Hey, sorry for taking so long to update. Thanks for all the reviews, adds to favourite and story alerts. I'm going to dedicate this chapter to Abbyli, who 'bugged' and motivated me to finish this chapter. I hope you like it.

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Dreaming Reality

Hawkeye had spoken with Sidney for a few minutes, once Potter had managed to get hold of him and he had tried to assure them all, that B.J's behavior seemed normal, considering the circumstances. Although, Hawkeye was not so sure, which was why he was still sat, watching his friend at 4:28am.

He could not help but feel angry. Angry, that this was the way B.J was leaving Korea. It didn't seem fair. The way that Hawkeye always imagined B.J leaving was if the war ever ended or he completed his duty and allowed home; which ever came first. Although he had been there longer, Hawkeye always thought that B.J would leave before him; there was a lot of times when he just could not picture ever going home. The one thing, he would not allow was for him to leave the way that Trapper did. He had imagined a huge party, with lots of drinking and lots of laughter. Everyone in camp would be happy because if anyone deserved to be going home, it was B.J.

He knew there would be no parties...There would be no laughter but it was a safe bet that there would be lots of drinking.

He looked back at his friend and wondered whether he knew the hole he would be leaving tomorrow.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door, opening. Looking over, he saw Charles stood silently watching B.J. Hawkeye suddenly realized that Charles had practically been on duty for 24 hours. Despite everything that had been said, he knew Charles had a good heart underneath all that arrogance.

"How is he?" Charles whispered, not want to disturb the sleeping man.

"Going through the emotions," Hawkeye sighed. "Listen, Charles, thanks for taking care of Post-Op..."

Charles held his hand up to stop him from continuing. "It's the least I could...I cannot imagine what he must be feeling and I knew there was nothing I could do to comfort him, so I opted to doing the post-op duty to free you and the Colonel to take care of him."

"I appreciate it and I know B.J will too." Hawkeye replied, feeling guilty that he spent so much time hiding.

Charles sat down on Hawkeye's empty cot and they were both silent for a few moments.

"Times like this really make you think," Charles said quietly. "I spend most of my day arguing, berating and despising the two of you...Yet now I hear this young woman has died and I feel so sadden by it... I know any death is upsetting but I feel like I knew her..."

"Feels like someone who was apart of your family." Hawkeye continued where Charles left off.

"Hunnicutt spoke so often of her that I think may know her better then members of my own family, yes." Charles agreed but then glared a little at him. "This does not mean I actually like either of you two."

"Of course not, Charles...I mean, no real family actually likes one another.?

Charles rolled his eyes before standing up and heading back to his own side of the tent.

Hawkeye smiled to himself. They were a family and even though he was going to hate being there twice as much when B.J leaves, he knew he would not be alone. Not like after Henry had gone and Trapper had left. Now he had Potter, Margaret and even Charles as well Klinger and Father Mulcahy. Being so close, made each of them much stronger individuals and an unstoppable unit. He knew they would all make sure one another got through this war but he was sick of it all. He just hoped it would end soon, so they could all get back to where they deserve to be.

XxXxX

"Drink for the road?" Hawkeye asked, the next morning when B.J and he were alone in the swamp.

"It's 7:30am." B.J replied.

"A liquid breakfast," Hawkeye shrugged. "For old time sake."

B.J accepted the martini glass and clinked it against Hawkeye but he did not drink it.

"Look, Hawk..."

"Don't." He held up his hand to stop him. "I'm coming with you to Kimpo, we got a long drive...We'll do the goodbye later."

B.J nodded a little looked down at the floor.

"Ah, Hunnicutt," Potter walked into the tent. "Already to leave?"

"I guess so." B.J placed the untouched drink of floor and looked at Potter. "Colonel, I really appreciate everything you've done for me..."

"Uh, I'll take your bags out to the jeep." Hawkeye excused himself.

"I hate saying goodbye." Potter sighed, tiredly. "Especially in these circumstances."

"I meant what I said yesterday, you made being here bearable...I don't think any of us would have made if we had to put up with Frank Burns in command."

"You would have been fine...I think the people in this camp listen to you and Hawkeye more then they do to me." Potter claimed. "You've made quite an impression on the folks here."

"You underestimate the respect and love that everyone has for you." B.J replied. "But it's nothing compared to the love and respect I have for you."

"Well, damn...that did it." Potter muttered, rubbing his eyes, not being able to hold the tears back any more.

"Thank you, Colonel." B.J whispered, holding out his hand.

Potter pulled the younger man into a hug. "Thank you, B.J...I'm really going to miss you around here."

"You better keep an eye on Hawkeye...Without me here to watch him, he might start a practical joke war." B.J tried to joke, to break the tension. "There's enough war around here, already."

"You didn't fool me, you're much worse then Pierce, Winchester and Margaret put together." Potter told him, grateful for the lighter topic. "I know you're the mystery joker."

"You knew too?" B.J asked in surprise. He wondered how many more people had worked it out.

"Of course, I know...I know everything that goes on in this camp." He claimed. "The only thing that I could not work out was that ending to that damn book, which you received."

"The Roaster Crowed At Midnight?"

"When you get chance, you better send me a copy that has the final page." Potter told him.

"I'll see what I can do." B.J smiled a little.

"Well, son...It's almost time for you to go." Potter said, placing a hand on his arm. "I know you a got a hell of a hard time to get through but you just make sure you take care of yourself."

"Yes, Sir."

"And when this war is over, you'll have to bring that little lady of yours up to Missouri." Potter continued. "She can have her first pony ride."

"I hope we will be able to do that sooner rather then later."

"Me too." Potter agreed.

"I guess, I better get going then." B.J said, glancing around the tent that was his home for nearly two years.

"Listen, Son... There are some people waiting outside to say goodbye...It didn't seem right to throw you a farewell party but people did want to say goodbye."

B.J ran a hand over his face. "I always thought that when I was finally allowed to go, I'd be the happiest man in the whole world... but all it seems is that I'm leaving one family to go back to another, which is broken apart."

"If it's too much for you, I'm sure everyone will understand." Potter told him. "I can go and tell them to let you leave quietly..."

"No, it's fine...I should say goodbye." B.J replied. "But can I just have a minute?"

"Of course..." Potter patted his arm. "I'll be outside."

B.J let out a long shaky breath and looked around again. Despite what his tent mates thought, he hardly slept last night. He had heard their conversation and it made him think about the friendships he had made in Korea. He had always concentrated on getting home to Peg and Erin. He never thought what it would be like to leave his friends behind. He remembered the night, he had came up with the idea for the get together their family had back in the states; it was because Hawkeye and he were talking about a ten year reunion. He been so excited about his friends meeting his family because he could not imagine life without Hawkeye or Margaret or Potter...or even Charles. It terrified him that he would have to get used to life without both Peg and them.

He noticed the chessboard, already set up ready. He was going to miss playing with Hawkeye. He always made it interesting, always coming up with some story about the pieces or the moves he made. That was how they invented 'Double Cranko'. He smiled slightly and moved one of his pieces.

When he looked over at Charles' side of the tent, he noticed the Major had left his wash bag on his cot. He walked over, glancing around to make sure no one was looking before pulling out a tube of toothpaste and Charles' shampoo. Just for old time shake, he poured the shampoo into the toothpaste before returning them to where they belong.

He looked around again once more before opening the door and stepping out into the compound. He was taken back by the size of the crowd that gathered.

"I was going to do you a pack lunch for the plane but I figured it'll be kinder not to." Igor told him as he passed by him.

B.J smiled a little but did not comment. He was feeling a little overwhelmed. A few of the nurses hugged him as he passed them.

"Captain, this is for Erin." Kelley pressed something soft into his hand before hugging him.

"What is it?" B.J questioned as he pulled back. He looked down a saw a home-made clothed doll. He smiled a little when he saw it was wearing a nurses' army uniform.

"We thought, you might like to give her a gift when you got home." She explained.

"Thank you." He reached out a squeeze her hand.

"We're all going to really miss you, Captain." She told him.

"I'll miss you all too." He replied.

Once he had passed all the nurses, he came to Margaret, Charles, Father Mulcahy and Colonel Potter. Margaret eyes were filled with tears and she threws her arms around his neck.

"Keep touch." She told him, tearfully.

"Of course." He whispered, tightening his arms around her. "You take care, Margaret."

"You too." She pulled back and brushed away a few years.

"Hunnicutt, remember my offer." Charles said. "If ever you should need it, then it'll always be there."

"Thank you, Charles."

"I cannot say its been a pleasure to work with you but I will admit, I could have been much worse."

"Thank you, Charles." He repeated but this time, he rolled his eyes.

"God bless, you and your family." Father Mulcahy reached out and shook his hand. "I'll be praying for you all."

B.J gripped his hand tightly and placed his free on the priest's shoulder. "You're a real lifesaver, Father... I cannot thank you enough for everything."

"Travel safely, B.J." He replied softly.

B.J looked back at the crowd of people he had lived with for almost two years. He knew that despite being sent to this war, he was lucky to end up in this camp. He did not know whether he would have survived anywhere else.

"Captain, are you ready?" Klinger asked.

"Yeah," he whispered, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Lets go."

"You look after yourself, you hear." Potter followed him over to the jeep.

"Yes, Sir."

"And remember, to send the book." He added causing B.J to smile a little.

"Come on, Beej." Hawkeye climbed into the passenger's seat and Klinger got into the drivers seat. "Lets get you home."

B.J nodded and then look at Potter again. "Thanks, Colonel."

"Goodbye, Son." He replied.

B.J took a long shaky breath before climbing into the back of the jeep. He did not know how much longer he could keep a hold of his emotions. He took one more look at the camp and all the people. It still did not seem real to him. He was convinced he was going to wake up any minute in the swamp and find out it was all a dream...a nightmare.

Klinger had only drove a few feet when B.J stop him.

"Wait, stop...stop!" B.J called out.

"What's wrong? You forget something?" Hawkeye turned in his seat to look at his friend, to see him searching through his bag.

"Just give me a minute." B.J pulled out a book and removed some loose papers from inside.

"Hey! Where are you go?" Hawkeye asked, as B.J jumped out the jeep and head back towards the crowd.

"Hunnicutt, what's the problem?" Potter asked in concerned, meeting him halfway.

"I wanted to give you this." He handed him the papers.

Potter looked down and read what he was just given. It took a few seconds before he realized what it was and then he broke out into laughter.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist...I never thought it would make the whole camp crazy but it was fun watching you all."

"I can't believe you had this the whole time." Potter shook his head, still looking at the final pages to 'The Rooster Crowed at Midnight'. "This doesn't get you off the hook, though...I still want a letter from you."

B.J smiled. "Goodbye Colonel."

"What was all that about?" Hawkeye asked when B.J got back into the jeep.

"Just something I had to give to him."

"Are you ready now, Sir?" Klinger questioned.

"Yeah, lets go."

XxXxX

Klinger came to a stop once they reached Kimpo Airport and he glanced at the two Captains but neither of were moving.

"I'll go and find where you need to be." He offered, knowing they would probably want to say their good byes in private.

"I can't believe this is it." B.J said. "I can't believe how one day could change everything."

"I know..." Hawkeye whispered.

"Hawkeye, you know I wouldn't have made it if..."

"I know." Hawkeye cut him off. "And I'm so glad it was you..."

"Yeah."

Hawkeye ran a hand over his face. He couldn't believe it was this hard to say goodbye to his best friend. For the past two years, he hated Trapper for skipping out before they had chance to say goodbye but maybe he was just trying to avoid this.

"I'm scared, Hawk."

Hawkeye finally turned around in his seat to look at him. "I know...Me too."

They both stared at each other understandingly. B.J had no idea what his life was going to be like back home without his wife and Hawkeye did not know what his life was going be like in Korea without his best friend.

"Come on." Hawkeye started to climb out the jeep.

"Promise me, Hawk that this, is not it." B.J asked when they were both stood beside the jeep, his bags at his feet. "Promise me, when this is all over we'll still be friends...I can't lose both Peg and you."

Hawkeye smiled a little. "You can't get rid of me that easily."

"Captain, you need to get going!" Klinger rushed up from behind them. "We're later then I thought!"

"What? Now?"

"I'm sorry, Sir...I thought we had more time." Klinger said sadly and held out his hand. "I'm sure am going to miss you."

B.J reached out and took his hand. "Thanks, Klinger, for making things...interesting."

"Hey, I was just simple Lebanese loony trying to live my crazy life." He shrugged.

"You're the sanest one there."

"Shh! Don't let anyone hear you say that!" Klinger exclaimed before adding softly. "Good luck, B.J. I hope we hear from you soon."

"You will."

B.J then turned to look at Hawkeye again. Not long after he arrived in Korea, B.J started considering Hawkeye as one his best friends and knew it was always going to be hard to say goodbye but he never realized it was going to be this hard.

"Look, you need to get going or you will miss your plane." Hawkeye told him.

"Yeah...Hawk..."

He sighed when B.J trailed off but he was a little relieved that he was not the only one struggling to find the right words.

"Listen, you've got a lot to deal with at home right now...It's going to be tough, and Erin is going need you to be strong for her so just forget about this place...forget you were ever here..." Hawkeye told him. "Just concentrate on yourself and your daughter then when things get a little easier, I better be the first person you write to."

B.J smiled widely. "You can count on it."

"Good, now get going already!"

He stepped forward and hugged Hawkeye tightly. "Thanks, Hawk...For everything."

"You're my best friend, Beej...You don't have to thank me for anything."

They pulled away from each other and B.J opened his mouth to say something but no words came out.

"Beej...go home." Hawkeye said after a few seconds of silence.

He nodded a little, his vision clouded with tears. "Bye, Hawk."

Hawkeye watched as he picked up his bags and then headed in the direction Klinger pointed.

"See ya, Beej..." He whispered when he was almost out of sight.

"You think he'll be okay?" Klinger asked, quietly.

Hawkeye swallowed a lump in that rose his throat. "I hope so."

He thought about everything he had been through with B.J. How they connected that very day when they were shot at, saved lives and got drunk. He remembered how they had got lost and met Ralph. How B.J fell in love with Kim and her little brother and got his heart broken when they left. All the pranks they pulled...all the lives they saved...all the lives they lost. One thing, Hawkeye knew for sure was that he never wanted the war to be over, as much as he did at that very moment.

"Come on, Klinger...Lets go."

TBC

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