You should all be super impressed with me getting this out. This week has been way more stressful than I imagined (and of course it's all my fault...because that's what I do!)

Anyway, long story short, I have this friend that I've known for like, 9 years or so. We call each other "Fair Friends" because we ONLY ever hang out during Fair. Well, pretty sure he's been infatuated with me for almost as long as we've known each other (even including that break when I was at college and didn't come back to fair for 3 years in a row!) but I just wanted to be friends and it was all good. Of course, THIS year, I FINALLY realize I actually like him too...and he randomly seems to decide (in the span of about 6 hours) that he wants nothing to do with me. Well, that's what it seems like anyway. idk, it's weird and I'm paranoid and I keep getting mad for no reason etc etc. Aka, I've spent all my spare time mulling over this, trying to figure it out, to no avail...

Well, now that THAT'S out there! haha. For those wondering, the rest of Fair went well. The kids all did good in their shows and I was super proud of them all! Now Fair's over and it's back to the real world :( If you go to my profile, you can check out my Twitter. I posted some Fair pics on there!

Chapter Seven

"Marco wants you to phone Base."

That was the first thing Adam said to Meg when he walked into their quarters that morning. Meg simply groaned in response, rolling over in her bed.

"Are you hungover?" Adam asked, sounding shocked. "Meg how much did you drink last night?"

"Too much," she moaned as she pulled her blanket up tighter around her, trying to block out the light.

"I can't believe you," Adam said, slamming his bag down on the floor.

"Please stop yelling," Meg whimpered, burrowing herself deeper into the sheets. "It was stupid I know. I just haven't hung out with people I consider friends in so long and I guess it all just got away from me."

At her announcement of having people she referred to as friends, Adam's facial expression softened.

"What do you want to make it feel better?" he asked as he walked over to lean over her.

"Two aspirin and a black coffee," she said, never taking her head out from under the blanket.

When he returned with them, he found her still curled up in the same position, her eyes tightly shut.

"Here," he said and she reached out blindly to take the pills from him. Popping them in her mouth, she slowly sat up, keeping her eyes closed. When her hands reached out tentatively, he rolled his eyes before carefully placing the coffee cup in her hand.

"What're you doing here?" she asked, finally opening her eyes after a large gulp of coffee.

"It's Sunday, I'm supposed to be back remember?" he said, shaking his head at her. "Come on Meg, pull yourself together."

"I knew you were coming back today," she argued, her voice taking a tone similar to one she used to use when they'd argue as children. "I just thought you'd be arriving sometime after lunch."

"Meg, it is after lunch," he said and she sighed, sliding back down into her covers.

"I'll call Marco in a few," she said before rolling over and ending the conversation.

Later that afternoon, when Meg was feeling much better, she ambled herself along to Battalion HQ, eager to get this phone call over with. She had no idea what Marco wanted her for, and she didn't know if she wanted it to be a mission or not.

On the one hand, it had been over a year since her last mission and she was eager to get back in the field. On the other hand, and she hated to admit it, she was having a lot of fun with the Americans. If she left for a mission now, who knew how long she would be gone and who knew what she would miss.

The men might decide they liked Adam better than her.

Smiling at the orderly when she walked inside to the main office, she informed him she had to make an official phone call.

"Just one moment Miss Myeroff," the orderly said as he walked over and began dialing the number she had told him.

As she waited, she couldn't help but hear a heated discussion going on in the next room. Straining her ears to hear a little better, she scowled as she picked up words such as "Dick," "mess," "Sobel," and "Court Martial."

Just as she was debating strolling over to the doorway so she could hear a little better, the orderly called her name, telling her the phone was ready.

"Thank you," she said as she sat down in the chair he indicated and put the receiver to her ear.

"Hello?" a familiar voice said a few seconds later.

"Sir, Agent Myeroff reporting," she said into the phone, changing her vocal tone to sound more professional. It was something Adam always called her out on and she didn't know why she did it. Whenever she spoke to a higher up, her tone always changed, becoming deeper.

"Megan," Marco's voice crackled into the phone. "Took you longer than I expected. Adam gave you the message as soon as he got back?"

"I had a bit of a slow start this morning sir," she said, feeling slightly embarrassed to admit it. "What did you want?"

Marco chuckled at her eagerness, not understanding that she was really just eager to pass over the conversation of why her morning had been so slow.

"Always on top of your game Meg," he said before clearing his throat. "I need you to report to Westminster. I can't tell you any more over the phone but when you arrive you'll be meeting with Commander Morgan."

"Sir?" Meg asked, shocked by this news. She had heard of Morgan before. He had played a large role in the First World War, as well as a large role in North Africa and Italy this time around. If Morgan was involved in her mission, that meant it was most likely a big deal.

"He'll be telling you more of what you'll be doing when you get there. For now just get your things together and get to Westminster by Tuesday."

"How long should I expect to be gone sir?" Meg asked, hoping it would be a short amount of time.

"I would expect a month at the least. Tell your brother he's to stay in Aldbourne until told otherwise."

"Yes sir," Meg said before cutting the connection.

Thanking the orderly again, she turned and headed out of the building, practically running down the cobble path, thoughts of spying on the conversation about Dick forgotten.

If she was meeting Commander Morgan in a week, she needed a stiff drink. And since the pub was closed at four on a Sunday, there was only one place she knew she could get it.

It didn't take her long to find Dick's quarters. Knocking on the flimsy door, she was glad when he answered rather quickly.

"Meg," he said, his face showing that he was surprised to find her there. Suddenly Meg felt slightly awkward. Clearing her throat, she avoided eye contact.

"This may seem out of the ordinary," she started before pausing as a realization hit her.

If Dick didn't drink, and definitely didn't approve of how much Lew drank, there was a good chance he wouldn't approve of her drinking either.

"Yes?" he asked, prompting her to continue.

"Well," she said, drawing out the word. Then, with a glance in either direction to make sure no one was looking, she pushed him back inside, following behind him. "I'm sorry to barge in on you, and I'm sure you'll find this completely inappropriate, but does Lew still keep his Vat 69 in your foot locker?"

Dick rolled his eyes in an annoyed way.

"Yep, he does," he said before frowning suspiciously. "Why?"

"I would like to drink some of it if you don't mind," she said and he looked at her in an even more confused way. She realized she would need to explain herself. "I was just contacted by my commanding officer and I'm to report to a big job this week. I mean huge. And, well, I'd kind of like a shot of whiskey to make it a little better."

"I suppose we could manage that," Dick said, his facial expression softening. He turned and reached into his foot locker, pulling up the bottle in question and handing it over to Meg. "And I'm sure Nix wouldn't mind."

"Wouldn't mind what?"

Both Meg and Dick turned just as the devil himself walked through the door. Neither of them answered, but one glance at her hand was all he needed.

"What are you doing with my stash?" he asked in an accusatory tone. "Why did you let her into my stash?" he immediately followed, turning his tone on Dick.

Dick threw his hands up in surrender but Meg stepped in.

"I got my orders," she said. Lew seemed to realize what she meant and his face softened.

"Are they big?" he asked and she shrugged.

"I think so. Marco was pretty secretive on the phone but he dropped some big names so it can be assumed it's a big deal."

In response, Lew motioned to the bottle.

"Then by all means, knock yourself out."

Meg nodded her head in thanks before unstopping the bottle and pouring a shot straight into her mouth.

"Jesus, not even a glass?" Lew asked, rolling his eyes as he stepped farther into the room, stopping next to Dick. "Am I going to have to carry you home again?"

At Dick's questioning look to Lew's statement, Meg scowled.

"You promised no one would find that out," she accused, pointing her pointer finger at him while the rest of her hand stayed wrapped around the bottle. She lowered her hand when she realized it was a gesture that made her look unattractively like a drunk. "I have a reputation to uphold as a strong, independent woman who can hold her liquor. You can't go around announcing to the world that I had to be carried home from the pub last night."

If Dick was surprised by her statement he hid it well. Instead he took a step back, a sideline spectator to the argument between his best friend and the girl who was quickly becoming a regular addition to their group.

"Sorry, it just slipped out," Lew said, not sounding sorry at all. "Besides, Dick won't tell anyone, will you Dick?"

Being brought back into the ring against his will, Dick shook his head no and Meg smiled at him before stuffing the stopper back on.

"So when do you leave?" Dick asked as Meg handed him the bottle to put back in his foot locker.

"Tomorrow probably. I have to report by Tuesday so that makes the most sense."

"How long will you be gone?" Lew asked and she frowned, seeing he was genuinely wondering.

"Marco told me to expect at least a month. I'm hoping it's not much longer, the boys were making such fun plans for Christmas and New Years."

"Yeah well don't get your hopes up," Lew said, his sarcastic tone coming back. "If it's up to Sobel they'll be running drills through Christmas Day so you won't be missing much."

"Lieutenant Winters," a voice said, causing all three of them to turn to the doorway. An orderly was standing there, looking from Meg to the two Lieutenants with a curious expression. She blushed when she realized it probably wasn't very proper to be in Dick's quarters with them.

"Yes?" Dick asked, pulling the focus back to him.

"Sir, Captain Sobel requests your presence in his office."

"Alright, I'll be right along," Dick said, nodding to the orderly before turning to Meg. "If I don't see you before you go, have a good trip and stay safe."

Meg knew that most of the men in Easy Company were smart enough to know her job had the potential to be life-threatening. What she liked so much about them was that they were good enough to accept it instead of continuously belittling it.

"I'm sure I'll see you at the mess tonight and tomorrow for dinner and breakfast," she said before saluting him with a teasing smile. He returned both before turning on his heel and leaving her alone with Lew.

"Now don't go getting shot at," Lew said suddenly, causing her to look at him. "At least not until we're over there so we can all watch out for you."

"Lew I think I've seen more action in one mission than you'll ever have to see. I should be the one watching out for all of you."

Lew rolled his eyes at her comment, walking over to Dick's foot locker and pulling the bottle back out, followed by two shot glasses.

"Why didn't you mention you had those in there before?" she asked and he shrugged with a smirk.

"You didn't ask," he told her, quickly pouring them both a shot. Handing her one, he raised his in the air. "To not getting killed."

"Really?" Meg asked with a scoff but his frown told her to just drink the shot.

When they had finished, they turned silent as Lew put the bottle away again.

"Will you write to me?" Meg asked suddenly, surprising herself with the question. Lew stood up and turned around, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. "I mean, I'm probably going to be pretty lonely over there and I'd like to stay up on the gossip," she explained, backpedalling lightly. "How else am I supposed to feel like I've stayed in the loop with the lads while I'm gone?" She had no idea why she'd asked him that, and if she were being honest it was a completely inappropriate request to make of a married man. Still, she did need someone to write to at Aldbourne besides her brother. Adam would never know exactly what she wanted to hear about all the men. She told herself that this reasoning was completely innocent and was the only reason why she'd asked Lew to write to her.

"True point," Lew said, turning to sit in Dick's chair. "Where are you going?" he asked before quickly making a face. "Or am I not allowed to know that?"

"Westminster," Meg replied with a laugh. "The mission's top secret, the location is not."

"Westminster," Lew repeated, thinking. "That's not far away is it?"

"Under two hours," Meg replied and he nodded.

"Just inside London. Not too far to visit on a 48-hour pass."

"Don't you dare think of visiting me," Meg scolding with a chuckle. "Who knows what I'll be doing and you need to be thinking about fighting Germans, not catching up with me in London." Not to mention what people would think if they heard he had visited her. She frowned to herself as a thought crossed her mind. She and Lew were just friends, just like she was friends with Harry. So how come she was comfortable with the idea of a visit from Harry, who was happily devoted to his girl back home, but thinking of Lew visiting made her feel terribly guilty?

"A night on the town, maybe a little theater, a walk through St. James's Park," Lew continued, ignoring her reprimand and seeming oblivious to her internal frustrations. "Sounds like fun right?"

"With you? Not at all," she said as she stood up, brushing her thoughts off and throwing him a smirk. "I should probably go back. I'll most likely need to take practically everything with me."

Lew stood too, walking forward to pull her into a tight hug. It caught her by surprise and took her a moment to react, but when she wrapped her arms around his torso, she smiled at how nice it felt. She ignored the butterflies in her stomach that informed her that this was not a simple, friend hug, enjoying the moment in his arms.

"You stay safe," he said into her ear, squeezing her tightly. "I don't want to hear from your brother that you've done something reckless."

They pulled apart and she looked up at him.

"It's London, what could I possible do that would be considered reckless?"

"I don't doubt your ability to stir up trouble," he teased and she threw him a frown before turning and heading out the door. "And no flirting with the boys of the British Navy while you're over there," he called after. "I don't want to have to explain to the men of Easy that you chose Limeys over them."

Meg scoffed at his comment as she shut the door behind her and headed off back to her place, trying to quell the hope in her chest that he would be the one annoyed if she chose a Brit over him.

"Well? What did Marco want?" Adam asked as soon as she walked through the door.

"I'm to report to Westminster," she said as she walked over to sit beside him on his bed. "He didn't say what for but I'm to be reporting to Commander Morgan!"

Adam's eyes told her he was as impressed as she had been. Morgan was somewhat of a celebrity among the military personnel and reporting to him for a mission was a big deal indeed.

"What do you think I'll be doing?" she asked as she stood up to begin packing her clothes, folding all her skirts neatly.

"I have no idea, but you'll have to keep me informed."

"You too," she said, turning to look at him. "I want to know everything that's going on here while I'm gone."

"Why?" Adam asked and she stopped packing, completely turning her body to face him.

"Do you seriously have to ask that question?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips. "You've seen me over this past week. I can't explain it, so don't expect me to, but I've grown close to these men. And you know for me that's saying a lot."

Adam nodded, turning back to his game of solitaire he had spread out on his bed.

"I've noticed," he said nonchalantly and Meg had a suspicious feeling that he knew exactly why she wanted to know everything; he just wanted her to admit it.

"I'm supposed to report to Westminster by Tuesday so I suppose I'll leave tomorrow afternoon," she said, switching the conversation and refusing to give him any satisfaction. "I want to get settled in before I have to appear before the Commander."

"Alright," Adam said, not looking up again. "I'll write you every day as long as you do the same. You still have the code?"

"Of course I still have the code," she said, acting as if that was a ridiculous question for him to ask. "Besides, we used it to write so many letters in the past 10 years that even if I wanted to forget it I couldn't."

"Well good," Adam replied, as he slid all the cards together and began shuffling the pile, "because I want to know everything. This could very well be your first mission since the incident and I want to keep an eye on you as best I can."

"Alright big brother," Meg said in a mocking tone before turning to collapse on her bed. "I hate packing."

Monday's breakfast found her breaking the news to the men of Easy. For only knowing them a little over a week, saying her goodbyes was hard. They had each taken a turn at pulling her into a tight hug, some adding a little extra to their farewell. Muck had kissed her dramatically on the cheek. Bill had attempted to plant one on her mouth before she caught on and turned her head at the last second. Malarkey had squeezed her extra tightly, whispering into her ear to be safe.

However it was George Luz that had the most effect to her. As he had hugged her, his lips had found her ear, leaning in close to whisper to her.

"Don't do anything stupid," he said, holding her in place when she tried to pull back to yell at him. "You're our favorite girl and we won't forgive you if you kill all the Germans before we get over there." Then he had pulled back slightly to look her in the eyes. "We love ya kid."

The sentiment may have been a little too strong for the time frame of their friendship but she knew exactly what he meant. She had grown a soft spot in her heart for these boys too. And just like with George's warning, she'd be torn if any of them went and got themselves killed.

"I'll be alright," she promised, ruffling his hair and earning a chuckle in return. "And I promise I'll write what I can," she said before detaching herself from his arms.

Her goodbyes finished with the boys, she turned and headed in the direction of the officers' table, eager to get the rest of her goodbyes over with.

"The lady of the hour," Harry announced as he stood up, pulling her in roughly. "Stay tough kid. Give 'em hell for us," he told her, his voice muffled slightly by the fact that he was holding her so tightly his mouth was shoved against her hair.

"I'll try my best," she said before turning to Dick. "Good luck Dick," she said, the reason for her statement hanging unspoken in the air. She knew the next few weeks would be hard on him where Sobel was concerned.

"You too Meg," he said, surprising her by pulling her into a hug as well. He had always seemed such a serious person that the small show of affection caught her off guard. Nevertheless, she returned the hug, patting him lightly on the back before turning to the last member of their foursome.

"Lew," she said, suddenly feeling shy. She silently cursed her ease with blushing when she felt her cheeks heat up. She had hoped it would go unnoticed but when Dick awkwardly cleared his throat she knew it hadn't.

"Meg," Lew answered, finally breaking the tension by spreading his arms to envelope her in a hug. "Try not to catch too many Limey eyes will ya?" he asked and she sighed, realizing the odds of Lewis Nixon giving a serious goodbye were slim.

"No promises," she said with a twinkle in her eye before she paled. They were flirting!

Taking a page out of Dick's book and clearing her throat embarrassedly, she turned to the three, giving a smile and a salute before turning on her heel and heading to join Adam at the door.

"Finished packing?" he asked as he held it open for her to walk out, falling in step next to her.

"Of course I'm not," she replied, throwing him a smile. "Have I ever been able to head off on a mission that easily?"

"No I suppose not," Adam said with a chuckle, picking up his pace to match her quicker gate.

She had a long day ahead of her.

Review response time! I get so excited when my phone goes off that I have an email and it's from FanFiction! Then I felt embarassed when one of the 4-H kids was like "Ooooo who are you texting that's making you smile so big?" and I was all "...I'm reading emails" and cue embarassing moment.

Anyway, here they are!

paintmyworlddarkblue - What a good guesser you are! Glad you guessed it! Thanks for reviewing!

Tegan Ganmore - Unfortunately we won't be seeing your happy dance this week: this is a much shorter chapter :( Also I'm glad that scene made you laugh. I was so excited to write it. At the time I was like "Carrying a chick home in your arms is so lame. What can he do instead?" haha. And I like your thoughts on Meg and Christian. That's what my roommate/editor thought too. You'll just have to wait and see... :)

LovingBOBThePacific - Interesting question. Who exactly did you have in mind? I kind of created brotherly relationships between her and all the other guys in Easy but if you have any preferences/suggestions, I'd love to hear them! Sorry my review didn't come right after Monday night! As my note at the beginning of this chapter mentioned, this week's been kinda crazy haha.

IceColdInAlex - I'm SOOO glad you love Meg! That makes me so happy! I'm also glad you're enjoying the banter etc. It's good to hear stuff like this, so thank you!