A/N:

Thank you kEs-2717 for another review! It really inspires me to keep going! I'm glad you love the story so much!

Thank you MASHlover23 for the review! (Well, two reviews ;P) I'm so glad you're so excited for the next chapter! We'll just have to see how everything plays out now that Marie's made her move :)

Thank you iammod for the story follow!

Thank you missavc34 for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed what happened! Your guy's enthusiasm for Marie and Malarkey makes me really happy! And I'm glad you thought my portrayal of Lt. Dike was accurate, I was getting mad at him just writing that scene! lol

I can't believe that this story reached 50 reviews! When I started it I honestly thought it would get none - I can't thank you all enough for your continued support! Thank you all for taking the time to read! Reviews are always appreciated! ❤

Happy V-J Day!

Emilia ripped the blankets off of Marie's bunk, causing the early morning light shining in from the windows to spill on her previously covered head. Marie curled up, letting out a groan while bringing her knees to her chest while her arms tried to shield her face. Emilia started to drum on the bed, trying to force Marie to get up.

"Wake up, Sleeping Beauty. We've got some light drills to run this morning." Emilia informed her in an overly sugary-sweet voice, still tapping on the bed. Marie let out another groan. Her stubbornness fully taking over; it was far too early for this. Marie didn't move, still feeling awful and sleep deprived because of the night before. She felt like such a fool for kissing Malarkey too prematurely. She buried her face in her hands, wishing that she'd just disappear.

"Come on, it's going to be a fun day. Camp Mourmelon has a lot to do, not to mention the history around here. We can go visit the village of Mourmelon-le-Grand for a little bit. Oh, and the guys are getting ready for the Champagne Bowl." She added, her voice still gleeful like syrup.

Marie sat up reluctantly, only wanting to stay in bed. She tossed and turned all last night, replaying what happened between her and Malarkey over and over again in her head. She half-listened to Em go on and on about the Champagne Bowl, it was a football game the boys were going to play on Christmas Day. Marie couldn't care less about football. Emilia suddenly threw a pile of letters that were wrapped tight with a rubber band on her bed. Marie stared at them dumbly as they landed before her lap. She rubbed her eyes with the heel of her palms, attempting to wake herself up so she could focus on the text before her.

"I took the liberty of getting your mail for you. It's finally mail call; nice little morale boost for all of us." Emilia said with a smile. She noticed Marie's removed attitude; she cocked her head as Marie didn't make a move for the letters.

"Something happen?" Emilia asked her.

Marie bit her lip, glancing to the necklace and the ring that she had put on the nightstand. She was afraid to put them on now; all they did was remind her of her rash mistake.

Marie sighed, not wanting to tell her but knowing it was for the best in some odd way that she couldn't see yet. "I kissed Malarkey last night." She finally mumbled.

"WHAT?" Emilia practically somersaulted onto Marie's bed. Her smile spread from ear to ear as her dark eyes glimmered with joy and excitement at the news she received. She sat across from Marie, sitting crisscrossed and waiting for the hesitant Marie to continue. She playfully slapped Marie's shoulder. "Well, go on! I want details!"

Marie shook her head, feeling her throat already becoming dry.

"Oh, come on! How was it? Did you feel electricity between the two of you? Is he a good kisser? Don't leave me hanging!" Emilia begged.

"It was a mistake, Em." Marie cut in. Emilia gave her a quizzical look, her eager smile fading. "He didn't kiss me back at all. He only stood there, looking at me like I was crazy." Marie hung her head, shuddering from the reminder.

"You probably just caught him off guard." Emilia suggested.

"No! You didn't see the look on his face! God, I'm such an idiot! I knew I was right, he doesn't have feelings for me… and now I've completely ruined any chance of remaining friends with him." Marie snapped. She raked her fingers through her hair, pulling on it in frustration. "I'm such a damned idiot! I've destroyed everything!"

Emilia shook her head. "That can't be true. I know he likes you, Marie."

Marie scoffed. "There's no way I can face him now." She lay back down, covering her face with her pillow.

Emilia stood up, the bed springs squeaking by the weight shift. "You can't stay in here all day. We have to go." Emilia's voice sounded stern to Marie's surprise. Emilia waited with her hands impatiently on her hips.

"No." Marie mumbled from under the pillow, defiance ringing clearly in her tone.

"You're either going to get up and get dressed like a big girl, or I'm going to drag you out there as you are. You can march like that, hair ill groomed, teeth not brushed and all."

With a heavy sigh, Marie took the pillow off her head and started to make her bed. She knew Emilia wasn't bluffing, and the last thing she needed was public humiliation added to her distress. She brushed her tangled hair and teeth, then changed into her BDU's. She put her stack of letters on the nightstand, deciding that she'd read them later. She wasn't in the mood to read about whatever was happening back home. Emilia nodded her approval like a parent before leading the two of them out the door.

During the light marching drills, Marie avoided all contact with Malarkey. She felt too mortified to even stare at him from afar. She made sure she was aligned next to someone else so she'd be out of eyeshot completely. Her face burning with shame while her stomach stayed bunched up in an uncomfortable knot as she forced herself to keep in formation. Dike watched them like he did yesterday, with little enthusiasm or care, but she wasn't too focused on the incompetent CO. She wished the drills wouldn't end, she wanted to stay shielded by the mob of soldiers, but Easy was almost done with the rudimentary routine. After the drills, Marie quickly went off to a secluded area, skipping lunch so she wouldn't risk seeing Malarkey. She watched as the men flocked to the mess halls in good spirits, laughing jovially as they made it toward the doors. Her stomach growled with remorse as she watched them enter the mess hall but she tore her eyes away, willing herself to keep moving.

She rounded a corner, making sure to steer clear of everyone that was around her. The further she ventured away from the mess hall and main quadrangle, the quicker she made her pace. She pumped her legs like she did when she used to run Currahee, taking long strides while controlling her breathing and keeping good form. She felt like running away, but she knew going AWOL wouldn't make the situation any better. She promised Emilia that she'd go with her to Mourmelon-le-Grand today, and she didn't want to ditch her friend either. Marie reached the limits of the camp, slowing to a brisk walk until she made it to the gate. She had no idea how much time elapsed, but she hoped it was enough where the men had all gone back to their barracks. She crossed her arms, waiting for Emilia to show up so they could head into the village without running into anyone. Marie hadn't felt this secluded since she first learned of her mother's death four months before. She remembered how she'd run off and hidden for hours until the sun set in the sky until she made herself go to the pub. Now she was almost doing the same thing out of embarrassment other than sadness.

Emilia came into view, sporting her dress greens and garrison cap with her high heels and skirt. She spotted Marie whom looked tentative.

"There you are." Emilia called. As she approached Marie she made a face, looking her troubled friend up and down. "You aren't going to change out of your BDU's?"

Marie shook her head, wiping her sweaty brow. Despite the cool November air, she still managed to break into a sweat when she was running through the base. She wasn't going to risk running all the way back to her barracks and be seen by Malarkey, she'd rather go into the village as she was. Emilia shrugged, not in the mood to argue. They climbed into the truck while Emilia spoke happily about the sights they were going to see down the road. Marie sat quietly, leaning her head against he frame of the bus while she stared out the window.

The village was small and quaint with a huge church steeple in the center. Marie walked beside Emilia in distant silence. Emilia's high heels clicked against the ground – she could hear the bounce in her step from the giddiness of walking in such a 'sacred' place. Emilia went on and on about how Julius Caesar and the Roman legions were here two thousand years ago; about how Napoleon III created this area for his military during the Second French Empire. Remnants of World War I were scattered around Mourmelon; craters from explosions and dug out trenches encircled the small village, and stretched all the way back to the camp. Marie noticed some Easy replacements walking around the village, staring at the small foreign village with wonderment. Just seeing traces of battle seemed to get the young replacements blood flowing.

"Some of these kids can't wait to see combat." Emilia commented, giving her head a slight shake. They passed a graveyard on the church grounds, most of the graves there were from fallen soldiers that fought in World War I. The two women stopped to stare at them, feeling uneasy as their vacant eyes peered upon the names etched onto the gravestones. "I hope those kids understand that killing and dying in the name in honor isn't all what it seems. They will lose friends in this fight, that's unavoidable."

Marie felt dizzy as she wobbled trying to keep herself upright. Not eating that day had started to take its toll on her body. She felt nauseous, like she was going to faint. Emilia noticed Marie's unsteady figure and gripped her shoulders to she'd stop swaying.

"Are you all right?" Emilia asked, concerned.

"Yeah… I just didn't eat today." Marie mumbled.

"Let's get you something to eat, then we'll head back." Emilia soothed.

After they returned, Marie went straight for her barracks then lied down for a little bit. Emilia was trying to convince her to go with her to the mess hall to play cards, but Marie knew that Malarkey enjoyed poker so he'd most likely be there. She still wasn't comfortable facing him. Emilia gripped her friend's wrists and dragged her out of bed, bringing her to her feet.

"It's not as bad as you think! You can't spend the rest of your military career hiding and skipping meals." Emilia lectured. Marie didn't say anything, just silently protested like a pouting child. "You're coming Marie, I'm not taking no for an answer."

Emilia strutted to the mess hall, her heels making her almost tower over Marie's small stature. Marie huddled behind her friend, hoping that her body would hide her from coming into view of Malarkey. Emilia swung open the doors to the mess hall, standing at the entrance like a movie star.

"I hope you boys didn't start without me." Emilia hollered from across the room. Marie peeked from behind Em to see most of the men from Toccoa present. She gulped, knowing that Malark must be hidden amongst the sea of olive drab.

"Emmy!" Muck said affectionately.

"Deal me in, Skip." Emilia said, going over to join them. Marie was about to follow when she noticed Malarkey was sitting next to Lipton. She froze like a deer in headlights. He was looking down at her cards, so he hadn't spotted her yet. Marie quickly weaved around the tables and chairs and headed for the kitchen. She was praying that she'd avoid all contact with anyone, but right when she went to the kitchen she saw Babe hanging around the serving counter. He smiled at her, not knowing the inner turmoil she was currently facing.

"Hey, Hun! You don't want to play cards with the guys?" He questioned.

She gestured for him to keep his voice down. "You aren't, either." She pointed out, glancing around to make sure the attention was off of her.

"I was, but I lost all my cigarettes in the pot." He chuckled. "What's the matter, you don't got anything to wager?" He leaned up against the counter, his usual carefree smile placed on his face.

"No… I'm not very good at poker, nor do I feel like playing."

He studied her a moment before speaking up again. "You feeling down?"

"What makes you say that?" Marie asked with little enthusiasm.

"Hey Babe, can you put on some Glenn Miller on the gramophone?" Luz asked, shouting from across the room. Marie ducked back deeper into the kitchen area, hiding in the shadows the best she could.

"C'mon, George, can't we listen to somethin' else? Glenn Miller is all we listen to." Martin retorted. "How 'bout some Benny Goodman?"

"Swing music fan, huh?" Perconte chimed in.

"Sorta, I just like the record Sing, Sing Sing. I danced with my wife to that tune at our wedding." Martin informed his Italian friend, keeping his eyes on his deck.

"Awww, how sweet. I didn't imagine you for a sentimental type, Johnny." Hoobler teased.

"Shut up." Martin clipped with a jeering smile spreading on his face. "But really, why does everyone always wanna listen to Glenn Miller?"

"Because he's the best!" Malarkey interjected, receiving snickers from the guys around the table. Hearing his voice made a lump form in Marie's throat. Babe was laughing beside her, enjoying the casual banter between the guys. She wished she could enjoy it, too, but she felt far too embarrassed and anxious to pull up a chair.

"Escuchar un poco de música de verdad." Garcia added. Emilia smirked at his comment.

"¡Estoy de acuerdo!" Emilia replied with a chuckle.

"Will you two quit talkin' Mexican and just play?" Cobb cut off, growing irritated at how long the game had stalled.

"It's Spanish, and I'm not Mexican, I'm Puerto Rican." Emilia corrected with emphasis, arching an eyebrow at him, daring him to challenge her. After a few remarks here and there everyone got back to playing the game.

Marie watched them for a minute, her eyes falling on Malarkey's figure. He held his cards up, his face scrunched in concentration as he peered at his deck. She saw the lines form on his forehead and around his eyebrows. She watched him play and deal in his cards, her mind and focus drifting to only him. He was so beautiful to her; she could feel herself swoon as her heart beat rapidly as the reminder of her blunder. Babe tapped her on the shoulder, making her jump.

"It looks like you do want to join." Babe pointed out.

Marie didn't answer, she only stared at Babe in hesitation. He was only trying to help her, but he didn't know what happened between her and Malarkey and how she had complicated things forever. She gave him a thin smile, shaking her head. The mess hall doors thrust open, revealing Nixon and Welsh. They strode in, their faces pulled into eager smiles as they spotted the poker game a few tables down. The men roared their approval, signaling the officers over to join them. Welsh took a seat, his deck already being dealt to him.

"I wish I could, boys, and Emilia, but I'm actually here looking for Marie." Nixon told them.

Oh, no. Marie thought, her heart speeding up with dread as she watched Nixon await someone to tell him her whereabouts.

"She followed me in here, sir." Emilia responded, scanning the room for her. "Where'd she run off to?" Marie ducked behind the counter sheepishly, enough for her to just barely peek over the top of the counter.

Babe gave her a funny look, tapping her on the shoulder. "I think he needs you now, Hun."

Marie stared up at him in desperation. Every inch of her body protested in going out there. She'd have to walk out in front of all of them, most importantly Malarkey. She gripped the counter with weak hands and pulled herself up.

"There you are! Listen, Doc Roe needs you in the aide station. He says it's important." Nixon called to her.

"Yes, sir." She replied in a shaky, hollow voice. She slowly made her way out of the kitchen, keeping her eyes on nothing but the entrance. She could feel their eyes on her, making her blush and tense up as she walked. She turned to peek over her shoulder, unable to stop her curiosity. Her eyes locked with Malarkey. She quickly averted his gaze then went out the door.

After the aide station, Marie returned to her quarters. She collapsed on her bed, moaning in frustration at herself. She turned her head, the side of her face pressed deeply into her pillow. She noticed the stack of letters on her nightstand, she hadn't even taken them out of the rubber band yet. She reached lazily for the pile with one hand, almost knocking it over. She sat up with a heavy sigh, holding the letters in her hands and sitting with her legs crossed. She saw the name that was on the first letter, out of disbelief she gripped the envelope with both hands, leaning in and squinting at the name.

It was from Florence.

Marie hadn't heard or seen Florence since last year, not since she'd spoken to her in CP when the whole pregnancy issue concluded. She tore open the envelope, revealing both a folded up letter and a photograph. She picked up the black and white photograph, studying the faces staring back at her from the grainy quality. It was Florence, her dark, poufy hair gave that away. Her large eyes and wide smile looked genuine; she was also wearing a ridiculous amount of makeup, like she always did. Sitting in her lap was a plump and healthy looking baby.

Marie smiled, placing a hand on her heart. Although the pregnancy got her disqualified, and left her a single parent, Florence seemed so happy in this photograph. Marie held up the letter, scanning its contents.

'Dear Hun,

How've you been, darling? Long time no see! I'm sorry I didn't write back right away, the move back to New Jersey scrambled my mail like sticks in the wind! I'm glad to be back home, and I'm officially a mother now, can you believe it? His name is Stuart and he's the happiest kid I've ever seen!

I hope this letter finds you well. I know it's late, but I was crushed to find out about Diana. The world will be less bright without that girl from Wisconsin. I'm glad that you, Emilia, and Barb made it at least. Sorry for keeping this letter short, but a mother's work is never done! I'm still forever grateful for what you did for me that day!

With love,

Florence

PS – Did you and that Malarkey kid hook up yet?'

Marie cracked a smile at Florence's usual bluff. Marie felt her morose attitude become a little lifted from getting word back from Florence. Emilia was right: mail really did boost morale. Marie placed the photograph of Florence, and her son Stuart on her nightstand. Marie tucked Florence's letter safely in her pack, beside the other letters she's received since coming to Europe.

Jane had sent her newspaper clippings, attempting to keep Marie up to date on current events back home. Marie read the headlines, but they mostly involved Franklin Roosevelt being elected for his fourth term. Marie's next letter was from Moose, the old recovering CO. Marie's eyebrows rose in surprise. She wrote him at the hospital, but she hadn't received any word back until now. She opened the envelope, happy to hear that he was doing well since being shot by the sentry.

'Dear Sgt. Docherty,

Thank you for your letter and concern. It was unfortunate what happened, I really looked forward to leading Easy Company – I've never seen such a fine group of soldiers in my life. But there is a bright side to this, now I get to go home and see my wife earlier than I predicted and meet my son for the first time. I'm happy that I got to know you all, and I hope you and everyone has success in future endeavors.

I heard Norman Dike is going to be replacing me? I know him from battalion, and I'm honestly a little worried for all of you. He has the nickname 'Foxhole Norman' for a reason. Stay alert, Ms. Docherty, that's all I can say. You are a good medic, don't let anyone tell you different.

God bless,

Fred "Moose" Heyliger'

Marie was relieved to hear that Moose had made it, and was glad to hear that he was being shipped home. He deserved to be home with his family and away from this hellish conflict between the world. His warning about Dike was unsettling, like he didn't write down everything he wanted to say about the new CO. Marie bit her lip, feeling her stomach tense up with uneasiness. He was "worried" about them, and he told her to "stay alert." She already didn't like Dike, but this confirmed her feelings.

The last letter was from home. The contents of the envelope didn't feel very thick. She tore open the letter, and pulled out a single piece of paper written by her father. It was a piece of paper that was torn in half, with only a few sentences scribbled on it. She could recognize her father's handwriting anywhere, he had similar penmanship to a doctor.

'Sweetheart,

I hope you're doing well. Make sure you're taking care of yourself over there. I'm writing to tell you that right when your brother turned 18 he enlisted in the Army. He's been stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Maybe you two will cross paths.

Your father'

Marie was stunned, rereading what her father wrote several times. Her brother Dave enlisted? She wasn't sure how to feel about it. She was proud of Dave for stepping up to serve his country but she was also afraid for him. He didn't join the paratroopers, instead he joined as a grunt that was going to be thrown in the mix. There was also a chance he'd be sent to the Pacific and not Europe.

She placed her letters beside her and lay her head down on her pillow. She covered her face with her hands, her thoughts swirling horribly fast in her head. Between Malarkey, her brother, and the warning about Lieutenant Dike, she felt helpless.

Spanish Translation:

"Listen to some real music."

"I agree!"

I used Google translate, so I'm sorry if it isn't accurate! (It's been years since I've taken Spanish, so I don't remember that much of it)

Also a little reminder: I have a playlist for this story and a drawing on Marie and Emilia – the links are on my profile if you guys want to see them! Thanks again!