A/N: I DO NOT own Saving Private Ryan! If I did, Wade and Jackson would NOT have died! Nor do I own the song If You're Reading This! That belongs to Tim McGraw!
Blue eyes watched the dark form sitting a few yards from the rest of them and the warm fire. Her form was trembling. The Sharpshooter knew why she was crying. Private Daniel Jackson could hear her soft sobs. He wanted to go comfort her, but he didn't know if he should.
No one in their squad could sleep that night. All out of worry. The men of 2nd Rangers Charlie Company were staring at the stars.
All eyes looked to Private Priya Shane when they heard her angelic voice singing.
If you're reading this
My Mommas sittin there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
Sure wish I
Could give you one more kiss
And war was just a game we played when we were kids
Jackson stood up, walking over to her. He knew the song by heart. His southern drawl blending perfectly with Priya's.
I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up boots
I'm up here with God and we're both watching over you
One by one, the men of the squad made their way over to where the broken young woman sat. T-4 Medic Irwin Wade sat on the other side of the raven haired woman. Joining the singing with Jackson and Priya.
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home
Jackson gently took her hand that was holding the paper in his own, calloused one. She visibly calmed, knowing her Heart was there with her.
Another voice joined in, the Brooklyn accent seeping through and blending in.
If you're reading this
Half way around the world
I won't be there
To see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and weak
Priya looked up, a shocked look on her face when Reiben sat down and started singing with the rest of them. Her blue eyes filled with love as she looked at each of the men. Jackson, Wade, Reiben, Mellish, Upham, and Captain Miller. They hadn't started out too friendly, but her bravery in combat gained their respect. Mellish's voice shocked her as he too joined in.
I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up boots
Tell dad I don't regret that I followed in his shoes
The only ones who hadn't joined the singing were Upham and Miller. But, after looking around and smiling, Timothy Upham did too. He was nervous, but that didn't stop him. Even if it showed in his voice.
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home
Captain John Miller looked at each of his soldiers, a small smile gracing his lips. He sat down with the rest of his squad, joining in too.
If you're reading this
There's going to come a day
When you'll move on
And find someone else
And that's OK
Just remember this
I'm in a better place
Where soldiers live in peace
And angels sing amazing grace
Priya looked around as all of their voices blended in perfect harmony. A gentle smile graced her lips as she rested her head on Jackson's shoulder. She was content. Even if she was thrown into a squad that hated her whole being.
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home
Everyone in Charlie Company 2nd Rangers were smiling, content with the people surrounding them. Each had become something to someone. Whether it was a brother, friend, or- in Priya's case- lover.
No questions ran through her mind as to why she was here with these men, only the thought that she was glad it happened.
"Jason is always with you, My Beloved," Jackson said to Priya as he kissed her forehead.
"My brother would have loved you all," Priya said, a small tear slipping from her eye.
Jackson brushed it away with his thumb, "I would have loved to have met him," He told her, smiling against her hair.
"Remember, stay strong for Joseph," Wade said to his friend, placing a hand on her knee.
"That's right, I still get to meet at least one of your brothers," Jackson said, laughter filling his voice.
His laugh combined with his southern drawl was like honey to her ears.
"We move out in a few hours, try to get some shut eye," Captain Miller said as he stood up to walk back over to the fire.
The men, and woman, nodded before they went back to the fire as well. Priya snuggled up next to Jackson, her head on his chest.
'She must've been exhausted,' Jackson thought as her breathing slowed as soon as her head rested on his chest. He kissed her forehead before falling asleep as well.
Neither soldier knew it, but Captain Miller smiled at them before draping a blanket over the two.