Here we are again! I took my time to write this chapter, which is a pretty long one and I'll tell you why: this is a ''bridge'' chapter, which should introduce you to the next level of Bea and Dick's story. I think I may publish the next chapter very soon, in 2 or 3 days, since I have already the story in my mind. Anyway, writing this one was a tough challenge and I don't know If I succeded in giving an idea how what may happen next. Anyway, I hope you like it and that you'll be eager to read the next chapters too, since I'm so so excited about it ! Well...here it is.

They spent all the summer on the edge, trying to enjoy the life away from the front lines, and all the comforts that came along with it: showers, hot food, long sleeps. By the way, training was the order of the day: during their time in England, replacements joined the company and they had to get familiar with the rest of the men. The new entries were everything but men, or soldiers, and looked at the veterans as if they were gods. The men of Camp Toccoa took care of their boys, especially the NCOs, but they were reluctant at the idea of getting to close to the replacements since they knew that they would've been the first to fall.

Dick got back to the Barnes', and God knew how happy he was about that. They became his second family, and moreover, he had the chance to make up his mind about a lot of things: leadership and Bea, especially. He got promoted, he was a Captain and Commanding Officer of Easy Company, so now he had the same Bea's rank. During those months, they had the chance to spend some time alone and to enjoy other moments of stolen passion, or it would be better to say Dick got the chance to enjoy some moments of passion. ''We have time'', she said. Dick started to have enough, and wondered why she forced him to loosen up, whereas she was still so frigid. Dick could not deny it anymore: he wanted more. Sometimes, his hands tried to wander under her shirt, a move that she stopped every time; ''I'm not like you, Dick. I could be noisy, sometimes. And we can't risk, can we?''. Anyway, sometimes he found himself thinking of what all that could lead to. There was passion, he wished there was even more but sometimes he wondered what more meant. Everytime they had the chance to be alone it was different, more intense. Dick didn't know if it were desire or his feelings for her were growing. When things got heated, Dick could not help but thinking how hot she was, but in other situations, he found himself contemplating how beautiful she was, how grace could be found in every move she made. Dick tried to wash away those thoughts: it was not the moment to get serious about something but the war. ''We have time''. They could not bring their whatever-it-was to such level, they had to keep their minds on what they were doing there. And what would have the men thought if they had got to know what was happening between them? He had to admit they were good at it, at hiding what they were sharing. Obviously, only Lewis Nixon had the honor to know, but he didn't count since he knew everything. Actually, Dick didn't think Lewis got to know what was happening so soon since he had never put him under his sixth grade till one night, when they were already in England.

''Who's your favorite Intelligence Officer?''

Dick looked at him with a questioning look ''what should that even mean, Lew? ''

''Who's your favorite one? Bea or me? ''

''Are you drunk?''

Dick could not believe his eyes: Lewis Nixon put on a child face, pursing his lips ''you think she's better than me!''

''That's not true Lew, why'd you say that?''

''You spend a lot of time with her and since you can't have those kind of feelings for a woman I guess you discuss maps, plans and so on!'' Lewis stated clearly offended.

Oh, Nixon. He knew.

''What do you mean by ''you can't have those kind of feelings for a woman''?''

''What I said, Dick'' Lewis answered with a smile that said it all. ''Here's Saint Richard, and he would never out his eyes, or hands, on a lady while he's in charge! What kind of example could he set for his men!''

''This doesn't mean I haven't got eyes to look, or that I don't appreciate a beautiful woman.''

''Oh, so you appreciate it, spending time with her.'' Lewis gave him a satisfied look which silently said ''that's what I wanted to hear''.

''Yes, Lew, I do. So what?''

''And…haven't you ever made a move on her?''

Dick snorted, clearly upset by his friend. Dick knew what Lewis wanted to hear, but he didn't want to discuss it. Nevertheless, Lewis would've never quitted it if he hadn't got to know what he wanted.

''We kissed, and you know it.''

''Yes, I do. Has it ever happened again?''

''Yes, Lewis, it has happened other times.''

''How many?''

''I don't count them, Lewis. Many times, I guess.''

Lewis was now impishly smiling at his friend ''And…is it all? Nothing more than a kiss?''

Dick could not help himself from smiling, a smile he suppressed the moment he figured out he offered Lewis what he wanted. ''Oh oh, tell me! I wanna know!''

''There's nothing to tell, Lewis. Personal affairs.''

''Is she good?''

''Lewis!''

''Oh, c'mon! I've waited a lifetime to have a conversation like this with my best friend!''

''Well, I don't want to share my intimate relation with you.''

''Oh, oh!'' Lewis exclaimed, as if he were proud of something he did, filling his empty glass with some more Vat69 ''but just a question, my friend: how did you manage to…you know, women are loud, and I can't see a place where you two could be alone so…how did you manage to get laid?''

Dick thought it could go worse, and decided it was a question he could answer to '' She doesn't make a sound, and movements are not so necessary. Finding a place is a big deal so…''

''What the hell are you telling me? Unnecessary movements? Dick, do you want me to give you a lesson about how to have sex?''

Ouch.

''Actually…we don't do…those…things'' Dick answered in embarrassment. Now Lew was losing the thread of the conversation.

''Wait…wait. So, what d'you mean by ''intimate relation'' ?''

Dick was ill at ease with those kind of questions. A farm boy with a Mennonite background could not discuss sexual practices and being totally comfortable with it.

''It means that I don't make a move. I just…enjoy. Please, stop it!''

''Ohhhh…so you don't...Oh, just like teenagers at the high school ! How sweet you are!'' Lewis said wryly and burst in laughs. He could not believe it: his friend, a man, an officer, was a novice with women ! Dick was blatantly embarrassed and frustrated, and Lewis noticed it and tried to collect himself.

''Tell me…'' he said after clearing his voice ''why don't you...''

''I don't know, don't ask'' Dick interrupted.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Time for action finally came. Operation Market-Garden was the largest airborne drop of the war, even larger than the D-day's one. They were attached to the British Army's since the plan was Montgomery's. Lewis and Bea briefed the second battalion as usual, while Dick briefed his company. He also announce if the plan went right, they would come back home for Christmas, but nobody believed it.

Dick was visibly worried about the replacements. That would've been their first drop, their first fight and they were only kids. He had trained them but he was sure they would've been wounded, or worst. Dick talked to the rest of the Toccoa's men.

''I'm not asking you should behave like parents with their kids, but…watch out for them. Give them some tips; in the end, they're now part of our company, just like you are, and we're all brothers here.''

They were all clearly concerned and really felt like fathers with their kids. What Dick saw the day of their drop didn't make things easier: most of them didn't even know how to hold a rifle; he warned the NCOs once again, ''watch out'', and said a little prayer.

Luckily, everything went how it had to go. They didn't find much resistance during their drop. They had to reach Eindhoven, which was a bit far away from their drop zone and they had to cross a field where cover was inexistent. Guard on, they advanced. A Lieutenant was shot, and Dick tried to cover his grade, since he knew that CO were a perfect target for snipers. Bea and Lewis watched out for the whole 2nd Battalion. When they entered Eindhoven, Dick couldn't believe his eyes: orange flags everywhere, locals singing, and dancing, and welcoming the American saviors. Dick decided to let his men enjoy that gratitude that they fully deserved for a little while. In the meantime, he kept his eyes wide open to individuate any trace of snipers. Again, he covered his rank, trying to look as a normal GI, and also erased his grade from his helmet.

''Dick'' he heard Lew calling, approaching to him with Bea.

''Yeah.''

''Clock's ticking.''

''I think we should…'' Bea was interrupted, since the man she was talking to was too busy to kiss a local woman. A short, fast kiss that weirdly left her speechless. Dick didn't even care about it, just said ''thank you''. He knew she was looking, but he didn't seem to be concerned about Bea's reaction. Bea tried to collect herself, washing away those inexplicable emotions that she hated so much. Jealousy was just for weak.

''We've got to get to the bridges'' Dick said to Lewis.

They tried to make their way through the crowd. Lewis had already met a man who worked for the local Resistance against German and he said he would've helped. Dick and Bea exchanged a fast look, and he noticed something was wrong with her.

''Captain, are you ok?''

''Uhm…yes, just a bit flushed. I don't like crowded places.''

He sweetly smiled at her and reached Lewis.

''So, where's our man?''

''I don't know, just wait here, I'm gonna find him.''

Dick nodded and saw his friend disappearing in the crowd. The locals were singing a song, really catchy, and Dick could only imagine what was about. His men were blatantly happy to be already considered as heroes, being welcomed in such way. He saw them dancing, taking photographs and shaking hands. He smiled at the view, and felt himself doing something great for these people. With their help, they would've been finally free from the German's oppression; his doubts disappeared at the thought, and felt a bit stronger and secure. Meanwhile, a small group gathered and was screaming against something, or someone, Dick couldn't tell; then, a gap opened among the crowd, and they could see what was happening: some women were down their knees, crying, and some men were shaving their heads. Bea thought she was about to cry as well; she knew the reason for that treatment and, in any case, she knew those women didn't deserve that publish humiliation. Nobody deserves to be treated such way, and she felt a growing hatred growing in her body. Dick noticed how concerned Bea looked, who was just next to him, and gave her a concerned look as well.

''Hey, it's all ok?''

''I…I…It's ok, don't worry'' she chuckled at him, trying to reassure him; Dick noticed she started trembling and wished he could talk to her, but Lewis arrived with this tall, blond man who stated he could help them to get the bridges, that he knew where the Germans were, and that his squad would've told them when the British Army arrived. Dick looked down at a member who his squad: a kid. The man said they've always done a great job; that was not what really troubled Dick, but he didn't want to keep up the conversation. He said to the man, said he accepted his help, and tried to get away from that place. There was something completely wrong with those people. They had suffered for years, Dick thought, and sufferance made them so inhuman. You don't punish the pain you've suffered with other pain, Dick thought.

''Let's get away from here'' he whispered to Lewis. Bea looked relieved as well.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The night was perfect, too perfect to sleep inside. Ok, actually it was a bit cold, more than a bit, but Bea didn't care; she needed some time to be alone with herself, and knew nobody would've looked for her or even found her, there, in that field, staring at ceiling. It was too good to believe it: stars shone bright like diamonds, there were no clouds in the sky, and that wind that was freezing her bones didn't feel so cold at all. Bea inhaled heavily, to smell the grass scent. She had some things troubling her mind. First, the view of those women, that shocked her all the way. She could not believe her eyes: those people had suffered for such a long time, they knew what pain was, and still they felt the right to cause it to someone else. How cruel people could be. Then, there was a selfish thought that crossed her mind, and even though she thought that brainstorming about the new day's plan was more important, she could not help herself from thinking of Dick Winters. That kiss was still troubling her, and she didn't know why; actually, she didn't want to admit to herself the true reason. Bea knew the moment would've come. Dick Winters was way too perfect to not fall in love with. But what she truly loved about him was the way he looked at her: so sweet, so tender, so careful. Sometimes, she had the feeling that he loved her back and felt the same way, because she could not explain herself why he would look at her in such a way. She knew it was a look he gave only to her. Then there was the way he touched her: it was passionate, lustful, but his touch was also so gentle and she felt so fulfilled every time his hand caressed her skin. She simply melt at the touch, and she knew it was not all about the attraction she felt for him. So yes, that kiss hurt her, a lot. How could he do it? And moreover, he knew Bea was around. Did he want to hurt her purposely ? Did he want to demonstrate she was meaningless to him? That she was just fun? A tear came down her eyes: she didn't want to be just fun to Dick Winters, and that was hard to admit.

''hey, I've been looking for you! Why are you spending the night out?''

Bea turned to face him. Angst took over her. She was so mad at Dick Winters, and her eyes said it all.

''are you alright?''

''Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking'' she said roughly.

Dick sat down next to her and tried to tangle his hand with Bea's, but she moved away.

''I don't think so, just tell me what's wrong.''

''Just because I don't want to share romantic moments with you ? ''

''Yeah'' he answered directly. Bea wasn't in the mood to keep such a conversation, especially with him. She had so many things to clear up. She merely hoped he would've understood and disappeared in the night. But he didn't want to understand. He laid down, next to her, embracing her fully. Feeling his body against hers made her want to lean even more into him. She wished she was one of those girls who could simply enjoy a moment of tenderness, but she could not help but thinking, and she wondered if Dick felt something for her.

''You don't have to talk'' he whispered in her ear ''I'll take care of you. You don't have to worry about anything. I'm here with you''. Bea froze at such words, which seemed so true, and made her feel so protected like she had never been. She smiled at him, and Dick knew he had found a light inside of her, so he decided to take advantage of the moment and kissed her tenderly on her lips. One of the sweetest kiss they had shared so far that Bea felt like she was dreaming. Her legs were trembling, her hands took his.

''Why did you kiss that woman?'' the words are out.

''She kissed me. She must've kissed so many soldiers today. She just wanted to thank us'' he said directly, as it was the most normal thing in the world ''is this the reason why you would not talk to me?''

''Yes, exactly.''

''Are you jealous?''

''Me? Are you kidding me? And why should I be jealous?'' she said nervously. She knew he would've figured why she was so upset about the kiss.

He didn't say a word and just looked at an undefined point right in front of him. Dick finally noticed how sweet the scent was.

''You know, that's good. I'm mean, jealousy means troubles. And we have a lot of them, don't you think?''

She felt her heart breaking. She was a trouble, to him. And yes, she was just a game, a release after a though day. Again, she felt that feeling she had when her boyfriend had dumped her, the feeling that she was never good enough, never important enough. They were involved into a war, they were supposed to do their job, but still he could find some time to get physical, but not emotional. She tried with all herself to suppress the tears and just wanted to run away like a little girl, but a drop fell from her cheek, and Dick noticed it.

''Bea, you know if there's something wrong you've got to tell me'' he said with firm and calm voice, which made Bea definitely burst into tears. She was not even able to answer back, to speak: her throat was burning and she was squeezing her eyes to stop the stream coming down from them.

''Bea, just tell me, you know you can.''

''You don't care about me!'' she cried. Bea had had enough of his 'I'm your comrade, you can trust me' tone, which made her feel so hurt.

''What…are you kidding me? I'm here, outside in the cold, trying to reassure you and you dare to tell me I don't care about you?'' Dick answered, almost horrified.

''What am I, to you? An intelligence officer? A good friend? Your personal whore? Just tell me!'' she yelled again, not even thinking that someone may have heard her. She was blazing in anger, and pain, and loneliness. So many unknown feelings had control over her mouth, the beats of her heart and she definitely didn't like them. Dick was paralyzed at her words, but he tried to collect himself. Calmness was his best virtue, and it was the best way to face the topic. Bea couldn't know, but Dick was troubled as well, in another way. Dick knew he felt more than attraction for the young Captain; he had felt something since the very first day. Not that it was so important: it was just a feeling, a light he saw in her eyes and a voice in his mind telling him something, but he could not remember what. Since they had got so close, Dick could not help himself from thinking of her all the time; sometimes, carrying on with his duties was so hard to him, since he could not get her smile out of his mind. Bea usually tried to behave like a man, saying she didn't care about love, that she didn't even believe love existed; but Dick knew it was a mask. Dick knew she loved him, even though she had never tried to admit it. The problem was simple and clear: there was a war, they were officers, they had duties and had no time to act like a couple.

''There's a war where we are now. There are poor civilians dying and oppressed. There are our men bleeding on a battlefield trying to protect those people. We are involved in all this; we are officers, Bea. You may think I don't have feelings for you, that you're just a way to relax after a day spent yelling to my men to move, watching out for some snipers and having my men's blood on my hands. But you're not. You're more than that, you're definitely more than that to me. It's just…it's just so hard. We can't go to the cinema, have dinner in a restaurant or something. I can't love you, even if I think I'm starting to. I can't love you because I have to focus on my men's lives, because our task now is everything. ''

Bea knew he had a point.

''I…just thought we could postpone the topic. Till the war ends. And then, maybe we could hang out. I'd take you to the cinema, I'd take you wherever you want. And we'll forget about this hell. Just…wait. It hurts to me as much as it does to you… '' Dick said, looking at her with bloodshed eyes. He was right, and she knew it. And it was so nice he had thought about a future with her, which made things a little better. Still, there were so many things she didn't know how to explain that troubled. But it was not the time to think: in a perfect night, the wind was caressing their skins, while Dick had slipped out next to Bea, hugging her close, breathing in her ear. In a perfect night like that, they forgot the word Dick had just said, and war disappeared in the clouds. Bea had her eyes still opened watching the sky and found herself thinking that even though they had some chances to be intimate, they had never been so close before. She closed her eyes, knowing that Dick Winters would've focus about his men, but would've found the way to make her feel loved, even during the war, just like a perfect night like that one found its way.