Schwarz Mitternacht

As the lunch hour arises, Hilde bursts into Rufus's quarters with her new doll. She holds a German "milkmaid" doll with blinking eyes in her arms.

Hilde: Daddy, daddy! Look at what I got! *Runs over to Rufus at his desk, climbs up into his lap.* Isn't she pretty?

Rufus: She's perfect. Don't let your brother get ahold of her, now.

Hilde: I won't! I'm never letting her go, daddy! *Holds on tightly to her new doll, nuzzles into her Father's chest.* I found this for you, daddy! *Hands Rufus a small metal pin, with a wreath around a Swastika and a broad sword over it.* I thought it would look pretty with your other pins!

Rufus: Thank you, Törtchen... *He pins the sword with a swastika inlayed within on his jacket lapel.*

Hilde: You're welcome, daddy! Else wanted me to use my change to buy her a mirror, but I wanted to get you something! *Hugs her father.* I love you, daddy! Thank you for my new dolly, I love her!

Rufus: I'm glad to see you happy, with a beautiful doll. She looks like you with all that curly hair.

Hilde: *Giggles softly, a light blush covers her plump little cheeks.* She does! Does that mean I'm b-beauti-ful too? I don't look like mommy or Elsa..

Rufus: Of course you're beautiful. Ahh... *He looks up at his door way and sees Zechs waiting at the door.* Come in, Peacecraft. I'm just with my Törtchen.

Zechs: I'm sorry to disturb you, Shinra. *Smiles softly when he sees the little girl on Rufus's lap.*

Hilde: Uncle Zechs! Look at what daddy got me! *Holds her doll up in the air to show him.*

Zechs: Another doll? What happened to your other doll?

Hilde: Alphonse took her and threw her in the smelly ovens! *Pouts as she holds on tightly to her new doll.* He said she was a jude and that's where she goes!

Zechs: I see that you're teaching your children the way a German should live and believe, Shinra.

Hilde: I miss her, but now I have my new one! And I got daddy a gift, see! *Points to the pin on Rufus's lapel.*

Rufus: As would you if you had children.. But I haven't started to lessons with my Törtchen.. She is to young.. *Runs his fingers through his daughters hair.*

Hilde: Daddy, I'm hungry. Can we take Uncle Zechs to lunch too? Bitte schön!

Rufus: (Hmm, this will give me a chance to take him aside..and break him!) I don't mind if he joins us, but it is up to him.. *Stands up from his chair, Hilde in his arms.*

Hilde: Please join us, Uncle Zechs! *Gives him her famous puppy eyes.*

Zechs: I'm not busy at the moment. *He stares at Rufus, who has a shit-eating grin on his face.* (What is he really planning, does he know about my soldiers sneaking food in?)

Hilde: Yay! *Wiggles excitedly in her father's arms.* I get to eat with my Daddy and Uncle Zechs! Oh, and my dolly! *Smiles brightly at Rufus, wrapping her little arms around his neck to hold on.*

Rufus: Would you like to visit the mess hall today, Törtchen?

Hilde: Yes, daddy! As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we eat. *Cocks her head.* Is that the place with all the boys dressed like you and Uncle Zechs?

Rufus: Yes, Törtchen. They're having a feast today. All of my men have been wanting to see you, anyway.

Hilde: R-really, daddy? *A blush covered his cheeks, still plump with baby fat.* Then lets go, I'm really hungry!

Zechs: (She is so innocent, a true angel on Earth.. How can he be so mean ,when he's around this beauty?) *Opens the door for Rufus and Hilde.*

Rufus: Bitte? Say please, Törtchen... *He carries Hilde in his arms.*

Hilde: Please, daddy.. I'm sorry. *Holds on tightly to him as he moves, giggles when she feels Rufus playfully pinching her thigh.* Daddy!

Rufus: What, Törtchen? *He then tickles Hilde's neck.*

Hilde: Daddy! Stop! *Giggles loudly as he squirms in Rufus's arms, her sweet laugh fills the hall.* That tickles!

Zechs: *Chuckles softly as he watches Rufus interact with his child, knowing no one sees him like this.* (He's so loving with his children.. Why does he kill all the others, doesn't he see her face in the faces of those little girls? This is the Rufus I knew, before he changed..)

Rufus, Hilde, and Zechs make their ways to the mess hall. Rufus seats his daughter with Zechs while he waits for their food at the counter. Hilde begins to swing her legs anxiously as soldiers swoon over her innocent beauty. Hilde turns to Zechs for comfort. She then begins to bubble over in questions for Zechs.

Hilde: You haven't come and visited us in a long time, Uncle Zechs! *Hides his face in Zechs's side, blushing from all the attention she's getting.* Do you not love us anymore?

Zechs: I love seeing you, but your father and I have important work to do. Sometimes it's hard to get away from it.

Hilde: I know.. I don't get to see daddy alot.. But he said he'd read me my favorite story tonight! *Looks up at Zechs's, motioning him to lean down.* Um.. W-what is a jude?

Zechs: A Jude? That is what we call a Jewish person.

Hilde: Oh..What's that? Why did Alphonse say they belonged in the smelly oven? No one should go in there! It's really hot and smells bad!

Zechs: It may be a little hard for you to understand right now, but I promise I'll tell you everything when you're older.

Hilde: *Pouts, sticking her lower lips out.* Everyone says that! I'm a big girl.. *Runs her fingers over her dolls eyes, loving how they move.*

Zechs: I know, Törtchen. Someday you'll understand. (She doesn't need to hear about what happens here.)

Hilde: You better, Uncle Zechs! *Looks up and smiles brightly when she sees her Father walking over. Begins to wiggle in her seat.* Daddy! You're back with food!

Rufus brings over a tray that contains three platters of traditional breaded Wiener Schnitzel.

Zechs: *Licks his lips at the sight, taking his platter and setting it on the table. Reaches to grab Hilde's when he notices she has moved to the side her Father's on.* (She loves him so much.) You made a great choice, Rufus.. I have missed this..

Rufus: How long has it been since you've visited your mother and sister in Austria? *He helps Hilde cut her Schnitzel into bite sized squares.*

Zechs: *Sighs sadly as he begins to cut up his own meal.* It has been two years since I have been home.. We write to each other, my sister often asks about you.. *Takes a bite and closes his eyes in happiness at the taste, being reminded of home.*

Rufus: Really? She probably still wants to marry me. *He feeds Hilde a piece of Schnitzel on a fork.*

Hilde: Thank you, daddy! *Happily takes the bite, her little legs swinging under the table.* Elsa and Alphonse are going to be jealous! I get to eat with you and Uncle Zechs.

Zechs: Yes, but I have already told her that you have a wife and three beautiful children.. *Smiles as he watches Rufus feed her.*

Rufus: They'll just miss out. *He wipes Hilde's chin and turns to Zechs.* She was fifteen when she wanted to marry me.

Zechs: I know, it was a silly child crush. I haven't heard from them in a few months, she may of found someone by now.. *Takes a few more bites of his meal, chuckles softly when he sees Hilde starting to pick up the pieces of food with her fingers.*

Hilde: *Pops a few piece in her mouth, humming at the taste.* This is good, daddy!

Rufus: Good, now eat with your fork, Törtchen. *He helps Hilde hold her fork.*

Hilde: It's too big for me.. *Pouts as she awkwardly uses her fork, manages to get a piece to her mouth.* I should of brought the forks you got me.

Zechs: (He is much closer to her than his other children..) Don't worry, you'll grow into it..

Rufus: You'll be fine, eat everything on your plate.

Hilde: I will, daddy! *Happily goes back to eating her food, leaning against Rufus as she does. Hiding her face in his side when soldiers walk by and swoon over her.*

Rufus: See, they love you, Törtchen. Wave to the soldiers.

Hilde: *Shyly peeks out from Rufus's jacket, waving to the soldiers.* H-hi.. *Squeaks when a soldier talks back and quickly hides her face inside Rufus's jacket.*

Zechs: I wonder where she gets her shyness from, it's not from you.. *Chuckles softly.* You are a very lucky man, Shinra...

Rufus: It must be from my wife. *He rubs Hilde's back as she hides.*

Zechs: It must be the only thing she gets from her, she looks just like you Rufus.. *Goes back to eating his meal, knowing Hilde will come back out if it calms down around them.*

Hilde: *Hugs Rufus tightly, peeking out every now and then to see if it's safe.* Are they gone, daddy?

Rufus: They're gone. Why don't you feed your doll too?

Hilde: Okay, daddy! *Moves out from Rufus's jacket and grab her fork again, holding the piece of food in front of her dolls mouth before she feeds herself.*

Zechs: *Finishes his meal and grabs his glass of water.* What do you have planned for today, Shinra? Hilde told me you will be reading to her tonight..

Rufus: Ah, yes...I do have a report I need to give to you tonight. But that will wait until after Hilde's story.

Zechs: Alright, does she still go to bed at eight? I can be there by nine if that works for you..

Hilde: Sometimes Daddy lets me stay up till nine! Or stay in his and mommy's bed! But..Alphonse makes fun of me when I do..

Rufus: We can do that on the weekends, but I have to give a report to Zechs tonight at 9, alright Törtchen?

Hilde: *Sighs sadly, snuggling to Rufus's side.* Okay.. Can I sleep with you and mommy tomorrow night? You keep the monsters away!

Zechs: I bet he does, they'd be crazy to try and get you.. *Smiles softly.* I will see you at nine then, Shinra..

Rufus: (I'll see you tonight...Zechs.) *He smirks slightly once Zechs has his back turned. He returns to having lunch with Hilde.*

Hilde: You look happy, daddy. *Looks up at Rufus, reaching up to play with the side of Rufus's lips. Making them smile more.*

Rufus: Is that so?

Hilde: Yeah! I like when you look happy! I don't like when you frown, daddy.. *Moves Rufus's mouth down, making it frown and pouts herself.* I don't like that face!

Rufus: I don't like it when you frown, either, Törtchen. *He gently pinches Hilde's sides.*

Hilde: Hehe! Daddy! *Giggles as she jumps a bit, crawling into Rufus's lap.* Thank you for bringing me daddy. I miss you when you're gone.. *Hugs Rufus tightly, the doll held between them.*

Rufus: I know you miss me. I'll make sure I'm available more often, Törtchen. *He smiles and gives Hilde a kiss on each of her cheeks.*

Hilde: *Giggles sweetly at the kisses, gives them back to Rufus.* Promise, daddy? I don't mind just sitting in your office. I can bring my dolly's!

Rufus: I do promise. Doesn't daddy keep his promises?

Hilde: Yeah, you always do! You're the best daddy in the world! *Smiles brightly at Rufus, nuzzling into his neck and yawns softly.*

Rufus: Are you tired, Törtchen? It must be time for your nap.

Hilde: A little, daddy. But I don't want to leave you, I'm comfy.. *Snuggles her small body closer to Rufus.*

Rufus: I can carry you. Don't you want to lay down?

Hilde: You're more comfy than my bed, daddy.. You smell nice.. *Slowly begins to fall asleep on Rufus, comforted by his warmth and scent.*

At around 11 A.M. Reno and Vincent's workload increases. They are taken away from their work on the Nazi firearms and are led outside by a group of officers. Denzel reluctantly follows the officers as well.

Reno: (Where the takin' us now yo? Did they see all th' guns we hav' ta fix!) *Pulls Denzel next to him, comfort stroking his hand.*

Vincent covers his nose as the smell of rotten death becomes almost unbearable. He chokes on the polluted air.

Reno: Bloody 'ell.. *Covers his own nose as well, letting Denzel use his shirt to block the scent.* ('an we go bac' ta makin' guns now?)

Vincent: Oh...God. *He walks around a corner from following the officers and is startled by a pile of dead bodies at least six feet high.*

Reno: Feck meh.. *Looks in horror at the bodies, holds Denzel tighter. Subconsecly looking for the red hair he loved.* (Did they already bury 'im?)

The officers throw three shovels at Reno Vincent and Denzel. They order the three to begin digging.

Reno: *Sighs as he begins to dig, looking over to check on Denzel every few minutes.* (He's ta young ta be doin' 'is yo..)

Vincent makes the most progress of the three, having to dig ditches before, but not for as many bodies. The officers prepare themselves to beat Reno and Denzel for not digging fast enough.

Reno: (Damn it..I could go faster, but I don't wan' Denz ta be along in 'is beatin'..Maybe I 'ould make all their attention on meh..) Through many dangers, toils an' snares. I have already come;

'Tis Grace tha' brought meh safe thus far

An' Grace 'ill lead meh home.

Th' Lord 'as promised good ta meh.

'is word my hope secures.

He will my shield an' portion be,

As 'ong as life endures.

Yea, when 'is flesh an' 'eart shall fail,

An' mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within th' veil,

A life of joy an' peace.

The officers yell at Reno for singing and begin to beat him with their clubs. With a hit to Reno's head, Vincent turns around to face the officers.

Vincent: Stop beating him. I'm the Jude, beat me instead!

Reno: N-no, Vin...Y-ye 'eep boyo safe.. *Curls up to protect himself.*

The officers turn their attention to Vincent instead and begin to hit him instead of Reno. Denzel faces away from his friends getting beat up. He digs faster and tries his best to ignore what's going on behind him.

Reno: (Damn it, Vincent! I didn't wan' ye ta get 'urt! I did 'at on purpose!) *Shakily stands up and begins to dig again, going slower from his beating.*

An officer grabs Vincent by the neck to make him stand up from his beating on the ground. Vincent begins to dig again and leans heavily on the shovel, his body sore from his beating.

Reno: *Looks over sadly at Vincent, happy though that Denzel is fine.* (I'll 'ave ta tell 'im when we 'et bac'.. I will keep doin' 'is ta keep boyo safe yo..)

Vincent wipes the blood from the open cut on his forehead. He continues to dig as quickly as he can in the dry, flaky dirt and gravel.

Reno: (I hope we 'an go bac' ta our place.. Denz looks like he's goin' ta cry yo..)

Denzel wipes his eyes to keep from crying, remembering what Reno told him before about showing no fear. Denzel looks just past the pile of bodies and notices Zechs watching him from a distance away.

Reno: *Looks up and sees Denzel looking at something, follows his eye line and finds the Geneal.* (Will he 'elp us yo?)

General Peacecraft approaches the officers overseeing the work Reno, Vincent and Denzel are doing. Bringen mehr über Juden. Gleich!

Reno: (Guess tha's better than nothin'.. But boyo is ta young ta do 'is, please take 'im 'way..) *Tries to dig faster, his arms hurting from the beating.*

Zechs walks up behind Denzel to whisper in his ear.

Zechs: I'm going to take you to the kitchens today...Sorry for this... *He acts like he's angry at Denzel. He takes Denzel's shovel and hits Denzel on the rear end with the handle of the shovel. He takes Denzel by the collar roughly and leads him away from digging the trench for the dead bodies.*

Reno: *Watches at Denzel is dragged away, lets out a sigh of relief as he continues digging.* (T'ank ye, General.. He'll be safer 'ow..)

Vincent: (That poor child...He's probably confused.) *He exhaustedly continues to dig. He breaks out in a heavy sweat as the mid spring sun begins to beat down on his back.*

After hours of digging in the hot sun, Vincent and Reno are sent back to their small room at seven.

Reno: *Makes his way inside, taking off his shirt and flicking it to get the dirt out.* Ne'er thought I'd miss bein' in 'ere yo..

Vincent wipes his sweat soiled face on his shirt and lays down on his bed. His body aches from digging for many hours.

Reno: *Puts his shirt back on before he lays down on the floor next to the bed, groaning as his muscles protest.* Denzy isn't bac' yet.. I 'ope he's safe yo..

Vincent: They're just now serving dinner for the soldiers. I think he's fine. *He looks at Reno laying on the floor. He moves his legs off of the bed.* Come sit on the bed. It's not the best, but it's better than the floor.

Reno: Lucky bastards.. *Bites his lips as he forces himself up and sits down on the bed, sighing softly.* Ay', much better yo.. T'anks.. *Leans back against the wall.* Ye didn't hav' ta stop 'em.. I meant ta do it, they were gonna start beatin' boyo.. I knew if I did tha', they'd beat meh instead..

Vincent: Yes...but I've been beaten many more times than you. All we are to them are...common criminals. No...less than that. We're subhuman.

Reno: I am a criminal, 'ut not 'ere yo.. *Looks over to Vincent.* Ye aren't.. ya just hav' a different view of God..An' don't worry, I been beaten before yo.. It ain't a nice 'orld ta meh kind..

Vincent: Your kind? Being Irish...or being a homosexual?

Reno: Well, 'ome people don't lik' us Irish.. But it's nothin' compared ta th' hate ye get fer lovin' another fella.. We 'ot beaten e'en in Erie..

Vincent: What...I mean...how? Nevermind...

Reno: Wha' yo? Ye 'an ask meh, I got nothin' ta hide.. *Stretches out his long legs, his knees pop.*

Vincent: How exactly do you love another man?

Reno: Wha' ye mean? 'ow do we mak' lov' yo?

Vincent: Yes, that's what I mean. (This is quite awkward.)

Reno: *Chuckles softly, amused by how awkward Vincent look.* Well, wha' other 'oles do men hav' other than ye mouth yo?

Vincent: Their rears? (You learn something new everyday...) I imagine that would be painful.

Reno: Ay'! *Chuckles as he stretches his arms out.* It 'an be if t' top isn't nice yo, ye hav' ta prepare ya lover before ye enter 'em.. But it feels amazin' when it's done right..

Vincent: (He didn't need to tell me that much, but it's better to talk about something. It'll take our minds off of this hell.) How do you know what man you're attracted to?

Reno: 'ow do ye know what woman ye attracted ta? Ye just know, ye ne'er wanna leave 'em.. Just 'earin' their voice sends ye ta heaven..

Vincent: What about before the sex happens?

Reno: E'eryman has somethin' they are drawn ta yo.. Eyes, mouth, arse.. *Sighs.* It's not tha' different from ye likin' a girl, ye just..ye drawn ta 'em.. Sex isn't on ye mind at first, all ye see is 'em..

Vincent: Why are you attracted to men instead of women? Sorry if I'm asking too many questions.

Reno: Nah, I don't mind yo. Better than sittin' 'ere an' listening ta screams and orders.. Hmm.. I just ne'er was attracted ta lass's, they do nothin' fer meh and ne'er hav'.. Tits are jus' fer babes..

Vincent: (Why...is he so open to my questions?) Do you think men who are attracted to women strange?

Reno: Nah, if it wasn't fer tha' I wouldn't be 'ere yo! *Smiles softly at Vincent.* Ye 'an't help who ye lov' yo, I jus' like th' feel of a man's touch more than a lass..

Vincent: (A man's touch?) I...think I understand. (I haven't even seen a woman in all the time I've been here.)

Reno: Ay', if ye hav' anythin'else ye want ta know, jus' ask yo.. *Sighs as he wiggles on the bed to get comfy.*

Vincent: I've heard...of soldiers in camps becoming homosexual. Men are all that's there for them, that's from what I heard.

Reno: Ay' some men do it jus' ta get off, not fer lov' yo.. *Frowns in slight anger.* Those 'ho do should be sent in 'ere! Their doin' th' same thin'..

Vincent: Or...they do it to abuse homosexual prisoners.

Reno: They 'an try yo, but they'll ne'er break meh yo.. (Axy already took wha's important ta me, there's nothin' else they can tak' from rapin' meh..)

Vincent: Most of the time, I've heard of the rape making the prisoner bleed out and die. I've heard of soldiers using wood, even railroad spikes to rape the prisoners. That's why...I thought the sex would be extremely painful.

Reno: Tha' makes 'em worse than any homosexual yo.. *Sighs, looking down.* We don't do it fer pain.. We do it ta be closer ta eachother, we ne'er.. used props tha' would 'urt us. An' always used oil..

Vincent: Have you ever been with a woman before? I mean...does it feel different from kissing a woman compared to a man?

Reno: Once when I was a lad.. But she couldn't e'en get meh 'ard yo.. And.. 'er lips were ta soft. *Smiles softly as he remembers his first kiss with Axel.* Axy's.. were jus' right, 'ot ta soft but 'ot ta rough.

Vincent: (I...wonder what it's like...) What does it feel like?

Reno: It's...amazin', it is meh favorite thin' ta do next ta oral yo.. *Chuckles softly, licking his lips as he remembers.* Shite, I miss 'im so much..

Vincent: Can you show me what it feels like? (He makes it sound too good to be true, and I haven't even been near a woman to kiss.)

Reno: *Looks at Vincent in shock.* W-wha'? Ye mean ye..wan' meh ta kiss ya? (Can I? I..my heart still aches fer bonnie.. But..he'd do 'is, I can tell he's hurtin'..)

Vincent: If...you think you're able to. I know you lost your lover, I'm not trying to replace him.

Reno: He wouldn't mind.. He'd wanna 'iss ye ta.. *Chuckles softly turning to face Vincent, slowly moving closer to him.* Do ye wanna start it, or meh?

Vincent: We...can start it on the count of three, and meet in the middle.

Reno: Sound lik' we're 'ids yo.. *Chuckles softly, placing one hand on the bed to steady himself.* One...two...'ree... *Softly presses his chaped lips against Vincent's.*

Vincent: Hm? (I...still wasn't ready for that!) *He carefully returns Reno's kiss.*

Reno: Mm.. 'ow much of a kiss do ye wan'? *Looks into Vincent's eyes, his breath running over Vincent's own broken, chapped lips.*

Vincent: I don't know...I've never done this before. We can keep...going.

Reno: Jus' tell meh when ta stop yo.. *Moves closer to Vincent, shyly licking at Vincent's lips, asking for permission to enter.* (His lips.. taste good.. ye woulda loved this Axy..)

Vincent: (Why does he want to kiss me like this? This...isn't just any kiss.) *He parts his lips, allowing Reno's entry.*

Reno: *Shyly licks around Vincent's lips before he slowly enters Vincent's sweet mouth, trying to get Vincent's tongue to play with his own.* (Is 'is ta much? I don't wanna scare 'im, but this is 'ow meh and Axy always kissed..)

Vincent allows his tounge to gently play with the tip of Reno's tounge. He captures Reno's lower lip in between his moistened lips. Vincent gently sucks on Reno's lower lip before he goes back to kissing Reno tenderly.

Reno: *Shudders as he feels Vincent suck on his lower lip, unable to stop a small moan escape from him. Carefully places his free hand on Vincent's chest.*

(He's good yo! I..don't 'urt as bad now... Are ye watchin' 'is, Axy? Is tha' why yo?)

Vincent: Are...you alright? Is that too much?

Reno: Sorry, ye just...damn ye good at kissin' yo! *Chuckles softly as he lightly pants, his body slightly worked up from the kiss.*

Vincent: I'm not sure what to say...Other than I'm sorry.

Reno: Nah, I'm sorry yo.. I shoulda thought of tha' before we started, I still lov' my bonnie but..meh body still reacts 'ow it should..

Vincent: I know. You'll probably miss him forever. *He looks up as he hears little footsteps run towards himself and Reno.*

Reno: I 'ill.. but he'd kill me if I wolloed in pity ferever.. (He'd want meh ta find someone yo..) *Smiles as he looks over at the door and sees Denzel walking in.* Boyo! I was wonderin' if ye'd be comin' bac' yo!

Denzel holds his shirt to his stomach and carries a bucket of water, trying not to spill it. He sets the bucket near the kiln and lifts up his shirt, revealing two freshly made dinner rolls.

Reno: Wha'... Boyo? Ye'll get in trouble if they caught ye boyo! *Motions for Denzel to come over to him.* At least we 'an make th' guns right yo..

Vincent: How did you get those dinner rolls?

Reno: Ay'! Did th' general 'ive 'em ta ye? *Picks Denzel up to sit in his lap.*

Denzel hesitates for a moment, wondering how he can communicate to Vincent and Reno, knowing they don't know how to sign. He extends his foot and begins to write in the loose dirt with his toe; "Woman cooked extra. General said okay, they were going to throw away the dough."

Reno: Good job, Denzel! *Hugs him tightly.* Ye mak' meh proud, boyo.. *Smiles down at Denzel, playfully ruffling his hair.* Ye were strong taday..

Denzel gives Reno and Vincent the dinner rolls. "Mm!" He hums raspily with his damaged vocal cords.

Reno: T'anks, Denzy. *Breaks his roll in two and gives half of it to Denzel.* Ye earned it yo! *Smiles softly as he begins to nibble on the roll.*

Vincent eats the dinner roll, making his stomach appear full from having two small "meals" to nourish his thin frame. Denzel continues to write in the dirt. "I ate some of the batter too."

Reno: That's good, boyo.. Ye sure ya don't wan' it? *Holds the other half in front of Denzel's face.*

Denzel shakes his head as he writes in the dirt. "I ate mine."

Reno: Alright.. *Finishes the other half, humming at the taste.* Mm, tha' was good yo. *Rests his chin on Denzel's shoulder.* T'anks ye, boyo..

Denzel rubs his stomach in response to Reno. Vincent looks over at Reno and Denzel together and smiles.

Reno: Ye wanna 'nother lesson on makin 'guns tamorrow? If the General doesn't tak' ye 'way?

Denzel shakes his head happily. Vincent glances back at Reno, still thinking about the kiss they shared moments ago.

Reno: Sounds good, boyo! Now we 'an make 'em right yo.. *Looks over at Vincent.* (I..wanna kiss 'im 'gain.. But he's straight and..I don't think I'm up ta sex yet..) Ye tired?

Vincent: Yes, but we have work to do...

Reno: Ay'..It'll go faster 'ow we hav' water yo.. *Sighs, letting go of Denzel.* Ye 'an rest boyo, take th' bed! *Smiles softly as he picks up Denzel and gets off the bed before setting him down, groaning in pain at the movement.*

Vincent: We have to finish this soon... *He returns to work at the kiln and waits for Reno to join him.*

Reno: Ay', we would be finished if they didn't tak' us 'way yo! *Takes off his shirt and makes a pillow for Denzel before he joins Vincent at the kiln.* Lets get ta work!

Vincent: (I wonder...what he thinks of me now?) *He begins to repair a metal barrel by reheating it in the kiln.*

Reno: *Grabs a gun and bore brush and starts to clean it, getting rid of what is clogging the barrel.* 'is gun is disgustin' yo!

Vincent: God knows what's in it...

Reno: Looks lik' shite.. *Quickly cleans the gun, making sure everything else works before he puts it on the stack of fixed ones and grabs another with a broken barrel.* Hopefully th' barrels 'ill be tougher now.

Vincent: They will be...You have to cool the metal fast, and that's why they're brittle.

Reno: I know yo. I'd ne'er let a gun like 'is leave meh shop. *Pours the liquid metal into the mold to make the new barrel.* Tha' bread was good..

Vincent: Neither would I... My shop was one of Germany's gems before it was taken from me.

Reno: Meh shop in Erie 'ad been in meh family fer decades yo. We were th' only blacksmith fer three towns.

Vincent: Was there a lot of countryside where you lived in Erie?

Reno: Ay', green 'ills as far as th' eye could see yo.. 'is eyes always reminded meh of 'ome.. We lived on a farm, meh hated havin' ta clean the stables.. *Looks over and smiles softly when he sees Denzel asleep on the bed.* Poor boyo..

Vincent: I wonder where his parents are...

Reno: I don't 'member anyone wit' 'im on th' train yo.. He was 'lone.. *Takes the barrel out of the mold and heats it up for a minute before he puts it in the water bucket.*

Vincent: Would...you mind if I asked you more questions? *He places a barrel into the bucket of water to cool it down.* That's much better...

Reno: Nah, I 'old ye.. I'm a open book yo.. *Chuckles softly as he moves the barrel back to the kiln.* Yea', isn't it?

Vincent: Have you...ever been taken before?

Reno: *Smirks back at Vincent, amused by the question.* Ay', I was th' bottom ta meh bonnie.. I 'ould take 'im sometimes but I liked bein' taken more yo.. I could relax, not 'ave ta be in charge fer a few..

Vincent: (Why is he smirking at me like that? Does he want me to do that to him?) I...see...

Reno: Why ye ask yo? Ye ever tak' ye German girl?

Vincent: Yes...a few times.

Reno: Wha's tha' like yo? Bein' wit' a lass?

Vincent: Hm? It's been such a long time... (But it didn't feel any different from our kiss earlier.)

Reno: Yea'... Before they 'ot us..We jus' passed out from makin' lov' four times, it was th' day we first shagged.. We'd been tagether almost se'en 'ears..

Vincent: Seven years... *He sighs as he works on another piece of metal.*

Reno: Ay', well we been tagether our 'hole life but only sexual an' lovin' fer se'en.. *Walks over to put the barrel into the water bucket.*

Vincent: Have...you... (How should I say this without sounding desperate?)

Reno: 'ave I wha' yo? *Takes out the barrel and looks it over, decided it is good he screws it on the gun and starts to give it a good cleaning.*

Vincent: How do men...taste?

Reno: Huh? Well..It depends on wha' they eat.. Ones who eat fruit 'aste sweet, other who eat lots of meat 'aste more bitter an' salty yo.. Axy...he was 'ery sweet..

Vincent: (Did that question make me sound...needy?) *He quietly goes back to working, now feeling awkward from asking the question.*

Reno: (Why did he ask tha'? Does he wan' me ta suck 'im yo? I..I'm not sure, he is hot an' sexy. Axy would be on 'im in a second if I said yea'.. I think I 'ould suck 'im..) *Finishes cleaning up the gun and puts it on the stack.* 'ey, I don't mind ye askin' yo.. I lik' talkin' ta ye..

Vincent: Yes...but... *He sighs before he returns to his work.*

Reno: But wha' yo? Did..meh talkin' scare ye? I know ye straight, I was jus' answerin'.. Axy said maybe if people knew 'bout our kind of life, maybe they'd stop hatin' us so much..

Vincent: You didn't scare me. I've just...never kissed a man before.

Reno: Does.. it bother ye tha' we kissed yo? Do ye.. regret kissin' a homo... I mean, I understand.. If they saw ye'd be beaten an' 'et anew badge..

Vincent: I don't regret it...

Reno: 'ow did it compare ta kissin' a lass yo? (It..was amazin'.. He made me feel lik' I was wit' Axy as well..)

Vincent: It was different, but I do not regret kissing you. (It felt good...)

Reno: I'm glad yo.. I don't regret it either, fella! *Chuckles softly, going to the next gun.* Axy woulda liked ye..

Vincent: (Why is he saying something like that? Does...he want to sleep with me now? I'm not...even sure what I would do if he asked me!) *He moves on to repair another gun.* Hypothetically, would you do it again?

Reno: Ay', I guess.. I'm not ready fer sex yet... Meh still healin' from... But th' kissin' felt good.. Sorry 'gain if tha' makes ye feel...yea'..

Vincent: I was asking the question...That's all I wanted to know.

Reno: Alright.. If there's..anythin' else ye wanna know..Jus' ask yo.. *Quietly goes back to working.*

Vincent and Reno end up working long into the night, finishing the pile of guns at 11pm. Not having the heart to wake up Denzel, they both lay down on the ground and fall asleep.

~We hope you guys liked it! Sorry, the chapters have been shorter than usually. But we want to get them out to you guys as soon as possible!^^~

Bringen mehr über Juden. Gleich! (Bring more Jews. Immediately!)