Peace talks
Hawkeye stretched his aching limbs as he and BJ walked back towards the swamp together.
"So you think that kid'll be okay?" BJ asked idly.
"Which one?" Hawkeye said, tiredly. Lack of sleep over the last few nights had caught up with him now and he was starting to crash. He just hoped he could make it to his cot first.
"Kid with all the shrapnel. You were worried because it was close to his spine." BJ ran through the little titbits Hawkeye had given them during OR.
"Oh, yeah, him, yeah. I think he'll be okay. I couldn't see any damage to the spine and unless I missed something he should be okay."
"It's doubtful you missed anything, Hawk, you took good care of him. Luckily we weren't too over run with wounded." BJ added, opening the door to the swamp.
"Right, gave me the time to take care of him." Hawkeye agreed. He yawned tiredly and loudly. "What time is it?"
" Nearly mid-day."
"Seems later." Hawkeye said as he practically fell onto his bunk. "Night, Beej." He said closing his eyes.
BJ began taking his boots of first. "Night."
Charles Winchester had decided to treat himself to a cognac at the Officer's club. He was never quite sure how Pierce and Hunnicutt ended up so much more exhausted then he did after shifts in the OR.
He much preferred to have a few drinks, unwind and then sleep later. Of course there were times when the shifts would be so long, with so many wounded and the horrific nature of what you saw... those were the times when he'd simply submit himself over to the merciful peace that sleep gave him.
He was surprised when he arrived at the OC to see Lt. Rose there. Alone.
He hoped they could talk, seeing as Pierce was out of the way for now.
She sat at a table alone, looking very lost.
He ordered his drink and took it over to the lady.
"Excuse me, I was wondering if you'd like some company?" Charles asked her.
She looked a little surprised at the man standing there but smiled up at him. "It'd be my pleasure." She replied.
Charles sat next to her and looked carefully at her face. Her red eyes were evidence enough that she'd been crying recently. He let silence sit between them for a while before he dared breach it. "I hope I'm not speaking out of place here, Lieutenant Rose..."
"Gaby."
"...Gaby. I know the things you bare witness to here are frightful and dreadful to say the least, but you will find a way to get used to what you see here."
"What's your way, major?" She asked quietly.
"Charles. I like to listen to classical music and read masterpieces of prose and poetry. Works of literature that take you a million miles from this... slum."
She smiled at him. "Sound terrific. That's not why I'm upset though."
"You need a friendly ear to unburden yourself?" Charles asked.
"Not offence, but I'm not sure you're the best person to ask."
"Try me. I'll be gentle." Charles encouraged.
"It's about Hawkeye." She stopped after that, waiting for Charles to object to talking about him. She was a little surprised when it didn't come.
Charles picked up on her hesitance and spoke. "I'll be impartial." He said.
"Someone kinda said that he's always kind of 'nice' to new nurses."
"Well yes, he's not backwards in coming forwards." Charles agreed, having somewhat missed the point
"Erm, I think it's sweet of you to sit with me, but I think I'd like to be alone right now." Gaby stood up.
"Oh, please don't go, at least let me leave you in peace, you were here first." Charles apologised.
"No, really, it's okay. I was going to go, so... thank you, anyway." Gaby left the Officers club feeling as rotten as when she went in.