To say that I have not updated in a while will be one crazy understatement, if not the craziest. I apologize deeply for ignoring this story for so long. For those of you still reading this, thank you. I really don't expect to get any feedback from this but I am still determined to finish this story. Things have just been really complicated lately. I'm deploying soon (yay…) but fortunately there will be internet out there.

Since it has been so long, I kinda lost touch with what I was doing with the story. I hope it still lives up to the rest of it. Hopefully the next one will be much better.

Again, I'm really sorry. Yell at me all you want. I deserve it.

Good night everyone. :)

Chapter Twenty-Eight: When Things Go Right

May 1945

Berchtesgaden, Germany

When Krista woke up that morning, she was confused. After those years of warfare and heartache, waking up in her childhood room was something unexpected. For a moment she wondered if it all really could have been a dream, a horrific nightmare of her imagination's creating. But then, that was not right. Her room was too clean and dust still occupied the air in masses. Slowly her memories of the night before began to return and she smiled.

She looked over at the form lying next to her. Webster appeared to still be asleep. He was on his back, arm reaching in her direction; she must have moved in the night. Moving over, Krista threw her arm over his bare chest, resting her head on his shoulder. She watched his breathing for some time, enjoying its slow repetition.

"Did I do that?" Webster asked, not opening his eyes.

Krista moved her head to look at him. "Do what?"

"That smile on your face." He now opened his eyes, turning. "You weren't the first one up. I, uh…I watched you. You were so peaceful…and then you woke up. I've never seen anyone look so lost before but then you smiled and it all seemed okay."

"Not everything is about you," Krista replied, looking at him rather sternly. Webster called her weak bluff and took on the same look until she broke. "Yes, of course it was…I realized everything was going to be okay…after all that happened to me, something is going right."

Webster shook his head. "I'm not worth-"

Krista pushed a finger to his lips, cutting him off. "Yes, you are." With that she leaned in, keeping him quiet with a kiss. He did not mind her approach to the argument and quickly embraced it, wrapping his arms around Krista to pull her closer. She felt so fragile in his grasp, like any little thing could break her. She should not have survived. Yet here she was, still intact, still the strongest person he knew. Here she was in his grasp making love with him in bed, filled with a passion he could not imagine. It was more than he could have asked for.

His hands moved down her body, feeling every perfect part of her. He traced the scar on her neck and chest with his fingertips. It was almost difficult to see now, if one was not looking for it. He moved his hand down her side and stopped, feeling the raised skin of another scar, a large one. He looked down at it, moving the sheets that covered her skin.

Krista looked at Webster strangely and then realized. She covered herself up quickly with the sheets and moved down to the edge of the bed, wrapping her arms around her legs. This was the story she had never told him. If she could have gotten away with it, she probably would have never told him. Perhaps she could have gotten away with it if she had not reacted the way she had, but that wound brought up painful memories of that night, of friends she had not seen in so long. Where were Danny and James now? Were they even alive?

She could hear Webster sit up but he made no move toward her. "What happened?"

There was a long moment of silence. "It was Christmas. We were in Bastogne. Another nurse and I were going to take food from officers and give it to the wounded. Then the shelling began." Krista paused as the memories of that night returned to her. "A lot of people died, more were hurt. I did not know I was until I saw the blood and passed out in the street."

The feeling of Webster's eyes on her was painful. She wished she did not have to tell him any of this. No one ever needed to know about it.

"I…I nearly died." She said no more after that. There was nothing else to be said.

She felt him move toward her slowly. He sat behind her and placed his head on her shoulder, wrapping an arm around her. She put her head on his and they stayed like that for some time. Some part of her thought he may have been crying but she locked it away. That did not matter.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did not want it to affect you," she replied. "I did not want you to know."

He looked up at her. "I could have lost you."

She smiled. "But you did not."

The sound of moving trucks outside caught their attention. More people were coming into town. They had to get ready. The two dressed in almost complete silence. Krista had found a dress in her closet, a deep blue one that used to be a favorite of hers.

"Can you believe it still fits me? And it has a hat." She put the small hat on her head, tilting it to the side slightly. Modeling it in the mirror for a little bit, she put it back.

"Keep it," Webster said. "It looks nice on you."

Krista smiled. "Maybe you should wear it."

Another sound interrupted the moment, a gunshot this time. Both Krista and Webster ducked out of habit, the latter moving to the window after some time. He watched as an officer, which appeared to be Speirs, berated the soldier responsible. He was either too drunk or too stupid to care. Probably both.

"It is only going to get worse," Krista said over his shoulder. He had not noticed her approach. Looking back over the scene, he internally agreed. He could remember those days being bored on the line, looking for any kind of entertainment. It was the same thing here, except no one was shooting at them and they had alcohol.

Standing up, Webster only nodded. Together they made their way downstairs where Webster found his boots and put them on. Krista stood by the doorway, watching all the soldiers outside. There were so many more than there had been the day before and only more would come. They would be swamped in no time. Winters had been right when he said they would not be able to hold her house long.

"Looks like there is no way for me to sneak out this time," Webster observed as he walked over to her.

Krista looked at him strangely. "Why do you have to?"

Taking the hint, Webster smiled. Together they walked out of the house hand in hand. She enjoyed the feeling of her fingers intertwined with his. It felt so…permanent. Stability was something that she needed in her life though in the back of her mind she knew this too would end. But this was hardly the time to think about it. The war was over. There was still celebrating that needed to be done.

They came upon a group of soldiers with knowing smiles. Both Krista and Webster returned them, hardly caring what the others thought. What stunning revelations the end of the war could bring.

"Hey Webster, where were you last night, eh?" Luz prodded, elbowing the paratrooper lightly. Malarkey and Perconte shook their heads. Their friend was not very subtle.

"The same place you were last night, Luz," Webster said with a twinkle in his eye, "Not where I was supposed to be."

Luz nodded. "Touché."

"Where is everyone?" Krista asked, noting that these three were the only familiar faces she saw.

"Here and there," Malarkey replied, "Most are probably treating their hangovers. We were about to head over to Herman Goering's abode. I hear he has an impressive wine collection."

Perconte nodded. "We were hoping to get a peek at what was left before the rest of the guys recover."

"Care to join us?" Luz asked.

The couple looked at each other and shrugged. They had nothing else to do with their time, though by the look on Luz's face, he had a few ideas. As the small group walked to a jeep, she caught Luz whispering something to Webster. The latter quickly turned beet red, a look she had only ever seen on Winters. She may not have known what the paratrooper had whispered to him, but Krista had been around these boys long enough to venture a very accurate guess.

Krista ripped her hat off quickly and whacked it firmly against the back of Luz's exposed head, a cracking sound being the very entertaining outcome. The man fell like he was ducking from incoming rounds, a few choice words escaping his mouth. The others guys laughed at his ill-fortune and proceeded forward.

Webster wrapped his arm around Krista's shoulder. "Told you the hat was a good idea."

They had been in the house for roughly an hour. As expected, most of the alcohol was gone much to the disappointment of the men. Krista had a sneaking suspicion that whatever Winters had for Nixon had something to do with this building. As Webster pointed out to the others, who really could not have cared less either way, most of the good wine was gone. Not only did that sound like Nixon, it basically proved he had been there.

While the men scrounged up what alcohol they could, Krista searched the house. She had met Goering once. Frankly she did not like the man but then again she never really liked any officers that were not her father. Nothing in his house really screamed that he was the evil man everyone knew him to be but she knew better. She looked at everything with added hatred, only because he owned it.

Sick of looking at his house, Krista retreated to the back where she sat on the rail of his porch and looked over the scenery, fiddling with her hat in her hands. It was such a beautiful place, Berchtesgaden. How unfortunate it was that such evil had to ruin it. She would never come here again and she knew it. Only a dark past remained here. Her future needed to be brighter than that.

She never noticed Webster approach. An air raid might have been happening and Krista doubted she would have moved. Thoughts were powerful like that. It was only when Webster coughed that she turned to look at him, smiling slightly.

"Find anything you like?" She asked, looking at his hands. Webster held up one bottle, placing it on the rail next to her before leaning on it himself.

"Just this, but it's not much," Webster replied, sounding disappointed. "Look like a lot of other guys got here before we did."

"Or maybe just one," Krista said, smiling wider. Webster looked at her curiously but she shook her head. They both looked out over the scenery, Webster starting to pick at the wood of the rail. Krista swung her legs absentmindedly, enjoying the silence. It was much more bearable with someone around.

"I was thinking about last night," Webster said suddenly, not taking his eyes off the rail.

Krista chuckled softly. "Does it have to do with what Luz said?"

"What?" Webster asked, bolting up. "No…no, not that…definitely not…I'm going to kill Luz." Krista began to laugh then, mostly because of the serious look Webster had on his face. Eventually it broke into a smile as he too began to laugh, if only because of her. They quieted down again but Webster took a little longer to speak. He began to pick at the wood once more. "I was, uh…referring to what we were going to do about us…after everything is done."

"Oh." Krista looked down, her legs through with swinging. She was hoping to not have to talk about it so soon. Living in blissful ignorance seemed to be a good way to go right now. "We do not have to talk about that."

"I think we should," Webster stood straight again, walking closer to her.

"I wish that we would not."

"It doesn't matter what you want, Krista. Believe it or not, this is going to happen and-"

"Please David, it hurts enough. I cannot think about us ever being-"

Webster cut her off, voice much louder than before. "What if we got married?"

Krista nearly fell off the rail.

"What?"

He stepped forward a little more, suddenly very unsure of himself. Krista lowered herself from the rail, just in case. "I know it sounds stupid. I can't tell you how many times I've told myself that but it would make you an American citizen. You could come straight back with us."

"David, I…" Krista really did not know what to say. She was in shock, her mind gone blank. "I cannot…we cannot…it…marriage is…" Unsure of how to phrase it, she quickly switched back to German. "I mean, my father courted my mother for five years before they even considered the possibility of marriage."

For a moment, she thought of what Guarnere had told her all those months ago. If it had not been her last time seeing him, Krista was certain she would have reacted the same way.

Somehow, Webster smiled. "How's five months?"

Krista was not amused. "David…I…I do not know…"

Webster sighed. "I know. It was just a thought, Krista. One way or another, we'll get you out of here." He turned to head back inside. Krista followed slowly, unable to shake the feeling that he was disappointed by more than just the wine now.

There was a dance being held that night. No one was really sure who organized it or what it was really for. All they knew what that there would be alcohol and girls. That was enough for most of the men.

Krista stood in front of the mirror, modeling a red dress she had stumbled upon. The cut was a little low for her comfort and she was constantly adjusting it but there was really nothing else for her to go in. She grabbed a small armband lying on the bed and made her way downstairs. The Army had made it clear: no fraternization with the Germans allowed. However, displaced persons were a different story. So as long as she wore the armband with 'DP' on it, the theory was that she would be clear. At least that was what Nixon told her when he had given it to her earlier that day.

That same man happened to be waiting for her when she made her way downstairs and outside. He, like all the others, had cleaned up nicely, putting on his nicer uniform. He also wore a pair of sunglasses and a rather devilish grin. In his hand was a bouquet of flowers. Krista could have laughed at how cheesy he looked.

"I believe these are for you," he said, handing the flowers over.

"Why thank you, Lewis. They are beautiful."

"Well, they used to be until I compared them with you." Krista did laugh then. Nixon seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. So were Winters and Welsh as they watched from the jeep behind him. Leading her to it, Nixon offered his hand when he opened the door. Krista took it, allowing him to help her climb in before he did the same.

"Is it not late for those?" Krista asked, referring to his sunglasses.

"Good thing I'm not driving, huh? Onward chauffer!" Nixon shouted, causing Krista to break out in laughter again. Welsh had a giant grin on his face and Winters merely shook his head, shifting the jeep into gear.

"Yes, sir."

The dance was being held at the hotel in town. It may have been the only time since they had arrived that all of the higher ups had abandoned the place. Being charitable to the soldiers was one thing, being around for what they did with it was another. By the time the four arrived, things were in full swing. It was obvious many soldiers were drunk already, though they may have arrived at the party like that. Most, however, were quite sober appearing, too distracted by the girls around them to drink.

Arm in arm with Nixon, Krista walked inside looking for anyone she knew. A few faces were vaguely familiar but most were unrecognizable. She was not sure she would find anyone she knew that night.

"I think I may be one of the highest ranked in here," Nixon said, looking around.

Krista smiled. "Does that make you one of the oldest?"

"Watch it now, I offend easily," Nixon replied with a wink. He looked around the crowd again. "And you know, just for that, you owe me the first dance."

They made their way over to where it looked like people were dancing. The music started to play slow and they moved accordingly. For a while the two were silent. Krista watched the other couples more than she watched him.

"I never thanked you," she said quietly as the spun around the room.

"You don't have to, Krista."

"But I want to," she replied, looking him in the eye. He had taken his sunglasses off long ago.

Nixon smiled. "You're welcome then." They continued to dance in silence afterward, not really having anything to talk about. Krista was still pretty distracted from earlier. She had not seen Webster since they drove back and had not really talked to him on the jeep. Needless to say it was all a little awkward.

"Do you miss her?" She asked suddenly.

"Miss who?" Nixon sighed when Krista gave him a look. "All the time…especially now that…nevermind."

"Do you think you will see her again?"

"I wish but…Megan is probably back in America by now." He looked hurt. Krista wished she had not brought up the conversation.

"You could look for her."

Nixon laughed softly. "America is a big place, Krista. If someone wants to get lost there, they can."

Krista did not respond and they finished the dance in silence. So many things could change. Say she did stay in Europe while the men went home. Somehow she would try to get to America but what then? It would take years for her to have the money. People change and in that much time, everything they had might be completely undone. She would be thinking of them and they would have moved on. Webster would have moved on.

When the music ended, Krista departed from Nixon and began to search the crowd. Dodging men from all directions, as well as their wandering hands, she sought out Webster, whom she found sulking in a corner. Honestly she did not expect him to show up at all. Upon seeing him, a fire rose up in her, fueling the determination that flowed through her veins.

Webster looked up and saw her coming. He stepped forward, looking a little uncomfortable. "Krista, about earlier. I'm sorry that I-"

"I will marry you."

He stopped midsentence, mouth hanging slightly. To say that he was surprised may have been an understatement. "What?"

Krista took a step closer. "I am saying yes."

Webster still looked a little stunned. "Are you sure?"

"Do not make me change my mind," Krista replied, putting her hands on her hips.

He smiled, taking her hand. "Alright then." He looked around at the other soldiers. "Do you think we should…"

She knew what he was talking about, informing everyone else of their engagement of sorts. It made her think back to all those other days with them. One second one man knew about something, the next everyone knew. Perhaps telling them was not the best thing at the moment.

"No," Krista said, shaking her head.

"Good idea." He turned to the door. "Want to leave?"

She smiled. "Better idea."

They left the hotel hand in hand. Neither of them knew what they were really getting themselves into but they did not care. Something told both of them that if they did not try, they would regret it for the rest of their lives.