AN: Yes, I was finally able to finish chapter 12. Took a lot longer then expected for which I apologise.
I want to thank Aerc, FooFighter0234, Tibbs & Tuxedojunction for reviewing previous chapters.
I got to warn you though, it's going to be a long chapter. I hope you'll enjoy it and let me know what you think, ok.
Thank you!
Chapter Twelve: Germany! Part 1.
Early March 1945. Heidelberg, Germany.
Ever since they left Haguenau behind them, Webster and the rest of easy company had driven in a huge semi-circle through German, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and now they were back in Germany. Their journey had been delightfully non-combatant and they all started to relax as they felt the end of the war was coming closer and closer.
They were still careful, they weren't about to take any unnecessary risks when they were so close to the end. This was a feeling shared by all veterans, the feeling they could die any moment now started to ease off and the feeling they might make it after all started to grow.
They began to feel like old men especially when every so often new, young, spotty faced and eager replacements came and replaced Taccoa men. The replacements couldn't wait to head into battle and kill some germans. There were constantly asking questions like "When are we going to jump into Berlin?" & "When are we going to see some real action?"which annoyed the other veterans to no end. They reminded them too much of what they were like only a year ago but now they knew better and soon the replacements would too.
Sitting in D.U.K.W.s (1) instead on their usual deuce-and-a-halves (2) they drove from city to city passing a beautiful green country and clean air as they stopped at Heidelberg for the night. Ordering the locals they had 5 minutes to pack their essentials, they settled down for the night. Many of them, including Webster and Liebgott rumished through the houses in the vein hope to find something decent to eat or drink. They hit the jackpot when they find a whole case of kirsch, a local beverage which was a bit too sweet for them but it was liquor and it warmed their insides. Sneaking it to their room, the bottles were divided before they drank most of them and passed out where they stood.
That night Webster woke up as the heard the 'clip-clop-clip-clop' of a horse and cart passing by. Rubbing his eyes trying to focus, Webster tried to stand up without waking the others. After trying three times to stand without falling he headed to the window and looked outside. Looking left, then right Webster saw absolutely nothing, the street and town square were deserted, yet he could hear a horse neigh. It wasn't the first time he heard it and he wasn't the only one either. Many of them had heard the horse and cart over the last year. It all started after a couple of weeks in Normandy, they heard in Holland, Belgium, France and now Germany since then, but no one ever saw a thing. They think it's a trooper who got killed over in Normandy and he's following his old company wherever they go. No one paid real attention to it anymore but it still have Webster the chills and he was back to being sober in an instant. (3) Looking around seeing the others sleeping or rather passed out from the booze Webster shook his head trying to locale Liebgott and settling down close by.
The next morning, before it was even light they were roused by a lot of shouting by their leaders as they headed back out. Lots of groans and moans filled the air as they all awoke, blinking red eyes as they searched for their duffel bags, rifles and boots as they hurried back down and climbed aboard the familiar DUKW's.
Webster looked at his watch and groaned as it was only 6.20 on the morning. They had to leave in a hurry 'cause news came of a possible early dawn attack by the germans but after driving for the better part of an hour the supposed attack never came and most of them settled back down and fell asleep in an instant. Webster however couldn't for he was way too cold to fall asleep now. Rubbing his hands together before hiding them in his armpits he suddenly remembered he still had a bottle of kirsch left. Not wanting to share he looked around to see if anyone was watching before he took the bottle from his pocket and took a long gulp. Eyes closed, sighing he could feel the warmth spread through his body. A soft voice made him open his eyes again as he saw Liebgott watching him with a smile.
'Dibs…" repeated Liebgott as he pointed towards the bottle. Webster smiled and gave him the bottle. All of a sudden the truck made a left turn waking some of the others. Once they saw the bottle, Webster had to reluctantly pass it around.
No one knew where they were headed as they passed town after town, white flags hanging from the wooden balconies of their hotels and inns. Passing other soldiers from other regiments stopping the indigenous people as they frisked and ransacked them. The sun was finally up and everyone sighed as they finally began to warm up.
Others found their bottles as well and they soon they had a merry time drinking them all. They began to make silly bets as the alcohol began to set in. When Gordon produced yet another bottle, Webster all of a sudden felt brave as he challenged:
"Bet I can drink that in one minute. A thousand francs. Any takers?"
Everyone looked at him like he was crazy. He wasn't exactly known for his drinking and none of them quite believed him. They started laughing when he repeated his challenge, they still saw him as some nerdy college boy who spent most of his time in books. The thing they forgot was he was indeed in college and drinking was just part of the program. No one, not even Liebgott took him seriously until one of the eager replacements accepted his challenge. They all grinned and laughed as they passed the battle to Webster, who took it with a smile.
Janovec, who was sitting next to Webster took out his watch as Webster raised his bottle in salute. Everyone moved closer as Janovec yelled "GO!" and Webster began to drink.
Eyes grew bigger as Webster gulped down the booze as if it were water and soon the air filled with "Go Webster Go!" as the bottle was almost empty. Slamming down the bottle when it was empty, Webster yelled "Time?" as he wiped his mouth.
Janovec shook his head and smiled in disbelieve and said "Forty Seconds" before slapping Webster on the back. Cheers filled in the air as they all yelled for the replacement to pay up. The guy was so impressed he even threw in another bottle of booze. (4) By the time they reached their destination Webster felt sleepy from all the booze and fell asleep on Liebgott's shoulder. They all laughed as he snuggled closer for warmth and Liebgott began to turn angry at Webster carelessness. None of them said anything though as they blamed the booze and thought Liebgott's red face was due to annoyance at being used for a pillow. When they stopped for the night at Stürzelberg Liebgott had to carry Webster inside their billet, rolling his eyes all the way.
The next day news came of the 300.000 germans surrendering and many thought the war would soon we over. They were also joined by Captain Nixon who got demoted to battalion S-3 again. No one noticed the difference because the guy was always around anyways. Mostly you could find him wherever Winters was. This time was no different as Webster passed them on the way to his truck, they left the DUKW's behind from now on. Everyone looked up as they saw the otherwise collected Nixon yelling at Winters about some dog. Shaking his head, Webster turned towards Speirs when Perconte asked where they were going.
"We're going to the Alps. Let me see that lighter." Webster watched as Perconte reluctantly have his new lighter to Speirs. "The Alps?" Not that he could blame the guy, Speirs was known to simply 'take' things as he liked them. He'd seen him mail package after package to his wife and kid in Aldbourne. "Yeah."
Randleman who was standing close by asked "That near Berlin?" Speirs shook his head "No." as he lit his cigarette. Seeing Speirs wasn't about to clarify Webster decided to help Randleman out
"That's in Bavaria. Birthplace of National Socialism."
Clearly disappointed Luz muttered "So, that means no drop into Berlin huh?" Speirs took a long drag from his cigarette before explaining why they were headed that way.
"No, no drop into Berlin. Hitler send the Waffen SS into the mountains to repel invaders. He wants to start a guerrilla war."
Randleman smirked "Invaders!. Damn, I like the sound of that!" Webster couldn't agree more as he climbed aboard the truck settling between O'Keefe and Liebgott with a loud sigh as he heard Perconte ask for his lighter back before turning on O'Keefe with a grin. "Hey, seems you'll get your wish O'Flannery. Those guys are crazy."
Webster watched as the replacement, rolled his eyes annoyed as he muttered "It's O'Keefe".
Everyone ignored him, like they mostly did as Talbert, Grant and Sisk started to sing as they moved out. Grinning at each other, 'cause they both loved his song, both Liebgott and Webster soon joined in.
/ "He hit the ground, the sound was 'SPLATT' blood went spurting high,
His comrades, they were heard to say 'A HELLUVE WAY TO DIE!'
He lay there rolling in the welter of his gore,
And he AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE!
GORY GORY, What a hell of a way to Die,
GORY GORY, What a hell of a way to Die,
GORY GORY, What a hell of a way to Die,
He AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE!" (5)/
After awhile things calmed down as most them either read, ate something of talked about their futures. Webster was quite surprised when Liebgott started talking about what he might do when they got back home. They never talked about their future or homes before and Webster listened eagerly to Joe's plans as he finished his pudding.
"It's gonna be good times, Web. When we get home I mean. First thing I'm gonna do is get my old job back at the cab company in frisco. Make a killing of all those fucking sailors coming home, you know?"
Webster didn't but he nodded anyway. He was quite surprised to find Liebgott telling him all this, he learned more in those two little sentences then he did in the last two years they had known each other. He never knew Liebgott was from San Francisco, let alone him having a job already. Webster almost choked on his pudding as Joe divulged more of his future plans.
"Then, I'm gonna find me a nice Jewish girl with great big soft titties and a smile to die for." All of a sudden Webster lost his apatite and he struggled to swallow his latest spoonful of pudding as Joe continued oblivious to Webster, "Marry her. Then I'm gonna buy a big house with lots of bedrooms for all the little Liebgott's we'll be making (6). She ought to like that."
Webster didn't hear anything more after that. All he could see was Liebgott married, house, kids & job while he had no clue what he was going to do. He also noticed there was no sign of him anywhere in Liebgott's perfect plans for the future. All of a sudden he felt quite alone even when he heard Luz, Perconte and Janovec talk about some silly article. He knew he was being silly, he always knew they had no future together just the now they had going on but still he has hoped for a little spot in Liebgott's future. A hard nudge in his ribs made him look up.
"So, what about you Web?"
Webster had to think about that for a second as he tried to figure out what Liebgott was talking about. He mumbled a bit before settling on "I'll guess I'll finish school first and then…." He had no idea really and was glad when Liebgott interrupted him.
"Wait a minute. Finish school? You mean all this time you were talking Harvard this and Harvard that and you haven't even finished?"
At this Webster turned angry 'cause Liebgott knew fully well he never once uttered a word about Harvard, if it wasn't for him dropping his journal the first time they met Liebgott wouldn't have known he went to Harvard.
"For one thing, I haven't told you anything…." Snapped Webster. Liebgott taken aback by his tone simply muttered an "Oh?"
Webster stared at him hard, between Joe's plans and him not knowing his, his nerves were rather thin. "And yes, I haven't finished! So the FUCK what?"
Still shocked at Webster's behaviour Joe turned around seeing the others looking as puzzled as he felt. They weren't used to Webster snapping without any apparent reason. Trying to calm Webster down, Liebgott surrendered trying to explain "All right, let it breath a little. Jesus. Fuck. It's the way you always talked. We all figured that…."
Seeing the look on Webster's face Liebgott quickly shut up as he finally realised what Webster's problem was. "Hey, you know what, you're right! So the fuck what?"
Both men sighed and looked the other way. Webster bit his bottom lip feeling silly for blowing up like that. First time Liebgott asked him about his life and he ruins it. He quickly turned around watching Joe smoke his cigarette. Just as he was about to apologise "Hey man, I'm…." Liebgott did the same thing; "So what did you study?"
They both waved their hands and smiled and knew they were forgiven as Webster answered Liebgott's question. "Literature."
Liebgott was surprised at Webster's answer as he sat up with a smile, ""Get out of here. You serious? I love to read."
Finishing the rest of his pudding Webster was surprised in return "Do you?" Liebgott nodded eagerly "Yeah. Dick Tracy, Flash Gordon mostly." Webster smirked at Liebgott's answer and was about to say those two didn't count as 'literature' per se but kept his mouth shut as he saw how happy Joe was "Yeah! Fuck" as he finally thought they had something in common beside banging each other into oblivion.
That night, Webster didn't sleep too well. He kept on thinking about the war, his plans for the future or rather lack of, Liebgott and other things. He didn't know when or where he changed but before the war and before Liebgott he knew perfectly what he was going to do. But this stupid war, this stupid army changed it all. He never felt this lost before. God, he hated the army. Only one good thing ever happened to him in the army and that's this company and especially Liebgott but since they didn't have any kind of future together either what difference did it make? None at all! Just a bunch of interrupted lives or worse a premature end to most of their lives. His mood didn't improve the next day, especially when he saw the reason they were there as they passed thousands and thousands of german troops. He knew he was being watched by Winters, Nixon and Speirs but didn't seem to care as he reared up and started yelling:
"Hey you! Hey YOU! That's right, you stupid kraut bastards! That's right! Say hello to ford! And general fucking motors! You stupid fascist pigs, look at you! You have horses. What were you thinking!"
He wanted to say a lot more but Garcia yanked him back down into his seat. "That's enough Webster. Give it a rest." Looking around the truck, they all looked shocked at his behaviour. Most of them stared at him open mouthed as he kept muttering, "Dragging our asses halfway around the world. Interrupting our lives." Webster reared back up as he saw a couple of SS officers in a cart while the others walked "And FOR WHAT? You ignorant, servile scum! What the hell are we doing here? Huh?"
After Webster finished his rant he sat back down with a huff and glared strait ahead. No one opened his mouth for awhile as they realised he was best left alone for the moment.
After awhile some of replacements began to talk about what they might do when they should meet a german in battle, as they laughed, Webster's mood grew worse. 'Stupid replacements'
When they neared their destination, they slowed down due to all the twists an turns on the road. They all jumped and grabbed for their rifles as they heard a shot. Someone yelled "Ambush" as they all ducked down for safety. They all resurfaced as they saw two French soldiers standing over three young german soldiers, gun smoking as one lay dead. The other two boys knelt behind the body, their eyes and mouth wide open, their faces paralyzed with fright as they awaited their turn to be shot. A second shot filled the air as the second boy fell face forwards into the mud. The third boy, folded his hands in prayer before getting shot himself. Webster stared at the scene face blank, like most of the other veterans he didn't seem to care. The replacements however where shocked, one of them even vomited over the side of the truck.
Webster rolled his eyes and turned towards a white-faced O'Keefe "There's your goddamned war! Did you like it? Did you like it?" (7) O'Keefe merely gulped and shook is head, Webster grunted before closing his eyes trying to catch some sleep.
Landsberg, Büchlo. Germany.
Two days later they found themselves in a lovely town called Büchlo, when they arrived they had their pick of several lovely houses and many of them ended up with their own bedrooms and very own, soft beds.
Walking around the house they had chosen to billet second platoon, Webster found this bedroom with a big window overseeing the mountains. He had no idea how long he was standing there gazing at the blue sky, green country and snow-covered mountains until warm arms circled his waist and hot lips kissed his neck. Webster sighed in complete bliss until he realised they were in a house filled with fellow soldiers who could walk in at any time and to top it of standing in front of a window in plain view of everyone in the street. Stepping forward, Webster muttered a soft "Don't"
Either Liebgott did not hear him of simply chose to ignore him but Webster found himself pressed up against the wall lips fastened to his. At first he went along with the feeling for a couple of seconds 'cause they had not been this close for several weeks now and it did make him feel warm inside. But once again reason overcame his desire as he, more forceful, pushed Liebgott away.
"Joe don't…"
This time he was sure Liebgott heard him 'cause he grunted before kissing him again. However, this time Webster did not kiss back and merely turned his head before giving Liebgott a hard push and they both came away from the wall. "What now?" grunted Liebgott getting angry at Webster behaviour.
"This isn't the time or place Joe, anyone could walk in at any time you know that." Liebgott merely smirked seductively, laying a head on Webster's chest. "What if I said I don't give a fuck."
"Don't say that. You don't mean it." Muttered Webster, stepping back as Liebgott stepped forward.
"Oh really? Want to try me?" growled Liebgott as he ran his hands over Webster body before kissing him long and hard. Webster's face turned red as he tried to catch his breath and it took all his self control to mutter a "I… um… don't…."
Liebgott merely smirked amused "Don't say you don't want it Web, I know you do…" purred Liebgott as he ran his fingers over the buldge in Webster's pants.
Clearing his throat Webster begged "Please Joe don't…. not now…" Liebgott didn't listen instead he pushed Webster hard against the wall, touching and kissing Webster. Webster knew Liebgott wouldn't really rape him but the look in Joe's eyes scared him none the less. He pushed with all his might against Liebgott's chest until the man in question stumbled backwards hitting a table making it tip of over and fall.
Fearing he might have hurt Liebgott Webster started to apologise "Joe, I'm sorry I didn't mean…." But before he could even finish his sentence, Liebgott had turned around fast and a fist had connected with his face. Webster stumbled backwards, his back hitting the bed hard as he fell down on the wooden floor. Trying to catch his breath, he heard Liebgott mutter in anger "Don't you ever push me again. You hear College boy?"
Webster's eyes watered with tears of pain, both physically and mentally as he tried to sit up relieving the pain in his back. Both were breathing hard, though with different reasons and the sound became deafening in their little room. Webster could hear and feel Liebgott calm down, yet he couldn't bring himself to look up. Just as Liebgott took a step forward, a knock came before both Janovec and Christenson stepped inside. Both men were great friends of Webster's and were pretty protective of him at times and when they saw Webster sitting on the floor holding his cheek, the tipped table and Liebgott standing rigid, they immediately were on the defensive.
"What the hell happened here?" yelled Christenson stepping front of Webster as Janovec helped him up. Neither men spoke a word, but all knew perfectly well what happened. Christenson however couldn't contain his anger as he stepped towards Liebgott. "I swear if you ever touch him again I…."
Webster knew Christenson was no match for Liebgott and put a hand on his shoulder stopping him. "It's ok Chris, I just fell that's all." Everyone, even Liebgott, looked surprised at Webster who shrugged. "I tripped on my shoelaces, hit the table before falling smack on my face..." explained Webster looking embarrassed shrugging painfully, "You'd think by now, I would know how to tie 'em, right?" chuckled Webster. Everyone looked at Webster boots, who were perfectly laced yet none said a word. Slightly hunched over by the pain in his back, Webster headed out followed by Janovec and Christenson. Just as they were closing the door, Liebgott stepped forward "Web, I…." but stopped when he saw the bruise on Webster face. They stared at each other for awhile before Webster sighed and muttered "Save it…" before closing the door. He waited for a second when he heard a loud crash and Liebgott yelling "Damn it" before heading out with his friends.
The next couple of hours consisted of nothing but waiting as Dog, Fox and several easy company men roamed the nearby woods. Webster's pain in his back was still there but tried to ignore it as he tossed a baseball back and forth between Talbert and Janovec while others like Martin, Wynn, Roe & Babe looked on. After awhile Liebgott showed himself and settled nearby watching Webster's every move, yet didn't try to make any contact. They crossed eyes once and Webster knew Liebgott regretted what happened yet he couldn't bring himself to face him yet. All of a sudden Perconte, who was supposed to patrol the woods came running in looking for an officer. Everyone stopped what he was doing as he ran back and forth until he found Major Winters and stuttered a lot of gibberish. Webster who was standing nearby didn't get it either but the look in Perconte's eyes spoke volumes. Before anyone could utter a word, they were back on the trucks, following Winters jeep as Perconte showed them were to go.
Eyes closed, shifting back and forth Webster tried to relieve some of the pain in his back and they drove through the woods. He opened his eyes again as he smelled something strange. He looked around but didn't see anything and became curious as to what it could be. Apparently he wasn't the only one wondering as he saw his fellow easies wrinkle their noses or hold handkerchiefs in front of their nose and mouth in vein effort to lessen the smell. All of sudden they entered a clearing and their question of where the smell came from was answered. When they jumped from their truck first thing they saw was the patrol sitting on the ground, white as a sheet, some of them clearly vomited. Webster frowned wondering what could have reduced a big man like Bull Randleman to a pale, shaking mess.
Then he saw the barb-wire, the huts and the people. Oh my god, he couldn't believe his eyes, those skinny, pale things were actual people.
Everyone was divided in groups of two as they entered the what-ever-it-was. Webster was teamed with Luz, Grant with powers, Perconte with O'Keefe, Janovec with Moore, Malarkey with Babe while Liebgott was ordered to translate for Winters, Nixon, Speirs and Lipton.
Webster looked around in disbelieve, wondering if he died somewhere along the road and ended up in hell. "Jesus Web, can you believe this place?" muttered Luz as they moved forward. Webster merely shook his head, 'cause no word he knew could describe this place. All around them lay bodies, some dead, some dying. There was smoke rising from some of the huts as he realised they were recently burned to the ground.
He shook his head hoping all of this was just a nightmare but when he opened his eyes, the huts, the people, the barb-wire, it was all still there and he swallowed hard. One of the men, stumbled towards him before hugging him with the little strength he had left. Not, having to think about it, Webster's arms came around the poor man as he hugged him back. Running his hand over the man's back, he could count all the man's ribs and he cursed whomever allowed his atrocity to happen. The man stepped back grateful as Webster handed him his canteen. Webster motioned for the man to keep his canteen as he stumbled on. A warm hand settled on his shoulder and he turned towards Luz, "You ok, web?"
Webster nodded and that's when he noticed he was crying, he didn't even realise it until he felt something wet settle on his collarbone. Quickly wiping his face, he moved back forward, seeing the other easies having a difficult time as well. He saw Roe giving orders to the other medics, as they handed out blankets and water. Checked their eyes, spines and livers before moving on to the next. On the other side of the camp Webster saw Liebgott talking to one of the men, watching several emotions pass on the man's face before settling on something he didn't understand. Looking at Winters face, it must have been something awful and Webster wanted to know what. He stopped one of the men and asked why they were locked up, who they were. He was quite surprised to hear they were doctors, musicians, tailors, clerks, farmers, intellectuals. He frowned 'cause it didn't make any sense until the man told them they were Poles, gypsies and Jews.
Webster swallowed hard looking towards Liebgott, who was standing by himself as the officers talked on what to do next. Webster left Luz with Randleman as he made his way towards Liebgott but before he even made it, he was stopped by Captain Speirs.
"Webster, you speak German right?"
"Yes sir." Nodded Webster not liking where this was going.
"Good, head out with third platoon back to town and get all the water, food and blankets you can get. They will need a translator."
"But sir, I…." Protested Webster, he didn't like the idea of leaving before he had a talk with Liebgott and see he was ok or not.
"Is there a problem Private?" barked Speirs. Webster looked toward Liebgott before muttering "No sir"
"Good. Head out!"
Webster nodded, seeing Liebgott leave with Winters and Nixon again, before heading back towards the entrance.
Once in the city, they raided every shop and cellar they could find taking all the food and water, put it on the truck. Now and then they came across some resistance, but a quick flash of a pistol and some nasty words made the germans very compliant in the end.
Since there wasn't enough room on the trucks for the men, some of them, including Webster, had to stay behind. They didn't have to wait long until Lieutenant Lipton came back with a couple of trucks, medics and some food and water. Ordered them to get on and said they were headed toward another camp a few miles down the road.
There, Webster got his second shock of the day as they found a camp identical to the one they found before. Instead of men, they found women and children, in worse shape then the men. (8) Most of them were dead or dying. Almost none of the children where alive and the women who were couldn't really be identified as women anymore. They didn't have any hair and were terribly skinny. This time Webster couldn't contain his shock as he emptied his stomach along with some others.
Meanwhile Major Winters was advised to put all the men back in the camp so they could be properly looked after. He didn't like it, even more so when he realised his other translator was gone. He preferred Webster to do the translating 'cause sometimes Joe's Yiddish (9) was hard to understand but he had no choice to put Liebgott in such difficult position as he asked him to translate all that. Liebgott swallowed hard as he looked at all the men, most of them fellow Jews as he explained why they had to be put back. All the other easies knew how hard it must have been for Liebgott to do such a thing and when he sat back down, hands in front of his face and shoulders jerking as he sobbed no one said a word. When all the men where contained they were allowed to go back to town as the medic did their work. They all climbed aboard, sharing looks as they all watched the normally tough and collected Liebgott trying to hide the fact he was crying. Everyone wondered where Webster was at a time like that 'cause no one really knew what to say but knew if anyone could Webster would be the man. Even though they were as different as day and night, the two bonded in a way no one understood or tried to understand. Sure, they fought a lot about all kinds of stuff, teased and picked on each other but when it came right down to it, they would do anything for each other. They understood each other in a way no one else could and now when one of them was in need, the other was no where to be found and no one knew what to do about it. So, they decided to leave Liebgott alone, give him the space he needed.
When they arrived back in town, everyone, expect Liebgott left the truck. No one blamed him and they decided to stick around, keep an eye on him until Webster arrived from wherever he was at the moment. Some of them gambled, some of them smoked or simply talked. Even Winters was close by as he sat outside with Nixon doing his paper work.
One of them found a record and soon the sound of Edith Piaf's voice echoed trough the streets as some of them hummed along. (10)
/Peut-être un jour tu reviendras
Je sais que mon coeur t'attendras
Tu ne pourras pas oublier
Les jours que nous avons passes
Mes yeux te cherchent sans arrêt
Ecoute bien mon coeur t'appelle
Nous pourrons si bien nous aimer
Tu verras la vie sera belle.../
When Webster finally returned, it was already dark outside. The church bell rang as they jumped from the trucks and headed inside. The last one out, Webster sighed, cursing this day of hell. First the fight with Liebgott, then both those camps, he was exhausted and his back hurt like nothing before. Someone tapped his shoulder, opening his eyes he saw it was Doc Roe.
"Web, look." Roe pointed towards the nearest truck and they both saw a familiar figure sitting by himself slumped over. Frowning Webster muttered "Joe?" but got no reaction. Sharing a look with Roe he climbed on the truck, kneeling before Liebgott. "Joe?" Liebgott didn't say a thing, merely slipped from his seat after a few seconds, placing his head on Webster's shoulder.
Roe stepped closer asking "Is he alright?" Webster merely shrugged, arms slipping over Liebgott's shoulders. "Joe? You ok?"
Again, no answer came forth. Just as Roe was about to join them a voice stopped him.
"Gene…."
Webster didn't have to look around to see it was Babe and watched as Roe climbed back and went to talk to the red headed boy from Philly. They conversed for awhile, Webster catching words now and then like 'translate' & 'back in camp'. He didn't have to hear the rest as he realised what Liebgott had to do. Roe came back but before he could utter a word Webster muttered a "I'll handle it." Roe searched his eyes for awhile and Webster sighed, "It's ok Gene. Head on inside. Catch some sleep, you look exhausted."
At first Roe didn't look convinced but nodded anyway, leaving with Babe. When they were gone, Webster shifted so he could move Liebgott slightly.
"Come Joe. We'll head back inside. I got you. I'm here. I got you" Webster kept repeating the same thing over and over as he manoeuvred Liebgott inside and to their room. They didn't pass anyone on the way, it's like everyone knew and decided to stay out of the way out of respect. They didn't hear much in general as they pass several rooms, some of them were talking, others laughing as they made it to their room.
Once inside Webster manoeuvred Liebgott to the bathroom, let the bathtub run and slowly stripped Liebgott of his clothes. There was nothing sexual about it, just a lot of love and caring as Webster removed layer by layer. When he was done, he stripped himself before taking Liebgott's hand and hiding him to the now full tub. No words were spoken as Webster sat behind Liebgott, taking a bar of soap and slowly washed the other man. After Webster washed Liebgott's hair they relaxed for a couple of minutes before draining the water and got up. Picking up the biggest towel he could find, Webster slowly dried Liebgott with as much care as he could muster. The only thing they could hear their joined breathing as Webster led Liebgott to the bed, made him lay down. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Webster slowly caressed Liebgott face until the other man's eyes closed and his breathing evened out. Once, he though Liebgott was asleep, Webster gave him a small kiss before standing up. But before he had taken two steps, Liebgott's arm snapped from under the cheats and took hold of Webster's.
Turning around Webster was surprised to find Liebgott still awake, as he begged with his eyes for him to stay. Sighing Webster nodded and got into bed as Liebgott made room for him. Laying down with a wince, he sighed loudly.
Liebgott sat up on the wince and quickly turned Webster seeing the huge purple bruise from when he hit the bed. Before he could utter a word, Webster had turned back around, grabbed Liebgott's face until their noses touched. "I'm fine… really…. It just aches now and then." When Liebgott was about to protest Webster kissed him repeating "I'm fine…" before motioning him to lay back down "Go to sleep…"
Liebgott stared at Webster for awhile before laying down. Once he was settled Webster blew out the nearest candle, covering the room in almost complete darkness save one candle by the window. Before he knew it Liebgott's head had settled on his chest. At first Webster didn't know what to do especially when Liebgott started shaking slightly. Raising his hand, Webster threaded his fingers in Liebgott hair, making soothing circles as Liebgott shaking got worse.
Next thing he felt was his chest getting wet and realised Liebgott was crying, sobs filled the room as Liebgott grabbed at Webster bringing them as close as he could. Sliding down slightly until they were face to face, Webster grabbed Liebgott close burying his face in the other man's neck as his own tears started to flow. No words were said, 'cause not words were needed, they both knew what the other felt and why. As Liebgott's sobs slowed down, Webster took his face in both hands and kissed away the tears, caressing his cheeks and hair. They stared into each others eyes for some time as Liebgott uttered his first and only words of the evening; "I don't deserve you…"
Webster didn't know what to say to that and kissed him slowly, making sure the other man knew how much he truly loved him. Webster stayed awake for some time after that, watching as the tears dried on Liebgott's face as he slept. He watched until the other candle died out before joining the other man into a few hours of complete nothingness.
The next day General Taylor declared Martial law, meaning that every able bodied German between 14 and 80 years had to bury the bodies of both camps. Dog, Fox and Easy company were moving out by noon. Some of the easies, including Liebgott and Webster decided to take another look at the camp to remember what they were fighting for. Liebgott looked around with mixed feelings as he and Webster walked around: anger, helplessness at what happened but also some satisfaction as he saw the germans struggle with the bodies. He squeezed Webster's hand, grateful for the other man's presence as they headed out passing Captain Nixon as they did. Sitting in their deuce-and-a-halves everyone was pretty quiet as they left Berchtesgaden behind them. Everyone was happy to see Liebgott in better spirits as they moved on. A few hours later had Liebgott laughing and joking again while Webster slept on his shoulder. This time their was no annoyance of any kind as Liebgott merely circled his arm around Webster shoulder as he slept. He grinned at Janovec and Christenson as they looked on, both men smiled and handed him a drink, which he expected, raising the bottle in a toast.
During the following months, allied forces discovered numerous POW, concentration and death camps. These camps were part of the Nazi attempt to effect 'The Final Solution' to the 'Jewish Question.'
Between 1942 and 1945, Five Million ethnic minorities and Six Million Jews were murdered, many of them in camps.
AN: I hope this chapter wasn't too long for anyone.
(1) D.U.K.W.s (D)1942 (U)Amphibious (K) All-wheeled drive (W)Dual rear axles
(2) US Army truck with a 2.5-ton load capacity. Used to carry troops and supplies.
(3) This actually happened. I'm not making this up.
(4) This happened more or less like I wrote it down. Made some tweaks here and there but that's mostly what happened.
(5) I took his part from the series but I have the song and complete lyrics in case you're interested. Just let me know, ok!
(6) I just read Liebgott got his wish for lots of kids, 'cause he had 8 of them. Dunno about the wife part though ;)
(7) This scene pretty much happened the way I wrote it. Webster did say that exact sentence.
(8) I don't know if they ever went to the women's camp or not. It isn't mentioned anywhere in any book I've ever read. I write about it because the camp is mentioned in the HBO series. Beside I had to get Webster out of there to justify why Winters picked Liebgott when those men had to be put back in the camp. I hope I haven't offended anyone.
(9) It's true about Liebgott's Yiddish, he was hard to understand at times. Says Webster anyway ;)
(10) I took this song 'Tu Est Partout' from Saving Private Ryan. It's belongs to Edith Piaf, I'm just using it. No money was made etc, etc. I have the song and complete lyrics (French & translated) if anyone's interested.
To Be Continued in: Germany! Part 2.