Title: Family Secrets
Category: X-over – M*A*S*H / Outsiders
Character(s): Hawkeye P. / Johnny C.
Genre: Family
Rating: M
Warning: Child abuse; Extensive creative license.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that comes across as familiar.
Summary: "He was a prince among men, Johnny. He would have loved you more than anything." When that's all a little boy has to be hopeful about, is it really enough?
December 1948
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Laura Miller was, once again, standing at the phone with one hand resting on her extended stomach and the other hovering over the receiver. She exhaled harshly before raising the phone to her ear.
"Operator, I would like to place a call to Crabapple Cove, Maine. Benjamin Pierce. I'll hold."
It was a few minutes and then a ringing could be heard; followed shortly by a voice.
"Hello. Pierce residence. Hawkeye speaking."
"H-"
"Hello?"
She dropped the receiver, backing away from it with tears glistening in her eyes.
"Laura, it's time. Michael's not going to wait for you forever."
Turning to face the woman resting against the doorframe, Laura plastered on a false smile and picked up the small veil which was soon perched upon her head.
"I'm ready, mom."
"…Do you take Michael to be your husband?"
"I do."
"Michael Cade, do you take Laura to be your wife?"
"I do."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
A polite cheer rose from those gathered as they kissed. She didn't fail to notice how he avoided touching her stomach.
Michael was blocking the door, arms crossed and a snarl on his lips.
"Get this straight, Laura, that kid ain't mine. I don't give a damn who he goes to so long as it ain't me."
"I understand."
February 1949
11:57pm
"Come on, Mrs. Cade. Breathe."
"Get it out of me!"
"You need to breathe and push. It'll be out soon enough."
Laura's sweat soaked hair shook as a scream ripped through her lips.
"Damn you, Hawkeye!"
"That's it, Mrs. Cade. One more should do it."
An agonizing scream escaped, followed by the sound of flesh hitting flesh, and the hushed noises of an infant.
"Time of birth: 12:09am on March 1st 1949. What's his name?"
"Jonathan P-Cade."
"Jonathan Cade. All right, Mrs. Cade. The nurse will take him to get cleaned up."
Laura slumped back into the starched hospital bedding, relieved to finally be through with the pregnancy.
