The Bet

"I feel bad for women, mainly because they deal with men." –Unknown

For the men of Easy Company, it was nothing new for George Luz to be dancing, so to speak, around with any woman he saw. It was common knowledge that Luz loved women. Luz loved women more than air. And really, any man of Easy Company would give you that same answer, especially in a time of war. But, the women weren't too keen on George it seemed… No one knew why; Luz was funny as all hell, handsome too. He was the kind of guy to drag you out of a hard place if you needed it.

The funny part was it seemed George Luz was more of a 'best friend' than a 'let-us-make-love friend'.

The chatter at Easy's table was astounding to say the least. More than half of the men were drunk off their seats. One of these men was the small Italian, Frank Perconte. Now, Frank and Luz had been friends for a good long while; since they started out as troopers at Camp Toccoa. To Frank, Luz's actions around Natalie Déchame were like his actions with any other French, German, or American girl. George was just as keen as having sex with her than any other girl.

Now, to everyone else, they thought nothing of this. They were soldiers, and that is what they do. Yet, to Natalie, she found herself actually having fun.

This was rare. The war was not kind to anyone nowadays, and fun and joy were things that you never found anymore. It was as if these things had gone missing, only to be rationed out to the people like food. When it did come, it was sparse, like a small bought of laughter or the cry of a newborn baby. These things, however, came under fire, just like anything else in a war.

So, Nat figured she would have a good time while it lasted.

The men of Easy Company were extremely sweet to her. She simply smiled as many of them wished her luck against Luz in the dart game. The only officer who paid her mind was Buck Compton. He had taken up to her side, instead of gathering around the back of the match like the others. Buck smiled at her and claimed to be the official dart giver. Luz yelped at him playfully, calling him out on the fact that he would try and help Nat win. Buck denied it, and shook his head, telling Luz to hurry up and play the goddamn game.

"Fine. Fine." Luz took one of the worn old silver darts from Buck, "Don't be so pushy, Buck."

Luz lazily through his arm forward, releasing the dart and letting it fly. It soared quickly and imbedded itself with in the 20 ring, just outside the bullseye. Surveying his work, Luz popped his lips and motioned cockily to Nat.

"Your turn, beautiful."

"Oui."

Natalie gently took a dart from Buck, muttering a quick 'Merci'. Natalie extended her arm and snapped quickly, letting the dart land in the 15 ring, the third one out.

There was a chorus of muttered bets being placed behind the duo of dart players. Some were betting Luz would dominate and others betting the other way around. Overall, most of Easy believed Natalie would win. It seemed like a meek outlook, but I guess the men figured they had nothing to lose... Except their money.

But, that's beside the point.

Buck gave Natalie an encouraging look as Luz look another dart, and tossed it. This time, the dart hit where Nat's did on her last turn: 15. Luz smirked, obviously proud of himself. Nat only rolled her eyes at him and took another dart.

She guessed she did something wrong, because in the flurry of the throw, the dart somehow lodged itself into the wall above the actual board. Nat's face flushed red as laughter came from behind her. The company was laughing in good spirits, but as Buck hushed them, Luz spoke up.

"Alright, hun. You get a re-do. But, this time I get to show you how to throw."

Nat only crossed her arms and let Luz retrieve the dart from the wall. With some tugging, the dart finally became unstuck and set Luz staggering backwards a few steps. He returned to his spot near Nat, and handed her the dart.

"Go to throw the dart, but don't, hun." Sighing, Nat complied and put her arm up. Suddenly, the bar was in an uproar.

"Show her howta' do it right, Luz!"

"She aint got it!"

Smiling goofily and muttering in a rather official voice, Luz began his commentary on her dart throwing skills.

"Ahhhh. Yep, yep, yep. I see your, uh, problem, dear." He through his head back, shaking it, "You are not, uh, in the correct position, dear."

Natalie looked at him, laughing slightly at his voice, "Oui? Then fix it, monsieur."

She was flirting now. And she really couldn't believe it. She was Natalie Déchame, and she hardly ever paid a man any mind. She was just a farmer's daughter anyways, not lke she all the men in the world after her… but these soldiers would do anything for a woman to spend the night with… Now she realized, this American, George Luz, was going to go breaking each rule she had set during this war. He had already broken her rule number one: Don't talk with the soldiers.

Nat jumped slightly as Luz maneuvered behind her, resting his hands on hers, and leaving one hand to rest on her hip.

Rule two: Don't get close to the soldiers.

Luz chuckled somewhat, muttering a quiet: "I won't bite ya'."

Natalie only blushed and nodded, letting Luz have his way. The soldier was now pressed against her backside, extending her arm towards the board and whispering tips on throwing to her. Nat turned her head slightly, looking at Luz from the corner of her eyes. He smiled goofily back, wiggling his eyebrows: "Ya' like what ya' see, babe?"

"Non. Let me throw the dart. This game must end soon, I have work to do." Natalie only watched him more, as she smiled dropped and he stepped back, holding his arms out defensively.

"Fine, fine. Go ahead." Luz turned away from her, mockingly hurt, "I see that's what I am to you."

"Trash?" Buck quipped, adding to the conversation.

"Oui. Merci, Monsieur Compton." Natalie threw the dart again, and this time it lodged itself into the 20 ring.

"See! Imma great teacher!" Luz laughed, patting his own back.

Now, the game continued on for another hour, Natalie and Luz bickering back and forth over how much a throw was worth, how terrible the other was, and any other form of sportsmanly misconduct. At the end of the night, the score was a whopping 105 to 175.

Luz won his bet.

And Nat gave him that beer.

But it seemed Luz had one too many that night, and proceeded to pass out on the Boire de Minuit's floor.

Thank you everyone for your kind reviews! I'm glad so many people have taken interest in this story! I might cram out another chapter of this tonight, since it's early and I'm eager to use my new laptop!