While Hawk was away begging favours, Trapper reflected on what they were about to do. Up until now they been acting on instinct, but they were fast getting to the point of no return. This could stuff up the most important thing in Trapper's life, his friendship with Hawkeye. Did he really want to risk it?

He remembered some advice given to him by his best friend in high school, Lauren. You can tell everything important in a relationship by how the kiss makes you feel. He thought back to the barely there kisses they had shared after Henry left, about the tingles and joy it had brought on. If that little pearl was anything to go, they had a beautiful future together.

He fixed two martinis and sat back in the chair. Anticipation growing in his stomach, he smiled. This is exactly how he felt before his first date. The circumstances had changed but the joy and fear were still there.

Hawkeye came back in, grinning triumphantly. "We have sandwiches."

"What's on the sandwiches?"

"I have no idea, I looked and looked and ended up with the ones that weren't looking back."

"Good decision."

"Hark, I hear the great outdoors calling."

"Is that what that is?"

"Let's go." They headed off, trying really hard not to touch each other.

"What do you think you're doing?" Frank's nasal whine stopped them in their tracks.

Trapper turned to face him, shocked to see real hatred in his eyes, "Nothing Frank."

"What's in you bag then?"

"None of your business."

"Show me, I order you to show me." Frank edgier by the second.

"Fine, here you go." Hawkeye passed the bag over to Frank. While Frank was looking through it, Hawkeye looked over to Trapper. His eyes widened, "What the hell are we going to do?" he mouthed.

Trapper winked, "Just play along," he mouthed back.

Frank stuck his head, looking remarkably like a ferret sniffing the air. "Why have you got gin and sandwiches?"

Trapper had collected his thoughts. "Hawk's got a date."

"Who with?"

"We don't know yet. He hasn't asked anyone yet."

Frank looked confused. Trapper elaborated, "We setting up the picnic ground, then he is going to invite the nurse straight there."

This didn't help Frank in the slightest, "Why?"

Trapper shot a pleading look to Hawkeye, who was convulsing with laughter at Trap's bizarre little story. He took several deep breaths, trying to settle himself enough to help Trap out. "Well Frank," he started, thinking quickly, "I have a bet with Trapper. He reckons the nurses will think I am too arrogant by just assuming they will say yes. I personally think they'd flattered."

Trapper shot him a thumb's up behind Ferret Face. Frank looked unusually angry at not being able prove them wrong. He turned and walked away.

Trapper and Hawkeye burst out laughing. They were on the ground with tears pouring down their faces. They quieted down, and then one would giggle and set them both right off again. After they had settled into a companionable silence, they talked about what had just happened. Hawkeye brought it up, "Trap that was a little to close for comfort."

"Don't I know it. You realise now you will have to try that thing with the nurses now."

"Why?"

"Did you Frank's eyes when he stopped us? I have never, ever seen that much hatred. I think he will follow this up."

Hawkeye looked a little worried, "I did see the look. Any idea what was with that?"

"Frank has always been homophobic, now he suspects that we are, well. I didn't think he hated them that much though."

"He is a sick man." They turned and headed back to camp, realising their afternoon together was ruined. "Don't worry Trap, I am sure we can bribe Henry in to giving Frank some R&R. Leaving us in the Swamp, alone." He raised an eyebrow provocatively.

"We'll need some good scotch."

"We can do that. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to try and find a nurse to date."

"Come back soon."

"Buy yourself a drink, put it on my tab."

Trapper sat in the Swamp, alone, again. Something would work out for them, eventually. He decided sitting by himself was probably not he best way to get over a failed date, so he wandered over to the Officer's Club. Klinger was serving and watching Henry sit in the corner trying to proposition a nurse. He was failing miserably. The nurse got up and stalked off, sending Trapper and Klinger into fits of laughter. Henry meandered over to the bar. "Klinger, I want," then muttered something incoherent.

"Same again, your colonelness."

"Got shot down huh?" Trapper asked Henry.

"Shot down? Noooooo. She had to go wash her hair."

"Sure Henry."

Klinger returned with his drink. "Enjoy."

Trapper made mindless small talk for a while, then got bored. He went back to the Swamp to make the most of this fleeting moment of peace. Trapper returned to see Hawkeye sprawled on his cot. Before Trapper could ask Hawkeye explained, "I think you won the bet," he said with a grin.

"That's good, I love winning."

"I got shot down by every nurse, I think I'm losing my touch."

"I don't."

Hawkeye smiled, "As long as you don't think so, I don't care."

"Think we should go on that picnic now?"

"Well it is dark, so Frank is probably with Hotlips. By George, I think we should do it." The duo walked out with their stale sandwiches.