Summary: What if Major Winters agreed to have the Easy Company shipped to Pacific Theatre? This story takes the company to the Pacific where they battle and try to save not only their lives but others as well. A fight along side General MacArthur as they claim back the islands seized and occupied by the Japanese.

Disclaimer: I do understand that this is a factual company, and hope that I do not offend anyone by this story. I am honored to have had a grandfather fight along Americans during WWII, and proud of my relatives and the men and women that are currently serving this Country. God Bless.

Author's Note:

Discretion is advised. This chapter contains subjects not suitable for younger audience.

Chapter 14

August 15, 1945

Dear Diary,

This is the perfect time to start a private entry in my brand new diary. The war has ended. At this very moment the streets are filled with celebrating Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, British and the Filipinos. That simple sentence, "the war has ended", brings tears to my eyes. How long have I waited for this moment? It feels like eternity. To think: I was 17 years old when the war started, now I'm 21.

Between you and me diary, I have no idea what is to become of me. I have not only my father to care for, but for my aunt and her children. The Americans say my father can live off a pension, which would be provided by the Philippine government. Oh to think, the Philippines as it's own country? To rule under its own democratic conventions. Sadly I'll lose my U.S citizenship. If there is one downside to gaining our independence, then that is it for me.

Father had made inquires into our home in Cebu and we had received good news. The house is still intact, only it was looted, but who cares! We have a place to call our own. It has been a long time since I've seen that house, last I was there I was eight years old.. Supposedly it was to be given to my sister when she got married…

Aunt Corazon's pregnancy is giving her back pains, so most of the time I am caring for her children. I have been so busy that I cannot even go to the base to see Dick. Hopefully I will be able to see him today, before I leave for Cebu.

I need to say my goodbyes…

Cassandra Cruz

-w-

Since the announcement of the surrender, the mood has been a festive one. No one could believe that the war had finally ended. The speech made by the Japanese Emperor was broadcast throughout the Philippines, followed by an American announcement that the Japanese surrendered.

Dick was busy shaking hands with his fellow officers. He had been in HQ when he heard the news. He tried to look for Nixon, but was later told he took off in a jeep for Bataan, most likely to see Grace. The atmosphere was still alive and well, but Dick went back to his office to reflect.

It has been a long time coming; now it was over. He fought in both theatres and lived through them. He had only one Purple Heart and that was from the European theatre. How is it that he was still alive and well? If there was one person to thank, than it was God. Dick glanced out the window to see GIs gathered around yelling and jumping. It was a mixture of Paratroopers, Marines, MPs, Rangers, and Aviators; rivalry aside they gathered to celebrate the special occasion. He let out a small chuckle and went back to his desk. It seemed like a good time to start writing back to DeEtta, especially after the letter he had just received from her. It had been about marriage and love, it had been like that for some time now, but now that the war was over, it was something to ponder on.

He was just going over his reply when a soft knock illuminated from his office door. He didn't bother to look up assuming it was Salinski, "Enter."

The door creaked open and instead of slamming shut, all Dick heard was the creak and the sound of the knob twisting. After placing some folders on top of his letter, he glanced up with a blank look, only for it to be replaced with a half grin. Cassandra stood in front of him, a total change from the last time he saw her. She was wearing an American dress and rather dolled up just like at the dance.

"I should have known while everyone is celebrating, you're in here behind your desk working." She greeted him. He shook his head and got up to welcome her. "Happy VJ Day," He chuckled along with her, as he pulled her into a tight hug. She pulled back and gave him a kiss on a cheek. "You're going home." Dick's smile faltered slightly, that never crossed his mind during his reflection. Throughout the war, all he thought about was going home. Home, he was going to go home.

"How is everything?" he asked as he led her back to his desk. He pulled his chair out for her to sit on, while he perched on the desk.

"Well everything is grand." He raised an eyebrow as if silently telling her to elaborate. She did, updating him on what was going on and what was to come. He nodded and even added a question or two during her recitation of the past few weeks. "And you? I bet you're excited to go back home!" The excitement in her voice made him laugh, but he nodded in agreement.

"I am," Now it was her turn to give him a look to continue. He did and decided to tell her the concerns and what he wanted to do once he got back home. He had always thought he changed, and was afraid his parents wouldn't recognize him. Cassandra had a laugh and through tears she asked where in the world he got that idea. He ended up laughing as well when he thought about. It was just like her to make him feel at ease. They were so loud that Salinski peeked in to see what was going on. Dick had him get them water, but Salinski did better and brought back tea and biscuits. "Where did get this?"

"Everyone was busy celebrating so I slipped into the officer's mess hall, Sir." He replied. Cassandra hid her smile behind a hand, while Dick just sighed and dismissed him.

"Nix, is corrupting my staff." This caused another bout of laughter shared by the two. It quieted down some as they enjoyed each others company. While Dick stood by the window munching on a biscuit and people watching. Cassandra was looking at his desk, specifically the black and white signed photograph of a pretty woman. She knew right away who that woman was, it was Ms. DeEtta. The young lady who Dick had been writing to since the war started.

"Are you going to marry her?" Her question was random and it broke the silence that had settled between them. Dick swallowed the biscuit, his throat all of a suddenly felt very dry. "I mean you've been writing to each other for so long. She's awfully pretty; this is my first time seeing a picture of her." He took a gulp of his tea, it wasn't working.

"I don't know." He wasn't looking at her when he was addressing her; he was looking at the picture as well. Cassandra was holding it in her hands, giving it a closer inspection. He just stood behind her to look at it as well. "She's a sweet girl and she's been talking about love and marriage, but I just don't know what to say..."

"Now that's a little depressing Dick, you must have some feelings for her."

"I do! Heck if I could I would marry her. She's one fine girl." Cassandra placed the picture back on the desk and turned around and gave Dick a confused look.

"What's stopping you? It's not that hard: You just march right over to her, propose, she says yes, and there you're married!" He gave her a helpless look. Sometimes he forgot how young Cassandra was. She was a good eight years his junior and sadly was never able to go out on dates during the years when she should have been. She had missed out on a lot, so he didn't get frustrated with her innocent questions and assumptions on love.

"It's not that easy Cassie," He went on to explain how it was hard to care for someone, getting a job, their own place, and if they had children. When he got home and was settled with a reasonable job and a place of his own, then perhaps.

"Well I wouldn't care if you didn't have a job, just as long as we were together." He gave her a soft smile, which she returned with a wink. "Then again married to you would be kind of annoying. You're such a sticker for routines." This caused him to throw his head back and laugh.

"You're so innocent Cassandra. You know love isn't easy. It's a rough road that men tread blindly. I can account for that."

"I know! I'm not as innocent as you think! It's just that… When you love someone, you got to tell them, because you never know when you'll ever see them. You need to take that chance, even if it's for one day." He leaned forward so that his arm rested on his thigh as he gave her a questioning look.

"What's brought this little burst of energy? You've meet a GI?" Her cheeks redden at his teasing and pouted.

"Can't a girl dream?" Dick didn't reply but just stare at her for some time. He finally relented and leaned forward and patted her arm.

"Sure kid." Cassandra gave the picture another look before settling down on different channels of conversation.

It was around five in the afternoon when Salinski stuck his head back in "Sir, Colonel Strayer is calling for an impromptu meeting at his office." Both Cassandra and Dick stood up. Dick nodded that he'll be on his way and waited for Salinski to close the door before he spoke. Cassandra beat him to it.

"I should let you go."

"Do you need a ride?" Cassandra shook her head and stopped right in front of his closed door.

"I can walk," she took a deep breath than started again. "Richard, this is going to be the last time I see you. My father had gotten word that our house in Cebu is still standing. We're going to go and live there. Try to start a new life. It's far from here on a totally different island. My father has no intention of returning to Luzon it's too painful, and I can't leave him." She had her head down the whole time she talked, but she finally looked up. "I just want you to know that I'm going to miss you. I'm glad that I got to meet you, even under those conditions. You have no idea how much your friendship and your words have comforted me. I hope you find that peace, you've told me about."

He pulled her against him; he had his arm around her neck the other around her waist. Cassandra on the other hand was hugging him around the middle as tightly as she could. He felt her shake against him, knowing full well that she was crying he kissed her forehead.

"You've become a special person in my life." He kissed her forehead again. "For a young woman, you've managed to do things that would have torn a grown man down. I'm very proud of you, very proud. I'll never forget you, Cassandra Cruz." He pulled back, giving her a smile, which she returned.

"Thank you Richard," She managed to mumble through her staggered breaths. He fished out a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it her. There was a knock at the door.

"Hold on," Dick called out. He glanced back down at her as she reorganized herself.

"Alright, well, goodbye Dick." She whispered softly. Winters had to smile at the turn about. She was just crying minutes ago, now she looked prim and proper.

"Goodbye Cassie." She gave him one last hug, but he kept her still so he could whisper into her ear. "Hang tough." This earned a giggle from the 21 year old and a gentle smile from the Major. They parted at the stairway him to Strayer and her to Manila Bay.

Unknown to her Winters would send a runner to Speirs, telling him that Cassandra was leaving the next day. He knew all about Ron and Cassandra, even if they didn't know it themselves. It was thanks to Lipton's keen observation and the shared dance between Cassandra and Ronald, that made him realize. He was shocked at first and questioned Lipton, who gave him his opinion on the matter. He never saw it. He was closer to Cassandra and had thought once she had feelings for him. But she denied it with a smile and a shake of her head. It was Ron that had stolen her heart, but has she stolen his as well?

-w-

Later that day Cassandra escorted her father, aunt, and cousins to a boat. They were going to leave for Cebu, while she stayed behind to tie up loose ends. That meant getting death certificates for her mother and sister. She also had a meeting with a U.S military official. The written accounts she took from the refugees were going to be used as war crime evidences.

It was late at night by the time she arrived back at Manila Hotel. General Gibson was still at the Air Base so she had dinner alone, and then retired to her room. She watched as Manila Bay was ablaze with life and sounds of music. The clubs on the beach were open and the owners had no intention of closing them till the wee hours of the morning. Men dressed in their greens and others in their whites poured themselves into the night clubs. She stepped back and decided on taking a long hot bath, her treat for herself on VJ day.

The beautiful porcelain tubs were the only ones that seemed to have survived the looting. It was too heavy for the Japanese to carry and very breakable, Cassandra was thankful for that. She slipped out of her robe and settled herself in the steaming hot water. The water stung as it touched her skin, but only for a second. How long had it been since she had a proper bath? It felt like years, which must be the truth. The water level rose as she sunk deeper, barely reaching the rim of the tub.

Her thoughts lingered on Dick when he told her of his plans. He told her of how Lewis had offered him a job, which was before they knew they were being shipped to the Pacific. He had told Nixon he would think about it and never gave him an answer. His dream was to just work, raise a family, and be given the peace he sought for since the start of war. It was so little but the content look on his face as he recited his wishes was priceless.

Cassandra sighed, letting herself daydream of a life years from now. If she was lucky maybe she'll find some love and peace as well. She didn't leave till the water had cooled down, and the bathroom having trapped the steam felt like a sauna.

She pulled on a fresh chemise and wrapped a robe around herself. She turned on the radio lowering the volume so that it provided a smoothing sound as she brushed her hair. There was a knock on her door. Thinking it was General Gibson checking up on her, she opened it without peeking first.

When she opened the door, she didn't realize that her world would come to a halt. She brought her right hand up to her lips to stifle the escaped gasp of surprise. The familiar smells of after shave, sweat and nature filled her senses, and the heat radiating from him was overpowering. Not only was that overpowering but it was intense gaze that had her rooted to the spot. Those eyes that reminded her of the typhoon seasons in the Pacific; she felt herself drowning in his gaze.

Ron.

They both made no move to touch each other. She stood still, head raised, her eyes drawn to his face. He had not shaved and had stubble, like back in the jungle. His hair was messy, the front had fallen and was swept to the side, but he still looked immaculately handsome. As she studied his face, she unconsciously brought her right hand down and took his, pulling him slowly into her room. He allowed her to guide him in, closing the door softly behind him with his boot. His eyes never wavered from hers, until they were fully into the room. He broke the gaze to survey their surroundings, life as a soldier had left him weary of all situations.

They were standing in a moderately sized room; there was simplicity to the room that remained him of Cassandra. He let his eyes linger on the bed then back to Cassandra, she still held his hand in hers. When she had swung open the door after peeping through a crack, his eyes zoned in what she wore. He must have caught her right after she had taken a bath. Her hair was wet and slightly tussled, and she had a robe wrapped around her. The image of her had him fighting a losing battle against himself. He studied her by dimmed lighting in the room.

Cassandra tore her gaze from his, and turned her head, so she didn't have to look at him. She felt as if she had just run the length of the Philippines, her heart was beating fast, and she felt flushed.

"What are you doing here?" She managed to croak, her throat felt dry. He didn't answer her right away. They were still holding hands; she pulled away and brought her hand up to her chest to hold the robe together.

"Cassandra," He whispered her name, it sounded so right coming from his lips. "Please, look at me." There was a commanding power behind those words, but a hint of desperation as well. She lifted her head back up to stare at him, when she did that a part of her hair fell back behind her shoulder. Ron zeroed in on the unfamiliar feature on Cassandra's neck. It was the gun shot wound she had gotten from that Japanese soldier, during the run. It still looked like it was healing; it was a shade paler than the rest of her skin and bumpy.

He reached out and placed his hand just below the scar, but she jerked under his touch and pulled back. This allowed the hair to fall back into place, covering the scar again.

"What are you doing here Ron? You should be with your men celebrating, make sure they don't get into trouble." He shook his head, and took a step forward.

"The men could take care of themselves for a few hours." He made a move to touch her, but stopped and lowered his hand to his side. "I wanted to see you again." They stood still, and again he reached for her, this time she didn't pull back. He let his hand creep to the back of her head, and closed the small distance between him and her. Since he was taller, she rested her head against his chest, her arms wrapped around his middle. His other arm hung by his side. They stood there for some time, quiet, just holding each other.

"Why?" Cassandra was the first to break the silence. Her question came out more like a plea than a question. Ron's eyes squinted in concern and pulled back slightly to look down at her, only to be greeted by the top of her head. "Why do you this to me?" she asked again.

"Do what?"

"I don't know," she muttered into his shirt. Truthfully she didn't, the way she felt around Ronald Speirs was something entirely new and it frightened her. He moved his hand down from her hair to the back of her neck, rubbing it slowly. Than his fingers brushed against the sensitive skin of the scar, Cassandra shivered but she kept her face buried into his shirt. She made no move to stop him as he tucked her hair behind her ear, allowing him more room to inspect the scar. Still with the same hand he tilted her head to the side, and ran his fingers over her jaw line before letting it caress her neck, but not touching the scar. The moment his hand caressed her, Cassandra moved her hands to the front of his shirt, grabbing fistfuls of his long sleeved army uniform button shirt.

"Where did you get this?" His chest rumbled when he spoke, and she didn't realize how close he was till she felt his breath fan her ear. She held back a whimper that tried to escape her lips. He moved his hand just below the scar, but traced it with his index finger, sending unfamiliar sensations throughout her body.

"When we were running away from the Japanese," he stopped his hand and frowned. She had this for awhile and it was only now that he recognized it? He mentally cursed himself for being thoughtless and careless. So it was Cassandra that reports had as the only injured refugee to San Fernando. He glanced down at the scar noting how it raised above her skin, but it didn't take away the need for him to feel her skin. Without thinking about his actions, Ron bent down and pressed his lips against the scar.

Cassandra gasped with surprise, she never knew how sensitive that scar was. Ron pulled her closer when she jumped, crushing her hands between their upper bodies. She tried to look down so she wouldn't have to look at him, but she couldn't, she had no choice but to look up.

When their eyes locked on each other again, Cassandra could hardly breathe. His face was just barely inches away from hers, and his gaze had her rooted to the spot. It was her first time to look at him up close, and it surprised her that his eyes weren't brown. They were actually green, like his army garb. She watched him as he licked his lips, than slowly lowered his face to hers.

"Close your eyes," He whispered. Ron didn't kiss her right away instead he rubbed his nose against hers, but when he let his lips brush over hers, it made her heart jump. It wasn't Cassandra's first kiss. She had her share in Hawaii, but none so overpowering as the one that Ron had given her and it was only a chaste one. Since he met no resistance, he pressed his lips firmly against hers.

As he moved his lips over hers, he moved his hand to the front of his chest and detached one of Cassandra's hands from his rumbled shirt. He pulled away and bestowed a soft kiss on her palm than her inner wrist. Ron was mimicking her kiss from that night. She gave him a soft smile and brought both her hands up to his face, so that she was cupping it. She stood on her toes, and felt his arm around her flex giving her more support. She mimicked his kisses from that night also, which seemed like ages ago. She brushed her lips against his forehead, his eyelids, than the corner of his lips, where it lingered. He moved his head and captured her lips with his. He brushed his tongue against her lips, seeking entrance, which she allowed.

The sensations were unbelievable as he deepen the kiss to match their hunger for each other. It was only when she thought she was about to faint from lack of oxygen and pleasure, did she tear her mouth from his. Ron was pleasantly surprise at his labor breathing from the kiss, but he did find out one thing: that Cassandra wasn't a novice when it came to kissing. He pulled the tie on the rope apart, and snaked his hand to her waist. She was wearing a thin silk chemise underneath. He couldn't help but smirk at the blush that darkened her cheeks.

"I've never done anything but kiss…" She blurted his hand stopped at the small of her back. His jaw muscle twitched, but he should have realized that. Cassandra was 17 years old when the war started. That was usually the time when boys and girls started having interest in each other. During her years when she should have been on dates; she was hiding in the jungles with a group of fighters and her father. Recently turned 21, an age when she should be settling with her new husband, not trying to pick up pieces to a shattered life. Now he was making it worse by wanting to take something, that shouldn't be his in the first place.

He released her from his tight embrace, and tried to step back but she would not release him.

"Cassandra I shouldn't have-"

He was quieted with a hush, and was rewarded with a soft kiss. Ron lost all control once more and gathered her up into his arms. She kissed him back with the same ferocity, willing herself not to cry in front of him. This man she had secretly given her heart to, and now was giving her most prized procession.

"Don't leave me," She whispered feverishly against his lips when they finally parted. Ron didn't say anything but scoop her into his arms and took the few steps to the bed. He lowered her first, watching the robe fall on either side of her so he could see the chemise that covered her. Finished admiring her body, he looked down at her face. Her eyes were bright, her cheeks flushed, and her lips swollen from their kiss. If anything she looked perfect to him, he lowered himself over her and resumed kissing her.

Ron groaned into her mouth when she pressed her body against his, the feel of her womanly curves had his blood rushing southbound, and his head lightheaded. Has it really been that long since he bedded a woman? That just the feel of her body against his was enough to get him aroused? He pushed back, grounding his groin against her, a soft mewl of pleasure escaped her lips which caused him to smile. He finally left her lips alone and let his lips trail down her jaw line to her neck, making sure it was the one with the scar. He than dratted out with the tip of his tongue and traced the scar, Cassandra squirmed under his treatment, her hands coming up around his back, grabbing at his shirt.

"Take this off," She muttered into his ear, yanking at his shirt. Ron chuckled at her impatience and complied. He sat up, bringing her up with him, and kissed her once more. He had her straddling his lower body. As they kissed he trailed his hands from her thighs up the front of her so that she gasped at the feel of his hands brushing against her breasts. As swiftly as the pleasure came from his wander hands, they were gone only to push the robe off Cassandra's body. He marveled at her skin tone which was drastically different from him. It looked as if she was dipped in honey and sprinkled over with gold dust. She lowered her head and started unbuttoning his shirt and pulled it off for him. He still had an undershirt, which he pulled off himself in haste.

In a child like matter Cassandra reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling how warm and smooth it was under her touch. Ron stayed very still allowing her to explore and satisfy her curiosity, he was just as curious of her body as she was of his. He had never been with a woman of a different race. She kept one hand on his shoulder for balance while the other moved down his chest to his stomach, at once his muscles harden at her touch. She was so engrossed with what she was doing, Ron let out a hiss when she pressed her lower half to his. When he opened his eyes he found her giving him a concern look, her hand had stop its movement, just above the pant line. He had to bite back a groan.

"Did I hurt you?" She whispered. Her hair had fallen so that it tickled his chest.

"No," he replied. "You'll hear a lot of that tonight, don't worry." At his words a deep blush raised to her cheeks, and to Ron's delight it went down to the top of her breasts. "Are you sure about this, Cassie?" She gave him a slow smile and nodded; he returned the smile and placed a hand on her cheek. "It's my turn." He leaned forward and captured her lips. Afterwards he made his way down, kissing her shoulder; his fingers dragged the thin strap down her arm. He grinned into her collar bone when he felt her shake her other shoulder so that they strap fell on its own. He wrapped an arm around her waist and hoisted her up a little. Cassandra gasped with surprise with her top fell down, she quickly raised her hand to cover herself, but Ron stopped her. He lowered her hand to her side so that he held it down with his own. He kissed her once more, leaving her breathless.

"Ron," She whispered his name. He glanced up from licking her clavicle, waiting for her to finish what she had to say. "Please, could you turn off the lights?" He gave her a nod and released her from his hold. She was nervous, that was understandable. The night stand was by the head of the bed, so it wasn't too far. Ron decided to get up anyway, he'll just take off his boots and pants in the dark.

Cassandra had to blink hard a few times as she eyes got accustomed to the dark. It was pitch black, it wasn't until she felt the edge of the bed dip did she know where Ron was. She hastily brought the straps up around her shoulders. She listened carefully as Ron untied one boot and took it off, the second one followed. The bed again moved as he got up. Cassandra moved forward on her knees, one hand out in front of her, till it collided with a warm solid form, which stopped her in her tracks.

Since one of her senses was cut off, the rest were on full alert. Cassandra listened to his breathing as she moved her hand up his chest, her fingers dancing on his shoulders, then down his arm to his hand. Once her hand connected with his, she heard an intake followed by a deep exhale. Her hand was on top of his which was on top of his belt buckle.

"Let me do it," She whispered, surprised at the husky tone of her voice. Cassandra sat up straight on her knees and brought her other hand up to assist on unbuckling his belt. He had moved his hand to her shoulder, while the other brought her head close, her forehead resting on his chin. Her hands shook slightly when she finally finished and heard his pants fall to the ground. At once she withdrew her hands and was about to move back, when his grip around her shoulder tightened. She glanced up, her eyes had adjusted and now she could make out an outline.

"Are you scared?" His voice blended with the music in the background. Cassandra shook her head, truthfully she was scared witless. Her brash behavior at helping him unbuckle his pants was now an embarrassing memory in her mind. Ron didn't give her time to dwell on the memory; he brought her back up to kiss him. He started off slow, edging them back into the bed and him on top of her. Cassandra was so lost in the kiss that once she felt his move her chemise up, she stiffen. Ron stopped as well and got up on his elbows so he could look down at her.

"We can stop if you want." He offered. He wouldn't be too thrilled if she did say yes.

"No," Her voice was soft, but Ron heard the right answer. He gave her a soft smile and bend down to kiss her again, while his hand, slowly so not to scare her, trailed down the front of her body. She moved her body closer to his, as a soft sigh escaped from her lips. Ron couldn't stop the satisfied smirk from appearing on his lips. His hand went back up to her shoulder, taking up down, then the other. Satisfied he got up most more on one elbow this time. He had stopped kissing her, but her eyes were still closed, he brought his hand to the middle of her chest and laid it there. Her heart was thumping like crazy; at least he wasn't the only one in that department.

He listened to her breathing, and then slowly he grabbed just a tiny bit of the chemise and started to pull down. Cassandra arched her back as the silk chemise was pulled from her body down to her legs, which she finished by kicking it off. Automatically she raised her arms to cover her chest, but Ron was quicker and rolled back on top of her. The sudden feel of naked flesh upon naked flesh had them moaning in unison.

"Look at me," He demanded as he finally came out from the lust haze. She slowly open her eyes, her blush was still there. He gave her cheek a soft caress, which made its way through her hair. "You're so beautiful."

"You've never talked this much before," She joked. The little comment earned a half grin from Ron. She was trying to make light of the situation. He closed the gap and nudged his nose against hers, but not touching her lips. Cassandra raised her head and captured his lips. As they kissed Ron's hands weren't idle, he caressed and grope places that had Cassandra gasping out of shock and pleasure. She wasn't as skilled as him, and kept her hands to just rubbing his back and combing through his hair. As he moved Cassandra stiffen at the feeling of something hot and hard against the lower part of her stomach. She knew what it was; late night girl chats in boarding school enlightened her on the male anatomy.

He placed a soft kiss just below her ear, as he did that, he hooked a hand behind her knee, lifted her leg and placed it around his hips. The new sensations had Cassandra mewling in pleasure and Ron holding back a moan. She rocked her hips against his, he had to hold her hips in place, or else he would lose control. Once he was in control he lifted himself to look into her eyes. They were wide and he could sense some trepidation from her.

"Hey," She gave him a smile, but it didn't make it all the way. "I won't lie its going to hurt, but only for a little while." She nodded that she understood.

It took all his will power and control to not rush and get his fulfillment. Once he had entered her, her hands flew to his back and her lips against his shoulder. He was going very slowly, but once he felt her nails on his back, he knew he had reached the barrier.

"Do you trust me?"

"I do," She managed to say; the words blew Ron back a few paces. I do, last time he heard that was from his ex-wife when he married her. He pushed that thought away and nodded. He pushed his way through quickly and heard her try to muffle her cry against him. He winced at the painful cry, he was doing this to her. She wasn't the only one in pain; he could feel her nails digging into his skin. He went slowly allowing her body to get use to the new motions. It wasn't long till her gasps turned into pleasure and she was meeting his trusts with her own. He placed a hand on her waist to hold her in place, which caused her to arch herself into him. She met him trust for trust, and moan for moan.

Soon Cassandra started to feel overwhelmed with a new sensation. It started from the core of her being and spread like wildfire throughout her body. She cried out as wave after wave of pleasure pushed her to the limit. The roaring sound in her ears reminded her of the sea, through the fog she heard Ron yell her name, before collapsing on top of her. Ron had to catch his breath, and then he finally slid off her. Instead of pulling her to him, he got up from the bed.

The sudden abandonment left her cold and very vulnerable. At once she turned her back to him and hugged her arms around her sweaty chest. She waited for the sound of the door slamming shut. Instead she heard him rumble around then the window cracked open. She still had her back to him; the bed dipped low again and allowed him to roll her back to face him. He had his pants on, but not his belt and held the chemise in one hand, a towel in the other.

"Come on," She got up and gave him a curious look. He just patted her down and wiped her inner thighs quickly, before depositing it on the floor. Like a little child she held her arms in the air and allowed him to dress her in the chemise. Finished he pulled her to him and lowered himself with her on top of him on to the bed. Cassandra was the first to fall asleep under Ron's wandering fingers that combed through her hair.

Cassandra was the first to wake up, and winced when she moved her legs. She was unbelievably sore down there; although her situation brightened when she felt Ron's arm around her stomach. She had moved during the night and was sleeping on her side, her back to him, and he was pressed up against her. Images of last night flash through her head, causing a deep blush to escape.

She bit on her lower lip and held her breath as she turned around slowly, so that she could face him. The only sign that made her think he was awake was that he moved on to his back, but pulled her so that she was semi lying on top of him. Her eyes traveled over his face, landing on his lips, they were partly open. She wanted to kiss them but held back and kept to her observations.

He looked so handsome when he was sleep. The small worry lines that occupied the corner of his eyes and his forehead were smoothed out. His stubble was more pronounced against his skin. She reached up and lightly traced where the lines would have been. At once Cassandra glanced down at her skin color against his, they were different. Her dark skin lightened in areas that weren't kissed by the sun, but his body was one full solid color. There was also a slight dust of freckles on his chest and on his upper arms.

Cassandra wished she could stay in his arms forever; she would be content and happy. As much as she dreamed about that certain future, she knew it would never happen. This was a one night deal, just one night together before they went on with their separate lives. The very thought made Cassandra sick to her stomach, she circled her arm around his middle and laid her head on his shoulder. She knew full well what she was getting herself into when she allowed Ron to keep going, now the consequences were a little too hard to bear.

She thought back to their first conversation, harsh and hurtful, to their last one before she left the mountains, supporting and safe. Then when they stayed those few hours together in the nurses' barracks, he was attentive and actually approachable. She had fallen in love with a man who she had only a total of three conversations with and knew nothing about. She snuggled closer to him as her thoughts raced around her head. Grace had asked her that night when Ron left and she arrived back from the dance. Why? Why was she so taken by Captain Speirs?

Because he needed something that Cassandra could only give, love.

She loved him. Cassandra raised herself up slowly, as not to wake him up, and moved so that her lips hovered just slightly over his. He really was handsome when he slept. A single tear made a small path down her cheek, but it stopped at the corner of her lips. The tip of her tongue darted out, the salt tingled her taste buds.

"I love you," she whispered. He didn't move, nothing. She knew nothing would happen and sunk back down to lay her head on his chest; But the weigh from her shoulders were lifted and she smiled as she closed her eyes to go back to sleep.

He waited till she had fallen asleep; he had hoped she didn't notice him stiffen when she whispered those words. He awoke the moment she moved, since the war he had been a light sleeper. Instead of letting her know he was awake, he pretended. He felt her light touch as she traced the contours of his face, when she laid her head down on his shoulder, and when she barely touched her lips with his to whisper.

I love you.

Did she really? How could she love a monster like him? If she knew what he did in Europe would she still love him? He opened his eyes and blinked away the sleep, before glancing down he could only see the top of her head. When he read the letter from his ex-wife, she had written that she loved him. He highly doubted that she did, it was easy to say those words, easier if you write them.

He raised a hand to caress Cassandra's silky locks that covered the upper part of her back, but stopped himself. This young woman who had gone through life suffering loses after loses, still had love and hope. He had thrown away hope a long time ago, and love on the front doorsteps of a cottage in Aldbourne. Who was he to take something from her? To take a love which could be given to some other man, who would return her love back? But if he were to see her in another man's arms, he would be crushed. To see another man make her happy, when it could be him…

Could be him…

He watched her move in her sleep, now her face was angled up towards him. His eyes were drawn to her delicate features that looked innocent against the morning light. She deserved a better life, a good husband, and a big family. He felt the familiar stirrings in his heart, a part that he thought died a long time ago. Ron closed his eyes to regain control over his emotions then opened them again. He had to edge himself off the bed, laying Cassandra's head on the pillow that he was just occupying. After years of war he became a fast dresser, and in five minutes was about finished tying up his boots. Cassandra slept on, oblivious to Ron's movements. When he was finished Ron went to the side that Cassandra was on and kneeled before it. He studied her for a few minutes than reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers dance on her back before pulling away.

He was doing the right thing.

Speirs left the hotel room just as quietly as he came in. It was around breakfast time that he arrived back with Lipton's jeep. None of his officers knew where he went, not even Lipton, although Lipton had an inkling. Captain Speirs didn't need to explain himself and went right to business after breakfast with Lipton by his side.

-w-

After the two devastating Atomic bomb drops over Japan and a slight change in the unconditional surrender, the war ended on August 14, 1945. It wouldn't be till September 2, 1945 on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, would the Japanese Instrument of Surrender be signed and made official. The surrender of South East Asia soon followed.

Strayer never got his wish. In the end General Gibson and his 11th Airborne were given the honors to escort General MacArthur to Tokyo, on August 28, 1945. The 101st Airborne were sent to Hawaii to finally be one whole unit. Major Winters and Captain Nixon remained until October, where Winters took a ship back to the United States. Nixon however stayed in Hawaii with a certain dark haired exotic beauty of the East. Or that was at least how Nixon described Grace to his mother in a letter. Major Richard Winters arrived home a few weeks after docking in San Francisco, to his family and his hometown Lanchester, Pennsylvania. He met DeEtta one last time, sadly that was as far as their relationship went.

Both Lewis and Grace stayed in Hawaii for a year. After a year Lewis was summoned back to the States, specifically to New York, his mother was staying in a hospital there. The pair made their home in Princeton, New Jersey. Racism was still something to contend with, but both Grace and Lewis managed it well. Richard still had no job when Lewis called him with two offers: A job and a visit. Richard moved there and got married to a woman named Ethel in 1948. Ethel was the only woman who could understand Dick without a said word between them. It was a nice trick when they had guests.

Grace and Lewis got married on October 15, 1951 despite the racial laws set against them. They had a small wedding which consisted of Cassandra as the maid of honor and Richard as the best man. Lewis kept his promise and took Grace all over the world. Their first stop was a cabin in the Swiss Alps.

Captain Ronald Speirs kept to his word and stayed in the Army. He was transferred out of Easy when the last Toccoa man was discharged or placed into another outfit. He was sent stateside till the start of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, he commanded a rifle company until the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

I stayed with my father, aunt, two boy cousins, and the new addition a baby girl. I opted out of returning to Hawaii to finish my studies; instead I finished my degree in social and international affairs in U.P Cebu. On June 1949 I was given a job as Junior Secretary to the Philippines Ambassador. I relocated my family to Manila in order to fulfill my job. My father, Caesar Cruz, passed away in October 1949. He now lies in a family plot between my mother and sister. Very soon my job relocated me once more to Washington D.C. I adopted my youngest cousin, Jade and brought her with me, to be educated in America. Once in Washington D.C I became known as Asia's Marshall Plan.

Before I left the Philippines I was able to sit in Patricio Pacificdor's trial. He was captured a year after Betty's death in his hometown of San Fernando. Pacificdor was sentenced to life in prison in the Philippines for premeditation of sabotage against the new government. He was transferred into an American holding soon after. There were over three hundred witnesses at his case. He was considered a God among the Huks and riots erupted daily during his trial. Manila had to call a state of emergency, but with the help of American forces the Huks were pushed back. It made me sick that even in defeat Patricio had the last laugh, but not for long.

In March of 1949 he was sentenced to death with one account of manslaughter and two accounts of attempted murder on Dr. Calvin Calloway and Mrs. Anne Franklin.

I started up correspondences with Grace and Richard, although my job made it impossible for me to visit. But my living quarters made it possible for Carwood Lipton and his family to come visit me during the holidays or vacations. My time was divided between traveling to and from: Washington D.C, California, Philippines, and Hawaii. My trips to the Philippines and Hawaii tampered to a yearly visit, when I was permanently placed in Washington D.C as consulate general of the Philippine Embassy. I was the first woman in the Philippine Government to achieve such prestigious rank. My job included regaling the consuls numerous jobs as well as keep diplomatic channels open, between the Philippines and the United States.

I never written or communicated with Ronald Speirs, after that night. It seemed only right to keep that goodbye as it was. I never married nor had any relations after Ronald, much to Grace's dismay. It just seemed like I didn't need it. I lived through a war that I thought would never end. I had seen my country gain it's independence, which it had fought for, for so long. I am a leader among my government. I still have my friends and I'm a mother.

I am content.