I'm sooooo sooo sorry about not updating in months. Life got really hectic. It's inexcusable. I hope you re-read this story and enjoy it.


Margaret and Hawkeye had been in the constant routine of getting up in the morning, getting ready, going to the clinic, etc for about 2 months now. Hawkeye was adjusting to Margaret's news. He gave her her check-ups (please people, head out of the gutter) and blood tests when they were scheduled. So far Margaret was doing ok. They were still friends and hadn't broken that barrier yet.

On a Monday, Hawkeye once again switched shifts with Daniel. As Hawkeye and Margaret closed the clinic, Hawkeye spoke quietly.

"Margaret, I love you."

Margaret didn't understand what he had said, but figured it out anyway.

I love you too Hawk."

"No. no. You don't understand. I'm in love with you. I can't live without you."

Margaret stopped locking the window she was at and looked over to Hawkeye. His eyes were sincere and there was a hint of … fright in his eyes?

"Hawkeye, what brought this on?"

"I just got your blood tests back … and they were inconclusive … That hadn't happened before."

"You mean …? "

"The cancer could be back."

Margaret looked away and let the tears fall freely.

"Margaret, I'll retake the tests, ok? I'll make sure. And if you do have cancer I'll be with you every step of the way."

"Ok Hawk."

Hawkeye had no idea this news was coming and he had a whole romantic dinner prepared in the house. He had wanted to formalise their relationship. He had wanted to ask her to be his girlfriend. He knew it sounded childish, but he wanted to be with Margaret. Now the dinner would have a whole new meaning to him.

As Margaret opened the door to the house, she saw candlelight everywhere. She took the lead and walked to the dining room where there was an entrée served.

"Hawkeye, what is this?"

"Well, I asked dad if he could help me prepare this for you. I prepared the food, but dad made the atmosphere."

"It's beautiful."

"Margaret, why don't we go upstairs and get changed into something more comfortable?"

Margaret smiled, "I guess I can do that."

10 minutes later, Hawkeye walked down the stairs and sat down at the table. A few minutes later, Margaret showed up. He watched her descend the stairs in a beautiful strapless lilac dress.

"Margaret, you look beautiful."

"Thank you. I may as well appreciate the fact that I've still got these (looking down at her breasts) before I don't have them anymore."

"Margaret … Don't think like that, ok?"

"I'm sorry. I won't talk about it tonight."

Hawkeye walked over to pull Margaret's chair out and while she sat, he brought over a bottle of the finest red wine.

"I would like to ask you something and I'd prefer to do it now."

As Hawkeye spoke, he poured the wine into both their glasses. He didn't give Margaret eye contact the whole time.

"Well Hawk, what is it?"

"Margaret, I had organised this dinner to ask you if you would be my girlfriend."

Margaret stifled a giggle.

"I know, I know. Girlfriend sounds so high school. But that's what I wanted. However …"

Margaret's face fell from pure joy to absolute terror.

"Now this dinner is even more important. Not only do I still want you as my girlfriend, I want to make you a promise that I will be there for you whatever happens."

Margaret breathed a sigh of relief.

"So, you want to be my boyfriend?"

"Yeah, I do. So, what do you think?"

"If you're willing to go through all of this with me, whatever the this is, then I would like to be your girlfriend."

With that, Hawkeye got up and kissed Margaret on the lips. The blood tests could wait until tomorrow. Now they just enjoyed each other and for the first time in a long time they broke the barrier of friendship and ended up in Hawkeye's room for dessert.