"If you are going through hell, keep going."
Winston Churchill
AN: This chapter will contain intimate scene's as well as hints to a Roe/Heffron pairing.
Chapter Eleven: Haguenau!
February 9th 1945. Haguenau, France
Webster arrived only a couple of hours after easy company in Haguenau, thanking the driver who brought him there he took his bag and made his way towards the once familiar trucks. Passing a truck which held third platoon and some of first he smiled,
"George Luz", the man in question however looked at him strangely "Yeah?"
Seeing the look on his face Webster quickly added "It's me, come on it hasn't been that long" Finally recognizing him, Luz merely muttered "Jeez, yes it has"
Dismissing the comment as a joke, Webster made his way passed the trucks until he found the one he was looking for. Seeing Martin, Randleman, Cobb and others of his platoon he wondered why there were so little of them and asked where Hoobler was. All he got for an answer was a bunch of glares and got redirected to second platoon. Frowning he wondered what happened Hoobler that was so horrible they won't even mention him. And who the heck was that lieutenant, he didn't remember him.
Shrugging, he made his way to the next truck, he almost stopped in his tracks as he finally saw the man he didn't want to admit he was looking for in the first place. Hoping to get a better reception there, he explained why he was to join them.
He frowned as once again no one looked him in the eye. At first he didn't mind much but as even Liebgott turned his head the other way he felt a slight tinge in his heart. The only one more or less prepared to talk to him was a replacement named Jackson. The young man looked nothing like he did four months ago, he looked all grown up. When he helped Webster in the truck the conversation quickly turned to where he'd been all that time.
He felt even more hurt when Liebgott snubbed him from not going AWOL and staying away for four months while others did escape to help them. He explained he honestly didn't know how he should have done that. And he meant it 'cause by god did he try. He wanted to shake Liebgott and explain what he'd done in trying to get back to him, them, but he couldn't. As he looked at Liebgott's, Heffron, Jackson's and everyone's weary faces he understood. If it were him, he'd probably give him the cold shoulder as well. He knew it meant very little he was a Taccoa men, helped on D-day, Market-Garden and Carentanwhen he missed something as big as Bastogne. In fact he deserved what was coming to him. And when he heard what happened to Guarnere he decided to keep his mouth shut. He often regretted his speech, but he never regretted his silence and decided to do just that. (1)
Liebgott couldn't believe his eyes when he saw Webster sauntering in their direction, looking the same like he always did. Clean and all smiles. He didn't dare look the other man in the eye in case this was a dream and he'd disappear again. He wanted to hug and hit the guy all at once, instead he pretended not to care whether he was back or not. When the conversation turned to where he'd been he couldn't help but mutter "Must have liked that hospital cause uh we left Holland four months ago" he knew he wasn't being entirely fair but he was still angry for being left for four months. He could see he was hurting Webster with his words, even when Webster tried to laugh it off but he couldn't seem to care. When they told what happened to Guarnere he saw Webster swallow hard and he remembered the guy was there from the beginning and knew all these men well. It wasn't because he'd been gone, he forgot his friendships but still every time he saw that clean uniform, shaven face and innocent smile he turned angry. He laughed with everyone else as Webster dove in the snow and Malarkey muttered "Nervous in the service?" as a mortar exploded a few feet away. It didn't even faze the rest of them.
While Webster left for the company CP, second platoon took the nearest house and settled in. Beds were spread all over the place but Liebgott followed Malarkey and some of the others to the top and took one of the twin beds available. Settling in, they made some coffee, smoked and simply waited for orders on what they were supposed to do next. People came and went, giving Malarkey pieces of paper, maps and other stuff which he spread out on the nearest table. About an hour later, familiar footsteps made their way upstairs.
Leaving the obvious sniggers behind Webster made his way to the company CP where he saw two more familiar faces. Luz and Lipton, the lather not looking too well. Luz was the only one who was prepared to be friendly and answered any question he threw at him before he wrapped a sick Lipton in a blanket. Explaining the situation to Lipton, he was to wait for their new company CO Lieutenant Speirs. Boy was he surprised to hear that the leader of Dog company took over easy, he heard the stories about the man and wondered why everyone was so excepting of that big change. Last he heard Winters was still CO of easy but now he ran the whole battalion. He had been gone a long time, only now did he realise how long it really was.
He stood up and some young, clean looking, Lieutenant Jones reported for duty. Just like him he was ignored until you actually yelled for attention. Just as they were going to introduce themselves to Speirs, Winters and Nixon walked in and they looked as dirty, rugged and tired as everyone else and once again Webster wondered what happened. Webster tried to look the other way as he heard them whisper about a new mission coming up.
When they were done, none of them spared him a glance as they walked out. After Lipton and Speirs decided they were defiantly taking Heffron, McClung and Ramirez did Lipton remember both he and Jones were there. Without a single thought they were both assigned to Second Platoon, men Webster knew but never worked with in the field, as they dodged mortars on their way in. He and Jones talked some on their way over and Webster decided the guy wasn't so bad. Passing soldiers they made their way upstairs were the rest of the platoon was held up. Seeing an empty bed, Webster asked Heffron, who was reading a magazine, if the bed was empty and when it was he quickly dumped his gear on it before introducing Jones to Malarkey. He heard the others snigger as Jones congratulated Malarkey on his battlefield commission and realised he'd been had. Trying not to let it get to him, Webster turned from Liebgott's grinning face as he stared out of the window as Jones explained the upcoming mission.
When a warm, familiar hand settled on his shoulder he jumped slightly. Instead of feeling glad he wanted to shrug it off and snapped a "Why" as they said they wanted to talk to him. At first he was reluctant to share any info he had on the mission but he figured if he did share maybe he'd gain their trust again. He shivered as Liebgott's eyes roamed over his body and he told himself it was the cold and nothing else. All his hopes were shot to hell as they betrayed his trust as they revealed they already knew who was going. He turned around and was about to leave when Liebgott grabbed his jacket and pulled him down the stairs as they heard a shell flying over. Hiding in the basement dust falling around them, Webster could feel his heart pounding in his throat. He was even more shocked when the other began to laugh when four months ago they wouldn't have moved in at least five more minutes. Again he wondered.
When the shelling was done, they all made their way outside when the call came for a medic. Sharing a long remembered look with Liebgott, Webster and the others went to see what happened. Apparently Bill Keihn, a sergeant from third platoon, had been killed in the last barrage, carrying a sack of potatoes from one house to the next. Such was war.
Everyone quickly left to take their long awaited showers when Lipton came with the news that Grant, Jackson, Wynn, Liebgott, Powers and Webster were to go on the patrol. They all complained about the fact it was always second platoon at the front even though they had barely fifteen men left after Bastogne.
When looking at all those men, their dirty uniforms and faces did Webster realise how he must look like to them. Gnawing his bottom lip he decided he wouldn't waste any water that belonged to a soldier who really needed it and left with Lt. Jones who had the same idea. After hearing Malarkey lost his five best friend, which meant, if Webster's memory was correct, Buck, Toye, Guarnere, Muck and Penkala, an idea began to form in Webster's mind. He didn't know what happened to those men but when they passed an exhausted looking Malarkey, he pitched his idea to Lt. Jones who eagerly agreed and walked off to explain it to Malarkey. The idea was for Lt. Jones to take Malarkey's, who deserved some rest, place during the assault and get some combat experience. The only problem after Malarkey agreed was to get either Winters or Speirs to agree. Both knew this wasn't going to be easy.
Seeing Luz was the only one prepared to talk to him Webster decided to make his way to Company CP and talk to the man, apparently he wasn't the only one who had the idea as several easies were trying to beg some Hershey bars from Luz and Vest as they tried to count them. Soon after, Perconte showed up from being wounded and they all smiled and gave him a warm welcome as he walked in. Webster swallowed hard as even Liebgott was happy to see him, he'd give anything to be on the receiving end of that smile. He almost dropped the box Luz gave him when Liebgott grabbed his arm whispering "You been working out?" Glaring at the man, having had enough of being jerked around he quickly left following Luz. He was getting tired of Liebgott's moods, one moment he was almost seducing him while at other times the man would practically bite his head off. Enough was enough.
After parting with Luz, Jones and Vest Webster quickly deposited the stuff in their room. There he found Heffron and Roe sitting close on a bed talking about the upcoming mission, both looked up as he entered. Even though he was happy for them, this was not was he needed to see right now. He turned his back on them, took a chair and placed it near a window looking out. As they continued whispering Webster closed his eyes, trying to ignore all the memories flooding back. A soft voice made him jump slightly "Hey Web" he opened his eyes to find Roe sitting in a chair near him, Heffron following every move from the bed. "Glad to see you. How have you been?"
Blowing out smoke, not really interested in making conversation, Webster merely said "Fine" and hoped that would be the end of it. Instead Roe continued "How was the hospital?" at this Webster turned rigid, his mind flooding back with all the wounded soldiers, the stench of dead and his failed escape attempts. He jumped up as Roe placed a warm hand on his. He must have zoned out or something cause both Roe and Heffron were standing next to him now. He stumbled backwards, flicking his cigarette away muttering "Ok…. Fine" as he slowly made his way out of the room. Both Roe and Heffron frowned at Webster's behaviour as the normally eloquent men stuttered, turning pale. Roe stepped forward just as Webster turned to leave "Why don't you get some sleep Web, you look tired." Webster stopped for a moment, sighing, "I'll sleep in my grave, Doc" (2) and silently left leaving both men staring at nothing but air.
Liebgott had to admit Webster was looking better then he remembered and he would often catch himself staring at the man. He had a hard time controlling his emotions as he either snapped at Webster or would simply stare at him. He was still pissed of Webster didn't go AWOL but so relieved to finally see him again. Because of that Webster was often the brunt of his jokes, teases and downright nastiness. At times, he would forget himself as he would end up looking Webster up and down until the man shivered under his gaze. He also invited him to the showers and touched his biceps before he could stop himself. He could see he was hurting Webster and the feeling of him not caring began to wear of as he remembered all the times they spent together. After awhile when his anger didn't cloud his vision 24/7 he noticed that even though Webster looked the same he was somehow different. He didn't talk as much nor did he return fire like he used to. He simply took it and left without a backwards glance. He wanted to talk to the man alone but he found it extremely hard to do so as they were never truly alone. He tried when he was scrounging Hershey bars in the company CP but only got a glare when he tried to talk to Webster. AfterWebster left Liebgott filled his pockets with bars and cigarette's before making his way back to OP 2.
There he found Heffron and Roe discussing Webster of all people. He waiting on the stairs to hear what they were talking about.
"I'm telling you Gene, he's different…"
"Edward…" sighed Roe,
"No Gene, you remember how Buck was when he got back?" Liebgott didn't hear an answer so Roe must have nodded or something, "…. Webster's the same somehow. I wonder what goes on in these hospital's, Bill once told me it wasn't pretty. I guess it got to him as well."
Roe sighed again "Alright. I'll keep an eye on him. And you do the same." There was a sound of lips meeting lips followed by a "You be careful tonight…" as they parted. Then and only then did Liebgott move again. When he passed Roe it was clear the other man knew he heard every word as he nodded before making his way downstairs.
Entering the room Liebgott unconsciously chose Webster's bunk as he laid down eating a Hershey bar thinking about what he just heard. Soon after they were joined by the others as they made their way back to the company CP for the mission briefing.
Most of them sat down as one by one the men trickled in. Liebgott watched Webster's weave his way through the men and he stood in the far end of the room waiting for Winters to show up.
After leaving Heffron and Roe, Webster walked around trying to see who was still there and who wasn't as he tried to clear his head. He wandered back in the house the CP was located in and decided to investigate. Checking the rooms he found a library. Sneezing at the dust he trailed his hands over each book cover remembering his time at college. It seemed years had passed since that day. A voice interrupted his thoughts and startling him making him drop a book;
"So, finally found a place were you belong huh?" turning around he saw Nixon standing at the door with a big grin on his face. "Found this place a few hours ago thought you might your way up here sooner of later."
Bending down to retrieve the book Webster said "Yes sir" as Nixon took a gulp of his flask. Webster looked at the page the book fell open on as was surprised to see the words 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother..." staring back at him. Finally understanding the words he smiled.
"What? Found porn or something?" muttered Nixon settling down in the nearest seat he could find. "Not exactly sir…" answered Webster putting back the book "….Shakespeare."
Nixon merelynodded "You know Private. If you see anything you'd like to take with you go ahead….." staring at the collection of books Webster had no idea where to start but said "Thank you sir. I'll think about it" He saluted and made his way back as he heard Nixon mutter "Never liked Shakespeare…."
Webster shook his head and made his way down to the CP, where he could feel both Heffron's as Liebgott's eyes follow him as he entered he room. As Jones entered he was glad the man was at least allowed to go on the mission with the rest of them. When Martin and Winters entered they all stood up. When Winters explained Jones was to go as an observer he and Jones shared a smile and a nod.
He didn't know what he'd done wrong now as Martin glared at him but he'd knew he was going to get punished for it somehow. It didn't take long for him to find out as he was picked for Martin's assault team. When asked about him speaking german he said "Yeah a little bit", rolling his eyes 'cause everyone knew very well that he did. He leaned over as if stabbed when Liebgott muttered about his german being as good as his. As soon as the CO's left, Webster hurried outside, lighting a cigarette, he could hear more snide remarks about him 'trying to get out of everything ' as he said his second plan in motion. He did the math and there were 16 men, including two translators going on patrol while they only needed 15 menincluding one translator. Webster told himself he wasn't doing this so Liebgott wouldn't be in the face of danger when he explained the situation to Speirs but he knew he was kidding himself and when Liebgott smiled the smile he reserved just for him he knew it was worth it.
When the order came for them to remove anything that rattles or shines, Webster did something he never imagined himself doing. He gave his dog tags to Doc Roe. (3)
"I can't take these Web. What will happen if you get shot?"
"Then it won't matter if I wear them or not will it?" said Webster placing his dog tags in Roe's reluctant hands, "Web…."
"Look Gene… I want you to give them to Joe when… I… after I…." Webster cleared his throat "Just give them to him, ok?"
Roe nodded "Why don't you give them to him yourself?"
Webster shook his head " He's too goddamn stubborn. Besides I don't t think he'll take them now…"
"You don't know that…." Muttered Roe "… You might be surprised how much he still cares."
Webster snorted, "Right" and rolled his eyes "I've got to go…."
Liebgott had to remind himself to breath after he heard that conversation. He hit the wall hard when he realised they were back in the same situation they were in four months ago. Not caring if Roe knew he was there, he walked up to the man, grabbed the dog tags and snapped "He better back come back or else…" before leaving himself, leaving a slightly grinning Roe behind.
At 0100 hours, Webster and his team boarded the boats as they pulled themselves to the other side. When they made it they were divided in three groups: Powers and Wynn were to secure the left flank of the house, while Jones, Grant and Heffron secured the right flank and the crossroads. Martin in the mean time had shot a grenade in the window and as they waited to explode Jackson threw in a second. But Jackson was too eager to move and got caught in the face by the explosion.
Martin, followed by Webster who translated to german, Vest and McClung quickly rounded up the prisoners as Webster primed the charges.
By then the germans had been alerted to their position and began firing upon them as they ran back outside. They quickly pulled out, Webster taking Wynn's place as he offered covering fire as his team boarded the boats.
Liebgott eager to help was placed with Petty on an MG-42 as he watched the explosions, followed by the team making their way between the bullets. He couldn't quite make out were Webster was as he muttered for them' to blow the goddamn whistle'.
It took them about ten minutes from when they left to when they dumped the wounded german on the bank and made their way back to shore. Once there Martin yelled for a medic as Perconte helped them move a wounded Jackson.
Liebgott, had heard the call for a medic but tried to ignore the possibilities as he kept firing upon the german shore.
While dodging bullets, Webster and the rest of the team made their way to the nearest basement as they tried to help Jackson. Jones was left in charge as Martin when to look for Roe. Heffron looked as many of them yelled back and forth, panicking and not knowing what to do. He watched as Jackson writhed in pain and horror as Vest kept yelling he was to die. He looked on amazed as Webster pulled Vest away, took Jackson's hand and calmly talked to him. He was even more amazed as he saw Webster whispering softly, petting Jackson's bloody hair and face as the boy slowly calmed down.
When Webster was sure Jackson calmed down, he yelled for a medic again. No sooner did the words leave his mouth as Roe ran in, checking Jackson as he began to cry. Webster only let the boy's hand go as Roe decided to move him. They didn't move him far when Jackson went into convulsions and died in Roe's arms. He saw Roe share a look with Heffron, before Heffron turned his way and he sighed in despair.
He sat down and stared in front of him not talking. Someone patted his back but he didn't have the courage to look up. He only moved when it was time to move the prisoners.
When the shooting was done Liebgott and Alley weren't allowed in the basement so they made their way back to OP 2 waiting for news. A few hours later a miserable looking Heffron walked in as he sank down on his bed rubbing his face.
"WELL?" snapped Liebgott not able to stand it anymore.
"He died. He didn't make it" muttered Heffron, seeing the look of sudden despair in Liebgott's face, he quickly added "Jackson. He didn't make it"
Liebgott didn't know he stopped breathing until Heffron said 'Jackson' and he wanted to throttle the man. Instead he said "Got any prisoners?"
Heffron nodded "Yeah, Webster and Martin brought back three but we had to leave one 'cause he was too badly wounded to take back with us"
Sitting back down Liebgott ears peaked as Malarkey asked how Webster did. "Talking about Webster, how did he do after all this time?"
Heffron sighed "Great, better then great actually. He was always one of the first ones in and one of the last ones out. He took Wynn's place covering the rear when he didn't need to. And was the one who stayed with Jackson and held his hand until the kid calmed down enough for Doc Roe to take a look at him." Malarkey merely 'hmmm'd' as the others stayed quiet mulling it over. No one said a word as Heffron turned, laid himself down and tried to catch some sleep. Liebgott decided to wait on Webster's bed for the man to return but he never did.
The next morning they were all quiet as Webster and Jones made their way back upstairs, still situated on Webster's bed Liebgott informed the two they knew what happened. They were happy it went well, despite the loss of Jackson but they also knew the chances of doing a second one were extremely high.
Not wanting to stick around and be the brunt of yet another round of snide remarks Webster decided he'd take Nixon up on his offer and take some books with him. So he silently left again. Not knowing he was followed by Liebgott, Webster made his way back towards the library. Once there he was shocked to find Lt. Welsh sitting in one of the chairs smiling at him.
"Well well well, Private Webster. Fancy seeing you here."
Webster was more shocked to find Welsh there then Welsh finding him, he was sure but nodded, "Sir." Making his way over, Welsh grinned even more "Finally made it out huh?"
As Liebgott followed Webster, he wondered where the other man was going as he climbed the stairs. He stopped when he heard voices talking. Looking around the corner he saw Welsh laughing as Webster looked uncomfortably at the floor. He sneaked closer and wondered what the two could possibly be taking about, he never saw the two men talk until now and they looked like close friends all of a sudden.
"So go on tell me Webster, which trick did it?" laughed Welsh loudly, "Did you make yourself a parachute and jumped back out of the window? Or pretend to be one of the kitchen staff?"
"Actually sir, they let me go"
"You're kidding! Come on, you can tell me. I won't tell another soul I swear" grinned Welsh as he hit Webster's shoulder playfully.
"I'm not kidding sir. They let me go…" explained Webster. Liebgott moved in closer as Welsh finally fell silent. "You mean to tell me Private, that after all those times you tried to go AWOL, they simply let you go?"
"Yes sir."
"Goddamn. Too bad Webster. I would have loved to know which one did it in the end."
"So do I sir" admitted Webster
Taking a gulp of his flask, Welsh patted Webster's shoulder before heading out, limping slightly "Yes. Well, better luck next time Webster."
Liebgott tried to stay as still as possible as Welsh passed him on his way down. He stayed there for a couple of minutes not believing what he just heard. Webster had tried to go AWOL after all and more then once too. Then why didn't he say so in the first place, why keep quiet and let the easies, especially him walk all over him. When he heard several loud 'thumps' he decided to confront Webster about it. Instead of finding the usually collected Webster, he found the guy ripping out books from the library and throwing them on the floor in anger. When a book whirled in his direction he ducked with a loud "Hey! Watch it"
Webster was only surprised for a second before he snapped "Piss of Liebgott" not feeling in the mood for more snide remarks. Not in the slightest bit fazed Liebgott sauntered in "Now, that's not very nice thing to say." Picking up books and putting them on an nearby table. "And whatever happened to 'Joe' ?"
Webster whirled around, "How the fuck should I know what happened to Toye. I wasn't there as you keep reminding me."
"That's not what I meant Web and you know it." Smirked Liebgott "There was a time when you used to call me 'Joe'" Webster snorted "That time has come and gone Liebgott, you made that abundantly clear."
Liebgott didn't know what possessed him as he moved closer to Webster. He wanted to yell and hit the guy for not being there, but somehow after hearing his conversation with Welsh the anger had drained from his body and he all could feel were old emotions coming to the surface. "And what if I changed my mind?"
"You know what? Fuck you Joe! Fuck you and your goddamn games!" yelled Webster, "What do you want me to say huh? I'm sorry?" continued Webster, taking a step back every time Liebgott took a step closer. "Alright then. I'm sorry alright? I'm sorry I didn't go AWOL, I'm sorry I wasn't at Bastogne. I'm I'm …. Sorry…. Ok?"
Stepping closer Liebgott merely said "No…"
Sliding down to the ground, anger leaving him and tears in his eyes, Webster whispered "What do you want from me?" before hiding his face in his knees. Kneeling down before Webster Liebgott muttered "Nothing. I'm glad you weren't there…."
Not believing what he heard Webster looked back up, "What?", smiling Liebgott wiped away Webster's silent tears, before placingWebster's dog tags back around his neck, "I'm glad you weren't there…. Besides I think you suffered enough in that hospital without having to suffer with us as well…."
Webster couldn't believe what he was hearing as Liebgott stared in his eyes. Sniffing Webster started "But I wanted to…." Placing a finger on Webster's lips Liebgott whispered "No, it's over. Ok?"
Webster nodded, grabbing his dog tags in his fist before closing his eyes and looking away. Liebgott sighed, as he grabbed Webster's chin and turned his face. He traced the tear lines marking his face as he leaned in and softly placed a kiss on Webster's lips.
Webster sighed softly after they parted, staring in Liebgott's eyes for a long time before he gathered the other man close. They stayed like that until it was time for them to head back to the basement for another mission briefing.
The mission briefing didn't last long as Winters told them to get a good nights sleep before they moved of the line, the next day. Once again he thanked whoever placed Winters in command as the mission was cancelled and Nixon wrote a bogus rapport.
That night Webster lay in his bunk listening to the others sleep. On occasion someone would cough or snore but nothing for him to explain why he was still awake. It had been over three days since he had a decent sleep, yet here he was staring at the ceiling. This time is wasn't white though, more like a faded yellow as he sat up. He crawled out of his bunk, being careful not to wake the others as he left the room. Standing in a nearby room, looking outside the window smoking he wasn't surprised when Liebgott joined him after awhile. They always had this thing if one of them wasn't able to sleep the other would wake up soon after and join him. Being in Haguenau was no different.
"What are you doing up?"
Webster shrugged, "What time is it?"
Looking at his watch Liebgott muttered "Three"
"Oh, nothing then…."
"Huh?" murmured Liebgott not understanding, as he leaned closer to Webster seeking warmth,
"Three o'clock is always too late or too early for anything you want to do." (4)
Liebgott cursed "Damn it Web, it's way too early for that kind of shit…" Webster merely smirked before flicking away his cigarette. Things were silent for awhile until Webster felt the need to brake it, "Joe?"
"Hmmmm?"
"I am sorry, you know…."
Liebgott cursed again, "Damn it Web, I told you to shut up about it…"
"Yeah but…" Webster didn't get to finish his sentence because Liebgott had surged forward and kissed him hard. They shuffled backwards until Webster's backhit a table and sat down, pulling Liebgott close for another kiss. Gasping for breath as they parted, Liebgott's hands had found their way in Webster waistband as Webster's found their way up Liebgott's shirt.
Both were panting and painfully hard after just a few minutes. "I'm not gonna last long" whispered Webster as a warning as Liebgott latched onto his neck. Liebgott hissed as Webster grabbed his hard on and began pumping slowing. He grabbed he back of Webster's head and kissed the other man hard as he tried to conceal his moans. Grabbing Webster's hips he pulled him closer until they rubbed against each other. The table began to wobble at their combined weight as they moved faster. Before either of them knew it, they came muttering each other's name in a loud gasp. Trying to catch their breath, Liebgott cleaned up Webster with the blanket he brought as the other man lay limp on his shoulder. When he was done he kissed the man before picking him up and making his way back to their bedroom.
Stumbling over some boots Liebgott lay Webster down on his own bunk before joining him. Removing a hair from Webster's already sleeping face, Liebgott soon joined him for the best night he spent in four months time.
After having spent the best night in months Webster awoke feeling refreshed and energetic as they all began to pack. He made a quick pit stop at the company CP picking up some chocolate and cigarettes as he saw both Lipton and Jones (5) being promoted. Apparently it was a day of promotions 'cause as Webster made his way back to his truck he saw Nixon giving a box which held oak leaves to Winters, which made him a major now. Webster smiled and couldn't think of anyone more deserving then their long time CO.
As he finally made it to his truck he didn't bother to ask for help as he dumped his gear on the truck when a familiar hand waved in his face. "Here" He smiled as he took Liebgott's hand, probably holding on longer then necessary as he sat between him and Ramirez who offered him a cigarette as soon as he sat down. Looking who else was on the truck, they all nodded smiling as he crossed their gazes and he knew he'd been accepted again.
He shared a smile with Liebgott as he truck pulled off to yet another destination.
AN: I know this chapter sucked and I apologise.
(1) The Original sentence is: "I have often regretted my speech, never my silence" and was said by Xenocrates (396-314 B.C.)
(2) The sentence "I'll sleep in my grave" was said by Warren Zevon (1947-2003)
(3) Normally they would never removed their dog tags under any circumstance. I just though it would fit the story.
(4) This was said by Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980)
(5) Jones died in a jeep accident in 1947 somewhere in Europe.
To be continued in Chapter Twelve: Germany!
