A/N: Hey you people! I'm sorry beyond words for the wait. Real life gets busy sometimes and I should burn in hell for being such a crappy updater. Thank you all for the favorites, follows, and reviews, they all mean so much to me! Oh yes, and by the way I changed Steve Roger's name to Steve Daniels, just to avoid the whole 'Captain America' confusion.
Disclaimer: Don't own it. Just writing about without any profit whatsoever.
The Hunters Moon- I can't spoil anything, sorry. :) I do agree that he should get over the shock of finding out and just go 'oh what the hell' and go with it. :D
MustangLover97- I am so terribly sorry for the wait. :( Also sorry about the lack of Steve in this chapter, but I promise he'll be showing up some more later on.
Stephanie- Aww, thank you! I try to make the story realistic, at least in the feel of it. It's hard to write, so trust me, the long waits kill me as well. I am so terribly sorry about that by the way. I suck and I know it. Thanks for reviewing again!
Cosmos Angle and Yami Chaos- Thanks for the review! It's much appreciated.
ToxicSoap04- Thanks for reading! I went back and fixed Fritz, thanks for the tip.
Nony- Your English is perfectly readable, thanks for reading!
Spanglishninja- Here's your long awaited chapter! Thanks!
Shade815- Finally updated, enjoy! :)
Tazzy3212- A bit of talking is at the end of the chapter, hope it keeps you interested! :D
Moonlight- Hope you come back to read more! Thanks for the review.
Eternal3007- Thanks for reviewing, it means a lot! :D
BroccoLoki- Fixed that issue! Nice username! ;)
seasidewriter1- Thanks for understanding how stories tend to be hard to right and life gets in the way of things! Here's the chapter you've been waiting for! :D
LeiraStarofTheSea- Thanks for telling me that, otherwise I would not realized the level of confusion it caused. Here's your promised chapter!
WarriorDragonElf54- That made sense, thanks for reviewing! :D
Men were lined up in a long line as sloppily as any battalion of part-time infantrymen could be. The once nervous, brand new volunteers were much more confident than they were all those weeks before when they first arrived. They chatted amiably amongst themselves and slouched forward, casually kicking at the ground and displaying all the unwanted casual and unalert traits that were about to beat out of them, of course only in the phrase of the word. They were so absorbed in their own business that no one really gave me any attention except for a few quizzical glances thrown my way. I looked along the crooked line to catch sight of any familiar faces, finally caught Steve's eye and he looked clearly relieved. I was about to make my way over to his side when, of course, the Major, Captain, and Perkins arrived.
"Stand up straight," barked the Major, "The first day you blokes lined up did not look anything like this. Your decorum is gone and that will not get you to pass by. Do you understand?"
We 'yes-sir'ed in unison, quickly adjusting our stances to a ram rod straight row of men. He nodded curtly and they separated us into two groups, one group went to the exercise part of the and the other went to the part where different higher ranked people taught us the basics on how to correctly fight on a battlefield. I was assigned to the later.
Men inside the field were being taught the primary movements and were doing strength building exercises. Nearby in a section partially covered by the woods and the other half by the field people were being taught how to make use of cover and concealment. In a space next to them, with some hastily set up fence around it, was the shooting range. Only a few people in dire need target practice help were over there. My group was being lectured by Captain Nicholls, specifically on how we needed to monitor teammates and leaders, especially without any distractions; for the enemy could sneak up at any moment.
We moved about in the cover concealment and shooting range a bit more and had a few more lectures before finally moving onto a more physically active part of the day. After about two hours of this an officer was quickly assigned to the group, and we were off to run some laps. The men and I began jogging softly around the field. It all seemed easy enough, but you should learn not to assume things.
After finishing one lap, the bulky officer in charge of us ushered us into three columns. Soon we began marching, around and around the field without stopping. After three laps I was panting, after two sprints around the field I was dying. Men were sweating head to toe, me included. My estimation on how fit I was was very far off. I was on the verge of just slowing to a jog when the officer yelled a quick, "Fall in!" and we quickly went into the three columns to marche over to the strength building area.
My lungs were burning from lack of use and many of the men who were used to hard farm work, but had been out of practice for months, were somewhat shell shocked. They probably haven't felt out of shape for a day of their life, the scrawny rich boys, on the other hand, were panting non-stop, complaining about the work. The regret of not bringing my canteen was terrible, what I would do for a sip of water was amazing.
Just as a small amount of air was returning to my lungs we were doing pushups and crunches. We did quick sets of each for about twenty minutes, short one minute breaks in-between repetitions. The officer was relentless, not taking pathetic tries lightly. His 'encouraging' yells were aimed directly at our ears and spit was deliberately spat at our faces. I can't say that I was not yelled at a couple of times.
After that lovely trial was finally done, I felt like I was going to puke, my mouth was dry and my lips were cracked. My muscles were protesting at the slightest move. I stood up shakily and glanced around. Men were red in the face and grimacing at the feeling of dragging their exhausted bodies off the ground. The only familiar face was Ray, so I wandered over to him.
After a short five minute break we were off to the obstacle course. The course was the standard agility/timeliness challenge any infantryman could go through, barb wire and all. At first it was easy, I flitted around corners at a soft jog, trying to distract myself from the dull ache in my legs and the burning in my lungs. I let myself think that would be the extent of it.
That was a terrible mistake, we were soon told to pair up with someone else. Almost everyone had a friend in that group except me. I say that because I can't really call Ray a friend, more like an acquaintance. He was always a very quiet, brooding type of a fellow. With dark eyes and a long drawn out face. The quick glance to his eyes and the small nod of his head was the only form of communication we had. I silently moved back over to him, dreading whatever task would come next.
As we formed a line in front of the course, we were told that we had to beat our partner through the obstacle course otherwise we would have to run it again multiple times. I glanced at Ray's long legs and immediately knew I would lose. Breathing in deeply I stared straight ahead, waiting for our turn.
Just as we got behind the starting line Ray finally gave his only sign of acknowledging the whole thing by murmuring two words, "I'm sorry."
I nodded understandingly and just like that we were off.
Minutes after I completed my rounds I stumbled out of the course, sweating and cursing. Ray beat me by a long shot, not that I blame him for trying to win. The extra lap had drained me, I absolutely hated being timed or rushed at something.
We were finally at the last part of the exhausting day. We once again had to run, only this time it was fifteen minutes straight, with sprints thrown in randomly at the blow of the whistle.
In between the sweat pouring down my face and the small droplets of rain, which I semi-consciously noticed began to fall down, I wouldn't be surprised if I was crying. The pain in my legs was like there was a fire raging through my bones. I was gasping in air, barely shuffling along.
The loud yell of the Major's voice gave us the signal of dismissal. Many of the men staggered back towards camp, covered in mud and sweat. Others just collapsed, trying their best to regain their breath. I, on the other hand, hurried to the woods. Vomit made it's way up my throat. The pain, soreness, and dehydration, oh dear God, was indescribable. Tears rolled down my cheeks as another wave of nausea hit me.
As I retched some more I heard the sounds of someone walking up behind me. "Hey Steve," I called back in my normal voice, not bothering to look to see who it was.
"No, you have me wrong. I am not Private Daniels," came back the calm voice of the Captain.
My tired brain snapped back alert, a thousand and one excuses coming to mind. I swiveled around to face him, my gruff voice back in place, "Oh, sorry-" I began coughing, my throat was much too dry to talk. I felt my eyes get watery again, it was literally against my will that my body was acting like this. In response to the chance of a few droplets of water finding their way down my cheek I turned back around, hiding my face. Branches snapped as he made his way towards me.
I felt a small weight land on my back, I glanced up to see James looking down at me. His face radiated sympathy or was it almost... empathy? About that I wouldn't be surprised, he was once the soldier in training just like I was. He patted my back gently as I stood up. I hastily brushed my face off, and smoothed back my hair.
"Come on Old Sport, you need some water," he said, a reassuring arm was wrapped around my shoulders as he helped me out of the woods.
I looked up at the darkening sky, heavy raindrops continued to fall. The field was vacant, a fresh new trail of mud around it marked the toils of many feet. In the distance you could see small silhouettes stumbling towards the camp, ready to flop down on their beds and sleep the night away. I also wanted to drag myself to bed immediately, but Nicholls was right, I needed water.
In companionable silence we made our way back to camp. I was thankful for this, I couldn't get myself to talk. Instead I just walked, matching his long strides across the grass. Watching out of the corner of my as raindrops dripped down off the brim of his hat. The dimming light made the contours of his cheekbones stand out. Occasionally the light of the rising moon caught his bright blue eyes. The night was beautiful and almost perfect, except for that tiny little lie that made me able to walk next to him right then.
That thought sobered me, the sheer weight of living under this 'costume' was huge. If Steve hadn't been there before to know the real me I would have cracked. I could have told the Captain right then and there as we strode across the field. That softness in his voice probably would have turned into anger and shame, no longer pity or whatever he felt right then. Maybe he would have been shocked, running off, leaving me to wonder what my fate would have been from there, but that didn't happen. Although the impulse to tell him was killing me I kept my lips sealed. I quickly snapped my attention away from him, no need to tempt myself more.
His sudden voice snapped me out of my reverie as we entered the camp, "You okay?" He was looking down on me, his tone soft and caring. I was suddenly filled with shame.
"Yes, just tired," I muttered, keeping my eyes low. My mother always said my emotions could be read plainly off my face, if you looked hard enough. I had a feeling he would be the type to read my body language. Hell, he already has in the past.
"You'll get used to it, trust me, I was in your same position," he did not sound nostalgic at all.
"I'm sure you miss it terribly," sarcasm laced my tone.
He snickered slightly, "Envy rages through my bones every time I see you gentlemen run a lap."
I glanced up at him, "Of course that's what happens. I appreciate every sore muscle I got from today."
"Then I'm sure you will love this next week of doing these exciting drills," he chuckled. All I did was glare back up at him, his smile grew wider, "Although it would be wise to bring a canteen."
"That, I agree with you on," I said as we entered the mess hall. Men were scattered about, talking softly to each other and bidding others goodnight.
He nodded his head approvingly, "Good, I will leave you to get some water. Please bring some tomorrow, seeing you and the men like that today was terrible."
"Yes sir, I will."
"Well then, goodnight Mr. Copper."
"Good night Sir," I saluted him and he saluted back before turning on his heel. "And Captain," I spoke up, causing him to turn back around, "Thank you for waiting for me back there, it was quite... terrible."
"James, Copper, call me James," he smiled reassuringly, "And no need to thank me; couldn't leave you out there all alone, could I?" With that he walked away, back out into the moonlight.
I smiled at his retreating back before turning to get some water.
One last thing: Merry Christmas or whatever it is you may be celebrating out there! Thanks for reading!
