Epiphany Pt. 3: Haunted
Lewis Nixon x Reader
Masterlist
Series Masterlist
A/N: hey guys!! i had originally planned for operation market garden to be one chapter, but there were just too many things that i wanted to add, so it will be split up into at least two! hbo owns the rights, and this is about the fictional portrayal of easy company on the show. nothing but love and respect for veterans on this blog!
Summary: Things aren't as cut and dry as they seem when Easy jumps into Holland for Operation Market Garden, and (y/n) faces a heartbreaking reality.
Word Count: 3.4k
Warnings: slightly graphic mistreatment of women (eindhoven scene)
SEPTEMBER 13, 1944: ALDBOURNE, ENGLAND
The pub was alive, bustling with half-drunken paratroopers when (y/n) arrived with Skip, Alex, and Don. They were missing their fifth member who they spotted across the bar playing darts with Buck.
“How much money do ya’ think he’s lost?” Skip asked, snickering as they made their way through the crowd to an empty table.
(Y/n) grimaced. “As long as he’s not asking me for a loan again, I don’t care. He still owes me $20.”
“Ehh, you’re probably not gonna get that back, (y/n/n), Penkala laughed, throwing an arm over her shoulder. “You should know George well enough by now.”
“Well, the first twenty bucks he gets is mine tonight, boys.”
Finding a booth in the corner, Don, Skip, and (y/n) plopped down while Alex went to get them drinks. They looked around the room and observed some of Bull’s new squad replacements sitting nearby.
“They don’t look older than twelve,” Skip scoffed, shaking his head.
Don smacked the side of his head, rolling his eyes. “Skip, you don’t look much older than twelve, alright, so ease up.”
“You’re telling me you don’t even feel a litt-”
“No,” (y/n) interrupted. “I don’t. They’re here the same reason we are.”
Before Skip could argue back, Alex returned with their drinks, and the first thing (y/n) did was gulp hers. To her dismay, Alex had started to ramble about the replacements to Skip, and the pair picked up right where she’d cut him off. With a sigh, she got up and walked over to George, Buck, Toye, and a replacement, who were crowded around the dartboard. They all watched Buck as he lined up a shot.
“Here we go. One shot. Here we go,” he muttered to himself.
When she slid into the space beside George, he smirked with a wink, nodding toward Buck, as if to say, ‘Look at this.’
“Lieutenant,” he began. “You gonna shoot lefty all night?”
Toye and the red-headed replacement’s faces fell, and (y/n) took a sip of her drink to hide her smirk.
Joe looked between George and Buck in disbelief. “Hey, come on,” He groaned.
“Just curious,” George continued, “‘Cause he’s right-handed.”
A sly smile grew on Buck’s face as he switched sides and lined up his shot. “George. What would I do without George Luz?”
The group watched as the dart left Buck’s hand and hit the bullseye dead on.
“Boop!”
Collective groans came from Joe and the replacement at George’s antics as he turned to the men. “Goodness, gracious!”
“Two packs, gentlemen,” Compton announced, holding out his hand.
“I know you’ve got them. Pay up.”
Joe looked at (y/n) who was still smirking into her drink. “You gonna let them screw us like that, (y/n)?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I didn’t see anything, Joe.”
Rolling his eyes, Toye grumbled as he placed a pack of cigarettes in Buck’s outstretched hand before walking off. The replacement approached (y/n) with a nervous smile, and she had to agree with Skip that he did look twelve, even if he towered over her.
“Heffron,” he introduced, holding out his hand. “Babe Heffron. Nice to meet you. The guys have told me nothing but great things.”
She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Babe. You’re in Bull’s squad, right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Raising her eyebrows, (y/n) snorted. “Ma’am makes me sound like an old woman. Call me (y/n).”
“Yes, ma’a-, I mean, (y/n),” he corrected, his face turning crimson.
Seeing the flash of a familiar silver flask near the door, (y/n) nodded at Babe. “It was nice meeting you, Heffron. You’re in good hands with Bull.”
She found him sitting at a table with Harry Welsh, who looked more tipsy than usual. “(Y/n). Speak of the devil. We wer-”
Nix’s eyes widened, and he kicked Harry discreetly under the table. “You meet the new replacements?” He asked as if Welsh hadn’t spoken.
Raising an eyebrow, she sat in the empty seat beside Lew. “What was that, Lieutenant?”
“Uhh, we were gonna ask you about the replacements,” he replied slowly, glancing at Nix for confirmation.
Though she didn’t understand Harry’s odd behavior, she didn’t push it. “They seem nice. I’ve just met Heffron after George and Buck conned him playing darts.”
Lew took a swig of his flask, throwing an arm on the back of (y/n)’s chair, his fingertips lightly brushing her shoulder. “Bull will take care of them,” he began. “He’s a good sergeant.”
(Y/n) nodded, unsure of her voice at his subtle touch. One touch and she was down for the count. Thinking back to D-Day and the way he held her, heat spread through her. She looked down at the drink in her hand and realized she needed a refill.
“I’ll be right back. I’m gonna get another drink,” she announced, getting up from her seat.
Lew got up, too, grabbing his signature flask. “I’ll come with. Harry, don’t cause too much trouble while we’re gone, alright?”
He rolled his eyes, shooing them away with a wave of his hand. “Yeah, yeah. Go on. I’ll survive.”
The duo made their way for the crowd before leaning against the bar.
“I thought you only drink VAT-69,” she questioned, motioning to the barkeep for two beers.
Nix faced her, his eyes scanning her face. “My supply is running low, so I’ve gotta cut back until I can get some more.”
The bartender returned with two beers and she gratefully took them, returning to their table with Nix in tow. As soon as they sat down, he placed his arm around her chair once again, and she took a big sip of her drink, knowing she would need it to make it through the night.
“So, how’s the officer’s life treating you two?” She asked, trying to hide the blush that crept up her neck.
Harry took a deep breath. “Well…”
An hour and a few drinks later, (y/n) was throwing her head back in laughter at something Harry said. Nix just chuckled beside her, knowing she was drunk due to the fact Harry’s comment wasn’t funny at all.
Her head felt as if was stuffed with cotton, and the world was tilted slightly off its axis, but regardless, she was chatting away with the two Lieutenants.
“Ya’know,” she giggled, waving her hands around emphatically. “Kitty’s a lucky gal ‘ta have ya, Har. Outta all-”
Her hand caught a glass and sent it flying, beer spilling across the table.
“Oh no.”
Lew stood up and gently grasped her elbow, helping her to her feet. “Come on, doll. You’ve had enough.”
“Lewis,” she whined. “I’m not drunk.”
His chuckled. “Really?”
“Uh, ‘yeh.”
“Okay,” he smirked, pointing behind her. “Try to walk to Luz.”
(Y/n) nodded and wobbly took one, two, three steps before tilting to her right, arms flailing. Luckily, Lew was ready and caught her by her waist effortlessly.
“I guess I am drunk,” she murmured into his shoulder.
Her attempt gained the attention of her squadmates who still sat at the same table from hours earlier. Don and George walked over, faces painted with concern.
“She alright?” Luz asked with a grimace.
“Yeah. She’s just a lightweight,” Nixon smirked, glancing down at the woman in his arms. “I’m gonna take her home.”
Lifting her head off his shoulder, she looked up at him. “Already there,” she whispered to herself.
To her dismay, Don had heard it, and the man’s eyes became saucers as he realized what she meant. Everything clicked in his head.
“Yeah,” he smiled. “I’ll get someone to check on her in the morning.”
With a curt nod, Nix led her out of the pub and was hit with a wave of sharp, chilly air that had her huddling closer to him. He had a secure hand around her waist, keeping her upright as they walked down the cobblestone streets of Aldbourne.
“You alright down there?” He asked, squeezing her hip gently.
(Y/n) basked in his warmth. “I like it when you hold me.”
The man got choked up on his saliva and coughed a few times at her confession.
“Well,” he began slowly, staring down at her, the moonlight illuminating her face. “I like to hold you.”
“Why?”
A smile formed on his lips. “You can ask me when you’re sober, but I doubt you’ll remember any of this, sweetheart.”
She nodded once against his shoulder as they turned onto her street. Aldbourne was a quiet town, especially on a Sunday night. It was easy for one to find themselves getting lost in their thoughts. The soft glow from windows reflecting off the pavement felt like home, even if they were thousands of miles away from theirs.
In different circumstances, Lew could envision him and (y/n) on their way home from a night dancing or movie picture, giggling as young couples do, oblivious to the horrors of the world. But that wasn’t reality. They’d seen the horrors firsthand, and he envied the people who lived and loved in times of peace.
A soft voice broke him from his thoughts. “Thanks.”
Looking up and realizing they’d arrived at her billet, he reluctantly let go of her. He felt the loss of her warmth and reached out to take her hand. “Drink some water, alright? I can’t have you being grumpy tomorrow because you’re hungover.”
She smiled blearily, squeezing his hand. “Thanks for ev’rythin, Lew.”
In a moment of weakness, he sighed and tugged her closer. As Lew’s strong arms wrapped gently around (y/n)’s frame, he felt her heart beating through her chest, as if it were trying to send him a message. The scent of her hair, a delicate mix of her shampoo, and the evening breeze intoxicated his senses. All he could think about was the woman in his arms. Standing there in the warm embrace of a quiet, moonlit night, it was as if the war wasn’t raging around the world. But just as quickly as it had begun, the hug came to an end. They pulled away, eyes meeting for a fleeting moment as if searching for answers in each other’s gaze.
“G’nigh,” she giggled, walking towards her door with unsteady steps.
“Night, sweetheart,”
Once the door had closed and he heard the familiar click of the lock, he backed up onto the street shaking his head with a bashful smile.
“I’m in trouble,” he chuckled, making his way back to the bar.
September 14, 1944: ALDBOURNE, ENGLAND
(Y/n) awoke with a groan, hearing dull raps from the front door beneath her. Each knock was like a drum banging inside her skull as she made her way down the stairs. The family she was staying with was on a weekend vacation, and she was thankful their children wouldn’t see her so hungover.
(Y/n) opened the door, squinting at the bright sunlight. “Can I help you?”
“Yeah,” a kind voice replied. Lip.
Her eyes widened. “Sorry, Car, I didn’t realize it was you.”
“It’s alright,” he began softly. “You weren’t at the pub last night, so I wanted to let you know we’re moving out again.”
Already?.
“Okay. Thanks, Lip,” (y/n) nodded, eyes sinking to the floor as she closed the door.
Great.
September 17, 1944: Operation Market Garden
As Easy Company sat in ditches along the road to Eindhoven, an eerie silence hung in the air. Sure, Allied intelligence suspected the Krauts in the country were mostly old men and kids, but the paratroopers were on their toes, ready for whatever would come next.
(Y/n) was sandwiched between George and Skip, who were grumbling back and forth about a failed darts game the night before.
“Will you two shut up, please?” She laughed softly. “I can’t even hear myself think.”
George smirked, adjusting his helmet. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
A squadron of Allied aircraft roared overhead, and soon after, they approached the town. A window opened, and (y/n) motioned for everyone to get down as she crouched beside a fence. The person pulled out a long orange banner and tied it around the window.
“Okay, hold your fire,” Bull appeared behind them, cigar hanging from his lips.
Staring at the town above her M-1 sight, a deep pang of worry shot through her stomach. Something didn’t feel right.
The paratroopers couldn’t believe their eyes as the people of Eindhoven celebrated their liberation from the German occupation. Bright orange flags flew from every window, and (y/n) found herself smiling at the pure joy that oozed from the town.
(Y/n) and George had gotten separated from the rest of their squad in the crowd as they dodged kisses from the locals. Well, (y/n) dodged their kisses. After a few girls tried to land a smooch on her lips, she removed her helmet, showing she was a woman. Soon the town's men caught on and were trying to do the same.
She tried to push through the crowd as quickly as possible staving off any attempts from them. Looking behind her, she groaned at the empty spot where George had been. “George,” she called, cupping her hands around her mouth. “Luz! Come on!”
A few seconds later, he appeared to her right, fresh red lipstick smeared across his lips that were quirked into a wide grin.
“Gosh, (y/n). Can’t a guy have some fun?” He joked, wiping his mouth with his hand.
Turning around, she rolled her eyes and made her way through an opening in the crowd only to be pulled to the side by her arm. “Hey!”
A familiar Philly accent filled her ears. “Come get in this picture, (y/n)!”
Babe pulled her through the crowd, and George followed, kissing as many girls as he could along the way.
“There they are!” Chuck yelled, throwing his arm around a blonde.
George and Babe stood behind a few kids wearing orange hats and waving flags, all smiling from ear to ear. A wide smile grew on (y/n)’s face as she knelt beside the kids, placing her helmet on the little girl's head beside her. The helmet tipped down, covering the girl’s face except for her crooked, snaggle-toothed smile. (Y/n) quickly fixed it for her, and to her surprise, the little girl threw herself in the woman’s arms. Fighting off tears, she sniffled and hugged the girl back before pointing to the camera.
“Smile, everybody!” (Y/n) announced.
The picture was taken with a click, and (y/n)’s eyes wandered to the left of the cameraman.
She froze, her face falling. Time slowed as she watched the scene unfold before her. A local woman with long, flowing chestnut hair and a confident stride approached Lew. (Y/n) squinted to get a better look, her heart pounding. She watched in disbelief as the stranger reached up and placed a hand on Lew’s cheek, drawing him closer. The world around (y/n) seemed to blur as the stranger’s lips met Lew’s, and they kissed, and he didn't pull away.
Time seemed to stand still for (y/n). She couldn’t comprehend what she was witnessing. Her mind raced with questions.
Why was Lew kissing her?
Her hands clenched into fists, and tears welled up in her eyes. (Y/n) felt like a statue, unable to move or speak as the painful scene played out before her. She knew she had no right to be jealous, but not so deep down, she wished it were her instead. Her heart ached, and her stomach churned with anger, jealousy, and sadness.
George tapped her shoulder, his brows furrowed. “(Y/l/n)? You alright?”
Following her line of sight, he found what she was fixated on and softly sighed.
“He’s an idiot, (y/n/n). Come on,” he murmured, hoisting her up by her arm.
She stood and blinked away angry tears that filled her vision. She knew she had no right to be jealous, but not so deep down, she wished it were her.
A small voice below her broke her train of thought. “Dank,” the little girl nodded, holding out (y/n)’s helmet. She forced a smile and took it from the girl.
George tugged her arm softly, pulling her in the opposite direction of Nix. She blindly followed in a haze, her mind muddied with hurtful thoughts. Townsfolk grabbed at her jacket as she and George made their way to the main town square where 2nd platoon was meeting.
She was snapped out of her mind by the sound of screams. Her head moved on a swivel trying to find the sound’s source. Spotting a circle of citizens up ahead, she pushed past George quickly, squeezing her way through a few men to see inside the circle.
Before her, half-naked women were on their knees, crying as their hair was roughly shaved, leaving them with blood streaking down their necks and faces. Two Dutch resistance fighters bumped past (y/n) with another petrified woman in their arms. They threw her down and began to rip the clothes off her body. (Y/n)’s eyes narrowed as a burning sensation filled her chest.
“Hey!” She cried, shoving one of them away from the woman. “That’s enough!”
The man recovered swiftly, but (y/n) didn’t give up. Unable to bend her to his will, he resorted to dirty tactics, shoving her forcefully and causing her to stumble and fall to the hard cobblestone street with a thud.
“Stomme meid,” he spat.
Stupid girl.
Her unclasped helmet skidded a few feet away as her head came in contact with the road. The impact knocked the wind out of her, leaving her momentarily gasping for breath.
For a few seconds, everyone’s eyes were on the (y/n), then all hell let loose. Easy’s men were trying to get to her with enraged shouts but were unable to get through the crowd. With great effort, (y/n) pushed herself up off the ground, her face flushed but her spirit unbroken. She looked the man squarely in the eyes, refusing to show fear despite the pain in her chest.
The man leered down at her with a smirk as he switched to heavily accentuated English. “Maybe we should teach you a less-”
(Y/n) lost all self-control as her arm reeled back ready to swing, but someone grabbed it tightly and tried to pull her away from the man. Seeing a flash of dark hair, she knew it was him, and her fury only grew. (Y/n) resisted, her heart pounding with adrenaline.
“No, Nix!” She protested, her voice filling with fiery determination. She wriggled free from his grasp for a moment, her eyes still locked onto the resistance fighters. “Let go of me! They can’t do this! We can’t let them do this!”
He stepped in front of (y/n), blocking her view of the confrontation, and looked deeply into her eyes. “(Y/n), I know, all right? I wish we could, but we can’t do anything about it.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, she tried to push past him only to hear a tone he had never used with her before.
“Stop! That’s an order, (y/l/n),” he gritted, his heart squeezing in his chest at the words.
(Y/n) stared at the Officer in disbelief.
How dare he not help these poor women?
Tears filled her eyes for the second time that day as she took one more look at the poor woman on the ground. “I’m sorry,” she whispered before shoving her way back through the crowd.
Lew’s eyes followed her until she disappeared into the mob. Sighing, he ran a hand down his face.
What a difference a few days can bring.
One of the men behind him spoke. “She’s a lively one, no?”
“Shut it,” Nix snapped, scooping (y/n)’s discarded helmet off the street.
When he found Dick, Harry, and Buck, he handed the helmet to her platoon leader. “It’s (y/n)’s.”
Buck took it with a nod as the four officers watched the British Armored Division come rumbling down the street.
It was going to be a long operation.
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