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July 17, 1944

Aldbourne, England

Evelyn's eyes were locked on Adrianna, who smirked widely. She tried to keep in an impatient sigh as Lena repeatedly kissed her cheek before moving to the other. Adrianna's cheeks were already covered in lipstick smudges; Judy smartly hadn't shown up to the apartment yet.

Terry shook his head, watching the exchange. "Darling, I think that's enough."

Lena glared at him before pointedly kissing Evelyn twice more. "I'll decide when it's enough, Davies. These girls are starved for affection."

Adrianna cleared her throat. "Actually, Lena, we are pretty…." She stopped at the look the elderly woman was giving her. "Starved. Absolutely. Lay it on her."

Evelyn silently narrowed her eyes at her friend, counting up several forms of revenge. Finally, Lena pulled back, brushing tears from her eyes. "It's so wonderful to see you both. I know Judy will try and sneak in at some point, so it's up to the two of you to alert me immediately when she does."

"Or suffer the consequences," drawled Terry.

For the next several hours, Lena made it a point to fatten the women up. Evelyn stupidly let slip that since it was their first day back, training wasn't to begin until the next day. Instead of freedom to roam the town, they had to withstand several helpings of multiple, rich dishes.

Evelyn rolled onto the mattress, clutching her stomach. "I'm going to burst," she moaned.

Adrianna sighed from under her pillow. "I already have. You'll have to bury my body. You're lucky that I'm so small. Well, I was."

The women giggled together for awhile before stopping abruptly when the food jostled uncomfortably again.

"Don't get me wrong," murmured Evelyn. "It's sweet what she's doing."

"But she's going to kill us," finished Adrianna. She sighed. "I need a vacation."

"I think that's what this is supposed to be."

She snorted. "The same men we've lived with for two years and an elderly couple who, when they aren't bickering, will need to roll us into Germany. Some vacation."

Evelyn perked up. "But what about a real one?" Adrianna looked at her upside down after lifting the pillow from her face. "A real vacation. I heard that there are ten-day passes up for grabs."

Adrianna sat up quickly, immediately regretting it. She clutched her stomach. "How do we go about getting those?"

Evelyn grinned. "Leave that to me."

The next day, Evelyn tossed an extra apple to Luz before plopping down next to him against a large oak tree. He caught it and grinned. "Thanks, sweetheart. You shouldn't have.

She bit into her own before smiling sweetly back. "Anything for my best bud."

He narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"

She batted her eyelashes innocently. "Only to spend time with the most handsome, most funny, the best man I know…"

"Spill."

"Two ten day passes."

Luz's eyes widened and he grabbed her forearm. "Did it happen? Did Liebgott declare his love and this is your way of telling me that I won the bet and we're finally going out on the town on my terms and rules and we'll burn this place to the ground?" He bounced excitedly on the grass.

Evelyn blinked at him for several moments before shaking her head. "None of the above. Anna and I want to go on a ladies' only trip."

His jaw dropped. "Not fair!" he cried. "Ladies only? Does that mean I can't come?"

"Are you a lady, George?"

"I mean, I have the fabulous legs to be."

Evelyn rolled her eyes and laughed. "How about breasts? You need breasts in order to be invited."

Luz pointedly stared at her chest and raised an eyebrow. She smacked him and laughed again. "You're not coming, George, but I hope that doesn't mean Jolly Ole Saint Luz can't come through."

He sighed and grumbled. "You know I can work my magic. Where are you going anyway?"

She shrugged. "Not here."

Sighing again, he ruffled her hair hard, making sure to create a mess for her later. "I'll let you know when I have them."

Luz came through only a week later. In truth, it didn't take much effort. It seemed that passes were being given out left and right as a reward for their hard work during D Day and Carentan. But he didn't need to let Evelyn know that.

She hugged him tightly before kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you, George! I swear, you're an angel."

He grinned and rocked back on his heels. "Just remember this the next time I need something. Most likely servitude as my wingman again."

She gave him a wink. "Anytime. Maybe you'll find that British woman around again. I'm ready when you are." She laughed when he blushed. Kissing him on the cheek again, she ran to find Adrianna. She rounded a bend and almost collided with her and Speirs.

He looked up and held out a hand. "Just a moment, Cassidy. We're almost finished here."

Evelyn stepped back and allowed them to continue. She was close enough to hear the basics, however.

"Like I was saying, if you can manage to keep your mouth shut long enough, Edwards, you'll move forward. You are an excellent soldier when you put your mind to it."

Adrianna bit the inside of her cheek. "I'm trying my best, sir. Just the other day, I didn't bite off Sherman's head. That's got to be something."

A twitch of a grin threatened Speirs' lips. "So noted. Think you can do your best again right now?" She opened her mouth, but at the eyebrow raise from him, she nodded silently. An actual grin overtook his face this time. "Well done. Now don't make me regret promoting you, sergeant. That will be all."

Speirs nodded to Cassidy as he walked away. She nodded back and waited long enough to approach Adrianna. "Did what I think just happen actually happen?"

Adrianna looked up. "I got promoted, D.," she whispered. "Me."

Evelyn grinned and chuckled, hugging her close before pulling back. "Knew you had it in you, Anna. Just had to stop threatening those boys long enough for Speirs to take notice."

Adrianna grinned back. "Let me tell ya, it was tough."

Evelyn flashed two pieces of paper in front of her. "As a reward for your good behavior."

The woman gasped and shrieked. "You did it!"

"George did. Where should we go?"

"Beaches. Country. London. Paris. I don't care!"

Evelyn laughed again before looping her arm through hers. They began to walk towards the apartment. "Well we have to decide soon. Passes begin Saturday."

August 7, 1944

Bath, England

Adrianna closed her eyes against the bright sunshine on their terrace and sighed contentedly. "Remind me to thank Lena and Terry again. What an excellent choice."

Evelyn nodded, her own eyes shut as she lounged beside her. After consulting with the couple on what they were looking for, Bath seemed the ideal place, close enough to the ocean, but holding plenty of beautiful countryside and splendid nightlife. "Well, we can tell them tomorrow."

Adrianna groaned. "Stop reminding me we have to go back."

"Sorry."

Adrianna peeked one eye open and looked at her friend. "That means one last night of dragging you to a dance club."

Evelyn groaned this time. "And watch you get hit on and flirt with half the men there."

"Admit it. You were having fun with that Navy man the other night."

She blushed. "He only kissed my hand good night. But he was quite the charmer."

Adrianna laughed. "I find it hilarious that you're trying to find love, even during war."

Evelyn frowned. "But I'm not trying to find love."

"But you won't let yourself go either."

She sighed. "You sound like George."

"He's a smart man. A looker, too."

Evelyn laughed again, shoving her in the side. "You got me to kiss him once. It won't happen again. Luckily it didn't get awkward."

Adrianna wiggled her eyebrows. "How about we get awkward with some random men tonight?"

"Whatever you say, Anna."

"God, I love it when you say that."

"Jesus Christ, I'm separating you and Luz from now on."

August 8, 1944

Aldbourne, England

Although exhausted, Evelyn and Adrianna changed quickly back into their Army clothing before heading into town. Each needed nourishment after one, last, long night on the town with little other sustenance than alcohol.

Liebgott was walking the courtyard with Guarnere and his newest recruit into the gang - a replacement from Philadelphia named Heffron. Although the other new soldiers looked like scared and eager little puppies, Heffron had a bit of a swagger, something that Liebgott was looking forward to using against him at the first opportunity. Time to remind him that he was still a newbie.

Heffron stopped short, causing Guarnere and Liebgott to do the same. His jaw dropped and his eyes widened. "Jesus Christ. Who are they?"

Guarnere and Liebgott followed his gaze to Evelyn and Adrianna before looking at one another and grinning mischievously. "They're part of the USO group that sometimes comes into town. Part of their gig is to wear our ODs," answered Guarnere. He tried to keep the mirth from his voice.

Heffron gaped. "I've always wanted to see some USO girls."

Liebgott nodded. "These two are some of our favorites, been by a few times. See that shorter one with the blonde hair? Baton twirler. Christ, the things she can do with that stick."

Guarnere whistled in appreciation. "The things I wish she'd do with my stick." While Heffron was busy laughing, Guarnere chucked his chin at Liebgott, urging him to continue.

Hiding his grin, he did. "But the other one? Babe, I can't even begin to try and describe what the other one can do. Rumor is, if you surprise her with a good 'nough romantic gesture, she'll give you a personal show."

"Didn't Webster get one of those? Lucky bastard."

"Yep, College Boy loves his damn poetry. Only one so far though. She's mighty picky."

Heffron blew out air from his mouth hard, a confident smile gracing his face. "Watch this, boys. I'll show ya how it's done." As he began walking towards the women, Guarnere and Liebgott cheered him on, but winked to one another. Eventually they moved forward to try and hear everything.

Evelyn and Adrianna looked up from their conversation just in time to see a young man with dark red hair strut up to them. Neither had ever seen him before, but based on his uniform, he was a part of their regiment.

Heffron stopped in front of them with a huge grin. "Ladies." He spread his arms out before looking at Adrianna first. "If you're looking for an extra in your next act, sweetheart, don't worry, I'm here. I'd be your prop any day."

Adrianna gave him a strange look before looking at Evelyn, who shrugged. In terms of originality, he definitely stood out. In terms of sense, they were lost.

She turned back to Heffron. "Come again?"

He leaned in closer, giving her a wink. "How about you just give me a twirl and we'll see how nicely I fit in."

The women looked at one another again, silently trying to decide what the hell to do with this stranger. Over his shoulder, Evelyn saw Liebgott and Guarnere biting their fists in an effort not to laugh out loud. With her eyes narrowed, she turned back to Heffron. She opened her mouth to let him know he'd become a butt of a joke, but instead she gasped when she was thrown off her feet.

Heffron slung an arm around her waist before crushing her against him and dipping her back low. She held onto his arms for dear life.

He leaned in close, dropping his voice to a sultry whisper.

"Take, O take those lips so sweetly were forsworn,
And those eyes, the break of day,
Lights that do mislead the morn:
But my kisses bring again,
Bring again—
Seals of love, but seal'd in vain,
Seal'd in vain!"

And before Evelyn could figure out exactly what just happened, Heffron kissed her. As soon as it had begun, it had ended. He took in her look of outrage as pleasant surprise and smirked. "That's Shakespeare, doll."

Evelyn pushed against him until she was upright again. Still, she gaped. He grinned. "Now when can I expect that personal show?"

After recovering a moment, Adrianna and Evelyn looked at one another again before they simultaneously unsheathed their trench knives and held them in front of Heffron's face. With his eyes wide and his hands up, he backed away slowly. "Wow, those almost look real." His back hit the wall of the building. Curious, he gasped after pricking his finger on one, sharp tip. "Christ, those are real."

Adrianna looked up at him and smiled sweetly. "Almost as real as the soldiers you just pissed off."

Evelyn's smile mimicked hers. She cocked her head to the side. "And the wounds they are about to inflict on you."

Again, together - their minds must have synced long ago - they lowered their knives until they were just a hair from the inseam of Heffron's trousers. His eyes bugged out of his head when he felt it. Leaning towards him until both were close enough to his ears to whisper, they said:

"Ask me to twirl again…"

"...or for me to show you anything besides where to shove your own knife…"

"...and we'll make sure that you have no tongue to quote Shakespeare…"

"...or to kiss the next poor, unsuspecting woman again."

Adrianna pulled back and smiled brightly as she pinched his cheek. Heffron jumped a mile. "Don't make us threaten anything lower. OK, pumpkin?" she asked sickly sweet.

He nodded violently. When they - and their knives - finally turned away, he slid down the side of the building, the strength in his legs long gone.

The women turned to see Guarnere and Liebgott on the ground laughing hysterically. As they began to walk past, Evelyn hissed, "Don't think we'll forget you two either."

Adrianna nodded. "Instigators."

Guarnere wiped tears from his eyes. "Doll, that was all him."

Liebgott nodded, bubbles of laughter still erupting from his chest. "Not our fault the kid didn't know better."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes at him. "Do yourself a favor, Lieb, and give him a head's up next time."

He smirked and gave her a wink. "And miss entertainment like that again, Cassidy? Hell no."

Rolling her eyes, she had to pull Adrianna away from Guarnere, who was still glaring at the man laughing on the ground. "Come on, we'll get them later."

"Lookin' forward to it!" called Guarnere, cackling.

That wasn't the only run in with the replacements that either woman experienced during their time on leave. Left to her own devices, Adrianna promised to try and be good, especially now that she outranked all of the new soldiers, but her hand played with the handle of her knife again before she left for her company. With a sigh, Evelyn walked into the Easy mess area.

Almost as if she set off an alarm, the first table of soldiers, most of whom she didn't recognize, snapped up at attention and looked at her as if they had never seen anything like her.

That's because they probably haven't, she thought to herself ruefully.

Save for the red-haired private whose cheeks began to match his locks, and a shy looking Latino man, all their faces were new. Garcia had an unfortunate run-in with Evelyn yesterday when he asked her if she was Colonel Sink's personal secretary. With her head held high, she sat down at another table next to Roe.

"Have you met the replacements, Evie?" he asked, stirring the potatoes on his plate.

Evelyn caught Heffron's eye from across the room and scowled when he ducked out of sight again. "Not all of them. Have you?"

Roe nodded. "While you were gone, I gave them a quick training. I would have waited for you, but who knows how long we will be away from the line."

She nodded, agreeing. "No, that makes sense. Besides, you don't need me. I bet you did wonderfully."

He rolled his eyes. "I always need you, cherie. Don't forget that. This entire company needs you."

Evelyn blushed, pleased. "Thanks, Eugene. Sometimes it's hard to remember why I'm here." She caught sight of the replacements looking at her again. "Some days more than others."

Roe followed her gaze. "Remember how long it took you to win over everyone in Toccoa?" She nodded. "And that was before you proved them wrong, became a combat medic, and got promoted. Why don't you go over there and introduce yourself? Show them in person who they'll be fighting with."

She met his eyes and smiled. "You really do have a gift, Eugene Roe." This time he blushed, even more so when she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "And you're damn smart. I'll see you later."

Evelyn walked over to the small group of new soldiers, taking a deep breath. She wasn't sure if she imagined it, but the mess hall seemed to get quiet, as if everyone waited with bated breath. She sat down next to a tall, handsome one and across from Heffron. "Hi, guys. I'm Corporal Evelyn Cassidy, medic."

Silence echoed around all four men until the one next to her held out his hand. "Private James Miller, just a lowly rifleman."

She grinned and shook his hand. "Until recently, I was a rifleman myself."

Garcia's eyes widened. "You mean you know how to fire a gun?"

She cocked an eyebrow. "Well, sometimes I need to wait for my fingernails to dry, but after that, I usually get the gist of it."

That did it. The new guys laughed, even Heffron joining in at the end. He grimaced before running a hand through his hair. "Ma'am..."

"Evelyn. But most of the guys call me Evie."

He hesitated before smiling. "Evie, I'm really sorry about the other day. I'm normally not like that. I was tryin' to prove myself to the others, and..."

Her eyes danced with amusement. "I highly doubt you normally don't hold that much self confidence, Babe, but I accept your apology. I can't speak for Anna though."

Heffron grimaced again. "And she's the scary one." He saw the look on Evelyn's face before backtracking. "Not that you're not scary. You are damn scary. I've just heard stories about her..."

Evelyn grinned again before standing up. "If I'm going to give you any sort of advice, gentlemen, it would be not to believe everything you hear. Especially from the old lady gossipers in this company."

The fourth soldier, Hashey, furrowed his brow. "There are old ladies in the company?"

It took everything inside her not to roll her eyes. Sighing, she turned to go. "Good to meet you. Don't get hurt. And, Heffron, do me a favor?"

He perked up, eager to do something to rectify the awkward situation he put himself in. "Anything."

Evelyn gave him a wink. "Ask Roe or Spina if you need condoms when you go after the next girl. I don't think I can handle the request plus any more Shakespeare." She had the pleasure of watching him turn beet red before leaving the hall to find some peace from all the male drama.

The weeks passed in England smoothly. Easy continued to train and practice combat. The medics returned to their lessons from the local doctor, learning something new every week and then practicing it until it was ingrained in their heads.

No more replacements joined them, but a slew of newly healed soldiers returned to them including Talbert, Smokey, and Cobb, who no one had seen since his injury on the plane on D Day. Evelyn tried to catch his eye and say hello, but he walked right by her without saying a word. Well apparently he's still upset, she thought with a frown.

No matter, Evelyn focused on work, like everyone else. As August turned into a cool and crisp September, the soldiers began to get antsy, knowing without being told that their next jump was right around the corner. For the replacements, it meant a chance to prove themselves. For the veterans of Easy company, they only hoped it would go better than Normandy.