This is so well done. Lots of neat little touches which nail the characters perfectly.

This story made me smile so much. First, I noticed that this younger version of Newkirk felt different. Not much different, but I could feel it strongly and I'm still not sure why. I loved it though. Perhaps it was the extra, eager energy, shown by describing every action, which was a lot. Clasping his hands, skipping, scuffing at the ground. And then to see how happy he was having finished his project. I guess he's more open. At least with Schultz. Makes me smile. That leads me to the dialogue and nearly father-son relationship with Schultz. Not only did you get Schultz and his thoughts and motivations just right, I loved all of the references to other shenanigans Newkirk (and in turn, Schultz) got in trouble for.

What was really interesting about the characterization of Newkirk was simultaneously making him righteously indignant and canon-ly determined to be right and not apologize over despicable French cooking while showing simply how much he values his friend. This brilliant idea just comes to Newkirk while they are both sulking and he sees Klink's laundry. You consistently do a great job with the two of them, showing that they argue bitterly but really do love each other.

Favorite humorous moments: "Assuming that if he let Newkirk keep talking it would begin to make sense at some point," Britannia Rules the Waves, and Newkirk's outburst over the snails, half the words just extra adjectives.

You have, in this story, Newkirk and LeBeau coming in on the same transfer truck. Something I would like to see is what caused them to be transferred. What happened at the last camp if it wasn't just random? I really like seeing your portrayal of them in their earlier days (as you've also shown in Black Forest Cakewalk) and would love some more if you're up to it.

This is great I love it

Oh, thank you. I always wondered were LeBeau got his hat.

This has been one of my favorite stories on this site as it shows the friendship of Newkirk and LeBeau perfectly while also giving us insight into how Schultz cares for and relates to his boys. You delve into how Newkirk uses words whether through fighting with loud or trying to convince Schultz to act in a certain way to hide what he really thinks and he really feels. To know that you have to look at what Newkirk does.

The dialogue in this story is spot-on, I loved the banter between Newkirk and Schultz. There were so many good little moments that stood out: Schultz saying not a suggest of what to do in the cooler, Schultz observations cooking make LeBeau happy, Schultz thinking that he's getting his first stress-free nap. Schultz in general really.

I really like how you ended it. With the gift sitting there, LeBeau shocked and Newkirk admitting that he made it to make his friend happy. Powerful stuff. Good job with this one.

Aw... So sweet. And you captured Schultz perfectly!

I think that this was possibly the sweetest thing I have ever read with these two! I really love your story! It all reads really well and you have the characters all perfect! I could honestly see it all playing out in my head as I read this

Delightful!

LOL, this was too cute. I can picture the whole thing.

Haha! Brilliant story to how LeBeau got a chef's hat in the middle of a POW camp! :)

Thanks for writing and posting!

I can't believe I have not reviewed this story. I've read it numerous times. I'm currently retreading your work and I can't get enough of it and can't wait for the update to Let's Fill in The Blanks!

What I love about Mad Hatter is how perfectly you have captured the personalities of Newkirk, Schultz, and LeBeau. Through gesture, dialogue, and internal monologue, you have just nailed them perfectly! Your writing is so crisp and vivid. And your sense. Of humor shines through here, as in everything you write.

That was an absolutely delightful and fun little story, thank you!

Great little story! Loved the interaction between Schultz and Peter.

aw so sweet and so like them!

Lovely story! You portrayed everyone perfectly! Nice job! :)