(Untitled)

[thewordofweb]

The last time I remember packing up my whole life like this, I was going off to war to fight for the most precious of things that life has to offer. Now, my possessions lie on shore from several treks from my former home. There's nothing noble about this retreat, there's nothing to be fought for this time. All I can hope to do is find some solace

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[niceofyoutoask]

Joe was gone. As difficult as it was to hear, Lipton's first thought had been Webster. Boys came and they went, whether it was from the ETO or the island, but it still came down to who was left behind. And Webster, well, his whole life had been Joe for awhile - Lipton'd wrapped his mind around that months ago. And, despite the fact that Lipton wasn't in the best place himself right now, he wasn't blind, and he wasn't heartless, and he still cared far too much about every member of Easy on the island to not come out and watch Web go. There was no stopping him, and Lipton wasn't even entirely sure that he should. Everyone did what they had to do.

"Do you want help with these boxes?" Lipton asked quietly.

[thewordofweb]

I glance up from my bags and boxes to find Lipton standing there above me. I barely manage a nod as I lift up the heavy duffel containing the majority of my clothes and thus my life. "Yeah, yeah, I could use some help," I agree, my voice dull and tired. "Thanks, sir."

[niceofyoutoask]

Lipton just nodded, leaning down and picking up some of the various paraphernalia that made up a man's life possetions. He supposed he shouldn't be quite so surprised that there was so much of it - just because he didn't really have all that much in his small room back at the Officers' Club didn't mean that Joe and Web hadn't gathered things about them to make it home.

After a few trips, he paused in passing Web. "Is there anything I can get you before you go?"

[thewordofweb]

I stop and turn to survey what's left on the dock and gesture to one of the smaller boxes that contains some food and drink provisions. "If you could grab that one..." I suggest, already heading down to the dock and trying to keep my mind on the straight and narrow and think of nothing else but preparing the boat. I don't want to linger on thoughts of Joe, not now.

[niceofyoutoask]

That hadn't been what he meant, but Lipton obligingly bent to get the box anyway, carefully moving it on to the boat. He didn't think he'd ever want to get on another boat again after the Samaria, unless it was taking him back home. And he sure as hell couldn't imagine living on one indefinately.

"There's a place for you in the Currahee barracks when you get sick of stale water and the swaying motion." Lipton told Web, sure he knew it already but wanting to remind him. "Hell, you could even sleep on my floor if you really needed a place."

[thewordofweb]

"The ocean is calming to me," I admit quietly, my voice somewhat small. I know that not everyone feels the same way, but I feel it with all my heart. The ocean is the soothing balm to all iniquities. "But thank you for the offer. I'll keep it in mind, so long as you don't mind someone else bunking in your room."

[niceofyoutoask]

Lipton nodded, able to understand that the water might be something different to Web than it was to him.

"Good." He put out his hand for Web to shake goodbye. It may not be very permanent - at least he hoped not, but this felt like a goodbye. "Take as long as you need, but you better come back." The side of his mouth tilted up into a small smile.

[thewordofweb]

I stare at Lipton's hand for a long while and swallow with some difficulty as I acknowledge that I really am leaving with the intention of hiding away from the world. I shake his hand firmly, trying not to see this as the last time I see any of them. "I'm sure I'll be back for provisions, if nothing else," I assure.