Disclaimer: I don't own anything from MASH, no matter how much I would love too, I don't so please don't sue me!
Summary: Follow Hawkeye and Margaret's life, together from the beginning!
"Good morning." He says to her.
"Good morning."
"What time is it?"
"7:45."
"I'm on vacation... there should be no reason that I wake up this early." He says yawning. "So, I guess we slept together." He grins.
"Pierce!" Margaret says rolling her eyes.
"I didn't say it was bad... was it good for you?" He asks, getting slapped in the chest.
"Ouch... why is it that all women go for the chest when they hit?"
"It's the most accessible." She says, sitting up.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I did. What about you?"
"The best I've slept in a while."
"Me too..." Margaret says, trailing off. "I should probably get a shower." She says, standing up.
"Yeah, me too." He says standing and stretching. "See you for breakfast?"
"Yeah." She says. "I'll come over after I'm done."
"Sounds good. I'll see you in a little while then." He says as they walk into the hotel room and open the door.
"Yeah, see you soon." She smiles as he walks out the door and she closes it behind him.
"What just happened?" She says to herself as she hops into the shower. She couldn't get the sleeping arrangement out of her head. She couldn't believe that it had happened. Sure, they have fallen asleep together before. They did when the 8063rd bugged out and they weren't aware of it... so this is no different... no different at all... "Except for the fact that I enjoyed it... and I wasn't scared... and we weren't scared." She says aloud. She opened the dresser and looked through her clothes. She wanted to look nice today... for the barbeque she kept on telling herself, but she knew the only one she was fooling was herself. All the feelings she had for him came back the moment she saw him. She had butterflies in her stomach when she realized it was him knocking at the door of her hotel room. "I think I'm in trouble..." She says, shaking her head, smiling as she brushes her hair. She finishes as quickly as she possibly could, so she can spend more time with Hawkeye before BJ comes over.
Hawkeye did the same as Margaret. He got his shower and got dressed quickly. He couldn't believe that Margaret actually allowed him to lace his arm around her shoulders. He was thrilled to be back with her. He missed her more than he had missed anyone before. He actually missed her right now, and they have only been apart for thirty minutes at the most. He couldn't wait to see her again, and hoped she felt the same. He didn't want to lose her again... A knock at the door shakes him from his thoughts. He walks over and opens it up seeing Margaret standing there makes him smile.
"That was quick." He says, seeing it was only 8:20.
"I've learned to take quick showers since the war."
"Funny, I've learned to savor them." He shrugs as they sit on the couch.
"Well, I keep them short just incase I ever have to run another MASH unit."
"Sounds like you." He says smiling.
"What the hell does that mean?!" She says defensive.
"Oh come on Major, I know you... never one to let your guard down because if you let your guard down that's when people start to not respect you right?"
"Not always."
"Care to prove me wrong?"
"I have on several different occasions." She says smugly, giving a smile to him because he knew she was right.
"You got me there." He says, smiling. "I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the gang, what about you?"
"Yeah I am. It's been a while since I've seen most of them."
"So, do you like Washington DC?"
"I do, very much. The base is fantastic and I love the people I work with... except for one Doctor."
"Oh?"
"Yeah... Colonel Miller... he is constantly making passes at me and asking me to dinner, and his eyes are always on me."
"Well you should be use to that..."
"How so?"
"Trapper and I always were making passes at you." He says smiling.
She smiles and says, "Well this is different.... I don't hate Miller."
"Are you saying you hate me?!" He says, pretending to be hurt.
"Not now... but I wasn't too fond of you the first year of the war."
"Don't worry, the feeling was mutual... you lightened up a lot by the end.... I think we finally broke you."
"We?!"
"Yeah, BJ and I... it was hard, but we did it."
"Yeah, maybe... but it was more myself... I was still the same to my nurses."
"This is true."
They continue talking until there was a knock at the door, "That must be BJ." He says as he stands up. "Good morning." He says to his best friend and 'niece'.
"Morning."
"Hi Uncle Hawk!" Erin says, smiling.
"Hi Erin!" He says, returning the child's enthusiasm.
"Morning Margaret." BJ says grinning.
"Good morning BJ." She says. "Hi Erin."
"Hi Aunt Margaret." She says smiling.
"Did you let your mom and dad sleep in this morning?" Hawkeye asks the little girl.
"Till seven, so I guess you could call that sleeping in." BJ says.
"Did you wake up your daddy Erin?"
"Yup! I jump on him." She smiles.
"He probably deserved it." Hawkeye says smiling. "Where's Peg?"
"She'll be here in a minute or so."
"Alright. Are you hungry Erin?"
"Yup! I want pancakes!" She says smiling.
"That sounds good." Margaret says smiling.
"It is." Erin agrees. "Daddy, can we go?"
"Wait till Mommy gets here." He smiles, before he hears his wife say,
"I'm here, let's go."
"Mommy... you took too long." Erin says, discussed with her.
"Well I'm sorry Princess." She says laughing. "Shall we?"
"If you're finally ready." Hawkeye says smiling.
"Let's go." BJ says, smiling.
During breakfast they broke into groups.... Margaret and Peg talked and BJ and Hawkeye talked. It was almost like they were in grade school and boys can't talk to girls and vice versa, but none of them thought anything about it. BJ and Hawkeye needed to catch up, and Margaret and Peg wanted to get to know one another better. The women both know how much and how long BJ and Hawkeye could go on talking by themselves and figured that they best get acquainted because it was going to be a long week if they didn't. Erin was sitting there very patiently, but after an hour she got antsy.
"Mommy...." She says, not getting her attention, "MOMMY! MOMMY!" She shouts.
"Yes Erin?"
"I wanna go." She says, as Peg looks at her watch.'
"You've been very patient... What do you say guys, shall we go?" She asks. "BJ? BJ?" She starts to laugh before "Can you believe those two? They can't hear a word we are saying to them."
"They had practice at tuning people out." Margaret says smiling. "Hawkeye..." She says... "I know how to get them to stop...." She says, reaching around Hawkeye and clamping her hand over his moving mouth, "Hey... we are ready to leave."
"Margaret..." Hawkeye says in discuss, "All you had to do was say something!"
This causes both women to laugh as they stand up, "We'll try to remember that next time." Peg says smiling. "Are you ready?" She asks, as she picks up Erin.
"If you girls are." BJ says, standing up. They get into the car that Hawkeye rented and drive back to the hotel.
"What time do we have to head over to the Colonel's?" Hawkeye asks Margaret.
"Noon."
"We have an hour and a half to kill." BJ says as they take the elevator up to the fourth floor.
"I'm going to go back to the room." Peg says.
"Daddy... come play wif me!" Erin says. She was use to her dad playing with her all day when he was home, but with Margaret and Hawkeye there, he was too busy talking.
"How can I resist." He says. "Shall we meet up in say an hour and fifteen?"
"That sounds good." Hawkeye says.
"See you then." They say as they part.
"So Margaret, would you like to take a trip around the hotel with me to see what is around?"
"Sure." She smiles as they walk back to the elevator. BJ turns around before he walks into his room and sees the two leaving and smiles. "Something is definitely going on with those two." He says aloud.
"Something's going on with who?" Peg asks.
"Margaret and Hawkeye..." He says smiling as he sits down next to Erin. "Ok honey, what are we going to play?"
"Um... let's read!" She says smiling as she hands him the book Hawkeye gave her.
"Ok." He says as he starts to read to her. Peg sat back and watched the two of them. She was so glad to have BJ back. It's to the point where Erin does not ever remember not having her father every day.
Hawkeye and Margaret were walking around the first floor of the hotel as they came upon the pool.
"Shall we go check out the pool?" Hawkeye says, as they walk towards the doors of the indoor pool.
"Sure." She says, just glad to be spending time with him.
"We should go swimming."
"That sounds like fun, but when are we going to find the time to go swimming? I am sure that we will be over the Colonel's most of the time, and at the bar with everyone the rest."
"Nah, we can find some time. I'm almost positive that Peg will not want Erin out all night, so we'll be back before midnight, and the pool does not close till one."
"I guess your right. I know I wouldn't want my three year old out all night... especially with you hoodlums."
"Hoodlums?! Major, you are included in that category."
"I most certainly am not!" She says smiling, "I was referring to you and BJ... and the rest of you unmilitary people."
"Yeah, but that's what makes me so charming!" He says smiling.
"You keep telling yourself that Romeo." She says rolling her eyes.
"So, what do you say? One night we hit the pool."
"Yeah, that sounds like fun. I mean we have another six days so I should be able to find the time to squeeze you into my busy vacation schedule."
"Well it seems that I am your busy schedule."
"Then, I guess you are already squeezed into my busy schedule." She smiles. "But, we better head back upstairs because it's almost time to meet up with the others."
"Sound's good." He says as they make there way up to the fourth floor and down to BJ's room. They knock on the door and Peg opens it up. "Are you three ready to head over to the Colonel's?"
"I think so... BJ? Are you ready?"
"Yeah. Come on Erin." BJ says as he goes to pick her up.
"No!" She says smiling.
"No?" BJ asks confused.
"No." She smiles.
"What no?"
"Uncle Hawk." She says, running over to him and raising her arms to him. "Up please!" She says smiling.
"Up? You want me to pick you up?" He asks, playing with her.
"Yes please." She says again, grabbing onto his leg.
He smiles and picks her up, "Is that better?"
"Yup! Thank you!" She says smiling.
"You're welcome." He says smiling as she wraps her arms around his neck.
"Daddy... let's go." She says smiling.
"Oh, you still want me to come with you?" He says smiling.
"Yup!"
"How can I resist." He says laughing as they all head over to the Colonel's house.
"Well, it's good to see you all again today... and not hung over." The Colonel says smiling.
"Nonsense Colonel." Hawkeye says smiling. "We were waiting for you!"
"I thank you." He says smiling.
"Is anyone else here yet?" Margaret asks.
"Yeah. There out back, come on out." Potter says as they start to follow him outside. Margaret hesitates a bit and takes a deep breath before heading out which did not go unnoticed by Hawkeye, "Nervous Major?"
"Not at all." She says looking a bit leery.
"Come on." He says, putting his arm around her.
She relaxes a bit, smiles up at him and says, "Ok."
"You are nervous."
"I most certainly am not!" She says, sure of her self.
"Uh huh." He says smiling as they head outside. As soon as they step foot outside, they spot Charles. "Well hiya Chuckles." Hawkeye says smiling as he extends his hand towards the taller man.
"Pierce." He says, smiling faintly, "How have you been?"
"I've been good. How are you?"
"I am thriving." He says smiling. "Margaret." He says turning to the woman who stood next to his old bunkmate.
"Hello Charles." She says, as she hugs him.
"How are you Major?"
"I'm well thank you. You look good."
"As do you. Are you enjoying working in a state side hospital?"
"I am. I forgot how much I liked working state side... you tend to forget when you are gone for so long."
"So when did you come back to the states?"
"Um... about six months ago. They offered me head nurse in a VA in Washington DC and I really couldn't pass it up."
"Not like you wanted to." Hawkeye says smiling.
"Funny." Margaret says rolling her eyes.
"I thought so."
"I see you still have your charm Pierce... and your comical wit."
"I thought I had the comical wit!" BJ says smiling.
"No, you were quick... but not funny." Hawkeye says smiling.
"That's right." BJ replies laughing.
"I'm gonna go grab a beer... do you want anything Margaret?" Hawkeye asks.
"Um, yeah a beer would be fine, thank you." She says smiling as she sits down next to the Colonel.
"Beej, you want one?"
"I'll go with you." He says as they head up to the house. "So, what did you two do after I left?"
"We talked all night." Hawkeye says innocently, opening the refrigerator door and pulling out three beers, handing one to his best friend.
"All night?"
"Pretty much."
"Well, for someone who stayed up talking all night, you look surprisingly well rested." He says smirking.
"And you are prying... and I have never known BJ Hunnicut to pry."
"I'm your best friend; you have to tell me something."
"Nothing happened, we talked and ended up falling asleep."
"That all?"
"Yeah." He says sighing, "That's all."
"You don't sound too pleased with that."
"No, it was great. I haven't talked to her like that in a while."
"So you slept with the Major." He says smiling.
"In a matter of speaking." Hawkeye says smiling as he takes off the beer cap.
"So?"
"So, what?"
"You missed her didn't you?"
"No more than I missed any of you." He replies playing it cool.
"Uh-huh." BJ says, shaking his head.
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing." He says smiling.
"So stop smiling."
"I'm not smiling... Who's smiling...I think we've been down this road before." He says, remembering a faithful night in Korea.
"Yeah..." Hawkeye says, smiling a bit. "Shall we head back outside?"
"Lead the way."
They head back out and take there seat at the table, "Here ya go Major."
"Thank you." She says, as she takes a sip of the Beer.
"You're welcome. So Colonel, where's Radar?"
"He's coming."
"When is he getting here?"
"Should be any minute... and guess what?"
"What?" BJ asks.
"Radar is bringing a girl with him."
"Our little Radar is bringing a girl?! A real girl?" Hawkeye says smiling.
"Yes, a real live girl. She was someone he met when he got home."
"Our Little Radar is growing up."
"They can't stay little for ever Dad." BJ says smiling.
"But they grow up so fast."
"Aww cut that out." They hear a familiar voice call from behind them.
"Radar! It's great to see you!" Colonel Potter says hugging the young man.
"You too Colonel. Hi Hawkeye, BJ, Major, Major." He says.
"Radar, you look like a million bucks." Hawkeye says hugging his small friend, before turning his attention to the young woman standing with in arms reach of Radar. "And who might this be?"
"Oh, this is Linda." He says smiling.
"Well Linda, it is very nice to meet you. I'm Hawkeye." He says, extending his hand to the girl.
"Nice to meet you."
"I'm BJ." He says reciprocating Hawkeye's action.
"I'm Colonel Potter. It's a pleasure to meet you." He says smiling.
"I'm Margaret."
"Charles."
"Now that we are all acquainted, have a seat." The Colonel says smiling, "And tell us where you meet this beauty."
"Well, after I came home I started running the farm, and well I just finally got it back up and running. She was working at the store where I got the farming stuff and then one thing led to another." He says smiling at the girl next to him.
"Well good for you Radar." Margaret says smiling. "Congratulations."
"Yeah. My goodness Radar, you are certainly growing up." Hawkeye says, taking a swig of his beer.
"Thank you sir." He says smiling.
"You took my advice." The Colonel says, referring to the time he told Radar to get himself a nice girl to call his own when he got home.
"Yes sir Colonel." He says smiling ear to ear.
"Do you want a beer or a drink or anything?" The Colonel asks.
"Um yeah, but I'll get it Colonel." He says, standing up and quickly going to get him and his girl a drink and coming back.
"I never thought I'd see the day that Radar drank a beer." BJ says.
"I'm not a kid anymore." He says.
"No, you sure aren't." Margaret says, looking back at Hawkeye, with a smile on her face. Radar was the kid brother that Hawkeye never had. Radar looked up to Hawkeye, and still does. Everybody knew that. If he had a problem, Hawkeye would be the one he would go to. They all had watched this kid grow up into a man and were thrilled that he has finally found happiness.
"So has anyone heard from Klinger? Did he get home yet?" Hawk asks.
"I got a letter from him the other month." The Colonel says. "He says that they did find Soon-Lee's family, however they were killed."
"Oh, that's horrible." Margaret says.
"Yes, it is. They are tying up a few loose ends in Korea and then he and the Misses should be home sometime in the next few months."
"I still can't believe he stayed." BJ says smiling.
"Yeah, the crazy things you do for love." Hawkeye says. "He is probably jumping out of his skin waiting to get home to Toledo. Do you remember when that kid from Toledo held Charles hostage and he insisted that he was in immediate danger, however, the kid lost so much blood he passed out before Klinger's plan went through?!"
"That in no way is considered English Pierce; and yet, somehow I understood everything you just said." Charles says scoffing.
"There's a reason for that Charles." BJ starts.
"Oh? And what would that be Hunnicut."
"You were there." BJ says shrugging, "And because we rubbed off on you."
"Nonsense!"
"No, it's true. You will never be as refined as you were before you came here CHARLES." Hawkeye says, using the familiar accent when he says his old bunkmate's name.
"This is true... and I blame Korea." He says scoffing, with a hint of a smile crossing his lips.
They had many more conversations that consisted of memories of the 4077th. They were amazed that they had so many good memories in a place they considered 'Hell On Earth.' By 9:30, Erin was exhausted and getting cranky. She usually went to bed by 8:00 or 8:30 at the latest.
"We should probably get her back to the Hotel." Peg says to her husband. "She's exhausted."
"I not!" Erin says, frowning up at her mom. Peg shakes her head and pushes a piece of hair out of Erin's face. "No. Stop it!" She says to her mom, pushing her hand away, before reaching over to her father. He takes her and sits her on his lap. She lays her head on his chest and watches the people sitting around the table.
"She'll be out soon." He assures his wife. He really wasn't ready to leave yet and neither were Margaret and Hawkeye. Peg could see that and nodded. Erin was sound asleep within minutes. At ten, everyone decided to head back to there respectable places. When they got up to the fourth floor, BJ says, "I think I'm gonna call it a night."
"You sure honey?" Peg asks almost shocked.
"Yeah. I figured we can just relax for a while."
"Alright Beej." Hawkeye says, not even trying to get him to stay out. "We'll see you tomorrow for breakfast then."
"Right. Night Hawk, Margaret."
"Night BJ, night Peg." Margaret says, as they each head to different rooms. "So..."
"Want to go swimming?"
Margaret smiles and says, "Sure. Let me go get my suit on, and I'll meet you back at your room."
"Alright." He says smiling as he they go into there respected rooms to change.
A few minutes later they were relaxing in the pool, enjoying each others company.
"Can you believe Radar has a girlfriend?" Margaret says smiling.
"I knew he would get one eventually... I'm just surprised that he is actually taller than her." He grins.
"She seems nice." Margaret says laughing.
"She does. And Radar seems really happy."
"He does." Margaret agreed.
"It's nice to see that you didn't do too much damage to the boy."
"What does that mean!" She says.
"I mean, you and Burns road that boy harder than anyone. The poor kid didn't know what to call you he was so scared of you. Do you deny that MAJOR?" He teases.
"No." She mumbles, looking away from him.
"Oh come on now, you redeemed yourself when you talked to him today."
"I was nicer to him as the years went on."
"Yeah, because of BJ and I."
"My, how you still put yourself on a pedestal." She says smiling.
"What can I say, I'm royalty." He says getting splashed. "Oh, you wanna play now." He says smirking.
"What are you doing..." She asks a bit leery as he starts to move closer to her.
"Hawkeye...." She says, backing up before trying to swim away from him. She was too slow, he grabbed her kicking foot and pulled her under the water. She comes up smiling.
"I think you forgot the last time you wanted to play." He says smiling. "If I remember correctly, you had mashed potatoes thrown at you."
"Oh, I remember. You were just mad because I got you first..."
"Hah, putting sugar in my coffee is hardly considered 'gotten.'"
"Oh, but you should have seen your face." She says, punching his shoulder gently.
"I'm sure that it was great." He says, smiling as he dives under the water and swims to the deep end. She watches him surface and smiles. "Are you coming?" She nods and swims up to him.
"What are we going to do now?"
"How about we go have a drink? We've been swimming for an hour."
"Ok." She says, lifting herself out of the pool. She grabs her towel and wraps it around her waste.
"Margaret... you aren't leaving anything for the imagination you know." He says smirking.
"Like your imagination ever needed any help." She replies rolling her eyes. "Who's room?"
"Well, we went to yours last night so what about mine?"
"That sounds good." She says smiling. "Just let me go change... and grab a quick shower."
"Ok." He says smiling. "I am gonna do the same."
"Ok."
"Be quick."
"I will." She says, as she walks down the hall to her room.
Twenty minutes later, they were sitting on the couch with a glass of wine, drinking and talking. At about one am, Margaret looked at her watch and said, "Oh my god... its late. I probably should get back to my room."
"What's your rush?"
"We are meeting BJ at nine."
"So?" Hawkeye says innocently.
"I'm tired."
"Sleep here."
"Why would I sleep here when I have my room right down the hall... and my own bed."
"I'll give you the bed." He says. "I'll take the couch."
"No..." She says before stopping herself.
"No?" He says, playfully.
"I'll take the couch." She says redeeming herself.
"You know what, it's a queen sized bed... if you're up for it we can both just sleep in it... and I get to have the pleasure of sleeping with Hotlips Houlihan again." He says smiling.
Margaret shoots him an annoyed look, which quickly faded away into a smile, "I don't care, just as long as I get some sleep."
"Party pooper." He says smiling. "Shall we just watch TV? I am really not tired yet."
"That sounds good." She says, getting up and placing the wine glass on the table. Hawkeye turns on the TV and sits on the bed, awaiting Margaret who sat next to him. To neither of there surprise, they both fell asleep while watching TV. The next morning they awoke to a knock. Margaret opened her eyes as the knocking continued and looked at the clock, "Shit." She cursed, nudging Hawkeye. "Hawkeye, get up."
"I'm sleeping."
"I don't care its nine! You forgot to set the alarm."
He wakes up and rolls over, "Shit." He says, getting up to answer the door.
"Good morning." BJ says cheerfully.'
"Good morning." Hawkeye grumbles, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. "I'm running a little bit late..."
"So I see." He says, before he sees Margaret. "Good morning Margaret." He says, trying to keep his amused smile at bay.
"Good morning BJ." She says. "Give me about twenty minutes and I'll be ready." She calls as she pushes past the two men.
"Long night?" He says smiling.
"It's not what it looks like."
"So Margaret didn't spend the night?"
"She did..."
"And?"
"And what? We fell asleep watching TV."
"Nothing else happened?"
"No."
"There's nothing going on between you two is there?!"
"Nothing."
"You wouldn't be lying to your best friend now would you?"
"BJ... shut up." He says smiling. "I'm grabbing a shower. I'll be quick."
"You better, otherwise you'll have to explain to your niece why you were so late and why she couldn't have pancakes at the time we told her."
"Give me fifteen minutes."
"Alright, you have fifteen minutes! If you aren't ready I'm leaving without you."
"Alright DAD!" He says putting stress on the last word. He jumps in the shower and quickly gets dressed before he heads out in the door.
"UNCLE HAWKEYE!" Erin says, running full force into him.
"Good morning." He says, scooping the child up. "Where are your daddy and mommy?"
"There!" She says, pointing to Peg in the door way. "We go now!"
"Not yet. We have to wait for Aunt Margaret." Peg says.
"I'm here." Margaret calls as she walks up the hall.
"Running a little late today Margaret?" Peg asks.
"Yeah. I woke up at nine."
"I've done that one too many times before I had my constant and consistent Alarm Clock." She says, pointing down to Erin, smiling. "Hey guys, are you ready?"
"Yeah." BJ says following Hawk out of the room "Nice to see you joined us Margaret."
"Hey, I said nine twenty and that's what time it is." She smiles.
They all head out to the same diner, ate and then headed directly over to the Colonels house. Margaret and Hawkeye were inseparable today. Where ever one was the other one was not far behind. This got the Colonel thinking. He knew those two very well, and would be thrilled to see them together, however he didn't want to make any assumptions of the two hard headed people.
"Shoot, I forgot my Jacket at the hotel." Margaret says.
"No problem. I'll drive you back really quick." Hawkeye says smiling.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, come on. We'll be right back."
"See you in a few minutes." BJ says.
As soon as they were out of ear shot the Colonel decided to ask BJ about the relationship status of Margaret and Hawkeye. "Is there something going on between those two?"
BJ smiles and says, "They deny it, but I think there may be."
Radar sits there stunned, "Between Hawkeye and the Major?! I doubt that." He says.
"I don't know Radar... they have stayed in each others rooms every night since they have gotten here... and are inseparable when they are out."
"But you say they don't admit it?"
"I know better than to ask Margaret, but Hawkeye is pretty insistent that there's nothing going on between them. I personally would love to see those two together."
"It seemed that after her devours, those two got a little bit closer."
"They did. I know that when they first came to the unit they hated each other, but Margaret changed, and I think Hawkeye was one of the reasons... and me of course." He says smiling.
"She isn't as closed up as she used to be, that's for sure." Potter agrees. "It would be good for the both of them if they ended up together and started a family."
"Could you imagine them as parents?!" Charles says, shaking his head. "God, another Pierce running around."
"The world won't be boring." BJ says smiling.
"I think he would be a great father." Peg says. "He's wonderful with Erin."
"He's come a long way with kids hasn't he?" Potter says.
"Yeah, he definitely has." BJ says, looking down.
"Why? What happened?" Radar asked.
Potter, Winchester and Hunnicut all look at each other, before Potter speaks, "Hawkeye... he had a bit of an episode."
"What happened?"
BJ looks at Erin and says, "We were on the bus and there was a squad of North Koreans coming towards us, so we got the bus off the road, shut off the engine and waited. This woman had a young... chicken..." He says pointing to Erin, "And it was crying. Hawkeye said to shut it up and then there was silence... the woman killed him... smothered him, and Hawkeye blamed himself, went a little crazy and we sent him with Sidney to get a bit of help. He came through it fine and is back to being able to work on and with kids."
"That's awful!" Radar says.
"Yes, it was..." Potter says, "I'm just glad he came through it."
"Boy, I'm glad I went home..." He says, shaking his head.
"We don't talk about it anymore... but I am really glad he pulled through. I don't think he even thinks about it anymore." BJ says, taking a swig of his beer. "So anyway..." He says trying to change the subject.
"I hear you are up for Chief Surgeon BJ." The Colonel says.
"Yeah, I'm up for it, but I don't know if I'll get it. I don't kiss people's butts."
"Well, you're skilled enough for it."
"Yeah, but this other Doctor, Frank Lewis, he is a pain in the ass."
"It has to be something with the name." Potter says laughing.
"I'll know the week after I get back to work if I have it or not."
"Well, good luck with that." Radar says smiling.
"Thanks." BJ says, smiling. He sees Hawk and Margaret walking towards the table and says, "Welcome back."
"Thanks." Hawkeye says smiling.
"That was quick."
"I only needed my jacket." Margaret says smiling.
"Uh huh." BJ says, smirking.
The rest of that week went smoothly. Everyone had fun and was sad to leave. Margaret and Peg became quite close in the week of knowing one another and definitely would be keeping in touch. BJ and Hawkeye were not to keen on leaving, but they had to. They all went to the airport together on August 12th. The Hunnicut's plane left first at 12:00pm, Margaret's left at one and Hawkeye's at one fifteen.
"Let me know if you got the chief position or not."
"I will." BJ says. "I'll give you a call tonight some time to make sure you got in alright."
"Sounds good." He says, hugging his friend. "Take care of yourself."
"You do the same."
"You too Peg." Hawkeye says kissing her cheek. "And Erin, you be good, ok?"
"Yup!" She says, as Hawkeye kisses her cheek.
"Bye Margaret." BJ says hugging her.
"Bye Beej." She says, kissing his cheek. "Peg, it was nice to meet you."
"You too Margaret. I'm glad you were here... if you weren't I would have been bored out of my mind. When these two get together everything and everyone else seems to not matter."
"They are always like that." She says rolling her eyes. "It was nice meeting you too Erin."
"Bye Aunt Margaret." She says smiling.
"We'll see you all soon." BJ says as they head onto the plane.
Margaret and Hawkeye walked over towards there gates.
"Well... Major... It's been fun." He says smiling.
"It's been a great week... I needed this."
"So did I." He says. They stand there for a few minutes, looking into each other's eyes. "I'm really going to miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
"Don't be a stranger."
"I won't." She says. They stand there for a few more minutes before Hawkeye pulls her into a hug. After they break from that, they embrace in a heated kiss, much like the one they engaged in at the 4077th.
"Call me when you get in." He tells her when they pull away.
"I will." She says, "See you soon." And with that they go there separate ways. Margaret sighs as she sits on the plane. She already missed him, but what could she do about it? They left each other the exact same way they left the 4077th, with feelings unresolved. She didn't say anything and neither did he. They just played it cool, like nothing was going on with them, but she knew better. She stayed with him every night they were together. Nothing happened but at the same time something happened. Her entire flight was spending thinking about that week. It was one of the best weeks of her life.
Hawkeye spend his flight thinking about Margaret and also everything he had to do when he got back to Maine. He knew that he had to start looking for a surgical position and with his skills he could land one easily. The only question in his mind was where he wanted to work. Would it be at Portland General or at a smaller hospital? Would he start working right now or wait a little while? Would he uproot completely and transfer closer to Margaret, because he was beginning to think he couldn't keep on going without seeing her. When he touched down he was in the best mood he has been since he had gotten home. He sees his father waiting for him and smiles.
"Hi dad." He says, hugging the older man.
"Hi Hawk. Did you have a nice flight?"
"Yeah, everything went great."
"How was your trip?" He asks. He could tell instantly that his son was in a better mood and was glad for that.
"It was great." He says, grabbing his bag and following his father to the car. "I was glad to see everybody."
"How's the Major doing?"
"Great." He says smiling.
"And BJ?"
"He's fine too. Radar came and he brought a girl."
"Well good for him."
They drove home and when they got in to the house his father says, "Are you hungry?"
"Yeah. I haven't eaten since breakfast."
"I have some leftovers in the refrigerator if you want it."
"What did you have?"
"Chicken."
"Sound's good." He says. "I'm just going to throw my stuff upstairs."
"Alright."
As he was unpacking, he heard the phone ring and a few minutes later his father called to him, "BEN! Phone."
"Who is it?"
"Margaret."
"I'll be right there." He says, practically running down the steps to the phone. "Margaret?"
"Yeah, you told me to call when I got in so I am."
"How was your flight?"
"Fine, what about yours?"
"Fine also."
"Good to hear."
They talk for about fifteen more minutes before hanging up. For the next three months, Margaret and Hawkeye made it a point to talk to each other at least twice a week. If one of them were having a horrible day, a simple phone call would change their entire attitude. They were never too busy for each other, even though Hawkeye was busy looking for surgical jobs and Margaret was busy with her nursing staff. They lived for those conversations and were happier. It wasn't until November when they finally saw each other again. Hawkeye talked Margaret into coming up to Crabapple Cove on November 1st and stay for a few days. She had vacation time coming to her and accepted. The day before she came, Hawkeye was completely wound up. Daniel could not keep up with his son's enthusiasm and has not seen him like this before.
"Dad!" Hawkeye called down to his father.
"What?" Daniel called back to him. He was busy handing out candy to the local trick-or-treaters while his son was busy trying to get the house ready.
"Where are the extra blankets?"
"In the closet."
"I looked... there not here."
Daniel though for a second before saying, "Oh, they are in your mothers old chest, in the guest room."
"Right." He says, grabbing a blanket and throwing it on the bed he was making up for Margaret's stay. He could not wait to see her. Tomorrow he would be spending four days with her. She wanted to originally stay a week but could not take off work for that long. Her plane was due to arrive at one o'clock, which seemed like an eternity. That night he was too excited to sleep. He lays awake on his bed staring at the ceiling thinking about seeing her again.
The next day, Hawkeye got to the airport about twenty minutes early, incase the plane was early and paced. He was more anxious then a kid on Christmas. At about 1:15, he saw her getting off the plane. A smile instantly took over his face as he watched her walk towards him.
"Well hi there stranger." He says hugging her.
"Hi." She says, smiling, returning the hug.
"How was your flight?"
"It was fine." She says, walking over to get her bag.
"I'll get it for you." He says, picking up the suitcase.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Well, welcome to Maine Major." He says.
"I like it so far." She says.
"Shall we go?"
"Yes." Hawkeye takes her hand and they walk out of the airport and get into his car.
They had a half an hour car ride a head of them from the Portland Airport to Crabapple Cove and they talked the entire time. Hawkeye pointed out some sites to Margaret as she listened and looked around. Maine was a beautiful state and she wanted to take it all in. After what only seemed like a few minutes, they pulled up a long driveway to the Pierce's house. "Well, this is it." He says.
"It's beautiful." She says, looking at the outside of the large Victorian house. She admired the land that they had too, overlooking the ocean. "I can see why you missed Maine so much."
"It's the greatest." He says, shutting of the car and opening the door. "Shall we?"
"Yes." She smiles, getting out of the car. Hawkeye grabs her bag and they head up the stone walkway to the front door. He opens the door and holds it for her while she walks into the foyer.
"Hey Dad? We're back!" He calls. "Come on in."
Margaret nervously looked around the large Victorian and spotted a man coming over to her.
"You must be Major Houlihan."
"Margaret." She says smiling. "It's nice to meet you Dr. Pierce."
"Please, call me Dan." He says, shaking her hand. "I've heard a lot about you Margaret. Every letter Ben sent to me had you mentioned in it at least once."
Margaret smiles and says, "It's probably all lies."
"Trust me; I know better then to believe my son. As you probably know he embellishes a bit."
"Oh I do."
"Well, why don't I show you around the house, and you can make yourself at home.
We'll go upstairs so you can get settled." Hawk says.
"Sounds good." She says following him up the steps. There were five bedrooms and two baths. Hawkeye lead her into one of the guest rooms and showed her where everything else was. They went back downstairs to finish the tour and ended in the family room.
"You have a beautiful house Daniel."
"Thank you honey." He says smiling. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm alright. I had something to eat on the plane." She says smiling.
"Ok, well how about a drink?"
"That would be great."
"Good, Ben, go get us something to drink." He says smiling.
"What would you like?" He asks Margaret, smiling.
"Anything will be fine."
"Dad?"
"A beer."
"Three beers' it is." He says, walking into the kitchen to grab them.
"Margaret, have a seat." Daniel says, gesturing to the couch. "It is very nice to finally get a chance to meet you."
"You too sir. Hawkeye always spoke fondly of you, and it is a pleasure to finally get to meet you."
"So you are head nurse at a VA correct?" He says, as he sees his son walk back into the room. He takes the beer from his son and smiles. "Thanks."
"Yes, I am at a hospital in Washington DC." Before turning her attention to Hawkeye who was handing her a beer, "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He says, sitting next to her on the couch.
"Do you like lobster?"'
"I do." She says.
"Good, I will take you two out tonight for a dinner on me then." Daniel says smiling,
"And before either of you say something, I won't take no as an answer."
"Well... if you are as stubborn as Hawkeye, I guess I will have to say I accept."
"Good girl. And Hawkeye gets his stubbornness from his mother, not from me."
"I got it from both of you." He says smiling. "A lobster dinner sounds great, but are you sure you don't want me to pitch in?"
"It's fine. Just consider it part of your inheritance." He says winking at his son.
"So he gets his humor from you."
"No, I'm funny, he thinks he is." Daniel says smiling.
Margaret laughed. She was really enjoying Daniel's company. He was exactly like she had pictured him. Hawkeye was exactly like Daniel and with good reason. He raised Hawkeye since he was little. They looked a lot alike. Both had those ice blue eyes that seemed to sparkle more when they were happy. Hawkeye's relationship with his father was much like Margaret's with hers. In both of there eyes, their fathers were close to perfect. They hung the stars in the sky and always would.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking. Daniel and Margaret got to know each other, and Hawkeye sat there and smiled. He loved seeing Margaret and his father getting along. They decided that at 5:00 they would go to the restaurant. They took Hawkeye's car and drove the short fifteen minutes to both Pierce's favorite restaurant.
"Hi Meg." Daniel says as he walks through the door.
"Well hi there Dan. Hi Hawkeye." An older woman calls back to them.
"Hi Meg." He says, unzipping his coat.
"How have you boys been?" She asks.
"Fine thanks, how have you been?" Dan asks.
"I've been great. Is it cold enough for you?"
"Just right." Hawkeye says smiling.
"I see you brought a guest with you today." She says, referring to Margaret.
"Yes. This is Margaret. She was stationed at the 4077th M8ASH with me for three years."
"Well Margaret honey, it is nice to meet you."
"You too." She says, smiling.
"I hope these two are treating you well."
"They have been perfect gentlemen."
"Well, I can believe that, especially from that one." She says, gesturing towards Hawkeye. "He's a smooth talker that one."
"Don't I know it." She says laughing, jabbing Hawkeye in the ribs a bit causing him to smile. She was shocked at how nice everyone was in Maine. Back in DC they were not as personable; in fact she only knew a handful of people outside the hospital. It almost seemed like another world up in Maine and she loved every minute of it.
"Well come on back and I'll get your orders." Meg says, as they all follow. They sat down at the table and placed there orders. Daniel spent the entire time telling Margaret about Hawkeye when he was little; Margaret spent the entire time laughing; and Hawkeye spent the time smiling and trying to defend himself from his father. They also spent time getting to know each other better. It was a very nice dinner, and Margaret was having a great time as were the Pierce's. Daniel enjoyed having a girl in the house. It was different and he loved it. He watched his son with Margaret and realized that he and she gave each other the same looks that he and his wife gave each other when they were married. He smiled and knew that he would have a daughter-in-law one of these days, and he knew it would be Margaret. He had seen his son with Carley years ago, and now with Margaret, and saw the different ways he responded towards the two, and instantly he knew that Hawk loves Margaret. He was glad that if anyone would be his daughter-in-law that it was Margaret because she seemed to be down to earth and able to manage his son. Daniel was also becoming quite close to the woman even thought they have only been together a few hours.
They finished eating and about two hours later left the restaurant. They went back into the house for a while and had some coffee and talked more. Around 10:00, Daniel decided that he would leave the kids alone and head up to bed.
"Well, if you two don't mind I think I am going to head up to bed."
"Alright." Margaret said smiling. "Good night Dan."
"Goodnight Dad." Hawkeye says smiling.
"I'll see you two tomorrow... I'm in work till four, but I'll be home after."
"I'll cook something." Hawkeye says smiling.
"YOU?!" Margaret says almost in shock.
"Yes me... is that so hard to believe?"
"Yes... I didn't think you cooked."
"He happens to be a rather good cook." Daniel says smiling.
"I don't believe it."
"I'll prove it to you tomorrow." Hawkeye says smiling.
"Goodnight." Daniel says, walking up the steps.
"Goodnight." Margaret and Hawkeye said at the same time.
"Well what now?" Margaret says.
"Would you like to take a walk with me?"
"Now?! It's freezing out!" She said.
"Just bundle up." He says, smiling.
"Alright... but its only 30 degrees outside!"
"You'll be fine, I promise." He says smiling. He grabbed his coat and a blanket while she got ready, and they headed out the back door.
"Where are we going?"
"To a place I go a lot... you'll like it." He says smiling.
"Hold on, let my eyes adjust to the darkness." She says. "I can't see a thing."
"Give me your hand." He says, as she extends it to him. "I can see fine." He keeps her close to him as they walk by the cliff. "We have to go down a bit of an incline. Just watch your step and hold on to me." He says smiling in the dark at her.
"Ok." She says, holding tight to his hand as they begin to walk down the hill.
"You ok?"
"Fine, just don't let go."
"I won't. Did your eyes adjust?"
"Yeah, for the most part." She says before he stopped at a cliff.
"Step up." He says, helping her up. He then sits down and motions her to do the same.
He gave her half the blanket which she graciously accepted, and looked out over the cliff realizing why it was his favorite spot. It overlooked the ocean and she could see the boats on the ocean. You could hear the waves crashing against the beach in a relaxing manor, and if you looked up you were rewarded with a crystal clear sky and millions of stars shining down from above. Margaret smiled and looked at Hawkeye.
"I told you, you would like it."
"I do very much." She says smiling.
"You aren't too cold are you?"
"Not yet." She says, looking up at the sky. "It's beautiful."
"I use to come here a lot, especially when my mother got really sick, and even more when she died. It just always seemed like a good spot to come and think."
"It definitely is." She says, smiling. "It's so quiet."
"That's what I like about it. You can just sit here and not be bothered by anything. It seems like everything from out here is perfect, that you can not have a care in the world bother you while you are here. I came here before I went to Korea. I was actually thinking about skipping out of the country and heading to Canada."
"You're kidding me!" She says.
"No. I hate war that much, and guns even more than that. I came here and thought about what would happen if I didn't go over there. I thought about how many young kids would be dead because I wasn't there to help them, and I decided to just suck it up and go."
"I'm glad you did." Margaret said quietly.
"So am I... I would have never met Trapper or BJ or you Margaret. It's odd to think what I would have done if I didn't meet you and BJ and Trapp."
"The war was a bit more interesting with you around, that's for sure." She says smiling. "Have you talked to McIntyre since you've been back home?"
"Yeah. I saw him last February in Boston. I went down to see him."
"How is he?"
"Fine. He was very apologetic for leaving with out a note, and I told him not to be. It was great to see him, but..."
"But what?" Margaret asked, looking up at him.
"It was weird... he wasn't the same guy I left, or I wasn't the same guy when I came home. When he left, BJ took over and I feel closer to him then I did to Trapper, which I never realized. I always thought I kept those two on equal levels, but BJ is higher."
"You and he went through a lot together. More so than you and Trapper I think."
"Yeah, I know. BJ is truly my best friend."
"Its weird how war brings people together isn't it?"
"It definitely is Major." He says smiling. They sit in silence for a while, before Hawkeye looked down at her and saw how beautiful she looked. "I missed you." He says.
"I missed you too." She says, looking up at him.
"No." He says shaking his head, "I mean I really missed you. I haven't stopped thinking about the day we left, and that kiss we shared... and then the similar one at the airport this summer. I have missed you since you got on that jeep and left for the 8063rd, and it hasn't let up."
"I know the feeling." Margaret says.
"I feel whole with you here, and when you aren't I feel like a part of me is missing."
She was never one to show her true feelings, but with Hawkeye she felt that it was ok to let go and open up a bit, and she did. "I would wait for your calls. If I was having a horrible day, I would feel better a soon as you said hello. I never feel alone when I am talking to you or when I am with you. I feel safe when I am with you Hawk." She says, before looking directly in his eyes, "I don't want to be alone anymore."
"I love you Margaret. I have loved you since the time we went to the 8063rd and had to stay there the night. I was scared and didn't know what to do."
"I love you too." She says, smiling at him with tears in her eyes. "I knew something changed between us at the reunion, I just didn't know what to make of it."
"I know the feeling." He says, wiping the lone tear away from her cheek with the back of his hand. "I'm still scared. I have never felt this way towards anyone before... not Carley, not any one of the nurses, no one."
"Me neither." She says. "I'm scared too... "
"We'll have to go through this together then." He says, smiling.
"I don't want to be alone anymore." She says again.
"You don't have to be... because I'll be with you." He says, as he takes her in his arms, giving her a kiss. "I love you Margaret... and that isn't going to change," He says as they broke apart from the kiss, "Ever."
"I know." She says, as she situates herself in between his legs, leaning back on his chest.
They sit there and watch the ocean, feeling complete for the first time in a while. Once again, Hawkeye breaks the silence and says, "I want to marry you."
She looks up at him, eyes wide and says, "What?"
"I want to marry you Margaret. I want you to be my wife."
"Is that a proposal?"
"Yes. Will you marry me?"
She looks up into his eyes again, which were locked on her, "Of course I will marry you." She says smiling. Everything was moving so quickly, but they both knew what they wanted now. There love was something that could not be negotiated, and they were making sure of that.
"We'll go and pick out a ring tomorrow." He says.
"I don't need one..." She says, "All I need is you."
"Well, you're getting one." He says smiling at her. She lays back on him and they sat there for a while longer before the temperature dropped too low and they had to retire back to the house. Hand in hand they walked back to the Pierce house. They sat on the couch, Margaret was lying up against his chest and they talked until they both fell asleep. They slept like that, cuddling under a blanket and that's how they stayed.
Daniel woke up at six to start to get ready for work and when he came downstairs he saw the pair sleeping comfortably on the couch. He smiled and kept quiet so they were not disturbed. He knew that they were finally together, and it was only a matter of time before he had a daughter-in-law, little did he know that it would be sooner than he thought. He left for work with a smile on his face that stayed there for the entire day. Meanwhile, back at the house, Hawkeye woke up first at 10:30am, and watched Margaret sleep for a while, before she woke up.
"Good morning."
"Good morning." She says, not moving from his chest.
He leaned down to kiss her before saying, "What time would you like to go look for the ring?"
"Let's just stay here for a little while longer." She says, enjoying the company.
"We can do that." He says smiling and wraps his arms around her. They stayed like that till they were good and ready to get up. Hawkeye never thought he could be as happy as he was and the same was for Margaret. They had a lot to do today, but right now, nothing else mattered except for the fact that they stayed together as long as possible. This was the first time they had woken up like this, and it definitely wouldn't be the last... they both were going to make sure of that. TBC...
I'm just trying out something different. I always wanted to read a story that followed the way through Hawkeye and Margaret's life together so I figured I'd have a go at writing one. I know there are some mistakes in this and you'll have to forgive them but I am recovering from an appendectomy and it was also 2am by the time I finished this!
Thanks for all the great reviews! Please keep them up! Please R&R!
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