ARGH, WHY DID THIS IDEA HAVE TO POP BACK INTO MY HEAD?! as if I didn't have enough stories to keep up with already! but anywho, I've had this idea in my head for a LONG time, ever since I fell in love with Full Metal Jacket a few years back. I have no idea what it is about that movie, but I just love it. especially Joker and Animal Mother, those guys rock. Animal Mother used to actually annoy the fudge out of me, but now I think he's great! and so this story is finally being started, even though I know I really need to update some of my other fanfics. not to worry, I'll be updating a couple of them very shortly, this one included, if I get any reviews.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Full Metal Jacket or any of the characters. I only own my OC, Marcie

"Joker? hey, Joker!"

the blonde was pulled from his thoughts by the soldier beside him, nudging his shoulder. "hey man, we're here... I can see the landing strip"

Joker turned to look out the window. his heart was beating fast when he saw the large crowd of people that had gathered at the airport. families there, ready to recieve their brothers, sons, cousins, husbands, and lovers, home from war after almost two years. Joker wasn't sure who all would be there to see him home. his parents, he knew for sure, were there. and Marcie, of course. Marcie Donaldson, his best friend. they'd known each other since 5th grade, and she'd been very supportive of his decision to go into combat. his thoughts drifted to the day he told her the news. he was set to leave in two weeks...

"Marce?"

"yeah? what's up, Jim?"

Joker sat at the booth at the local coffee shop, his best friend Marcie sitting across from him. she pushed her glasses up farther on her nose, eyeing her friend. "Jim, what is it?"

Joker hesitated. "I... I need to tell you something... something important"

"yeah, I know. that's what you said on the phone" Marcie laughed a bit. "now what is it?"

"well, I..." Joker hesitated, drumming his fingers nervously on the tabletop. "I'm goin' to war, Marce... I'm leavin' in two weeks for Parris Island"

Marcie was quiet, her expression unreadable as they sat at the booth. Joker chewed his lower lip nervously. "Marcie, say something..."

"what do you want me to say, Jim?" she asked quietly, looking up from her cup of coffee, looking him right in the eye. "'no, don't go, it's too dangerous?' you know I could never say that to you..." she reached over and placed her hand over his. "it's your decision, Jim. and if you really want to do this... then I can't stop you. I wouldn't ever try to, either"

Joker blinked. "you mean... you're okay with this?"

"of course I'm not okay with it" Marcie shrugged. "but you gotta do what you gotta do, Jim. and if you feel that this is something you have to do... then I'm here for you"

Joker smiled a little. "thanks, Marce. that means a lot"

"hey, that's what best friends are for, right?"

"Joker! hey, we're here"

the soldier's voice tore Joker from his thoughts. the helicopter had just landed, and the other soldiers were eagerly grabbing their bags and exiting the aircraft. Joker took a deep breath before he slowly stood, waiting until most of the other soldiers had already left. he leaned up into the overhead bin, pulling down his olive green duffel bag, slinging it over his shoulder as he slowly began to exit the helicopter. he scanned the crowd, watching as the other soldiers were greeted by friends and family.

"Jim!"

a familiar voice made Joker smile slightly.

"Jim! Jim, over here!"

Joker looked to the left slightly, his mother and father standing near the front of the crowd. and beside them, the girl with the long, slightly curly brunette hair and the black glasses, who was smiling brightly at Joker. she broke from the crowd and ran toward him. Joker laughed a little, holding his arm out as she got to him. she laughed, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tighltly. "Jim! oh Jim, we've missed you!" she said as he wrapped his arm around her, hugging back.

"I've missed you too, Marcie!" Joker said, his voice thick with emotion. they hugged for a few more seconds before he lightly nudged her back. "let me have a look at you"

Marcie laughed. "oh, I haven't changed much, Jimmy boy"

"I can see" Joker smirked, linking his arm with hers as they approached his parents. they eagerly pulled the two into a hug, tearfully welcoming their son home.

"we're going out for dinner to celebrate your return home" Mr. Davis said, smiling.

"yeah, we're gonna really pig out, tonight!" Marcie said, laughing. she was obviously very excited to have her best friend back home.

"sounds good" Joker said, his arm still linked with Marcie's as the four made their way through the airport toward the check out. in a way, Joker was kind of glad to be home again with his parents and Marcie. but he knew that part of him would forever remain in Vietnam.

well, what do you think of the first chapter? next one should be coming soon if laziness has mercy on me and doesn't take over, lolz. oh, and before I forget to mention, I have only seen Full Metal Jacket, I haven't read the book it's based on or it's sequel. so this story goes strictly by info from the movie. so if I'm leaving anything out, or if there's something you think I should add that's from the books, PLEASE don't hesitate to let me know. thanks, and don't forget to review!

-FreddysNightmare1984