Warning: Lots of swearing and some intimate scene's (NC-17)

Tibbs: Thank you for being my first reviewer! I appreciate it!

Chapter Four: England

September 6th 1943, Brooklyn Naval Shipyard

After being briefed they boarded the troopship that would take them to England, they all looked for a cot to sleep on and dumped their bags on them. Not able to stand the smell of thousands of men cramped together in one big room, Webster went back outside and climbed as high as he could or was allowed to go. There he lid a cigarette and waited from them to pull off. As the sun set, turning the shy a bright orange and pink, more and more men came back outside smoking their cigarette's casting a longing glance at American soil, not knowing if or when they'd be back. Seeing the coast getting further away Webster realised they were finally pulling away, he hadn't noticed, he was so lost in his thoughts, nor did he notice he was joined with another hundredth men, all wearing their life preservers, standing at the railing.

When they passed the statue of liberty, everyone turned quiet, realising they were finally off to war. Staring at the huge statue Webster had to admit he was going to miss home more then he thought possible. When the hand that was resting on the small of his back, headed upwards to his neck, fingers threading through his hair, he closed his eyes not having to wonder who it was.

Days passed and temperaments started to rise. There was nothing to do on the ship and little space to do it in. Many men were getting sick and the smell of vomit began to mingle with sweat and cigarette smoke. That's why you could find Webster outside on deck most of the time. Others tried to stay busy playing cards, gambling, reading or writing letters but it soon got boring and people started fights more often.

One day Liebgott was sick and tired of being confined to one space and Webster sneaking of didn't help either. Every time he wanted to spent some time with the guy he was of somewhere and it took Liebgott ages to find him. Today was no different, but instead of looking for him he decided to stay on his cot brooding and listening to the conversations around him. But when he heard Guarnere mumble something about "Sobel being a son of Abraham" he had enough and snapped a "He's what?" towards Guarnere,

"He's a Jew" answered Guarnere nonchalant throwing the last of his cigarette on the floor. Jumping of his cot, "Fuck!" Liebgott advanced toward Guarnere "I'm a Jew."

Giving him a little push Guarnere said "Congratulations. Get your nose out of my face" taking offence at the last remark, Liebgott jumped Guarnere. They both got some hits and kicks in before they were pulled apart.

"Let go of me! Get the fuck off!" Yelled Liebgott throwing a glare in Guarnere's direction. Walking to his cot, he took his life preserver, yanked it over his head muttering "That's it, I'm out of here" and stormed off to get some fresh air.

As soon as he was on deck he lit a cigarette. Walking around he weaved himself passed hundredths of unfamiliar faces, not caring whether he bumped into them or not. Coming to a more deserted place on the boat he stopped at the railing staring over the ocean. A calm voice interrupted his thoughts. "Liebgott? Lieb! " He just wished they would leave him alone so he ignored the voice. When a warm hand settled on his shoulder followed by a quiet "Joe?" he turned around to come face to face with a worried Webster.

Webster gasped as he saw Liebgott's face, "What happened to you?" Looking confused Liebgott had no idea what the other man was talking about. But when Webster reached out towards his eye, he realised Guarnere must have hit him harder then he thought and mumbled a "Guarnere" He stood perfectly still as Webster's gentle, soft fingers touched his, by now black and blue, eye being careful not to hurt him. Something shifted between them at that moment and Liebgott closed his eyes as Webster's fingers traced alongside his face before cupping his cheek. A nearby noise made both of them jump and Liebgott opened his eyes again. When Webster was about to remove his hand, he put his over Webster's keeping it in place. Staring at each others eyes, Webster's heart was trying his best to thump as loudly as it could before trying to leave his chest. He wanted to leave before anyone caught them, doing whatever they were doing but there was something in Liebgott's eyes that kept him in his place. And when Liebgott leaned closer, any protest he had formed in his mind quickly dissolved.

Soft lips met his in a shy, quick peck, one like you would give your sweetheart for the first time. When Webster didn't protest Liebgott leaned back in and kissed him like he should have in the first place. With each kiss he received he could feel Liebgott getting more bold every time. When sudden laughter drifted closer, Liebgott grabbed Webster and pushed him in a nearby corner and out of sight. Webster bumped his head against a wall but before he had the chance to recover Liebgott mouth was on his again. Tongue's swirled together as their hips grinded together. Both were hard and panting after a couple of minutes.

The sound of a horn, announcing dinner made them come back to reality. Gasping for breath Webster noticed he had his hand on Liebgott chest, feeling his heart thumping as wildly as his. Liebgott put their foreheads together, staring in his eyes and trying to catch his breath. When he was back in control he grinned, wiped his mouth before straitening his uniform and leaving towards the mess hall. It took Webster a little longer to recover before following Liebgott downstairs. Entering the mess hall he could see Liebgott and Guarnere already talking and joking again, showing of their 'battle wounds'. When he walked passed their table Liebgott winked at him and any doubt Webster had about their encounter left his mind.

About ten days later they finally landed in England, where they were brought to a little town named Aldbourne. Easy company was then divided into groups of two to four men and put with families whose sons were fighting in the war. (1) By some miracle, only Liebgott and Webster, being the translators, were put with the Smith family where they shared a room. The Smith family consisted out of a plump little woman and a tall skinny man whose twin boys were currently fighting in France. Both were really friendly and welcomed them with open arms, giving them anything they needed.

To Webster this was one of the happiest moments up till now. Much time to relax they didn't have as training started back up again. Again they turned to field exercises as they learned man to man combat, fighting with bayonet's and any weapon they could carry.

They were also taught about the possible fighting positions given by an eager Sgt. Lipton who made them dug foxholes in all kinds of underground. Webster didn't have too fond a memory of that particular afternoon. His squad was digging yet another foxhole, which was particular hard to do due to all the tree roots getting in their way. Lipton kept reminding them that' trees do grow everywhere and this exercise was necessary'. It didn't make it any easier though.

Anyway Webster was almost done when cries came of a driver losing control of his tank and was headed their way.

Lipton's cries of "Get out of your foxholes!" soon filled the air. Dumping his entrenching tool Webster tried to climb out of his foxhole when he noticed he got stuck on one of the roots. Hearing trees snapping and seeing the tank getting closer, he tried frantically to pry himself free. He could hear the others in his squad yell at him "To get the hell out" but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't pry himself free. Turning around he noticed it was too late anyway and motioned to the driver to drive over his foxhole. Throwing himself down, he hoped he dug deep enough and prayed as the tank drove over his foxhole (2)

He didn't know how long he was hunkered down but when someone jumped in the foxhole with him he startled. Looking up he saw Lipton looking down on him while the others ran towards him to see if he was ok.

"You okay Private?" Webster could do nothing more then nod and sighed in relieve as Martin and Luz helped him out. Seeing Webster was ok, they clapped him on the shoulder, "You are one lucky bastard Web."

Word soon got round to the other platoons and soon they were all talking about it. Most were impressed and happy to see he was ok and questioned him what is was like to have a tank drive over him. When Webster saw Liebgott he waved in salute but when Liebgott merely glared at him and left he felt hurt. Seeing his face, Toye said "Don't worry about him, he was just worried when he heard what happened. He'll come around." Webster merely nodded watching Liebgott leave before he was yanked of to tell his story once again.

That night Liebgott didn't say a word, instead he crawled into bed with Webster and held him close all night. Head on Webster's chest listening to his heart, making sure he was really alive and there with him. Threading his fingers through Liebgott's hair, Webster felt relieved and he never slept better then that particular night.

They were also given lectures on map and compass reading, on every weapon in the American, British, yes even the German army. They did a lot of target practice as well. One day Colonel Sink came to see how they were doing and they all hit their targets with perfect aim leaving the Colonel quite impressed. (3)

Easy company had the best results in the whole battalion even with Sobel screwing up, something he was quite good at.

One day, September 18th 1943, he screwed up big time leaving the men of easy company slightly demoralised.

Webster and the rest of first platoon were to play the Germans, under Sobel's command while second platoon, including Liebgott, was led by Winters. First platoon's job was to try and capture Winter's team without getting caught themselves, that's why they we're currently running through a field in the rain. Webster long figured out they weren't where they were supposed to be and his thoughts were confirmed when Sobel made them stop, and hide behind some trees while he figured out where they were. Sinking down in the wet grass Webster cursed Sobel's incompetence and hoped, no, knew Liebgott was fairing better with Winters. Hearing the others ask Luz if he would do Major Horton, he sneezed, hoping he wasn't getting a cold. A loud voice made him jump up, but he relaxed as he saw it was Luz.

"Is there a problem Captain Sobel?"

Sobel turned around enraged, "Who said that? Who broke silence?" Webster smirked as he saw Sobel turning towards Private Petty who mumbled something he couldn't quite catch. Luz continued as if he hadn't heard Sobel,

"What is the GODDAMN hold up, Mister Sobel?" most of them could barely contain their laughter as Sobel looked around panicked,

"A fence sir….. god. A barbwire fence." Stuttered Sobel and Webster couldn't contain his laughter anymore as he joined the others. How Sobel could fall for such a trick was beyond him. If Major Horton did join them, didn't he think he would at least show his face. Webster snorted.

"Oh, that dog just ain't gonna hunt" continued Luz trying to shush the laughter coming from his team mates, "Now, you cut that fence and get this GODDAMN platoon on the move!"

They continued laughing as Sobel answered with a quick "Yes sir" before cutting the wires and releasing all the cows.

Having finally figured out were they were, they headed back out. First they ran through a field before running down a street while Sobel yelled his usual "Hi-yo Silver" You didn't need to be genius to figure out they were out in the open and he was making too much noise to successfully sneak up on someone. About five minutes later First platoon was captured by second platoon, which surprised no one but Sobel.

Coming home, Webster was royally pissed off, as he threw his helmet down. "For Christ sake, when is he ever going to learn." Liebgott understood where Webster was coming from and let him rant. "I can't believe we're going to war with him of all people." Continued Webster walking up and down the room. Liebgott meanwhile couldn't stop staring at Webster's face, how it make his eyes flash and cheeks flush and it turned him on. "Web? Web!"

"Why couldn't it have been Winters or something, at least he knows what to do and it doesn't end up with the whole platoon being killed" ranted Webster not hearing Liebgott call his name. "WEB!" yelled Liebgott trying to get the other man's attention, Webster turned around annoyed,

"WHAT?"

"Shut up will ya!"

"You don't tell me what to do Joe. You weren't there so don't you tell me to…." Webster never got to finish was he was saying cause Liebgott lunged forward and yanked him down on the nearest bed. Settling above him, Liebgott crushed his lips on Webster's in a bruising way. When Liebgott pulled back they were both out of breath, "Just Shut up!"

Webster merely grabbed a fistful of Liebgott's hair and yanked their mouths back together. This time they weren't interrupted as they grinded against each other, shrugging of their shirts and grabbing each other's hard-ons. There was nothing romantic about their encounter just a lot of pent up frustration being released as they yanked each other off. As they lay panting Liebgott settled on top of Webster, mumbling something in his shoulder Webster didn't quite catch. Stroking Liebgott's back they both fell asleep soon after.

A few days later Webster was watching a basketball game between Randleman, Perconte, Luz and Malarkey when he heard Nixon mutter something about 'court-martial' . Looking towards both men he could see Winters was clearly unhappy with the note he just received and by dinner time everyone in easy company heard Sobel was court-marshalling Winters for turning up late for latrine duty. Which was as ridiculous as it sounded.

Tensions rose as Winters was reassigned to battalion mess and everyone realised they were going to make the big jump with Sobel. Most men wanted to take action but it seems the NCO's beat them to the punch when they all resigned their commissions. Colonel Sink was naturally pissed of but decided not to shoot them.

Matters were resolved as Sobel was transferred out and Lieutenant Meehan took his place. Meehan was a man they could all respect because he respected them and soon training went on as usual.

Months later rumour grew of the big jump coming closer and closer and most men of easy-company made the most of it. Most evenings you could find them sitting in a nearby pub, chatting up the local girls and drinking themselves silly. Spending time with their new addition: Lieutenant 'Buck' Compton, who joined easy company only five days ago.

This night however Webster decided not to join them and headed back home. There he spent some time with the Smith family drinking tea and listening to the radio before heading up to his room. Stripping to his underwear and shirt he settled on his bed taking a piece of paper and writing home. A few hours later had him watching the clock as he realised Liebgott still wasn't home. He sighed as he blew out the candle and tried to get some sleep.

Tossing and turning Webster couldn't seem to get some sleep. Everyone time he heard laughter down the street he thought Liebgott was finally coming home. After two hours Webster began to feel silly, he felt like some girl waiting for her boyfriend to come back home or something and he wondering when he was reduced to this. Still he worried about losing Liebgott to some local girl, he'd seen how they looked at Liebgott after all. And why not, Joe was a good looking guy. Again he wondering why he cared so much when Liebgott wasn't even his to begin with. Sighing he knew he was kidding himself and he finally admitted he loved the guy, even if he didn't love him back.

When he heard the front door open, Webster sat upright. Stumbles echoed through the house as Liebgott tried to make his way upstairs. When he opened the bedroom door, Webster could smell cigarette's smoke, beer and perfume wafting of the other man. A curse followed a loud thump as Liebgott hit his toe on a nearby chair. Liebgott fumbled around and lit a candle, jumping back with a loud "Jesus Christ" as he saw Webster sitting in his bed staring at him. "Don't sit there in the dark like a bleeding ghoul Web, say something."

Webster merely looked at him before muttering "Where have you been?", Webster wished it didn't come out as needy or as whiny as did, especially when Liebgott turned rigid.

"I don't have to explain myself to you, you're not my bloody keeper." Gnawing his bottom lip, Webster get out of bed and stopped in front of Liebgott;

"I was just worried. The pubs close at ten Joe. Where have you been?" Looking down shaking his head Liebgott began to turn angry, "Stop it"

Ignoring Liebgott Webster reached out, wiping away some lipstick of Liebgott's cheek, removing a blond hair of his uniform, "Or should I say, with who?"

Liebgott exploded, grabbing Webster's arms barking "I said stop it" They stared at each other as Liebgott's fingers dug in Webster's arms leaving bruises. Seeing pain fill Webster's eyes, Liebgott knew he should feel some satisfaction but didn't. When Webster pulled himself free, he let him. Webster felt like he was taking a risk but he couldn't let it go.

"Who is she Joe?"

Groaning Liebgott muttered "Why can't you just leave me alone huh?"

"I can't."

"And why the hell not!" snapped Liebgott advancing towards Webster. Stepping back until his back hit the wall Webster startled "Because I…. I…."

"You WHAT?" glared Liebgott staring in Webster's eyes, who just glared back. After a couple of minutes the fight left Webster as he mumbled "I love you."

"What? What was that college boy, I didn't quite catch that" goaded Liebgott. Hearing the nickname he hated so much, Webster pushed Liebgott of of him and yelled "I love you ALRIGHT!"

At first Liebgott didn't react but when he regained his senses he hit Webster hard in the face. Webster stumbled but stayed upright glaring at Liebgott.

Warning: Nc-17 scene coming up.
Just as Webster thought Liebgott was going to leave and report him to his superiors, he turned back around, grabbed his face and crushed their mouths together. Teeth clashed together as Liebgott tried to remove as much of Webster's clothing without having to let go. Soon the need for air became to great and they parted. Foreheads pressed together they gasped for air. "Damn you Web." Webster grabbed Liebgott's hand and pulled him towards the bed, settling down as Liebgott stripped down to his underwear. When he was finished Liebgott settled above Webster, staring at his face he leaned in and gave Webster one of the most passionate kisses he ever received in his life and when Liebgott pressed soft kisses to his newly formed bruise he realised Liebgott felt the same as him.

Liebgott's kisses ventured lower making Webster tremble all over, suddenly he felt the need to have Liebgott close by and whispered "Joe?" Seeming to understand what Webster wanted, Liebgott moved back up, cupping Webster's face in his hands and slowly kissed him. When they came back up for air Webster was painfully hard and if the feeling on his thigh was any indication so was Liebgott.

All of a sudden the need to get rid of any access clothing became too great and they shrugged off their shirts and underwear. Both moaning as their hard-ons rubbed together. After some shifting they seemed to have found some rhythm as they moved together. Groaning and moaning Webster didn't recognize his own voice as he muttered "Not enough. I need…." Liebgott kissed down his neck as he continued " … I need more."

All of a sudden Liebgott stopped, making Webster whine at the loss. But when Liebgott suddenly left the bed he panicked, "Joe?" when no answered came he yelled "JOE?"

"Calm down Web, you'll wake up the whole goddamn neighbourhood" sighing in relief Webster settled back down as Liebgott climbed back into bed whispering; "Just went to get this…" and held up a jar of Vaseline. Raising an eyebrow in question as to why Liebgott carried around a jar of Vaseline quickly turned into a groan as Liebgott coated his fingers before entering Webster. Liebgott grinned at Webster, moving his fingers, scissoring them before deeming Webster ready. Webster lay trembling on the bed as Liebgott coated himself. When he was ready, he lifted Webster's legs as he positioned himself. He looked into Webster's eyes making sure and when Webster nodded he slowly slid in.

Webster in the meantime didn't know what to feel. There was pain obviously but something else entirely as well, it was a feeling he couldn't quite place and he arched as Liebgott slid in even more. He could hear Liebgott curses of "Fuck" and "Jesus, fucking Christ" and he knew the other man felt the same way. When Liebgott slid all the way in, he paused, kissing Webster's sweaty face. "Okay?" Webster opened his eyes and could do nothing more then nod. As Liebgott began to move, Webster saw stars but neither of them could tear his gaze away from the other as Liebgott moved faster. Webster wiped away Liebgott's sweat from his face as he noticed he came close to his climax while he himself trembled harder and harder as he neared his. He closed his eyes and kissed Liebgott hard. Liebgott's voice cut through his thoughts as they parted; "Open your eyes. I wanna see you when…." Just as he opened his eyes he came staring into Liebgott's eyes just like he wanted. After a few more trusts Liebgott followed soon after, kissing Webster until they were both breathless.

Liebgott pulled out of Webster muttering a "damn" and settled down. Webster trying to get his breathing under control began to shiver as his sweat dried in the cool air. Feeling the trembles Liebgott shifted until he was lying on the mattress with Webster on top him, then he grabbed a nearby blanket and threw it over the both of them. Webster wanted to ask Liebgott many questions but feeling the other man's fingers trail up and down his shoulder he soon fell asleep.

The next day they shipped out to a nearby field camp and he never had the opportunity to ask Liebgott whether the whispered 'I love you too' was a dream or not.

May 31, 1944. Upottery

Saying goodbye to the Smith family, thanking them for their hospitality, both Liebgott and Webster climbed aboard their respective trucks, not knowing where they were going. As soon as the trucks stopped, their platoon leaders ushered them out and assigned them to the nearby tents standing in the muddy field.

Looking around Webster saw men from the 82nd and the English army and he realised this must be the last part before they finally made the big jump.

The next few days consisted of making one jump after another, mixed in with mission briefings. Here they learned they were to jump into Normandy, near St-Marie Du mont. Their mission was destroy a German Harrison who was stationed near the city of Carentan. This was vital, otherwise the troops landing on Utah beach didn't have any place to go but the beach. They were given maps, photo's and sand tables to study until they could draw a map by memory.

On June 4th 1944, they were ordered to move out in full pack. Each platoon was divided in squads of ten men and issued a number. Each number let to their own plane so there would be no confusion. Sitting on the landing strip each man got a bowl of ice-cream while they checked their equipment. Checking his drawing Webster checked if he had everything; 'Three day supply of K-rations, chocolate bars, powered coffee, sugar, matched, compass, bayonet, ammunition, gasmask, entrenching tool, musette bad with ammo, webbing, his .45, canteen, cartons of smokes, Hawkins mines, smoke grenade, gammon grenade, TNT, rope, extra skivvies, gloves, his chute, reserve chute, his Mae West and his M1' seemed like everything to him and he started packing. Just then the English decided to drop this idea of a leg bag on them. The idea was great, you got this bag and you put anything you would carry or need into it and strapped it to your leg. Great idea in theory but damn hard to move in.

Just when he was finished someone handed him a piece of paper which said: Soldiers Of The Regiment. Tonight is the night of nights. Today as you read this, you are en route to the great adventure for which you have trained for over two years. Webster crumbled the paper as he realised this was the real deal, they were finally going to jump. Looking up he saw Liebgott staring in his direction and he tried to smile failing miserably. A voice made him break eye contact.

"Easy company, Listen up." It was lieutenant Meehan, ushering them all closer to him, "The channel is filled with rain and fog. No jump tonight!" Webster didn't hear any of the other stuff Meehan said as he sighed, feeling both relieved and frustrated. Picking up his bag, they all filed out to their tents were they dropped their stuff before being informed they were going to see a movie to keep their minds occupied.

Webster followed the rest of his platoon as they entered the tent they showed the movie in. Settling in the back, Webster tried to relax. He didn't open his eyes as someone sat behind him. He could hear the chair being moved closer and he frowned, when all of a sudden a head found himself on his shoulder he jumped slightly until he noticed who it was. He smiled and whispered "Hey Joe." The other man didn't say anything just pressed himself closer to Webster without making it look suspicious. If anyone were to look in their direction all they could see was an exhausted Liebgott sleeping on Webster's shoulder.

(1) Only the officers were placed in homes while the others were all crammed into nearby stables and storage hangers. I changed it otherwise I would have been hard for me to write a more or less decent NC-17 scene with all the others in the same room ;)

(2) This did more or less happen. A tank did drive over Webster's foxhole with him in it.

(3) This too did happen.

To be continued in Chapter Five: D-Day.