A/N:

Thank you kEs-2717 for another review! Yes, it's about time Marie and Malarkey figured things out again, for the time being. I'm glad you're looking forward to more! :)

Wow, thank you BobtheFrog for the follow, favorite, and the review! Thank you for your dedication to the story! I'm so happy you're enjoying it that much! And I'm glad you like my OCs, there's no greater compliment! :D

More dialogue from the book and from episode (Crossroads). There was a lot different between the episode and the book, so I had to jump back and forth to make it fit. Thank you all for reading! I hope everyone is still enjoying the story!

Mourmelon, France

December 17-18th, 1944

Muck continued to throw bunched up paper towels at Marie's back to get her attention, something he'd been doing for the past two minutes and it was really starting to get on her nerves. She shot him a few vicious glares over her shoulder before focusing back on scrubbing her hands clean over the poor excuse for an aide station sink. Muck's mouth pulled into an impish grin, knowing that he was getting a rise out of her. From the bunk he was sitting on, he started to whistle 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' as he crumbled up another paper towel in his hands, getting it ready to chuck at his friend. On slow days he'd often come to visit her, along with Emilia and Malarkey, though because of their last encounter Malarkey being in the aide station had become scarce.

Marie spun around to face him, her face scrunched in annoyance. "For God sakes, Skip, what? Do you not want me to wash my hands or something?"

"You were taking too long." Muck whined in a feigned voice.

"For your information I had to treat a soldier's sty today, so I wanted my hands to be clean."

"A sty?" Muck questioned, throwing the paper towel at her. It lightly bounced off her nose.

"It's a bacterial infection in the eye, it starts in the glands and makes a pimple shape on the edge of the eyelid." She explained, placing her hands on her hips. "I had to treat it by dousing and dabbing it with hot water until it swelled up enough and popped."

Muck made a face, disgusted with her explanation. Marie smirked at his expression, holding out her hands to him.

"I didn't want that on my hands, especially when dealing with other patients. It could spread." She added, getting close to Muck with her outstretched arms. He stumbled backwards on the bunk, trying to avoid her contaminated touch. She giggled as she starting to chase him around the tented area.

"I swear to God, if you touch me…" Muck warned, keeping his guard up. They circled each other as Marie kept her stance, ready to pounce.

"They're not dirty anymore." Marie laughed. She lunged at him but he quickly moved out of the way.

"I don't want an eye pimple!" He yelled, but ended up laughing as she continued to chase him around the aide station. "You know, this isn't how I pictured us spending time together! I came here to see you, and now you're trying to give me an infection!"

Marie stopped running after him, her fits of laughter were taking over her breathing. Muck did the same, the two of them chuckled like they just heard the funniest joke in the world. Marie wiped a tear from her eye, not caring if they were acting like immature children. Muck pulled his sleeve back, checking his wristwatch.

"Oh, it's getting late." He commented. "Hey, they'll be playing a movie tonight for us."

"Really? What movie?"

"Uhh, that Marlene Dietrich movie. John Wayne's in it, too." Muck replied, rubbing the back of his neck in thought.

"Seven Sinners?"

"That's the one." Muck said with a nod. "I'll meet you there tonight, okay? Make sure Emilia comes, too. The four of us need to spend some quality time together."

"And Malarkey?" She asked, a blush spreading on her face.

Muck gave her a knowing smile. "I'll take care of him. He's been wrapped up in those damned card games for days now. He needs to take a break."

Marie smiled at the thought of the four of them spending time together, just like old times. She waved goodbye to Muck, then went to clean up the rest of the aide station before she went to find Emilia.

Marie wasn't really paying attention to the screen, she was too busy giggling with Emilia. Luz was quoting the entire movie and adding his own amusing commentary to the dialogue. The girls thought it was funny, but Lipton and Toye were growing quite irritated with his comical banter. They kept looking back at him, telling him to 'shut up', but Luz would keep on going. Marie glanced over at Muck, whom was transfixed at the screen, staring with his mouth slightly agape. Perconte was doing the same thing, which only made her laugh harder. It's as if they've never seen moving pictures before.

"Hey, do you even know what's happening?" Marie whispered to Emilia, pointing to the screen.

Emilia chuckled, giving her head a slight shake. "Not a clue."

Marie shrugged, giving Muck a playful shove with her shoulder, but he didn't react. "And this one seems quite intrigued." She cocked her head at him, Emilia noticed how drawn in he was to the flick. Emilia covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter so she wouldn't upset Lip and Toye more.

"Hey, Skip!" Marie heard Malarkey's voice call from across the room. He was immediately shushed afterward, but he paid them no mind. She watched him scurry over to the four of them, finding a seat next to Perconte.

"About time, Malark." Emilia said, leaning up so she could see him from a few seats down. Marie did the same, giving him a small, shy smile.

"Hey." He greeted. He started to rustle through his pockets as Muck and Perconte kept their eyes glued to the movie screen. "Where've you been? I've been looking all over for you!" He gestured back to Muck.

"Well, Don, I was in Tonawanda, then Hitler started this whole thing and now I'm here." Muck answered, still keeping his eyes focused on the screen. Malarkey seemed to blow off his deadpanned sarcasm. He continued to dig through his pockets. "How'd you make out in crabs?" Muck asked, questioning his card game.

"Not so bad, here." Malarkey pulled out a wad of money that made Marie's jaw drop. He had at least a few grand in his hands. He reached over Perconte and gave some amount to Muck. Muck's attention finally was diverted from the screen as he realized what his friend was doing. "Here's the sixty bucks I borrowed."

"Jesus!" Perconte exclaimed, taking the words right out of Marie's mouth.

"Shut up!" Lipton and Toye shushed in unision, turning back to them.

"Where's my dough, hmm?" Emilia asked, teasing him.

"I was up to $6000, but I only have $3600 left." Malarkey explained, giving Em a bemused smile.

"What ya gonna do with all that dough?" Perconte asked, staring wide eyed at the wad of cash that Malarkey held in his hands.

"Blow most of it in Paris as soon as possible!" He answered cheerfully. He gave Marie a wink, indicating the whole 'New Year's in Paris' event he promised her. Marie felt her face heat up, but she couldn't help but smile gleefully. He reached toward a baffled Muck, whom was still counting the money in his hands, and took a cigarette that he had placed behind his ear.

"Give me a tip!" Perconte interjected.

Emilia chuckled, turning her attention back to the movie, just in time to see Luz pestering Lip and Toye again.

"Lip! Favorite part!" Luz informed his annoyed friend, clapping him on the back. Marie watched Lip's form grow rigid as he sat in the chair. Even though she was sympathetic toward Lipton at this moment, she didn't want Luz's antics to stop. "Got a penny? Got a penny?" Luz paused, taking a drag of his cigarette. "Got a penny!"

"Got a penny?" Marlene Dietrich asked in the movie. Luz laughed, still tapping at the back of Lipton's chair.

The movie suddenly stopped and the lights switched on, making Marie squint from the change of lighting. The men shouted in protest, confused and outraged why the movie had stopped at the middle. A sergeant that Marie didn't recognize strode down the aisle, in between the chairs that were set around the theater area. Marie's heart sank at the sight of him, knowing that he had news to bring, and it wasn't likely to be good news.

"Elements of the 1st and the 6th panzer division have broken through in the Ardennes forest. Now they've overrun the 28th infantry and elements of the 4th. All officers report to respected HQs. All passes are cancelled." The sergeant announced.

The men protested in an uproar, but quieted down once they noticed the officers were present in the room. Marie remained seated, stunned to the core by the news. She glanced over at Emilia, whom returned her stare with an equally disgruntled one. The Ardennes forest? She didn't even know where that was. Muck patted her on the leg, signaling her that it was time to clear out. She hesitantly stood up and started to follow Easy Company out when she noticed two men weren't moving. She stopped and watched the scene, realizing that Buck and Winters were staying behind. Buck didn't look like himself, his eyes were red-rimmed and distraught as he continued to stare at the now blank screen. Winters was trying to coax him to move, but Buck didn't seem to hear what he was felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, she turned to see Malarkey, staring at her with his big, and now melancholy eyes. She saw his eyes stare past her shoulder, she could tell he was concerned about Buck, too.

"We have to gather our gear, who knows when we're getting the official order to move out." He told her, softly.

Marie nodded, unable to speak with the lump forming in her throat. He wrapped his arm gently around her as the two of them left the theater room. Muck and Emilia were waiting behind for the two of them, strained smiles pulled on their disappointed faces.

"Age before beauty." Muck gestured Malarkey and Marie to go ahead of them, trying to make light of the situation. Marie stuck her tongue out at him as she passed, but she couldn't plaster a smile on her face no matter how hard she tried. Muck clapped Malarkey on the back, getting his attention. "Thanks again for the sixty bucks, Don. Faye and I can honeymoon in the Poconos for a month with this."

"Of course, buddy." Malarkey replied. He sighed, glancing at Marie, noticing her apprehensive expression. "Hey, I'm going to have to make up New Year's in Paris to you another time."

"Raincheck." She said, nodding stiffly. She didn't know what she found more disappointing, the fact that they were moving out and going into combat again, or that she'd have to wait to spend some quality time with Malarkey.

Marie and Emilia had packed all their gear and waited until it was finally the two of them couldn't remain awake any longer. The two women fell asleep, convincing themselves that the official orders to move out wouldn't be delivered that day. As they were slumbering the sound of shouting and clanking from the rooms next door made them stir awake.

"What the hell is happening?" Emilia groaned, rubbing her eyes. She checked her watch, brushing her hair out of her face. "For God sakes, it's 0200. What's going on?"

Sudden, rapid knocking erupted from their door. Marie sat up, swinging her legs over the bed then hopping down. She stumbled to the door drowsily, then pulled it open. She came eye to eye with one of the soldier's from division headquarters.

"Get ready to head out. A major German offensive is under way somewhere in Belgium. Caught us with our pants down. Already put a helluva dent in our line. So pile all your personal items in the middle of the living room and report to company supply to get whatever you can in terms of equipment. Now!" He addressed them sharply.

"Yeah, yeah, we've already heard the spiel. We've got our personal belongings packed, already." Emilia answered crankily from behind Marie. The soldier went on to the next room without another word. "Christ, the yokels they have at headquarters." She grumbled to herself.

"He mentioned Belgium. The Ardennes forest is in Belgium?" Marie asked Emilia.

"Yup." Emilia nodded, unenthusiastically.

"I was hoping it was in France."

Emilia chuckled humorlessly. "Since when have we ever been that lucky?"

Later that day, Easy Company was gathered into formation in their respected platoons. The usually 'proud' company was a sorry sight, most were angry, some were nursing hangovers, others looked terrified. Major General Maxwell Taylor was in the States, so Brigadier General Anthony "Tony" McAuliffe. Marie moaned to herself, she didn't like replacements, especially when they were being led into combat with someone they weren't used to. They were already stuck with Dike, she was praying that McAuliffe would be a decent leader.

Easy had to gather all the gear they needed, while most of it was still being repaired from the combat in Holland. Because of this, Easy Company was now drastically short on guns and ammunition; it was so bad that replacements were being trained with broomsticks. Marie had been in combat before, but she'd never felt this grim about their chances of survival. It was obvious to everyone that they weren't prepared. Marie and Emilia were handed new uniforms. Both of them stared down dumbly at the new, starchy material they were holding. It was the usual Army issued BDU's and OD's that they had received in Holland. Light weight clothing and boots without any warm or waterproof lining. On top of their uniforms they were handed one wool overcoat, but that was it for any type warm clothing.

"This is it?" Emilia asked, raising a skeptical brow at the supply soldier. "It's winter, we're going to be fighting in the snow. We can't go back into war with this – there's not even any long underwear or wool socks."

"Hey, lady, that ain't my problem. Now shut up, and get movin'." The soldier snapped.

The two women slinked away from the line, feeling even worse than they were before. They found a private place to change into their new BDU's, slinging the overcoat around their bodies. Marie hugged it around herself, trying to seek comfort from the stiff wool material. Emilia furiously put hers on and hastily grabbed all her gear.

"I'm going to find 1st platoon." She muttered, stomping off.

Marie watched her agitated friend storm off. Marie kept her face tucked by the lapels of her overcoat, trying to shield herself from the dropping temperature. She waited a moment, wanting to find 2nd platoon but her boots were planted firmly against the dirt ground. She was immobile; her body willing itself to remain in France instead of traveling to the unknown circumstances that surrounded Belgium. Finally with a heavy sigh, Marie went to find her area was buzzing with activity. Soldiers were loading what little equipment Easy possessed onto trucks, while platoons sorted themselves out and gathered around the high cattle trucks. She found Malarkey standing beside the tire to one of the trucks, smoking and looking irritated by something. She approached him, giving him a wry grin.

"What's wrong?" She questioned, keeping her hands buried in her pockets. They weren't even in Belgium yet, and she was already feeling cold.

"I didn't want to bring my $3600 into combat, so I had to turn it in." He grumbled.

"You couldn't keep it?"

"I had to turn it into a fiscal officer. I'll get it again when I'm discharged." He stated icily, blowing out a stream of smoke. He dug the receipt that the officer gave him from his pocket, showing her the crinkled paper. She nodded solemnly, not wanting to push the subject any further. He stuffed it back in his pocket, giving Marie a forced smile. "Ah, well. Anyway, we'll be loading up this afternoon." He patted her on the shoulder before leaving.

Despite the platoons sorting themselves together, men from platoons other than those in 2nd platoon had found their way onto Marie's truck. She didn't mind, because among those was Muck. She spent most of the ride asleep, huddled up against Malarkey in comfort. She drifted on and off, only catching snippets of the men's conversations. Most of it was about the soldiers that were currently fighting in Belgium and the rumors. The rumors were that the Americans were taking a beating, and the Germans couldn't be stopped. The air was thick with anxiety, even for the seasoned Toccoa men. They all knew that going into this that something felt different; even though they couldn't place their fingers on it.

"Guess this means football practice is canceled today." She heard someone mutter, most likely one of the replacements attempting to ease the heavy tension. Marie's eyelids fluttered open, only to find that the sun had gone down and the truck was very dim. It had gotten colder, she could feel that the temperature had dropped drastically since she fell asleep. She crossed her arms, trying to keep herself warmed up. Malarkey felt her shift, and draped his arm behind her, pulling her into a half-hug.

"No Champagne Bowl." Toye drawled, sighing as he leaned his head against the frame of the truck.

"Or the Paris furlough." Liebgott added, flicking the end of his cigarette. "Instead we'll be spending Christmas in Bastogne."

"Bastogne?" Marie asked, still half asleep. "That's where the Germans are launching their counteroffensive?" The road was full of bumps, and there were no benches in the trucks, making the ride even more uncomfortable.

"Quit your yappin'." Guarnere mumbled. "This trip is already over a day long, might as well catch up on some sleep." The men had quieted down, the only sounds was the jostling from the trucks and her own breathing. Through the silence, she heard Malarkey start to hum softly to himself, eventually singing a verse of something that sounded familiar to her.

'The uniform 'e wore

Was nothin' much before,

An' rather less than 'arfo' that be'ind,

For a twisty piece o 'rag

An' a goatskin water-bag

Was all the field-equipment 'e could find.

When the sweatin' troop-train lay

In a sidin' through the day,

Where the 'eat would make your bloomin'

Eyebrows crawl,

We shouted "Harry By!"

Till our throats were bricky-dry,

Then we wopped 'im 'cause 'e couldn't serve

us all.

It was "Din! Din! Din!

You 'eathen, where the mischief 'ave you

been?

You put some juldee in it,

Or I'll marrow you this minute,

If you don't fill up my helmet, Gunga Din!'

Marie smiled dreamily to herself. "Gunga Din." She muttered.

She heard him chuckle lightly, squeezing her in a tighter hug for a moment. She drifted off to sleep again. She felt like she was only asleep for a few seconds until she was jolted awake. The truck had stopped and the men started to shift, standing up with a groan before unloading. Malarkey gently gestured her to stand, she stood up and followed the men out of the truck. Her muscles were extremely stiff from not standing for a day and a half, but she pushed herself out. The cold air hit her like a wall, taking her breath away. She gasped for breath, feeling the chill freeze her insides. It was night, Marie had no idea what time it was, but more importantly it was freezing. Marie glanced around to see Easy Company gathering ammo and warming themselves by fire pits. The men poured gasoline into the pits to make the fire larger, hoping to catch some of the warmth from the flames.

"C'mon, Hun." Malarkey said to her, leading her into the crowd. "I heard 2nd battalion is in the east, 1st is in the left flank and 3rd is in reserve." He explained, but Marie was only partially listening. "I've gotta take a leak." He muttered before scurrying off to find someplace private to do his business.

A hoard of soldiers were marching in their direction, catching her eye. Something didn't seem right about their gait, they looked sullen and hunched over. As they came closer, Marie noticed that most of them were wounded, wrapped in bandages and slings. The soldiers didn't acknowledge Easy Company surrounding them, they only stared straight ahead as they passed. Guarnere and Malarkey joined her, staring, shocked at what they were witnessing.

"What the hell is going on?" Malarkey asked no one in particular.

Guarnere walked toward the crowd, trying to get one of the battered soldier's attention. "Hey, you goin' the wrong way! Hey pal, what happened?" Marie couldn't hear their conversation from where she was standing, but the inaudible speech between the two soldiers didn't last long. Guarnere shouted that everyone should start taking ammo and anything they need from the wounded soldiers.

Marie didn't feel good about taking equipment from these men, but her medical pack was low on supplies. She salvaged all the bandages, morphine, gauze, and ointment that she could get off the wounded men. She watched Malarkey and Muck struggle with finding enough mortar gear. She felt her stomach clench in worriment as she watched the men bundle themselves to keep warm and follow to where Winters and the rest of the officers were gathered. Marie peered up into the dark sky, notcing that it was snowing slightly. The small snowflakes blew in the wind, she watched them sleepily, not noticing that Guarnere was motioning her to get moving. Everything was so chaotic and unorganized around her, it was nice to take a minute and let her mind drift off.

"Docherty! Move your ass, let's go!" Guarnere barked, making her whip her head in his direction. She gave him an apologetic nod, quickly following the platoon as they started to edge deeper into the forest.