Disclaimer: Still ain't mine!

"Bring me to the general, Howard. Let me explain what happened. I won't let Edwin give up his freedom for mine. That wasn't the agree—ow!"

The woman who was stitching her shoulder wound – a serious brunette wielding a long, thin needle- gave her a look, before speaking to Howard.

"Pam says to, and I quote, 'Sit bloody still.'" Howard translated.

Easy to say when you weren't the one with a bullet wound in your shoulder. Easy to say when the man who saved your life, the man you were in love with, wasn't in jail.

"You have to bring me –"

"I can't, Anna," Howard replied, running a hand through his hair. "Believe me, if I thought that would work, I would have driven straight to the jail itself, kicked down the door, and demanded they release Ed."

"Well, why can't we?" Anna demanded, frustration growing in her with each refusal from Howard and each pull of the thread by Pam.

"Because I can't guarantee they won't arrest you and ship you back to Hungary!" Howard shouted, springing off the sofa. The finger of bourbon he'd been sipping fell to the floor, the shattered glass and ice skittering across the wood in all directions. "You're here illegally, Anna. No one can know you're here."

Her mouth snapped closed, breath catching in her throat. They would send her back? Just like that, send her to certain death? Certainly the British were not that unfeeling, were not that unaware of the desperate situation of the Jews in mainland Europe. After everything, everything, it could all be for nothing. If she was seen by the wrong person…

"You let Pinky see me. And her," she nodded toward Pam, wondering if the hot meal she'd enjoyed a few minutes ago was going to stay in her churning stomach.

"That's because I can trust them."

"Sure you can trust them. But can I?"

Mutual trust never assured anything. There were stories. Supposed friends selling others out for a handful of coins and a promise of regular meals.

"'Course you can, Anna. They're with me." The doubtful look she gave him clearly registered, because Howard continued with a sigh. "They're friends of a friend. Part of an international military squadron that I work with, not the British military. I trust them with my life, you can trust them with yours. I promise. I wouldn't let anything happen to you. You have to believe me."

Pushing her newest fears aside, she knew Howard wouldn't betray her trust. How could she doubt one of the two people that stood by her side? "I do believe you."

Howard smiled, holding out his hand to her. She took it, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's you and me together in this, kid. Nothin's gonna happen to you on my watch. And we're gonna find a way to get Ed out. Once I know more, there are people… I'm owed a few favors. We'll get both of you safe and settled."

OOO

The bed in the guest bedroom of Howard Stark's posh London flat, Anna could only assume, was more for show than for actual use. The cheeky grin and wink he'd thrown Pam as she'd wrapped the last bandage and packed up her kit was enough evidence of that. Still, it was comfortable, and Anna sank into the blankets and mattress, her exhausted body giving in to sleep within seconds.

She awoke to grey skies, gasping for breath as she remembered drowning in a pool of her own blood, Jürgen's face staring down at her with a cruel smirk.

Anna wasn't surprised by the nightmares. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew that, after everything, she had not escaped unscathed. But the feel of Jürgen's hands on her neck, pushing her down deeper and deeper into the thick liquid, lingered as she stepped into the bathroom and prepared to face another day of uncertainty.

Entering the kitchen, the smell of meat - real, fresh meat – filled the air. Steak, eggs, and fresh bread and milk were spread across the table, and steam was rising from the coffee cups on the counter.

Howard stood from the table, a piece of half-bit bread hanging from his mouth. "Mornin' Anna" she barely understood through the food. With a swallow, he handed her a cup of coffee and indicated the other men at the table. "You remember Pinky?"

She nodded, giving the man a smile as she sipped her coffee.

"And that fellow over there is Erich Koenig."

The man smiled, waving his free arm cheerfully, the other attached to his chest in a sling. "Hallo!"

The coffee cup hit the floor, her hands shaking uncontrollably. He was German, the accent gave it away. Koenig, the same last name as Jürgen. Her nightmare came back to her, strong hands tightening, pushing her down, down, down into the pool of blood…

"Howard—"

She knew there had to be a reason the German was here. That he wouldn't be here if he wasn't Howard's friend. Blood was rushing to her head, swooshing past her ears. She had to calm down. Breathe normally. She was no longer in Hungary, she was safe, she was –

"Sie töteten meine Schwester," Eric said gently, standing from his place at the table. "Two years ago. She was in the resistance and they caught her with Wehrmacht troop positions. My little sister didn't even get a trial. She was lined up for execution with the rest of her friends, and I had to watch. I defected."

There was deep sadness in his voice, honesty in his eyes, and Anna felt wholly ashamed that a name and an accent had thrown her into such despair. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, grabbing a towel off the back of a chair to clean up the coffee.

Howard pulled it away, helping her into a seat before bending down to clean up the mess himself. "My fault. Shouldn't have sprung that on you."

Eric came around the table to take the seat next to her. He was a heavier man with glasses and round cheeks covered in blond stubble. "When Howard called last night, I thought perhaps I could help. You don't speak English?"

"A bit… just a bit." Anna replied, spearing a piece of beef with her fork. "But I'd like to learn more."

"Then perhaps I could teach you? It's hell sitting around HQ doing nothing all day. I'm on rest and recovery for several weeks until my arm is healed. We could work together."

"I'd like that," Anna replied emphatically. She couldn't just wait helplessly for Howard to bring good news. No, she'd learn English. And when Edwin returned, she'd greet him at the door in his own language. She'd find a job, or even start her own shop again, go back to designing and creating. "I'd like that very much."

"Fantastic!" Howard chimed in over a mouthful of eggs. "We're going to track down General Montgomery and find out where Ed's being held. If we're lucky, by tonight, we'll have him home safe and sound!"

OOO

The phone call came through a little after six, just as the sun was setting. Eric had left over an hour ago, their English lesson difficult, but successful. Moira, Howard's housekeeper, had been kind enough to bring her a plate of dinner – chicken and gravy, fresh vegetables, and yeast rolls.

She picked up the phone. "Any news?"

"We found him. He's at a prison in Colchester awaiting trial," Howard spoke softly over the phone. "General Montgomery was no help, so we'll be taking the train tonight to see him."

"How long do you think it will take?" she asked.

"I don't know, Anna. I honestly don't know."

OOO

"Try it again, Anna," Eric said softly, pointing to the beginning of the newspaper article with his good hand. His other arm was hurting him, she could tell, as he pulled at the sling, trying to find a comfortable position. "You're nearly there, just give it another go."

She didn't know how he stayed so patient with her. Cooped up inside Howard's apartment for three and a half weeks without any word, she was restless, desperate for fresh air, to feel the wind and the sun against her skin. Opening the windows of the flat brought little relief, and though she was grateful for the companionship of Eric and Moira, she was starting to wonder if she'd traded one prison for another.

No. How could she even think that? Be so ungrateful? Here, she would not be shot in the street. Here, they wouldn't deport her to the mine fields or a labor camp. Several weeks hidden away was a cheap price to pay for freedom.

Still, just a few minutes to roam the streets…

"Anna, are you alright? Do you want to go on?" Eric asked again.

"Yes, yes of course." She sighed, trying to focus on the tiny, black print. "News broke ear… early this morning from the Ukraine, where Rus… Russian troops lib… liber… liberated? Liberated! Where Russian troops liberated Odessa."

"I thought you might enjoy that news," Eric replied with a smile. "Push them out of the Ukraine, and where are you next?"

"Hungary," Anna answered. "That's not far from Hungary."

Eric nodded. "There have been rumors that the Americans and Brit are going to open up a second front from the west. When that happens, Hitler's done. After Stalingrad, the Wehrmacht is decimated. They can't fight on two fronts. Not the news I know you've been waiting for…" His eyes fell on the phone.

"But good news nonetheless," she finished. Little victories. "Thank you Eric."

OOO

"It's been a while kid."

Five weeks and three days to be precise, since she heard from Howard Stark.

"Anything?" There was no point in formalities. She could hear the exhaustion in Howard's voice, the anxiety in her own.

"They want to make an example of him. Montgomery up and left a week and a half ago for some top secret meeting, and left me here with a bunch of jackasses with heads so far up their own asses, there's no chance of retrieving them." He paused. "Sorry. I can hear my ma rollin' over in her grave 'cause of that language."

"Have you been able to see him?" she asked.

"He's holdin' up about as well as can be expected." The silent gaps seemed to grow longer and longer. "Healed up alright from Hungary. Misses you like hell. He's more worried about you than himself."

"Of course he is. Silly man. Will you pass along a message for me?"

"Sure thing kid. As long as it ain't mushy. I don't do mushy."

"Tell him that I'm alright. I'll be alright. And I'll be right here waiting for him when he gets home."

There was more, of course, so much more that she wanted to say. But those were words she wanted to tell him herself, not pass along through Howard Stark.

They'd be far too mushy.

OOO

Seven weeks. May was halfway through, Eric was out of his sling, and the stitches in her shoulder were all but a memory. After a week of shining sun, the rain was back. Still, life continued in the streets of London while she remained trapped inside.

"I don't know what I'll do when you go back to your men, Eric," Anna said wistfully. English came much more easily to her now. Not perfect, but she'd picked it up quickly enough. Eric had brought a copy of The Secret Garden, a book that was a favorite of his sister's growing up and would be perfect for practicing her English. "It'll be me and Moira stuck here, playing the waiting game."

"No news?" He asked as he gathered up the newspapers and workbooks they'd used to practice.

"It seems like there's never any news." She shrugged almost hopelessly. Last she'd heard from Howard, he'd tracked down General Montgomery, but that he was pushing back. The man was determined to see Edwin convicted of treason, though luckily, he seemed to have forgotten about Anna's existence. Her name had not been brought up once in all the debates over Edwin's supposed crimes.

Eric took her hand gently. "You must not give up, Anna. If Howard's prevented them from sentencing Edwin so far, it means there must be questions as to whether he is actually guilty of any crime. It won't be long."

"I know." She glanced up at the clock. "Nearly dinner. You should get back to your post."

"I can stay. We can keep practicing?"

She shook her head, knowing that Eric had a life outside the rooms of Howard's flat. "I'll be alright, but thank you. I'll see you tomorrow."

OOO

Darkness had fallen over London shortly after Eric left, and with Moira having the day off, Anna was left to occupy herself for the evening. She'd tucked herself into the large bay window, a cup of coffee in one hand, Eric's book in the other. Skipping from page to page, she skimmed through the words, happily realizing that the number of words she recognized was far higher than the number she didn't know.

Progress.

She wished Edwin could see her now.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that she should make dinner, but she found she wasn't that hungry. She rather watch the rain trickle down the window, the late commuters rushing to get home, the newsboys under the awning trying to keep their papers dry.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

As she moved toward the door, she realized that Eric had left one of his books behind. Anna grabbed it off the table, knowing that he'd be expected back with his unit as soon as possible. "Coming!" she called as she moved through the dining room, pulling open the door.

"Anna?"

She dropped the book.

He was drenched, his hair plastered to his face and his soaked-through hat in his hand. His cheekbones protruded from his face, and he looked gaunt. Hazel eyes were ringed with dark black circles. He was tired, hungry, and had seemingly aged a dozen years in a few short weeks.

But none of that mattered. In that moment, nothing mattered except Edwin.

"You're home."

The words came out in halting, heavily accented English, but it put a smile on his face.

"Of course I'm home. My mum would simply kill me if she found out I abandoned my new wife to enjoy the high life in jail."

Anna couldn't stop the laughter, which quickly turned to tears as she pulled him into her embrace. "You're home, you're home," she stuttered between sobs, his arms squeezing her tightly against him. She couldn't stop saying the words, as if he would disappear if she stopped announcing his return.

"For good this time, dear Anna. I promise," he said softly, somehow maneuvering them back into the apartment. She could feel his lips pressed against the top of her head. He pulled away from her, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You've been practicing."

She smiled and nodded. "I'm getting there."

"Let me put on something dry and you can tell me all about it."

OOO

"I don't know what information Stark has on General Montgomery. Honestly, I don't think I want to know. I swear he mentioned the general's daughter several times. She's a lovely young lady. And engaged to a gentleman who is most definitely not Stark."

Anna rolled her eyes. "Seems about right."

Edwin chuckled, standing to add a log to the fire. He plopped back down onto the couch, pulling her into his side. "Howard's escapades notwithstanding, they dropped the treason charges and signed your paperwork – legally this time. You're safe now."

Relief flooded through her, but looking at his face, she sensed there was more to the story. "And what about you?"

"I was… I was dishonorably discharged from the army."

Anna couldn't hide the gasp. "Edwin…"

"It's alright!" he said quickly. "Anna, I wouldn't change a damn thing. I'd go to jail a dozen times over to know you're safe. You have to know by now that-"

She grabbed him by the collar, pulling him into a kiss. Lukewarm coffee sloshed over the side of his coffee cup, staining her shirt, but Anna didn't care. As his mind caught up, his lips moved across hers, tongues fighting for dominance.

She pulled away. "I love you."

Two times she'd tried to tell him, and two times they'd been interrupted. It felt glorious to have those words out in open, glorious to see the happiness on his face.

The smile fell away quickly, concern etched upon his face. "It's going to be hard, Anna. With things being as they are, my service record… I don't know if I'll find a job anytime soon."

"Then I'll work. We'll get past it." she whispered.

"The wedding won't be much."

"All we need is a witness or two. I'm sure Howard has a lady friend that would be willing to make an appearance."

"I love you too, you know."

Anna smiled broadly. "I know."

And as they kissed in front of the fire, Anna knew they would be alright. There would be nightmares and worries. There would be difficult times ahead and hard truths to discover after the war ended. But they were safe, they had survived, and they were together.

It was enough.

I'm so sad to be finishing this story! It's crazy to think how things have changed since I first published this baby of mine. I got married. Started a new job. Began interviewing for a promotion at said new job. Life is crazy when you hit you start getting old! I'm so appreciative of all the reviews and love this story has gotten. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have writing it. It's a part of history that I find fascinating and horrifying, and I feel is so important to be told.

Anyways, just want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and happy new year. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated - it's your last chance to leave one, so make my Christmas awesome!

Thank you one and all again. Best wishes! -Jac