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cassieuncaged · 1 year

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Grave Bound - Chapter 4

Chapter 3

Summary: '73 - the blind date has an unexpected outcome. '69 - Elias confronts Bob.

TW: allusions to sexual assault, violence, fist fights, blood, brief intense imagery, language, etc.

WC: 2.9K

1973

A comb ran through coppery tresses once more as she examined herself in the mirror; the reflection shone a ruddy face painted with freckles and makeup. Hair bobbed above her shoulders, a cloud of ginger against a mossy green dress.

Perfect.

“How do I look, Maddy?” the tangerine tabby meowed from the doorway. “Good, I hoped as much.”

Flipping the light off, she knelt beside her lone companion, scratching at the cat’s ears. She’d wanted to put today’s plans off, having only gotten three hours of sleep the night before. But she'd already done that three times prior; Sharon would be livid and the poor fella would feel absolutely dejected. A pang of guilt gnawed at her; no matter what man Sharon and Jimmy had handpicked, Maggie’s thoughts would always flee back to that of the long-gone soldier. If Elias had survived those brutal injuries, he likely moved on and hadn’t given his abandoned wild child a second thought. The nightmares that plagued a tired mind were haunting though the pleasant ones were worse: his smiling face while war hewn hands clutched hers. She didn’t like moving on, but it had to be done. For a sound state of mind. Even if her sister had practically bullied her into it.

“Oh come on.” Sharon griped, smoking a cigarette. “You barely leave the house.”

“That’s not true,” Maggie sat perched on the edge of the couch, bouncing her youngest niece on a denim clad knee. “I’m here all the time.”

“Babysitting doesn’t count, Margaret.” Sharon chided. “The guy’s nice enough; he works with Jimmy at the shop. Artistic too. Painted those sunflowers hanging above the recliner.”

Blue eyes had fallen on the mosaic brushstrokes of goldenrod and sage thoughtfully. The stranger was talented, in touch with nature with an eye for color. Maybe there’d be something to discuss after all.

“Tender hearted, that one.” Her brother-in-law called from the living room carpet, helping his oldest daughter piece together a puzzle. “Quiet guy. Invited him over for dinner but Kenny’s kind of a lone wolf.”

“Jimmy.” Sharon warned, winning an amused smirk.

“Relax. It’s his middle name, prefers we call him that at work.”

“She doesn’t know that.”

“I don’t know why you’ve gotta be so damn secretive.”

“It’s a blind date!” The woman rolled her eyes, stubbing a cigarette in a glass ashtray. Maggie kept her eyes on the cooing infant, eyes widening with every bounce. To be young and innocent again. Though she often felt like she was treated like a child herself. Being discharged due to an injury only made Sharon more protective of her baby sister, oft being softer and gentler around the redhead than she had been before. She just wanted a peaceful life.

“Does he know I’m ‘damaged goods’?” She shot back playfully.

“Margaret, please. No one thinks that. I…I don’t want you to be lonely.”

Playful chatter came from where Jimmy and Maura sat, mingling with the upbeat Mary Tyler Moore Show theme. She couldn't help but imagine a heartwarming painting for herself. Sharon relieved Maggie of baby Abigail when she began to fidget.

“I’m not as lonely as one might think. There’re a couple girls from work I go out to breakfast with. I’ve been on a couple dates here and there.” Fighting a blush, Maggie continued. “It’s hard but I make it through.”

“Kenny was in Nam, too.” Jimmy piped up, “Not saying that means there’ll be wedding bells. But the guy understands, Mags. He wasn’t too keen on the idea at first either. I even listened to Sharon, didn’t tell him your name or anything.”

“What did you tell him, Jim?” Maggie shot back playfully.

“That you’re sweet and pretty with a good sense of humor.”

"It'll be good for you," Sharon added, eyeing her sister nervously. "Just give it a shot."

Sighing, the conversation had run through her brain like a cheesy sitcom. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to meet the mysterious ‘Kenny’; everything Jimmy was allowed to reveal sounded decent enough. Reserved and well-read, sensitive with a creative, even boasting a realistic side. Where there was an undying loyalty to Elias settled in a heavy heart, her brain was darkened by the distrust that Bob had thrust upon her. No matter how hard she tried, the woman would never be able to forget how he painfully pushed her against the hard earth, knife held against the column of alabaster skin…

Shivering, Maggie tried to suppress the thought before slipping her shoes on and heading out the door. Barnes wouldn’t steal everything from her; she wouldn’t let him.

……

It was cold outside, enough to make his lungs ache with every breath and muscles constrict at every step. Cane tapping against the asphalt, Elias tried not to think about the pain. Instead, he’d focused on the woman supposedly waiting for him at the restaurant a few blocks away. What had initially seemed like the best way to get his boss off his back began to feel like a mistake. The veteran wasn’t looking forward to the set up. Besides, it wasn’t like he needed help. Sex wasn’t as difficult to indulge in though long-term companionship seemed elusive in comparison. His gut churned the more he thought about it, not knowing the woman’s name made it all the more worrisome. Did she even exist or was this some elaborate prank at his expense?

“Get ahold of yourself.” he mumbled under his breath. Jimmy was a standup guy and seemed less enthused, only doing so to please his wife. It would probably be fine, having dinner with someone interesting instead of watching The Rockford Files alone with the dog.Though it was tempting to go back home to Major, to forget the whole thing. Christ, the gal had cancelled several times already; what if she stiffed him all together?

Running a hand through a shaggy mop of hair, he wondered if he should’ve gotten a trim. But it was the seventies; The Beatles grew out their hair, why couldn’t he? Paired with a black sweater and blue jeans, Elias thought he looked presentable enough. A pair of khakis or slacks seemed too dressy, especially being enveloped under his military coat.

Hopefully his mystery girl didn't have high standards.

……

Fidgeting in a corner booth, Maggie sipped at a glass of water. They agreed on six o’clock but she’d arrived nearly a half hour early. Only so much could quell her nerves from the now unavoidable. Every time the front door whooshed open, she jumped in her seat.

So far it had only been some older couples, soaking in the warmth before scurrying to an empty table. Maybe he wouldn’t show after so many cancellations. She couldn’t blame him for feeling hurt.

It was rather impolite of her.

The door opening drew Maggie back to reality and away from fretting. Nothing could have prepared her for the man waltzing into the restaurant. Even with longer hair and a paler complexion, it was still the Elias thought to be long gone. No one could forget the face of the person that had held them tenderly, like a precious jewel.

Brow furrowing the soldier hung his jacket on a hook with a blasé casualness, leaning on his cane before rounding on a good heel to scan the dining room. Familiar clear eyes landed on the only person fitting his date’s description, ballooning to the size of planets. There was a doggish cock of the head as he tentatively approached her.

“If it isn’t the prettiest girl to ever bandage me up.” Elias grinned boyishly, leaning against the booth. He scanned her face, trying to remember every line and freckle of soft skin. “Holy shit, this feels like a dream.”

“That’s funny, I was waiting for a ‘Kenny’ not an ‘Elias’.” She winked, earning an exaggerated eye roll before he was sliding into the bench across from her.

“I go by my middle name at the shop sometimes. God, I can’t get over this.”

“Me neither. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” A small hand tentatively reached across the table only to be plucked by a larger one. His skin was warm, rougher than before. It felt like home, to be touched by him, as he continued poring over her.

Elias breathed shallowly, the surprise having more of an effect on his ailing body than expected. Eyes traced her face, from the bend in her nose to cornflower blue eyes down to tendrils of ginger ringlets.

“Me neither. Let’s order before I start weeping. We can always share spaghetti, pull a Lady and the Tramp.” Maggie giggled, turning away from baby blues. “Missed turning those cheeks pink.”

“We have a lot to catch up on.” Murmuring, the woman took a sip of water, attempting to dissolve the lump in her throat. Especially as Elias sat staring from the opposite booth, moony eyed with a wry smirk.

“Glad you didn’t get cold feet this time.”

“Sorry about that,” shoulders sank, heart heavy with the thought of leaving him confused and hurt, “I’ve been so nervous and have barely been able to sleep.”

“Don’t I know it,” Elias cleared his throat, trying not to think of how much time he’d spent rolling in bed because of this date. Suddenly his nerves were no longer on edge, “Now we don’t have a thing to worry about.”

“I guess my sister had a good idea after all,” bow lips stretched into a sweet grin as the man felt his heart flutter against cracked ribs. He’d found his Maggie May.

……

The evening air was crisp, autumn leaves dancing in circles around parked cars. Elias led Maggie down the sidewalk, hand in hand as they traipsed through Brooklyn. Making up for lost time, they talked about everything and nothing at all. It was as familiar as it was brand new.

“Hard to make out any constellations.” Elias sighed, neck craning up. Flexing his fingers around smaller ones, Maggie struggled to make out any specific stars through the light pollution and smog. Instead, her eyes were drawn to the curve of his neck, sharpened by the soft glow of streetlights. “Nothing was quite as pretty as the sky out there. What do you think, Mags?”

Silence settled as a smaller hand stiffened in his own. Elias turned after a moment, meeting glistening eyes. One stray tear slipped down wind-burned cheeks. The soldier was quick to wipe it away, thumb shaking as he gently backed them under a shop awning. Storefront dressed for Halloween, they were bathed in a spotlight of bright orange.

“What’s wrong? You’ve got me nervous, Wild Child.” Cupping one cheek, Maggie nuzzled into the warmth that was Elias Grodin. Paler and scruffier, yet still as bright as the sun itself.

“Nothing, nothing.” Swallowing hard, her hand covered his, “I thought I lost you forever. And finding you, here. Elias…”

There was nothing else to say, before she buried herself against his chest. Arms locking around a lean neck, a damp cheek was buried in a canvas jacket. His hands instinctually fell against the curve of a slim back as a sharp nose was buried in a mass waves. Strawberries and sandalwood tickled flared nostrils as he inhaled the essence of all that was Maggie. Quivering in his arms, their grip tightened as a few passersby hardly paid the couple any attention.

All Elias knew was that he wished that moment would’ve lasted forever.

1969

Bob was going to pay. He’d rip his throat out with bare hands, beat him to a pulp if he had to. The privates in the Bravo Squad were hot on their sergeant’s heels. King, Harold, and Crawford tried to reason with him while Taylor and Lerner nervously followed.

“Barnes!” Elias roared, storming to the barracks. A hush fell over the camp at the interruption. Harris and Caldwell were out of sight as Wolfe started running to meet his subordinate. Threading a hand through sweat laden hair, Elias knew this was the wrong decision. But when Maggie had admitted what the man had done to her, blood boiled beneath his skin. Anger had been swallowed while the nurse sobbed into his chest, mounting until he couldn’t fight the urge to bring Bob to justice. The burly sergeant ambled out of the ramshackle tent.

“Bee in your fucking bonnet, Elias?” Barnes sucked lazily on his cigarette, agitating his equal. The smaller of the two rolled his fingers into hard fists.

“We’ve got a few things to sort out.” Gravelly voice dropping an octave, blue eyes flashed with fury. “Just you and me.”

“Don’t tell me this is about Wilson?” He scoffed indignantly, cigarette dropping to the sod. A heavy boot ground the cigarette into the earth. “You shouldn’t believe the shit those girls tell you, y’know? They say anything to get themselves a quick fuck.”

“You sick son of a bitch!” voice booming, Elias charged Barnes before knocking him into the mud. Fists collided with a hard jaw, over and over. A crowd formed, remnants of all four squads hurling insults at the other while Wolfe sheepishly tried to intervene.

“How dare you lay a finger on her! She's a human. Maggie isn’t yours!” Elias growled, trying to land another blow as Harold and Rhah struggled to get a grip on slim shoulders and biceps. Barnes’ stole a hit, splitting full lips.

“She’s not yours either!” The incapacitated man spat, wrapping his palms around a slender neck. Neither was ready to stop, wanting to wound badly. Fatally.

Suddenly, Captain Harris was emerging from the infirmary tent. The older man jogged over to his brawling insubordinates as a Caldwell and a few nurses lingered outside.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” pushing his way through the throng of onlookers, Harris roughly pulled the squirrelly sergeant off of Barnes. Bob was left on the ground, bare torso caked with mud as a shiner bloomed beneath one eye. Blood congealed under his nose and in the corners of his mouth. “What the hell is the meaning of this?”

O’Neill and Junior pulled Barnes up to wobbling feet. Elias eyed the man with furiously, blood dripping from a cut above one brow and swollen bottom lip. Clear eyes darted to the nurses in the distance, seeing a plume of red shake before darting away. One word and he could get a court martial ordered on Bob.

“Misunderstanding, captain,” At this, Harris loosened his grip on Elias as the younger man wriggled free.

“Yeah. Misunderstanding,” The larger of the two men gingerly pressed his hand at a busted nose before wiping at the blood pooling at his mouth. Harris looked between the two suspiciously before marching away and muttering something under his breath.

“Mariano, Wilson: get the sergeants to the infirmary.” Caldwell called as the Harris disappeared into a tent.

……

Her stomach twisted as she dabbed at an angular face with a lukewarm rag. Blood had dripped through a thick eyebrow and dried on one eyelid. He looked horrific, what she often feared would happen to him out in the jungles. Instead, the sergeant had initiated this battle himself.

“I never should’ve told you.” Gauze was pressed to the laceration, tape being firmly applied against tan skin. She dabbed gently at the broken lip. “Can’t do much for this. Just be careful when you have your rations.”

“Thanks.” He was grateful the sweaty headband had restrained thick hair; blood was a bitch to clean. “Sorry I let my temper get the best of me. I just couldn’t get it out of my mind. He had a fight coming anyways.”

“Wasn’t your fight to begin with.” Dark blue eyes grew glassy as the nurse attempted not to cry. His heart was in the right place but she just wanted to forget more than anything. This stung even more. “Could’ve gotten yourself killed.”

“Could get killed at any time,” Chuckling darkly, he watched as Maggie grimaced before padding away from the cot to clean the blood-stained basin. An uncomfortable silence settled as water sloshed in a makeshift sink. “What Barnes-”

“Enough!” Spinning on the heel of one boot, small hands rolled into fists. Nails bit into tender skin. “I know what he did, Elias. You think I wanted that? The man has had it out for me since I set foot on base back at Củ Chi.

The nurse wanted to forget it all, yet no one would allow that. Every tear had since been shed, leaving an empty vessel in its wake. All Maggie could do now was crumple to the ground, shaking desperately. Approaching carefully, the most Elias could do was drop to her side. Reaching out, a large hand fell upon a shuddering back. Rubbing soft circles against her steadied shaky breathing.

After a moment, she carefully rose to her knees. A small hand reached out, a soft thumb slid across the gash on his lower lip.

“Sorry, about everything.” Eyes dropping, Elias lifted her chin.

“Don’t be sorry about a thing. If I could, I’d make him pay for it. Nothing makes me sicker than how he and his squad treat women, like you’re not people.”

“Let me dress your wounds. Please.” She didn’t want to talk about Bob anymore; she wanted every bit of time that was allotted with Elias.

That was precious.

#fanfiction #otp fanfiction #otp: dog tags and flower crowns #maggie x elias #platoon 1986 #q

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