TC Stark: Oh, hello everyone! I am so happy to see this story is getting some notoriety! I really love this concept and I have a lot planned out, so please stay tuned and keep an open mind. I wanted to say first and foremost that I like to always be historically accurate. While Quentin Tarrantino's universe always allows some leeway, I like to be on point. So, if you notice anything out of place please correct me. The films mentioned are from that time, the hotel I mentioned, as well as historic landmarks. I do a lot of research. Also, I am a New Yorker. I have only been to Boston twice (lovely city), so if there's anyone from Boston I would love your help! MutiaRawr- Thank you so much for your help! I can't believe I missed those two mistakes. I love what Assunta stands for. I'm not a feminist, I'm into equality for both sexes and that's what she embodies. You are definitely helping to sway me in which direction to go lol Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I only own Assunta and my ideas.

Chapter Three

Seeing the premier of Since You Went Away had gone very well. As predicted, it was a movie about the American home front during World War II. All in all, Archie Hicox had enjoyed the movie and his time at the theater was nothing to complain about. The film was showcased at a very classic theater in the heart of New York City. It was a very glamorous night.

And all in all, he had enjoyed his time in the city. During the night time, it was a lot more glamorous than he had imagined it to be. The lights and the sounds were larger than life and there were many nighttime activities. Plenty of lovely restaurants and clubs for him to visit. It was surprising to him that he was able to be his refined self in the Big Apple. At the end of it all, he realized that he was starting to like New York City a lot more than he had before.

Because he was a critic and had a lot of free range, there was no rush for him to head back to England. While enjoying his time in New York, he had already written his review and had submitted it to his publisher. That was what was so nice about what he did for a living. There was no nine to five job for him. No one to really answer to. It was a very good career, where he basically waited to be sent to different films and was paid to review them. But, it was honestly his passion. His love for film was immense and the reason why he had put so much time and effort into his work.

After two weeks of being in New York City, Archie felt that he should see a little bit more of America. It was strange really as to why he hopped on a train and headed towards Boston. Perhaps he had done it unconsciously, for anything before traveling to Massachusetts was a blur. He couldn't even remember buying his train ticket. What would he even do while in Boston? He knew at least a little more about New York than he did the city he was entering.

He could have traveled anywhere in America, to explore; and yet he was traveling to Boston. What would he even do? There were no friends there. No one in the film industry that he knew there and could spend some time with. Why hadn't he just traveled back to England? Certainly he had spent enough time away during the war?

While looking out the window, on the train; Archie pinched the bridge of his nose. Could he honestly be heading towards Boston to spend time with Assunta? How could that have happened? What was changing in his life that he was actually considering spending his time in the city with her? A woman he thought was absolutely repulsive at one point? Surely, she would want to do things that other men would. Archie did not do what he did with men, what he did with women. With women he went out to fine dining restaurants and drank expensive wine, while having intelligent conversation.

With a groan, he rested his head back. While he understood that she had spent her life amongst men, certainly many women had. It made him wonder what her neighborhood was like, if just being around males was enough to stray a woman away from being feminine. Had she not seen how wonderful she looked in a dress? With her hair styled?

How would he even find her? They hadn't exchanged phone numbers or home addresses. Archie wondered, if he was even going to Boston just out of pure curiosity. They had certainly clashed while working during the war. He was pretty sure if she hadn't saved his life, he most likely wouldn't have felt a need to even speak to her during the reunion.

Well, there was one thing that was for sure. With Assunta around, he was sure there would never be a dull moment...


Boston was a historical town. Archie found that it reminded him more of cities he found in Europe, rather than the urban agglomeration that was New York City. He hadn't really expected to find something like that in America. He really had been pleasantly surprised when he stumbled upon the quaint little heart of the city. He hadn't felt as out of place as he had expected. The people were much...nicer than he had heard.

It had been a few days since he had arrived in the large city. His days mostly consisted of exploring the gravel roads, grabbing a bite here and there, enjoying a nice cocktail, and looking out at the waterfront. He had discovered that Boston was full of different universities and he was happy to see that there were plenty of opportunities for young people to learn. Honestly, he hadn't the best outlook on

It had actually felt nice for him to be by himself a little. To have time to enjoy the world at a calm pace. There was no threat. No need to constantly look over his shoulder. There was no need to carry his gun around anymore. He wasn't at war. Wasn't Lieutenant Archie Hicox anymore. He was back to being just a film critic again. Ed Fenech was right. The war had come and gone and he was living as if none of that had happened.

But, Archie knew that something had happened. Knew that he had fought in a war. Put in many man hours trying to figure out plans and how to bring down Hitler. He had put his career on hold, to fight for his country, knowing damn well there was a good chance he could have lost his life. And he almost had. He had seen humanity at its ugliest. He had seen what hatred and ignorance could do to sensible men. How could he walk away from that unscathed?

While deep in thought, Archie noticed that he was exploring the backstreets. A lot of it was mismatched. There seemed to be two family houses, apartment buildings, and automobile shops. It seemed to be the middle class area of the city. It wasn't very quaint, like he had seen a lot of areas of Boston be. It was most likely where a lot of working families lived, who survived on their sweat and tears. It was an odd area indeed to be in, while wearing a well tailored and well fitted three piece suit.

"No fucking way."

While passing by a auto shop, someone caught Archie's attention. He might have kept walking, if a familiar voice hadn't pricked at his ears. There really wasn't much in that area and he was going to head out to the more populated streets. Faneuil Hall was a largely tourist area, but he found that considering he was a tourist he did enjoy his time there. Most likely enjoy the last days he'd have in Boston, before leaving for England. There wasn't much left to be seen.

In the middle of lighting a cigarette, Archie turned around and noticed the voice had come from one of the shops. One in particular looked more like an opened garage, with one car in it. Somebody rolled out from under the car. Wearing a pair of rolled up jeans and a red collared button down short-sleeved shirt, was none other than Assunta Maffei. He noticed that while she didn't have any red on her lips, she did have that mischievous look as she always did. Her full tresses were pinned up in curls, with a red and white polka-dot bandana tied up on the top of her hair, most likely to keep her hair out of the way; with a curl in the front.

He also noticed the grease that was smeared on her arms and pants. Grinning, Assunta propped her knees up and rested her elbows over them, "Lieutenant Archie Hicox, I never thought I'd see you on the streets of Boston."

"Yes, well, neither did I," Archie cracked a smile, while recomposing himself and stepping towards the soldier, "I see you did go back to your former work."

"Well, you know, I'm just doing God's work."

As much as he wanted to roll his eyes at her comment, for some reason he could not help himself from cracking a smile and bowing his head down. There was also a permanent grin on her mouth, showing off her white teeth. Just the way she used her words, he had to laugh a little. He really had never met a woman like her before. Someone who had such...gall.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, while still smiling; Archie nodded, "Yes, I can see that."

Assunta grinned, while standing up. Casually sauntering over, she pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket and placed one in between her lips. While lighting it, she asked, "So, what brings you to my neck of the woods? Didn't think you'd actually take me up on my offer."

Assunta always stood straight up. Her shoulders held back and her chin held high. She was in no way meek, like some women were. Nor did she try and play the game of the seductive mistress, who presented themselves as vulnerable and open. There was a shield protecting her and if someone did, by chance; happen to break through, she would just kick their ass.

"Well, it just so happens that I was finished in New York City and found myself on a train," While inhaling a large amount of smoke, some seeped out of his nostrils and he charmingly concluded, "And ended up in Boston."

With a lopsided grin, she raised her eyebrow and placed her hands atop her hips, "Just that simple, huh?"

"It would seem so."

Assunta cackled, while taking a pull of her own cigarette. The situation absolutely tickled her silly. Archie looked so out of his element. What kind of man wore such a fine tailored suit around a bunch of junkyards and auto-body shops? Clearly, he hadn't been in that kind of neighborhood very often. It was an amusing sight indeed.

Feeling the familiar burn of tainted smoke seeping down her throat, Assunta enjoyed the sensation before blowing it out from her lips. Archie observed that she did in fact have very feminine, full lips. Plump pink pillows that formed gently around the butt of her cigarette. He remembered the way red looked on them and wondered how it would feel to smear it across to the side of her mouth?

Luckily, before he was able to think any more of Assunta's lips, she interrupted his thoughts, "So, chap, what'd'ya think of my city?"

"I'm impressed, it's most certainly not what I had expected."

"Well, don't you know to expect the unexpected?" Assunta gave a wolfish grin, while winking.

Before Archie knew any better, he found himself genuinely laughing. Why was he finding her so much more amusing? Was it because there wasn't a chance he could die in war? Or was it because she wasn't in the war anymore. In Boston she was no longer a soldier, rather just a girl from the streets of Boston. There was no uniform other than the grease from the cars she worked on. Could he be enjoying his time with her because they weren't in a battle setting?

She surely wouldn't be happy if she knew what he was thinking. She would certainly be offended and scold him for dictating what element she belonged in. It was what she was fighting for anyway; equality. It was obvious that despite not being in the war anymore, she was still going to be the poster girl for Rosie the Riveter.

With an amused smile, Archie pointed out, "Well, I suppose that's true in your case."

"So, what are ya doing tonight, hm? Got any big plans?"

Shrugging, the Englishman explained, "Not really. I've really been sort of on my own during my time here. No chaps to really associate with."

Assunta raised her eyebrow, "So, you've been hanging out all by yourself?"

"Well, yes."

"Boring," She let out a small scoff and shook her head, "Oh, you lost soul. Where you staying?"

Brash. As always. Rolling his eyes, Archie answered, "At the Omni Parker House."

After letting out a short laugh, she asked almost to herself, "Why am I not surprised that you would stay at some fancy hotel like that? Alright, I know where that is. I'll see you tonight."

"I'm sorry, did we make plans?"

"I can not let you stay in my town and not show you a good time." Assunta explained firmly while crossing her arms.


Assunta had pretty much insisted on meeting up with Archie at a nearby bar. How could he have not known that she wouldn't take no for an answer? It seemed from day one her number one hobby was pushing him. Although, this would be the first time that they met and associated with each other voluntarily.

Sighing, Archie combed some of his hair off to the side. Perhaps it was curiosity that caused him to be so inclined to spend his evening with Assunta Maffei. No one he knew back home was like her. Even when he spent nights with his male friends, they weren't rowdy. Of course there were laughs and jokes made, but it was refined meetings where many subjects were brought up and actual topics of interest were discussed.

He highly doubted he would be doing much of either. If his observations were correct, his night would be spent watching Assunta knock back whiskey similar to the way two hundred pound men did. He remembered watching her interact with the rest of the Basterds at the reunion party. They all became very intoxicated and all the men made fools of themselves with the European waitresses.


Walking into the bar they were scheduled to meet in, he was instantly called over by his...friend? Shaking his head, Archie moved forward and was pleased to see that Assunta had in fact cleaned the car grease from her skin. She had also let her hair fall down in curls, with the side pinned into curls on the sides of her head. She was also wearing a pair of gray trousers and a blue button down collared blouse, with black suspenders.

"Well, so kind of you to get dressed up." Archie remarked, his voice dripping with his deep English accent.

As the bartender placed a rock glass in front of Assunta, she crossed her legs and declared, "Hey, I'm wearing heels at least."

Looking down, Archie smirked and propped himself up on a nearby stool, "Oh, well, then that makes up for everything else."

"Are you just thrown off that you and I have reverse roles?"

At her devilish grin, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you?"

Assunta smirked, while signaling to the bartender to get her friend a drink, "Well, you're criticizing film, which is very artsy; and I'm working on cars. Many would say it should be the other way around. I just wanted to know if you were upset that I'm doing a man's job." She added the last sentence with a wild grin.

What a vixen. Snorting, he tightened his lips as his drink was placed down in front of him. Taking a large gulp, Archie sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "No, that is most certainly not the case. My problem, dear, is just how rowdy you act. You are a very beautiful woman, you could really empower yourself if you just knew how to carry yourself."

The smug smile never faltered. Holding her shoulders back, Assunta leaned forward and cooed, "I may not be called feminine very often, but you know what I'm never called? Pushover, stupid, or doormat."

There was a seriousness in her voice. One that he had never heard before. It was almost dangerous and despite her smile, he saw that her eyes were not joking. It was in that moment he realized how important her beliefs were to her. That what she was fighting for meant a lot to her and that she would not back down.

Uneasily clearing his throat, Archie nodded, "You have made your point, Ms. Maffei."

"Oh, stop with that bullshit!" She leaned back and waved him off, before winking, "Don't worry about it, I'm just yanking your chain. Besides, maybe if you're lucky I'll actually wear a skirt."

"Would that be the day hell freezes over?"

"Get your ice skates ready."

Once again Archie found himself genuinely laughing, while taking a sip on the fine whiskey, "You are sharp, I'll give you that one."

With an amused shrug, she casually remarked, "Well, I am from Boston."

"Speaking of which, you said Sgt. Donowitz lives not too far from you? What has he been doing with himself?"

At that question Assunta let out a laugh and waved the bartender over. Already she was done with her drink and apparently wanted another. Archie could already tell that it was going to be a long night, "And what is so amusing with what I just asked?"

One side of her lips curved upwards, as she propped her elbow against the counter and rested her chin atop her fist. So improper. But, he disregarded that and paid attention to what she had to say, "Because the big lug is working at his pop's barber shop."

Now, that was certainly something that caused him to widen his eyes, "A barber? The Bear Jew is a barber?"

"Oh, yes, sir, he is," Assunta snickered while lighting a cigarette, "He's been working in it ever since he was young, I'm thinking his dad will give it to him once, y'know. He was sweeping and shit and then started to do hair. Might I say, he's great with the scissors," Offering Archie a cigarette, which he took gratefully, she added, "Oh and everyone knows about the Bear Jew thing. They love it. So does he. Even the Christians are having a field day; don't matter who he walks by, Jewish or not; they're cheering him on."

It was obvious that the Italian American was happy for her friend, but he had a suspicion that there was a part of her that wasn't too pleased, "And did you receive any accolades?"

Running her thumb against the butt of her cigarette, Assunta gave a small shrug, "My brothers were proud...Oh, I did actually get some in the local paper as a Rosie that was leading the way. They mentioned that I went overseas, but they made it seem that I went more as a worker, to help repair vehicles. But, no mention as a soldier. I was never once referred to as Lance Corporal."

"I do apologize."

"Well, we may have won the war overseas, but there's still a battle to be fought on the home front."

Swishing his whiskey around, the Englishman questioned, "But, did you and Donny not get recognition for being two local Jews who went over?"

Assunta grinned at that question and nodded, "Yea, definitely. That was nice. I even went to temple to hear them announce my name."

"Do you not go to temple often?"

Shrugging, she explained, "I'm not a practicing Jew. Neither is Donny, well I should say he only practices around his mother, God forbid she saw him eating pork," Laughing, she continued, "I believe in God, I just don't practice my religion's strict regulations. My family more so celebrates my Italian heritage. But, I am a Jew. Regardless of all of that. Him and I are proud to be Jews and would not stand by and let out people get slaughtered and not do a thing about it."

Archie understood exactly what she meant. While he was brought up in the Christian church, he had certainly not been to a church in some time. In all reality, he would presume the only times he really went was with his grandmother. His life had been so consumed with his career that he hadn't even the time to consider what his religious affiliation was. Although, he certainly was praying to God that night in the tavern.

Picking himself up, he held his glass forward, "Well, then, Assunta, be a good host and engage me in a lighter topic of conversation."

A wide grin spread on her face as she clinked her glass with his, "Cin cin. Ai nuovi amici."


TC Stark: Hello, everyone. Normally I do not post author's notes on the bottom, but I do find it important to say that "cin cin" is very loosely translated into "to your health" or "a 100 years good luck". It is a very Americanized and bastardized, or what have you. I am American Italian and we say it every time we toast. Though, unfortunately, we do not speak the language fluently because we are so Americanized, so the last sentence "ai nuovi amici" is from google translator and means "to new friends".