Stupid lights. Ahh. Can't go a minute without getting their stupid little bulbs all intwined with each other. As a matter of fact, reminds me of how Frank and I used to be back at the 4077th. Sickening. How did I ever get myself involved with a married, lipless, jerk like that? That was the "Hot Lips" way of life. She is forever gone now. So is Major Houlihan. Now all that is left is Margaret. Miss Margaret Houlihan. Lonely in this overly-charming small town.

"Hey gorgeous." Jump. Scared me. "Having some difficulty there?"

Well, maybe not completely lonely. A certain friend always seemed to show up at the most inopportune time. And why had I given up my life in Sacramento Valley to come live here and take the Director of Nursing Staff position here? Let's see...less pay...longer drive to work each day...smaller house...freezing my butt off...hmmm...why? Oh yeah, him. The idiot standing beneath me while I'm struggling in a match with Christmas lights on a ladder 6 feet above. Watching me make an idiot of myself while staring up at me with his gorgeous smile, and deep blue eyes...

"Tell you what. I'll make you a deal. You get down off that ladder before you hurt yourself, and let me hang those lights. You'll never see lights hung so straight."

"And the payment?"

Favors like that from him, never come without payment.

"While I'm hanging them, you go inside and put on some nice clothes, or not, your choice." Stupid grin. Pervert. Give him a 'watch it' stare. "And be ready for me to pick you up at 6. We'll drive to Kennebunkport and have a nice Maine-style dinner there. Fair enough deal?"

I have learned better than to argue with him. Getting down off the ladder.

"Careful now. No need for a cast to ruin your beauty tonight." Ugh that smile again! Gets me every time though. It hurts my Army background to give in so easy. "Okay? Now go ahead get ready. I'll hang your lights, and be back. I expect you to be ready with a smile on your face." What was that wink supposed to mean? Let it go, Margaret, just go get ready, you're not winning this battle in the war of love that has been going on for years between you two now. Fine. Smile, walk in the house to get ready.

IN MARGARET'S BEDROOM

Could it be different this time? Will he do something to finally make the move that we're more than 'just friends'? We both know we are, we're adults. Both adults who have been around the block and back before. We know when something is more than just a fling. This certainly is more than just a fling. I'm in love, and I'd be willing to bet that he feels the same. I don't want him to. I'm afraid...of commitment? Of love? Of Hawkeye? What was it? I love him, and I want him so badly to love me, but I don't want to...risk our friendship? Be hurt by yet another man? I don't think Hawkeye would ever hurt me intentionally, but we are so different...it would be easy for him to hurt me, without even knowing it. It's this stupid Army pride. I can't show my feelings when I'm hurt. I hold them so no one knows how I feel. Hawkeye always knows, though. But maybe he could miss it. Even Rob Petrie missed the ottoman a few times, right? I should really just go tonight and enjoy myself like I always do. I can worry about our relationship status when need be. Until then, I'll enjoy what I've got going. Yeah, enjoy it while I have it. Okay, get dressed. Out of the bathrobe, into the pink slip? No, better go safe with beige. Now for what to wear...pants? Nah, let's go girly on him tonight--dress. Which one...what's that noise? Someone knocking? Where is it coming fro--Gasp! The window! That-that-that..ahh! Grab something long...and pointy...ah-ha! Fire place poker! Open window to Hawkeye's grinning face.

"Well hello, fancy seeing you here!"

"Get out!" Move pointy end of poker towards him.

"Hey, hey! Watch it! I'm going, I'm going. I just couldn't resist the opportunity." That stupid grin again!

"Get out of here...NOW!"

"Okay, okay! I'm going home to get ready now."

"Did you finish hanging the lights?"

"Yes, Major, sir!" Salute? Really Hawkeye?

"I'm not a Major anymore, Captain."

"I'm not a Captain any more, Major."

"As long as we're on these speaking terms, I outrank you! Get out!"

"Yes, sir, Major, sir!"

Slam window shut as he climbs down the ladder.

"I've still got it!"

Flick of the leg, continue getting ready.

Author's Note: Hi! This is only my 3rd fanfiction. I wrote my 2nd one in Margaret's POV, and loved writing it that way, so decided to write this one that way too. Never done a continual story. I'll need reviews just to see if I'll continue (and to see how I'm doing). Thanks for the great support I've been getting so far with my two other stories!