AN: Okay, this was a quick update, just cause I had the 1st chapter done a
while ago, just didn't post it cause I didn't have a name, and by the time
I figured out my crap-ass title, I had this chapter done. So, just because
I updated quickly does NOT mean anything in the future. Cause, well, being
in grade 12 is insane...so it'll be slow going, probably. I don't know.
Just don't got your hopes up!
Thanks: Thanks to CorporalCupcake, Assilem, Falcon and HM Writer for their input on this and I'm sure you'll see more from them in the future! (Shameless plug: Read their stories!! They are AWESOME!! (Corporal Cupcake is more into CSI stories so read them too!!!) Ahem. Also, I'd like to thank my reviewers, some I'm not sure I know you but others have been my faithful R&Rers since the beginning of my writing days (sniffs and gets nostalgic.) So Thank you to the new people and all the people who have always read my writing (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!)
Warning: Though not my usual thing, it's a little mushy, but it kind of has to be for this to work. I promise, after this, Hawkeye might get a little romantic every now and again, but it won't be this mushy. It'll be more my usual stuff with a bit of lighthearted humor stuff. Please R&R!!
Well now, this has been a long Author's note, hasn't it? I promise they'll be shorter in the future, and if you aren't tired of reading already, here's chapter 2!!!
*****
"RADAR!" Colonel Potter called. No sooner had he said that, and the short company clerk dashed into the CO's office as the Colonel said "Any news from Battalion Aid?"
As the colonel spoke, Radar said "I called the Aid Station sir, there's no sign of Cap'n Hunnicutt and the chopper pilots going between there and here haven't seen him here or there or anywhere in between sir."
"Fig Newtons."
"Yes sir. Would you like me to get the officer's together in the office, sir, for a search party?"
"Not tonight. It's pitch black out; we wouldn't see a damn thing. Plus with snipers out there, it'd just be too dangerous. We'll wait until tomorrow morning. Go get a good rest. You're gonna be busy on the phone all day tomorrow, Radar. Go get some sleep Radar."
"Yes sir. See you at oh six hundred tomorrow sir." Radar turned around and walked out to his office and cot.
"Come home, BJ." Potter mumbled to himself and sighed heavily once he was alone.
*******
Margaret was brushing her hair for the 467th time that night. Normally it was one hundred, but she had now done this four times, and each time failed to make her want to sleep. She couldn't get her mind off of everything that had happened. BJ was missing, but, as horrible as it made her feel, she was thinking about Hawkeye instead.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Yes?"
"I noticed your light is still on. You realize it's one thirty in the wee hours of the morning?" Hawkeye called through the door.
Hiding her smile, she continued to brush. "Come in, Pierce." He came in and she looked up at him. "What are you doing up so late?"
"My tent is too quiet. Now, even Charles snoring, snobbish accent and his damn records would be nice to hear. I can't stop thinking about Beej."
"I know, Hawkeye."
"Well what about you? What are you doing, just brushing your hair now at this time of night?"
"I'm after brushing my hair 4 times, this is the fifth time. Usually it makes me sleepy, but I just can't sleep tonight."
"I can tell you've been brushing it a lot." She looked at him and he smiled as he reached out and touched a lock of her hair, running his hand down the soft blonde hair. "It's really bushy." She looked at him like she was deciding whether or not to be insulted and he snorted a laugh. "But you're still beautiful, major."
She smiled sadly at him. "Thank you, Captain."
"What was that, Darlene?" He asked her cutely.
"Thank you," She paused, "Thank you, Hank."
Hawkeye grinned and took her hand. "I like Hank, but I think Hawkeye is a little better. It sounds a lot better, especially when you scream it into the night while I'm on top of you."
"HAWKEYE!" Margaret yelped and smacked him in the chest. She knew he was kidding, and had long sense gotten used to his dirty jokes, but she still never knew what he would say next.
"Yeah, exactly like that. Well, except for the part about me being on top of you." He went forward, pretending to tackle her, but this time she was ready for him, and tickled him in the ribs.
"AHHHEE!" He half squealed and jumped back up. She stopped, as if she realized she had been flirting with him, willingly, and went back to doing what she was doing before.
"Captain, I want to finish brushing my hair." She said seriously and turned away from him. "One hundred strokes."
"Major, you're beautiful no matter what, but I should let you know, you keep brushing your hair like this and it will fall out."
"Please leave."
"Margaret, I know what's bothering you. And it's bothering me too. I should be the one that was on their way to the front. BJ is missing now, and we can't go look for him until morning. My best friend is missing, you think I can sleep? You think you're the only one worried, and doing compulsive things to try and stay sane? You have no idea how much I've paced our God damned tent, trying to get it out of my mind, and every time I turn around I see his bunk, or that picture of Erin. Or even the Still. He didn't make the still, but he sure did christen it. Again and again. I see Erin and Peg, their picture, and one with BJ, I think about..I think about.." He started to take deep breaths. "If Erin doesn't get her daddy back..and...and..Peg doesn't get her husband..then I feel horrible. It's my fault, and, and I'm worried about loosing my best friend, when I should be thinking of Erin and Peg.." His voice was breaking up more and more now.
During his speech, Margaret sat on her bunk, looking up at the man who she had always thought the strongest in the camp. Rarely had she seen this side of him, and was very moved about the way he felt. She stood up and walked over to where he was standing, hanging his head, his shoulders slumped, and his hand at his eyes, obviously trying to hold back tears. She slowly and gently touched his arm, causing him to jump. He had almost forgotten she was there, listening to him.
"Hawkeye. Listen to me. It is not your fault, and we WILL find BJ. You and I, we'll search every inch of South and North Korea personally if we have to. But we will find our friend, and your best friend. He's becoming closer to me every day. Both of you are. And I love you both, so we have to find him."
Hawkeye looked at her with red in his normally bright blue eyes. He had the one of the saddest expressions she had ever seen on his normally bright and handsome face. He didn't say a word, but suddenly put his arms around her, holding her in a tight hug, resting his chin on her hair as she rested her forehead against his shoulder. She inhaled deeply and took in his wonderful scent she had come to know and love over the two and a half years she had known him. Hawkeye put his face down into her blonde hair, burying himself in it, inhaling her scent just as deeply as she did. She smelled so beautiful to him. Then, everything about her was beautiful. He placed a kiss on her hair, and held her for a while longer, each soaking the other up, pressed as close together their bulky sweaters and fall clothing would allow, neither wanting to be the one to break the embrace.
He held her closer and realized she was crying. Her shoulders were shaking and she buried her head further against his chest.
"Margaret?"
She lifted her head just slightly, but never looked in his eyes. With tears on her cheeks she choked out, "We'll find him." Before crying again.
He held her against him. "I know baby, we will. We just gotta look for him." He sighed. "I hope."
She stopped and looked straight in his piercing blue eyes. "We WILL."
He smiled sadly and took a tissue from her dresser and dabbed at her eyes and cheeks.
"Hawkeye, it's okay to.. you know.. Cry." She could see the tears threatening to fall. He nodded and a single tear fell over his cheek. His display of emotion and feelings for his best friend caused more tears of her own to fall. "Oh, Hawk.."
He rubbed her back. "It's okay, baby, it's okay." He kissed her hair again. She lifted up and looked at him. "You know, I missed a couple tears when I wiped them away. The tissue is soggy though. Oh well. I'll improvise."
"There's more tissues there on the-" He cut her off by placing his finger on her lips as he went forward and kissed her cheek, right where a tear had fallen. He moved back and smiled slightly at her. "Oh." She smiled and laughed slightly.
"What do you think?"
"I think you missed a few spots."
"You think so?"
"Uh huh."
"Major Houllihan, are you trying to seduce me?" She laughed. "Because it's working." He mumbled as he moved closer and kissed her lips. It was a quick sweet kiss, but both looked at the other and leaned forward again.
He captured her lips with his own, working over her bottom lip and kissed her lightly a few times before he kissed her softly and let his tongue slip into her mouth. She moaned as he massaged her tongue and the inside of her mouth with his own. Margaret opened her mouth wider, trying to get more of him inside; he was absolutely amazing at what he did. His hands went over her back as hers went around his neck and went up, threading his hair through her fingers and holding his head tighter to hers. She let her tongue go towards his mouth and they started wrestling back and forth.
Finally, they broke the kiss and stayed close so that their noses were touching as they breathed in the scent of each other, letting their lips gently touch each other every now and again, calming down between little butterfly kisses.
"Hawkeye? What's going on? I'm so confused. I should be upset because of BJ, but I'm here with you, I feel bad that I'm not thinking about him, Hawk."
"I know. Margaret, I want you to know," He took her hands in his. "I care for you. Very, very deeply. And I want to continue this. But we can't right now, not with everything that's been going on. I can't with BJ gone like this. But I promise," He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, "I will never EVER hurt you. I know you are probably worried, given your past experiences with men, well I can understand if you don't fully trust me. But I won't hurt you."
"I know you won't." She realized they were in a very settling position on her bed, her half lying half sitting against her pillows and Hawkeye leaning against her, his leg between hers. "But, you should go. For tonight."
"I know."
"We'll see about the next night." She added with a smile and kissed his nose. "We will find BJ and might want to celebrate."
He smiled. "Margaret! You made pass at me, and I love it! I'll see you tomorrow morning." He kissed her sweetly. "Goodnight." Kiss. "I'm going." Kiss. "Through the door." Kiss. "In the Swamp." Kiss. "In my own bunk." He kissed her deeper and longer this time and when he finally let go he stood up. "Goodnight Major."
"Goodnight, Captain."
*******
Early the next morning the PA crackled to life. "Would Major Houllihan, Captain Pierce, Father Mulcahey and Corporal Klinger please report to Colonel Potter's office!" Radar's voice sounded.
For once, Hawkeye was up and dressed. Actually he hadn't been asleep anymore than a few minutes here and there throughout the night. He knew this was to organize the search party for BJ, and therefore was prepared. He had his medical bag ready along with his kit including a compass, whistle, flashlight, and map of their area of South Korea. As he walked out of The Swamp and towards the main office, Margaret was also coming out of her tent. It was obvious she had a little sleep as he had had, but whether that was because she was thinking about Hawkeye or BJ he wasn't quite sure of.
"Good morning, Captain Pierce. You're up early."
"Actually I'm up late. I hardly slept a wink last night."
"I know, Hawkeye. Neither did I. But we'll find him. Are you ready to go searching?"
"Yes, but you know what happened last time we were stuck in the woods alone that time and stumbled upon that hut."
"Hawkeye! Not right now."
"I know. But, you know me, I always make jokes at the wrong times."
"No you don't. That's one great thing about you. You see the good side in things and bring it out to people. Hawk, people in this camp love you for being so unmilitary and joking."
"I know. But I can be serious sometimes."
"I know that, I saw last night." He looked away. "Hawkeye, it's not a crime for a man to cry you know." Slowly he looked back at her. "It showed me how much you care for your friend, and how close you really are to him. Not to mention that I think it takes a real man to be able to cry, and it's actually pretty sexy."
He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "What is this? Is Major Houllihan Regular Army falling for the dirty draftee Captain Benjamin Pierce with his raven black hair and sparkling blue eyes and amazing features?"
She laughed. "Shut up." Margaret lightly slapped him on the chest and he put an arm around her waist as they walked into the office together.
Hawkeye, Margaret, Klinger and Radar filed into Colonel Potter's office. Radar stood on the side of the colonel's desk before taking his seat on a desk against the wall. Klinger took his spot in the corner seat, while the Father stood by the doors. Hawkeye and Margaret took the two seats in front of the desk.
"Men," Potter started and got a cough from Margaret, "And women; Radar and myself have been on the phone all night trying to reach just about everyone. I've spoken to everyone except General Macarthur and the President of China! No one has seen BJ, but people are looking. Charlie Company of the 589th is out looking, as well as all chopper pilots in the area. However, we're going to send out search teams. Winchester should be back any minute and he'll be helping us too, no matter how tired or hung over he may be.
"Sir, Major Winchester should be here in about two minutes." Radar said suddenly. They all looked at him for a moment, before Potter continued.
"Now, Pierce, Margaret, you two are in charge of Search Party, uh, what do you want to call it?"
"Rubber Duckies." Hawkeye said.
Potter blinked a few times. "Okay, well you two are in charge of Search Party Rubber Duckies, and myself and Winchester will be in charge of Search Party Horseshoe. For good luck."
"What does it matter what the names are?" Margaret said exasperatingly. "We need to get out there!"
"Major, Zale has fixed the walkie talkies, so each search party will have two, and Radar will have one here. Radar, you're-"
"I'll stay here for any sign from either of you or for any calls from Charlie Company."
"What you said. Klinger, you're with the ducks, and five other enlisted men: Straminsky, Zale, Goldberg, Peters and Whelan. Go round them up. Radar, get me Rizzo, Norris, Oxford, Rochester, and Reed. They'll be in my group."
"Yes sir."
"Father, your job is just as important as everyone else's. Please, pray for BJ, and that we might find him."
"Yes sir." The padre nodded and left, leaving just Potter, Hawkeye and Margaret behind. It was then that Charles burst in the room.
"Sir, I am back from Tokyo. Radar said to come see you right away, I haven't even had the chance to put away my things and I need a shower, now what is it you need?"
"BJ's missing. You're in my search party. Come on, kids, I'll tell you on the way, Winchester."
By the time Colonel Potter explained everything to Charles, they were in the middle of the compound with the enlisted that were to go with them. The Colonel was barking orders to the enlisted to gas up the vehicles, get supplies from the supply tent and get everything ready for their search.
"Colonel! We have to get going!" Hawkeye called above the hustle and bustle of the camp.
"Son we will as soon as everything is ready!"
"But the longer we wait the more danger Beej could be in!! We have to go look for him! NOW!!"
"Listen Hawk, we can't go until we're ready!"
Hawkeye turned to Charles. "This was your fault! If we didn't have to wait for you to get back from your precious R&R we could be out by now!"
Margaret could tell Hawkeye was really getting upset about BJ, and Potter noticed as well. Silently, with his eyes, he told Margaret to go take care of him.
"Hawkeye, why don't we go rest for a bit until they're ready?" She asked him.
"But we have to go!!"
"Come on, Hawk, we'll just go into the Scrub room for a minute."
"But-"
"Pierce, we're going and that's final. Now come with me." She spoke in her stern Major voice. She led him into the empty Scrub room and sat him down on the bench. She sat next to him, turning slightly so she faced him. "Hawkeye, baby, you've got to calm down. I know it's hard-"
"You have no idea! Beej is my best friend!"
"Hawkeye! He's my best friend too. One of my two best friends here in this camp." She placed a hand on his knee. "You and BJ are the two closest people to me. I've never let anyone ever get this close to me before. I've always been afraid that they would leave and I would get hurt. And now I'm afraid---" Her voice broke.
"I know Margaret, I'm afraid too." They both moved closer, putting their arms around each other as Hawkeye rested his cheek against her hair. "You know that in a war, and in any medical situation, every minute counts. I need to get to BJ."
"I know. I know, Hawk but we need to get the supplies."
He sighed. "Well we should have at least volunteered for supplies, that way we'd at least get something productive done."
"But that's the enlisted men's job."
He smiled. "I don't think you understand what I meant by something productive."
She smiled sadly. "I don't think either one of us is in any state to do that right now." Both had sad smiles on their faces, their cheeks tear stained. "Not now."
"Yeah."
"But while we're waiting for them to finish up packing.." She spoke softly as she inched closer, her hand on his thigh as she tilted her head up towards his. He responded by pushing her hair back behind her ear as he cupped a soft cheek and caressed the fair skin on her face. Hawkeye moved his head closer to her own, his mouth slightly open, going for her own lips. Finally they met and his soft lips covered her own and he kissed her gently and passionately. It was not forceful or seductive, just loving and comforting. Margaret brought her hand up to his silky black with gray hair and stroked it, running her fingers through it as he worked his magic over her, massaging her lips with his own as his tongue did the same with hers.
Finally they broke apart and their eyes opened, and stared at each other for a moment.
"Margaret,"
"Yes?"
"I..uh..I.." He scratched the back of his head and looked away.
"What Hawkeye?"
"Um..we have to go." He heard Potter's whistle, and he silently thanked God. He knew he would have to tell her later, but it wasn't the right time or the right place at the moment.
Hawkeye led a confused Margaret out the door of the main building and they met with everyone in the compound. Potter came over to speak to them, as the leaders of the other search party.
"Now, we're gonna be careful, Hawkeye, I know you won't take your gun, but Margaret do you have yours?"
"Yes sir."
"Swell. Now you kids be careful, if you hear anything, it could be BJ, but you still gotta be careful. Stick together, and know where everyone is at all times. If you see any sign of him, radio us. Here's your radio, we got one and Radar's got another one. He's staying by the phone."
"Yes sir." Hawkeye and Margaret answered.
"Good luck."
"You too," Hawkeye said the same time Margaret responded, "Thanks," as he helped her in the jeep that they would take while the enlisted took the ambulance and followed.
******
An hour later, Hawkeye and Margaret were walking along the road, checking their map while holding hands. The corpsmen were looking in the woods in the area while they looked for a sign of a jeep.
Hawkeye sighed. "You know, I want to find Beej, but I'm hoping someone else will. I'm afraid, I don't know if I want to see what shape he's in.." He trailed off.
"I know, Hawkeye. But the sooner someone finds him the better."
"God, I hope someone sees him. And not the North Koreans." He looked away.
She smiled sadly and put her hand around his waist, pulling him closer and he put his arm around her shoulder. "We'll find him. The chopper pilots are all on the lookout, all the regiments and companies and battalions in the area have been alerted. Someone will find him."
Before he could answer the radio he held in his hand crackled. "RUBBER DUCK COME IN RUBBER DUCK THIS IS HORSESHOE!" Came Colonel Potter's voice.
Hawkeye brought it to his mouth. "That's Rubber Duckies. Rodger Dodger, what's your A5 oh 3?"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"
"I don't know, just trying to do radio talk."
"WELL SHUT UP. I'VE GOT SOME GOOD NEWS. CAPTAIN STOKES, A CHOPPER PILOT HAS SEEN A JEEP AND SOME MOVEMENT ABOUT 5 MILES SOUTH OF WHERE YOU GUYS ARE. HE'S GOT YOUR POSITION, AND COMING DOWN TO LEAD YOU TO THE AREA. THERE'S NO DECENT SPOT FOR HIM TO LAND, SO HE NEEDS YOU GUYS."
"Thanks Colonel, that's great, we'll be ready. Over and out."
"I'M SUPPOSED TO SAY THAT!"
"Sorry. Over."
They could hear Potter mumbling something incoherent before he turned his radio off.
Margaret grabbed the radio. "Give that to me, we have to radio the men."
"But I can-"
"Oh you don't know what you're talking about on those things, give it to me." He scowled as she pressed a button. "Rubber ducks! Where are you Ducks?"
"WE'RE ABOUT 50FT FROM THE ROAD AT THE MOMENT MA'AM."
"Well get back here, we've got a sign, get back to the road, on the double!"
"YES MA'AM!"
"Over and out."
"OVER."
She thrust it back against Hawkeye's chest. That's how you use it."
"Uh huh." He said sarcastically and rolled his eyes, since he was a step behind her.
"I saw that! Don't you roll your eyes at me!"
"How did you know I rolled my eyes?"
"I didn't until just then!" She grinned and turned around facing him.
"You're cute, you know that?"
"Not as cute as you." She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she ruffled his hair, leaving it a complete mess.
"Hey!"
"Ah, shut up about it and kiss me!"
"And what if I don't want to?"
"Then as a major I order you!"
"Since when have I ever listened to your orders?" "Good point."
He grinned. "Here. Close your eyes." He leaned in and quickly pecked her on the cheek.
"That wasn't a kiss!! That reminded me of grade six!"
"Okay, well how about this?" He leaned forward and pecked her on the lips.
"That's high school.."
"How's this for a doctor and a nurse?" He leaned towards her once more and captured her lips with his own. She moaned slightly and put her arms around his neck.
After a moment she pulled away. "Wait. The enlisted!" She turned around to see Klinger, Igor and a few other enlisted men looking at them with wide eyes. She looked back at them for a moment before she quickly switched to Major mode. "Well, what are you waiting for?" She barked at them. "Get ready and get in the ambulance for when the chopper comes!"
A chorus of "Yes Major"s and "Yes ma'am"s were heard as they quickly got to work putting their supplies and packs in the back of the ambulance and piling in. Once they were settled in the there and Hawkeye and Margaret were in the jeep the chopper came into view over the road. It hovered a moment over them, before turning and heading back, but this time directly over the roads so that they could follow them.
After about five minutes the chopper started to hover and circle an area just ahead of Hawkeye and Margaret in their jeep. They drove over a small hill and could see the jeep ahead, turned on its side.
"Oh no." Hawkeye muttered. Silently he prayed for them to find BJ but not hurt. "Margaret, get my bag out of the back." He told her as he kept his eyes straight ahead, driving closer to the overturned jeep.
As the jeep rolled to a stop Hawkeye jumped out with his bag, running over. "Hawkeye! Be careful!" Margaret called as she turned their jeep off; in his rush, he had forgotten to do so. "For God's sake be careful." She prayed under her breath. Hawkeye reached the jeep and, begging for BJ to be okay, praying that it would be him but he would be safe, he looked in..
"Oh my God," Was Hawkeye's only response when he saw what lay before him.
Thanks: Thanks to CorporalCupcake, Assilem, Falcon and HM Writer for their input on this and I'm sure you'll see more from them in the future! (Shameless plug: Read their stories!! They are AWESOME!! (Corporal Cupcake is more into CSI stories so read them too!!!) Ahem. Also, I'd like to thank my reviewers, some I'm not sure I know you but others have been my faithful R&Rers since the beginning of my writing days (sniffs and gets nostalgic.) So Thank you to the new people and all the people who have always read my writing (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!)
Warning: Though not my usual thing, it's a little mushy, but it kind of has to be for this to work. I promise, after this, Hawkeye might get a little romantic every now and again, but it won't be this mushy. It'll be more my usual stuff with a bit of lighthearted humor stuff. Please R&R!!
Well now, this has been a long Author's note, hasn't it? I promise they'll be shorter in the future, and if you aren't tired of reading already, here's chapter 2!!!
*****
"RADAR!" Colonel Potter called. No sooner had he said that, and the short company clerk dashed into the CO's office as the Colonel said "Any news from Battalion Aid?"
As the colonel spoke, Radar said "I called the Aid Station sir, there's no sign of Cap'n Hunnicutt and the chopper pilots going between there and here haven't seen him here or there or anywhere in between sir."
"Fig Newtons."
"Yes sir. Would you like me to get the officer's together in the office, sir, for a search party?"
"Not tonight. It's pitch black out; we wouldn't see a damn thing. Plus with snipers out there, it'd just be too dangerous. We'll wait until tomorrow morning. Go get a good rest. You're gonna be busy on the phone all day tomorrow, Radar. Go get some sleep Radar."
"Yes sir. See you at oh six hundred tomorrow sir." Radar turned around and walked out to his office and cot.
"Come home, BJ." Potter mumbled to himself and sighed heavily once he was alone.
*******
Margaret was brushing her hair for the 467th time that night. Normally it was one hundred, but she had now done this four times, and each time failed to make her want to sleep. She couldn't get her mind off of everything that had happened. BJ was missing, but, as horrible as it made her feel, she was thinking about Hawkeye instead.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Yes?"
"I noticed your light is still on. You realize it's one thirty in the wee hours of the morning?" Hawkeye called through the door.
Hiding her smile, she continued to brush. "Come in, Pierce." He came in and she looked up at him. "What are you doing up so late?"
"My tent is too quiet. Now, even Charles snoring, snobbish accent and his damn records would be nice to hear. I can't stop thinking about Beej."
"I know, Hawkeye."
"Well what about you? What are you doing, just brushing your hair now at this time of night?"
"I'm after brushing my hair 4 times, this is the fifth time. Usually it makes me sleepy, but I just can't sleep tonight."
"I can tell you've been brushing it a lot." She looked at him and he smiled as he reached out and touched a lock of her hair, running his hand down the soft blonde hair. "It's really bushy." She looked at him like she was deciding whether or not to be insulted and he snorted a laugh. "But you're still beautiful, major."
She smiled sadly at him. "Thank you, Captain."
"What was that, Darlene?" He asked her cutely.
"Thank you," She paused, "Thank you, Hank."
Hawkeye grinned and took her hand. "I like Hank, but I think Hawkeye is a little better. It sounds a lot better, especially when you scream it into the night while I'm on top of you."
"HAWKEYE!" Margaret yelped and smacked him in the chest. She knew he was kidding, and had long sense gotten used to his dirty jokes, but she still never knew what he would say next.
"Yeah, exactly like that. Well, except for the part about me being on top of you." He went forward, pretending to tackle her, but this time she was ready for him, and tickled him in the ribs.
"AHHHEE!" He half squealed and jumped back up. She stopped, as if she realized she had been flirting with him, willingly, and went back to doing what she was doing before.
"Captain, I want to finish brushing my hair." She said seriously and turned away from him. "One hundred strokes."
"Major, you're beautiful no matter what, but I should let you know, you keep brushing your hair like this and it will fall out."
"Please leave."
"Margaret, I know what's bothering you. And it's bothering me too. I should be the one that was on their way to the front. BJ is missing now, and we can't go look for him until morning. My best friend is missing, you think I can sleep? You think you're the only one worried, and doing compulsive things to try and stay sane? You have no idea how much I've paced our God damned tent, trying to get it out of my mind, and every time I turn around I see his bunk, or that picture of Erin. Or even the Still. He didn't make the still, but he sure did christen it. Again and again. I see Erin and Peg, their picture, and one with BJ, I think about..I think about.." He started to take deep breaths. "If Erin doesn't get her daddy back..and...and..Peg doesn't get her husband..then I feel horrible. It's my fault, and, and I'm worried about loosing my best friend, when I should be thinking of Erin and Peg.." His voice was breaking up more and more now.
During his speech, Margaret sat on her bunk, looking up at the man who she had always thought the strongest in the camp. Rarely had she seen this side of him, and was very moved about the way he felt. She stood up and walked over to where he was standing, hanging his head, his shoulders slumped, and his hand at his eyes, obviously trying to hold back tears. She slowly and gently touched his arm, causing him to jump. He had almost forgotten she was there, listening to him.
"Hawkeye. Listen to me. It is not your fault, and we WILL find BJ. You and I, we'll search every inch of South and North Korea personally if we have to. But we will find our friend, and your best friend. He's becoming closer to me every day. Both of you are. And I love you both, so we have to find him."
Hawkeye looked at her with red in his normally bright blue eyes. He had the one of the saddest expressions she had ever seen on his normally bright and handsome face. He didn't say a word, but suddenly put his arms around her, holding her in a tight hug, resting his chin on her hair as she rested her forehead against his shoulder. She inhaled deeply and took in his wonderful scent she had come to know and love over the two and a half years she had known him. Hawkeye put his face down into her blonde hair, burying himself in it, inhaling her scent just as deeply as she did. She smelled so beautiful to him. Then, everything about her was beautiful. He placed a kiss on her hair, and held her for a while longer, each soaking the other up, pressed as close together their bulky sweaters and fall clothing would allow, neither wanting to be the one to break the embrace.
He held her closer and realized she was crying. Her shoulders were shaking and she buried her head further against his chest.
"Margaret?"
She lifted her head just slightly, but never looked in his eyes. With tears on her cheeks she choked out, "We'll find him." Before crying again.
He held her against him. "I know baby, we will. We just gotta look for him." He sighed. "I hope."
She stopped and looked straight in his piercing blue eyes. "We WILL."
He smiled sadly and took a tissue from her dresser and dabbed at her eyes and cheeks.
"Hawkeye, it's okay to.. you know.. Cry." She could see the tears threatening to fall. He nodded and a single tear fell over his cheek. His display of emotion and feelings for his best friend caused more tears of her own to fall. "Oh, Hawk.."
He rubbed her back. "It's okay, baby, it's okay." He kissed her hair again. She lifted up and looked at him. "You know, I missed a couple tears when I wiped them away. The tissue is soggy though. Oh well. I'll improvise."
"There's more tissues there on the-" He cut her off by placing his finger on her lips as he went forward and kissed her cheek, right where a tear had fallen. He moved back and smiled slightly at her. "Oh." She smiled and laughed slightly.
"What do you think?"
"I think you missed a few spots."
"You think so?"
"Uh huh."
"Major Houllihan, are you trying to seduce me?" She laughed. "Because it's working." He mumbled as he moved closer and kissed her lips. It was a quick sweet kiss, but both looked at the other and leaned forward again.
He captured her lips with his own, working over her bottom lip and kissed her lightly a few times before he kissed her softly and let his tongue slip into her mouth. She moaned as he massaged her tongue and the inside of her mouth with his own. Margaret opened her mouth wider, trying to get more of him inside; he was absolutely amazing at what he did. His hands went over her back as hers went around his neck and went up, threading his hair through her fingers and holding his head tighter to hers. She let her tongue go towards his mouth and they started wrestling back and forth.
Finally, they broke the kiss and stayed close so that their noses were touching as they breathed in the scent of each other, letting their lips gently touch each other every now and again, calming down between little butterfly kisses.
"Hawkeye? What's going on? I'm so confused. I should be upset because of BJ, but I'm here with you, I feel bad that I'm not thinking about him, Hawk."
"I know. Margaret, I want you to know," He took her hands in his. "I care for you. Very, very deeply. And I want to continue this. But we can't right now, not with everything that's been going on. I can't with BJ gone like this. But I promise," He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, "I will never EVER hurt you. I know you are probably worried, given your past experiences with men, well I can understand if you don't fully trust me. But I won't hurt you."
"I know you won't." She realized they were in a very settling position on her bed, her half lying half sitting against her pillows and Hawkeye leaning against her, his leg between hers. "But, you should go. For tonight."
"I know."
"We'll see about the next night." She added with a smile and kissed his nose. "We will find BJ and might want to celebrate."
He smiled. "Margaret! You made pass at me, and I love it! I'll see you tomorrow morning." He kissed her sweetly. "Goodnight." Kiss. "I'm going." Kiss. "Through the door." Kiss. "In the Swamp." Kiss. "In my own bunk." He kissed her deeper and longer this time and when he finally let go he stood up. "Goodnight Major."
"Goodnight, Captain."
*******
Early the next morning the PA crackled to life. "Would Major Houllihan, Captain Pierce, Father Mulcahey and Corporal Klinger please report to Colonel Potter's office!" Radar's voice sounded.
For once, Hawkeye was up and dressed. Actually he hadn't been asleep anymore than a few minutes here and there throughout the night. He knew this was to organize the search party for BJ, and therefore was prepared. He had his medical bag ready along with his kit including a compass, whistle, flashlight, and map of their area of South Korea. As he walked out of The Swamp and towards the main office, Margaret was also coming out of her tent. It was obvious she had a little sleep as he had had, but whether that was because she was thinking about Hawkeye or BJ he wasn't quite sure of.
"Good morning, Captain Pierce. You're up early."
"Actually I'm up late. I hardly slept a wink last night."
"I know, Hawkeye. Neither did I. But we'll find him. Are you ready to go searching?"
"Yes, but you know what happened last time we were stuck in the woods alone that time and stumbled upon that hut."
"Hawkeye! Not right now."
"I know. But, you know me, I always make jokes at the wrong times."
"No you don't. That's one great thing about you. You see the good side in things and bring it out to people. Hawk, people in this camp love you for being so unmilitary and joking."
"I know. But I can be serious sometimes."
"I know that, I saw last night." He looked away. "Hawkeye, it's not a crime for a man to cry you know." Slowly he looked back at her. "It showed me how much you care for your friend, and how close you really are to him. Not to mention that I think it takes a real man to be able to cry, and it's actually pretty sexy."
He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "What is this? Is Major Houllihan Regular Army falling for the dirty draftee Captain Benjamin Pierce with his raven black hair and sparkling blue eyes and amazing features?"
She laughed. "Shut up." Margaret lightly slapped him on the chest and he put an arm around her waist as they walked into the office together.
Hawkeye, Margaret, Klinger and Radar filed into Colonel Potter's office. Radar stood on the side of the colonel's desk before taking his seat on a desk against the wall. Klinger took his spot in the corner seat, while the Father stood by the doors. Hawkeye and Margaret took the two seats in front of the desk.
"Men," Potter started and got a cough from Margaret, "And women; Radar and myself have been on the phone all night trying to reach just about everyone. I've spoken to everyone except General Macarthur and the President of China! No one has seen BJ, but people are looking. Charlie Company of the 589th is out looking, as well as all chopper pilots in the area. However, we're going to send out search teams. Winchester should be back any minute and he'll be helping us too, no matter how tired or hung over he may be.
"Sir, Major Winchester should be here in about two minutes." Radar said suddenly. They all looked at him for a moment, before Potter continued.
"Now, Pierce, Margaret, you two are in charge of Search Party, uh, what do you want to call it?"
"Rubber Duckies." Hawkeye said.
Potter blinked a few times. "Okay, well you two are in charge of Search Party Rubber Duckies, and myself and Winchester will be in charge of Search Party Horseshoe. For good luck."
"What does it matter what the names are?" Margaret said exasperatingly. "We need to get out there!"
"Major, Zale has fixed the walkie talkies, so each search party will have two, and Radar will have one here. Radar, you're-"
"I'll stay here for any sign from either of you or for any calls from Charlie Company."
"What you said. Klinger, you're with the ducks, and five other enlisted men: Straminsky, Zale, Goldberg, Peters and Whelan. Go round them up. Radar, get me Rizzo, Norris, Oxford, Rochester, and Reed. They'll be in my group."
"Yes sir."
"Father, your job is just as important as everyone else's. Please, pray for BJ, and that we might find him."
"Yes sir." The padre nodded and left, leaving just Potter, Hawkeye and Margaret behind. It was then that Charles burst in the room.
"Sir, I am back from Tokyo. Radar said to come see you right away, I haven't even had the chance to put away my things and I need a shower, now what is it you need?"
"BJ's missing. You're in my search party. Come on, kids, I'll tell you on the way, Winchester."
By the time Colonel Potter explained everything to Charles, they were in the middle of the compound with the enlisted that were to go with them. The Colonel was barking orders to the enlisted to gas up the vehicles, get supplies from the supply tent and get everything ready for their search.
"Colonel! We have to get going!" Hawkeye called above the hustle and bustle of the camp.
"Son we will as soon as everything is ready!"
"But the longer we wait the more danger Beej could be in!! We have to go look for him! NOW!!"
"Listen Hawk, we can't go until we're ready!"
Hawkeye turned to Charles. "This was your fault! If we didn't have to wait for you to get back from your precious R&R we could be out by now!"
Margaret could tell Hawkeye was really getting upset about BJ, and Potter noticed as well. Silently, with his eyes, he told Margaret to go take care of him.
"Hawkeye, why don't we go rest for a bit until they're ready?" She asked him.
"But we have to go!!"
"Come on, Hawk, we'll just go into the Scrub room for a minute."
"But-"
"Pierce, we're going and that's final. Now come with me." She spoke in her stern Major voice. She led him into the empty Scrub room and sat him down on the bench. She sat next to him, turning slightly so she faced him. "Hawkeye, baby, you've got to calm down. I know it's hard-"
"You have no idea! Beej is my best friend!"
"Hawkeye! He's my best friend too. One of my two best friends here in this camp." She placed a hand on his knee. "You and BJ are the two closest people to me. I've never let anyone ever get this close to me before. I've always been afraid that they would leave and I would get hurt. And now I'm afraid---" Her voice broke.
"I know Margaret, I'm afraid too." They both moved closer, putting their arms around each other as Hawkeye rested his cheek against her hair. "You know that in a war, and in any medical situation, every minute counts. I need to get to BJ."
"I know. I know, Hawk but we need to get the supplies."
He sighed. "Well we should have at least volunteered for supplies, that way we'd at least get something productive done."
"But that's the enlisted men's job."
He smiled. "I don't think you understand what I meant by something productive."
She smiled sadly. "I don't think either one of us is in any state to do that right now." Both had sad smiles on their faces, their cheeks tear stained. "Not now."
"Yeah."
"But while we're waiting for them to finish up packing.." She spoke softly as she inched closer, her hand on his thigh as she tilted her head up towards his. He responded by pushing her hair back behind her ear as he cupped a soft cheek and caressed the fair skin on her face. Hawkeye moved his head closer to her own, his mouth slightly open, going for her own lips. Finally they met and his soft lips covered her own and he kissed her gently and passionately. It was not forceful or seductive, just loving and comforting. Margaret brought her hand up to his silky black with gray hair and stroked it, running her fingers through it as he worked his magic over her, massaging her lips with his own as his tongue did the same with hers.
Finally they broke apart and their eyes opened, and stared at each other for a moment.
"Margaret,"
"Yes?"
"I..uh..I.." He scratched the back of his head and looked away.
"What Hawkeye?"
"Um..we have to go." He heard Potter's whistle, and he silently thanked God. He knew he would have to tell her later, but it wasn't the right time or the right place at the moment.
Hawkeye led a confused Margaret out the door of the main building and they met with everyone in the compound. Potter came over to speak to them, as the leaders of the other search party.
"Now, we're gonna be careful, Hawkeye, I know you won't take your gun, but Margaret do you have yours?"
"Yes sir."
"Swell. Now you kids be careful, if you hear anything, it could be BJ, but you still gotta be careful. Stick together, and know where everyone is at all times. If you see any sign of him, radio us. Here's your radio, we got one and Radar's got another one. He's staying by the phone."
"Yes sir." Hawkeye and Margaret answered.
"Good luck."
"You too," Hawkeye said the same time Margaret responded, "Thanks," as he helped her in the jeep that they would take while the enlisted took the ambulance and followed.
******
An hour later, Hawkeye and Margaret were walking along the road, checking their map while holding hands. The corpsmen were looking in the woods in the area while they looked for a sign of a jeep.
Hawkeye sighed. "You know, I want to find Beej, but I'm hoping someone else will. I'm afraid, I don't know if I want to see what shape he's in.." He trailed off.
"I know, Hawkeye. But the sooner someone finds him the better."
"God, I hope someone sees him. And not the North Koreans." He looked away.
She smiled sadly and put her hand around his waist, pulling him closer and he put his arm around her shoulder. "We'll find him. The chopper pilots are all on the lookout, all the regiments and companies and battalions in the area have been alerted. Someone will find him."
Before he could answer the radio he held in his hand crackled. "RUBBER DUCK COME IN RUBBER DUCK THIS IS HORSESHOE!" Came Colonel Potter's voice.
Hawkeye brought it to his mouth. "That's Rubber Duckies. Rodger Dodger, what's your A5 oh 3?"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"
"I don't know, just trying to do radio talk."
"WELL SHUT UP. I'VE GOT SOME GOOD NEWS. CAPTAIN STOKES, A CHOPPER PILOT HAS SEEN A JEEP AND SOME MOVEMENT ABOUT 5 MILES SOUTH OF WHERE YOU GUYS ARE. HE'S GOT YOUR POSITION, AND COMING DOWN TO LEAD YOU TO THE AREA. THERE'S NO DECENT SPOT FOR HIM TO LAND, SO HE NEEDS YOU GUYS."
"Thanks Colonel, that's great, we'll be ready. Over and out."
"I'M SUPPOSED TO SAY THAT!"
"Sorry. Over."
They could hear Potter mumbling something incoherent before he turned his radio off.
Margaret grabbed the radio. "Give that to me, we have to radio the men."
"But I can-"
"Oh you don't know what you're talking about on those things, give it to me." He scowled as she pressed a button. "Rubber ducks! Where are you Ducks?"
"WE'RE ABOUT 50FT FROM THE ROAD AT THE MOMENT MA'AM."
"Well get back here, we've got a sign, get back to the road, on the double!"
"YES MA'AM!"
"Over and out."
"OVER."
She thrust it back against Hawkeye's chest. That's how you use it."
"Uh huh." He said sarcastically and rolled his eyes, since he was a step behind her.
"I saw that! Don't you roll your eyes at me!"
"How did you know I rolled my eyes?"
"I didn't until just then!" She grinned and turned around facing him.
"You're cute, you know that?"
"Not as cute as you." She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she ruffled his hair, leaving it a complete mess.
"Hey!"
"Ah, shut up about it and kiss me!"
"And what if I don't want to?"
"Then as a major I order you!"
"Since when have I ever listened to your orders?" "Good point."
He grinned. "Here. Close your eyes." He leaned in and quickly pecked her on the cheek.
"That wasn't a kiss!! That reminded me of grade six!"
"Okay, well how about this?" He leaned forward and pecked her on the lips.
"That's high school.."
"How's this for a doctor and a nurse?" He leaned towards her once more and captured her lips with his own. She moaned slightly and put her arms around his neck.
After a moment she pulled away. "Wait. The enlisted!" She turned around to see Klinger, Igor and a few other enlisted men looking at them with wide eyes. She looked back at them for a moment before she quickly switched to Major mode. "Well, what are you waiting for?" She barked at them. "Get ready and get in the ambulance for when the chopper comes!"
A chorus of "Yes Major"s and "Yes ma'am"s were heard as they quickly got to work putting their supplies and packs in the back of the ambulance and piling in. Once they were settled in the there and Hawkeye and Margaret were in the jeep the chopper came into view over the road. It hovered a moment over them, before turning and heading back, but this time directly over the roads so that they could follow them.
After about five minutes the chopper started to hover and circle an area just ahead of Hawkeye and Margaret in their jeep. They drove over a small hill and could see the jeep ahead, turned on its side.
"Oh no." Hawkeye muttered. Silently he prayed for them to find BJ but not hurt. "Margaret, get my bag out of the back." He told her as he kept his eyes straight ahead, driving closer to the overturned jeep.
As the jeep rolled to a stop Hawkeye jumped out with his bag, running over. "Hawkeye! Be careful!" Margaret called as she turned their jeep off; in his rush, he had forgotten to do so. "For God's sake be careful." She prayed under her breath. Hawkeye reached the jeep and, begging for BJ to be okay, praying that it would be him but he would be safe, he looked in..
"Oh my God," Was Hawkeye's only response when he saw what lay before him.