Cigarette smoke filled the pub while Alice stepped inside with Gene.
"You g'ahead and find us a table, if ya can, I'll get us our drinks." Gene said in her ear before kissing her on the cheek and walking to the bar.
Alice walked around until she found an empty table. She placed her cardigan on a chair before spotting Buck, George, Babe, and Joe playing darts. Catching Babe's eye and smiling, Alice made her way over to the group.
Alice noticed Buck was throwing the darts with his left hand. She raised a brow.
"Hello, boys, having fun?" She greeted.
Joe smiled pecked her head.
"Hello, Dollface." Babe greeted, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Buck side-hugged her. "Just having an innocent game of darts, kid."
Alice winked. "'Course you are, Buck."
George chuckled. "Do you wanna join us, Sweetheart?"
"'Fraid she's already spoken for tonight, George." Gene said as he approached them, handing Alice her drink.
"Thank you, love." Alice said, kissing Gene sweetly.
"Get a room!" Bill teased as he strolled over to them.
"That sounds like an excellent idea." Gene whispered in Alice's ear.
Alice flushed and smacked Gene's arm. "Cheeky." She giggled.
"It's nice seein' ya here, Gorgeous." Bill said, pecking her cheek. "Now, if you don't mind me, I'm going to finally introduce meself to the Bull's new squad members."
"Don't get them too riled up now." Bull warned.
Bill winked as he walked over to Miller, Hashey, and Garcia.
Gene nudged Alice and walked them over to their table.
"Leutenant, are you going to shoot lefty all night?" George asked Buck.
Alice tapped Gene and gestured for him to watch Buck hustle Babe and Joe out of their cigarettes.
Babe looked shocked and Joe looked annoyed while Buck smirked and switched hands.
"George! What would I do without George Luz!" Buck proclaimed as he threw his dart and hit the bullseye. "Two packs gentlemen!"
Alice and Eugene laughed quietly together while turning their attention over to Bill speaking to Miller, Hashey, and Garcia.
"Did Heffron tell you about Doris, yet?" Bill began.
Alice tutted under her breath. "Bill."
Gene chuckled and patted her hand. "He'll get over it."
Alice rolled her eyes and sipped her drink. She was happy when Bill's joke didn't land with the replacements.
"Hey your boys listen up good." Bill complimented Bull, unphased.
Alice watched the interaction, but couldn't quite focused as Gene had started becoming rather 'affectionate.'
"You new boys, you pay attention to Sergeant Randleman. You got that? He's the smartest man in the company." Bill advised.
Alice smiled. Then a tingle went down her spine when Gene whispered in her ear. "Let's get outta here."
Alice giggled. "Let me say my fairwells."
Gene groaned. "Don't take too long, woman."
Alice winked at him as she stood up and made her way over to Babe and the others.
Cobb made a remark to Miller about the unit citation pinned to his jacket.
Hoob stepped in and called him out.
"Shit, Cobb. You didn't fight in Normandy neither." Bull said.
"I'm glad you're comfortable enough to be yerself around the new boys, Roy." Alice remarked. "Th' sooner they learn what you are, the better."
Cobb nearly jumped up at Alice but Hoob held him down.
"Are you that desperate for a broken nose?" Hoob asked.
The new boys looked confused.
"Oh, you didn't hear that one yet?" Johnny Martin asked.
"Really, Johnny?" Cobb snapped.
Johnny smiled. "Hey Bill! Tell the boys about how the future Mrs. Doc Roe met her groom to be."
Bill came back from the bar. "You haven't heard that yet! I thought Babe would've told yous by now since he already heard it from Gorgeous's mouth."
Babe looked at Alice. "Wait, Cobb was the Private?!"
Gene came up behind Alice, snaking his arm around her hip.
"Enjoy the story, boys." He said to the replacements. "We're leavin."
"Goodnight, gentlemen." Alice giggled as Gene all but dragged her away.
"I told you not to take too long." Gene chided in her ear.
Alice kissed him. "Ye know how it is."
"Oui. I also know that you look stunning tonight and there is limited time before curfew."
"Big plans tonight?" Alice teased.
Gene smirked.
"Hey y'all!" Smokey Gordon called out. "Listen up! I got us an announcement to make!"
"Shit!" Gene groaned.
Alice patted his arm with a laugh as they turned to look at Smokey.
"This here is Carwood Lipton!" Smokey said, pulling Lipton in front of him.
"He's already married, Smokey!" Don shouted, causing other men to laugh.
"This here is Carwood Lipton, the new Easy Company first Sergeant!" Smokey announced.
Everyone clapped and cheered.
"As befitting his position, he says he has an announcement to make." Smokey finished.
Everyone went quiet.
"I hate to break the mood here boys, but we're moving out again, and I don't think they will be calling this one off." Carwood announced.
Alice felt Gene's grip on her tighten and she looked at him with watery eyes.
"Lemme walk you home." Gene whispered solemnly.
Alice nodded.
"Dearest Aunt Cynthia,
They left again. Keep my boys in your prayers.
It's so quiet without them.
I have nothing else to say.
I am numb.
Love, Alice."
Emily read and reread the letter. She couldn't imagine what went through Alice's head around this time.
"ALICE IS NEEDED ON SET. LAST SHOT OF THE DAY AND FOR ALICE."
Emily sighed and looked up at Shane.
He smiled at her, sadness written on his face.
Emily smiled back.
Shane helped her out of the chair and led her to the set. They were about to film the last scene of Episode 10.
For a sunny day in beautiful Austria, Emily felt a dark cloud over her head.
"I'm going with you to the airport tomorrow." Shane said as they took their positions
Emily beamed at him. "Really?"
Shane nodded. "What day is Thanksgiving this year?"
"November 23rd. Why?"
Shane grinned. "I've never attended a Thanksgiving dinner. Do you think it would be a bother for your family if I joined?"
Emily gaped. "N-no! We always make too much food!
"I'll book my hotel-"
"Stay with me! You already have a monster of a phone bill." Emily laughed.
"You don't mind?" Shane grinned.
"Not at all." Emily giggled, jumping and kissing him.
"QUIET ON SET!"
Emily and Shane broke about and took their places.
"PLAY BALL!"
Emily watched happily as Shane and the other's played baseball. Her last scene. Shane ran around the bases jogged over to to her as she clapped and cheered for him. He kissed her soundly as the camera moved around them.
Not a bad wrap. The day ended with a quick farewell party for her.
The next day began with a somber drive to the airport and tearful farewell with salty kisses between Emily and Shane. Paired with promises to keep in touch.
As she boarded her plane, she reminded herself how much harder it was for Alice and Eugene. Somehow, it made her feel better.