Okay, readers! Here is the sixteenth chapter of this story!
Now I got nothing to say here. In this chapter, a new couple is formed, Klinger helps Andrew prepare a special dinner for tonight, and some other events will take place. How will this go? Find out now!
AT THE SWAMP; THE M*A*S*H 4077 - 7:49
It was a brand new morning at the 4077. Plenty of the staff personnel were up and about, and getting ready for what today might bring. At the Swamp, in particular, we see the four people who reside in the tent in their beds. Hawkeye was trying to sleep, BJ was relaxing in bed and Charles was doing some reading.
Andrew, on the other hand, was just about ready to get up and start today. As the major sat up, he couldn't help but bear a smile on his face. He had no idea whether it was the lack of hay fever, the lack of casualties, or if he's just in a good mood in general, but he was satisfied. And to think what happened last night stayed fresh in his mind and he was overjoyed by it. Kissing Margaret was amazing in and of itself, but seeing the expression on Hawkeye's face afterwards seemed very appropriate, considering how much teasing he endured from it.
I'll go spend some time with Margaret later. Andrew thought with a smile. Right now, I should get ready to start the day.
Getting out of bed, Andrew already started by shaving his face, applied some shaving cream, and then used a fresh razor to scrape off any growing whiskers. He was heard humming to himself as he did that, but the others paid no attention to it. Once he was done shaving, he pulled out his bathrobe and fresh pair of clothes and was about to hit the shower tent.
"Ah, today seems to be a great day," Andrew remarked rather pleasantly. "Good morning Hawkeye!"
"Uhhhhhhhhhh..." Hawkeye could only groan, as he wasn't really in the mood for this first thing in the morning.
"I see. You're still a little shaken up from what happened last night, huh?" Andrew told him sympathetically. "Don't worry Pierce. I'll make sure the cook saves you some crow for breakfast."
Hawkeye turned over so his back was turned on the major. Andrew didn't seem offended by it as he decided to let it go.
"Alright. Suit yourself," Andrew shrugged as he went for the door. "Good morning BJ! Good morning Charles!"
Before either of them could get a word out to him, Andrew already left the Swamp and headed for the showers. They exchanged looks as they wondered about this. Did he catch something in the air? Or was there something else that fresh on his mind? Something about a certain head nurse, maybe?
"What do you suppose that was about?" BJ queried.
"Either Major Peterson hit his head on a land mine, or Major Houlihan must've kissed him a little too hard last night," Charles took a wild guess.
"Well if he's going as far as calling us by our first names, then he must be in a good mood," BJ remarked.
"I suppose that might be the reasonable explanation," Charles grumbled. "Now if you don't mind Hunnicutt, I'd like to resume my reading in peace."
"Fair enough," BJ shrugged before turning to Hawkeye. "How are you holding up Hawkeye?"
"Uhhhhhhh..." Another moan escaped the captains' mouth, as he didn't bother turning around.
"I see," BJ took that as an appropriate answer. "You can stay there as long as you need to."
And not another word was said from any of them as they went back to doing what they were doing before. They had to wonder what today will bring them with Hawkeye being silent, and Andrew seeming chirpy. All they could do was wait to see what'll take place...
After having taken a shower, as well as perform personal hygiene like brushing his teeth and whatnot, Andrew was all changed up into clean clothes as he was heading straight for the mess tent. Not even the slop that they're serving this morning will get him in a bad mood. The smile said it all. He felt like a new man.
"Hey! If it isn't Major Peterson," a voice called out to him, revealed to be Klinger as the company clerk approached him.
"Hey Klinger," he greeted. "How are you doing today?"
"Fine. Fine. Thanks for asking," Klinger said, taking a look at his uplifting spirit. "You seem to be in a good mood this morning."
"You bet," Andrew exclaimed before asking. "By the way, has the mail come in yet?"
"Not yet sir," Klinger shook his head. "I'm still waiting for the mail to be delivered to our unit. If you're wondering about the ingredients that I had shipped here from Ernie's Pizza Inferno, I've made the call already and they should be here any day now."
"Alright," Andrew accepted his answer. "When the stuff comes in, just let me know about it. Okay?"
"You got it, sir." Klinger obliged.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna head for the mess tent," Andrew proclaimed as he went for the mess tent. Klinger just stared at him with amusement.
Wow. That major seems to be a chip off the old block. Klinger thought. I guess he's wanting to see Major Houlihan in the mess tent. I better wait for the supplies to get here so his dinner date with Houlihan can be a memorable one.
With that in mind, Klinger went back into the company clerk's office, waiting for the mail to show up and to see if those crates of pizza supplies will show up from Ernie's Pizza Inferno. This was going to be an interesting day.
Andrew had entered the mess tent with an empty tray and an empty mug for his cup of coffee in his hands. The line wasn't too busy. There were several people in the mess tent, but it wasn't something he couldn't handle. If there was one thing he learned from his time in the wilderness, it's that he shouldn't let anyone get under his skin if it gets too far. And that Margaret is here to support him if it gets out of hand.
Regardless, he seemed to be in quite a pleasant mood to care about what some of the others were talking about. He couldn't help but think about what he and the head nurse will be doing today.
"Hey, Andrew."
Speaking of whom, Andrew heard her voice and turned around to see her right behind him, with an empty mug in her hand for her coffee, as well as a tray for breakfast. She was wearing rather comfortable clothes today. And judging by her expression, she seemed to be in a pretty good mood too.
"Hey Margaret," he greeted. "Wonderful day we're having."
"Oh yes," she seemed to have something else in mind. "Getting some breakfast?"
"Yeah, yeah," he nodded. "And I'm getting a cup of coffee too."
"I see," suddenly, she came up with a great idea. "I have an idea. Why don't you give your mug, and I'll get both of us a cup of coffee, while you get our breakfast. How does that sound?"
"Oh Margaret," Andrew said in flattery. "You don't have to do that for me."
"I insist," Margaret said. "I want to get both of us some coffee. My treat."
Andrew had no idea what to think of this. As if he wasn't already in a good mood, now the head nurse offers to get both of them a cup of coffee. She was being courteous to him once again. Still, he couldn't turn down such a generous offer from her, especially since she was also in a pleasant mood today.
Giving her a sincere smile, Andrew nodded as he handed his empty mug to her.
"Okay. I would love for you to get both of us some coffee," Andrew said, before adding. "But I'm going to get the both of us some lunch later, as my treat."
"That works for me," she smiled. "I'll get us some coffee, okay darling?"
"Okay, dear. Thanks for that," Andrew grinned as Margaret went to get them some coffee nearby, bringing the two mugs with her.
As she did that, he had both of their trays in his hands as the cook put whatever slop was being served on them. Igor couldn't help but overhear what they were discussing and how Margaret was getting them both some coffee.
"So it seems that Houlihan is getting you a cup of coffee," Igor brought up. "That girl is a keeper."
"Yes. Well, it isn't anything to get so excited over," Andrew said modestly. "She's being friendly."
"Did I just hear this correctly," one of the unnamed doctors said. "Hot Lips is getting you a cup of coffee?"
"I wonder what else she'll have to give to you," another unnamed doctor said.
And that is what did it. Andrew felt his good mood starting to turn sour as these two doctors were making teases at him. He thought that after this whole mess ended, the unnamed doctors out there would leave him and Margaret alone about it. Apparently, these two doctors weren't among them.
"And just what business is that of yours?" Andrew deadpanned in annoyance.
"Don't beat around the bush," the first unnamed doctor said. "Flowers are blooming for you and Hot Lips!"
"How would you like for Hot Lips to give you a big wet one," the second unnamed doctor asked, getting Andrew disgusted.
"How would you like to have a fist go up into your face?" Andrew threatened, shaking his fist in front of his face to emphasize his threat.
Without another word, Andrew stormed away with both trays of breakfast as he put both of them at a nearby table. Andrew made sure Margaret's tray was next to his so that she could sit next to him. At the table that he chose, the only other person there at the moment was Father Mulcahy, who was eating his breakfast.
"Oh, hello Father Mulcahy," Andrew got his attention, having calmed down a bit.
"Oh. Why hello there fine son," the Padre greeted upon looking up. "Please feel free to sit here."
"Yeah," Andrew felt a smile coming back.
"I take it that by your expression, you seem to be in a rather chipper mood today," the Chaplin made note of that.
"I sure am," Andrew nodded. "I've got my breakfast tray and I brought Margaret's tray over here so she can join me. She's currently getting the both of us a cup of coffee."
He directed the Padre's attention to Margaret, who was getting both of them some coffee.
"I see," Father Mulcahy said. "You seem rather fortunate to have her do something so courteous like this."
"You don't even know Padre," Andrew smiled warmly. "You don't even know."
"Well ain't this something," the voice of one of the unnamed doctors got their attention again. "As if Hot Lips getting you two some coffee wasn't enough, now you decided to get breakfast for both of you and bring it to this table. Man, what a keeper."
"I can hear the bells chiming already," the other doctor teased.
Andrew's smile faltered into a frown again. He couldn't believe that these guys didn't take a hint when he threatened them. They were still pestering him about it. This wasn't good.
"Now don't start on that again," Andrew groaned. "This isn't any of your business."
"Oh come on," the first unnamed doctor huffed. "You two lovebirds act as you have it for each other."
"Today she'll get you two some coffee," the other doctor scoffed. "And tomorrow, it'll be something bigger."
"Now cut that out," Andrew snapped, grinding his teeth. "Why don't you two do me a favor and leave me alone?! Go pester someone else, and stop bothering us!"
"Don't deny it with us," the first unnamed doctor retorted. "We know that you and Hot Lips are making plans together for when this war is over."
"Once you two get out of this crummy war, Hot Lips will plan on getting you two a home to stay in where you can live together," the other doctor teased. "Ha! What a riot that'll be!"
Andrew was starting to get furious. He really wanted to slug these two jerks for making a scene out of it. But since he didn't need to get in trouble, he restrained himself from getting physical.
As for the Padre himself, he was displeased by the two doctors teasing the major, even after so much time has passed. Despite that, he remained quiet and stayed out of this, while at the same time, giving Andrew a rather sympathetic look.
Before Andrew could fire back at them, a voice got their attention from behind.
"Excuse me? And what is so wrong about that?" That belonged to Margaret, who overheard everything that the two doctors said to her partner, and she had a scowl on her face.
She had two mugs of coffee in her hands, one for herself, the other for Andrew. She placed both of them down on the table and then decided to chew out these two doctors.
"You know, I could have sworn that our Colonel planned on putting you two on 'report' if you were to keep bugging us about that. But even if he didn't, I would personally throw the book at both of you," she scolded them in a calm voice. "What Andrew and I are doing together is our business, and you have no right in sticking your noses in it. We should be able to have fun without perverts like you getting under our skin. So I'm gonna let you off with a warning. If you bug us again about that, I'll get permission from the Colonel to throw the book at you two, and you'll be put on report. If it were up to me, I'd have you two court-martialed for insubordination. So I better not see it again. I hope I made myself clear."
With that, she walked out the front door of the mess tent, something that Andrew didn't want. Giving the two doctors a quick glare, he ran off after her, not wanting her to run off like that.
Margaret stopped right as she left, just for Andrew to walk out and get her attention.
"Hey Margaret," he got her to turn around. "I just want to thank you for coming to my defense like that. I really appreciate it."
"It was no trouble at all," she said with a smile. "I wasn't going to let them talk to my boyfriend like that."
"Well I'm glad th-" he stopped short when he realized what she just called him. "Boyfriend?"
"Yes," she nodded pleasantly. "You are my boyfriend after all."
Andrew immediately started to piece this together. Could she be implying exactly what he thinks she's getting at? He had to make sure for himself.
"Wait, so does that mean...?"
"That's right," she got up close into his face in an amorous manner. "We are officially a couple."
"Couple," he squeaked in delight. "So this means your my girlfriend, right?"
"Sure does," she pecked him on the cheek.
"Uh, do you really want to be my girlfriend," he had to ask, cheeks turning bright pink. "Are you comfortable with this?"
"Why wouldn't I," she admitted before explaining. "After everything we been through the past few days, I've been thinking about how things stand between us. Thanks to our feelings being mutual, and the fact that we've been kissing, I decided not to hold back and let you know about this. Even with the crummy war going on, I can see the two of us working like a charm since we're here for each other. My question to you is are you comfortable with this?"
She was waiting for an answer from him to see if he was alright with the two of them being an item. Fortunately, Andrew's good mood was starting to resurface as that smile on his face said it all.
"Margaret, I would love that," Andrew gleamed. "So I guess you're my first girlfriend then."
"It would appear so."
"Does this mean we can also say [I love you] and such?"
"Sure," the head nurse planted a kiss right on his lips. "Love ya darling."
"Love ya dear," Andrew then decided to ask. "But how will the other doctors act when they see us as a couple? What should we do about them?"
"Let them be jealous," Margaret cooed with a smirk. "Let's show them what you got that they don't have. Let them see how special we are for each other."
"I'd love to go along with that," Andrew had a smirk of his own as he then placed his right arm on the head nurse's back. "So, shall we go back into the mess tent and have our coffee together dear?"
"It's fine by me," she beamed, putting her left arm on his back as a follow-up. "After you, darling."
Without saying another word, the two of them walked into the mess tent while keeping their arms on each others' backs to show affection. This was going to be fun.
They went back to the table that they were planning to sit at together, with Father Mulcahy still sitting. Those two doctors who were pestering Andrew before were gone. Good riddance too. Now they can enjoy their coffee and breakfast without them bothering the newly formed couple.
"So, it would appear that you two came back with brighter spirits than before, right," the Padre commented, noting their perky expressions.
"We sure are," Andrew claimed. "And we got good news Padre. As of this moment, Margaret and I are now a couple."
"That's right. We were just discussing that outside," Margaret added.
"Really? You mean that?" Father Mulcahy double-checked, as the couple nodded. "Well bravo! Congratulations you two!"
"Thank you, Padre," Andrew said as he drank his coffee with his new girlfriend. "We appreciate the compliment."
"Amen to that," the head nurse agreed with that, as Father Mulcahy just smiled proudly at this.
It was at that moment that Colonel Potter made it to the mess tent and joined the Chaplin and the couple at their table.
"Good morning Padre," he greeted.
"Good morning Colonel," Father Mulcahy returned.
It was then Colonel Potter's gaze fell onto the two majors, who were clearly in a good mood judging by their expressions.
"Well ain't this a sight for sore eyes," he remarked. "You two are looking as perky as a couple of fruit flies."
"And we have a good reason for it too, sir," Andrew beamed. "Margaret and I are now a couple."
"What?" Colonel Potter wanted to make sure what he heard was true.
"We talked about it just a couple of minutes ago, and now here we are Colonel," Margaret told him.
Colonel Potter was rather astounded, to say the least. The kiss that Andrew and Margaret shared as he witnessed was a given sign that they could become a couple. And now it happened.
"Well ain't that something? That is just dandy," the colonel remarked. "Congrats to you two."
"Thank you, Colonel," both of them said in unison.
"I'm just as astounded as you are Colonel," the Padre remarked. "I was wondering if they'd ever become a couple with how close they've gotten."
"Believe it or not Padre, I felt the same way," the colonel agreed.
Both Andrew and Margaret were flattered by these comments that were being given out. But before anything else could be said, two more people entered the mess tent. It was BJ and Charles, and once they got their breakfast, they went to join the others at that table.
"Mind if we tag along with you," BJ said to them.
"Don't consider this as us joining a social gathering," Charles huffed. "We'd just don't want to sit with the rest of the dreck in this mess tent."
"Sure. Help yourselves," Andrew said as they sat down.
"As I said, I'm not in this for a social gathering," Winchester repeated.
"Well Winchester, if you feel so grouchy now, wait till you hear what was just revealed," Potter told him. "Right before you and Hunnicutt showed up, our two majors have become official."
"Official? Colonel, what are you saying," BJ queried in confusion.
"What the Colonel is saying is that Margaret and I are now officially a couple," Andrew spoke up.
"We confirmed it right before coming back into the mess tent," Margaret confirmed as she took a sip of her coffee.
"Really? That is amazing you two," BJ congratulated them.
"Charming as it may seem, I still don't get what the fuss about them being a couple is all about," Charles huffed.
"Thanks for the encouragement, Winchester. Try not to get too excited," Andrew retorted sarcastically.
"Uh, what my rude friend Charles is trying to say is that we are proud that you two are a couple," BJ spoke up. "Wait until Hawkeye hears about this."
"Speaking of whom, where is Pierce?" Margaret asked.
"Yeah. Wasn't he suppose to come with you two?" Andrew wondered.
"I believe he said something about going to Rosie's Bar for breakfast instead," Winchester answered. "Though I could care less, it seems that he does not want to make a scene around you two."
"I can understand that," Andrew sighed, shaking his head. "Considering what he witnessed last night, and learning that the feelings Margaret and I share for each other aren't a tease, but genuine, I think he'd finally got it through his head. He'll get over it."
"Andrew's right," Margaret agreed. "Perhaps now he's finally learned something about minding his own business and not jumping to conclusions."
"Exactly," BJ nodded. "He'll be fine though. He just needs some time to think things over."
"I suppose that is a good idea," Potter admitted. "Pierce was always one to just jump the gun on a situation."
"Amen to that Colonel," Father Mulcahy agreed.
"Can we just eat our breakfast?" Winchester groaned. "The sooner I finish this dreck, the better."
"Certainly," both Andrew and Margaret rolled their eyes at Winchester's grumbling comment.
They decided to spend the rest of the meal eating breakfast, as the newly formed couple drank their coffees and occasionally gave each other a flirtatious stare. It seemed obvious that they are overjoyed by being a couple, and it wasn't going to end there. It's gonna keep on growing for them...
Sometime later, after breakfast, the group split up for a bit as Andrew was currently alone feeding the pets of the compound. He hadn't forgotten about them. He did promise Radar to feed them every once in a while, and if he doesn't, then someone else would. Regardless of the short time, they've known each other, Radar still held quite an importance in Andrew. He wondered how Radar would react if he told him that he and Margaret were now a couple. It would probably be no less different than the way the others reacted, save for Charles that is.
He had just finished feeding Muffsy the rabbit some good quality hay and grass, as he watched her eat the meal that she was given. It was slow, but it was some good progress.
"Good job Muffsy. You ate your food," Andrew mused. "Radar would be proud of me."
Andrew watched the other animals in their cages eat the meals that he had already given. Suddenly, he snapped out of his thoughts when Corporal Klinger got his attention.
"Hey Major! Major Peterson," he ran right over to Andrew. "Major, come to my office quick! There's something you need to see!"
"What is it, Klinger?" Andrew looked curious.
"You know the ingredients I ordered from Ernie's Pizza Inferno? They've finally arrived!" Klinger revealed.
"Well what are we waiting for," Andrew encouraged. "Let's go!"
"Right," with that, Klinger and Andrew ran back to the former's office to see what came in.
When they entered, Andrew saw that there were four wooden crates right in front of the bed. Feeling bemused, Andrew decided to ask.
"Are those crates the ingredients you are talking about?"
"They sure are! The first one is pizza dough! The second one is tomato or pizza sauce! The third one is the cheese! And the last one contains mushrooms," Klinger exclaimed. "Ernie's didn't even cook the stuff. They sent it to us raw and fresh to bake here! Now we can get this stuff ready for your dinner tonight!"
"That's great news Klinger," Andrew beamed. "And it couldn't have come at a better time!"
"Better time," Klinger questioned. "What are you talking about Major?"
"I'm talking about this; as of right now, Margaret and I are officially a couple!" Andrew gleamed with no hint of shame.
"Really? You two are a couple? Well, that's terrific news sir," Klinger was happy for them. "Hey. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."
"Thanks for that Klinger," Andrew thanked him modestly. "We really are happy that we are a couple."
"I can tell. I was wondering if you two would get together, and now you have," Klinger commented.
"Yeah," Andrew sighed dreamily before getting back on topic. "So anyway, you think you can get this stuff cooked into 2 pizzas by tonight?"
"Sure can. I never told you this, but my dad taught me how to make pizza a few years back," Klinger revealed. "He even brought me to Ernie's Pizza Inferno to show me how it's done! So you can have full confidence in me, sir."
"I do," Andrew nodded. "And these ingredients came straight from Toledo, right?"
"You can bet your carcass on that one, Major," Klinger said. "Nowhere else but Toledo."
"Good," Andrew smiled. "So do you think these 2 pizzas will look just like they do at Ernie's Pizza Inferno?"
"I have no doubts that they won't," Klinger said. "After all, there was this one time that Pierce had some food from Adam's Ribs sent to the compound for the cooks to cook up as if they came straight from Illinois."
"I see," Andrew seemed amused. "Anyway, when it comes to cooking the pizza, I want you to take full control of the cooking process. Make sure they are cooked thoroughly and don't give me or Margaret food poisoning. Aside from that, I don't want this to end up like the rest of the dreck that's served in the mess tent, which would leave Margaret disappointed that it would break her heart."
"You got nothing to worry about sir. You can have full confidence in me. I wouldn't make the same mistake Winchester made when he shared that pheasant he got with Major Houlihan. I'll make sure that it's cooked all the way through," Klinger assured him.
"That's the spirit Klinger," Andrew seemed ecstatic.
"Now there's just the issue of getting this stuff to the kitchen without being spotted." Klinger brought up a problem with this.
"Yeah. That could prove to be a problem, Klinger." Andrew did some thinking. "But I think I've got the perfect solution for it."
"You do?" Klinger wondered. "Well then let's get on it, pal."
Soon enough, both of them were now outside the office with a wagon that was loaned to them by a fellow South Korean delivery person, and the four crates were stacked right inside of it.
"There. That should be able to hold these four crates," Klinger said as Andrew put the last crate on top.
"And to make sure they are hidden," Andrew went and tossed a big blanket over it. "Now no one will know what it really is."
"Great thinking pal," Klinger smiled. "It makes the kind of deals that I made through the phone just to get this stuff all the more worth it."
"I can see that," Andrew laughed before getting serious again. "Anyway, you only need to get this to the kitchen tent and set the crates out from there."
"Got it, sir."
"And also, not a word of this to anyone," Andrew told him. "The last thing I want is for everyone in this unit to demand Ernie's pizza when there's only enough for me and my girlfriend. I don't want to attract attention."
"You can count on me sir," Klinger saluted.
"Oh, and one more thing," Andrew issued. "Make sure the cooks keep their mouths shut about this too. Tell them to keep quiet about the pizzas."
"I'm all over it sir." Klinger obliged.
"Good," Andrew then ordered. "Now get this wagon to the kitchen tent, pronto. And be quick, before you attract anyone's attention. Get moving."
"I'm on my way sir," Klinger took the wagon and moved quickly to the kitchen tent, while making sure to avoid people and that no one suspects a thing.
Andrew kept watching out for him until Klinger was gone and eventually made it into the kitchen tent. Once he was out of sight, Andrew let out a sigh of relief at this. It seems this dinner date will be a success after all.
In the meantime, Andrew decided to do something to pass the time. He already did all the work that needed to be done, and no further casualties were coming into the M*A*S*H unit. Suddenly, he found himself getting parched in the throat. He could use a drink, and he knew the perfect stop too.
I guess I can go to the Officer's Club for a bit. Andrew thought as he started walking off to the Officer's Club, where he would get himself a drink...
AT THE OFFICER'S CLUB:
"This will do just fine. Thank you," Andrew accepted a glass of soda as he left a little tip on the counter.
Turning around, he looked to see who was here at the moment. Plenty of people were here just to chill out and unwind, at least for a while. Strangely, he didn't see Pierce anywhere. Come to think of it, he hasn't seen him since this morning, when he was groaning about what he witnessed last night.
He decided not to worry about him too much. After all, he needed to learn something from all this. He just hoped that he'll get over it by tomorrow. Probably.
Suddenly, he caught his sight on one of the tables in the far right part of the Officer's Club. The person who was sitting there was Margaret, who was sitting alone with a drink in a glass. Was she expecting him to show up? Was she waiting for him to join him?
I don't know what she's doing here, but I think I should join her. Andrew thought as he walked over to her table with his drink in his hand.
Expectingly, he managed to get her attention as he approached her table. "Hello, Margaret. Do you come here often?"
"Oh hey Andrew," she looked at him. "I come here on occasions."
"Mind if I join you?"
"Sure," she allowed him to take a seat next to her. "So what brings you here?"
"Eh," Andrew shrugged. "I just came by for a drink. What brings you here?"
"Oh, I just needed some time to unwind." Margaret smiled.
"Everybody does," Andrew commented.
Both of them took a moment to sip their drinks before speaking again.
"So anyway, are you happy about us, darling," Margaret queried.
"More than anything dear," Andrew said. "Just as long as you're happy about us."
"You better know it," Margaret smirked.
"In fact, I'd like to make a toast," Andrew raised his glass. "To us!"
"To us," she eagerly followed his lead as she held her glass up.
They then clinked their glasses and drank down what they had left in the respective glass.
"Ah," Andrew sighed in relief. "Love you, dear."
"Love you too darling," Margaret looked at him with half-lidded eyes.
Andrew wanted nothing more than to kiss her right here and now. But they were surrounded by other people, likely from this compound. So he had to restrain himself from doing so. Margaret however, noticed the rather lustful look in his eyes and he was showing resistance in kissing her. She couldn't blame him though, since they were in front of a bunch of people.
Then suddenly, an idea came into her mind. She had something that could finally put all this to rest. And it involved a little fun. Considering how it got Hawkeye to stop teasing them, it might work if they do it in front of the others.
"Hey Andrew," she started to smirk with that mischievous look on her face. "I think I know how to have a little fun."
"Oh, I'm gonna love this," Andrew said, smirking at this. "What is it?"
"Let's make everyone here jealous of us," Margaret told him before starting. "Gee Andrew! These drinks really were good, weren't they darling?!"
She was speaking loud enough for everyone to turn their attention to them. Andrew managed to catch on fast. "You're right Margaret! These drinks really hit the spot!"
"It's a good thing that we are a couple now darling!"
"I couldn't agree more dear!"
"You know what this calls for," she yelled. "This calls for more drinks on the house!"
"Drinks on the house!? You know what we should call it dear?!"
"No! What should we call it darling!?"
"More drinks on the mouth!"
Immediately after that, the two of them engaged in a kissing fest while everyone was watching. Until they started kissing, they were just curious about this. Upon seeing them kiss, they all fell into shock, unable to say anything. They were even hugging while kissing. They remained in that position for a good 5 to 7 minutes to get their point across to these chumps, just like they did to Hawkeye.
Soon, they separated and saw the looks on everyone's face. They smirked as a result. It worked like a charm.
"Shall we head off to your tent, dear," Andrew said coyly.
"Anything for you, darling," Margaret spoke slyly.
The two of them left the Officer's Club together, as the others remained in a shocking state for who knows how long. They couldn't believe what they saw. Did they really just do that?
Regardless, it wasn't gonna be discussed again amongst the group...
IN THE KITCHEN TENT:
Sometime later in the kitchen tent, we see that Klinger had the two pizzas made the way they should be. All that had to be done is they had to put them in the oven the old fashion way.
"Alright Igor," Klinger demanded. "Now we need to let these pizzas cook to perfection, and then they'll be ready to serve. Now, remember, don't overcook them!"
"Klinger, why are you taking this so seriously? They're just pizzas!"
"Okay, 1.) they aren't just pizzas. They are Ernie's Pizza Inferno-styled pizza, with the ingredients coming straight from Toledo! And 2.) I am not about to let this backfired tonight," Klinger barked. "I promised Major Peterson the perfect dinner for tonight with the two pizzas completely cooked and fresh, and I'm not going to ruin it for him and Major Houlihan!"
"Geez, from how you describe it, it sounds like a dinner date," Igor groaned.
"Just put the pizzas in the oven," Klinger grumbled, which he did so. "Now I think they should be ready in 20 to 25 minutes. I even have a timer set to make sure we have taken them out at the appropriate time!"
Klinger used one of those old fashion timers to keep track of the time for them. Both of them were put into the oven the old fashion way, like how most pizzas are cooked.
"Now we just wait for them to be done." Klinger proclaimed.
"Fair enough," Igor sighed.
Just then, Andrew came into the kitchen tent to see how progress was being made.
"Hey Klinger," he got his attention. "How are the pizzas coming?"
"They're coming out great," Klinger proclaimed. "All that needs to be done is they have to cook. I have a timer set up and everything."
"Perfect," Andrew murmured. "I hope this goes well."
"No worries Major, it will go great for you," Klinger reassured him.
"So I'm gonna leave the pizzas to cook for now," Andrew said. "In the meantime, I'm gonna need to figure out a seating arrangement for the two of us."
"I can take one of the tables from the officer's club and bring it into the mess tent," Klinger offered. "I can even put up a sign that it's for reserved guests only; you and Houlihan."
"That would be a fantastic idea," Andrew smiled. "You go do that, and then you can come back here and watch the pizzas again."
"Sounds like a plan," Klinger smiled. "Let's get cracking."
"Right."
And so the two of them worked on the seating arrangement for the newly formed couple. This was going to take some work, but it was no problem for them...
IN THE MESS TENT:
By this point, Andrew was just about all set for the dinner date tonight, as one of the tables from the officer's club was situated in a certain spot, with a sign that says it's for reserved guests only. Andrew also had some touchups added to it, such as a single vase with a flower in it, as well as two candles. It really was looking spiffy, and he didn't have a problem with it.
"Alright. That should do it," Andrew spoke. "Now it looks like it should. This is going to be great."
Just then, Colonel Potter decided to walk in and saw what Andrew was doing.
"Great galloping ponies," he remarked. "What's with the setup Andrew? It looks like your planning a hot date."
"Well, technically it is," Andrew said bashfully. "You see, Klinger worked a deal on preparing a special dinner for me and Margaret. I uhhh...just got the table all set for the two of us."
"I see," Colonel Potter rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "From the looks of it, it looks like you plan to marry her."
Andrew had a flustered look on his face before shaking his head. "No sir. No. No marriage. I'm not gonna ask her to marry me. I'm just taking her on a date to some real food not served in the mess tent."
"Understandable," Colonel Potter got the point he was saying.
"Colonel, I'm not ready for marriage right now. Not yet at least," Andrew explained to him. "I do love Margaret. But I'm not gonna put her into that position since 1.) I've never been married before, and 2.) I don't want this to end up like her previous marriage which fell apart. For now, I just want us to be a couple and wait until the right time comes. Which will not happen anytime soon. Sir, what I'm trying to say is that I'm trying to avoid things from falling apart. I'm doing my best to not be a second Donald Penobscott."
"Wise choice, son," Potter agreed. "You two shouldn't rush into marriage anyway, especially since you two just became a couple, today. What I'm trying to say is just take it slow and easy. No need to rush whatsoever. You two can take all the time you need to."
"Thanks for understanding sir," the major smiled.
"Anytime," the colonel said.
Just then, Andrew realized the time it was right now.
"Oh, I got to find out if dinner for tonight is set and ready to go," Andrew then called out to the kitchen tent. "Klinger?! Is the food ready yet!?"
"Yes, it is," Klinger called back. "And I'm taking them out of the oven right now!"
"Great," Andrew then turned to face the colonel. "If you don't mind sir, I've gotta check on the food that we'll be having tonight."
"Very well. Carry on." Colonel Potter said before Andrew excused himself to the kitchen tent.
The colonel decided to take his leave for now. This dinner date was definitely gonna be something worth remembering for both parties...
LATER ON THAT NIGHT...
It was now dinner time in the mess tent, and the doctors and nurses of the compound lined up to get the usual slop that is served here. However, people were curious by the lone Officer's Club table in the corner. Some people wondered what it was about, but Klinger had to divert their attention away from making a simple comment.
"Sorry sirs! This table is for a reserved couple only! Take your seats elsewhere!" Klinger acted as a bouncer for the table.
So the people had to mind their own business since the table wasn't meant for them. More questions popped into their minds the longer they stayed in the mess tent.
Fortunately, the question was answered when a certain couple entered the mess tent, with Andrew directing Margaret to a certain table. Both of them were dressed in a manner that lied in between formal and casual. It was nothing too special, but not too bland either. Andrew had planned this night to be memorable for the head nurse.
"Darling? Not that I don't appreciate it, but what's this all about," she had to ask him several times.
"You'll find out in a minute dear," Andrew told her.
Before she could ask him further, Klinger saw them and approached them.
"Excuse me, you would happen to be the reserved couple that I've been waiting for, right?" Klinger queried.
"Reserved couple?" This got her confused.
"That would be us, Klinger," Andrew answered him with no hesitation.
"Your table is right this way," Klinger directed them to the table that Andrew had assigned them to.
Klinger brought them over to the table in question, as Margaret was still confused by this.
"Andrew, I don't understand. What's goin-" she found herself cut off when she saw the table for herself. All she could do is gasp at the sight before her.
"You two may be seated," Klinger instructed them to sit them.
They did so, as they sat across from each other.
"I'll go get your dinner," Klinger told them. "I'll be right back."
And so Klinger went to get their pizza dinner, leaving the two alone for a few minutes. After being speechless for at least two minutes, she said something to Andrew.
"Andrew? What is all this?" She questioned. "Did...did you plan all this out for me?"
"Well, kinda. I did have some help from Klinger. He wanted to do something for me, so I decided on this," Andrew explained. "But this whole idea was my doing. I wanted to treat you to something special, especially since we needed a break from the usual junk. My point is I wanted you to be able to enjoy something in a manner that you should be treated. So I figured a dinner date with real food would do the trick. I hope you understand."
Margaret didn't know what to think. Andrew decided to do this all for her. And she didn't even ask for this. She really appreciated this courteous offer, and it made her that happier to have Andrew as her boyfriend over anyone else.
"I...I don't know what to say...This was really thoughtful of you," she expressed herself. "What are we even having for dinner anyway?"
"You'll find out in a minute," Andrew told her.
As on cue, Klinger entered the mess tent with their dinner; 2 pizzas that weren't too large.
"Here's your dinner you two," Klinger put the platter onto the table. "I have here two pizzas; one for each of you."
"Pizza," Margaret was surprised. "You had pizzas made for us Andrew?"
"Not just pizza. They're supposedly Ernie's pizzas from Toledo Ohio," Andrew revealed. "I hope you don't mind."
"No. No. I don't have a problem with it," she shook her head. "This was very sweet of you darling. Thank you."
"Your welcome dear," Andrew smiled warmly.
It was then the others smelled the pizza that was for the couple, and they were craving some too. Andrew took notice of this and blurted out an order.
"Klinger, go act as the bouncer and keep the riff-raff away from here," Andrew commanded.
"I'm on it sir," Klinger stood in front to keep them away. "Stay back! I'm the bouncer for this table! Keep away and mind your own business!"
"You heard the Corporal," Margaret used her authoritative voice. "Stay away, and that's an order!"
This got them to back away as they went back to doing what they were doing before.
"Thanks for that," Andrew grinned. "Now, shall we eat?"
"We might as well. It would be a shame if this food went to waste."
And that's what they did, they took their first bite. They didn't think it would be too bad, but they expected it to be slightly better than the dreck in the mess tent. However, it came as a complete surprise that it didn't taste bad at all. In fact, they actually enjoyed it.
"Hey. This stuff tastes good," Andrew remarked. "It's nothing like the junk that they usually serve in the mess tent."
"Yeah. This stuff is good," the head nurse remarked.
"Courtesy of Ernie's Pizza Inferno," Klinger remarked. "I hope you two will enjoy your dinner!"
"Thank you," both of them chimed as Klinger continued to serve as a bouncer.
"Darling, this was very sweet of you," she told him. "Thanks for this."
"Well, it was nothing," he sounded bashful. "I just wanted to do something special."
"I know, and just for that," she whispered to him. "I have a surprise for you in my tent. Let's go there after we've eaten."
"Okay," Andrew went with it. "Love you, dear."
"Love you too darling."
And so they continued to eat and chat while Klinger acted as the bouncer to the table. Needless to say, their dinner went by without a hitch at all. And it was just the two of them too...
AT THE SWAMP:
It was now bedtime, and at the swamp, three of the four members were in bed. Hawkeye was asleep, while BJ and Charles were still up, thinking about what took place during supper. Winchester was especially outraged that Andrew and Margaret were having a pizza dinner together with Ernie's Pizza Inferno-styled pizza from Toledo, instead of the dreck that they usually eat. He really wished that the company cluck would've done that for everyone else since they shouldn't have to eat such slop.
BJ, on the other hand, understood their reason for keeping them away. They were on a dinner date, and Andrew wanted to treat Margaret to something absolutely magnificent. He decided not to have any say in it, and just left the two of them alone, with no further arguing.
Before either of them could say something, the Swamp door was opened up and entering was Andrew. He was slowly walking to his bed, as he had pink kiss marks all over his face, and he smelled like cherry blossom perfume. He also had a dopey but goofy grin on his face, a sign that he had fun with Margaret. One would have to wonder if they even played hanky panky.
Charles was the first to notice his condition as he spoke of it.
"Good heavens Peterson, what on Earth happened to your face? You have kiss marks all over it," he demanded. "And why do you smell like cherry blossom perfume?"
"Isn't it obvious Charles," BJ figured it. "Andrew and Margaret had a little fun in her tent, and she kissed him like crazy while wearing that perfume of hers. That's why he looks like that and why he smells like perfume."
Andrew had trouble getting out some decipherable words, as he kept babbling like a lovesick dog. He then went over to his bed and got tucked in for the night.
"Hmmm, fair enough. But do try to keep your smell away from my side of the Swamp," Winchester barked, but Andrew wasn't paying attention. "And goodnight!"
"Yeah, goodnight," BJ said as the two of them turned in for the night.
Andrew, on the other hand, was thinking about what he just did with Margaret, and he felt so much relief from doing it. One thought plagued his mind regarding what he just did with the head nurse.
Damn, it's good to be in love...
END OF CHAPTER 16...
Yeah, this chapter is pretty long, but I wanted to include a lot of stuff in it. I hope you enjoyed the chapter regardless.
So it's official. Andrew and Margaret are now a couple. It took a while but it finally happened. That's all I have to say about that.
Anyway, next time a flu epidemic hits the 4077, and Andrew is the first one to catch the flu. How will this go for the 4077? How will Andrew feel? Find out next time.
For now, leave a review if you want. Constructive criticism only if you're being nice, and positive reviews are allowed anytime.
That's all folks! Until next time, do take care of yourselves! And on that note, thanks again for reading people!
