Chapter Text
By the time they arrived at their new military base, everyone was too exhausted to even think about celebrating.
Bill and Ted had been responsible for locating and restoring the ruins, communicating with the captain constantly. Two months after the incident, they saw him again at 11:00 a.m., covered in dust, with prominent dark circles under his eyes, leading the group ahead of Steve.
They both gave a military salute, and Bill spoke first.
-Good to see you again, Captain. Ted and I cleaned up, created a top-notch communications room, completely eradicated the rat infestation, and...
-Almost completely- Ted interrupted.
-Ugh, spare me the details and tell me where the hell can I find water in this place.
-The kitchen, bar, or whatever you want to call it, is in the third building on the far left, sir- Said William.
John, his voice hoarse, repeated the instruction to the entire troop, and a weary murmur of relief ran through them. They resumed their advance, and then the sniper with the bright green goggles decided to pull Steve out of the group.
-Hey, kid! Long time no see, huh?
-H-Hey Ted- the tall, though young, soldier replied weakly, his smile lacking his usual tone.
Tankman noticed the absence of his right-hand man and started to turn back. Had he not been so exhausted from the march, his reaction would have been immediate.
-Hey pal, I don't know if all that semen in your eyes blinded you or if you're just plain stupid, but my boy right here can't live without water, so let him go.
-Nice to see you too, cap. I was just saying hi to Steve, I don't see the problem.
-Damn, well if you don't see it, my theory is right and you are a blind motherfuck...
-Don't worry, Captain John, I-I'll be there in a few minutes- Steve interrupted.
The Sergeant frowned and snorted, and before preparing to move forward with the rest, he replied.
-Whatever you say, Stevenson.
The quickness of his firm footsteps as he moved ahead added even more sand to the yellowish cloud that rose and surrounded the soldiers. Ted looked surprised, though amused.
-Holy fucking shit! Looks like I just got you into trouble this time, kid. Did you see that, Bill?
-Uh-huh...- Billy said, looking anxious and distracted. He searched through the crowd for his wife, but couldn't find her anywhere.
-Cap's acting like a bitch on her period! Ha!
-Well, it's more like all the accumulated frustration and stress. He's not actually mad at you or me, but things have been... tense for the last two months...
As he explained, Steven took off his goggles and wiped them with a pink cloth. The thin, worn brown fabric he and several others used to protect their mouths and noses from dust had slipped down to his neck. The helmets were too heavy and hot, so they'd opted for that. As a result, feigning disinterest, the group was scrutinizing each other's faces for the first time in ages, glancing at each other in the corner of their eyes.
-I feel like it's my fault...- He put his goggles back on. The subordinate's eyes remained sad and desolate. Ted couldn't find what to say, and William wasn't there to support him.
-I mean... frankly, yes, it was your fault, entirely, but...
-Ted!
Even though he was barely paying attention, the one covered in bandages managed to hear his friend's babbling.
-What?! I wouldn't let myself be captured by the enemy just like that... the point is, uh, it... it doesn't matter, kid...
-Yes, it does matter...
-Hehe... well, look, maybe that idiot John was right, you should hydrate that brain of yours, everyone looks like absolute shit, including you.
Silent, and avoiding the sniper's gaze, Stevenson nodded and began to back away, dragging his feet.
-Don't you want me to join you?
-I don't want to be rude Ted, but no, I'm okay. Thanks...
As the young soldier's figure blurred into the cloud of dust, the man in green goggles watched with a mixture of concern and discomfort, trying not to berate himself for not knowing how to handle situations like this.
-Damn it...- He looked away, searching his heavy fanny pack for something, finally pulling out a half-smoked cigarette and lighting it with ease.
-These fucking kids nowadays... I mean, I know he's sensitive and all, but can't he... I don't know, accept his responsibility for what he did and move on? What the hell? We all make really fucking stupid mistakes at some point in our lives, and that's okay, I guess. Right, Billy?
Silence.
-Bill?
Turning around, hoping his friend would agree and offer some comfort, he found no one beside him. He spun around 360 degrees, only to discover, stunned, that Billy was nowhere to be seen.
-Are you se...? THAT SON OF A BITCH! Agh!
As he yelled, the cigarette fell from his mouth. He picked it up aggressively, and realizing it was now useless, snarled it away. Unwilling to follow the trail of footprints like the rest, he sat down on some nearby rubble and began smoking another cigarette while muttering, rather strong words, under his breath.