#malarkey :3 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mccall-muffin · 2 years

Text

Love vs. Hate - Part 3 // Joe Liebgott x OC

Previous Part Summary: Technical Sergeant Olivia Stark knows the military. Raised in a military family, a graduate of military school and OCS herself, she is transferring from the 82nd Airborne Division to the 101st. Between new friends and what appear to be foes, she becomes a part of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR.

Warnings: Language, Angst, Self-doubt

A/N: Here is number 3 (I kinda imagined this sentence as Mr. Reginald Hargreeves would say it - Numba Threeee) This chapter has a quick change of POV, but it's marked. And I kinda love the friendship between Don and Liv. Oh and almost forgot : 100 miles are about 160 km. Just in case you were wondering, or live in a metric system country like I do.

Here is my Masterlist

Tag List: @brassknucklespeirs

28th November 1942 - Camp Toccoa, GA Bored, I sit in the lecture room, playing with my pen in front of me. Muck struggles to fall asleep to her left, and I occasionally prod him. But when the door opens, and Sobel enters with the platoon leaders, we all stand at attention. They tell us the same thing they’ve said a thousand times before.

"Listen up. Colonel Sink has overheard that the Japanese are very good at marching. We will prove that we are even better and march in three days. Pack your gear because we will not return to Toccoa," he says, looking around. "Lieutenant Winters," he then says and leaves the room again. "You heard the captain. As you've already been informed, we're shifting to Fort Benning for jump training in early December." "Sir? Where are we marching to?" then asks Lipton, and I look at him briefly. "We're marching to Atlanta. The entire battalion. We leave on the morning of December 1. From Atlanta, we'll go on by train. Carry on."

"Atlanta?" I ask in surprise, looking at Don. "That must be about 100 miles. Are they crazy?" "Shit," Don grumbles, looking down at his feet. "I've got blisters from this fucking hill already. How am I supposed to get through this fucking march with my feet?" "Maybe you should talk to Doc first?" "Maybe you're right."

30th November 1942 - Camp Toccoa, GA Two days later, we are all busy packing. "Jesus, this shit," I grumble, stuffing my things into the bag. "Women," Liebgott mumbles next to me, and I look up. "You got something to say, Liebgott? I am really not in the mood right now", I hiss at him. He looks up now, too, and our eyes meet. "Don't do it, Joe," Penkala warns him, looking at both of us with concern. Everyone around us knows it will get out of hand if he says it now. Liebgott eyes me for a moment before taking a quick breath. "I said women," again he draws breath. Don, George and Penkala groan. "Well done, Lieb. He really needs to learn the signals. I thought he has sisters too," George grumbles to Don, turning back to his things.

Meanwhile, I detach myself from my things and stand up straight. "And what exactly are you trying to say?" I jam my hands into my sides and glare at him. "What do you think? That you women are all the same. And that, once again, it's typical. You have 7000 things you always have to lug everywhere, and then we must carry your shit after you because it's too heavy for you!" "Are you fucking serious?! Do you really think that I can't carry my shit? First of all, for your information, smartass, I don't have my clothes with me. I have the same shit as everyone here, with two small exceptions. And second, I've been through the same damn training as you. So don't tell me I'm too weak to carry my shit!" Liebgott snorts sarcastically. I'm probably overreacting, but it doesn't help that it's that time of the month. "Oh yeah, we'll see about that after the 100 miles, Stark. That's the same as you being unable to defend yourself because I had to do that for you too." "But I didn't fucking ask you to, you dick! And if I remember correctly, you didn't do it for me, did you?" Liebgott's eyes turn to slits. "Damn right."

Liebgott and I are so close by now that I can feel his breath on my face. I didn't even realize we'd moved closer together during our argument, but now I can smell his scent. And it drives me crazy. "Okay, that's enough!" Don directly interferes and pushes us apart. "Why don't you just focus on your respective shit and finally finish packing. I really don't know how you two airheads can muster up the strength for this, too. Jesus Christ." I give Liebgott another angry look and then turn away from him. However, I pick up my running shoes before throwing them on the ground. "Ah fuck it!" I grumble, taking my smokes and disappearing outside. "Liv, where are you going?" Don calls after me, but I ignore him.

With no compelling destination, I trudge through the camp. Fucking Liebgott. Who does he think he is? Just lump all the women together and claim they are too weak for everything. At some point, I realize I have arrived at the other end of the camp. I stop and stare straight ahead. I don't know how long I stand there, racking my brain when suddenly I feel a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I turn around.

"My ass, are you trying to kill me?" I ask, grabbing my heart. "My ass? What kind of expression is that? And I called you like five times." I take a deep breath. "I didn't hear you." "Where are you with your thoughts?" I look up at Lip, who gestures with his head for me to follow him. "And what are you doing back here anyway? I was lucky to see you by chance, or I probably never would have found you." "What's going on?" I ask, following him. "Winters is asking for us. They want to pass us the information for tomorrow so we can inform the men." I nod and follow him until I see Winters waiting for us with Nixon and Roush from a distance. The other platoon sergeants are already there as well.

"Ah, Sergeant Stark, there you are. Thank you, Sergeant Lipton," Winters greets me, and I salute him. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know you were looking for us." "That's all right. So here's the deal: Tomorrow, at 0600, we move out. We are intended to cover about 30 - 35 miles in one day. After that, we'll set up the tents and spend the night. At 0600 in the morning, we move on. Colonel Sink demands that we are faster than the Japanese. That is, we should arrive in Atlanta in four days, where we then board the train. The whole battalion is participating, making it all the more important that the platoon sergeants help their platoon leaders keep people together and that the squad leaders keep their people in line, understand?" "Yes, sir," we say out of one mouth. "Good, full gear, including a rifle. You can turn in the big bags. The supply office will take those to Fort Benning." Winters looks at us in turn. Then Roush speaks up. "Sergeant Stark, Sergeant Lipton... You are in charge of the second platoon. Inform them all, yes?" "Yes, sir," we reply and salute him before stepping down.

"I'll get the men out, and you'll brief them?" Lipton asks me, and I nod. He gets the men out, and I look up. "2nd Platoon on me," I call out, and they come up to me before gathering around me. I look the men in the face and get stuck on Liebgott for a second before I break away and look at Don for a second. "So listen up... We just got the orders for the march. All men are to abide by their respective squad leaders, who in turn abide by me. Since the whole battalion is involved, it's even more important to ensure we don't lose anyone, understood? Good. The big bags can be turned in tomorrow. Otherwise, full gear. We march at 0600, as you were."

The men lapse into a conversation and disperse again. Don comes up to me. "Where have you been?" "Oh, I had to cool down for a minute. You know..." "I guess you weren't the only one. Joe was still babbling furiously for a while." "Let him. I couldn't care less what he thinks." "But you do, Liv. That's part of the reason he can always provoke you like that. What's really going on, Liv?" "What do you mean?" "Today's topic has somehow made you go 180 faster than usual. And I don't think it's because of the current circumstances. At least not completely." I look at him, confused. "I have a sister, Liv. I think I know when you are on your..." "Okay, okay! Shut up! It's not worth mentioning, Don." "Don't lie to me, Liv. Come on, let's sit down," he says, leading me to a tree before holding out a smoke. "Now, spill it!"

I take a deep breath. "Remember I told you guys that my siblings and I went to the military academy?" I ask with a sigh, and Don nods. "Sure." "Well, the school was run by my uncle, which is why The school accepted my sisters and me in the first place. Other than that, it was all boys. How could it be otherwise? Anyway, my uncle was so not keen on the idea, but my father was able to persuade him. Well, Uncle James always let us know that we were not boys. Be it because of intelligence, strength, or anything else. You can imagine what that does to a teenager's head, right?" I pluck at a blade of grass. "Anyway, I've always tried to prove him wrong. I gave everything I could to show him that we girls can be strong too and be just as good as the boys, but it was never good enough. I could be the fastest or shoot the best, but he always found an excuse not to make it count. Towards the end of my school years, my confidence was so low that I almost gave up. My brother Tommy encouraged me not to and to finish school. Which I did, even if just barely. After that, I joined a company near Newport and did my basic training. I did well, one of the best, but every time I saw my uncle, it was like school all over again. 'You're the best soldier in your company? Well, with a beautiful face, you can score points, too. / In real life, you wouldn't stand a chance, Olivia; you're still as weak as ever." I fight tears at the memories and quickly wipe my face with my sleeve. "When I read that paratroopers were the best of the best, I didn't hesitate for a second and signed up. I want to prove to him that I'm not a wimp and can be just as good as any man."

For a while, we are both silent. "I'm not weak, Don. I can do this." Don takes my hand in his and smiles at me encouragingly. "I know, Liv, and I believe in you. What he did to you is not justified. I mean, you're here, aren't you? With the best of the best and as a technical sergeant. You graduated from fucking OCS, and we're going to do this march, jump training, and fuck, this war together, sweetheart!" Don's words make me laugh. I nudge him with my shoulder and then grin. "Thanks, Don. I don't know what I did to deserve you." "That's a good question. I hear there's a surprise dessert tonight, and I bet you can find a way to pay me back." He winks at me, and I grin. "Wouldn't you like to have that Malarkey?" Don laughs and stands up before helping me to my feet. "So come on now, let's finish packing your shit, and then we'll get some grub in our bellies."

2nd December 1942 - Somewhere between Toccoa and Atlanta, GA It is now the second day of the march, and my feet are aching. I walk mainly next to Don, who also has leg problems. "Jesus, I don't know if I can finish this," he mumbles next to me, and I look at him. "Come on. What did you say to me? We can do this together, right?" Don smiles at me before James Diel walks up to us. "Liv... Roush wants to see you," he says, and I nod before following him to Lieutenant Roush. "You wanted to see me, Lieutenant?" I ask, and he looks at me briefly. "That's right, Sergeant Stark. I just got word from 1st Platoon that we're going for another hour or so and then camp for the night. Send someone to 3rd Platoon to brief them." "Yes, sir," I say and drop back down.

I let my eyes roam through the men. "Hey, Skinny," I call out as I spot him and walk up beside him. "Hey, Liv. You gonna keep us company for a change?" he grins, and I smile. I like Skinny, but unfortunately, he is very good friends with Liebgott, who is now walking next to him, so I don't mind being with them. I was able to avoid him very well in the last two days since our previous quarrel. "Sorry Skinny, but I have an assignment for you. Roush got word that we're going to march on for another hour or so and then make camp for the night. I need you to go to 3rd Platoon and inform Lieutenant Nixon so he can send someone to Fox Company, yes?" Skinny nods and grins at me. "Sure thing, ma'am." He drops back and disappears into the men.

As I'm about to pick up my pace, Tipper holds me back. "Hey Liv, why don't you stay with us for a bit," he says, and my gaze automatically wanders to Liebgott, who stubbornly looks straight ahead. "Sure, why not?" I return and walk alongside them. "How long are we walking today?" "Well, as far as I know, the plan is for us to do about 33 - 35 miles a day, and if we go another hour now and keep up that pace, we'll do about six more miles." "Thank God. My blisters on my feet will be happy," Alley now interjects. "Just make sure you rest and cool your feet tonight. If it doesn't work, contact Doc or Spina, will you?" "Sure thing, Sarge."

We chat for a while about trivial things until Tip turns to Liebgott. "Hey Joe, you're surprisingly quiet. What's going on with you?" I look at Liebgott for a moment, but he's still looking straight ahead. "There's nothing I have to say at the moment." "Wow, that's a new one," Tip laughs, punching Joe in the shoulder. "Don't you think so, Liv?" I look briefly at Tip and then back at Joe. I know that no matter how I answer this question, it will be a wrong answer. Then I glare at Tip, who must have noticed it too, but just shrugs. Joe tenses up next to me as well. "Well... I uh..." "Come on, just say what you're going to say, Stark. Let's get this over with," Liebgott now says, annoyed. "Jesus, you're a ray of sunshine again, Liebgott," I give out, annoyed. Tipper starts laughing behind us. "But watch out, Liv, you don't want to get burned." "Jesus Christ, can't you two just shut up?" grumbles Liebgott, and I grin at Tipper. "Don't worry, Liebgott. I'm going already, and I'll leave you in peace with your awesome mood." "Finally." "I'll see you later, Tip. Alley." I wave to the two and pick up my pace to get back to Don.

As we set up our tents that evening, I sit in a circle on the ground with George, Skip, Don, Penk, and Frank. "God damn, my hands are freezing now," Frank grumbles, and I look at him. "We have a fire for something, Frank," I say, and the others laugh. "Jesus, I'll be glad when this is finally behind us. I'll tell you that," Penkala says, and the others agree. "Hey, sweetheart, have you rubbed it in Liebgott's face that you still carry your stuff?" Don then asks me. "No, I haven't, and I won't, Don." "Why that would be so fun," he returns sarcastically. "Yeah, right... I've had enough Liebgott today, believe me." "What, when?" then asks Skip. "He was in the back, wasn't he?" "Yep, but Tip stopped me when I sent Skinny to 3rd Platoon. And that's when I was with them for a bit." Don shakes his head. "You guys should get a handle on this. If we're going to war, you guys should get along." "There'll be black snow before then, Malark," George laughs. "Yeah yeah, go ahead and make fun," I say and stand up. "Where are you going?" asks Don immediately. "Isn't a young lady allowed to go to the bathroom, Don?" "If you find one, you'll let me know, won't you?" laughs Skip. "Want me to go with you?" "No, that'll be fine. It's not like I have to go far, and besides, what's going to happen?"

I move away from the guys and look for a suitable bush as I pass another group of soldiers I don't know, who seem pretty drunk. When they spot me, they start whistling. "Hey, look, that's Easy's chick," one of them shouts, and the others laugh. "Hey, cutie, why don't you join us for a little company? Easy already has you usually." I try to ignore them, but they've positioned themselves so that I almost have to step over them. "No, thanks," I say quickly. "Do you mind?" I ask then, as one of the soldiers has spread himself out. He slides aside a little and grins at me. Suddenly I'm grabbed by the wrist by one and pulled onto his lap. "Hey!" I shout and try to free myself from his grip. "Come on, baby. Stay with us," he purrs in my ear, and I can smell his breath. "Like I said, no thanks." I struggle out of his lap and try to keep walking. The soldiers continue to complain and call out to me. Again and again, they hold me back.

"Stark?" I then hear a voice in front of me and look up. The other soldiers also look up and let go of me. Liebgott stands in front of us. Because of his distraction, I can quickly weave my way through the men, and then I'm standing next to him. "Hey, where are you going?" "Everything okay?" he asks, and I am slightly surprised but nod before turning back to the men. "A little tip. When a woman says no, she usually means it." With those words, I walk away, realizing later that Liebgott is following me. "What is it with you?" he asks, and I turn to him. "Jesus, what are you talking about, Liebgott?" "You and the men. Somehow they all seem to want you with them." "Well, I guess you're the only one who's immune to that," I return flippantly. I turn away from him. "Wait. Stark, that's not what I meant." "And what do you mean, huh? Because you always make it sound like a curse or something to spend time with me." "I was really just trying to say that you affect the men." I raise my eyebrows. Did he just compliment me? At least, kind of? "Now, have you ever thought that many men don't have much female interaction? Then they take the next best thing. I don't have to be Rita Hayworth for that. I'll do just fine as it is." "You don't give yourself enough credit. Rita Hayworth can hardly compete with you."

I jerk my gaze up and meet his. Liebgott seems to be startled by his statement and immediately averts his gaze. For a while, we stand there in uncomfortable silence. Then I clear my throat. "Well... Uh, I actually wanted to... I, uh... See ya."

Joe's POV: Still startled at me, I look after her. How stupid can I possibly be? Why did I say that? I clench my hands into fists and trudge back to my tent, which I share with Tip. Tip is sitting alone in front of it, and I sit down next to him before lighting a smoke. "Fuck," I grumble again. "What's wrong with you?" asks Tipper, and I look at him for a moment. "Oh, nothing... I had to rescue Stark from some soldiers once more." "Wow, you're almost her knight in shining armor, huh?" "Shut up, Tip." "And why exactly are you so pissed off now? Was it not the right time again?" " Time for what?" "To confess your love to her?" "What? What are you talking about?" "Come on, Joe. I know you, and I know for a fact that your nasty ways toward her aren't real. You like her and don't want to admit it."

For a moment, I look at the ground in front of me and take a drag on my smoke. "Maybe you should just jump over your shadow and tell her. You'd be surprised what might come back." "Oh, just shut up, Tip. I'm not into Stark... That's... Impossible!" Tipper puts a hand on my shoulder. "Listen to my words, Joe... Liv is a great woman. Independent, confident, and strong. And also very beautiful to look at, if you ask me. Sooner or later, someone is going to get her. Don't let your stubbornness spoil it for you. Or maybe I'll give it a shot myself." He gets up and disappears into the tent. I let Tip's words run through my head. I know for a fact that he's right. By the time this war is over, Liv will have many suitors courting her at the latest. I sigh deeply and run my hands through my hair. Jesus, this woman is driving me crazy.

Liv's POV: "What took you so long?" Don asks me as I sit back down in my seat next to him. "Hmm?" I ask, not hearing his question. My mind is still buzzing around Liebgott's words. "Where you been?" Now I look my best friend in the eye. "In the bushes, to..." "I don't mean it like that, but I think I know that even women don't have that long to pee... Unless, of course, you had to..." "Don! What the hell?" "What? It's a legitimate question. But then, where were you?" "I walked into my own irony." Don screws up his face and looks at me questioningly. "I was going into the bushes to pee. Then I was approached by some soldiers I didn't know. They were drunk and..." "Did they do something to you?" "No, don't worry. They just wanted me to keep them company, but I pushed them away, and then, who was standing there? Liebgott." "Oh, that's what you meant by irony. And then?" "Well, he spoke to me briefly. And then a funny thing happened..." "Tell me," Don demands, and I look briefly at the others engrossed in conversation.

I move a little closer to Don. "I think Liebgott complimented me..." "He didn't?! Impossible!" "Yes, he did... At least it sounded like it." "What did he say?" "Well, it was about me telling him that I don't have to be Rita Hayworth to get men's attention since I'm one of the few women they get to see at the moment, and then he said that Rita Hayworth can't compete with me..." Don lets my words run through his head. "Wow," is all he says then, and I look at him. "Is that all you have to say about it?" "What else do you want me to say to that? I think that statement says it all." Confused, I look at him, which makes Don laugh. "Don't worry, Sweetheart. Come time comes understanding." "Yeah yeah, whatever. I'm going to bed. Do me a favor, will you? Try not to make such a racket tonight." "Understood, ma'am," he says, giving me a playful salute. "Good night, boys."

#Band of Brothers #Fanfic #bob #bobedit #hbo #hbowar #hbo series #Part 3 :D #Joe Liebgott #Joe Liebgott x OC #Joseph Liebgott x OC #Don Malarkey #Friendship goals #Love vs. Hate #ross mccall #Scott Grimes

23 notes · View notes