He has all of his paperwork at the ready the police officer doesn’t even have to ask. He’s very apologetic, but he didn’t do anything wrong. Dick politely chats with the officer, he’s not intimidated by the man but he’s being cautious. When the officer says he made a mistake and lets him go, Dick is very understanding. They even exchange information, talk about meeting up. You feel like a third wheel for a hot sec. He has never had a ticket.
Lewis Nixon:
IM NOT DRUNK!!!! I CAN DANCE, I’LL PROVE IT!!! 'Darling stay in the car', proceeds to fall out of the car while trying to exit. The cop and you exchange a glance. You follow the cop car to the station, you can see Nixon’s little head in the back window. He was indeed drunk. Yeah you should've seen it coming he had to blow into a breathalyser before starting the car, turns out that's why you were there.
Harry Welsh:
Nervous around the cop, tries to make small talk but the guy isn’t having it. You sit there in awkward silence as the cops leaves to fill out the paperwork. Harry got pulled over cause he was trying to show you a trick, but the trick was swerving back and forward across the lanes and wasn’t very impressive. Sheepishly takes the fine, with a mumbled apology.
Ronald Speirs:
Asserts dominance over the cop, uses his killer stare. The cop is jumpy under his cold glare. He’s not smug about it, stating facts about the law making the cop look dumb. The officer can tell he’s fighting a losing battle so tries to rescind the fine. Ron is very happy about this reaching out if the window to give the cop a pat on his arm. "It’s ok, people make mistakes". Leaves the police man in the dust before the interaction is truly over. He was speeding, but it was fine, he had somewhere important to be.
Carwood Lipton:
I feel like he would be the same as Winters. Very calm and collected, hearing out the officer. Obviously it's our baby boy and he hasn't done anything wrong. Even if the cop was a total dick, Lip would be so polite and understanding. I think it would piss off the cop that he wasn't talking back, giving a "Have a good night officer", as the cop marches away muttering under his breath. I'm sure he would turn to you saying, "shall we?" before pulling away from the curb. He did nothing wrong, Lip getting fined. Ha! You wish.
George Luz:
Thinks he is a stand up comedian and can get out of the ticket by telling jokes. Unfortunately for Luz he gets the most grumpy, stoic officer of all time. George crashes and burns with each quip and pun, you sink lower in your seat hoping the ground will swallow you whole, (we all know second hand embarrassment is the silent killer). Finally he receives the ticket and you sit in silence while he re-thinks his entire life. Before making the most ridiculous remark sending everyone into hysterics. He is very proud of himself, "I knew I still got it. He was just a bad crowd." Very pleased with himself he doesn't even care he got a ticket. What was the ticket you ask. Trying to stand and drive. Yeah this isn't his first time either, yikes George.
Joe Toye:
Yeah no this man never gets pulled over. Even if he does, he will evade the police. His brag is that he has never been ticketed. Well, they have never been able to catch him to give it to him. He will never tell you what he does to be chased by the police, the mystery of it all. Bill says its cause he's a shit driver.
Bill Guarnere:
Knows everyone, so when he is pulled over all you get is, "Wild Bill you mad dog, I haven't seen you in years!" Buddies with the whole police force, gets let off the hook way too often. Has broken all the laws, but hey when you know everyone, what really are laws?
Joe Liebgott:
You all might think he's a bad boy rebel with the most tickets out of the lot. But you forget, hes a tried and true cabby. Like Bill he knows everyone, all you have to do is utter his name and you can get a million stories about the man. His brag is that he has never been ticketed, sure he's broken the law, but he never gets caught. Unlike some people *cough cough* Toye. But hey Toye hasn't actually been caught, just been in multiple car chases.
David Webster:
He's offended you think he drives. Clearly passenger seat princess, put some respect on his name. Has been fined for not wearing a seatbelt and standing up through the sun roof singing Unwritten, but that's just a vibe and he has the ticket framed on his wall.
Buck Compton:
The self proclaimed 'best driver of the group'. He's daddy and drives around his baby boy's. He's like the dad that picks you up from Saturday sport, 'who wants to stop at McDonalds?' His car is the vibe, everyone always fights over who rides with him on road trips. Has the best songs and snacks for the road trips, he laughs in the face of tickets, this man is untouchable and has a squeaky clean record. May have tried to do a donut, but he'll never tell.
Eugene Roe:
Pfft, this man getting pulled over. You're dreaming. The most calm driver. He's like my nana, anyone heard of the story the tortoise and the hare, yeah well he's the tortoise. No one wants to drive with him if they need to be somewhere in a hurry, he's too nice and gives way to everyone. This man panics when the police pass him, even when he's doing nothing wrong.
Babe Heffron:
If Gene is the tortoise, then Babe is definitely the hare. Hold on for dear life if you ride with this man. The most chaotic driving of all time. Over taking, under taking, side by side taking? Yeah he does it all. You see orange light, he sees pedal to the metal. Speed limits are just suggestions to this man. The amount of fines and tickets this man gets in a year he could buy a whole other car.
Donald Malarkey:
He's a good driver, but boy oh boy he's easily distracted. If you're sitting in the back showing photos to the rest of the boys, he's turning around fully in the seat to see what's going on. The most common phrase in his car is, "Don watch the road!" He's a fun driver having the best songs and also has karaoke mics in the car that he hands back, but please encourage him to keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road. The ads the are on the side of the road are catered just for him, he can't help himself when he sees something flashy. Has rear ended a car or two, maybe one of them was a police officer, but no one was there to see it.
Skip and Penk:
They don't drive. Skip is clearly a passenger princess and Alex is a backseat babe! Just tell them to please keep all limbs inside the car. Should not be allowed in Malarks car as they are the reason for his distraction but the love it, you will have to pry them out of the car they aren't splitting up!!
Hi i literally just requested the Babe fluff and i never gave you a prompt! I am so sorry🙈 can i get 5. “I’m not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention.” Thanks and sorry again
Just A Kid // Edward “Babe” Heffron Imagine
Prompt: “I’m not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention.”
Authors Note: I know you said fluff, but I had to make it at least a little angsty. I couldn’t help myself. I hope you enjoy still though.
Y/N walked through, a huge crate of medical supplies rested in her hands as she struggled to carry it along into the main medical area. A shiver sent down her spine as the cold air as the cold air within Hagenau was no match for her Army issued jacket. Her Medic armband had fresh bloody finger prints dragged across it as the men had just gotten back from a patrol and poor Private First Class Jackson was hit by his own grenade.
It only had been a few hours from them. The woman was shaken up from the encounters of the poor fate of the Paratrooper. The mental image of him choking on his own blood, crying out for his mother. Now his bloody grasp stained onto her armband just kept reminding her of the young trooper's final moments. Y/N didn't quite grasp why it had hurt her so bad seeing Jackson die. She was a field nurse, a medic practically. She had lost many young men within the time of being in the war. Nothing hurt like this one though. The female trooper never cried over losing a man before, but after Jackson, she went and hid for a moment. Trying to gather her thoughts, but ending up breaking down into silent tears. Maybe it was the straw that broke the camels back. One thing she had learned whilst being in the war was that every man had a breaking point, whoever said they didn't was either lying or dead. And maybe she had reached hers.
Shaking her head to herself as she kicked the wooden door open that led to where Doc Roe was. Walking in and dropping the heavy crate onto the table. Immediately started to go through the supplies, counting, organizing, everything she needed to do.
///
Babe, Malarkey, Liebgott, and Grant stand besides each other. Arms crossed as they watched their close friend shuffle into the medical building. Even though Jackson's death was only a few hours ago, the change in Y/N was immediate and worrying. Especially to her closest pals in the company. Liebgott watched her disappear within the building, frowning slightly.
"Man, something's up with her. Something is definitely wrong," he spoke up. The rest of the men nodded in agreeance. They all turned to stare at each other, getting in some what of a school circle.
"What do we do? We can't just leave her all alone, she helped all of us out whenever we felt shitty," mentioned Malarkey. Once again the all agreed, but with her being the only female they really knew for about three years, the small group of men didn't exactly know how to act with Y/N. Or how to cheer her up.
"Let's be honest, none of us know how to talk to her about her emotions. We are all sort of idiots when it comes to women!" Grant added. Earning a loud chorus of: "Hey!" Grant's hands shot up in surrender whilst the rest of the troopers glared. Soon everyone's eyes landed on Babe, who was just being oddly quiet.
"Babe, aren't you her fucking boyfriend, shouldn't you go say something?" Liebgott retorted, shooting up and eyebrow. This definitely caught the rest of the guys attention. It was true, he was her boyfriend, so why the in the hell wasn't he doing anything. The redheaded trooper pressed his lips together and looked away.
"I just don't want to fuck up man. What if I say something dumb trying to cheer her up, I can't lose her, man. I know she needs me, but what if I'm not what she needs?" he felt guilty, but he was scared. This was the first time he actually talked about what really was on his mind instead of acting all confident. He was scared to lose her. This was the first time Babe Heffron really saw Y/N this upset. What if he said something wrong? What if he fucked up? What if he made it worse?
"Aw man, you know you won't lose her. You two have been inseparable ever since you got here. She needs you right now, Babe," Liebgott mentioned, patting him on his shoulder. The trooper sighed, glancing at the door his woman had previously walked through. He looked back at his friends who gave them looks of reassurance.
"You guys are right. Thanks," Babe spoke as he gave them a quick nod before making his way towards the medical building.
///
Pushing open the old, rickety wooden door of the Med-station. Looking around in search for the familiar female. His eyes were caught by Eugene, who did nothing but point into a smaller room. Edward immediately nodded, understanding the gesture, pulling his helmet off and placing it beneath his arm. Making his way into the smaller room that seemed to be an old bedroom. Judging by the old bed that was placed in the corner with a bed stand besides it.
Heffron walked fully into the room and looked to his left and right. Seeing Y/N hunched over a table with a clipboard and pen. Her helmet placed to the side and her hair was down. A small smile came to his face as noticed her. Coming up next to her, placing his balms on the edges of the wooden table, leaning on them. A silence was held for about a minute. As if she just didn't know he was there, or just wasn't acknowledging her significant other's presence. Babe sighed quietly and nodded slightly. Knowing that he had to start it himself.
"Hey, Doll. What are you up to?" Babe asked, trying to sound normal. But instead his words came out happy, like a little too happy. Her eyes didn't even come up from the clipboard as she continued looking between the box of supplies and the paper. Writing things down as she went along.
"Eugene needed me to go through our new case of Medic supplies. Figure out what we have, don't have, and what we need," Y/N's voice was monotone. Empty almost. It hurt Babe seeing his once bubbly, joyous girlfriend turn into someone so monotone and sad. Almost cold. In just a few hours. Y/N and George were the light of the company and everyone new it. But it wouldn't be the same if she totally shut off. But Heffron knew that she wasn't one to enjoy being treated different from the rest of the men just for being a woman. And she definitely was not one to be babied or coddled. So he was going to need to think of a way to approach the situation in the best way possible.
A silence came over the two again. Babe huffed slightly and poked her arm. Nothing. He poked her one more time. Nothing. It wasn't until Mr. Heffron poked Y/N one more time that he got something out of her. A heavy sigh. He knew it wasn't much, and he knew it probably meant she was getting pissed at him. Either way, something was better the nothing. A small smile came to his lips as he poked her once again. And again. And again. When she just stayed silent, he just kept on pressing. Testing the waters. "I'm not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention," he spoke, continuing with his slight annoyance. Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke. Until:
"Edward, what do you need?!" Y/N snapped, slamming the clipboard down harshly on the table. Small chips of wood spewing out in all directions. Babe flinched slightly, never hearing his woman this angry or upset with him before. With anyone actually. Y/N's eyes widened at her own behavior. Shocked within herself of getting so angry over something so minuscule. Her lips pressed together firmly as her hand reached down to grab her clipboard once more. The look of remorse buried deep in her eyes as she couldn't even get herself to look at the trooper besides her.
Babe looked down at her reaching hand, it was shaking. Y/N always had a steady hand, she was damn medic! His hand went to hers before she could grab onto the clipboard. Her eyes darted up to him and Babe could see every drop of emotion just within her E/C orbs. Edward Heffron's heart shattered into a million pieces at the sight.
Y/N's eyes laced with sadness and guilt. It was enough of a sight to make any of the men's face soften.
Babe's lips pursed as their eyes locked just for a few seconds before Y/N's eyes darted to something else. Her free hand gripping the edge of the wooden table. Her nails making a slight scratching noise as they dug into the wood.
"Come on, Y/N. Talk to me," his voice was hushed and soft. The room filled with silence once more. You could hear a pin drop.
The female gulped, and shook her head slowly. A sad chuckled leaving her lips. Slowly craning her neck to look up at her boyfriend.
"Why does it hurt so bad now? Why do I feel so guilty all of a sudden? I never cried about losing a soldier. And there must've been close to a hundred of them that have died in my hands by now," Y/N's voice stopped for a moment, looking back down at the medical supplies that sprawled all around the table. Swallowing hard once more. "Why did Jackson's death hurt so much. I cried over him. I cried. I have never done that before Edward. Why the hell now? Why him? He was so fucking young!" her voice began to rise. And with one quick swipe of her arms and all the medical supplies that were nice and organized, clattered to the floor. Causing Babe to jump slightly as he watched Y/N's chest heave.
"He was a kid, Babe. Just a kid. And this is what he got in the end. Blowing himself up with his own grenade and died choking on his blood. Screaming out for his mother and the fact that he didn't want to die," her eyes remained on the now empty wooden table. Her arms dropped to her sides. "He gave up his chance to become a father, an uncle, continue being his parent's son, a grandfather. And this stupid war still isn't over. Now stuck in some place in Germany freezing our asses off and surrounded by Krauts. He died holding my hand. His other grabbing at my sleeve," a single tear dripped down the side of her cheek, making a small stream in the dirt and small spots of dried blood that were caked on her skin. Her gaze quickly joined onto Babe's.
"The last words he spoke was him begging me to help him. And I couldn't," A sob left her lips as her went to cover her eyes. Heffron took this time to walk towards his woman and engulf her into his arms. One hand going to the small of her back and the other going to smooth down her hair. Her face immediately going into his shoulder, covering up the loud sobs escaping her lips.
The two sat in silence, just the muffled sounds of her sobs being heard. Along with the small shushes from Edward as he was trying his best to comfort his love. But he didn't really know how to either. Y/N had been in the company along with the original men of Easy. Edward was still a replacement that was lucky enough to survive this long and get close with most of the original men. She had seen more than he had, she never spoke deeply about her emotions throughout the war. So seeing this side of the female was unheard of and unseen.
"I know, honey. It ain't your fault. It isn't anyone's fault besides the Krauts and Japs that started all this bullshit. Many have died, and many more die everyday. It hurts to say but it is true. All we can really do is just make it through another day," Babe sighed, his words soft.
Small hiccups from his woman's lips were heard as her sobs turned into small cries. Babe sighed once more and continued to smooth down her hair. The medic's grip on her boyfriend's winter jacket tight. Her nails digging into the fabric.
///
After about twenty more minutes of Y/N's breakdown, it ended with the two picking up off the medical supplies off the wooden floor and placing them back on the table. And with Babe's help to help his love organize and count all of them once more, then taking her straight to lay on a cot that was within the building. Wanting her to get some decent rest right next to him.
The two snuggled up next to each other. The bed wasn't big or that comfortable, but it was better than nothing. The two got up close together, nose to nose, legs entangled, Edward's arms tightly around Y/N's waist. Her eyes red and puffy, and her breath still shaky. Her cheeks red and nose pink from the cold air that was circulating within the small building. Silence had filled the room once again. That was until Babe broke it.
"You know Y/N, it's okay to be upset. All of us are upset. You can't just keep ignoring your basic human emotions. It is going to do more damage, doll. It breaks my heart to see you like that," Y/N stayed silent, looking down at his chest instead of his eyes. She knew he was right.
Babe took this chance to gently place a kiss on her lips and pull away. Using his hand to gently lift up her chin to make her eyes meet with his. "I love you, doll. Try to get some rest. We've all worked hard today. I heard that they are actually giving us showers later on too. So rest up," Babe whispered, placing her head on his chest and resting his chin on the top of her head.
With a yawn, Y/N nodded. Her eyes were so heavy it was clear that she couldn't keep them open any longer. "I love you too," was all she said before almost immediately falling asleep.
Babe stared at his love's sleeping face for a moment. A small smile coming onto his face seeing the relaxed look in her face after seeing the sadness and guilt she had been feeling that day. Just moments after, his eyes closed and he fell asleep. Holding his lover closer than ever before.
Listen when I say these characters have a mind of their own, I mean it. I was just chilling writing the start of the last episode and then all of a sudden boom, we kissing and shit. Like ah excuse me, this wasn't in my plan, what are we doing? But hey they deserved a we treat and I mean so do we. So this chapter is definitely rated, if you aren't over 18, back! Back, I say! 🤺
TW: sexy time lmao, long chapter
Based on the HBO show and the actors who portray the characters, not hate to anyone involved.
Tag list: @imusicaddict, anyone else please let me know.
We entered Bavaria in early May, and we had been tasked in capturing Berchtesgaden. It was a town high in the Alps, and was the symbolic home of the Nazi party. Apparently all of the important men of the party had houses there. Even though the man was dead, Hitler had ordered the SS to make it their last stand to keep the enemy out of their “sacred” town.
I sighed, staring at the mass of boulders that blocked our way up the mountain, the hot sun beating down on my back. We had been stuck here for hours, waiting for someone with more artillery than we did, so we could blast our way through.
I hummed a tune twirling a curl around my finger, trying to remember all of the words to the song I had stuck in my head. I couldn’t for the life of me remember the lyrics, only the melody played on and on in my mind.
Lieb leaned against the wheel next to me smoking. “How long does it take for engineers to arrive?” I asked while shielding the sun from my eyes as I looked over to Lieb.
“Who knows?” He said while taking a deep drag from his cigarette, blowing the smoke in my face.
“Lieb!” I whined pushing him away as he chuckled.
“Stop humming, you’re driving me insane.” He retorted, shoving me back. “You just keep repeating the same part over and over again. You’re just as bad as Web and his stupid quotes from his literature.” I gawked offended by his comment, no way I was as annoying as Web.
“Ugh, rude!” I got up from my position, dusting the dirt off the back of my pants. Lieb grinned at me, knowing he had wound me up.
“Stop smirking!” I nudged his leg with my boot. “Take it back!” I crossed my arms over my chest, giving him my best pissed off face.
“You’re not as annoying as Web.” Joe held his hands up in surrender. I laughed, smiling down at Lieb, who grinned back at me.
“What about me?” Web startled me as he snuck up from behind. My eyes grew wide, plastering a smile on my face.
“Web you need to stop sneaking up on me, seriously.” I burst out laughing, fortunately he hadn’t heard what we were talking about.
I loved Web, he was so sweet, but his endless love for literature got very tiring. Somehow the conversation with him always ended in his love of books and all things written. Half the time I had no clue what he was talking about, I would nod and smile adding in, “Oh that’s so interesting.” But I wasn’t listening by that point anymore.
“We were just talking about how long it would take the engineers to arrive.” I skipped over the most recent conversation we had, I didn’t want to hurt the poor man's feelings.
“I think they are going to try something right now. Everyone is getting tired of waiting.” Web pointed to the pile of rocks that blocked the road.
I peaked my head over the truck to catch a glimpse of two soldiers standing in the middle of the road with one of the bazooka's we had with us. I covered my ears just in time to muffle the explosion that blasted into the debris.
“I don’t think that will work.” I huffed, it had hardly made a dent in the huge pile.
“No, but that does look fun.” Web grinned admiring the massive explosion.
“Yeah!” Lieb launched to his feet. “Web, we should go help.” Web and Joe excitedly nodded at each other racing off to the front of the road.
“Ok, bye.” I said to the pair's back as they enthusiastically scurried away.
I slumped down again, the same song still stuck in my head.
“Aw, Em.” A large hand reached down and ruffled my hair. I looked up to find Bull standing over me.
“They ditched me, for explosives. Can you believe that?” I asked in astonishment.
A wry grin formed on Bull’s lips, he tilted his head to the side with a hearty chuckle. “I can’t say I am, little lady.” He said in his thick country accent.
“No you’re right. I’m not shocked.” I laughed, shaking my head.
I looked over to find Web and Lieb stacking grenades on the landslide of rocks. They sprinted back to where the two other soldiers stood still with the bazooka. Their grin’s were child-like as they ran back.
Bull and I watched them, laughing at how excited they all seemed to be. Was it really that much fun blowing things up?
They didn’t wait long, firing the rocket right into the pile of explosives the pair had set. The ground shook, as the booming echoed around the mountains. But still the pile of rocks seemed to remain the same, at least they were having fun. It was nice to see genuine smiles on their faces.
“Easy!” Speirs yelled from the front of the trucks. “Let’s move out!” Spiers grinned widely with a skip in his step as he made his way back through the parked vehicles.
“Are we not waiting for the engineers anymore?” I leaned over to Bull.
“Guess not.” Bull smiled. “We better get moving, come on.” He took me by the crook of my arm, leading the way behind Speirs who was getting together all of Easy so that we could leave.
*****************************
“It’s so quiet.” I whispered to Don as we walked. He nodded in agreement before turning back to the task at hand.
Easy Company tiptoed silently down the empty streets, the group had found an alternative route up the mountain. We had been told to be on guard, and to expect the unexpected.
So the soldiers walked through the streets with their weapons drawn, readying themselves for whatever was waiting for us.
The town was eerily still, white flags hung from the windows of the houses we passed. The town appeared empty, there was no one present. The deserted village sent shivers up my back. Something that should be so busy and bustling with life now sat forlorn and abandoned.
Still I couldn’t deny that the place was beautiful even in its abandonment. The houses looked cosy and quaint as the tall mountains loomed over the small village.
My eyes darted from one place to another, taking in all the sights that laid before me. A large red banner caught my attention.
“Jesus.” I muttered to myself, eyes practically bulging out of my head as I took in the large swastika that covered the building in front of us.
It was strange to see a symbol that meant peace and well-being have such a sinister feeling now attached to it.
“Well, they really weren’t hiding it were they.” Grant said from beside me as we both gawked at banner’s.
“Nope.” I agreed with the man.
We made our way inside the big building that had ‘Berchtesgadener hof’ proudly displayed over the entrance.
“Was it a hotel?” I leaned over to whisper to Don as we walked inside what appeared to be the foyer.
“I think so.” Don confirmed.
Like the town the hotel was just as quiet, no guests seemed to be staying or staff either.
I shied away from the brass sculpture of Hitler, that was prominently displayed in the middle of one of the rooms we walked through as we continued to search the building.
A clanging made me jump from my skin, we rounded the corner to find a lone clerk being held at gunpoint by Lew. His eyes darted from Nixon to the rather large book that sat on the desk.
“Looks like a guest book.” I said loudly, glancing over to Lew who nodded his head.
“Everyone who was anyone signed into this hotel. And now we have all the dates and names of anyone who ever supported Hitler in his plans.” Lew said as he flicked through the book.
“Guess there are staff after all.” I mused, watching the clerk scamper away.
************************************
Don and I walked around together forgetting the mission at hand, being too caught up in the lavish hotel.
“Should we sneak into one of the rooms? See if the bath works?” Don asked suggestively, wiggling his eyebrows at me.
“Donald!” I giggled at the man giving him a whack. “No, well. No, we couldn’t. Well.” I debated the very enticing idea.
“Oh come on! Speirs is probably out there now stealing all the silverware.” Don grinned at me, his fingers finding the nook of my arm to bring me along in his mischief.
“Fine! We will look, quickly.” I added but not putting up much of a fight as Don dragged me down one of the halls.
We pried open one of the doors, standing in the entrance way admiring the room. In the middle of the room sat a giant four poster bed. The duvet looked elegant, satin and lace coverings, with large fluffy pillows adorning the head. Across the room a tall window opened up, looking over the alps that surrounded the town.
Don and I moved further into the room, finding our way into the bathroom, which seemed to be even bigger than the master suite. A white clawfoot bathtub stood proudly in the middle of the space.
The far side of the room was taken up by a vanity that covered the width of the wall, with large basins that you could bathe in, if you so wished.
“Fucking hell.” I uttered, completely in awe of it all.
“Yup!” Don nodded as we looked over all of the interior. Even the ceilings were beautiful, fluffy white clouds and the bluest sky had been painted onto the roof of the bathroom. Gold accents of branches and leaves vined out into the sky. Everywhere my eyes could see the room was filled with exquisite details.
“It’s stunning.” I couldn’t pick my jaw off the floor.
“Eh, it’s alright. I’ve seen better.” Don shrugged, not seeming impressed with the glamour.
“What?! When?” I asked in disbelief.
“I have, truly.” I shook my head scoffing at him.
“When?” I eyed him suspiciously.
“Well.” Don started slowly making his way over to me. His stride was confident, freezing me in place. I sucked in a breath as he drew near, suddenly it wasn’t funny anymore. The look in his eyes sent the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy.
“There’s you.” Don had moved closer to me, my back pressed into the cold marble basin. My breath hitched in my throat as he leaned even further into me.
We weren’t even touching yet, but the way Don took up the space had me stunned into silence.
“You’ve gone all quiet on me.” He teased, deliberately placing his hands either side of my body, caging me into him.
Goosebumps rose on my skin, I felt my cheeks flush. How had he turned this around so quickly?
“Emily?” My full name dripped off his tongue, as he smirked at me tilting his head ever so slightly. He knew what he was doing to me.
I swallowed, trying to find my voice again.
“What are you doing?” I asked softly, scared if I raised my voice too much it would disturb whatever was happening.
“Nothing.” Don breathed, leaning further forward. “Is there something you want me to do?” His whispers tickled my neck. I hid away the sensitive skin, turning to meet his gaze.
My heart pounded in my ears as our eyes locked. His stare was full of want, I almost melted into a puddle right then.
“Stop teasing me.” I pleaded. The tension was overwhelming but exhilarating at the same time. It felt as if I was a raw nerve, the slightest of touch would set me on fire.
“Oh my love, I’m not teasing.” Don smiled, but it wasn’t his normal smile. There was another intention behind it. I gasped as his hand cupped my cheek gently tracing over my jawline, it was only a slight brush but I found myself leaning into his palm. He didn’t give me the satisfaction, stealing away the brief contact.
I glared at the man. Don was clearly teasing me.
“Don.” I protested, trying to find his hand to bring back up to my face. But instead he found me first, holding my wrist still.
I tried again with my free hand but it was no use Don had me pinned.
I groaned in frustration.
“You’re teasing me.” I whined, huffing.
My annoyance didn’t seem to deter Don from his antics. He moved forward his mouth inches away from my ear.
“You have to ask nicely.” Don’s lips brushed over the sensitive skin of my jaw. I suppressed a moan by trapping my lip between my teeth.
“Please. Donald Malarkey, you have me. Now do something about it.” I challenged him.
A smile formed on his lips but I only saw it for a split second before his lips crashed into mine. I sighed into the kiss as his hands cupped my face pulling me closer to him. My hands roamed around his body, tracing anything I could get my hands on. I didn’t realise how much tension had built from our last kiss, but I needed him so badly it hurt.
Don swiftly lifted me up, sitting me on the edge of the basin as we continued to kiss. I opened my mouth as our tongues swirled together. It was an addiction, I couldn’t get enough. I needed him closer. I grabbed at the fabric that impeded me from Don.
I tugged off his jacket, too busy kissing him to see where I threw it. Don’s hand’s did the same pulling the material from my arms tossing the item to the side. I gasped as he pulled me forward, sliding me to the very edge of the bench. Don pressed himself to me, even with pants on I could feel everything.
“Off, I need this off!” I said breathlessly, pulling at his collar. I helped him tug off the t-shirt, admiring his body lovingly. I raked my fingers down his chest, sliding my hand below his belt. Don shuddered seemingly immobilised as I palmed his front.
Don snatched my wrist, a wry grin forming on his features, “We have plenty of time for that later.”
A pout formed on my lips. He moved forward kissing me gently. Unlike before he savoured the kiss. Don’s lips moved over my face, gently placing kisses at the corners of my lips, by the creases of my eyes, my temples and cheeks. His touch was so soft but everytime he moved to a different spot I could still feel the last caress.
I captured his face in my hands, my thumbs tracing over his features. With each movement I kissed him gently.
I sighed in pleasure as Don’s hands found the small of my back pulling me even closer.
“Take it off.” I begged, needing the fabric that separated us to be removed. Don’s finger’s found the hem of my shirt, slowly dragging it up my body. I arched into him, enjoying the feeling of his fingertips brushing on my skin.
Don threw my top to the side, I didn’t have the patience to be admired just yet, still sporting a bra. I brought his hands around my back to the clasp.
He made quick work of the fastening. I felt it loosen from my back as he pulled the straps over my shoulders and down my arms.
I sat half naked watching Don take me in. He blew out a breath, shaking his head slightly.
“Fucking hell. And you’re all mine.” Don said to himself, I giggled at him.
“Donald, stop gawking and kiss me.” I said my tone was playful. But I didn’t need to tell him twice. He moved forward pressing us together, his fingers dragged down my exposed back sending shivers up my spine.
Don’s head dipped down to my neck slowly trailing his lips down my skin. I leaned back enjoying the feeling of his tongue swirling down my body. I gasped when his mouth latched onto the soft flesh of my chest.
Don’s lips nipped and sucked, finding his way down to my erect nipple. His other hand massaging my other breast as he assaulted my nipple with his mouth. I leaned my head back, mouth open in pleasure, moans and gasps fell from my lips in hasty succession.
He moved to my other breast giving it the same treatment as the previous. I panted and bucked against him, the feeling of his kisses and hands sending me spiralling.
“Fuck! Holy fuck.” I groaned watching him enjoy me. The wetness between my legs somehow grew more. I pulled his face back up to mine, needing his lips on my own again.
My hands snaked down to his pants, trying my best to undo his belt while not being able to see. It was harder than I thought, after a while of fumbling around I finally pulled away to glance down at what I was doing.
“Desperate?” Donald asked, smirking. I didn’t even deny it, breathlessly nodding my head while still trying to yank the belt from his pants.
“I have waited far too long for a belt to put a stop to it.” I groaned, still failing at the simple job.
“You’ve waited, oh my love, you don’t know the half of it.” Donald’s hands found mine, taking over the task. I watched him easily pull the belt free and remove it from his trousers. Don undid the button, loosening them around his hips. I greedily licked my lips moving my hands to his waistband tugging them down. I bit my lip, a shy smile formed on my mouth.
I couldn’t wait any longer, my own hands unbuttoning my pants and trying my best to shimmy them down while still being perched on the counter.
“So impatient!” Don tutted, his arms lifting me so I could successfully pull down my clothing.
I kicked off the green cargo pants, leaving us both in just our underwear. I giggled, somehow the innocent looking in the rooms had gotten out of hand.
Don kissed me again, his fingers lazily dragging around my body and into my hair. I did the same, tangling my fingers in his and pulling gently. A low moan left his lips as he moved his mouth over mine. The electricity between us was almost palpable, with every touch and sound I could feel the lustful energy flowing through my body.
I yelped in surprise as Don lifted me so easily from the basin. I didn’t look where he was taking us too busy assaulting his face and neck with kisses.
We landed gently on the decadent bed, but Don and I were too enraptured in each other to truly appreciate the comfort of the soft mattress and the silk sheets against our skin.
Don ran his fingers down my side, teasingly stopping around the hem of my underwear. He pulled it back, snapping the waistband against my skin. In the same movement Don dipped his head down, trailing soft kisses down my skin and stopping near my collarbone to nip at the sensitive skin.
His hand slipped down between my thighs, caressing around my hips. I rocked back, eyes closed in pleasure. I couldn’t stifle the loud moans that fell from my lips.
I could feel his smirk as he placed more feverish kisses around my navel, his hands roaming around my thighs never quite landing where I needed them too. Don was making me beg for it.
Don’s touch continued down towards my hips, his lips finding the right spots to make me squirm and bite my lip in desperation.
“Don.” I pleaded through my pants.
“Yes my love?” He said with a smirk, as his kisses wandered down, his touch still tantalising and teasing. I could feel Don’s breath against my core, as he continued to run his fingers along my inner thighs.
“Stop teasing me!” I whined.
Don chuckled at my pleading, looking up at me with a devilish smile. I watched as he bit my inner thigh gently in response.
“Beg for it.” He said in a low husky voice that was filled with desire.
“Please Donald, make me feel alive!” I begged, feeling so vulnerable in his arms.
“I love you.” Don said before he pulled my underwear from my body, taking his time admiring me placing sweet kisses to the soft skin between my legs. I groaned as his mouth found my core, his hot tongue swirling over my bud of nerves.
I cried out in pleasure as he feasted on me, I gripped onto his hair hanging on for dear life as he shook me to my core. I trembled in ecstasy as Don’s tongue dipped inside of me.
Don seemed to enjoy seeing me come undone, moaning against my core. His fingers slipped inside of me pulling in and out with force.
I threw my head back screaming into my free hand that covered my mouth. I arched and bucked against his every move. Don’s free hand pinned me to the bed to stop me from escaping the overwhelming feeling that rippled throughout my body.
He sucked and nipped at my sensitive core as he worked his fingers in and out of my entrance.
Bright colours swarmed my vision as I shook, I had reached my climax. I held onto Don, the only thing that seemed to be grounding me to reality. It felt as if I had left my body, floating above the scene that was playing before me. Don did not stop his movements, riding out the orgasm as long as he could.
My breath left me as I writhed under his touch, I didn’t think that it could last long, but I was still overcome by my euphoric satisfaction.
Finally he let me come down, pulling away from my core. I caught my breath, eyes still closed trying to come back to the real world, rather than the cloud I was floating on.
“I think you were trying to kill me.” I panted as Don moved back up to kiss me gently on my lips.
“What’s more alive than being nearly half dead?” Don chuckled as he lay against me, his fingers tangling into my hair and pulling me towards him. He rested his forehead against mine, our breaths mixing together as we enjoyed the quiet moment.
I closed my eyes enjoying the simple sounds, his soft breaths fanning on my face, and the quiet heartbeat that pulsed against my own chest. I kissed him again, I kissed him like I would never see him again.
My hands travelled down his torso, it was my turn to show him how much I loved him. I palmed his hard cock through his underwear. Don groaned into my mouth, keeping his eyes squeezed shut.
I trailed my kisses down his neck, chest and stomach. Don sighed in pleasure, lying his head back against the bed. Every touch under his hands and the feeling of his skin on mine, I felt the love and desire he had for me, I wanted him to feel the same as I kissed him. I wanted to make him want me more than ever.
I let my tongue drag down his hips, swirling over the sensitive skin. I needed to drive him insane with desire, like he had me only moments before.
Tugging down his briefs his hard cock sprung free. I tossed the item of clothing to the side. I bit my lip taking in his size, how he had hidden that from me I had no idea. I wrapped my hand around the base stroking my thumb gently up the shaft. Don shuddered under my grip, groaning huskily.
Don propped himself up on his elbows and I started slowly moving my hand up and down his length. I licked my lips desperately wanting to taste him.
“Jesus christ Emily, you’re going to be the death of me.” Don muttered a mix of shock and pleasure on his face.
I grinned. I continued to stare at him as I moved forward, my tongue darting out to swirl around his tip. His cock twitched in my hand, Don looked as if he was going to pass out.
“Now who’s teasing?” He leaned forward brushing a curl out of my face. I wrapped my lips around him sucking. Donald inhaled sharply tensing under my touch. I moved further down, bringing more of him into my mouth. Don’s breaths grew uneven as I continued.
I bobbed my head up and down, taking as much of him as I could into my throat. My hand still gripped the base of his cock moving as I sucked and licked.
“Oh god!” Donald moaned watching me with lust filled eyes.
I pulled back sucking in air as I continued to massage his cock with my hand. Don gripped onto the bed sheets panting heavily. His fingers weaved into my hair, gripping just as tightly as he was the fabric under him. I continued my assault, my pace becoming faster.
“Don’t stop my love.” He begged, he was almost to his limit. I did as he asked, continuing my rhythm.
“I’m going to cum!” Don whined pulling back from me, but I held his hips steady, looking up at him through my lashes. I wanted to taste him like he tasted me. I didn’t stop, bobbing my head and sucking. I felt his body jolt under me, hot liquid filled my mouth as I watched Don’s eyes roll back in his head.
“Em.” Don breathed, sitting up from his position and moving down to where I knelt between his legs. His hands cupped my face peppering my skin with light kisses. Don pulled me up to him, as we laid back down against the bed, limbs tangled and bodies entwined. A moment of pure serenity as we embraced each other, basking in the warmth of one another.
“I love you.” I whispered as we gazed into each other’s eyes.
“I love you.” Don lips brushed against my skin.
“Guys we’re leaving!” The door burst open as Babe and George sauntered into the room. Both Don and I screamed in surprise, scrambling to hide ourselves. Don dove over me, covering my body with his. His ass out in the wind for all to see. George and Babe’s eyes bulged seeing their friends bare butt pointing right in their direction.
“Get out!!” Don screeched, as I hid beneath him trying to contain my fit of giggles.
“Oh my god!” George gasped covering his mouth as Babe stared wide eyed at us.
“Guys get the fuck out, right now!!” Don demanded the men leave. But it still didn’t work, the pair didn’t budge.
“What is going on here?” George asked through bouts of laughter he shared with Babe.
Don grabbed the nearest pillow chucking at the heads of the two men who were crying with laughter.
“OUT!” Don yelled, but he was trying not to laugh as well. I wrapped my arms around his waist keeping him close to me. Don was the only thing keeping my naked body out of sight of the pair of idiots who howled with laughter in the still wide open door.
“Fine, we will go. But it’s going to cost you.” George waggled his finger at us as he hauled the still hysterical Babe out of the room. The door clicked shut, as it did so both Don and I sighed in relief.
“You didn’t lock the door!” I playfully smacked his chest as he grinned down at me.
“Neither did you!” But we couldn’t stop our own giggles from escaping our lips.
Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac, the live at warner brothers edition. Absolutely loves Fleetwood Mac, would drag Nix along to see them in concert, he just adores Stevie Nicks. I could see him just singing this so loud in the car, putting his whole soul into it.
Nixon:
Shots by LMFAO and Lil John, it just depicts his life, gets him hyped to do shots, also an excuse to do shots, "The song is telling me to do it!" Will put it on every time they pregame so that he can drink and dance.
Lipton:
Kiss from a Rose by Seal. I can imagine Lipton singing this, he loves this song so much. He is so serious as well when he sings it, he means every word, might have secretly choreographed a whole dance to this, but will not tell a soul about it. Speirs might have spied him doing it and just watched with a little grin on his face.
Speirs:
Master of Puppets by Metallica. You cannot tell me this wasn't playing in his head and he sprinted through Foy. Doesn't head bang just appreciates the music. Constantly playing in his head whenever he does cool shit.
Eugene:
Come away with me by Norah Jones. This song is so sweet just like him. I can imagine him just sitting daydreaming about leaving with Babe, like the song says. It helps him unwind after a stressful day, he just sits and listens and daydreams about being in field where the yellow grass grows knee high. It helps him escape the sadness and he just is able to put himself in a nice headspace.
Babe:
No thoughts empty head just Teach me how to Dougie by Cali Swag District playing. He will have this in his brain constantly, and is just doing the dougie in really tiny movements so that no one notices. When he looks spaced out it's because he is in his brain doing the dougie, let him finish his performance before you talk to him, you can tell when the song is over you will see him take imaginary applause.
Welsh:
Love on Top Beyoncè. HE IS A BEYONCE FAN LET ME TELL YOU! Him and Kitty love her! Kitty was her fan first but Welshie definitely fell harder. He sings this to Kitty as he butchers the high notes. He bops around the room, her music just makes him so happy. Kitty and him have been to multiple of her concerts and having a fucking boogie in the pit.
George:
Scatman by Scatman John. My god don't let George play this, you will be kinda scared. He tries his best to scat but really he is just yelling random syllables at you. He will run around the room scatting furiously, he thinks this song is equally hilarious and the best song in the world, he loves it. You will be crying laughing as he performs this for you. Up in your face scatting, like we can all imagine what he looks like doing this right?
Toye:
Burn it to the ground by Nickleback. Just Toye and this song idk scratches an itch in my brain. I can see him just scrunching up his face jamming out. Also this plays in his head when he wears his brass knuckles. This is his fight song. He loves the grungy guitar and yelling vocals. Will sing the song if drunk enough, but will try and fight you at the same time.
Bill:
Come as you are by Nirvana. Idk also same as Toye it just scratches an itch in my brain, more lowkey but this is his chill song. Will listen to this while having a bourbon. Will sing quietly to the song. This plays in his head when he walks anywhere it's his like I'm a bad bitch song. Blast it in the car windows down with a hot chick in the passenger seat, you see him in his fucking sick ass car, shades on and you just want to be him. Why is he so cool? It's the song! But also Bill is just cool.
Liebgott:
Yeah! by Usher ft. Lil John and Ludacris. This is his song that he just pulls bitches with and by bitches I mean Web ahahaha. Just fucking slays the dance he does to this, like is he from step-up? Moose from step up vibes very that! Like ok stop it why are you so hot? He just is so smug and kills it every time. Ugh I can imagine it and he is so hot. Like he is just got chicks grinding all over him and he is the star of the show still. His smirk and dancing. OMG HOT!
Web:
Prada by cassö, RAYE, D-Block Europe. A classic white girly song, loves the part where is says I got strippers tits in my face. Bounces up and down super drunk. Does a motorboat motion at his favourite lyrics, has people he is dancing with has his arms around them just jumping up and down.
Donald:
Low by Flo Rida, T-Pain. This is his jam! Goes absolutely mental when it is played, will stop and dace no matter where he is! Played one time when he was in the supermarket with Skip and Alex. They left him in the aisle having a dance party by himself. They went and got him when the song stopped playing he was a sweaty mess and all of his items he had collected were scattered over the floor. Will pull out his one party trick which is his back bend.
Skip:
Rock this Party by Bob Sinclar. Nothing gets him more hyped that this song. Will move his whole body to this song, if you watch him you're worried he's going to dislocated something. You've never seen someone jump as high as he does to this dance. This song will cheer him up whatever mood he is in. He just can't fight the infectious beat. Don and Alex played it one time for him when he was crying, it ended up with him still crying but dancing like a maniac.
Alex:
Axel F by Crazy Frog. I just see him like crab shuffle dacing around the room, like the you can't touch this dance move. He will run and run to this song if it plays when he's on his morning jog. This song is what got him up Currahee. He sung it in his head the entirety of Tocca to help him get through PT. Bahahaha. Somehow good at the weird vocal lyrics it has.
Buck:
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. Buck loves this song, the steady drum the classic bass riff. This is his marching song. He walks everywhere to this song. But he is so fast when he does it cause he keeping pace with the drums, so don't go on walks with him if he brings his headphones you will be left behind. This is his hype song. Plays air instruments the song, will do the air guitar solo and kill it.
Martin:
Don't stand so close to me by The police. Listen he likes the song sure but the title is him to a T. Don't stand close to me is his motto in life. He likes his personal space and he will play this song if he thinks you're getting in his bubble. He will just stare at you while it plays, until you get the message.
Perco:
Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas. We know that Perco is a fast runner it's cause this is playing in his head as he runs. Does his amazing B-boy skills to this song. Popping and flips. You just watch him absolutely devour this song. He is a freestyler but omg he just fucking kills it.
Bull:
Fake ID by Big and Rich. Has the whole line dance to memory from the movie footloose, which is one of his fav movies. He is so good at line dancing and he just loves the moves to this song. Is in his happy place doing the dance, just grinning!
This is the playlist if anyone wants it.
Tag list: @sweetxvanixlla, @xxluckystrike, @panzershrike-pretz, since we talked about it!
This is the final part of episode 9. I have been putting off writing this for so long cause the episode makes me so sad, and writing it was even worse. Just a constant state of depression while writing this ngl. But it's ok, I finished it. I'm also scared cause that means we are getting to the end of the story and I kinda don't want it to end. But we must have a conclusion. We still have a whole episode to go and who knows what will happen.
This is in means no way to offend anyone.
Disclaimer: End part of episode 9, if you are not comfortable with this please don't read.
Based on the HBO show and the actors who portray the characters, not hate to anyone involved.
Tag list: @imusicaddict, anyone else please let me know.
The bed of the truck was silent, everyone hung their heads, or quietly shed their tears. I clutched onto Don’s hand as we rode back into town.
We loaded out of the trucks and into the deli we had parked in front of. We grabbed all the food from the shop, wheels of cheese, bread, meats, anything we could get our hands on.
I loaded bread into baskets, carrying them under my arms making my way back to the vehicles. I walked past Web in the entrance pinning down the owner of the shop, a gun pressed to his neck.
“Web!” I exclaimed, rushing over to the two men.
The owner rambled in German, trying to get out of the situation that Webster had him in.
“Web, let him go!” I tried to get into his eye line but his focus was on the man, I could see the rage in his eyes.
“He says he doesn’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” Another soldier told him.
“Bullshit!” Web spat. Finally loosening his grip on the man and stepping away, stowing his gun back in its holster, stomping out the front door.
I watched the owner try and regain his panicked breath, before I too left.
Hands reached out, scrambling for the food we provided. I gave out bread to as many people as I could, I hesitated to give the cheese and meats we had taken.
These men hadn’t been fed in weeks, maybe even longer, if we gave them rich food they would get sick. We needed to give them rations, only small portions, if we gave them full meals it could be deadly.
“Major Winters.” I called to the man as he handed out bread to the prisoners. He stopped turning to face me.
“Yes?” Dick asked moving closer to the edge of the truck to where I stood.
“Sir, we need to be cautious of how much food we are giving the prisoners. If we feed them too much they could die. Also we just need to be giving out bread and water. Any other rich food causes them to get sick as well.” His brows furrowed as I informed him.
Nixon and Winters looked at me as if I had grown two heads, but before I could open my mouth to explain further Colonel Skin called to the men.
I made my way back to the group, ushering the men who had food away from the trucks so that others could come and get food as well.
It wasn’t long until Nix and Dick made their way back to the trucks after conversing with the Colonel.
“Lieb.” Winters called out to Joe, who was handing out food to the prisoners. I watched him leap from the truck and push through the crowd past me to meet with the pair.
They spoke in hushed tones, Winters did most of the talking while Nix’s eyes glanced around nervously. Lieb stood strangely still, taking in all the information that was being given to him. Joe shook his head with a grim look on his face, I couldn’t hear what he said but he didn’t seem happy with whatever it was they were going to make him translate to the men.
He bowed his head, giving a begrudging nod before turning back to face the trucks. I stood within the crowd watching him. He moved slowly through the men, not pushing or asking people to move. It was as if he didn’t want to make it to the destination he was heading.
I glanced back to Dick, who was speaking to Grant and Christenson, more words exchanged, more reluctant head nods.
Lieb’s loud voice pulled my focus. He stood on the back of the truck yelling in German, trying to get everyone’s attention.
A hand landed on my shoulder, I didn’t have time to glimpse who it was, their face moved closer to my ear.
“We are locking the prisoners back up, be prepared.” Grant whispered, he didn’t wait around for my reply, moving to the next soldier to give the same message.
I stepped back out of the crowd, Easy had already surrounded the prisoners while Lieb began to speak.
The prisoners cried in protest, shaking their heads in disbelief, but before they could even try to put up a fight the men moved them forward, pushing them closer to the hell they were just freed from, only to be locked up again by their so-called saviours.
I looked away from the awful scene, to lay eyes on Lieb. He had finished his announcement, crumpling into the bed of the truck in defeat. His chest heaved, sobs leaving mouth.
I was in the bed of the truck in seconds, clambering in as quickly as I could to kneel in front of Joe. I wrapped my arms around him pulling him into my embrace, I clung to him as he wept. His warm tears dripped down my neck as he crushed me to his chest. I didn’t utter a word, I couldn’t think of anything to say to make the situation better. So I just held him, my hand tangling in his hair at the nape of his neck, the other rubbed circles on his back trying to sooth his pain.
But I don’t think much would ease the hurt, this is something that he would have to carry with him until the day he died.
*************************************
“Em, come on, let’s go.” Babe knelt in front of me, his warm hands on my arms. I looked up from the floor to find we were back in the village.
“They have dinner for us inside.” Babe urged, giving me a squeeze. I nodded my head, finding my feet to stand and get out of the bed of the truck. My autopilot had been turned off, now everything felt manual. Even the parts that weren’t, in and out, keep breathing.
I sat at the end of the table with my hands in my lap. I stared down into the bowl of soup that had been placed in front of me. The sight of food churned my stomach, I closed my eyes willing the nausea to pass. The room spun and the smell of the camp wouldn’t leave my brain. Saliva filled my mouth as my teeth began to violently chatter, there was no stopping it.
I sprung to my feet, hand gripping my mouth begging the contents of my stomach to stay put so I could make it outside.
I hid behind the side of the house we boarded at heaving and gagging. I spat the taste from the mouth, leaning against the wall for support.
A handkerchief was thrusted under my face, I looked up to see who had followed me outside. But it wasn’t one of the men. Speirs stood still holding out the cloth for me to take, a sad smile plaguing his lips.
“Thanks.” I sniffed, taking the handkerchief and wiping my running nose. After I was done I handed it back to him.
“You keep it.” Spiers pushed it back towards me.
“Oh right, you probably don’t want my snot all over it.” I pocketed the material.
“Do you want to sit?” Speirs asked, motioning his head towards the bench further down the side of the house.
“Sure.” I nodded making my way to the seat.
We sat in silence for a bit, watching soldiers pass us by. I was glad to be outside and not still sitting at the table.
“Are you doing ok?” Ron broke the comfortable silence. I looked over, his eyes were still trained on the world ahead of him.
“No.” I replied. I thought about lying, making excuses, saying other people were having it worse, but I chose the truth. Ron knew me well, it seemed like more work to be deceptive.
“How about you?” I asked, keeping my eyes straight ahead at the view before us.
“Yeah, not great either.” He said quietly. I bit my lip, guess he figured the same as me. Lying to each other was a waste of time.
“I feel awful about locking them up again. I know it’s to keep them safe and alive, but we had teased them with freedom, only to put them back into that nightmare.” I rambled on, my feelings finally spilling from my lips.
“Me too.” Speirs agreed, his hand reached over to mine. Ron took my hand giving it a squeeze, before putting it in his lap.
“There are more.” He said sadly as he traced circles in my palm. “Some are worse.”
I nodded as I listened to him speak.
“But you already knew that.” I quickly turned my attention back to the man, a questioning look on my face, how did he?
“I spoke to Malarkey. He told me that the nurses had heard rumours about the camps.” He informed me.
“Oh.” I said, sighing in relief, for a split second I thought he had somehow figured out my secret.
“What are we going to do?” I wondered out loud. Maybe Ron had some answers to my questions.
“Well we are leaving, but the locals here are going to be made to bury the bodies. General Taylor is going to be issuing martial law soon. Every able bodied German here will be made to clean up tomorrow morning.” Speirs replied.
“There are so many to bury. Who’s making sure that they follow martial law?” I asked.
“I know, but it’s what's right. Those people need to be laid to rest. And to answer your question, the 10th Armored are going to supervise.” Speirs placed my hand back into my own lap, before standing. I looked up at the man, the sad smile again on his lips. Ron cupped my cheek gently, his thumb tracing my cheekbone before walking off.
I sat outside for a time longer, watching people pass me by. Soon night fell and I made my way back into the house, to rest. I didn’t think sleep would be so kind to take me tonight, so I laid on the bed staring at the ceiling above me, waiting patiently for the sun to rise again.
We sat in a bombed out building overlooking what used to be the town square, rubble and debris covered the ground. We watched as the locals slowly cleaned, a quartet had formed in the middle of it all. They played sad songs, it was hauntingly beautiful.
The men smoked as they watched, no one spoke, only looked on. Nixon appeared beside me, he looked solemn. Lew took a beat before speaking.
“Hitler’s dead.” It wasn’t a joyous announcement, his tone remained steady, no smile formed behind his eyes, it was just a fact.
Nix caught our attention though, everyone’s head swivelled in his direction, looking to see if he was telling us the truth.
“Holy shit.” Lieb whispered.
“Shot himself in Berlin.” Nix finished his statement.
“Is the war over, sir?” Bull asked hesitantly, hopefully.
“No.” Lew was never one to mince his words, or put them prettily. He was straight to the point, didn’t matter if he hurt your feelings or not, he would say it how it was.
Still it crushed the shreds of hope we all felt momentarily blossom in our chests.
“We have orders to Berchtesgaden. We’re going to move out in one hour.” Lew informed us. I sighed more orders, how was there more?
“Why? The man’s not home.” Web asked, I nodded thinking the same thing. Couldn’t this all be over by now?
Nonetheless we all got up from our perches and made our way out of the building. Web went on about how the man should’ve killed himself three years ago to save us all the trouble.
“You all good?” Lieb nudged me. I nodded.
“Just tired.” But that’s not what I meant. I was tired, but it wasn’t due to the lack of sleep from last night, I was tired. I just want to go home, but ironically I don’t even have one.
“Let’s just get this over with.” I looped my arm through Lieb’s as we left the building making our way back so we could pack up and move out.
Oh guys this is a hard read for my first post in a hot second. I have been slow at writing this, cause this is super important and I don't want to have it be bad, or tacky. This is obviously horrible what happened to these people, and sometimes that horrific a of an event is hard to put into words. This is in means no way to offend anyone.
Disclaimer: End part of episode 9, if you are not comfortable with this please don't read.
Based on the HBO show and the actors who portray the characters, not hate to anyone involved.
Tag list: @imusicaddict, anyone else please let me know.
We again piled into the trucks, we were making good time, but it still felt like years being in the back of the vehicle. Babe had kept my secret from everyone like I had asked, but I caught him sending me looks throughout the night. The sadness still lingering in his eyes from the conversation we had had previously. All I could do was send him small smiles.
We passed through the green countryside, chatting amongst ourselves. The rolling plains seemed endless, as they stretched out for miles, further than the eye could see.
The trucks passed through the outskirts of the small rural town, a decrepit barn sat on the side of the road. Even from over the roar of the engines from all of the vehicles driving by, I could still hear the yells of men. I look to the barn curious about the commotion, everyone else also peering over. The barn door swung open as soldiers tossed men onto the ground, I could see from here the men were wearing German uniforms. I couldn’t look away fast enough as the soldier’s standing behind the men raised their guns, shooting them in the back of the head. I turned my eyes away from the scene, not wanting to witness the brutal killings.
The other men seemed unfazed.
Except for O’Keefe, who looked around to his fellow comrades with shock on his face. They didn’t return the sorrow that etched his features, only shrugging their shoulders, or smiling at the man for looking so distraught by what he had seen.
His eyes finally landed on mine. I returned the look of sadness and horror, but mine was worn with memories behind it. O’Keefe eyes shone with new fear and sadness, whereas mine was tattered and old. O’Keefe had not yet known the horrors of war, I guess that’s why the men didn’t reciprocate his concern. We all had seen much worse than a few men being shot in the head.
What an odd statement to make. To realise.
O’Keefe’s reaction was only natural, but for us it wasn’t out of the ordinary. It was a sad reality to think we were accustomed to the horrors we had seen.
We finally pulled into the little town. The men quickly departed the trucks, getting orders from the Lieutenants. We weren’t staying the night, just stopping for a break, before continuing on in our journey.
“I have to go on a patrol through the woods.” Don said as he approached me. I nodded my head, giving him a smile. There wasn’t much for me to do here, we weren’t unpacking, so I hung around the officers in case they needed me for something.
“Ok, be safe.” I placed a kiss on his cheek. I watched as he walked away joining the rest of the men he was going with.
—----------------------------------------------
“Emily! Guys! Hey, have you seen any of the officers?” Frank yelled from behind us. I turned to face Perconte, his normal playful expression filled with urgency.
“No.” Babe, Lieb and I all stated.
“Is everything ok, Frank?” I asked the man, my face changing to concern for my friend. He had been on one of the patrols. Everyone else had come back from theirs except for their group. But Frank was by himself, where were the other men? Even Don had come and gone, saying they hadn’t found anything. Frank didn’t answer me though, sprinting from one soldier to the next, asking the same questions.
I watched him, my brows furrowed and lip caught between my teeth. Babe and Lieb seemed to have brushed off the odd interaction going back to the conversation they were having.
“Ain’t that right, Em?” Babe nudged me, but my gaze was still fixed on Frank running around frantically.
“Em?” Lieb asked, clicking his fingers in front of my face.
“I think something’s wrong.” I told them, my stomach churning. I felt unsettled, something not sitting right in my gut.
“He’s probably fine.” Lieb said, lighting his smoke, taking a deep drag from the cigarette. “Don’t look so worried, Emmy.” He tried to reassure me, stroking his hand down my back. But I shook my head. I set off after Frank as he ran into one of the buildings.
“Em, where are ya going?” Babe called after me. But I didn’t turn to explain. I ran after Frank, gaining on him as I sprinted, dodging my way through the crowd.
Frank found Winters first. The red haired man walked out of the building they had been temporarily occupying. I hung back not wanting to interrupt them, but I was desperate to know why Perco was so frantic.
“Major Winters, Sir.” Frank started chasing after the officer who walked briskly towards where I stood.
“Uhh, we found something.” Perco didn’t seem to know how to phrase his words. The pair passed in front of me, I followed behind them closely, eavesdropping in on their conversation.
“We’re out on patrol and we came across this…” Frank stopped trying to find the right way to describe what he had seen.
“What, what, what, what?” Major Winters prompted Perco trying to get him to spit out what he wanted to say.
“Frank, Frank, what is it?” Winters seemed just as concerned as I did. Perco stood in front of Dick, mouth agape, trying to think of how he wanted to explain himself.
“I don’t know, sir.” He uttered, shaking his head.
At that moment my stomach dropped. I didn’t know why, but something about how flustered, confused and scared Perco looked set me on edge.
This war wasn’t pretty, hell no war was. But there were horrific things done, so many lives lost. There were a number of explanations as to what their patrol found, each one just as dreadful as the next.
Winters saw that too. He loaded a couple groups of men into the back of the trucks, myself included. With Frank in the front car with the rest of the officers, he gave directions back to where the patrol waited.
I sat between Don and Lieb, no one seemed to take Frank’s worries seriously. The men in the bed talked and chatted casually to each other. I sat elbows on my knees and head in my hands, I couldn’t stop my leg from jittering and my stomach churning.
We drove into the dense forest, following the dirt roads and Frank’s directions. I watched as Perco lifted his arm pointing left, my eyes followed.
My heart dropped as my eyes landed on the gruesome sight.
There in the thick of the trees, was a clearing.
Within the open space was a fence, lined with barbed wire. The tall barrier loomed over a muddy field. In the middle sat wooden huts and a bigger building sitting at the edge. Outside of the fence was a tall watch house.
I knew from the first glance what this was.
No, I knew from the smell.
That was the first thing to hit me. The stench of sweet rotting flesh filled my senses, it felt as if it clung to everything, there was no way to escape it. The men around me screwed up their noses and flinched away from the foul scent, their attention finally captured.
The chatter had died as soon as the camp came into view. From a glance around the bed I could tell a lot of the men were confused, unsure of what they were looking at. Just like Frank; they were unable to put into words exactly what they were seeing.
Within the confines of the barrier stood people. Well, they didn’t look exactly like people. I could see, even from a distance, their bodies were unfed and unwashed.
The trucks stopped, the men slowly disembarking. It was silent, as they all tried to understand what exactly they were looking at.
I jumped out immediately walking closer to the barrier. There were two fences. A perimeter between the two, enough for people to walk in. A body lay between the two barriers, gaunt and lifeless.
The men inside the gate all wore the same sets of clothes, blue striped pyjamas. I swallowed the lump in my throat, tears already brimming in my eyes.
It was one thing to learn about in school, but another to see it in real life. It all but consumed me.
Everyone else still had no idea what this really was. Eyes all filled with questions and horror.
Winters slowly approached the gate. The men inside stood waiting. I wonder if they knew if we were good or bad, but they didn’t run. They gathered around looking back at us as we looked in on them.
There were no women, no children, only men inside. But they didn’t look like it. They all appeared pale and lifeless, only skin and bone, barely moving.
The men opened the gate as everyone gathered in front of the opening.
“Major, sir?” Christenson questioned, asking if he should proceed in opening the next gate. The gate that would allow these people to be free of their confines, and allow us to enter their decimated prison.
“Open it up.” Winters commanded. The men nodded their heads, cutting off the chain that secured the compound closed.
“Stand back, back it up, back, back.” Christenson commanded the prisoners as he tried to swing open the gate.
They stepped back revealing smoking huts and even more men, ones who didn’t seem strong enough to approach the barrier.
I couldn’t hold back my tears as they slipped down my face. I looked from person to person I could see the torture they had endured etched into their features, but I’m sure that was only a second. Only a small glimpse into the years of horror they had to live through.
How many people did they have to watch die, family, friends, peers. Wondering if they were next or secretly praying that someone would just end their pain.
I wonder how long they were kept in these cages like animals waiting for their slaughter?
How could people be so cruel to their own kind?
We moved forward slowly as a group, the prisoners watched us, they looked apprehensive for a moment before they all seemed to realise we were not the enemy.
They moved forwards, hands reaching out grabbing at the soldiers who walked in. I felt the sleeves of my shirt being tugged glancing to the side to find the men holding tightly onto me.
“I’m sorry.” Was all I could manage, they didn’t even understand what I was saying but I just wanted them to know how awful I felt.
A man reached for me embracing me in his arms, I held him back. I could feel under the material of his clothes, his thin frame, I could feel every rib and bone as I hugged him.
He sobbed into my shoulder whispering in German, I didn’t understand what exactly he was saying but it sounded like he was thanking us.
“Liebgott, Liebgott!” Winters called from the front of the group. My heart stopped. Lieb, my best friend, my rock. He had no idea his own people were one of the main targets in Hitlers regime.
I watched Lipton move back through the crowd yelling Lieb’s name. Joe and Don stood guard just outside the gate, guns in hand.
Lipton brought him back through the crowd. I couldn’t tear my eyes away, he glanced over to find my gaze.
Joe tilted his head, without words he was asking me if I was alright. I weakly nodded my head still wrapping my arms around the German man who wept into my shoulder.
There was no way I could stop Lieb from finding out, and it would break him. All I could do was be there for my friend.
Lipton spurred the men into action, instructing the men to give these people rations, blankets, food and water anything we could spare.
The man holding me stepped back collapsing to the floor, I glanced around looking for water.
“Water, can I get some water over here!” I yelled, Babe moved quickly holding out a canteen for me to take.
I unscrewed the lid, pouring water into the man’s mouth. He was exhausted, as if he was holding on to the last of his strength until help came. When he knew he was safe he finally let go.
I moved from person to person, tending to their ailments. But most of them I couldn't do much for, it wasn’t like they were actively bleeding out like all the other injuries I had become adjusted to. They were sick and starving.
The only thing I could do was offer food and water. But each time I lifted my head the numbers grew, the more that gathered, the more ill they looked.
A man approached me holding another in his arms. The man in his arms looked so weak, nothing to him but skin and bone, so pale he was almost translucent.
The prisoner holding the man spoke quickly in German, his eyes pleading with me to help. I held out my arms as he passed over the very ill man.
I let out a gasp as he was placed in my arms, he weighed almost nothing, I could feel every piece of him under my fingertips.
I knelt to the ground holding the German man in my lap, trying to figure out what I could do to help him.
“How can I help you?” I muttered under my breath.
“Sing bitte für mich.” The man that lay in my arms said. I tilted my head listening to his whispered words.
“Lieb!” I called, he rushed over kneeling next to me.
“Sing bitte für mich.” The man repeated himself.
“He wants you to sing for him.” Lieb said softly. I nodded at the man, if that's what he wanted I would do anything.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey.” I sang quietly to the dying man, the song my mother used to sing as a lullaby to me.
“You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you, please don’t take my sunshine away.” The man reached his hand up cupping my face as I sang for him. A tear slipped down my cheek. Lieb sat close and watched us. His own eyes glistened.
“The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms.” The man smiled at me, more tears falling down my cheeks as I held him in my arms.
“When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken, so I hung my head and cried.” The man brushed away my tears, as his hand fell back down to his side. His breathing faded.
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.” A sob left me as the man stared up at the sky.
I let go of his hand, resting it by his side. I moved from underneath him, lying him gently on the floor.
Joe encased me in his arms as I sobbed into his chest. He pulled away, I looked up to find Don standing over us. He opened his arms for me, I stood from my position on the floor and moved into his embrace. His hand ran down my back as I cried.
We pulled apart, Lieb had gone and gotten a blanket. He gave it to me to lay over the man. I bent down, closing his eyes to make him at peace and gently placed the blanket over his body.
“I’m so sorry.” I whispered as I stood again. I wiped my tears away.
Lieb was called away to translate, as Don and I moved around the camp, trying our best to help the men who came to us.
We stuck close to each other not wanting to stray from the other’s side.
I kept glancing over my shoulder to find Lieb with the officers and one of the German men. He was translating for them. I was just waiting for the bomb to be dropped, the truth to be revealed.
“Everything ok?” Don asked, I shook my head.
“What’s wrong?” He asked, coming closer.
“Don, this camp. These aren’t prisoners of war.” I started, unsure of how I was going to explain this to him. His brows furrowed as he listened.
“These people are innocent. They were dragged from their homes, away from their families. The only thing they have in common is that they are different.” There were so many groups here, but anyone who was ‘imperfect’ or ‘different’ was casted out.
“What do you mean?” Don couldn’t understand that these people did nothing wrong. I’m sure his mind went to why would they lock these people up if they were innocent?
“Jews, Poles, Roma, musicians, people with disabilities, people of colour, this is who they have captured. And this isn’t the only one! There are thousands of these camps, some far worse than this. Don, Hilter wants a superior race, anyone who doesn’t fit that bill he’s exterminating.” Don couldn’t stop the horror in his eyes as he realised my words.
“You’re saying there are more of these camps? That more people are in this condition?” Don asked, his eyes flicking around our surroundings imaging more of these exact situations.
“They split up the families, women and children together and then the men together. These camps cover all of Germany and some other countries as well.” I explained the best I could to Don, who didn’t look like he was able to wrap his head around the information spilling from my lips.
“Wait, how do you know this?” He asked his brows furrowed together as he glanced over at me.
I bit my tongue, this wasn’t the time to expose my true self, all of this was too much in itself.
“The nurses have been talking about it, I didn’t quite believe it till now.” I lied through my teeth, but Don didn’t notice, he was too wrapped up in the scene playing before us.
“What are we going to do?” He asked, his sweet eyes full of sorrow as he looked over each person that walked in front of us.
“I don’t know?” I answered honestly, as I stared off into the distance.
I again glanced over to Lieb who was translating for the officers. Each man with their own look of horror and shock on their face. I bit my lip, waiting and watching.
“Juden, Juden.” The prisoner they were talking to repeated. I didn’t need to be translated, I could see it clearly on Joe’s face what the man had said.
“They’re Jews.” Lieb uttered, in his own disbelief and rage. Lieb was a loyal man. This camp, this attack, was on his own people, his family.
“Lieb knows.” I told Don who was giving water to a man. I wanted to run over and hug him, but he was keeping his composure, still translating for the officers. So I turned my back and helped the men who gathered before me.
The further we walked into the camp the more awful it became. The huts the men were living in were burned down to the foundations, burnt skeletons still resided in the ash and rubble.
“Jesus Christ!” Don muttered covering his face with a piece of fabric, the smell was so strong it almost made it unbearable to breathe.
“Look at their arms.” Don pointed out two men who lay still in the ruins. Numbers etched into the flesh on their wrists.
“Like cattle.” Babe shook his head. We walked in silence through it all.
We helped as much as we could, going into the huts and bringing people out. Each time I stepped inside, my heart clenched and cracked, it was tearing me up.
The tears had stopped long ago, there was nothing more left to cry. I just needed to help, I think at some point I switched off, just to maintain some sanity, because before I knew it we were back in the beds of the trucks.
Ah yes my favourite gif of all time finally has come into play, how exciting! We're in France Baby! It's a change of pace and scenery how fun! I feel we are nearing the end and then remember how much I have actually written and then I'm like oh nope we still got a bit bahaha. I'm doing a short chapter cause I was writing it and it was like a good 4k words so I thought it best to just split it into two, I know some people prefer shorter chapters.
Based on the HBO show and the actors who portray the characters, no hate to anyone involved.
Tag list: @next-autopsy, @panzershrike-pretz, @xxluckystrike, @bucky32557038ww2 (if you want to be added let me know🥰)
The cold wind whipped at my face making me hunch further down into my jacket. We had finally arrived in Haguenau after the long journey, everyone seemed to be restless. Keen to be indoors and out of the biting elements. Don stood in the back of the truck, his mood appearing low. I wanted to ask him what seemed to be troubling him but there was no privacy on the back of the vehicle. His smiles weren’t as bright, not quite reaching his eyes. I chewed my lip nervously watching the man. They had made him Staff Sergeant, but he didn’t seem pleased.
“Hey guys.” A cheery voice called from behind me. I turned to look at the man who spoke. I didn’t recognise him. But he surely hadn’t been with us before. He looked healthy, clean, and happy. Compared to the sorry sacks who rode on the back of the truck, myself included. Was he a replacement?
“Some Lieutenant told me to report to 2nd.” The man informed us. I glanced across the truck at Lieb who shrugged. I rolled my eyes, why I looked to him for information I have no idea, he’s no help. I leant back resting on the seat between Grant and Jackson.
“Your name’s Jackson right?” The soldier asked the young man beside me. God he was so young, he assured me he was 19 but I don’t believe him, he looks like a kid.
“That’s right.” Jackson replied.
“Who’s leading the platoon?” He asked, Jackson’s eyes flicked to Don who was still standing.
“Sergeant Malarkey is.” He tells the soldier.
“What no officers?” I tilt my head while looking at the man while he talks, his face seems so familiar.
“I guess you didn’t hear.” Lieb said.
“No, what's that?” He turned his attention onto Joe.
“They’re making Malarkey a Lieutenant. He’s on the fast track now.” He says while fiddling with his lighter. A tell that he was lying, the little shit. No one said anything about his blatant lie.
“Really? That’s great.” It’s bugging me, I swear I know this dude. He probably thinks I’m a weirdo as he glances at me staring at him.
“Jackson, help me up will you?” He swings his bag onto the back of the truck, pulling himself up to sit next to Jackson. I move from my spot, not having enough room on the bench anymore without me basically sitting in Grant’s lap. I sit in between Babe and Lieb. Continuing to stare at the private. This is going to drive me insane, who is this guy?
The truck jolts forward, almost sending him flying out again. I hide my laughter behind my hand.
“So, uh, you come from the hospital?” Jackson asks him.
“Must’ve liked that hospital, cause’ we left Holland four months ago.” I nudge Lieb, silently scolding him for being mean.
“Who is this guy?” I whispered to Babe.
“Webster, I think.” My mouth flew open, that’s where I knew him from, I think I met him on my first night. Babe reaches out, shutting my mouth, “Close your mouth, you’ll catch flies.”
“Well I wasn’t there the whole time. There was rehabilitation, then the replacement depot.” Webster explained.
“Well, I’m sure you tried to bust out and help us in Bastogne, Web.” Lieb was pissed off. Lieb would’ve come back and helped, like a lot of the other men did. But they can’t all be like them. Webster got off the line and had a holiday, can’t blame the man for not wanting to come back in a hurry. This was war for god sake, no one wishes to be here. Well I hope not. I mean I do but I have my reasons ok!
“I don’t know how I would’ve done that.” Webster defended himself. I looked at Babe, he seemed to notice the tension, I made a face showing my discomfort. Hiding my look behind my hand. He gave me the same look back. I chuckled and bumped him with my shoulder trying to ease the cringe we both felt in our chests. Like going over to a friends house and having to sit there and watch them be told off. So awkward.
“That’s funny cause Popeye found a way. So did Alley, right, back in Holland? And Guarnere and –” Lieb turned to Babe and I, we both nodded silently, not wanting to be dragged into the passive aggressive conversation. Lieb was the king of passive aggressiveness, let me tell you. Don’t piss off that guy. He will subtly degrade you and wear you down.
“Yeah, where is Guarnere? He still your platoon Sergeant?“ Webster asked. I could feel both Lieb and Babe stiffen next to me. I stilled too. It was hard being dragged back to that place of memories. So we didn’t mention it, and kept moving forward. So for Web to come in asking where people were, hit a nerve. It was an unspoken rule not to really speak of those who we had lost. It just made it so much harder, we didn’t have time to process or grieve really. It was for later, after this was all done and we were safe then we could process everything that had happened.
“No. He got hit.” Jackson said with a huff. Webster was not picking up on the social cues being hurled at him. How did he not see or feel the tension as soon as he mentioned Bill’s name, it was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
The truck stopped moving as we stood. Lieb held out his hand for me to grab to help me jump down. I took his hand, hopping down and landing beside him, “Thank you.” I said giving him a smile, but I could tell Webster had put him in a sour mood. I waited for Babe to hop down as well. He stood up in the truck, “Yeah, Bill got hit. Blew his whole leg off.” Babe said to Webster. Great now he’s made both of them mad. Babe jumped down, walking in stride with me. We walked alongside the trucks that had parked.
“Spread out. Hold along this line till I figure out where we’re going.” Don said, striding forward from behind us. Making his way over to where Captain Speirs was talking to another officer. I hung back as the men kept walking. Waiting by the trucks for instructions, no good me holding the line with no weapon.
“Sarge.” Web called from behind me, I turned to look at the man as he walked. He brushed past me, his rifle still in its bag clocking me right in the head. I stumbled backwards, tripping over rubble on the floor. I landed on the ground with a hard thud. Ow! Fucking dick! I rubbed my head, grimacing in pain. He didn’t even realise he had done it, continuing to walk towards Malarkey. I got to my feet, brushing the dirt from my hands. I glared at the man, great now he’s pissed me off too. The sounds of shells being fired whistled through the air. I ducked my head down barely trying to cover myself. I watched with pure shock as Webster dove onto the ground face planting into the snow. I covered my mouth trying to muffle the laughter escaping my lips. Malarkey turned around to see his soldier lying in the snow. I giggled furiously behind the men.
“What’s the matter there, Webster? Nervous in the service?” Don asked the man. I almost fell to the floor again in a fit of hysterics, wiping the tears from my eyes. The scene of Webster flying through the air replaying in my head. Well I’m not mad at him anymore.
Don finished talking to Webster, sending him off to speak with Captain Speirs. “Em, you’re with me, let’s go.” Don called to me as he passed. I hurried after him, trailing behind a little so that he could speak to others if he needed.
I split from the group needing to find Lip, I saw him slink away into one of the houses they were setting up CP in. I hurried in watching Lip take a seat on one of the couches.
“Lip, how are you feeling?” I asked the man coming to kneel beside the couch he rested on.
“Great.” He smiled. I placed my hand on his forehead, he was running a fever. His skin was clammy and hot. His complexion was pallor in colour, and even from here I could hear the evident wheeze in his chest. He coughed into a handkerchief, producing a greenish yellow phlegm. George laid a blanket over the man as I assessed him. I pulled the stethoscope from my bag, Lip leaned forward knowing the drill. I untucked his top from the back, sliding my hand under his shirt to press the diaphragm of the stethoscope to his back.
He winced, “Sorry cold hands.” I apologised from my freezing fingers that touched his warm skin.
“Deep breath in.” He inhaled for me as I listened in one spot. “And out.” He exhaled. I could hear the rattle in his chest clearly, as he exhaled. I moved the diaphragm around listening to different parts of the lungs, from the top of the lung field to the bottom. I removed my hand from under his shirt, tucking it back in.
“How does it sound?” He asked, reading over a paper George had handed him.
“Well Lip it sounds better than last time I checked, but there is still fluid present in the lungs. So you need to rest. If you keep going you’re going to crash. They have this handled, you need to go lie down. There are beds in the back, go sleep. And remember at least three pillows, you need your head elevated.” I tried to explain to him, but even when he first got sick he refused to rest, saying there was too much work to do. I could only drag a horse to water.
“George, have you had any word about if they will send us some antibiotics?” I asked Luz as he moved around the room organising things.
“No, sorry Em.” I sighed, frustrated, he needed that medication.
“Hey, look who it is. Nice digs, huh, Lip?” I tucked the blanket into Lip’s side knowing he would refuse to move and go to bed. I looked over to Webster who stood in the passageway.
“Sergeant Lipton? Feeling alright?” Webster asked the man.
“He’s got pneumonia.” George informed the curious soldier. I still knelt beside him, concern apparent on my features. He gave me his sorry-I-will-go-rest-soon-face.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Webster shared his apologies.
“What are you sorry about? He’s alive. Got a couch, a goddamn blanket, snug as a bug.” George said cigarette hanging from his mouth. I stood from my position, placing my stethoscope back into my bag.
“Sergeant Malarkey said to check with the CO if I should be in 2nd platoon.” Webster said.
“Have a seat, Webster. We’ll get you situated.” Lipton ushered the man to sit. He took a place at the old piano.
“How long have you been sick?” Webster inquired.
“Long enough.” I patted the man on his shoulder. Poor guy had been ill for a while. He had a cold at first, which I said in the first place for him to rest and let it pass. But being the caring man that he is couldn’t leave his soldiers. So he worked still, causing the cold to become worse and then it deteriorated into pneumonia. Still even with that he refused to lie still and do nothing. Which I encouraged him to do so many times, I had given up.
“And when did nurses start helping on the frontlines?” He turned and asked me.
“Ah, I’m a medic.” I answered.
“Oh, that’s right! I recognise you now.” He smiled, “Yeah, wow, I’m surprised you’re still alive.” We all stilled. I sent him a disbelieving look, surely he didn’t just say that to me.
“Um… thanks?” I wasn’t sure what to say.
“Of course Em is still alive, she’s tough as nails. Huh Em?” George came and stood beside me wrapping an arm around me as he gave me a squeeze. I smiled at Luz, nodding my head.
“Sure am.” I turned to look at Webster, who assessed the interaction. He seemed to be puzzled at the closeness we shared. Too bad for him, it was a common sentiment I shared with all the Easy men.
Footsteps sounded from the doorway. A young man appeared in the room. “Is this the CP for Easy company?” He asked, looking lost.
“Yes, sir.” Lip said, moving to sit up on the couch. Everyone else in the room stood as well. I inspected the man closer, recognising the dash on his helmet showing he was a ranking officer.
“As you were.” He told the men who stood at his arrival. “Lieutenant Jones looking for Captain Speirs.”
“He’s on his way, sir. Why don’t you sit down.” Lip told the Lieutenant. I moved from my position standing next to Lip’s couch. I gave Luz a small wave heading for the door. Captain Speirs strolled in right as I was about to leave. He gave me a warm smile as we passed.
“Listen, for Christ’s sake, will you go back in the back and sack out? There’s some beds back there with fresh sheets.” I heard Ron tell Lip.
“I told him that sir, he wouldn’t listen.” I called over my shoulder.
“Listen to Emily, she's the medic.” I laughed as Ron scolded him. I left the CP heading to where 2nd platoon had been placed. I passed Winters and Nix on my way out as well.
“Emily! You’re looking well.” Nixon called to me, I smiled brightly at the man as I hadn’t seen him in a while. He moved forward arms wide, I stepped into his tight hug. I pulled away from Nix. Winters smiled at me, giving me a loving squeeze on the arm, as I grinned at him.
“It’s good to see you both.” I told them happily. The exchange was brief before they set off again in the direction I had just come from.
