My exams are finally finished, so hello, sweet summer! And, of course, hello to you, my wonderful readers! :)

Many thanks go to my reviewers: bethrodrigues.77 (Oh, I'm so glad that you liked Jess's reunion with her sister! That part wasn't so easy to write... I have to admit, I didn't know that Neve means 'snow' in Portuguese. So, it was such a lovely surprise when I saw your review! :) As for Denham, I have some good news: he won't appear in this chapter. But, that doesn't mean there won't be any drama here... ;) ) and Amanda (Thank you for your review! To tell you the truth, I do enjoy writing. I begun writing a novel a while ago, but I got a big writer's block... So, I decided to have a go at fanfiction, to kick-start my inspiration somehow. And now, here I am, working on the next chapter of Jess's story... :) Well, that's life, isn't it? Always full of surprises... ;) I promise that this story won't be my last fanfic, though. By the way, your wish will come true in this chapter, because Neve will have her big moment :) )

And now... enjoy in chapter 21! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Band of Brothers. This is purely of entertainment. It is based on the HBO miniseries and no disrespect is meant towards the real men of Easy Company.

Chapter Twenty-One: I'll Be There For You

The night in Aldbourne was unbelievably quiet.

There were no trucks rumbling down the streets. Even the wind had ceased. The only sound that could be heard right now were the steps of three people – Don, Gene and me.

"Jeez, I had no idea Doc knows how to party", Don muttered.

"Well... me neither", I admitted.

If anybody looked through the window, he or she would see a red-haired pilot and an Irishman holding a tipsy medic. Frankly, we looked like we had just came out of a bad joke. But, luckily everybody was asleep at this hour.

Don't worry, Eugene was all right – except that he was sloshed. He looked almost hilarious, with a wide smile plastered on his face. He seemed as if he hadn't crashed on the floor just a few minutes ago. However, I couldn't say the same for myself. My left side was still sore as I walked.

As for Don, he was kind enough to help me take Eugene to the Aid station. Perhaps that was the best place to visit now.

"How far...we goin'?", Eugene slurred under his breath.

Don glanced at him. „I don't know. Why?"

"I don't... feel so good..."

Before I managed to say anything, his knees buckled under him. However, he didn't crumple to the ground, because Don and I caught him in time.

I couldn't believe my own eyes. Eugene had fainted.

"Jesus Christ... now you decided to pass out?", I shouted.

He didn't even blink. Meanwhile, Don let out a quiet sigh.

"Let's just hurry up", he suggested.

"All right, all right..."

Grunting a bit, I helped him lift Eugene. And then, we both carried the medic down the empty street. Hand on heart, I felt a bit sorry for Gene – especially because a massive hangover was waiting for him tomorrow. But, at least he had a nice time at the pub.

After a few minutes, the Aid station came into sight. I smiled a bit when I noticed that the lights were on inside. Ralph was definitely there. As soon as we got to the door, I raised my foot and kicked it open.

All the cots inside were empty, so nobody got startled by our entry. However, Ralph wasn't there. He had probably gone out for a smoke.

I couldn't help, but scoff. Great. Just when I need his help!

"Okay, Doc", Don muttered under his breath, "Let's get ya to bed..."

He helped me lay Eugene on the nearest cot. I carefully took off Gene's boots and placed them on the floor. But, when I tried to move away, somebody's hand grasped the hem on my shirt.

What now? I looked up, just in time to see Eugene coming round. As soon as he opened his eyes, he gazed at me. He showed me a small, almost shy smile, before he said:

"I love you."

Of course, he was completely drunk. However, that didn't stop my toes from curling in my boots. I swallowed a bit as something begun flickering in my chest.

When I turned around, I noticed that Don had heard the same thing. He was now staring at me, with his eyebrows oddly quivered. That lasted until he suddenly cleared his throat and asked:

"Are you gonna be okay here?"

"What?" I snapped back to the present. And then I quickly nodded. "Oh, aye. I'll be fine. I'll just... stay here and wait for Ralph. You can go back to the party, if you want."

Don seemed a bit concerned. "Did ya ever see a man with a bad hangover?"

"Of course I did! I was a part-time nurse here, remember?"

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"Donald..."

A grin emerged on his freckled face. "I'll come back soon and check up on you two. Do you want me to bring anything?"

"No, thanks."

"Okay, see ya later, then."

With a quick wave, Don was on his way again. He soon strolled outside, in the street covered in moonlight. The moment he closed the door behind him, the whole Aid station became submerged into silence.

Letting a sigh whoosh out of my lips, I went to an old chair in the corner. I dragged it next to the cot, before I plonked myself on it. And then I glanced at Eugene.

He was already asleep, with his lips slightly parted. Hand on heart, he was drooling a bit on the pillow. But, he had never looked as peaceful as this. This must have been the first time I saw him with no worries on his mind. Every single day, he would often be concerned, almost knitting his dark eyebrows together. In that moment, I wished that he would never have a reason to frown again.

I carefully moved a strand of black hair from his forehead. He was so sloshed that he couldn't hear me in a million years. But, in spite of that, I smiled and whispered:

"I love you too, Eugene."

XXX

I really needed to talk to Mike.

That was why I went to his house the next morning. Hesitating a bit, I clenched my fist and knocked on the front door.

It didn't last long when it screeched open. However, instead of Mike, I saw a blonde woman standing on the doorstep.

"Good morning, Mrs Sullivan." I warmly smiled. "Is..."

She suddenly cut me off. Bewilderment was written all over her face when she asked: "Jess Prichard? Is that you?"

"Aye, I am." I felt a bit uncomfortable while she stared at me. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

I reached out to shake hands with her. But, instead of that, Mike's mum grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a tight hug. Actually, it was a bit too tight. I almost started coughing when she finally let me go.

"My dear Jess, I've missed you much! Mike told me everything... how are you, sweety?"

"I'm fine. And I'm glad I'm back, Mrs Sullivan."

"Oh, stop calling me that." She waved her hand in the air. "We're the only Geordies in this street, aren't we? That means we're practically family here! Please, call me Emma."

"All right... Emma." I managed a smile. "Is Mike at home?"

She frowned slightly. "I'm afraid he's not in town. He left yesterday morning."

That made me blink in surprise.

Yesterday morning? But... I was talking to him yesterday morning! How could he leave right after that?

"He... left?", I asked.

"Aye, to Swindon. Somebody asked for help from a pilot, so he volunteered yesterday and went. But, don't worry dear. He'll be back in a few weeks."

Weeks? I tried not to look completely bewildered. However, that was easily said than done.

"Well... thank you, Emma."

"Any time, Jess!"

As she waved me off, I went down the street. However, after a few steps, I stopped. I didn't know why, but something made me turn around. Although Mike's mum had already gone inside, I kept gazing at the house.

Swindon wasn't too far from Aldbourne. Mike had gone there a few times, to get some tools repaired. But, he never spent entire weeks there.

I couldn't understand how he hadn't mention that trip. He couldn't just forget something like that, could he? But, why did he leave like that, without saying goodbye? Was he angry at me because of yesterday?

Unfortunately, the answer was nowhere in sight. Everything I could do was shrug and look at my watch.

It was 7:35 a. m. I could dash to the Aid station and check how Eugene was. Turning around again, I made my way through the quiet town.

It didn't last long, when the Aid station emerged from behind the corner. I opened the door, letting the sun shed light on the walls. That was when I saw Ralph. He was sitting nearby, wrapping a bandage around Lieb's swollen ankle.

Ralph smiled as soon as he saw me. "Heya, Jess."

"Good morning, Speen... and Lieb." Soon after, I raised an eyebrow. "Accident while exercising?"

"A sprain." Lieb scoffed. „Thanks to that moron Gonorrhoea."

I frowned a bit. That was when Ralph quickly explained:

"Self-defence practice. Wild Bill got a bit carried away."

"Oh."

I sat on the corner of the cot. And then I noticed something odd. Another cot, which was nearest to the door, was empty. But, a pair of boots was still standing next to it.

"Where's Gene?", I asked.

"In the bathroom." Ralph frowned slightly. "He doesn't look that good... if you know what I mean."

He barely finished his sentence, when I heard a horrible retching sound from the other side of the room.

"Oh, damn it..."

Springing from my chair, I ran to the bathroom. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Gene inside. He was kneeling nearby, almost desperately clutching the toilet.

Honestly, I had never seen him so green before. His face had almost the same shade as his T-shirt. I winced when he suddenly coughed and threw up.

Bloody hell, Gene, you're a real mess. I knelt beside him and rubbed his back as he heaved again. The sheer sound if it made my own stomach coil. Not knowing what to say to soothe him, I just squeezed his pale hand.

When he finally stopped heaving, Eugene slowly sat up. He rested his head on the nearest wall and closed his eyes shut.

"Gene?" I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Eugene, how are you feeling?"

He didn't answer. Instead of that, he let out a quiet groan, while his eyebrows almost reached each other. He definitely didn't look good.

Shit... I need a towel. Looking around, I quickly spotted one by the sink. I grabbed it and wetted it under the tap water. And then I sat on the floor beside Eugene.

Unlike me, he hadn't even moved. He was still leaned against the wall, with his eyes closed and brow furrowed. I tilted his head a bit on one side, before I wiped his forehead with the towel.

"What on earth were you thinking?", I asked.

"Nothin'." He slightly opened one eye. But, then he frowned again. "I just had a few drinks."

"What I've just seen was more than a few drinks." I mustered a smile, trying to lift his spirits up. However, he didn't smile back. "What's the matter?"

He coughed again and bent over the toilet. But, thank goodness, his stomach had settled. Everything he had drunk was long gone now.

"Before the pub... I was in the church." With one hand holding the toilet and the other one on his stomach, he slowly sat up again. "At the... memorial service."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. A few services had been held in the old church. Men from various companies would go there, to say one last goodbye to their fallen friends.

I went there with the Easy lads... once. And that one time was painful enough.

"You were drinking because of the men?", I asked.

"Only the ones I couldn't save."

It seemed as if a shadow passed over his eyes. For a short moment, I didn't see a fearless medic kneeling beside me. I saw a shy young man, who was far away from home – and who was as scared as I was.

I gently ruffled his raven hair. "Gene, that isn't your fault."

"But, it's my job."

"You did your job. You did it better than anyone else could have."

He scoffed. "You don't understand."

"I do. Gene? Gene, will you look at me? Please?" His gaze somehow moved from the floor and met my eyes. "You should be bloody proud of yourself, because there are also men that you actually helped. Hey, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!"

"So... you just me just ta forget the rest?"

"I want you not to blame yourself." I picked up the towel and wiped off a smudge on his cheek. "There are also men which I couldn't save. And you're right, that's something you just can't forget." I pursed my lips for a moment. "But, I don't feel guilty. The others are still alive now because of the things I'd done."

Gene gazed at me for some time. I had no idea how much passed, when he said:

"Jess?"

"What?"

"You remind me of Winters."

That made me snigger a bit. "And you remind me of Nixon."

I took a glass, which lay on the edge of the sink. Filling it with water, I placed it in his hand.

"Look, if you want to talk about it, I'll be there for you. But, first, you'll have to promise me something."

"And that's not ta get drunk again?", Gene asked.

"You've read my mind, Doc." I smiled, in spite of everything. "I'll be back with some pills for your headache, okay?"

I prepared to get up. However, I didn't miss the peculiar look on his face.

"What?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You know, I don't remember the pub", he said, "Nor the dancin'." As he was looking at me, he leaned his back against the wall. With every second, he was becoming more and more serious. "But, I remember last night... what you said here."

My heart skipped a beat.

I stared at him, completely gob-smacked. How could he possibly hear me? He was sloshed, for chrissake!

In the meantime, Gene frowned. In a slightly lower voice, he asked:

"Did you mean that? For real?"

I stood completely still in the middle of the bathroom, like some weird statue. Aye, perhaps I meant that. However, I wasn't true if he shared the same feelings. I mean, although we kissed from time to time, that didn't necessary mean that he was in love with me. What if he already had a lass in America? What if she was waiting for him to return?

Holy smoke, so many questions... I almost felt dizzy while thinking of them. Maybe the best thing to do now was to go for it, admit everything – and try not to look like an idiot. I swallowed hard, before I answered:

"Yes, Gene. For real."

His concerned look vanished when a shy smile emerged on his lips.

"I just wanna tell you..." His doe eyes darted to the floor, and then back to me. "I meant what I said, too. About lovin' you."

At that moment, I felt a smile spreading on my own lips. As my face begun beaming, I wrapped my arm around him and placed a kiss on his temple.

If somebody had told me that I would exchange the words "I love you" while kneeling next to a toilet, I would have called that person insane. But, you can never know what to expect, can you?

"We're quite a strange couple, aren't we?", I asked.

Eugene smiled. However, he didn't have time to say anything, because somebody knocked at the bathroom door.

"Jess?" Speen's voice came from the other side. "You better come 'ere."

"Why? What's wrong?"

Speen hesitated for a moment. And then he said: "Your sister is here."

Neve? I blinked in bewilderment. What is she doing here?

"Go." Eugene gave me a weak nudge. "I'll be fine."

"Okay."

With a smile still floating on my lips, I got up and went outside. The second I stepped in the main room, I saw my dear sister approaching.

"Hey, Neve!" I sniggered and stepped towards her. "What are you..."

That was when my smile faded away. She looked so angry, that she could pierce a hole in the wall with her gaze. Speaking of her eyes, they were a bit red and swollen. She seemed as if she had been crying.

"Neve?" I frowned. "Neve, what happened?"

Her brown eyebrows almost touched each other. A moment later, she raised her hand. I noticed that she was clutching a long, yellowish envelope.

I didn't need to come closer to see the stamp on it. Whatever it was inside, it had come from the States.

"This was in the mailbox this morning", Neve said in an icy tone, "It says that your wages are inside." She gave me a long glare, which could make even Speirs shudder. "I found dollars inside, Jess... one hundred U. S. dollars. Please, tell me that you didn't do what I think you did!"

I have to confess, I swallowed a bit. "Neve..."

Her hazel eyes widened in shock.

"You enlisted?!", she screamed at me.

"Well, I wouldn't say that... "

"Are you deliberately trying to kill yourself?!"

"Goddamnit, girl, do you always shout like that?", Lieb asked from his cot.

"YOU SHUT UP!", she snarled at him.

My eyes widened in disbelief. If she could lash out at Lieb just like that... well, that meant only one thing. This had become more than serious.

"Neve, calm down!"

"Don't you tell me to calm down! Have you ever thought about mentioning this? Huh?" She threw the envelope on the floor. "I wrote you letters, damn it! You should've told me something!"

I had a feeling as if somebody's fist was crushing my heart. How on earth could I tell her the truth? How could I tell her that my superior would hurt her if I didn't follow the rest of the company?

"Yes, I should have. But, Neve..." I stood in front of her. My brain switched to sixth gear, searching for the right words. "I... I didn't have much choise here. This was the only way I could keep both of us safe."

"Safe?" Her eyebrows arched. "Oh, you're doing a swell job, then! Sooner or later, you'll be sent a thousand miles from home, God knows where!" She loudly scoffed. "But, hey, don't worry about me. In the meantime, I'll just pray that you don't get hit by a shell or something!"

"Hey, I'm NOT going to die!", I lashed out.

"Oh, come on!" She raised her hands in the air. "Until a few months ago, you weren't even a pilot! You were sitting behind a bloody assembly line! How long do ex-factory workers last out there, eh? Tell me!"

My sister clenched her fists tightly, while tears formed in her eyes.

That sight made my jaw clench. She had always been cheerful and optimistic – even in the times when I wasn't. But, now... I had never seen her so furious. I bit my lip, waiting for her to shout at me again.

"Jessica..."

I cringed when I heard the sound of her voice. That wasn't a shout.

She had suddenly became quiet... as if she was begging. As she gazed at me, a tear slowly slid down her cheek.

"I already lost mum and dad", she said, "You're the only family I have now."

Oh, God... I swallowed thickly. Slowly reaching out, I took her hand.

"Neve..."

"Let me go."

"Please, I just want to tell you..."

"You don't need to tell me anything!"

Wrenching her hand out of mine, she shot me a glare. And then, with a quiet sob, she sprinted out of the Aid station and disappeared in the street.

It would be really nice of you if you review. I'd like to hear what you think of the latest chapter :)