anthony meets your eyes with a bright grin.

You had tagged along to one of your boyfriend’s informal football games— organized as a way for him to get to see some of his former costars after Masters had wrapped— and you were having the time of your life watching him run around like a kid with his friends.

A brief time-out is called, and he jogs over to you.

“Hi there,” he grins, pretty brown eyes shaded from the bright spring sun by his beloved 100th Bomb Group hat.

You grin right back up at him, “Hi. Having fun?”

“Absolutely,” he laughs, his eyes flicking over to where Raff and Barry are shoving each other on the field like teenagers, “It’s really good to see these guys again.”

“It’s good that you guys stay in touch,” you smile, reaching up to flick the brim of his hat playfully.

“Hey,” he laughs, adjusting it back so it sits properly on his head again, “What was that for?”

“Well you’ve been standing here for at least thirty seconds, and I still haven’t gotten a kiss yet,” you pout.

He looks positively scandalized at the thought.

“I’m so sorry darling,” he says softly, though there’s a playful sparkle in his eyes, “Let me fix that.”

You rise up onto your tiptoes to meet him halfway as he leans in…

And jolts back as the cap protecting his fair Irish skin bounces off your forehead.

You laugh through your wince, rubbing the spot where it hit you.

“Or not, I guess.”

He frowns slightly, though the concern on his face eases as you assure him that you’re fine. You can see the gears turning in his brain as his friends call him back over.

“Honey, just go,” you wave him off with a smile, “I’m alright, I promise.”

“No, I’m not leaving until I’ve given my girl a proper kiss,” he retorts gently.

In one smooth motion, he flips the hat backwards and swoops in to plant his lips on yours.

You giggle into the kiss, squeezing him tight before releasing him as he steps away, eyes sparkling.

“There we go,” he grins with a wink.

“Get back out there, you dork,” you say through the wide smile stretched across your face, waving him off as Barry and Raff begin their good-natured teasing once more.

He stops to blow you a kiss as he jogs back over, making your smile grow impossibly wider as his friends playfully jeer about what took you so long?

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if i say i'm with you, i'm with you all the way to the end.

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"Can't wait to see where you take this story" well I can't wait to see where this story takes me either

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CALLUM TURNER and DAVID SHIELDS as JOHN 'BUCKY' EGAN and EVERETT BLAKELY in MASTERS OF THE AIR (2024), part 2

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WINNIE!!!! Oh this was WONDERFUL I adore how you write Croz & Jean, not to mention the inclusion of our beloved Jo!!! I can’t wait to see more of Uncle Rosie 🥰🥳

It's Been A Long, Long Time • Part 2

💕 Jean 💕

warnings: 18+, oral (f receiving), mention of sexual intercourse.

taglist: @sagesolsticewrites @ginabaker1666 @agir1ukn0w @precious-little-scoundrel

Putting the finishing touches to your famous cherry pie, you remove your apron and walk into the living room, trying your best to swipe flour off your dress as you enter. 

“Pie is done, Binger,” you say quietly so as not to wake the baby in his arms. Yours and Harry's son had taken to mixing up his days and nights. Not a wink of sleep from midnight - what Bing liked to call his witching hour - until at least 5am. It had started to take its toll on the pair of you, the both of you sleeping in shifts for the most of a fortnight. You missed your husband dearly, despite being back in the same house. There was just something about savoring his arms around you, his nose snuffling into your neck as he slept, the comfort you'd been craving for years. You knew it was hard for him too: waking alone from a horrific nightmare, your soft hands not there to soothe him back to sleep and reassure him he's home and safe. 

Placing the baby in his bassinet, Harry gets up from the couch and stretches, yawning heavily before walking into the kitchen. 

“It looks wonderful, my love. He'll love it.”

“Are you sure?” you question, eyebrow raised a little. “You're sure he said that was his favorite?” 

“Yes, Mrs Crosby,” he laughs, kissing your forehead. “I like to think I'd remember these little things about my friends. Don't worry yourself so.” He pulls you into his arms and strokes your back, his nose falling into the crook of your neck. You feel yourself purr into him at the sensation of him tickling and kissing your neck, gasping a little. 

“He's asleep,” your husband murmurs. “Come to bed with me, darling.” 

“But Rosie will be here any moment and…ahhh–” You can barely piece the rest of your thought together because of Harry putting his mouth on yours, his tongue entering soon after. 

“Fine, we won't go to bed,” he murmurs, pushing you against the counter. “Here is more than fine.” With that, his strong, pretty hands are lifting up the skirt of your dress and gripping your legs, lifting you slightly to get you to sit on the counter. 

“Harry…” you groan as you watch him kneel down in front of you, pulling your underwear to the side. 

“What, my little wife? Do you want me to stop?” he questions, those brown, puppy dog eyes looking up at you as he begins to plant soft kisses on your the inside of your thighs, getting closer to your core with each one. 

“N-no,” you finally stutter out. “It-its just…oh, my gosh.” You're cut off by your husband's tongue taking you apart in seconds. He pulls away, gently pushing a finger inside you. 

"It's just what, darling? Tell me. Tell your Bing just what it is.” 

You can't seem to formulate words due to the pleasure fogging your brain, so you just shake your head, breath ragged. 

“That's what I thought,” he murmurs, returning his face to in between your legs, throwing your leg over his shoulder. “Now, let me make my wife feel good.” 

You're a mess, moments later, Bing mumbling filthy praise as you writhe in front of him. “Wow…you needed that, huh?” He stands up, wiping his mouth and kissing you, you moaning at the taste of yourself on his tongue. 

“Mhm,” you reply, your mouth still on his. “I always need you.” 

“Good,” he grins. He plants a sweet kiss on your nose, winking at you. “We'd better go clean up.” 

---

It's just as Harry's spitting toothpaste into the sink that you hear the doorbell ring. You both look at each other, wincing and waiting for the inevitable screech that strangely, doesn't come. You take a final look at yourself in the bathroom mirror before running to the door, Harry following close behind you, his hands squeezing your butt as you turn away.

“Hey!” you squeal, playfully swatting at him. He chuckles, pulling you towards him again for a quick kiss. 

The doorbell rings again, and Harry goes to open the door. “Here he is!” he shouts, pulling his friend into a hug. “Robbie Rosenthal!”

“Croz, how are ya?” he responds, slapping him on the back. He makes eye contact with you stood behind the pair of them, giving them time to greet one another after so long. 

“Jeez, Croz,” He pulls away, smiling at you. “Wonderful to see ya. And this must be the Mrs Jean Crosby.” 

“Hi, Rosie. A pleasure, finally!” You go to shake his hand, but he pulls you into a huge bear hug. 

“So, so, good to finally meet you.” 

He follows you and Harry into the house, placing his bag by the door. 

“How was your journey, bud?” Harry asks, placing a cold beer in front of him. 

“Ah, not so bad,” he responds, taking a sip. “Jo says she's sorry she couldn't be here.” With that, he glances over at you, and you share a sad glance.

“Oh, my sweet Jo,” you respond wistfully. Jo had been part of the team of ladies keeping you upright in many ways during the time Harry was away. She was always there with a listening ear, a kind heart and a shoulder to cry on when things got especially tough. Because of that, she is now one of your most treasured friends, and holds such a special place in your heart. “I miss her terribly. How is she? Of course, we write weekly but it's not the same as being around her.”

“I know, Jean. She's doing great, beautiful as ever. We've been fixing up a little house to move into after we're married. You guys are gonna come, right?”

“You think we'd miss that, Rose? Come on, man, you know me better than that!” The men laugh, clinking beer bottles as you're pulling vanilla ice cream from the freezer to serve with the pie when a soft cry pours through from the living room into the kitchen. You nod apologetically towards the men and go retrieve the baby.

“Hi, sunshine,” you murmur, picking him up. “That was a good nap, huh? Good boy, I'm sure you feel much better now. Guess who's here?” You lay him down on the changing mat to change his diaper, cooing all the while. “That's right, my boy! Uncle Rosie. Uncle Rosie's here to see you!” 

You feel the presence of someone in the doorway, and look up to see Harry, his arms crossed, smiling at you and the baby. 

“What, darling?” You say, buttoning the baby's romper. 

“That never gets old, sweetheart. You and him, me being here to see it. I love it.” He walks over and takes the baby from you, kissing his chubby cheeks before kissing yours. “I love you, Mrs Crosby.”

“I love you more, Bing.”

Rosie gasps as Croz brings the baby into the kitchen, his eyes lighting up and softening at the same time. He stands up, the chair squeaking on the kitchen floor as he reaches his hands out, holding the baby to his body.

“Hi, buddy!” He chirps, smiling down at him. “How's it goin’? Huh? You running mom and dad ragged? Yeah? That's what I thought, little guy. Good job!” He carries on like this, rambling in a voice that's several octaves higher than you just heard, the baby gurgling in response.

“Oh, you guys,” he says, back to his normal husky tone, his eyes shining. “He's beautiful.” 

---

The rest of the day passes quickly, both men rushing around you and switching the baby between them, so you can sit down and rest. Thankful for the extra pair of hands, you take the opportunity to take a long, hot bath and relax, your Bing coming in for just a moment to sit on the edge of the tub, telling you a story from their time in England that he'd just remembered thanks to Rosie and that he just had to tell you immediately, all while rubbing lavender soap into your legs. 

While you're getting ready for bed, you reread Jo's latest letter, which you plan to reply to in the morning.

Darling Jean,

How are you? Good, I hope. I'm so sorry to read that the little guy isn't sleeping well. I imagine that can be so exhausting.

I'm glad Robbie will be there in a few days. That extra pair of hands around so you can relax will be welcome, I'm sure. I'm just so sorry I cannot be there too, to be with you while the boys share their anecdotes. While our men may have lost so much in the years they were away from us, I'm glad it gave us something: each other. You are one of my dearest friends and I am forever glad and grateful that your Harry and my Robert became friends, thus putting us together. I wouldn't know how to live without you now. 

Back to not being able to join Robbie on this trip: tell him to hurry up and marry me so I'm able to come see you and the baby. Start dropping hints now, lady! I'm dying to see you and my beloved nephew. 

Goodbye for now, my dear. All my love, always.

Your friend,

Jo

You smile, placing the letter back on your nightstand, sniffling a little. She is right; the men losing so much, yet you both gaining this friendship is bittersweet. Her being there for you when Harry came home on leave, your nerves wrecked after not seeing your husband for years. She was one of the first people you told when you found out you were pregnant, both of you weeping with joy and hugging. Wiping your present tears away, you run downstairs to take the baby so that Bing can take the first sleep shift. 

“Harry, darling,” you coo. “You'd better sleep if you want to take Rosie golfing tomorrow morning!”

“Oh, thanks, honey,” he says, clumsily standing from the couch so as not to disturb the dozing baby in his arms. “Here ya go, buddy,” he says, placing the baby in your waiting arms. “Go to mama. Goodnight, my son.” He kisses him on the head, then it's your turn, placing a deep kiss on your mouth. 

“Hold on, you guys,” Rosie starts, placing his whiskey glass on the table in front of him. “You aren't going to bed together?”

“We can't right now, Rosie,” you say, sadly. “Little guy here wakes at all hours, so we take it in turns right now.”

“I'm not having that!” he says, shocked. “Go to bed together, I'm here for a reason. Uncle Rosie and his new best buddy can have a few hours to get to know one another a bit better. You've got jazz, a record player and I've got arms that aren't exhausted to be able to hold him all hours.”

“Are you sure, bud?” Harry says, wrapping an arm around your shoulder.

“Yes, Croz. Go curl up with your wife. I'll be here.”

“Thanks, doll,” you say, a grateful smile on your face. “Come wake us if there's any trouble, okay?” You place the dozing baby in his bassinet next to the armchair Rosie is sitting in, and gently pat his shoulder in thanks.

“I wouldn't dream of it. Goodnight, you two!”

---

You and Harry ascend the stairs together, breathing a sigh of grateful relief. Pulling his shirt off, your Bing walks towards you, his hands finding their way up your night dress. “How's about we pick up where we left off earlier?” he winks, his hands getting further up your bare skin.

“Hmm, yes please.”

“Good,” he murmurs, kissing you deeply. “Just be quiet, Mrs Crosby. We don't want the cops called on us.” 

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There should be a second chance bracket for everyone that didn't advance through the first and second rounds.

[sagesolsticewrites]

Rosie and Jo have such a special place in my heart, I love them so much! Incredible as always bestie!!! Very much looking forward to Jo’s reactions to those letters 👀

This Is Always

From the Love Letter Series

Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal x Josephine Harris (OFC)

The holidays are usually a time to be spent together, cold noses warmed by the fire, and joyful cheers as the New Year approaches. This year, Rosie is struggling with being away from Jo, and acknowledging the future that he dreams of sharing with her. A heart to heart with Crosby helps put things into perspective for both of them.

Read Part 3 Here Follow along with the Love Letters Playlist

January 1944

My Dearest Jo,

Happy New Year, honey pie! It’s just after midnight here, and though I wanted to be the first person to wish you a Happy New Year, I know that by the time you get this, it will be after the fact. I guess by writing this now, while it’s still ‘43 back home, I’m letting myself be greedy in being the first to send you those wishes. I hope you’re doing something fun tonight, and getting all dolled up to paint the town red. Your last letter came just after Christmas, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you just how happy it made me to hear that you were still doing all of your usual Christmas favorites, even if I’m not home to carry all your shopping bags back to Brooklyn after a full day in the city. Believe me, I even miss doing that, no matter how heavy some of them are. 

I got Ma’s last letter just a few days before yours arrived, and she mentioned that you went by the house to celebrate Hanukkah with her and Jeanie. I know that made her really happy, and I can’t thank you enough for keeping an extra eye on both of them for me while I’m stuck over here. My sister would argue that she doesn’t need anyone keeping an eye on her, but I’m sure she appreciates your company, and will rub it in my face after the fact that she got to spend so much time with you. That’s what little sisters do, isn’t it? 

We had a small thing in the Officers Club for the holidays; nothing too fancy, but there was music, and some good liquor that someone managed to scrounge up for the occasion. The Red Cross Clubmobile girls pulled some resources and, even with rationing, managed to bake a few cookies for us. They were good, but they couldn't hold a candle to yours. 

I have never wanted one of your Christmas cookies more than after reading your letter, and to know that Jean Crosby took over as the official taste tester this year; oh it broke my heart darling. But, I’m glad to know that you two girls are keeping each other company, and I know that Croz is happy knowing that she’s not alone. I do hope you two aren’t causing too much trouble while we’re away. Knowing you the way that I do, I know that’s a bit of a pipe dream, but one of the reasons I adore you the way that I do. 

At the risk of sounding melancholy, I’ve spent most of today wishing I could take you dancing; spin you around until we’re both dizzy, until finally we can ring in the new year with champagne. Crowded on the dance floor at Minton’s, wrapped up in each other. Maybe it’s bold of me to ask, or maybe it’s the whiskey, but would you have allowed me a midnight kiss, Jo? I can’t picture kissing anyone else as the clock strikes twelve, nor do I want to, on this holiday or any other day. I hope that by next year, we'll be able to spend the evening together, and not have to send holiday wishes in letters that take too long to get there. 

I dream of you every night, sweetheart, and every night these sweet dreams end with a kiss before I’m pulled back to reality. I’ve been dreaming of the future, and if the real thing is anything like my dreams, I can’t wait for those days to begin. I wonder,do you dream of those days too? Of building a home together, a life that’s just ours. Living in the city, maybe somewhere near Harry and Jean. We could go to the pictures on Friday nights, and sleep in on Saturday’s, warm under the blankets until we peel ourselves from the sheets only because we need to make coffee. I’d spin you around the kitchen while we made breakfast, a record on the Victrola, the two of us tangled together while the eggs burned. The more I think about it, the more it all sounds like a dream come true. 

Maybe it is the whiskey talking, but it’s getting late here. Or early depending on how you look at it, and even though we aren’t flying tomorrow, I’m sure the rest of the fellas will be returning from the Officers Club soon enough. I’ll be dreaming of you tonight, sweetheart, and counting the days until we’re together again. 

Sending you millions of hugs and kisses, and all of my love. 

Yours for always

Robbie

Rosie took a deep breath, and without giving himself a chance to second guess anything in his letter, folded it up and slid it inside the envelope. He’d address it in the morning and drop it off at APO so that it went out with the next mail call; tonight it would remain on the nightstand next to his bed, with Jo’s photo. He was still in his uniform, not having bothered changing after he returned to the Officer’s hut, and was about to take advantage of the empty shower stall, when the door swung open and Harry walked in.

“Thought I’d find you in here.” Harry spoke, hand coming up to loosen his tie. 

“Yea, I uh, wanted to get a letter out to Jo,” Rosie signed, dragging his hand down his face. ‘Or at the very least, written.”

“It’s rough around the holidays isn’t it.” It wasn’t a question. Harry knew as well as he did, and he knew his friend was giving him an opening to get his feelings off his chest. 

“Probably the most difficult part of all this. We’ve spent every Christmas and Hanukkah together since we met.”

“She celebrates Hanukkah with you and your mom?”

“Jo is the best gift giver in our family, according to my sister.” Rosie grinned. 

“Sounds like your sister will be the disappointed one if you don’t put a ring on Jo’s finger when we get home.” Harry chuckled, dropping down onto his own bed, across from Rosie’s.

“She’d have to fight my Ma for the top spot, if I don’t marry Jo.” 

The two shared a quiet moment  as their thoughts drifted to a place far from England. Far from flak and casualties and torn fuselages. No thoughts of missing friends, mission counts or that damned red light never blinking off. 

Rosie knew that Harry understood better than anyone; how it felt to be so devoted to someone, and yet, he felt compelled to ask the one question that, if he had to wager, everyone asks at some point. 

“How’d you know Jean was the one?” He asked after a moment, gaze turned upward to meet that of his friend. 

“She wanted nothing to do with me when we met,” Harry balked so loudly that it seemed to echo off the walls of the Nissen Hut. “But I knew. I didn’t want to spend another day without her.”

“Just like that, huh?”

“Oh yeah, you just know,” Harry nodded. “When did you know Jo was the one? And don’t tell me you didn’t…”

“Let’s just say I should have opened my mouth a long time ago.”

“Well, better late than never.”

“What if I was too late, Croz?”

Harry stood from his bed, moving around the front to lean himself against the footboard. With a determined gaze, he made sure he had Rosie’s full attention before saying what was on his mind. 

“You can’t think like that. You need to believe you’re going home to her, that you two will have a life after all this.”

“God, I hope so.”

“I don’t know Jo as well as you do,” He started. “I only know what Jean tells me in her letters, but it sounds to me like she’s really something. And I’m not just saying that because she went out of her way to befriend my wife.”

“I told her I want a life with her, a future, our own place, Saturday mornings in bed, lazy days…”

“You want the dream.” Harry nodded in understanding. 

“Told her maybe we’d move to the city, leave Brooklyn, get a place near you and Jean.”

“Sounds like we’ll be in trouble if that happens, Jo and Jean a stone's throw away from each other?”

“I think the two of us are going to have our hands full when we get home, Croz.”

“I bet they’re saying the same thing about us,” Harry laughed. “And I wouldn’t blame Jean. I’ve been a real handful as of late.”

“Oh yea, you’re causing lots of trouble all the way over here.” Rosie chuckled, propping his legs up on the bed, feet hanging off the edge so as to not dirty the sheets. He didn’t miss the slight look of distress that flashed across his friend's face. 

He regarded him carefully; he looked like he had something on the tip of his tongue. His face looked worried, like he had something weighing him down exponentially, and Rosie would allow his friend the moment if he needed it. After all, it was the holiday’s and they were the best source of camaraderie that they had; friends should be there for each other. No one understood that better than he did. 

“No, I’ve been a handful…” Harry finally continued. 

“Croz?”

“Remember after Munster? When Harding sent me to Oxford?”

“Yea…”

“They double you up when you’re at those conferences, and my roommate, she-”

“Ah jeez, Croz…”

Harry sighed, dropping his head, too ashamed to look his friend in the eye. The moment had turned in the blink of an eye, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it, or get his friend through it. But he’d be damned if he didn’t try. 

“I don’t know how to tell Jean.”

“Is this why you kept disappearing up to London? To see her?”

“How do I tell my wife that I slept with another woman?”

“You just do, Croz.”

“That’s the worst possible thing to write in a letter. ‘Honey, I miss you terribly, by the way…’”

“Alright, I see your point. But you need to tell her.”

“This fucking war,” Harry sighed. “I swear, it peels the humanity right from your bones.”

“Then you fight it.”

“More than we already have? More than what we’ve given and lost?”

Rosie knew he was referring to Bubbles, and for a moment he let his mind wander to Nash, and that first mission to Bremen. It would be easy to fold; to pack it up and let the fight take from you more and more. But he would be damned if he’d let it take more from him, and if he had to fight a little extra to make sure it didn’t take any more from his friend, he’d do that too. 

“You’re not fighting it alone, Croz.”

“Feels like it most of the time.”

“And you’re fighting for something back home, even if you feel like you don’t deserve it at the moment.”

“I don't deserve her.” 

“Yea, you do. And you’ll tell her everything, whether you write it, or tell her when we get home. And Jo and I will be there for you both.”

Harry looked like he was about to respond when the door to the Officers Hut swung open. He turned, half expecting a replacement officer, but was surprised to see Blakely and Douglass, the former with a cigarette tucked behind his ear, and Douglass swinging a bottle of something in his left hand. 

“Nightcap, fellas?” Douglass lifted the bottle, and Rosie could just make out the label. Vat 69. 

“Where the hell did you get that, Dougie?” Harry’s eyes went wide at the familiar label from back home. A very expensive label. 

“Been saving it, so come on, let’s have a drink.”

“No, seriously, who’d you steal that from?” Rosie asked, watching as Blakely gathered four of the glasses the boys kept on their side tables for brushing their teeth. 

“I won it in a bet, if you must know.” Douglass grinned, pulling the wax seal from the neck of the bottle before pulling the cork out.

“The details are not of importance,” Blakely chimed in, swatting Rosie’s legs off the bed to take up the space next to him. “What is important is that we’re here, and alive, so stop asking questions and have a drink would ya?”

Douglass poured for the four of them, dropping himself down on the bed next to Rosie’s, while waiting for Harry to join them. 

“Any day now, Croz…” he groaned, glass between two fingers as he held it out for the navigator. “It’ll be ‘45 by the time you move.”

“Dougie… fuck off.” Harry stood with a laugh, brushing off his slacks before snatching the glass and taking the seat next to him. “And anyway, we’d all better be home by ‘45.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Blakely nodded, holding his glass up to cheers his friends, the only ones left that weren’t replacement crews, or trapped somewhere in the Stalag. 

The foursome sat silently as they sipped their prize whiskey, thoughts turned presumably to home and memories of Christmas and New Years’ spent with people they loved and missed. 

“Alright, what would you be doing if you were home right now?” Ev broke the silence, leaning his elbows on his knees, gaze landing on Harry. 

“His wife, dumbass.” Douglass chuckled. 

“Woah hey, none of that.” Rosie looked between the two, the rules immediately being put into place without having to say them. 

They didn’t talk like that, but he assumed it had been a bit too much whiskey already for Douglass, and with there no mission on the horizon for tomorrow, their guards were all down a bit. 

“Right, right, sorry Croz,” Douglass held his hands up in apology. “For real, what would you and Jean be doing if you were home?”

“We’d go out for dinner, but I think we’d probably be home for the bells,” he closed his eyes wistfully, and Rosie knew his friend was simply hoping that he’d be able to do that next year. “Dance in the living room, and yea, off to bed.”

Blakely nodded, reaching across to drop his hand to Crosby’s knee in a gesture of good faith, that he felt for him in a way, and was hoping he’d get that moment sooner rather than later. 

“What about you?” Ev turned to his right, finding Rosie sitting quietly. 

“What about me?” Rosie brought the glass to his lips, taking a small sip and letting the taste linger on his tongue a moment. 

“Would you and Josephine be out on the town?” Douglass asked, gesturing to the photo on Rosie’s side table. 

“Oh yea, we’d be at Minton’s, dancing until they kicked us out I’m sure.” Rosie laughed. 

“Together at the club then?”

“Every year we go dancing on New Years,” Rosie started. “Christmas and Hanukkah are for family, New Years is for friends.”

“She’s more than a friend.” Harry looked at him pointedly. 

“She is, and a fella can dream that she’ll say yes when I get home.”

Blakely, who had been pulling the cigarette from behind his ear to light it, fumbled, dropping it to the ground at Rosie’s confession. 

“You got a ring?!”

“No, but, that’s my second order of business once I’m back stateside.”

“And the first?”

“To kiss the hell out of her.” Rosie confessed. 

“Good man.” Blakely slapped him on the shoulder, a smile on his face. 

It was absolutely the whiskey talking this time, but he was among friends. The trust was insurmountable. Between the confessions that had taken place before Ev and Dougie had joined them, and the warmth flowing through his veins, Rosie lifted the glass to his lips to drain it, before standing from his place on the bed. Swiping the envelope from earlier, and a clean sheet of paper from the table, he glanced at his friends with a grin, and offered a two fingered salute. 

“Gentlemen, I’ll be back.”

“Where are you going! We still have more whiskey!” Douglass hollered after him. 

“Save it for another occasion!” Rosie called back as he pushed through the doors and out into the chilly January air. 

He walked until he found a spot under one of the lamp posts, the bench undoubtedly cold as he sat down, but he wouldn’t be out here for long. Just enough time, and privacy, to get the thoughts swarming around in his head out on the page before he lost his nerve. 

Pulling his pen from his breast pocket, he carefully let the paper rest on his thigh before he began scrawling his extra note. 

Hi Sweetheart, 

I know this is coming with no context but, I want you to know how much I adore you. I know I’ve said it in different ways, and a few times by now, but, I mean it. Truly, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. And to say it from thousands of miles away, with a war on no less. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to hit me once I’m back home. 

Just know that I’ll always, always, carry your heart with the most careful of hands. I’ll keep you safe, and treasure every moment we have together. Anything you want, it’s yours, Jo. A quiet life together, or a herd of children that jump on the bed on Sunday mornings. I’ll make sure you have it honey. 

Just know, I’m yours for however long you’ll have me, Josephine. I’m hoping for forever, but that’s a question for another day. 

I love you,

Robbie 

A/N: Thanks for reading! This series will continue for Rosie & Jo, so if you enjoyed this, please like, comment, reblog- whichever is your poison. Feedback is always welcome & my ask box is always open. If you want to be added to my tag list, or removed, let me know!

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