Behind The Lines *WW2 Fan-fiction*

Chapter 15

I looked around at the others and noticed that Stiles began to wake up. He began to stir before opening his eyes and putting on his glasses. Once he saw us, he jumped
a little. "What are you doing up?" I shrugged my shoulders at his question and then pointed to Zuss. "He woke me up."
Zuss shrugged and took a drag from his cigarette, "I just wanted to tell you to ignore what he says to you. He's always saying shit like that to me and when I was stabbed, his comments only got worse." He was obviously referring to Pierson.
"He's an asshole." I muttered and buttoned up my shirt. "I don't see why he has to be such a prick."

Stiles sighed heavily, "I know Kasserine changed him. I heard he wasn't such a hard ass before that happened."
I glanced at the ground and then at Aiello before motioning to him with my head.
"Well, did he change much?" I questioned and looked back at Zuss and Stiles.
"Hard to say. I've always known him to be a stubborn, cocky-"

"I can hear you, Zuss." Aiello cut him off with a groan and Zuss let out a chuckle.
Aiello sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Why are you all awake? You know we still have a few hours to kill before we have to be up?" Aiello asked rhetorically as he looked at his watch. I looked over at Zuss before speaking, "he woke me up."

Zussman rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "I just wanted to tell you to not worry about Pierson." He defended himself, whilst Stiles shook his head.
"It couldn't have waited until later?" He asked in a sarcastic tone.
"Well, I couldn't sleep and I wanted someone to talk to." Zuss muttered quietly and I held back a giggle. "Well, now you have three of us to talk to." I told him and looked down at Daniels, who was still fast asleep.
"How is he still asleep?" Aiello asked with a slight chuckle. I was jealous of Daniels. He was a heavy sleeper. But he sometimes would wake up from nightmares. He suffered with the same one all the time.

"Well, I'm not tired anymore." I said as I raised a brow at Zuss, but he just laughed in response.
"You're welcome." He responded with a smirk. I rolled my eyes at him and let out a groan.
"I'm gonna go outside for a smoke." Aiello muttered, pulling out a cigarette from his box. "Anyone coming?" He asked us all and stood up. I nodded my head and stood with him.
"If I'm asleep when you get back, please leave me." Stiles mumbled and laid down, removing his glasses. I gave him a small smile. "Of course, I will. Night." I told him as I followed Aiello out. I heard Zussman whistle but I shook it off.

Aiello passed me a cigarette and I thanked him before putting it in between my lips. He lit it for me and then lit his cigarette. I took a drag and looked around at the camp. A few people were on night watch but everyone else was asleep.
Pierson was losing his mind. He was probably passed out in his tent with a bottle of whiskey clutched in his hand. I rolled my eyes at the thought of him and let out a quiet sigh.
I shivered as snow flakes landed on me. The wind was slowly picking up which didn't help at all.

"Cold?" Aiello asked, as he watched me shiver.
"A little." I replied as I took another drag from my cigarette. He chuckled lowly, causing me to look over at him.
"A little?" He raised his brow, "You're freezing." He told me and removed his thick coat. I shook my head and watched him move over to me.
"I'm fine, honestly." But Aiello didn't take that for an answer.
"You aren't fine. Here." He draped his coat around my shoulders.
I looked up at him with concern. "What about you?" I asked him. He waved a hand with a small smirk. "Come here." My heart raced and I slowly moved over to him. He wrapped his right arm around me and pulled me close to him. I could feel my cheeks heat up, but I couldn't help but smile.
"That's better." Aiello said as our bodies were connected. I glanced up at him and we caught eye contact. My heart pounded against my chest and his smile sent a tingly sensation down my spine.

I slowly pulled away from his gaze and looked up at the sky, gazing at the few lone stars.
I could feel Aiello's gaze on me as I tossed my cigarette on the ground.
After a moment, I could feel his gaze move from me as he looked up at the stars with me. There was a star above me and I instantly got the feeling that it was my dad, standing by me. Watching over me. I smiled to myself and hoped he could see me. I hoped he was guiding me to success. To continue my life outside of war.

"We should get going back." Aiello said softly. I nodded as I pulled away from him and wiped a tear that I didn't realise was there at first. Aiello didn't notice and he looked down and smiled at me, I returned the same smile before following him inside.

Once we entered the tent, we noticed that Zuss finally went to sleep. I mentally chuckled before removing my gear and boots. Aiello quickly did the same and laid in his sleeping bag. I did the same and glanced over at him. He gave me butterflies in my stomach the way he grinned at me and I couldn't help but blush under his sight. I watched as he closed his eyes. "Night, Heidi." The way he said my name was everything. I froze for a moment before softly responding.

"Night, Frank."