Disclaimer: I do not own the Band of Brothers mini-series or book, not do I intend any disrespect to the real men of Easy Company or their families. I only own the original characters.

This story is based on the mini-series and I have done some additional research to try and keep is as historically accurate as possible. However since this is a fiction there are some interpretations of and changes to actual events in order to make the story work.

Chapter 2

Roe POV

Sitting on his bunk, trying to ease the dull ache in his legs and arms, Eugene Roe was half listening to the conversations of the men around him. Sobel had been on a war path that day during their training, so he knew some of the men had suffered minor injuries. As the company medic he was responsible for their wellbeing and he knew full well they wouldn't come to him willingly, so he had no choice but to eavesdrop on their conversations.

"Goddamnit, can you believe Sobel?" someone exclaimed.

Roe peered over his shoulder at the sudden outburst, trying to find the source. He spotted Donald Malarkey, the usually easy going redhead was taking of his jump boots with a scowl and his mouth set in a firm line. He didn't look happy but the comment probably wasn't from him. That's when he saw the look on Bill Guarnere's face. Ah, found you.

Even though he was sure the question was rhetorical, Joe Toye still responded from where he was lying on his bunk. "Yeah well, are you surprised? He was in a fucking terrible mood when he got back from HQ."

Roe cringed internally, he knew what was coming. Bill replied through gritted teeth, "Yeah, it's because of that god damn broad." He took out a cigarette from the pack he kept in his OD's, placing it between his lips before continuing. "What is Sink thinking? Allowing some dame to join Easy." He was speaking to no one in particular.

Walking up behind Bill, George Luz grabbed a cigarette from the pack he was still holding and added his two cents to the conversation. "Bill, you never know. They say she fought in Africa and Italy, so she can't be half bad."

Bill took a drag from his cigarette and snorted before replying, "Come on Luz. She just batted her eyelashes and hid in some foxhole while the men held the line. She probably spent more time making sure she didn't break a nail than actually killing Krauts."

Roe stopped listening to the conversation. He'd already heard it all before throughout the day. Everyone had their opinion on why a woman was allowed to join them and how she had survived to date. Most of them weren't favourable and even the few guys who kept their opinions to themselves didn't seem happy at the prospect of having to fight alongside a female.

He wasn't really worried about her abilities. She'd somehow made it this far. It just didn't seem right that's all. Sending a woman to the front. She should be safe at home, or a nurse in a field hospital far from the line. The thought of having to patch up one of the men was enough to make him toss and turn at night. If he had to hold together a young woman, while she bled out under his hands, he wasn't sure he could cope with that.

"You know, she probably doesn't even look like a woman. I mean, if she was even half decent looking she would have stayed at home and gotten married." Joseph Liebgott's remark pulled Roe from his own thoughts.

"Wanna bet?" From the look on his face George had been waiting all day to ask that question. Roe had to crack a smile as he watched all the men eagerly place their various bets.

Calculating the odds he figured he'd place his own bet. Walking up to Luz he handed over a pack of smokes. "I'll take a bet that she can handle herself and is easy on the eye."

They all stared at him like he'd sprouted three heads or something. Roe just smiled and walked back to his bunk, laying on his back and staring at the ceiling. He hoped he was right. Almost as much as he hoped she would change her mind and just go home.

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Amelia POV

Amelia had tossed and turned the whole night, fighting anxiety and the nightmares that often plagued her. As she turned onto her back trying to find a comfortable position, for what felt like the 100th time, she reached over to the nightstand and picked up her military issue wristwatch. 04:00, just perfect. May as well get up now.

Getting up slowly, she winced slightly as her bare feet touched the cold floor. Taking care to pull on her OD's as quietly as possible, so not to wake anyone else sleeping in the other rooms, she snuck out of the house. Not for the first time was she glad, the family they were staying with, had decided to place her in the larger ground floor bedroom. She knew the stairs to the first floor creaked something terrible.

Once outside she sat down on the front step and pulled on her jump boots. She knew Derek would be up in an hour, so she decided to go for a walk to calm her nerves and burn off some of the excess energy.

The early morning was slightly cold and the streets were quiet. She couldn't see lights on in any of passing houses. As she walked the only sound came from her boots on the pavement and her slow steady breathing. Grateful for the solitude she allowed her mind to wander.

They had spent the previous day in the live ammunitions training area practicing their stealth, observation and shooting skills. Derek had made some remarkable shots, and she had a few pretty good ones as well. She wasn't under any illusions. She knew Derek was by far the better shot between the two of them. She was good, would easily have been considered an expert marksman if she were a man serving with the Americans, but she wasn't on his level. No, her real talent and value lay in her ability to move around unseen, lay still for hours on end, interpret enemy movements and then report back everything she had observed, in the finest detail, to her superiors. She probably spent more time behind enemy lines than her own and was excellent at getting herself into and out of tight spots.

As she continued her slow amble her mind drifted to the day ahead. The day they would meet Easy Company.

She could admit to herself that she was nervous at the prospect of having to start all over again with a new group of men. She wasn't worried that she wouldn't be able to keep up with them physically. She knew full what she was capable of and had every confidence in her abilities. She had actual combat experience, and star on her jump wings, so she already had that advantage over them.

No, her physical abilities and mental aptitude didn't worry her. Winning their acceptance and trust was her only concern. She knew full well that if they didn't trust her, she would never be able to work with them in combat as it would endanger all of their lives. She kept reminding herself that she had done this multiple times before with the British. She did it then, so she would be able to do it now.

When she looked around, she found herself on the outskirts of the town looking out at a small pasture. Sitting down on a low wall and closing her eyes, she willed her mind to be quiet. She focused on her breathing, the way the cold, rough stones of the wall felt under her hands and how the wind made her loose hair lightly move across her face. It'll all be fine. It always is in the end.

She didn't know how long she sat there thinking of nothing. The chirping of a bird brought her back to her surroundings. Looking at her watch she saw the time, 5:30. Damnit, Derek will be awake and worried if he can't find me.

Lightly jumping off of the wall she turned and slowly jogged back to the house. She passed a few people on her way who all looked up in surprise but still smiled politely enough in passing.

Stepping inside the house she could smell tea and toast. She had never been a fan of tea, much preferring coffee, however after spending 3 years working and living with the British, she had become quite fond of the stuff.

She could see Mr. and Mrs. Whitehall, the family who was lodging them, sitting at the kitchen table talking softly. Derek was standing at the stove with his back to her making what looked like scrambled eggs. When she stepped into the kitchen he quickly turned around and shot her a confused look when he saw her OD's and slightly flushed cheeks.

"Dear, have you already been up and about this time of the morning?" Mrs. Whitehall exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh, I decided to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors before the weather takes a turn for the worse," Amelia said, as she took her usual seat at the table.

She could imagine Derek scoffing and rolling his eyes. He knew that the only thing she loved more than food was sleep. So the chances of her willingly getting up early to enjoy the great outdoors was slim to none.

"Well then, let me pour you some tea so you can warm up a bit."

Since returning to England a month ago this had become their little routine. All four of them would sit around the worn kitchen table and have tea and something to eat before heading out for the day.

Amelia still fondly remembered the day they had arrived in Aldbourne. When Mrs. Whitehall had opened the door to greet them you could tell she was surprised to find that one of the soldiers she was supposed to lodge was woman. Her shock however quickly turned to delight as she realised she would be the talk of the neighbourhood.

The Whitehall's welcomed them into their home and into their hearts without a moment's hesitation. Being around them was heavenly and reminded both Amelia and Derek of home, family and love. Things that were terribly easy to forget when spending days and nights in a foxhole somewhere at the front. They quickly grew very much attached to each other and fell into an easy routine.

Derek handed them all a plate with some toast and eggs on it before taking his seat next to her. While they ate Mrs. Whitehall told them all the town gossip and Mr. Whitehall read the latest newspaper, grunting his acknowledgment at his wife's stories whenever she paused to take a breath. Amelia quickly helped to tidy up the kitchen after breakfast before going to her room to change.

They were lucky that the Whitehall's home was relatively close to where they were set to meet Easy, so it wouldn't take them to long to jog there.

An orderly had delivered their new kit, along with the day's schedule, to the home while they were out the previous day. Putting on the PT gear Amelia quickly looked in the mirror. Well, these shorts sure are short. Shit, so much for my modesty.

She tugged at the PT shorts trying to lengthen them in vain. At least the PT shirt was one size too big so it wasn't overly tight. Small mercies.

She quickly tied up her hair into a high pony and put on her jump boots before stepping out. Derek was waiting outside the house with his back to the door. When he turned to look at her his face split into a boyish grin.

"Really, you've known me for three years and seen me in less clothing. There's no need for you to smile like that." She scowled at him.

"When it comes to your legs in those shorts, I'll always have reason to smile," he replied while giving her legs another once over.

She jokingly scoffed and slapped him on the chest as she walked past. She started to jog towards the barracks and Derek quickly fell in beside her. She was glad for the early start as it meant the streets were still relatively quiet.

As they approached the large group of men she instinctively scanned the area and each man for any potential threats. Force of habit I guess.

Spotting a group of officers huddled together a few yards away from the larger group of men, they confidently strode towards them while Amelia did her best to ignore the men's gazes that were following her every move. Take a picture boys, it'll last longer she thought to herself.

The officers turned around at the sound of their approach and she immediately recognised three of them from Sink's office.

They quickly saluted and the officers all returned the gesture. The dark haired Captain stepped forward and made the introductions. "Welcome to Easy Company. My name is Captain Sobel, this is Lieutenant Winters," he pointed to the handsome redhead, "and Lieutenant Harry Welsh" Sobel pointed to a short man with thinning, sandy blond hair and an infectious smile. Mmmm, he reminds me of an Irish leprechaun she realised. She couldn't help but beam back at him.

Sobel then pointed in the direction of the dark haired officer who had stared at them the previous day. Well, he looks better today, Amelia thought, quickly looking him over. She noticed he wasn't in PT gear. "This is Lieutenant Nixon, he is the Battalion S2" Oh that explains it. He can get out of PT with the Company, which means he's just here for the show.

"Good morning gentlemen. I am Lieutenant Smith and this is Sergeant Jones," Derek introduced them. Amelia smiled warmly at all of them and shook their hands, quickly assessing them as she did.

From the way Sobel was looking at her she knew he would be very difficult to please and that he had his doubts about her ability to keep up with his men. Winters was able to keep his face relaxed and pleasant while Nixon looked like a kid in a candy store. He was definitely enjoying this far too much.

"Let's get started." Sobel paused briefly, turning his attention towards the men. "PT formation. We will be doing a 12 mile run." He indicated for them to follow him and fall into the formation wherever they found a spot.

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Roe POV

Looking at the two newcomers he couldn't help but smile. He knew his gamble had paid off and he'd won at least the first half of his bet comfortably. The woman would be considered beautiful by most people's standards. Staring at her he felt his cheeks redden slightly when he saw her legs in the small PT shorts.

Her looks weren't the most striking thing about her though, to him it was the way she moved. She walked with a quiet confidence and an elegance he'd only ever seen with dancers. She quickly took in her surroundings and he was sure he saw her sizing them all up. She had no fear, or if she did she hid it perfectly. He felt confident he would win the second half if his bet as well.

"Well boys, you all owe Doc and me a pack each." George Luz could hardly contain is excitement.

"Hey, just because she's got good legs doesn't mean she can shoot," Bill said from his sitting position on the ground.

Luz gave him a knowing smile. "I got a feeling about her. By the end of the day you'll all be paying up. Just wait and see."

Roe turned his attention back to the newcomers as they spoke to the officers. The man looked formidable enough and it was clear from the way he moved that he was very aware of the woman's movements and her of his. He supposed that came from years of working together.

"PT formation. We will be doing a 12 mile run," Sobel shouted as he and the other officers approached them.

Roe fell in beside George and, to his surprise, the women slotted in between them with the man taking the place in the row directly behind her.

She met his eyes, smiled and held out her hand for him shake. "Hey, I'm Sergeant Jones, but you can call me Amelia, and this is Lieutenant Smith." All the men around them straightened and quickly saluted, but the lieutenant just waved them off.

Roe was caught off guard by her easy manner and dark eyes. Are those green or black? Shit, she's waiting for my reply. He recovered and took her hand. "Eugene Roe, pleasure to meet you all ma'am."

"Pleasures mine Eugene, please call me Amelia."

"And you can call me Derek when the brass ain't around," Derek added before continuing his introductions with the other men.

"Hey'ya beautiful, my name's George Luz, but my friends call me Luz." Amelia turned to face George and Roe could just see the start of a smile tugging at her mouth.

"Well hey there Luz. You're going to have to buy me drink first before calling me beautiful you know?" She shook his hand and added, "You can call me Amelia, handsome." Roe was sure he saw George blush.

"Let's move out," Sobel shouted from somewhere at the front of the column.

"This is the best view I've had since joining the Airborne," Bill, who was in the row immediately behind theirs, said.

Roe saw Derek about to reply, however before he could say anything Amelia turned around and jogged backwards, without missing a beat, so she could face Bill. "Well soldier that seems only fair, since I have all of you too look at in your shorts and tight white shirts." She smirked and winked before quickly turning back around.

Bill smiled like an idiot before saying, "I like this broad."

The men around them chuckled and Roe saw Amelia smile.

Sobel picked up the pace considerably and all the talking died down. Steeling a glance to his right he saw Amelia easily keeping pace with them. When he saw the ear splitting grin on George's face Roe realised he was watching Amelia and counting all his future winnings.

XXXXXXX

Amelia POV

Standing in the chow line in Easy's mess hall, which was nothing more than a converted barn, Amelia looked around reflecting on the day's events.

She had struck an easy friendship with Eugene and George during their 12 mile run. Both men, even though they were different in so many ways, had a friendly air about them which had put her at ease from the start. Eugene was quiet and a bit shy, however he had a calming presence which soothed her soul. He had the most beautiful eyes, pitch black hair and she was a bit in love with his Cajun drawl. George Luz on the other had was full of energy and was clearly one of the company clowns. He'd made her laugh on more than one occasion during the day, much to Sobel's annoyance.

"Hey, earth to Amelia. You still with us?" Donal Malarkey poked her lightly in the ribs. George had introduced them shortly after the run and she had liked the cute redhead instantly. They were paired together for close quarter combat drills so they had gotten know each other very well, very quickly.

"Oh yeah, I'm here. Just thinking," she replied absent-mindedly.

"Just thinking huh? About what?" Don asked while pushing their trays forward to get some food.

Amelia gave him a cheeky smile, before replying honestly, "All of you."

He let out a small laugh and relayed her reply to Penkala and Muck before they started up a spirited conversation. Those three must be joined at the hip.

She looked over her shoulder to spot Derek. He was sitting nearby talking to Harry Welsh and Carwood Lipton. He shot her a quick smile when he saw her looking his way.

Getting her food she turned around to find an open seat. Spotting a space next to George she walked over to his table. "Is this seat taken?"

George looked up and gave her one of his signature smiles with a cigarette dangling from his lips. "Depends who's asking."

"That would be me, handsome," she replied with a smirk. At some point during the day that had become her nickname for him. He didn't seem to mind.

"Well in that case, move up Bill and give the lady some space."

Bill scooted over and gave her a quick smile before continuing the conversation he was having with Toye. After their initial interaction that morning she found that she got along very well with the handsome man with the string jaw from South Philly.

Thinking about it, I wonder if looks were a criteria when applying for this company? It had not escaped her notice that Easy was full of handsome men. Not that she would ever say it out loud.

Joe Liebgott sat opposite her and was pushing his food around with a fork. "Joe, didn't your mother ever teach you not to play with your food?" Amelia asked, taking the first mouthful of her own bland plate.

He shot her a withering glare, however when she gave him her best Hollywood smile in return, this quickly turned into a smirk. Joe smirked, a lot. The look in his eyes and the way he carried himself made her think of trouble, in the very best way.

At first he hadn't been too fond of her. Truth be told most of the men had kept a weary distance throughout the day. That was until they had had close quarter combat training.

The instructor had taken them through all the basic manoeuvres, all of which she could already do in her sleep. Malarkey was a good partner and eager to learn her little tips and tricks. When Sobel saw how quickly they were working through all the required manoeuvres he must have assumed that Malarkey was going easy on her.

He'd stepped in and took Malarkey's spot. The instructor gave the command for one partner to attack the other and Sobel quickly obliged. She had reacted on instinct, not thinking about the exact moves the instructor wanted them to use.

He had come at her with his trench knife held high. She stepped into his body, using his momentum to her advantage she brought her knee up to meet him between the legs. He had doubled over and she quickly kicked out his legs from under him. Pinning him with her left knee on his chest, she brought her own knife to his throat.

She'd been so focused on the attack, that she hadn't noticed all the men watching them. She had gotten up quickly and offered her hand to Sobel. He had taken it wearily and tried his best to regain some composure. Before he turned around he had given her a small, approving nod.

After that incident all the men relaxed around her. They must really hate him, she'd thought.

"So Luz, how much did you and Gene make off of me?" Amelia asked him, trying her best to keep a straight face.

Luz nearly chocked on his food, Roe turned a very deep shade of red and all the men in her vicinity suddenly fell quiet. Amelia just laughed. This wasn't the first time men had taken bets on her, nor would it be the last.

She had overheard one of their conversation during the day and quickly deduced that Luz and Roe had been the only two to bet in her favour.

"I just want to calculate my cut that's all. It seems only fair that I get something out of this."

They all laughed a bit awkwardly, not sure if she was serious or just messing with them. Waiting for me to flip out no doubt.

"I'll settle for 4 packs of smokes and 2 chocolate bars." She gave them all a reassuring smile, hoping to put them at ease. She really wasn't upset.

Luz took a long drag of his cigarette before handing her half her prize. Gene quickly handed her the rest. She clapped her hands and beamed at all the men around her. "Pleasure doing business with you boys."

That finally relaxed them as they all laughed and returned to the earlier conversation's. Bill nudged her, "Jeez doll, you're quite the hustler aren't you?"

"Takes one to know one Bill," she said as he pulled her into a side hug, all the while chuckling to himself.

"You sure you weren't born in South Philly?" he asked, finally letting her go.

"Pretty sure Bill. And I like you too." She winked at him before returning her attention back to her food.

"Amelia, Sobel told us you and Derek fought with the Brits for the last year. That true?" George asked her.

"Yip, that's true. We were with them in Africa for a while and then Italy briefly with Operation Husky." She tried to keep her tone as casual as possible, she knew they were curios but she didn't feel like going into any details with them on her first day.

Most of the men were listening to their conversation by that stage. Joe spoke up, "That where you got your star?"

"On my jump wings?" She asked and he nodded.

She nodded and replied, "We jumped with the British 1st Airborne into Sicily."

"Shit," Malarkey said. He blushed when he realised he had sworn in front of a woman. Amelia just smiled at him waving it off. She'd heard and said far worse.

"My brother was in Africa. He says it's hot," Bill said.

The men rolled their eyes and groaned like they'd heard this before. She laughed and nodded. "Hot sure is one way to describe it."

George quickly changed the subject. She spent the next few hours with the men listening to their stories of home, their time in basic training and how they got their wings. She gave them advice on places to visit in London when they had the chance and shared some stories of her own, carefully avoiding stories of her home or family. Talking about her family and the home they once had always made her emotional and now was not the time nor the place for that.

She felt Derek approaching her and bid the men goodnight before standing. They had to be at the shooting range early the next morning and Sobel had another full day of training planned.

"Night beautiful," George said with boyish smile.

"Sweet dreams handsome," She replied with a smile of her own.

Once they were well clear of the barracks and the other men Derek spoke up, "So, what do you think?"

She took his arm and a beat to think before replying. "I have a good feeling about this. I really like the men. You?"

"I agree." There wasn't really anything more to say.

They walked in silence all the way home. Once inside she stopped him from walking up the stairs to his room by placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Derek, I hope you have sweet dreams."

He smiled softly at her. They both had nightmares, often.

"Sweet dreams beautiful."

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Thank you so much for everyone who added the story to their alerts and those that left a review. Hope you enjoy this chapter.