Warning: Spoilers for episode 25 implied.

A Little Bit Harder
by Maaya

The spring sun is warming for the first time this year. A pleasant sensation like always, the feeling of mild air against her face. Hawkeye shrugs out of her coat and has to shield her eyes with a hand because the backside of her half-closed eyelids are glowing red and hurting. Still, both the comforts and discomforts the sun brings are welcomed. She has been without them for too long.

It is fortunate how the first real day of spring also happens to be one of Hawkeye's rare days off.

It's still too early for the grass to start growing; the world is made of light greys and browns. It looks boring, but somewhat less so with the sun.

She allows herself to walk slowly on her way to the grocery store. The store is her main objective but there is no time limit.

A vaguely familiar figure is sitting on a bench a few metres ahead; Hawkeye slows further to greet Gracia and Alicia Hughes. Apparently, they have also seized the opportunity to enjoy the weather, sitting side by side with ice-creams in their hands. Alicia is making a minor mess with hers, it is dripping down her elbow and Gracia is attempting to clean up with a paper tissue. The stereotyped image of a mother fretting over her child. Had Hughes been there, he would definitely have captured this moment forever, using only his index-finger and a camera.

It's nice to find that Hawkeye can smile at the memories.

Gracia chooses that exact moment to look up. She notices Hawkeye and takes in the smile, returns it with surprising warmth.

They greet each other and talk for a while, mostly about the weather, the early spring, the new uproar at the Drachma border--they don't know each other very well and stays on the acquaintance level throughout the conversation. Gracia is easy to talk to, Hawkeye stays a bit longer than she had planned.

Finally, Hawkeye pulls herself together and bids them goodbye.

Gracia stands up, looks her in the eyes and thanks her. For smiling.

Walking away, Hawkeye wonders if the colonel can smile when he meets Gracia as well. Realizing that the answer is most probably negative is depressing.

She wishes she knew how to talk to him about it.

end