Genesis: the Beginning and the End | Band of Brothers

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ３９ － Ｃｈｉｌｄ】

Chapter 39 - Child

Margaret had concluded that, whilst heels were pretty, they were stupid.

And if she were to meet whoever designed them, she'd let them know it.

It was much easier to walk in her jump boots. She loved them. They were comfortable now, but sturdy, and dancing in them was fun. They made more noise too.

When they'd gone out, she had made the decision to not drink. The guys all looked at her like she was mad, but all she wanted was a good dance.

Talbert danced with her for a while, wanting to make up for their first dance. And my, he was a fine dancer, and he made it fun too. She couldn't stop smiling.

That was,

until,

someone called her, or possibly Tab, queer.

"What did you say to me? What the fuck did you say?! Say it again! I fucking dare you!"

None had seen her so, and she bristled as she waited for the replacement's response. He shrank back.

"And besides, nothin' queer about a fella dancing with a pretty gal, is there?"

Those that heard, and didn't know she was, in fact, one Margaret Watkins, were shocked to say the least.

It was funny.

No one said anything about it after that.

The evening wore on, and everyone drank a bit more – not Margaret – and she'd danced with a few, and played a few games of darts. Even won some too.

But then Luz was at her side, dragging her towards a very grumpy looking Bill Guarnere.

Almost instantly her mood changed.

Of all the vets, even all of the guys, he was one of the few that still hadn't warmed to her somewhat. He still nit-picked and bitched and moaned, despite their nice little dance just a week before. It bugged her.

Luz was definitely not sound of mind at that point.

"Humour him," she said, shrugging, "and maybe he'll go away."

"I am right here!"

"Yes you are George, and very much in the way if Gonorrhoea and I are to dance."

He pouted, but moved out the way.

It was like picking up from last week, as they danced the same, awkward, half waltz. The steps were mostly there, and the arms were much more relaxed. It was still nice, even if there was a stiffness about the pair of them for a while.

But soon, Bill found her smiling with her eyes closed, letting herself just feel. And he couldn't not smile at that. She looked so soft in that moment. Like that was where she was meant to be, and everything was right. Like there was nothing wrong, nothing to worry about, no need to think. Just to be there and feel.

She caught him. But he didn't notice at first, he was too busy trying to just feel as she. Oh how he scowled when he saw her smug smile, her eyes watching him watch her.

"Isn't this nice? Us, being civil, who'd have thought it. And all whilst I'm sober, and not tired!"

"It ain't possible to be civil with ya, you're...what would ya say? A cow?"

Margaret snorted and rolled her eyes.

"Oh yes, how could I forget? But are you sure it isn't the fact that you're a complete and utter child? Because I think it's that."

His scowl deepened, and she could only laugh. Pushing his buttons was funny, he was just so expressive. And he made it easy too.

But then he didn't respond for a while, and she began to get antsy, to the point where she missed or fumbled steps. And he began to smile, before full on actually laughing at her trip.

"Arsehole."

"Yeah, yeah. Not my fault ya make it easy. And besides, ya love me really, or why're ya here?"

She chuckled, before deliberately faltering and stomping on his foot. His wince and curse made her laugh even more.

"Darling, I am more likely to get struck by lightning than I am to fall for you, you wazzock."

He stopped then.

Completely and utterly baffled. And unsure whether or not he should be offended. And when he asked her what she said, she only laughed, and walked away. He was quite frustrated.