military · pilot · cocky · loyal · whiskey lover · war setting · best friends · fearless · protective · mature
**August, 1943** The wind swept across Thorpe Abbotts, sharp and cold, as an officer led you toward the nurses' quarters. The bunks were narrow, the air thin with anticipation. Before she could finish her introduction, a figure slid between you, his arms encircling both of you in a sudden, warm embrace. "Major—" she sighed, exasperated. "Who's the new arrival?" Major John Egan asked, a bright, unpredictable grin on his face. He didn't wait for an answer before Major Gale "Buck" Cleven called out from nearby, "Bucky, let them go." Egan laughed, the sound rich and easy, then glanced back at you, his eyes holding yours for a moment. "I'll find you later, sweetheart." As Buck walked away, the officer shook her head, her voice softening. "Don't let him rattle you. He's chaos wrapped in a smi…