#protective don

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Although it would’ve been lovely to lie in bed all day, Don had to be up early that morning for training and then we all had to meet for the lottery to be drawn.

The men had not stopped talking about their points. If the soldiers earned enough points, they were able to cash them in and leave for home. However they needed at least 85 points to be granted leave. Unfortunately for Easy most of them did not have enough for this incentive.  

So, the Army had offered that one man could be randomly drawn from the lottery, and if his name was pulled he was able to go home. The men were most excited. 

I stretched my tired limbs as the sun streamed through the curtains. I needed to get up and seize the day but the thought of staying in bed for a little while longer was so enticing. I snuggled back down into my soft duvet smiling to myself about the memories of last night. 

Never had I been so vulnerable and so loved in my life. I didn’t feel like it was real. I was nobody important but Don made me feel like the luckiest person in the world. I wondered what my mother would think of him, if she got to meet him. Would she like him? I’m sure she would, she loved anyone who made me happy and he made me the happiest girl in the universe. 

I soon heaved myself out of bed, feeling guilty lying around all day doing nothing. Wandering down to the main building to see if there were any jobs for me to do, I stumbled across Speirs. He brushed past me, busy with the paperwork he read over as he walked, he missed me altogether. I turned, my eyes following the man as my steps faltered. Unsure if I should carry on with my day or chase after him. I stepped from one foot to the other trying to make a split decision, but the longer I took the further away the man strode.   

“Captain Speirs.” I called after a lengthy debate, I scurried after the tall raven haired man. Too engrossed in his own world he didn’t hear my yells for him. 

“Speirs!” I tried again as I gained on the Captain. 

“Ron!” My fingers latched onto the sleeve on his jacket pulling him to a stop. He cast a glance over his shoulder, glaring down at me. 

“What do you want, Lane?” His pointed tone cut through me. Tightness wrapped around my throat as I fought the emotions that tried to pull to the surface. 

“Can I talk to you?” I asked, thankfully the shake in my voice was subtle enough not for him to notice. I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure, so that I could have a proper conversation with Speirs. 

“I’m busy, Lane, talk to someone else.” Speirs turned away, but my grasp didn’t falter, I still clung on dearly to his sleeve. 

“I would like to apologise.” I breathed, my hopes were high that he would listen to me. 

“What for? You have nothing to apologise to me about.” 

His words stung. I bit my lip, my pesky emotions still fighting for air time. 

“Like you said, we are not family, I have no loyalties to you, nor you me.” Speirs’ words were curt and cold, like his expression as he frowned down his nose at me. 

“I lied, I wanted to hurt you, like I was hurting. I let my feelings, my anger get the better of me. I am so sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it. You are a very special person to me, Ron. You have looked after me when I had no one to turn to. You set aside your treasures just for me, so that I could have a chance at a decent life if I went back home. I have never thanked you for all that you have done. I took your kindness for granted. I took you for granted. Then I threw it all back in your face, when all you were trying to do was care for me, like you always have.” I panted, breathless from my long spiel. 

Speirs’ brows crinkled in the centre, as he took me in. “So, who am I to you?” He asked hesitantly. 

“You’re the older brother I wished I had, the father I never met. But most importantly you’re you. Unapologetically you. Kind, caring, stubborn, brave. You got me through things I don’t think I could’ve done by myself. But for circumstances I can’t explain, I’m not in a position where I can come home with you. As much as I would love to, there are just some things that are out of my hands.” 

A whirlwind of emotions stormed behind Ron’s dark eyes. He was always one I couldn’t read, his face always stoney, giving little away. But from the shimmer of light from his pupils, I felt as if I could read every thought in his head. But I wanted him to confirm my suspicions. 

“Well?” I asked impatiently as he looked at me unspeaking. 

“I forgive you, Em.” 

I didn’t think my nickname falling from his mouth would give me such relief, but it did. My heart beat faster again, a flush rose to my cheeks, as if that one sentence breathed life back into me again. I sighed in relief, letting my smile shine. 

“Oh, thank god.” I laughed, feeling more at ease. I tugged his sleeve closer, pulling him into my tight embrace. 

“I never want to fight with you again. That was horrible!” 

Speirs chuckled into the side of my neck as he hugged me back tighter. 

“So I’m assuming you and Don worked out your little tiff?” Speirs’ voice was muffled as he spoke into my hair. I nodded into his shoulder. 

“We always work it out. But you know I’m all about the drama.” I joked, feeling bad that one argument with Don sent me spiralling. 

“I know it’s not an excuse, but I’m getting used to being loved again.” I admitted quietly. 

Funny, I never knew that being without love for so long would have such an impact on my mental wellbeing. I got used to being alone, being the only person who would look out for me. 

“We have loved you for a long time Em, you just didn’t realise it.” Speirs stepped back from our hug, running his hand across my cheek gently. 

“I have to apologise to Nix and Winters’. I didn’t treat them very nicely either.” I chewed the inside of my mouth anxiously.      

Speirs’ hand found my shoulder giving me a squeeze of reassurance. “Just go and be honest and they will forgive you.” 

I smiled back at the tall man as he gazed warmly at me.     

So I did just that, I had found Nix and Winters sitting out on the patio of the office soaking in the sun like two cats. Even though I was rude to them previously they greeted me with warm smiles and open arms. I apologised to them, but they shook their heads only grinning. 

Nix had laughed, uttering, “marital issues.” Before we all burst into fits of giggles. 

I felt much more at ease now that I had finally righted all my wrongs. I rushed back to my room to get ready for the lottery, we needed to be dressed in our best attire. George had kindly given me his spare, his pants and top came up a little short but not by much. 

Unfortunately the tops weren’t really fitted for breasts, the buttons gaped around my chest. I tried my best to squish them down, but it was no use. 

“Em, you ready?” Don knocked at my door. 

“Coming!” I hopped to the door pulling on my boot, I swung it open to find a grinning Malarkey. 

“You forgot the hat!” 

I reached up, patting my bare head, groaning in annoyance. I was already running behind. 

Don strode into the room while I continued to try and put on my shoes. I sat on the edge of my bed tying up the laces as Don made a triumphant noise. 

“Look up.” Malarkey said tilting my chin up, he fixed the points and fitted the cap to my head. 

He stood back scrutinising his work before his face cracked into a smile, “Perfect.” 

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We stood in lines as Speirs spoke to the men. A man in each company would get the chance to go home. All of Easy was present for this announcement, you could feel the tension in the air. Harry drew from a helmet his fingers finding a small piece of paper with one lucky man’s name on it. Or so it would seem, I glanced over Tab’s shoulder as he carried the helmet back from the front. It was empty. No other pieces of paper remained in the container. I glanced around to see if anyone had seen what I saw. But everyone just held sly smiles on their lips.  

“For Easy company, the winner is.” Speirs announced as Harry handed him the unopened parchment. 

“Serial number, 1-3-0-6-6-2-6-6. Sergeant Darrell C. Powers.” 

My eyes flitted to Shifty, a look of shock and surprise graced his features. A cheer rose from the crowd. The brightest smile broke across his face as he looked around to his fellow comrades. Shifty was the most deserving of this award, never in my time with Easy had I ever heard him complain or bitch. He always had a kind word for everyone, a sweet smile and worked so hard. 

I couldn't help but share his excitement as tears pricked the corners of my eyes and emotion welled in my throat. The rest of Easy seemed to share my pride as they all smiled widely cheering him on. 

Shifty shook his head in disbelief as Grant whispered congratulations in his ear. 

“Sergeant Grant will see to it that 2nd platoon takes over at the Crossroads checkpoint, beginning at 2200 hours.” Speirs announced. 

Neither Grant nor Christenson looked very pleased. Today was the anniversary of D-Day. The men were looking forward to celebrating tonight, but the early start of the watch would cut into their celebrations. 

“General Taylor has also announced that the 101st Airborne Division will definitely be redeployed to the Pacific.” Speirs’ speech caught my attention again. I knew there was a possibility of us going to the Pacific and that’s why the men had been training, but the confirmation that it was definitely going to happen made my heart sink. 

I was hoping that it would be over soon, I couldn't remember the exact dates the wars had finished but I was sure it was near. 

Glancing around the rest of Easy seemed to hold the same sentiment, sober looks plagued the group. Don looked stoic, his face blank. I reached out curling my pinky finger around his, he glanced down at our entwined fingers, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. 

Don’s hand squeezed mine back as Ron continued with his announcement. At least we would have each other when we went. 

—------------------------------------------------

“You’re such a sore loser, Tab!” Luz teased his friend as Floyd slammed his cards down on the table. 

“I swear you’re cheating, Luz.” He scowled as the rest of the men around the table chuckled. They were all losing to Luz but Tab was losing the most. 

“Em how about you play a round?” Tab egged me on, the only person who sucked more at poker than him was me. 

“No, she’s not playing. Em’s still banned from last time.” Don shook his head adamantly, he was still salty about how many packs of smokes he had to cough up. I told him it was for the better and that smoking was terrible for his health, he didn’t believe me. 

“I'm helping Don, we’re a team.” I leant back against Don batting my eyelashes up at him. I had crawled into his lap during the last round and he refused to let me go. 

“Is that why Tab’s almost beating you?” Grant queried, he still had a couple hours before him and his platoon had to be out at the checkpoint. 

“I’m not losing, just playing safe.” Don muttered glaring down at his new hand that had been dealt by Bull while we were all talking. 

Easy men sat around the circular table looking like that one famous painting of the dogs playing poker. They all wore serious looks as they eyed each other and their hands. The room was dim as the fire roared in the corner making the space cosy. I snuggled down into Don’s side, his arms wrapped around me so he could hold his cards in front of us. 

“Mind your face.” Don whispered in my ear as I scrutinised the cards. I relaxed my features and glanced around at the men hoping no one saw. Luz grinned at me as he shoved some of his chips to the centre of the table. 

“Think I might have to be all in with that face you made Em. Are you sure you’re helping?” Luz puffed on his smoke as I stuck my tongue at him. 

“Why don’t you help us all and sit on Luz’s knee for a turn.” Perco joked as Luz shoved him in the arm. 

“Look at Don’s face.” Lieb laughed. I glanced behind me to find a glowering Malarkey, his hand left his cards and instinctively pulled me closer.   

“No one’s gonna steal her from you Malarkey, relax.” Babe patted Don’s shoulder but his grip never lessened. 

“You’re so cute.” I pinched his cheeks and peppered his face with light kisses, earring a groan from the whole room. 

“Stop it! I’m trying to focus!” Webster moaned. 

Popcorn and other snacks were hurled at us as we laughed.

My lids drooped from the heat of the fire, it was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. The men had been playing for hours, their chatter faded into the background like white noise. I shifted my position in Don’s lap, my head rested against his chest as my legs were draped over the side of his legs. 

Each time Don spoke his voice rumbled in his chest, his heartbeat and breathing remained even. With each breath it lulled me further to sleep. I wanted to leave ages ago but Don refused to come back to the room with me but he also didn’t want me to leave alone. 

“Alright fellas, I have to head.” Grant's voice peaked my interest over my sleep. I cracked open my eyes to see him scooting his chair back from the table and gathering his winnings. 

I shot up from my position startling Don, his cards falling to the floor. “Em!” 

“I’m going back to my room.” I yawned, stretching my arms over my head. “Grant will walk me.” I gestured over to the man who was now looking over at us at the mention of his name. 

“Says who?” Grant replied annoyed but his eyes held a glint of amusement. 

“I’ll see you later.” I kissed Don on the cheek leaping out of his lap. “Bye guys!” I waved to the rest of the men as I caught up to Grant who held the door open for me, the men all waved me off wishing me a goodnight. 

The chill of the night woke me up as we left the warm building. Grant walked beside me. 

“You don’t have to walk me to my room.” I bumped his shoulder. “Don wouldn’t let me go by myself, said there were scary men out here. I don’t see any scary men.” 

“I’ll walk you, Don would have my head on a stick if you got hurt under my care.” Grant’s arm swung around my shoulder squeezing me into his side. 

“You’ll be late for checkpoint duties.” I looked up at him. 

“How about you come to the checkpoint and then I’ll drop you home?” Grant suggested. 

“Sounds like a plan.” I grinned following Grant to the jeep that was parked down the way.

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