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Winter grips them with an iron fist. The frost bites into their skin, and the icy winds tore through the thin uniforms that hung loosely on their starving bodies.The war is nearing it's end, and the Germans were desperate, moving prisoners constantly to avoid Allied forces. Hambone, with little Joey bundled against his chest, marched alongside his friends through brutal snow, their boots crunching over frozen ground.Every step is agony. His body aches from exhaustion, hunger, and the cold, but he never wavered. Joey is depending on him.His friends, his family, Brady, Bucky, DeMarco, Murphy, Crank, Buck, and Eugene Roe, flank him, taking turns with carrying Joey or shielding him from the worst of the wind."Pass him here, Howie," Brady says one freezing morning, his voice low but firm. Hambone hesitates, reluctant to let go of his son, but Brady shoots him a look. "You need to rest your arms. I've got him don't worry."Hambone relents, before handing Joey to Brady, who tucks the tiny boy inside his jacket, cradling him close. Joey stirs, letting out a soft whimper, but Brady gently shushes him. "I've got you, little guy," he whispers, pressing a kiss to the top of Joey's head.The group moves as one, a fragile but determined family bound by shared pain and hope.Hambone to distract his mind, went back to all the little moments that kept them all going.Joey's first smile came on a rare sunny day, Hambone was sitting against the bottom bunk. Joey sat in his lap, Hambone's fingers brushed over his baby's chubby cheeks, just marveling how something so pure could exist in the midst of horror.Joey gurgles, and then, like a miracle, his little mouth curled upward into a beaming smile. Hambone's breath caught, his heart swelling in his chest."Hammy!" Bucky calls, leaning over from the middle bunk to see. "Did he just? Oh my god, he did!"Everyone crowded around after that, their exhausted faces lighting up with grins. For just a moment, the war, the cold, and the hunger disappears.Not long after that, they huddled together, watching Joey on Gene's jacket as he played with his hands, and toes, and then he just rolled over for the first time right onto the rough wooden floor. Hambone and the others clapped and cheered softly, their spirits buoyed by the tiny triumph."He's a tough one," Murphy murmured, smiling down at Joey. "Just like his parents."Joey's milestones became a source of hope for all of them. His first tooth, his determined crawling across the barrack floor, his tiny hands pulling himself up to stand against Hambone's knees, each moment was a victory.And so now all huddled together on a train either to another shit hole Stalag or death, watching as Joey took his first steps, toddling his way towards Hambone with this proud, toothy grin, everyone knew it was gonna be okay somehow.And so they ended up in another shit hole Stalag, this one worse then the one Joey was born in. But they made it work in the end.But then everything turned around, help came for them in the end.The day had started like any other, bleak skies, biting cold, and the gnawing ache of hunger. Hambone sat in his corner of the tent, rocking Joey gently to soothe his fussing. Joey, now almost a year old, has grown more expressive.His bright eyes follow every movement, and his tiny hands reach for anything within his grasp to stick it into his mouth.Brady, who's leaning against the tent in his corner, was mid-conversation with Bucky when the first crack of gunfire echo in the distance. Every man in there with them froze."What's that?" Murphy whispers, his voice tight.Before anyone could answer, the sound of boots pounding against the ground outside reaches them. The guards are shouting, their voices laced with panic.And then, like thunder breaking the storm, loud and booming voices could be heard."US paratroopers!" A voice shouts, and the tent erupts into chaos.As they quickly got out of the tent, disbelief and relief mingles on their faces. Hambone clutches Joey tightly to his chest as armed paratroopers stream in, their uniforms pristine, their faces fierce but kind."You're safe now!" Lieb yells scanning around the camp. "You're going home! All of you."The words barely register as Hambone's eyes caught sight of someone with Gene, who he's heard stories about from said medic, a paratrooper with a kind, steady gaze."Heffron?" Hambone calls, his voice cracking.Babe turns looking at him confused, his eyes went to Gene, who just nods. Hambone watches as Babe looks at him again.This time a smile broke across his face, and he grabs Gene's arm pushing through the chaos to reach them."You're Hambone? Gene was just telling me about you guys," Babe says softly, before he got down a little to look at Joey. "And look at you. This little guy must be Joey...." He reaches out, brushing a gentle finger across Joey's cheek.Hambone's throat tightens, seeing Gene and Babe together reminded him of him and Bubbles. "Gene.... saved us," Hambone whispers. "I will never know how to thank him fully."Gene shook his head, his expression kind. "You don't have to. That little guy? He's thanks enough."As the paratroopers work to secure the area, Joey quickly became the center of attention. Soldiers who had seen the worst of war couldn't help but soften at the sight of the little boy bundled in Hambone's arms."Is that a baby?" Speirs asks, his voice incredulous."Sure is," Brady replies with a grin. "The youngest POW in the camp."The men laugh, crowding around to get a closer look. Joey, ever curious, gurgles and reaches for Perconte's watch, earning a chorus of chuckles."Hey kiddo," Skinny says, tickling Joey's chin. "What's your name, huh?"Joey looks at Hambone, his little mouth opening as if to say something. And then, clear as day, he says it."Ma-ma."Everyone went slient for a heartbeat before erupting into cheers. Hambone's eyes widen, his lips trembling as tears stream down his face."Did you guys hear that?" Hambone whispers, his voice shaking. "He said mama.'"Bucky claps him on the shoulder, his own eyes glassy. "That's right, Hammy. He knows who's been there for him."Gene comes over to Hambone again, his smile soft. "First word, huh? That's something to hang onto."Hambone presses a kiss to Joey's forehead, his heart swelling with love and pride.The paratroopers arranged transport for the POWs, loading them into trucks that would take them to an airfield, Hambone, Joey, and the others sat together, their spirits lifted for the first time in months.Gene stays close to Hambone, often glancing at Joey with quiet affection."You've done one hell of a job, Howard," he says one evening as they travel. "Raising him there, in that.... place no less. It's no small task."Hambone looks down at Joey, who's asleep in his lap. "I couldn't have done it without you, Gene," he says quietly. "You helped bring him into this world. You gave me something to hold onto when everything else felt lost."Gene nods, his expression solemn. "He's so lucky to have you. And you're lucky to have him."They don't speak much after that, but the silence between them is comfortable, filled with mutual respect and understanding.When they finally got back to Thorpe Abbotts, the POWs are greeted with cheers, blankets, and hot food. Hambone holds Joey close as they step off the plane, his heart pounding. This is the first step towards going home.As the men began to disperse, heading towards medical tents or reunions with soldiers who didn't become POWs.Hambone watches as Bucky ran over to Buck nearly tackling him to the ground, he still remembers the day Buck escaped. He's happy to see Buck made it back safely, he's also happy that Bucky got him back.He watched as Brady started spoon feeding DeMarco, as DeMarco got looked over by Smokey.He smiles seeing Murphy and Crank just laying in the grass, basking in freedom.Hambone then turns to Gene."Gene," he begins, his voice thick with emotions. "I have no idea how to say this, but.... thank you again. For everything. For Joey. For helping me bring him into this world when I thought I couldn't."Gene smiles softly, putting his hand on Hambone's shoulder. "You really don't have to thank me, Howard. It was an honor. You've got a good heart, and that little boy? He's a fighter, just like his mother."Hambone swallows hard, tears brimming in his eyes. "I wish Bubbles could've been here," he admits. "But I know he'd be grateful to you. He'd be so damn grateful."Gene nods, his own voice steady but kind. "Bubbles is here, Howard. Every time you hold that boy, every time you look at him, he's there. And you've got a whole life ahead of you to tell Joey all about him."They embrace tightly, Hambone holding on for a moment longer than he intends. When they part, Gene gave him a smile and nod."Take care of yourself, Howard. And that little guy too.""You too, Gene," Hambone says, his voice soft.He watched as Gene walks away towards Babe, who's waving his finger at Joey, making him smile something awful."Eugene!" Hambone calls.Gene turns around looking at him wondering what's up?Hambone looks at Babe before speaking."He's your one, hold onto him and never let go."In a rair moment, Gene gives him a smile, which nearly made Hambone cry because he rarely sees his smile."I will, oh by the way what do they call you again?" Gene asks."Hambone, they call me Hambone.""Well then, see you on the flip side Hambone," Eugene says saluting him, before he went over to Babe putting his arm around him.Hambone watches as Joey waves goodbye, he kisses him on the side of his head before heading over to a medical tent.Eventually Hambone went over to the crowd of soldiers, looking for the face he longs to see.There, there she is. Rain.The little girl stood clutching Rosies hand, her curls bouncing as she searches the crowd with wide eyes. When she saw him, her face lit up like a Christmas tree, and she let out a joyous cry."Daddy!"Hambone drops to his knees as she ran to him, throwing her tiny arms around his neck. He clings to her, burying his face in her hair as sobs wrack his body. "Oh Rain," he whispers, his voice shaking."My sweet girl. I missed you so much."Rain pulls back just enough to look at him, her little hand brushing his tear-streaked face. "I missed you too, Daddy. Where's Mom?"The question hit Hambone like a punch to the gut. He swallows hard, forcing a smile for her sake. "Mom's not here, baby. But he loved you so, so much."Rain's lip quivers, but before she could burst into tears. Brady appears, cradling Joey in his arms."Rain," Brady says gently, kneeling in front of her. "This is your little brother."Rain's tears turn to wonder as she stares at Joey. "My brother?"Hambone nods, his voice soft. "His name is Joseph Eugene Payne, or Joey for short. After Mom."Rain reaches out, her small fingers brushing Joey's hand. The baby coos, and Rain giggles, her face lighting up. "Hi, Joey," she whispers.Watching his two children together, Hambone felt his chest tighten with a bittersweet mix of joy and grief.The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long golden shadows across the airfield as Hambone sits on a wooden bench, Joey nestled in his arms. The baby babbles softly, his tiny hands reaching for Hambone's dog tags, the metal glinting in fading light.Hambone absently let Joey tug on them, his mind far away as he watches the planes lining the tarmac.And Rain as she runs away from Ken and Winks.The sound of footsteps broke his reverie, and when Hambone looks up, Crosby is standing there. His uniform is clean, but his face is worn with exhaustion, his eyes shadowed by the grief he hasn't fully let himself feel. For a moment, the two men simply stare at each other, unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air."Hey, Hambone," Crosby says softly, his voice thick with something he couldn't quite name."Cros," Hambone replies, his voice equally as quiet.Crosby hesitates, his gaze dropping to Joey, who's still clutching Hambone's tags and babbling to himself. His breath caught as he took a step closer, his hands trembling slightly. "Is this... is this him?"Hambone nods, his lips pressing into a thin line as he gently shifts Joey so Crosby could get a better look. "This is Joseph Eugene Payne or Joey," he says, his voice soft. "Your godson."Crosby's knees almost buckle, but he caught himself, lowering down onto the bench beside Hambone. He stares at the baby in wonder, his eyes shimmering."Joey," he murmurs, reaching out a tentative hand. Joey, curious as ever, grabs Crosby's finger in his tiny fist.The touch broke something in Crosby. Tears fill his eyes, and he shook his head, his lips trembling as he looks at Hambone. "He's beautiful, Hammy. He's..... he's perfect."Hambone smiles faintly, though his own eyes are wet. "He looks just like Bubbles," he says, his voice thick.Crosby nods, brushing a tear away with the back of his hand. "He does," he agrees, his voice breaking. "I can see it. The eyes.... the smile."They sat in silence for a moment, the only sounds are Joey's soft coos and the distant hum of activity on base. Finally, Hambone spoke again, his voice low and filled with gratitude."Thank you," he says, looking at Crosby with a sincerity that made Crosby's throat tightens."For what?" Crosby asked, his voice barely above a whisper."For everything," Hambone replies. "For taking care of Rain while I couldn't. For making sure she had someone who loves her, even when you were going through so much."Crosby doesn't know what to say, his eyes just flick to Joey. "Well thank you, for bringing him into the world. For keeping Bubbles alive through your children."Hambone swallows hard, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "Cros, you don't have to thank me for any of that. They're all I have left of Bubbles. I'd do anything for them. For you, if you needed it."Crosby looks at Hambone, his expression a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. "You've got the biggest heart of anyone I know, Howard, I see why Bubbles loved you so much," he says, his voice shaking.Joey let out a happy gurgle, breaking the heaviness of the moment. Crosby chuckles softly, brushing a finger over Joey's tiny hand. "Hey there, kiddo," he murmurs."I'm your Uncle Crosby. You probably don't realize it yet, but you've got a lot of people who love you."Hambone watches the interaction, his heart swelling with a bittersweet mixture of pride and grief. He shifts Joey slightly, cradling him close as he looks at Crosby."Bubbles loved you, Cros," he says, his voice steady despite the tears in his eyes."He wanted you to know that. He said you were the best navigator he ever knew. The best friend he could've asked for."Crosby's breath hitches, and he closes his eyes for a moment, his jaw tightening. When he opens them again, there were tears streaking down his face. "I loved him too," he says, his voice cracking. "Not the way you did, but..... God, I loved him."Hambone nods, reaching out to squeeze Crosby's shoulder, they sat in silence for a while, their shared grief binding them together in a way words never could.Finally, Crosby let out a shaky breath and smiles down at Joey. "You're gonna be just like him, aren't you?" He says softly."Smart, kind, stubborn as hell. And maybe a little better at staying out of trouble, huh?"Joey responses with a happy squeal, and both men laugh, the sound easing the ache in their hearts, if only a little.As the sun dips below the horizon, Hambone looks at Crosby, his voice steady despite the tears still glistening in his eyes."It's gonna be okay, Cros," he says. "It's gonna hurt for a very long time, but we've got them. Rain and Joey. They're the future Bubbles wants us to fight for."Crosby nods, his gaze shifting to the sky, where the first stars were beginning to appear. "Yeah," he says softly."We'll make sure they know much he loved them."And as they sat together, with Joey nestled against Hambone and the memories of Bubbles hovers in the air like a gentle breeze, Hambone allows himself to hope. For Rain. For Joey. For a future that, no matter what, is still waiting for him to build.The day finally came when Hambone and his children boarded the ship bound for New York. Rain sat on his lap, her head resting against his chest, while Joey slept soundly in his arms.As the ship pulls away from the harbor, Hambone stares out at the horizon, his heart heavy with everything they've lost but full of hope for lies ahead."Bubbles," he whispers, his voice carried away by the wind. "We're going home. I wish you were here to see it, to see them. But I'll make sure they know you. I'll make sure they grow up knowing how much you loved them. Everyone will, it won't just be me."Rain stirs, looking up at him with sleepy eyes. "What's wrong, Daddy?""Nothing, sweetheart," Hambone says, pressing a kiss to her forehead."Everything's going to be okay."And as the ship sails towards New York. Hambone allows himself to believe it. Despite the grief, despite the scars the war left behind. There's a future waiting for them. A future filled with family, love, memories, and the promise of brighter days.They're going home.And later it really hits him, as he stands alone on the top deck, letting the rain wash over him as he gazes at the Statue Of Liberty.As he stares at her, all he could think about was Bubbles, how he gave him so much life, how he's got two amazing children from him.In that moment, he knew he could do it, he could begin a new life with his babies, his brothers in arms.He's gonna make every day count, and he'll never let go of Bubbles. He'll live for him, live the life he wanted for them with their kids.He gets snapped out of his head by a man coming up to him, holding a clipboard. He put his umbrella over him."Can I take your name please?"Hambone turns to him, not even having to think about it."Payne, Howard Payne.""Thank you," the man says softly, writing it down before continuing on.Well Hambone just stands in the rain looking at the statue, thinking about everything.The past.The present.And mostly importantly the future, and how he can't wait to see it.