[IC] The regrown Pacific Rose [ONL&Rish]

[ONL]

Late May 1944, Somewhere in south-east England, An American military camp. Rain had begun to pour down on the tents and barracks that filled the military base, home to a couple hundred American soldiers, far away from their real home. If there were two things they had learned over the course of the past months, it'd be that firstly England was a country based around the pubs and raining, nothing more and nothing less, and secondly they missed American cigarettes dearly. Because of rationing, British smokes could barely be called that, and tasted only paper and grass, which it technically was. Tom, or Corporal Thomas Jenkins as he was formally known as by the higher ranking circles of the military, didn't mind the rain there he walked out of camp. His time on Guadalcanal had taught him what real rain was, and this was a pleasant drizzle in comparison. His unit agreed with him, and of course, Anna. The love of his life, his closest friend and his to-be wife once the war ended, had already went into town for reasons unknown to anyone but the two of them. Safe to say, it was a reason Tom's steps were faster and longer than they usually were for just a normal stroll into town. Trucks and bicycles drove past him as he walked into the town, giving away how big the presence of military men was in the area. He finally made his way to the town square where he was told to wait for Anna, but not exactly when or as who. It was either Anna or Andrew, and the past days Andrew had been much more frequently around than Anna who he missed dearly. The rain slowly began to stop falling, and the sun shined from behind the clouds, signalling that it might be a good day after all.

[Risk]

"Tom!" A sweet familiar voice filled the air. Today she was Anna, a woman brave enough to risk everything for the war. At least that was the case until she had fallen for her battle buddy and told him everything. She could still remember their first kiss and how that had changed everything after nearly getting blown to pieces. Instead of the heavy plain uniform she wore a bright summer dress covered in pink flowers. She jumped into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and kissing him lovingly, filled with passion he hadn't felt in a long time. She wore a wig today, she had really gone all out this time. The wig had long brown curly hair, it was hard to tell though and if it wasn't that he knew she had it cut short there would be no way of knowing. She looked like a woman untouched by the war. Anna knew it had been too long since she had been herself with him. While Andrew wasn't that different from herself she knew that it wasn't the same as her dressing up in a dress and really giving Tom a good look at her as a woman. "I've missed you handsome," she whispered to him gently stroking the back of his neck. She pressed herself firmly against him, knowing full well the strength he had to hold her up. She was still slender as ever even the war couldn't put muscle on her arms. She gazed into his eyes, blushing a bit as she did. People were becoming defeated by the war. They didn't dress up often and many passing them watched the young woman clinging to her soldier. They stood out, but today Anna didn't care, she was with Tom as his fiancée not his battle.

[ONL]

Tom turned around in the direction of the familiar of Anna, smiling from ear to ear even before he could lay his eye on her, always a joy hearing her lovely voice. What he hadn't expected was how beautiful she was today, the kind of woman untouched by war and the horrors of this world, especially her long curly hair. He had never seen her like this, never as the woman she hid underneath her façade of a man. He didn't have much time to react before she launched herself into his arms, wrapping her own around him and kissing him deeply, Tom kissing her back, something he'd missed for so long. As they broke the kiss, Tom just looked Anna into her eyes and smiled, feeling truly happy. "I've miss you too, beautiful." He whispered, squeezing her tightly, perhaps a little too tight for her slender figure, but he didn't think about it right now. "I got the rest of the day off-duty, they seem to think I'm exhausted and need some space." Tom chuckled, finally giving in on Anna's weight and placing her back on the ground, the two of them not too different in height. "All I need is you though. That, and something different from the canteen dishes we always get. So, restaurant for two tonight, Anna?"

[Risk]

Anna giggled as he set her down. "Good, I so didn't put this much work into looking this good for just an hour." She winked at him. "And that sounds like a date." She grinned and kissed his cheek and settled herself on his arm. They had a few people looking at them, the brightly dressed woman on the arm of a soldier, both of them looking as if the war wasn't happening right now. No one had a clue of course, Anna was more familiar with the war than any of the gloomily dressed women in the streets, and that was one of the reasons she wanted to dress up like this. She walked with him looking along the streets. "Everyone looks so depressed." She squeezed his arm gently. Then she shook her head, trying not to think about all of it. They were able to walk together down the streets until they found a small little restaurant buzzing with life still. They could hear music inside and a few nicely dressed couples were coming and going. Anna stopped and looked up at him, smiling just a little. "Look good?" She asked him, pressing herself up against his side. She wanted an entire romantic night with him. "Then a hotel room after hmm?" She asked softly.

[ONL]

"Can we blame them, they've had some hard years." Tom said back to her, feeling her hand squeeze against his arm and holding her a little tighter against him. The towns folk did look depressed, their clothes greying and sewed with patches, but when one looked closer, they didn't look hopeless. Somewhere in their faces, their posture, they still stood tall, sure of better times even if life right then was to be depressed about. The little restaurant they eventually found was a nice contrast to the street outside. "As usual." Tom looked at Anna, beginning to chuckle. "Oh, you meant the restaurant? Yeah, I don't see a reason not to. On both things." He said just as softly to her, pulling her into a kiss. For one of few times these days, he felt happy and without a care. Well, perhaps except for the bill he'd have to pay afterwards. Tom opened the door for Anna to go inside, and followed her shortly after when they were led to a table. The restaurant was full of people, some from the town itself and others from the army base they both were stationed at. Like the gentleman he'd never have the opportunity to be, he pulled out the chair for his soon-to-be fiancée for her to sit down. "Am I doing a good job at this? Back home I never had a lovely woman to treat like this."

[Risk]

Anna smiled at him and sat down, gently putting her hand on his arm. "Perfect as always," She said in a simple, loving tone. She had found it getting to be harder and harder going between Anna and Andrew as she wanted to stay Anna, because of him. As Andrew she couldn't look at him like this, she couldn't kiss him or cuddle into his arms. More and more of her was waiting for the war to end, she wanted to go home with him, show him off to her family and spend the nights curled up in his arms. At least she had some family that knew the truth about her, what she was doing and they supported her. Once Tom sat as well he reached out and place her hand over his. "We need to go out on dates more often." She had to raise her voice a little to be heard over the music and chattering of happy people. "I don't get to be myself often enough." No one else would understand what the true meaning behind those words were, but she knew Tom would. She liked dressing up for him and giving him something to look forward to when they got home. There was her own joy in it as well, she looked forward to settling down and having a family with him. Under the table she let a leg slowly slide up and down along his. They wouldn't get stares here, no one would question a soldier with a girl, even though they probably suspected she wasn't his fiancee but simply a call girl, she didn't care though, let them think what they wanted.

[ONL]

Tom gently squeezed Anna's hand as she laid it over his hand, smiling at her and blinking with his one eye. "I wish you could, but we both know how it works. But as soon as this war is over, we can go back to how our lives are supposed to be." Tom said to her. Though back before the war, who they were supposed to be were very different from now. Then Anna was just a normal American girl waiting for her love of her life and the perfect family. And Tom wasn't Tom, he was that German student who could have become an accountant back in Germany, or something along those lines. Now however, things were like they were meant to be; the two of them together, fighting to end the war sooner rather than later. Tom felt Anna's foot underneath the table, and couldn't help but smile as he nudged her leg with his, letting her know he was there. "Still want that wedding in Westminster Abbey, Anna? The longer this war last, the more I think it's fitting for the occasion."

[Risk]

"Tom, you will continue to be a celebrated war hero, and your beloved battle buddy will fade into the shadows and be replaced by your soon to be wife." She smiled at that. She didn't care that she would be celebrated, the people she wanted to know knew already. She was looking forward to being the lady on his arm. She blushed a bit as she looked at him. There was a great deal of her that had changed, but she knew Tom would support her no matter what, and at least for them, they would understand each others pains, and nightmares, or anything else that came along for that matter. She stood suddenly and pulled her chair around so she could sit next to him, she kissed his cheek and cuddled into his shoulder. She thought it was silly not to be against him while she could be. She was even the sweet, ever dotting girlfriend, takings his cover and placing it on her own head. She looked like a stunning woman with the long curls of hair instead of he short cut hair, the hat almost didn't even suit her if he hadn't seen he in it so many times before as Andrew. She then kissed his lips with a big smile on her face.

[ONL]

"...Thank you Anna. I love you." Was all Tom managed to say to her as she sat down beside him, cuddling up against his shoulder. She was stunningly beautiful, more as each day passed and Anna was gone while Andrew took her place. When others didn't look though, they two managed to slip in some privacy for themselves. It was difficult enough in the peaceful military base, but Tom knew things would change once they were moved back into the war. Tom smiled and laughed when Anna took his beret. Andrew wore the same day in and day out, and as Anna, it was just funny. "Perhaps you should wear it more often? That way it might fit eventually." Tom chuckled along and kissed Anna back, joy filling him as their lips met. "Now, what do you want to eat? And how long can you stay? Word around the base is that we're moving out soon, but we don't know where or when."

[Risk]

Anna smiled, pursing her lips together. Then she leaned in so her lips brushed against his ear. "You have me all night my love." Her heart was pounding in her chest. Being flirty like this was so much fun. Then with a blush on her cheeks she pulled back. "Let's each get something different and we can try each others, we never get to do this. Maybe get some wine to go with it?" She gave a little wink. She glanced at the menu. "I'll get the salmon," tonight was a good night to eat properly as she had broken the rules for herself a few times being on the field. She had learned to not be so picky in order to survive and was certain she would be forgiven for it. Then she cuddled into Tom again, listening to the music. She could see a few women watching them just a few tables away, looks of jealousy and scoffing at them clear. "We have an audience of girls that would love to be the lucky girl on your arm." She giggled kissing his cheek quickly and gesturing with her eyes to the women. "I don't blame them one bit but I'm certainly not giving you up."

[ONL]

"And I certainly don't want you to leave me, not for anyone else in this world." Tom said back to Anna as she gestured towards the other women chattering on about the couple. They looked like they were the same age as Anna and older, so their own boyfriends and husbands were probably fighting somewhere. So Tom felt happy to be in love, and still be with her as much as he was. Tom kissed Anna back and held her tight again, glad to have her safe and sound.

After a little while, the waitress brought them their food: a Welsh wine, salmon for Anna and steak for Tom, and of course what one would expect with the rationing going on. "Thank you. Eat well, Anna, I know I will. We never got food like this out in the field." Tom said to her, cutting up the steak and starting to eat. After eating a little bit and drinking a little bit of wine, he turned back to Anna. "How is your family at home doing? Are they okay?"

[Risk]

Anna was happy to see a real meal. She was starving and took a bite right away. Then she returned to the safety of being cuddled up against Tom. She had learned to be grateful for the moments in the field where they would brush against each other, but having him here was so much better. "They're alright, everyone is recovering. But mom is starting to ask about me." She frowned a bit. "She wants me to come home, says it's not safe for me out here." Of course that would mean both of her identities would have to go home. The hand on Tom's knee told him it would take a lot for her to leave. She still gave him subtle hints, hidden away. It was habit, she had to hide herself so much that she just did it all the time now.

She took another bite of her food, letting the taste fill her mouth. She did everything she could to hide that she was enjoying a cooked meal. MRE's just weren't the same, neither was hall food when they were at a base camp. Then she returned to her spot cuddled against Tom. "You know I think she may just want me to hurry up and marry you and start a family." She blushed saying that, cause she wanted it too but had to wait. "She just wants grand babies and I don't blame her. With the war everyone seems to be having kids except our family so I think she maybe be worried." She smiled at him from ear to ear. "I told her out babies would be so incredibly adorable the wait would all be worth it." Even in this dimly lit room Anna's blush could be seen. She rested a hand on his chest and looked him in the eyes.

[ONL]

"Well I wouldn't really mind marrying you and settling down, Anna. The sooner we get kids, the better. I want to have grandchildren and great-grandchildren who I can tell my war tales too." Tom smiled back to Anna after eating a bit more, and taking her hand as she rested it on his chest. Anna had soft and delicate hands, it was a wonder she kept them so beautiful through the battles she'd been through.

"I promise you that I'll marry you as soon as this is over, and all our friends will be there. I just hope my family could be there, even though they most likely won't be ready for us..." Tom whispered, sighing as he looked Anna into her eyes, but then forcing on a smile and kissing her on her lips. His hands gentle brushed her cheeks, going down to her lap and legs. "We'll finish up here, and go the hotel soon, okay? It's getting dark quick out there."

[Risk]

Anna smiled and returned his kiss. "I know we will. I just.." She hesitated for a moment, "if I was a proper woman and stayed home." She lowered her voice. "I could give you children already, but with this war we can't even risk it again. We don't really know when this will end." She refused to leave his side in this all. She had thought about it many times, but she knew leaving his side, leaving their units side would kill her. But it was starting to get to her that she wasn't one of the women back home, because all of their other plans were on hold until this was over. She couldn't become pregnant while they were on leave, she had to stay though.

His hands made her heart skip a beat all the same. She blushed, knowing that he could touch her like this in public was still erotic on it's own. She gave him a little nod with a smile and returned to her meal. The jealous looks now distracted by a few men in uniform. They were men of war. She finished the last few bites of her dinner and sipped her wine as she found her comfort as she always did up against Tom. "I love you my dear Tom, and nothing will change that." She kissed his cheek. She couldn't wait to spend the night with him.

[ONL]

"I know, but it would be best to wait with children 'till after the war either way. And they say the war can be over by Christmas if things turn out right. With the progress made in Italy, it might just be true." Tom whispered back, doing his utmost to believe the words coming out of his mouth. Things that were too good to be true, usually ended up in the dirt.

Anna's kiss made him blush, just like all those times before they could be themselves. "I love you too, Anna, so very, very much." Tom didn't care for the jealous looks given to them, as he kissed Anna back on his cheek. She did indeed look wonderful in her new dress and wig, though her short-cut hair did make her look rather fine too. Perhaps she would become what people called a 'trend-setter'? It didn't take too long for the couple to finish their meals, and Tom did feel the wine going to his head. Tom took Anna's hand and walked alongside her out to the street, headed for the hotel located further away from the army camp. "You do look great in that dress, Anna, but I can't wait to see how beautiful you are without it." Tom whispered, chuckling quietly as the couple wandered down the street, happier that they had been before.

[Risk]

Even in the dim lights Tom could see Anna blushing. She pressed her face hard into his arm as she giggled like a school girl. Once she calmed she took a few breaths and looked up at him with a big smile on her lips. "I've forgotten how good it feels to have you talk to me like that and me actually be able to react." She put a hand to her cheek trying to cool the blush a little but not having much luck. She squeezed his hand as she gazed up at him, then put a hand on his chest, stopping him for just a moment and stepping in front of him so she was facing him. "I dare say I could wear my BDU's and you'd still want to rip them off me." She winked. "But you know I can hide more under a dress that's much more fun to take me out of. That is.. if I let you." She almost seemed to purr at him as she put a finger to his lips. Then with a laugh she turned and ran. She knew exactly how fast Tom could run and in these heels and dress there was no way she could out run him, but she still ran trying to keep her balance as she laughed. They weren't far from the hotel but it was still fun to race to the door and dodge all of the people coming and going from the hotel as she looked over her shoulder to watch for Tom. She'd never get too far from him but it was still fun to act slightly normal for once.