A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Danny and Rafe.

The first crispy snowfall happened mid-December keeping the planed down for the day. Danny Walker clutched a piece of snow in his hand as he held it tightly letting it melt in the warmth of his hand.

His observations of snow were broken by the firm grip on his shoulder. Danny whipped around to see Rafe, "hey there buddy," Danny said still startled at his presence.

"Haven't seen you in a while, "Rafe smirked, "I guess that's what happens when you both got girlfriends."

"Yeah," Danny paused, "I miss those days, when nothing could come between us."

"I guess we've been living in a dream world and now we're being forced to face reality."

"But I don't want things to change!" Danny sighed, "ever since we were little we were always best friends but now it's almost like we're strangers and I don't want that."

"I don't want that either, sometimes I wish we could go back and change things but then we would miss out on so many wonderful things that I wouldn't change for the world!" Rafe paused, "but that doesn't mean that we have to give up, it means that we know we can over come a higher hurdle."

"Do you think we'll be friends till the end?"

"There's not a doubt in my mind, now why don't we do something together, just you and me."

"Rafe, we're a little to old to be playing with toy planes."

"Well nobody is using the P-40's right?" Rafe said nudging towards the garage.

The soothing purr of the engine's roared as the two planes took off of the cool tarp. "They are going to kick our asses out of the army Rafe!" Danny said as he soared through the sky.

"Don't worry Danny, Doolittle and I have as understanding, we'll be grounded for two weeks most."

"You better be right."

The two young pilots challenged each other having more challenging moves then the last. "Let's face it Danny, your stumped! You've got nothing better then the inside loop." Rafe said through his head set.

"Well let's see you top it!"

"I don't want to embarrass you."

Captain Conner ran onto the frosted runway with shaving cream still on his cheeks. "Get down boys, now! It's dangerous!"

"Come on Danny, funs over," Rafe pouted as they brought the planes to the ground. Rafe jumped out of the cockpit and threw his headset back into the seat. "Let me guess," He sighed, "Doolittle's office, NOW!"

"I hate to do it McCawley but there are some things you do that give me no choice."

"Of course sir," Danny broke in.

"Yeah whatever, sir," Rafe said softly.

Danny sat tensely, almost trembling in the seat outside of Doolittle's office. Rafe sat rather calmly and comfortable. Danny wasn't the type to get in trouble and he had always kept Rafe from doing dangerous stupid things.

The two young pilots stepped into the office as they saluted Major Doolittle. "Hello McCawley, haven't seen you in a while."

"Nice to know you miss me, sir." Rafe nodded cracking a cocky smile.

"And you must be Walker," Doolittle said reading his name off of the slip.

"Yes sir," Danny said shyly and softly.

"So what's your excuse this time? Defrosting the engines? Showing the others the dangers of flying through snow? Or inspiring the men?" Doolittle joked.

"No sir, it was totally my fault, I made Danny do it." Rafe said protecting him like an older brother.

"Oh, so you're saying that you tied Danny up, threw him in the cockpit and hypnotized him into thinking he was supposed to fly huh, McCawley?"

"However did you guess sir?"

"So are you saying that I should let Walker go with no punishment?"

"Well why punish the innocent sir?"

"Get out of here Walker," Doolittle said motioning towards the door.

"Thank you sir," Danny said smiling at Rafe in a way of thanks.

"Sit down son," Doolittle said sitting in his chair. "Now are you sure you want to volunteer for war? It's dangerous out there."

"I know sir but it's something I think I owe to myself. I'm not going to be able to go into combat soon, I'm almost 25."

"Yeah, I understand." Doolittle said as he filed the papers out of the cabinet. "I'm sure England will be grateful to have you."

"Thank you sir."

A/N: More hopefully before next year.