ᴘᴀɴᴅʟᴇ & ᴋɪᴊᴀɴɪ ᴡᴡɪɪ

[Pandle]

ᴊᴀɴᴇᴛ ʀᴜʙʏ ᴡɪʟsᴏɴ

"-Ruby, do you understand?"
"General, Sir," night had fallen onto the port, the arms of darkness curling around the citizens, here they dare not to provide light in case the Germans who fly overhead on their way to England should drop bombs here instead. It is a fear shared by the residents, a fear which sees Janet and the General seated in an office lit by a lone candle with the heavy curtains drawn across the window.
Since her arrival (a flustered and highly undignified arrival at that) the General has weaselled the events from Janet and in return provided direction and clothing. She was even comforted by a hot bath before he met with her properly. Cleansed and now clothed in a pine green dress, with more clothes being collected for her dresser, Janet found herself content for the first time since her deportation. The General was, perhaps, her only friend knowing of her future. A friend so close that she had confided her knowledge in him; that the British government expected her to die in Germany. He had offered a solution, no comfort, and that was why Janet adored him. He was a man of business not of feeling and all too often in Janet's short life men of feeling had come to gristly and betraying ends.
"Good. Do you have anything else?" General Ruston pushed himself from the leather arm chair and stalked toward the book case as he spoke.
"Sir, might I ask of another serving man?" He glances over his shoulder, his bright blue eyes quizzical, the movement of a nod so slight that if she had not been looking for it Janet would never have seen it. "Captain Haines Harley, Sir, whose roster is he on?"
"Colonel Jenkins asked for him personally after the promotion. He is scheduled on a return to England in a few days." Janet felt her heart twist in discomfort. The General hadn't turned his curious gaze away, it sat on Janet's shoulders like a scarf wrapped around her neck, slowly suffocating her.
"After-"
"You cannot feel for him, Ruby." His voice snaps like a whip and Janet hushes, startled, her fiery eyes down turned. "It would compromise everything." The General lapses into a grave silence and returns to the book shelf, fingering the spines until his selected volume came to hand. Plucking it from its pocket he returned to his desk where he remained upright.
"To the young romantic love is everything but the feelings pass, Ruby, and you must let them. You must not act upon them. You must deny them. Do not idle your mind, I shall make some calls, find you some work."
Janet longed to snap her head up and contradict the General, she wished to inform him of his wrongness, of how she had no feelings for the soldier at all and she simply cared for his well being. But she couldn't bring herself to lie to him. It was all the worse for that he was right. It was as if he had plunged an icy blade into her chest and twisted it.
"Of course Sir. Thank you Sir." Rising to her feet Janet brushed a non-existent strand of hair from her face and departed, her stature humbled by the encounter.

She was grateful for what he had done. She was clean, she had clothes again, a room to stay and soon she would have work again. It was the General who would see her into Germany in the New Year, he who would help her escape afterwards. Her future, her very life, was in the man's hands, yet she couldn't feel the satisfaction and relief she had expected to feel. She felt torn. He was asking her to chose, commanding her to do so, between Haines and Germany. Between one man and the war.
He gave her the choice because he knew she couldn't abandon the war effort. He was her tormentor. Janet hated him for it. The truth of reality settled around her as a blanket, it muffled all other thoughts as she undressed and feel into the provided bed, sleep coming after some hours of distress and leaving in a rush before dawn.

Tossing a glance at the clock with hands settling onto the time zero-five-hundred hours Janet rolled from the covers and sat upright in the abyss. The room was still and the stillness carried on beyond the walls and doors into the complex of business. She estimated her sleep to have lasted little more than four hours and considered herself lucky as she rose to her feet toward the wash basin.
It would be too early to call for some hot water, instead she splashed the cold remnants of her previous days water into the china bowel and washed with her teeth barred against the chill. She was already of a mind for what she would do, she had few options. Patting herself dry she carried herself toward the dresser in which clothes had been stored for her use. They were all working clothes except for the polite green dress the General had given her last night but she was hardly able to raise a protest.
Uniform was all anyone wore these days. Soldiers lived in their military fabrics as if it were their skin, women lucky enough to be employed did not dare to wear anything else in case they should be mistaken for a casual girl. The world was divided into uniforms and civilians, and few desired the statues of a civilian. Sliding into her military issued clothing she found herself comforted by her place. The world was bearable when she knew her position and the expectations of her.
She had snatched just ten minutes of time getting dressed but she hardly minded, she knew of one man who would be awake and moved toward the door only to find it being knocked upon.
"Enter." Hurrying to unlock the door she found herself looking up to the General.
"I knew you would be awake." He whispered slyly as she stepped to one side, inviting the General in, pressing the door quietly shut behind him.
"I was about to come and find you," Janet admitted as she clasped her hands before her, gazing expectantly at the man.
"I have made some phone calls and called upon some favours. Ruby would you do this for me?" Janet tilted her head, puzzled. "Go to India. The Japanese are on the offence again and they have a great number of wounded troops, you will be on the front line still, just until Christmas, it'll be easier to get you into Germany too."
India. The Asian country rings in her ears with deafening clarity. India.
"India?"
"Yes."
"Why India? What are you keeping from me Sir?"
"Questions have been raised, it is best if you leave. Sending you to England is no option, you'll vanish before ever being seen and I cannot keep you here, the Germans may recognise you. Go to India, then everyone can forget you. It will make things easier Ruby."
Everyone can forget you. What about Haines? Janet wanted to yell at the General, wanted to throw her fists against him in protest but she couldn't. Instead she found herself nodding.
"I will go to India then." The General sighed in relief.
"I'll fix travel for you, I shall insure everything goes smoothly. Please, will you stay here until your departure?" Again confirming Janet bid farewell to the General and sank back onto the bed, her hands clasped in prayer.

She was dragged from prayer by a startled beam of sunlight. It crossed through the window and onto Janet's back, warming her slowly. Aroused by the soft heat she blinked weariness from her eyes and hurried from the room, trotting down the corridors and hallways, down the elegant staircases onto the streets. Even then she didn't slow down, she ran over the cobbles, over roads and past opening shop fronts and cafés until the hotel reared up before her. It was already busy in the town. Flying into the lobby she didn't waste time turning her gaze on the scenary, instead she skidded to a stop before the receptionist.
"Excusez-moi, monsuire, s'il vous plait mais le capitaine Haines, est-il ici?" Janet pleaded in french, her eyes hoping beyond all hope that he would still be here and that he hadn't already left.

[Airmid]

Haines

The suave receptionist had been startled by the hurried English woman, as she bustled into his lobby. Her loudness in the early hours of the morning hurt and annoyed his ears, drawing a frown on his features. Opening his mouth, he was almost about to shout to the security guards to escort her away from this place until he noticed the smart uniform that she was clothed in. When the loud woman rushed over to his desk, he reeled back a little, worried that she was unstable. However all his worries dissipated when she recited perfect French to him. Bringing a smile to his young features. Of course there was the hint of an English accent, but it was bearable. At her question, he frowned before looking down and rummaging through a pile of papers, in order to find Monsieur Harley's documents. It was the same receptionist Haines had encountered the night before, so the man remembered the Captain's face, but wanted to be sure. "Ah-" The Frenchman exclaimed, holding up the pieces of documents to the light in order to see properly. There was no signature to say, that the Captain had checked out, and that meant one thing, "Il a quitté pour la journée, mais devrait être de retour dans la soirée" The receptionist explained apologetically. His superiors had been informed of the Captains arrival, and they knew that he would be out most of the day, for the few days he would be staying in the hotel, "Je suis vraiment désolé madame" He continued, noticing the slightly desperate look on her face, "Je peux écrire pour dire que vous avez visité...?" He questioned hopefully, attempting to right the wrong that he seemingly had committed. However, he needn't have to, as the man they were both discussing suddenly walked through the door, a puzzled expression on his face.

...

Haines had woken up especially early that morning, the chunky alarm ringing through his eardrums and making him feel extensively nauseous. He would not have breakfast just yet. Perhaps at the barracks instead. Gaining momentum, he swung himself into a sitting position, and sat for a few minutes, hoping that his stomach would stop having a tantrum and quieten down. Which of course it did after a few minutes. Haines realised with mild disgust that he had slept in his uniform and was in desperate need of a shower, as the dirt and sweat clung to his clothes like a disease. Still to tired, and lacking in inhibitions, Haines stripped off and walked to the bathroom, not before throwing the old pieces of clothing on the floor carelessly. The shower was the same as the ones back home and was particularly easy to use, so Haines was able to finish his shower quick enough. Stepping out, only clothed in a towel, the soldier searched around a few times in order to locate his multiple uniform sets, hanging in the Oak wardrobe. Already cleaned and pressed, they all looked incredibly dashing- if he did say so himself. Checking himself in the full-length mirror a few times, Haines soon felt acceptable enough to be seen downstairs.

Trotting down the marble stairs Haines noted that he needed to take care of some business with whichever receptionist was currently manning the desk. Haines had been told that his personal gun and medical kits had been mailed to the hotel and should've arrived by the next morning. Which was now. Haines arrived in the lush lobby, noting that it was practically empty due to the time. That included the absence of any receptionist. The Captain frowned however confidently and rather loudly strolled over to the desk. His newly shined boots, 'clapping' against the granite floor. But still there was no one. All too soon, the captain arrived at the desk, and leaned over, peering through the door behind into what seemed like a much larger room. "Hullo-!" He called, loud enough for most to hear, but quiet enough not to wake guests. Still no one came. "Hullo?!" He called again, voice rising, as was his temper. "Bonjour-!" Haines tried, hoping that the staff's mother tongue would help. But it didn't. Cursing under his breath, Haines vowed to give the management and ear-ache when he arrived back from the barracks. Still muttering under his breath, Haines left the hotel and began the walk down the street.

It was after a few minutes, that he happened to look up, and catch the racing figure of Janet pushing past residents, a panicked look on her face. Haines tried to wave and call out to her, but she must not have heard him as she was on the other side of the road. The panicked look scared him. Was she running from someone? If so, she may need his help. Abruptly turning, and irritating the walkers behind, Haines began to mimic Janet's actions and push away as many people as possible, all the while trying to keep the faster woman in sight. The Captain first became a little confused when the direction she was taking, took the two of them back his hotel way. What confused the soldier even further was when he noticed his car, parked a little ways off from his hotel. It puzzled him. Who was she so desperate to meet? For a moment, the dark cloud of jealousy hovered over Haines' head, as he pondered whether or not she was seeing a lover. For reason's unknown, he seemed not to wonder if she was rushing to see him. Falling back a little, Haines debated on whether or not to turn back and keep going to his barracks. Obviously not, as before his brain had time to register what was happening, he pushed his way through the doors in time to see the apologetic look on the receptionists' face, turn from shock to recognition as he noticed the Captain.

"Janet-?" Haines questioned, with a frown. His breathing had doubled in speed from the effort it had taken him to push his way through the crowd, leaving him breathless. Haines stopped in his tracks, eyeing the uniform she was wearing up and down warily. Why was she being deployed so soon after what had happened? Did she not deserve a few days rest? The Captain made a mental note to ask the local Colonel, or even General to grant her a few days leave. Stepping forwards a few more times to close the distance between the two, Haines scanned her face to see if he could work out what was wrong. He couldn't.

[Pandle]

ᴊᴀɴᴇᴛ ʀᴜʙʏ ᴡɪʟsᴏɴ

Absent? He cannot be!
The sinking reality of her emotions crashed over her, she could feel the colour drain from her cheeks as her chest rose up and down. She had to compose herself, she was getting flustered for no reason. Calm. Calm down. Deep breathes, steady. The composure of her thoughts settled her irregular breathing and before the receptionist could utter his apology she had regained control of herself. What a fool she must have appeared to be.
"Pardon, ce serait très gentil de votre part monsieur, merci." The General would never find her transport for today, unlikely a train would depart tomorrow either, she could wait a day to see him, she could do other things. She could... could... she was at a loss. She had no idea of what she would do for the day. Glancing down at her polished shoes she didn't witness Haines' abrupt entrance, rather it took for the startled and distressed cry of "Janet" to escape from his mouth before she knew he was there. With her head flying upright and her shoulders snapping back she found her arm rising to a salute automatically.
"Captain!" Her face shone with genuine pleasure at his sudden appearance as she tossed her puzzlement between the Captain and the receptionist. "You're not out?" He was flustered now and Janet beamed with amusement, her eyes sparkling in glee and she swooned across the gap between them.
For the first time she could study his features properly. He was clean shaven and the hard line of his jaw was rigid, the ridge of his nose prominent but, most noticeable to Janet, were his eyes. They shone with concern, even his wounded eye, Janet was sure of it. Turning back to the receptionist Janet raised her hand in farewell.
"Nous vous laissons maintenant, pardonne-nous de la perturbation," stealing a wondering side glance toward Haines Janet gestured that they should depart the hotel reception and made the first steps toward the doors, the pot plants bobbing their leaves to the whisper of a breeze.

The sea air was rich with salt and fish, the portly town was already humming with business masters, shop fronts opening, employees finishing the last touches to the displays. It would be a while before the strolling figurines of interested buyers would decorate the streets. In a world of constant rotation and action they had a moment of selective privacy on the streets of Calais.
"I had to come and find you Haines," she faltered with her tongue uncertain what it was she desired to say. What was she meant to tell him? That she was going to India because she had fallen in love with him? In love with him. The words sat in her minds eye and melted her insides until she felt gay with the feeling.
Drawing a fresh breath into her lungs she tried again.
"I, wanted to thank you properly, you saved my life. Will you dine with me? I mean," she cast her head down, shamed "would you like to join me for dinner tonight? If you're not busy, I understand if you cannot, I would like to repay you that is all." And to return your coat. But she cannot muster the words to her mouth, instead she bores into his face, the intense emotion of hope sprawled over her features.

[Airmid]

Haines

The soldier had been about to launch into question after question after question, as to what Janet was doing in this place, however stopped in a moment of wonder. The look on the nurses face, completely threw the usually calm and collected Captain. He had never really seen an expression, as emotional and heart-stopping as that one. The sudden wave of joy, and pleasure from seeing that face send the man reeling. A light blush decorated the soldiers cheeks before he had any way in which to stop, and before he really knew it, the room had become suffocatingly hot. Gulping a little, Haines pushed a finger on the inside of his collar in order to loosen it a little and let some air into his tight and thickly layered clothes. What snapped the Captain out of his momentary trance was the stiff salute that Janet automatically did, immediately sending waves of amusement rushing all the way through his body. Of course he refused to show, how strangely funny he found it, still maintaining his stoic, but concerned expression from earlier. But then she had to ruin his temporary comfort, by closing the gap between them in one movement, having to resist the urge to step backwards once more, Haines' eyes crossed a little as he looked down at Janet's face. And then that expression was there once more, only closer. Close enough that he could reach out and touch it. Thankfully, Haines was able to stop himself, instead subtly breathing in her perfume, and letting the heady scent dance around him, giving the man a slight high. Coming back to reality, Haines listened to the ensuing conversation silently, casting a slightly annoyed glance at the receptionist who had ruined his momentary bliss.

Haines had never been particularly stunning at French. Nor German. Nor any other language for that matter. But especially French. The Captain had to watch especially hard in order to understand what it was Janet wanted from him, after she spoke the musical and romantic language to the receptionist. Scratching the back of his neck a little awkwardly, Haines noted her gesture for the duo to leave and followed obediently, not before dipping his head a little in the Universally recognised greeting and/or acknowledgement. The receptionist, watched the two a little curiously, before returning the gesture. Haines waited a few moments for Janet to take the lead before following her out the door, and into the breezy and salty air that was Calais. The Captain noted various homeless men, eyeing the two darkly, most likely looking at their uniforms, and mentally counting up how much money they might get from mugging the two. Silently and for a fraction of a second Haines eyed a particularly grubby gentleman hostilely, before turning back to Janet curiously. Haines mentally wrote down that; he was becoming much more protective. Jealous. Not the kind of man he was used to being. Obliviously, he wondered why. As if trying to delude himself as to what the cause of the sudden change in personality was. It was hopeless, Haines knew deep down what the reason for his suspicious and strange nature, but was certain that the remarkable woman standing before him would never feel the same way.

Haines remained curiously silent, as Janet began to speak, eyes widening a little before returning back to normal at Janet's first sentence. Almost immediately, his blush returned, forcing the proud man to look away and into the chilly wind that bit at their faces. When the embarrassed woman stopped herself midway through her sentence, Haines abruptly looked down to study her face, a flash of hope darting across his features. Haines wanted to scream his answer; Yes! Yes of course he would go to dinner with her. She needn't even ask. All this woman needed to do, was turn up, and he would happily go to dinner with her. Turning to fully face Janet once more, Haines placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, in a, hopefully, comforting manner and squeezed a little. "Janet-" Haines began, however stopped himself, unsure as to how he would continue. How could he answer her without seeming like a lost boy, grasping on to the first chance he was able. Instead, Haines decided to just say what felt natural; "Of course I would go to dinner with you" Haines finally grinned out, before removing his hand and looking at the time that the silver watch depicted. Dark eyebrows knitting together with worry, Haines swore under his breath. He would not get a chance to really prepare anything to say to the men. But in hindsight, it did not really matter to the Captain. In the small space of time, he had been able to verify that Janet was safe, and secure a dinner. Ignoring the watch, Haines returned his hands to his sides, before looking Janet directly in the eyes. Or rather, eye. As he could only see from his right, when looking someone in the eye, Haines had learned to just pick whichever and stick with it. But this time it was hard. Both of Janet's lush brown eyes seemed to need attention.

"I will of course go to dinner with you Janet" Haines re-enforced, "But for the most part of today, I must be in the barracks, I'm sorry" Haines apologised, wishing that there was something, anything that he could say in order to postpone his presentation for a day or two, "I will finish at Six, and can be at the hotel for Six-thirty if you wish" The Captain suggested, hoping to whichever God was up there, that she would be able to do so.

[Pandle]

ᴊᴀɴᴇᴛ ʀᴜʙʏ ᴡɪʟsᴏɴ

Hope is a dangerous thing; it can kill a man but it can save them too.
If ever there were a phrase that Janet could call upon it was that of hope. It was the only prayer she could muster on her lips when the Colonel had abandoned her, the only letters able to utter a symphony of sound in her larynx, the only belief she could grasp with both hands and assure herself to. Hope, a dangerous thing, in an ill mind it could lead to reckless behaviour, in a sane mind it was suicidal. But Janet knew the risks of hope, she knew the consequences, was a familiar friend to the grave yard of hope's victims. Yet still the reward. Of going on. Of clinging to an idea of more, of better. Hoping was a risk worth taking. And she took it now.
Her energetic eyelashes swept over her cheeks as she settled her delicate cocoa optics onto the soldier. He had confirmed he would join her! Elation filled her heart, she would avoid the General for the day, at least then she might repay the Captain. In the broken world of war she had found refuge in one man's solace and she was determined not to have it snatched away from her. But she would have to break him the bad news of her future. That she was to go to India. Far away, impossibly far.
Before she could utter the words of solemn truth a wave of alertness reined her in; she was assuming he cared. Perhaps he was being chivalrous in accepting her offer because he wished not to insult her, and she had made such a fool of herself already. Perhaps he was trying to lessen her humiliation. Yet as she held his lone eye in both hers she couldn't bring herself to accept that as the truth. He had accepted to readily, he faulted with the language of his own mother tongue in agreeing. Surely then he cared?
"I'm so glad," Janet hiccuped steadily in reply, unable to hide the smile of delight that rode on her lips and spun between her ears. Truly she was ecstatic to see him later. A day to occupy herself, if she could manage it, with the reassurance of his meeting later.
"Heavens, Captain, I have kept you from your work!" Memories of his information from the previous day echoed in her skull; he was meant to be visiting the barracks! How cruel of her to keep him. "You best go Mr Harley, I will meet you at half past, I, I cannot wait." She curved her head down and restrained herself from bobbing a curtsey -she was no romantic character of history, she was not fictional for existing only between the pages of a book. She was herself, she was real. The pain in her chest as her heart hammered was proof enough of that. If the General were ever to find out that she had gone behind him to see Haines he would be furious, if the Colonel knew ... perhaps nothing would come of it. He was a young man, an attractive young man of gentlemanly stock there must have been a lover for him somewhere. How foolish of her to hope otherwise.

Then she always had been a bit of a fool.

"Haines, before you go, will you take this?" The urge had been sudden, she had had no time to approve or disapprove of the action she was undertaking but there was no retreating now. She leant forward, the honey silk skin of her cheek brushing with his jaw line, his nose meeting with hers as she tucked a soft kiss against his face. She lingered, for a moment, drinking in the dizzying cologne he fashioned, the individual strands of protein that accumulate into hair, the dowry of his ear. Then she leant back and sheepishly brought her hand to his face, the presence of his palm on her shoulder encouraging. She wanted to say something, anything, to reassure him that it was okay, they would see each other in a few hours and she would make sure of it, but language failed her. Instead all she could do was hold his eye with her own and hope.

[Airmid]

Haines

The Captain could barely hold back a smile, at Janet's reaction. Pleasure and joy cracking his concerned and slightly overwhelmed features, as he watched this remarkable woman before him stumble over her words a little. Just like he had. He began to protest, when she started about, 'keeping him', about to tell her, that he would much rather spend his time with her, than with the rough and dirty men of the barracks, but thought better of it. That would most definitely sound needy. And the last thing Haines wanted to do was scare her away. This was the first woman, that he even felt remotely comfortable with, and uncomfortable in another sense, but the conflicting feelings were something that the Captain wanted to keep. It reminded him that he was still alive and kicking in this world. Haines had just begun to turn his back on the dizzying sight of the woman before him, as she shoo'd him away, his hand lingering hopefully on her shoulder for a few seconds, before the soldier began to lose all physical contact with Janet, she stopped him. Telling the man that there was something she was to give him. Raising an eyebrow curiously to see what he had forgotten, or what it was she was to give him, Haines turned back around with interest.

What Haines had not been expecting, but inside had hoped, was the action she was about to take. Before Haines' brain even had time to register what was happening, she had already leaned up, eyes slightly closed, causing Haines' own to widen in fear. But also wonder. The light, feathery, soft, wondrous and heart-stopping touch of Janet's lips to Haines' cheek, was a complete surprise in it's own right. What had he been thinking that she was going to do? Leaning in like that, he shouldn't be surprised. But he was. Absolutely. And yet- the sudden shock died down almost as quickly as it had come, as time seemed to slow. Haines could feel Janet's breath against his skin, and hear the way his heart immediately sped up. Even blinking seemed to take an eternity, his brain was doing everything possible in order to extend the contact, as his body automatically relaxed into Janet's touch. Unfortunately, this eternity did not last anywhere near as long as he would've liked, as the warmth against the soldier's jaw and neck suddenly disappeared, replaced by the biting and salty wind the was Calais. His only comfort however, was the small and warm hand that encompassed his cheek, head instinctively rolling to the side a little in order to be closer to the hand.

For a moment, Haines said nothing, just looking into the warm and comforting eyes of his companion, who did the same by not saying anything. The Captain found it strange. Strange that such a small and tranquil gesture had left the man absolutely speechless. He was no saint, when it came to physical contact. He was a young man, and had been able to experience everything from one end of the spectrum to another, and yet here he was. Stunned by such a calm move. He was completely unsure of what to do. The only thing he was 100% certain, was that; he needed to set off for the barracks soon. But then again, Haines really did not want to leave Janet. But of course, he had to. The look she was currently sending him, gave off waves of sheer reassurance. And Haines should know this. After everything she had been through. He should know that she would be able to take care of herself, but- There it was. There was always a but. Steeling himself, Haines reached up and covered her hand with his own, hoping to warm it up a little against the intense coolness of the morning. Gently, Haines peeled it away from his face, until he was holding Janet's hand in front. Tucking his free hand, behind his back, Haines lent forwards a little, before brushing a kiss against Janet's knuckles.

It would not even count as a kiss in most cases, as all he did was touch the dry and chapped lips to her soft and silky skin, but Haines hoped it would be enough. Dropping both their hands to waist level Haines lingered there for a moment, unsure as to which course of action one should take next. Like any insecure, young man; he opted for comedy. Grinning a little, Haines cocked his head to one side, "Perhaps I will order more of those" the Captain finally smiled out, however internally, he was berating himself. What a ridiculous thing to say. After a moment like that. Haines knew it, he'd ruined any chance at seeing Janet every again. But he would need to just run with it. Stepping back sharply, Haines gave Janet a stiff, but good-natured salute followed by a bow; left hand across his middle, with his right behind his back. The kind of bow one would do, before dancing with one's partner at a ball. Standing up straighter once more, Haines lingered for a few more seconds, before forcing himself to leave. If he left without looking back at Janet, he would be less likely to forget his duties and stay with her the whole day. Unfortunately, he was unable to do this, after Twenty paces or so, the Captain peeked out the corner of his eye at Janet, instantly regretting it. He would need to be tight with himself, and not give into temptation.

As long as she was safe, that was all that really mattered to Haines right now.

[Pandle]

ᴊᴀɴᴇᴛ ʀᴜʙʏ ᴡɪʟsᴏɴ

The parchment of his flesh against hers was intense, the wonder of his digits brushing against hers, the radiant warmth of his essence. Janet caught her breath as his hand closed over hers, the silk skin of his face was smooth and tender, that of his hands rough, labourers hands. The contrast was astonishing, she let him hold her against him. In the depth of her soul she smothered the rising guilt of abandonment for Danny; he was dead. He was cold in his grave. Janet had to stop living in the past or she would never be in the present let alone the future.
He would understand. Wouldn't he? Danny would surely understand?
As a true gentleman might from the romantic books he took her hand and blessed it with the promise of a kiss. The unfaltering movements of affection wringing her heart but it was the tune of his baritones that brought the most amusement; the shame of his joke. It couldn't have been a more appalling joke and yet, for some reason it was the right thing to say. It was a bridge between them, a free frame for them to cross between. A connection.
"They're only available for a limited time," it was equally as shameful in wit but Janet couldn't help it. The giggle that escaped between her parted lips was unplanned, the whole moment was spontaneous, it surprised her, filled her with hope. Even his retreating back couldn't dampen her mood, he had elated her spirits. She watched his escape with sheer joy; they would reunite. He glance back warmed her heart beyond everything else, he truly cared for her! Like a stupid child she brought her hand up and waved him farewell.

He had work, she ought to find something to do instead of stand love-struck on the road. The coldness of the morning was beginning to lighten as the August sun rose higher, its rays of gold slowly toasting the air. It would be a mild day rather than warm, August was slipping into September all too soon. Suddenly the Christmas Janet had spent three years longing for she no longer desired. She wanted nothing but time with the Captain.
A car horn blasting in alarm woke her from her day dreaming; the frustrated Frenchman smashing his hand against the agitated horn, his hand waving out the car window for her to move. Side stepping onto the pavement Janet couldn't erase the smile of amusement nor the sparkle in her eye as the driver flawed past. Nothing could ruin her day now. Lingering on Haines' automotive Janet began to move away, reluctant to part with the spot in case -no, no she wouldn't even contemplate the thought. They were miles from the front line here in Calais and he was only going to the barracks. No harm would come to him. She retraced her route back toward the embassy and turned off early, she had spotted the red cross outside the building earlier but now she had reason to visit; perhaps she could defy the General and work with the Red cross in Calais; perhaps then she would never be too far away from the Captain.
Her polished shoes clapped against the paving stones and ushered the dust from the steps of the old library. The building had been over run by volunteering women and a couple of soldiers.
Food sacks were being heaved in and opened briskly, ration slips handled on one side were a cue of people had already gathered. As Janet entered she found a Canadian soldier standing before her. She could tell by his uniform; she'd learnt to identify uniforms in her first month at Bletchly. It came as naturally to her as reading.
"Bonjour madame," he began in fluent French.
"Ruby, please," interrupted Janet warmly.
"Ruby." Agreed the soldier with a handsome smile. "How can I help?"
"I have a few days of leave, I thought I might be of some use." The Canadian's smile grew wider at her explanation and he raked her with his sharp green eyes, his duckling soft yew hair peeking out from beneath his beret.
"That is, very kind of you Ruby but if you are on leave we would need evidence-"
"General Ruston is finding me transport for deportation to Asia, please, I would like to be of some use here." His smile fell as if he had found something no longer so pleasant.
"You have a sweetheart here." Janet struggled to tell if he was asking or stating so made no move to help his ideas. "Come with me." Accepting her silence on the matter the nameless Soldier led her back behind the work stations toward a door at the back of the hall and beckoned her in. The tidy world of the front continued into the office. Type writers sat in rows and women typed promptly on them, the clatter of their fingers at work echoing around the space.
"Administration work is currently lagging, Mrs Nelly will help you get started." He gave a brisk salute to the women and retreated. Janet stood alone amongst strangers. She felt awkward, it was like being back at Bletchly.

[Ohmygawd that's so rubbish, i'm sorry. >.< I'll find my muse tonight. Honestly. ]

[Airmid]

(PFFT- All yours are BEAUTIFUL :'D)

Haines

Haines abruptly turned once more to face Janet in alarm, at the obnoxious Frenchman honking his horn in anger. His concern was soon replaced with amusement, as Janet quickly skittered out of the way of the slow moving vehicle. Thankfully, she did not seem distressed by the actions of the man, so Haines turned his back on more time, 100% set on getting to the barracks now. The walk was not too long. It woke up the slightly dazed soldier from his little dreamy bubble. Stuffing his hands in the crisp and unforgiving pockets his pressed trousers in order to protect the digits from the cold, Haines breathed in the salty sea air, the inside of his nasal passages stinging slightly. One could feel that today would not be a lush summer day in Calais, hot enough to sit on the beach and feed the gulls. But a transitional day. August was fast coming to an end, as September loomed and the winter chills waited in the wings for their time to shine. Haines learned to absolutely dread the winter. He had now spent two entire winters as a soldier, one in the Air Force and the most recent in the tranches. It had been a living Hell. Even though he had been a lieutenant, had was granted thicker sheets, he had still nearly passed out from the intense cold. Haines had heard of men dying in the bone chilling winter, especially in the North, where snow was much more likely to occur. Thankfully, nobody in his regiment had suffered that horrific fate. But it was never too late.

The Captain's musings had taken him to the grounds of the local barracks, where the newer recruits would be training and waiting to talk and ask questions of the local Captain. Like most barracks, the grounds were fenced off from the rest of the world by tall wire fences, lined with miles and miles of barbed wire that cruelly curled around the top of the fence like deadly brambles. Haines shuddered. During his training to become a fit soldier of the war, one was supposed to crawl for hours underneath, what seemed like, miles of this wire, only inches above your head. They were of course granted helmets, but sometimes one would need to take the blasted piece of armour off one's head in order to let your hair breathe for a few moments. In those moments, many men would get their hair caught and ripped out. Haines had thankfully, managed to endure the sweaty and humid heat that was constantly atop his head, along with many others, but would always make fun of the men who came out with a bald spot.

Pulling out the appropriate documentation from his lapel pocket, Haines confidently strolled over to the entrance, where the guards were waiting, guns strapped to their thighs. Immediately both men stopped their conversation and saluted the Captain, to which Haines replied "At ease boys" causing the men to drop their hands, but still stand to attention. "Captain Haines Harley, I believe I am expected" Haines introduced, showing the two men the documentation proving that he was who he said he was. Said guards inspected the papers, before one crossed a line through Haines' name on a clipboard that he was carrying. "Please go in Sir," The clipboard carrying man respectfully asked, as the other man unlocked the fence and opened it slight enough for Haines to enter. "Many thanks men" Haines replied with a grin before walking up the gravelled pathway and to the bunker style buildings.

...

At six 'o clock Haines was seen walking back up the stony pathway, towards the same guards from earlier. He supposed that the day went as well as it could have gone. Of course it was a little lonely, as he knew absolutely nobody there, but that didn't mean he had been without company. Many of the younger and newer men had wanted to hear stories of like in the Air Force, how he had lost the vision in his eye, and why he had been in the newspaper so recently. The Captain had forgotten about that. Of course there would be a new circulation of papers going round England and France since his spread in the Sunday paper, but it seemed his 'Heartbreaking and tragic story' had not gone un noticed. The pestering boys had even brought over the pages with his shirtless and bandaged form on the front, with that snake-like politician; Mr Saunders' arm wrapped around Haines' neck. The two looked ridiculous. And the article was equally as stupid too. But there was nothing Haines could really do about it, except tell the group of young men what had really happened and gingerly show the scar along his collar bone from where the bullet had punctured.

The whole thing could have gone better, and it could have gone worse. Haines had been rather distracted the whole time, as he had been acutely aware that each hour that passed was an hour closer to the dinner he was promised with Janet. Giving the gentleman at the gate a stiff nod of the head, the soldier ignored their back-handed comments about him being in a rush. Stiffly, and quickly, Haines walked toward the busier side of Calais where his hotel was. It still looked like midday, but was deceptive. As if it were possible, the temperature had been able to drop further, chilling the Captain further. Gritting his teeth against the bitter wind, Haines periodically rubbed his arms in order to generate friction and warm himself up. It worked for the most part, until he foolishly stopped the actions and all temperature gained was lost immediately. And so the cycle would start once more. But the cold, gave the man an incentive to walk faster to his hotel and get a quick shower before meeting Janet.

This time a different receptionist was manning the front, sending the bitterly cold Captain a good-natured and polite; Bonjour which was promptly ignored by Haines, who was in too much of a rush to catch a nice steaming shower. Roughly and aggressively, Haines pushed and twisted the key within it's lock and with a strong shoulder pushed his way into the room. It had been tidied since he'd left, the uniform that he'd carelessly thrown on the floor picked up and folded neatly by a nameless and faceless maid. Striding over to the window, Haines closed the curtains, before stripping off completely and heading towards the bathroom in search of a nice hot shower. The cold air brought goosebumps over the Captains skin, causing him to shiver a little, however the warm and scorching water bouncing off his skin was a nice luxury that steamed up the room like a sauna. Once washed, Haines stepped out of the delicious shower into the cooler air, instantly regretting it. Wrapping a towel around the lower regions of his body, the soldier geared himself up to enter the much colder bedroom. Again instantly regretting it. Using the cold as an incentive to get dressed, Haines frowned a little in disappointment when the only clothes he had to get changed into, were more army clothes. There was nothing else to wear, which disappointed the Captain greatly. But it would have to do.

Haines noted, with a little bit of shock that the time was Twenty minutes past Six, and at the current rate he was going, he would be late. Ignoring the disappointment of his attire, Haines dressed in the familiar green clothes, before grabbing his wallet, room key and leaving the room. Haines looked at his watch. Half-Past. He hoped that Janet would not be too upset that he would be a little late. Hurrying down the Eight flights of stairs, the soldier rushed out of the lobby towards the sleek black shape of his car. Six-Thirty-Five. He wasn't completely late, but it was unacceptable. Growling a little in annoyance at himself, Haines lent against his car, and prepared an apology speech, all the while keeping an eye out for Janet.

[Pandle]

ᴊᴀɴᴇᴛ ʀᴜʙʏ ᴡɪʟsᴏɴ

The Red Cross was comprised of absconded women and Canadian volunteers who were permitted by both sides of the war to provide medical treatment to any man that should need it; no matter his nationality or occupation in the war. The Calais base was handling the medical supplies for deportation, letters from prisoners of war were also written, the permitted twenty words short and blunt offering hope. Even as Janet occupied herself with transcripts she was painfully aware that her own fate was unlikely to come to the attention of a Canadian women behind a type writer. If she went to Germany and everything went wrong she would die. She could be shot or tortured, perhaps both. She would be reliant on her self-determination and General Alex Ruston to get her out.
"Are you Nurse Wilson?" A young British lady, perhaps the same age as Janet herself, stood before her in a flattering cream dress, her silky black hair groomed away from her face and held in netting.
"Who asks?" It was noon already, Janet had paid no attention to the time, her mind had been devoted to the disheartening stories of the soldiers trapped in Germany. One man, just sixteen, stuck in Buchenwald concentration camp. He wrote of his terror and fear through code. His story sickened the nurse. How could the German's be so heartless?
"My name is Mrs Jayne Newman, I think you used to know my husband?" Know him? There was only one boy with the name Newman. Janet could recall the impish boy with flops of blonde hair like duckling feathers. He had lived next door. Janet had grown up with him, she remembered when they were nine and he had stolen his mother's wedding ring and proposed. They had stood under the sycamore tree in Norfolk on an August day burning with heat and bird song.
Blinking the memories from her eyes Janet nodded slowly "I could never forget him Jayne, congratulations." Her petite face coloured a shade and she nodded.
"He spoke about you, lots. He said if anyone would be in the war effort it would be you. He bet a horse on it." She giggled anxiously and turned her watery brown eyes around the enclosed room. "I'm sorry, I, I,"
"Why're you here Jayne?" She was nothing but a girl, surely she had not been sent for the front line?
"Henry joined the Navy, I couldn't stand it all on my own, they sent the children away you know. London, it's empty of them. It ain't a city no more, it's nought but buildings and the ghosts of women. I had to get away."
Janet could think of better places to escape to that Calais.
"So you came to Calais?"
"No, no no!" She giggled anxiously again and glanced down at her hands. "Henry did some searching, found you were out here waiting for travel to India and he suggested I join you. I have family out there, see, and well, he suggested I go and stay with them a while."
Of course he did, thought Janet sceptically. How would Henry have known Janet was in the war effort? How would he have known where to look? He must be high ranking to get answers.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Janet couldn't cast her out, she was nothing but a lamb sent to slaughter. Janet already knew the answer to the question, she sought confirmation before extending the offer. "Stay with me then, here, take my keys. Go to the British embassy, room eighteen. Get yourself sorted." The young woman nodded gratefully and scurried away.

...

The coldness was deep and puncturing. Janet stood on the lisp of the step and cast her wondering gemstones over the pickle of officers and women. It was five, many of the shops were promptly closing, few dared to stay open late, people needed release before the dark came and with it the war.
She had given herself plenty of time to get ready, she couldn't deny the excitement that spun through her body, the very thought of the Captain was an aphrodisiac. With waves of goodbye to the Canadian troops Janet turned her head down against the weather and hurried through the streets, weaving among the populace toward the embassy. For hours she had sat in amongst the clatter of working women and men, she had her mind divided in so many ways that the coldness was reliving with its numbing properties.
Diving out of the cold into the well furnished embassy Janet was surprised to see the General downstairs speaking harshly toward the receptionist. Curious Janet paused but she had been noticed. Both men cut their conversation and smiled politely until she had passed them and was out of ear shot. If she had not been meeting with Haines she would, perhaps, have returned downstairs with a mind to discover their secret but she no time for such games tonight.
Her room was warm, a small fire snuggled in the grate and Janet noticed Jayne -whom she had guiltily forgotten all about- standing beside the window.
"Oh, hello," the girl stammered shyly, she hadn't changed from her clothes. Her cheeks were wet with tears. Janet turned her head away for shame of staring.
"I'm going out shortly, leave the door unlocked if you like, I might be late."
"Okay." Janet knew that she ought to say something else, something more, to comfort the woman but she could find nothing of reassurance. Her husband was in the navy, that was better than being on the front line, it gave him some hope. But Janet supposed it was little relief. If there was an accident at sea there would be no nurse to hold his hand into death, no body to recover, no last look at a lover.
The very thoughts were like a curse upon the man.
"Have you eaten?" The woman shook her head stiffly. Ought Janet invite the lamb to her dinner with the Captain? "Here," fumbling in her bag for her purse Janet pulled out a handful of euros and proffered them to Jayne. "Go and buy yourself some food." Jayne took the money without a word and quietly slipped from the room, her head bowed.

For the first time Janet dared to breath out. The clock on the wall read twenty-eight minutes past. She would have to hurry now. Janet called for a bath to be brought up and set a bucket of water over the fire to heat up. The tub arrived moments later, carried in by two serving maids who returned with large pales of water heated over stoves or fires from the kitchen. Thanking them in turn Janet closed the door against them and added her own bucket into the mix before slipping in. The bath was luxurious, the steam rolling over the surface, her skin baking at the feathery touch.
It was relaxing. Janet closed her eyes against the world and let an image of Haines rise behind her eyelids. He was in his uniform with a cigar clenched between his fingers. He shut the car door, his boots munching on the gravel of the road. It was the day he had rescued her. It was such a splendid image Janet opened her eyes with reluctance only to find the time had avalanched past. It was six o'clock. Leaping from the lukewarm water with alarm Janet instantly grabbed a towel and patted herself dry. She had only a green dress to wear and she stumbled toward the wardrobe with little expectation only to find an entire assortment of dresses.
What was going on?
Dumbfounded Janet checked the labels and found they were all her size. She had guessed Jayne was at least two sizes smaller, she was tiny truly, so what were these dressed doing in here? There was no time to be fussy. Climbing into an open girdle with attached suspenders Janet's hands fell against the black silk of an expensive gown. The neck was cut down into a deep V shape, its rims embroidered with white lace. The shoulders were padded as a custom and the waist drawn in. It suited like a wonder.
Without a full size mirror to check herself in Janet was stumped but she pulled a small hand mirror from her purse and fashioned the red lipstick onto her lips. She would have to leave her hair as it had been all day, curled and wavy, she had not time to do anything with it.

Time to go.
Dancing from the room Janet clutched her small evening purse tightly. She had found a thick winter fur coat in the back of the wardrobe and considered it a little over the top but she was glad for it when she stepped outside. The air was bright still, the sun reluctant to descend, but the temperature had plummeted.
She hurried down the streets for the third time that day, her eyes jiving between the men incase any should by Haines. But none were. She was foolish to think they might be. She would wait outside the hotel across the road, she didn't want to appear desperate when in secret she had longed for this hour. The café was closing down, a waiter wiping the tables and carrying them inside, Janet asked him for the time. It was twenty past six. He would be along shortly.
Patiently waiting for him to appear Janet remained calm, she directed her thoughts away from India and Jayne and the puzzlement of her Henry toward Haines. How had his day been? Would he enjoy her company? Had he waited for this moment as she had? What was he thinking? Where was he? Janet turned again as the waiter mounted his bicycle and told her it was thirty five past. She had been waiting ten minutes. Where was he?
He was only five minutes late reprimanded Janet's mind. She had to be patient. And it paid off. As the waiter cycled away Haines appeared in the hotel doorway. Janet sprang to her feet and walked forward, desperately trying to appear casual. Had she over dressed?
He stood in his unform, his clean body bright in the light, his whole attire screaming of masculinity. He was so attractive. Janet felt a deep longing for him and attempted to quell it.
"Captain Haines! I haven't kept you waiting have I?" She knew it was he who was late but she could not let him think she had stood waiting for him. She wouldn't let him think he had done wrong by her. It was such a small price to pay. "How are you?" She could hardly keep the intense joy from her lyrics as she spoke and led him down the street. She had had a small restaurant in mind all day, it served okay food and drink, the musical talent on display was what she really favoured. And it wasn't as if she could pay attention to the meal anyway. Not with his face across the table.

[Unnecessary flattery will get you far xD Thanks. It felt rubbish compared to yours but f that's what you think I shall stay mute.]

[Airmid]

(Pfft- PFFT I SAY...That post you just did was amaze brah...I feel like I should bow before your feet at your post *0*
EDIT: That's not preview... xD)

Haines

The Captain shivered deep within his chest at the biting wind that nipped and scorched his torso, his muscles contracting and detracting continuously in an effort to raise his body temperature, but it was no good. Haines had never been fond of the cold. But he did enjoy the snow. Well- he only enjoyed the snow as an onlooker that was safely wrapped and tucked away in the largest knitted jumper that his nurse maid had ever created, whilst sipping a lava-like tea against a crackling fire. Yes, he enjoyed the snow. But not the cold. The way it seemed to pierce right through his skin, almost burning and biting right down to his bones. But right now, the Soldier would have to deal with the air, as his personal and highly negative, feelings when it came to the weather would have to wait. At the exact same time Janet called out towards him, Haines shivered. Whether or not, that was in response to her voice, and his body reacting to her proximity, or his body only reacting to the cold; Haines didn't know. But he liked to think that it was because of her voice. A few seconds after she had called out his name, Haines jerked around to face the oncoming figure of Janet, immediately blurting out a half-apology before stopping and swallowing audibly, eyes wide.

"J-Janet you look..." Haines began, stuttering like a fool, as his brain desperately tried to catch up with his mouth, "You look beautiful!" Haines finally managed to exclaim in absolute awe at the young woman's beauty. However mentally, Haines was kicking himself once more. Beautiful?! Beautiful hardly did any justice to describe how Janet looked right now. Of all the adjectives in the English Language, he chose beautiful. He could have chosen; Stunning, Charming, Angelic, Divine, Magnificent, Radiant even Pulchritudinous! And he chose the most boring option of them all. There was a reason he had been sent to public school as a younger boy, and it was to improve his understanding of how to learn. And the soldier had always been particularly talented at English, reciting and analysing many poems. Writing short and meaningful stories. All in an effort to improve his vocabulary. And what had he done?! In those few seconds, he'd managed to undermine everything his various English teachers had taught him. Disgraceful. But he would just have to run with it, it seemed.

Eyes still wide from the initial shock, the Captain calmed himself for a moment, before looking Janet up and down properly. The silky-smooth material of her dress, seemed to flow and sit against Janet's body like a veil of water, flowing in the wind, and drawing in any unsuspecting creature. The drawn in waist was tantalizing, almost begging for his arm to wrap neatly round perfectly, ready to protect the remarkable woman from any danger. The same could not be said for the deep V-neck that she was so effortlessly sporting, drawing Haines' attention for a few seconds, before he hastily and with slight embarrassment turned away sharpishly. The Captain noticed bitterly that all the other men, that seemed to be around, all had eyes for Janet. Most of their eyes were roaming around the area the Captain had just looked away from, creating a possessive bubble of anger in the pit of his stomach, causing the man to crack his knuckles unconsciously, and occasionally catch they eyes of the men staring. To their credit, they would look away, but Haines couldn't understand why they even stared in the first place. Not that Haines was about to beat his chest, and start attacking any other man that looked the same way as the couple. Wait- Couple? No, no. Duo. That's right. They were not a couple, just two friends heading out for dinner. Both had saved each other's life, and now it was time to really get to know oneanother. Who was he kidding? Haines knew for a fact that he did not want to only be Janet's friend.

Yes, he wanted to be her friend. Perhaps her closest and best friend. But he also wanted to go out to dinner every night with this woman. To chatter about meaningless things with her, if only to spend a few precious more moments with her. To wake up every morning and be greeted with her smile, and then smile with her. To be able to confide in this woman about his hopes, dreams and fears, and perhaps in return, learn hers. To argue over pointless things, and then be given the opportunity to say sorry. But the longer, and more Haines thought about this, the less likely the whole situation seemed. Perhaps, if he were to be given one small chance, he might be able to make it work, but he knew. Haines knew that Janet most likely had a lover, partner, husband back in England. Perhaps he was a doctor, or a lawyer. Someone with enough money to give Janet what she deserved after her service in the effort; a stable home, with all the luxuries she could ever want. And Haines knew for a fact that he was unable to afford any of that. By himself at least. There was always his parents, but he would never ask for money from them. But then again, Haines knew his pride would one day, get himself killed.

The Soldier, stuffed his right arm into the deep and thick pocket of his jacket, before lifting his elbow a little for Janet to hold, as if he were escorting her somewhere. To make the move easier Haines, made a 180° turn in order to be at Janet's side, his elbow lightly brushing against her ribs. The closer the man moved the more he could drink in the heady and intoxicating scent of the nurse. Whatever perfume she was wearing, sent the usually sullen man into a heavenly realm of lighter than air objects, and the feeling of safety. Haines was acutely aware, that the cologne that he usually wore, was running out incredibly fast. He'd been able to splash some on his smoother cheeks, after briskly shaving with the cut-throat razor that was given. It had been a quick and incredibly clean shave, being able to have the luxury of a sterile and sharp razor. In the trenches, one had to use anything one could find in order to keep oneself groomed. Haines had once cut Charles' hair with a broken shard of glass. There was nothing the two could have done. The lieutenants hair was becoming too long, and was in danger of catching in the thickly curled barbed wire. But yes, soon enough you learned how to shave with anything.

Turning his head, and looking down a little to catch Janet's eye, Haines would lower his arm snug against his side, if she took it, trapping her hand against his warm torso, "Where too Miss Wilson?" Haines asked, sending the woman a cheeky wink and a grin before waiting for any instructions as to where he would be walking.