Chapter Text
Part 26
To Tom's surprise, life went on much as it had previously. The following days were spent digging fortifications for the town, performing drills, or standing picquet duty.
The nights were different though as he and Dick continued to explore this new facet of their friendship. They mapped every inch of each other’s bodies with their hands and mouths. They learnt each other’s likes and dislikes, finding what was pleasurable and what wasn't. Tom grew to saviour the intimacy that he now shared with Dick, to welcome the giving and the taking and to see it as a special bond between them.
Days passed and the weather grew warmer, spring came and with it the renewed threat of a French attack.
Tom was standing picquet one morning not far from the Regimental Headquarters when he noticed all the Company captains and Major Shee arrive for a meeting. As the officers disappeared inside, Tom relaxed against the gate post he was standing beside and yawned. The warm morning sun was making him drowsy. I've got to get more sleep, Tom thought as he smiled to himself.
The meeting was short and afterwards Tom watched as Captain Hughes stood outside, talking to none other than Colonel Wellesley himself. The two men obviously knew each other well and were at ease in each other's company. Suddenly they burst into laughter, and Tom wondered what could be so funny in the midst of war.
When he was dismissed, Captain Hughes mounted his new horse, a black mare, and rode over to where Tom stood.
Garrard snapped to attention, suddenly worried. Dick had spent part of the previous night with Hughes, the first time since they had become lovers. When Dick finally returned, he had not spoken a word of what had taken place with Hughes. Tom had not asked but had waited quietly in their bed. Dick wasted no time in showing what he wanted, and Tom had let him do the taking, surprised at the intensity of their encounter. Afterwards, as he lay there exhausted, Tom wondered what had happened between Hughes and Sharpe earlier and what effect, if any, it had on Dick’s behaviour. Had Dick told their Captain about his new relationship with Tom? He remembered Hughes words to Dick in the barn that night, I'll be able to tell you know, and wondered if Hughes didn't need to ask.
Perhaps that's what he was riding over here about now, thought Tom, as his Captain reined up beside him.
But Hughes smiled, no trace of anger or suspicion in his face and said, "At ease Tom. I thought you might like to be the first to know that we are heading home shortly. It's all over. We are to march to Bremen and then board ships for England."
Tom breathed a sigh of relief for more than one reason. "About time sir. I'll be happy to leave this God forsaken place. It's been a bloody nightmare for us."
Hughes looked at him with faded blue eyes that suddenly looked weary. "For most of us yes, but I think there is one person who will view his time here differently."
Tom raised his eyebrows, unsure of what his captain meant.
"Dick Sharpe has a lot to be thankful for. For one thing, his bravery and daring has been brought to the colonel's notice." Hughes grinned and looked toward the building where the colonel was billeted. "I doubt Wellesley will forget Dick’s name in a hurry. He couldn't believe that one of his men actually brought a picklock to Flanders! He's still laughing about it." Hughes paused a moment then looked back at Garrard, his face serious again. "Dick's changed Tom, he's a soldier now, a part of the Regiment. He has you to thank for that."
Tom blushed and looked away, embarrassed by his captain's praise. "Not me sir, I didn't do much, it was Dick who did it all," he replied.
Hughes shook his head and Tom thought he could detect a trace of sadness in the captain's voice as he spoke again.
"Dick couldn't have done it without your help or your encouragement. You believed in him, Tom. You gave him a chance. He trusts you. You're his saviour."
Tom felt sorry for Hughes, suddenly knowing how much it must hurt to admit that Tom had succeeded where he himself had failed. Tom knew Hughes cared deeply for Sharpe and wanted to help him but had never found a way to win Dick's trust.
"But he listens to what you say too, sir. It was your words that he used to remind the lads of their responsibility to Crocker and Wardell, when they wanted to leave them behind."
Tom saw surprise in his captain's eyes and continued.
"So you see," Tom said smiling, "It's not just me sir, it's you and me both. We're both Sharpe's Saviour."
The End.
Originally published September 1998.