Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As she was walking home from school, Liesel glanced at the Steiners’ house. In the street, Liesel saw Rudy chatting it up with a brunette girl whose braids ran down the sides of her head. Her complexion was milky white. She was smiling and talking animatedly. Liesel could only see the back of Rudy’s head, but he was nodding once in a while. She looked around their age.

Liesel thought this interaction was suspicious, because the only friend Rudy had that was a girl was her. Could it be his girlfriend? She thought this was unlikely too. Rudy always made it clear how he felt about Liesel. But what if he changed his mind and decided to go after someone else?

She decided to wait at the steps under her door to confront him about it. Liesel crossed her arms and tapped her foot on a stair until their conversation was done.

It'd been several seconds. When the girl left, Liesel walked down the steps and sped over to where Rudy stood.

While Rudy was turning, his eyes widened. “Liesel. You’re back early.”

“Yes, you didn’t wait for me,” Liesel accused. It wasn’t a contractual agreement that they’d walk home from school together, but they always did. It was part of their routine. Today, she thought something happened to him. Maybe he got lost in the woods or into a fight, but no. He was here flirting.

Confusion appeared on his face. “I had something to do,” Rudy said warily.

“Talk to a girl?” She couldn’t help but think it was pathetic she missed him wanting to race and talking her ear off beside her. It had just been one day. But when he wasn’t there, it bothered her immensely.

Rudy scrunched his eyebrows. “Uh, well. Some of the boys wanted to play in the fields, and I went with them.”

“Who was that?” Liesel pressed on.

“Bertha. She’s one of their relatives, visiting for a few weeks. I think she’s Tommy Mueller’s cousin.” Rudy’s words came out in spurts, as if he was being held on trial.

“Why’d she walk back with you?”

“I’m not so sure. I left, and she followed me. We talked a little when I was free. I was telling her about the neighborhood and life around here.”

“Is that it…?” Liesel asked, to assure herself.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much it. Is there something wrong?”

“No… No, there isn’t. I saw you two here and thought it looked strange. You didn’t tell me why you didn’t wait, and I was thinking something happened. If it was nothing, forget about it.”

Rudy crossed his arms. “Did you think I liked her?” A playful smirk adorned his face.

Liesel erased any trace of a smile on her face. She narrowed her eyebrows. “Of course not. That’s ridiculous. I don’t care about that,” Liesel defended to no avail.

She knew Rudy could see right through her. What she wasn’t sure of, was if Rudy saw the love for him that was growing inside her. They told each other everything, but Liesel couldn’t tell him this. At least not yet. It scared her. She never had such deep feelings for someone before. The fact that it was him, made her excited and worried. She didn’t want things between them to change.

“You’re the only one for me, Saumensch.”

Liesel’s face started burning. She blamed it on the hot sun. Her hands clenched into fists. How could he say things like that? Things that shook her heart and warmed her insides.

“Saukerl,” she muttered.

“Am I not yours?” Rudy asked.

Liesel couldn’t reply.

Rudy stepped closer, and Liesel stepped back. He was inches from her. She couldn’t do this. Not here. Not when her mama was in the house waiting for her to try her new soup recipe and her papa was maybe looking through the window spying on them. He couldn’t find out how she felt. She needed to hide it.

Liesel pushed Rudy backwards. It was a light push but strong enough to put a good amount of space between them. “What do you think you’re doing?” she blurted out.

He pointed to his lemon-colored bangs. “Your hair is falling out.”

She peeked above her. It was true. A curl hung down her forehead. She was in such a frenzy, her barrettes came loose.

Liesel let Rudy walk forward and tuck the piece of hair behind her ear. His fingers were cold yet comforting. She found herself endeared by the boniness of them. His touch was delicate, and it made her feel cherished.

She was sure her face was crimson.

Rudy stepped back after completing the task. He seemed pleased.

“I’m going to go home now,” Liesel said.

Rudy gave her a bright smile. “Me too. Should we steal something later?”

“I’m not really in the mood for that.” In actuality, Liesel wanted so badly to spend time with him. Too badly. If they went on normally and Liesel still hadn’t figured out what to do with her feelings, it could result in a dreadful end. She wasn’t sure about how they would be if they were more than friends and what defined that. She didn’t think it’d be that much different from how they were now. Running around, laughing, playing. Yet, they’d love each other openly which was bound to be different. It’d be in the way husbands and wives loved each other which caused her stomach to feel tingly.

Rudy didn’t argue with her this time, which disappointed her a little. “Have it your way, Liesel.” He began walking up the steps of his own house.

Liesel stood there, frozen. She watched Rudy enter his house curiously. She didn’t want him to leave. He chose this day of all days to not bother her.

She turned to go back to her own house. Liesel took slow steps, slumping on the way to the door. She fell in love with the boy who was a pain in the neck. She loved all the ways he frustrated her. It was a difficult fate to accept. If he were to be with someone else, she couldn’t handle that. Girls might like him, but he wouldn’t pursue them. Would he? Liesel turned the doorknob and entered her home, feeling an aching in her chest.

Chapter Text

From her bedroom, Liesel heard a knock on the front door. She put down the book of poems she was reading and headed to the kitchen. Liesel knew it could only be one person. Before opening the door, her hand hovered above the doorknob. She would tell Rudy how she felt eventually. She wasn't sure if that would be today, tomorrow, or in the future, but someday. Liesel turned the doorknob and was met with a smiling Rudy.

She was about to ask him what he wanted when she peered over to the side and saw the girl from yesterday standing behind him a few feet away. She grinned modestly when seeing her. Liesel looked at Rudy. What was this?

“We're going to this new apple orchard we found,” Rudy informed her. “Do you want to come?”

Liesel was in disbelief. She wanted to say no but couldn't. They were spending time alone together now? What did that mean? She was sure Rudy was just being friendly, but she didn't trust her. “Yes, I'll get my coat.”

Rudy smiled wider. Bertha waited in the same spot. Liesel went back into her bedroom and put on the coat hanging at the end of her bed. She didn't know what she was getting herself into.

Liesel walked back to the door. She stepped out and stood beside Rudy. This way Bertha would have to walk ahead.

“Hi! It’s nice to meet you. I’m Bertha. I’ve heard you know my cousin Tommy?” She turned and began leading the way to the orchard.

“I do. We’re friends,” Liesel replied briefly.

“Rudy’s told me all about you.” Bertha faced ahead.

Liesel turned to Rudy. He looked at her with a gleam in his eyes. The sun rays hit his hair and made it glow. A corner of Liesel’s mouth went up.

“Where is it?” she asked them.

“It’s a few minutes away,” Rudy said. “Up the hill. Near the field I told you about last time.”

Bertha continued marching to their destination. Her footsteps were light yet determined. They walked out of Himmel Street and to the grassier areas of the neighborhood.

They stopped walking when seeing tall leafy trees. The trees were far apart from each other so there was plenty of room to run. It was very sunny, but the heat wasn’t unbearable. The sky was mostly blue with little clouds.

“There they are!” Bertha pointed to several green apple trees. She turned to Liesel. “Those are the tastiest.”

“I prefer the red ones,” Rudy told her, “but she insists.”

Bertha ran to a tree in the middle of the field and began climbing it. Rudy followed her. Liesel watched from below as they each grabbed and bit into a green apple.

Liesel thought this view was pretty distasteful. Rudy smiled at Liesel as he took a chomp of his apple. His gaze wasn’t leaving hers. Liesel’s stomach felt like it was about to burst. She wished he would stop looking at her like that. When he did, it was difficult to keep cool.

She needed to look away. Liesel’s gaze was now fixated on the tree trunk.

“Saumensch, heads up!” Rudy called out.

Liesel lifted her eyes and saw an apple being tossed her way. It fell into her hands. She observed the shiny exterior. The gloss was an indicator of juiciness. She took a bite. It was sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Liesel looked back up at the tree.

Bertha climbed to the side of it that Rudy was on. Rudy sat next to her. This will not do, Liesel thought. Liesel discarded the green apple. She began climbing the tree from the back. Liesel was able to maneuver herself so she was next to Rudy on the very edge of the tree branch.

Leaves shedded from the branches and drifted to the ground. Liesel wondered if the weight was enough to hold all of them. As long as she didn’t move too much, it’d be fine.

The view was astounding. There was a farm miles ahead and more trees that made up a forest.

Rudy loosely held onto her waist. There was only so much room on the branch. Liesel looked at him. He gazed at her adoringly. Blood rushed to Liesel’s ears. She wondered if he could hear her heart beating. It was loud and fast.

When they were done eating, they let their apple cores fall to the ground.

“This is very pretty,” Liesel said.

“It sure is!” Bertha agreed.

“Bertha, how long are you staying for?” Liesel asked. She hoped she didn’t come across as brusque. Though it did feel like she was intruding on the things her and Rudy usually do together. Liesel wouldn’t mind if she planned to leave soon. 

“Until the end of next week. I hope we can do more things together in the meantime.” She placed a hand on Rudy’s shoulder.

Instinctively, Liesel swatted her hand away.

Rudy turned to her. His eyes widened. 

Bertha looked shocked and retreated into her corner of the tree.

Liesel panicked. “I… thought I saw a fly, or a moth. I’m sorry.”

“That is alright,” Bertha reassured.

Rudy looked at Liesel questioningly. His expression held a cautious affection. He tightened his grip on her.

“I’m hungry and could use more food. I’ll head back home,” Bertha said.

Liesel thought she was leaving because of what she did. Nonetheless, Liesel felt grateful.

“See you, Rudy,” Bertha said.

“Bye,” he said in return.

Bertha climbed down the tree and walked across the field of grass until she became a dot.

“Let’s go too,” Rudy said.

Liesel reluctantly nodded. He let go of her waist and climbed down the tree. She followed him. On their walk back home, she expected Rudy to ask about her odd behavior, but he didn’t say anything.

Rudy dropped Liesel off at her door. He was about to go back to his own house when Liesel craved to reveal how she feels. “Wait, Rudy.”

“What is it?” he asked.

“I wanted to tell you…”

He raised his eyebrows.

The words escaped her. “You looked especially hideous today.”

Rudy smirked. “So did you.”

He departed, and regret came over Liesel.

Liesel opened her door and leaned on it mournfully when she was inside. She couldn’t do it yet. It was not the right time. But it would be eventually. He was hers, and that was certain.

Chapter Text

Liesel hid herself away in her home for a few days. She ran into Rudy a few times at school, and they’d walk home together. Aside from that, they wouldn’t do much. She knew this avoidance made her puny, but she had a plan. When she gathered the courage to tell him how she feels, she’d knock on his door. Occasionally, she would peep through the window to see if Rudy was out with Tommy’s cousin again.

There was no sign of her. It was a relief to Liesel, but she still felt suspicious. As Liesel scanned the outskirts of Himmel Street, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Liesel jumped and turned to the side.

“What are we looking at?” Hans asked.

“Nothing. I was seeing if it’s about to rain later.”

Hans squinted and glanced outside. Sunlight diffused underneath transparent clouds. “Doesn’t seem to be. Why? Are you meeting Rudy later?”

“No!” Liesel answered, a little too quickly. “I mean, no I’m not. Maybe. I don’t know. He could be busy.”

Hans’ eyes widened. “Is something bothering you, Liesel?” She thought maybe he knew what was off about her.

Liesel shook her head.

“Okay, well, if anything is, you can always come to me.”

“I know, Papa. Thanks.”

He gave her a pat on the head.

“You filthy Saukerl!” Rosa screamed from the bedroom. “Get back in here and help with the folding!” 

“My duty awaits.” Hans slowly walked towards the bedroom.

Liesel smiled and turned back to the window when he was gone.

She bit the nail on her thumb. She wanted to see him and hoped he was home. Liesel went out the door and made her way to the Steiners’.

Her heart started beating faster. She stood on her toes then back on her heels and repeated this until the click of the doorknob turning.

Rudy opened the door. He was in his pajamas and clearly hadn’t gone anywhere that day. Liesel felt lighter instantly.

“Hey. Did you… need something?” he asked, his face curious.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Liesel directed her thumb to the street.

Rudy glanced in that direction. “Sure. I’ll go and change.”

Liesel nodded, attempting not to seem too eager. Rudy closed the door, and Liesel thought she saw a smile on his face before he did. She sat on nearby steps, waiting for him. Her hands rested on her cheeks. Her elbows were on her knees. Liesel’s mind was in a daze. Rudy being her boyfriend. The thought made her delirious. She giggled to herself.

A minute later, Rudy came out of his house dressed with slightly neater looking hair. Liesel looked at him adoringly. She couldn’t hide it anymore. He made her feel unexplainable things.

They started walking past the houses and apartments on Himmel Street, enjoying each other’s company.

“Been up to much?” Rudy asked Liesel. “These days you hunker down in your house like a stowaway.”

Liesel’s cheeks turned red. Had he noticed and been thinking about her? She stopped in her tracks. Rudy stopped walking with her.

She didn’t realize she stopped. Liesel resumed walking shortly after. “I haven’t really. I didn’t even notice that.”

Rudy raised an eyebrow. “Alright, Saumensch.”

Liesel couldn’t help but ask. “What about you? Are you still seeing Bertha?”

“No, I’m not,” Rudy confirmed.

Liesel felt overjoyed. “Really? Why?”

Rudy glanced at Liesel. “Well… I noticed you felt uncomfortable or something around her.”

Liesel couldn’t look at him. Was she that obvious? “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

Rudy smiled, and she caught it this time. “Who said it was for you?”

More people appeared. They’d gotten to the shops at the edge of the street.

Liesel tried her hand at flirting. “Isn’t everything you do for me?” Not the smoothest but passable.

Rudy didn’t seem to pick up on anything unfamiliar. “We went to the fields and walked home a few times, as you know. After that, nothing else. Yesterday was when I last saw her.”

Liesel felt flushed from her flirtation attempt. Now, she was flustered from Rudy’s reassurance.

“She did tell me something though,” Rudy revealed.

“What did she tell you?” Liesel’s stomach suddenly sank.

They were approaching the lake in front of the forest. Rudy walked on the trail, and Liesel followed. He turned to face her. “She said, she likes me.”

Liesel’s worst fear came true. She held her breath and wasn’t blinking. 

“Liesel?” Rudy questioned.

He looked into her eyes with a softness that made her melt. “And?” she mumbled, hoping he’d hear and continue.

“And I said I didn’t feel the same way.”

Liesel felt a slight happiness again. She sat down on the grassy dirt and gazed at the water rippling in low tides. She couldn’t stand after hearing that. Rudy sat beside her an inch away.

“I don’t know why you’re telling me this,” Liesel said, annoyance in her tone.

Rudy shrugged. “I have nothing better to do.”

Liesel side-eyed him. He grinned. His attention was on her and not the water.

He chuckled. “You’re so concentrated.”

She glared, feeling irritated. “Can’t have a moment of peace with you.”

Rudy continued grinning. He looked at the grass then the lake.

Liesel stole a glance. She thought now would be a good time to tell him. She touched his arm. He turned to her.

“I, um…” Liesel wondered if she seemed visibly conflicted. She scratched the back of her neck.

“Spit it out, Saumensch.” Rudy likely sensed her nerves.

“I appreciate you. I really do. When we see each other, it means so much to me. There are days where us being together is all I need. To feel comforted. To feel alive.”

Rudy’s energy shifted from calm to nervous. “Could I ask you something?”

Liesel looked into his eyes. They were a glistening blue. “Yes.”

“Is there a chance for us? You know, to be more than friends.”

Liesel stiffened, yet she couldn’t look away. Her heart pounded in her chest. Rudy’s eyes carried a tempered vulnerability. He anticipated her answer. She would give it to him despite her fears.

“There is.”

Rudy smirked. “I knew it.”

Liesel gasped and punched him in the arm. She stood up and brushed off her dress. Liesel began marching towards town. She fumed. He was such a fool. 

She heard Rudy’s laughter and him running after her. “Hey. Where are you going?”

Liesel was determined to leave him behind when she felt movement in the palm of her hand.

Rudy interlaced their fingers. Liesel stopped storming. She looked up at him, wide-eyed. She felt warm from head to toe.

“I’ll walk you home. Unless another boy is? You may have boys lining up at your door. I have no idea.”

“I d-don’t—H-how could I?” Liesel stuttered. She composed herself. “Take me back, Rudy.”

He grinned and held her hand tighter. Liesel looked at this and couldn’t believe what was happening. Her love for her best friend was out in the open. She couldn’t be more happy. 

Chapter Text

The feeling of his hand in hers was very warm. Their fingers intertwined with each other in such a way that Liesel could feel the creases of Rudy's hand. Her thumb grazed the back of it. The afternoon swept across them. The sky was a light yet radiant blue. Birds flew overhead and soared with no limits. Liesel looked at Rudy. He seemed coy, an unfamiliar sight. A soft grin adorned his face. He looked at her too, astonished. They were both at a loss for words.

Noticing they were approaching Himmel Street, a leaping found its way into Liesel's heart. She finally managed to say something. "I don't think we should do this here. What if people see?"

Rudy appeared amused. "Are you embarrassed of me?"

"It's not that," Liesel said. "They could make fun of us, you know. And what about my mother and father?"

He shrugged, not the least bit upset. "Do whatever you want." 

Her fingers subtly released from Rudy's. They walked without touching now. Liesel rubbed her fist out of uncertainty. She glanced at him again, and he wore the same lighthearted grin. She wasn't sure what this reveal meant for them and their relationship.

"Are—are you..." Liesel stuttered out.

"Am I?" Rudy asked.

Liesel shook her head. "Never mind." She intended to ask what he was to her. It felt too soon. She wanted to linger in it more, Rudy being hers.

"You're a strange one," Rudy commentated.

They got to Munich Street and were passing by the shops. "But you like that, don't you?" Her flirting skills were honing themselves.

Rudy smiled while glancing in the candy shop. "I do, yes. Go ahead and get a big head from it."

Liesel playfully pushed him into the street. A bicycle flew past and rang its horn. Rudy stepped to the side before it ran over him. He stepped straight into Liesel. Their stomachs collided clumsily. Liesel blushed as Rudy resumed walking.

"Did you plan this walk so you could plot my death?"

"You weren't suppose to find out this way."

"Very unnerving, Liesel."

After walking several more minutes, they were met with familiar crooked brick houses. Liesel was shocked Rudy hadn't asked his infamous question. It was the perfect opportunity. She started to prepare herself if he did. They stopped in front of Liesel's house and turned to each other. She didn't want to say goodbye.

"Can't you come inside?" Liesel asked.

Rudy's hands went to his back pockets. "Do you want your mother to kill me?" he chuckled.

Liesel imagined her chasing Rudy out with a broom. She smiled defeatedly.

They looked into each other's eyes for quite some time. Liesel awaited Rudy's request, thinking he no longer wanted one. Was she unappealing today? Liesel tilted her cheek towards his face a little to remind him. Rudy smiled at this and leaned forward. His lips stamped her cheek. He applied them with a bit of pressure and pulled away shortly. Liesel could feel the chapped texture of them. Yet, they were warm and soft and alighted her soul. She thought she could get used to the feeling.

"Well I'll see you tomorrow." Rudy stepped backwards.

"See you tomorrow." Liesel gave a little wave. She held his gaze until he turned around and went home.

Inside, Hans sat at the kitchen table. Rosa was busy stirring a pot on the stove. "Liesel, wash up. Lunch is ready." Hans eyed Liesel. His eyebrow raised, and he clasped his hands together. Liesel hid her hands behind her back as if she had something to hide. There was nothing. There was only unbound joy simmering in her heart. She smiled at him. He smiled back, knowing something she hadn't told him.

Liesel went into the bathroom and washed her hands. She came back out and sat next to Hans. Rosa set down two bowls of pea soup. "What are you so happy about?" Rosa asked. She placed a hand on her hip and the other on an empty chair. A towel was thrown over her shoulder. 

"I'm not happy," Liesel replied. She tamed the ear-to-ear smile residing on her face. It became a mild grin. Liesel rubbed her cheeks in case she still blushed.

Rosa glanced at Hans. "I think she's finally gone insane. We'll have to keep a watch on her."

Hans let go of his spoon which had not lifted a portion of soup. "Leave the girl alone."

Rosa's eyes peered through him. She took the towel from her shoulder and returned to the stove to clean. 

Liesel began sipping the soup to avoid any more conversation.

That night, Liesel went to bed the happiest she felt in a while. The air felt cooler, and her body was lighter. She closed her eyes and did not have nightmares. She dreamt about lemon-blond hair, thin bones, and knobby knees in front of a white backdrop. Her mind let her be filled with the utmost fondness so she woke up tranquil.

Liesel found the house to be empty. She presumed her mother decided to take the ironing to customers on her own, and her father needed to paint a building early. Right as she was eating some leftover bread, there were knocks on the door. Liesel put away her plate. She opened the door where Rudy was on the other side.

There was something in his hand, judging from the noise of crinkled plastic. Liesel looked at his other hand. He held a round green candy dusted in sugar. "This morning, I found coins in the grass by the river bank. Two of them! How lucky is that?" 

Rudy exhibited the candy to her.

"You could've gotten something else with them." The frugalness that's been instilled in her from living with the Hubermanns took over.

He did a one-shoulder shrug. "I could've. But you like these, don't you?" Rudy moved his hand closer to her face. "Take it. It's yours."

Liesel removed the piece of candy from his palm. She wondered if they'd share it like they did when they were younger. It didn't seem he was being too greedy today. She plopped the candy in her mouth and tasted the tart and minty flavors. It was green apple. Rudy grinned and began walking towards his house. Liesel followed. He sat on the steps, resting his arms over his knees. While sitting below him, Liesel wondered if they would have to act differently now.

"Rudy."

He turned his head towards her. "Saumensch."

"Am I your girlfriend?" Liesel asked. She genuinely wanted to know.

Rudy's mouth dropped open slightly, enough to let air in. He looked at her face for a few seconds. The atmosphere felt anticipatory.

He laughed.

"What is so funny, Saukerl?" Liesel blurted out, incredulous. 

"Nothing. It's nothing," Rudy confirmed. "Do you want to be?"

Liesel felt her face heating up. He looked at her smugly. His eyes scanned over hers with an affection.

"I don't know if you meet my standards," she said.

Rudy broke eye contact and faced the street. Another laugh came out of his mouth. "You sure about that?"

"You're dirty most of the time, you don't know when to shut your mouth, and you can't mind your own business."

He looked back at her. "I feel complimented."

Liesel smirked. She fidgeted with her fingers. "Are you saying yes or no?"

Rudy moved down a step. He scooted closer towards her and engulfed her in a side-hug. Their faces were very close. Liesel stopped breathing for a second.

"Yes. You are my Saumensch, after all."

He grinned, and Liesel grinned too. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into her. Rudy held her tight, and she embraced the feeling. He smelled like soap and sugar. His scent cleansed her. The strands of his hair softly brushed her own. Liesel could've held on to him forever, and she most certainly would.

Chapter Text

Sirens blared in the night. The noise flooded throughout the houses on Himmel Street. Liesel put down her pen. She’d been writing away in the basement, working on a new story. This one was about a boy, a girl, and their unbreakable bond in the midst of war and chaos. It did not have a title yet. Liesel considered “Candlelight in my Dreams.”

It began with her meeting Rudy on that cold winter’s day. Him throwing a snowball at her face. Them racing at the stadium. She described how he encouraged her in school when she was learning how to read. The unfamiliar freedom that came with having someone believe in her. Him accompanying Liesel to the mayor’s house while she discovered the world of books. The surety they’d always leave together. It was all in there.

Now that their feelings were out in the open, they’d been spending more time together. She wrote about their adventures around Molching. In the forest, they walked hand in hand on their way home from school and chased each other around until sun set. At an apple orchard, they rested on a blanket and sprawled out, looking into each other’s eyes. That day, Liesel wanted to lean forward and press her lips to his. Her nerves got the better of her. She kissed the tip of his nose instead. A quick peck. Even that turned her red.

“You missed,” Rudy said nonchalantly.

He laid his head on his overlapped arms and gazed up at her. Liesel’s heart skipped a beat. The eastern winds blew through their hair.

“Take what you get,” Liesel replied.

He smiled a very keen smile. Then he left it alone.

She hoped the pages would be safe from destruction. Liesel ran her fingers over the parchment. She couldn’t possibly bring them with her. A book like she always did, maybe, but she wanted to keep this story as her own for now.

Liesel made her way up the stairs. Rosa waited at the entrance. She said, “Move it, Saumensch.” Liesel nodded. Before leaving, she grabbed The Whistler from her bed. Rosa checked that Liesel’s coat was tight enough, pulling it into her chest. She patted Liesel’s shoulders and pushed her out the door. Rosa stepped out next and closed the door.

The night air was cool and crisp. It held a sharpness that cut. Clouds of dark gray loomed overhead. On the way to the air raid shelter, Liesel spotted Rudy in the middle of the street. His mother and siblings scurried to the 45 Himmel Street house, while he walked to her.

Rudy settled beside Liesel. Their arms were almost linked. "Hi, Liesel."

They continued walking to the Fielders. 

She smiled at him. "Hi, Rudy."

With the atmosphere, it'd be expected that they couldn't muster up smiles anyhow. Yet, they were able to. Rosa eyed Rudy suspiciously. She did not say anything. 

In the basement, Liesel read more chapters of The Whistler to those there. She stopped when a loud boom made the ceiling shake a little. Liesel proceeded to close the book and lay it beside her. The other families in the basement huddled into one another.

Liesel glanced at Rudy, and he looked at her fretfully. She frowned. Rudy inched towards her. He placed his arm around Liesel. It carried a warmth despite the skinniness of it. She put her head on his shoulder. Liesel breathed in the smell of grass and resin from trees. The freshness melded with the awareness that everything around them effused a burnt aroma.

When her nose brushed his neck, Rudy started rubbing Liesel's arm with his thumb. It felt natural. It felt right. She grinned and slid her hands around his hips for just a moment.

They stayed next to each other until the skies cleared and they could return home.

Liesel walked up the basement stairs with Rosa next to her and the Steiners behind them. Rosa hadn't said a word about the closeness between her and Rudy growing. This made Liesel wonder if she already suspected they were together. In this case, Liesel didn't need to make any sort of announcement.

As they went home, Rosa walked ahead, talking to Mrs. Steiner about where their husbands might be.

Rudy walked beside Liesel. In the moonlight, silver rays reflected off his hair. His eyes were a darker, more majestic blue. When he looked at Liesel, she felt calmer yet an unease simmered below the surface.

She shivered as the wind blew by them. "Rudy." He turned to her. "What if we don't make it? What if the bombs come here and we never see each other again? Everything would be destroyed." Liesel spoke in a soft voice as to not evoke panic inside herself.

Rudy stopped in his tracks momentarily. "What's the use thinking of something that hasn't happened yet?" he questioned.

Liesel turned towards him. She grasped at his wrist. "I don't want to lose you." Too many people up and left her life without warning.

His eyes locked on hers. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Promise?"

A brief silence swept in. "I promise." 

Liesel let go of his wrist, and they continued walking. The seriousness of the night carried on. It seeped into the neighborhood's shadows and hovered over Liesel as she laid in bed. The gloomy dark lulled her to sleep. 

The next day, Liesel woke to an empty house again. It upset and excited her at the same time. Rudy could come over. She got dressed, drank a tall glass of milk, and prepared to knock on his door. Three knocks later, he appeared already dressed himself. He had on an attractive wool sweater and tailored pants. His hair was combed in that nice-looking way that Liesel adored. Parted messily to the side. In that instant, she felt her breath got taken away. He was so handsome.

Liesel's eyebrows raised. "Going somewhere?"

"No. Do you expect me to look like a slob all the time?"

"It isn't that. You just, usually don't look like this." Liesel suddenly felt bashful and glanced at her feet.

He shrugged. "I'm trying something new. It seems to be working, yes?" Rudy asked and subtly winked afterwards.

Liesel didn't answer and turned to the side. "I'm leaving."

Rudy stepped out. His hand slid into hers. Liesel looked at him, and he smiled.

"There—There's nobody home today. Do you want to come over?" she asked, feeling nervous. 

Rudy nodded. "If you have food."

"You know I don't have food." If she had food, she'd give it to him.

Rudy smiled once more. "That's too bad."

Liesel opened the door to her house and waited for Rudy to go in. After he did, she closed the door and led the way to her bedroom.

He glanced around. "There's a lot of space in here."

"It feels that way because people are barely in it." Liesel couldn't recall the last time the Hubermanns had a visitor. A real one. This was an interesting occurrence. She had nearly forgotten how to greet guests, but it was just Rudy. There wasn't much pressure. Liesel stood in front of her bed, observing Rudy who examined his surroundings. His eyes landed on Liesel as she sat down. He smiled and sat next to her.

Liesel remained silent for a long time, unsure of what she should do. Rudy wasn't filling in the silence, like he usually did. A drowsy feeling struck her. "I'm tired. I want to go back to sleep."

Rudy softly chuckled. "Do you?"

She nodded once and fidgeted with her fingers. "Maybe just rest for a bit."

"I'll rest with you. If that's alright?" His face leaned closer to hers, and he smiled a little wider.

Liesel's face got warm. It was as if the sun found its way inside. She needed to turn away. After averting her gaze, Liesel realized she wasn't answering. "Sure, since you're already here. But don't do anything funny."

"Well, I won't," Rudy said.

Liesel swung her legs over to lay down on the other side of the bed. Her head hit the pillow, and it was instantly cool. She closed her eyes for a second, and Rudy laid beside her. His hands rested on the comforter. Hers were in a sleeping position. Yet, all of a sudden, Liesel felt awake as ever. She wriggled her foot without knowing. Their socks accidentally touched. A tingling sensation ran through her.

Rudy looked calm, and he continued smiling. 

She was too aware of his every movement. Liesel wondered if this was normal for girlfriends.

Liesel felt compelled to run her fingers through his bangs. Her fingers hovered in the air before landing on his forehead. She patted his hair in soft strokes. Rudy's face dropped as he watched her. He seemed concentrated on something. His pattern of blinking was uneven. Liesel pulled her hand back hesitantly. She began to think this was too close. 

"How about a kiss, Saumensch?" Rudy whispered.

Liesel started to smile and leaned forward a bit. Rudy met her halfway. Their lips touched, and everything felt brighter. It was a funny feeling, just skin pressing on skin. Her heart soared up to the sky. Her body floated. She never felt anything like this. It was magnificent, and it was beautiful. Rudy pressed his lips firmer to hers. More warmth spread throughout her. Liesel held onto his arm until Rudy pulled his face away. They kissed for several seconds.

He grinned. "Not bad."

Liesel smirked. "No, it wasn't." She hugged him tight, afraid he'd disappear if she let go. Rudy held her with as much ferocity.

It was enough that they were there to love each other with everything they had. Liesel would make it enough. Through all their challenges, one thing never changed. Their enduring connection.