This is a response to Kat Bybee's photo challenge ( image/ 160925470728 ), which depicts LeBeau's departure in 'Cuisine à la Stalag 13'. I always find it easiest to write from Newkirk's POV, so he edged his way in, too. That episode always gets me right in the feels. :'-(
Up the Ladder, Away You Go
"Are we really going to do this?" Newkirk whispers, looking over his shoulder.
The new Senior POW, one Colonel Robert Hogan, is further down the tunnel, out of earshot.
LeBeau is already halfway up the ladder. He hangs there, first surprise, then concern crossing his face. "You don't want to?"
Green meets brown.
Newkirk shakes his head.
This is mad, insane, and he doesn't know why he agreed in the first place. His self-preservation streak is kicking in hard. They are soldiers, not spies.
"Mmm." LeBeau purses his lips. "But maybe you need to."
Newkirk scowls, because, what is that supposed to mean?
LeBeau doesn't quail under his anger. He never does. Instead, his brown eyes are steady, patient, and Newkirk feels himself start to fold. Because LeBeau is fierce with determination, and he's going to do this, whether Newkirk follows him or not. Sometimes it feels like his friend has never been afraid of anything in his life.
Newkirk puts one hand on the first rung. "Fine. But I'm doing this under protest, so I'll complain as much as I want."
LeBeau rolls his eyes and starts climbing. "As if that was ever in question."
Are you really going to do this?
He says it to himself, but he doesn't speak aloud.
Colonel Hogan, Baker and Carter are all gathered around the base of the ladder.
Newkirk is subdued. He'd lost his friend the minute France had called. He wants to be angry, but can't summon up the energy.
De Gaulle better ruddy well appreciate him.
"Au revoir, mon pote."
"Take care."
He's their cook, but he's not just a cook. LeBeau is a firm rock and a volcano at the same time. Newkirk already knows they're going to wake up tomorrow morning to find something essential is missing, like the floor, or maybe gravity.
LeBeau pauses one last time, halfway up the ladder.
"Bonne chance."
Green meets brown.
His eyes say, I need to do this.
So, Newkirk lets him go.