A/N:

Thank you so much for another review MASHlover23! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter! I'm glad you're excited to see what happens between Marie and Malarkey! (I think Em and Muck are getting the point across, lol)

Thank you heboosh for the story favorite!

I'm thinking about making a playlist for this story, since I see a lot of other author's do it. It sounds fun! Anyway, more dialogue from Malark's book and the TV series. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read and review, it means the world to me! ❤

Also: I did a sketch of Marie and Emilia, the link is on my profile if anyone wants to see it :)

Happy 93rd birthday, Donald Malarkey!

Lower Rhine

Renkum, Holland

October 22– 23rd 1944

Marie had dozed off while reviewing some medical anatomy pamphlets in the aide station. Reading and studying were always her getaway, not to mention she enjoyed keeping her mind sharp, but she'd fallen asleep even though she fought it off the best she could. Her goal was to stay awake so she could follow the schedule, but she found herself nodding off until her head slumped over and was resting on a desk. Shuffling sounds from the tent and outside stirred her awake from her light slumber. With a sharp intake of breath, her head jolted up. Pages from the pamphlet stuck to her cheek from the dried sweat on her skin. She pulled the pamphlet off her face then tiredly looked down at where she left off.

The nervous system: upper surface of the cerebellum

Lingula & Fraenulum

Pre-central fissure

.Lobulus centralis – ala lobuli centralis

Post-central fissure

.Culmen monticuli – anterior crescentic lobe

Pre-clival fissure

.Clivus monticuli – posterior crescentic lobe

Post-clival fissure

.Folium cacuminis – posterior superior lobe

Her eyes scanned over the medical jargon and Latin terminology, followed by an illustration of the brain. She rubbed her eyes, hoping to force the drowsiness out of them. The shuffling sounds continued, causing her to turn around and face the entrance of the makeshift station. She could see the shadow of a figure standing outside, but they weren't entering. Marie buried her face in her hands in grogginess until she finally willed herself to stand up. With heavy footsteps she made her way to the entrance then opened the tent flap to see Malarkey waiting outside. His head snapped in her direction, startled by her sudden unveiling of the entrance. He wrung his hands together, looking anxious about something as he stood before her in the dark. He stared tentatively at her with his large dark eyes.

Marie rubbed her eyes again. "Don?"

"Do you have a minute?" Malarkey questioned, still wringing his hands. "You fall asleep?"

"Uh, no." She lied, not wanting a lecture. She glanced back at the little desk sitting in the far corner of the aide station. "Just doing some light reading. Come in."

He followed her inside. Marie watched him, studying his out-of-character mannerisms. It was obvious he had something on his mind as he stood awkwardly in the middle of the aide station, glancing around like he'd never seen the place before. Marie tried to chat with him, see what was on his mind, but his replies were succinct and almost timid. Finally Marie shrugged, giving up on trying to get anything out of her friend. She started back toward the desk. She was too tired to coax whatever was bothering him.

"Marie, I need to talk to you." Malarkey finally broke the silence. Marie stopped walking, and turned to face him, her eyebrow raised incredulously. "I uh… it's important." He added, biting his lip and averting his gaze from her.

Curious, Marie straightened up her drowsy, slouched posture. She waited for him to continue, but right as he opened his mouth Guarnere stuck his head in. He glanced back and forth between the two of them, but didn't say anything about the scene before him.

"Lieutenant Heyliger needs to speak to us all. It's looking like he's going to give us a new objective. Grab your gear, let's go." The squad leader instructed tersely. He left the two of them to get everything together. Malarkey looked almost relieved for the interruption. He smiled apologetically at Marie then left the tent without a second word.

She strapped her medical pack to her body and double-checked the rest of her gear, knife, canteen, etc. She picked up her helmet, then placed it on her head. She was fortunate that Emilia had pulled her hair into a tight braided up do the night before, she didn't have the time to tamper with her hair now. She headed outside and followed to where the soldiers were all meeting up. Moose stood before all of them, pacing as the rest of the lieutenants, and Emilia, stood idly by. The crickets were chirping so loudly tonight that it was almost too difficult to concentrate on anything else. The small quadrangle in the center of Hell's Corner was filled with murmurs as to what the objective was. Marie felt her heart start to speed up in anticipation as she waited for Moose to inform Easy on the situation. Finally, Moose cleared his throat, cueing the company to quiet down.

"We've got a new objective." Moose began, although that was clearly obvious. "Intel from our allies, the British, requested the aid of Easy Company. A British paratrooper, Colonel O. Dobey also known as the 'Mad Colonel of Arnhem', has been wounded and captured by the Germans."

The murmurs started up again amongst the American paratroopers, but Moose raised his hand to silence them so he could continue on.

"But the colonel escaped from a hospital and somehow managed to swim the Lower Rhine. I'm not exactly sure how, but he got into contact with Colonel Sink." Moose paused, scanning the crowd with a neutral gaze. "We estimate 125 British troops, 10 Dutch resistance fighters, and 5 American pilots are hiding out with the Dutch underground beyond the Lower Rhine." Moose cleared his throat. "I've agreed to help with the rescue attempt. But I will not be picking all of you."

The crowd was silent this time as Moose finished. He started to list names as he picked his men for the rescue. It was mostly guys from 3rd platoon, and there was to be seventeen total for this objective. Marie listened intently as he called names, her ears straining for a friend's name to be mentioned. The rest would stay behind to lend a hand on the bank as the selected soldiers had to cross the river.

"Malarkey." Moose called.

Marie felt her heart leap into her throat. The CO had chosen Malarkey, out of everyone in the company, to partake in this risky rescue mission. Marie watched Malarkey break from the crowd and come forward. This wasn't fair, he had to put his life on the line for some men that he didn't even know, and would be heading into the heart of German territory.

"Docherty." Moose called next.

Marie felt her stomach drop as her head snapped up at the sound of her name. She wasn't expecting to be participating in this mission at all - she was usually left behind or cast aside when it came to combat missions. Marie obediently stepped forward, weaving her way through the company. As she approached, she saw the concerned faces from Emilia, Winters, Nixon, and Welsh. Marie went over and stood beside Malarkey. He shot her a quick glance, but his expression was unreadable.

Moose dismissed the rest of the company so he could give the briefing inside the CP tent. Marie went inside, and waited for Moose to pull out a map of the location. Marie and Malarkey waited side by side, not saying a word to each other as they patiently waited for the lieutenant to begin.

"The objective is to cross the Lower Rhine and behind enemy lines. There'll be one rifleman assigned to each boat. Our job is to bring those men back to safety, and away from the Germans." Moose explained, pointing to the map. "If everything goes well from the other side, the escapees should be at the bank waiting for extraction."

Marie forced her mouth not to drop while Moose continued with the briefing. The number of escapees totaled over a hundred, they had over one hundred people they had to save! Operation Pegasus sounded fine when he explained it, but to execute this mission would literally be a shot in the dark. Marie was assigned to the same boat as Malarkey, and Herman "Hack" Hansen, or as Marie called him, Triple H.

After the briefing, everyone left to get set up. Operation Pegasus' preparation would begin at 21:00 hours sharp. Marie wasn't sure how she felt about this mission, since Easy had never done a rescue and stealth mission before, but she was hoping it would be quick and go off without a hitch. As Marie went to follow the others, Moose stopped her and pulled her aside discreetly.

"Sergeant Docherty, I hope you understand that I need to send a medic just in case. I overheard that you were fed up with being left in the dust, so I decided to let you in on this one." Moose told her.

Marie only stared at him, not knowing how to react.

"I hope that's okay?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you." Marie smiled. He'd done this so she wouldn't feel left out. Despite her nerves, this was exactly the chance she'd been asking for as long as she could remember.

It was now 01:00 hours as Easy waited besides the boats. A flash would indicate the signal to proceed, but in the meantime, they were all stuck waiting beside some trees and shrubs on the opposite bank. The boats had been hiding in shrubs for hours, until they were given the order to pull them out of hiding.

"This'll be a miracle if it works." Malarkey whispered to his two friends. Right as Malarkey spoke, a flash went off across the river.

"It's the light, time to go." Hansen informed them. The red light blinked in code, V for Victory, so they could finally head across. The rest of 2nd platoon was on the bank, guns ready for covering fire, but shooting into the dark was risky. Friendly fire was more likely to happen, much to Marie's fear.

Climbing into the boat and trying to paddle forward was a struggle. The oars were splashing a bit too loudly, and some guns the boys were carrying were clinking together. Curses followed the other boats as the men attempted to hold their equipment and paddle more carefully.

So much for being quiet. Marie thought, growing agitated.

Almost twenty men climbing into 8'x10' boats with full equipment, crossing a large river in the middle of the night with Germans keeping watch was a fatality waiting to happen.

Marie internally groaned, shooting an annoyed look at Malarkey and Hansen. Right when she did so, someone in another boat sneezed. She wanted to shush them, but it was pointless. German outposts were only just across the river, they could hear them all coming easily if they didn't quiet down. They sat, keeping as still as they could. The boats rocking back and forth in the mild churning water as they slowly made their way across the Lower Rhine. The water was pitch black as they inched through the darkness. Marie peered over the side of the boat and into the ink looking depths from below, she couldn't even see her reflection.

As far as they all knew, Colonel Dobey had somehow managed to keep in contact with the Dutch underground. Before the rescue attempt had begun, the escapees would get closer to the bank. Marie hoped they would all be there waiting for them, so Easy wouldn't have to venture further into the dangerous territory across the river.

"You think everyone will be accounted for?" Marie whispered.

"According to Moose, a British 40 mm Beaufort gun fired tracer bullets each night so they'd know where to gather." Malarkey responded.

"That doesn't mean the escapees will follow the plan." Marie replied flatly.

"You worry too much. Let's just get to the bank, get the escapees, then head back." Hansen said.

"How do you expect me not to worry? You aren't at all concerned this will go south, Triple H?"

Hansen grinned at her using his nickname. "Just sit tight, we'll see how this goes."

British artillery started firing incendiary shells into the sky by Arnhem. The three soldiers whipped their heads in the direction of the explosions and watched as the artillery lit up the black sky. Marie watched the impressive show of artillery, her face scrunched in confusion.

"For background fire, and to make it easier to see the guys on the bank." Malarkey muttered, seeing her expression. He turned his attention back to keeping an eye straight ahead. Marie could tell Malarkey was nervous, even though he assured her he was used to water. She didn't blame him, she didn't mind water either, but she didn't like crossing it at night, and into German territory. Part of her wondered what else was on his mind since he'd been acting so strangely before the mission, but this wasn't the time to talk about it.

It took about fifteen minutes to cross the river, their arms tired from methodically paddling the oars. Malarkey lowered his gaze below the bow of the raft, and focused on the bank. He nudged Marie and pointed. She lowered herself and followed his finger with her gaze. She could make out huddled figures lying on the bank – the incendiary artillery lighting up the sky just enough so they could see the silhouettes of the escapees. The boat stopped just shy of the bank. The soldiers had to climb off the boat and wade through the water to get to them. Malarkey eased himself over the bow of the boat and into the water, almost going in headfirst. Marie climbed in right behind him, and felt the shock as it hit her skin. The water was about waist deep and freezing. Marie gasped as her pants and shoes sank into the frigid water. She stayed back with Malarkey, holding the boat to make sure it didn't drift off. Hansen, joined by other members of Easy, went on ahead to help the escapees on the bank.

"You our passengers?" Malarkey whispered in the direction of the huddled figures.

"Yes, yes, thank you, thank you so much!" One responded. They were gathered and escorted to the boat, trying not to splash too loudly. They patted Easy Company's backs in thanks as they passed the cold water and climbed aboard. The escapees hugged Marie, so grateful to be taken away from the Lower Rhine. Their gratefulness touched her deeply.

Most that were rescued were British paratroopers, like Moose said, but there were two American pilots in their boat, and a British tank sergeant from the 7th Armored Division. As they made their way back across the river, the British tank sergeant also thanked them for rescuing him. When they reached the other bank, they took the escapees to a facility that was already set up for them. Marie couldn't believe it, the entire operation had went without any problems. The Operation Pegasus had been completed at about 02:00 hours, with only one MIA reported.

The British were so grateful to Easy Company that they decided to throw a celebration for them. Booze and soldiers were all compact into a barn they were able to find near Renkum. Everyone nosily cheered and toasted as the party raged on.

A British soldier stood up before them, getting their attention so he could make a speech. Everyone eventually quieted down as he patiently waited, a large grin spread across his face.

"Moose Heyliger and the American 101st have done the Red Devil's a great service." He beamed. The crowd voiced their agreement. "For making it possible for us to return and fight the enemy on another day, to Easy Company, victory, and Currahee!" He concluded, raising a glass.

"Currahee!" Easy boomed, doing the same.

Marie was happy that the operation was a success, but the loud chatter and thick smell of alcohol was beginning to give her a headache. She stepped outside of the barn, needing some fresh air. She leaned up against the wooden frame and stared out into the night. Winters was the only one not present for the party; Marie partly wished she wasn't, too. She wasn't feeling very festive tonight. Alcohol was never something that could bring her celebrate no matter the occasion. She sat down, her back still pressed against the barn, feeling the dew covered grass beneath her.

The barn door creaked open as Malarkey stepped outside, holding a glass of light beer in his hand. He spotted her and smiled. "What are you doing out here?"

"I just needed some air."

Malarkey nodded. He leaned up against the frame beside her, taking in the nighttime breeze and the overpowering smell of well water and grass.

"What did you want to talk to me about back at the aide station?" She questioned. Whatever he wanted to tell had been eating away at her for hours.

Malarkey licked his lips, a noticeable habit of his. "Oh, you remembered that, huh?"

Marie turned to face him, waiting for him to continue on. She studied his profile as the light from inside the barn reflected on his skin. He sighed, scratching the back of his head in hesitation.

"I'm gonna need more drinks in me before I tell you that." Malarkey sighed, chuckling to himself, lightly. He took a swig of his beer.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing like that… it's just… it's nothing, forget it." Malarkey stammered.

Marie desperately wanted to know but she didn't push him on the subject. After all the times she refused to tell him things, it wouldn't be fair for her to throw a fit to find out what he was hiding. She nodded solemnly in response, letting him know it was fine. Malarkey fidgeted awkwardly beside her, while Marie stared out into the rolling hills and into Lower Rhine. She couldn't understand why, but she felt so tranquil at this moment.

"Why did you join the paratroopers, Marie?" Malarkey's voice surprised her.

She'd been asked this question many times before, but Malarkey had seemed very sincere. She gave him a quizzical look – she was sure he knew the answer to that question.

"It beats staying back home and working in a bomb factory." She replied with a shrug.

"I mean, why did you really join the paratroopers?"

Marie tucked some of her loose hair behind her ears; it was starting to come undone from the twisted up braid. She pondered for a while, wanting to give him an honest reply.

"Well, I uh… I felt very passionate about joining the war effort after Pearl Harbor. I had just graduated college when I heard the news. Shortly after I got hired at a hospital as a trauma nurse." She explained, her eyes downcast as she recalled the memory. He watched her carefully, fully interested in everything she was saying. "I saw flyers about becoming an Army Nurse. I was originally thinking about enlisting in the Nurse Corps, but then I heard locally about paratroopers. I heard about the trial experiment with letting a certain selected group of women into Toccoa to train with the men, so I jumped on it. I only lived an hour away from Camp Toccoa, so it made sense."

"Are you happy with your decision?"

Marie nodded. "Hospitals are more draining and scary than most know. I'd rather be out here fighting with all of you than stationed at a dingy hospital, watching patients lose their minds. Besides, if I hadn't of done what I did, then I wouldn't of become a member of Easy Company. I wouldn't have met you, Skip, or Emilia."

Malarkey smiled, reaching for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. She felt herself blush by the tenderness of his gesture. Her heart swelled with admiration for the man holding hands with her. She closed her eyes, wishing that this moment would last forever.

"I also… I needed to get away from my mother and everything that reminded me of her." Marie added in a low voice.

"I figured as much." He replied in a sympathetic tone. "I am very happy that you joined us, Marie, truly I am." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. He gently let go of her hand, gazing at her, surprised with himself at his actions. He looked like he yearned to tell her something but couldn't. He hesitantly got up and headed back inside the barn, giving her one last strained smile before he disappeared behind the door.

Marie let out a shuddering breath, her face burning crimson and her heart beating so rapidly in her chest that she automatically placed her hand over it. She couldn't understand it, he'd kissed her many times before; quick pecks on the cheek and forehead, but something was different. Something inside the two of them had shifted over the past few months, but neither could bring themselves to speak of it. Emilia and Muck's words of constant encouragement to tell Malarkey how she felt swam around her head. She knew they were right, they'd been right all along.

She had to do it. She had to tell him before she missed her chance for good.