A New Job - Pt 2 (Explicit)

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz stared at him as he processed the story. He held Robert close and petted him. That bastard... It didn't help that he knew who Hoffman was. The man was nothing more than a coward who enjoyed torturing bound men. He didn't have the heart to tell Robert that his men were likely dead. Hoffman was like that. He had no honor, even less honor than a traitor like Franz himself had. The big about Burkhalter was interesting, though. That man had a way of crawling through the mire and coming out spotless that unnerved even Franz.

He made a mental note to track down Hoffman the next time he was in town. Robert might not be able to strike at that rapist, but Franz could. The word of a prince still carried considerable weight in Germany. Hoffman had never liked Franz - the man was more of a gutter rat than Colonel Deutsch and half as trustworthy - and it would not be hard to imagine a fight breaking out between the two men. A fight where Hoffman was shot because he wanted to take out his old rival. Franz thought as he petted Robert.

He was going to have to be sly about it. Of course, there was always murder, but deaths of SS men did get investigated and Franz didn't want to show his hand. He also didn't want to throw more light on the Underground than he had too. He had already dropped a note to a pain in the ass French pilot - Maurice something or another - and endured a round of cursing that would have put Old Scratch to shame. They nearly came to blows over it, but Franz didn't want to get that man shot. As much as they disliked each other, they were on the same side.

"I always knew Hoffman was trouble," Franz growled. "And, my dear Robert, I'm not just a town mascot. I was in line to the German throne until that bastard Hitler decided dissolve the while thing. I did lose a good deal of land and some of my money. I think the English term is prince? But I'm not sure. English royalty is quire confusing."

[Col. R. Hogan]

"If you know who Hoffmann is, do you know where he hangs out? And if so, would you mind taking me out of the camp to wherever he's at, then 'accidentally' losing track of me for a while? I wanna kill that bastard for what he did to me!" Robert snarled. "I owe him some serious payback. You wouldn't actually lose me, of course. That'd just be the excuse you gave if anyone asked."

He blinked at Franz's words. "Huh, never would have guessed you're an actual prince. That explains why you eat so well. As long as you don't expect me to be Cinderella, it doesn't matter either way. I do not look good as a woman. Know that from a contest I lost."

What he didn't add was that the contest had been drawing straws to see who would impersonate the three USO girls that'd visited Stalag 13 two years ago. He'd been part of the group drawing straws - Robert wasn't a man who shied away from things he asked his team to do. He, Newkirk and LeBeau had been the unlucky losers. Carter had laughed himself sick at their predictement. As for Kinch, he hadn’t been much better. At least beating up the grabby SS officers with a purse had given him some satisfaction...and given Klink something to laugh about. Everything had a silver lining.

"Money doesn’t matter a hill of beans to me. Rich, poor...none of it. Sure, I appreciate looks and all, but I care more about what a person's like on inside than anything else," Robert told him. He traced the outline of the bullet scar over Franz's heart with his fingers before kissing it. "To me, people are like apples. They can look fine on the outside and be rotten inside, or vice versa. I don't judge a book by its cover. Don't judge people by the unifoms they wear either." He looked into his lover's eyes. "If I did, we wouldn't even be having this conversation."

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz made a strangled sound as he stared at Robert. "If I lost you, even for an hour, I think we would both be shot. As much as I might like to let you loose on him, I don't want to get killed. I don't want to get you killed, either. Torture would be a sure thing and death would be a mercy that they might not decide to give us until another year or so. I can't let you kill him until after the war."

He wasn't lying. He cuddled with Robert close to him and nuzzled his pretty face. He hadn't been kidding about the torture part. There were more than a few poor bastards that had lost their lives to his pistol after Hoffman had worked them over. He bit his bottom lip. Franz kissed Robert again and nuzzled him again. He was glad that this man didn't judge uniforms. Otherwise, he would have missed having another man in his arms. He petted Robert's hair and tugged at his hair, just to see what would happen if he did. He didn't have another round in him, of course, but maybe Robert did.

"Tell me what you want to do with him," Franz purred. "I own an isolated manor and I can send the servants away. I know his habits and I could snatch him away from any force that might try to arrest him. Tell me how you can avenge yourself on him."

[Col. R. Hogan]

"Yeah, I think I'll pass on the torture. Already had enough of that for one lifetime. Once the war ends, though, his ass is mine," Robert replied. He smiled cruelly, his expression one that would have looked more at home on Hochstetter's face. "Literally, I should say. I intend to repay Hoffmann for everything he's done to me in kind. He's gonna be the one exception to my 'kill the enemy quickly' rule."

Robert nuzzled him back. If he wasn't careful, he would get attached to Franz very quickly. That would be a bad idea. Not because he didn't like the man, but because he did. He wouldn't be opposed to seeing if they could figure out how to make a relationship work. Unfortunately, he didn't think Franz would be interested in anything like that. Robert was getting more of a 'I'd rather be fuck buddies' vibe from him than anything else. He nudged the hand that had tugged on his hair, silently letting Franz know the action hadn't been unwelcome.

"Did you want something from me? Another show, maybe?" he teased. He grinned and kissed a few of his lover's scars. "If so, the answer is yes. I don't mind giving you one if that's what you're into."

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz removed his hand and kissed his lover's cheek in apology. "What we should do is rest and get clean again. I'll tell whoever asks that you slept like a baby and I didn't have the heart to wake you."

That was close enough to the truth that he wasn't technically lying. Hogan had slept very well and Franz hadn't liked waking him. It was also very possible. He didn't know much about the barracks, but they had to be cold and drafty. Any warmth would be much appreciated and likely lead to what he would say. Franz drew Hogan into his arms. He held the man close, his gaze distant. He wasn't quite sure what the younger man wanted from this. Pleasure was a given, of course, but Franz didn't know if Hogan wanted anything more than that. It was quite possible that the American was using him.

"Though if you want me to show you more things..." Franz trailed off and gave him a wicked grin. "I take it you haven't done much beyond take your other lovers, no?"

[Col. R. Hogan]

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Robert agreed. "It feels like this spend is about to permanently glue us together."

He curled up next to his lover, soaking up his warmth. There was something about him that Robert found intoxicating. Maybe it was the half-smirk he usually wore, or the way Franz called him darling. Maybe it was the put-out expression he sometimes had. The colonel didn't know what it was - he just knew he liked it. The bad boy stereotype was real and Franz wore it like a glove. There was something to be said about that. If Robert was lucky, maybe the blond German would want something more meaningful as time passed.

"More things? Hell yes! Sign me up!" He blushed and cleared his throat. "I mean, yes please. That sounds like it could be fun."

Well, that had been embarrassing. There was nothing like showing how eager one was to tip their hand. It wasn't like Franz didn't know he'd been enjoying himself, but still. Robert gave his second question some thought. A slow smile came to his face as he recalled a pleasant memory.

"Not really," he replied. "I think the craziest thing I've done so far was with a Frenchman named Luc. He asked me to tie him up and tease him with pleasure, but not to give him permission to come until I felt like it. Weirdest request I ever had. However, it turned out to be a lot of fun for both of us in the end." Robert let out a dirty laugh. "Luc looked so beautiful squirming around, frantically begging me for that permission. I definitely wouldn't mind doing something like that with you - or having you do it to me - if you're willing. It's fun to leave your partner wrung out and panting for something only you can give."

He flashed Franz a cheeky smile. The colonel had used his words from earlier on purpose, mostly to get a reaction, but also to see how observant this man was. He liked doing things like that. Robert had plenty of sass and enjoyed a good debate. A good joke was always nice too. Intelligence and a sense of humor were a must in a partner, at least if the relationship was to become anything more than sex.

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz smirked. "So I take it that you've had a little pain with your pleasure?" He rested his hand on Robert's chest and thumbed over his nipples. "You look beautiful when you want me, you know. I loved watching you when you fucked yourself open on my cock. I think I could watch that show any day of the week. Maybe even twice a day if you're willing to let me use my fingers on you."

He didn't know if Robert wanted his nipples pinched or not. That was a thing better done when one was balls deep in his lover and offered a delicious mixture of pleasure and pain. He nuzzled Robert and kissed him deeper before trailing his hand down to the man's slightly swollen hole. He pushed just a little. A surge of perverse pleasure filled him as he carefully massaged over the swollen skin. He kissed the man all over as he stroked him. Robert's body seemed to welcome him home once again. Franz groaned softly.

"You're beautiful," he whispered. "So beautiful. Especially when you let me touch you like this..."

[Col. R. Hogan]

"Yes," Robert replied. "Not anything too hardcore, though. Just basic stuff like having my nipples pinched or my neck nibbled on. Which, by the way, I like. Both of those are a sensitive spot for me."

His breathing sped up at the feel of Franz's thumbs touching the area in question. That felt good, better than it probably should. It didn’t help the blond German's complements had made him blush again. Silently, Robert cursed his religious upbringing. It was hard to come off as a sauve lover when some things made him blush like he was a virgin again. He was well aware he'd made quite a spectacle of himself earlier, but at least his lover had enjoyed what he saw. He supposed that was a plus.

"I'm glad you liked the show," he replied, his voice cracking on the fourth word. He swallowed hard a few times. "I had a lot of fun riding you like a pony. If you want to do this twice a day, I sure wouldn't say no."

He eagerly returned the kiss, opening his legs a bit as Franz's hand trailed downward. He moaned when a slender finger pushed against his tender hole and massaged it. Robert spread his legs as wide as he could, wanting to give the man easy access to it. He reveled in Franz's appreciative gaze. It was hard to feel pain when he felt like this.

"You can touch me any time - including right now - as long as you keep looking at me like that. I like feeling beautiful," he rasped. Robert swiveled his hips so the finger would slip inside him instead. The moment it did, he whined softly. "Yesss. Please, Franz. Fuck me, finger me, I don't care - just do something!"

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz rubbed his spot and almost purred when the man gave him the most adoring look. He loved seeing Robert like this, loved seeing how he made himself vulnerable and willing to be touched in such intimate ways. He knew that Robert had to be sore. He was gentle as he fingered the man's hole and nibbled at his neck. He steadied Robert with his free hand and braced his chest once he was done. He gently pinched the man's nipple just to watch what he would do. Franz stroked his spot at nearly the same time and grinned when the man arched.

"You look so good like that," Franz whispered. He used German and English like they were one and the words slipped between languages. "So beautiful. I love the way your body accepts me, like it's welcoming me home. Beautiful. Like poetry. Like something that can only be seen but never truly described."

Franz trailed off into a dirty German poem he had read in grade school. It went well with the way he stroked and touched man's insides. Franz pinched Robert's nipple, hard almost, and watched as the man shuddered. He wasn't going to last long, Franz knew, and he wanted to hear it

[Col. R. Hogan]

Robert heard the words, but he wasn't overly focused on them. He was too busy writhing under Franz's touch. He'd never met anyone who could make his body sing like this, and it made him very glad they hadn't killed each other the first time they’d met. He was having more fun as a bottom with Franz than he normally did as a top. When the colonel's nipple was pinched the second time, he shuddered and moaned. He reached down, in between their bodies, so he could began playing with his lover's cock. Robert was a considerate lover and always made sure his partners reached completion as well.

"I, I - fuck! So good," he whimpered. He could feel the pleasure coiling in his belly. " Franz, Franz, Franz..."

Robert continued to chant his lover's name like a mantra with every jerk of his hand. It felt completely natural to do. His hole visibly clenched and unclenched from the sensations he felt there. He thrust himself against the blond German's fingers, keening at the combination of pleasure and pain. His eyes rolled back in their sockets and his entire lower half shook once he came. White liquid painted his stomach. He continued to play with Franz's cock, not stopping until more spend joined what was on his stomach. Then Robert weakly rolled over and pulled the man into his arms.

"Whew! That...that was...damn," he panted. He looked at his lover through fluttering eyelashes. "Can I keep you with me forever? 'Cause I think this could be the start of something beautiful. If you wanted to, that is." Robert bit his lip, suddenly feeling a little unsure of himself. "It's understandable if you're not looking for anything serious. I am, but..."

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz shook his head as he got his breath back. Maybe playing with Robert like that hadn't been his best idea. The American cuddled into his arms, though, and that made the exhaustion worth it. He smiled ruefully. They were going to need a second bath after this, but Robert's clothes were likely dry now. He gently petted Robert's hair as he recovered. This man truly was something special. Franz didn't know what he would do without him.

"I would love to stay," Franz whispered. "Though you will have to work on the General, I'm afraid. I don't know if either one of us could do that. But I would love to have you in my arms every night and every morning, just to see if I can still settle a much younger man." He grinned and kissed Robert again. "Beautiful. That's what you are. Just beautiful."

When he judged Robert rested enough, he helped the man up and under a hot shower. The fact that they were naked helped things along quite well and soon Robert's skin was flushed pink under the warm water once again. Hopefully, they would stay clean this time... if only Franz could keep his hands off the man! That was proving harder than the German cared to admit.

[Col. R. Hogan]

Robert arched into his touch. He adored having his hair stroked and petted - he always had. It was something he associated with comfort. Franz's voice was enjoyable to hear as well. That light accent, complete with its slight aristocratic sound, was something he could get used to hearing every day.

"Yeah, Burkhalter might be a tough sell," he mused. A thoughtful expression crossed his face. "I still might be able to swing it, though. I've seen how he ticks when he's visited Stalag 13. But any plan I come up is gonna require your assistance, 'cause I highly doubt he's gonna do jack squat on my request alone."

The colonel gave Franz a lopsided grin. "I'm not the only beautiful one around here, you know. Your hair and eyes are gorgeous. And there's something else about you I'm really drawn to as well. Don't know what it is, but I still like it," he said. "Regarding you satisfying me, I don't think you'll have any issues in that department. You've already managed to do it three times today. Besides, you can't be that much older than me, and I'm 40. You're...what, 42? Maybe 43?" 

He let Franz help him into the shower. It felt good to be clean again. After not being allowed to take any warm showers for the past two years, three of them in one day was a luxury. A comfortable silence hung over them as Robert was gently bathed by his lover. He turned around once he was clean to return the favor. His touches were light and sweet while he washed Franz from head to toe, his yawns far and few in between. Robert did his best not to wince when he dried his ass - the fact that his hole was currently tender was his own fault. All Franz had done was give him the pleasure he'd wanted. He made his way back to the master bedroom, gritting his teeth as he walked. Sitting down soon proved to be a bad idea, however, so he carefully laid on his side instead.

"I give you credit for one thing...you know how to make a fella feel special. Just the fluffy towels alone felt great on my skin. Of course, you laying next to me would make me feel even more special," the colonel remarked. He patted the bed next to him and gave Franz a soft smile. 

"By the way, I wanna make a plan to get Burkhalter to say yes to keeping you here permanently, but I need information before I can do that," he said. "For starters, how well do you know ol' Roly Poly? Does he have any grudges against you? Is there anything else important which could help us that I should know? Is you not being in the Luftwaffe gonna be a problem in any way? I'm not too familiar with how these things work over here."

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz cuddled him and kissed the crook of his neck. "I'm 45, thank you very much. But I'm pleased to know that I don't look it. Your commandant looks like an old man far before his time, you know. I am so glad to know that I look younger than my years." He paused and cuddled Robert, just barely able to keep his hands off the man. "And other than a few jeers from my erstwhile comrades - men I dislike anyways - I wouldn't have a problem with being part of the Luftwaffe."

London might, but that wasn't any problem to him. They had other men in the SS, not just him, and he was tired of playing like he was a monster. Franz hummed as he cuddled Robert more. He really needed to get up and at least act like he was doing his duties. Well, maybe he could do them in bed. It was always better to dote on the prisoners instead of abuse them, he found. So he dressed Robert in a bathrobe and himself in his clean uniform, then he called for Langenscheidt to bring him his work to be done.

He could trust that one to be discreet, he hoped. And it didn't help that there was the promise of something extra in his pay if he cooperated. Franz settled the papers where he thought Robert couldn't see and started working. His lover needed the rest and warmth. He did have an Underground meeting coming up, though, one that he couldn't miss. He would have to drug Robert in order to have him not notice what was going on. His heart hurt as he looked at the man. He didn't want to do this. Truly, he didn't. But it was the only way he could complete his mission without Robert being hurt in the process.

The Gestapo didn't play and Robert, by his nature of being a prisoner, truly was the weakest link.

[Col. R. Hogan]

"Pfft, 45. That's nothing. The way you talk makes it sound like you're ready for the old folks' home," Robert teased. He snuggled up next to the blond German and gave him a playful grin. "So, my dear Franz, would you prefer a walker or a cane for Christmas this year? I'd hate to give you something you already have."

He chuckled at the mental image of his lover waving a cane around while he yelled at the prisoners to get back into their barracks. It was all too easy to imagine the scene. Hearing, "Get off my snow, you whippersnappers!" in his head caused the chuckle to become full-blown laughter. Tears of mirth ran down his face as the image morphed into Franz going outside in a walker, only to get up for a few minutes and have Schultz sit in it instead and break it. Robert nearly laughed himself sick before he got himself calmed down again. He wiped at his eyes, still grinning like a fool.

"Oh, damn. Remind me to tell you what I just saw in my head later on. That was too good," he said. Then his expression turned serious. "I'm assuming that comment means you can get a transfer. Which is good - it's one less hurdle to overcome."

Robert fell silent and let his lover work in peace. He supposed he should be trying to be nosy, but his mind was preoccupied with his latest dilemma. There were times when he felt like he was the true Kommandant of Stalag 13. Forging paperwork, getting rid of people he didn't like, keeping the ones he did - his work seemed endless. It didn’t help Berlin always wanted everything filled out in triplicate either.

Then there was the matter of Underground meetings as well. Robert often sent his men out to do them so they could get a change of scenery, but there were a few he did have to make a personal appearance for. One of those was the one he had tonight with Raven at 2200 hours. Although they'd never met, Robert knew they were the only other spy in Germany who was as wanted as Papa Bear. He greatly looked forward to finally meeting the man...or woman. It was rare two highly wanted spies ever met in the same place due to security reasons, so if London was willing to risk it, the information Raven had for him must be vital. Hopefully, the Gestapo wouldn't show up and crash the party.  They'd been doing that more often than usual, and the colonel harbored no illusions about what they would do to him if he was caught.

A glance at his watch told Robert he needed to get out of bed so he could go get ready. Between sleeping, the showers and having fun, he'd killed the remainder of his day in here. He truly wished he could borrow a staff car - the meeting spot was 40 minutes away on foot - but Franz was smarter than Klink. He would notice it was gone and start asking questions. Much as Robert cared for the man, he couldn't reveal his identity. That would compromise his whole operation. Still, having a sore ass meant he was gonna need more time to make the long journey. He grimaced as he thought about how much this was gonna suck. That 40 minute trip meant he needed to be gone no later than 2030 hours unless he wanted to jog for part of it.

"Hey, Franz? I'm gonna go spend the little bit of time I have left before the last roll call and lights out with my men. Should give you a chance to catch up on your paperwork or whatever without me distracting you," the colonel said softly. He dropped a kiss on Franz's lips. "I'll have Schultz or Langenscheidt escort me and Beowulf back when it's time for bed, though."

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz sighed in relief when he realized that he wouldn't have to drug his lover. He did his best to keep the relief off his face. He could make his meeting and Robert would be safe. He caught Robert's hand and brushed a kiss across his knuckles. He didn't know what to say without giving himself away. He loved Robert. He didn't want the man to be hurt. He was going to have to be careful, of course. Hochstetter was a rabid dog, it seemed, and the last thing he wanted to do was give himself away. Franz knew he couldn't survive a second hit to his reputation.

"I hope you sleep well, darling." Franz kissed him again and smiled a little. "You've shown me than you can be trusted. I do love you, you know. If you need to, you can spend the night with them. And Beowulf. I do love you and I understand if you wish to spend some time alone. We might, ah, be tempted to make love later and I imagine that you're quite sore."

He gathered up his paperwork and internally preened when he saw the man. He wanted nothing more than to love Robert like he deserved, but this wasn't the time. Franz glanced at the clock on the wall. He had time. He might not know where the meeting place was - some forest glade near his own lands, so it wouldn't be unusual for him to be there - but he could find his way easily enough. Franz reached under the bed as soon as Robert was gone and grabbed his briefcase. He rifled through the papers quickly, his heart racing.

If the Gestapo found him with this - the battle plans for the Eastern Front, hard proof of a genocide against anyone the Nazis decided didn't deserve to exist, and details of a secret chemical weapons program - they wouldn't bother with a trial. Franz would be dead within seconds of them finding this. He took a breath to calm his heart. He could do this. Besides, people forgot just how much access a commandant had to secret information. Franz smiled a little. If anyone asked, he would just say that he had gotten too old for active duty.

[Col. R. Hogan]

Robert smiled as the blond German kissed him. It felt good to be loved. Guilt shot through him when Franz said he could be trusted, although he didn't let it show. His poker face had saved him more than once. Some part of him almost felt like he was betraying this man by sneaking out tonight, but he had to. One of London's requirements to give him and his men the things he needed was that he had to satisfy their demands. It was the whole reason he had access to the perks he did.

"I'll try to...and I love you too, Franz," Robert replied. "I appreciate the offer to spend some time alone. It's not that I want to; you're just too damned sexy for me to resist. And while I am sore, that part isn't your fault. But I'm liable to jump your bones again if I stay - I can barely keep my hands off of you!" He gave his lover one last kiss and waved. "Hope you sleep well too, love."

After the colonel got dressed, he made his way back to his barracks. Questions and reports immediately came at him regarding various topics. His nap, Hochstetter's visit that morning, and the food they'd had for lunch were only some of them. He was pleasantly surprised to hear his men had the same lunch he'd shared with Franz. Robert looked over at Beowulf - who was asleep on Carter's bunk - and smiled. He was happy to see that the big dog's coat had been brushed until it shone. From the looks of things, his men had succeeded in tiring Beowulf out as well. Robert answered the questions and addressed everyone's concerns before descending into the tunnels to change. Once he was dressed in his camouflage blacks, he climbed the ladder, exited the tree stump and slipped into the night. He had a meeting to attend.

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz leaned against the hood of his staff car and started on his second cigarette. His contact was late. Papa Bear, if he was going to believe his sources. He wanted to fling that briefcase away from him, but now was not the time. The trees cast long shadows all around them and little bits of moonlight glittered on the frost covered ground. Franz stamped his feet against the cold. He always smoked when he was nervous and now was one of those times. 'Anytime now', he thought. 'It wouldn't kill you to get to someplace on time, would it?'

Something moved behind him. Franz grabbed his Luger. This time, it was loaded. The time Robert had surprised him, it hadn't been. But now it was and Franz was a far better shot that most gave him credit for. His sharp blue eyes roamed over the landscape. Shadows pooled all around him. He could hardly see his hands in front of his face. He swore under his breath. Franz threw his cigarette butt down and stamped it out before he crept towards the source of the sound. His heart pounded in his chest. He really hoped it was his contact. Really, he did.

"You there!" Franz snarled. "Show yourself or I'll put a bullet through you!"

[Col. R. Hogan]

Robert cursed under his breath. With the trees blocking 98% of the moonlight, he could hardly see in this damned forest! It didn't help he'd tripped and fallen on top of a pinecone a few minutes earlier. That had been painful. When he saw the moonlight gleaming off the snow ahead of him, he prayed this was the right spot. He pushed a bendy branch out of his way, only to have it snap back and smack him hard across his ass. A painful yelp escaped his lips before he could stop it. He covered his mouth, but the damage had been done.

Great, now he had to worry about being shot. Magical. He couldn't see the man - who he prayed was Raven - and hoped they couldn't see him. His heart beat furiously in his chest as he gave the first part of the code with his flashlight. Then he waited. If the return flashlight code was correct, he would give the verbal one before he left the shadows. His part of it was 'Do you need any bananas?' If this man was his contact, he would reply with 'No, I left my monkeys at the zoo.' Robert didn't know who made up these damned codes, but he wanted to slap them. They were stupid and hard to remember under stress. Either way, unless he heard the correct response, he was running like hell. 

[Staf. F. von Waffenschmidt]

Franz gave a sigh of relief when he saw the code. He quickly gave it back, but made sure to keep his pistol where he could keep it. And just great - Papa Bear sent some inept underling instead of coming in person. This code also made a man shudder. They needed better writers, he thought, someone who could understand how normal conversation in the middle of the forest worked. Franz stashed the flashlight as soon as he was done and waited. The chill wind whipped through the forest clearing. This entire setting reminded Franz of Russia and not in a good way.

"I do apologize for threatening to shoot you," Franz said. "Please forgive me - I'm a bit jumpy tonight and you make more sound than a T-34 at full throttle."

Not really - there was no sound on earth that could compare to that unholy roar - but the point still stood. Franz turned around slowly. His breath hung in the cold air around him. Wary blue eyes searched the landscape. Looking. Always looking. That was the way a man survived encounters such as these. Franz bit his bottom lip. If he wasn't right about this... Well, he wasn't going to be seeing Robert anytime soon, that was for sure.

[Col. R. Hogan]

"It's alright. I'm a little jumpy tonight myself, Raven," Robert replied in German. He put away his flashlight and limped towards the man. "I'm Papa Bear, by the way. Sorry for being loud. I'm normally not, but I've had a hell of a time tonight trying to see in this forest. Fell on a pinecone, had a tree branch try to paddle my ass -"

He cut himself off, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw his contact's face clearly for the first time. His own face went pale. There was absolutely, positively no way that his lover was standing here right now. It had to be an illusion. Maybe he still felt guilty about sneaking out after Franz had said he'd trusted him. Yes, that had to be it. The colonel leaned against the hood of the staff car to balance himself, his heart beating furiously in his chest. He scrambled for something - anything! - to say that would break the silence.

"Heeeey. I, uh, I see you enjoy moonlight strolls too." Robert cleared his throat and smiled nervously. "I was told you have some...some sugar for my porridge. At least, I really hope you do, or I doubt I'll live long enough to be making any more complaints."