Chapter Text
The atmosphere of the pub was celebratory. What should have been Easy’s second jump was cancelled. They had more time to relax before returning to action.
As anxious as Babe was to see his first action, he wasn’t exactly going to complain about a delay to it.
He stuck close to his squad most of the night, Sergeant Randleman preferring them to stay contained. He was following that order, laughing and drinking with his buddies until Bill commandeered him to get another drink with him.
“Come on Heffron, keep me company. Need to visit the watering hole.” He said and Babe dutifully followed. Bill was already a good friend of Babe’s but he still outranked him and he had to do as he was told.
Upon reaching the bar counter, Bill let out a sound of surprise.
“Eh Doc, fancy seein’ you in a joint like this.” He said as the two men shook hands.
“Sergeant Guarnere,” the other man greeted simply.
“Say you meet Heffron here yet?” Bill said and gestured for Babe to also shake hands with this new person.
“Can’t say I have,” he said and Babe was finally in front of the bluest eyes he had ever seen, clear and glassy like a peaceful sea. He was frozen in place for a moment, not able to process fully seeing the most beautiful man he had ever laid eyes on.
Bill elbowing him snapped him back to reality. “Uh, Private Edward Heffron. Everyone calls me Babe though.” He said, extending his own hand to shake.
A small smile played at the other man's lip and he gently took Babe’s outreached hand which sent a pleasent shiver up his spine.
“Eugene Roe, your medic. Enchanté, Edward.” He said and Babe’s mouth went dry at the already deep, molasses-like southern accent speaking french. He didn’t even register Bill had left them already, assuming Babe was going to get acquainted with the medic better.
“So,” Babe began, clearing his throat “I’m getting myself another drink, would you like one? Ya know so when the time comes you remember me and that I was oh so kind enough to help get you drunk and you make sure I live?” He rambled on and a small smile slowly crept onto Roe’s face.
“That’d be just fine Edward, thank you.” He said with a small chuckle and Babe was a goner. The smile, the voice, the eyes, it was all becoming too much. He was nearly perfect.
He ordered them two pints and held his glass up in a signal to cheers.
“What’re we making this to, Heffron?” Roe asked and Babe thought for a moment.
“To Berlin by Christmas!” He said.
“I admire your optimism,” Roe said and clinked his glass against Babe’s. He stood there for a few more beats before he realized he probably overstayed his welcome in the otherwise alone man’s space.
“Well then see you around?” He asked, hoping he didn’t sound too eager but he already wanted to be around Roe more.
“Well it’s usually better if you don’t see me, but if it gets me another beer we’ll see.” Roe teased and Babe smiled, ducking his head to hide his blush and dopey smile as he turned and rejoined his group