chubbypotatoepie

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 5)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - The suspense is part of the fun, no?

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language

A/N: Chapter 5!

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Camp Toccoa, 1942.

The drizzle outside had turned the Toccoa countryside into a muddy mess. Inside the crowded bunkhouse, the air was thick with a mix of cigarette smoke and the pungent aroma of wet wool. The men of Easy Company lounged on their bunks, nursing their aliments, exhausted from a day of drills and exercises, their ears still ringing from Sobel’s screeching. The incident at the combat drill was still fresh in everyone's minds, the men sat on their cots, eyeing each other with a mix of confusion and suspicion, their usual gambling and shit-talking pushed aside for the evening. Only Luz seemed genuinely impressed, nursing his jaw where he had taken an accidental elbow from Randleman during the scuffle.

"What the hell just happened out there?" Joe Toye grumbled, fighting his lighter for a flame as he sat on his bunk, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders.

"No idea. But Lieb sure got his ass handed to him," Perconte added, throwing Toye a pack of matches as he passed, still trying to process what he'd witnessed.

Guarnere, ever the cynic, rolled his eyes. “Ain’t no way I just watched some dame outfight Liebgott. Makes no fuckin’ sense.” 

Cobb, unnoticed in the doorway, listened intently. He had a habit of lurking around other bunkhouses, craving a sense of camaraderie he struggled to find in his own. His eyes, ever watchful, focused on the animated discussion as he puffed away on a cigarette.

Webster, unlaced his boots and kicked them to the side before glancing over at Luz, sat half on, half off his cot shuffling a pack of cards, grinning to himself like a Cheshire Cat. “Well you’re best friends with the girl Luz, care to enlighten us on what just went down.” 

Luz looked up at the men staring in his direction. “What the hell should I know?” He said shrugging his shoulders. Webster was right that he was friends with Redcoat, but as for what just took place, he was just as baffled as the rest of the men. 

Randleman chuckled, taking a drag from his cigarette. ‘All I know is that Girl’s got some moves. Reminds me of a wildcat, unpredictable, shifty.” 

“Alright country boy, All I’m saying is I ain’t never seen a dame fight like that, taking down Liebgott like he was a rag doll,” Gaurnere mumbled. 

Malarkey, nursing a bruised ego after being taken down himself, scoffed, "Yeah, but how does a girl like her learn to fight like that? Ain't natural, if you ask me.”

Cobb, seizing the opportunity to contribute to the conversation, spoke up from the doorway. "I heard she's almost outshooting Shifty. What kind of girl can shoot like that?” The mention of her marksmanship prowess added another layer of intrigue to the already mysterious woman. The men exchanged puzzled glances, each grappling with their theories about her background and abilities.

“Yeah, and where the hell d'you hear that?” Toye replied, his eyes rolling in disbelief, barely looking in Cobbs's direction. 

“Spiers.” He replied, matter of factly. “Maybe she’s a German spy, sent to sabotage us from the inside,” Cobb suggested, his voice low and conspiratorial.

The room fell silent as the suggestion hung in the air. The men exchanged uneasy glances, the idea taking root in their minds.

"A spy? Jeez, Cobb, that's a bit far-fetched," Malarkey scoffed. 

"Think about it," Cobb insisted. "She just shows up out of nowhere, none of us know a damn thing about her. Almost outshooting Shifty, Liebgott getting his ass handed to him?”

"I've been shooting since I was a kid, and she was giving me a run for my money,” Shifty mentioned, shuffling his hands in his lap. “But I’m not saying she’s a spy or anything.” He shot his hands up in defense. 

The bunkhouse was filled with a charged atmosphere, discomfort and suspicion swirling like a storm. 

"Maybe she's some kind of martial arts expert," Perconte suggested, trying to rationalize what they had witnessed. "You know, like those Japs with their karate stuff.”

The tension was broken by Jonny Martin shoulder passing Cobb as he made his way into the bunkhouse, giving him a shifty look as he passed, soaked through from the rain.

 “Who died?” He said pointedly, uncomfortable by the silence from the usually rambunctious group.

“Liebgott’s dignity.” Cobb scoffed from behind him.

Martin’s eyebrows raised in response. “Yeah, I just came from that way, had to help hold Liebgott down while they popped his arm back in. Could hear Sobel chewing her out from a mile off. He said shaking his head at the thought. 

As the conversation lingered, Cobb slipped away from the doorframe, leaving the men to contemplate the enigma that had entered their ranks. In the world of war, where every secret held potential danger, the bunkhouse at Camp Toccoa became a hub of suspicion and curiosity, its occupants unwittingly drawn into a web of unanswered questions about the girl who had just proven herself more than a match for Liebgott.

— -

The flickering light from the film projector cast shadows on the walls of the dimly lit hut as the men gathered for an evening of official training films lecturing the men on the importance of hygiene. The echoes of Liebgott's disgruntled mumbles still lingered in the air, the atmosphere around the men was tense, a mixture of confusion accompanied by an undercurrent of suspicion surrounding the outsider. The War Department’s attempt at a Nickelodeon droned on as Lily sat amongst the rabble, her eyes rolling at the notion that grown men needed instruction on basic cleanliness, her expression one of amused bewilderment. 

As the film extolled the virtues of regular showers, Lily couldn't help but mutter under her breath to Luz, “This is ridiculous. What’s next, a tutorial on how to tie their boots?” 

Luz chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "You'd be surprised what some of these guys need to be reminded of.”

Their hushed conversation didn't escape the notice of Cobb, who sat in the row behind. Always on the lookout for an opportunity to needle Lily, he leaned in between the pair and smirked, "Well, Redcoat, maybe some folks need these lessons more than others. I've never seen you in the showers, you know.”

She turned slowly to face the man. ”Perhaps that's because I like to keep an air of mystery, Cobb. I’d rather run Currahee with Sobel strapped to my back than have to shower within ten feet of you.” Her eyes squinting as she smirked to match him. 

Cobb's face reddened in embarrassment, and he retorted, "You think you're clever, don't you? Just wait till you're out there in the real action, sweetheart.” He said, folding his arms as he slunk back into his seat. Dissatisfied with the exchange, Cobb grumbled to Toye, "She's always got some smart-ass comment.” 

A sshhh was aimed at Cobb from further down the row, his head whipped back and forth to find the culprit. “I’m just saying, I ain't ever seen her in the showers.” He voiced to an uninterested Toye again.

Shifty sighed, lighting up a cigarette before he answered the man. "You see, Cobb, Sobel don’t let her shower with the rest of us. Makes her wait until the coast is clear.” 

Cobb's annoyance deepened. "What? Why does she get special treatment?”

“Why the hell do you care?” Toye responded, not even bothering to look in Cobb’s direction, seemingly more interested in the virtues of regular sock changes over the small man’s problem. Sensing his wall, Cobb whispered something to Liebgott, still nursing his shoulder as he replied, muttering something unintelligible, and the conversation moved on as the training film continued to play. Unbeknownst to Lily, whispers circulated among those who had overheard the conversation. Lily, caught in the crossfire of prejudice and resentment, became the unwitting target of a brewing storm within the ranks. The shadows of contention stretched across the hut, setting the stage for a night that would test the fragile bonds of brotherhood.

— - 

The bathhouse at Camp Toccoa was a modest structure, a refuge for the trainees to wash away the grime of the day and the bruises of training. Lily stood alone in the quiet, having waited patiently for the usual post-training rush to subside. The air was thick with the lingering scent of soap and damp towels. She couldn't help but smirk at the thought that, perhaps, the men had indeed learned something from the training film, given that they had taken double their usual time in the showers, accompanied by the water fogging over and dripping from the unending row of mirrors.

She surveyed her reflection in the foggy mirror, her eyes drawn to the bruises adorning her face like paint. A particularly nasty shiner, courtesy of Liebgott's unyielding fist during the hand-to-hand combat drill, dominated the canvas. She sighed, tracing her fingers across the swollen skin, wincing as she met the peak, not broken-thank God, but not great either. Her hands moved up to the braided bun that sat at the nape of her neck, eager to relive the tension headache stemming from it. The pins holding it in place dinged on the sink as she shook out her long hair, allowing it to fall around her shoulders. Lily threaded her fingers through the dark brunette strands, massaging her scalp as she went. It had been tempting once or twice to cut it short and mimic the men in that regard, hell it would make her life a lot easier, however, she couldn’t quite bring herself to reach for the clippers. 

She pushed herself off the sink and made her way over to the shower, her body ached to stand under the hot water and wash the day away. The showers had become some sort of sanctuary for her. Sobel’s attempt at keeping her at arm's length from the men was playing to her benefit. It was the only place in the entire camp where she could be alone, a space to think, to remind herself why she joined, she craved the solace it provided. 

She hung her towel on the hook outside the stall, reaching in to turn the hot water on before stepping in and allowing the hot stream to drench her body, the rhythmic patter of droplets echoed in the tiled hut, a stark contrast to the eerie silence that hung in the air. Lily couldn’t remember a time she had showered without her PT uniform still on - a precautionary measure, better to be safe than sorry she thought. She watched as the water blended her shirt with her skin, her underwear with her dirt-speckled legs. As she placed her head back beneath the water, she sensed a shift in the air - a subtle change that pricked at her instincts, unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss. 

She halted, her breath shallow, straining to hear any out-of-place noise. The air seemed to thicken as the steam filled the hut, she could barely make out the muted sound of a boot squeaking on the tile floor. Before she could react, a sudden blow shot through the shower curtain and struck her side, knocking her against the shower wall. Lily gasped, pain shooting through her ribs. The dim light blurred through the shower curtain barely revealing two dark figures closing in on her. Dread set in as she realized she had been followed. The tension that had lingered since she arrived had erupted into something more sinister. The echoes of their footsteps mixed with the rhythmic pounding of the water against the tiles, created a disorienting symphony of violence. She could feel the oppressive confinement of the bathhouse closing in around her, her training instincts drowned out by the brutal reality of the ambush.

The second blow came quickly, a fist struck the side of her head, the force knocking her back against the cold, tiled wall. Lily gasped for air, her ribs protesting the impact. Before she could recover, another blow landed, this time to her stomach, doubling her over. The shadows seemed to close in, the scent of soap mixing with the metallic tang of blood. The main instigator, a burly soldier, led the charge. His accomplice, hesitant but spurred on by misplaced loyalty, flanked him. As they closed in, Lily's muscles tensed.

In the disorganized struggle, Lily managed to dodge the next blow, sliding further down the wall and jutting out her right leg from where she was slumped over, connecting with the right assailant's midsection as he moved in. However, before she could capitalize on the momentary advantage, the reality of her outnumbered position became painfully clear as her attackers overpowered her, grabbing her and hauling her out of the stall. As Lily’s abdomen took another blow, recognition flashed across the face of one of her assailants, followed by shock.

"You didn't say it was the girl!" He hissed, his initial aggression giving way to disbelief as his grip on the girl loosened. 

The main assailant didn’t hesitate with his next blow, his fist connecting with the bruise already given to her that day by Liebgott, unfazed by the soldier's protest.

Cornered and outnumbered, Lily attempted to fight back with every ounce of strength she could muster. Yet, the confined space of the bathhouse restricted her movements, turning the struggle into a nightmarish dance where every move felt like a step closer to defeat. A vicious blow to her leg sunk Lily to the floor, her knees giving out beneath her. As the blows rained down, Lily's fingers groped for anything that could turn the tide. A boot, a towel, anything. Her heart stopped as her eyes landed on a speck of glitter, her fingers erratically slapped the floor in search, until they closed around what felt like an accidentally discarded razor under the sink, its cool metal offering a fleeting sense of hope. In a desperate bid for survival, Lily flung her body over, her arm carving through the air looking for her assailants. A guttural cry mixed with the sounds of struggle emanated from behind her as she slashed back, a momentary disruption in the violent ballet. However, the respite was short-lived. Her victim, blinded by rage, retaliated with a singular savage blow that sent Lily crashing against the hard, tiled shower wall. The impact reverberated through her skull, and the world blurred into a disorienting mosaic of pain and darkness. As Lily's consciousness waned, the bathhouse echoed with the retreating footsteps of the men, leaving only the oppressive silence of betrayal and brutality. The steam lingered like a shroud over the scene, and the shadows, now stained with the taste of vengeance, swallowed the fallen girl in a world where loyalty had been twisted into something unrecognizable.

— - 

“You ain’t got no poker face Perconte.” George Luz jeered, leaning back on his stool as he tossed another coin onto the growing pile. 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, radio-boy.” He replied, checking his cards for the third time. “I’m gonna take all your money, and then your girls tonight at the bar.”

“Sure about that, but you’re down an ace and you’ve got two 7’s & a 4 so I don’t know how you’re planning on turning that around.” 

“What the hell!? You’re cheating!” Perconte erupted, throwing his cards onto the cot as he shot up from his seat.

“I can see your cards in the window reflection dumbass.” Luz laughed, leaning back on his chair, puffing away at a lucky strike. 

The commotion caught the attention of Martin, the tip of his rifle glinting in the dim light, who shot a stern look at the bickering duo. “Shut up already, would ya? You got loud mouths on you.” He grumbled, trying to maintain focus on his polishing. Toye, lounging on his bunk, engrossed in a comic book added, “Yeah, I’m trying to read here, take your damn argument outside.”

The barracks erupted into chaos as insults flew across the room. Amidst the turmoil, the bunkhouse door swung open, almost unnoticed. Perconte, ready to fire back at Toye, fell silent, his gaze fixed on a young figure making her way up into the bunkhouse. 

“What the hell?” Perconte whispered, one arm still pointed at Toye, the other gripping the bed frame he had been attempting to climb over, perched half on, half off the ground. 

The room fell into a hush as the battered figure passed by them. Dripping wet, she silently made her way toward her cot at the rear of the bunkhouse, her eyes fixed forward, ignoring the confused and pained expressions on the faces of the men as she passed. 

Liebgott’s trademark smirk vanished as his eyes fell upon the injuries that marred Lily’s face and body. “Jesus Christ.” Escaped from his lips before he even realized it.

She locked eyes with him as she passed, sending a shiver through him. Her eyes were haunting, both bloodshot red, the left curtained by a deep purple crescent-shaped bruise that was split open at the tip, and a wet trail of blood oozed its way down her reddened cheek. Joe’s eyes trailed a droplet of blood as it fell from a jaunty slit in her eyebrow. She made no attempt to blink it away, staring into him as it pooled into her wet lashes. 

He felt his breath hitch as she stopped at the base of his cot, his hands tensed in his pockets and his usual smirk was nowhere to be seen. It was only seconds, perhaps just one, perhaps it was two, but to Joe, it felt like hours, his eyes scanned her as he waited. Her clothes were soaked through, with both water and blood. It clung to her figure like a whisper, revealing the lines of her body, her arms, her chest, her waist. His eyes dropped, fixing on an unsettling mark, a vivid testament to her encounter. A red-orange bloodstain, once bold and intense, now transformed into a disconcerting hue as it mingled with the damp fabric, it betrayed a muted vibrancy, creating an unappealing palette of rusty tones against the stark white backdrop of her shirt, telling a silent story. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy as his eyes took in the spectacle before him, the silence between them disturbed by the slow drip of her diluted blood onto the floorboards between them. His eyes moved up to meet hers, noticing the staggered rise and fall of her chest as she breathed through her pain. She took one last look up at the man, before walking back towards her bunk. 

An uncomfortable tension hung in the air as the subsequent moments unfolded with disquieting ease. The room bore witness to a palpable weight, settling like a thick fog, as the men, observed in silent contemplation. The battered girl, a resilient figure despite her injuries, delicately moved to slide off her jump boots at the bedside. As she gingerly bent over, a wince etched across her face, George Luz felt the urge to move, to say something. Yet, his words remained unspoken, caught in his throat, as he watched in wide-eyed confusion. 

“Luz” Her voice broke through the silence, grabbing the attention of every man in the room. 

“Luz” She repeated, herself, her voice strained as she stared at the radioman. 

“Uh, yeah, yeah, what do you need?” He hesitated, taking in a deep breath as he waited for her reply. 

“A shirt.”

“Um, yeah, I’ve got you, I can do that.” Luz pushed past Perconte and started riffling through his trunk in search of a clean shirt, muttering to himself as he did. Once secured, he stood up, his eyes meeting those of Bull Randleman’s both seemingly searching each other’s for a level of understanding of what they were seeing. With a head jerk from Bull, he walked over to the girl, placing it on the bed next to her, watching her peel off her shirt, a sharp intake of breath escaped her as it moved over her fresh wound.

As the shirt slid away, it revealed an intricate tapestry of marks. The men traced their path, some fresh, some seemingly older. As the extent of her wounds emerged, the atmosphere bore witness to a sobering reality. The air seemed to tighten with a peculiar mix of discomfort, shame, and sudden awareness. The men found their eyes trailing down her body, landing at the large pronounced scar on her abdomen, Luz could feel his heartbeat in his hands as he stood next to her. The fusion of her wounds and the unveiling of her femininity momentarily disrupted their comfort, and a sense of collective venerability permeated the room. 

The hallowed silence lingered, pregnant with unspoken thoughts and emotions, as the men grappled not solely with the reality of her injuries, but with the realization that beneath the uniform and the battlefield they were to share, there existed a woman with an intricate narrative - a narrative that now unfolded before them, leaving them suspended in a moment where the boundaries between soldier and woman, ally and stranger, blurred into an uneasy alliance of shared humanity. 

Randleman was the first to move, exchanging a glance with Guarnere, a silent understanding passed between them. They rose from their seats across the bunkhouse simultaneously, their expressions almost unreadable, a mix of concern and an underlying anger that simmered just beneath the surface. Lily, still standing by her bunk, felt the weight of their intrigue as they approached her. 

Bull, jaw clenched, spoke first. “You gonna tell us what this is?” His head loomed over hers, the perspective making her feel even smaller than usual. 

Lily sniffed in response, her eyes focused on finding the opening to the shirt. “I’m fine.” She replied, her head fixed downwards. Her voice held a fragile quality, desperately trying to maintain a facade of indifference. 

“Don’t look fine to me.” Guarnere cut in, his fists tightening in his pockets.

Lily remained stoic, silent. The room, buzzing with tension, held its breath as the trio engaged in a silent dance of unspoken words and palpable discomfort. 

“Then I fell.” She said halfheartedly, pulling the fresh shirt over her battered frame. The crisp white cotton was marked instantly by her wounds. 

“Like fuck you fell.” Guarnere moved closer to her, only to be stopped by a hand on his chest. 

“Go get Doc Bill,” Martin said pointedly, ignoring the look from the fired-up man, anger etched across his face. “Roe,” Martin spoke again, pointedly. 

Bull seized the opportunity before she could speak, “Roe’s gotta take a look at you. No arguments.” Lily’s resistance wavered as Bull’s stern gaze bore into hers. “If you won’t go willingly, I will pick you up and take you there myself, little bird.” His voice left no room for negotiation. 

Lily’s body was beginning to feel the weight of her injuries as she stood there, the adrenaline fading away. She wiped away at a trail of blood as it threatened to trickle into her eye, wincing at the bruise it lay against. Bull Randleman’s determination seemed unwavering, his gaze drilling into her. Finally, with a resigned nod, she gave in. The room’s oppressive silence persisted, only broken by the shuffling of feet and the sound of Martin issuing orders. 

— - 

The journey to the medical bay was solemn, tension and anger hung thick in the air. Bull reached out a supportive arm as they left sight of the bunkhouse, holding onto the girl with a tight grip. They walked silently, her steps slow and uneven, each footstep resonating with the gravity of the situation. 

She couldn’t help but wipe the trail of blood that was escaping her nose multiple times during the walk, her fingers staining a deeper shade of crimson each time. The mounting physical pain, combined with the emotional gravity had left her in a sweat of weary resignation. Yet, she remained quiet, occasionally glancing at the faces of the men escorting her, each carrying their own blend of anger and concern. 

Tag list:

@shakespear-picaso-lovechild @icantdecideofthename @this-harl0t-shant-be-unalive @weird-obsessed-girl

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 5)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - The suspense is part of the fun, no?

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language

A/N: Chapter 5!

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Camp Toccoa, 1942.

The drizzle outside had turned the Toccoa countryside into a muddy mess. Inside the crowded bunkhouse, the air was thick with a mix of cigarette smoke and the pungent aroma of wet wool. The men of Easy Company lounged on their bunks, nursing their aliments, exhausted from a day of drills and exercises, their ears still ringing from Sobel’s screeching. The incident at the combat drill was still fresh in everyone's minds, the men sat on their cots, eyeing each other with a mix of confusion and suspicion, their usual gambling and shit-talking pushed aside for the evening. Only Luz seemed genuinely impressed, nursing his jaw where he had taken an accidental elbow from Randleman during the scuffle.

"What the hell just happened out there?" Joe Toye grumbled, fighting his lighter for a flame as he sat on his bunk, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders.

"No idea. But Lieb sure got his ass handed to him," Perconte added, throwing Toye a pack of matches as he passed, still trying to process what he'd witnessed.

Guarnere, ever the cynic, rolled his eyes. “Ain’t no way I just watched some dame outfight Liebgott. Makes no fuckin’ sense.” 

Cobb, unnoticed in the doorway, listened intently. He had a habit of lurking around other bunkhouses, craving a sense of camaraderie he struggled to find in his own. His eyes, ever watchful, focused on the animated discussion as he puffed away on a cigarette.

Webster, unlaced his boots and kicked them to the side before glancing over at Luz, sat half on, half off his cot shuffling a pack of cards, grinning to himself like a Cheshire Cat. “Well you’re best friends with the girl Luz, care to enlighten us on what just went down.” 

Luz looked up at the men staring in his direction. “What the hell should I know?” He said shrugging his shoulders. Webster was right that he was friends with Redcoat, but as for what just took place, he was just as baffled as the rest of the men. 

Randleman chuckled, taking a drag from his cigarette. ‘All I know is that Girl’s got some moves. Reminds me of a wildcat, unpredictable, shifty.” 

“Alright country boy, All I’m saying is I ain’t never seen a dame fight like that, taking down Liebgott like he was a rag doll,” Gaurnere mumbled. 

Malarkey, nursing a bruised ego after being taken down himself, scoffed, "Yeah, but how does a girl like her learn to fight like that? Ain't natural, if you ask me.”

Cobb, seizing the opportunity to contribute to the conversation, spoke up from the doorway. "I heard she's almost outshooting Shifty. What kind of girl can shoot like that?” The mention of her marksmanship prowess added another layer of intrigue to the already mysterious woman. The men exchanged puzzled glances, each grappling with their theories about her background and abilities.

“Yeah, and where the hell d'you hear that?” Toye replied, his eyes rolling in disbelief, barely looking in Cobbs's direction. 

“Spiers.” He replied, matter of factly. “Maybe she’s a German spy, sent to sabotage us from the inside,” Cobb suggested, his voice low and conspiratorial.

The room fell silent as the suggestion hung in the air. The men exchanged uneasy glances, the idea taking root in their minds.

"A spy? Jeez, Cobb, that's a bit far-fetched," Malarkey scoffed. 

"Think about it," Cobb insisted. "She just shows up out of nowhere, none of us know a damn thing about her. Almost outshooting Shifty, Liebgott getting his ass handed to him?”

"I've been shooting since I was a kid, and she was giving me a run for my money,” Shifty mentioned, shuffling his hands in his lap. “But I’m not saying she’s a spy or anything.” He shot his hands up in defense. 

The bunkhouse was filled with a charged atmosphere, discomfort and suspicion swirling like a storm. 

"Maybe she's some kind of martial arts expert," Perconte suggested, trying to rationalize what they had witnessed. "You know, like those Japs with their karate stuff.”

The tension was broken by Jonny Martin shoulder passing Cobb as he made his way into the bunkhouse, giving him a shifty look as he passed, soaked through from the rain.

 “Who died?” He said pointedly, uncomfortable by the silence from the usually rambunctious group.

“Liebgott’s dignity.” Cobb scoffed from behind him.

Martin’s eyebrows raised in response. “Yeah, I just came from that way, had to help hold Liebgott down while they popped his arm back in. Could hear Sobel chewing her out from a mile off. He said shaking his head at the thought. 

As the conversation lingered, Cobb slipped away from the doorframe, leaving the men to contemplate the enigma that had entered their ranks. In the world of war, where every secret held potential danger, the bunkhouse at Camp Toccoa became a hub of suspicion and curiosity, its occupants unwittingly drawn into a web of unanswered questions about the girl who had just proven herself more than a match for Liebgott.

— -

The flickering light from the film projector cast shadows on the walls of the dimly lit hut as the men gathered for an evening of official training films lecturing the men on the importance of hygiene. The echoes of Liebgott's disgruntled mumbles still lingered in the air, the atmosphere around the men was tense, a mixture of confusion accompanied by an undercurrent of suspicion surrounding the outsider. The War Department’s attempt at a Nickelodeon droned on as Lily sat amongst the rabble, her eyes rolling at the notion that grown men needed instruction on basic cleanliness, her expression one of amused bewilderment. 

As the film extolled the virtues of regular showers, Lily couldn't help but mutter under her breath to Luz, “This is ridiculous. What’s next, a tutorial on how to tie their boots?” 

Luz chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "You'd be surprised what some of these guys need to be reminded of.”

Their hushed conversation didn't escape the notice of Cobb, who sat in the row behind. Always on the lookout for an opportunity to needle Lily, he leaned in between the pair and smirked, "Well, Redcoat, maybe some folks need these lessons more than others. I've never seen you in the showers, you know.”

She turned slowly to face the man. ”Perhaps that's because I like to keep an air of mystery, Cobb. I’d rather run Currahee with Sobel strapped to my back than have to shower within ten feet of you.” Her eyes squinting as she smirked to match him. 

Cobb's face reddened in embarrassment, and he retorted, "You think you're clever, don't you? Just wait till you're out there in the real action, sweetheart.” He said, folding his arms as he slunk back into his seat. Dissatisfied with the exchange, Cobb grumbled to Toye, "She's always got some smart-ass comment.” 

A sshhh was aimed at Cobb from further down the row, his head whipped back and forth to find the culprit. “I’m just saying, I ain't ever seen her in the showers.” He voiced to an uninterested Toye again.

Shifty sighed, lighting up a cigarette before he answered the man. "You see, Cobb, Sobel don’t let her shower with the rest of us. Makes her wait until the coast is clear.” 

Cobb's annoyance deepened. "What? Why does she get special treatment?”

“Why the hell do you care?” Toye responded, not even bothering to look in Cobb’s direction, seemingly more interested in the virtues of regular sock changes over the small man’s problem. Sensing his wall, Cobb whispered something to Liebgott, still nursing his shoulder as he replied, muttering something unintelligible, and the conversation moved on as the training film continued to play. Unbeknownst to Lily, whispers circulated among those who had overheard the conversation. Lily, caught in the crossfire of prejudice and resentment, became the unwitting target of a brewing storm within the ranks. The shadows of contention stretched across the hut, setting the stage for a night that would test the fragile bonds of brotherhood.

— - 

The bathhouse at Camp Toccoa was a modest structure, a refuge for the trainees to wash away the grime of the day and the bruises of training. Lily stood alone in the quiet, having waited patiently for the usual post-training rush to subside. The air was thick with the lingering scent of soap and damp towels. She couldn't help but smirk at the thought that, perhaps, the men had indeed learned something from the training film, given that they had taken double their usual time in the showers, accompanied by the water fogging over and dripping from the unending row of mirrors.

She surveyed her reflection in the foggy mirror, her eyes drawn to the bruises adorning her face like paint. A particularly nasty shiner, courtesy of Liebgott's unyielding fist during the hand-to-hand combat drill, dominated the canvas. She sighed, tracing her fingers across the swollen skin, wincing as she met the peak, not broken-thank God, but not great either. Her hands moved up to the braided bun that sat at the nape of her neck, eager to relive the tension headache stemming from it. The pins holding it in place dinged on the sink as she shook out her long hair, allowing it to fall around her shoulders. Lily threaded her fingers through the dark brunette strands, massaging her scalp as she went. It had been tempting once or twice to cut it short and mimic the men in that regard, hell it would make her life a lot easier, however, she couldn’t quite bring herself to reach for the clippers. 

She pushed herself off the sink and made her way over to the shower, her body ached to stand under the hot water and wash the day away. The showers had become some sort of sanctuary for her. Sobel’s attempt at keeping her at arm's length from the men was playing to her benefit. It was the only place in the entire camp where she could be alone, a space to think, to remind herself why she joined, she craved the solace it provided. 

She hung her towel on the hook outside the stall, reaching in to turn the hot water on before stepping in and allowing the hot stream to drench her body, the rhythmic patter of droplets echoed in the tiled hut, a stark contrast to the eerie silence that hung in the air. Lily couldn’t remember a time she had showered without her PT uniform still on - a precautionary measure, better to be safe than sorry she thought. She watched as the water blended her shirt with her skin, her underwear with her dirt-speckled legs. As she placed her head back beneath the water, she sensed a shift in the air - a subtle change that pricked at her instincts, unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss. 

She halted, her breath shallow, straining to hear any out-of-place noise. The air seemed to thicken as the steam filled the hut, she could barely make out the muted sound of a boot squeaking on the tile floor. Before she could react, a sudden blow shot through the shower curtain and struck her side, knocking her against the shower wall. Lily gasped, pain shooting through her ribs. The dim light blurred through the shower curtain barely revealing two dark figures closing in on her. Dread set in as she realized she had been followed. The tension that had lingered since she arrived had erupted into something more sinister. The echoes of their footsteps mixed with the rhythmic pounding of the water against the tiles, created a disorienting symphony of violence. She could feel the oppressive confinement of the bathhouse closing in around her, her training instincts drowned out by the brutal reality of the ambush.

The second blow came quickly, a fist struck the side of her head, the force knocking her back against the cold, tiled wall. Lily gasped for air, her ribs protesting the impact. Before she could recover, another blow landed, this time to her stomach, doubling her over. The shadows seemed to close in, the scent of soap mixing with the metallic tang of blood. The main instigator, a burly soldier, led the charge. His accomplice, hesitant but spurred on by misplaced loyalty, flanked him. As they closed in, Lily's muscles tensed.

In the disorganized struggle, Lily managed to dodge the next blow, sliding further down the wall and jutting out her right leg from where she was slumped over, connecting with the right assailant's midsection as he moved in. However, before she could capitalize on the momentary advantage, the reality of her outnumbered position became painfully clear as her attackers overpowered her, grabbing her and hauling her out of the stall. As Lily’s abdomen took another blow, recognition flashed across the face of one of her assailants, followed by shock.

"You didn't say it was the girl!" He hissed, his initial aggression giving way to disbelief as his grip on the girl loosened. 

The main assailant didn’t hesitate with his next blow, his fist connecting with the bruise already given to her that day by Liebgott, unfazed by the soldier's protest.

Cornered and outnumbered, Lily attempted to fight back with every ounce of strength she could muster. Yet, the confined space of the bathhouse restricted her movements, turning the struggle into a nightmarish dance where every move felt like a step closer to defeat. A vicious blow to her leg sunk Lily to the floor, her knees giving out beneath her. As the blows rained down, Lily's fingers groped for anything that could turn the tide. A boot, a towel, anything. Her heart stopped as her eyes landed on a speck of glitter, her fingers erratically slapped the floor in search, until they closed around what felt like an accidentally discarded razor under the sink, its cool metal offering a fleeting sense of hope. In a desperate bid for survival, Lily flung her body over, her arm carving through the air looking for her assailants. A guttural cry mixed with the sounds of struggle emanated from behind her as she slashed back, a momentary disruption in the violent ballet. However, the respite was short-lived. Her victim, blinded by rage, retaliated with a singular savage blow that sent Lily crashing against the hard, tiled shower wall. The impact reverberated through her skull, and the world blurred into a disorienting mosaic of pain and darkness. As Lily's consciousness waned, the bathhouse echoed with the retreating footsteps of the men, leaving only the oppressive silence of betrayal and brutality. The steam lingered like a shroud over the scene, and the shadows, now stained with the taste of vengeance, swallowed the fallen girl in a world where loyalty had been twisted into something unrecognizable.

— - 

“You ain’t got no poker face Perconte.” George Luz jeered, leaning back on his stool as he tossed another coin onto the growing pile. 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, radio-boy.” He replied, checking his cards for the third time. “I’m gonna take all your money, and then your girls tonight at the bar.”

“Sure about that, but you’re down an ace and you’ve got two 7’s & a 4 so I don’t know how you’re planning on turning that around.” 

“What the hell!? You’re cheating!” Perconte erupted, throwing his cards onto the cot as he shot up from his seat.

“I can see your cards in the window reflection dumbass.” Luz laughed, leaning back on his chair, puffing away at a lucky strike. 

The commotion caught the attention of Martin, the tip of his rifle glinting in the dim light, who shot a stern look at the bickering duo. “Shut up already, would ya? You got loud mouths on you.” He grumbled, trying to maintain focus on his polishing. Toye, lounging on his bunk, engrossed in a comic book added, “Yeah, I’m trying to read here, take your damn argument outside.”

The barracks erupted into chaos as insults flew across the room. Amidst the turmoil, the bunkhouse door swung open, almost unnoticed. Perconte, ready to fire back at Toye, fell silent, his gaze fixed on a young figure making her way up into the bunkhouse. 

“What the hell?” Perconte whispered, one arm still pointed at Toye, the other gripping the bed frame he had been attempting to climb over, perched half on, half off the ground. 

The room fell into a hush as the battered figure passed by them. Dripping wet, she silently made her way toward her cot at the rear of the bunkhouse, her eyes fixed forward, ignoring the confused and pained expressions on the faces of the men as she passed. 

Liebgott’s trademark smirk vanished as his eyes fell upon the injuries that marred Lily’s face and body. “Jesus Christ.” Escaped from his lips before he even realized it.

She locked eyes with him as she passed, sending a shiver through him. Her eyes were haunting, both bloodshot red, the left curtained by a deep purple crescent-shaped bruise that was split open at the tip, and a wet trail of blood oozed its way down her reddened cheek. Joe’s eyes trailed a droplet of blood as it fell from a jaunty slit in her eyebrow. She made no attempt to blink it away, staring into him as it pooled into her wet lashes. 

He felt his breath hitch as she stopped at the base of his cot, his hands tensed in his pockets and his usual smirk was nowhere to be seen. It was only seconds, perhaps just one, perhaps it was two, but to Joe, it felt like hours, his eyes scanned her as he waited. Her clothes were soaked through, with both water and blood. It clung to her figure like a whisper, revealing the lines of her body, her arms, her chest, her waist. His eyes dropped, fixing on an unsettling mark, a vivid testament to her encounter. A red-orange bloodstain, once bold and intense, now transformed into a disconcerting hue as it mingled with the damp fabric, it betrayed a muted vibrancy, creating an unappealing palette of rusty tones against the stark white backdrop of her shirt, telling a silent story. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy as his eyes took in the spectacle before him, the silence between them disturbed by the slow drip of her diluted blood onto the floorboards between them. His eyes moved up to meet hers, noticing the staggered rise and fall of her chest as she breathed through her pain. She took one last look up at the man, before walking back towards her bunk. 

An uncomfortable tension hung in the air as the subsequent moments unfolded with disquieting ease. The room bore witness to a palpable weight, settling like a thick fog, as the men, observed in silent contemplation. The battered girl, a resilient figure despite her injuries, delicately moved to slide off her jump boots at the bedside. As she gingerly bent over, a wince etched across her face, George Luz felt the urge to move, to say something. Yet, his words remained unspoken, caught in his throat, as he watched in wide-eyed confusion. 

“Luz” Her voice broke through the silence, grabbing the attention of every man in the room. 

“Luz” She repeated, herself, her voice strained as she stared at the radioman. 

“Uh, yeah, yeah, what do you need?” He hesitated, taking in a deep breath as he waited for her reply. 

“A shirt.”

“Um, yeah, I’ve got you, I can do that.” Luz pushed past Perconte and started riffling through his trunk in search of a clean shirt, muttering to himself as he did. Once secured, he stood up, his eyes meeting those of Bull Randleman’s both seemingly searching each other’s for a level of understanding of what they were seeing. With a head jerk from Bull, he walked over to the girl, placing it on the bed next to her, watching her peel off her shirt, a sharp intake of breath escaped her as it moved over her fresh wound.

As the shirt slid away, it revealed an intricate tapestry of marks. The men traced their path, some fresh, some seemingly older. As the extent of her wounds emerged, the atmosphere bore witness to a sobering reality. The air seemed to tighten with a peculiar mix of discomfort, shame, and sudden awareness. The men found their eyes trailing down her body, landing at the large pronounced scar on her abdomen, Luz could feel his heartbeat in his hands as he stood next to her. The fusion of her wounds and the unveiling of her femininity momentarily disrupted their comfort, and a sense of collective venerability permeated the room. 

The hallowed silence lingered, pregnant with unspoken thoughts and emotions, as the men grappled not solely with the reality of her injuries, but with the realization that beneath the uniform and the battlefield they were to share, there existed a woman with an intricate narrative - a narrative that now unfolded before them, leaving them suspended in a moment where the boundaries between soldier and woman, ally and stranger, blurred into an uneasy alliance of shared humanity. 

Randleman was the first to move, exchanging a glance with Guarnere, a silent understanding passed between them. They rose from their seats across the bunkhouse simultaneously, their expressions almost unreadable, a mix of concern and an underlying anger that simmered just beneath the surface. Lily, still standing by her bunk, felt the weight of their intrigue as they approached her. 

Bull, jaw clenched, spoke first. “You gonna tell us what this is?” His head loomed over hers, the perspective making her feel even smaller than usual. 

Lily sniffed in response, her eyes focused on finding the opening to the shirt. “I’m fine.” She replied, her head fixed downwards. Her voice held a fragile quality, desperately trying to maintain a facade of indifference. 

“Don’t look fine to me.” Guarnere cut in, his fists tightening in his pockets.

Lily remained stoic, silent. The room, buzzing with tension, held its breath as the trio engaged in a silent dance of unspoken words and palpable discomfort. 

“Then I fell.” She said halfheartedly, pulling the fresh shirt over her battered frame. The crisp white cotton was marked instantly by her wounds. 

“Like fuck you fell.” Guarnere moved closer to her, only to be stopped by a hand on his chest. 

“Go get Doc Bill,” Martin said pointedly, ignoring the look from the fired-up man, anger etched across his face. “Roe,” Martin spoke again, pointedly. 

Bull seized the opportunity before she could speak, “Roe’s gotta take a look at you. No arguments.” Lily’s resistance wavered as Bull’s stern gaze bore into hers. “If you won’t go willingly, I will pick you up and take you there myself, little bird.” His voice left no room for negotiation. 

Lily’s body was beginning to feel the weight of her injuries as she stood there, the adrenaline fading away. She wiped away at a trail of blood as it threatened to trickle into her eye, wincing at the bruise it lay against. Bull Randleman’s determination seemed unwavering, his gaze drilling into her. Finally, with a resigned nod, she gave in. The room’s oppressive silence persisted, only broken by the shuffling of feet and the sound of Martin issuing orders. 

— - 

The journey to the medical bay was solemn, tension and anger hung thick in the air. Bull reached out a supportive arm as they left sight of the bunkhouse, holding onto the girl with a tight grip. They walked silently, her steps slow and uneven, each footstep resonating with the gravity of the situation. 

She couldn’t help but wipe the trail of blood that was escaping her nose multiple times during the walk, her fingers staining a deeper shade of crimson each time. The mounting physical pain, combined with the emotional gravity had left her in a sweat of weary resignation. Yet, she remained quiet, occasionally glancing at the faces of the men escorting her, each carrying their own blend of anger and concern. 

Tag list:

@shakespear-picaso-lovechild @icantdecideofthename @this-harl0t-shant-be-unalive @weird-obsessed-girl

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 4)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - The suspense is part of the fun, no?

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language

A/N: Chapter 4 finally here. Please forgive my lateness, but say welcome back to Lily, hopefully with a bang!

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

Chapter 3.

Camp Toccoa, 1942. 

It hadn’t been an unusual day by any means, nothing particularly out of pocket had occurred. Yet, as Lily sat hunched over on the cold shower tiles watching the crimson stream of blood circle the drain, she recounted how the day had turned out so very wrong. 

— -

The bunkhouse was filled with the chorus of snoring soldiers broken only by the occasional creek of an ever restless Joe Toye rolling in his cot. All were sleeping soundly, except for Private Lily Darlington who was curled into a ball at the very top of her bed. Gentlestreaks of moonlight had trickled their way through the windows, glinting off a pair of dog tags clasped between her hands partially hidden beneath the covers, her fingers glided over the raised letters as she accosted herself at her inability to control her emotions. She sucked in a silent breath and pulled the blanket over her mouth in attempt to stifle any noise as she endeavoured to catch her breath. It had been a week since she’d last slept through the night without being plagued by a nightmare. It wasn’t unusual for them to hit once a fortnight, even once a week at their worst. She was used to that, she expected that, however lately, she was lucky to go two to three days between them. She hadn’t had a full nights sleep for a week, and it was starting to show. It was causing her to lose her sturdy exterior, she had started to quip back whenever Liebgott made a joke at her expense, and she’d purposefully tripped up Guarnere on the obstacle course the previous day due to his somewhat degrading comments on her performance. 

Each time was the same. Waking up, drenched in her own sweat, a searing pain emanating from her old wound accompanied by the smell of blood still lingering in her nostrils. It was part of the gig, came with the job she had been warned. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she placed her head between them, letting her fingertips graze over the scar as she sat there listening to the cicadas chirping outside the barracks. Their true meaning escaped her, she understood that she would have to be void of all human emotions if she weren’t to let past experiences stay with her, but why they haunted her was a question she had little answers to. It was a miracle that she had kept it to herself this long, how she hadn’t woken any of the men with her gasps or thrashing about. Lily thanked her lucky stars as she ran her hands through her damp hair, the groans from the springs beneath her sending a gentle reminder to maintain the peace within the quiet cabin as she gently knotted up her boots and tied her PT sweater around her waist. 

As she quietly sneaked out of the bunkhouse for some desperately needed air she found herself so lost in her own head that she didn’t notice the pair of eyes on her from across the room watching with a curious intensity.

— - 

“Yeah well I bet you’re regretting it now.” The irritating register of Perconte’s voice filled the latrine as he leant on the wall, half in and half out in the open door way, puffing his way through a lucky strike and scraping at a dirt stain on his shirt. 

“How was I supposed to know he’d hear me.” Luz looked up at his friend with a less than amused look on his face as he sat, back to the wall, tapping the excess ash from his cigarette into the bucket by his feet. 

“Ahh he’s got it out for all of us, yesterday was just your lucky turn.” Perconte answered.

“Last week was my lucky turn too, first time in my life I hope I run out of luck.” Luz said, his forearms on his knees as he took a deep breath of his cigarette. 

“You should be grateful, ain’t nobody been as lucky as Redcoat here, every goddamn day Sobel sees fit to reward her.” Perconte looked towards the girl scrubbing away in the corner, rolling his eyes to her seemingly obliviousness to the two men’s conversation. 

“Ain’t that right Redcoat? Hmmmmm?” Perconte clicked at the girl, trying to pull her attention from the floor. “Ears like a hawk that one” he mock whispered to Luz.

“I bet he can hear me in his sleep.” Luz replied, ignoring the short man’s half hearted attempt to irritate his punishment companion. 

“I bet he can hear you smoking and not scrubbing.” Perconte taunted tipping the sud bucket with his boot. 

Luz replied by flicking his half finished cigarette at the man, grabbing the brush from the wobbly bucket and began to scrub the tiled floor again, a little harder than necessary, his eyes conveying a less than amused look. 

“Well I’m off to enjoy this sunny afternoon, a free pass afternoon, do whatever the hell I feel like.” Perconte taunted.

Luz reached for the nearby bucket in retaliation, “you’re gonna be doing it soaking wet if you don’t get outta here” grinning to himself as Perconte made his way back out into the glorious sunshine, leaving Luz and Lily to scrub their afternoon away in the musty latrine. 

“Enjoy.” He spoke, his palms raised in defence, stepping out of the door way and cocking his head towards the girl in the corner with an eye roll.

Back in the corner, Lily knelt by the shower drain up to her elbows in suds from scrubbing the filthy floor, amazed by how the dark speckled tile was actually a light brown, hidden by a thick layer of dirt, grime, and God knows what else. She had been so graciously gifted the afternoon of latrine duty for an unknown infraction that Sobel had concocted the day prior during the afternoon obstacle course exercise after she had displeased him for the thousandth time that day, probably simply from existing. She wasn’t in the know as to Luz’s infraction, but she guessed that it was most likely due to his inability to keep his colorful thoughts to himself during the exercise, although, some of his impressions of Lieutenant ‘stick up his arse’ did make the time pass quicker. So now, they had the pleasure of each others company whilst they spent their first free afternoon in forever scrubbing the dirtiest part of the barracks as the rest of the men lamented in the summer sunshine. 

Without Perconte’s commentary echoing around the building the only sounds were that of the two scrubbing brushes rhythmically sanding away at the grimy floor. The silence was palpable. Lily didn’t mind the cleaning duty as much as Sobel probably hoped she would, she much preferred it to running a couple of miles in the humid sun with a full pack, and whilst she didn’t know Private Luz all that well, he’d been sticking to his end of the latrine, and wasn’t causing her any trouble thus far, so it came as a surprise to her when he broke the silence. 

“You know, if they’d mentioned in that damn Life article that being a paratrooper meant spending two sorry years of my life stuck with Sobel I might not have signed up so fast.” Luz stood up from his bent over scrubbing position, groaning as he clicked his body back into shape and wandered over to find where he’d left his water canteen, leaning back against the sinks, mulling over the absurdity of his situation. He looked over at the girl, scrubbing away at the endless grime that covered the floor, continuing to ignore him.

Lily had been part of Easy Company for some time now, that part being ignored, unwanted, forcing her to the back or just pretending she didn’t exist, the men always attempting to keep her an arms length away from the action. Luz wouldn’t have known she was still there if it weren’t for Sobel’s incessant barking at her. She didn’t speak up much in the classroom, never sat with the men at chow - never invited to sit with the men either he noted, even during the evenings before lights out she was either nowhere to be seen or already in bed turned away from whatever group conversation was taking place. 

“You don’t talk much do you?.” He peered over at her hunched figure as she continued scrubbing, when she didn’t answer he cleared his throat a little louder than necessary. 

“Hey Luz, how are you today? Well Redcoat, I was doing just fine until I had to come here and scrub! I love scrubbing, I’m so thankful that Lieutenant Sobel gifts it to me so often, it keeps my arms strong and my spirits high.” He chuckled to himself, tilting his head slightly in the hopes that she saw the peace offering he was attempting. 

She glanced behind herself, irritated at Luz’s attempt at humour, raising a singular eyebrow as she made eye contact with the sniggering man. 

“Oh thank god, it worked! You aren’t deaf! Had me worried for a minute there.” A ridiculous smile plastered across his face as he stared at Lily, waiting for an answer. She remained on the ground, one hand on her brush, one of the floor, her eyes attempting to bore a hole through his head. Her stare was beginning to make him think that they may have been better off in silence, his heart rate only slowing as he let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding in as she broke eye contact and slumped herself into a seated position, grabbing her canteen and taking a long, slow drink. 

Lily’s body ached from being bent over too long and her hands were raw from scrubbing, she had blisters on her palms from days of climbing ropes and scaling beams, she wasn’t in the mood for jibes or jabs. Her gaze remained off in the distance until she noticed Luz still looking at her, waiting on a reply, she was too tired for this, but she was too tired to continuously ignore him for the remaining hours of scrubbing they still had left.

“I’m touched?” her voice monotonous, her face unimpressed. 

The pair stared across the latrine at each other in their respective corners, an awkward silence dragging between them as neither knew what to say next. George realised that it might be the first time he’d actually properly talked to her, actually talking to her, rather than the odd nod when they came in contact during exercises. He couldn’t help but feel that part of her hesitation in talking is his own fault. By no means has he been the worst, but he hasn’t been all that forthcoming in welcoming their latest addition to the Company. He’s seen how she sits alone reading on her bunk at night, whilst the rest of the men play cards and enjoy themselves, how any conversation dies down if she merely walks past a group. A strong feeling of guilt washed over him as he racked his brain for what to say next.

“George Luz.” He wiped his hand on his pant leg before extending it towards her.

“I know who you are.” She looked towards his hand but made no move to accept the gesture.

“I know you do, and I know who you are too. Ain’t this how you do it in England? Introductions and shit?” He pushed himself off the sinks as she continued to just stare back at him, motionless. 

“Christ Redcoat, shake my damn hand, I ain't got cooties.” He stood there for a moment, his mind dancing between pride and patience before taking a few steps towards the girl, sitting himself down opposite her and extending his hand again. The lump in his chest evaporated as she waited a few moments, before placing her canteen back on the ground and with a firm shake she replied. 

“Lily Darlington.”

“And here I was thinking all this time that your name was Redcoat.” He mocked.

“I can see how you would think that.” She replied, her eyes rolled as she slumped her back against the cool wall.

“Sobel seems to really have it out for you.” He said, dancing on the edge of conversation.

“I’m starting to get the notion that he doesn’t quite like me.” She said in jest, it wasn’t enough to form a laugh, but she let out a huff of air.

“You ain’t wrong there.” He replied, stretching his legs out across the half scrubbed tile floor. 

“Well, perhaps my day just wouldn’t shine the same if Sobel didn’t remind me how worthless I am to the Company. Keeps me eager.” She turned and winked at him as she took another sip from her canteen, the suds from her elbows dripping onto her pant leg. She’d almost forgotten how it felt to have an actual conversation with someone, she felt as if she hadn’t said anything of substance in weeks. 

“You’re funny when you actually talk you know.” Chuckling when he receives a sarcastic seeming eyebrow raise and hint of a smile out of her.  “I don’t know how you do it,  I got six sisters and they cry if I so much as comment on anything they do, I hate the guy and he ain’t half as bad on me” Luz’s expression crinkled. 

“Its manageable.” She spoke as she scraped the sudds off her arms and shook them back into the bucket. 

Manageable, it was just about manageable, however it was teetering close to unbearable. She had a stern spirit, and a stiff upper lip, but not even she was unbreakable. They had so much more training to go, and then goodness knows how many years actually in the thick of it. If she couldn’t break the seal on the men’s freeze out then she had no hope of survival.

“Manageable, hmmm. Your Lieutenant hates you, your Company ain’t so keen on you either. Either you’re one determined son of a bitch, or you’re crazy.” He replied with a single eyebrow raise. 

“I’m not entirely sure I want to be friends with people who spit in my food.” She replied.  

“That’s Liebgott, he’s a jackass. And we don’t all hate you, we just don’t know you. You’re the only broad outta nine companies. You gotta see how weird that is.” 

“I see that it’s different, I don’t necessarily see it as the disadvantage that your lot do. I don’t even think they realise to know me they’d actually have to talk to me first, their friendship hasn’t exactly been forthcoming.”

“That’s fair.” He replied, his hands raised in defence. “We ain’t exactly been forthcoming, maybe it don’t come easy talking to a broad if it ain't at a bar for my lot?” He winked at her, met by a disapproving look. 

“I know you and I don’t think you’re all that bad. ” He smiled at her.

“You’ve known me, all of, two minutes?” Her sarcastic tone coming out again as she glanced down at her watch ticking away on her wrist. 

“I only let the very best of people be my friends.” He said mockingly.

“You’re friends with Liebgott…” She replied looking through her eyebrows.

“I am friendly with Liebgott, there’s a difference.” He smiled back. “Two long minutes, give it six months, we’re gonna be best friends.” His face turned to her with a childish grin plastered across it. 

“Is that so?” Her pitch raised as she suppressed a laugh at the mans premonition. 

“I know these things, feel it in my bones.” He winked before standing up and ‘wiggling his bones’ as he made his way back over to his own bucket, laughing to himself as left.

The pair fell back into their quiet rhythmic scrubbing, broken every so often by Luz trying to make conversation, and to his surprise, Lily trying to reply in a way that showed him she wasn’t entirely disinterested by his peace making attempts. After the lack lustre interactions she was used to she didn’t want to get too optimistic over a single conversation, but she couldn’t help feeling that it might be a tiny step in the right direction. 

— -

A hint of a smile crept across Lily’s face as she hung the buckets back up in the supplies closet. The pair had finally finished their punishment and Luz had rushed off to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with the men, something about Bull Randleman owning him a pack of smokes from their poker game the previous night. Lily had offered to finish up the job, and afterwards planned to find a quiet corner and watch the world go by, she had been looking forward to doing nothing for so long and her body was begging for a break. 

With her smile still lingering and her heart a little lighter she made her way along the barracks towards the quieter end of the camp, turning the corner without noticing the large figure coming straight towards her until it was too late, smacking head on, and sending both parties stumbling back, the ground littered with papers that Lily could only assume the other party had been rushing somewhere.

“I’m so sorry!” Lily exclaimed, gathering up all the lose sheets around her before looking up to see exactly who she had run into. Her heart dropped in her chest when her eyes raised to meet those of Lewis Nixon’s, Lieutenant Lewis Nixon’s, “Sir.” She tried to add quickly, however in her shocked state, it came out more like a whisper, much to her embarrassment. 

His eyes lowered for a split second before he also reached for the loose sheets, shoving them haphazardly into the file tightly grasped in his hands, almost in an attempt to by himself some time to think of something logical to say. Before it could conjure anything Lily’s hand thrust out towards him as she offered his remaining papers, his eyes met hers once again, and he drew in a sharp breath as he took them from her grasp. They both stood there awkwardly, waiting for the other to speak first. 

It hadn’t really sunk in for him yet. He still didn’t truly believe she was here. That it was actually her. Yes he’d sat through the meeting with her and Winters, however, most of it was a blur to him, he was certain he was being pranked and any moment now his sister Blanche would pop out from behind a tree, grab Lily and run off giggling. He felt as if he had been shot upon seeing her unannounced all these years later. She had been here for weeks now, yet he found himself avoiding her, filling every available hour with extra tasks just to minimise the amount of time in which he’d actually have to face her. He just couldn’t understand what the hell she was doing here - the Lily he knew would not be here. 

Lily could feel a flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks, she had been wanting to speak to Lewis privately ever since she arrived, yet could never seem to find an appropriate moment, now she had one she couldn’t even seem to form a single word out of her mouth, it didn’t help that he was staring at her in an unnerving manner. Before either of them could say anything Lieutenant Winters called out for him. His eyes rose to the source of the voice across the far side of the opposite field before dropping back to meet hers with a regretful expression. 

“I have to go.” Was all he could bring himself to say before pushing past her small frame and dashing off to the very meeting he had just made himself late for, grimacing at the way he had just handled the situation, knowing full well he was just making everything more complicated for his future self and somewhat guilty for not even saying hello to the girl he was once so very close to. 

— -

If persistence was a person it would be George Bloody Luz. It was evident that he been steadfast in his intentions in becoming best friends, but to be fair, Lily hadn’t been stopping him. She was right about the step, which had actually turned out to be more of a leap, George Luz didn’t seem to do anything halfheartedly. She had begun to enjoy having a someone to shoot the shit with as they scaled Currahee, someone to compare notes with after a classroom exercise, to stand in line with at the mess hall as they awaited that evenings sloppy serving of grub. Luz had even been trying to get her to sit alongside the men at meals, to which she complied, but somehow always found herself perched half on half off the bench, too far away to be able to be involved in any discussion. One step forward, one step back. Lately they’d even found themselves sat out the back of the Barracks late in the evenings before curfew, sharing a laugh, going over the best and the worst parts of that day, occasionally joined by Floyd Talbert or another one of Luz’s friends, which only seemed to make her situation feel even more isolating, ironic really. Lily craved the dynamic that George had with the rest of the chaps, the camaraderie and the comfort it seemed to bring him at the end of a long day when he could truly be himself. It was a harsh reality, not one that she was expecting either, that to let herself be open to any form of friendship, she had to be able put her guard down, not to mention swallowing her pride. 

In a surprise turn of events, the men seemed to take the lead from Luz, she was far from getting into conversation with anyone new, however when she sat next to Luz at chow the previous evening, she received head nods from some of the others at the bench, and Randalman had even saved her a seat. It was an improvement, a very small improvement, but one she so desperately needed. 

— -

"You know Nix, I think if you stare any harder you might just fall through that window.” Winters noted from beneath his stack of papers. 

“I am not staring, I am observing.” He replied, eyes fixated on the field before him.

“That her?” Spiers motioned to the short figure at the back of the group.

“Sure is” Winters replied, placing his papers down and joining the men congregated around the window. 

The trio stood side by side behind the window, watching the line of Privates as they stood in formation, being barked at by their beloved Lieutenant Sobel. Nixon’s eyes fixed on the form of Private Lily Darlington at the end of the line, a full head and shoulders below her fellow men, the longer he stared the less he began to recognise the girl he once new. 

— -

“Easy Company, each of you will select a strip of paper! On that paper will be a name, that name will be your partner for the rest of the day, there will be no trading partners, no exceptions!” Sobel’s voice cried as he thrust the helmet forcefully into Lily’s hands.

She groaned as she grabbed a strip from the pile, she had gotten away with mostly pairing Luz for the week. Sparing wasn’t anything new to her, in all actuality she excelled at it, but there in lay her problem. Her position within the Company already ruffled feathers and had the men asking all sorts of questions that she had little interest or ability to answer. If she had gone from quiet girl at the back of the group, to launching grown men over her shoulder within a day she doubted that she’d be able to escape without explaining herself. Luz was her scapegoat, not that he knew it. She had let him lead the training, she tried to spar with her non dominate hand to lessen the blows, heck he’d even commended her on her improvements the day before. As she passed the helmet towards George she said a silent prayer that the name on her slip was an easy opponent, whilst she knew she was going to have to suppress herself, she wasn’t exactly hoping to have to take a punch from the likes of Bull or even Guarnere, she was hoping to remain under the radar, not in the medical bay. 

“Who’d you get?” George whispered across to her, passing the helmet to its next victim. 

Lily felt her prayer fall from the sky and slap her as she opened the strip of paper between her fingers. Inked across in a barely legible scrawl was the one name she’d have paid good money to not see.

Liebgott. 

She tilted the paper towards him and rolled her eyes as an amused grin swept across his face.

“Weren’t you saying yesterday how much he deserves a ‘kick up the arse’” Luz replied, mocking her accent rather crassly, his eyebrows wiggling in jest.

With a look of distain she nodded towards his paper, the corners of her mouth turning up as she read ‘Randalman��, looks like Luz will have a tussle of his own. 

“Find your partner and pair up!” Sobel yelled from the other side of the field. 

“Have fun!” Luz mocked as Lily dragged herself towards the other end of the field to find her unlucky partner. She was barely 10 steps towards where he was stood before she could feel his eyes beginning to glare a hole through her.

“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me, boys, this is gonna be fun.” He spat, looking her up and down before shoulder passing her and strutting away from the group of men towards his spot on the field.  

“Listen up Easy Company! The man on the far side of the field will make the starting move, last man standing wins!” Lieutenant Sobel’s whistle rang through the air as Lily centred her weight and dug deep deep down within herself to find an ounce of self control to not smash his face in. Defence, defence, Now wasn’t the time to be putting anyone in the medical bay.

“Afraid of messing up your hair sweetheart?” His childish voice rang in her ears as he stood on the far side of the field rolling his sleeves up. 

“You’d have to make contact with me to be able to do that, Liebgott.” She smiled back at him with a shit eating grin, spitting his name as if it were a slur.

“Yeah?” He said, slowly squaring up towards her. He was a good head and shoulders taller than her, and he was using every ounce of his stature to try to intimidate her. It was pretty easy to pinpoint exactly how Liebgott managed to get under her skin so easily, he was impulsive, rude, he knew how to push all her buttons, but mostly it was that he seemed to wake up every day with the innate desire to do anything, say anything to tick her off. It was killing her to find an ounce of strength not to retaliate. She had learnt the hard way that it mostly makes situations worse.

The duo stood steadfast, each not willing to back down from their ridiculous stare off, completely oblivious to the approaching footsteps of the Lieutenant Winters as he made his way over towards them. 

“Do we have a problem here?” His deep voice broke their trance, his eyes shifting between the pair. 

Liebgott’s head swung from between the Winters and the girl, “Afraid of getting her hands dirty I’d say, Sir.”

Winters let out a huff of aggravation, “Private Darlington, do you have a problem sparring with Private Liebgott?” His face displayed a look of curiosity as he peered down at the girl. “From what I’ve seen I’d say quite the opposite. Perhaps you can teach Private Liebgott here a thing or two.” He said with a wink. 

“Yes Sir” Lily happily replied, a hint of a smile edging on her lips, I’d happy slap the shit out of him, Sir. 

Lieutenant Winters smiled as he backed away, he couldn’t help but admit that he did hold a slight interest in watching her take down the loudmouthed Liebgott. He’d been an onlooker a few of their interactions, and whilst he wouldn’t feel inclined to step in between them; he knew that they needed to learn how to live amongst each other, and sometimes that required an ego takedown, he was comforted in the knowledge that his meddling would only produce what Liebgott had been fuelling with his behaviour.

Lily didn’t know the last time she had free rein to pummel someone, and she adored it. A rush of adrenaline overcame her as she waited, her weight spread, knees slightly bent. Joseph Liebgott you are so bloody predictable. During the drills prior shed had time to observe almost every man, assessing their strengths and taking note of their weaknesses. Liebgott was a classic, he favoured his left leg for balance, he always threw his first punch with his right arm. He was always telling the other men about fights he had gotten into back home, he was experienced, but impulsive. His aim was always to throw as many punches as he could before his opponent got a look in. Always so quick to attack that he never assessed the situation, his anger and his ‘better than thou’ attitude clouded his judgment. 

Lily dug her foot further into the dirt for leverage as she looked across at her partner, taunting her with a confident smirk and accompanying wink. Her eyes didn’t move from his as she waited for him to make the first move, she remained still, waiting on each footstep as he moved closer towards her. 

She barely had a second to breathe before Liebgott launched himself at her, throwing a punch that narrowly missed her eye. She ducked to dodge its trajectory, having to stop herself from sinking her fist into his crown jewels as she came back up, although she’d be lying if watching Liebgott rolling around on the ground like a worm cradling his crotch wouldn’t amuse her. 

Her weeks of silence in the evenings had been beneficial, it seemed Liebgott’s favourite pastime to recount the street brawl fights he’d gotten himself wrapped up in back home in California. She needed to prepare for a dirty fight. He retreated for a short moment before he lunged at her again, his movements brash and wild, he aimed for her blind spots, however, Lily anticipated it this time, and blocked and you countered, clipping his ankle as he came past, his impulsiveness made for a simple fight, however she kept her fists tight to her body, defence Lily, she reminded herself, scraping every ounce of self control she had left.

Winter’s attention was pulled from the scene as Nixon and Spiers made they way over the field to where he stood. 

“Battle to the death?.” Spiers said as he looked out onto the scene before them. 

Nixon stood between them, his arms tightly folded watching the ebb and flow of the drill intensify, his brow knitted tightly. “She’s reading him like a book.” He said, with more concern than he intended.

Thwack! 

She blocked his expected right hook, and countered with an elbow to his face, it wasn’t hard enough to break anything, but just about enough to knock his balance off. Swinging around she met his eyes as he recoiled back, his dark eyes glared at her, a mixture of shock and fury. This time Lily moved without hesitation, rushing forward she ducked down and grabbed Liebgott below the waist, using her entire body weight to throw him to the ground, the loud thunk of his head colliding with the mud drew inquisitive eyes from them other sparring pairs. A quiet murmur started to form amongst the onlookers who didn’t know wether to stop or watch what was going on. The force of the impact sent ringing through Liebgott’s ears, his eyes felt heavy in his head as if he was being pulled into the earth itself.

A quiet suppressed chuckle escaped from Spiers as Sobel shoved past the onlookers him yanked Liebgott back to his feet by his shirt collar.  “Easy Company is better than this Private, are you going to let a girl beat you?!” He bellowed into Liebgott’s ringing ears as he shoved him back into the fight. 

Liebgott stood for a few seconds catching his breath, before swinging his arm again and unleashing a series of rapid strikes. Lily moved and countered, her blocks almost poetic in their efficiency. 

Sobel’s voice called out once more, “Private Liebgott this isn’t a street fight, you are to take down your opponent!” His cowl voice broke Lily’s concentration, and in the split second she had stopped to turn her attention towards Sobel Joe had moved to throw a wild punch. Lily failed to block him as his fist collided with the side of her face. He was overjoyed, a slinky grin crept onto his face as his eyes scanned the red mark quickly rising across her left cheek. 

A few men down, Luz and Randleman had paused mid takedown as they saw Liebgott’s fist meet Lily’s face, they anxiously watched, unaware how they each still had their fists curled into each others uniform. 

Lily swallowed hard as she re-entered herself, she was prepared for a few bruises, she had settled on a few bruises, a few stumbles and she’d fall, faking defeat. She’d be able to sit the rest out and no one would remotely pay any attention to her, she had had her fun with him. That was until Liebgott decided to open his mouth and drain every inch of her self control.

“Gonna cry Red? I’ve seen you cry in your sleep, ain’t gonna be nothing new, you just can’t hack it.” He scoffed in her direction as she wiped a loose tendril of sweat covered hair out of her eyes.

His words seared into her skin and a switch flipped inside of her. She let him move first, her eyes shooting daggers into his. She watched as he moved slowly towards her, before shifting his weight and throwing a punch that she dogged with ease, he was playing into her hands. Then, with a sudden sprint Lily moved towards Liebgott.

Crunch!

With a sudden jab to the face Liebgott stumbled backwards, his nose bloodied and his fists tightened. He moved to wipe the blood away, however Lily didn’t give him a moment’s rest. 

“What in the Sam Hell…” Escaped from Randleman’s mouth as he stood, still connected to Luz, his breath caught in his throat as he watched the tiny girl, his eyes wide with shock.

With Liebgott’s hands up to his face, he left himself open, and Lily rushed forwards again. She explored his opening and with a shark kick has landed a blow to his ribs, a jarring move that stole the air from his lungs. Liebgott doubled over as the onlookers winced, barely sparring themselves anymore, too interested in the action. 

“She’s got bite, I’ll give her that.” Spiers spoke

“You can thank the SOE for that.” Nixon replied, his eyes completely fixated on the girl.

Liebgott, with more fury in his eyes than before attempted a desperate counter attack, Lily, however, moved in with ruthlessness, blocking each strike, and retaliating with a relentless barrage. Her fist collided with the Californian’s nose for the second time, forcing Liebgott to stagger backward as he let out a gasp of pain. As the confrontation reached its climax, Lily delivered a final, devastating series of blows, landing a final kick to his abdomen, followed by an elbow to the face in order to distract him, seizing the opportunity she grabbed him by the arm and flipped him over her shoulder. The onlookers shuddered as a sickening crunch sounded when Liebgott hit the ground, his shoulder dislocating the impact. Lily stood over him, her hands on her thighs as she panted, catching her breath as he lay there, defeated, bloody, and breathless. 

“Jesus Christ” Nixon breathed out as stood with the other Officers, their faces a mixture of curiosity and shock. He was finding it difficult to put into words what he had just seen, who was this Lily?

Tag list:

@shakespear-picaso-lovechild @icantdecideofthename @this-harl0t-shant-be-unalive @weird-obsessed-girl

Next part sooooo much sooner than you think!

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 4)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - The suspense is part of the fun, no?

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language

A/N: Chapter 4 finally here. Please forgive my lateness, but say welcome back to Lily, hopefully with a bang!

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

Chapter 4.

Camp Toccoa, 1942. 

It hadn’t been an unusual day by any means, nothing particularly out of pocket had occurred. Yet, as Lily sat hunched over on the cold shower tiles watching the crimson stream of blood circle the drain, she recounted how the day had turned out so very wrong. 

— -

The bunkhouse was filled with the chorus of snoring soldiers broken only by the occasional creek of an ever restless Joe Toye rolling in his cot. All were sleeping soundly, except for Private Lily Darlington who was curled into a ball at the very top of her bed. Gentlestreaks of moonlight had trickled their way through the windows, glinting off a pair of dog tags clasped between her hands partially hidden beneath the covers, her fingers glided over the raised letters as she accosted herself at her inability to control her emotions. She sucked in a silent breath and pulled the blanket over her mouth in attempt to stifle any noise as she endeavoured to catch her breath. It had been a week since she’d last slept through the night without being plagued by a nightmare. It wasn’t unusual for them to hit once a fortnight, even once a week at their worst. She was used to that, she expected that, however lately, she was lucky to go two to three days between them. She hadn’t had a full nights sleep for a week, and it was starting to show. It was causing her to lose her sturdy exterior, she had started to quip back whenever Liebgott made a joke at her expense, and she’d purposefully tripped up Guarnere on the obstacle course the previous day due to his somewhat degrading comments on her performance. 

Each time was the same. Waking up, drenched in her own sweat, a searing pain emanating from her old wound accompanied by the smell of blood still lingering in her nostrils. It was part of the gig, came with the job she had been warned. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she placed her head between them, letting her fingertips graze over the scar as she sat there listening to the cicadas chirping outside the barracks. Their true meaning escaped her, she understood that she would have to be void of all human emotions if she weren’t to let past experiences stay with her, but why they haunted her was a question she had little answers to. It was a miracle that she had kept it to herself this long, how she hadn’t woken any of the men with her gasps or thrashing about. Lily thanked her lucky stars as she ran her hands through her damp hair, the groans from the springs beneath her sending a gentle reminder to maintain the peace within the quiet cabin as she gently knotted up her boots and tied her PT sweater around her waist. 

As she quietly sneaked out of the bunkhouse for some desperately needed air she found herself so lost in her own head that she didn’t notice the pair of eyes on her from across the room watching with a curious intensity.

— - 

“Yeah well I bet you’re regretting it now.” The irritating register of Perconte’s voice filled the latrine as he leant on the wall, half in and half out in the open door way, puffing his way through a lucky strike and scraping at a dirt stain on his shirt. 

“How was I supposed to know he’d hear me.” Luz looked up at his friend with a less than amused look on his face as he sat, back to the wall, tapping the excess ash from his cigarette into the bucket by his feet. 

“Ahh he’s got it out for all of us, yesterday was just your lucky turn.” Perconte answered.

“Last week was my lucky turn too, first time in my life I hope I run out of luck.” Luz said, his forearms on his knees as he took a deep breath of his cigarette. 

“You should be grateful, ain’t nobody been as lucky as Redcoat here, every goddamn day Sobel sees fit to reward her.” Perconte looked towards the girl scrubbing away in the corner, rolling his eyes to her seemingly obliviousness to the two men’s conversation. 

“Ain’t that right Redcoat? Hmmmmm?” Perconte clicked at the girl, trying to pull her attention from the floor. “Ears like a hawk that one” he mock whispered to Luz.

“I bet he can hear me in his sleep.” Luz replied, ignoring the short man’s half hearted attempt to irritate his punishment companion. 

“I bet he can hear you smoking and not scrubbing.” Perconte taunted tipping the sud bucket with his boot. 

Luz replied by flicking his half finished cigarette at the man, grabbing the brush from the wobbly bucket and began to scrub the tiled floor again, a little harder than necessary, his eyes conveying a less than amused look. 

“Well I’m off to enjoy this sunny afternoon, a free pass afternoon, do whatever the hell I feel like.” Perconte taunted.

Luz reached for the nearby bucket in retaliation, “you’re gonna be doing it soaking wet if you don’t get outta here” grinning to himself as Perconte made his way back out into the glorious sunshine, leaving Luz and Lily to scrub their afternoon away in the musty latrine. 

“Enjoy.” He spoke, his palms raised in defence, stepping out of the door way and cocking his head towards the girl in the corner with an eye roll.

Back in the corner, Lily knelt by the shower drain up to her elbows in suds from scrubbing the filthy floor, amazed by how the dark speckled tile was actually a light brown, hidden by a thick layer of dirt, grime, and God knows what else. She had been so graciously gifted the afternoon of latrine duty for an unknown infraction that Sobel had concocted the day prior during the afternoon obstacle course exercise after she had displeased him for the thousandth time that day, probably simply from existing. She wasn’t in the know as to Luz’s infraction, but she guessed that it was most likely due to his inability to keep his colorful thoughts to himself during the exercise, although, some of his impressions of Lieutenant ‘stick up his arse’ did make the time pass quicker. So now, they had the pleasure of each others company whilst they spent their first free afternoon in forever scrubbing the dirtiest part of the barracks as the rest of the men lamented in the summer sunshine. 

Without Perconte’s commentary echoing around the building the only sounds were that of the two scrubbing brushes rhythmically sanding away at the grimy floor. The silence was palpable. Lily didn’t mind the cleaning duty as much as Sobel probably hoped she would, she much preferred it to running a couple of miles in the humid sun with a full pack, and whilst she didn’t know Private Luz all that well, he’d been sticking to his end of the latrine, and wasn’t causing her any trouble thus far, so it came as a surprise to her when he broke the silence. 

“You know, if they’d mentioned in that damn Life article that being a paratrooper meant spending two sorry years of my life stuck with Sobel I might not have signed up so fast.” Luz stood up from his bent over scrubbing position, groaning as he clicked his body back into shape and wandered over to find where he’d left his water canteen, leaning back against the sinks, mulling over the absurdity of his situation. He looked over at the girl, scrubbing away at the endless grime that covered the floor, continuing to ignore him.

Lily had been part of Easy Company for some time now, that part being ignored, unwanted, forcing her to the back or just pretending she didn’t exist, the men always attempting to keep her an arms length away from the action. Luz wouldn’t have known she was still there if it weren’t for Sobel’s incessant barking at her. She didn’t speak up much in the classroom, never sat with the men at chow - never invited to sit with the men either he noted, even during the evenings before lights out she was either nowhere to be seen or already in bed turned away from whatever group conversation was taking place. 

“You don’t talk much do you?.” He peered over at her hunched figure as she continued scrubbing, when she didn’t answer he cleared his throat a little louder than necessary. 

“Hey Luz, how are you today? Well Redcoat, I was doing just fine until I had to come here and scrub! I love scrubbing, I’m so thankful that Lieutenant Sobel gifts it to me so often, it keeps my arms strong and my spirits high.” He chuckled to himself, tilting his head slightly in the hopes that she saw the peace offering he was attempting. 

She glanced behind herself, irritated at Luz’s attempt at humour, raising a singular eyebrow as she made eye contact with the sniggering man. 

“Oh thank god, it worked! You aren’t deaf! Had me worried for a minute there.” A ridiculous smile plastered across his face as he stared at Lily, waiting for an answer. She remained on the ground, one hand on her brush, one of the floor, her eyes attempting to bore a hole through his head. Her stare was beginning to make him think that they may have been better off in silence, his heart rate only slowing as he let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding in as she broke eye contact and slumped herself into a seated position, grabbing her canteen and taking a long, slow drink. 

Lily’s body ached from being bent over too long and her hands were raw from scrubbing, she had blisters on her palms from days of climbing ropes and scaling beams, she wasn’t in the mood for jibes or jabs. Her gaze remained off in the distance until she noticed Luz still looking at her, waiting on a reply, she was too tired for this, but she was too tired to continuously ignore him for the remaining hours of scrubbing they still had left.

“I’m touched?” her voice monotonous, her face unimpressed. 

The pair stared across the latrine at each other in their respective corners, an awkward silence dragging between them as neither knew what to say next. George realised that it might be the first time he’d actually properly talked to her, actually talking to her, rather than the odd nod when they came in contact during exercises. He couldn’t help but feel that part of her hesitation in talking is his own fault. By no means has he been the worst, but he hasn’t been all that forthcoming in welcoming their latest addition to the Company. He’s seen how she sits alone reading on her bunk at night, whilst the rest of the men play cards and enjoy themselves, how any conversation dies down if she merely walks past a group. A strong feeling of guilt washed over him as he racked his brain for what to say next.

“George Luz.” He wiped his hand on his pant leg before extending it towards her.

“I know who you are.” She looked towards his hand but made no move to accept the gesture.

“I know you do, and I know who you are too. Ain’t this how you do it in England? Introductions and shit?” He pushed himself off the sinks as she continued to just stare back at him, motionless. 

“Christ Redcoat, shake my damn hand, I ain't got cooties.” He stood there for a moment, his mind dancing between pride and patience before taking a few steps towards the girl, sitting himself down opposite her and extending his hand again. The lump in his chest evaporated as she waited a few moments, before placing her canteen back on the ground and with a firm shake she replied. 

“Lily Darlington.”

“And here I was thinking all this time that your name was Redcoat.” He mocked.

“I can see how you would think that.” She replied, her eyes rolled as she slumped her back against the cool wall.

“Sobel seems to really have it out for you.” He said, dancing on the edge of conversation.

“I’m starting to get the notion that he doesn’t quite like me.” She said in jest, it wasn’t enough to form a laugh, but she let out a huff of air.

“You ain’t wrong there.” He replied, stretching his legs out across the half scrubbed tile floor. 

“Well, perhaps my day just wouldn’t shine the same if Sobel didn’t remind me how worthless I am to the Company. Keeps me eager.” She turned and winked at him as she took another sip from her canteen, the suds from her elbows dripping onto her pant leg. She’d almost forgotten how it felt to have an actual conversation with someone, she felt as if she hadn’t said anything of substance in weeks. 

“You’re funny when you actually talk you know.” Chuckling when he receives a sarcastic seeming eyebrow raise and hint of a smile out of her.  “I don’t know how you do it,  I got six sisters and they cry if I so much as comment on anything they do, I hate the guy and he ain’t half as bad on me” Luz’s expression crinkled. 

“Its manageable.” She spoke as she scraped the sudds off her arms and shook them back into the bucket. 

Manageable, it was just about manageable, however it was teetering close to unbearable. She had a stern spirit, and a stiff upper lip, but not even she was unbreakable. They had so much more training to go, and then goodness knows how many years actually in the thick of it. If she couldn’t break the seal on the men’s freeze out then she had no hope of survival.

“Manageable, hmmm. Your Lieutenant hates you, your Company ain’t so keen on you either. Either you’re one determined son of a bitch, or you’re crazy.” He replied with a single eyebrow raise. 

“I’m not entirely sure I want to be friends with people who spit in my food.” She replied.  

“That’s Liebgott, he’s a jackass. And we don’t all hate you, we just don’t know you. You’re the only broad outta nine companies. You gotta see how weird that is.” 

“I see that it’s different, I don’t necessarily see it as the disadvantage that your lot do. I don’t even think they realise to know me they’d actually have to talk to me first, their friendship hasn’t exactly been forthcoming.”

“That’s fair.” He replied, his hands raised in defence. “We ain’t exactly been forthcoming, maybe it don’t come easy talking to a broad if it ain't at a bar for my lot?” He winked at her, met by a disapproving look. 

“I know you and I don’t think you’re all that bad. ” He smiled at her.

“You’ve known me, all of, two minutes?” Her sarcastic tone coming out again as she glanced down at her watch ticking away on her wrist. 

“I only let the very best of people be my friends.” He said mockingly.

“You’re friends with Liebgott…” She replied looking through her eyebrows.

“I am friendly with Liebgott, there’s a difference.” He smiled back. “Two long minutes, give it six months, we’re gonna be best friends.” His face turned to her with a childish grin plastered across it. 

“Is that so?” Her pitch raised as she suppressed a laugh at the mans premonition. 

“I know these things, feel it in my bones.” He winked before standing up and ‘wiggling his bones’ as he made his way back over to his own bucket, laughing to himself as left.

The pair fell back into their quiet rhythmic scrubbing, broken every so often by Luz trying to make conversation, and to his surprise, Lily trying to reply in a way that showed him she wasn’t entirely disinterested by his peace making attempts. After the lack lustre interactions she was used to she didn’t want to get too optimistic over a single conversation, but she couldn’t help feeling that it might be a tiny step in the right direction. 

— -

A hint of a smile crept across Lily’s face as she hung the buckets back up in the supplies closet. The pair had finally finished their punishment and Luz had rushed off to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with the men, something about Bull Randleman owning him a pack of smokes from their poker game the previous night. Lily had offered to finish up the job, and afterwards planned to find a quiet corner and watch the world go by, she had been looking forward to doing nothing for so long and her body was begging for a break. 

With her smile still lingering and her heart a little lighter she made her way along the barracks towards the quieter end of the camp, turning the corner without noticing the large figure coming straight towards her until it was too late, smacking head on, and sending both parties stumbling back, the ground littered with papers that Lily could only assume the other party had been rushing somewhere.

“I’m so sorry!” Lily exclaimed, gathering up all the lose sheets around her before looking up to see exactly who she had run into. Her heart dropped in her chest when her eyes raised to meet those of Lewis Nixon’s, Lieutenant Lewis Nixon’s, “Sir.” She tried to add quickly, however in her shocked state, it came out more like a whisper, much to her embarrassment. 

His eyes lowered for a split second before he also reached for the loose sheets, shoving them haphazardly into the file tightly grasped in his hands, almost in an attempt to by himself some time to think of something logical to say. Before it could conjure anything Lily’s hand thrust out towards him as she offered his remaining papers, his eyes met hers once again, and he drew in a sharp breath as he took them from her grasp. They both stood there awkwardly, waiting for the other to speak first. 

It hadn’t really sunk in for him yet. He still didn’t truly believe she was here. That it was actually her. Yes he’d sat through the meeting with her and Winters, however, most of it was a blur to him, he was certain he was being pranked and any moment now his sister Blanche would pop out from behind a tree, grab Lily and run off giggling. He felt as if he had been shot upon seeing her unannounced all these years later. She had been here for weeks now, yet he found himself avoiding her, filling every available hour with extra tasks just to minimise the amount of time in which he’d actually have to face her. He just couldn’t understand what the hell she was doing here - the Lily he knew would not be here. 

Lily could feel a flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks, she had been wanting to speak to Lewis privately ever since she arrived, yet could never seem to find an appropriate moment, now she had one she couldn’t even seem to form a single word out of her mouth, it didn’t help that he was staring at her in an unnerving manner. Before either of them could say anything Lieutenant Winters called out for him. His eyes rose to the source of the voice across the far side of the opposite field before dropping back to meet hers with a regretful expression. 

“I have to go.” Was all he could bring himself to say before pushing past her small frame and dashing off to the very meeting he had just made himself late for, grimacing at the way he had just handled the situation, knowing full well he was just making everything more complicated for his future self and somewhat guilty for not even saying hello to the girl he was once so very close to. 

— -

If persistence was a person it would be George Bloody Luz. It was evident that he been steadfast in his intentions in becoming best friends, but to be fair, Lily hadn’t been stopping him. She was right about the step, which had actually turned out to be more of a leap, George Luz didn’t seem to do anything halfheartedly. She had begun to enjoy having a someone to shoot the shit with as they scaled Currahee, someone to compare notes with after a classroom exercise, to stand in line with at the mess hall as they awaited that evenings sloppy serving of grub. Luz had even been trying to get her to sit alongside the men at meals, to which she complied, but somehow always found herself perched half on half off the bench, too far away to be able to be involved in any discussion. One step forward, one step back. Lately they’d even found themselves sat out the back of the Barracks late in the evenings before curfew, sharing a laugh, going over the best and the worst parts of that day, occasionally joined by Floyd Talbert or another one of Luz’s friends, which only seemed to make her situation feel even more isolating, ironic really. Lily craved the dynamic that George had with the rest of the chaps, the camaraderie and the comfort it seemed to bring him at the end of a long day when he could truly be himself. It was a harsh reality, not one that she was expecting either, that to let herself be open to any form of friendship, she had to be able put her guard down, not to mention swallowing her pride. 

In a surprise turn of events, the men seemed to take the lead from Luz, she was far from getting into conversation with anyone new, however when she sat next to Luz at chow the previous evening, she received head nods from some of the others at the bench, and Randalman had even saved her a seat. It was an improvement, a very small improvement, but one she so desperately needed. 

— -

"You know Nix, I think if you stare any harder you might just fall through that window.” Winters noted from beneath his stack of papers. 

“I am not staring, I am observing.” He replied, eyes fixated on the field before him.

“That her?” Spiers motioned to the short figure at the back of the group.

“Sure is” Winters replied, placing his papers down and joining the men congregated around the window. 

The trio stood side by side behind the window, watching the line of Privates as they stood in formation, being barked at by their beloved Lieutenant Sobel. Nixon’s eyes fixed on the form of Private Lily Darlington at the end of the line, a full head and shoulders below her fellow men, the longer he stared the less he began to recognise the girl he once new. 

— -

“Easy Company, each of you will select a strip of paper! On that paper will be a name, that name will be your partner for the rest of the day, there will be no trading partners, no exceptions!” Sobel’s voice cried as he thrust the helmet forcefully into Lily’s hands.

She groaned as she grabbed a strip from the pile, she had gotten away with mostly pairing Luz for the week. Sparing wasn’t anything new to her, in all actuality she excelled at it, but there in lay her problem. Her position within the Company already ruffled feathers and had the men asking all sorts of questions that she had little interest or ability to answer. If she had gone from quiet girl at the back of the group, to launching grown men over her shoulder within a day she doubted that she’d be able to escape without explaining herself. Luz was her scapegoat, not that he knew it. She had let him lead the training, she tried to spar with her non dominate hand to lessen the blows, heck he’d even commended her on her improvements the day before. As she passed the helmet towards George she said a silent prayer that the name on her slip was an easy opponent, whilst she knew she was going to have to suppress herself, she wasn’t exactly hoping to have to take a punch from the likes of Bull or even Guarnere, she was hoping to remain under the radar, not in the medical bay. 

“Who’d you get?” George whispered across to her, passing the helmet to its next victim. 

Lily felt her prayer fall from the sky and slap her as she opened the strip of paper between her fingers. Inked across in a barely legible scrawl was the one name she’d have paid good money to not see.

Liebgott. 

She tilted the paper towards him and rolled her eyes as an amused grin swept across his face.

“Weren’t you saying yesterday how much he deserves a ‘kick up the arse’” Luz replied, mocking her accent rather crassly, his eyebrows wiggling in jest.

With a look of distain she nodded towards his paper, the corners of her mouth turning up as she read ‘Randalman’, looks like Luz will have a tussle of his own. 

“Find your partner and pair up!” Sobel yelled from the other side of the field. 

“Have fun!” Luz mocked as Lily dragged herself towards the other end of the field to find her unlucky partner. She was barely 10 steps towards where he was stood before she could feel his eyes beginning to glare a hole through her.

“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me, boys, this is gonna be fun.” He spat, looking her up and down before shoulder passing her and strutting away from the group of men towards his spot on the field.  

“Listen up Easy Company! The man on the far side of the field will make the starting move, last man standing wins!” Lieutenant Sobel’s whistle rang through the air as Lily centred her weight and dug deep deep down within herself to find an ounce of self control to not smash his face in. Defence, defence, Now wasn’t the time to be putting anyone in the medical bay.

“Afraid of messing up your hair sweetheart?” His childish voice rang in her ears as he stood on the far side of the field rolling his sleeves up. 

“You’d have to make contact with me to be able to do that, Liebgott.” She smiled back at him with a shit eating grin, spitting his name as if it were a slur.

“Yeah?” He said, slowly squaring up towards her. He was a good head and shoulders taller than her, and he was using every ounce of his stature to try to intimidate her. It was pretty easy to pinpoint exactly how Liebgott managed to get under her skin so easily, he was impulsive, rude, he knew how to push all her buttons, but mostly it was that he seemed to wake up every day with the innate desire to do anything, say anything to tick her off. It was killing her to find an ounce of strength not to retaliate. She had learnt the hard way that it mostly makes situations worse.

The duo stood steadfast, each not willing to back down from their ridiculous stare off, completely oblivious to the approaching footsteps of the Lieutenant Winters as he made his way over towards them. 

“Do we have a problem here?” His deep voice broke their trance, his eyes shifting between the pair. 

Liebgott’s head swung from between the Winters and the girl, “Afraid of getting her hands dirty I’d say, Sir.”

Winters let out a huff of aggravation, “Private Darlington, do you have a problem sparring with Private Liebgott?” His face displayed a look of curiosity as he peered down at the girl. “From what I’ve seen I’d say quite the opposite. Perhaps you can teach Private Liebgott here a thing or two.” He said with a wink. 

“Yes Sir” Lily happily replied, a hint of a smile edging on her lips, I’d happy slap the shit out of him, Sir. 

Lieutenant Winters smiled as he backed away, he couldn’t help but admit that he did hold a slight interest in watching her take down the loudmouthed Liebgott. He’d been an onlooker a few of their interactions, and whilst he wouldn’t feel inclined to step in between them; he knew that they needed to learn how to live amongst each other, and sometimes that required an ego takedown, he was comforted in the knowledge that his meddling would only produce what Liebgott had been fuelling with his behaviour.

Lily didn’t know the last time she had free rein to pummel someone, and she adored it. A rush of adrenaline overcame her as she waited, her weight spread, knees slightly bent. Joseph Liebgott you are so bloody predictable. During the drills prior shed had time to observe almost every man, assessing their strengths and taking note of their weaknesses. Liebgott was a classic, he favoured his left leg for balance, he always threw his first punch with his right arm. He was always telling the other men about fights he had gotten into back home, he was experienced, but impulsive. His aim was always to throw as many punches as he could before his opponent got a look in. Always so quick to attack that he never assessed the situation, his anger and his ‘better than thou’ attitude clouded his judgment. 

Lily dug her foot further into the dirt for leverage as she looked across at her partner, taunting her with a confident smirk and accompanying wink. Her eyes didn’t move from his as she waited for him to make the first move, she remained still, waiting on each footstep as he moved closer towards her. 

She barely had a second to breathe before Liebgott launched himself at her, throwing a punch that narrowly missed her eye. She ducked to dodge its trajectory, having to stop herself from sinking her fist into his crown jewels as she came back up, although she’d be lying if watching Liebgott rolling around on the ground like a worm cradling his crotch wouldn’t amuse her. 

Her weeks of silence in the evenings had been beneficial, it seemed Liebgott’s favourite pastime to recount the street brawl fights he’d gotten himself wrapped up in back home in California. She needed to prepare for a dirty fight. He retreated for a short moment before he lunged at her again, his movements brash and wild, he aimed for her blind spots, however, Lily anticipated it this time, and blocked and you countered, clipping his ankle as he came past, his impulsiveness made for a simple fight, however she kept her fists tight to her body, defence Lily, she reminded herself, scraping every ounce of self control she had left.

Winter’s attention was pulled from the scene as Nixon and Spiers made they way over the field to where he stood. 

“Battle to the death?.” Spiers said as he looked out onto the scene before them. 

Nixon stood between them, his arms tightly folded watching the ebb and flow of the drill intensify, his brow knitted tightly. “She’s reading him like a book.” He said, with more concern than he intended.

Thwack! 

She blocked his expected right hook, and countered with an elbow to his face, it wasn’t hard enough to break anything, but just about enough to knock his balance off. Swinging around she met his eyes as he recoiled back, his dark eyes glared at her, a mixture of shock and fury. This time Lily moved without hesitation, rushing forward she ducked down and grabbed Liebgott below the waist, using her entire body weight to throw him to the ground, the loud thunk of his head colliding with the mud drew inquisitive eyes from them other sparring pairs. A quiet murmur started to form amongst the onlookers who didn’t know wether to stop or watch what was going on. The force of the impact sent ringing through Liebgott’s ears, his eyes felt heavy in his head as if he was being pulled into the earth itself.

A quiet suppressed chuckle escaped from Spiers as Sobel shoved past the onlookers him yanked Liebgott back to his feet by his shirt collar.  “Easy Company is better than this Private, are you going to let a girl beat you?!” He bellowed into Liebgott’s ringing ears as he shoved him back into the fight. 

Liebgott stood for a few seconds catching his breath, before swinging his arm again and unleashing a series of rapid strikes. Lily moved and countered, her blocks almost poetic in their efficiency. 

Sobel’s voice called out once more, “Private Liebgott this isn’t a street fight, you are to take down your opponent!” His cowl voice broke Lily’s concentration, and in the split second she had stopped to turn her attention towards Sobel Joe had moved to throw a wild punch. Lily failed to block him as his fist collided with the side of her face. He was overjoyed, a slinky grin crept onto his face as his eyes scanned the red mark quickly rising across her left cheek. 

A few men down, Luz and Randleman had paused mid takedown as they saw Liebgott’s fist meet Lily’s face, they anxiously watched, unaware how they each still had their fists curled into each others uniform. 

Lily swallowed hard as she re-entered herself, she was prepared for a few bruises, she had settled on a few bruises, a few stumbles and she’d fall, faking defeat. She’d be able to sit the rest out and no one would remotely pay any attention to her, she had had her fun with him. That was until Liebgott decided to open his mouth and drain every inch of her self control.

“Gonna cry Red? I’ve seen you cry in your sleep, ain’t gonna be nothing new, you just can’t hack it.” He scoffed in her direction as she wiped a loose tendril of sweat covered hair out of her eyes.

His words seared into her skin and a switch flipped inside of her. She let him move first, her eyes shooting daggers into his. She watched as he moved slowly towards her, before shifting his weight and throwing a punch that she dogged with ease, he was playing into her hands. Then, with a sudden sprint Lily moved towards Liebgott.

Crunch!

With a sudden jab to the face Liebgott stumbled backwards, his nose bloodied and his fists tightened. He moved to wipe the blood away, however Lily didn’t give him a moment’s rest. 

“What in the Sam Hell…” Escaped from Randleman’s mouth as he stood, still connected to Luz, his breath caught in his throat as he watched the tiny girl, his eyes wide with shock.

With Liebgott’s hands up to his face, he left himself open, and Lily rushed forwards again. She explored his opening and with a shark kick has landed a blow to his ribs, a jarring move that stole the air from his lungs. Liebgott doubled over as the onlookers winced, barely sparring themselves anymore, too interested in the action. 

“She’s got bite, I’ll give her that.” Spiers spoke

“You can thank the SOE for that.” Nixon replied, his eyes completely fixated on the girl.

Liebgott, with more fury in his eyes than before attempted a desperate counter attack, Lily, however, moved in with ruthlessness, blocking each strike, and retaliating with a relentless barrage. Her fist collided with the Californian’s nose for the second time, forcing Liebgott to stagger backward as he let out a gasp of pain. As the confrontation reached its climax, Lily delivered a final, devastating series of blows, landing a final kick to his abdomen, followed by an elbow to the face in order to distract him, seizing the opportunity she grabbed him by the arm and flipped him over her shoulder. The onlookers shuddered as a sickening crunch sounded when Liebgott hit the ground, his shoulder dislocating the impact. Lily stood over him, her hands on her thighs as she panted, catching her breath as he lay there, defeated, bloody, and breathless. 

“Jesus Christ” Nixon breathed out as stood with the other Officers, their faces a mixture of curiosity and shock. He was finding it difficult to put into words what he had just seen, who was this Lily?

Tag list:

@shakespear-picaso-lovechild @icantdecideofthename @this-harl0t-shant-be-unalive @weird-obsessed-girl

Next part sooooo much sooner than you think!

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 3)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - The suspense is part of the fun, no?

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language, Mentions of SA

A/N: Here is chapter 3! I’m so sorry for the wait. I hit huge slump of writers block, coupled with 14 hour days at work (tv industry problems), but its finally here, and I really hope the next part will be worth the wait. 

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

Chapter 3.

Camp Toccoa, 1942. 

Private Lily Darlington was a smart enough young lady to know that going in as the sole female, and joining an entire, and somewhat established company of men, was never going to be a doozy. What she hadn’t anticipated however, was just how much of an utter shit show the first weeks would turn out to be. Having worked the best part of three years within a male dominated organisation, where you wouldn’t have a place at the table if you didn’t deserve to be there, being thrust back to the beginning was a stark reminder that misogyny was alive and well in the US Army. 

From her very first day, the men had built up an idea of her. Lily found it important to make note that not a single man had yet spoken to her during this time frame, or any time after, however, they believed themselves to know everything about her without actually getting to know her. The gossip among the men on how they perceived a woman to be in the face of war was not one of glowing promises. Hours wasted pinning her hair, tears shed at the possibility of ruining one’s meticulously on trend manicure. There had been a bet as to how long the girl could get up Currahee before collapsing, with no man wasting a bet on if she’d make it to full pack. Issuing her with a rifle would be simply unthinkable, women are soft and gentle, not trained to kill, she would be a danger to herself, and others if she got her hands on one. How would it be possible for a young woman to share a barrack with eleven other men. Young men, who smoked, cussed, gambled, and talked about things women ought not to hear. She wouldn’t stick it out, that was for certain, they gave her one week with Sobel to throw in the rag, War was no place for her, and Easy wouldn’t be her Company.

Much to their disappointment, the young girl made it past their premature deadline. By no means had it been easy, but she wasn’t failing like the men had initially assumed, and yet, her progress only seemed to make their dislike of her increase growing more and more evident by the day. Introductions were slim to none, most the men had made it quite clear that they weren’t interested in becoming friends, and she had resorted to getting to know her fellow company by the names painted on their footlockers and by listening into conversations she wasn’t privy to. Incidentally, on the first night, she discovered her belongings had been unceremoniously moved to the far end of the bunk house. Next to the seemingly loudmouthed Private Guarnere, and opposite Private Liebgott, a chap who’s dislike for her rivalled that of all the others combined, neither of the two were overly gracious about sharing their space, it seems that they had lost a bet in which she was the punishment. Suffice to say that they didn’t spent their evenings trading secrets and braiding each others hair, though she did overhear Liebgott mention his interest in shaving hers off when he thought she was asleep that first night. She’d resigned to sleeping facing him, with her hair firmly tucked under the covers in an attempt to deter him ever since.

Keep reading

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 3)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - The suspense is part of the fun, no?

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language, Mentions of SA

A/N: Here is chapter 3! I'm so sorry for the wait. I hit huge slump of writers block, coupled with 14 hour days at work (tv industry problems), but its finally here, and I really hope the next part will be worth the wait. 

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2

Chapter 3.

Camp Toccoa, 1942. 

Private Lily Darlington was a smart enough young lady to know that going in as the sole female, and joining an entire, and somewhat established company of men, was never going to be a doozy. What she hadn’t anticipated however, was just how much of an utter shit show the first weeks would turn out to be. Having worked the best part of three years within a male dominated organisation, where you wouldn’t have a place at the table if you didn’t deserve to be there, being thrust back to the beginning was a stark reminder that misogyny was alive and well in the US Army. 

From her very first day, the men had built up an idea of her. Lily found it important to make note that not a single man had yet spoken to her during this time frame, or any time after, however, they believed themselves to know everything about her without actually getting to know her. The gossip among the men on how they perceived a woman to be in the face of war was not one of glowing promises. Hours wasted pinning her hair, tears shed at the possibility of ruining one’s meticulously on trend manicure. There had been a bet as to how long the girl could get up Currahee before collapsing, with no man wasting a bet on if she’d make it to full pack. Issuing her with a rifle would be simply unthinkable, women are soft and gentle, not trained to kill, she would be a danger to herself, and others if she got her hands on one. How would it be possible for a young woman to share a barrack with eleven other men. Young men, who smoked, cussed, gambled, and talked about things women ought not to hear. She wouldn’t stick it out, that was for certain, they gave her one week with Sobel to throw in the rag, War was no place for her, and Easy wouldn’t be her Company.

Much to their disappointment, the young girl made it past their premature deadline. By no means had it been easy, but she wasn’t failing like the men had initially assumed, and yet, her progress only seemed to make their dislike of her increase growing more and more evident by the day. Introductions were slim to none, most the men had made it quite clear that they weren’t interested in becoming friends, and she had resorted to getting to know her fellow company by the names painted on their footlockers and by listening into conversations she wasn’t privy to. Incidentally, on the first night, she discovered her belongings had been unceremoniously moved to the far end of the bunk house. Next to the seemingly loudmouthed Private Guarnere, and opposite Private Liebgott, a chap who’s dislike for her rivalled that of all the others combined, neither of the two were overly gracious about sharing their space, it seems that they had lost a bet in which she was the punishment. Suffice to say that they didn’t spent their evenings trading secrets and braiding each others hair, though she did overhear Liebgott mention his interest in shaving hers off when he thought she was asleep that first night. She’d resigned to sleeping facing him, with her hair firmly tucked under the covers in an attempt to deter him ever since.

If the company of displeased men were her only hurdle, she might have seen the whole debacle as a fun challenge, growing up with an older brother instilled in her a love of proving people wrong. Yet it wasn’t. Lily had the pleasure of being under the leadership of First Lieutenant Sobel, Commander of Easy Company, and their first interaction had gone less than swimmingly. Upon discovering that a female had been placed within his Company, the Lieutenant had quickly escorted her to Colonel Sink’s office, where he demanded to know if her presence was a joke or a punishment. It turns out being dressed down by your superior, in front of your newest Private, did not spark a happy and prosperous relationship. The incessant Commander took an instant dislike to the young girl and, at least in her opinion, decided to make it his personal mission to make her training insufferable.

He didn’t take well to the fact that she followed orders perfectly. He detested that the first morning she ran Currahee, it barely brought more that a vague sweat to her, and that the three miles up and the three miles down didn’t have her doubled over wheezing along with the rest of her fellow company. It particularly bothered him that she hardly seemed affected by his daily reprimands, intended to embarrass her in front of the entire Company. However, most of all it bothered him that she was of the female persuasion. A woman in his company. If there was something that could threaten his success, it was her, he was ready and waiting for her to trip up. 

— -

“You’ve got 13 minutes to get to the top of this mountain if you wanna serve in the paratroopers! Hi-ho Silver!” Sobel’s voice cried above the sound of boots hitting the dirt track as he ran ahead of the group. 

Lily found herself jostled between her bunkmates, sweating and panting their way up the hill. Week two of training was underway, and the amount they’d found themselves running up the retched mountain had far surpassed 14 times, and yet, every run they ignored her attempted glances and smile of their shared discomfort. The midday sun was beating down on the group as they ran in rhythm to the summit, and Lily could feel the early twinges of fatigue gnawing at her ankles. Training in Georgia was just about as far away as you could get from the Scottish boggy moors, and she was unfamiliar with her new regime of rigorous exercise in musty heat which she was yet to acclimatise towards. Her shirt clung to the damp patch forming in the small of her back, and she found herself continuously mopping the beads of perspiration that tickled their way down her brow before they had a chance to advance further. Intent on creating a zone of focus she began to watch the movement of the runner in front of her, drowning out Sobel’s incessant yelling, matching his pace and keeping time.

“This is not good enough for Easy Company. I’ve seen children run faster than this. You won’t make it as paratroopers at this rate!” 

Liebgott could practically feel Sobel’s spit decorate the back of his neck. First the girl turning up where she didn’t belong, and now Sobel had them running the damn mountain before and after breakfast, like some sadistic punishment. Training had amped up recently and he could attribute it to one thing, her. What the fuck was she doing here? These men are working hard to be part of something special and there ain’t no way a dame would get in the way of that for him. If looks could kill, he was giving it the old college try, shooting piercing glances down at her every few moments in an attempt to knock her concentration off course. The corner of his mouth curled up into a smug grin as his mind moved towards other tactics.

Lily saw the leg before it had a chance to knock her down, and she shouldered Liebgott’s large frame back in the direction it had come from, causing him to lose his balance and collide with the rocky undergrowth beneath them. A chorus of expletives rang from his mouth as his body crumpled on the ground, clutching his now blood and dust speckled knees. 

“Do not help that man!” Sobel yelled as the men ran around the body beneath them, each sharing a supportive look as they passed, however, Liebgott’s eyes were firmly locked onto the back on the girls head as the Company ran on. He wasn’t going to be made to look the fool, especially not by her. 

— -

“A single minute faster than yesterday, Easy Company. This is unacceptable!” The red faced Lieutenant paced up and down the line of fatigued men, picking out victims with which he made an uncomfortably long amount of eye contact with. 

Sobel’s head snapped to his right as the men’s attention drew away from the Lieutenant, and towards the bedraggled figure of Joe Liebgott, jogging with slight limp over to the formation.

“Private, kind of you to finally join us.” He spoke above the men and he moved to stand in front of the silently seething Californian. Leaning down he spoke in a hushed but taunting tone.

“Private Liebgott, how long have you been in this company? Long enough to learn your left from your right? Your weekend pass is revoked. Perhaps KP duty the rest of the month will remind you.” The spittle from his mouth landing on the young mans forehead. He slowly walked his way backwards, facing the men, his eyes scouting over them, finally stopping, and with a look of disgust growing on his face he turned sharply on his heels and made his way back to the Officers barracks.

“2nd platoon fall out, you are dismissed. Classroom instruction will commence at 1300 hours. Private Liebgott go see a medic.” Lieutenant Winters called out to the men as they made their way back to their respective huts, his eyes following the figure of the young girl who walked three steps away from the rest of the group, an outsider. 

—-

“Geez I don’t know? Take her to see a movie?” Malarkey contemplated, his brows knitting together.

“Seriously Malark? You’re saying, if Rita Hayworth agreed to go on a date with you, you’d take her to the movies? Here I was thinking Perconte was the knuckle head of the Company.” Bill Guarnere replied shaking his head.

“Hey!” The short man scowled, sliding his tray across the bars behind the pair. 

“I’d bet 10 bucks that he’d get Sobel to go on a date with him before Rita even sneezed in his direction.” Randleman called to the front, sending a chuckle down the line.

“Now that I’d pay to see!” Guarnere slid his tray up to the hunched figure dishing up the evening meal. The culinary delights of the evening looking just as unappealing and unidentifiable as every other night. A ladle full of slop, slapped down onto his plate, causing the Philadelphian to jump back out of caution. 

“Hey watch the gear!” He grumbled as the assailant took a long drag on his cigarette.

“Calm down princess.” A pissed looking Liebgott responded, silently seething over his first night of Sobel issued KP punishment. 

“What the hell even is this?” Guarnere poked at a lone bean.

“It’s chilli.” He replied, matter of factly.  “Move along why don’t ya?!.” Cocking his head to get the man on his way as he slopped another serving onto Malarkey’s tray haphazardly, his eyes scanning the line in an attempt to locate enemy no.1. 

“Enjoying your new gig Chef?” Joe Toye leaned over the railing, a smirky half grin plastered on his face.

“Where’s the Redcoat?” Liebgott’s elbow shoved the man back. 

“The what?” Toye asked in confusion.

“Redcoat” Liebgott mumbled, his cigarette smoke blowing into Toye’s face, his mood turning further to irritation as he watched his friend stare back in confusion. “The girl.”

“Why would I know?” 

“It ain’t right.” He said, pushing the ladle around the pan. “Didn’t ya hear me? I said it aint right.” 

“I heard you the first time, I just don’t care. She ain’t gonna make it to jump school, so why waste time thinking 'bout it.” An exhausted Joe Toye huffed. 

“I don’t trust her.” Liebgott’s eyes scanned down the line of hungry soldiers, lighting a fresh cigarette as he spotted her nestled between Randleman and Luz, an idea bubbling away in his mind.  

“Good for you, now can I have some food, please.” Toye tapped his his tray in an attempt to gain Liebgott’s attention, sighing loudly as he chucked a ladleful down, and making a hasty exit as the ‘Chef’ started heckling the next man in line.

As he served the next few trays he purposefully puffed away at the object of his attack resting between his lips, ignoring the snide comments from Randleman as the young girls tray slid into his view. He couldn’t wait to tech the girl a lesson about messing with Easy Company. His blood boiled at the sight of her, she looked ridiculous to him standing there in the uniform, playing soldier. Looking at the clock her realised that he had another two hours on the job, and he certainly wasn’t going to do it without cheering himself up. Scooping an extra large portion and gently placing down on her tray, he smiled, taking one last drag on his cigarette, removed it from his mouth, and smushed it into the middle of her portion. The faces of the men behind her grimaced in reaction as the foul smell of tobacco and beans wafted their way over. 

He stood proud, his eyes locked onto her short frame, his weight shifting onto one hip, waiting for her to react. A “fuck you”, a look of shock, maybe a tear, he’d take anything at this point to feel that he’d gotten her back for earlier. To his dismay, the girl remained stone faced. She simply stood for a moment facing him, her head looking down at her ash covered chilli. Just as he thought she was about to say something she pursed her lips, looked back up at him, smiled and left to find a seat at a bench, his eyes trailing after her the entire way, leaving him utterly confused. 

“What the fuck was that for?” Luz hesitated before cautiously sliding his tray over. 

“You want one too?” He snapped at the man, shutting him up as he dropped another serving down onto the tray.

By the time Luz made his way over to the men, they had packed themselves into the bench like sardines. Squashing in-between them, he couldn’t help but notice several benches over, Lily sat alone, despite the empty spaces beside her. Watching as she pushed around the inedible lump on her tray, he found himself feeling irritated for the girl, That was a dick move of Liebgott. His pondering didn’t last long, his attention was quickly brought back to the table of men as they joked over how red Sobel face had gotten as he yelled at Malarkey for tying his shoelaces wrong during PT that day. 

—-

It had been a week since the cigarette incident, and Lily was coming to accept that she was well and truly cemented on the wrong side of Joe Liebgott, which in turn, also forced her to realise that he might not have a good side, he might even beat her out when it came to grudge holding. She was no stranger to a bit of childish retaliation, in fact, she was glad to see that her presence irked him, it was the only form of acknowledgment she was getting so far out of any of them. What was less pleasing was that Liebgott had served her every meal since, and his methods of adulteration had endless bounds of creativity, however seven days of rationing crackers were taking its toll and Lily was hitting the wall with hunger.

Perhaps now, after a week of punishment Lily contemplated that he might find it in his cold hollow heart to let her ear one singular meal in peace, especially after the day of training they had endured, Lily couldn’t remember the last time she had sweat quite so much, she was starting to question if it was all the physical activity under the hot Georgia sun that had her tightening all her trousers with bootlaces, or possibly it was the food deprivation tactic a la Liebgott. Her heart positively soared as she cast her eyes to the front of the chow line, a new sever, the Californian nowhere in sight, tonight she eats.

She let herself soak in all the scents of the mess hall as she pushed her tray along the railing, granted she was well aware the mess hall was no Parisian restaurant, however, soldier slop was better than running Currahee on empty stomach. She attempted not to drool as a serving of salt beef was dropped onto her tray alongside a singular slice of bread, as her excitement rose, she reminded herself to check in with her standards once she was nourished again. 

Giddy with anticipation she made it five steps towards the benches before she was stopped in her tracks, the towering figure of Liebgott standing before her. 

“Evening Redcoat, that looks good.” He said, picking the bread up off her tray he maintained eye contact as he hacked from the back of his throat and spat onto the top of her beef, placing the bread on top. “Wouldn’t want you to go without.” Winked and walked off in the opposite direction. 

Lily didn’t even give it a second thought, she walked over to the trash can and disposed of the spit sandwich. Socking your fellow Private in the face was deeply frowned upon in the forces, instead she took a glass of water and went to cool off at a nearby bench. 

“If you don’t quit staring someone might think you’re beginning to acknowledge her.” Guarnere smacked at Luz’s tray. 

“I ain't staring, you see her throw her food out?” He said, poking his food around with more force than strictly required.

“Well I wouldn’t eat if Liebgott hawked in my food either. I’m sure she’ll survive a night without.”

“Who you taking about?” Tab slid in-between the men.

“Redcoat.” Guarnere said without looking up from his food.

“Man I thought Bill looked bad, you seen her recently? She looks like she’s been dragged up Currahee and back.” He motioned across the room at her hunched figure. 

“You’d look like shit too if you hadn’t eaten all week.” Luz said.

“What are you on about.” Tab’s attention was brought back to the group.

“Liebgott’s been tampering with her meals, she doesn’t eat, just sits for a few minutes then leaves. He’s been doing it all week. ” Luz replied, receiving an eyebrow raise from Guarnere across the table and causing the head of the newly appointed medic of E company, Eugene Roe to bob up from where he was sat. The Physical training the men were involved with was brutal at the best of times, doing it on an empty tank so to speak was only going to get you wound up in the medical bay, he bundled up the bread and crackers on his tray and pocketed them, better than nothing he thought.

“Hell I don’t particularly like the girl either, but I ain't gonna starve her out.” Bill added.

“You never spoken to her, how do you know you don’t like her?” Luz questioned his friend.

“I don’t like Hitler neither, now I gotta speak to him too?” Bill leaned across the table. 

Before Luz had a chance to think of a reply, the excited chatter of anticipated adventures after a laborious week died instantly upon the sound of benches scraping against the floor and utensils dropping as Lieutenant Sobel pushed his way up the aisle. 

“Easy Company, due to infractions in the field your weekend passes are revoked. Get your packs on, 12 mile hike tonight, Go Go Go!” The tired medic county be sure, but he felt like he noticed a glimmer of amusement in the Officers tone, he groaned internally as he made a mental note to stock up on bandages for the ailments that the company would surely be acquiring tonight, it was going to be one hell of a long evening.

— - 

Night had long fallen, and the chirps of crickets filled the warm Toccoa air. The camp nurses were busy in their barracks, primping and priming themselves to perfection, armed with lipstick and perfume. Soldiers were combing their hair and fighting for the mirror in order to straighten their caps as they joked about who was going to get lucky that night, and who was going to have a sore head the next morning. Friday night was filled with possibilities, for all except Easy Company. Sobel’s unremitting sadism had them marching twelve miles in full pack. Exhausted, sweaty and blister ridden, the mood was universally low as the column of men marched under the cloudy sky. 

“I’m gonna say something.” Randleman spoke aloud, feeling particularly put out as the Company watched another weekend go by without a glimpse of freedom. 

“To who?” Luz replied.

“Lieutenant Winters?” Randleman called to the front of the line 

“What is it?” Winters replied. 

“Permission to speak, Sir?”

“Permission Granted.”

“Sir, we got nine companies, Sir.”

“That we do.”

“Well, how come we’re the only company marching every Friday night, twelve miles, full pack, in the pitch dark?”

“Why do you think, Private Randleman?” 

“Lieutenant Sobel hates us, Sir.”

“Lieutenant Sobel does not hate Easy Company Private Randleman. He just hates you.” A twitch of merriment in his reply.

His response broke the men out of their bad mood and sent ripples of laughter through the pack, letting the atmosphere calm somewhat. 

“He hates Redcoat the most.” Toye mused over to Liebgott.

“And don’t she know it.” He replied, wiping the sweat that had accumulated off his brow as they marched on.

It hadn’t taken Lily long to catch on to the nickname she had unwillingly become the owner to, mainly because they wouldn’t know subtlety if it hit them in the face, but also because R’s had appeared on her belongings, scratched onto her the toe of her left boot, bedside table and her footlocker with similar accuracy if you had given the knife to a child. She was grateful that Sobel hadn’t noticed yet, she wasn’t in the mood to be berated again this week. The nickname didn’t bother her as much as it must have been designed to. Being British mean that having a nickname almost seemed more common than having a first name. Boarding school only exacerbated that, she remembered a particularly unlucky girl in her class called Prudence. A rather unfortunate name in any situation, however, Prudence was a rather gentle child, and she cried so often that she quickly gained the nickname Prune, on account of how much she screwed up her face during her emotional episodes. It stuck by her for the entirety of their seven years at St. Mary’s, even once she matured somewhat and stopped crying almost entirely, Prune had left school wearing it as a badge of honour. So no, she wasn’t too hung up over it. If she had to complain, then it would be over the lack of originality. If this were say, 1775, then yes she could be seen as a ‘Redcoat’, however, she would also be a Patriot, although come to think of it, Redriot wasn’t so catchy.  

Lost in her own thoughts she missed her footing on a rock and felt herself going arse up toward the ground, much to her surprise a hand shot out to grab her pack and bring her back into formation. 

“Careful Redcoat.” He spoke to her, a singular eyebrow raised.

His response had her surprised. Firstly, because he bothered to stop her falling, but he’d spoken to her. He actually acknowledged her presence. So far the only other man to actually speak to her was Liebgott, and she didn’t particularly look forward to their interactions, all the others avoided her, she had stopped trying to create conversation after the first week, bored of being given the cold shoulder. She had kept herself to herself, reading to pass the time whilst the others played cards, gambled or talked amounts themselves in hushed tones to keep her out the conversation. She was used to being by herself, but it shocked her how one man speaking to her made her realise how alienated she’d actually been feeling. She looked over with a smile of thanks and read the name on his jacket, Talbert, Perhaps things were staring to make a turn for the better.

— -

With the men fast asleep, Lily made her way over to the bathhouse in attempt to scrub the muck and sweat that clung to her skin from the days heavy load of activities. Sobel had made it quite clear that she was forbidden from so much as passing the showers whilst the men performed their ablutions, distinctly recalling his spittle decorating her face as he warned her that if he so much as saw her with a towel at the same time as the men, she would be running Currahee in full pack twice that night as punishment. Luckily for her, It seemed to be her only time alone, a tiny slice of peace and quiet in an otherwise rigid schedule, something she took great solace in as she walked through the field that flew alive with the spark of the summers glow bugs. The moonlight peaked its head in through the upper windows as Lily’s hands rested on the sides of the sink, gazing aimlessly into the grubby mirror at the figure before her. The past few weeks were taking their toll, her hair was scattered with greys, there was no hiding them now, the closest thing the army had to hair dye was gun grease and she simply wasn’t that desperate, yet. 

“Grey at 20, whatever shall we do with you Miss Darlington.” She mused with herself. 

After her last injury, and due to a rather persistent doctor ordering a lengthy bed rest, Lily’s body had become slender and delicate again, not too dissimilar to how it had looked before she had joined the forces. It was almost alien to her, she had missed the muscles she had worked so hard to gain, the strength they gave her and the protection they offered. In the time she had been part of Easy Company, her body had started to show definition in places it had once held, her face filled out and she felt energy swamp back into her bones. She smiled as she showered that night, despite everyone’s beliefs she was meant to be there, she was earning her place at the table.

---------------------------

There she is! The next chapter is proving to be quite juicy so stay with me!

Chapter 1

Chapter 2 

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Lily’s War (Chapter 2)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - love the suspense 

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language, Mentions of SA

A/N: Here is chapter 2! I really hope you like it, because I can’t wait for Lily’s journey to really begin!

Chapter 2.

Camp Toccoa, August 1942

In Lily’s opinion, you might as well say it as it is, and in the interest of being entirely honest, there was no denying the fact that she was incredibly nervous. She and Colonel Sink had been sat together in his office for the best part of 30 minutes, in complete silence, broken only by the turning of a page or the short “Hmm” when she assumed he had found something particularly interesting. It was a blisteringly hot day in Georgia, not helped by the brand new uniform swaddling her. Lily could feel tiny droplets of sweat forming on the back of her collar, and she wasn’t entirely sure if it was due to the heat, or her nerves. 

“Three years with the Special Operations Executive, specialising in espionage and reconnaissance in Occupied Europe. Joined the ranks in ’39, first in your class, excellent marksman, skilled in hand to hand combat, you speak both French and German fluently. A figurehead of Operation Banquet, took part in Alphabet ’40, Operation Lancelot through to Arthur in ’41 and Operation Guinevere earlier this year. Wounded in action twice, the last time quite recently.” Colonel Sink raised a singular eyebrow as he continued. “Honourably discharged and sent to us, sounds like their loss.” His eyes rose from the thick file to meet hers. 

“Indeed, Sir.” Lily smiled nervously.

“We are mighty grateful you chose to join us, you have an impressive track record if ever I’ve seen one. The knowledge and experience you amassed during your time on The Continent will prove invaluable to us as we begin this next phase, for both the men and the intelligence division. That being said, I would like to have you meet with your Company’s Intelligence Officer afterwards, to share any important information you have, our men are yet to see any action and I believe any insight to be invaluable.”

“I think that’s a very smart idea, Sir. I’ll bring my reports from my last operation. I personally found that the more information shared with me, the less of a shock going in was. I would also like to personally thank you for accepting me into Daisy, I understood you faced a lot of opposition in taking part.”  

“There’s many who don’t agree with women joining the ranks, they don’t think it’s a woman’s place. I however disagree, you women are doing a fine job behind the lines, and alongside them. Your record is one of many glowing reports, I’m sure. I plan on showing the American public just what a woman is made of. I understand that your service record is evident that you are deserving of an officers rank, however, with many wishing us to fail and waiting for any hint of foul play, we can’t be seen as giving handouts, nor can we reveal your service record to the greater public. Do you follow what I’m saying?”

“I understand your meaning, Sir. Three years with the SOE and I’m undecorated, I don’t believe it has hindered my performance thus far.” Lily let a cheeky grin grow on her lips.

“Well with that all dealt with, I can officially welcome you to the 101st Airborne, 506th 2nd Battalion. Easy Company has been selected for you, and they are one hell of a fine Company, they are excelling in training and I know you’ll fit right in.” The Colonel stood extending his hand. “I’ll send you on you way now, wouldn’t want you late for your first meeting. Good luck Private.”

“Thank you, Sir.” 

As Lily made her way to the door the Colonel called out once more. “And Darlington, give ‘em hell.” With a wink she was gone, her mind absorbing the enormous responsibility she found herself with. 

—-

Lily hastily made her way back out into the glorious Georgia sunshine, the cool breeze of the afternoon offered a blessed relief from the confines of the stuffy office. She was well and truly in the thick of it now. No longer a British agent, no longer part of a tag team, a sense of apprehension crept over as the young woman realised that for the forceable future she was Lily Darlington. One tiny cog in the large machine that was the US Military. No code name, no mask, entirely exposed. Now would be a bloody good time to start smoking she chuckled to herself. Taking in a deep breath she composed and reminded herself of what Jack had shared during her rather booze filled last night in London. 

“You look ridiculous when you sulk, Darlington” Jack leaned in across the dimly lit table.

“I am not sulking.” Her eyes snapped up from the scratch in the wood she had been staring at. 

“Of course you are, you’ve been nursing that pint for over an hour, and you’ve got a pouty lower lip. You’re acting like a child.” 

“Am I not allowed to be nervous?” 

“What on earth do you have to be nervous about. You’ve spent the past three years in the arms of Herr Hitler, surely you can handle a bunch of yanks.” He spoke quietly.

“That isn’t what concerns me.” She lent back in her chair, unwillingly allowing her doubts to race through her mind.

“You know they let me choose my partner?” His words brought her attention sharply back into the room. 

“Excuse me?”

“Hmm. I had the pick of the bunch really, 14 active agents, but I chose you.” 

“Why?” 

“Because you had tenacity, and pluck. I heard rumours about some troublesome young lady in training who despite all odds was top of her class. There was a betting pool over whether or not you’d pass.”

“And what did you bet?” Lily could feel herself becoming defensive, her eyes glaring at her partner. 

“Who do you think started the pool.” He winked, finishing his drink. “My point being, I took a risk with you, and it payed off. They offered me a new partner after our first mission, I offered them my resignation, they gave you back to me. It’s not enough to just have the training, you have to have spirit. I trusted you with my life and you never let me down. You’re Lily bloody Darlington for Christs sake, pull yourself together.” 

—-

With a deep breath she entered the building, finding herself in a small hallway with a singular desk and a young Private sat behind, furiously typing away at a report on a battered looking Underwood. 

“Afternoon.” She spoke across the empty hall. the young man’s eyes snapped up at the sound of her voice, his posture shifting when he realised he was speaking to a woman. “I have a meeting with the Intelligence Officer of Easy Company.” Lily smiled as the young man sprang to attention, knocking a pile of carefully balanced papers about his desk. 

“Oh, uh, yes ma’am, they’re up the hall, first door on your left.” Lily wasn’t in the mood, nor the position to question it, however, she also wasn’t entirely blind to the obviousness that the private had not been expecting a woman to be attending the meeting. Brushing the thought off, she made her way up the hall and paused just outside the room, brushing her hair behind her ear and bringing it closer to the door. She couldn’t seem to hear any voices coming from within, she had always hated feeling unprepared. It had been a while since she was the lone female in a meeting, yet she reminded herself that this was probably going to turn into a common feeling during her time spent here. Taking a second to compose herself, she knocked sharply on the door, preparing herself for whatever lay within.

 It was opened almost immediately, and before her stood a tall gentleman, with fair hair and a confused look on his face. 

“Good Afternoon?” His voice was gentle.

“I’m Private Darlington, your transfer, Sir?” Making note of his rank, she slapped a smile of false confidence across her white teeth.

“My apologies Private, please come in.” Moving aside he motioned her towards where he had been sitting just moments before. She felt her shoulders relax as she sat her satchel down next to her chair, she had worked herself up over nothing.

“Will it just be the two of us, Sir?” Eager to get the meeting going.

“We’re just waiting on the Company’s Intelligence Officer, he shouldn’t be too much longer.” He spoke into his watch. “Lieutenant Winters.” Extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m sorry about earlier, Division wasn’t entirely clear on who we should expect.” He smiled apologetically. 

“They never are.” Lily joked in an attempt to lighten the mood. Just as she was about to kick herself for speaking so informally in-front of a Commanding Officer, the door swung open with a loud thud and a deep voice travelled into the room. 

“I told him I had a meeting, I told him I had to leave, apparently I was being unpatriotic to the cause. I swear that Sobel has a stick so far up his…” 

“Lieutenant Nixon, this is Private Darlington. The transfer we were told to expect.” Winters butt in, gesturing towards the young woman stood in the centre of the room.

Lily could have sworn her heart stopped beating for a split second, and she felt her breath catch in the back of her throat. This must be some sort of game.

“Lily?”

The pair both stood in silence, taking each other in. Her eyes glided over his smart uniform, not a thread or button out of place. She noticed how much older he looked, granted it had been almost four years since she’d last been in the presence of the Great Lewis Nixon. His hair was styled differently, the ring was new too. Just before her mind allowed her to think she was hallucinating, he spoke, his attention moving between her and the uncertain looking Lieutenant Winters. 

“What are you doing here?” He broke the silence, closing the door behind him.

“I was transferred.” She spoke, not realising how quietly her voice sounded.

“You’re the British Intelligence transfer?” He made his way across the room towards her. 

“Am I missing something?” Winters interjected, snapping the pair out of their daze.

“I’m so sorry Sir, Nix and I, that is, Lieutenant Nixon and I have met before.” She spoke to the obviously perplexed man.

“What are you doing here?” Nix looked at her even more confused.

“I think it might be best if we all take a seat.” Winters motioned to the chairs, shooting a look at Nixon. As Lily sat she retrieved the copy of her file from her bag, all too conscious of Lewis Nixon’s look of confused bewilderment staring into her. 

“I believe the best explanation you’ll find is within my file.” She smiled softly at her old friend, passing her documents across the table, all too aware of how her heart was racing as she sat back into her seat and prepared to unroll the last three years of her life.

The following hours ticked by, the men remained relatively silent, absorbing the information as Lily recounted her time in the employment of the SOE. Beginning at her recruitment, she spoke of how, in admiration for her brother after he joined the RAF, she had seen a job advertised for ‘Strong Willed Women’ who wished to aid in the War effort. She explained how she had initially envisioned it to be a secretarial post. A role so many of her friends had become involved in across the city for the various governmental departments, rooms of women armed with typewriters, essential to the cause. Much to her shock, she had arrived at the interview and upon swearing secrecy, was met with a series of tasks. The day had been spent translating newspapers, interviews in both French and German, deciphering of codes, and mapping routes using satellite photos of the rural countryside. It was during that which she had come to the realisation she was not being recruited for the typing pool. Lily recounted how she had left the interview with a thousand unanswered questions, remaining that way for two weeks before a telegram was sent to her, requesting her presence the following evening. 

Lewis Nixon found himself glued to his seat as he listened to Lily detail her extensive training in the Scottish Highlands. How she had spent weeks learning how to assemble, and disassemble British and German firearms until she could do it blindfolded. Gruelling physical training mixed with map reading and intensive Morse code classes. His mind unable to process how the young girl he once knew was sitting before him, speaking so eloquently and easily about how she had excelled in demolition and explosive handling, and had received top billing during her marksmanship training. He listened attentively as she went on to recount a particular night on the moors during unarmed combat training, whereby a young recruit had made a simple, yet fatal mistake. it had been her first realisation into how dangerous of a situation she was walking into. He watched as she almost seemed to slip into herself for a split second, before turning the page in her file and directing the mens attention to the information within.

He noticed her energy picked up as she talked the men through her first assignment and partner. Her eyes almost looked as if they were sparkling as she spoke about her first meeting with Jack, how he was the personification of whit. He had been on The Continent for a handful of weeks prior, and she had been so thankful to have a pair of experienced hands to help guide her. Their first operation together had been a simple one, locate and report. The pair had spent 3 months creating maps of Germany’s munition factories and radioing them back to HQ in preparation for bombardment. It had proved incredibly successful, and almost as soon as they returned home they were sent back out again, carrying a larger responsibility this time. Nixon found himself almost uncomfortable as the young woman revealed how their second operation was far more layered than the first. She had spent the second half of the year on the arm of Germany’s most powerful players, giving her an invisible seat at the table, it seemed that British Intelligence was at the heart of German brothels, under their very nose if you will. Lily had spent weeks attending dinners, Galas, meetings, passing information back to Jack regarding Nazi plans to invade Britain without so much as a whisker of suspicion. After all, no-one with a sensible head on their shoulders would dare to question a married and respectable German General as to the origins of his evening accoutrement. It was becoming crudely apparent to Lewis Nixon that the Lily sat before him was not the same girl he had last met. He found himself feeling heavier as she explained how draining she found the operation. She would spend weeks in the company of a target, brought out like a show pony to events, expected to play the game in the evenings. They’d get bored of her eventually and she’d be sent back to the brothel where she would reconvene with Jack, collect their findings and escape across the coast to England. 

The following Operations copied the same patterns, she confessed how she began to feel restless in her role, how it started to take its toll, amusing over how her debutant days gave her better preparation, rather than tracking around the Scottish Highlands. After returning from an Operation in early ’41, she had relayed this feeling to her Commanding Officer, and to her relief, her and Jack’s next orders were to camp out in the Netherlands in order to locate a double agent. Her voice became softer to a certain degree as she spoke about how much of it was spent waiting, exchanging information back and forth with the underground resistance movement that had begun growing, until they received orders to move their operation forward to the final stages. It was the first time she’d actually used hand to hand combat since training, and how she had received her first official injury, it was also the first time she had taken a life. The afternoon glow began to fill the room before either of the men chose to speak.

“You were involved in a final operation earlier this year, before your honourable discharge?” Lieutenant Winters questioned, dissipating the tension that had creeped in.

“Yes Sir, I was. Guinevere. It was meant to be a simple information extraction, but it didn’t go to plan. My cover was compromised and I was wounded. We had to emergency evacuate. I was honourably discharged once I was released from hospital, and following that, I was offered the transfer here. There’s not much else to it.” She pushed her shoulders back and sat up straight waiting for a response.

“Thank you Private Darlington. This is an incredibly detailed report, and alongside your own personal experiences I believe it will give us valuable insight into the conflict ahead. You deserve some well earned rest, Private Mullins will show you to your barracks and introduce you to your men.” Lieutenant Winters spoke as he collated the pages together. “It was a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to working alongside you.” 

The men stood together as Lily made her way out of the door and down the hall, Winters waiting till he could be sure the young woman was out of ear shot. “Are you going to explain?”

“Jesus Dick.” Nixon sighed as he sat back down in the chair. “I know her. Well I knew her. We were neighbours for two years, Hell her and Blanche went everywhere together.” 

“That somewhat explains your behaviour.” Winters replies, joining Nixon back at the table.

“Yeah, no shit. Her brother Clarence and I kept in touch. He mentioned she joined up in some of his letters. I thought he meant as a nurse or a secretary, not as a goddamn spy.” 

“She said herself she just wanted to do her part.” Winters offered up.

 “This is a bit more than doing your part.” Nixon muttered aloud, flicking through her file. His eyes stopped as he scanned the page. “Do you not think she was rather offhand about what she’s been through?”

“It wouldn’t be right for me to say. Neither you, nor I have dirt on our boots yet.” He looked at Nixon with a raised eyebrow. 

—- 

“Hey Perconte, what are you thinking of, blousin’ your pants?” Johnny Martin grunted as he burst open the barrack door, stopping at the threshold. His eyes widened as a small brunette head popped up from beneath a newly laid cot.  Before he had a chance to react, he was shoved further into the room, a disgruntled Liebgott and Perconte pushing past him, confused as to what the man was hanging about for.

“Shut up, Martin, alright? He gigged everybody.” The short man turned to face him, following his confused stare to the row of cots behind him. “What the hell.” Perconte muttered under his breath drawing the attention of the men towards the disturbance.

“You lost nursie?” Liebgott chimed in.

Just as Lily opened her mouth to reply, Carwood Lipton’s voice filled the room.

“Alright, let’s go, on the road in PT formation. What’s the hold up men?” Lipton made his way through the crowd that had formed around the entryway. 

“There’s a girl here, Sarge.” Liebgott motioned towards the brunette who was making her way out from beneath the cot and towards the group.

“Private Darlington, Sir. I’m your transfer.” She smiled and extended her transfer papers toward him.

“She’s a limey?” Perconte whispered to Shifty Powers.

“She’s a she?” He added back, his face full of disbelief.

Lipton looked from the papers, to the girl, and back to the papers again. He had been briefed that morning about the incoming transfer, initially confused when he was informed there would be a British transfer, but who was he to question Colonel Sink’s direct orders. It had, however, been left out that the transfer would be a girl. He could feel the stares of the men bearing down on him, and he pushed his surprise aside, handing the papers back to the girl with a smile. “Listen up Easy Company, This is Private Darlington, a transfer. You will make her feel welcome and treat her the same as any other member of this unit. Is that clear?”

A resounding “Yes, Sir!” was returned from the men of the barrack. 

“Now move on out, we’re running Currahee in two minutes. Private Darlington, change and meet outside for PT formation.” Lipton called as he made his way out.

Lily watched as the men filtered out of the hut towards the field in front, not entirely blind to the mix of stares and glares shot in her direction. “Well this is going to be bloody good fun” she mumbled to herself. 

________________

I really hope you think part 2 was worth the wait!

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This is the first time I’ve been tagged in something like this and I’m so giddy so thank you @rogue-durin-16!

Favourite colour: Blue, sky blue, the type you get on a rather hot summers day or forest green 

Currently reading: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien & Stars and Spies by Christopher Andrew & Julius Green 

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Currently working on: Lily’s War chapter 3, I seem to be very good at writing bits and pieces for chapters that I won't reach for weeks. The start is always the hardest part. 

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[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 2)

Summary: SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Pairing: TBD - love the suspense 

Warnings: Mentions of violence, language, Mentions of SA

A/N: Here is chapter 2! I really hope you like it, because I can't wait for Lily’s journey to really begin!

Chapter 2.

Camp Toccoa, August 1942

In Lily’s opinion, you might as well say it as it is, and in the interest of being entirely honest, there was no denying the fact that she was incredibly nervous. She and Colonel Sink had been sat together in his office for the best part of 30 minutes, in complete silence, broken only by the turning of a page or the short “Hmm” when she assumed he had found something particularly interesting. It was a blisteringly hot day in Georgia, not helped by the brand new uniform swaddling her. Lily could feel tiny droplets of sweat forming on the back of her collar, and she wasn’t entirely sure if it was due to the heat, or her nerves. 

“Three years with the Special Operations Executive, specialising in espionage and reconnaissance in Occupied Europe. Joined the ranks in ’39, first in your class, excellent marksman, skilled in hand to hand combat, you speak both French and German fluently. A figurehead of Operation Banquet, took part in Alphabet ’40, Operation Lancelot through to Arthur in ’41 and Operation Guinevere earlier this year. Wounded in action twice, the last time quite recently.” Colonel Sink raised a singular eyebrow as he continued. “Honourably discharged and sent to us, sounds like their loss.” His eyes rose from the thick file to meet hers. 

“Indeed, Sir.” Lily smiled nervously.

“We are mighty grateful you chose to join us, you have an impressive track record if ever I’ve seen one. The knowledge and experience you amassed during your time on The Continent will prove invaluable to us as we begin this next phase, for both the men and the intelligence division. That being said, I would like to have you meet with your Company’s Intelligence Officer afterwards, to share any important information you have, our men are yet to see any action and I believe any insight to be invaluable.”

“I think that’s a very smart idea, Sir. I’ll bring my reports from my last operation. I personally found that the more information shared with me, the less of a shock going in was. I would also like to personally thank you for accepting me into Daisy, I understood you faced a lot of opposition in taking part.”  

“There’s many who don’t agree with women joining the ranks, they don’t think it’s a woman’s place. I however disagree, you women are doing a fine job behind the lines, and alongside them. Your record is one of many glowing reports, I’m sure. I plan on showing the American public just what a woman is made of. I understand that your service record is evident that you are deserving of an officers rank, however, with many wishing us to fail and waiting for any hint of foul play, we can’t be seen as giving handouts, nor can we reveal your service record to the greater public. Do you follow what I’m saying?”

“I understand your meaning, Sir. Three years with the SOE and I’m undecorated, I don’t believe it has hindered my performance thus far.” Lily let a cheeky grin grow on her lips.

“Well with that all dealt with, I can officially welcome you to the 101st Airborne, 506th 2nd Battalion. Easy Company has been selected for you, and they are one hell of a fine Company, they are excelling in training and I know you’ll fit right in.” The Colonel stood extending his hand. “I’ll send you on you way now, wouldn’t want you late for your first meeting. Good luck Private.”

“Thank you, Sir.” 

As Lily made her way to the door the Colonel called out once more. “And Darlington, give ‘em hell.” With a wink she was gone, her mind absorbing the enormous responsibility she found herself with. 

—-

Lily hastily made her way back out into the glorious Georgia sunshine, the cool breeze of the afternoon offered a blessed relief from the confines of the stuffy office. She was well and truly in the thick of it now. No longer a British agent, no longer part of a tag team, a sense of apprehension crept over as the young woman realised that for the forceable future she was Lily Darlington. One tiny cog in the large machine that was the US Military. No code name, no mask, entirely exposed. Now would be a bloody good time to start smoking she chuckled to herself. Taking in a deep breath she composed and reminded herself of what Jack had shared during her rather booze filled last night in London. 

“You look ridiculous when you sulk, Darlington” Jack leaned in across the dimly lit table.

“I am not sulking.” Her eyes snapped up from the scratch in the wood she had been staring at. 

“Of course you are, you’ve been nursing that pint for over an hour, and you’ve got a pouty lower lip. You’re acting like a child.” 

“Am I not allowed to be nervous?” 

“What on earth do you have to be nervous about. You’ve spent the past three years in the arms of Herr Hitler, surely you can handle a bunch of yanks.” He spoke quietly.

“That isn’t what concerns me.” She lent back in her chair, unwillingly allowing her doubts to race through her mind.

“You know they let me choose my partner?” His words brought her attention sharply back into the room. 

“Excuse me?”

“Hmm. I had the pick of the bunch really, 14 active agents, but I chose you.” 

“Why?” 

“Because you had tenacity, and pluck. I heard rumours about some troublesome young lady in training who despite all odds was top of her class. There was a betting pool over whether or not you’d pass.”

“And what did you bet?” Lily could feel herself becoming defensive, her eyes glaring at her partner. 

“Who do you think started the pool.” He winked, finishing his drink. “My point being, I took a risk with you, and it payed off. They offered me a new partner after our first mission, I offered them my resignation, they gave you back to me. It’s not enough to just have the training, you have to have spirit. I trusted you with my life and you never let me down. You’re Lily bloody Darlington for Christs sake, pull yourself together.” 

—-

With a deep breath she entered the building, finding herself in a small hallway with a singular desk and a young Private sat behind, furiously typing away at a report on a battered looking Underwood. 

“Afternoon.” She spoke across the empty hall. the young man’s eyes snapped up at the sound of her voice, his posture shifting when he realised he was speaking to a woman. “I have a meeting with the Intelligence Officer of Easy Company.” Lily smiled as the young man sprang to attention, knocking a pile of carefully balanced papers about his desk. 

“Oh, uh, yes ma’am, they’re up the hall, first door on your left.” Lily wasn’t in the mood, nor the position to question it, however, she also wasn’t entirely blind to the obviousness that the private had not been expecting a woman to be attending the meeting. Brushing the thought off, she made her way up the hall and paused just outside the room, brushing her hair behind her ear and bringing it closer to the door. She couldn’t seem to hear any voices coming from within, she had always hated feeling unprepared. It had been a while since she was the lone female in a meeting, yet she reminded herself that this was probably going to turn into a common feeling during her time spent here. Taking a second to compose herself, she knocked sharply on the door, preparing herself for whatever lay within.

 It was opened almost immediately, and before her stood a tall gentleman, with fair hair and a confused look on his face. 

“Good Afternoon?” His voice was gentle.

“I’m Private Darlington, your transfer, Sir?” Making note of his rank, she slapped a smile of false confidence across her white teeth.

“My apologies Private, please come in.” Moving aside he motioned her towards where he had been sitting just moments before. She felt her shoulders relax as she sat her satchel down next to her chair, she had worked herself up over nothing.

“Will it just be the two of us, Sir?” Eager to get the meeting going.

“We’re just waiting on the Company’s Intelligence Officer, he shouldn’t be too much longer.” He spoke into his watch. “Lieutenant Winters.” Extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m sorry about earlier, Division wasn’t entirely clear on who we should expect.” He smiled apologetically. 

“They never are.” Lily joked in an attempt to lighten the mood. Just as she was about to kick herself for speaking so informally in-front of a Commanding Officer, the door swung open with a loud thud and a deep voice travelled into the room. 

“I told him I had a meeting, I told him I had to leave, apparently I was being unpatriotic to the cause. I swear that Sobel has a stick so far up his…” 

“Lieutenant Nixon, this is Private Darlington. The transfer we were told to expect.” Winters butt in, gesturing towards the young woman stood in the centre of the room.

Lily could have sworn her heart stopped beating for a split second, and she felt her breath catch in the back of her throat. This must be some sort of game.

“Lily?”

The pair both stood in silence, taking each other in. Her eyes glided over his smart uniform, not a thread or button out of place. She noticed how much older he looked, granted it had been almost four years since she’d last been in the presence of the Great Lewis Nixon. His hair was styled differently, the ring was new too. Just before her mind allowed her to think she was hallucinating, he spoke, his attention moving between her and the uncertain looking Lieutenant Winters. 

“What are you doing here?” He broke the silence, closing the door behind him.

“I was transferred.” She spoke, not realising how quietly her voice sounded.

“You’re the British Intelligence transfer?” He made his way across the room towards her. 

“Am I missing something?” Winters interjected, snapping the pair out of their daze.

“I’m so sorry Sir, Nix and I, that is, Lieutenant Nixon and I have met before.” She spoke to the obviously perplexed man.

“What are you doing here?” Nix looked at her even more confused.

“I think it might be best if we all take a seat.” Winters motioned to the chairs, shooting a look at Nixon. As Lily sat she retrieved the copy of her file from her bag, all too conscious of Lewis Nixon’s look of confused bewilderment staring into her. 

“I believe the best explanation you’ll find is within my file.” She smiled softly at her old friend, passing her documents across the table, all too aware of how her heart was racing as she sat back into her seat and prepared to unroll the last three years of her life.

The following hours ticked by, the men remained relatively silent, absorbing the information as Lily recounted her time in the employment of the SOE. Beginning at her recruitment, she spoke of how, in admiration for her brother after he joined the RAF, she had seen a job advertised for ‘Strong Willed Women’ who wished to aid in the War effort. She explained how she had initially envisioned it to be a secretarial post. A role so many of her friends had become involved in across the city for the various governmental departments, rooms of women armed with typewriters, essential to the cause. Much to her shock, she had arrived at the interview and upon swearing secrecy, was met with a series of tasks. The day had been spent translating newspapers, interviews in both French and German, deciphering of codes, and mapping routes using satellite photos of the rural countryside. It was during that which she had come to the realisation she was not being recruited for the typing pool. Lily recounted how she had left the interview with a thousand unanswered questions, remaining that way for two weeks before a telegram was sent to her, requesting her presence the following evening. 

Lewis Nixon found himself glued to his seat as he listened to Lily detail her extensive training in the Scottish Highlands. How she had spent weeks learning how to assemble, and disassemble British and German firearms until she could do it blindfolded. Gruelling physical training mixed with map reading and intensive Morse code classes. His mind unable to process how the young girl he once knew was sitting before him, speaking so eloquently and easily about how she had excelled in demolition and explosive handling, and had received top billing during her marksmanship training. He listened attentively as she went on to recount a particular night on the moors during unarmed combat training, whereby a young recruit had made a simple, yet fatal mistake. it had been her first realisation into how dangerous of a situation she was walking into. He watched as she almost seemed to slip into herself for a split second, before turning the page in her file and directing the mens attention to the information within.

He noticed her energy picked up as she talked the men through her first assignment and partner. Her eyes almost looked as if they were sparkling as she spoke about her first meeting with Jack, how he was the personification of whit. He had been on The Continent for a handful of weeks prior, and she had been so thankful to have a pair of experienced hands to help guide her. Their first operation together had been a simple one, locate and report. The pair had spent 3 months creating maps of Germany’s munition factories and radioing them back to HQ in preparation for bombardment. It had proved incredibly successful, and almost as soon as they returned home they were sent back out again, carrying a larger responsibility this time. Nixon found himself almost uncomfortable as the young woman revealed how their second operation was far more layered than the first. She had spent the second half of the year on the arm of Germany’s most powerful players, giving her an invisible seat at the table, it seemed that British Intelligence was at the heart of German brothels, under their very nose if you will. Lily had spent weeks attending dinners, Galas, meetings, passing information back to Jack regarding Nazi plans to invade Britain without so much as a whisker of suspicion. After all, no-one with a sensible head on their shoulders would dare to question a married and respectable German General as to the origins of his evening accoutrement. It was becoming crudely apparent to Lewis Nixon that the Lily sat before him was not the same girl he had last met. He found himself feeling heavier as she explained how draining she found the operation. She would spend weeks in the company of a target, brought out like a show pony to events, expected to play the game in the evenings. They’d get bored of her eventually and she’d be sent back to the brothel where she would reconvene with Jack, collect their findings and escape across the coast to England. 

The following Operations copied the same patterns, she confessed how she began to feel restless in her role, how it started to take its toll, amusing over how her debutant days gave her better preparation, rather than tracking around the Scottish Highlands. After returning from an Operation in early ’41, she had relayed this feeling to her Commanding Officer, and to her relief, her and Jack’s next orders were to camp out in the Netherlands in order to locate a double agent. Her voice became softer to a certain degree as she spoke about how much of it was spent waiting, exchanging information back and forth with the underground resistance movement that had begun growing, until they received orders to move their operation forward to the final stages. It was the first time she'd actually used hand to hand combat since training, and how she had received her first official injury, it was also the first time she had taken a life. The afternoon glow began to fill the room before either of the men chose to speak.

“You were involved in a final operation earlier this year, before your honourable discharge?” Lieutenant Winters questioned, dissipating the tension that had creeped in.

“Yes Sir, I was. Guinevere. It was meant to be a simple information extraction, but it didn’t go to plan. My cover was compromised and I was wounded. We had to emergency evacuate. I was honourably discharged once I was released from hospital, and following that, I was offered the transfer here. There’s not much else to it.” She pushed her shoulders back and sat up straight waiting for a response.

“Thank you Private Darlington. This is an incredibly detailed report, and alongside your own personal experiences I believe it will give us valuable insight into the conflict ahead. You deserve some well earned rest, Private Mullins will show you to your barracks and introduce you to your men.” Lieutenant Winters spoke as he collated the pages together. “It was a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to working alongside you.” 

The men stood together as Lily made her way out of the door and down the hall, Winters waiting till he could be sure the young woman was out of ear shot. “Are you going to explain?”

“Jesus Dick.” Nixon sighed as he sat back down in the chair. “I know her. Well I knew her. We were neighbours for two years, Hell her and Blanche went everywhere together.” 

“That somewhat explains your behaviour.” Winters replies, joining Nixon back at the table.

“Yeah, no shit. Her brother Clarence and I kept in touch. He mentioned she joined up in some of his letters. I thought he meant as a nurse or a secretary, not as a goddamn spy.” 

“She said herself she just wanted to do her part.” Winters offered up.

 “This is a bit more than doing your part.” Nixon muttered aloud, flicking through her file. His eyes stopped as he scanned the page. “Do you not think she was rather offhand about what she’s been through?”

“It wouldn’t be right for me to say. Neither you, nor I have dirt on our boots yet.” He looked at Nixon with a raised eyebrow. 

—- 

“Hey Perconte, what are you thinking of, blousin’ your pants?” Johnny Martin grunted as he burst open the barrack door, stopping at the threshold. His eyes widened as a small brunette head popped up from beneath a newly laid cot.  Before he had a chance to react, he was shoved further into the room, a disgruntled Liebgott and Perconte pushing past him, confused as to what the man was hanging about for.

“Shut up, Martin, alright? He gigged everybody.” The short man turned to face him, following his confused stare to the row of cots behind him. “What the hell.” Perconte muttered under his breath drawing the attention of the men towards the disturbance.

“You lost nursie?” Liebgott chimed in.

Just as Lily opened her mouth to reply, Carwood Lipton’s voice filled the room.

“Alright, let’s go, on the road in PT formation. What’s the hold up men?” Lipton made his way through the crowd that had formed around the entryway. 

“There’s a girl here, Sarge.” Liebgott motioned towards the brunette who was making her way out from beneath the cot and towards the group.

“Private Darlington, Sir. I’m your transfer.” She smiled and extended her transfer papers toward him.

“She’s a limey?” Perconte whispered to Shifty Powers.

“She’s a she?” He added back, his face full of disbelief.

Lipton looked from the papers, to the girl, and back to the papers again. He had been briefed that morning about the incoming transfer, initially confused when he was informed there would be a British transfer, but who was he to question Colonel Sink’s direct orders. It had, however, been left out that the transfer would be a girl. He could feel the stares of the men bearing down on him, and he pushed his surprise aside, handing the papers back to the girl with a smile. “Listen up Easy Company, This is Private Darlington, a transfer. You will make her feel welcome and treat her the same as any other member of this unit. Is that clear?”

A resounding “Yes, Sir!” was returned from the men of the barrack. 

“Now move on out, we’re running Currahee in two minutes. Private Darlington, change and meet outside for PT formation.” Lipton called as he made his way out.

Lily watched as the men filtered out of the hut towards the field in front, not entirely blind to the mix of stares and glares shot in her direction. “Well this is going to be bloody good fun” she mumbled to herself. 

________________

I really hope you think part 2 was worth the wait!

[chubbypotatoepie]

Genre: Eventual romance

Warnings: Mention of blood & guns

A/N: I’ve had this story in my mind for a while and its not going to leave me alone till I write it. Let me know what you think, especially if you like it!

SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Lily’s War

London 1942,

It was late afternoon and the spring sunset was casting shades of burnt orange and pink across the tables and inside the windows of Café Boheme, illuminating its patrons. Perched underneath the teal and white striped awning, Lily Darlington sat slumped over a steaming cup of tea, scribbling furiously in her notebook.

“I thought I might find you here” the deep familiar voice spoke as her ex-partner in arms, Jack Chapman, “Clinks” as she affectionally called him due to his affinity at celebrating every achievement, no matter how minute, slid into the seat opposite her.

“Don’t you think the wound is still a little too fresh, Clinks?” Her sarcastic tone accompanied by a matching scowl.

Clinks studied the young woman, she had changed so much since their initial meeting 3 years ago. He had learnt quite quickly that her piercing green eyes could both kill you and enchant you with one single look, something which proved mighty useful during their last trip on the continent. Short worry lines had started to form around them, yet they remained ever beautiful, surrounded by thick dark lashes. A light scattering freckles adorned her cheeks and nose, only visible for half the year, they chased the sun, much like Lily in that aspect he thought to himself. Her dark hair was in its usual Coiffure, the curls brushing against her collar with the sides rolled back, though the stress of the job exposed itself through little greys that poked through at the roots, she swore she didn’t dye it, even though one rather drunken night in Berlin he had helped her himself. She looked somewhat older than her 20 years, and yet so much remained of the vivacious young Lily he had originally met.

“Stop looking at me like that, I don’t need your pity” her eyes bore into the teacup.

“If I’d have known they were going to demote you I would have told you beforehand. Ghastly business.”

“Your purpose is no longer useful to the cause, we’re ever so grateful for your service.” She mimicked the British General. “Demoted, for one measly accident.” She scoffed, glaring across the street.

“That accident did nearly kill you, and it was no accident if memory serves me correctly.” Clinks replied, raising an eyebrow.

He vividly remembered that night three months ago when Lily, or Klara as she had been called back then, failed to meet up at their rendezvous point after an evening with General Von Durgen. He’d always deny it if she asked but he knew he’d never be able to fully scrub the memory of bursting into the ill fated apartment and seeing her and the General lying opposite one another, he face down with a bullet wound to the head, a lucky shot on her part. He can still remember the panic that flooded his body when he became fully aware of how saturated her evening gown was, evident by the knife still embedded and the crimson liquid oozing from the sideways gash. It had been their last day in Germany, they’d done 3 months without even a splinter. She had slept her way through Germany collecting vital information, he had the easy job of encoding and radioing it back to HQ in London, and now here he was, driving recklessly through the countryside to the evacuation plane with his partners body in the back wrapped in a curtain and haphazardly padded with anything he could find. He hadn’t even know if she had made it till the following afternoon, following an agonisingly long debrief.

“Well I’m all knitted back together now, so why don’t you go back there and then them that.”

“You have a scar the size of Timbuktu across your abdomen.” This time his eyes met hers.

Her face had lost its rosy glow at the reminder. She was well aware of her misfortune, she took in a deep breath as he continued.

He leant in as he whispered “what are you going to say to the next German Officer that Intelligence orders you to sleep with? Oh it was just an accident with a Gebäckmesser, I’m just a clumsy little housewife.”

Her face was not that of someone amused by his poking, yet she couldn’t disagree with him, in the SOE’s eyes she had served her purpose.

“And what the bloody hell am I supposed to do now, sit behind a desk, after everything I’ve done over the last few years, fat chance” She scoffed at the idea. “I worked myself to the bones for this job, Clinks. 25, 25 women I beat for that position. Months of training at that god awful manor in the highlands. I’m the best female sniper they have, Braithwaite said that himself today, so they’ll just throw me away?” Tears had started to form and she could feel herself wobbling.

“They aren’t throwing you away, Darlington”

“They’re opening my life to other possibilities?” She mocked as she brought the tea cup to her mouth.

“In a way, yes, if you hadn’t been so forthright in ending the meeting abruptly.” He leant down and withdrew a manila file from his briefcase. Her eyes flicking back and forth between him and the paper. “Colonel Braithwaite thought it might be appropriate for me to pass this onto you. In my intellectual opinion, I think he was worried you might bite his head off.” Jack chuckled to himself.

“I don’t follow.”

“Turns out, ever since we’ve been back, HQ have been having many a meeting with our friends over the pond.” He passed the open file over to her. “They’re calling it Operation Daisy, bringing women to the front lines. The SOE have had so much success with female operatives, now the yanks want in. Braithwaite personally recommended you.”

Her eyes started scanning the pages, trying to fully understand what was being presented to her. “Why me?” Instantly suspicious of the situation.

“You made yourself available.” Jack offered her a cigarette, lighting his after she declined as per usual. “His words not mine, he also say you were a damn fine agent if that helps. It also helps that you happen to be American too, incase you’ve forgotten.”

“My mother was American.”

“Making you half American, isn’t that how these things work?”

"I haven’t been there since before I joined up, and I was only there once.”

“Once, and stayed for two years.” His sly response being accentuated by a long drag on his cigarette.

Lily took a moment to look over the information. “What’s my objective?”

“To show the Americans that women can handle the front line. You’re trained, experienced and you’re the best woman for the job. This isn’t a punishment, see it as an opportunity. The Parachute Infantry is in its infancy, this is your chance to be one of its founding members. I understand if it feels like a demotion. You’ll have to start back from the beginning of basic training, and you’ll have to pass jump school. The choice is yours, however, you don’t have long to decide.”

Lily placed the file back onto the table. Disappointment ached in her chest, having the honour of working alongside Jack for the last few years was something akin to magic, they had bonded almost instantly, becoming family to each other. She understood that her time with the SOE was over and her heart ached to have to let that part of her life go. “How long do I have?”

“I said I’d bring you back within the hour.” Jack stubbed his cigarette out and stood.

“Jesus Christ, Clinks.” Lily stood to meet him.

“I’m going to miss you desperately” he stepped towards her, extending his arm for her to take.

“I haven’t said yes yet.”

“Oh but we both know that you will. You know that those yanks are all piss and no wind, so you be sure to give them a right old bollocking if they bother you” he smiled, and with a wink they set off back to HQ.

————

That’s the first part! Let me know what you think!

[chubbypotatoepie]

Lily’s War (Chapter 1)

Chapter 2 

Genre: Eventual romance

Warnings: Mention of blood & guns

A/N: I’ve had this story in my mind for a while and its not going to leave me alone till I write it. Let me know what you think, especially if you like it!

SOE Agent Lily Darlington is unexpectedly demoted from her position and offered a life changing opportunity to become the first female Paratrooper in US history?

Lily’s War

London 1942,

It was late afternoon and the spring sunset was casting shades of burnt orange and pink across the tables and inside the windows of Café Boheme, illuminating its patrons. Perched underneath the teal and white striped awning, Lily Darlington sat slumped over a steaming cup of tea, scribbling furiously in her notebook.

“I thought I might find you here” the deep familiar voice spoke as her ex-partner in arms, Jack Chapman, “Clinks” as she affectionally called him due to his affinity at celebrating every achievement, no matter how minute, slid into the seat opposite her.

“Don’t you think the wound is still a little too fresh, Clinks?” Her sarcastic tone accompanied by a matching scowl.

Clinks studied the young woman, she had changed so much since their initial meeting 3 years ago. He had learnt quite quickly that her piercing green eyes could both kill you and enchant you with one single look, something which proved mighty useful during their last trip on the continent. Short worry lines had started to form around them, yet they remained ever beautiful, surrounded by thick dark lashes. A light scattering freckles adorned her cheeks and nose, only visible for half the year, they chased the sun, much like Lily in that aspect he thought to himself. Her dark hair was in its usual Coiffure, the curls brushing against her collar with the sides rolled back, though the stress of the job exposed itself through little greys that poked through at the roots, she swore she didn’t dye it, even though one rather drunken night in Berlin he had helped her himself. She looked somewhat older than her 20 years, and yet so much remained of the vivacious young Lily he had originally met.

“Stop looking at me like that, I don’t need your pity” her eyes bore into the teacup.

“If I’d have known they were going to demote you I would have told you beforehand. Ghastly business.”

“Your purpose is no longer useful to the cause, we’re ever so grateful for your service.” She mimicked the British General. “Demoted, for one measly accident.” She scoffed, glaring across the street.

“That accident did nearly kill you, and it was no accident if memory serves me correctly.” Clinks replied, raising an eyebrow.

He vividly remembered that night three months ago when Lily, or Klara as she had been called back then, failed to meet up at their rendezvous point after an evening with General Von Durgen. He’d always deny it if she asked but he knew he’d never be able to fully scrub the memory of bursting into the ill fated apartment and seeing her and the General lying opposite one another, he face down with a bullet wound to the head, a lucky shot on her part. He can still remember the panic that flooded his body when he became fully aware of how saturated her evening gown was, evident by the knife still embedded and the crimson liquid oozing from the sideways gash. It had been their last day in Germany, they’d done 3 months without even a splinter. She had slept her way through Germany collecting vital information, he had the easy job of encoding and radioing it back to HQ in London, and now here he was, driving recklessly through the countryside to the evacuation plane with his partners body in the back wrapped in a curtain and haphazardly padded with anything he could find. He hadn’t even know if she had made it till the following afternoon, following an agonisingly long debrief.

“Well I’m all knitted back together now, so why don’t you go back there and then them that.”

“You have a scar the size of Timbuktu across your abdomen.” This time his eyes met hers.

Her face had lost its rosy glow at the reminder. She was well aware of her misfortune, she took in a deep breath as he continued.

He leant in as he whispered “what are you going to say to the next German Officer that Intelligence orders you to sleep with? Oh it was just an accident with a Gebäckmesser, I’m just a clumsy little housewife.”

Her face was not that of someone amused by his poking, yet she couldn’t disagree with him, in the SOE’s eyes she had served her purpose.

“And what the bloody hell am I supposed to do now, sit behind a desk, after everything I’ve done over the last few years, fat chance” She scoffed at the idea. “I worked myself to the bones for this job, Clinks. 25, 25 women I beat for that position. Months of training at that god awful manor in the highlands. I’m the best female sniper they have, Braithwaite said that himself today, so they’ll just throw me away?” Tears had started to form and she could feel herself wobbling.

“They aren’t throwing you away, Darlington”

“They’re opening my life to other possibilities?” She mocked as she brought the tea cup to her mouth.

“In a way, yes, if you hadn’t been so forthright in ending the meeting abruptly.” He leant down and withdrew a manila file from his briefcase. Her eyes flicking back and forth between him and the paper. “Colonel Braithwaite thought it might be appropriate for me to pass this onto you. In my intellectual opinion, I think he was worried you might bite his head off.” Jack chuckled to himself.

“I don’t follow.”

“Turns out, ever since we’ve been back, HQ have been having many a meeting with our friends over the pond.” He passed the open file over to her. “They’re calling it Operation Daisy, bringing women to the front lines. The SOE have had so much success with female operatives, now the yanks want in. Braithwaite personally recommended you.”

Her eyes started scanning the pages, trying to fully understand what was being presented to her. “Why me?” Instantly suspicious of the situation.

“You made yourself available.” Jack offered her a cigarette, lighting his after she declined as per usual. “His words not mine, he also say you were a damn fine agent if that helps. It also helps that you happen to be American too, incase you’ve forgotten.”

“My mother was American.”

“Making you half American, isn’t that how these things work?”

"I haven’t been there since before I joined up, and I was only there once.”

“Once, and stayed for two years.” His sly response being accentuated by a long drag on his cigarette.

Lily took a moment to look over the information. “What’s my objective?”

“To show the Americans that women can handle the front line. You’re trained, experienced and you’re the best woman for the job. This isn’t a punishment, see it as an opportunity. The Parachute Infantry is in its infancy, this is your chance to be one of its founding members. I understand if it feels like a demotion. You’ll have to start back from the beginning of basic training, and you’ll have to pass jump school. The choice is yours, however, you don’t have long to decide.”

Lily placed the file back onto the table. Disappointment ached in her chest, having the honour of working alongside Jack for the last few years was something akin to magic, they had bonded almost instantly, becoming family to each other. She understood that her time with the SOE was over and her heart ached to have to let that part of her life go. “How long do I have?”

“I said I’d bring you back within the hour.” Jack stubbed his cigarette out and stood.

“Jesus Christ, Clinks.” Lily stood to meet him.

“I’m going to miss you desperately” he stepped towards her, extending his arm for her to take.

“I haven’t said yes yet.”

“Oh but we both know that you will. You know that those yanks are all piss and no wind, so you be sure to give them a right old bollocking if they bother you” he smiled, and with a wink they set off back to HQ.

————

Chapter 2 

That’s the first part! Let me know what you think!

[chubbypotatoepie]

instead of actually writing an essay.. i wrote a thing on how to write an essay (woah meta) & added some pictures of my plans so u can see what i actually mean!! enjoy my friends i hope this is useful to someone

[chubbypotatoepie]

[chubbypotatoepie]

Be careful who you make memories with. Those things can last a lifetime.

life (via frequents)

[chubbypotatoepie]

We don’t even ask for happiness, just a little less pain.

Charles Bukowski (via quotemadness)

[chubbypotatoepie]

Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.

Kurt Vonnegut (via quotemadness)