walked up behind him and peeked over his shoulder, watching what he did.

didn't notice the man stood peering over his shoulder at first, and kept cleaning the gun, double checking every point before starting to reassemble it again, the movement calming and familiar to him.

hums. "Seems like ye've done this once or twice before, eh?"

didn't even flinch at the sudden voice behind him -- then again, flinching with a gun could mean sudden death on the battlefield. "Several times, yes" he answered in a deadpan, finishing off his work quickly.

smiled a bit. "Mind showin' me how? I've done it a few times, but not as quickly. And I wanna make sure I know how to use these ones right... they're different from what I trained with."

looked over his shoulder at the other, taking in the blonde hair and kind look. This man didn't look like someone who belonged on the battlefield, Ludwig thought to himself, but nodded none the less, shuffeling

down the bench slightly to make space for the other. "Sure, better to learn it now than to fuck up in the field, I guess"

nodded as he got seated on the bench. "My thoughts exactly. I'd rather take a bullet for someone than hit someone with friendly fire. It's a bit of a fear I have. But I can't let it control me, so... the more

trainin' I get, the better."

nodded silently. "There's no place for fear on the battlefield, you'll learn that once we get to the front line". He handed the rifle to the stranger. "Now, show me how you would dissasemble it"

nodded as he looked the rifle over carefully, taking in the apperance before slowly starting to dissasemble it. He was slow, but didn't seem to make too make mistakes.

took in what the other was doing, seeing how he was taking the parts apart. "Ok good, now try putting it back together again"

nods a little as he was slower putting it together. He just wanted to make sure it was right.

nodded. "Right ok, now try dissasembling again, but this time--" he rearranged the rifle in the others hands so that it would be easier to get to the parts faster "hold it like this, see if that helps"

blinks a little but nodded and started to do the same. He was eager to learn, and when that happened he put more focus on things he did. He was serious about being here, after all.

watched the other man work, his movements were still slow, not as calculated, but it was better than before. "See, this way your own arms don't get in the way, right? Saves a lot of hassle when it has to be

done quickly out in the field"

smiles and nods. "Ja. I never thought 'bout doin' it this way before. I guess it's good havin' anothers view on things." He finished putting it together again before holding out his hand. "M'Søren, by the way."

took the offered hand a shook in firmly. "Ludwig Beilschmidt"

nodded a bit as he handed him the rifle back. "Good name. I assume ye're from Germany then, ja?"

took the gun from the other and leaned it up against the end of the bench before nodding at the other. "Deutshland, ja, I'm guessing you're from Scandinavia? Though I wouldn't be able to define your accent

enough to say a country, sorry"

smiles as he was glad to be right. "I'm from Danmark. To the untrained ear I'm sure we all sound the same, but get us all together and ye'll notice the difference sooner or later."

nods. "I'm sure I will... So then, Søren--" that didn't sound right, but he couldn't really care less "what's brought you to the battlefield?"

shrugged lightly as he looked up to the sky. "Probably a similar reason to ye. My family. They mean the world to me, and I'd do anythin' to keep them safe. If I fail and somethin' happens to them... I'll never

be able to live with myself."

watched the other with a slight guilt in his heart. He'd never felt protective of his family, never. All he had felt was that he'd needed to prove himself to them. Show them that, even though he was the

youngest, he could still be great...

smiled a little as he looked to him. "I also have a little sister, sweet as can be. Just imaginin' her smile gives me all the strength I need to keep goin', even in the worst of conditions."

blinked at the other, his heart growing tight for a reason he couldn't explain right then. "That's admirable, really... You've joined because of your family, because of your need to protect them... that's

so far from why I joined.."

blinked a bit and focused more on him. "Why'd ye join, then?"

sighed. "Several reasons. The rest of my family joined before me, I didn't know what else I wanted to do with my life -- but the main reason was because I felt I needed to prove that I wasn't the runt of the

litter, just because I was the youngest. I needed to show that I could be great... My family sort of ignored me, all gloryfying my elder brothers.... so now it's my turn, I need to show what I can do"

smiled a little and nodded faintly to him. "I see. I'm sure ye'll surprise them. Ye seem to be the best around that knows everythin' about rifles, and I've only known ye for a little bit."

snorted at the comment, but turned to smile at the other. "That's only because I've been wanting to prove myself since I was a kid... You'll learn in time, it's not so hard when you've got someone to teach you"

patted his back lightly. "I'm glad I came to the right guy then. Which barracks are ye in? I might need more help some time."

smiled at the other. "E7 if I can remember correctly, hold on, let me check" he paused, and dug his hand into the pocket on the side of his combat trousers, looking for the check in papers. "Yeah, E7" he

confirmed, looking back at the other. "How about you then? Where are you gonna be relentlessly trying to sleep before we hit the front?"

smiled widely. "That's where I am too! I've only been there once though to drop off my stuff.This is great~" He was exicted to know someone in his barracks.

almost overwhelmed at the excitement the other showed, and couldn't help but mirroring the smile. "Great, then you can show me where it is. This camp's set up differently from the ones I'm used to, the sense of

order is completely opposite from the last one" he said with a small chuckle.

laughs a bit but got up from the bench. "Sure. I think I know where it is. It's not like we can really get lost here though."

smiled. "True, but it'd still be better than walking around like a lost chicken or something" he said, standing from the bench and shouldering his pack whilst grabbing his rifle. "Lead the way, my friend"

smiles at the 'friend' part and started walking towards the barracks. He didn't know he'd make a friend so quickly, but he didn't mind it. Not at all.

kept pace with the other, walking shoulder to shoulder with a respectable distance between them. "So, how long have you been in the army? I can guess it's not too long, seeing as you asked for help with the

rifle and all"

scratched the back of his neck lightly. "I've barely been in it, compared to ye. I mostly just learned how to pack, clean my weapons and stuff like that. And have extra socks, of course."

chuckled. "Of course. You'll learn quickly in camp though, don't worry. Just don't make enemies, we've got enough of them as it is"

smiles and nods. "Ja, I know. I'm a pretty happy guy, and don't have any enemies at home. So I doubt I'll get any here."

raised an eyebrow at the other, still not believing how he'd ended up in this war... he definitely didn't seem like the type he usually met in the camps. But maybe that was a good change.

got to the barracks and smiled as he walked over to his bunk. "Home sweet home~ For me at least."

chuckles. "Not for long, I'm afraid."

nods a bit. "Ja. But still, it's nice to have even this much..." He smiled a little as he sat on his bed. "Wanna see my family?"

looked around the tent, noting that all the other bunks had been taken already, except for the one next to Søren's. "Sure," he said looking back at the other. "Hey, you don't mind if I take this bunk, right?"

chuckles as he went through his bad. "Not at all. It'll be nice actually. I can tell I'll enjoy yer company better than someone else who could take it." He pulled out a picture book a bit after, opening it up

to the first page.

dumped his pack on the bunk, not caring to sort it out right now, and placed the rifle next to that, before sitting down next to the other, looking at the pictures carefully.

showed him each image page by page, explaining the situations in them. The very last part of the book had a picture of him and his sister together, an across from it was a family portrait.

smiled down at the pictures. "Your sister really is beautiful... I can see why you love your family so much, you all seem so close" Nothing like Ludwig and his family then

smiles as he lightly ran his fingers over the portrait. "Ja... I was brought up knowin' that family is the most important thing. Blood is thicker than water, after all..."

chuckled lightly, leaning in to get a better look at the family portrait. A picture of the unbelievably blonde family, all with their blue eyes and big grins... and suddenly found himself longing for a family

just like that, but knowing that he could never have it.

very grateful for his family. He put it away after, wanting to make sure it didn't get damaged.

leant back again, looking down at his lap laughing softly. "I'm sorta jealous y'know... never had any type of relationship that was anywhere near what you obviously have with yours"

looks to him. "Really? I guess it is a bit rare..." He smiled a little. "If ye wanted, ye could probably visit them once this war is over. They like meetin' people."

smiled up at the other, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He knew that there was always a possibility that neither of them would make it out of this alive. But maybe this time he would allow himself

to be hopeful. "Sure, that would be nice"

smiles more. "It'll be great. I'm sure my sister will be glad to know that ye had my back or somethin'."

felt his heart clench again. The hopefulness that was beaming from the other was almost painful so see, did he really believe that they would definitely make it out alive? Did he have no fear that he would die

on the battlefield? Instead of voicing these thoughts, however, he smiled at the other again. "I'm sure she will"

always optimistic. He figured if he started to feel defeated he'd act like it, so he always did his best to be happy and hopeful. "Ye hungry? I figure we could go find out where the kitchen of this place and

get some food."

nodded to the other and got up from the bunk. "I think I know where the mess hall is at least. Saw it on the way in, they should be serving dinner now anyway"

got up and headed out after. He was so happy to have made a friend, and one that he seemed he could trust so easily.

walked around the various tents, looking for the largest one he had seen upon arriving to the camp, which he did surprisingly easy. Maybe the camps layout wasn't as hard to figure out as he thought it would be

smiled and licked his lips. "I know I won't get some good home cookin', but any food I'm thankful for. I know it's gonna be rough here..."

chuckled. "Again, you'll get used to it. But enjoy it the best you can, it gets worse once we end up on the front"

nods at that as he walked into the tent. "I can imagine... I've heard just bring lots of socks."

followed after the Dane, getting in line for whatever meal was being served. "Yes. Definitely bring as many socks as you can. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a pair of wet socks and no clean change"

made a mental note of that. "I have a lot, so I should be good. I know we can't bring too many clothes 'cause we need to move quickly..." He tried to think of what he'd need.

nodded. "Moving quickly is essential, yes, but you'll still need to try and carry as much as you can. If you're missing something in the field, you're going to be in trouble at some point or another"

smiles. "I got the muscle so I shouldn't disappoint." He got a small plate and walked past the distribution area as he let the chefs fill it with food, before finding a nice spot to sit where there was room

for them both.

followed the Dane, sitting next to him when they found a spot. "Any idea when they're going to be sending us to the fron then? You seem to have been at the camp longer than me, maybe you've heard something?"

nods as he started to dig in. "I've heard rumours that tomorrow they're gonna start pushin' troops up. Probably the more advanced so we keep the front. I imagine ye'd be there before me, but I don't know."

shrugged and started to eat what would probably be his last decent meal for quite a while "From my experience, they usually bunk people together for when they're rolling us out. Maybe I'll be held back for now"

smiles a little. "I'd not mind it... I feel we could become great war buddies."

smiled the other. "I wouldn't mind it either, Søren"

closed his palm and held out his fist to the other. "Brofist as a promise?"

blinked at the other for a few moments, before uncertaintly mimicking the other, not sure what exactly it meant.

chuckles and lightly hit their fists together. "A promise. Good."

still confused, but went along with it anyway. "You do realise there's a chance that we'll both get sent out early as well, right?"

nodded as he ate a bit more. "Ja, I'm well aware. I'm just tryin' to think for the better, and make the best of what happens."

smiled as he continued to eat. "I see you're an optimist then... We sure could use more like you on the front line, but god knows so little sign up. It crushes peoples spirits, you aren't the same after it..."

licked his lips after a bit. "So I've heard. But I have the best motivator in the world to keep me smilin'."

thought back to the pictures in Kas' book, specifically the one with him and his sister.. god did he hope that that would be enough to keep Søren going. He would hate to see such a warm person crumble under

the weight that wars put on you

had great spirit and motivation. He doubted anything could get him down. He finished as much as he could before passing his mashed potatoes to the other. "I know Germans are associated with potatoes a lot. So

do ye want the rest of mine?"

raised an eyebrow at the other, glancing at the food before back to the Dane. "You really should eat the rest of it. Even if you don't want it. If we get deported tomorrow, you're not gonna have a decent meal

until another 3 weeks have passed"

siiiighed and lazily nibbled on them. "I don't like eatin' too much normally."

finished his own plate and watched the other. "Trust me, you're gonna thank me if we get sent out tomorrow morning"

nods at that as he continued to shove potatoes into his mouth. "Uh huh. Remind me that when I have a stomachache later."

chuckled. "Will do."

finished of the potatoes slowly before putting his plate in a small bucket to be washed with the rest. "I think it'd be smart if we got some sleep."

nodded and placed his plate in the bucket along with Søren's. "Would probably be the best of ideas" he said, leading the way out of the mess tent and back towards their bunks.

fell quickly into step with the other, admiring his stance and pace. He felt safe knowing someone like him, and knew he'd be in good hands.

didn't know exactly how he felt. He'd never met anyone who he'd clicked with as easily as he had with Søren, and that frightened him a little...

would be curious as to why it frightened him. He knew that he felt great having Ludwig around, since it could pass time in the trenches.

frightened that it would deter him from his path, was scared that having a friend in the trench, who he would undoubtedly get close, would mean he would rethink some vital decisions, which could maybe cost him

his own life.

knew that war meant sacrifices, but he felt that having a friend was better than not. It helped keep them both sane, their moral up, and overall better.

supposed he was maybe overthinking it. Maybe having a friend in the trench would mean he could forget about worrying during the hours where they weren't all getting bombarded with artillery

patted his back as they got back to their barracks. "Just think happy thoughts, ja? Everythin' will be fine. Don't worry."

smiled half-heartedly at the other. "If you say so" he murmured as he sat down on his bunk and started to unlace his boots.

did the same as he flopped onto his bed. He didn't bother making them look neat as he took off his top and tossed it on top of his back. He wiggled under the sheet after and got comfortable. He took a deep

breath as he looked at the ceiling, contemplating things.

rolled his eyes at how reckless the other was, but couldn't help but smile. He carefully placed his boots at the bottom of his bunk before pulling the black issued tank top over his head and folded it neatly,

placing it ontop of his pack before climbing underneath the covers as well.

smiled faintly. "How long do ye think this war will go on for?"

glanced over at the over, studying his face as he thought of an answer. "I don't know... could take days, could take years. It all depends on what the guys up top say, doesn't it?"

nods a little at that. "I hope it's not years. I want to be able to see my family while I'm still young."

gave a non-commital hum, looking up at the tent awning. "I wish i could say the same, but... well... I don't really have anything to go back to. I can't even remember the last time I wrote to my mother..:"

frowns as he looked to him. "Maybe ye could send her a letter now."

let out a defeated sigh. "I wouldn't see the point... she didn't even see me off when I left for training, I doubt she even would care if I died"

shakes his head. "Every mother cares, and every mother worries. I think ye should send her a letter still. Better late than never, in my mind."

guessed he could at least give it a try... at the very least, it would please Søren. "Ok, if we don't get sent off tomorrow morning, I'll write a letter to her"

nods at that, smiling as he closed his eyes. "Good..." He was starting to get tired.

closed his eyes and tried to get as comfortable in his bunk as he could. He'd learnt to savour every night in base as his last, because they really could be deployed at any time.

fell asleep quickly after, glad to be feeling a bit more at home.

let his mind wander for a few minutes, thinking about what he could write in the letter, if he got the chance to write it, but nothing came to him. And shortly after he dozed off.