A/N: Hey everyone, hope everyone is having a good week. Here is the next chapter and I know I said that after Chatper 36, they will be rated M...this is one isn't. But next one is and I'm currently working on it at the moment. Depending how late it after work and how tired I am, I can try and upload tonight or most likely tomorrow (I work a 15 hours shift today) I hope you guys are enjoying the story, I am enjoying writing.

Enjoy the chapter:

Chapter 37: The Beginning of the End

A content sight left her mouth as her eyes closed for a moment, taking in the peaceful evening. The sun was slowly setting in the distance, painting the sky with colors of red and yellow. Turning her head to the side, she rested it against Erik's chest, hearing his heartbeat. The two of them were sitting against a tree, a blanket keeping them warm along with a small fire for light and warmth. His arms were around her waist as his eyes were closed. She could tell he was sleeping and he needed it. With Grant planning a siege on Petersburg, Erik would get last minute orders to be sent into battle. She had already spent a few nights alone in the tent while he would either with the new commander of the corps whose headquarters where in the 3rd Division or he'd be sent to Grant's headquarters and would stay there overnight. Though she didn't like the lonely nights without him sleeping next to her, she was always happy when he would return. Today was the first time she got to spend time with him and she wanted to let him rest, knowing he would need all the rest he could get. Feeling him stir, she glanced up at him and watched his eyes flutter open. The setting sun intensified the green color of his eyes. Her eyes soon locked with him, making a smile appear on his face. His smile made her smile. Slowly leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. The soft kiss sent her heart racing. Pulling away, her head rested against his chest.

"I could stay like this forever." Her voice was soft.

"Back in Gettysburg, the farmer who owns a hill called Little Round Top would sometimes let me onto the hill and watch the sunset."

"Did you have to do something in return?" Christine asked.

"I'd help him with work some days. At the end of every Sunday, all the farmers would gather at someone's house and we'd play music and dance. Everyone from the town would sometimes come, it became like a thing in our town." He paused. "Nothing will be the same anymore there."

"Will you still go back?" She asked.

"It's my home, of course I'll go back at the end of the war." He answered.

"I don't know even if I have a house to go back to." He could hear the fear in her voice. "You're right, things will never be the same again."

"Are you talking about Virginia or your marriage?" He asked her.

"Both…" She answered. "I don't even know if he'a alive."

"You haven't written to him?" She shook her head.

"Not since I started staying with you and the corps." She answered. "I'm afraid he wouldn't approve at all."

"I don't think he would." He leaned his head back against the tree, letting out a tired sigh. His ears picked up he sound of footprints and he tilted his head to the side to see who was coming. He watched as Nicholas approached them.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting something, but Grant has called a meeting and Humphrys wants you to be a part of it." Nicholas told him, making Erik sigh. Christine pushed the blanket off of them and stood up, fixing her dress as Erik stood up as well. Grabbing his sword that was leaving against the tree, he attached it to his belt and started his uniform. Christine folded the blanket as Nicholas kicked some snow onto the fire to put it out. The three of them walked back towards the camp where Nicholas had Erik's horse all ready. He mounted and let Erik say bye to Christine, knowing he might not see her for a few days again. Turning to face her, he saw the sad look in her eyes.

"I won't be gone long." He said.

"I know….be careful please."

"I'm always careful." He smirked, making her roll her eyes. Pulling her to him, he kissed her lips. "I'll return, I promise." He pulled away from he. She watched him mount his horse and ride off with Nicholas. Once she couldn't see them anymore, she walked into the tent and looked around for one of Erik's two uniform jackets. She knew he always had two and whenever he was away, she would wear the other one. It would still smell like him and it helped keep her warm during the cold nights. Sitting in the chair by the small desk with his coat around her, she glanced down at the wedding ring on her finger. It would always remind her of her marriage with Raoul. However, she felt as if she wasn't in a marriage anymore…at least not with Raoul. It felt more like she was married to Erik. For months, she had been sharing a bed with him, spending any free time she had with him, they would have meals together. Her fear of the men harming her left after the first few weeks. All the men knew that Christine was Erik's and didn't want to face Erik's wrath. Meg was right, she is Erik's…she belongs with Erik. But what would a life with Erik be like? Would she really leave her life in Virginia and move to Gettysburg? Sighing, she leaned back in the chair and let her mind think.

Two hour ride and they had finally made it to the headquarters where other corps commanders were arriving. Humphrys was already there and waiting for Erik to arrive. Dismounting his horse, he took a deep breath. He knew it would be hours until this meeting would be done and he was regretting not having something to eat before this.

"This must be important that Humphrys wants you to attend as well." Nicholas said as a soldier took their horses. "Looks like we'll be here a few days if all the corps commanders are here."

"We've done it before." He paused. "Is it hard for you to be away from Meg?" He asked Nicholas.

"It is hard but it's the life we've both accepted. She knows that I'll always return to her though." Erik only nodded. "Is it hard being away from Christine?" He asked Erik.

"Yes…"

"May I ask what is going on between you two?" He asked. Erik looked at Nicholas, not saying anything. "I'm not asking as your aide…I'm asking as your friend."

"She's still married to Raoul."

"I think that marriage is over now, Erik. And I think she knows it too." Nicholas said.

"She doesn't talk about him much anymore. I remember she used to speak of him a lot, not it's rare that she'll mention his name."

"That means something."

"We'll see what happens when this war is over." Erik started heading towards the headquarters, ending the subject. Nicholas followed and the two made the way over to where other generals were. He found Humphrys who was waiting for him by the small house that was the headquarters.

"Evening, General Destler." He greeted Erik. "I'm sorry I dragged you out here but I figured you would want to know what is going on and I'm sure Grant is going to borrow you a few times to help out other corps." Erik sighed.

"I may need a brigade or two then if Grant keeps borrowing me and my boys."

"I can arrange that if you need more troops." He paused for a moment. "You may spend a lot of nights away from…her." Humphrys knew about him and Christine, everyone in the army knew about the relationship. Erik didn't say anything but only nod. Humphrys knew that he was getting tired of this war, everyone was tired of this war and Grant was trying to end this war.

Entering the small house, Erik and Nicholas walked over to stand by a small window, leaning against the wall. Other officers were entering the house as well and it was soon getting crowded. Grant was sitting at a table with maps of the area spread out over the table. Waiting for the meeting to start, he thought about Christine and what she must be doing. Looking at his pocket watch, he saw it was already late and knew Christine was probably sleeping by now.

"Alright gentlemen, let's get started." Grant announced and all eyes and ears focused on him. Humphrys stood next to Erik, listening. At one point, Grant asked Humphrys if he could let Grant borrow one of his divisions. He glanced at Erik who slightly nodded and then looked back at Grant.

"General Destler's division is the best the 2nd Corps has."

"So I've heard." Grant said, looking at Erik. "Can you have your men ready by sunrise tomorrow?" Granted asked Erik.

"Yes sir." Erik answered.

"Good…" He looked away to speak with the other corps commanders while Humphrys turned to quietly speak to Erik.

"Go back to the division and give out the orders." He paused. "Spend some time with her."

"Yes, sir." He saluted Humphrys and left with Nicholas. They made their way out of the crowd house and back outside where their horses were tied with the others. Mounting their horses, they began their long ride back to the division.

Most of the camp was fast asleep by the time they arrived. Only the pickets and a few soldiers sitting around a small fire were up. Dismounting his horse, he walked over to the group of soldiers. He told them to get some sleep since they are marching at dawn and they knew to follow his order. Once they fire was put out, he let Nicholas return to his tent while he retired to his. Opening the tent flap, his eyes glanced down at the sleeping beauty in his bed, wrapped in his uniform coat. A soft smile appeared on his face as he walked quietly to the bed and sat on the edge. Feeling the bed move, Christine woke and looked up to see Erik sitting there.

"You're back…" She sat up, not minding that she was only in her chemise and his uniform coat. "How was it?" She asked him.

"We march out first thing in the morning." She didn't respond. "Humphrys let me return to spend the night here with you."

"Then come to bed…" Her hand took his. "If tonight is all we have left, then I want to spend it with you."

So quick background info, Hancock is no longer commander of the 2nd Corps (I think I mention this last chapter) and so that's why Humphrys is mentioned a lot. He'll be in for about 2 more chapters and then leave. I will say that Raoul is still around and will make a a few more appearances and I hate to say this but Erik will only be present a few more chapters as well. Sorry...

...so I'm sure you guys can imagine what is happening in the next chapter

Reviews are welcome : )