CHAPTER 4.

I pointed the luger I was holding at three targets and fired, feeling the smoke rise up into the air and hit me in the face as the bullets pierced through their targets. I got up from where I had been kneeling in the dirt and wiped the dust from my legs. I adjusted the strap on that went from my belt to behind me and then rearranged the flag on my right arm carefully. I tucked the gun into the holster at my waist and walked out of the firing course.

I pushed the dark hair in my eyes away from my face as I undid the tight bun and let my hair fall down in curls at my shoulders. One woman that ran the place eyed me viciously as I packed the extra bullets into my pocket. I ignored her and bounced down the steps carefully, other men went in and nodded to me as I walked into another store. I shrugged on my dark black jacket as I pocketed the hair tie, I wouldn't need it anymore anyways.

"Tchaikovsky!" a blonde man beamed at me as he came jogging up the corridor. I smiled and allowed him to hug me and lift me up in the air slightly before he set me back down. I laughed and watched him push back his blonde curly hair, still smiling.

"Hallo Wilhelm! Wie sind sie? Hello Wilhelm! How are you?"

"Gut! Meine frau sagt danke sie für begleitende ihr letzte nachte. Ich war nur an gebucht. Good! My wife says thank you for accompanying her last night. I was just too busy." He replied back happily, his cheeks would explode if he smiled anymore.

"Sie is herzlich willkommen. Wie is sie gefül mit Max? She's welcome. How is she feeling with Max?"

"Sie können fühlen ihm treten. Er werde wachen bis und warden wine starke soldat. She can feel him kicking. He'll grow up and be a strong German soldier." He beamed again as we turned another corner. Something in my mind told me to defy him and…punch him. But Wilhelm was my friend…I shook the thought off and figured he was probably tipsy again.

We talked some more until we reached the mess hall and I found a familiar figure leaning against the wall. I shushed Wilhelm, he silenced then pushed me forward as he spotted Frederick as well. I crept up to the brunette and jumped onto his back making him jump in the air and nearly drop me. His thin lips grew into a bright smile as his hands gripped my calves so I wouldn't fall down. Wilhelm was laughing away behind us as Frederick's cheeks returned to normal color. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

"Wie sind sie? How are you?" he muttered to me as Wilhelm stopped laughing and wiped at his teary eyes. Frederick let me down and gave me a tight hug, making me press my cheek against his warm chest.

"Ich bin fein. Wie sind sie? I'm fine. How are you?"

"Gut ich bin gut, aber ich denken Wilhelm hat hatte an viel an trinken. Well I'm good, but I think Wilhelm has had too much to drink."

"Bitte. Ich bin speichern bis! Please. I'm saving up!" Wilhelm defended as he walked past us, "Ich werde siehe sie zwei später! I'll see you two later!"
"Tschüss Wilhelm. Bye Wilhelm." We chorused and moved down the hall and to outside where we sat down at a bench. I criss-crossed my legs as Frederick crossed his legs and leaned back as he stared up into the bright blue French sky. His arm went behind me and I leaned my head on it comfortably. Frederick and I…there was something there but I couldn't quite place it…

"Wie ist ihre film kommen zusammen? Die sonstige manner haben wurden redden über es vor kurzem ich halten bedeutung an fragen sie. How is your movie coming along? The other men have been talking about it recently and I keep meaning to ask you." I asked lightly as he closed his eyes for a moment and hummed a song. He shrugged.

"Ah, ich werde warden treffen witz Herr Goebbels heute für mittagessen an verschieben die ort. Ah, I'll be meeting with Herr Goebbels today for lunch to try and relocate the place."

"Sie wollen nicht, es zu im Ritz dann? You don't want it to be at the Ritz then?" I stared at him, "Wo in der Welt warden Sie es zu hosten? Where in the world will you host the movie then?"

"Ich wurde von La Gammar denken.. I was thinking of La Gammar." He opened his eyes and turned to me, his face was dreamy, "Iche es tatsächlin geschafft, die Frau und Mann, die dort arbeiten einzuberufen. I actually managed to convince the woman and man working there."

"La Gammar wird von dieser Frau, Französisch laufen, nicht wahr? Ich hört die letzte Frau getötet wurde, weil sie in einigen Raub beteiligt war. Eine Schande…sie war schön. Aber die Frau, Französisch wir din diesem schwarzen Mann verheiratet ist, nicht wahr? Wird nicht Goebbels einen Anfall deswegen? La Gammar is run by that new French woman isn't it? I heard the last woman was killed because she was involved in some robbery…a shame too…she was nice. But the French woman is married to that black man isn't she? Won't Goebbels have a fit because of that?

"Nicht, wenn er nicht kennt. Not if he doesn't know." Frederick shrugged again and watched as another soldier, Panofsky, waved to us and began walking over, "Ihr Treffen mit Hellstrom spätwer? You're meeting with Hellstrom later?"

"Ich Weiẞ ehrlich nichtm was er mit mir will. I honestly don't know what he wants with me." I sighed, leaning in as Frederick retrieved his arm. Panofsky stopped in front of us.

"Hellstrom?" I asked and he nodded wordlessly as Frederick scoffed, "Thanks Panofsky."

"Welcome." He replied already walking away. I nudged Frederick in the ribs as I pulled my knees to my chest and rested my chin on them.

"Was haben sie gegen Dieter haben? Er ist völlig in Ordung...Für mich. What do you have against Dieter? He's perfectly fine…to me."

" Sie wissen einfach micht, was Ihr in immer mit ihm. Er sit Gestapo, SS. Sie sind gefährlich Männer zu sprechen zu sein, geschweige denn um. You just don't know what you're getting into with him. He's Gestapo, SS…they're dangerous men to talk to, let alone be around."

"Möchten Sie es, wenn ich weggelaufen bin mit dir? Would you like it if I ran away with you then?" I teased, smiling as he laughed. His laughter was like music to my ears and made my stomach do strange flips. He smiled as he finished and grasped my hand lightly.

"Kommen Sie zu Mittag bei mir. Ich werde Sie einführen Joseph-Goebbels ich meine, du wirst ihn mögen, er ist ein netter Mensch. Come to lunch with me. I'll introduce you to Joseph-I mean Goebbels, you'll like him, he's a nice man."

"Wot? Where at?"

"Ich komme dich finden. Tragen sie geeignete Kleidung ist es allerdings ein Restaurant und ein Café nicht, dass wir in der Regel in. I'll come find you. Dress properly though, it's a restaurant and not a café that we usually eat in." He joked, getting up and pulling me with him. I nodded.

"Essen all right Mittagessen ist es dann. All right. Lunch it is then." I laughed as I walked towards where Hellstrom was stationed at…five blocks away. Frederick chuckled.

"Seien Sie vorsichtig! Und bringen sie Ihren Rücken auf! Be careful! And put your hair back up!"

I waved behind me and went through the gates and into the French streets, making my way through the familiar alleys as a shortcut to Hellstrom's office…France was full of alleyways apparently and I liked to not get noticed by to many people. I heard the rumors about me, though how everyone knew about them confused me. I sighed and pressed on; sidestepping a man with bright blue eyes and a taller one who stumbled as I nearly ran into him. I smiled shortly and continued on my way through the paved roads.

I came to Hellstrom's office shortly after, trying to not get noticed by the other Gestapo men as they passed by gracefully in the dark hallways lined with swastika flags. I knocked twice in the door quietly and heard a faint 'come in' and quickly stepped inside.

Only to be swamped in a pool of bullet casings by my feet. I kicked them cautiously and watched as they rolled away harmlessly. I sighed and looked up to the man who was reclining on the long couch with a glass of scotch in one hand as the other rested over the top of the furniture. He grinned slyly and raised the drink to his lips, taking a sip. I picked up the newspaper and shoved the casings to one side and made my way over to him.

Hellstrom's eyes followed my every move with dark eyelashes shadowing his high cheekbones like a butterfly. I kicked aside another bullet and some stray papers as I opened up the newspaper.

"Warum bist du so unorganisiert? Butz und Jliefer sind besser organisiert als das und niemand wagt es, in ihren Zimmerman Schritt. Why are you so disorganized? Butz and Kliefer are more organized than this, and no one still dares to step into their rooms."

"Sie sind alle alten Dinge. They are all old things."

"So sehe ich…neue Lager in Österrich, Polan… so I see…new camps in Austria, Poland…." I scanned the paper as I walked around to him, "Morddrohungen gegen Hitler ebenso. More death threats against Hitler as well."

"Kümmertes. Taken care of." He dismissed and took another drink as his bare hand snaked itself warmly around my calf.

"Amerika ist, wenn sich zu engagieron denken…Ich vermute, dass der Obhut genommen, wenn wie gut? America may get involved…I'm guessing it's 'taken care of' though?" I raised an eyebrow and looked down to the SS man beneath me as I dropped the newspaper on his chest. He snorted and looked at them before tossing them carelessly aside. His medals on his uniform clanged together slightly.

"Brat." He growled finally, pulling me down ontop of him roughly and shifting so I was 'cuddling; against him. His scotch was still in his hand though so he brushed my freckled cheek while he drank the rest of his liquor. I ran my hands through his perfect brown hair, messing it up greatly. He eyed me softly, "You seem distracted."

"I'm having lunch with Zuller and Goebbels as they talk about his movie. I'm anxious I guess."

"Lunch?"

"Yes, why?" I nodded and he smiled again behind his glass, polishing off the glass and setting it back down noiselessly on the ground next to him, "You're making me nervous now. What is it?"

"Nothing." He dismissed curtly, something dark was beginning to show in his eyes as he gently moved his hand to my lips. I bit his thumb and he chuckled dryly. It was always a game with Hellstrom it seemed, this odd 'relationship' I found myself in with him. "Up."

I moved so that he could easily get up without one of my limp arms smacking him in the face. I reclined in the chair as he got up and made his way over to the desk and set his glass down. I sighed and looked up into the ceiling.

"So Zoller is taking you to lunch…" he trailed off as he turned back around and came over to me. He was a sight to take in; his face was calm and relaxed, his hair was a mess as well as his uniform. I giggled as he settled on the armchair and stroked my hair absently. I looked at him carefully and sat up, kissing his cheek softly, this was the Dieter I was falling for every day. This was the Hellstrom which nobody ever knew; this Dieter Hellstrom in front of me was full of soft edges as the tension from the day began to seep out slowly then reel back in. This Dieter was…comfortable which was a fantastic sight to see since he was always wound tight. I reached out and played softly with a light strand of blonde hair as he bent and began to trace my jaw with his finger as he closed his eyes. Something developed in my stomach as he moved and collapsed next to me again, hand ran up my side and shoulder.

I loved him.

"Jealousy, really Dieter? Zoller is my only friend here besides Wilhelm and his friends that I enjoy talking to."

"He's just tugging you around."

"Would you rather I take up Landa's offers?" I asked, he tensed and then looked the other way, "that's what I thought. Besides, what's the worst that can happen with Frederick? He's innocent."

"Innocent is putting it…differently. He fell for a German woman then went and had her killed." He bent forwards and captured my lips in another kiss. I laughed and let him smile into my neck.

"Don't you dare!"

My laughs were muffled by him once again.

I arrived at the lunch with Frederick as his date and hour after I left Hellstrom's office. I had cleaned up rather nicely and was dressed in a simple red dress with hugged my legs as we walked through the building. I was finding it difficult to walk in heels though and Frederick kept laughing when I stumbled over my feet, I would hit his chest lightly and laugh with him. As we walked through the big white building I took in the surroundings; elegant chairs and tables along with delicious foods were everywhere. The people that came here were the usual politicians, famous celebrity along with producers and directors and of course the war heroes, like Frederick, and other high ranking officials. I spotted Gestapo men along the way but I quickly averted my eyes. I had learned that the Gestapo men rarely went out in their secret organization uniforms and only wore their SS when they were on duty. Hellstrom had taught me that. My usually straight dark hair was arranged in long elegant curls as the makeup made my eyes look darker and deeper. Frederick stopped and said hello to other men and women as he walked by and I just smiled politely, I was simply his date for now.

Frederick's arm was snug around my waist as we came to two large open wooden doors that led into a private area. Two guards moved silently behind us as we walked through slowly, Frederick nodded gratefully to them then smiled as he spotted the people in the room.

"Frederick! Rhiannon! Da bist du ja! Frederick! Rhiannon! There you are!" a French woman exclaimed as Frederick pulled a chair out for me and pushed me in as I got comfortable. He sat down next to me as well and smiled, "So nice of you to join us finally."

"Ja gut, wir sind jetzt hier. Yes, well, we're all here now." He laughed good-naturedly as I smiled at the French woman, "Wie geht es dir Josepeh, Francesca? How are you Joseph? Francesca?"

"Perfecktionieron Sie jetzt, dass ich meinen Stern haben Sie hier! Ich bin richtig, anzunehmen, das ist das Mädchen, das du geredet hast, so hoch über Frederick? Perfect now that I have my star here! I am correct to assume this is the girl you've been talking so high about Frederick?"

I came to reality as Frederick's nudge to the middle aged man sitting next to him. I smiled politely as my nerves shook with nervousness. Joseph Goebbels was the most famous German movie maker and the Fuhrer's right hand man. I gulped as I searched my mind for something to say as Herr Goebbels stared at me with a slight smile on his face. Francesca herself laughed behind her glass of wine.

"Warum das Mädchen unter Schock Frederick ist! Sicherlich hat sie den Namen Joseph Goebbels gehört? Why the girl is in shock Frederick! Surely she has heard of the name Joseph Goebbels before?"

She giggled as Joseph laughed as well. God, she was annoying.

"Ja, ja, ich habe, entschuldige ich mich. Wow, es ist eine Ehre, sie zu treffen Herr Goebbels. Yes, yes I have. I apologize, it's just…wow, it's an honor to meet you Mister Goebbels." I burst out, nearly switching to French out of hysteria. Frederick smiled and reached over, his hand closing over my shaking one, "Eine Ehre Sir. An honor, sir."

"Warum sie ist liebenswert! Why she is adorable!" Francesca smiled and put out a gloved dainty hand, "Ich bin Francesca Mondino. I am Francesca Mondi no."

"Rhiannon Tchaikovsky." I gently shook her hand as Frederick turned back to his friend and passed a comment about me but it didn't reach my ears.

"So Rhiannon,, erzählte mir, dass du Frederick Zug mit Männern, auch wenn Sie minderjährig sind Frauen sollen nicht in der Armee sein, schauen Sie sich Francesca, Schuppen den Krieg verlieron. So Rhiannon, Frederick told me you train with the men even though you are underage. Why are you in the army? Women aren't supposed to be in the army, look at Francesca, she'll lose the war."

"Icht nicht wirklich kenne mich Herr Goebbels, aber ich bin gut darin. I don't really know myself Mister Goebbels, but I am good at it." I kicked Frederick's ankle as he snickered into his hand and drank some wine, relaxing back into his chair a little bit, "Obwohl ich nicht tragen lange Hleider elegant wie Fräulein Mondino Ich glaube, ich könnte in der Gesellschaft genauso gut passen. Although I do not wear long elegant dresses like Miss Mondino I believe I could fit in with the society just as well."

"Und Sie haben es geschafft, einen berühmten Helden zu ergattern! And you've managed to snag a famous hero!" he reached over and clasped Frederick's shoulder; shaking him a bit…he was proud of Frederick. He was proud as if he was Frederick's father.

"Nein, nein, bitte- No, no please-" Frederick protested weakly as a light blush flew over his cheeks. I smiled and drank some wine as well, not really liking how it tasted but swallowed anyways, "-Wir sind nur Freunde. -we are just friends."

"Sie nennen dieses Mädchen in Beschlag, um sich jeden Tag "Freunde"? Vielleicht muss ich sie für mich irgendwann zu halten. You call hogging this girl all to yourself every day 'friends'? I may have to keep her for myself sometime." Francesca joked, "Dein Haar ist sehr schön Liebling. You're hair is lovely darling."

"Danke verpassen Mondino. Ich kann Ihr Parfüm von hier aus riechen und es ist extravagant. Thank you Miss Mondino. I can smell your perfume from here and it's extravagant." I lied sweetly, her perfume could wash out a skunk it was so strong. Its amazing Goebbels himself didn't gag and die right there. Then again he's probably the one that bought it. An 'interpreter' isn't just one who interprets for famous people without some benefits…

"Also etwa Ihr Film, Frederick. So, about your movie Frederick." Goebbels went to business with Frederick as Francesca went off about some famous French designer that gave her the leopard print dress that she was wearing along with the matching hat. I zoned out and gave small opinions on certain things as my eyes fixed on a dot on the far wooden wall.

Something felt weird in my stomach, I couldn't quite place it but I had this sudden urge to rip off this dress and run off into the woods and run until I couldn't breathe, run until I could feel blood in my throat and that sour taste of air in my mouth filled my head. Two months ago these thoughts started to come to me while I slept next to Hellstrom, while I ate and patrolled with Frederick. It was like I was remembering something but it…just…didn't feel like I belonged here anymore. I remember walking down a long hall when I thought these thoughts and then after I looked up from…I think I had been sitting down…nothing, I couldn't remember after that.

"Bist du in Ordnung? Are you all right?" Frederick's soft voice broke through my thoughts and I blinked back to consciousness, seeing Goebbels's ordering something from the waiter. He took my chin in his hand and looked into my stunned face, " Fühlst du dich in Ordnung? Do you feel okay?"

"Mir geht es gut. Ich habe gerade…Tagträumen Frederick. Bei schönem, fortzusetzen. I'm fine. I just…daydreaming, Frederick. I'm fine, continue." I smiled, bumping his forehead with mine softly as his hand strayed a second to long on my cheek. His boyish features were really too much to handle sometimes as his lips curved up into a smile.

"…Es gibt also wirklich nichts los zwischen euch beiden? …so there's really nothing going on between you two?" Francesca asked slyly. We pulled back, just realizing how close our lips were. I blushed as Frederick coughed into his hand.

"Ich bezweifle, nach einem Helden wie Frederick selbst ware gesund für mich sowieso fallen. I doubt falling for a hero as Frederick himself would be healthy for me anyways." I cut off the awkward tension and Frederick laughed, "Ich kann lange aufbleiben beunruhigend, wenn er nach Hause zurückkehre wird. I may stay up late worrying when he will return home to me."

"Sie das jetzt tun sowieso. You do that now anyways."

"Aber wenn man dann sterben kann ich auf mein Leben fortzusetzen. But if you die then I just continue on living my life." I joked, knowing Frederick would laugh uncontrollably at our inside joke. He did.

"Ja, definitive nicht. Yes, definitely nothing." Goebbels's commented to Francesca as Frederick calmed down and drank some more wine, "So Rhiannon, ich vertraue Ihnen Film gehört? So Rhiannon, I trust you have heard of Frederick's new movie?"

"Natürlich habe ich manchmal beruhigt er nie über dich. Ehrlich, ich glaube er mit Ihren wunderbaren Regie Fähigkeiten ist besessen. Of course I have, sometimes he never quiets about you. Frankly, I think he's obsessed with your wonderful directing skills."

"Nun, es wird nicht das erste Mal sein, wird es Frederick? Well, won't be the first time will it Frederick?"

"Nein Joseph wird es nicht. No Joseph, it will not be."

"Gut, je mehr Menschen ich habe die Filme, die ich mehre kann enstehen. Ah Hellstrom, da bist du ja. Nehmen Sie Plastz, ist Landa auf dem Weg? Good, the more people I have the more movies I may produce, ah Hellstrom there you are. Take a seat, Landa is on his way?"

I stilled as I heard the wooden doors behind me close shut with a soft noise. Frederick put an arm behind me as he looked at the man. He turned back to me and proceeded to talk about what Goebbels's might say and what to say back to him. I only half listened, to focused on the swish of that all too familiar leather trench coat. My muscles tensed up as a light bare hand brushed across my bare shoulders and forced me to look up; it was in public that Hellstrom dared not do anything. He would be…not teased, but talked about if anyone found out that he was 'with' a half Jew-half German 'traitor' girl. He gestured to the empty seat next to me and I was mesmerized by the smile he had plastered over his face.

"Darf ich? May I?"

His voice was like honey dipped in sugar and set out in the sun to dry. I gulped and nodded politely.

"Nein bitte. No, please."

He sat down gracefully and put up one foot while he pulled out a cigarette and a lighter. I watched out of the corner of my eye as he smoke the cigarette leisurely. He was a chain smoker usually when I was with him, but this must have been a new brand because he wasn't…doing…that…I focused in on the conversation next to me and tried to ignore the way Hellstrom's boot rubbed against my calf through my dress.

"Wie viele Sitze in diesem La Gammar dann? How many seats are there in this La Gammar then?" Goebbels's asked as he leaned forward in his chair and put his hand on the table.

"Dreihundertfünfzig. Three hundred and fifty."

"Schreib das auf Hellstrom. Das sind fast 400 weniger als im Ritz. Write that down Hellstrom. That's almost four hundred less than the Ritz." Goebbels turned to Dieter before turning back to Frederick. Dieter simply gave a fake smile over his cigarette and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Zur kenntnis genommen. Duly noted."

"Aber Herr Goebbels, das ist nivht so schlimm. Du hast selbst gesagt, sie wollten nicht, alle zwei Gesichtern Französisch bürgerlichen nehmen Platz Anbiederung zu frönen. Mit weniger Sitze macht die Veranstaltung exklusiv Mehr. Informationen Sie versuchen nicht, das Haus, theyre Kämpfe um Plätze zu füllen. Auẞerdem mit Französisch Hölle. But Herr Goebbels, that's not such a bad thing. You said yourself you didn't want to indulge every two-faced French bourgeois taking up space currying favor. With less seats it makes the event more exclusive. You're not trying to fill the house, they're fighting for seats. Besides, to hell with the French."

"Dies ist eine deutsche Nacht. Ein deutsches Ereignis, ein deutsches fest. Diese Nacht ist für dich, mich, die Deutsch Militär, das Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, ichre Familie und Freunde. Die einzigen, die im Raum erlaubt warden sollten, sind die Menschen, die vin den Heldentaten auf dem Bildschrim verschoben weren. This is a German night, a German event, a German celebration. This night is for you, me, the German military, the High Command, their family and friends. The only people who should be allowed in the room are the people who will be moved by the exploits on the screen."

I stared at Frederick; amazed that he had turned out to be this…well publicly spoken. I clapped silently in my head. Goebbels paused before leaning back; clearly thinking about this very hard but with the way these two conversed and joked with each other of course Goebbels would give in to his star pupil.

"Ich sehe Ihre Rhetorik hat. I see your public speaking has improved."

Frederick grinned widely now as Goebbels nodded and returned to eating his meat silently.

"Feine ja genehmigt. Stölz der Nation wird in La Gammar statt. Fine, yes. Nation's pride will be held at Le Gammar." Goebbels nodded, Frederick gripped my hand in excitement as I smiled and leaned on his arm. I was happy; this was what Frederick wanted more than anything, "Unter zwei Bedingungen Zoller. Under two conditions Private Zuller."

"Ja Herr Goebbels. Anything. Yes Herr Goebbels, anything."

"Ich will keine Französisch Touristen in diesem Kino. Nur Deutschen für eine Deutsche Veranstaltung, wie du gesagt. I want no French tourist inside that movie theatre. Only Germans for a German event as you said."

"Ja und die zweite Bedingung? Yes and the second condition?"

"Einladen Rhiannon, ich glaube, ich kann gut genutzt, um Sie legen in einem Film Sie sind eine sehr hübsche Frau, die nicht in militärsche Kleindung sein sollte. Invite Rhiannon, I think I can put good use to you in a movie, you are a very pretty woman who should not be dressed in military clothing." He gave me a smile and I bowed my head respectively.

"Vielen Dank Herr Goebbels, sehr viel. Thank you Mister Goebbels, very much."

Goebbels clapped his hands together as the door behind us opened again, Goebbels gestured to Frederick to turn around as I felt a pair of hands come up and land on my chair.

"Er wird die Sicherheit für die Nacht. Frederick Zuller, Hans Landa. He will be security for the night." Goebbels nodded to the man behind me and I felt Hellstrom's foot move away quickly as Landa came around in front of him. Landa peered down at me and gave that sweet smile he uses to capture people in.

"Miss Tchaikovsky it's so lovely to see you again." He bent down and took my hand in his, kissing it softly. I smiled as Frederick's arm around my shoulders tightened slightly at the gesture.

"Wonderful to see you again as well Colonel Landa, I was worried you had forgotten about me." I joked lightly, easing the tension out of everyone as they laughed silently.

"Well yes, but unfortunately I am not here to speak with you today Rhiannon. I am here to discuss security measures with the owner of La Gammar that Goebbels has mentioned...where is she?"

"Sie kommt jierher jetzt. She is coming here now." Hellstrom spoke up, "Ich schickte einen Wagen zu ihr, sie sollte in jedem Augenblick eintreffen. I sent a car out to her; she should be arriving at any moment."

"Gut. Good." Landa nodded and stepped away politely as the doors opened once again and a soldier walked in with a scared-to-death looking woman close on his heels. She had a smudge of cleaning grease on her creamy cheekbones and wore long overalls and her blonde hair was thinned…I still preferred Dieter's high cheekbones. Landa smiled pleasantly "Ah, Miss Mimieux?"

"Oui. Yes." She replied softly nodding. Goebbels coughed and stood up along with Francesca.

"Gut wir eben verlassen Sie ihn Oberst Landa. Kontaktieren Sie mich sofort, wenn Sie fertig sind.. Well, we'll just leave you to it Colonel Landa. Contact me right away when you are done."

"Aber sollten wir nicht- But shouldn't we-"

"Frederick Unsinn. Nonsense Frederick." Goebbels cut him off as Landa took his seat with the German woman in Frederick's seat as we began moving out the doors, "Sie warden in Ordubg sein. They will be fine."

"Oh er is nur für das Mädchen besorgt. Oh he's just worried for the girl." I teased Frederick as we walked out of the restaurant with his arm wrapped around my waist once again, "Sie war sehr hübsch obwohl. She was very pretty though."

"Sie Franzöosisch war. She was French." Dieter commented behind us softly, I turned and let go of Fredrick as we came to a stop outside the building. Goebbels was watching Dieter as Francesca latched onto his arm, "Sie hat einen Neger Mann laufen die Filme. She has a negro man running the films there."

"Was? What?" Goebbels turned to Frederick, "Warum war mir nicht klar, ob dies? Ein Neger kann nicht ausgeführt warden meine Filme mit den Händen! Why was I not aware of this? A negro can not run my film with his hands!"

"Ich kann sie zu bitten, ihn zu verlassen Herr Goebbels. I can ask her to make him leave that night then Herr Goebbels." Frederick calmed down the director slowly as Dieter just smirked and took out another cigarette and began to chain smoke. I shook my head, he really hated Frederick.

"Sie probleme lieben. You love trouble." I whispered to Dieter who just smirked and blew out smoke into the air and continued to follow us soundly through the dark streets of France as the men continued their conversations and enjoyed their freedom. I stopped to fix my shoe and when I looked back up Hellstrom was at my side instead of Frederick. I blinked, "Was haben Sie getan? What did you do?"

"Nichts. Nothing." He dangled the cigarette in between his thin lips then offered me a leather clad SS arm. I looped my arm through his and pressed in closer, I hated the cold days here, and it was always so random to me. Hellstrom smiled smugly as he walked up to where everyone else was at, looking at the new paintings hanging in the window. Of course one of the Fuhrer's was there as well. He had drawn a church on a hill overlooking the town this time…it was very good to be honest. Hellstrom studied the painting as well as Goebbels talked about it in awe, I leaned up closer to Hellstrom.

"Ist es wahr, alle Soldaten hatten zu kaufen Mein Kampf? Is it true all the soldiers had to buy Mein Kampf?"

"Es ist ein Stück Scheiẞe. It's a piece of shit." He replied silently as he sucked in more smoke. I smiled and leaned against him for a moment before pulling away.

Right, we were in public. Frederick looked at us and raised an eyebrow before turning away and bidding goodbye to Goebbels with a bright smile on his face. The movie would be held next week so they had time to send out invites and make sure Le Gammar was proper for the German event. I bid Goebbels goodnight as well as Francesca, going over and exchanging a French good bye kiss to them both. As they went into their limo I turned to find Frederick arguing with Hellstrom, their chests were inches from each other. I watched silently as their French carried over to me.

"-Sie müssen nicht einmal wissen, was Sie Schütze Zuller immer drauẞen bleiben. -you don't even know what you're getting into Private Zuller stay out of it." Hellstrom continued to hiss as his pale hand came up to push Frederick away. I pretended to study Hitler's paintings again.

"Von ihr fernzuhalten. Stay away from her."

"Ich werde nicht zögern, Sie wenden an das Oberkommando und machen Sie waschen ihre Stiefel mit der Zunge. I will not hesitate to turn you over to the High Command and make you wash their boots with your tongue."

"Das tut sie nicht Sie müssen. She doesn't need you."

"Der Führer weiẞ nicht, wie zu zeichen Porträts von anderen Menschen tut er? The Fuhrer doesn't know how to draw portraits of other people does he?" I asked loudly cutting into their argument. They both stopped and stared at me as I glanced from the painting to them as if I hadn't been eavesdropping. Frederick ran a hand through his messy chestnut hair and walked over to me with his chest pressed up against my side as Hellstrom angrily smoked a few feet away, "Hör auf. Stop it."

"Ich versuche nur, dich zu beschützen. I'm only trying to protect you." Frederick whispered back as Hellstrom stubbed out his cigarette and stalked towards us. I smacked him and he glared at me as Hellstrom stopped behind me.

"Hör auf, mir geht es gut Frederick. Stop, I'm fine Frederick." I reached up and kissed his lips softly in apology as he held onto me. I smiled and pulled away as I heard Hellstrom sigh in impatience, "Wir sehen uns morgen Frederick, haben eine gute Nacht. I'll see you tomorrow Frederick, have a good night."

"Sind Sie sicher, sie wollen nicht mit mir kommen? Are you sure you do not want to come with me?" he asked, loud enough for Hellstrom to acknowledge it. I shook my head as I lost contact with him.

"Ein anderes Mal Frederick, gute Nacht. Another time, Frederick. Goodnight."

"…Goodnight Rhiannon." Frederick bowed respectively before walking off and around the corner. I turned to Hellstrom to argue with him but I stopped dead short at the look in his eyes.

He was angry.

"Kommen. Come." He jerked his head to where he was housed at and I followed as he slid a tight arm around my waist and pulled me through the streets quickly and into his loft.

We walked into his loft silently and I kicked off my heels as he headed straight for the liquor. Sighing, I slid the straps off my dress and unzipped the back slightly, allowing oxygen to reach my closed off back. I hated dresses. I collapsed on his couch and waited until he shed his coat and uniform and sat down besides me dressed in only a dark pair of slacks and a white shirt, unbuttoned slightly to reveal his collarbone. His eyes were dark with anger.

"He was only trying to watch out for me-"

"Halt die klappe. Shut up."

I grew quiet as he lit another cigarette and drank his liquor. I stared down at my fingernails and picked at them silently. I was used to this side of Hellstrom as well, I saw it all too often. I risked a glance at him and found that he was staring straight at the wall as his knee bumped mine. I took a chance, hating this new atmosphere…this tension could kill Hitler himself.

"I'm not yours, you know."

Silence.

"You don't own me Dieter, nobody does."

His eyes flickered to his cigarette for a moment. A part of me hoped he'd give some sort of response after all; I was in love with him.

"Frederick…he treats me like a human, a friend instead of some 'traitor' like everyone whispers about me. Frankly, I don't even think he cares about that. Frederick was just watching out for me…you are Gestapo after all; everyone you meet always dies sooner than later. Look at Landa, he kills nearly everyone." I chuckled as he blew out a puff of smoke. I bit my lip, "maybe if you had…maybe if you had said something to me I wouldn't have let Frederick…do whatever he did to make you mad. But I'm not yours; I'm more of Frederick's girlfriend than I am yours if you ever thought of me like it."

His murderous gaze turned to me and I gulped, rubbing my neck unconsciously as he knocked back a drink. This was so nerve wracking, he could kill me right now and nobody would ever know. He bent forward and put his empty cup on his wooden table, reclining his feet on it as he continued to smoke.

"…I should be going then." I nodded softly, zipping my dress back up and getting to my feet. The only exit was to hop over Hellstrom's outstretched legs. I took a deep breath and walked over him, exhaling when I reached the door and began searching for my kicked off shoes. At least he hadn't tried to knife my calves.

"Du bist nehr als nur eine Motorhaube ficken die Sie kennen. You're more than just good company you know."

I stopped as I reached for my left shoe; Dieter's voice cracked a bit as he blew out more smoke.

"…Thanks."

"Kommen Sie hier. Come here."

"Dieter, I'm tired…I really just want to go-"

"Kommen Sie hier Rhiannon. Come here Rhiannon," he ordered with that Gestapo influence, I obeyed and went over next to his outstretched legs. I stood over him as he sucked on his cigarette and looked up to me with those eyes that could kill a man.

"Down. Down." He patted his lap and I hesitated before lifting up my long dress and straddling his waist until I could easily bend down and take the cigarette from his mouth with my teeth. His hand came up to my face and gripped it softly; his hand was warm on my cheek.

"Dieter."

"Sei still. Be quiet."

His thumb rubbed a slow circle as his other arm rested on the arms of the couch. He relaxed and leaned back pulling me closer to him and making me push on his chest softly with my hands so I wouldn't crash into him. His hand moved to my neck and his thumb pressed into my pulse point as he pulled me closer until our lips were pressing softly together. I closed my eyes as the kiss deepened and I felt his jaw work slowly. It was slower and more careful than the other times he kissed me. I ran my hands through his light-dark hair as I pressed up against him. My heart twisted and tugged as I felt a lump in my throat rise slightly. I pressed into him harder and offered myself up heart and soul.

I loved him.