A/N: Hi guys, sorry its a bit of a rush job but it's the middle of exam time at uni right now. Anyway hope its alright...
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Humming as she crossed the compound, Margaret couldn't help but smile to herself. Then she realised what she was doing and found herself smiling even more. There was a skip in her step that had been absent for a very long time and she felt as though she had no right to feel this ridiculously cheerful in the middle of a war. This, of course, made her smile even more.
"Morning Father! Beautiful day, isn't it."
"Why, good morning Major. Ah, yes of course, beautiful day."
Beaming at the somewhat bewildered look on the Father's face as he pulled his coat tighter against the harsh wind and looked up at the heavy grey sky, she practically burst into the mess tent.
Several of the nurses nearest the door looked up in surprise and Margaret could tell that they were trying to hide their smiles. In fact most of the people she passed seemed to be grinning along with her. Well, let them. It was unusual for them to see the uptight Major Houlihan practically dancing across the compound.
"Sorry Major, there's no toast left."
"That's perfectly alright Corporal. I'll just have some egg instead."
The enlisted man loosened his terrified grip on the ladle but only slightly. "Um.. Sorry Major, but, um… that's porridge." He warily informed her, obviously as confused as everyone else by her buoyant behaviour.
With a bright smile and a girly laugh Margaret stuck out her tray. "Porridge it is then."
The rest of the morning passed in a bright daze. Feeling completely foolish and yet blissfully unable to help it, Margaret smiled and laughed her way through a shift in Post-Op all the time looking forward to the moment she would be free again; free to go find Hawkeye. Hmm.. she would have to work on that. Benjamin really was a more appropriate name for a doctor.
Margaret burst her way back out into the dismal day, briefly pausing to give the sky an admonishing look for trying to dampen her mood.
"Nothing will you know." She informed it brightly. The universe smirked knowingly at her foolishness and proved her wrong.
"What is up with Houlihan today?" It was one of the nurses. "She's been all… cheery."
"Oooh, you haven't heard?" Her companion seemed eager to share the gossip. "You must be the only one. She had a bit of our Dr. Pierce's medicine last night if you know what I mean."
"Reeeally. No kidding? He's always saying not to underestimate his charm but I never really believed he would try for the Major."
"Well that's Pierce for you. Always wanting to prove himself."
"So does this mean he's off-limits to the rest of us now?"
The two nurses were moving away now.
"Oh no," a reassuring laugh, "don't worry. As a matter of fact, I'm having dinner with him tonight."
The sound of their fading laughter was harsh and the greyness of the day suddenly seemed so appropriate to Margaret who stood frozen to the spot, shaking in anger and hurt. Eventually the big, heavy drops of rain that had begun to fall brought her out of her reverie. With supreme effort, and for the first time realising just how heavy it was, she pulled the protective armour of Major Houlihan back over poor foolish little Margaret.
