Yay it's here! Another chapter!

First, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who thought of my hometown yesterday. It meant a lot to us to know people around the country and the world were thinking of us, even if it was only for a second. Thank you.

Second, I have ridiculously depressing news. This story is almost over! I was going through the file today and came to the realization and I'm like, depressed. Like, go buy ice cream and wine and sit in a dark room cuddled in a blanket depressed. I can't believe I've been posting this weekly since mid-July! And I can't believe some of you have been with me for that long! It's so crazy!

Anyway, here's the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy it! :)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Other than Adam's insistent mothering, the drive to Austria was a peaceful one. Meg lay in the back of the jeep, gazing out across the scenery as they drove. Although she had been to Austria before, there was something about it this time around. Maybe it was the fact that the war was over, or maybe it was because her life was back in order. Either way, Austria seemed much more beautiful than she remembered.

People waved to them as they drove past, running out of their houses in excitement to see the Americans. When Meg's jeep drove by, many of them looked at her in surprise, eyebrows rising. None of them expected to see a woman with this group of soldiers.

When the jeeps came to a stop she groaned, rolling over and hoisting herself up so she could see what they had come to a stop for.

A large, luxurious hotel stood before them, looking out over a crystal clear lake. It had to be at least five stories and Meg slowly tilted her head back to look at the entire building.

"Wow," Meg gasped, taking it all in.

"Nice, isn't it?" Adam asked, walking over to stand beside the jeep next to her. She was still slightly frustrated with him because of his actions on the drive over, but she knew she couldn't be childish. She had to let it go.

"Is this where we're staying?" she asked, looking up at the gorgeous building in front of her. Adam nodded just as Dick walked over.

"We're meeting with some German soldiers in a few hours for their official surrender," he said before nodding in Meg's direction. "If you want to take her inside for now, we'll get a room ready and-"

"No," Meg said, pulling herself up straighter as she cut him off. Both Adam and Dick turned to her, surprised at her outburst. "I'd like to be there when the Germans officially surrender, if I can," she added as an afterthought but it was just a formality. She wouldn't let Dick say no. If he did, she'd sneak in anyway. She had played just as big a role in the last few months as these Americans had and she would not let them exclude her because she was a woman or injured; or both.

The Major looked up at Adam, asking his permission. When the agent nodded, Dick sighed.

"Alright, but let's see if we can find you some clothes first."

An hour later, Meg was in a hotel room, looking at herself in the mirror. Doc Roe had just changed her bandages and she was waiting on Adam to arrive with fresh clothes for her to put on. Dick was right, she couldn't expect to meet the Germans officially if she was dressed in a nightgown.

When a knock sounded on the door, she didn't turn around, simply telling Adam to come in.

The sound of a throat clearing caused her to look up, spotting Lew through the mirror. She spun around with a smile, wanting to run to him but knowing her injuries would prevent her. Still, she'd be lying if she said her body didn't ache for him. It had been months since their last embrace, not counting the few moments back in Germany when she was bedridden. Although it had been nice to see him then, she wasn't counting it as their most recent moment together.

"I uh, brought you some clothes," Lew said, walking forward and setting them on the bed. Meg smiled at him, walking slowly toward him.

They met halfway, Lew holding her lightly as he pulled her in for a kiss.

"I missed this," she said, smiling against his lips. In response, Lew pulled her in closer, causing her to wince slightly. He released her as if she'd burned his hands. "Lew," she pleaded but he shook his head. Suddenly she wished she had controlled her reactions more. Her pain was worth being with Lew.

"I don't want to hurt you more," he told her, and she smiled softly, reaching out to take his hand.

"You could never hurt me," she told him, taking a step forward. She wrapped herself up in his arms, resting her head against his chest. "Will you help me get changed? I can't do it with this arm," she said and she felt his head nod, his chin bumping against the top of her head.

He had brought her a simple tan blouse and brown skirt. She was glad he had been there; she would have been too embarrassed to ask Adam or any of the other men to help her change. As it was, she was too shy to ask who had put her in a fresh nightgown back in Germany.

As Lew helped her out of the nightgown and into the fresh clothes, Meg felt her whole body cry out for him. What would the others do if she and Lew arrived an hour late? Weren't they allowed to have any time alone?

But Lew stayed professional, the only indication to his agitation was the constant clearing of his throat. He barely touched her more than he had to and Meg silently wondered what he would do if she purposefully moved her body to touch his more. Still, she decided against it; they were on a timeframe.

After buttoning the top button of her collar, Lew leaned forward, placing a kiss on her lips.

"I love you," he whispered and she felt chills course through her body.

That was what she had missed the most.

"I love you too," she replied before stepping back. "Now will you help me down to where we're meeting the Germans?"

She had meant for him to merely help her walk down there, so when he bent over and picked her up she sighed.

"Why does everyone insist on carrying me around like I'm a Goddamn china vase?" she asked in frustration as they headed out the door. Lew laughed, his chest rumbling against her.

"Because to us you are," he told her before turning serious. "We couldn't protect you before, so we're sure as hell gonna do everything to protect you now."

Meg wanted to roll her eyes at the sentiment but instead she let it be. Adam and Lew cared about her. She knew if either of them had gone missing and were presumed dead, she would do everything for them when they returned. She couldn't fault them for doing the same thing.

When they arrived in the hotel lobby, the realized they were late. Dick was sitting at a chair, Ron, Harry and Adam behind him. Before them stood two German officers. When everyone turned at their entrance, Meg's eyebrows rose.

She recognized the German Colonel and, from the look on his face, he recognized her too.

"So the rumors are true then," he said to her in English and she nodded, wiggling to make Lew set her on her feet. He did, holding onto her until she was settled on the ground.

"And Deiderich?" he asked.

"Dead," was all she said as she hobbled over to join her brother. The Colonel nodded as if this was the answer he expected and turned back to Dick.

Meg tuned the conversation out, her eyes focusing on the medals that lined the Colonel's jacket. They reminded her of Deiderich. He was always so proud of his medals, bragging and pointing them out whenever he could.

Shaking her head, Meg sighed. She wouldn't let his memory fill her head now. Closing her eyes, she turned her face to look down at Dick's head. But the memories still flooded through her and she knew then that it would be this way for a while. Lew and Adam would understand, but what about the other lads? Would they constantly wonder what had happened to her? Or perhaps slip and make a comment without knowing they were hitting a nerve. She'd have to ask Adam to tell them what happened. She couldn't do it again, but they needed to know.

As Harry escorted the Colonel and the other German soldier out, Meg turned to the other men.

"I'd like to go back upstairs," She said, wishing to be rid of everything that had just happened. She had thought she would be able to handle seeing the Germans surrender, but she had been wrong. She hadn't heard a word that was spoken, and now all her thoughts were flooding back to her.

Both Adam and Lew stood up but Lew shook his head.

"I got her," he said as he bent down and picked Meg up carefully, wrapping his arms around her.

"Adam," she said softly as Lew turned her so she could face her brother. "Will you tell the?"

He knew what she meant and he nodded once, telling her he would. It wouldn't be easy for him either, but right now she couldn't really dwell on that.

Lew carried her back upstairs and down the hall. As they approached her door, Meg shook her head.

"Not my room," she said, making him pause. "Yours."

"Meg," he cautioned slowly but she looked up at him, pleading in her eyes.

"Please Lew," she said softly. "I want to feel happy again." She hadn't meant to get emotional, but at her statement she found her eyes welling with tears. She had been hurt in so many ways in the past few months. Being with Lew again would be the best thing to happen now.

Unable to resist her, Lew sighed, turning and carrying her into her room and over to a door she hadn't noticed before, making her raise her eyebrows in surprise.

"You think I'd let you out of my sight again?" he asked as he pushed the door open. She had seen the door earlier but had assumed it was a closet. She had no idea it was a door to connect their two rooms together.

Lew carried her inside and shut the door with his back before setting her gently down on the bed. He leaned down to hover over her, not letting any of their skin touch for fear of hurting her. A glimmer caught her eye and she looked up, reaching her hand up and catching her mother's ring in her fingers. He still had it. It made her smile as she looked from the ring to Lew's face.

"Lewis Nixon, I want you to make love to me right now," she said softly, pulling him to her by his dog tags.

He was gentle; much too gentle for Meg's liking, but she knew he only did it because he was worried he would hurt her more. He didn't realize that this was exactly what she needed. The past few months her romance with Lew had been tainted by the rough, one-sided passion of the General. He had hurt her, erasing the passion she felt with Lew. She needed that back and she needed it right then.

Reaching up, Meg gripped his shoulders with her hands, digging her nails into his skin. He hissed at the contact, unintentionally deepening their kiss. Meg smiled against his mouth at her success, beginning to trail her fingers roughly up and down his back.

"Meg," he whimpered but she shushed him.

"I can handle it," she told him. "And if I can't, I'll be sure to let you know."

He still seemed unsure so she shoved him with her elbow, trying to turn him over. He complied, mostly because he didn't want her to hurt herself in the effort.

Now she was the one hovering over him; she was the one in command. Trailing kisses down his chest, she sighed at the familiarity of his skin. Everything about this situation was so familiar. It was like she had finally come home.

Hours later they lay there, Lew taking in the sight of the sun basking across her skin. Thinking she was asleep, he put his hand out, softly dragging his palm across her arm.

It still felt like a dream, seeing her laying there beside him. After all these months she was there; she was his again.

Leaning over, he kissed the skin under her ear.

"Marry me," he whispered when he realized she was indeed awake. He felt her body stiffen before she tried to roll over. She cried out, remembering her injured arm and he chuckled once before carefully climbing over her so he was on her other side, facing her.

"What?" she asked once he was situated, the look on her face telling him she knew exactly what he had asked. Still, he said it again.

"Marry me," he kept his voice low, gazing into her eyes as he saw them moisten.

"But what about Katharine?" she asked and he shook his head, reaching his thumb up to wipe away a tear that was trailing down her cheek. Why did she keep crying today?

"Forget her," he said truthfully. "I want to be with you." Meg didn't know about the divorce, she didn't know that he and Katharine were over, but right now she didn't need to know. All she needed was the knowledge that he wanted to be with her. Forever.

The tears filled her eyes up as she looked at him, a smile slowly creeping across her face. Using her one good hand, she reached for the back of his neck, pulling his face to hers.

"Is that a yes?" he asked when their kiss broke apart a moment later. Too happy for words, she nodded frantically, her smile growing wider.

"Yes!"

The next week found Meg able to hobble around better. The cuts on her body had shrunk, the bruises almost completely nonexistent. The only things that remained to indicate the roughness she had endured were the arm sling for her right arm and the bandage on her left wrist.

Unlike the last time she was on leave of duty, this time Meg was able to relax. She quickly found out that the only people to know a door connected her room to Lew's were them and Doc Roe. Each night, after kissing Adam on the cheek, she would retire to her room, heading through the connecting door and climbing into Lew's bed to wait. It usually wasn't very long before he would appear, a grin on his face as he climbed in beside her.

Realizing Lew didn't want to talk about it, Meg prodded her brother until he admitted that Lew's wife had written him asking for a divorce.

"He was furious, but I think most of his anger was over the fact that now both women in his life were gone," he told her as they sat curled up in Adam's room, each with a cup of tea in their hands. "You don't understand Meg, I've never seen a man more affected by anything in his life. He barely ate, hell all he did was drink. I know you were always worried about his drinking habits but they got a hell of a lot worse when you went missing."

This revelation actually made her feel sorry. Until then, all of her feelings about her kidnapping and abuse had been about herself; pain, sorrow, helplessness. When Adam told her what her disappearance did to Lew, she actually felt guilty, as if it was all her fault that it had happened.

She'd never be able to give them back that time together, or make him forget that he had almost lost her, but she would try her hardest to mend it.

Each morning, Meg would wake to the sun coming through the open balcony doors. Most mornings Lew was still beside her, his arm delicately draped across her body, still afraid to break her. Some mornings however, he woke before her, some form of duty calling him. On those mornings, she would spend extra time in the bed, taking in the smell of him on the sheets with a sigh.

This was what she wanted, to be with him in a state of forever laziness.

Eventually, her brother would knock on her door, causing her to quickly rush back into her room, throwing on a bathrobe as she shut the connecting door. She had an inkling her brother might have suspected what was going on but he never let on that he knew.

"Meg!" George's voice cried over the sound of the music. Meg smirked when she realized it was a local band, not a jukebox like back at Aldbourne. Weaving her way through the small crowd of men, she came to a stop by her favorite and let him buy her a drink.

"It's crowded tonight," she said, noting that almost all of the Easy men were there. All save for Lew, Dick, and Harry. Odd.

"Yeah," George said, taking a gulp of beer before swallowing. "How ya feeling kid? Arm any better?"

He nodded to the offending appendage and she waved it a bit, not enough to hurt but enough to show him it was useable.

"Doc says it'll be back to normal in no time," she informed him, smiling at Joe Liebgott as he walked over.

"Hey doll," he said and Meg was quick to notice the change in his demeanor. He seemed a little more tense; a little more sad.

"Hi Joe," Meg said as she patted his arm. She would never be able to fully comprehend what these men had endured since she last saw them, just like they would never be able to fully comprehend what happened to her. War did funny things like that, but it was best if they all just accepted it as a way of life. They could bond over the fact that something had happened, and it would be with them all forever.

"Feel like dancing?" George asked after the three of them had stood there for a while. Meg nodded, setting her drink down and letting George lead her out to the floor. Since no other women were around, they were the only couple dancing, and Meg tried not to feel awkward with all eyes on them.

"So how's the Captain?" George asked as they danced. "Ask you to marry him yet?"

His question had been a joke, but upon hearing it, Meg tensed. She didn't stop dancing because she didn't want to draw any more attention to them, but George still noticed.

"No shit," he said in disbelief, looking at her with wide eyes.

"Don't tell anyone George," Meg begged quickly. "Not even Adam. Lew only just asked me."

"What about-"

"Katharine? Apparently she wants a divorce."

George was quiet for a minute as he pondered over what he had been told. Meg knew it was somewhat of a shock, especially since they had all been apart for months.

"So where are you two gonna live then? Jersey or England?"

"I have no idea," Meg said, the worry evident in her tone. George sighed before pulling her tighter to him.

"Well wherever, you two will have a great life. I always knew you'd end up together."

"You most certainly did not!" Meg scolded with a laugh. "I distinctly remember getting a lecture from you back at Aldbourne."

George let go of her to hold up his hands defensively.

"Hey, I was only doing that for your own good. Just because I wanted you to be smart about it didn't mean I didn't want you two together!" he informed her and Meg couldn't help smirking, pulling George back to her.

"I know, and I'm sorry," she said. "Do you know where he is?" she added and he glanced around the room, shrugging.

"No but Winters and Welsh are missing too. The three of them are probably all off somewhere planning to run the Army."

Meg laughed at his joke before excusing herself and disappearing out into the night.

It wasn't long before she found the three, huddled on a stone step as both Harry and Lew smoked cigarettes.

"So marriage, huh?" Dick asked and Meg paused, ducking into the shadows.

They were talking about her.

"You think I'm crazy," Lew said as more of a statement.

"I think you deserve to be happy," Dick informed him. "And if Meg's what makes you happy, then go for it."

"She does," Lew said firmly.

"Where will you two live then?" Harry's voice piped up. "And is she still planning to stay in the IIA?"

There was no vocal answer from Lew, but Dick's next statement told her that it must have been a shrug, or something noncommittal.

"Don't you think it's something you two should talk about?"

"We will," Lew said casually.

"So what happens if she wants to stay in England with the IIA and you want to stay in Jersey with the Nitration Works?"

She assumed Lew shrugged again.

"So which one of you gives it all up?"

Harry's question struck Meg more than she thought it would. She hadn't really thought of their situation that way and it threw her off.

Disappearing into the shadows, as was her custom, Meg left unknown to the three men.

Harry had a good point. If it came down to it, which one of them would give it all up? She loved Lew, but could she really give up the IIA for him? It was her life, everything she had ever lived for. Could she throw it all away for Lew, if he asked her to?

Likewise, would Lew be able to drop the family business if she asked him to? Would he be willing to move across the pond to live with her in England? Would he be able to send her away on her missions, knowing there was always a chance she might not come back?

Could she do that to him?

Before she knew it, it was almost July. Her wounds had almost completely healed, save for a scar on her shoulder from the bullet. Able to use both hands almost fully again, she took to walking around the town, taking in the sights and enjoying her new freedom. She hadn't been completely free since Aldbourne.

Sometimes she'd walk around with Lew, arm in arm as they took in the wonderful weather. It had been so long since she had felt so at peace, she was glad she had her favorites to enjoy it with.

Neither of them discussed the dilemmas that Harry and Dick had brought up that one night, but Meg knew they were on Lew's mind, just as they were on hers. They'd have to discuss it at some point, but Meg was willing to put it off as long as possible.

If she wasn't glued to Lew or Adam, George was attached to her hip, regaling her with courageous stories of the last month. When she was finally feeling better, many of her evenings were spent with the men of Easy, listening to stories as they all drank fancy Austrian alcohol.

It felt like they were back in Aldbourne; with the exception of a few missing faces, it felt like they'd never left.

Unfortunately, Meg knew her new lifestyle wouldn't last.

The war was still raging in the Pacific and she had heard from a few of the men that the 506th was definitely going to be deployed there. The men were staying ready for battle and Meg dreaded the day when she and Lew would be separated again.

She just never expected she would be the one to leave first.

"Mail!" a voice shouted, causing every head in the dining room to look up. Adam and Meg sighed as similar envelopes were placed in front of them. Meg looked up, catching Lew's eye.

He knew what it meant.

Marco's letter was short, simply stating that both siblings were needed at Base immediately. However, as she read it, Meg felt her stomach drop.

What did this mean for her and Lew?

"What did it say?" Lew asked when he walked into her room after the meal, frowning slightly when he saw her packing again. "I hate this sight," he said and she stopped, turning to him with a sad face. He had no idea how much she hated it too.

"We're needed back at Base. Marco didn't say what for."

Instead of responding, Lew changed the subject.

"Now that I know Marco is your father, why do you call him Marco?"

"He told us to," Meg said simply, turning back to her packing. Although all of her things had been lost when she was rushed from Berlin, she had acquired a few new possessions while here in Zel Am See, mostly from local women eager to show appreciation for the American soldiers. "He didn't want anyone to think we felt privileged that he was our father. By calling him Marco, it put us on a same level as everyone else," she explained, putting the last item in her suitcase and zipping it up.

"I wish you didn't have to go," Lew said as she stepped forward to pull him into a hug.

"I know, but it's my job."

"It'll always be this way, won't it?" Lew asked and Meg realized what he meant, feeling her stomach drop even more. Was this it? Were they finally having this discussion?

In response she nodded. As long as she was still an agent with the IIA, she would be at risk of being called on a mission at a minute's notice. That was the price one paid to be an IIA agent.

Still, she wasn't going to worry about these things now. She had no idea what would happen in the future, so there was no point dwelling.

"I'll write, I promise," Meg said with a forced smile. "Marco won't send me out on anything too intense so soon. Wherever I am I promise I'll be able to send and receive letters."

"You better," Lew said, trying to make light of the situation.

Then, before either could say anything else to sour the mood further, Meg stood on tiptoes, placing a soft kiss on his lips. He returned it, increasing the intensity as his arms wrapped tighter around her. He had come to enjoy being with her over the past weeks as her injuries slowly waned. He no longer felt as if she would break any second, something she enjoyed as well.

A knock on her door caused them both to pull apart, looking up as Adam walked in.

"Ready?" he asked, giving Meg an apologetic look. She nodded, reaching for her suitcase only to find it already in Lew's hand. He nodded to the door and she stepped in front, leading the way down to the waiting jeep.

"I'll see you soon kid," he said, patting her on the head before stroking her cheek with his thumb. She nodded, holding back the tears that were threatening to fall.

"Try to stay out of trouble," she said, forcing a smile over her tears. "I don't want to have to come save you in Japan."

Lew laughed as the jeep pulled away, leaving a trail of dust.

Oh no! Separated again! Poor Meg and Lew...

nixjen - Thanks so much! Seriously, it has been a pleasure to share my writing talents. I'm just glad people want to read what my writing talents create! It means the world to me that my little idea has grown into something people seem to like so much! Thanks for reviewing!

tepaea - Obsessed is such a strong word and I'm so honored that you've used it in this situation! As for reading at work, I do it ALL the time...it might get me in trouble someday, but stories can be so addicting haha. And thanks for the opinion on my chapters! A critique like that means a lot to me! I can't believe people are paying that much attention to my story haha. And I will be the first to admit that in some of my other stories, the heroine has totally been a damsel in distress, so this time around I tried really hard with Meg. I'm glad she comes off as more of a badass who can take care of herself! As for missing the story, believe me, I will too. I'm to the point where I'm thinking about skipping weeks of posting...just to drag the last few out haha. I won't...but it's tempting. Thanks for the review!

LovingBOBThePacific - Thanks for your review, as usual. Yeah, the audio book is totally worth it. And yeah, I debated getting Perfect a couple weeks ago but I decided I didn't want to hear the whole story...just his voice. I've only listened to the Youtube clips haha. And my Aaron playlist is getting played way more than it should. In 3 days the audio of the Oscars performance became my top-played song on my entire iTunes...which I've had since 2009...hahahaha. I'm actually working on an Aaron FanFic right now (shameless plug hahahaah) and listening to his music is GREAT moTveition hahaha see what I did there? But thanks for loving the chapter! It was a tough one to right in a lot of different ways, so it's great to see people like it so much!

Rose2621 - Thanks so much for your review! And also, thanks for remembering. It means a lot to me to know that someone outside of Chardon was thinking of my on Wednesday. But I'm glad to see I have a fellow northeastern Ohioan reading my story! So exciting!

ilovemedia18 - I'm glad they're together again too! Yay for them! And thank you for taking the time to watch that video. Losing people so tragically, no matter how it happens, is always painful, and you're right, it never really goes away. As for the multitude of sorry's, it was just nice to know that people were thinking of us. Knowing we're not alone actually helps a ton, so thank you :) And thank you for reviewing too!

IceColdInAlex - Fantastic!? That's so exciting! And what a lovely present to find waiting for you! I'm glad it wasn't disappointing...like opening your stocking on Christmas and finding socks and underwear. That would have been the worst if my story was the equivalent of that. And I feel awful for saying this, but yay for tearing up! It's so weird to think people besides myself have gotten so attached to my characters. It's a great feeling! And I'm glad the Marco thing shocked you! I didn't want it to be obvious, so I'm glad it was a surprise. As for the Austria chapter...I hope it didn't disappoint. In my mind, their days in Austria were somewhat monotonous and if I wrote them, they'd end up sounding just like the first few chapters of the story: going to the pub every night and chatting. I hope this way worked for you! Thanks for the review!