Hey guys (imagine being said in sing-song voice)

Oh my God, you have NO idea what I've been through today. So I get home from work and our internet's down. Of course the first thought to go through my mind is: "Shit! My story!" and I panic and my mom's all "Calm down, if you have to post it tomorrow at work, you have to post it tomorrow at work." And then I called Windstream to talk to a representative and he's all "I'm sorry ma'am, I have no idea what the problem is. We're going to have to call you back tomorrow." and I'm all "Shit, no one's going to be home tomorrow!" So in a last minute effort, I tinkered around myself and VOILA, internet fixed! Of course, that's why this is later than usual so I apologize.

On the plus side, it's almost Christmas! And we're supposed to get this huge snowstorm tonight. I'm talking 6-9 inches by Saturday night woot woot. I'm happy because we didn't have a White Christmas last year so hopefully we'll have one this year! Also, I feel like there's so much to do between now and Christmas, so feel happy I'm publishing today. It's my gift to you all for being so wonderful :)

No but seriously, between the presents I have to still buy and wrap, the cookies I have to still bake, and the Christmas movies I have to still watch, along with all the get-togethers I have to attend, I feel like I'm getting no sleep hahaha. On the plus side, tomorrow's my last day of work until next year!

Happy Holidays everyone! :D

Chapter Twenty-Three

August went by peacefully, Meg enjoying her days and nights with Adam and the men of Easy. When Adam left for Base, he was only gone for five days before returning. While he was gone, her favorite men of Easy kept her company.

The only positive of Adam being gone were the secret moments she and Lew were able to share. He was never able to stay the whole night, both of them fearing what would happen if they were caught. Still, the hours they were able to spend cuddled together in Meg's quarters were heaven. A small part of her was even slightly annoyed when Adam returned. She'd never tell him of course, for multiple reasons. She was happy to have her brother back, she just wished she could have a happy medium between him and Lew.

But despite her moaning, she did enjoy having them both there to keep her company. It became almost normal to her. She should have known it was becoming too normal. In her life she had learned that routine usually meant something was about to change.

And sure enough, in September it did.

"You've got a letter," Adam announced as he tossed a small stack of envelopes onto the table in front of Meg. She was sitting at the table with Harry and Dick, the three of them cheerfully eating breakfast when he approached them.

"It looks like I've got more than one," she teased as she set her cup of coffee down and picked up the stack.

"Yeah," Adam said, a grin on his face, "but there's one in there I think you'll especially enjoy."

"Been reading my mail again?" Meg asked before flipping through the envelopes before coming to a stop. She knew she had come across the one Adam was referring to. Setting down the rest of the envelopes, she held the letter up, staring at the return address before tearing it open and skimming its contents.

"Well go on then," Harry prompted with his usual smirk. "What's in the letter?"

"Is it a proposal?" Dick asked, for once joining in on the fun. Meg would have commented on his joke if she hadn't been too enthralled with her letter.

"Oh boy will Lew be pissed," Harry added and the two American's chuckled.

"I'm to report back to Montgomery," Meg told them, looking up with excited eyes. "Immediately."

"What for, does it say?" Adam asked, grabbing the letter from her.

"Of course it doesn't say; the man's not stupid," Meg chided as she quickly began stuffing the remainder of her breakfast in her mouth.

"So attractive," Harry said under his breath but Meg heard him and shot a dirty look in his direction.

"Captain Winters," a voice suddenly said, cutting off Meg's retort to Harry. The four of them looked up to see a nervous-looking orderly. "Colonel Sink wants to see you right away regarding the-"

"Attention!" another voice shouted and every soldier in the mess hall stood quickly, their benches all scraping against the ground. As an afterthought, Meg and Adam decided to stand as well, mostly to blend in. "Fall out. We're running five miles."

"Regarding that," the orderly finished before dashing out of the mess with the rest of the men. As the room emptied, Harry and Dick turned to Meg.

"I feel like we say goodbye to you too much," Harry said as he pulled her in for a rough hug. "But I hope I can say it to you again."

Meg smiled and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"The same to you. I'm most likely just going back to a stuffy office. You boys will be the ones heading off to fight more. I better see you all again."

"Yes ma'am," they both said, saluting her before Dick pulled her in for a hug.

"I have a feeling you'll miss him, so I'll tell Nix you said bye?" it was more of a statement, but Dick said it in the form of a question. Almost as if he was checking that it was okay with her. Meg hadn't thought about it, but realizing she wasn't going to get to say goodbye to Lew was heartbreaking.

"Yes, of course," she stumbled out. "Thank you."

"Anytime kid," Dick said before he and Harry walked out, the last two men to leave the mess.

All alone, Meg and Adam began the walk back to their barrack.

"I seriously feel like I'm having deja vu," Adam said as they walked. "This scenario has happened to us too much in the last few months."

"At least it means we're being kept busy," Meg pointed out but Adam sighed.

"I almost wish that wasn't the case. I'd rather have just one month without one of us being rushed off somewhere."

"What are you saying?" Meg asked, coming to a stop and waiting for her brother to face her. "Do you not want to be an agent anymore?"

"Of course that's not what I'm saying," Adam laughed it off, acting as if her question was the most ridiculous one in the world. Still, Meg wasn't completely convinced by his statement. Something about his tone of voice was off, and it troubled her. She was almost about to call him out on it when she thought better of it. She was leaving; she didn't want her last conversation with Adam to be an argument.

"I guess I know what you mean," she chose to say instead. "Sometimes I wish I could just relax for a bit. I hated being out of the field for all of last year, but now that I'm back I wish I could take time off again. Not forever of course," she quickly clarified. "But just some time to myself."

"To yourself, or to you and Lieutenant Nixon?" Adam teased and Meg shoved his shoulder, blushing.

"Come on, help me pack so I can get out of here," she said, practically breaking into a run.

Truth be told, she was excited to report back to Montgomery. She had enjoyed her time with him, and she especially enjoyed that he appreciated her. The letter was directly from him, saying he had requested her personally. To know that the man appreciated her abilities enough to request her presence meant a lot to her. Sometimes she wondered if she was still cut out to be an agent, after everything that had happened recently. Then she got signs, like the letter from Montgomery, and she knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

Being an agent with the IIA was her life. Even if she was pulled off the front and was only given jobs like the one with Montgomery, she knew she would never give it up. For anything. Being an agent meant so much to her.

As she folded her clothes to pack, a brief scene flashed before her eyes. She was older, her hair just barely starting to grey. Lew was somewhat worse for wear, his hair almost completely void of the dark chocolate color she loved so much. She was cradling a small bundle in her arms while he was swinging a young boy around.

The image shocked her. Pausing in her folding for a second, she quickly glanced up to see if Adam had noticed her change in demeanor. Convinced he was still too busy going through books she should take, Meg turned back to her clothes.

What was that scene? What did it mean? Was that something she wanted?

Meg had never really thought about it before. She had always only thought about herself in the now; never the future. Did she want children? A family? She didn't know, but she had to admit that picture seemed cozy.

Could she be like her parents and raise her children to be agents? As much as she loved the job, she didn't think so. She couldn't imagine being a parent and knowing what her children would go through as agents. She was still shocked that her own parents let her become an agent.

But if she couldn't picture having her children become agents, could she picture herself leaving the field? Was having a family more important to her?

The questions were hard, and she sat down as she felt a headache coming on.

"Everything alright Meg?" Adam asked and she nodded, standing up again.

"Of course, just a slight headache. I have a feeling I ate too quickly," she lied as she rushed to catch up on her folding. "I'll be fine once I get on the way to London."

"Speaking of which, how are you getting there? If all the men are off running this drill, who do you have to drive you?"

Meg thought about it for a minute before turning to her brother with a smile.

"Care to take me for a long drive?"

"Miss Myeroff, I'm glad you could make it," Montgomery said almost as soon as she walked through the door. Setting her suitcase down, she saluted him before turning to her brother.

"Sir, this is my brother Adam," she said, trying not to smirk at the look on Adam's face. He looked like he was about to wet himself from excitement. She knew he was crushed he hadn't gotten to meet Eisenhower, but she was sure this made up for it.

"Sir, it's a pleasure to meet you," Adam said, saluting as well.

"At ease," Montgomery said with a smile. "Meg's spoken highly of you. It's a pleasure meeting the brother of such a highly appreciated agent."

Meg blushed, knowing Adam would tease her about the comments later. For now, he was too excited to focus on anything else.

"Meg has spoken highly of you as well sir," Adam schmoozed and Meg tried not to smirk again. "She really enjoyed her time here."

"Let's not get carried away here," Meg cut in and both men laughed.

"Well Adam, I promise not to keep your sister too long this time," Montgomery said when the laughter had died. "We've actually mostly finished with our most recent plans."

"You have?" Meg asked, her eyebrows rising in surprise. If that were the case, why did they call for her?

"Yes we have, and it involves the 101st so we thought we'd bring you in. You're well informed on that regard aren't you?"

His question caused Meg and Adam to both smirk.

"Sir, you couldn't have brought on anyone more informed," Adam said before pulling her in for a hug. "I'll be seeing you kid. Stay smart."

"Bye Adam. Keep an eye on Easy for me," Meg replied before following Montgomery into the meeting room she had grown so accustomed to.

"You know, it wasn't just my recommendation that brought you back here," Montgomery said as he and Meg continued to walk.

"It wasn't?" Meg asked, wondering what angle Marco pulled to get her in there.

"No, it was Eisenhower's too."

At his statement Meg stopped still. Turning to stare at him, she shook her head slightly, as if she was clearing it from a daze.

"Sorry, what did you say?" she asked and Montgomery laughed.

"Eisenhower said he met you a few weeks back and he was impressed with what the Colonel over at Aldbourne had to say about you. When I mentioned thinking about bringing you back on, he insisted."

Meg stood there for a minute after Montgomery headed inside. Eisenhower thought that highly of her? She had to admit this was probably the biggest moment of her career. Sometimes it was a bit sad knowing that the majority of your career would never be recognized. Meg had saved dozens of lives over the past five years and most of them would never know it was her. Being able to enjoy someone's appreciation of her was a special moment, one she intended to enjoy.

She wouldn't let either of these men down.

The next two days were spent with Meg's nose glued to the grindstone, studying and memorizing every detail of Montgomery's newest operation, Operation Market Garden. She needed to know every detail off it if she was expected to relay it to the men of the 101st in just a few days' time.

When she finally knew the operation like the back of her hand, Meg repacked all her things and started the travel back to Aldbourne.

She hadn't known she would be coming back this soon; neither had Adam. That meant none of the men would be expecting her. She always loved surprising them. Especially Lew. She definitely loved surprising him.

There hadn't been time enough to correspond with him while she was away. It had been a good amount of time since their terrible fight, but she still wasn't 100 percent comfortable around him again. She wished they lived in a time when there was no war; when they could spend unlimited time together and truly become a couple. Of course at this thought, the thought of Katharine popped into her mind and that led to a whole new bunch of worries. She was refusing to let herself even think about the domestic scene she had envisioned back at Aldbourne. That was too much for her.

"Back so soon?" Joe Toye asked when Meg walked into Battalion HQ. She smirked at him, walking over to bump her hip against his.

"Of course I am. You lads wouldn't survive one week without me here to hold your hands," she teased as she continued on her way and walked into Sink's office. "Sir, reporting for duty," she said, giving an official salute. She was under strict orders from Montgomery that, even though she knew everyone here like family, she was to keep a professional manner this time around.

"Well don't you look sharp," Colonel Sink said, standing up from his desk and walking over to take the sight of her in.

Meg had dressed in a smart dress suit, similar to what official military women wore. Of course, it wasn't a uniform by any means; she didn't have one with the IIA. It was just a classy outfit that she hoped would make her look professional and make the men take her seriously.

"I heard you're the one giving us our orders," Sink continued and Meg nodded.

"Yes sir, I'm under strict instruction to give these orders directly to all your men immediately."

Sink made a face at Meg's properness, probably because it was something he hadn't seen much of. Giving her a nod, he turned and quickly told his orderly to have all the men assembled.

"Well Miss Myeroff, if you'll follow me," he said, giving her a wink and Meg couldn't help it; she laughed. Usually Sink was the proper one, whereas she was the carefree, joyful one. Now it was the complete opposite, and she knew they both felt awkward about it.

"I apologize for my behavior," she said as they walked. "Montgomery instructed me to remain professional during this whole ordeal so the men respect me when I give them these orders."

"Meg," Sink said, pulling them to a stop and looking at her. "These men would respect you if you showed up in a ridiculous outfit, wearing feathers in your hair and paint all over your face."

She'd admit it, his comment made her laugh.

It took thirty minutes for all the men of the 101st to be assembled. While she waited, Meg took the time erecting maps, laying out instructions, and highlighting details. The group of men she would be lecturing was much larger than the class on guns she had taught all those months ago. Had it really been that long? Sometimes she was surprised with how much time had flown since her arrival at Aldbourne. That all seemed like another world.

"Oh no, they've got you leading intelligence meetings now too?" a familiar voice said and she grinned, turning to find Lewis Nixon staring at her. She was tempted to run up and hug him, but men had started to file in and she didn't want to cause a scene. She was sure most of them knew about their relationship, but she didn't want to push her luck. Especially not when she was trying to remain professional.

"I'm just here to instruct you on a new operation," she said.

"Does that mean we're moving out?" Harry asked, coming up beside her.

"I'm afraid so," she replied, her stomach dropping when she suddenly realized what that meant.

This operation was huge. If it went as planned, it would be a major victory for them. However, there was a very real chance of high casualty numbers. They had been lucky the first time around when it came to casualties. She didn't know if they'd be so lucky this time.

"Well Meg, I think they're all ready," Sink said, coming up next to the three of them. "Will you two take your seats?"

Both Harry and Lew smirked at Meg in regards to their small scolding from Sink. Hurrying to their seats, Meg shook her head before turning to address the crowd.

"I'm sure you all remember me, but I'm hoping this discussion will go better than the last one we all had together," she teased to lighten the mood. Sure enough, most of the men remembered that time when she was first introduced to them all. When the laughter had died down, she launched into her lecture.

For the next hour, Meg went over everything. She discussed tactics, showed them routes and locations on the maps, and detailed what each Company would be doing. From the looks on the men's faces, they were impressed with her leadership ability. Even Meg was impressed with herself, but more so for her ability to remember everything so well.

However when the time came for any questions, she was surprised when no one raised their hand. There was no way she could have explained that perfectly so that every single one of them understood it. Glancing around the room, she waited patiently in the hopes that someone would jump in.

Finally someone did: George Luz.

"Yes?" she asked and he smirked before standing. Oh dear, she thought. Here comes an irrelevant and possibly inappropriate question.

"Could you explain the initial assault again ma'am?" he asked, no hint of humor in his voice. "I wasn't quite clear on it."

"Of course," Meg replied, slightly stunned. Was this George Luz being serious around the men? Usually the only times he acted serious was when the two of them were alone and he was helping her with a Nixon problem.

After explaining the initial assault again, she was surprised to see more hands slowly rise. Surprised and happy. She had more than ten questions to answer, so she knew the men were involved in the discussion at least somewhat.

"That went well," Lew said to her as the rest of the men all filed out when the meeting was finally done. Meg was beginning to organize her supplies and he quickly jumped in to grab some things. "You'll have to thank Luz later for helping you out."

"Helping me out?" Meg asked as she began to pull her map down from its pegs.

"Well yeah, those men all wouldn't have asked their questions if it weren't for him asking first."

"They wouldn't? Why not?"

Lew's statement confused her. Why wouldn't they want things clarified before such a big mission?

"Probably because you're a girl," he said before seeing the look on her face. "I mean woman. Sure they'll listen to you, but most of them were probably planning on asking their COs to explain the technicalities later. When Luz jumped in and asked his question, the others seemed to realize it was okay to ask theirs too."

"You're telling me those men weren't planning to ask me very important questions because I'm a woman?" she asked, both shocked and disgusted.

"Well when you put it like that..." Lew teased before seeing her face and getting serious again. "Come on Meg, what do you expect? These men can't all be as accepting of a woman working in the field as Easy has been. You've gotta admit even you've been shocked with how much the Easy guys have taken to you."

She knew he had a point, but it didn't lessen her annoyance. Seeing she wasn't going to ease up, Lew rolled his eyes and grabbed her arm.

"Come on, I think they're getting ready to serve lunch."

The two walked to the mess hall together, putting almost a foot between them. It wasn't because Meg was nervous someone would jump to conclusions, it was because she knew she couldn't be closer to him; not without wanting to touch him. Was this healthy? She didn't think so. There was no way the relationship they had with each other was healthy, and it scared her to death. Other than Adam and Marco, she hadn't been this close to anyone. She hadn't even been this close to Christian, and she had considered him one of her closest friends.

It was a terrifying realization.

When they reached the mess hall, Meg tore herself away from Lew and hurried over to the table of Easy men. Plopping down among them, she leaned over and hugged George tightly, kissing him on the cheek.

"What the hell was that for?" he asked in a gruff tone, obviously embarrassed.

"For being you," she said with a smile, ignoring the cat calls and chuckles from the rest of the group. "You helped me out today, yet again, and I won't forget it. Thank you."

And before anyone else could say anything, she turned to them and fell into their happy conversation.

The happy feelings wouldn't last for long. On the night of September 13, word was sent out that the men of the 101st would be loaded up into buses. That night, Meg snuck into the Easy Company barracks and snuggled up on George's bed while the men packed their things.

"You could get in a lot of trouble if you're caught in here," Muck warned as he walked past her holding a pair of dirty socks.

"We could all get in a lot of trouble if you're caught in here," Penkala added, but Talbert shoved his shoulder.

"Come off it. If the last female face you get to see is Meg's, you should consider yourself lucky," he chided and Meg blushed before turning serious.

"Tab don't talk like that. Of course I won't be the last female face you all see. You're going to all come back from this war and marry a bunch of beautiful girls and you better all remember to invite me to your wedding."

"You can be the flower girl," Malarkey told her and Meg laughed.

"Hey, you better return the favor," Toye warned, causing Meg to look at him with a scowl. "We better all be getting invitations to your wedding to Nixon."

"Oh stop it," Meg laughed, blushing more than she had all night.

"Don't act all coy Meg Myeroff," Muck said, coming to sit down beside her. "We've all got eyes. We all know there's something going on between you two."

Out of panic, Meg looked up at George but he shook his head and shrugged.

"I didn't say a word," he said, holding his hands up in defense. All the men in the room looked at him.

"Didn't say a word about what?" Malarkey asked.

"George!" Meg cried, but she couldn't be mad at him. She couldn't be mad at any of them right now. For all she knew, tonight would be the last night she would see some of them. Forever.

She had taken advantage of that last time; she wouldn't do the same this time. Before she left the barracks, she hugged each one, placing a soft kiss on his cheek and telling him to be safe. Then she bid them all farewell and headed out into the night.

Instead of heading back to her own warm bed, she turned in the opposite direction, heading to where Lew would most likely be.

Sure enough she could hear the deep tones of his voice as she came to a stop outside. She could also hear Harry inside, and she wondered if she should disturb them. Then she decided they wouldn't care and she knocked quickly.

"Yeah?" Harry said roughly, sticking his head out. "Oh it's you."

"Well don't sound so glum about it," Meg said as she followed him inside. Just like with the Easy men, Lew and Harry were packing up their belongings. She walked over to Lew's bed and curled up on it, similar to how she had done on George's.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Lew asked as he tossed a clean bandana into his pack.

"Just coming to say bye," she said, looking at both of them. "I've just been over with the Easy boys, saying goodbye to them as well."

"Making the rounds?" Harry teased as he sat down on his own bed, leaning back to face her.

"Exactly. I want to make sure I've wished everyone good luck before you all move out tomorrow."

"You make it sound like the end of the world," Lew laughed. Meg didn't have the heart to remind him that for some of them it would be. "We'll be back before you know it, and all those guys will be back to pestering you again, just like before."

Realizing there was no point in bringing down the mood of the evening, Meg decided to drop the somber act. She could always moan to Adam about it later. For now, she wanted to spend her last moments with Harry and Lew happily.

The three of them struck up friendly conversation, Lew soon abandoning his packing and pulling a trunk up to sit on. It was comforting to Meg, to be able to fall into this situation so easily. She'd said it once, and she'd say it again. These Easy men had certainly changed her for the better. She would never regret a single moment she spent with them.

Finally, after they had all lost track of the time, Harry glanced down at his watch.

"Ten o'clock!? I'd better go take a shower," he said, jumping up and walking out quickly. It struck Meg as odd, and she scowled before turning to look at him.

"No one said Harry was subtle," he told her before patting his thigh. Meg smirked and stood from his bed, walking over to sit on his lap. "I'm going to miss you...again," he teased as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

"I think I might miss you more," Meg replied, leaning up to kiss his jaw before placing a nice kiss on his lips.

"Meg," Lew whispered and the floodgates opened. Lifting her up in his arms, he carried her over to the bed and set her down, leaning over her.

"Lew we can't do this," she said, trying to push him away even though her body screamed for him to come closer.

"Yes we can," he tried to reply but she cut him off.

"I wish you were right, but we both know you aren't. You're all getting ready to leave tomorrow morning, someone could walk through that door at any minute."

Lew groaned at her statement but nodded and rolled off her. They both lay there, staring up at the ceiling before she sighed.

"I'm sorry," she started to say but he shook his head.

"Don't be. Even though you know I hate to admit it, you're right," he teased and soon she found herself laughing uncontrollably. It was too hard for Lew to handle and he joined her.

When the silliness had worn off, they both sat up, turning to each other again.

"Please promise you'll be safe?" Meg asked and Lew nodded, taking her hands in his.

"I always promise. Besides, I have your lucky charm on me, don't I?"

At his question she reached her hand out and lifted her mother's wedding ring, her fingers instantly recognizing the smooth feel of it.

"I love you," she told him, and they both kissed before he rested his forehead against hers and replied.

"I love you too."

Since it's the holiday season and everything, you know what would make my year? Lovely Christmas presents in the form of reviews from all of you lovely reviewers! :)

G. - Yay Adam IS back! Wouldn't that suck if Adam and Lew didn't get along? Poor Meg if that were the case haha. And I'm sorry about Swinson being a mediocre spy, but you're right. At least he is hot to make up for it. What's he supposed to look like again? Also, this chapter you just read (unless you skipped to the bottom again) is the last chapter of 100% new material so I'm eager to hear what you thought! I think it's interesting that you want to know more about Marco...since you know more about him than anyone else (except me of course). Is this a hint that I need to write MORE about him? Thanks for the review Homeskillet! Merry Christmas! I can't wait to hear about what all you got :)

LovingBOBThePacific - I'm glad they're happy tears this time! Yay! And I'm glad you love Adam haha. He doesn't get enough love, so it's good to hear someone besides me likes him. Right? Swinson is such an idiot. My roomie/editor says she thinks he's a super attractive man though, so maybe that makes up for it a bit? I dunno, I still think he's an idiot. I'm pretty sure they weren't taught to do that at the IIA... Anyway, I can't remember if you mentioned your Pacific story or not, but I haven't seen it yet... it's on my list though haha. And as soon as I see the series, I shall read your story! Happy Holidays dear! Thanks for the review!

ActiveIngredient - YAY a new reader! I do the EXACT same thing. I'll be all "oh I'll just check out this story and see if I want to read it..." fast forward 6 hours later and it's 1 am and I'm struggling to stay awake as I finish the last chapter haha. I'm glad you think I'm awesome :) I do too, but it's nice to hear somebody agree with me for once haha. And don't feel guilty about not reviewing all the chapters. The fact that you reviewed this one is more than enough :) And hopefully some of the things you wanted to comment on will come back to you as you read this last chapter, so feel free to let me know anything you're thinking, even if it regards chapter one hahahaha. Thanks for the review! Happy holidays and you rock too!