July 15, 1945

Time. Only time could heal the tear in her heart. A fact that was absolutely frustrating, but true all the same.

Beyond her own embarrassment for how she reacted, Evelyn tried to avoid the guys at first, but they wouldn't allow it. It was sweet, she knew it, but it was overwhelming, being the one taken care of now. Besides Liebgott, they flocked her.

It was as if their roles reversed. Liebgott let Evelyn keep her distance, knowing without asking that she needed it after Grant's shooting and her meltdown near the lake. It took a few weeks or so of too many thoughts and then nightly swims to try and relieve her mind of said thoughts - that is, when the men let her out of their sight -, but Evelyn soon realized something. She missed him.

When that thought appeared in her mind, it wouldn't leave again. She stewed on it for another day. When did I start caring for him? He's certainly not my friend. She paused, the debate continuing wildly in her head. But he's not my enemy either. He's... The warmth in her chest seared again and wouldn't go away this time. Giving up on trying to define their relationship, she tried to keep the voices at bay.

After an afternoon training session with Speirs had begun to wrap up, her eyes trailed towards him. As if he felt her, he met her gaze. For the remainder of practice drills, they stole glances until her heart raced faster in her chest than a good hard run up Currahee. Once Speirs dismissed them, she began walking in the opposite direction of the crowd, using some excuse or another for a moment alone, and she continued along a trail into a secluded field.

Evelyn could feel him walking behind her even though his steps were silent. The anticipation caused her chest to tighten, until finally she couldn't take it anymore. Once she was deep enough into the quiet field with an amazing overlook of the lake, she turned towards him.

What she saw made her gasp. His eyes were zeroed in on hers and he looked as if he was about to eat her alive. Another two steps forward, and she was in his arms and his mouth slid over hers.

Evelyn thought that she had experienced every sort of physical pleasure possible during her adventures with Liebgott. She wasn't prepared for his tenderness that evening.

He took the time to kiss every inch of her, focusing on her face and neck for what felt like a lifetime. His caresses were soft but electrifying. Every touch made her crave the next.

She mimicked his movements, taking his lead. She brushed her lips all over him, teasing and licking across his chest and abdomen, causing him to sigh. When they finally came together, it was slow and sensual. Their eyes never left one another. It's almost like making love, she thought aimlessly.

Afterwards, they laid onto the soft earth, watching the sunset. Evelyn wore his tshirt and her underwear. He only wore his pants.

She leaned her temple against his bare shoulder and sighed when she felt him play with her hair. She hitched a leg over his hips and he immediately began to run his fingers up and down the soft skin innocently, as if he did it every day.

"Joe?"

"Hmm?"

"Why did you hate me?"

His hand in her hair stopped for a moment. She cleared her throat nervously. "I mean, assuming you don't hate me now." She waited a beat in silence. "Unless you do still hate me, but -"

Liebgott hitched her up his chest enough to shut her up with his lips. She closed her eyes at the contact before he relaxed against her again. His eyes met hers. "No, I don't hate you, Cass," he murmured softly.

A grin twitched at the corner of her lips. "I don't hate you either."

He didn't smile back, only brushed her hair back with his hand. His eyes raked over her face before meeting her curious gaze once more. With a sigh, he said, "I'm not sure if I ever hated you. Annoyed to death by your presence? Hell yes." She giggled, shifting her body until it was almost on top of his. He grinned. "But hate? Nah. I think I was afraid of ya."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "Of me?"

His hand continued to comb through her hair and he nodded. "I knew the other two women wouldn't last. They didn't stand a chance. But you? You are so stubborn."

"I like to think of it as determina….."

He smirked before cupping her cheek. "Stubborn and relentless and smart and beautiful." Her cheek blazed pink and he smiled softly, trailing his thumb over it. "Yes, beautiful." He sighed. "And dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

He nodded and sighed again. "I couldn't predict what you'd do. I was drawn to you, and it scared me. I was supposed to be here for war, to kill Germans. I wanted you gone."

Evelyn digested this before replying. "But not now?" she asked in a small voice.

Liebgott searched her eyes before he said, equally as soft, "No, not now."

Both at a loss of what to say next, he simply leaned up and gave her a chaste kiss. Instead of feeling a pounding deep inside her hips, she felt it in her chest. The sensation both thrilled and alarmed her.

His thumb brushed along her jawline. "This changes things."

By "this" she knew he meant the conversation and the honesty they just shared. She nodded, but really didn't know exactly what she was agreeing to. But it made him smile, and she couldn't help but smile in return.

July 21, 1945

Evelyn slowly returned to her old self. In another week, she was back to smiling and laughing often, even cracking a joke here and there. The men were relieved and welcomed her heckling with open arms.

Walking into her tent, Evelyn smiled wide when she saw the beautiful wild flower on her pillow. Lifting it up to smell its sweet scent, she retrieved her coffee mug and filled it with water from the pitcher nearby. Placing the flower in it, she left the tent again, thinking of it as she went. It looked vaguely familiar.

As she made her way to the aid station, she caught sight of Luz and jogged up to meet him. She nudged him with her shoulder and grinned when he jumped, almost dropping his cigarette. "Christ, Ev! Give a guy a head's up from time to time."

Evelyn laughed, looping her arm through his. "Sorry. I just wanted to thank you. It's beautiful. "

Luz narrowed his eyes, confused. "Thank me for what? What's beautiful? If you mean my body, you're welcome."

She gave him a look. "The flower? I love it."

"Ev, I didn't give you a flower. But if that's all it took to get you all rosy and cheerful, I should have thought of it ages ago."

Evelyn stopped him, her brow furrowed. "You didn't give it to me?" Luz shook his head. "Then who…" She stopped short, her eyes wide and her cheeks suddenly pink.

A wide, chesire grin spread across his face. "I'm guessin' a certain Mr. Liebgott has wooed this fair maiden."

Evelyn smacked him. "Shut it. Joe wouldn't do that. We aren't…" Her mind traveled back to a few days ago, in that field, and she knew then why the wild flower seemed so familiar. Her blush deepened.

Luz's grin only seemed to get bigger. "Glad to see he's working it. Five bucks there's another flower somewhere nearby."

She smacked him again as they made their way into the aid station. "Quit it, George. It was probably just a random token of...of…" She stopped short again. Inside the room was another perfect flower, already in water on her desk.

"Love."

She turned to him, silent. He shrugged and grinned again. "A random - or maybe not so random - token of love. You owe me a night out, sweetheart."

Evelyn hit him harder this time, causing him to yelp. "Stop it! He's just being...friendly. Who knows if it's even Joe at all." Luz gave her a pointed look. She nervously chewed on her lip.

He took pity on her and gave her a quick hug. "Quit lying to yourself, Ev. And isn't it a nice surprise?"

She continued to chew on her lip but nodded. "Of course. It's sweet, it's just so...public."

"Am I the only one that knows about your sexy times?"

He immediately stepped back, sure another smack was on its way, but she only nodded again. "As far as I know. I only told you. And Anna."

Luz got quiet before he engulfed her in another hug. Into her hair he said, "Anna would be thrilled."

Evelyn chuckled. "Not sure about that. She always complained about the trials of... whatever this is." She sighed before pulling back. She looked at him and cringed. "I never thought of Liebgott as a romantic."

He hugged her to her side and grinned. "Like I said, no halfway with Joe Liebgott. You're in for it now, sweetheart."

Luz's prediction was spot on. By the next day, and another two flowers found, Evelyn was entering her tent to find the rest of her roommates already there. They quieted instantly when she appeared.

"What?"

Heffron motioned to her bed. "Open it, Evie!"

Evelyn walked to her bunk and on top was a package wrapped in brown paper and a single flower laid on top of it. She immediately blushed brilliantly, which only caused the men to murmur in anticipation.

"Someone has a secret admirer," said Perconte smugly.

Martin narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Or not so secret. Look at her face! She knows!"

If it was possible, she blushed more. "Quit it, Johnny." And before they could give her more hell, Liebgott entered the tent and walked straight to her.

"Are you doing anything tonight?" he asked, ignoring the men nearby.

Evelyn blinked before replying. "I have my shift at the aid station-"

He cut her off. "Besides work?" She shook her head and he grinned. "Will you come with me? Say around eight?" Evelyn could only nod and blink in shock. His grin widened. "Until then. Hope you still like that." He chucked his chin towards the package on her bed before giving her a wink and walking from the tent.

Turning to it, Evelyn slowly opened the brown paper, placing the perfect flower that laid on top to the side. She hardly noticed the men around her watch as she removed the beautiful dress from inside. It was the one she was admiring at the Eagle's Nest.

"Evie," Perconte breathed, in awe. "I think Joe is courtin' you."

"Joe," questioned Martin. "Joe Liebgott? No way."

Heffron whistled. "Looks that way to me." He looked at Evelyn and winked. "You sly dog."

Evelyn threw her pillow at him before turning away again. She fingered the expensive fabric of the dress, but ducked her face away trading between an excited grin and an incredulous bite of her lip. Christ.

It turns out that Luz had secured Liebgott a couple of half day passes for him to use that night. After seeing the blatant excitement on his face, Evelyn was shocked that Luz was able to keep the secret those few hours since Liebgott approached him. Roe was better, having been asked by Liebgott to cover her shift, but he did throw her a wink when she last saw him.

Close to eight that night, Evelyn changed behind the privacy corner she made in the tent - she was still shy about showing her scars to the others - and slipped on the dress. Like she suspected back at the Eagle's Nest, it fit perfectly.

When she stepped from behind the curtain, her long hair falling freely down her back, she had the pleasure of seeing a few dropped jaws. She smirked. "What's the matter, Babe? Never seen a pair of legs before?"

Heffron continued to gape. "You're beautiful, Evie."

"Finally the kid's got something right."

Evelyn looked up to see Liebgott standing there in his dress uniform. He gave her a wink. "Are you ready to go?"

She tried her best to keep the color from rising into her cheeks. "Yes." She walked to him and smiled shyly when he offered her his arm. He walked them out, both ignoring the hoots of laughter from the others.

They walked in silence for awhile until her nerves couldn't stand it any longer. She began to ramble. "I'm glad you're dressed like that. When I saw the dress - thank you by the way, I can't believe you took this for me - I figured you wanted me to wear it, but I couldn't be sure, and I would have felt silly if you were in your ODs, but after seeing your dress uniform, I have to say I'm relieved…"

"Doll?" He cut her off, an eyebrow raised. "If you wanted to tell me I'm lookin' exceptionally handsome tonight, all you had to do was say it."

Evelyn laughed, relieved when the tension was broken momentarily. "Yes. That's what I meant to say."

He grinned. "And although I hoped to see you in that dress tonight, I'd never presume to force you to do anything. Not that you'd let me live if I tried." She laughed again, but quieted instantly when he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "And Babe is right. You look beautiful."

Her face seared and at that moment she caught sight of the basket in his other hand. "Is this a date?" she blurted out. She felt terrible immediately for doing so, but she didn't take it back. Her curiosity was killing her.

Liebgott raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Catch on quick, don't ya?"

He led her away from the town, and it didn't take her long to recognize the field once again. When they stopped, he took a large blanket from the basket and laid it on the ground. She smirked. "We've gone before without such extravagance, Liebgott."

He looked up from his task and tutted. "Get your mind outta the gutter, Cassidy, and sit your ass down."

Liebgott seemed to be full of surprises that night. Pulling next from the basket, he stored two tin coffee cups, a bottle of wine that he previously uncorked, a cut of cheese, a baguette and a few peaches. She gave him a grin. "But what are you going to eat?"

He smirked back before pulling a second baguette out. "Thought you'd say that. You get one all to yourself."

Liebgott poured them some wine and cut up the cheese and bread. He leaned on his side on an elbow. She took his lead and mimicked him. He bit into a peach and looked at her, fidgeting. "Are you alright there?"

Evelyn took a deep breath and nodded. "It's just been awhile since I've been on a first date."

He grinned. "It's only me, Cass." She met his eyes and smiled. The familiarity of his smirk calmed her nerves. He took another bite. "In standard first date style, it's time for me to get to know ya." Evelyn gulped. "Tell me about your family."

She smiled softly, touched. Taking a breath, she began.

A few hours passed as they talked back and forth, asking questions, and laughing.

She laid her head against her hands and looked at him. They both laid on their side close to one another, but didn't touch. He leaned against his arm and studied her face. "What are you thinkin' about, Cass?"

She smiled crookedly. "Actually, why you only call me that. Or Cassidy. Or doll. Sometimes sweetcheeks if you're feeling sassy."

Liebgott laughed. "First, I'm never sassy. Maybe snarky, sometimes rude, but never sassy. Chicks are sassy."

Evelyn laughed with him. "I disagree, but continue."

He smirked and she smiled wider, seeing it. "Second, what am I supposed to call you?" She gave him a look. "What everyone else does? Evelyn. Ev. Evie…"

She wrinkled her nose hearing them from his mouth, especially her cutesy nickname. "Nevermind. That just sounded incredibly wrong."

"Right. I'm not everyone else." His eyes danced with mischief. "Or maybe I should call you by your first name?" He paused as her eyes narrowed. "You know - Dorothy or Dolores or Donna…"

Evelyn gaped and hit him hard in the chest. "Joe! Cut it out! Someone might hear you!"

His smirk deepened. "I got it. Daisy."

She snorted. "Oh yes, that's me. Daisy Fuckin' Cassidy."

Liebgott nipped her under the arm and she jumped a mile. "Oh no. Is Daisy ticklish?"

"Stop calling me that!"

But her cry of injustice turned quickly into squeals as he rolled closer and began tickling her sides relentlessly. She screeched and laughed with him until she couldn't catch her breath. "Joe! Cut it out! I can't breathe! Please!"

His body almost laid on top of hers, and she could see his eyes twinkle playfully. "Look at that. Cassidy is begging me. Again." But a moment later, he finally gave in and stopped. His hand moved up to brush her wild hair back from her face. "Do you surrender, Cass?" he asked mockingly.

She grinned, feeling her heart begin to thump. "Never."

It took everything in him not to kiss her then and there. She watched as his eyes darkened, a color she was all too familiar with. Waiting for it, she was surprised when it didn't come. He noticed her confusion and smiled softly. "My ma always told me not to kiss on the first date. Not gentleman-like."

Evelyn laughed loudly as he shifted onto his back and pulled her with him to lay against his side. "I think we are past those formalities, Joe."

Liebgott shook his head. "My ma is always right. No kissin' tonight. You gotta keep your hands to yourself too."

She scoffed. "Me? You're one to talk." But she giggled into his chest. "So when should I expect a kiss, per the rules of Mrs. Liebgott?"

He tightened his arm around her. "Well, if this goes well - and I guess it's been OK -" She smacked him again. "- I'd say the second date. But no funny business."

She pouted and whined. "Christ, this is strict. And what happens on the third date? Considering of course I say yes to such a terrible idea."

He pinched her side and grinned when she yelped before clearing his throat. "Well, I've only done one of those one other time before." He stopped for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "Not to say I haven't had my fair share of fun outside of proper dating, but the third date - Cass, I don't think you're ready to hear about the third date."

She turned her face to meet his eyes and smirked. "Oh no - it isn't sex, is it? How dare you."

He smirked back before clearing his throat again and she could feel his nerves. She quieted instantly as he found his words. Meeting her eyes again, he took a breath. "No, Cassidy. The third date is more than sex. That's when I make sure to show and tell you how much I care for ya."

Evelyn's heart stopped for a moment before it began thundering in her chest and in her ears. She felt warm all over. Taking her own deep breath, she nodded. "I have only gone on one third date myself," she said quietly.

He nodded back slowly. "Did he break your heart? My girl did."

The words my girl raced through her blood like morphine. "Fiancé," she admitted softly. "And yes, he did."

They stared at one another for a long time before he brushed his lips on her forehead, causing the heat inside her to blaze. Together, they turned back to look up at the clear sky, both silently digesting what they said and heard.

Evelyn woke to bright morning sunshine on her face. Even on the Army issued blanket in the grass, she was incredibly warm and comfortable. It helped that Liebgott's chest was pressed against her back, an arm around her waist, and his coat wrapped around her.

She thought back to last night as he slept on. Even though she was still a little confused by the date happening in general, a smile pricked her lips when she went through the night.

After talking and sharing stories, Liebgott had one last surprise for her: the Perseid meteor shower. Together they pointed out shooting stars and laughed at shapes made in the constellations. Evelyn couldn't remember a time when she was so relaxed and carefree, especially on a date.

Risking the movement, she slowly twisted towards him until she could see his face. She grinned at the innocent expression she found, something never seen when he was awake. She tried to memorize it before it was gone.

"Now don't go breakin' Ma's rules," he drawled, his eyes still closed. Evelyn jumped but laughed, and he peeked at her, grinning. "You don't want to get on her bad side."

She grinned back. "You think I was going to kiss you, Liebgott?" He nodded smugly. "Think again."

"Liar."

Evelyn nudged him in the chest, but didn't argue. She didn't want to be further caught in the lie. Stretching, she looked at the sun. "What time do you think it is? This outfit doesn't exactly offer useful accessories, such as a watch."

Liebgott smirked and moved his left arm to wrap around her neck. Pulling her closer, his face was inches from hers before he glanced briefly at his watch by her ear. "Six," he murmured, looking into her eyes.

She cocked an eyebrow. Two can play. Stretching again, she hooked a leg over his hip. "Hmm, still early."

Taking a deep breath, he pulled away to lie on his back. "You're trying to kill me, woman."

Giggling, Evelyn stood, brushing her skirt. "I'll have to keep trying then. You're still around."

Liebgott also stood after packing up the blanket into the basket. He held out his free hand to her. He had the pleasure of seeing her blush from the simple gesture and grinned when she laced her fingers through his. "Come on, sergeant. Time to return this princess to her pumpkin."

She smirked, trying to hide her pleasure. "If that makes you Prince Charming, Joe, we have to find another fairytale."

"I'm better than Charming, doll. I'm Joseph D. Liebgott."

"And so humble too."

Any guesses on Evelyn's given first name? It will be revealed later ;)