The last chapter.

Un-beta-ed (as per usual...sorry)

Enjoy ^_^

...When You're Involved With Easy Company

So You're a War Veteran Now

God bless whoever comes up with the idea for the GI Bills. It offers low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business, cash payments of tuition and living expenses to attend university, high school or vocational education, and one year of unemployment compensation. Everything you need when you come home as a broken and mentally (and sometimes, physically) scarred man, looking for a job or pursuing higher education in order to become a normal and functioning human being again.

Women veterans, like Becca, benefited the most, in an era when most women were expected to get married and concentrate on family. Women who served in the war were all volunteers, and they were a selection of women who were the best in aptitude, skills and experience, regardless their background. The GI Bills provide these women veterans with tuition fees and living cost that would have been unavailable to many of them, since most of them were come from working-class families. They left their country to sacrifice the comfort of their home and when they returned, they enjoyed lots of new possibilities. All of a sudden, dreams became feasible.

As soon as she returned to the states, Becca has been assigned in the Adjutant's General Office in South Carolina for a month to help processing the administration of discharged soldiers from Europe and Pacific Theatres. After that, she was busy to reentering Harvard, using the GI Bill and her status as veteran to the fullest. George supported her all the way.

George himself decided not to take the educational benefits of the GI Bill. If anybody asked why he's not taking it, he always said proudly "Becca is the smart one. She's smart enough for both of us." He decided to take the business loans instead and started his own maintenance consultancy at his hometown.

How to Win Your Future in-Laws & Influence Your Partner's Siblings

When George finally met Becca's parents, it's been three months since they set their foot in the US soil. During those three months, Becca's parents, especially her mother, relentlessly 'introduced' Becca with various 'eligible bachelors'. The most memorable encounters were as follows:

Bachelor A: an heir of one steel magnate who (stupidly) bragging that his dad bribe the Army so he's not drafted. Said bachelor went home with his (allegedly super expensive) white suit drench in half-bottle of red wine, courtesy of Miss Rebecca Jones's 'clumsiness'.

Bachelor B: a divorced Army Officer ("He had an impressive arrays of ribbons on his chest, Becca. It's very pretty." "Service medals, Mother. And it's not supposed to be pretty." "Whatever. It's colorful. And do not thump your head on your desk, Becca. It's not proper for a Lady!" "I'm not a fricking Lady, Mother!" "Language!"), who also an heir (surprise…surprise…) of some chemical industrialist from New Jersey. Said officer turned out to be…lo and behold…Captain Lewis Nixon. Becca and the Captain were immensely enjoying Mrs. Jones's shocked face (and scandalized, in appropriate time) when they burst out laughing remembering and retelling George's shenanigans in Europe to an amused (and sometimes confused) Mr. Jones.

Bachelor C: a pompous (but rich) ass who claimed he's in first name basis with half of Hollywood stars. His speech was mixed of English and French, since, he claimed, that he grew up in Paris. But his accent was so bad, every time he speaks French, Becca wanted to shove a baguette so far down his throat that he shits croissants.

After the tenth Bachelor, Mrs. Jones finally admitted defeat and begrudgingly willed to meet George. Mr. Jones himself had still not decided anything, but after a lengthy talk with Colonel Sink (and shiny endorsement about George's positive quality), he decided that he will only threatened George with his pistol, not his shot gun, and he'll try to do it as subtle as possible. It's a progress.

There were some memorable events when George met the Jones for the first time:

1. The Introduction

"So you must be George"

"I am, Sir. Pleased to meet you, Sir…and Ma'am"

"Hmmh…Come inside. We can talk in my office. Where I put my guns and pistols."

2. The Interrogation…in which Mr. Jones did this while cleaning his pistols in front of George.

"Education?"

"I'm a high school dropout, Sir. I got to help my parents. And then I joined the military."

"No plan to finished it?"

"Maybe after I settled my business."

"If you opened your business in Warwick, how about Becca's education and future career?"

"Becca and I have talked about this. It's up to her, actually. If she choose to take her master and maybe doctorate, in Harvard, I'll move here…no big deal. It's only two hours' drive from Warwick anyway so I can still visit my parents. Or she can continue her study and then teach at Brown."

"You are…very serious with Becca…don't you…Do you think you're worthy of a wife like my daughter, George?" Mr. Jones asked blandly.

"Never worthy, but ever hopeful….I love her, Sir. I'll do anything for her. I thought I've lost her in Bastogne and that's a feeling I hope I would never have to experience again." George said, and means it with everything he has.

Mr. Jones put his pistol in the table and took a deep breath. He looked up to the ceiling with unshed glassy eyes and then exhaled with a small smile. "Now I know you do love her, son. And I hope you know that…I'm grateful for it. She's my little Princess. She's my everything."

George gave him a small smile. "If you give your blessing, Sir…She'll be my Princess too."

Mr. Jones gave a small laugh "I'm pretty sure both of you would elope if I didn't give you my blessing."

George shrugged "No, Sir. I would never marry her without your blessing. If it took years to convince you, I'll do it."

"You're ready for any outcome, aren't you?"

"I came prepared for the worst, but pray for the best, Sir."

"Spoke like a true soldier. And it's Harold, by the way." Mr. Jones smiled.

"Excuse me, Sir?"

"You can call me Harold. Welcome to the family, George."

"Th….Thank you? I mean…Holy Sh…God…Holy God..Thank you, Si…Sorry…I mean…Harold."

"Good…now let me put these pistols on the save and then I'll give you a tour of my house…well…it's going to be your house too. Oh…did Becca tell you I have a monkey?"

...

It took another four months, twenty three bouquets of flowers, ten pans of Mrs. Luz's special caldo verde and feijoada and a lot of sweet talking to make Mrs. Jones gave her blessing. But it's worth every effort of it.

Becca's meeting with George's parents was a lot more….well…His parents were very welcoming and immediately hugged Becca, so there's no need to convince or bribe the future in-laws in the first place. George's oldest sister, Jane, quickly took Becca's arm and said "As his oldest sister, it's my duty to show you around the house and point out the various photos of George pre-puberty, especially his naked baby photos. He got lots of it. A perk of becoming the first born, I guess." she said solemnly, pulling Becca along through the house.

Becca giggled "Oh, please do. I want to see all of the photos." And added "For research purposes, of course." when George's emitting a high frequency whelp of panic.

His other sister, Maria, piped in "Ooooh, I love you already, Becca. You can use it as blackmail material. Believe me. Those photos are that precious."

George sputtered "That's not funny, girls."

Maria scoffed "Of course it's not funny to you. Because it's revenge….for all those embarrassing time when you're threatening our boyfriends."

Well…just like George himself said in Austria…Karma's a bitch.

The Greatest Wedding Day in the World

When George Luz stood at the altar, waiting for his bride, he kept repeating to himself "This is real. Don't pass out. Don't fuck this up."

Frank, his best man, pat his shoulder and whispered "Hey…You're gonna be fine."

"You don't forget the ring do you?" George whispered back.

"Do you think I will forget my best friend's wedding ring?"

George raised one of his eyebrows.

"Jeesh…I have it, okay. I got your back, buddy."

"Thanks, Frank."

And then the music changed and the audience stood up. Becca walked down the aisle, escorted by her father. George blinked once. Because…Holy Shit! How can she be this beautiful?! She looked amazing. Her eyes immediately locked with George's and she smiled. George decided that a smiling Becca should be illegal. It was bad for the health (especially George's heart because it's started to beat erratically) and, y'know, public safety and stuff.

He barely heard the pastor said anything because he only focused on Becca, until Frank nudged him and there were awkward silence…Oh right. George had to said something…what was it? Oh Shit…Right…the Vows.

George took a deep breath, to calm his nerves and said clearly "I George, take you, Rebecca, to be my lawfully wedded wife and partner in life. I'll let you beat me in chess as many time as you want, because I love you and will do anything for you. You will always come first, and of course, if you don't for whatever reason, I will buy you some shoes. You're the breath in my lungs, the blood in my heart, the bone under my flesh. You bring light when I'm in darkness. You put me together when I'm broken. You're my other half and now I'm whole."

Becca blinked back her tears and started her vow "I promise I will love you even if you're not perfect. You may be broken, but I love all the pieces that you've put back together. I promise I will be there for you always, to see things that no one else can, to know things about you that no one else does and to never ever think less of you even with that knowledge. It's the least I can do, because from the moment you entered my world, you have filled it with life, color, and energy like never before. For this is my promise to my one true love and partner for life."

And when George and Becca had their first kiss (modestly, because it's awkward to kiss in front of the statue of Jesus) as a married couple in front of God, country and Frank's exaggerated retching sound, on the corner of his eyes, George could see that their parents teared up a little, while Joe and Bill cried like a bitch in their seats, like big softies they were.

The reception that followed was a blast. Mr. Jones insisted to pay the whole thing, include the open bar. George had a suspicion that a lot of Easy Co. came due to this reason. After the obligatory humiliate-the-groom speech by the best men, other speeches, and obligatory dances, Becca and George finally can mingle with their friends.

George, in later life, particularly regretted his decision to come over his friend's table.

"Hey, George! Your Father-in-law got some good shit on the bar. Have you drink any? You fucked up, yet?" Frank said. His eyes red.

"Unlike you miserable shitheads, I can handle my alcohol." George said while watching Christenson made a run towards the toilet, surely to making out with it.

"George…do you think you can introduce me to one of Becca's friend? I think she just winked at me." Babe said eagerly.

"Which one?" George said.

"The one in the bar with pink dress." Babe said.

"Oh…Clara…well…hate you tell you, kid. But she's quite…um…famous…for…um…let's just say her ass had been in the air more than a C-47 at this point."

"Just don't forget your…prophylactic kit, Heffron. Maybe Talbert can give you some spare." Doc said.

"Will do, Doc." Babe grinned.

George shook his head "Babe…when will your brain start to do the thinking instead of your dick?"

Babe shrugged "Unlike Joe over here, I'm still in my twenties. Sue me."

Joe shouted "Hey…I'm still fucking young, kid. I'm just more mature."

The table scoffed in unison "Mature…"

Joe muttered "Assholes…"

"So…" Bill said calmly "I'm pretty sure you'd know what to do tonight? I'm talking about….make an honest woman out of Becca."

"Yeah…De-virginized your wife." Babe grinned. Bill laughed and patted Babe on the back like that'll do, pig. That'll do.

"Put the key in the slot." Frank supplied.

"Did the horizontal tango." Toye nodded. His hands gesturing said activity.

"F-U-C-K-I-N-G." Joe winked.

"A small town in Austria." Web said. When the table went silent and they all looked at him in confusion, he explained "No…really, Fucking is a small town in Austria. Look it up on a map."

Joe slapped his head.

"Technically" Doc said flatly but his eyes glinted with mischief, "it's when you insert your erect penis to her va-"

"Ookaaaayyyy…Stop it!" George sputtered. He looked seriously constipated.

Bill stood up, leaning on one of his crutches and hold up a glass of champagne, leading a toast with his booming voice "To our glorious George Luz, who tonight shalt lay the Rebecca of Jones."

And that's how George left his friends that were the epitome of grade A human idiocy.

But he loved them anyway.

Assisting a Woman in Childbirth for Dummies

B = Becca, F = Frank, E = Evelyn (Frank's wife), G = George

B: "This is all your fault!"

F: "Do not yell at me!"

B: "I'm not yelling! I'm saying words forcefully!"

F: "Semantics! And I'm not the one who got you pregnant, Becca! How's this my fault?!"

B: "You're this baby's godfather and since you're the closest thing of a father figure right now, you'll take the blame!"

F: "I'm not the godfather yet. The baby hasn't even born."

E: "Don't argue with a woman in labor, Frank honey. And I permit you to do anything to him, Becca. He missed that chance when Richard was born."

F: "I wasn't there because I was in the middle of the war, woman!"

E: "Revenge is sweet, husband dear."

F: "You supposed to be on my side! You're my wife, for God's sake!"

B: "Just shut up and let me grip your hand until George's here, Frank!"

F: "But…but…I bruise easily."

G: "What…Where...Becca? Are you okay?!"

B: "Oh George, thank God. You're dismissed, Frank. Go away. My husband's here."

F: "Somehow…I'm feeling used."

G: "Becca…Princess….oh…honey…are you okay? Hey...don't give me your 'ya think?!' face. I just got here."

E: "You'd better hurry take her to the hospital, George. It's about twenty minutes since her first contraction and about five minutes since the water broke. No need to worry…Frank and I will keep the house while both of you're in the hospital."

G: "Thank you. Where the fuck – "

B & E: "Language!"

G: "Sorry…sorry…where's that frickin' suitcase? Ah here it is…okay…we're ready to go. Oh...Frank…can you please call Becca's parents. The number is beside the phone and don't forget to feed Brunhilda. She'll scratch my favorite coach when she's hungry."

F: "I still can't believe they named the cat Brunhilda."

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

I'm happy to see my friends had a good life when I couldn't. Seeing them followed their dream, got married and have family, it's like I was living vicariously through them. I consider myself lucky. My death was not painful. I just saw bright light and then I was on the other side. My only regret was that I didn't say a proper goodbye in my last letter to Faye.

Watching my friends' lives was like watching a very good movie. I was glad to see Captain Winters and Nixon still best buddies. I was there when Bill finally proposed to Frannie. I saw Bill and Babe still joined in the hip, causing ruckus in South Philly. I was beside Malark's bed when he had nightmare, tried to whisper that it's only a dream, that he's safe with his family and that we will meet again when the time's come. I saw my friends got children as menace as they were back in the day. I was there in each reunion that Bill organized. I watched George's wedding where almost all Easy Company were there. I missed all of them.

The only thing I don't really like was when I was assigned by the Big Boss to come after my friend. Especially, when I felt it's too early for them to left their world. My first assignment was to pick up Web. When I met him, he's smiling at me and at the ocean that surrounded him. He looked content.

He said "How are you, buddy? How's the life on the other side? By the way…nice jacket. I don't know an angel can wear one. Is it green or grey?"

I smiled "Its olive. I'm following the latest fashion but still maintaining that paratrooperly look."

Web laughed "Well…I'll ask a black leather jacket then."

I nodded "Tell that to the Big Boss. You want to see your family first before we go?"

He smiled sadly but he shook his head "My life was great. I have a nice family. I published a book about shark. I even sent one copy to Joe to rub him off." He laughed "I think I'm ready."

I smiled "Come on then…Hoobler's waiting for us."

I took his hand and lead him into the light.

Web's memoir about our time in the war was founded by a historian, Stephen Ambrose. He published it and then wrote another book about Easy Company. I hope the younger generation will learn a lot from our experience and not let a horror that was the Nazi to resurface ever again.

When it's my time to pick up George, it's Thursday October 15th, 1998. Even he's already 77 years old, he's still working as a maintenance consultant. That morning, he kissed Becca at the door "See ya later, Princess. I think I'll beat you in chess tonight."

Becca laughed "Keep hoping, Frog."

George kissed Becca's forehead once again "Always the smart one. What could I do without you?"

Becca smiled "Same question to you too."

If only they know that would be their last time together.

In the afternoon, when George finally could see me, he's standing, looking at the crowds that surrounded a heavy industrial dryer on the ground. His body was underneath it.

I put my hand on his shoulder "George."

He turned around and smiled sadly "I just wish I said 'I love you' to Becca and the kids."

"She knows. You children know."

"I'm not ready leaving them. Do we have to leave now?"

"You want to stay for a while? I can talk to the Big Boss so you can stay at least until they bury you."

"That will be enough. Thanks, Skip."

"Anytime, buddy."

George's buried three days later. In his remembrance at the funeral home, there was a line down the street of 1,600 people waiting to pay their respects, including a lot of Easy Company men.

George stayed beside Becca all the time, whishing he could touch her. His children found his medals, of which they had no prior knowledge. When they asked Becca why Becca and George never said that their father was a war hero, she said "Your father never felt that he's a hero. His friends who never come back are."

Captain Winters gave a moving eulogy.

Bill and Frank walked besides the pallbearers.

Becca and her children were the last one who stayed at the veteran cemetery after George's buried. She sat on the ground, not crying anymore but held the American flag tightly on her chest.

"Can I be the one who come after Becca when her time is come?" George said to me, watching her.

"Yes…you can…Come on, George…It's time."

George watched his family for the last time and then took my hand.

He whispered "See ya later, Princess. I love you."

Before the light took us, I could hear Becca whispered.

"See you later, Frog. I love you."

-FIN-

Finally finished...

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