Here is the fifteenth chapter of this story, readers!
Let me just say that while I've enjoyed writing this story so far, it's definitely my most underrated story. While I never wanted it to be popular, and it has a decent amount of views, in some cases, I consider this story underrated. That's not gonna stop me from writing it though, because it's been a blast writing it.
Now, this chapter is considered a 'breather chapter' since it eases the tension and drama that took place in the past few chapters. In this chapter, the main crew (with Andrew) will be playing a game in the Swamp; in this case, it's Truth or Dare. What kind of nonsense could unravel from playing this game? Find out now!
AT THE M*A*S*H 4077:
It had been two days since Major Peterson and Major Houlihan returned to the 4077. They got settled back in, and things were reverting to normal for them there. Andrew no longer recluded himself as he was spending time with the others again, and he had spent a lot of time with the head nurse for what it's worth. They had gotten a lot of work done at the 4077 as a way of getting settled back in, and no one was complaining.
Whenever the incoming wounded were arriving on the base, the two majors casually joined the others in checking triage before escorting the wounded into the OR where they would then work on the surgical tactics. The tension that was in the OR once before was entirely gone, and everyone was able to do their jobs without a hitch. Needless to say, everyone was satisfied.
No one decided to bring up the crush that Andrew has on Margaret, as they kept their lips sealed, including Hawkeye, who wasn't up to getting another slap from the head nurse. They accepted the fact that they like hanging out together, and that no further issues would be brought up on it either.
Currently, it had been a hard day of work, and as such, the main crew decided to hang out in the Swamp during the nighttime hours. There was still plenty of time before they had to 'hit the hay', as Colonel Potter would put it.
Most of them were wearing typical clothing. Colonel Potter, Father Mulcahy, Klinger, and Charles were wearing the outfits that they usually wear. Hawkeye and BJ were wearing some casual clothing underneath their bathrobes; Hawkeye's was red and BJ's was blue. Andrew was wearing his usual green cap on his head, and for clothing, he was wearing a white undershirt and camouflage army shorts. Finally, there was Margaret, who chose to wear comfortable clothing consisting of an army green t-shirt with the word 'M*A*S*H' on the front, she had on brown shorts, and she had her hair kept into pigtails.
It was also worth noting that Andrew, Margaret, Charles, and Colonel Potter were wearing their army chain tags over their necks like necklaces while Father Mulcahy wore that cross necklace instead. Hawkeye, BJ, and Klinger weren't wearing any necklaces of the sort.
"Ah, I don't mind telling you folks, I'm bushed to the core," Colonel Potter stretched.
"Indeed. Today has been another backbreaking day of labor and surgery." Winchester grunted.
"Well, at least we are hanging out here together," Father Mulcahy tried to boost their spirits. "That counts as something, doesn't it?"
"Yeah," Hawkeye agreed. "Hey, I have an idea! Why don't we play a game together!"
"Well, we still have some time left on our hands," Potter didn't argue with that. "What game do you boys have in mind?"
"Hmmm...I know," BJ came up with a suggestion. "Let's play some poker! We can break out the cards, the poker chips, and some money and play winner takes all. What do you say?"
Normally, this wouldn't be a problem for any of them, since playing poker at the 4077 was part of the norm. However, Klinger had some news that put a damper on it.
"I'm afraid poker is not gonna happen, Hunnicutt," Klinger shook his head. "I forked over all the poker cards and poker chips to Sgt. Rizzo and his group of guys to play an all-night win-or-lose competition."
"Besides, it isn't even payday," Winchester brought up. "And we don't have any money to bet on."
"I'm afraid it's no dice on poker Hunnicutt," Andrew said. "Sorry about that."
"Who says it has to be regular poker with using money," Hawkeye came up with a mischievous idea. "Why don't we play strip poker instead? We can have the one who loses strip their clothes and go completely butt naked."
Nobody was up for that idea, as everyone had disgusted looks on their faces.
"Are you out of your con-flipping mind Pierce," Potter yelled. "That is absolutely out of the question!"
"I agree with the Colonel," Margaret spoke up. "I'm not going to play some dirty game just so you can get the satisfaction of seeing my naked body!"
"Come on Margaret," Hawkeye poked fun of her. "All the guys are begging to see you completely in the nude, especially since peeking in the showers isn't good enough."
"Pierce, the answer is no," Andrew backed up the head nurse who was sitting right next to him on his left side. "We are not playing strip poker!"
"Fine. Have it your way," Hawkeye gave in with an exasperated reaction, getting the others to settle down.
"Oh hey! I've got an idea!" Klinger came up with a suggestion. "Why don't we play spin the bottle!? It's an old game that my uncle used to play with me when I was a kid! It'll be fun!"
Now, it was Andrew's turned to cringe, as he didn't like the outcome that could occur with that game.
"Absolutely not! That is out of the question too," Andrew protested. "I do not want it to get to Pierce's turn to spin the bottle, only for it to point directly towards Margaret, and something dirty will come out of it!"
"Yeah. I'm not going to play it either," Margaret agreed with Andrew, understanding his reason for protesting against it.
"Sorry, Klinger. No spin the bottle for us," Colonel Potter insisted.
"Drats," Klinger snapped his fingers. "So what should we play then?"
They took another minute to think of what they should do together. It was then Father Mulcahy made a suggestion that seemed reasonable enough.
"Hey, I just came up with something, and I curse myself for not thinking of it sooner," the Padre suggested. "Why don't we play Truth or Dare?"
Everyone seemed interested in that, except Winchester, who looked like he never heard of it.
"Truth or Dare? What the devil kind of game is that?" Charles snorted.
"Goes to show how much you know your culture Winchester," Andrew rolled his eyes before explaining to him. "Truth or Dare is a game in which someone asks you to pick either truth or dare. If you pick 'truth', then the asker gets to ask you a question that you have to answer honestly. And if you pick 'dare', then the asker will dare you to do something rather nonsensical or embarrassing, and you have to do it whether you like it or not. I've played the game a couple of times in the past."
"Me too," Margaret spoke up. "Believe it or not, I've been at several slumber parties with some girl pals that I had back when I was in high school, and we'd play this game all the time."
"Yeah, come to think of it, I've seen plenty of people play it back in the heyday," Colonel Potter thought back. "Yes, a lot of fine memories for me back in Hannibal."
"I know that game too! I used to make a lot of silly dares and such with the others," Klinger exclaimed. "I say we should play Truth or Dare."
"Yeah. I'm all for it," Hawkeye was enthusiastic. "Let's play!"
"I'm in too!" BJ remarked.
The rest of them all decided to play along with it. Charles was not too pleased in taking part in this.
"I never would have thought that I'd be subjected to some nonsensical childish game," he grumbled loudly.
"Alright then Winchester," Potter barked. "If you're gonna be so sour about it, you go first! Pick your first person!"
"Huh, very well then," Winchester started before pointing towards Klinger. "Okay, Klinger, truth or dare?"
"Alright Major," Klinger said. "To start us off, I'll pick truth."
"Okay then Corporal," Winchester proceeded to ask. "Tell me, what was one of your first Section 8 capers?"
"Well, that's a pretty hard question Major," Klinger did some thinking before coming up with something. "Well one of the first ones that I did was when was in the 4077, and this General Whatsits came into our unit. I was on sentry duty, barring a rifle when I asked the general 'Halt! Friend or foe!?'. I was in a ladies' skirt and high heels when I asked him that. You could see how hairy my legs were since they were exposed."
Winchester was taking that in. He wasn't sure if he wanted to believe this wacko, but he decided to take it as an acceptable answer.
"Fair enough. Thanks for answering," Winchester passed the torch to the Corporal. "Now it's your turn."
"Alright," Klinger then turned to Hawkeye and pointed towards him. "Okay Pierce, truth or dare?"
"Well, unlike you, I want to be the life of this party," Hawkeye said with a rather smug tone. "So I'm gonna pick dare."
"Very well Pierce," Klinger came up with a good dare right off the top of his head. "I dare you to stand up and act like a chicken!"
"What?" Hawkeye thought he was hearing things. Did Klinger just dare him to act like a chicken? Or was he just crazy?
"You heard me, sir," Klinger repeated. "Act like a chicken."
Now Pierce gave him an incredulous look as he walked up to him.
"Uh, let me get this straight and make sure that I wasn't hearing things," he started. "You just said you wanted me to stand up and act like a chicken, right?"
"That's exactly what I said."
"Oh no," Hawkeye shook his head as he sat back down in his spot. "That is out of the question!"
"Oh come on Pierce," Klinger cried. "It's a dare. So you have to do it whether you like it or not."
"Sorry Klinger, but this is one cluck that's not going caw and get the mother hen to lay a dozen eggs," Hawkeye was being defiant. "So no! It's not gonna happen!"
"But sir!" Klinger tried to encourage him again.
"Ah just forget it, Klinger. If he's not gonna do it, he's not gonna do it," Andrew said, before pulling his own trick. "After all, we can't blame Pierce for being a total chicken to act like a chicken."
"Excuse me," now Hawkeye was focused on Andrew. "What is that suppose to mean?"
"You should know," Andrew crossed his arms and smirked. "You are too scared to act like a chicken, and that you don't have what it takes to be one."
"Don't you be giving me lectures on how my feathers are ruffled," Hawkeye scolded him. "I'm not going to do it."
As Hawkeye sat back down again, Andrew showed that he wasn't backing down, as he proceeded to speak further.
"Would you look at that guys," Andrew goaded with a sharp tongue. "Good ol Captain Hawkeye Pierce is balking out of a challenge out of fear that he won't be good at being a chicken."
"What," Hawkeye screamed as he got into Andrew's face. "Are you trying to tell me that I'm not good enough to be a chicken?!"
"Yup." Andrew nodded, the smirk on his face never going away.
"I'll have you know that I can cock-a-doodle-doo just like all the other roosters who can get the hens to lay a bunch of eggs with no problem," Hawkeye boosted.
"Wanna prove me wrong?" Andrew egged him confidentially.
"You got yourself a deal," Hawkeye accepted. "You want a chicken, I'll show you a chicken!"
"That's more like it Pierce," Andrew was satisfied as Hawkeye went back to his spot and stayed standing up.
I'll get back at you for this Andrew. Hawkeye thought with annoyance.
From there, Hawkeye folded his arms on both sides to make them looked like wings, and then he started clucking and bending down like an actual chicken. The others were giggling and laughing at how he was doing this.
"Andrew, I didn't think you could pull that one off," Margaret laughed, admiring how he goaded him into taking the dare.
"Well Margaret, I know a couple of tricks to utilize in these kinds of situations." Andrew smiled at her.
"That was very clever Andrew," she complimented.
"Thanks," Andrew appreciated her compliment.
After a few moments, Hawkeye was done with acting like a chicken.
"There. Now is everyone satisfied?" The captain asked in irritation.
"You're darn tootin' we are Pierce," Colonel Potter chuckled. "We could've used you back in my home to help all the hens get the eggs laid and save the roosters a lot of trouble."
"Gee, thanks for that," Hawkeye said sarcastically as he sat back down.
"Bravo Pierce," Klinger applauded him before moving on. "Now it's your turn to pick someone."
Hawkeye started thinking. He was considering Andrew as his person. However, he felt that it was too soon for Andrew to be put into an embarrassing position. But he would get back at Andrew, just not right now.
I'll get to Andrew later. Right now, I'll settle with his girlfriend. Hawkeye then faced Margaret and spoke to her.
"Okay Margaret, it's your turn," he said. "Truth or dare?"
"Easy. I'm gonna pick truth," the head nurse didn't hesitate with that one.
"Oh come on," Pierce complained. "Why don't you pick dare!? Take a risk!"
"And that's why I'm not picking dare," Margaret proclaimed, folding her arms. "I already know that'll you force me to pull a dirty and revolting stunt just to satisfy your perverted mind. And I'm not falling for it. So I'm going with 'truth'."'
"Are you sure about that?" Hawkeye queried with a look of mischief.
"Just ask her the question already Pierce," Andrew deadpanned impatiently.
"Fine! Way to ruin the fun you two," Hawkeye came up with a question and decided to ask it. "Okay Margaret, when was the last time you took a shower?"
"Huh," Margaret was confused, but she knew where this was going. "This morning of course. I take a shower every morning when I'm here. You all hear me singing when I'm showering in the shower tent, while you act like a peeping Tom, Pierce."
"Tell me, what kind of shampoo did you use?" Hawkeye pressed her further. "And also, what kind of deodorant do you put on?"
"Pierce, she already answered your question, so just drop it," Andrew scolded him, coming to Margaret's aid.
"Alright. Have it your way," Hawkeye snorted. "Margaret, it's your turn to pick someone."
Margaret nodded and thought about who she would pick. She didn't choose Andrew cause she didn't want him to humiliate himself in front of them, especially since Hawkeye would have wanted that to happen. She wasn't going to give Pierce some satisfaction.
Instead, her focus was on the company clerk again.
"Okay Klinger," she started. "Truth or dare?"
"Huh, I already picked truth," Klinger rubbed his chin. "So I'm gonna go with dare this time."
Margaret had a smirk forming. This company cluck was making this too easy for her.
"Alright Corporal," she came up with something. "I dare you to take one of your dresses and rip it up to shreds."
This got Klinger to frown. He did not just hear her say that. "Come again Major? Did you just say that I have to take one of my dresses and rip it up?"
"That's exactly what I said Corporal," Margaret yelled.
"Now hold on," Klinger had his hands up. "There's no need for me to rip up one of my dresses. They are my personal prized possessions."
"Klinger, she gave you a dare," Colonel Potter told him. "And if she dares you to rip one of your dresses, then by damn, rip one of them up! That's an order!"
"It's not that easy Colonel," Klinger defended. "Those dresses are Section 8 material! They are my life works! I can't bear to part with any of them!"
"Oh please," Winchester grunted. "I can't even remember the last time you used one of them for your Section 8 hair-brained schemes."
"You have to admit Klinger, you haven't worn any of them in who knows how long," the Padre admitted.
"But guys," he tried to speak once again.
"Don't be such a chicken about it," Hawkeye retorted. "Just take one of them and rip it up to pieces."
"Might as well get it done and over with," BJ shrugged.
Klinger was about to protest once again. But Andrew decided to intervene and solve this issue sensibly and reasonably.
"Now hold on a minute guys," Andrew said. "I think there's an easy way for us to compromise on this situation!"
"And what do you have in mind, Major," Winchester crossed his arms.
"I'll get to it right now," Andrew then faced Klinger. "Klinger, what is your least favorite dress that you have out of your dress collection?"
"Well now that you mention it, there's this ugly beige colored dress that I have," Klinger admitted. "I only wore it once, and I never wore it again after it, since it looked so terrible on me."
"I see," Andrew then turned his attention to Margaret. "Margaret, does it matter which dress he should rip up?"
"Not at all," she shrugged. "He can pick any dress he wants. Just as long as he rips it up."
"Then it's settled," Andrew resolved the problem. "Klinger, you go get your ugly beige dress in here and then start ripping it up since it's so hideous. Does that sound like a deal?"
"An outstanding deal if I must say! Thanks for the suggestion," Klinger was satisfied. "Hold on! I'll go get it!"
And so Klinger went out to get that beige dress just so he can rip it up.
"Leave it to Andrew to help settle a debate with a compromise for both parties," Hawkeye retorted sarcastically.
"I was just trying to be fair with both sides of the situation," Andrew remarked. "That way there is no conflict, and everyone is happy."
"I thought that was a clever resolution, Andrew," Margaret told him warmly.
"Why thank you."
"Your welcome."
By then, Klinger came back with the beige dress as he held it up high for them to see.
"Do you see this? This is what ugliness looks like in the form of a dress," Klinger declared. "And this is what must be done to an ugly-looking dress!"
From there, Klinger tore up the dress into shreds and pieces, until there was nothing left of it but the remains of what was the dress. This was acceptable for everyone.
"Good work Corporal," Colonel Potter commented. "You really put that dress out of its misery."
"Thank you, sir," Klinger remarked. "It had to be done."
"Okay Klinger, it's your turn once again to choose someone," Margaret said.
"I'm on it Major," Klinger decided to go with Father Mulcahy this time. "Okay Padre, I choose you. Truth or dare?"
"Hmmm...I'm gonna go with 'truth' if you don't mind Corporal," the Chaplin insisted.
"Fair enough with me Father," Klinger then decided to ask a question that popped up. "Tell me Father, when were you first baptized as a Catholic?"
"Huh, why that's kind of a tricky question to answer Klinger," Father Mulcahy thought long and hard to remember when it first happened. "Well now that I think of it, I believe that I was first baptized as a Catholic when I was...three years old, I think. It was in the church that was close to my childhood home back in Philadelphia. I can't remember all of the details, but my mom had me baptized there where I was sworn in as one of God's kin and followers. I think my sister Mary Francis 'Katherine' wasn't any older than I was. I can't tell you all of it, since I don't remember that far back. You'd have to ask my mom about that. Anyway, I hope that answers your question, Klinger."
"Yeah," Klinger nodded in understanding. "That's an acceptable answer for me. Thanks for that."
"Anytime Corporal," the Padre responded.
"Now it's your turn Padre," Klinger encouraged. "Choose whoever you'd like to pick."
"Hmmm..." Father Mulcahy thought for a minute before settling on Andrew. "Okay, Major Peterson, truth or dare?"
"Well I'm not gonna make a fool out of myself," Andrew reasoned with him. "So I'm gonna go with 'truth'."
"A wise choice, Major," the Padre then came up with a question. "Tell me, what part of the United States were you born in? I doubt that the others know the answer to it, so I'd like to know. I hope you don't mind."
"No, it's fine," Andrew wondered if the others would be curious about where he came from. The others were just as interested, saved for Margaret, who was already told by him the other day. But she kept her tongue still so Andrew could answer.
"Anyway, there's not much to tell about it, as it's nothing interesting in the slightest," Andrew answered modestly. "But I was born in the state of Massachusetts. And no, I wasn't born in Boston. I was actually born in the obscure town of Attleboro. I'm pretty sure none of you have heard of it, and I understand. It's nothing to get excited about. Anyway, that's all that I can say about it. I hope that answers your question."
"Yes, it does," the Padre had nothing to say about it since it was not his place to be judgemental, not that he had any on his mind anyway. "I appreciate you being honest with me."
"No problem," Andrew sighed. "So I guess it's my turn to choose someone, right?"
"You would be correct," the Chaplin nodded. "Pick whoever you want."
"Hmmm..." Andrew did some thinking as he looked around the round. Suddenly, his eyes landed on Charles. "Okay Winchester, you're up! Truth or dare?"
"Hmph. Unlike the rest of you cretins, I'm not afraid of being dragged down by nonsensical childish acts," Winchester gloated. "Therefore, I'm gonna go with 'dare'."
Andrew was interested in his choice. After doing some thinking, he came up with an idea and it got him to grow a rather big smirk. He knew just the type of dare for him to do.
"Okay Charles," Andrew revealed. "I dare you to go on ahead and do an impersonation of Daffy Duck!"
"Daffy Duck," Winchester scoffed. "Surely you jest."
"Surely I'm not," Andrew said. "I dare you to act like Daffy Duck!"
"Ah, this ought to be interesting," Hawkeye mused loudly. "Let's see Charles ruffle up his black feathers."
"It'll be a dinner and a show," BJ said. "We should have some popcorn."
"Oh come off it," Winchester refused. "I refuse to stand up and act like some lunatic cartoon duck just for your own self-gratification!"
"No backing out Winchester," Andrew shook his head and smirked. "I gave you a dare. You have to go with it."
"Absurd! I hereby refused to take part!"
"Oh come on Winchester! Everyone has a bit of Looney Tune inside of them," Klinger did an impersonation of Porky Pig. "Th-th-th-th-th-th-that's all folks!"
"Hmph. If you think it's so easy Klinger, why don't you do it?" Winchester retorted.
"Because the dare isn't for Klinger. The dare is for you Winchester," Andrew reminded him.
"Couldn't I do Bugs Bunny instead?" Charles insisted.
"Nah. Doing Bugs Bunny is too easy," Andrew shook off. "All you gotta do is act like a wisecrack, speak with a Brooklyn accent, munch on a carrot, and ask 'Eh, what's up doc?'. So that's why I chose Daffy Duck."
Charles felt his frown deepening as Andrew noticed it.
"Look, do you even know what Daffy Duck acts like?"
"Of course I do. There hasn't been a moment where I didn't see that crazy duck appear in theatrical shorts that I've seen in theaters located in Boston," Charles grunted.
"Then I don't see why you shouldn't do it."
"Because I'm not some nutcase!"
"Oh come on Charles," Hawkeye spoke up. "Don't be such a party pooper!"
"There's no need to spoil everyone's fun," Hunnicutt said.
"Come to think of it, we could all use some slapstick comedy right about now," Father Mulcahy admitted.
"Yeah," Margaret had her finger right on her chin where a smile was forming. "I'm actually interested in this. This I gotta see."
"See, we all want you to do it," Andrew said in a declaring manner. "So just do it!"
"Nope! I'm not doing it!" Winchester held his head up like a stubborn mule and crossed his arms.
Now it was Colonel Potter's turn to intervene since he was the commissioning officer in this outfit.
"Winchester, let me remind you that I'm your C.O, and I outrank you," Potter insisted, about to pull rank on him. "And as your colonel, I want you to act like Daffy Duck, and that's an order Major!"
This got Winchester to grimace in defeat. He had no way to get around it. This was going to be so humiliating for him.
"I can't believe I'm being subjected to these ridiculous shenanigans," he growled under his breath.
Nevertheless, he stood up as all eyes were on him. Taking a deep breath, he started to imitate the crazy duck with a strong lisp.
"Sufferin' succotash! Is there a doctor in the house! Just a minute, buster," he spoke like the nutball. "Don't let it worry ya, Skipper. I'm just a crazy, darn fool duck. Hoo-hoo Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo hoo-hoo hoo-hoo hoo-hoo!"
As soon as he imitated Daffy Duck's trademark laugh, everyone in the tent burst out into a fit of laughter. All of them were laughing at this, even Andrew. In Andrew's case, he and Margaret were seen hugging while laughing at what took place. This was definitely a riot for all of them.
"There. I did it," Charles grumbled, not appreciating the laughs. "Are you satisfied with your dare Major Peterson?"
"I sure am," Andrew laughed, as he kept the head nurse close to him. "That was hilarious."
"It sure was," Colonel Potter agreed ecstatically. "I'll tell ya, Winchester, with a voice like that, you could give Mel Blanc a run for his money!"
"Better yet, if you weren't into surgery, you could actually appear in one of Bob Clampett's animated shorts," Klinger added.
"In your dreams Klinger," Charles huffed.
"Oh lighten up Charles," Hawkeye told him. "Don't mind us. Continue to act like a loony duck all you want."
"It'll just brighten up the day," BJ shrugged.
"You certainly looked funny when you did that." Margaret laughed.
Major Winchester was not pleased with their childish behavior, as he proceeded to stand up.
"I don't have to put up with these shenanigans," he was about to leave, but the colonel wasn't having any of that.
"PARK IT WINCHESTER!" Potter bellowed, getting him to sit back down. "If I have to put up with the tomfoolery of this game, then so will you! Comprende?!"
"Right," Winchester rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Well if you are going to be like that, then I'm going to choose you this time Colonel! So what will it be old boar, truth or dare?"
"Well, unlike certain dingbats, I'm not going to fall for the sneaky tricks," Potter declared. "So this 'old boar' is gonna say 'truth'!"
"Fine by me," Charles took a deep breath and then asked him a question. "And here's my question: what was the first horse that you ever owned? Not that I'm interested, I'm just asking."
Colonel Potter took note of Winchester's tone but decided not to bring it up. Instead, he decided to think about how to answer it.
"Hmmm...that's going a long way back," Potter said thoughtfully before coming up with an answer. "Huh, now that I can remember, there was a polo pony that I owned when I was 12. I believe her name was Ingrid, and it was a couple of years before I took part in the cavalry. She was a fine mare that I used to take part in playing polo back in Hannibal. I still remember the days. Does that answer your question, Winchester?"
"Yeah, I suppose it does," Charles said. "Very well. It's your turn to pick someone?"
"Alright then," Colonel Potter decided to choose someone who didn't get a turn yet. Shortly, his sight fell on BJ. "Okay BJ, I pick you. Truth or dare?"
"Hmm..." Hunnicutt thought for a moment and made a decision. "I'll go with 'truth'."
"Fair enough," Colonel Potter decided to think of a good question for him. "Tell me, Hunnicutt, what was it like when you first married Peg?"
BJ had to think about that. Not much time had passed since that happened. Eventually, he was able to answer it.
"Yeah, there is no easy way to describe it. But if I could use a bunch of words to explain it, I would say that it was engaging, fulfilling, fun, endearing, and just an overall satisfying experience," BJ said honestly. "The first few months were a little different, seeing that we never been in that position before, but we still managed, since we had each other. As time went on, we grew more of a commitment, we maintained fidelity where we remained faithful with each other. And it got even better when Peg was pregnant with Erin, and when she gave birth to her, it was like an amazing miracle. I guess that how I felt when I first married Peg. I hope that answers your question, sir."
"I suppose you're right. I guess most happy romantic stories end like that," Potter rubbed his chin. "Okay. I appreciate you being honest with me."
"The pleasure was all mine," BJ shrugged.
"Well, it's your turn, Hunnicutt," Potter encouraged. "Choose whoever you want to pick."
"Alright," BJ then turned to face Hawkeye. "Hawkeye, what will it be? Truth or dare?"
"Huh? You know, I don't look forward to seeing what I'd look like in a chicken suit," Pierce retorted. "So I'm gonna go with 'truth' this time."
"Very well. Now here's my question," BJ wasted no time in asking him. "What happened to my socks?"
"Your what?" Hawkeye was confused by this.
"My socks," BJ got to the point. "I have four pairs of socks missing! And I know Charles didn't touch them, and neither did Andrew! So you must have taken them. Where are they?"
"Uhhh, about that..." Hawkeye remembered what he did as he reluctantly answered. "I actually filled your socks up with water, tied them up, and I used them as water balloons."
"YOU WHAT!?" It was clear that BJ wasn't happy about that.
"Hey! In my defense," Hawkeye tried to defend himself. "We were out of rubber gloves to use! So I had to use a substitution, which happened to be your socks!"
"I can't believe this," BJ pinched his nose in irritation. "You thought it'd be a good idea to go behind my back and steal my socks without my consensus, and use them as water balloons!?"
"It's like I said, they were the only thing that I could use," Hawkeye fired back. "Besides, you shouldn't be the one talking about who stole someone else's socks!"
"I thought that you wouldn't bring that up again," BJ snapped.
"And you went and shoved accusations down my throat without hearing my side of it," Hawkeye sneered.
Things were starting to get ugly here, and they didn't need another show-down. The colonel decided to step in before things got out of control between them.
"Okay boys, before we start something, I think this next one will be our last," Potter got them focused. "Pierce, this'll be the last one, and then we're done for the night. Choose your person."
Completely forgetting the argument he was having with BJ, Hawkeye didn't need time to think when his focus fell on Andrew. Remembering what had happened earlier, Pierce decided to get back to him.
"Okay Andrew, you're the final contestant for the evening," Hawkeye then asked him. "Will it be truth or dare?"
Andrew had to think for a minute. Considering how he went with truth last time, there was no reason why he shouldn't go with 'dare'. What's the worst thing that could happen to him?
"Okay Pierce," Andrew spoke up. "I'm gonna go with 'dare'."
What could go wrong for me? Andrew thought.
But he was sadly mistaken, for once he said 'dare', Hawkeye gained the most devilish smirk that he muster on his face. Andrew has fallen for the trap.
Perfect. Andrew's making this too easy. Time to get even. He thought as he then cleared his throat, revealing what the dare is.
"Okay, Andrew. I dare you to kiss," the chief surgeon started, pointing to Margaret. "Major Margaret Houlihan, right on the lips!"
"What!?" Andrew squeaked, not believing what he just heard.
"You heard me," he repeated. "I dare you to kiss Margaret's hot-looking lips."
Andrew's cheeks went red out of embarrassment at that one.
"You can't be serious Pierce," he yelped.
"Does this face look like I'm not serious?" Hawkeye pointed to his expression, which had a grin.
"B-B-Buh...I can't do this," Andrew blabbered. "This is absolutely nuts."
"Oh lighten up Andrew," BJ stepped in. "It's just a kiss. Just kiss her and get it over with."
"It's not as easy as it sounds Hunnicutt," Andrew explained. "I can't just go up to Margaret and kiss her right on the lips and call it a day. This is something that requires time to make it a special experience!"
"Come now Peterson," Winchester snorted. "If I had to take the dare of acting like a bizarre, lunatic, crazy fictional duck, then surely you should do the same by kissing Major Houlihan."
"If I wanted your advice Winchester, I would have asked," Andrew spat, giving him a look.
"Oh come on Andrew," Klinger tried to encourage. "You're just kissing her on the mouth! What could go wrong?"
"A lot of things, Klinger," Andrew deadpanned. "If I do this, I'm certain that word will slip out, and I'll be the talk of the compound all over again."
"Well, to be fair Major," Father Mulcahy got his word in. "Everyone in this unit already knows that you have a crush on Major Houlihan."
"Thanks to Klinger," Andrew groaned. "No offense Father, but something like this shouldn't be taken lightly. Kissing is something that has to be sincere, from the heart. I'm just worried about how all of this could go wrong."
"Oh stop your gripping already and kiss her," Hawkeye demanded.
"No. I refuse. I shall not do it," Andrew crossed his arms and sat down.
Just then, Colonel Potter let out a heavy sigh; a sigh that meant he had to pull rank on Andrew too, just like he did to Charles.
"Andrew, I've already told this to Winchester, but I'm your commanding officer," he declared. "And I outrank you! Therefore, I want you to kiss Houlihan on her lips and that's an order!"
Andrew was flabbergasted by this. Even Colonel Potter was encouraging their kiss. Was he becoming the butt of this joke all for a sick laugh at the expense of Pierce? Was it because he goaded him into acting like a chicken? Or was it because he gained some confidence in dealing with him? No matter the reason, kissing wasn't meant to be a joke. It's meant to represent something special and genuine. He felt cornered in some way. He stood back up and tried to speak to the colonel.
"But Colonel, I..."
"Oh stop you're blabbering Andrew," that came from Margaret, who was now standing in front of Andrew. "It's nothing to get upset about. It's just a kiss. Just come over here and kiss me."
Andrew was shocked to see Margaret so willing to kiss him, in front of their fellow unit members.
"Gee Margaret," Andrew muttered. "Are you sure your alright with us kissing in front of our fellow peers? You won't get uncomfortable with it?"
"Of course I'm okay with it. It's nothing to get upset about. You took a dare, and I don't mind at all. And besides," Margaret got up into his face and whispered in his ear. "You loved the kissing sessions we shared before, right darling?"
Andrew nodded as sweat was on his forehead before he sighed. Margaret was right. He loved kissing the head nurse. Kissing her felt like a fantasy of some kind. As soon as he came to his senses, he decided to make another compromise with the others.
"Alright, guys. Alright. I'll kiss Hot Lips," he started. "But on one condition!"
They exchanged looks with each other as this piqued their curiosity.
"That depends. What is the condition?" Colonel Potter wondered.
"If I kiss Margaret right here and now, you all have to promise me NOT to say a word about this to anyone. Understand?" Andrew informed them.
"Oh, well that's different," Colonel Potter exclaimed. "Yes, I won't utter this to the other doctors and nurses in this M*A*S*H unit."
"I'll put a lid on it too pal," BJ said.
"Your word is safe with me," Father Mulcahy remarked. "It would be a complete sacrilege for me to forsaken such a worthy secret with anyone outside of us."
"You can count on me too, sir," Klinger promised. "That's a mistake I won't make again."
"Indeed. I would not take part in anything about gossiping, especially as something like this." Winchester remarked.
"And you know that I wouldn't humiliate you," Margaret said softly. "Your secret is safe with me too."
"Huh," Hawkeye responded. "Oh yeah! Sure! Sure!"
"Really? You all will keep that promise?" Andrew double-checked.
"We promise," they all said, hoping that it was an acceptable answer.
However, Andrew wasn't entirely convinced as he glowered at Hawkeye, squinting his eyes at him.
"What?" Hawkeye was confused.
"Pierce? Do you have your fingers crossed behind your back?" Andrew asked suspiciously.
"Uhhhhh...maaaaaaaaybe," it was obvious that he was hiding something from him.
"Oh yeah. Hawkeye has his fingers crossed behind his back," BJ ratted him out.
"BJ!" Hawkeye didn't appreciate that.
"I'm serious Pierce," Andrew glared at him. "I don't want you spreading the word to everyone else. And let me remind you that you are a Captain, and I'm a Major. Therefore, I outrank you. So I want you to not tell anyone else about this, and that's an order! Do you read me, Pierce?!"
"Oh yes sir," Hawkeye had his hand up. "Scouts honor."
"Alright, good," Andrew sighed, happy that he got that out of the way. "Okay. I'm ready."
Andrew then walked away from Hawkeye and approached Margaret. Her cute little pigtails kinda made her more kissable to him anyway. That did help with motivating him to do this.
At least I'm gonna enjoy this. Andrew gulped before puckering his lips for Margaret. His lips were slowly quivering from being nervous.
Margaret felt herself giggling at this. He was being such a dork about this. But that's one of the things that seemed endearing to her. It was better than hiding himself from her and keeping solely to himself.
Deciding on giving him an extra boost, she decided to approach him with her own lips puckered out. In a matter of seconds, their lips met and touched. Once they did, the two majors then wrapped each other in an embrace. It was just as magnificent as it was before. And he didn't care that people were watching this time.
Five minutes had passed since they started. And another five after that. And another five. It seemed that at least 15 minutes have gone by and they were still kissing. The others were amazed by how they could last that long.
"Holy Toledo," Klinger commented. "I had no idea that they could kiss for that long. I wonder how they can do that."
"How can they even enjoy something as revolting as this?" Winchester muttered. "I don't have the slightest interest in romantic love such as this."
"Well they seem to be rather...passionate about that kiss," Father Mulcahy said sheepishly.
"Yeah," Colonel Potter nodded slowly. "Mildred hasn't kissed me like that in a long time."
"Reminds me of the days where I was with Peg," Hunnicutt remarked.
Hawkeye was completely speechless. He looked as if he ate his own words. They were really enjoying themselves. And all this time he's been teasing Andrew for having an interest in Margaret. It seems that Andrew really did have feelings for her. He had a feeling that they would make an item, but he never expected them to act like this. It was hard for him to contemplate this.
Margaret never kissed Donald like this. Hawkeye thought, not saying a word.
After a few more moments, Andrew and Margaret finally ceased kissing, as their lips separated, but they didn't break out of their embrace.
"Gosh Margaret," he uttered softly. "I don't think I'll ever get sick of this."
"Me either," she agreed with him.
They looked at the others, but they didn't catch their attention. Hawkeye, however, with his flabbergasted expression, drawn them in.
"Hey, Pierce? What's wrong," Andrew had a sly grin on his face. "You look like you just saw a ghost."
Hawkeye didn't respond. He was so surprised by what had taken place, he was unable to say something.
"What's wrong Pierce? Cat got your tongue," Margaret had a smirk on her face.
"Actually, you know what I think happened," Andrew remarked. "I think Pierce is going to eat some crow for breakfast tomorrow."
Hawkeye could only groan at that and nothing else.
"Now remember Hawkeye," Andrew got back on track. "You have to promise me to keep quiet about this."
"That goes for me too," Margaret agreed. "Let me remind you Pierce that I outrank you too, and I can give you the same order that Andrew gave you. Is that clear?"
"Huh...uh, oh yeah," Hawkeye muttered as he gained a hold of himself.
"Alright folks, that's enough for tonight," Colonel Potter broke up this gathering. "I'm gonna hit the hay sack."
"I better go too," Klinger said. "Today has been quite a busy one."
"I'm going to return to my tent," Father Mulcahy remarked. "I'm gonna make my prayers before turning in for the night."
"I guess we all should go to bed," Andrew said. "It's been quite busy for all of us."
"Indeed. It's about time I catch some shuteye instead of playing this childish game," Winchester huffed.
"You're right," Colonel Potter yawned. "Goodnight folks."
"Goodnight."
And so the guys who don't belong to the Swamp all took their leave and went back to their respective sleeping area, while Hawkeye, BJ, and Charles went to their beds in the Swamp. Before they could separate, Andrew and Margaret shared one quick kiss, which was very short.
"Goodnight dear," Andrew whispered.
"Goodnight darling," Margaret uttered softly.
Then they separated and Margaret went back to her tent. Meanwhile, Andrew went back to his bed and turned in for the night as were his three bunkmates. Things seem to be changing for him, and hopefully, it will keep improving.
Indeed. Things were really looking up for him...
END OF CHAPTER 15...
Yeah. That's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
If you must know, this is my own twist of the game Truth or Dare. Even though this chapter is a breather chapter, I still think this was a fun chapter to write.
Yeah, I don't include pop culture references in this story unless the works came before the Korean War started. I just want to let you know about this.
One more thing, a lot of the backstories for these characters are very vague if not subtle, with some mentions included in spades. So I had to go with what I could unravel.
Anyway, the next chapter will show Klinger planning a dinner surprise that Andrew asked for, Andrew and Margaret's growing connection continues to grow, and some other stuff will occur. How will this go? Find out next time!
For now, you can leave a review only if you like. Constructive criticism is only acceptable if your polite and friendly with it. And you can leave a positive review anytime.
Besides that, I've got nothing else to say! So until next time, I hope you've been enjoying this story! Thanks again for reading everyone!
