Thank you so so so much for the reviews! They are so wonderful and supportive! Thanks again :)

To say Evelyn and Liebgott were heckled by the men regarding their date was putting it mildly. Although they didn't seem to raise hell when they were near one another - probably figuring the two together would be too much to take on - Evelyn found she couldn't go anywhere without some sort of joke or jab.

To their surprise, she took it with a smile. Before the date, sure, she was terrified that once everyone knew that there was something between her and Liebgott, something would change. But then the date happened.

The memories of their night under the stars together kept her smiling all week. Knowing she looked and sounded like a stupid, naive school girl, she couldn't help it. Luz was right; she was in for it.

"Christ, Evie," muttered Christenson. "You never looked like that when I declared my feelings for ya. Even when I proposed."

Evelyn grinned before skimming a hand over his short hair affectionately. "I was feeling it in my heart, Pat." The others nearby chuckled as Christenson mock scowled.

Although she saw Liebgott again over the next several days, it was only in glances and a few smiles. He didn't pursue her, and it took her a moment, but she wondered if there was a reason behind it. Her mind had begun to play with what if scenarios. Eager to make them go away, she decided it was time to take action.

July 30, 1945

Opening the flap of the tent, Evelyn stepped up to him. He looked up from his seat on his bunk. He saw the determination in her eyes and raised an eyebrow. "Don't look now, boys, but it seems Cassidy is on the prowl."

She tried hard not to smile, keen on keeping the upper hand. She ignored the other men, including Luz who began bouncing excitedly in his seat. "There's a new movie being played tonight. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me."

Liebgott waited a beat before a wide smile crossed his face. "Are you asking me out on a date, doll?" The men around him stared at her, their eyes wide. Perconte's jaw actually dropped.

She smirked back. "Catch on quick, don't you?" She gave him a wink. "Pick you up at 7?"

"You got it." And with a another grin, she was gone.

It took a few minutes before the men recovered. Malarkey whistled. "Damn, Joe. I thought I'd never see the day when you two actually got along. This is just…"

Liebgott grinned. He was unable to wipe the smile from his face. "A welcomed surprise?"

Malarkey snorted. "Damn scary is what it is. You two together? Christ."

They laughed together until Liebgott could answer. "Just a date is all."

He could feel Luz's eyes on him and he turned to look. His friend gave him a knowing smile. Sure thing, Joe.

As she promised, Evelyn picked Liebgott up at seven. Feeling brave, some of the guys whistled and cackled when they arrived to the movie room, but with a sharp glare from her, most of them shut up, at least when the movie began.

They settled into the small couch in the back corner of the room, the projector nearby. Evelyn earlier threatened anyone to keep off it before they arrived, Adrianna's brass knuckles glinting on her hand. They found the sofa empty to no trouble. The soft cushions caused them to lean closer together and the film began.

With a wide and dramatic yawn, Liebgott stretched his arms before resting one behind her on top of the couch. She turned and caught his eye. "Smooth."

He grinned in return. "That's me, doll."

After a few minutes of neither one of them watching the movie, Evelyn began rummaging around in the pack she brought with her. As she found things, she held them out for him to take or reject.

After an orange, a Hershey bar, a large bag of chips, and a block of stinky Austrian cheese, Liebgott laughed, immediately causing the soldiers in front to shush him.

"Who did you flirt with this time, Cass?" he murmured.

She smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know," she replied before popping a chip in her mouth. She next pulled out one of her water bladders. She held it out to him.

"Nah, not thirsty."

Evelyn shrugged before uncapping it. "Your loss." She took a sip.

The smell of expensive alcohol wafted towards him and his eyes went wide. "On second thought…" He reached for the bladder.

She clucked her tongue and shook her head. "But you aren't thirsty."

"Shut up! Trying to watch this!"

Ignoring the annoyed men, Liebgott's arm snaked around her shoulders and down to her waist before pulling her hard against him. She twisted until she was burrowed into his side. Giving him a wink, she gave him the bladder before sighing and resting her head on his shoulder. "Seems my flirting works on you, too."

Liebgott took a swig and let out an appreciative murmur. "Add Nixon to that list. Something this good could only have come from his stash."

An hour went by and they continued to take turns sipping the liquor and cuddling together. Neither had any idea what was happening in the film, but they tried to guess.

"I think he took down the picture because he ended the broad."

"Which one? The dead one or the one he obviously is going to end?"

"Either. Both."

Evelyn giggled and the men in front hissed again. She was feeling a wonderful warmth in her chest, and she didn't think the alcohol could claim it acted alone.

Liebgott grinned at the sound, pulling her closer. They had found a small end table to rest his feet. She was curled up in his side. "I still don't get why she keeps singing."

Martin turned around in his chair and glared. "Ingrid is a goddamn opera singer, but her new hubby is trying to make her think she's going insane and probably then kill her, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do if you two don't shut it. Christ, I thought Luz was bad." He turned back around with a huff.

Evelyn tried to bite her lip in an effect to keep the giggles down, but it was no use. She turned her head into Liebgott's chest to try and smother them.

Seeing her struggle, he lifted her chin with a finger until she looked up and met his gaze. The giggles ended abruptly. The warmth she felt before spread further until it flooded her cheeks. No one had ever looked at her in this way before.

Liebgott leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers. When he pulled back again, the pad of his thumb brushed across her cheekbone. He smiled softly. "I could get used to making you blush like that, Cassidy."

Evelyn's cheeks flushed even more, causing him to chuckle. Leaning up, she kissed him again, deepening it just a touch. She was thrilled to see his cheeks pinken slightly. "The feeling's mutual."

With a wide grin, he raked his fingers into her hair and moved to kiss her again. Just before his lips touched hers, he turned towards the front of the room, causing her to look as well. The entire company was watching earnestly. They all had matching shit-eating grins. Evelyn threw a couch pillow at their heads before burrowing her flaming face into Liebgott's chest.

"Hey George!" shouted Perconte. "I'll take tomorrow night. No way they'll last that long."

Talbert piped in. "Then I'm callin' two days from now." He threw Liebgott a wink. "Try and hold out until then, OK, Joe?"

Evelyn whipped her head back, her eyes narrowed and dangerous. She found Luz, who tried to hide behind Randleman. She stood. "George Luz," she breathed. "What are they talking about?"

Liebgott stood at her side, unabashed and grinning. He leaned over and whispered into her ear. "I think they're takin' bets of when we shed our clothing. If they only knew, Cass."

Evelyn visibly shivered, her breath hitching in her throat. The men saw it and began fighting over who called first for tonight.

With her eyes locked on a cowering but suddenly innocent looking Luz, she allowed Liebgott to pull on her hand until they were outside and away from everyone.

"I am going to kill Geor…."

He stopped her with a deep kiss, pressing his body into hers against the exterior wall of the building. "I don't care about Luz," he murmured between kisses. "I only care about you at the moment."

Evelyn sighed and wrapped her arms his neck, returning the kiss. They remained like that for several minutes, slowly exploring one another's mouth.

Finally, Liebgott pulled away, breathing heavily. His eyes were locked on her red and swollen lips. "Christ, Cass. Tell me to stop already."

Evelyn smirked and winked. "We know how well that works out." And with a groan, he kissed her, getting lost once again.

With determination in his heart, he stepped back this time, putting enough distance between them. "I'm actin' like a cheap date."

She pushed herself off the wall and laced her fingers with his. "Can't have that. What would Mrs. Liebgott say to me for taking away her son's innocence?"

"Nothin' is innocent about me, doll."

"That's for sure."

They walked quietly for awhile towards the tents. Instead of stopping at his, Liebgott shook his head. "This might be your date, but I've gotta walk you back. Gotta make sure you're tucked in."

Evelyn grinned before they arrived to her tent, only a few away. She pulled him inside it. "Are you sure you didn't mean untucking my bed?"

He clicked his tongue in admonishment. "I'm sure. But that doesn't mean I'll skip over a kiss goodnight."

She leaned up and brushed her lips against his before pulling back. "How about a few? The night is young." With a wink, she went behind the curtain in the corner to change into her PT shorts and T-shirt. When she returned, he gave her a look from where he was sitting on her bed. "What?"

He gestured to the curtain. "Since when do you strip down behind the scenes?"

Evelyn looked at the curtain and blushed. Her fingers automatically brushed her right upper arm in thought. "Since…it's just a habit now."

Liebgott's eyes locked on where her fingers were. Grabbing her hand, he yanked her into his lap, causing her to giggle. With a smile, he rolled up the sleeve of her T-shirt, until he found the scar that was mostly hidden. He looked at her in the eye. "How many times do I have to kiss these to show you that they're a part of you? That they're beautiful?"

Evelyn's face blazed, even more so when he leaned down and brushed his lips against the scar. Her voice wobbled. "Well maybe if you kissed all of them, I'd get the idea better."

"All of them?"

Her eyes twinkled before she maneuvered on his lap until she was straddling his legs and had her arms clapped around his neck. She nodded. "Yes, sir. You have yet to kiss my ass."

Liebgott laughed loudly, causing her to giggle in response, especially when he held her closer and murmured against her neck. "I think I need to get in line."

Evelyn pulled back and shook her head. "No, I'll leave that honor to you." She meant it as a joke, but as they looked at one another, it held a different meaning. Closing the gap between them, she kissed him.

That's how Perconte found them a few minutes later, entangled in one another. "Oh!" He turned away and stammered. "Sorry." They heard him leave and shout, "Luz! Hey Luz! You definitely got me for tomorrow, right?"

Evelyn sighed and leaned her forehead against his shoulder. "Tell me not to kill him."

Liebgott grinned before picking her up and then placing her back on her bed. With a kiss on her hair, he straightened up and gave her a smirk. "He's your best friend. You love him. You'd miss him."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "He's my best friend. I love him. I'd miss him." Her eyes popped open. "Nope, didn't work."

"You'd be thrown in jail."

"A welcomed reprieve from the madness you mean."

"The food there is terrible."

Evelyn huffed and pouted. "Fine. He lives."

Liebgott smirked before kissing the top of her head again. "Get some sleep, Cass," he murmured. She looked up at him and he couldn't help but give her one last kiss. "Good night."

She watched him walk out the tent, everything inside her wanting to stop him, but knowing she shouldn't. She huffed impatiently. "Good night."

The next day Evelyn waited nearby for the perfect moment. Her eyes watched the men shuffle by from her darkened corner until she finally found him. She waited a few extra minutes after he went into the showers tent before she made her move.

Walking past the flap of a front door, Malarkey saw her first. His eyes widened and he tried to cover himself. "Christ, Ev -"

Evelyn placed a finger to her lips and shushed him. Motioning with her thumb behind her to the door, Malarkey and a few others left the showers instantly, terrified of the look in her eyes. Only one man remained.

Finding the pile of clothing and towel easily, she took them. Feeling generous, she replaced it with only a hand rag from the aid station. She stepped back and waited.

Luz was oblivious. He washed with his eyes closed and continue to sing a tune under his breath.

Rubbley-ub-dub, that's just the way she rubs

Rubbley-ub-dub, that's just the way she scrubs

Rubbley-ub-dub, she wears out all her dubs

She rubs and rubs her knuckles right down to the nubs!

Rubbley-ub-dub, that's how she kicks it off

Rubbley-ub-dub, she keeps it nice and soft

Rubbley-ub-dub, till someone hollers on

Scrub me mama with a boogie - Christ! Evelyn!

Luz looked desperately for his clothes or towel to cover himself up, but all he found was a tiny piece of fabric. It would have to do. "Jesus, what are you doing in here? I thought it was safe to strip down for once!"

Evelyn cocked an eyebrow. "You're right, George. Yours is the finest tushy of them all."

He blushed and adjusted the hand towel. "Thanks. Do you know where my clothes are?"

She gave him a satisfied smirk that told him she knew exactly where they were. "Where do you think, Georgie?"

"They're at the bottom of the lake, aren't they?"

Evelyn grinned. She moved her hands to the front and in them were his ODs and towel. When he tried to step forward and grab them, she took a large step backwards towards the door. He huffed impatiently. "Ev, great joke, but I'd really like-"

"What's the betting pool on, George?"

He froze for a moment, thinking fast before trying to lunge forward and grab his clothing without flashing her. She took another huge step back. She tutted him. "One more move like that, Georgie, and I start throwing pieces outside." She stared him down. "Tell me about the pool."

"Ev, sweetheart, it's me, George. Would I ever - I didn't move! Hey! Those are my pants! You can't start with the pants!" He watched the OD trousers flutter to the ground in the sunlight.

"Tell me, Luz."

He hung his head. "I was only tryin' to control them at first. After Joe took you out on that first date, they were like savages, tryin' to guess and barter when you'd take things further." His voice got small and he looked at her as innocently as possible. "I thought if I wrangled them into one pool and keep it low-key, they'd keep their mouths shut and leave you alone."

Evelyn gave him a look before throwing his tshirt outside next. He watched it go. "Did I mention that you're getting half the pot?"

She paused while holding up his underwear. "How so?"

Luz was encouraged by her curiosity. "Well, part of the bargain was that the winner would give you a quarter of the winnings, seeing as that you're bringing us all so much joy." He paused. "A different kind than you're givin' Joe." His OD shirt flew out the door.

He sighed, defeated. "But me, your best friend, will give you half the pot when I win. No one is ever gonna guess that you two started up weeks ago, so we're golden." She looked away and he could see a blush creep up her cheeks. "Right, Ev? Christ, if you haven't yet, we're in trouble."

Evelyn swatted at him and he jumped back. "That's none of your business, George Luz."

"Just tell me it started back in April like I thought. Just so I can say truthfully they're all losers."

The blush brightened and his jaw dropped. "Before April?" She swatted at him again but he grinned. "You little minx."

She gave him a hard look and changed the subject. "No way am I just splitting this pot with you."

"OK! 60-40."

Evelyn walked towards him slowly. He readjusted the hand towel. "You forget, George, that I'm not the only one affected by this bet."

He rolled his eyes. "Once the two of you marry, what is his become yours and vice versa."

He had the pleasure of seeing her blush again and stutter before replying. "Stop trying to change the subject! 70-30. You can't get more than me and Joe individually."

Luz sighed in relief after he nodded in agreement and she handed him his underwear and towel. "Deal." He jumped and yowled when he felt a hard pinch on his backside.

Evelyn gave him a wink before leaving the tent. "Pleasure doing business with you."

As the summer continued into the month of August, the time began to go by faster. It helped that there were rumors that the war in the pacific was coming to a close. No one knew if that meant a few weeks or months, but it was something to hold onto. That didn't stop Winters from finding assignments outside the regiment for some of the men. Malarkey was being sent to Paris on an Airborne assignment. Evelyn and the men couldn't be happier for him.

As for her love life, after their second date, Liebgott and Evelyn had a good time catching one another off guard with a kiss or a wink. Each time, she felt her heart pound in a way she didn't think was possible, even when she was engaged so long ago. When he wasn't around, she thought of him, most often with a small grin to herself.

During her free time, Evelyn came to a realization regarding her feelings for him and now it wouldn't leave her head. But with it, came the ultimate question - did he feel the same way? It wasn't lost on her that any confidence she came into this war and up against a vicious enemy was finally lost and it was because of Joseph D. Liebgott and that look in his eyes that he seemed to save especially for her.

At first, she was certain in the answer, but then almost two weeks came and went without another murmuring about their next date - the looming third date that he spoke of. It felt ridiculous that she was now kept up at night, thinking about if and when he would ask her, when only a month ago, she was worried sick about war.

She decided to keep herself busy in the aid station, waiting for him to act was too much to bear.

Evelyn heard the door open and she looked up to see Liebgott. "Joe!" she said moving towards him. "Are you hurt?"

He motioned to his right wrist. "Bull landed on my arm during an exercise."

She narrowed her eyes. "Is this a real injury? Last time you came in, your leg miraculously healed after you kissed me."

He grinned before sliding onto the examination table himself. "Do you blame me? But this one hurts like a son of a bitch, although I wouldn't say no to a kiss."

She rolled her eyes but grinned back, gathering a compression bandage from her desk. She sat on her stool and rolled over to him. He caught her as she positioned herself between his legs. "You know what happened to the boy who cried wolf."

"The pretty medic shut his mouth?"

Evelyn gave him a look before taking his right hand in hers. Flexing it back and forth to test his pain level, he only winced slightly. "Does that feel OK?" she murmured, looking up to meet his eyes. Her fingers brushed a few old scars on his knuckles, which, with a start, she remembered came from the night he saved her from the drunk soldier from Able. That night seemed like a lifetime ago.

Liebgott nodded as he studied her. "Yeah. Yeah, it's OK."

Taking a deep breath to try and get her heart beating again, she began to wrap his wrist. Although neither spoke, the silence between them became charged. As soon as she was done, tucking in the end to keep it tight, Liebgott lifted her off the stool until she was seated on her desk, and he was standing between her legs. He nuzzled his face into her neck.

Evelyn sighed contentedly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Another miraculous recovery, I see."

She saw a flash of a grin before he kissed her. "I actually did hurt myself this time, but pain is nothing when I can have you like this." He kissed her neck again. "Right where I want ya."

And then he was kissing her deeply, deeper than he had done in weeks. It stole her breath away, especially when she felt his hands wander up her legs until he cupped her ass and squeezed playfully.

She broke apart needing air. "Christ, Joe. I can't figure you out."

Liebgott's lips traveled lower, towards the opening of her shirt by her throat. "I like to think I'm a fairly straightforward guy. Simple needs."

Evelyn leaned her head back for better access. "No, I mean one moment we are having sex everywhere. And I mean, everywhere. I lost count, and then next we're adhering to Mrs. Liebgott's manual of proper dating, and now you seem like you just want to…"

He pulled back abruptly to look her in the eyes. "Do you want to go back?"

She blinked at him. "Back?"

He nodded slowly. His expression was kept carefully blank. "Back to what we were before. Sex, passion. No strings attached. No expectations given. Just sex."

The breath in Evelyn's lungs stilled. She couldn't read him. She couldn't tell at that moment what he wanted. She was afraid of his answer, but now was not the time to hide the truth. "No."

She caught the faint twitch of a grin at his lips before he leaned in toward her neck again, kissing and sucking his way to her ear. His hands slowly moved to the inside of her thighs, caressing up and down. "No? You do remember what it was like before, right Cassidy? The thrill of being together? Not gettin' caught? Are you sure you don't want just sex?"

It took everything in her not to moan at the feel of his hands on her legs and his lips and teeth on her neck, but she held it together. She couldn't stop the pant in reply though. "I'm sure." She paused a moment before adding, "Are you?"

Liebgott heard the waver in her voice and leaned back to look her in the eyes, his interrogation over. "Do I want to have something with you more than just sex in whatever barn, field, or warehouse that we happen to find?"

Evelyn blushed in memory, but nodded, her eyes never leaving his.

He waited a beat but smiling lopsidedly. "Yeah, Cass," he murmured. "Yeah, I want more." He pulled her back into his arms, and they held each other a moment before he brushed his lips across her again. "I've been meaning to ask ya something."

She felt a bubble of warmth in her chest and kissed him back slowly, enjoying the feeling in a lazy fashion. "About damn time, Liebgott. Christ, you take awhile to ask a girl out."

Before he could answer, the door of the aid station opened revealing Roe and Spina. Evelyn jumped from her desk, but it was too late. They froze. "Well, hell," muttered Spina before he and Roe hustled out of there again.

Liebgott chuckled at Evelyn's red face. He leaned in towards her ear, but at a safe distance. "I might take awhile to do it, but you'll know when I ask my girl out."

When he pulled back again, he smirked at her even darker face, which also held a goofy grin. With a chaste kiss, he left the aid station. She heard him call to Roe and Spina, "She's all yours, gents! Sorry for the delay." Evelyn shook her head to try and rid herself of the giddiness that threatened to take over before they walked in tentatively.

Spina eyed her. "Are you decent?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes and turned back to her desk. "Let's get to work."