Pearl Harbor AU. I'm not even sorry. God I love that movie and ugh yes wow I think I might have to continue this one because PEARL HARBOR AU HOW HAS NO ONE DONE THIS YET? Sorry I need to calm down.
Okay notes - this is obviously set in 1941, before the attack on PH. And I know this one is short, but like I said, I'm thinking about continuing it so maybe consider this drabble as a preview or something?
Is this something you'd want to read more of? Let me know!
September 1941
The steady chug of the train was calming to Oliver's tired nerves, and after an hour or so on board he found himself relaxing slightly. Letting his book lie abandoned on the seat beside him, he closed his eyes and allowed the rhythmic hum of the engine to begin lulling him to sleep. He had a long way to go, and he wasn't exactly looking forward to arriving at his destination.
His momentary peace was interrupted by his carriage door being quietly opened. He snapped his eyes open and turned to glare at the intruder, only to find himself staring at a young woman. She had her long blonde hair loose around her shoulders and wore a belted green dress that came to just below her knees. Her eyes flew to his and she flashed a quick smile, all shiny white teeth and sparkling blue eyes.
He raised his eyebrows as she pressed a finger to her lips, and her eyes glittered at his confused expression. And then she was darting forwards, and he could only watch in surprise as she dropped to her knees and slipped beneath the bench opposite him.
He opened his mouth to say something, he had no idea what, when the compartment door opened again and a stout man wearing a conductor's uniform poked his head in.
"Afternoon Sir." He nodded at Oliver. "You haven't seen a young lady pass by here, have you? Blonde hair, green dress?" He asked.
Oliver hesitated for barely a second before shaking his head.
"Can't say that I have, I'm afraid." He said lightly. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing to worry about Sir. Enjoy the rest of your journey."
The man gave a brief, polite smile before disappearing back down the passageway.
The woman in question popped her head out from beneath the seat and looked around, checking that they were alone, before scrambling out of her hiding place and back to her feet.
"Thank you." She smiled at him, she seemed to do that a lot, smile that is.
Oliver couldn't help but return the gesture. Her very being sparkled with such life and joy that it was almost impossible not to respond.
"May I inquire why you're hiding from the ticket collector?" He asked, watching intently as her cheeks flushed a pretty pink.
She sat down primly on the seat opposite him, folding her hands neatly on her lap.
"I'm a stow away." She said calmly, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
His eyebrows shot up and he opened his mouth to respond, only to close it quickly, realizing that he ran the risk of accidentally being very insulting, whatever he said.
"I see." He replied simply. "Well you're welcome to stow away in here if you wish. I could use the company."
She smiled once again, and relaxed a little in her seat.
"I was hoping you would say that." She responded easily, yet another smile gracing her pretty face. "I'm Felicity."
She held a hand out toward him and he took it in his own, marveling at how small and delicate it was against his.
Felicity. Her name suited her. Happiness. She radiated it.
"Oliver."
She shook his hand formally and he found himself unwilling to let go, he did though, reluctantly letting her draw her hand back to her lap.
"So, Oliver, where are you off to on this fine autumn day?" She leant her elbows against the table between them and regarded him with curiosity.
"Virginia for now. But I'll be shipping out for Pearl Harbor in two weeks."
Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
"I didn't take you for a soldier. The first class cabin and expensive suit is more indicative of a business man." She commented, her eyes raking over him in a way that made his spine tingle.
"It was a choice. Just because I come from a wealthy family, doesn't mean I shouldn't help defend our country." He said, his eyes drifting from her face to gaze out of the window at the passing scenery.
She interrupted his moment of reverie by saying softly; "That's an admirable decision."
He turned back to her, surprised to see her lips lacking the joy he'd seen there before. Instead she had an almost sad look upon her face.
Hoping to coax her smile back into place, he mimicked her position, resting his elbows against the table, he regarded her openly.
"So what about you, Miss Stow Away? What is your destination?"
Her lips quirked up, just as he had hoped they would and she considered him carefully for a second before replying.
"As long as it's far away from where I started. It doesn't matter." Her eyes sparkled with mischief and he was struck again by her vigor. Hunger for life was practically singing through her veins, and it was almost addictive to see.
"So tell me, what's the drink service like up here in first class?" She asked after a moment, her teeth sinking temptingly into her lower lip.
Yes, his journey just got much more entertaining.
