A/N: Okay, everyone. This chapter's longer…and more detailed. Hope you like it! Thank you to everyone who reviewed me. I'll be sure to check out your stories if I haven't already! Oh yeah, the song "Can I" by the Manhattans wasn't made until the early 60s, but it goes with this chapter and chapters to come.
As Hawkeye walked next to Margaret on their way to the O Club, he wondered what would happen. He knew they would either have a wonderful time or they would end up arguing. He wanted to make sure that he didn't screw anything up. As they entered the O Club, it was pretty packed. Many of the enlisted men had gathered there after surgery. Hawkeye led Margaret to a table in the back and pulled out a chair for her.
"So what do you want to drink?"
"Um…I guess I'll have a Scotch."
"Okay."
Hawkeye gave Margaret a big smile and walked over to the bar. Margaret watched him as he talked with a few guys at another table as he waited for the drinks. "God is he wonderful," she thought to herself. She couldn't help but smile. A few moments later Hawkeye came back to the table with a drink in each hand.
"Your Scotch, my dear."
"Thanks. Is that a Martini?"
"Of course. So Major…how have you been?"
"How have I been? I've been…" she paused for a moment to look into Hawkeye's sparkling blue eyes "good. And you?"
"Well other than being sick and tired of this damn war and all the death and destruction, I'm fine."
"Yeah."
"So um…do you like music?"
"Oh, I love to listen to music."
"Do you have a favorite song?"
"I guess I'd have to say 'Can I' by the Manhattans. It's such a beautiful song. Did you ever hear it?"
"I can't say I have. Wait here, I'll be right back."
Hawkeye walked over to the jukebox and looked at the song titles. He saw that it contained Margaret's favorite song. He put in a nickel, walked back to the table, and held out his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
Margaret nodded and stood up. She wrapped her arms tightly around Hawkeye's neck; and got chills as Hawkeye moved his hands up and down her back. They moved gracefully as the song progressed. Hawkeye gently laid his head on Margaret's.
"You're right, this is a beautiful song."
Hawkeye looked into Margaret's eyes. He knew without a doubt that he was in love with her; but he didn't know how to tell her. They worked together every day in surgery; then went their separate ways. He knew he wanted more than that. He wanted to spend every waking moment with her. He wanted to spend…his life with her. As he held her in his arms, he never wanted to let go. This wasn't a fling or a crush. He was truly in love with her.
"Margaret…do you want to take a walk?"
"A walk?"
"Yeah. I want to get out of here."
"Sure."
Hawkeye took Margaret's hand and they walked out the door. He wanted to be alone with her; to talk and just be with her. As they walked around the compound, still hand in hand, something had come over them. It was the first time since the start of the war that they felt peaceful and calm. They actually felt happy. Margaret looked at Hawkeye. She knew that what she was feeling for him was love. Before when she was with all of those different guys, it was only about sex. It was the only thing the guys wanted and the only thing Margaret felt she was capable of. Once she realized that she was worth much more than a one night stand, she was afraid to get close to a man again. She never knew if a guy was devoted or just looking for a good time. But when she was with Hawkeye, she knew that he was genuine. Sure, he used to play around with her nurses; but she knew Hawkeye had also changed. She knew that if they were to ever get together, it would be perfect. And maybe, just maybe, this was that time.
