- Farthest from your mind is the thought of falling back, in fact, it isn't there at all.

And so you dig your hole carefully and deep, an wait. –

Currahee Scrapbook of the 506th PIR

Chapter Nine: Crossroads

October 5th 1944, Holland

Easy company once again was stationed in some Dutch rural town, Webster long forgot the name of, as evening fell.

Men were crammed in nearby stables until it quite literally burst as they sought a place to sleep. Webster passed Talbert as he played with some dog he found and affectionately named Trigger as he went to scrounge some food.

Passing an apple tree, Webster decided to pick some. After two or three apples he couldn't reach them anymore and he felt like an ass standing on his tiptoes trying to grab a particularly blushing one. Balancing on one leg and leaning against the tree with one hand, he tried to reach the apple. He felt his fingertips brush against it before he fell flat on his face.

Cursing he hoped no one saw his little stunt when he heard sniggers coming from behind him. Brushing of imaginary dirt from his fatigues he turned around with as much dignity he could muster to see Alley, Lesniewski and Liebgott watching him. Alley and Lesniewski could barely contain their laughter as he picked up his apples. When he stood back up he came face to face with the lovely red apple he was trying to pick in the first place.

"Here." Taking the apple from Liebgott's hand he muttered a "Thanks" trying to ignore the obvious laughter coming from the other two. He knew Liebgott meant well but he felt more like an idiot now then he did before.

He gave them the finger, making them laugh even harder, when he noticed they were all carrying their weapons, he turned back towards Liebgott. "You going somewhere?"

Liebgott nodded looking up at the tree, trying to find himself an apple "Yeah, patrol. You know were the road crosses the dike"

Webster nodded "You be careful" and glared at the other two when they whooped and made kissy sounds, obviously having heard him.

Giving them a push as he made his way back, they whooped even more, yelling and making more kissy sounds "Hey Web, didn't you forget something?" laughing even harder. Thinking he did indeed forget something, he turned back around saying "Yeah, I did actually" Standing next to them he yelled "Hey Joe"

Still staring at the tree Liebgott looked up just in time to catch the lovely red apple Webster had been trying to pick before. Smirking at the other two Webster turned back around to be followed by "Hey Webster, what about me?" and "Yeah Web, what about us?"

Heading towards a waterhole to fill his canteen with water, he heard Liebgott yell for them to 'shut up' as they left.

While Webster tried to catch some sleep in a nearby barn, Liebgott was munching on his apple, listening to his comrades silently sniggering.

"Oh come on Lieb, we didn't mean anything by it"

"Yeah, we can't help it if Webster's that easy to bait." And with more kissy sounds they started another round of sniggers.

Getting pissed off Liebgott whirled around "Didn't I tell you to SHUT UP?"

"Oh, come on Joe…." Whined Alley,

"Be quiet! You want to get shot or something?" when they opened their mouths to protest he added "Shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you! Is that UNDERSTOOD?"

No sooner as the words left Liebgott mouth, a shell exploded three feet away from them, catching Liebgott in the neck and Alley in the side. Struggling back upright, Lesniewski and Liebgott grabbed Alley, who lost consciousness, and dragged him back to the nearest barn.

Bursting in the barn holding Winters, Lipton, Luz, Hashey, Talbert, Garcia, Cobb and some others, they yelled;

"Penetration! Alley's hurt!"

"It's Alley"

Winters quickly sprang to action, clearing the nearest table barking orders "Moore, get doc Roe!" While putting him on the table Alley woke up dazed "Where am I? What happened?" Winters not knowing himself asked Liebgott "Where was it?"

Trying to stop the bleeding in his neck he quickly answered, "Crossroads, Where the road crosses the dike."

Lesniewski tried to protest "If it wasn't for your loud mouth. They wouldn't have known we were there."

Liebgott pissed off muttered; "You know Joe, Back off!" Lesniewski quickly shut up, knowing it was partly his fault. If he had shut up when Liebgott asked, they wouldn't be here now. Seeing an argument coming up Winters ordered "Lesniewski, sent for Lieutenant Welsh. Lipton assemble me a squad."

Lipton nodded and yelled "Yes sir. First squad on your feet. Weapons and ammo only." As soon as the words left his mouth Doc Roe stormed in pushing him aside "Let me through. Moore get the boots off and elevate the leg. Liebgott use the sulphur."

Doing as he was told, Liebgott rummaged his pockets until he found what he was looking for. Ripping open the little packet he sprinkled the white powder on Alley's numerous wounds. As Roe talked to Alley, "Hey Alley"

Still conscious trying to breath Alley muttered a "Hey" back. As soon as Liebgott was sure he couldn't do anything anymore he took his weapon and started to run after the others when Roe yelled "Hey Liebgott want me to take a look at that?" pointing at his neckWaving absently Liebgott murmured a "Later" and set off.

Liebgott didn't have to run far as he met up with first squad, hiding in a ditch near the place where Alley was shot down. He could see Winters converse with Talbert before he disappeared over the dike. Talbert slid back down and gave them the sign to stay put until further notice.

Webster in the mean time had a rude awakening when men of his platoon ran back and forth panicked. Grabbing Martin's sleeve as he ran by the asked,

"What's going on?"

"Someone's been shot at the crossroads. Winters and first squad already left……"

Webster let his hand drop in shock and Martin ran off again waking everyone else from first platoon. Turning white he remembered Liebgott was supposed to be patrolling that area. Taking a few deep breaths, he took his gun and before anyone could even ask what was wrong with him he ran towards the barn he knew Winters was in before he left. Bursting in he saw Roe trying frantically to stop the bleeding while he removed several shell fragments. Webster couldn't see who it was as he stepped closer. At his entrance Roe looked up relieved to see someone, 'cause he could use some help.

"Webster, get your ass over here."

Nodding slowly, Webster dropped his weapon as he walked closer, eyes trained on the figure bleeding on the table.

"You hold your hand here, while I check that area…." Webster didn't move as he stared at all the blood, when he looked up all he could see was Liebgott slowly dying on some table, he began to tremble "….Webster did you hear me? Put your hand here…" when Webster still didn't move, Roe took his hand and placed it on the wound. Webster could feel the blood gushing between his fingers and he began to feel sick.

He was snapped out of it when Roe grabbed his chin hard, "Look Web, it isn't him….." Webster merely stared in Roe eyes, "… It isn't him, alright?" Webster wanted to ask him 'who' for appearance sake but he'd seen Roe spending lots of times with Heffron himself and when he looked back at the soldier's face it morphed from being Liebgott to Alley. He swallowed hard and said "Yeah….." Then and only then Roe let him go as they both finished removing the shrapnel and bandaging Alley.

When they were done, they shipped Alley out of there, back to France. (1) Both Roe and Webster were washing their hands when the call came for the rest of first platoon to join the others.

When they made it, it was already turning light and Webster could see all the men lying in a ditch awaiting Winters orders as Talbert crawled towards him to deliver the news. Crawling through the field Webster tried to locate Liebgott. He had this urge to make sure the man was alright, that he wasn't on his way to some hospital right now. Someone motioned for him to join them "Web, over here" when he made it he joined Martin and Randleman who both nodded as they saw him. Turning over he searched his pockets for a smoke and sighed as he came up empty handed. He looked towards Martin but he didn't have one either. Hitting his head on the dirt in frustration he closed his eyes. When a soft "Here" came from his left he opened them again to see a cigarette dangling in front of him. Taking the cigarette he turned to thank the man and was surprised to find Liebgott smirking at him.

Webster merely stared at him open-mouthed as he looked Liebgott up and down. Noticing the hastily wrapped bandage around his neck, he frowned. Liebgott merely shrugged as he produced a lighter, leaned closer then he should to light a cigarette he hastily whispered "I'm fine" before leaning back again. Seeing as it was Liebgott's last cigarette, they decided to share it. While Webster enjoyed their little time together the tried to ignore this ominous feeling in his gut. When he heard Martin and Randleman chuckle things like 'old married couple', he rolled his eyes before flicking the last of his cigarette in their direction.

Before they knew it they were divided in three groups, Webster was to go on the right with sergeant Talbert, while Liebgott took the middle with Winters. Sharing a look Webster and Liebgott waited for the red smoke to cloud the field before silently moving off, each in their direction hoping they all would make it through the day.

Webster could see the others joins Winters and open fire as he and Martin veered to the right and jumped in a ditch leading to a sewer. Looking inside they found several men holding their hands in the air. Martin told them move while Webster translated "Raus Raus. Shnell Shnell" The men looked panicked between Martin and Webster yelling "Nicht Schitsen. Polish"

Martin turned around, gun trained on the three men, "What's he saying?" Webster looked confused lowering his weapon a bit, "He's telling me they're Polish"

Martin lunged forwards checking their uniform, when he found two little S's sewn on their uniform he yelled "Don't you believe it. There are no poles in the SS. Move!"

Pointing his gun back on the men Webster yelled "Komen Sie hier" They grabbed the men and steered them out of the ditch and on the dike. Together they brought the men to the rear and left them in custody of the MP's, just as their artillery lay a string of explosion on the dike. When they were done Webster and Martin made their way back when the road got hit with german 88's zeroed in on the crossroad.

Jumping in a nearby ditch Martin yelled at him to get down when a shell exploded a few feet away from him andcatapulting him in the ditch Martin was hiding in.

Gathering his senses Webster felt a shooting pain in his calf and yelled "Jesus Christ, they got me" Still hiding from the shells Martin yelled at him to take cover. When the shelling was over Martin checked him before calling for Skinny who was laying in a ditch nearby. "You get this, I have to go" patting his shoulder "You'll be alright Webster."

Webster watched Martin run off, feeling embarrassed for his behaviour. He couldn't believe he yelled 'they got me' at a time like that. He heard of men apologising for getting hit or simply carrying on despite the fact they were bleeding and all he could yell at a time like that was 'they got me'? It wasn't as if it was the first he got hit, on the contrary. While Skinny was bandaging his calf, he wished the ground would swallow him whole. After Skinny helped him up, all he could mutter was a "I'll see you someplace else" as he hobbled off.

When the shelling was done, the remaining germans quickly surrendered. Liebgott smiled as Martin walked by, gun trained on a fresh batch of german prisoners.

"Nice catch you got there, Johnny."

Martin smirked, "Yeah, that makes 14 if you count the three me and Webster took earlier." Grinning Liebgott looked around, "Yeah, where is Webster anyway. I haven't seen him in awhile" Martin's smile quickly vanished "Webster got himself wounded when the krauts opened fire. I left him with Skinny."

Liebgott merely stared at him then nodded "Oh" Martin stepped closer, brow furrowed "You gonna be ok, Joe?"

Liebgott seem to recover "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be" Martin opened his mouth to say something but Liebgott simply continued "Not my fault that the idiot got himself wounded now is it?"

Martin knew there was no talking to Liebgott once he got sarcastic and walked off germans in tow. He could vaguely hear Liebgott mutter "Damn germans'" before the other man opened fire again, shooting any german that moved in the field. Martin shared a worried glance with Winters as he made his way towards Liebgott. He watched as Winters sat down next to a pissed off looking Liebgott

"Joe? Joe, knock it off!" ordered Winters when Liebgott didn't stop firing, pissed off for the interruption Liebgott yelled "Goddamn it! What?" Instead of meeting Johnny's worried face he saw Winters instead and he rolled his eyes. Hands quickly touched his bloody bandage as Winters observed "You're bleeding."

Shrugging Liebgott said "Aw, it's nothing Captain" and looked back toward the field as Winters concerned blue eyes reminded him too much of Webster's. Trying to get his mind of things and getting him to see a doctor Winters ordered "I want you to take these prisoners to battalion CP and get yourself cleaned up."

Looking towards, the now nervous germans, Liebgott nodded eagerly "Yes sir. Come on kraut boys." Recognizing 'the killer look' in Liebgott's eyes, Winters quickly called "Joe?"

Stopping, slightly annoyed Liebgott said "Yeah?"

"Drop your ammo" Liebgott looked at Winter like he grew a second head "What?" When Winters repeated his order he barked "You kidding me? What are you doing?"

"Give me your gun." Before Liebgott even had to the time to react Winters had taken his gun, removed the clip and placed back one bullet. Liebgott frowned "Captain?"

Holding up the bullet Winters explained "You have one round." Before yelling at an anxious looking Martin "Johnny? How many prisoners do we have?"

Yelling back Martin yelled "Got eleven right now sir" Liebgott rolled his eyes, feeling like he could strangle Martin this right moment when Winters continued "Ok. You drop a prisoner, the rest'll jump you. I want all prisoners back at battalion CP alive."

Grabbing his gun back, Liebgott merely smirked "Yes sir" rounded up the prisoners, throwing a dirty look in Martin's direction and set off.

After skinny bandaged his calf the best he could, Webster tried to make his way back to Battalion CP. (1) He declined every jeep that offered him a ride there as he hobbled down the road. He didn't want them to think it was too serious and take him of the line again. After awhile he wished he hadn't and with every step he took, he saw stars as the bandage began to leak blood. He passed soldiers hording german prisoners back, jeeps filled with wounded as he finally made it to the aid station. It took Webster a lot of effort to push the door open and when the door opened from the inside he felt relieved. Using his gun as support, he made it inside. Seeing soldiers who were worse of then him, he decided to sit down on the nearest ball of hay and wait. Feeling woozy from the loss of blood and the long walk there, he closed his eyes. He didn't know when he dropped off but when he came to he was laying down on a stretcher and someone was cutting his pants open.

He could vaguely hear voices talking, about him no doubt but he couldn't quite muster the strength to open his eyes as he dropped off again. Next time he awoke was due to excruciating pain coming from his calf, he tried to jerk away but a call of "Hold him down" came followed by a set of hands on his shoulder as he was held down. He whimpered slightly, tears of pain trailing down his face as he opened his eyes.

A familiar voice saying "Hurry up Doc" made him smile despite the pain. He could feel a little prick before the pain faded away. He sighed and whispered "Joe…" he wasn't sure if the other man heard it or not but when the chocolate brown eyes came to meet his he tried to smile.

A "there" followed by a loud 'clink' made him in sigh in relief. He could feel Liebgott caress his hair as he released his shoulders and bend down,

"Why did you have to go and get yourself shot again huh?" whispered Liebgott, Webster smiled a wobbly smile, "You know me Joe, I'm a masochist deep down" Liebgott snorted despite himself, "Yeah, I bet you can't stay away from the morphine either"

Webster closed his eyes for a second, "You got me pecked Joe" Liebgott chuckled "Yeah.." before leaning down and touched his forehead to Webster's "You're an idiot, you know that" Webster merely nodded. "Lucky for me, I have you to keep me in tow…" Liebgott didn't say anything for awhile but when he did Webster had to open his eyes at the softly whispered "Yeah, you got me."

They stared in each other eyes for awhile until a voice interrupted "We've got to move him now". Webster saw Liebgott give Roe a short nod, before he leaned back down and obviously not caring who saw him, kissed him softly on the forehead. Tears sprang in Webster's eyes, tears he wanted to blame on the pain but couldn't as he tried to grab Liebgott sleeve but missed as they moved him of. He yelled a feeble "I'll see you later" as they slid him into an ambulance. He watched Liebgott mouth something as the door closed and he was whisked off not knowing when he'd see the other man again. Then and only then, did he allow the tears to fall.

When Liebgott finally made it to battalion CP, he handed over the prisoners to some MP standing nearby. Seeing the ambulances come and go, he decided to get his wound looked at since he was here and all. He told himself he didn't want to check up on Webster, he was ordered to come in by Winters. He snorted as he knew he was kidding himself.

He didn't know why or when but the other man had weaselled himself into his heart and made a nice home whilst he was at it. He had heard of 'opposites attract' but in their case it was actually true. There was something between them that couldn't be explained away no matter how hard he tried, and boy did he try. While they were in England, he slept with almost any girl that threw herself at him and yet he never even felt a sliver of emotion then when it came to Webster.

That night when Webster shouted at him that he loved him, Liebgott was mad, mad that a man such a Webster loved someone like him. He didn't feel worthy, yet when they touched there was so much electricity between them he couldn't deny his heart any longer and the night they spent together was the best of his life.

Yet, he felt like he was becoming too attached, every time something happened to Webster, time stopped and he had to remind his heart to keep beating. He felt like he was becoming too obvious when it came to Webster so at times he would sneer at he man, insult him, yes even hurt him in the hope Webster would give up on him and leave. Yet he kept on coming back, kept on forgiving him. By now he was in too deep and the time for turning back has long since passed, he decided as long as there was a war on and as long either of them was breathing they would stick together. Both knew this 'thing' they had couldn't last and made no illusions as what would happen afterwards. They both silently agreed that when the war was over they would part and carry on with their respective lives. But as long as there was a war on, they would enjoy what they had here and now.

That's why Liebgott always got pissed of when Webster got into a dangerous situation or got himself shot. He decided he didn't want to be angry and yell at Webster for getting shot again but when he saw Webster sitting on a ball of hay his temper suddenly flared up.

He made his way down to the man as Doc Roe shook Webster's shoulder. Liebgott started to yell something but the sound died in his throat as Webster slid to the side not moving.

Roe was yelling for some help as he tried to prevent Webster from falling to the ground, coming to a stop next to both men Liebgott said "I'll help" waving away the medic making his way down.

"Help me get him down on that stretcher." Said Roe as they both grabbed Webster and laid him down. Seeing the paleness of Webster skin Liebgott asked,

"What's wrong with him? Martin told me he was ok."

Checking him over Roe quickly diagnosed "Shot in the calf….." when he lifted the bandage it was soaked with blood "…. Severe bloodloss…."

Liebgott watched as Roe first inserted a needle in Webster's arm hooking up a plasma IV before taking his scissors and cutting Webster's pants. Webster moaned some but didn't move much after. Getting rid of the bandage, Roe poured some alcohol on the wound, his hands and tweezers before trying to remove the bullet.

Roe wriggled around some, muttering "It's in deep…" when Webster decided to wake up. When he began to trash around Liebgott moved behind his head, holding down his shoulders, as Roe ordered "Hold Him down." Seeing the pain Webster was in Roe search for a syringe of morphine. Not able to stand the pain Webster was in he snapped a "Hurry up doc" towards Roe. Roe didn't seem fazed as he stabbed the morphine in Webster's opposite thigh. It didn't take long for Webster to calm down. He watched Roe work for awhile until a soft "Joe…" came from Webster. Looking down he was relieved to see Webster was awake. He looked back up as Roe finally removed the piece of shrapnel. He exchanged some playful banter with Webster as Roe bandaged him, as he tried not to think about how close he came to losing the other man. He didn't really catch what Webster said but when he realised they were probably to be separated once again he said "Yeah, you got me…." The silent 'always' didn't need to be said as both men felt it. A voice cut through their staring "We've got to move him now" looking up he saw Roe watching their exchange with a glance that clearly said that he understood what he was feeling. Giving the doctor a quick nod, he leaned down not caring who saw him and kissed Webster softly on the forehead. Seeing tears gather in the other man's eyes, he made his heart a stone as Webster tried to reach out to him but failed.

He watched as they shoved Webster into an ambulance and whispered a quiet '"Later" as he doors closed and the ambulance drove off.

He stared after the ambulance a long time, until Roe escorted him back inside and took care of his wound.

The next couple of weeks for Webster consisted of being moved to one hospital to the next. From Holland to Brussels, Belgium,(3) where he saw Buck Compton being taken care of, to the same General Hospital in France where he'd been the first time. He'd been operated on twice (4) and they all say the same thing "It's going to be a long haul, son". Webster refused to believe that as he protested and begged to go join his company again. He was refused every time.

Liebgott in the mean time, joined the British paratroopers when they crossed the river Rhine near Schoonderloght, Holland, to rescue some 140 men who were stuck on the wrong side of the river. The mission went without a hitch and they all celebrated Lieutenant Highliger's first successful mission. "Wahai Mohammed!"

(1) Alley made it and still lives to this day.

(2) Webster was indeed shot in his calf, this was not made up. I probably made it look worse then it really was. Blame the muse ;)

(3) Buck Compton was in a Hospital in Brussels when he got shot in the behind.

(4) I don't know whether he was operated on or not so this part is more or less made up.

AN: I hope Webster doesn't look too much of a girl in this chapter with al the crying and stuff. Just remember the guy was hurt, tired and drugged so keeping your emotion in check at a time like that is quite hard to do.

To be continued in Chapter 10: Far Away, For Far Too Long!