Summary: We're all just casualties of war. All these paths crossed each other all at once, we would never be the same again. Our lives from then on would take a turn for the better or turn for the worst. I for one, am glad, because it led me to you.
Casualties of War
Chapter One: Lips of an Angel-Hinder
First casualty of war? Truth, he'd…they'd been lying for years…long before the war ever came around. The truth was always the first thing to go when even the slightest hint of crisis appeared.
Second casualty? Sobriety…well that was a given. Even after the war drinking was the best escape from the world…the finest kind.
Third…fidelity. Ever the committed bachelor, he was determined to even avoid having it to sacrifice…well, that is…until recently…
When Carlye had shown up at his door, newly divorced and ready to give him the third chance…the one that was supposed to be a charm. He'd been okay at first…that was…until SHE walked back into his life. Carlye hadn't liked it one bit…he guessed because they were such close friends…best friends…had a bond that she would never understand, couldn't understand. Margaret had been the cause of their first and longest running argument. Sensing this she tried to stay away, and when she had to see him, they kept it secret.
This is where the truth really takes the beating. Margaret would always call, they'd agree to meet on the state line, in this small town with the quaintest bed and breakfast. She would always be a sick friend or the one in desperate need, which often wasn't a lie. Sick with no real illness, or in desperate need of what was never really specified to certain parties.
He knew it was wrong, she knew it was wrong…but for some reason they couldn't stop.
"I don't see why it's such a big deal!" he shouted.
"That's just it Hawkeye! It's because you don't see it, that's why it's such a big deal!"
He opened his mouth to speak, she was sure it was something that wouldn't make any sense, only make matters worse…she didn't want that and hoped he didn't either. But the ringing of the telephone had stopped him, and saved them…maybe.
"Hello?" he answered looking over his shoulder to see Carlye leaving the room.
"Oh thank God it's you," the voice said, he could hear the relief so clearly. He could also sense from that voice…something was wrong.
"Margaret?" he whispered.
"Yes, why are you whispering?" she asked, her voice sounding shaky.
He looked over his shoulder once more not seeing anyone, then began to move away from the door, "That's not really important, what's wrong?"
She wasn't stupid, he knew that, they both knew that, "Oh, I'm sorry…I forgot that she'd be there…"
"It doesn't matter," he spoke very firmly but still quietly, "Now tell me, what's wrong?"
At this he began to hear the quiet sobs come, "I-I…I can't," she tried to speak but the words didn't seem to be coming.
"How soon can you get there?" he asked knowing that time for a visit from his favorite nurse.
"Train leaves in 15 minutes," she answered quickly, through some of her tears.
"I'll see you there." And that was the end of that phone call.
He hung up the phone, and turned to see her shadow. She'd been listening at the door. He sighed realizing that there was nothing he could do about it now…knowing that there wasn't anything he wanted to do about it. All that mattered to him was getting to that quaint little bed and breakfast on the state line two hours away.
He took a deep breath and walked back into the other room and saw her standing at the sink trying to look busy. "I've gotta go," he said, offering no explanation.
"Oh?" she said, turning, the questioning in her eyes.
"I should be back in a few days, but I can't be sure."
"Is it serious?" she asked.
"It's just a friend in need okay? Let's just leave it at that," he turned to leave the room and headed for the stairs. Once he arrived to the hallway, he turned and went into his room. He took a suitcase from his closet and began tossing clothes in.
She walked in and watched him carefully as he packed.
She should have known better. They were in the past and there was no reviving that. She saw it coming, ever since that damned reunion. Margaret wasn't even there alone, the slut. Even the fact that she was there with him, couldn't keep them apart.
She felt silly for feeling this way, she was jealous. The ex-Major (shocking isn't it?) could have had her pick of the litter, but no, she had to have him…Hawkeye. She had to know he was hers? But then again, that obviously didn't matter to her. She'd always heard about the infamous Hotlips, always got what she wanted.
She saw it now, he was never really coming back to her. He'd always tried to play it cool…but she knew, how could she not? Especially after hearing the whispers that followed them wherever they went.
"Did you hear about Dr. Pierce, he left last night rather suddenly."
"You know I heard he's having an affair. Why, Norma told me just yesterday he'd been receiving frequent phone calls from a mysterious young woman lately."
"Oh the poor dear, do you think she knows?"
"I don't see how she couldn't."
"You know though, I could understand it. Him wanting to wander like that."
"Bertha! How could you say such a thing?"
"Edie, you know as well as I do, that that's not the same Hawkeye that left here a few years ago…"
"You do have a point, but it's so scandalous…I can only imagine what his father would say."
"Yes well, if Daniel were still around he wouldn't have taken up with 'her' again."
Affair…it was such a dirty word. Never in a million years would she have thought this would happen to her. Although, she knew she'd done the same thing with Hawkeye of all people. Maybe that was it, maybe that's why he would do this…because she'd cheated on Doug. What goes around comes around? It seemed to be a plausible theory.
But now she was certain. It had to end, and since he wasn't willing to sacrifice anything, she'd have to be the one to give up…even if it meant giving up him.
'Hawkeye,
I'm sorry, but I can't stay here while you do this to me, do this to us.
I won't be here when you get back.
I'm sorry I have to do this, but I've come to realize that I can't stay.
I love you,
I'll be seeing you,
Carlye'
He arrived at the station about ten minutes late, and found her sitting there on a bench. Her expression was bored, worried, and weary. He quickly made his way over to her, "Margaret."
She stood up quickly and moved toward him, "Hawkeye…" she said as he took her into his arms.
"I've missed you," he said softly, holding her tighter. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head and entangled his hand in her hair.
She pulled back enough to look up at him, a deep tired earnestness in her eyes, "Can we go?" she asked.
"Sure, let's get going," he moved away and picked up her suitcase, taking her hand with his free one.
A/N: Okay, so in the spirit of reposting old things...I've decided I wanna try to finish this story as it's been bearing on my mind to do so. -Allie
Disclaimer: I do not own MASH. Or the following lyrics, they are the property of Hinder. As stated, this is only for my own entertainment.
Honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now.
Honey why are you crying? Is everything okay?
I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And, yes, I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
Honey why you calling me so late?