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fanficforlife · 9 months

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Chapter Eight

Kayce was wrapped around you, pulling you back against his chest as you reached to turn your alarm clock off. "Mmm, no."

"Yes. We both have to go to work." You groaned as you rolled onto your side to face him.

When he stretched, his back cracked. "I love waking up next to you but your bed is too small. My bed's bigger."

"Your room is right next to your dad's."

"So?"

"You know what usually happens when we stay in the same bed."

"He won't care."

"I know but it's your dad."

"He knows I've been sleeping down here with you a few times a week and I'm pretty sure he knows we're not just sleeping most nights." He tickled your side and you squirmed.

"Stop." You giggled. His fingers stilled so you stopped wiggling. "I know that he knows we're not just sleeping but...I don't know...it would just be kind of weird having sex in the room next to his while he's in there."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." He pulled your naked body against his. "Plus, I like hearing you moan my name so I'd hate for you to have to be too quiet."

"Kayce." Heat crept across your cheeks.

The smirk you loved formed. "Not quite like that."

"No? Well, this might help a bit." You pushed him onto his back and straddled him.

His hands ran up your thighs while his eyes traveled up your body. "Fuck, you're perfect."

Blush stained your cheeks and you leaned down to kiss him. "So are you." You smiled against his lips as your hand went between you.

"Fuck, baby." He moaned when you sunk onto him.

You began to ride him, your eyes never leaving his. His hands gripped your hips before one slid up your stomach and palmed your breast. He pinched your nipple and you clenched around him. "Kayc." You ground against him.

He let out a ragged breath and his hand quickly left your hip so he could sit up. Your lips crashed together as he effortlessly lifted you so you could wrap your legs around him. He pushed back into you and the two of you began grinding against each other, hitting the right spot over and over again. His arm slid around you and up your back, holding you close, while his other hand dug into your hip.

"Mmm." You moaned. One of your arms wrapped around his shoulders, your other hand slid into his hair.

"Baby." He groaned and you knew he was close. You nodded breathlessly, right there with him. "Come for me, Letty." And, you did, moaning his name. He was seconds behind you, watching while you came undone in his arms.

You both collapsed, a thin layer of sweat covering your bodies. "Wow." You said between gasps.

"Yeah. You are without a doubt the most amazing woman in the world." He rolled you onto your back and propped himself up on his elbow to look down at you. His perfect smile donned his face. "Seriously, how can every time with you be even better than the last?"

"I guess we were just made for each other."

"You're god damn right we were." He leaned in and kissed you long and slow. When he pulled back you could see a hint of concern in his brown eyes.

"What?" Your hand came up and brushed his hair off his forehead.

"Are you still good with...everything?"

You knew he was referring to sex and everything that went along with it. "Yes, I'm good."

"I try to be gentle but sometimes I can't help it because you're well, you. I don't hold you too tight or push you around or-"

"Kayce," you smiled up at the kind, caring man you loved, "everything you do is perfect. He is the furthest thing from my mind when I'm with you. And, to be honest, I kinda like it when you take charge and manhandle me a bit."

"I don't hurt you or-or scare you?"

"No. I know you would stop if I told you to and I know you wouldn't hurt me. It's just me and you every time we're together. whether it's you grabbing me to give me a kiss while I'm not paying attention or when we're doing more than kissing." A smile finally pulled at his lips and you rose to kiss it. "I love you."

"I love you more."

You giggled softly. "Come on. We need to shower and get dressed before Tate gets up."

"Yes, ma'am." But, he didn't. He leaned back against the headboard and watched you stand up. "I am the luckiest man in the whole damn world."

Your hand reached for the sheet that was covering the lower half of his body and pulled it off the bed. "And, I am the luckiest woman in the world." You bit your lower lip before wrapping the sheet around your naked body. "Hurry up or I'll be done before you get in there." A sweet smile pulled at your lips before you opened the door and poked your head out, making sure the coast was clear before you dashed across the hall with the sheet draped around you.

*****

"Ready, baby?" Kayce asked as the two of you stood inside the fence, next to his horse and a chestnut mare.

"I'm ready." His eyes surveyed your face and you giggled. Your hands came up to rest on his chest. "Kayc, how many times have I gone riding with you? Lots. I don't even know how many times. And, every time you've shown me how to do it. You've taught me how to sit, how to stop, everything. I'm ready."

"Okay."

You rose to your toes and looked into his worried brown eyes. "You don't have to be nervous. I had the best teacher on the ranch. I'll be fine." Your lips pressed against his. "Let's go."

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Get your sexy ass up there then." He chuckled when your cheeks darkened. "God, you're adorable."

"Stop." You gave him a gentle shove before climbing up and settling onto the saddle. "Hurry up and get your sexy ass up there slowpoke."

"Jeez, woman. What am I gonna do with you?" He smirked at you while he untied your horse from the fence railing before working on his.

"You have until we get to the meadow to figure it out." You smirked back at him before you got your horse walking, quickly turning it into a run.

"Letty!" He yelled before jumping onto his horse and bolting after you. When he caught up to you, you slowed your mare to a walk. "What do you think you're doing?!" He brought his horse alongside yours and grabbed the reigns so you couldn't run off again.

"I told you I had the best teacher."

"You could have fallen off."

You looked over at him. "Kace, I'm not made of glass."

"I know but you've never gone by yourself before."

"I have actually." A mischievous smile formed. "When you've all gone out checking fences or moving cows, your dad's been showing me. We thought it would be fun to surprise you."

"You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry." A giggle escaped and he gave you a playful scowl. "Do you think Storm will be okay to ride soon? It's not that I don't love this one," you pet the mare's neck that you were riding, "but-"

"But, she's not yours."

"Will she be strong enough to ride or, after everything she went through..."

His hand let go of the reigns and squeezed your thigh. "She's stronger because of what she went through." You knew he wasn't just talking about your horse. "Storm's doin' really good. She's a hundred times better than when she first got here, she's strong enough now. Next time you take her out walking in the corral, I'll bring a saddle and we can see how she does with it." You smiled at him and he smiled back. "Wait a second. You said you had the best teacher at the ranch. Did you mean me or Dad?"

"Your dad obviously."

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Uh-huh. Well, since you're such a good rider, let me see what ya got."

"Race you the rest of the way?" Before he could answer, you and the mare were off.

*****

"Violet?" Tate's voice drifted outside to where you were sitting on the porch. "Violet?!" The door opened and he stuck his head out. "Vi- Oh, there you are."

"Hi." You smiled as he stepped outside, followed by his dad.

Kayce leaned down and kissed you. "Morning, baby. How did ya sleep?" He sat down in the empty chair next to yours before taking a drink from his coffee mug.

"Uh, Morning. I slept well. How about you?" You eyed the bruises on his face.

"It coulda been better."

Because last night he slept in his bed, not yours. The only time you, did see him yesterday was in the morning and he didn't have the bruises then so he had gotten into a fight with someone between then and now. He could see your wheels turning and he quickly took another drink.

"What are ya doin'?" Tate looked down at your lap, which was filled with photographs. "Did you take these?"

"Mhm." You answered shyly.

"Wow! You're really good."

Your cheeks started to return red from Tate's compliment. "Thanks, bud."

"Shit. Babe, he's right."

"Dad."

Kayce chuckled at his son's serious tone. "Right. Sorry. No swearing." He turned his attention back to you. "You didn't tell me you liked photography."

"I umm, I took pictures for the yearbook in high school and of places around town. The city used some in travel brochures, the newspaper printed a few of them, I even sold some prints but after high school...life happened and I stopped. Being here, it makes we want to again." You looked at Kayce and who had a soft, knowing smile on his and you smiled back. "So, what are you up to today? Tired of summer holidays yet?"

"No! School sucks." Tate scrunched his nose in disgust. "Oh! Guess what?!"

"What?"

"At breakfast, Grandpa said that since Dad's been working better, that me and Dad can move into the foreman's house."

Your eyes left Tate and went to Kayce, whose cheeks were a light shade of pink from embarrassment. "Really? That's exciting."

"Yeah! Wanna come help me pack up my room? I just need my toys and books, and my clothes. Grandpa said there's empty boxes in the storage room. Oh, wait. Do you have to work today?"

"I finished my work for the week yesterday so I have a three-day weekend. So, yes, I can come help you."

"Yay! I'll go help Grandpa get the boxes."

"I'll be there soon."

"Okay."

When the door closed behind him, you set the photos on the small side table nestled between the two chairs. "So."

"So." He reached for your hand and gave it a gentle tug. You went over and sat on his lap. "Uh..."

I won't start with his black and blue face then. "I thought Rip lived in the foreman's house."

"He does-did. Dad said, well, you heard Tate." Embarrassment flashed across his features again. "I've been doing better. I umm, I still get angry sometimes. I would never hurt you though. Never." He added quickly.

"I know you wouldn't." Your hand rested against the side of his neck, your thumb ran across his jaw carefully avoiding his bruised skin.

"I was the foreman but not really. I didn't act like it. I would lose my temper or not pay attention. Then you came. I wanted to be better, someone who was good enough for you because I sure as hell wasn't before."

"Kayc, you don't have to prove anything to me."

"Yes, I did. When I started getting back on track, Dad put me back in charge. Rip was doing it before."

Your eyes searched his face. "It was Rip."

"How..."

"The way you said his name." Your fingers trailed up and down his forearm while he held you.

His eyes went to your hand. "He just...he thinks he's always right. Especially, since he's been Dad's right-hand man since before I graduated. Then with everything that went on after...Tate, the navy." He looked up at you sheepishly but relaxed when he was met with your soft, caring eyes. "There's a rule on the ranch, no fighting and if you want someone to fight, it's the foreman. I admit Rip's been helpin' me work my way back up but yesterday he went off about something I said or didn't do, I can't even remember because it was stupid. I got mad and we fought. At least everyone knows who to fight now."

So he won. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

"I'm good, baby."

"So, I can kiss you?" You smiled.

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Come here." His hand slid into your hair and gently pulled you in. When you parted, Tate was standing there grinning. Kayce chuckled. "I guess it's time to start packing."

"I guess so."

"I get Violet!" Tate quickly grabbed your hand and you stood up.

"What if I want her to help me?"

"You wouldn't get anything done because you would just be kissin' the whole time."

A light shade of red stained your cheeks. "Okay. Let's go." You grabbed your pictures before ushering the giggling boy inside, with his dad on your heels.

"He isn't wrong though," Kayce whispered next to your ear before kissing the side of your head.

You gave him a playful shove. "Get to work."

"Yes, ma'am." He winked at you before grabbing the last two boxes that were sitting at the base of the stairs.

The second you crawled into bed, Kayce pulled you into his arms and you immediately cuddled against his side. "Mmm." You hummed in contentment as you rested your head on his shoulder. "This is nice."

"Mhm." His lips pressed a kiss on your forehead. "Thanks for your help today, baby."

"You're welcome. How does it feel to be in your own house?"

"It feels good, except for the fact that you're not in the same house anymore."

You giggled and tilted your head to look up at him. "I'm only what, a one minute walk away?"

"Yeah, but we've been in the same house for the last six months." He held you tighter when you curled in closer to him.

"It's hard to believe I've been here that long."

"Do you still like it here?"

"There's nowhere else on earth I would rather be." You stated after looking up at him.

He leaned in and your lips met for a long, sweet kiss before you settled back into his arms. "How come you stopped taking pictures? He was a piece of shit but even he couldn't have denied that you were amazing at it."

"After high school, I was going to work for a year to save up some money then go to school for photography. When Nick and I started dating he was okay with it. When I got back acceptance letters from the schools I applied to it was a couple weeks before my Mom died. She really wanted me to go. She was always really supportive." A sad smile graced your lips at the memory of her. "After she died Nick said he didn't want me to go. He said he would miss me too much, and he couldn't go with me because he just started working. And, it was too soon after she died so I wouldn't be able to focus at school. I should stay and move in with him because I couldn't afford a place of my own. I could apply again next year and he could come with me. When it was time to apply again he said he couldn't get transferred yet because it was still too soon."

"He could've though?"

"Yeah. When I found out I got mad but he said he did it for me. He said it was because I wouldn't make it through school let alone do it as a career. I wasn't that good. He told me it was because he couldn't leave yet so he didn't hurt my feelings. Then he went on about how I didn't have to work because his family was rich...I stopped doing it after that."

"Baby."

"It's okay. Being with him brought me here." You placed your hand on his cheek. "And, being here, being with you, it makes me want to again."

"He knew you were great at it, he just didn't want you to go because he was scared and jealous. If you want to go back to school for it, you should. I'm not going anywhere."

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth as you tilted your head to look at him. "I'm perfectly happy doing what I am now. And, with Nick...I couldn't if I wanted to." He would find me...

"If you wanted to, I wouldn't let him anywhere near you."

"I know you wouldn't." Your heart swelled. The blanket slid around your waist as you left his side and climbed on top of him. You bent down, keeping your face inches from his. "I love you, Kayce."

"You have no idea how much I love you, Violet. " His hand slid into your hair and pulled you in. Your lips met for a slow kiss. The longer it carried on the steamier it became. After a few minutes, you both couldn't wait any longer.

Your hand pulled his boxers down just as far as they needed to before pulling your underwear to the side. A breathy moan left your lips when you sunk down onto him. He reached up and pulled you back down to crash his lips into yours. His lips parted so his tongue could explore your mouth. You continued to ride him and it wasn't long until you were close. "Kayc."

"Almost, baby." He gripped your hips and pounded into you.

"Mmm." The heat pooling in your core began to build rapidly. "Oh, god." His movements began to get messy and you knew he was on the edge. You ground into him once more before you both came together.

When you both came down from your highs, you collapsed next to him. His arms wrapped around you and tucked you against his side. "You could move in here. We've been spending more nights than not together lately anyway."

"Kayc," you shifted slightly so you could see his dreamy hazel eyes, "I love you and love spending the night with you but I think it should just be you and Tate here. I can still come and spend the night sometimes but moving in..."

He knew what you were thinking. "I know you're still scared that he's going to find you and you'll have to leave. You don't want to get too close." He moved onto his side to face you. His hand slid across your cheek and into your hair. "Violet, even if he does figure out that you're here, he is never going to get within a hundred feet of you. Everyone here will make sure of that. You're safe."

You nodded. "It's not just that." Your tongue slipped out and licked your dry lips. "You make me happy, happier than I have ever been. I'm scared of getting too close because if it ends, if we break up- I don't know what I would do without you and Tate."

"Baby, you are going to be stuck with me for the rest of your life." He stated firmly, his brown eyes pierced yours. You sniffed as tears welled in your eyes. A smile pulled at his lips while his thumb ran across your cheek. "I love you more than I ever thought was possible." Your lips met for a thorough, heartfelt kiss before he pulled you flush with his body. He swallowed your moan as the kiss became more passionate.

A sensual giggle left your lips when he climbed between your legs. You hooked your legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

"I can never get enough of you."

"Right back at you."

He smirked down at you before attacking your neck.

*****

Kayce made you wait in the truck while he got out and came around to your side, opening the door for you.

"Thank you." You smiled.

His hand immediately wrapped around yours. "I know going to a bar when we both don't drink seems stupid but they have the best burgers around. And, I know they're one of your favorites."

"You're the best." A giggle left your lips as you wrapped yourself around his arm. When you got to the entrance he let go of your hand and opened the door for you before placing it on the small of your back and guiding you inside. "I thought the ranch was cowboy, country-ish but this place..."

There were wood beams and posts, the bar was wood and the walls were clad in wood paneling. That's where the similarities between the lodge and the bar ended. Bottles of beer were put in metal pails with ice and served to you, there were neon signs with the names of popular beer brands. A large American flag hung on the wall. The floors were sheets of plywood and had the occasional piece of straw lying around that had been brought in by the cowboy boots that adorned everyone's feet.

"Yeah, it's nothin' fancy. We couldn't come here before because if we did come to town, Tate's been with us. I should've picked a better place for our first date off the ranch but you don't like fancy and food-"

"Food definitely wins." You finished with a grin. "Speaking of which, you mentioned something about burgers."

Kayce chuckled and slid his arm around your waist. "Let's find a table." As you moved through the crowded building towards a few empty tables, he kept pulling you closer and closer to his side.

You assumed it was because it was date night but even after you ordered your food, he sat on your left instead of across the small square table you were at. He also kept moving his chair closer and touching your hand or arm. Not uncommon since he was touchy-feely but not while his shoulders were squared. It wasn't until a man with a plaid shirt and brown cowboy hat came up to your table that you realized why.

"Kayce Dutton, is that you? I haven't seen you in god knows how long." He greeted even though his focus was entirely on you. "And, who is this fine thing? You're not from around here. I would've remembered someone as gorgeous as you."

Your boyfriend tensed up while he glared at the man. You placed your hand on Kayce's arm, silently begging him to calm down.

"Now I know why we haven't seen you in town lately. You've been shacked up with this sweet little thing at your daddy's house."

Kayce stood up abruptly, his chair falling back in the process. "Watch your fucking mouth."

"Easy tiger." The man chuckled and turned his hungry eyes back to you. "We went to high school together. I'm Jesse Miller. And, you are?"

"Not interested."

He clutched his shirt above his heart. "Ouch. You really know how to break a guy's heart."

"It's time for you to leave." Kayce fumed.

Jesse rolled his eyes before grinning at you. "I'll see you around, beautiful."

Your boyfriend's chest heaved, his fists started to come up, but Jesse left, rejoining his friends at the bar.

"Hey." Your hand wrapped around his fist, which unclenched. His fingers mixed with yours. You gave a gentle tug and he sat down on his chair that a server had picked up on their way by during the confrontation.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Are you?"

"I should've hit him for how he talked to you, for ruining our date." He started getting tense again so you ran your thumb across the back of his.

"He didn't ruin our date." You slid your chair closer to his and leaned in.

He did the same. "No?"

"No." Your lips pressed against his. When you pulled back, your teeth tugged on his lower lip. He let out a low growl and you giggled sensually. "Burgers first."

"And, you for dessert." His hand quickly slid into your hair and pulled you back in. This time you moaned when the brief yet toe-curling kiss ended. "Fuck, you're cute."

Your cheeks flushed as your server set your burgers and fries in front of you. After you both thanked her and she left, you brushed your foot against your cowboy's denim-covered shin. "I have a feeling you're going to need your energy for dessert so eat up."

"Yes, ma'am." He smirked the smirk that drove you crazy before picking up his burger.

"Okay, you were right about the burgers here. They are amazing. I'm so full, I can barely move."

Kayce chuckled and slung his arm around your shoulders, pulling you against him. He was about to say something when a cocky voice cut in.

"Leaving so soon, sweetheart?"

Your hold on Kayce's hand tightened as you continued walking past Jesse.

"Awe, come on, baby." Jesse's hand wrapped around your wrist. "I'm a hundred times more of a man than this loser ever will be."

"Get your fucking hand off her." Kayce spat. His old high school classmate released your arm and Kayce tucked you behind him.

"Can we go?" You asked your boyfriend, who was rigid with anger and shooting daggers at Jesse with his eyes.

"Run off and have your fun," Jesse smirked as he looked you up and down. "She'll be in my bed after because you couldn't satisfy her."

Your boyfriend's fist connected with the smug cowboy's face. "Kayce. Kayce, stop." He hit him a total of three times before his friends, who were at the bar with him, rushed to his side.

"I'm good. I'm good." Jesse said, stopping them from retaliating. He cracked his jaw and let out a chuckle. "The Navy taught you how to fight. I hear they taught ya how to kill too."

"Stay the fuck away from her," Kayce pronounced each word firmly, harshly.

"You make it sound like a challenge," Jesse's eyes bore into you, "everyone knows I never back down from a challenge."

The look in his eyes made you cower against Kayce. "Can we go? Please."

He immediately turned his attention to you. "Yeah, baby. Let's go home." His arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you against him when he saw you shaking. When you got to the truck, instead of going to the passenger door, he guided you to the driver's side.

You climbed up and stayed in the middle of the bench, wanting to be close to him. He reached across your lap and pulled you flush with his side before starting the truck and driving off.

"I'm sorry." The fingers on his right hand nervously fiddled with the hem of your dress. "What he said, the way he looked at you, grabbing your wrist; it wasn't right. He deserved it. I'm sorry if I scared you or if it made you think of him."

Memories of Nick had played through your head when Kayce got mad when he hit him, but he didn't need to know that. It would just make him more upset. "You don't have to apologize, Kayc." You wrapped yourself around his arm, reassuring him. "Jesse or whatever his name is creeped me out but that's it."

"You don't have to worry about him, baby. He's not going to touch you. I'll make sure of it."

After kissing his cheek, you cuddled against him, letting out a content sigh. He kissed your head and the rest of the drive was spent in a comfortable silence.

****************************************************

Tag: @saintnourah

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she-wolf09231982 · 4 months

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Chapter 1- The Age of Chivalry

Summary: You're reassigned to Easy Company when one of their medics was injured pre D-Day. You expect some sass from the Company since you'll be the only female soldier in 100 miles but never expected for any of them to befriend you.

Author Note: Mature audience, Joe LiebgottxFemMedic, WW2, Character introduction, Pre D-Day, She/Her Pronouns, Y/N, L/N, Cursing/Swearing, Derogatory Slurs, Womanizing Comments, Military Terminology, Inappropriate Nicknames, Band of Brothers References, Mentions of Weaponry, Smoking, Story takes place Episode 1- Currahee

*These stories may not fall entirely in accordance with the TV series timeline. I do not know the real soldiers the actors portray in this series, so please understand I show no disrespect. Some or most of historical events and character interactions in my fanfics are fabricated purely for the sake of the enjoyment of fiction*

~~~~~~~

October 1943

It was never a good idea to mix a single female with a Company of deprived men in the Army...but here you are. You found out you were assigned to Easy Company 2nd Battalion 101st Airborne Division in Fall 1943 when they lost one of their medics to an injury. Although you trained separately from the males at Toccoa in the Divisional medical unit and were one of very few females allowed to work alongside men, you got along quite well with most of the guys. You held your own never asking for special treatment or never played the ‘damsel in distress’ card, so Easy Company learned rather quickly that you can keep up.

~~~~~~~

You remember the day you arrived at Aldbourne, England to make contact with the boys of Easy Company. With your reassignment order in hand, you approach a group of soldiers sitting at a picnic bench outside a building. All of them looking a bit rough, but nonetheless smoking and joking with eachother. They take a pause as they notice you approaching them. Some of them sizing you up and down as you carry your duffel full of medical supplies and wearing fatigues that have yet to see the battlefields like theirs have.

“Hey, you lost there, lady?” Private Roy Cobb called out to you, sizing you up again as you continued to walk towards them without faltering.

You shoot the mouthy Private a look of disdain before responding.

“I’m looking for Corporal Roe. I was told to make contact with him as soon I arrived.” You speak to the group as a whole.

They all exchanged looks and a few whispers.

Corporal George Luz stood up.

“Why, I’m Eugene Roe. But around here they call me, ‘Doc.’” He declared confidently with a cocky grin.

The others started to snicker. One laid a heavy pat on his shoulder showing his appreciation of the joke.

You rolled your eyes, releasing an exasperated sigh.

Sergeant Denver Randleman stood from the bench, then walked towards you pushing Luz aside shaking his head as he passed him. He was a larger man. Like a bear. Never removing the cigar hanging out of the corner of his mouth as he spoke to you.

“He’s across the way this way, I’ll take ya to him.” He said, motioning you along in the opposite direction.

“Thank you, Sergeant.” You reply.

“No problem. And it’s just ‘Bull,’ ma’am.” He said politely in his thick Southern accent as he passed you leading the way.

You turn on your heel and proceed to follow Bull, ignoring the distant whistles you heard from some of the men you just met behind you.

~~~~~~~

“I hope the guys haven’t given you too much trouble so far?” stated the actual Eugene ‘Doc’ Roe when you crossed into the designated aid station.

“Nothing I haven’t dealt with before, Doc.” You say with conviction.

Bull chuckled, finding your response amusing.

“Yeah, I bet.” Doc replied before continuing.

“Well, let’s get you in processed here, and squared away. Thanks for bringing her here, Bull. I’m sure those other idiots would’ve just sent her to their barracks.” he said with a roll of his eyes.

Bull nodded with a small wave.

“See you at chow, L/N.” Bull called back to you before he left.

When Bull returned to where the others were still gathered, they bombarded him with questions.

“Did you catch her name??” Sergeant (Sgt) Don Malarkey prodded.

“-is she coming to Easy Company??” Sgt Bill Guarnere interrupted before Bull could answer.

“-did she say anything about me?” Luz questioned.

As the interrogation got heavier, he threw his hands up and removed the cigar from his mouth.

“GUYS!! Take it easy, will ya? You’ll see her later at chow, just don’t attack her with all of these questions right away, k? We don’t want to scare her off now, do we?” He explained as he replaced his cigar and walked away.

They all swapped looks of excitement.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going to have me a shower before dinner this evening.” Corporal Joe Liebgott stated while flicking his cigarette butt, rising from the picnic bench, shouldering his rifle.

“Ok, Liebgott, like you have a shot.” Malarkey teased.

Liebgott turned to him.

“Oh contrare, I feel you underestimate me, Don.” He shot back at Malarkey while walking backwards, then turning back around.

The group scoffed at him collectively.

~~~~~~~

You got to chow early before any of the other men started to show up. You tucked yourself way in the back at a long table in the corner. You made sure to keep your head down, hanging over a tray trying to swallow some of the Army’s finest slop.

“Should’ve just stuck to a dinner roll with margarine.” You whispered to yourself as you grimaced from the last mouthful of mystery meat from your plate.

“Not exactly a high-end dish from The Ritz, now, is it?” Sgt Carwood Lipton joked as he sat down across from you with his own serving of slop.

“Yeah, not quite.” You respond while poking at a hard, clay-like mound on your plate that was supposed to be mashed potatoes.

“You’ll get used to it.” Bull stated as he sat next to you with his tray.

You ‘psh-ed’ at Bull’s statement.

“I highly doubt that. But I’ll make do.” You convinced yourself. “Surprisingly not the worst food I’ve had.” You added.

“Really, there’s something out there worse than this?” Lipton asked astonished as he stirred his cold soup that looked like ketchup and water.

“Oh yeah! Pixley and Ehler’s Diner on Clark Street in Chicago has some questionable selections.” You explained.

“Is that where you’re from?” Corporal Frank Perconte queried as he sat next to Lipton.

“I am.” You replied with pride.

“You Italian then?” Guarnere asked, inviting himself to the conversation, sitting next to Perconte.

“Italian and Irish.” You clarified.

“Ssshh, a goddam Mick-Deigo.” Guarnere sneered crinkling his nose in disgust.

“Leave’er alone, Gonorrhea.” Liebgott interjected sitting next to Bull.

“I’m guessing you're Italian?” You directed at Guarnere.

“Sicilian, actually.” He retorted.

“Hm, you know that Sicilians aren’t real Italians, right? Sicily is just like Australia. All the criminals of Britain were shipped there to be ostracized from the mainland. Sicily is just an island of Italy’s delinquents.” You taunted.

The others “ooooo-ed” in unison. Even Perconte who was the other Italian of Easy company.

“She got you there, Guarnere.” Bull teased.

Everyone laughed. Except Guarnere.

“You think you’re funny?” Guarnere challenged.

You sighed and looked at him deadpan in the face without an ounce of fear to show.

“Come on, Guarnere, she was only dishing out what you gave her.” Perconte defended.

“Shut your trap, Perconte, you should be on my side!” he said slamming a fist onto the surface of the table then pointing at him.

The rest of the table filled up with remaining members of Easy Company that could fit that wanted to see the fight unfold.

You folded your arms in front of you on top of the table and leaned forward, making sure you got Guarnere’s attention, then spoke with distinct fire in your voice.

“You think I’m some dame just showing up here straight out of basic training not knowing how to handle myself with soldiers? I’ve been whistled at, barked at, howled at, catcalled, pinched, ass slapped, and manhandled by the worst of them, pal. You labeling me because of my heritage ain’t gonna do shit to me. But I’ll be damned you disrespect me like I haven’t earned the right to be respected. Just remember, I’m the one that’s going to be tending to you if you get shot in the field, sergeant.”

You glare at him, then rise harshly from your seat, leaving the rest of the table in a state of awe and shock.

“Good job, Gonorrhea. You pissed her off now.” Liebgott pointed out with an audible tsk.

“Fuck her.” Guarnere spit back.

~~~~~~~

As soon as you left the chow hall, you found a spot out of sight to catch your breath and slow your heart rate. You leaned against a post looking up towards the night sky taking deep controlled breaths.

“Corporal L/N?” You’re startled by the voice of Lieutenant (LT) Richard Winters. You snap to attention ready to render a salute, but he waves you down.

“As you were. Are you alright?” He asked as you relaxed your stance.

“Yessir, just getting some fresh air.” You reassured.

He looked at you with skepticism, not believing you were telling him the entire truth.

You continued.

“A room full of men who haven’t showered in a few days can make a gal lightheaded.” You joked.

The corner of LT Winters’ mouth started to curl into a slight grin, trying his best not to laugh outloud at your quick wit.

“I see, L/N. Well rest up, we’ll need you to be ready when we move out for the next mission.” He explained.

“Yes, sir. Have a good night.” You replied.

Winters gave a nod and entered the chow hall.

LT Winters bee lined for his company’s table. His men all greeted him cheerfully as he approached the table.

“Lieutenant, got a seat open right here.” Bull called out, gesturing to your vacant spot.

“No thanks, Bull, I’ve eaten already.” Winters responded. He paused before he continued.

“Just ran into Corporal L/N on the way in-” He paused again to assess the men’s reaction.

Some continued eating, pretending like they hadn’t really heard. Lipton, Bull and Liebgott looked up at Winters waiting for him to continue.

“She seemed somewhat troubled.” Winters finished. He waited for anyone to speak up, looking at the group expectantly.

“Maybe her panties got all up in a twist, sir.” Guarnere offered up sarcastically.

Some of the men chortled in response.

Winters, Bull, Lipton, and Liebgott weren’t amused.

“Well, she only said a room full of foul-smelling males made her dizzy and she needed fresh air.” Winters relayed, while looking at Guarnere suspiciously.

The men all started to smell their armpits self-consciously.

“Corporal Liebgott.” Winters called out.

“Sir?”

“Get out there and escort L/N to her tent.” Winters instructed.

“Yes, sir.” Liebgott acknowledged.

“L/N will not walk around alone at night, gentlemen. I don’t care who goes with her, but make sure she always has a battle buddy in the hours of darkness. Tracking?” Winters asked, raising his voice authoritatively.

The table responded “yes, sir” simultaneously.

Liebgott rushed out excitedly and hustled down the street to catch you before you got too far.

~~~~~~~

You were aways a bit ahead before Liebgott found you.

“Hey, L/N! Wait up!” He called after you.

You turned around looking for the voice calling your name.

You stopped walking, waiting for Liebgott trotting over to catch up to you.

“Can I help you?” You asked with a little more harshness in your voice than you intended.

“As a matter of fact, I’m here to help you. I have the honor of accompanying you to your barracks.” He responded with enthusiasm and a smile.

You were taken aback. You raised an eyebrow at him.

“Oh?” You questioned before continuing. “That’s quite unexpectedly chivalrous of you.”

“Well, you have Winters to thank for that, it was his idea.” He responded quite bluntly.

You rolled your eyes.

“Hm, I see.” You reply briskly.

Liebgott realized he sounded like an asshole right then.

“Of course, if you approve, I’ll appoint myself your permanent battle buddy from now on.” He extended with his signature smirk as you resumed walking together.

You felt your face heat up. You averted your eyes to the ground so he wouldn’t see you blush. But Joseph Liebgott doesn’t miss a thing. He grinned wider.

“If those are the LT’s orders, then have at it, Liebgott.” You replied coldly.

“Nah, that last part was my idea.” He stated proudly.

You shot him a confused expression, then he winked at you.

You laughed nervously, looking away quickly to break the awkwardness you felt in the pit of your stomach.

He smiled at you affectionately.

“And call me Joe.” He added.

“Y/N.” You reply looking up at him through your lashes.

“Look, sorry if I’m making it weird. And don’t listen to Gonorrhea. He’s just a jackass with a height deficiency. The kid always has some stupid shit to say.” He explained.

You nod trying to suppress a giggle.

“This is me.” You announce as you approach the entrance to your sleeping quarters. You turn to face Joe. “Thank you for the chat, and the company, Liebgott…I mean Joe.” You say dotingly.

“Forget it. So?” He asked.

You were genuinely confused.

“Sooo?” You reply.

“Am I your permanent evening escort?” he asked with a grin and a wink.

This time you laugh outwardly at his attempt at a flirty sexual inuendo.

“If by ‘evening escort’ you mean my nightly walk to and from one location to another, I’d have to say....I’ll think about it.” You respond flirtatiously with a wink in return.

His face lit up.

“Well alright then. We’ll take another test run tomorrow night.” He proposed.

You shook your head smiling, astounded by the level of confidence this man had.

“Good night, Joe.” You finalized as you disappear beyond the threshold of the tent entrance.

~~~~~~~

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