They had just arrived back in Aldbourne where they were greeted with hot showers. Elsie impatiently waited for all the men to be done so she could get cleaned up. She debated showering with the men- in her underwear of course- but decided she could wait a little bit longer. When the last of the men left the showers she all but ran in. The hot water never felt so good on her body. She scrubbed as hard as she could and finally felt clean again. Her hair was tangled and matted along the bottom. She knew it would have to be cut out, but for the time being she could wear it up. When she finally finished with her shower she quickly got dressed and left the shower facilities.

"It's about time." Liebgott moaned. "We thought you might have drowned in there."

"Thanks for waiting." She smiled. Liebgott and Grant had stayed behind while everyone else had gone to get food. The three of them followed suit and headed to the mess hall- that was just a large barn with tables in it. It was crowded with men from Easy, Dog and Fox company. She was having difficulty locating anyone she knew so she let Liebgott and Grant lead the way.

"Hey sweetheart, you're still alive?" Someone said with a laugh. It was Sizemore. She stopped and smiled at him.

"Looks that way to me." She replied happily. "How're doing Sizemore?"

"Better now that I've seen you." His smile was playful, she smacked his arm.

"How's Beck?" She asked.

"He's alive and well."

"Good." She smiled.

"He'll be happy to see you." Sizemore's friend piped in.

"You tell him I'll see him around." She said and headed in the direction that Liebgott and Grant went.

"Shouldn't have stopped you idiot." She said to herself. Not that anyone else would have heard her. With the crowed as large as it was the room was deafening. An arm snaked around her waist and the owner pulled her into his lap. She tensed up and was about to swing her clenched fist when she heard the familiar philly drawl.

"Fancy meeting you here princess." Guarnere said into her ear.

"Jesus Christ Bill, you scared the shit out of me." He just smiled impishly. "I need to get some food, I'm starving." She made to get up but Guarnere held her tight against him.

"Liebgott and Grant are grabbing your food." He assured. "They said you were right behind them and to keep you here."

"You better not be lying to me Bill Guarnere."

"Would I do that?" He had a mischievous look about him.

"Probably." She laughed.

Sure enough Liebgott and Grant came back with an extra tray of food for her. They kicked Skip and Penkala out of their seats so they could sit down to eat. Elsie would have moved off Guarnere's lap had there been any more room, but she was too hungry to try and fight for a spot. Liebgott was sitting on the opposite side of the table two spots down with Grant on his other side of him. She caught the hard look on Liebgott's face as he looked at Guarnere, she wondered why. She turned her attention back to her food and soon enough her tray was empty.

"You excited for London tomorrow?" Luz asked from across the table. When they returned to England they were granted one week Leave and she was going to London to blow off some steam, accompanied by some of her Easy company men of course. When she told her friend's she was going to London, Guarnere, Toye and Liebgott had decided that's where they were going. When Grant, Luz, Bull and Martin heard of the trip, they all decided to join.

"Fuck yeah I am." If her exclamation didn't prove it, the wide smile on her face sure did. She stole a quick glance at Liebgott who caught her in the act and smirked. She looked away but was still smiling. She couldn't help it; she was about to get a week off. No drills, no shooting, no killing, and no one getting hurt. And the best part was she got to do it with her brothers. She just wished Tipper, Alley and Talbert were going to.


Elsie was in her hotel room with staring at the red dress laying on her bed. They arrived in London yesterday, and immediately went to the nearest pub for drinks. She drank a little more than she intended but she didn't feel too bad when she woke up in the spent the morning wandering around London on her own, mostly because the guys needed a little recovery time. She went into a fancy dress shop which elicited some odd stares from the owners.

"I just want to buy a dress." She said had been over two years since she wore anything thing that wasn't army issued and wanted to look and feel like a girl again. The couple immediately went to work helping her pick out a dress. They were both very pleasant and very chatty. Elsie didn't mind the conversation though. She found out they had been married for thirty years and had one daughter who was married and lived in Brighton with her family. They picked out a red dress that fit her curves perfectly. She was a little weary to buy it but they said it was the newest fashion in London and that she looked marvelous in it. In the end they convinced her to get it-and an emerald green one of similar style- and now it was laying on her hotel bed. She glared at it one more time before she gave in to her girly instincts and put it on. She added some red lipstick for extra effect.

She didn't wear many dresses growing up, always felt more comfortable in trousers and a shirt. But the few times she had dressed up didn't compare to how she looked now. Usually when she wore a dress it was at one of her Uncles dinners or parties and she always wore something modest. Elsie couldn't stop staring at herself in the mirror. The dress clung to her and had a low v-neckline that showed off some cleavage. She always thought she looked plain but now, looking at herself, she felt had gotten her hair cut after she left the dress shop, and the dirty blonde locks shaped her face perfectly.

As beautiful as she felt, she was also nervous about wearing something so revealing in public, especially in front of the was torn from her thoughts when someone banged on the door. She froze, not knowing who it could be. She told the guys to meet her at the pub, and that she would be a bit late. They knocked again.

"Hey princess, you in there?" Came the soft sound of Bull's voice. She let out the breath she was holding and opened the door for him to come in. He stood there and half whispered, "Wow."

"Is it too much?" She asked nervously.

"No, you look amazing."

She turned back to the mirror. "What are you doing here? I thought I was going to meet you at the pub?"

"You honestly think we were going to let you show up alone?" He smiled. "I told them I'd wait."

"I appreciate it but can handle myself Bull." She assured.

"Not dressed like that," He laughed. "You'll have every guy fighting over them selves just to talk to you if you're not escorted."

"I knew I shouldn't have gotten this stupid dress." She sighed.

"You look stunning, don't even think about changing."

"I don't know if I can wear this out in public." She admitted.

"Is that what's taking you so long?" He laughed. "You can run out into gun fire to blow up a tank, but you're afraid to wear a dress?"

"This isn't funny." But she was smiling.

"C'mon princess, lets go." He said and she looped her arm through his.

As they neared the pub her stomach started to knot. She took a deep breath and smoothed her hair before Bull pushed open the doors. She scanned the room and spotted her boys sitting at a table in the back corner across from the bar. Liebgott was talking to Guarnere and had looked up briefly. His head snapped back up immediately and he stopped mid sentence. He was staring at Elsie with his mouth slightly open as his eyes looked her over. Guarnere swung around in his seat to see what he was gawking at. The look on his face mirrored Liebgotts.

"Holy shit." Guarnere said, gaining the attention of the others. They all watched her wide eyed which made her stomach knot more. She bit her bottom lip, then smiled at them. You can do this, it's just a dress- she told met Liebgotts eyes and his opened mouth slowly turned into a smirk.

"Gentlemen." She said taking the empty seat in between Toye and Grant. "It's not polite to stare."

"Princess, you look amazing." Luz said dumbfounded.

"Thanks for sounding so shocked." She joked.

"We're just used to seeing you in uniform with dirt all over your face is all." Martin added.

"Yeah that's what I meant." Luz joked.

"Well George Luz, you can apologise for offending me with a drink." She said in good humor. He smiled and got up with out a complaint.

"So, what's the special occasion?" Grant asked.

"I've been stuck with a bunch of dirty men for over two years, I just wanted to feel like a girl again."

"Hey you chose this." Toye pointed out.

"And I would do it all over again." She smiled sweetly at him.

Elsie was enjoying herself as she laughed with the men at her table. A couple of them were wandering the room flirting with the women there. She was talking to Martin who was half cut and talking about his wife.

"She sounds like a wonderful person." Elsie smiled.

"She is." He beamed. "You'd love her. Hey you should come meet her when this is all over."

"I would love to." She felt eyes on her and glanced across the table. She caught Liebgott's eye and raised her responded with his usual smirk. Maybe it was the alcohol, but that smirk of his didn't seem to bother her that time. She turned her attention back to Martin who was still talking about his wife.

"Someone should probably get him back to the hotel." Elsie pointed at Luz who was stumbling across the bar. He tripped on a chair and if Grant hadn't been in front of him, he would have fallen on his face. Elsie burst out laughing. "Martin, I volunteer you for the job."

"What? Why me?" He complained.

"Cause you're dependable."

"What am I supposed to do, carry him?"His jaw was set and his eyes narrowed.

"Grant will help you." She smiled the most innocent smile she could.

"Fuck me." Martin mumbled. He downed the last of his drink before getting up.

"Thank you." She called after him. He answered with a wave of his hand.

"Very impressive, little lady." Guarnere smiled taking the seat next to her. Toye sat on the other side of her and tipped his glass.

"Thank you, good sir." She grinned up at him."Where's Bull?"

"He took off a with his new lady friend for a romantic stroll around the city." Guarnere winked.

"And you two couldn't could get any ladies?" She smirked. "With all your charm?"

"Maybe the only lady we're interested in, is you?" Guarnere returned fire.

"Well I hate to break it to ya, but you're not getting any from me so turn those adorable brown eyes else where."

"Adorable you say?" he nudged her arm, she rolled her eyes dramatically but smiled.

"I'm going to get a drink." She told them.

Two women walked up next to the bar while she ordered her drinks- one for her and one for each of the remaining guys. They smiled at her politely but continued with their conversation. Elsie wasn't listening until she heard the words "Cute American soldiers."

"Are you talking about the ones sitting over there?" Elsie nodded in the direction of her table.

"Yes, actually we are." The one closest to her said in a heavy British accent. "You're American to, do you know them?"

"Yes, actually I do." Elsie smiled, even though she figured they knew that already. She had been sitting with the men the whole night. If they saw the men, they would have seen her with them. "Would you like to come sit with us?"

"You wouldn't mind?" The second one asked.

"No at all." Elsie's smile grew wider. She stuck her hand out. "I'm Elsie by the way."

"I'm Alice, this is Sarah." The one closest to her spoke as they shook hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well." Elsie said. When they got their drinks Alice and Sarah followed Elsie back to the table.

"Thanks princess." Guarnere said as she handed out the drinks. "And who are these lovey ladies?"

"Gentlemen, this is Alice and Sarah." She introduced them. "Ladies, this is Bill Guarnere, Joe Toye and Joe Liebgott."

Elsie sat next to Liebgott as Toye and Guarnere pulled out seats for the two women. Liebgott raised an eyebrow at her, she smirked and shrugged her shoulder.

"Well, I think I'm going to call it a night." Elsie said when she finished her drink. "It was a pleasure meeting you ladies."

She didn't miss the looks Guarnere and Toye gave Liebgott when she stood up. He understood what they meant.

"I'll make sure she gets back safe." He stood up and she linked arms with him as they left the bar.

"No protest about having an escort?" Liebgott questioned.

"No." She smiled.

The elevator dinged and the door opened. Elsie stepped out on to the third floor and headed to her room with her key in hand. Liebgott was right behind her which didn't really surprise her. Her friends were protective and would make sure she got back to her room safely, not just her floor.

"Thanks for walking me back." She had the key in the door when she spoke but turned around and smiled at him.

"You're welcome, princess." He was standing close to her, and she had to tilt her neck to see his face.

Liebgott wore his usual smirk but his eyes were different. They were hungry as the bore into hers. It was like they called to her with a fury of passion. She didn't feel the craving sneak up on her but it was there suddenly and in closed the distance between them with haste. She wanted to taste him, to satisfy that craving. The lust in the kiss turned that want into a need and she pulled him in closer.

Some how they made it into the room and she threw the key on the floor. Her back was pressed against the door while her arms wrapped around Liebgott's neck. He pulled away from the kiss and she feared he might change his mind. They were both breathing heavily as he discarded his jacket and shirt. Then his lips were back on hers, as if he sensed her distress. She broke away to remove her dress quickly. She was eager to feel the heat of his lips on hers again. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She didn't want to let him go, not tonight. His mouth trailed down her neck and she let out a soft moan. At some point they discarded the rest of their clothing and made it to the bed. He was on top of her and she clung to his kiss like her life depended on it.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Liebgott broke the kiss and was looking deep into her eyes. The concern was there, knowing her past. She smiled up at him then pulled his head down for another kiss.

"I'm sure," she said breathlessly. The lust in his eyes sent heat all over her body.

Elsie woke up to the early morning sun streaming through the window, with her head on Liebgott's chest. She knew that what ever this was, it couldn't be anything serious, and she promised herself she would only let it go on for the week. Still, she couldn't help but smile. She was going to enjoy her day and forget that they were fighting a war. Liebgott was a good distraction. She looked up to see him smiling down at her. It was the smile that made her stomach dance. God, how she loved that smile.

"Good morning." She said, she positioned herself so she was looking down at him.

"Morning." He said and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned down and placed a short kiss on his lips."Definitely a good morning."

"It could be a good day to." She kissed him again and he tightened his arms around her waist. He rolled them over so he was on top her, still kissing her.

It was early afternoon and they were still in bed. She had her head back on his chest and his arm tightly around her shoulders. Liebgott was quiet and tense, and she could sense something was bothering him. Had she done something wrong?

"What's wrong?" She tilted her head to look at him.

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me Joe." She was leaning on her elbow now and narrowed her eyes at him. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No of course not." He said, then sighed. "What if you get pregnant?".

"What?"

"What if you get pregnant?" He repeated. "I was so caught up in everything I didn't even think about it. You would be kicked out of the army Elsie."

She blinked at his out burst than let out a small laugh. His eyes narrowed and her face softened. "Joe, I can't get pregnant."

"What?"

"You know how I told you my mother couldn't get pregnant? And that I was basically a miracle baby?" She said sombrely. "It's the same for me. I can't ever have kids Joe. And chances are slim to none that I'm going to have a miracle baby. I was lucky enough to live, but giving life is not in my cards."

"I'm sorry." He looked sad.

"It's not your fault." She kissed him on the head before getting out of bed.

"Where you going?" his eyes lingered on her backside.

"We're supposed to meet everyone in the lobby for lunch, remember?"

"Do we have to?" He groaned.

"Yes." She smiled. "I'm starving."

Martin, Guarnere, Toye and Bull were already waiting in the lobby.

"Princess, glad you could join us," Guarnere said with a wide smile throwing his arm around her shoulder.

"Someone's in a good mood." She was smiling back, knowing exactly why he was so happy. It was the same reason she had a silly grin plastered on her face. She could now blame it on Guarnere's good mood being contagious if someone asked about it.

"Good night then?" Liebgott winked.

"Marvellous, thanks to our princess here." Guarnere smiled at her. "Aint that right Joe?"

Toye smiled in agreement but stayed quiet.

"Can we go eat now?" Martin asked irritated, which drew a few chuckles from the group.

"What's the matter Johnny, jealous you didn't get any last night?" Liebgott laughed. Elsie forced a laugh, but she was nervous that Liebgott was going to tell the men they spent the night together. It wasn't that she was embarrassed about it, but she didn't want word to get to Colonel Sink. Or to Welsh for that matter, he was spying on her for Tony after all. Anything he found out would surely get to Sink.

"Did you?" Martin snarked. Here it comes- she thought.

"I'm not the one with a stick up his ass this morning." Liebgott laughed again. Elsie smiled at his deflect.

"I'm sure Johnny just misses his wife." Elsie chimed in. "Besides you lot didn't have to deal with that last night."

She pointed at Luz who just exited the elevator with looked dead on his feet, not that Grant looked much better.

"Now we can go eat." Elsie linked her arm in Martin's and they headed towards the restaurant in the hotel.

As soon as they were alone, Elsie told Liebgott that she didn't want word about them to get to Sink, so they had to keep it quiet. He agreed; he didn't want to be the reason she got kicked out of easy company.

The week passed too quickly in Elsie's mind. They explored London during the day and the pubs at night. Liebgott found his way to her room every night, and she welcomed his company each kept her promise to herself though and told Liebgott they had to stop now that they were back in Aldbourne- it was to risky. He agreed but was reluctant about it. They walked into their barracks and were greeted by a familiar face.

"Mo!" She greeted happily.

"Hiya princess." He gave her a hug and greeted the men who followed her in.

"When did you get back?" Elsie asked him as she lit a smoke.

"Couple days ago, while you lot were in London. Causing trouble, no doubt."

"Not at all." She winked.