My first Fanfic on this site I'm so excited! I just recently saw Inglorious Basterds (I know how sad, like two years later) and I loved the plot and the complex characters. I know people are probably sick of Donny fanfics already but really, one more couldn't hurt. This will probably be updated once a week though I have school starting soon so it might get a little busy but I will let you all know. Also I don't know anyone on this site yet and I am looking to enlist a beta reader for this story. Let me know if you can help please! Fredrick and Shosanna I decided to make for a side romance as I quite liked that pairing (until they die at the end of the movie of course) Sorry for Dieter fans but I don't really like him a lot and he will be the annoying inconvenience in this story (Nothing against the actor, the character was just annoying). I don't know about Hans yet; I may be terrible at writing for him so I might not add him too much at all. The rest of the Basterds will appear way later as I take this one slow.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except Lucinda.
I glare darkly at myself in the mirror. It has nothing to do with self loathing if you were wondering; but it has all to do with dolling myself up for people I can't stand in the least. My dark brown hair is curled tight and appears shorter than the usual straight length. Ocean blue eyes sparkle in the light with detest rather than the usual happy glow I keep reserved for moments I truly thrive in. The make up I have applied is heavy and I look like a painted up Jezebel whore. The dress I am adorned in is a travesty waiting to happen. Long red silk that clings tightly to my tall hourglass figure is practically putting a target on my back for attention. Don't get me wrong, I do take comfort in the fact that men follow me around at my beck and call; but tonight was different. Tonight I had to go with my brother Fredrick to a very important dignitary's home and that meant being in the company of his friends and colleagues. I flash a false smile in the mirror and my teeth are looking perfectly white and straight against my ruby red lipstick. I stand from my vanity when a knock at the door calls me away. I huff as I stand to see who is interrupting my preparation time but I can already venture a guess as to who it is. I grasp the brass knob and open the door to see my brother looking smart in his military uniform on the other side.
"Oh hello handsome." I say with a smirk. My brother has the same dark brown hair as my own and he has it combed back nicely. His attire is a dark navy blue uniform jacket with two silver chains that hang loosely on the right side. His left breast pocket has his metals and they are polished and pinned perfectly.
"You look stunning Lucy." He comments with a smile. I frown at the nickname.
"Don't call me that." I hiss as I move by to allow him in.
He ignores my little spit of anger, becoming used to my mood swings over the years. "Well are you all ready to go?" he asks as he looks around my make shift room in his home.
"As ready as I want to be. You really need to find a date to take to these things." I remark rudely.
"I know, but you said when you came to France you would stick by me." He says with a boyish smile.
"That's because I have no one else." I say as I cross my arms over my chest in a huff. "And I will stick by you as long as you stay out of my business."
"But I'm the older brother and it's my charge to look after you now." He tells me with a worried look.
"I'm fine! God stop looking at me with remorseful expressions. I don't want your pity; I have no use for it!" I snap in annoyance as he attempts to once again baby me.
"I know but you look so…lost." He comments.
"I resent that and I'm not lost just…stuck." I say with a confirming nod.
He shakes his head and chuckles. "If you say so. Come we should get down to the car; I don't want to be late for Doctor Goebbels dinner. He did wish to speak with me in person after all and it would look rude to arrive late."
"Ah yes the clever Doctor." I say in a mocking way.
"Try and contain that tone at his home please. Most of my colleagues know about your attitude but they will only deal with it for so long." He says sternly.
"God you don't let me have any fun Freddy." I say using his nickname to get a rise out of him.
"I let you move out on your own; that's about all the fun I can handle you to have." He says as we make our way downstairs to the door.
"And yet you made me come here to get ready." I say annoyed from the inconvenience of uprooting me from my flat.
"I didn't want to have to drive all that way, and lord knows how long you take to get ready." He says as he helps me put my coat on. We step out from his home into winters chill. Snow is falling lightly and I feel a smile creep to my lips. I felt like a child at Christmas when the snow falls and I had the sudden urgh to lay on the ground and make a snow angel. Such a juvenile act I haven't committed since I was a child. Fredrick always tells me I grew up too fast and I missed out on everything fun. I used to scoff at him but now the notion doesn't seem too far fetch. Our driver opens the door for me and I step into the sleek automobile. Fredrick enters on the other side and we drive off into the night for the minister's home.
"So I know one person looking forward to seeing you tonight." He says gaining my interest.
"Oh really? Who might that be?" I ask curiously.
"The Sturmbannführer." He finishes.
I heave a sigh, losing interest. "Don't start Fredrick. I already told you I want nothing to do with the man. He is sleazy and I am not interested in starting anything with a man who greases his hair back like that." I say with a twitch of uncomforting thoughts. Ever since I met the man, he always gave me the creeps. His eternal stare and pushing behavior drove me crazy when we first met and I made it a habit to keep away from him.
"But he is a worthy man. A great job with power and money plus he seems to like you."
"Stop trying to play matchmaker. We aren't a good fit no matter how bad he tries to push it on you." I say tapping my foot in frustration at my brothers brown nosing behavior.
"How long will you stay single? You're too picky Lucy." He says.
"Oh you're one to talk. Taking his sister to dinner because he couldn't find a date." I say with a huff. He looks sheepish as he hides his face.
"It's hard to find someone when you're in the army." He says making excuses.
I hum in response. We always bickered but we still remain close. At the moment neither of us have anyone else to turn to. He is always busy with work and I teach Sunday school to a class of girls. My job right now is informing them about cooking and cleaning like a good German housewife should do. The very lectures I give them makes me scoff because I don't even follow them myself. Twenty-five and I am still not married. I feel a small amount of melancholy at my own thoughts.
"Do you think Mother and Father would be proud of us?" I ask breaking the silence.
"How do you mean?" he asks confused.
"You know…with what we have made of our lives."
"I suppose they would be. I mean, tonight I'm going to discuss the idea of having a movie based on my exploits." He says with pride.
"Well you're doing great but what about me? I know what mother would say about my single status. A pretty face doesn't last forever Lucy; catch that man who loves you and make him yours." I say quoting mother.
"You're selfish Lucy, what else can be said." He replies nonchalant.
I gasp but in my mind I know he is correct. My first priority is always myself along with my looks. The only other person I give a thought about is Fredrick.
"I'm sorry for saying that." He says after he notices the quiet tone I've taken.
"No it was the truth. I need to change my ways." I remark.
"It's not something you can just wish that happens over night. Changing yourself takes time." He tells me.
"I don't even know where to begin." I say absent mindedly.
"You're thinking about it too much. Change is a natural thing, just let it happen."
"Easy for you." I mumble bitterly. A lot of times I was jealous of my overshadowing brother. His recent exploits have made him popular amongst the ranks and now I feel like I'm riding the back burner. The need to be the centre of attention was like an illness that plagues me. I give thanks for tonight as it is somewhere I don't wish to be seen as important; a rare occurrence in my case.
I peer out the car window and the snow is now falling in big flakes as we pass by the streetlights. Homes with closed curtains and warm lights shining through look inviting and the roof tops become blanketed with snow. I let out a content sigh as I begin to wonder if they are happy families in those homes; parents with children reading books and drinking hot cocoa before they are tucked into bed. I always felt bitter when our parents got taken away from us so early and I often asked God why. As I matured I realized God had nothing to do with it but a calm acceptance came over me that it was their time to go and nothing could be said or done to change that. But that was just a thought.
"Thinking about mom and dad again?" Fredrick asks me.
"Oh you can read me like a book Fredrick." I say with a nod. "I think about them often, don't you?" I ask with a frown.
"I used to, but I think now that I'm starting to let go." He says calmly.
"How can you just let them go like that?" I ask with annoyance.
"Well Luce, they wouldn't want us to not live on just because they passed away. Sure I love them but I can let go now."
I am flabbergasted by his nonchalant attitude in which he approaches the subject. "I just don't understand that." I say exasperated.
"Look, don't let me tell you how to act. You handle it in the way which you see is best." He says as he squeezes my hand.
I look away and nod. "I suppose." I say softly.
"Well look, we're almost there." He says pointing out the window at a rather large home bordered with a black iron gate in the front and a high brick wall surrounding the premises.
"Heavy security." I note.
"He is second to the Fuhrer, of course he has protection." He says as if my remark was unintelligent.
I roll my eyes as his attitude starts to shift to Private Zoller, hero of Germany. I do respect him when he protects my sorry ass (which can be often), but sometimes work Fredrick is a bit much to handle. Our car pulls in front of the gate and a guard walks out to inspect who we are. Our driver opens his window and the guard peers in.
Oh Privat Zoller! Der Arzt war erwartet Sie heute Abend. Sehr nett, Ihre Bekanntschaft zu machen Herr. "Oh Private Zoller! The Doctor was expecting you tonight. Very nice to make your acquaintance sir." The guard says as he makes a salute. I let out a sarcastically chuckle at the pathetic display. I didn't exactly favor Jews but I certainly didn't believe in this kind of thing where they discriminate. The whole idea of our country following one mans selfish needs is absurd and I wish the war would end already. Fredrick shoots me a look to keep quiet and I sit back though I can't help the smirk that comes to my face, knowing I annoyed my brother. The guard steps back and the gates open as we drive through to the front. We stop in front of a large loop stone staircase that leads to the door. The driver opens the car door for me and he lends a hand for me to step out. My feet freeze instantly in the heels I'm wearing as snow touches the bare, exposed skin. Fredrick walks around the car to meet with me and we walk up the stairs together. We approach double oak doors with frosted windows on the sides. A huge gold knocker is on each of the doors. Nothing but the best for the minister is my thought as I suppress an eye roll. Fredrick grasps one of the knockers and taps the door three times.
"Remember to be polite and for the love of God don't be mean to the major." He warns before someone opens the door and I miss my chance to retaliate.
"Ah Private Zoller and his guest, please come in." a suited up butler tells us as we step into the mansion. I almost vomit at the sight of the décor of Third Reich flags all over the walls. A picture of old Adolf hangs in a gold frame in the main hall. The photo leaves me uneasy, as if he is actually staring back at me and knows all my secrets. The butler helps me take my coat off and he takes our outdoor wear to hang in a closet.
"Please; this way." He says with a hand gesture as we follow him into a dinning hall where three other people are seated. I internally cringe as I lock eyes with Dieter and he smiles instantly. He has on his usual Gestapo uniform and his hair is slicked back like normal. I can see his pale blue eyes travel up and down my form. I let a small groan of annoyance escape my lips.
"Stop it!" Fredrick hisses silently before we reach the table. The two men rise to greet us as the woman seated next to the minister remains in her chair.
"There's my favorite Private; the one who will help me to the top of the film industry!" Goebbels says with glee as he slaps my brother on the back. So many sarcastic remarks are coming to mind and I had to bite my tongue to keep them in. The major and my brother salute each other and I suddenly question my sanity; I don't understand what made me agree to come to this. No amount of promises could have been enough at this point and I want to run to the door but instead my hand is captured in Dieters as he places a kiss to my hand.
"Wonderful to see you again Fraulein Zoller." He says as he stares back at me with that expression I can't pinpoint.
I offer a crooked smile but no words.
"I must confess, I was beginning to think you had been avoiding me after the time we haven't seen each other." He says with humor though something in his eyes seem off.
You're getting close was what I wanted to say but instead I offer "I have been kept busy; after all I can't attend every one of my brothers parties. And now his time will be occupied with this movie I suspect." I say as I turn to Goebbels.
"Ah yes Fraulein Zoller, I have big plans for this brother of yours." He says and I can't believe my own words but God bless the Reich minister. He pulled me away from Dieter which I can see in the corner of my eye, disgruntled him. "Well let us all take a seat than so we can discuss business." Goebbels says.
Fredrick pulls out a chair for me next to him and much to my dismay it is across from Dieter. I shoot my brother a glare but he just gives a harmless shrug. I can see Dieter wants to engage in conversation across from me but I do my best to not look his way and I pretend what Goebbels has to say is very interesting.
"As you know, I have had my eye set on your story since the very day it occurred." The minister begins and my brother nods. "The idea of having your story made into a film would not only be a huge success but it would also be encouraging to the rest of Germany."
"I agree though I assume you would need my presence throughout filming to get the full story." Fredrick inquires.
"Yes which leads me to my next question; if I am to have you on set throughout the filming I might as well have you be in the film."
"You want me to act out my own role?" Fredrick asks shocked and I can't help but be a little surprised by the news myself.
"If it suits you fine. I'm sure your commanding officer would see no trouble in me pulling you off the lines for such a deed." Goebbels says confidently as he knows he holds the power.
"No I suppose not and I am not opposed to the idea." Fredrick says agreeing.
"Ah I can envision it now; your face in a poster with lights and the title around your name. I already have the perfect title decided." He says excited. "Should I tell them?" he asks of the lady sitting next to him. She nods sweetly at him and I wonder if she is his wife. "It is Nations Pride."
I see Fredrick grin at the name though I find it a little simplistic and stupid.
"What do you think major?" The minister asks. He gives a nod of agreement though he looks as disinterested in the conversation as I am.
"Well than, do we have a deal?" Goebbels asks my brother.
"Yes…I'll do it. I've never acted before but it will be a great experience."
"Not to worry, I will have people on hand to help you with that." Goebbels tells him. The butler comes in to serve us drinks and I feel more relaxed with a brandy in hand. "Oh I must apologize for not introducing your sister to Francesca." Goebbels says to my brother.
"Francesca this is Fraulein Zoller. And to the Fraulein; this is Francesca Mondino, my translator while I remain in France. She currently resides here with me." He says and I offer a polite smile to the woman. It is a strange habit to keep an unmarried woman in your home and I can bet she has more than her one use of translating.
"I apologize for having no food made but I assumed you would have already been feed before you came." He tells us.
"Oh it's quite alright, isn't it Lucinda?" Fredrick says to me.
"Yes, I must confess I don't eat and thus is why I stay so thin." I say sarcastically and the whole table laughs though I can tell it is forced on Fredrick's part.
"Well than let us drink to the Fraulein's trim waist." Goebbels says as we all finish our drinks.
"Can I be a bother to ask if you have a smoking room?" I say.
"Ah yes my dear, upstairs and to the left." He says absently and I thank him before I excuse myself. I feel Dieters eyes follow me and I pick up my pace. As I walk around the mansion I can't help notice how quiet the halls are with only two people residing along with staff. I see red all over the home and I can't escape the Swastikas that cover every piece of wall. I feel a swell of relief when I come to the smoking room and I take a seat in one of the grand leather chairs after I shut the door. I notice the balcony that hangs off the room and I feel the need to step out but I don't have a jacket to go out in the winter weather. I sink further in the chair while my head lolls back in content from the cigarette. I hope my time here is almost done as I am having a hard time containing my attitude. I jump in my seat when I hear the door click open. To no surprise it is Dieter who followed me up here.
"I must say, after you mentioned the idea of a cigarette I just had to come up here." He says as he takes the chair across from me.
"Oh of course you did, and it had nothing to do with following me." I say with a knowing look; a small frown starting to crease my face. I can't believe I didn't lock the door; an amateur mistake on my behalf.
"Well not only for that reason though I admit when I am caught." He says with a smirk.
I get the sick desire to snuff my cigarette out on his eye but I resist and put it in the ash tray on the side table next to me. "You've killed the mood that was here when I first entered." I say with a frown.
"Are you this harsh to every man who chases you?" he asks.
"You are relentless Dieter; a trait I don't hold in high regard. Can you not take no for an answer?" I snap before I rise but he stands too and pins me to the desk against the wall.
"Your attitude and quick tongue will get you in trouble with the wrong person one day Fraulein." He hisses. I hate to admit this but I actually did feel fear at that moment. The heated look in his eye was unpredictable and I wasn't sure what he would do next.
"I only wanted to talk with you and you push me away with your stale humor and rude remarks." He says as he pushes me a little further into the table and I feel something dig into my back. I suspect it to be a picture frame. I can see the still lit cigarette in his hand and he moves it closer to my forearm. I cower back from it but he holds my arm in place.
"Please stop, you're hurting me." I say in an even voice as I try to stay strong.
"But you've done nothing for my mercy." He says.
I swallow a lump in my throat as I wait for him to do something. I can feel the heat of the embers coming off his cigarette as it comes closer to my skin.
"Wait!" I say and he stops within inches of my arm.
"Give me a reason why I shouldn't do this to teach you a lesson. You're a vindictive bitch and everyone downstairs knows it. I don't even think your brother would mind. He would say you deserve it." He says mocking me.
"Isn't there any thing I can do?" I ask helplessly.
He holds his head in thought and I see a sadistic smile form on his face.
"I can only think of one thing that will let you leave this room unharmed." He says.
"And what would that be?" I ask hesitantly.
"Be a good girl and…kiss me."
"What?" I ask shocked that he would go this far for one kiss.
"Those are my demands." He says as he leans in towards me.
"Fine." I whisper and he smirks with satisfaction as I agree to his sick form of extortion. He crashes his lips to mine and I whimper as I wait for the moment to end. I don't respond and he bites my lower lip which causes me to part my lips. His tongue invades my mouth and I contemplate biting down but he may hit me so I wait for him to finish. He pulls away after his lungs force him to.
"Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" he says in a mocking tone while I glare with angry tears in my eyes. He softly brushes them away with the pad of his thumb. Es gibt meiner süßen, weine nicht. "There, there my sweet, don't cry." He coos softly to me and I want to hit him. After he just took advantage of me he thought it was alright to comfort me for his wrongs. I suspect it was either guilt or he was just insane. I push him away from me.
"Don't touch me you freak!" I shriek before I rush out of the room. I head to a bathroom and I lock the door as I sit on the closed toilet seat to collect myself. I have never had to deal with a mans advances like that before. His position has gone to his head obviously. I suspect very few women would say no to him. My breathing is hard and heavy from anger. Never was I the one to be put at a disadvantage and the very feeling was foreign. I never show fear and I'm usually the one to make people feel uncomfortable; not the other way around. I stand and look over myself in the mirror. I still look presentable though I can tell my bottom lip will swell by tomorrow. I leave the bathroom and head downstairs. I see Dieter has already rejoined the group and he gives me a taunting look and shame creeps into my heart. The bloody Basterd knew he got to me and he relishes in the very thought.
"Ah there you are. I was beginning to think you lost yourself up there." Fredrick teases and I give a tight smile.
"Is everything alright?" he asks worried with my lack of response.
I see Dieter look my way with interest as he waits to see if I rat him out. "I just don't feel well is all." I say and I see him look triumphant and it makes me sick that he feels safe as he came out the winner for this round.
"Oh well, would you like to go home than?" Fredrick asks.
"Yes I think that would be best." I say with a nod. "I'm sorry for ruining the evening Minister." I say.
"Quite alright dear, we just finished anyhow. I hope you feel well again." He says as he takes my hand and places a kiss for goodbye.
The butler gets our coats and we stand by the door to leave. Dieter doesn't leave his seat to say goodbye and I am thankful for that.
"I hope to speak to you soon Private." The minister tells my brother as we turn to leave.
"Yes I am excited about our deal." He says as he helps lead me out and we wave back to him.
We both enter the car silently. "Well that went rather well I think." Fredrick comments after awhile.
"Yes, my brother the big movie star." I tease though I don't feel that normal spark when I annoy him. He notices as well.
"Are you okay? You seemed silent after you returned downstairs. The major said you both shared a smoked until you ran from the room."
Oh how quant for him not to mention the part where he invaded my personal space I thought bitterly. "I guess I just didn't feel well. I should be fine in the morning." I say brushing it off as nothing.
"Do you want to stay at my home tonight?" he asks.
"No I'd rather be back in my own bed." I say.
"I'd feel better if you were close and I knew you were safe." He says.
How ironic. He was close to me at the Ministers and he had no idea what I had gone through. "Fredrick I'll be fine. I can take care of myself." I say confidently with a small amount of protest at his idea.
"You know it's not a crime to be vulnerable sometimes. Let people look after you." He suggests.
"Big girl can tie her own shoes Freddy." I say with a reassuring smile. "Besides, I'm sure it's just a touch of the flu."
"Alright." He says with a sigh as he tells the driver to turn to my building. We remain silent until we pull up to my building.
"I'll call you in the morning to see how you are doing." He tells me.
I sigh. "Okay whatever makes you happy." I say before I hug him.
"Goodnight Luce." He says.
"Night Freddy." I tease as I ruffle his hair before I step outside.
I walk into the main lobby of my building and give the manager a smile before I make my way to my flat. The room is dark and silent when I enter. I hit the light and I throw of my jacket onto the sofa before I kick off my heels and make my way to the bedroom. I plop down on my bed feeling wrecked and tired. I turn my head to watch the snow fall outside. My body relaxes from the silence of being alone and already my strong wall is building back up. I rest my eyes for a moment and I realize I'm still dressed but I feel too lazy to change. My mind wanders to how I can get Dieter back for what he did. I may have slipped this round but I say who takes the next victory and I bask in the idea of payback. The shadows engulf me and I fall asleep to the sound of a ticking clock in the hall while I'm whisked off to dreamland.
So how did I do for a first chapter? Let me know if I should change the rating because in the future some things may turn a little dark. I apologize if the German language was off but I used Google translate and it doesn't always work well. Love to hear reviews to know if it's worth continuing.