*The FicSix staring at banner … swooning … drooling …
Well, hello there, soldier, we salute you!*
Welcome to Mission Militaryward on Fan Fiction Fridays, sorry, we’re a little distracted by Edward in a uniform … well, Rob, too, because today’s post is in celebration of Rob’s exciting, upcoming role in Mission Blacklist. Can you tell we’re a wee bit excited? Hell yes, we are! And, we’re so excited that today we have reviewed for you some of our favourite Militarywards featuring the Navy, Army, and more, starting from pre WWII right up to present day service!
Also, we’d like to take a moment to honour and thank all the brave men and women who serve our countries and risk their lives to protect our freedom and keep us safe! God speed!
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*Reviews by Cared*
This FanFiction Friday I have three wonderful stories all set to the backdrop of World War 2. Each of these talented authors have penned tales that are not only extremely entertaining to read, but interestingly informative as history seeps effortlessly from the pages. I salute solostintwilight, Camilla10 and Jennde, for it’s obvious they undertook an amazing amount of historical research to produce such an authentic feel for that tumultuous time, and seamlessly blended it into heartfelt love stories featuring our favourite characters. There is something bittersweet about seeing the seed of love shoot up from such harsh ground and then blossom against the odds.
Letters to Corporal Masen by solostintwilight
*Made by Penelope Griva featuring manip by Mina Rivera*
Letters of Corporal Masen ~ Writing to offer a bit of home to a soldier overseas, she discovers words can bind a friendship. Lonely in war torn Europe, he finds hope in letters from a stranger. What happens when the war is over?
Rated:Fiction M – English – Hurt/Comfort – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 37 – Words: 89,350 – Reviews: 6,485 – Favs: 1,782 – Follows: 1,517 – Updated: 11-11-12 – Published: 08-26-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8467119
I was compelled to include this romantic story, although I doubt there are many left in the fandom who haven’t read it. So, to the handful of ladies who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Corporal Masen – this is for you.
I couldn’t help but smile and sigh happily as I pondered how much to share about this gorgeously written and entirely captivating story. Not much at all is best I think; this seemingly simple yet intertwined plot is best revealed chapter by delicious chapter.
So, what’s it all about?
Bella undertakes writing to a soldier to boost his morale and in the words of solostintwilight,… “A patriotic gesture to offer a bit of support from home turns into a search for something more. A lonely solider discovers something worth fighting for in the words of a stranger.” Do I even need to tell you the soldier in question is one Corporal Edward Masen?
Edward’s first response…
Their relationship develops through correspondence alone but their love is no less real for it. Bella finds a purpose; Edward finds a reason to fight to survive. The bond they forge is so strong that although they have never met in person, they have belief in each other and in their love. You know the expression: true loves never runs smooth, well, this is never truer than when facing the vagrancies of war, and for Edward and Bella, giving up on one another is not an option, and in the end…read it to find out.
Oh, and one more thing. There are no lemons in this beautiful love story and the amazing thing is, I didn’t notice their absence at all and neither will you.
*Made by daisy3853*
Finding Home ~ Edward & Bella are lifelong friends. At 18, just as their true feelings for each other are coming to fruition, tragedy strikes and the US is thrust into World War II. Will Edward and Bella’s love be enough to see them through a world war? Rated M, OOC.
This is a continuation of the Age of Edward one-shot, Infamy.
Rated:Fiction M – English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 28 – Words: 183,043 – Reviews: 2,850 – Favs: 1,758 – Follows: 949 – Updated: 08-16-10 – Published: 07-30-09 – Status: Complete – id: 5262540
Finding Home is a beautifully written tale of life-long friends becoming more. Their bliss is short-lived as their lives are immediately turned upside down by the consequences of Pearl Harbor. Suddenly, their neat, prospective future lies in ruins. Edward enlists in the Navy and proposes to Bella, thus setting an unchartered and choppy course for the pair…
“Bella, the Navy lost a lot of men today, and they need to be replaced. My training will be fast-tracked, and I’ll be ready in six weeks. It won’t be a full education, but I can always go back after the war.” He moved his eyes from mine, and almost whispered, “I leave tomorrow.”
It took me a minute to process his words, and when I did, I shook my head and tried to pull away from him as my tears become full on sobs.
He pulled me back to him, enveloping me in his arms as he spoke softly but fiercely into my ear. “No, Bella. You listen to me. I love you. We will get through this. I need you to believe that; I need you to believe in me. Please. I can’t do this without you.”
When my sobs died down, he pulled away from me, but only enough to take my face in both of his hands. “After the six weeks, I’ll get 5 days leave. I’m sure my mother can put together a wedding in six weeks. Please say you’ll marry me, Bella. I need to know I have you waiting for me. We can get married here at the house, or on the beach; whatever you want.”
This story contains it all: there is drama and romance, there is love and loss; there is also fear of failure – oh, and there is a war that needs to be lived through. Life for a serving officer and the ‘little woman’ left at home is not sugar-coated and neither is the relationship. For me, the strength of this story is their struggle, their personal battle for the survival of their relationship against the odds in a war torn world. Bella had to develop into a strong and independent woman in order to survive. While I really admire her for that, a returning Edward has problems adjusting to the person his wife has become, as he also suffers from his own personal trauma.
Finding Home deals with the gritty reality of living in and subsequently returning from war, but don’t doubt how hopeful and hot this fic is too. Yes, I said hot! Sex was not invented in the 60’s – think of the film “Pearl Harbor” ladies. ‘Nuff said!
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5262540/1/Finding_Home
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*Made by Federico*
The Parachutist ~ It is 1943 and WW II is devastating Europe. Edward Masen is a 23 years old American parachutist sent by the OSS on a secret mission, meant to help the partisans fighting the Nazis in Northern Italy. There he meets a girl concealing a terrible secret. They fall passionately in love and plan to marry as soon as Italy is liberated. However, while going back to the Allied lines and trying to reach Anzio, where the Anglo American forces are struggling to break through Germans’ opposition, Edward finds his nemesis, in the form of two Volturi warriors.
Edward becomes a newborn vampire, fierce, desperate and bloodthirsty. Will he succumb forever to his inner monster or will he be able to recover at least some of his lost humanity? Will he see his love again and resist the urge to kill her?
Categories: Twilight, Alternate Universe Characters: Edward Genre: Supernatural Language: English Chapters: 33 Completed: Yes Word count: 65856 Read Count: 5722
Now, after reading that summary, with such an extensive overview of the plot, I don’t want to give much more away. I will, though, say this fic is unique and that is no lie. Camilla10 says about Edward…“I am trying to keep him in canon, despite the very different circumstances; he is his usual guilt ridden self, chaste and pensive. And he has a latent mind reading gift. But, how funny, he has a problem with spilling blood. This might change, unfortunately.”
Yes, Edward is canon, this story has romance and adventure just as Twilight does, the situation seems impossible for our young lovers, but the backdrop of war, witnessing the change for Edward from human to vampire, Bella being the one who harbours a secret, all make this story something different. The author, a native Italian, shares and uses memories of the period from her own relatives, she married a son of a Resistance heroine, and those personal touches add greatly to this fast paced and moving story.
Edward and Isetta getting to know one another…
Isetta is curious, and so I tell her more about America, about the different characteristics of the different States, such as cheese making in Wisconsin and the wineries in California. As I speak she looks enchanted. I am also enchanted. She is more than pretty, she is subtly beautiful, with dark tresses, a heart shaped face and the deep brown eyes of a doe. She is funny, and she is also puzzling. I sense a mystery about her, and would like to know her better.
I’m not surprised The Parachutist won second place in the Shimmer Awards 2011 as Outstanding Story. For me the moments of tenderness shining bright amid the horror make it a worthy winner.
http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewstory.php?sid=5003
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5732101/1/The-Parachutist
Upon completion of The Parachutist you won’t want to let go of this lovely couple on the cusp of their new adventure, so don’t. Follow them in the sequel, The Parachutist 2 Our New World.
It is the summer of 1945 and the war in Europe has ended. Despite his transformation in a vampire, Edward has found his love again, has prevailed over his bloodlust and they have married. Now he is going back to America with his human bride, where they’ll join Carlisle’s family. How will be their life with the Cullens, when will it be the right moment for Bella’s transformation? Will the Volturi discover them, will they face new dangers?
http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/library/viewstory.php?sid=5677
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7219449/1/Parachutist-2-Our-New-World
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And now for something completely different…
Mud, Sweat, and Beers by SparrowNotes24
*Made by GossipLips*
Mud, Sweat, and Beers ~ Boot camp in the freezing winter sounds like hell on earth, but is there anything that would make it bearable? Bring on the sexy soldiers! A little bit of fun, a smidgen of angst, and a whole bucket load of muddy lovin’. All Human.
Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Humor – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 25 – Words: 102,926 – Reviews: 1,226 - Favs: 794 – Follows: 1,362 – Updated: 05-06-13 - Published: 09-10-12 – id: 8515332
Mud, Sweat, and Beers is not a Militaryward fic in the strict sense of the word, but it’s close enough and such fun, that I had to sneak it in.
Bella and Rosalie are American exchange students attending an English university for a year. They are obviously intelligent girls as they are studying Criminology & Psychology; it appears they are loyal and have other admirable qualities, all good things, but what struck me from chapter one, these are girls I’d love to have hung out with in my youth. *Cue a chorus of Girls Just Want To Have Fun sung loudly in my best Cyndi Lauper voice.*
Another admirable, enviable, and indeed most important quality these girls possess is that they can spot a hot soldier from 50 paces. That’s no mean feat to be sniffed at ladies. Agreed? And so “Operation Sex-me-up, Soldiers” is born. Commander Hale plans the operation with military precision: she requisitions the necessary gear (think high heels and short skirts), takes no prisoners, and the rather reluctant recruit Swan is press-ganged into service. Alice needs no encouragement to sign up as she also has a certain man in uniform fixed within her sights and plans some strategic moves of her own. I should add it’s time for the hilarious antics, witty banter, risqué innuendo, and smexy times to commence too.
Edward is enigmatic, intelligent, manly, and HOT – yes that is with a capital H, a capital O and a capital T! Smugward wants to put Bella through her paces, although Bella is undeniably drawn to him, he comes across to her as cocky, and so initially she is determined not to become just a notch on his belt. The resultant UST reaches Code Red levels. Hehe, the poor girl shows great resistance but is soon recruited by her traitorous body into the “Cullen Crotch Appreciation Society”.
*Made by GossipLips*
You know how in Twilight and in fanfic it’s all swoony when chivalrous Edward offers Bella his jacket, she inhales and it’s all so perfect. SparrowNotes24 certainly puts a unique stamp on that oh so magic of moments…
Cullen stood up and pulled his waterproof jacket off. “Here, take this.”
“I’m okay. Honestly, I’m not cold.”
“Take it. I can see you shaking.”
“I’m not shaking ’cause I’m cold, I’m just …”
“Just put the damn jacket on will you. Jesus H you’re so stubborn.” He shoved it into my hands. “I’m not being responsible for someone catching pneumonia as well as a broken wrist.”
A frown formed between my eyes in response to his comment, as I pulled his jacket over my head. I’d like to say that as I put it on, his intoxicating scent surrounded me, a delicious mix of wood smoke and spices that exuded his masculinity. But it didn’t. It smelled like crap: a combination of sweat, grass and damp clothes. I wrinkled my nose in distaste.
He chuckled. “You can blame Emmett for that. He was on washing duty and left all our kits drying in a heap on the floor.”
See why I’m enjoying this fic so much? Now while it’s true there is much humour and lightness, as the relationships develop and the characters are revealed to us and to each other, the tenor of the story deepens. Some things don’t change but romance and love, low-level angst stemming from demons from the past, and fear of an uncertain future, are all skillfully blended into the mix. Love is the most powerful ingredient and as the lovely Bella says to Edward, “We’ve just been given a few obstacles to get over first. Like one of your boot camps.”
*Made by GossipLips*
The nick-name of Muddy Smugward is self explanatory, but I call him Dirtytalkingward for a different reason. *wink*
This highly amusing story is currently at 28 entertaining chapters with an expected 1 or 2 more plus epi to go. Take my advice and join up for the remainder of the term.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8515332/1/Mud-Sweat-Beers
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*Reviews by Midnight Cougar*
It is with the utmost respect that today I review for you two Militaryward fics that have touched my heart and I have faith you will thoroughly enjoy. Both of these compelling stories depict a strong and courageous Armyward and the many facets of military life that have an effect both on the soldiers and their families. ❤
Tip of the Spear by Robsmyyummy Cabanaboy
*Made by CaraNo*
Tip of the Spear ~ The “tip of the spear” – in the military, they are the front line; the initial attack that draws first blood. As a CACO in the United States Marine Corps, Capt. Masen delivers that leading blow, too. He’s often faced with handling the collateral damage this life can bring. He’s accepted that love & commitment aren’t for him…until she opens the door.
Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance/Drama – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 15 – Words: 93,219 – Reviews: 2,446 - Favs: 1,086 – Follows: 1,787 – Updated: 05-01-13 – Published: 11-05-12 – id: 8677928
Before I start my review, I’d like to ask you to please take a moment and reread the summary because it’s the crux of this story, and where the author explains the importance and significance of the title, as this is a true Militaryward fic.
Tip of the Spear begins with a Prologue exhibiting the sad reality of Edward’s job as twenty-eight-year-old Captain Edward Masen, a CACO – Casualty Assistance Calls Officer – in the United States Marine Corps, where he visits a young wife, Mrs. Matthews, to tell her that her husband was killed in the line of duty. I’m not going to lie, it was very emotional to read, and I cried, but you can really feel this Edward; his emotions, his caring, his compassion for these people in which he is sharing such sorrow. And then in chapter two, when that woman, sadly, becomes a pregnant Bella Newton … I cried again …
Twenty minutes after arriving at Isabella Newton’s door and telling her that her husband won’t be coming home again, her two friends, the Whitlocks, arrived to comfort and support her through the shock while Chaplain Gillen and I remained to answer questions and help her through the first of many steps facing her over the next couple of months.
We learn that Bella drifts through the funeral of her late husband, Sgt. Michael Newton, but the loss and stress is too great, and she loses her baby boy. Life goes on for both Bella and Edward, and then the story jumps ahead, “One year. Two years. Three years later.” … to where we see Bella getting ready to go on the adventure of a lifetime. A trip to Hawaii that she was supposed to share with her late husband, but is now going to brave alone. And as she boards the military plane, that is when she again meets Captain Masen, who is on a well-deserved vacation of his own, and the rest, as they say, is history.
They reconnect as friends and end up going on this exhilarating journey together. Their adventures know no bounds, but I will let you read them for yourselves, because I could not do justice to them in a review. Robsmyyummy Cabanaboy presents the settings so well; she gives us the most excellent, vivid descriptions, so it’s like you are there with Adventurella and Spearward, enjoying their Hawaiian explorations. But, don’t forget, this is labeled Romance, and there might just be some of that hot, lemony goodness, too. *wink*
I’d also like to mention that, even though I know today’s post is focused on Militaryward, and this story is definitely that, for me, it is also, one of the few fics I’ve read where I can honestly say I have a Bella girl-crush. Bella, in this story, personifies, IMHO, what a woman who has literally lost everything can overcome and become, regardless of how much has happened in her life. She’s really an inspirational Bella … on so many levels, and I know she’s going to be very memorable for me. She’s a very strong-willed and spirited Bella, who, through her huge heart and adventurous spirit, shows Edward life when all he’s seen for years is death …
Excerpt from chapter 14:
I lift our hands and bring his palm to my lips. “I can. You said it yourself the other night. You’re a changed man, Cap’n.”
We’re silent for a moment.
“That I am. I meant what I said earlier; this place has been like a revival for me. Hell, I’ve been changing slowly but surely since that close encounter with your backpack on the tarmac in California. Aside from a bloody nose, you’ve ended up giving me more of a jumpstart to my heart.”
I smile, feeling my eyes get watery. “I’ve just tried to open your eyes a bit.” I squeeze his hand. “Your amazing heart was pumping long before I walked down that aisle on the plane, Edward.”
“Maybe,” he pauses, “…but now there’s a rhythm and a beat— a soundtrack with your name that plays on a loop.”
A tear falls over the bridge of my nose and I try to sniff quietly, but apparently loud enough that it alarms him and he leans over to look at my face.
“Hey,” he speaks gently and rolls me toward his body. Swiping his thumb across the tear stain, he shakes his head. “No tears, Clementine.”
I nod and swallow, my eyes brimming with more after hearing his comforting voice.
“We still have Maui and then Oahu again.” He raises his eyebrows, asking that I acknowledge his well-made point. “Lots more opportunities for making memories, just like you said. That’s what this trip is about; no regrets, right?”
I shake my head, freeing a few more tears. “Not a single one.”
He leans down and kisses me chastely. It lingers for a few seconds, and then he gives me another soft peck. His gaze is locked on mine as our eyes fill in the blanks for everything we haven’t had the courage to say yet. With confidence and sincerity he ensures, “We’ll figure it out.”
*sigh* Yeah, I love these two … their connection also knows no bounds.
Tip of the Spear is a compelling read right from the Prologue; it immediately pulls at your heart-strings but then, through the journey of the beautifully presented characters of Adventurella and Spearward, it exemplifies hope, healing and love all within an exciting storyline. And because it’s told from both EPOV and BPOV we get to experience it all from two very different and unique perspectives, and this just makes it all the better! Please enjoy this beautiful Militaryward WIP that updates regularly; I just adore the feeling of peace and love this story portrays!
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8677928/1/Tip-of-the-Spear
For teasers, story visuals, and more: The Cabanaboy’s Playground ~ you have to see all the lovely and inspiring photos that accompany the story.
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*Made by Fallingsnow Winter*
Departures by TheFicChick ~ ”Every day for the rest of my life, I will wonder how kissing a virtual stranger goodbye could have felt like a hello.”
Rated: Fiction M - English – Romance – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 10 – Words: 95,090 -Reviews: 3,807 - Favs: 3,473 – Follows: 2,901 Reviews: 3,826 - Favs: 3,494 – Follows: 2,906 - Updated: 01-04-13 – Published: 10-20-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8625604
Some of you may have already read this short 10 chapter Armyward that started out as a one shot, but if not, then it’s a must read Military fic. Seriously, this beautiful, heart-warming love story that begins in O’Hare Airport in Chicago, goes far beyond its boundaries of the tarmac as it transcends time and space to make you believe in the true power of love between two virtual strangers.
When I read each chapter, I was either smiling big, literally laughing out loud, or crying, because I was so emotionally invested in the story and its wonderful, main characters of a strong and brave Edward, our Armyward, and an adventurous, loving Bella. They share such a fun and sweet airport adventure as they get to know each other, and then an intense and telling correspondence when he is away in Afghanistan; all the makings of a fabulous love story to make you swoon!
Here’s a taste of the wonderful writing and sensual connection shared by our beloved Militaryward and his Bella …
Despite the banter and the innuendo-laden conversation and the pancakes, Edward Cullen is a stranger in an airport. We’re not sharing anything more than an unexpected layover before we fly in opposite directions; once the snow stops and the travel starts, I’ll never see him again. The thought is physically painful.
“Listen, Bella.” He turns to face me, shifting his weight in one fluid motion to the shoulder still resting against the wall, and his face is as serious as I’ve seen it since he was recounting his decision to join the Army. “If this were any other day, and if I weren’t flying off to fiddle with bombs in the middle of the desert, I’d ask for your number.”
I attempt to swallow against the lump that lodges itself firmly in my throat. “If you weren’t flying off to fiddle with bombs in the middle of the desert, I’d give it to you.” My voice is barely more than a whisper.
Green eyes are pulling me in, and it takes all of the self-control I possess not to touch him. He watches me intently, and after a minute I see his throat muscles bob with a swallow. “If you gave it to me, I’d call. The same day. I wouldn’t even try to do the whole ‘play-it-cool-give-it-a-few-days’ thing.”
“I’ve always hated that game,” I breathe.
“I’d take you out for Italian. There’s a great little mom-and-pop restaurant near the house I grew up in that has the best ravioli on the planet.” My heart aches, then begins to race as his large hand cups my cheek. “It would be really hard for me to say goodnight without kissing you.” His thumb runs along my jawline.
“I’m not averse to kissing on the first date,” I confess, and his eyes blaze.
“If I’m misreading this, stop me now,” he breathes, and I can’t see the green of his eyes anymore because they are hidden behind the long lashes sweeping against his cheekbones as he gazes at my mouth. I stay silent in unspoken permission, and after a beat, his warm mouth covers mine. I can taste the remnants of strawberry on his lips, which are warm and inquisitive and insistent. His hand slides from my jaw to the back of my neck as his other one joins it, and I bring my own hands to the back of his neck, his short hair sliding through my fingers. He angles his head to deepen the kiss, and I rise to my tiptoes as he pulls us upright, abandoning the support of the wall. I feel his mouth open against mine, and his tongue whispers a trace against my lower lip; as I open my mouth in response, a small whimper escapes me. He meets my tongue with his, and instantly I feel heat like a wild elevator climbing and plummeting through my body. His breath hitches into my mouth, and what was gentle suddenly becomes demanding, his mouth moving smoothly over mine, lips and tongues dancing together.
His hands move from the back of my head down to my lower back, and he bands his arms around me, groaning softly into the kiss as he pulls me flush against his body. I think I whimper in response, and he deepens the kiss further, his tongue exploring the warm cavern of my mouth. I lose track of time as we stand there, shamelessly making out in an airport terminal, and it isn’t until he slows the pace of the kiss, his tongue receding to gently trace my lower lip before retreating altogether, placing a borderline chaste kiss to my mouth, that I regain my bearings.
So lovely and romantic, and such a divine flow to the words; one of the true pleasures of reading TheFicChick!
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8625604/1/Departures
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*Reviews by WiltshireGlo*
OPERATION: Break the Dawn by katinki
OPERATION: Break the Dawn ~ An experimental weapon, one of the most lethal chemicals ever created, has been stolen. It’s final destination is unknown, but there’s no doubt the powerful faction behind the theft is intent on one thing: War. But they didn’t count on a fight. A team of Marines, led by Capt. Edward Cullen and accompanied by Dr. Isabella Swan, isn’t about to let the world go up in flames. AH.
Follow/FavoriteRated: Fiction M – English – Edward & Bella – Chapters: 7 – Words: 40,359 – Reviews: 1,032 – Favs: 803 – Follows: 1,203 – Updated: 03-07-13 – Published: 08-06-12 – id: 8399608 WiP.
Oh good Lord! Captain Edward Cullen is just so commanding, mesmerising, strong and stoic. You really believe he’s going to save the world. Really. Really. This is gritty, dirty, the imagery sends you to hot, sandy, uncomfortable places, but it’s also intriguing and leaves you desperate for more.
Katinki has captured the sense of fear that Bella must have, as a scientist more used to working in a lab accompanying experienced and stoic Marines; some situations they encounter are terrifying. She also conveys the Marines’ admiration for Bella’s bravery, and their kindness when she is understandably overwhelmed. The whole story is infused with humour and the banter that you’d expect from a close-knit team – a team hand-picked to do the jobs that no one else can. It is, of course, made up of our favourite characters and they suit their roles beautifully. They clearly see Bella as a liability and their initial interaction is filled with frustration.
Edward’s fists balled inside his pockets. Like he’d repeatedly told both the General and those idiots at the CIA, regardless of her expertise, Dr. Isabella Swan had no business whatsoever on this plane or in those cammies. No matter how good she looked in them.
“Alright,” Emmett started again as he plopped back down in the bright blue seat beside her. Twisting halfway around, he blindly dug through one of the boxes behind them, grabbed two bottles of water, and tossed one of them to their scientist. “Rule number one. You don’t ever go outside that Humvee without your plates and your helmet. Got that?” He didn’t wait for her to answer and his instructions came out more like a series of barked orders. “You only take that shit off if one of us tells you you can. Clear?”
The woman’s face scrunched into a comically sour expression.
“Rule number two. You don’t go anywhere unless one of us tells you you can. Not even to piss.”
The hard, straight line of Edward’s lips broke when Bella huffed. “Yeah, got that one already. No unsupervised pissing.”
Emmett shook his head before cracking open his own water bottle and throwing back half the contents in a single chug. “Look, the main thing is just stay behind one of us at all times and do what we tell you to do. If we take a knee, you take a knee. If we drop and crawl, you drop and crawl. If we tell you to stay put, stay fucking put. If we tell you –”
Bella cut him off with a sharp, “I got it. Trust me,” and this time Edward had to school his mouth shut to keep from laughing at the hot spark of her irritation. Maybe not a lamb, he corrected. A pissed off kitten was more like it.
Across the deck, leaning against the opposite bulkhead with her arms crossed over her chest, Rosalie glared and mouthed, “This is fucking stupid.”
The slight incline of Edward’s head was the only indication that he agreed.
“Jazz,” Emmett barked, standing and flicking his bottle cap at the corporal dozing across the aisle. “Go over the gear with her, will ya? I need to talk to the Captain.” Instantly alert, the younger man nodded once before hopping over to take Emmett’s seat.
“Okay, Doc,” Jasper said, not wasting any time, as he quickly burrowed through her pack to locate an item Edward hoped none of them would need to wear. “Gas mask. You ever wore one?”
I must admit, I barely breathe through some chapters! I’m gripped by the action, the tension, the oh-bloody-hell moments! But throughout it all, I’m constantly aware of Edward looking out for Bella, ever watchful, always protecting. Their connection is palpable even though he’s a man of few words…it’s probably worth mentioning that he’s swoonworthy…did I mention commanding? Oh boy, is he commanding!
Katinki really strikes the balance well, the story of the building trust, the common goal, the sense of purpose all made more real, believable, by the research she’s done, the details she’s included. It’s fiction, but grounded in the reality of war.
At seven chapters in, I know there’s plenty more to enjoy.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8399608/1/OPERATION-Break-the-Dawn
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Orange Kisses and Peppermint Hearts by SparrowNotes24
*Made by Cared*
Orange Kisses and Peppermint Hearts ~ He is gone, leaving her with the bitter sense of absence and the sweet taste of his name on her tongue. Then, a mysterious letter arrives, bursting with the flavors of a love story. Will the words that grace the page change the course of her life?
Twilight – Rated: M – English – Romance – Chapters: 1 – Words: 10,303 – Reviews: 147 – Published: 3-4-13 – Bella & Edward – Complete – One shot.
Ohhhh…this is a story that fills the air with romance, whimsy, nostalgia – and hope. Honestly, when you read it you’ll be sighing like a lovestruck starlet, reaching for your prettiest frock and swooning over the love of a man and the lengths he’ll go to show his wife he loves her. *sigh*
SparrowNotes24 has written such a beautiful, original piece – Bella is a chocolatier specialising in only the best, with a friendly attitude and creative flair. Together with her assistant, Rose, she creates a rather magical atmosphere in her shop, Cocoa Swan…when one day Bella receives the first of a series of letters requesting her help.
“This just came in for you.” She smiled and then left, the door swinging behind her. I could hear her crooning along to the song on the radio; her breathy voice was wonderful to listen to.
I brushed my hands off on my apron before quickly sliding my fingers under the edge of the envelope and ripping it open. My hopes were dashed when I saw it was just an order, handwritten in neat looping cursive.
Dear Cocoa Swan,
I hope you can help me organize the perfect anniversary gift for my wife.
I’d like a selection of chocolates that reflect all the things that made me fall madly and deeply in love with her. I have to admit that I’m no chocolate connoisseur, but she is, and she always tells me that your shop does the best.
I apologize for the lateness in my request, and I have a feeling that I may think of some other ideas to add to the final box of chocolates once I’ve sent this. I hope this won’t be too inconvenient for you.
I thought it would help you choosing the chocolates if I told you a little bit about her.
The best place to start would be the moment I knew that she was the one for me.
We were sat in a coffee shop, her hands wrapped around a cup of frothy cappuccino, while she told me about her day. Excitement glittered in her eyes, and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out and brushing the leftover foam from her lips with my thumb and tasting the sweet richness of the coffee.
She was mouth-watering.
Astounded, I turned the thin paper over in my hand, looking for more. The other side was blank, and the envelope was empty.
I poked my head out and gestured for Rose to come into the workshop after she’d finished serving a customer. I re-read the letter again. The disappointment I’d felt that it wasn’t for me was replaced by admiration for this man and a deep longing for the love that was absent in my own life.
When Rose came, I showed her the letter. As she read it, her face softened, and when she got to the bottom, she reacted exactly the same way I did, searching for the ending. “There’s no more?”
I shook my head, “Nothing. Perhaps there was another page, and he’s misplaced it?”
She clutched the letter to her chest, swooning. “How romantic.”
“It’s beautiful, but there’s no name or address. What should we do?” He hadn’t even requested what he wanted, but I’d already visualized cappuccino swirls before I’d finished reading.
“I think you should make something. Just in case he arrives to collect them. We can always pick from the counter to make up a box if it turns out there was another page?”
As the mysterious letters arrive we learn about this romantic man’s love for his wife, their special moments, his treasured memories – you really will swoon – and taking inspiration from his words Bella creates the perfect confections to evoke the magic of his love for him to present to his wife.
I don’t think it spoils anything that Orange Kisses and Peppermint Hearts is in the MilitaryWard post, but let’s just say SparrowNotes24 keeps us guessing on several points throughout the story, which definitely builds the mystery and anticipation! It’s a delightful tale and one to savour on a warm afternoon while the birds are singing and there’s romance in the air…I guarantee it will make your heart happy!
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9069015/1/Orange-Kisses-and-Peppermint-Hearts
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*Review by AllyVera and Gingerandgreen*
*Banner made by FemmeCullen*
By Your Leave ~ Honorably discharged Sergeant Major Edward Cullen meets widow Bella Black and her young son Seth. The ad says room for rent, but maybe they have more to offer each other than just space. *Complete*
Rated: Fiction M – English – Romance/Hurt/Comfort – Chapters: 22 – Words: 61,862 – Reviews: 1,764 – Favs: 1,528 – Follows: 1,953 – Updated: 02-25-13 – Published: 08-16-12 – Status: Complete – id: 8436114
Ally Vera and Gingerandgreen both loved this story so much, they decided to flail over it together…
AV ~ I am just going to come out and say this first .. Oh. My. Goodness. Sergeant Major Edward Cullen is HOT. I spent quite a bit of the BPOV chapters of By Your Leave fanning myself. To see him through her eyes and her thoughts about him… well, *phew*
G&G ~ I agree Ally. Edward’s always hot and sexy, but in By Your Leave, he is the definition of delicious.
AV ~ I really think I would be great friends with this Bella – I love her trains of thought (extract from chapter 7)…
“Edward’s a wet dream in his long-sleeved midnight blue coat with gold buttons lined down the front. His angular jaw accented by a firm collar. Several ribbons hang on the right side of his chest. I only recognized one. His purple heart. I wanted to kiss it. It’s what brought him here.
The scarlet and gold chevron on his left arm shows his status as Sergeant Major with three pointed, gold stripes on top, four curved gold stripes on the bottom, and incased in the middle, is the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. The same symbol he has inked into his skin on his left shoulder.
I remember.
How could I forget?
A midnight blue belt is wrapped around his narrow waist. The golden ‘M’ on the front is shining. Bleached, white gloves cover his large hands. And, I would eat off his black dress shoes, they’re so clean. The whole thing is topped off with his white and black hat.
I have to try and block thoughts of him pounding into me while his dog tags flap against his sweaty, naked chest. I’m not sure how long I stood there staring at him, before the clearing of a throat caught my attention.
“What?” I ask, lamely, not even knowing if I had been asked a question.”
AV ~ Okay, now that my inappropriate thoughts are out of the way, let me tell you what else I loved about the story, apart from the good Sergeant Major’s body. By Your Leave deals with some very serious matters, like military death and the aftermath of that devastation, but it still is a feelgood story. Jonesn does a brilliant job of keeping the story beautifully balanced – there is sadness, sweetness, heat and depth.
G&G ~ The special draw of Militaryward is the hero we delight in worshiping. By Your Leave is full of heroism. I love how Bella is as much of a hero as any of the military characters, even though she doesn’t see herself that way. Of course, Edward is full of humility too.
AV ~ Jones has created a firecracker in Seth, Bella’s son – he provides quite a bit of light entertainment.
G&G ~ Oh, Seth’s a gorgeous little boy. It takes great skill to make a child age appropriate, and Seth is perfect. I feel as though I walked home from school with him myself.
AV ~ The connection between Edward and Bella is strong in this story. The more you read – the more you just know that these two are just meant to be – someone above was guiding them together.
G&G ~ Absolutely. And to me, that is the crucial element of Twific. Edward and Bella are destined to be together, no matter what has been before or what the future holds. You just know.
This is Bella talking to Seth in chapter 3:
“Well, someone came to see the spare room today, and they decided that they want to live with us. I was showing them the house, and that’s why I’m late.” He thinks it over as he chews, then lays a hand on my shoulder.
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
“A boy. Well, a man.”
“Does he have kids?” His eyes light up in anticipation, and I realize I don’t even know the answer to that question.
“You know, I don’t know. He didn’t have any with him, but we can ask him if he has any that might visit.” His eyes dim a bit, but I can tell he hasn’t lost all hope for playmates.
“Do you want to go meet him? He’s going to have dinner with us.” This excites him, and with a mouth full of fruit snacks he jumps up and down nodding his head. He stops when I grab his hand, telling him not to jump with food in his mouth, and we make our way back home.
As we walk, I wonder what dinner will be like tonight. It will be the first time that there is a third plate on the table. While it should have been for Jake it’s for Edward, the stranger in the spare room. And, I find myself hoping that he’s not a stranger for very much longer.
G&G ~ Mmm, the delectable satisfaction in knowing Edward won’t be a stranger for very long…
By Your Leave is the sort of story that reminds us why we love Militarywards. Strong men and just as strong (sometimes stronger) women and let’s face it, the thought of Edward in a uniform *thud*. Over and out from AV and G&G.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8436114/1/By-Your-Leave
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*Review by Gingerandgreen*
My Wounded Soldier by Counselor
*Made by Ro Nordmann*
My Wounded Soldier ~ 1866 Edward just home from the war. Neighbor Bella has a tragedy and Edward delivers her baby. Seeing as she’s widowed, marriage makes sense. He doesn’t feel worthy, but he can’t step aside for her suitors. Competition amongst veterans.
Fiction M – English – Romance/Hurt/Comfort – Bella & Edward – Chapters: 77 – Words: 183,065 – Reviews: 4,980 – Favs: 1,600 – Follows: 1,277 – Updated: 06-04-12 – Published: 03-05-12 – Status: Complete – id: 7899031
I don’t know whether I’m going to be able to express how much I love this story. Bear with me while I try.
My Wounded Soldier is about the aftermath of war. It gives us a raw and heavy insight into what violence does to people; but it’s written with such compassion, the story lifts your heart even while it breaks it.
Set at the end of the American Civil War, Edward is a veteran who has seen and lost too much. He comes home to the family farm at his father’s request and – though he can hardly bear to stay at first – quickly gets swept up into the brutal affairs of the neighbourhood.
Chapter one gives us as dramatic a beginning as anything I have ever read. We meet Bella Swan, heavily pregnant and with a young son to protect, challenging another victim of war with a rifle. She kills the man, but not before he’s slain her husband. Stress induces her labour, and all she can think to do is to send her little boy running to fetch our hero.
“Run yonder. North field,” I said. Then I knew not how but I was on my knees. I was gripped in pain again, and I was locked in it unable to move. I could not even lift my head to see if Johnny had high-tailed it for help. But I knew that one was home from the war, that oldest son who never spoke to even say howdy. I’d seen him riding high on the wagon just that morning in the north field. I wagered…he’d be the first one here. I just knew. For he’d been a soldier. And if there were more of these strangers skulking about…well he would know what to do.
“Edward,” I said, for that was his name. I could lift my head now, and my son was still staring. “Johnny…find Edward.”
Enter Edward. What a beautiful, beautiful man. So full of self-hatred, deeply conflicted and painfully wounded, he is the most perfect hero I’ve encountered in Twific. Bella is superb in this story, but Edward is what makes My Wounded Soldier one of my top two stories ever.
Just watch him help a woman who until this moment was pretty much a stranger to him:
“That’s it, honey. You’re the strongest woman I know. My ma would be so proud of you. You’re almost there now, darlin’ girl. Don’t you be afraid. You’ve got to push. Put some muscle in it now.”
She grit her strong little teeth, and I gave her my hand, and she squeezed the juice out of it, and I kept telling her to come on like she was pulling the plow through mud and stone, and she pushed and I had to let go and catch this baby whose whole head and shoulders were out now, and I turned it gentle as I eased it out of her, and my life got washed in one moment, and I knew that somehow God was telling me I wasn’t the most miserable bastard that ever lived. Cause I had touched heaven, and done a good thing…like a priest or something.
So I set that baby on her mama’s chest, and Miss Isabella looked at that girl and laughed a little, then at me, and I had this life cord and the business still running into her to deal with, but for a moment, we just looked at each other and she said, “Thank you.” And I said…nothing in the face of such beauty as that mother and her child. I couldn’t speak.
And that’s just chapter one, people!
I’m sure you’ve heard as many times as I have the advice to ‘show, don’t tell’ when writing. Much of the most popular Fic I’ve read does a whole lot of telling, sometimes telling the same things multiple times - it’s had me questioning the validity of this advice. But when I read Counselor’s words, I remember how powerful a little ‘showing’ can be. Counselor expresses her stories in such a way as to have you believing you’ve fallen down a wormhole in time, and have landed right there in 1866. My Wounded Soldier is not an easy read, but an exquisitely moving one. I hope I’ve done it a little bit of justice, and persuaded you to give it a go.
MILITARYWARD READING LIST
All I Want For Christmas by kyla713 *previous rec here
Blood Glory, Sin & Innocence and Smoke & Mirrors by drotuno
The Bigger They Are by LadyExcalibur2010 *previous review here
The Cullen Legacy by pattyrose *previous review here
The Cullen Sutras by Magnolia822
The Harvest of Avarice by Emmamama88 *previous review here
Vines by FictionFreak95 *previous review here
Your mission, should you choose to accept it – divulge your Militaryward fic recs in the comments.
All the stories we’ve selected to review for Militaryward are respectful of the sacrifices men and women throughout time and place make for their countries, and none of them make light of the tragedy of war. The FicSix would also like to highlight the importance of striving for peace. It was authors in the Twifandom who brought attention to the worldwide campaign, Peace One Day. It seems fitting to include it here, in a Militaryward post. Please follow the link, share and spread the word.
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allyvera
Cared
Midnight Cougar
rita01tx
RobsFan-tasy
wiltshireglo
