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Evelyn woke to a sharp pounding in her head. Sunlight streamed through the window, and it took her awhile to realize she was in a feather soft bed. She looked down to see if she was dreaming, but no, she was still in her ODs, just missing her boots and jacket.

Looking to her side, she caught sight of Liebgott lying next to her, his eyes closed and face scrunched up in pain. "Tell me you have aspirin," he croaked.

She giggled, but stopped abruptly when the action made the pounding worse. "Ow." She clutched her head, and she could feel how wild her hair was. "I think I have some in my pocket."

Slowly, he opened his eyes and watched her fish around. She produced a few pills. Turning to him, she mock gestured popping them into her own mouth before grinning and moving her hand to him instead. "Open up."

Obediently, he opened his mouth, and she gently placed them inside. He playfully nipped at her fingertips, causing her to giggle again, and then immediately groan and hold her head. "Stop making me do that."

"Have some self control then." Swatting him, she turned to her next pocket looking for more, but froze when she felt warm metal. He saw it. "What is it?"

Evelyn bit her lip a moment before retrieving the brass knuckles and the pair of earrings. His eyebrows shot up. "That's helluva combination."

She couldn't help but laugh again. "That's Anna for you." Was Anna for you. He got quiet as she took a deep breath. "Speirs gave me these yesterday. Said he had to take them away from her when she was a little too punchy with the Dog soldiers."

Liebgott smirked. "That sounds about right."

Evelyn smiled softly, brushing the green gems of the jewelry. "And I found these for her in the Eagle's Nest. She asked me to find something pretty for her." She held them out for him to see properly. "Do you think they suffice?"

He looked at them briefly before meeting her eyes again. "Yeah, Cass. I think they're plenty pretty."

She didn't know how he managed it, but somehow he always knew what to say or do to make her blush. Even over damn jewelry. With her face searing, she began her search for aspirin again, finally finding another few pills. "Now all we need is some water. A lot of water."

"Yes, doc."

With that, she chewed on her lip again, remembering her tyriad from last night. "Do you think they all hate me?" she asked softly.

Liebgott rolled his eyes before slinking out of the bed. Before she could stop him, he pulled her up to stand with him. He gave her a stern look. "Quit bein' stupid, Cassidy." He sat down on the edge of the bed to pull on his boots.

She rolled her eyes back. "Always one with words, Liebgott." He popped her on the ass, causing her to jump forward, yelping.

Grinning, he abandoned his boots and yanked her down until she straddled him. Grabbing a hold of her hips and pulling her harder against him until she laid parellel to his body, he kissed her deeply. "I don't need words, doll."

They eventually made their way out of the house. Evelyn peered around the corner to make sure no one was looking, but Liebgott stepped out without checking, his body language making it clear he didn't give a shit. She watched him go, lighting a cigarette. Rolling her eyes, she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face though.

It still seemed surreal to her, but somehow he knew what she needed before she did. Last night was beginning to come back to her. Kisses here and there, but mostly just holding her and allowing her to talk when she wanted. This morning - she blushed in memory - was another story.

With a breath, Evelyn left the safety of the house and made her way back to Easy. They were packing up to go, albeit slowly, to Austria. The men moved with care, hangovers evident.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, most of them in a large pack nearby. With a deep breath, she walked over to them. They immediately quieted when they saw her.

"Guys," she began, fidgeting. "I'm so sorry for what I…"

Randleman cut her off. "Are you alright, Evie?" Silently, she nodded. "Then there's no reason to apologize, darling. We just want to make sure you're OK."

Martin nudged her and nodded in agreement. "And to make sure you don't believe that bullshit you were spewing last night. Angel of death? Christ."

Evelyn winced and Randleman gave Martin a hard look. Webster piped up. "Evie, please don't think like that. You've been a blessing."

"David, what I said to you, I can't even begin to -"

Webster gave her a long, hard look. "A blessing," he repeated.

She tried her hardest not to allow the tears that threatened to surface. She took in a deep, wavering breath. "I don't know what I'd do without you guys."

The three of them snorted. "Live in peace?"

She grinned. "That just sounds boring." Her eyes caught sight of Luz across the crowd. "I'll see you guys later." She moved quickly through the men until she was facing his back. "George?"

Luz turned and before she could say anything, immediately engulfed her in a hard hug. She closed her eyes at the embrace. "You are the best thing that has happened to me since you walked outta that jeep in Toccoa," he said sternly.

Evelyn opened her mouth, and he felt it. He pulled back to give her a silencing look, hands on both cheeks. "Shut up. The only thing that you said last night that wasn't complete fucking bullshit was that I am lucky. You're right, sweetheart. I met you and for some reason, you like me too."

She smiled softly. "That's where you're wrong, George. I love you, you goofball."

Smiling back, he kissed her forehead before hugging her again. "It's only to get better from here, Ev. The war is over. We don't need to fight no more. We've done it."

May 8, 1945

Zell am See, Austria

The ride to Austria was a short one. After only a few hours, the 506th pulled into an incredible town in the mountains, overlooking a huge, crystal lake. When Evelyn saw the clear water, her insides danced with excitement. Finally, a perfect spot for a nightly swim.

Almost as soon as the trucks pulled to a stop, the soldiers were flocked by pretty, Austrian girls, eager to meet the handsome American troopers they had heard so much about. Evelyn grinned widely at the blatant joy on the faces of her friends. She made a mental note to gather more condoms again.

The troopers got to work building their tents to sleep in. Evelyn was holding a pole while Heffron was under the tarp, trying to push up the center with Martin and Perconte. Roe and Spina stepped up to her. She smiled wide at seeing them. "What do I owe this pleasure?"

Spina smirked and Roe smiled back. "What do you think, Evie?" asked Spina. "Doc and I were just arguing if we need an aid station."

Roe rolled his eyes. "You were arguing. I was just listening."

"As if you didn't put in your two cents."

Evelyn's smile widened further. "Would you look at this entertainment. The regiment's most handsome medics bickering like little old ladies."

The men flushed, embarrassed. She laughed at their expense. "I don't know who I am agreeing with, but the war is over. I don't think an aid station is necessary."

Roe chewed on the inside of his cheek. "The war might be over, Evie, but who knows how long we're gonna stay here."

Evelyn thought a moment. "Why don't we collect our supplies in one tent, that way we all know where everything is. And I hope you don't prove me wrong, Eugene, and we turn out needing that aid station."

Roe and Spina nodded. "Me too."

The next two weeks passed with no real action. With no aid station, Evelyn found herself rotating between a few activities, mainly shooting the shit with the men, swimming, hanging out with Luz, and doing more than hanging out with Liebgott.

There was no word when they would be moving out to go home. The lack of information should have concerned the soldiers, but instead they only enjoyed the freedom of no news from the officers for once.

In fact, Evelyn and the men only had one concern, and it was growing by the day: Food.

With the end of the war, supplies were able to freely enter Europe, both for soldiers and civilians, who had been without constant food sources for years. But because there were so much need everywhere, sometimes supply drops to the 506th became few and far between. The soldiers began pursuing some extreme measures.

Evelyn declared her love for Shifty and was about to propose marriage when he and a few others brought back a large buck one day after a long hunt. She gnawed on the venison bone with enthusiasm. "Love...so much...I'm yours…take me..."

The men nearby chuckled when Shifty blushed bright red. "It was nothing, Evie. I'm just happy to help."

"Happy to help again tomorrow?"

Randleman snorted. "If we can find anything. That buck was the only one for miles."

It turned out Randleman was right. Over the next week, after the buck was long gone, the companies returned to eating only old potatoes, rice, and the odd berry if a grove was found. Everyone became cranky with hunger.

Having enough of watching his soldiers grow sullen and pale, Winters set out to do something about it. Trouble was, he wasn't exactly a hunter - or a mountain climber.

Evelyn gave the major an exasperated look as she treated the harsh rash on his side. He had gone into the mountains with an Austrian guide to try and find goats for food, but fell and slid down its face for several feet. He turned to her. "You don't need to scold me, Evelyn. I know what I did was stupid."

She gave him a smile and shook her head. "No, sir. It was incredibly stupid." He laughed as she taped the bandage against his ribs. They were in an emergency, hastily set up aid station, a spare side room nearest what everyone called the "movie room," the largest space they could scrounge to get together for nightly entertainment. The men were in there now watching a film.

Evelyn started to treat his arm, which was peppered with red skid marks and gravel. "You're forcing me to admit I was wrong, sir. I don't typically like doing that."

Winters grinned back. "Why's that?"

"Eugene wanted to set up an aid station. Ralph and I thought it wasn't needed since the war is over."

He got quiet. At first she thought he actually felt bad and she was about to assure him she was joking, but then he spoke again. "You should get it ready, Evelyn. Even after you're done with me."

Her eyes widened. "Why, sir?"

He grimaced. "Japan." She gasped. "It seems we might be sent over, so training is going to begin in the morning. With it, you're bound to get some injuries, the odd twisted ankle and such."

Evelyn blinked several times, trying to see if she heard him correctly. He didn't say anything further. "When are you telling the men, sir?"

Winters sighed. "As soon as you're finished with me, I'm letting the officers know, and they will tell the NCOs, and so on. The troops are watching a newsreel now about the fight in the pacific. I watched it earlier with Colonel Sink."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her heart. We were supposed to be done. He watched her a moment before continuing. "How many points do you have, sergeant? Between your purple heart and silver star, you might have…"

She shook her head. It was clear again. "I don't have enough, sir."

"Are you sure? Between those and your promotions…"

Her eyes hardened. "I don't have enough, sir."

Winters could read the lie immediately, but he didn't push. He nodded. "Alright." Together they watched as she wrapped up his arm before allowing him to put his shirts back on. Standing, he turned to go. At the last moment, he looked back to her. "And Evelyn?"

She met his eyes, ready to argue once more. "Sir?"

"Sorry about the goat scare."

Evelyn gave him a smirk. "Quite alright, sir. Just leave it to the professionals, yeah?" He grinned back and nodded, leaving her to go find the officers and share the news.

As soon as he was gone, Evelyn placed her hands on the table that acted as a examination bench and closed her eyes. Deep breath after deep breath, she tried to steady her heart against the knowledge he just shared.

Even with the thought of going to war again, after everything they have seen and done for the fight on this side of the world, there was no way she could abandon the men just because she had 86 points. Her chest tightened at the thought of her friends on the front lines again, covered in grime and blood, sometimes their own, sometimes from a friend.

It took her a long time before she was able to stand upright again, but she hardened her skin once more. She could hear the men disbursing from the auditorium. It was time to commiserate with them.

June 6, 1945

Evelyn fidgeted nervously in her dress uniform. Stumbling already in the heels, it seemed like a lifetime since she had to wear them. When she pulled them from her trunk that had just arrived last week, she honestly didn't recognize the foul shoes. She blinked stupidly at them for a moment before remembering their use, for lack of a better word.

She waited for Luz to emerge from his tent. He came out with Liebgott. She whistled appreciatively. "Now look at those two fine soldiers. You clean up well."

Luz rolled his eyes and began walking with her, Liebgott on his other side. "Usually I'd know that a comment like that was meant for me, but considering the company…"

Evelyn blushed bright red and swatted at him, but he ducked. She caught Liebgott's eye and he only smirked. She looked away quickly, heat coming up her neck. "George Luz, you better hope you win the furlough, or else I'm going to find you in your sleep, and…"

"And drug him before cutting off all his limbs, Cassidy?" Liebgott finished, his eyes twinkling. "Or was that threat made especially for me?"

She huffed and began walking faster, causing them to laugh. Luckily, she caught up with Shifty, someone who wouldn't heckle a fly. "Hey there, handsome."

Shifty blushed lightly. It only took him three years to get used to her affectionate greetings. "Hey Evie. Excited?"

Evelyn shrugged. "I am for whomever goes home." On the anniversary of D Day, one soldier from each company was to be given an indefinite furlough home. One man Evelyn didn't have to worry about in Japan.

They got to the square and lined up at attention. Speirs went through the motions until he finally allowed them to stand at ease. It was time to announce the winner.

Blood rushed past Evelyn's ears, blocking out any other noise. She had no idea what Speirs was saying. So many good men deserved the chance to go home, but she selfishly thought of Luz. And then Roe. And then Liebgott. Her heart thudded. When had he made his way in there?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the men moving around her in celebration. The blood stopped rushing suddenly. She looked around to see everyone slapping Shifty on the back and she grinned. Yelling her support with everyone else, he blushed deeply, grinning. It didn't matter in the end who was chosen. One of her men was safe.

As she began moving out with the rest of them to change back into their ODs, she happened upon a small group of Dog soldiers. One in particular caught her eye. Once Sammy saw her, he broke away from his friends and they began walking together slowly.

"How are you doing, Evie?" he asked quietly, his hands in his pockets. The carefree, happy man that was always attached to Adrianna's hip was pale and forlorn. Evelyn immediately felt guilty - why wasn't she the same?

She took in a breath. "I'm OK." She thought briefly of Liebgott and tried not to blush. "I'm trying not to think about her too much."

Sammy nodded. "Me too."

Evelyn slipped her arm through his as they continued on their way, neither knowing where they were headed. "And you? I should have checked on you earlier. I'm sorry I haven't."

He shook his head, but didn't meet her eyes. "No, I understand. I've been avoiding you too." She realized then that he was right; she had been subconsciously staying away from Dog company. Anything to not think of their fallen friend. He sighed. "I need to get out of this funk. If Anna was here, she'd kick my ass."

Evelyn laughed lightly, squeezing his fingers. "Yeah, she would. I wonder who she would go for first. Maybe both of us at once."

That earned her a chuckle from him. He waited a beat before continuing. "You know, they tried to rig our furlough drawing. They chose my name." She met his eyes and he smiled sadly. "No way I can leave now. Anna and I promised one another we'd be together until the end."

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes. She nodded. "I understand. I have enough points to go home, but I can't even begin to think about leaving you all behind. I'd get home and turn right back around again."

Sammy shook his head and chuckled. "Quite a pair we make, huh?"

She stopped them and before he had a chance to prepare, she leaned up on her tiptoes and hugged him hard. It took him a moment, but then he hugged her back, unused to embracing a woman almost a full head taller than Adrianna.

Quietly they held one another, crying, but finally grieving, together, for their vivacious friend.

The party wishing Shifty farewell was huge. He had left the next day after packing when their training had begun. The celebration afterwards left everyone a little weak and sickly this morning, especially since Speirs had them up and running at 0600, but they all recovered immediately when it was time to see him off that afternoon when they returned.

Evelyn grinned to herself, rolling up bandages in the aid station with Roe and Spina. Now that the need for a hospital was there, they had to catch up and establish it. The regimental surgeon, Kent, visited every once and awhile, pleased with their progress. After that, the three were left alone.

"Come on, Ralph," she whined. "One more story." Roe also piped up. They poked and prodded until he finally relented, laughing.

"Fine! Fine!" he cried, grinning. "Damn nags." He cleared his throat. "This is the tale of the witch of the Porta alla Croce."

"Oooh, spooky."

"Shut it, Evie, or I won't tell ya." Appeased when she was quiet, Spina began:

"In Florence, there was a very old family, who lived in a castle in the country. The elder of this family had always one room in which no one was ever allowed to enter. Ever. There he passed hours alone every day, and woe to anyone who dared disturb him while in there. And this had been the case for generations, and no one had ever found out what the secret was. This, of course, bugged the ladies of the family a great deal, since everyone knows that women are always damn inquisitive."

Roe snorted. "That sums you up, Evie." She smacked him.

"And most inquisitive of all was a niece of the old man, who had got it into her head that the secret was a great treasure. Therefore she resolved to consult with a certain witch, who would tell her what it was, and how she could enter the mysterious room. This sorceress lived by the Porta alla Croce.

"The witch, who had a great, big wart on her nose…"

"When do witches not have a great, big wart on their noses?"

"...She made the niece go with her to an abandoned small house, and there along a path, heard the cry of a civetta, or a small owl to you assholes. The witch exclaimed, 'My dear lady, what you wish for will hardly be granted; I fear there is a great disaster awaiting you.' So then…"

The door of the aid station burst open. A soldier laid on a stretcher, and he was carried in by Speirs and Welsh. Evelyn jumped to action, but her eyes widened when she realized it was Shifty. "How…"

Welsh looked up after settling Shifty on the table. Spina began to look over his legs, Roe at his head, and Evelyn moved to his middle. "His jeep was hit by a drunk soldier."

Evelyn swallowed the growing pain in her belly before pressing softly on Shifty's stomach after unbuttoning his dress jacket and shirt. Spina caught her eye. "Careful, Evie. Something is off. I think it's his pelvis."

She looked down. Sure enough, his hips were cocked awkwardly. Roe spoke next. "His eyes are off as well. Must be a concussion."

Evelyn looked up at the officers. "We need Major Kent." Speirs nodded immediately, leaving to find the surgeon. She continued feeling his abdomen. "I don't feel anything odd, so hopefully there's no internal bleeding." She caught sight of his right arm. "Arm is definitely broken."

Kent arrived back with Speirs and took over. Evelyn, Roe and Spina stepped away after revealing their thoughts to him and simply watched. The clenching pain in her stomach returned full force then, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

Shifty was transferred to a hospital in Germany after a few days. He would live, but he wouldn't be leaving Europe anytime soon.

Evelyn tried not to dwell on it. It was a freak accident, but it still shook her. Especially after he was supposed to be safe, the only one.

June continued to pass slowly. Although she and Liebgott would get together every few days, she didn't see him for almost a week in the middle of the month. It became clear why when she heard about his run in with a German commandant. Interrupting Webster from his rant on how he thought the kraut was innocent, she left to find him.

Knowing where to look now, she found him rather quickly in the forest along the line of the lake. It was a lovely, deserted area, chirping with birds and quiet wildlife. Anyone looking to get away would revel in it.

He heard the twig snap under her foot and looked up. Before she could say anything, he pinned her against the nearest tree and kissed her hard. He kissed her as if he was dying of thirst and she was a tall glass of water; he drank her in quickly, quenching the need.

After, he leaned back against the tree on the ground, Evelyn sitting between his legs and wrapped up in his arms. She leaned her head back against the bark to allow him access to the side of her neck, still kissing her even after she put her clothes back on. "Joe -"

"I don't wanna talk, Cassidy," he murmured against her skin. "Alright?"

His tone wasn't hard, but his words held no room for argument. She nodded before closing her eyes. "Alright." She tilted her head to the left, sighing as his teeth grazed skin.

He smiled, watching her. "Does that feel good?" He kissed her neck again, hands moving to unbutton her shirt once more. "Or that?" His fingers moved under the fabric. "Hmm, Cass?"

Evelyn was silent, biting her lip. Liebgott caught on, smirking. "Ah, you're bein' a smartass, yeah?' She nodded. His hand moved lower until sliding under her trousers. "Let's see if I can make ya talk."

Awhile later, they made their way out of the forest together, walking along the edge of the water. When they got to the bend in the road where it led into the town, Evelyn paused. "You go on ahead. I want to go for a swim."

Liebgott cocked an eyebrow. "That water must be freezing."

Evelyn shrugged. "Maybe a bit refreshing."

He shook his head before stepping forward and looked down at her. He lifted her chin with a finger. "What happened to Shifty was just an accident."

She froze. How did he know? She tried to give him a smile. "I know."

Liebgott studied her eyes before sighing, defeated. He brushed his lips against hers before pulling back. "Thanks for coming to find me." And before she could respond, he walked away.

Evelyn watched him go, staring after him a long time even after he disappeared. She turned to the water. Not having her PT gear, she stripped down to her underwear and bra. Closing her eyes to try and forget the battered form of Shifty, she dove into the water. His broken body may have slowly disappeared from behind her eyes, but a nagging feeling remained and it took her awhile to realize it was attached to Liebgott. It felt warm and tight and new; and no amount of swimming was going to make it go away.