Hi, my dear readers!

I hope you all got beautiful summer-holidays and that the return to job / school wasn't so hard.

At first I want to tell you that I got a new beta-reader, so this chapter is certainly better and easier to read without my rough English-writing. I hope, you're going to enjoy it – last but not least, because this chapter becomes a hot one again (take care to have something cold to drink nearby, *smile*). A big thank-you to Kaitlin who offered her help and did a good job at the new chapter here.

Thank you all for the feedback despite the errors within the last chapters,

Have fun now,

Love

Yours Starflight

Chapter 48 – Love is more than a word

"And you think I can have a short walk over the compound?" Hogan asked Wilson, almost eagerly, who shook his head in amusement. The colonel sounded like an excited child.

"The weather isn't too bad today, and you're really in need for some fresh air. And, by the way, many men are confused by now that you're still here – in the Kommandant's quarters. A lot of them think by now that you're more gravely hurt than Klink and Kinch let on."

Robert rolled his eyes while he slipped into his boots. "A flu and tracks of torture need time to heal. And Klink is the mother of all mother-hens – even worse than Kinch and the others. He won't let me leave until I'm as good as new," he said, crossing inwardly his fingers because – yes – Will was a mother-hen and spoiled him a lot, but the true reason was far more egoistical.

From both sides.

They simply didn't want to give up their shared nest here. Okay, to say the truth, Hogan knew that he wasn't fully healed until now. The one hour down in the tunnels on Saturday had proven it. But, if he was honest, he could return to his own quarters in Barracks 2. Hell, it would be his damn duty – yet he couldn't bring himself to do it so soon. He loved the shared meals and the evenings together with Wilhelm, and to wake up beside him – or to feel him during the nights close by; bathing in the comfort and secureness of his secret lover's presence. The prospect of the cool and drafty room in the wooden hut that was called a 'barracks' sounded even less appealing whenever he added a 'no Will there' to it. So, a few days more here wouldn't hurt – even if he would give a damn bad example to his men and the other POWs if they knew the truth.

Wilson watched him thoughtfully. He had his own guesses why the colonel was still here in Klink's quarters. Not because they offered some luxury. That Hogan was an officer who could live without luxury was something he had proven over and over again. No, the reason was the little house's original occupant. There was no doubt about Klink's feelings for his senior POW officer, and Wilson would have bet not only his last shirt, but a whole year's salary that the two men had developed a far more 'familiar' relationship with each other than just a friendship.

Hogan's 'sickness' should explain the many needed lines within two nights a few days ago. The Kommandant's extremely cheery mood and generosity, the easiness between them Wilson had witnessed whenever he had examined them…the two shared more than these quarters; they shared a bed! And not in a platonic way.

And if this was really the case – of which Wilson was convinced – then he knew the real reason why Hogan still accepted Klink's offer to stay here.

Inwardly he shook his head. Who had ever thought that these two, so different men, could develop romantic feelings for each other? On the first sight, they seemed to have nothing in common except for being officers of the same rank and serving in the equivalent department of their armies. Yet Wilson knew that they must complement each other very well. Otherwise it wouldn't have come to this kind of relationship.

He glanced back at his superior and saw that Hogan was done with getting clad and slipped into his bomber jacket.

"No longer than ten minutes," Wilson said firmly. "We don't want to overdo it the first time, okay, sir?"

Robert smiled at him, mouthed a "Mother-hen!" and left the room. He couldn't help it, but he looked forward to being out of the quarters for once. As cozy, warm, and comfortable this living-arrangement was, the walls were closing up on him by now, and he really needed some fresh air.

The moment he stepped out of the quarters and down the three steps to the ground, he sighed in relief. For once the clouds were scattered and allowed some sun rays to reach the ground. It was still cold – okay, after all it was only the 5th of February – but the wind had silenced. Therefore, the temperature was bearable.

Carefully he made some steps out onto the compound and caught the gazes of some of the guards in the watch-towers – two of them nodded even into his direction. He replied with a smile – and walked slowly towards the Barracks.

His presence was recognized within a dozen seconds.

"Colonel!" One POW gasped, began to beam, and quickly saluted, which woke the attention of three others who reacted likewise. And then the news of Hogan's 'return' spread like a wildfire through the camp, as more and more men saw their superior on the compound – still pale with bruises on his face, walking carefully with Wilson at his side, but he was there! Impulsively several men began to clap their hands, and then the applause surged up.

Klink, who sat at his desk, heard the noises, frowned, rose, and walked to the window; looking outside. Almost all POWs seemed to be on the compound and applauded into the direction of… his quarters? A certain assumption woke in him and leaving his office, he stepped onto the porch a few seconds later. And then he saw him: his witty fox, more or less surrounded by dozens and dozens of POWs, who applauded and beamed at him.

Will cocked his head. Rob hadn't told him that he wanted to make a stroll over the compound as they had lunch this midday. Usually Hogan would have mentioned something like this, so this here seemed to be an impulsive decision. Then Klink's gaze found Wilson beside the senior POW officer and realized the reason for Robert's little walk. Obviously the medic had advised Hogan to get some fresh air – and to show himself to the other POWs, which certainly worried by now about their superior's long absence.

Over the heads of the other men, Hogan and Klink's eyes met for a few seconds, and the Kommandant nodded at him with a hidden smile; approving Robert's little trip. Stepping down from the porch, the Oberst headed into the direction of his American counterpart, and he realized how the other POWs made room for him; neutrality and partly even respect on their faces.

"Colonel Hogan," he greeted formally; ignoring LeBeau and Newkirk's amused snorts. The two corporals flanked their friend and superior, replacing a grinning Wilson.

"Colonel Klink," Robert replied neutrally, what made LeBeau quickly turn away; the Frenchman's coughing masked the laughter that bubbled out of him. To hear those two speaking in such a formal way with each other was more than funny given the fact that the Heroes practically knew of those two sharing bed and table, so to say.

"A good weather you chose to get some fresh air," the Kommandant said, before he glanced at Wilson. "I hope in agreement with our medic?"

"Of course, sir. We all know how scary he can be if a patient doesn't obey him," Hogan joked, smirking at Wilson who rolled his eyes. Other POWs around them began to chuckle and to laugh quietly.

The same moment they heard from afar a deep droning in the air. The two colonels shared a glance, knowing exactly the reason for this noise. Rob saw something flickering in Will's eyes and realized that his secret lover still had trouble coming to terms with what happened two days prior. Instinctively, Hogan stepped beside the older man to offer some comfort with his proximity before he turned around and looked up into the skies.

The talks on the compound had died down, while one by one, everyone looked up.

In the northwest, the skies seemed to darken as if a giant flock of birds would draw closer. And, yes, it was birds – mechanical ones. Built by human hands; hundreds of them.

"And it doesn't stop," Wilhelm murmured quietly, shielding his eyes with one hand to have a clearer view.

"Our boys," Hogan said softly. "B-17 and B-24. And some P-51s."

"Hm, the latter certainly without our old Messerschmitt-drives," Klink grumbled; giving his beloved a certain glance as he referred to their trip to London and the trick the Allies played on the Wehrmacht by sticking an old Messerschmidt-drive in a 'new' P51.

Hogan shrugged. "Well, we have our own drives, no doubt."

"To where they're off?" Newkirk asked. "What's located in this direction?"

"Regensburg," Klink answered and grimaced, as he heard Schultz's voice behind him.

"The Messerschmitt-Werke are there."

Hogan turned around. "Weren't they destroyed in 1943?"

"Partly," Klink murmured. "They re-built a few halls." He sighed, knowing that his answer could be news or not for the Allies – and certainly could be regarded as treason. But the Oberst had already begun to walk the path of fighting the regime, so it didn't matter anymore how often he supported Germany's opponents.

"Eventually these halls are their destiny," Newkirk mused.

"Maybe, but there is also a large fuel-plant," Schultz grumbled. "A cousin of me worked in the latter until he was crippled during an accident shortly before the war broke loose. I bet that this is the target – that the Messerschmidt-facility or the railway-knot in the south."

"Are those targets more outside of the town?" Hogan asked quietly.

Klink made a face. "The Messerschmidt-facility is outside of Regensburg, and the railway-knot is in the south of the city area. I'm not sure about the fuel-plant's location. Schultz?"

"Also outside of the township," Schultz remarked. "It would be too dangerous to put something like this in the middle of housing areas."

"Ha, the Wehrmacht had no problem with rising such facilities near POW camps. Like the one last year in July directly outside of our wires," Hogan deadpanned.

Klink sighed. "You know that this General von Heiner was nuts. I mean, come on, who takes such a crazy man-eater like this Marya as his lover on his own free will?"

"Marya is no man-eater or crazy, but a beautiful, brave, fiery, incredible, lovely…" LeBeau's fierce protest was shut off as Kinchloe, who had joined them by now, simply put his hand over the tiny Frenchman's mouth.

"Stop it, Louis. We all know that you're in love with her – even if I don't understand why."

Schultz began to chuckle. "All Frenchmen are a little bit crazy." He caught LeBeau's threatening glance and added kindly, "But this makes them so loveable."

"One word against Marya, and you'll never get a Strudel from me again!" Louis said sharply the moment Kinch gave him free.

Schultz groaned and shook silently his head.

Klink exchanged a glance with Hogan. "What a couple: the little cook and the fur-loving diva," he whispered under his breath, making Robert smirk.

The noises became louder and louder by now, and the men had to lay their head into their necks to watch the bombers and air-fighters, which flew directly over the camp in a few kilometers' height.

"I hope they don't let something fall around here," Schultz said quietly, before he bent down to Carter. "Thank the Lord you're not one of the crew up there. Otherwise I would fear for us." Andrew stared with big eyes at him, and so the Sergeant of the Guards added, "I do remember Colonel Hogan's 'birthday party' and your trigger-happiness during it two years ago."

Hogan had listened with one ear and had to chuckle again. Of course he remembered perfectly well the incident the large Bavarian referred to. At the beginning of April 1943, Hogan had kidnapped General Biedenbender and the staff-officer's own Heinkel-bomber to destroy the oil refinery by Stuttheim, but were forced to take Schultz with on the ride. The poor sergeant had to parachute back to the camp – just like the others – and had had uncounted sleepless nights afterwards.

Klink knew of the affair by now, threw a quick glance around – none of the regular guards were near. Only the POWs – grimaced and shook his head. "Bandidos," he murmured, low enough to be only heard by Hogan, whose grin broadened even more. Then he turned serious again.

Another air-raid – another waste of lives on both sides. If only the maniac in Berlin would finally admit that the war was lost for him and his goonies. It would spare so much pain and death, but the American officer had analyzed the mind of the free world's most fierce enemy. The 'bubble-brain' would never capitulate until everything lay in ruins – and Hogan feared that these last three of four weeks were only the beginning.

He should be right…

*** HH *** HH ***

The rest of the day went by with routine – at least in Stalag 13. For Burkhalter, one of the worst days of his life continued. The air-crafts Hogan, Klink, and the others had seen in the afternoon had indeed attacked the fuel-plant by Regensburg that went off in flames. Fortunately, without many civilian victims. Parallel, the Führer heard that in Aachen, which was already conquered by the Allies, the first newspaper had been printed under American control a week ago informing the citizens about the Nazis' crimes and of the rules which now applied for the town – "American propaganda". How the 'tiny private' screamed. The Red Army was about to cross the Oder River in the east, and despite the regime's orders, more and more people from East-Prussia fled over the Baltic Sea, while in the west the Wehrmacht retreated in haste for Belgium.

Burkhalter yearned to be back to his usual responsibility concerning the Stalags. His original job was pure heaven compared to the insanity here in the OHK.

None of this was known to the inhabitants of Stalag 13 – neither to the guards, nor to the POWs. Roll call happened like every evening. Those who had freed the main-road and the Hoffstein pass from the last snow were granted an extra portion of white bread and something close to peace settled down in the wooden huts.

Hogan, already in pajamas after his little trip in the afternoon, and Klink enjoyed their dinner, had a game of chess and then – to Will's confusion – Robert called it a night. "You're in need for some rest," he said softly to the older man. "This was no walk in the park within the last few days, and I'm sure your hearing and your head still give you trouble."

Wilhelm sighed and nodded slowly. "Ja, certainly." He sighed. "Yet it is so cozy in the moment." He looked gently at the younger man. "I love those quiet evenings with you. Talking, playing chess, or exchanging thoughts," he admitted. "I look forward to it every day."

Robert felt his cheeks getting warm and lowered his head. This was maybe one of the sweetest compliments he ever got – that someone was happy to simply share time with him. Smiling he looked up again and met those gentle, blue eyes behind the interims-glasses (the new monocles wouldn't be ready until the end of the week).

"Maybe the evening hasn't ended just right now," Rob said softly, and saw curiosity sparking in the older man's gaze.

"To what you're up to, my witty fox?" Klink asked; beginning to assume something more… intimate.

Hogan rose. "Why don't you go to the bathroom? I'll put everything in order here and make certain that the doors are really locked." He winked at Will, whose eyes began to shine. Yes, they had slept wrapped in each other's arms within the last one and a half nights, but he yearned to feel Rob's soft skin on his for more than only cuddling.

So, without any more questions, he rose and went to the bathroom. Rob watched him go and hurried to get everything ready. Deep inside he felt some nervousness rising in him. They were about to make the last step, and he did know that it would be unpleasant at first – at least for him. On the other hand, the two days prior had shown him brutally how quick their still developing relationship could be torn apart, and he didn't want to miss the chance to complete what they started. Will had admitted that he loved him. It wasn't Wilhelm's fault that he – Hogan – was in this case too cowardly to return those words which went for him, as well. He couldn't say them – not now – but he could show his secret lover how strong he felt for him by trusting him utterly by surrendering to him.

Combing his spread fingers through his dark hair, Rob looked down on the bed he had prepared with drawn covers and a large bath towel he had gotten from the bathroom. Then his glance wandered through the room and nodding with satisfaction, he slipped out of his nightclothes.

Will appeared a few minutes later – and stopped dead in his tracks the moment he left the bathroom.

The sleeping room was bathed in the soft shine of a few candles, the curtains were closed, the gentle cracking of a warm fire sounded from the furnace, and on the bed… lay Robert Hogan in all his naked glory; one knee bent, one arm behind his head which was turned into Will's direction, a soft smile on his lips. His chocolate brown eyes shimmered with emotions too deep and strong to voice.

Offering the older man his free hand, he whispered, "Come here, my phoenix."

Wilhelm felt his mouth going dry and moistened his lips, while heat began to float through his veins. Opening his bathrobe, he let it simply fall where he was and walked towards the bed. How quickly his body reacted to the view in front of him was more than obvious and brought a predatorial gleam to Hogan's eyes.

Entwining the fingers of his free hand with Will's right ones, he gently pulled the older man down to him; sighing in pleasure as the lanky body slipped over his – warm from the shower. Wrapping both arms around the older man's neck, he lifted his head and caught his lover's lips with his own in a tender, slow, loving kiss. Letting his mouth glide over Wilhelm's cheek, he whispered into his ear huskily, "Take me."

He sensed Will stiffening in surprise before the older man lifted his head and glanced with large eyes down on him. "Rob…" he murmured thunderstruck – almost hesitating. "Do… do you mean…"

Hogan nodded slowly; his smile was one strong promise.

Will gulped. "Are you sure?" he whispered; knowing instinctively what this one step meant for the younger man.

"I'm absolutely sure," Rob replied; hooking one leg over the long ones of his German counterpart. "I almost lost you. I will not allow fate trying to intervene even one time more with us." He slid one hand in the soft, short hackles of his lover. "I want this, Will. I really want this – and I trust you."

Those blue eyes above him moistened before Wilhelm buried his face into the American's neck; inhaling the beloved scent. "I can't promise that it won't hurt at first," he breathed into the soft skin. "You've already endured so much – so much more than I knew before I traveled to Berlin… I don't want to be the reason for you to be in pain again."

Hogan didn't need to ask to what Klink was referring to. It was clear that during Hochstetter's trial all details had been laid open. There was nothing the older man didn't know now about Robert's captivity in the Gestapo-HQ in Hammelburg. And seeing how much Will loved him, Robert was very aware how much the revealing of those last hidden things must have pained the Oberst. That Wilhelm was willing to delay the fulfillment of his greatest desire touched Hogan deeply, but he wouldn't allow Hochstetter's poison to affect them any longer.

"If this last step is only a little bit like the last time you caressed me in- and outwardly, then I can hardly await it," he said softly; letting his hands roaming over Will's long back. "I want you, Wilhelm. I want to feel you deep in me – to be one with you." He rose one hand and cupped Will's cheek the moment the older man lifted his head from his throat again. "I want our bodies to meld with each other just like our hearts are already doing. I want you to be a part of me." He brushed his lips over his lover's again. "Take me. Make me yours."

Wilhelm groaned anew. Rob's words sent pure happiness but also rising fire through his whole being. Kissing the younger man for a moment strongly, he glanced towards the nightstand to see if the tube with ointment was reachable and only now saw the bottle with colza oil Hogan must have gotten from the kitchen. A soft laugh escaped him. This clever Ami was always prepared!

Looking down on a still smiling Robert, who winked at him, he breathed an adoring, "You really plan everything in detail, don't you?"

"Yeah – the detail makes the success," Hogan answered with a hidden snicker; feeling lightheaded in the prospect what would come.

"And once again a victory for Papa Bear," Klink chuckled before he bent down and caught his beloved's mouth with his own. His hands began to roam over the strong, solid body, and the human silk that had suffered so much under the brutal assaults of Hochstetter's fury. Will had promised himself during the trial that he would cherish and kiss every spot of Robert's body when he returned – and this was exactly what he began to do now.

*** HH *** HH ***

Schmidt groaned as he loosened the tie around his neck and pealed off the thick uniform-jacket. For a moment, he looked at the black cloth, then he threw it over the bed in the small quarters he occupied within the Gestapo-Headquarters. It was the only uniform-set left for him. The other one was still with his assistant, who tried to clean it from ashes and dirt.

Sighing, he sat down at the living room suite that was placed beside the window and pulled off his boots. He was tired – more than tired. He had to catch up on a lot of paperwork, had a new unpleasant discussion with von Neuhaus concerning the fourth truck he had sent over to Stalag 13 to help Klink to transport his POWs forth and back to the road and pass which were finally freed from the snow, and he also had made some more calls concerning 'Little Manfred'.

And especially the latter didn't let him rest. As he had visited the Schneiders yesterday, he had realized how attached he already was to the little guy. He had been happy to see him again and had loved it as he took the baby in his arms and had held him there for a few minutes, certainly grinning like an idiot as the infant snuggled against him and smacked his tiny lips in content. He remembered Fräulein Hilda's gaze – the soft shimmer in her eyes while she gave him a warm smile. Even now at these memories, his heartbeat increased, and he felt a certain fluttering in his belly.

Sweet Lord, he had no time to fall in love. It would be unfair to Hilda. Contraire to the brass in Berlin, he simply knew that the war was as good as lost, and he had heard rumors from the Russian Front what happened to SS-men there. He didn't doubt that he would be arrested and court-martialed as soon as the Allies took over Germany – if he survived the next few weeks, that is. Especially should the Russians reach Hammelburg first. And then what? Hilda and the baby would be alone as soon as he was enchained, and her connection to him could give her trouble. And…

'Stop it, Horst! You don't even know if she really likes you; not to speak of love. Hell, you don't even know if you're in love with her or simply attracted, because – dammit! – she is hot. Beautiful. Intelligent. Lovely… Why should she consider someone like you in her life? You both barely know each other, so…'

The thoughts were interrupted as someone knocked at his door.

"Enter!" He called, rising.

A guard opened the door and stood to attention. "Please excuse the disturbance, Herr Oberleutnant, but we got a call from the WASt in Saalfeld. A Sergeant Teigel wants to speak with you."

Schmidt's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that the WASt would react before even the written requirement would reach them. Maybe his tale of the baby had moved something in Teigel, with whom he had spoken at the phone two times today.

Looking down on his sock-clad feet, he rolled his eyes and went without boots or shoes towards his office; not giving a damn about rules. Almost sliding into his office – ignoring some baffled faces on his way – he finally reached his desk and took the receiver from an older SS-man – Fuhrmann – who rose both brows as he saw the anything but correct state of Schmidt's dressing.

"Schmidt here," he reported and heard from the other end of the line the slightly familiar voice of the Wehrmacht-sergeant he had talked with earlier. For the next few minutes, he listened and took notes of the information Teigel had found out. "Thank you very much for your un-bureaucratically help, Sergeant," he said, smiling a little bit. "The official requirement is on the way and… Yes, no problem. You can throw it away. The information I got is enough." He listened again and nodded. "Yes, I also hope to find the young lady who maybe can take care of the little guy. Once again, thank you so much for your support. Have a good night." He hung up the phone and took the paper with him on which he had written down the information he got.

Fuhrmann glanced at him. "Good news?"

"It depends how you look at it. Alfred Bornheim's brother, who is missed on sea, lived in Prenzlau. His wife is still there working in a sewing facility, and has four children. I don't think that she has the chance to feed another mouth – especially given the fact that Manfred is still a baby who needs additional care. Yet I will ask her." He grimaced. "The sister of Alfred Bornheim lives in Usingen. Approximately 30 km in the north of Frankfurt / Main. He got the address. Bornheim's mother died a few weeks ago and as it seems his sister Charlotte is the last remaining direct family-member. She is married to Kurt Schwaigel, an engineer who works in Rödelsheim in Frankfurt – the industrial area there." He sighed. "Usingen hasn't been affected by the Allies' attacks until now. I hope the young lady and her husband are still there. Sergeant Teigel said because of Herr Schwaigel's job as a civil engineer, the Wehrmacht has no further information about him."

"Shall I try to find some data – like they have a telephone or if his sister and his brother-in-law are alive at all?" Fuhrmann offered. "Frankfurt and the area have been the target of several massive air-raids within the last few months, and… Well, it could be that the Schwaigels fell prey, too."

He earned a grateful smile from his superior. "That would be nice. Please gather every information you can find and keep me updated. Manfred has it safe and cozy at Fräulein Schneider's home, but I don't want to occupy her support any longer than necessary."

Fuhrmann nodded knowingly. He was 56 and had his experiences with young men who fell in love. And if he wasn't mistaken, then his superior was indeed developing deeper feelings for the young woman of whom he only knew that she was the secretary of the POW-camp's Kommandant nearby. And he could have sworn that 'Manfred' had not only conquered said young lady, but also the Oberleutnant. Schmidt's eyes gave him away – and Fuhrmann hoped that everything would turn out well for the three people. Bidding his superior good night, he left the office – and a young man lost in thoughts.

Schmidt remained standing at his desk, glancing down on the notes he made. With a little bit of luck, one of the two female relatives of 'Little Manfred' were still alive. The question was only would they be able to take care of him?

If not, he would try to adopt the baby. Never would he hand him over to an orphanage.

Then he rolled his eyes. 'Sometimes, Horst, you're really a romantic. How and where do you want to take care of him? Here – in a half ruined building that harbors the Gestapo-Headquarters of this area? Without female help, above all?' He pursed his lips. 'Maybe Hilda is interested in you and… And you really don't want to win her only to have a mother for the baby, but it would fit so well and…' He groaned, shook his head and left his office, notes in hand.

He really should stop daydreaming. That led to nothing. Yet, after he returned to his quarters, his thoughts drifted over and over again to a certain young lady who had caught him in a way he hadn't expected. And to a little baby that held his heart in tiny, weak, but capturing hands.

*** HH *** HH ***

Robert Hogan wasn't aware that the low groan that hung in the air had come from him. Never had he expected that it could be like this.

Yes, it hurt, even if Will had prepared him – and prior had driven him almost mad with lust and desire. Will's lips had kissed every part of his body. The older man's long elegant hands had cherished and conquered him in a way that had made him crazy with passion before Wilhelm had begun to prepare him for the last step with clever fingers. Yet Rob had to held his breath as his secret lover finally began to become one with him. He knew from their past love-encounters how well-built Wilhelm was, but to feel this burning, hot sword of human flesh entering him, was completely different than everything he had experienced before.

And, dammit, it hurt! Yet he wanted it. He wanted this last part of fulfillment and to hell with the pain. It would go away, no doubt, so…

He opened his eyes and looked up at Will, who hovered above him; underarms braced beside Rob's head, his fingers buried in the younger man's dark hair. Wilhelm's face was flushed and contorted with concentration and self-control, and a thin layer of sweat covered his forehead, yet all Robert really saw were those blue eyes – cloudy with passion, but also bright with concern.

"Are you… all right?" Klink gritted out; clinging to composure. Everything in him screamed to shift forward – to be finally sashed completely in his beloved's body, but he held himself back, knowing that this first intruding had to be very painful for Rob. Sweet Lord, it almost hurt him, too, because – dammit! – his witty fox was tight!

"I'm okay," Robert whispered; forcing his body to relax. Lifting his head despite those gentle fingers in his strains, he caught Will's lips with his, wrapped both legs around his lover's tights – and surged up; impaling himself. He gasped into Wilhelm's mouth, who tried to move back, but Hogan wouldn't allow it by tightening his legs and arms around his lover's lanky frame. He knew that his body simply needed a moment to adjust; then everything would be fine.

Klink tore his mouth away from the younger man, satisfaction to be completely enveloped in his beloved's body mixed with rising worry for this damn recklessness.

"Rob!" he moaned. "Are you crazy!?"

"I thought… we covered this detail already," Hogan panted wryly, taking deep breathes to sooth the pain, but also to give his muscles enough oxygen to relax.

Will couldn't help himself. For a moment he had to laugh, while the fire in his loins roared and demanded to be released – finally, after all those months, years, of yearning. How he was able to hold himself back was beyond him. But he had to – for Robert. He didn't want this first time to be too distressful for his love. Pressing his forehead against Rob's, he looked him deeply in the eyes. He saw the pain shimmering in them, but also triumph while the younger man's hands wandered over his back.

"Mad-head," Wilhelm whispered, with a new wave of tenderness that swept through the inferno that lurked beneath his iron self-control. "You could get injured like this, don't you understand?"

Hogan shook slowly his head. "You took good care of me before we made this step and…" He gasped as Will shifted the angle and moved slowly – touching this special spot deep in him just like those long fingers had done a few minutes before. A new bolt of pure energy seemed to spread through him and made this burning deep in his butt slowly ebbing away. He sighed in relief and tried to think only of this new, intense feeling that woke in him.

Will groaned as he felt those muscles around him loosening up, while the younger man's member – that had become flaccid because of the pain – hardened again between their bodies. Carefully, he began to move – sighing in pleasure as Rob's body began to welcome him more and more.

God, this was heaven! Pure paradise! To be deep in Rob's whole essence was like nothing he had ever experienced before. He sensed how his beloved relaxed more and more, and with the knowledge that Rob's pain was subsiding, his control began to break. He needed to take the one he loved. He needed to make him his – and ferocity began to overwhelm him.

Robert thought he was about to lose his mind for real this time, as any hurt left him and made room for the maddening sensation that spread through his body and gripped for his heart and soul. The sheer lust that bolted through him every time Will touched this special spot deep in him, the friction of his member between their moving bodies. The simple knowledge that his lover was in him was overpowering him. He was falling, yet he soared. Every sane thought began to leave him, while his nerves sensed everything with a strength that was beyond everything he had experienced before. It was simply too much, and then he felt himself surrendering completely – giving into his lover's greed that demanded everything from him. Will was everywhere – in him and around him. And yet it wasn't enough. With the submission, Robert's desire increased until he heard himself sob.

Instantly, Wilhelm caught the younger man's mouth again with his own. His clever tongue dueled with Rob's, who clung in an exclusive mixture of desperation and ecstasy to him, while the American's nails almost clawed on his back. He didn't mind the soft pain. The only thing that counted was the fulfillment of his greatest wish – he was buried deep in his beloved's body and was giving him the pleasure of his life that was returned to him.

They burnt skin to skin; flames seem to rise around them and threatened to engulf them.

And then he rose on mighty wings – the eagle who had become a phoenix; taking the fox with him. Together they soared towards the stars which beckoned them with the promise of salvation and soothing, cool light. The way back was closed for them until they would reach their destiny.

Will swallowed Rob's outcry, while he felt his beloved's muscles spasming around him – and the last ties were ripped apart. Wilhelm growled as the younger man tore his mouth away and let his teeth sinking into the junction between Will's neck and shoulder to stifle the shout that was ripped from his throat. Wilhelm wasn't even aware that he did the same, while the fire caught up with them. Then everything around them burst into thousands of sparks as ecstasy overwhelmed them.

Robert came slowly around. Everything seemed to be far away, and he was flying in a cloudy, surreal world that knew only warmth, light, and weightlessness, yet something heavy lay over him and covered him like a strong blanket. He relished in the absurd difference while his mind drifted through star-drenched darkness that offered cozy shelter. He felt dizzy, his heartbeat was far too quick and seemed to have an echo, while his whole body tingled beneath his skin.

Forcing his eyes open, he saw above him a wooden ceiling, bathed in golden light.

Odd, he always thought heaven would have a ceiling made of clouds.

Then he felt it: a panting against his neck that… stung?

Bit by bit, the fogginess began to give him free, while he became aware of the now soft, yet incredible warm intruder that filled him completely.

Will…

He was still in him; their bodies fitting as if they were made for each other.

They had done it!

They had finally made love to each other in every sense of the idiom.

Content and happiness waved like a breeze through Robert's mind and soul, and without his doing, his hands roamed over the sweaty, hot human silk of his lover's back. Parallel, he sensed stickiness between them and beneath himself, while his softened member pulsed in the aftermath. Tremors ran through the older man's body and turning his head, Rob kissed the cheekbone that was reachable for his lips.

Never before he had felt like this – so crazy with lust and so lost in ecstasy, what brought him to a new level of bliss. Never before he had submitted to someone like now. He always had needed to stay in control, but not this time. He had capitulated to Will's desire and cherishing – had bowed to the older man's experiences, wishes, and seductions. And his surrender had set him free in a way he never thought possible.

He was soaring. The chains which had bound him to the normal world had been torn apart by this last step of living out their love.

Robert tightened his arms around the long human frame above him. In the waves of the aftermath his mind, heart, and soul tore down the wall he carefully had built around himself to shield himself from emotional uncertainness and hurt.

"I love you," he whispered, feeling tears rising in his eyes as his lips formulated those three words for the very first time. It felt so good – so incredibly good and relieving. He sensed Will's relaxed body stiffening, and tightened his hold on him. "God have mercy on me, but I love you." He pressed another kiss to the older man's cheek. "Ich liebe dich, Wilhelm Klink." (I love you, Wilhelm Klink.) he repeated in German, knowing how much his lover liked it to hear him speaking in the German tongue.

Wilhelm had been caught in a complete haze of lust, need, and graving what had raced through his whole being like an inferno. To know that he was finally one with his beloved's body, feeling the sensation of being buried between those hot, human inner walls, and to be lost in this final fulfillment had robbed him of any sane mind. Nothing else existed; only Rob and their love-making. He had been half mad with passion – rode out this giving and taking by letting himself go completely. The ecstasy that had washed his mind away had been like never before – not only consisting of raging flames, but also of an all devouring tenderness until he was spent; too exhaust to even move one finger.

He sensed Rob's heartbeat at his own. The strong arms of the younger man still clinging to him even after they came slowly down from heaven.

And then those words had reached his returning mind.

'I love you.'

What he had seen in his Rob's eyes and had heard in his rich tenor had finally been voiced in words: 'I love you.'

It was like a balm to his soul, while sheer happiness mingled with hopeful disbelief. Yes, he had known that Robert had strong feelings for him, yet the younger man hadn't dared to say those three words – until now. The moment they finally made real love to each other had prompted his beloved troublemaker to utter this revelation – not only to Wilhelm, but also to himself, too.

Taking a deep breath and feeling his heart being squeezed in the tidal wave of love that washed over him, he lifted his head.

Robert's face was still flushed from the aftermath, sweat pearled on his forehead. Yet it was those brown eyes which caught Will. They shone with love and wonder, yet there was also something like shock in them – shock to have voiced what he had hidden for so long.

Another wind of warmth breezed through Klink. "I love you, too, my witty fox," he whispered. "I love you with every fiber of my being."

He bent down to claim this tempting mouth again. The kiss was deep, slow, and breathless – the perfect mirror of what went through their minds, hearts, and souls. And through their bodies too, which still trembled from the high flight they had experienced in each other's arms.

Finally, Will gave his beloved's lips free. Bracing on one arm and combing his fingers of his other hand through the damp, dark strains, he glanced down on his American counterpart, who still seemed to be in a daze.

"You're all right?" he murmured; his voice hoarse.

"Hm-hm, never been better," Rob replied softly, ignoring his still racing pulse and far too quick heartbeat. God, he had really said it, hadn't he? He had told Will that he loved him. What he had denied to himself – and therefore to the older man as well – was out in the open at last. He was baffled about his own courage. Usually, when it came to serious feelings, he preferred to flee, but not now. Not with Willie Klink. Like everything that had to do with the older man, this here was an exception, too.

He moistened his lips and looked up into those happy, teary blue eyes. He took in the loving smile, the reddened face, the tousled ring of hair – and tightened his arms around his lover's long frame. "You know that this is really fucked up? Two hostile officers are in love with each other. Our brasses would get the greys, lock us away, and throw the key into the Atlantic."

Klink laughed softly, his whole being almost burst with happiness. "Let them think whatever they want – I do not care." Then he looked back down on the younger man, smiling as he became aware of his complete sweating and tousled appearance, and shifted his weight to give him more room to breathe. The movement made both men aware that their bodies were still connected in the most intimate way, and Rob gasped as he felt his lover's soft member touching this special spot in him again.

"Give me a minute," he whispered – and Will began to laugh again. A rich sound full of tenderness.

"Don't fear, my witty fox. I'm really not up to another round in the moment."

Hogan, slowly feeling like himself again, smirked up at the older man. "So, I tired you out again?"

"Just as I did with you," Klink replied, with a big satisfied grin, looking like the cat that got the cream. Then he frowned suddenly, stopped to play with Rob's hair, and touched carefully the juncture between the younger man's neck and shoulder. "I… I bit you…" he whispered, shocked. "Dear God, Robert, I bit you."

Hogan fumbled for the spot that indeed stung a little bit, felt how over-sensible the bruised skin was there – and grinned broadly. "Just have a look. A decent German gentleman marks his lover like a wild beast." He wrapped one leg around Will's again. "The silent water is indeed deep." He wriggled his eye-brows – and then his eyes widened. "Oh…" he murmured, as he saw the track he had left on his lover's body in return. Lifting one hand, he carefully touched the love-bite Klink sported exactly at the same spot than he did. There were even some drops of blood where his teeth had broken the tender skin. "Will…" he whispered. "I'm sorry."

Wilhelm began to chuckle. "Well, foxes can bite." He leant down and pressed his forehead against Rob's. "Don't worry, it will heal. And if it leaves a little scar, I'm proud of it. It shows that I belong to you."

"Like I belong to you in return," Robert replied. A part of him was still thunderstruck that he really surrendered and now even admitted to belong to someone. The larger part of him bathed in the peace and content this knowledge brought him. The knowledge that he wasn't alone anymore or had to be always the strong one, was filling him with a deep kind of relief and gratefulness. He was Will's, just like Wilhelm was his. They both were there for the other one no matter what. Both would catch the other one if needed, both would support the other one. They were partners – equals. Hand in hand through the life that lay ahead – a wish Robert would move Hell and Earth for to make it come true.

The moment he, Robert Hogan, surrendered and gave up a part of his independence had been the moment he had been set free in another way he had never imagined. The urge to live this rising happiness out couldn't be suppressed.

Kissing again and caressing each other, it was no wonder that slowly new fire was built deep in their hearts and therefore quickly in their loins. Will felt his beloved's member hardening between their bellies and looked up questioningly.

Hogan smirked and clamped his muscles around Wilhelm's sword of lust that was still in him. The older man gasped, and Rob's smile became almost mischievous, as he sensed the intruder spring back to life.

"Gott – Rob!" Will panted, as the younger man repeated the little trick.

"End of period of grace," Hogan whispered suggestively, grinning like mad while new hunger mirrored in his eyes.

"You're the death of me one day," Klink growled, while he slipped one arm beneath the younger man's neck, cradling him into the cocoon of his arms.

"Well, we both would walk this path then," Robert replied, bucking up against the older man. "Ready, Kommandant?"

"Now he remembers that it is me who is in charge here," Wilhelm groaned – and laughed again as he felt Rob's lips on his throat, while he resumed slowly the rhythm of the oldest dance of the world.

TBC…

FINALLY Rob took the courage to say them: The famous three words. What he felt for longer now, is finally voiced. I hope, you liked the whole thing and that the love-scene was to your liking.

In the next chapter, Hogan will realize that to love someone changes the whole world. And his men began to recognize the soft changes in their superior and friend. There will be some cute and cozy, but also some funny scenes – after all such a love-night leaves tracks not only on but also in the body and usual common things can give problems what can give somebody away. Just guess who becomes aware what happened and how the reaction is (*snicker*).

Schmidt will learn more about 'Little Manfred's' backgrounds that will lead him away from Hammelburg – very much to the dismay of Hilda, who worries for his safety (yeah, the two begin to develop feelings for each other).

I hope, you liked the new chapter and I really would be happy to get some comments / reviews.

Have a nice weekend,

Love

Your Starflight