Soon Hi

Someone knocked on the door of the VIP tent. "Come in," Meg Cratty called, unlocking the door. A tall figure walked in, ducking under the doorframe. "I think I've got something that belongs to you." Hawkeye Pierce's voice floated from behind the lifeless figure in his arms.

"Sit down, Hawkeye," Meg offered, pulling out a chair. She was far from surprised to find him at her door so late at night. She and Hawkeye were close – sometimes she though she was as much of a mother to him as she was to her orphans. He sat, and shifted the sleeping child in his arms. A smile was on his lips, and his blue eyes sparkled gently, as he gazed down at the orphaned girl. Meg noticed who it was – Soon Hi. She was one of the newest additions to the orphanage, and at about two years old, she was still very clingy, preferring to be in someone's arms rather than by herself. Meg grinned. With the child's dark, rich hair, and her blue eyes – inherited from her American G.I. father – she looked like Hawkeye enough to be his daughter.

She flicked her gaze back to the doctor, who was gently rocking the small girl. He looked good with children. Most people couldn't see Hawkeye Pierce as a father, but it was easy for Meg to picture him with kids. He had the compassionate, loving nature that would make his little girls feel like princesses, and a fun – loving, understanding nature that would make his boys view him as a friend and confident, instead of just a father.

"So," Meg began, breaking the silence. "Trapper John's gone home, huh?" She noted the suddenly clenched jaw and fist, and knew she was touching a nerve. "Yeah," he replied, voice shot though with anger and sadness, and a bit of remorse. Why, Meg was pretty sure she knew. "What's the new guy like – BJ, right? He seems nice enough."

Hawkeye shrugged. "He's a great guy, but…" he trailed off. "But he's not Trapper," Meg finished. Hawkeye nodded, the soft glitter in his eyes replaced with a sort of blankness. "He was the best thing to ever happen to me, the best friend I ever had, and I never even got to say goodbye." He tightened his hold on the sleeping girl, perhaps subconsciously, and continued. "I'm just…at a loss without him. I don't know what to do with myself."

As Meg reached out to touch his shoulder, the tears that he had been suppressing began to trail down his cheeks. Meg moved to stand behind him, stroking his hair comfortingly, as he held Soon Hi, whose eyes drifted open. As he freed one hand to wipe his eyes, the little girl reached up, placing her tiny hand on his cheek. He gave her a small smile, furiously blinking back more tears.

Shifting so she was standing on his thighs, Soon Hi carefully leaned in to wrap her small arms around his neck. Hawkeye laughed through his tears. "Talk about your role reversal. Here I am, crying like a baby, and she's the one trying to make me feel better." Meg smiled. "Is it working?" she asked. He nodded. "Definitely." He released the little girl, leaning her back so he could talk to her face to face. "Thank you, sweetheart," he said softly, tucking a piece of raven hair behind her shoulder.

Soon Hi, who had no idea what he said, shot him a pearly smile, before returning to her previous position, coiled in his arms. Standing slowly, Hawkeye carefully laid the child on Meg's bunk. He straightened, and turned to Meg. "Thanks, Meg," he said, giving her a hug. She smiled at him. "No problem, honey." As he prepared to leave, the nurse called out. "Hawkeye?" He turned back.

"Do yourself a favour, hon," Meg advised. "Call Trapper. You'll thank youself." Hawkeye nodded, before turning and walking out. Meg gazed at the door. Yes, Hawkeye would be alright. It would take time, but he would heal. And when this stupid war ended, he would go find Trapper. Yes, Meg thought to herself. They'll be one good thing to come out of this hell.

***The End***

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