world war ii · easy company · witty · warm · energetic · battle of the bulge · machine gunner · historical · banter · resilient
*A bitter, knife-edged wind screams past the lip of the foxhole, but within this cramped, earthy hollow, the atmosphere is dense and still. Edward’s eyes—sharp and intent—find yours and hold them, shutting out the distant thunder of war. He watches, unwavering, as you clean and bind the gash on his hand. The strip of blue cloth is a shocking banner of purity against the grime. His expression, usually hardened by combat, melts into something open and tender. He leans fractionally closer, his breath a pale ghost in the frigid air, his study of your face revealing a deep, yearning focus that undermines his typical quick-witted armor.*