My Dear Commander (PiersonxOC)

Epilogue

May, 1945

The war was over. Parades were marching through the streets filled with loud music and colorful confetti. Cheers and shouts of joy could be heard in the entire town. It'd been a long time since the place was so lively. But for Pierson there was one more reason to celebrate. Just as Davis finished his speech he came over to Pierson and said melancholy: ''The first platoon without its sergeant won't be the same.''

''Same goes with lieutenant Turner.''

Both of them went silent for a few seconds. ''You went through a hell, son. But that's how the real warrior's life looks like... Turner would be proud of you.'' Pierson only smiled bitterly when Davis patted his shoulders. ''Now go. Your wife is waiting.''

''Yes, sir.'' With a proud smile on his face Pierson went to find Diana. For eight weeks he had been waiting to see her again. When he was on his way to meet Diana, he noticed Daniels saying goodbye to Stiles, so he stopped by to see Daniels for the last time. 

''Goin' home, sergeant?'' - asked Daniels.

''I am home.'' Yes, the army was always his home, but with Diana by his side it was enough for him to feel like he was home whenever he was. ''What about you? You gonna re-up?''

''I been away from Texas for a long time.''

''You take care, farmboy.''

''I will. And when my son asks what I did, I'll tell him I fought with the First and that crazy bastard Pierson.''

Pierson looked away, a nasty comment was on the tip of his tongue but when he saw Diana warmly smiling at him from afar, he said something else: ''Crazy ain't the half of it.'' With great happiness he went to Diana, who was waiting for him with a stroller by her side. She stretched out her arms for a hug and said: ''Welcome back, sergeant Pierson.'' 

He hugged her, gently caressing her back. He couldn't stop staring admirably at her, it felt like a dream he wished for years. ''Diana-''

Diana pressed her finger to her lips when they heard a baby's cry and just as one started crying soon and others joined him. ''Don't cry, boys. Your daddy is here.''

Pierson opened his mouth in awe when he saw three newborn babies in the stroller. ''What the...''

''Yes, they are our sons. Triplets.''

''Wow, I think I overdid a little.'' He chuckled and wrapped his arm around Diana's waist, not averting his teary eyes from his sons - Joe, Josh, and Jonathan.

Before their leave Diana went to visit Zussman in the hospital for wounded soldiers. Pierson wasn't ready to face Zussman because he still felt guilty about what happened to him, so he just waited outside the room. It saddened him even more when he saw gloomy Zussman resting on the bed. He changed not only physically but mentally too, it wasn't the same man he knew. When Zussman accidentally spotted Pierson watching them, he smiled weakly and saluted. Pierson tightened his lips and also saluted. 

Then they got on the ship heading back to the States. Pierson somehow persuaded the naval captain to let him take his wife and kids on the board. The cabin they were staying in was tiny but at least they didn't have to sleep among other soldiers. Just as kids fell asleep Diana went outside and stood next to Pierson, who was leaning against the railing, facing the calm sea. Both of them were staring sentimentally at the town slowly disappearing on the horizon. ''So Turner is not coming back with us...'' - said Pierson.

''I've a feeling that his soul is still near the hill 493 and guards the peace there. Alone, without his men.'' Diana took a breath in and shouted: ''Turneeeer!!! We won the war! Do you hear me?! We won!'' Diana wanted to smile but instead of it she burst into tears.