One month later BJ finally succeeded in getting Hawkeye out to the car for their drive in to Portland. It had not been an easy feat either. Hawk's dad had stopped by at 9:00am to pick up Erin leaving BJ alone with a very amorous Hawkeye. BJ had coerced Hawkeye into the shower at 1:00pm and finally got him to the car at 2:30pm. Now BJ was driving and Hawkeye was dozing in the passenger seat next to him. BJ grinned.
They pulled into the parking lot of the Beaumont Hotel in Portland at 3:45pm. BJ woke up Hawkeye and they exited the car, giving the valet the keys. The walked into the hotel and checked in then got into the elevator riding up to the 6th floor. They stepped out of the elevator found their room at the end of the corridor. BJ unlocked the door and walked in. Hawkeye followed behind and gave a low whistle when he saw the room. It was a large room with a king-sized bed. The one wall was all windows with a few of the Portland skyline. There was a small seating area with two chairs, a loveseat, and a break table. Their luggage was already sitting on a luggage rack.
"Wow, Beej – this is gorgeous!" Hawkeye exclaimed. "No wonder you wanted to get here so badly."
"It sure beats the Swamp doesn't it?" BJ asked.
Hawkeye turned to BJ, wrapping his arms around his waist. "I don't believe I've thanked you properly." He murmured as he slowly guided BJ backwards to the bed.
"No I don't think you have." BJ mumbled.
Hawkeye leaned in kissing BJ. The kiss quickly grew heated and BJ eventually found himself naked flat on his back on the bed with Hawkeye sprawled over him. Passion ruled and they gave themselves over to it. Sometime later, pleasantly sated BJ glanced over at the clock on the bed stand. He jerked, sitting up in bed.
"Hawk, c'mon we got to go."
"Mmmm?"
"Get up, we've got to get going."
"I'm as up as I want to be." Hawkeye mumbled huskily.
"I have dinner reservations for us at 7:00pm. We need to get up and get in the shower. I don't want us to be late."
Hawkeye sat up, the sheet falling to his waist. "Why don't we just call room service and stay right here?"
BJ kissed him quickly. "I want to celebrate with a nice dinner, that's why. And if we don't show up for our reservations we'll get charged." BJ climbed out of bed and tugged on Hawkeye's hand until he grudgingly got out of bed. They took a delightful shower together and dressed up in their tuxes. They left their room at 7:00pm – they would be a few minutes late but at least they weren't leaving the hotel.
In the elevator BJ bounced lightly up and down – heel, toe, heel, toe – glancing at his watch every few seconds. Hawkeye watched him a few seconds before commenting. "Beej, calm down. Why are you so nervous?"
BJ shrugged. "I just hope they don't give our table to someone else, that's all."
"We're just a little fashionably wait. Besides I think a nice tip should take care of that."
"I'm sure you're right." BJ agreed. He was suddenly a nervous wreck. What if it wasn't the surprise for Hawkeye he wanted it to be? Or worse yet – suppose Hawkeye said no? BJ swallowed, trying to get his nerves in check.
The elevator doors opened on the first floor and they stepped out of the elevator. BJ led the way to the restaurant and gave his name to the host. As he led them through the restaurant Hawkeye's suspicion became aroused. They were led to the back of the restaurant to a set of doors. The host smiled and asked them to please wait one moment before slipping through the door.
Hawkeye looked at BJ questioningly. "Why are we all the way back here for?"
"I requested a private dining room for us. He's probably just making sure it's ready before he seats us."
The host came back through the door and stood aside, holding the door open. "Right through here, gentlemen." He gestured.
BJ grasped Hawk's hand in his and stepped forward into the room, Hawkeye entering with him. The doors closed quietly behind them. They were in a dark alcove. Before them was a floor to ceiling heavy velvet set of drapes. BJ took another deep breath and parted the drapes, stepping inside the room.
The room broke out in a loud chorus of "Happy Anniversary!"
BJ grinned, relieved – everyone was here.
Hawkeye looked around in astonishment. The room was filled with all their MASH friends. Sherman Potter was front and center with Mrs. Potter whom he recognized from the picture Potter had kept on his desk in Korea. Standing next to him on his right was a mature-looking Radar with a lovely blonde at his side. On the other side of Mrs. Potter was Margaret, looking gorgeous as ever. Further back in the room was Winchester with an attractive lady at his side, her arm tucked in his. Father Mulcahay was standing about 10 feet behind the Potters next to Klinger who had his arm around Soon Lee grinning from ear to ear. His dad Daniel and Erin were standing at the back of the room next to Sidney.
Hawkeye was amazed and a little choked up. He didn't have time to ask BJ about it however as they were both quickly swarmed by their friends. The next 30 minutes were filled with hugs, back-slapping, and hand-shaking as they greeted each other. It seemed like only 15 minutes had passed since they last saw each other instead of 15 years.
Finally the furor died down and Daniel gestured to them to take their seats. There were 3 large tables set up in a u pattern. Off to the side was a small dance area and at the back where you first enter the room was a small bar. All in all it was a very nice banquet room.
BJ took Hawkeye by the hand and led him to the front of the room to stand in front of the table forming the center of the u. He looked first to Erin who gave him a smile and a thumbs-up sign then to Daniel to who nodded once. He turned to face their guests, clearing his throat.
"First I want to thank you all for coming. I know we've all moved on with our lives but you know how I am about reunions."
Many of them laughed, remembering how he worked to organize a reunion years back with the families of his friends while they were still stuck in Korea.
"I'd like to give special thanks to Daniel and Erin who organized everything. As you all know it isn't easy keeping anything from Hawkeye."
The crowd laughed in agreement and Hawkeye punched him lightly in the arm.
"Also special thanks to Colonel Potter . . ."
"That's Doc Potter or Sherman now – none of this colonel business!" Sherman interrupted.
BJ smiled in acknowledgement. "Special thanks also to Sherman and Radar for contacting everyone. I knew with those two calling that you'd be unable to refuse coming today."
"I may no longer report to Col . . . ur, to Sherman. But he told me refusal was not an option and even threatened me!" Winchester exclaimed. His twinkling eyes spoke of his humor however.
"I believe I told you I would kick your keester if you didn't show up. And it wasn't a threat, Winchester!" Sherman drawled.
They all laughed again. Everyone was in high spirits.
BJ turned to Hawkeye, taking Hawkeye's hands in his. "There's something I wanted to say to you and I wanted those we love most to be here for this."
Hawkeye looked a little like a deer in the headlights. BJ squeezed his hands comfortingly, keeping eye contact with him as he spoke. "Hawkeye Pierce I met you 17 years ago and you quickly became my best friend. I couldn't imagine anything else in life being as hard as saying goodbye to you on the helipad at the 4077th. I was proven wrong a few years ago when I messed up and foolishly didn't come after you right away. I've lost you twice – I don't want to lose you again." Here BJ paused, releasing one of Hawkeye's hands to pull a small jewelry box out of his pocket, propping open the lid to display the simple gold wedding band inside. "You are my best friend, my lover, my fellow prankster and partner in crime. Will you now be my partner for life?"
Hawkeye gazed into BJ's blue eyes just a few shades lighter than his own blue. He read nervousness there but also pure love. He had been carrying a ring with him for the last few months wondering how to ask BJ to totally commit and here BJ beat him to it! He tried to answer and was surprised to find himself at a loss for words.
As the silence dragged out, others in the room started to worry – all that is except for Daniel, Erin, and Radar. Sherman and Klinger both looked questioningly at Radar – he had always had a knack for knowing/hearing things – he nodded to them and smiled reassuringly.
Hawkeye let go of BJ's hand and BJ suddenly felt a flicker of fear. He remembered Carlye and her claim about Hawkeye loving medicine first and everything else after. Before the fear could take root Hawkeye reached into his pocket and brought out the jewelry box he'd been carrying around the last few months. He opened it to show BJ – it was the exact same ring BJ had picked out for Hawkeye.
Hawkeye's voice was husky when he finally responded. "Yes – I want to spend my life with you, too."
BJ closed his eyes tight, grabbing Hawkeye close in a tight hug. Around them the room dissolved into cheers. The only one seemingly surprised by this turn of events was Winchester.
"It's about damn time!" Sherman Potter stated.
BJ pulled back slightly to smile at Hawkeye. "Imagine that." He said. "You're not even pregnant and we're getting married."
Hawkeye laughed. "I figured it was time to make an honest man of you." he said, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"I love you." BJ said.
"I love you." Hawk responded. "Now, can we hurry this along here?"
"What's the rush?" BJ asked him.
Hawkeye leaned in, planting a brief but passionate kiss on BJ's lips. "I'd like to get started on the honeymoon." He said, his voice husky as we wiggled his eyebrows suggestively up and down.
BJ laughed even as he blushed a fiery red. "You're incorrigible!" he said.
"That's why you love me!"
"Hey you two – are we going to get on with this or what?" Sherman Potter called out.
"Come on, Pierce. Get moving would you?" Margaret called out.
BJ turned to Father Mulcahay. "Father . . . I know this isn't exactly legal but we would like for you to officiate the ceremony."
"I would be honored BJ, Hawkeye."
The guests all returned to their seats as Father Mulcahay walked to the front of the room standing before BJ and Hawkeye. He smiled reassuringly at the two men then he began to speak. "We are here today with our family to celebrate the joining together of these two men. They met under the worst circumstances and quickly became fast friends, supporting and helping each other through the worst of times. Now may they continue to love and support each other through the happy times. Gentlemen."
BJ spoke first, meeting Hawkeye's eyes. "When we said goodbye in Korea I told you I couldn't imagine what that place would have been like if I hadn't met you there. Now I can't imagine living my life without you. You are intelligent, kind, compassionate, an incredibly gifted surgeon, and a joyful prankster and by your side is where I want to be. I promise to love you, support you, encourage you, take care of you and whack you on the head when you need it." This last drew chuckles from their guests. "I love you Benjamin Franklin Pierce." BJ took the ring and reverently slid it onto Hawkeye's ring finger. It was a perfect fit.
The normally verbose man suddenly found himself very tongue-tied. Hawkeye swallowed and took a deep breath. "BJ you bring out the best in me." Hawkeye started.
Sherman whispered to Radar "That's scary."
Radar chuckled, earning them both a fierce glare from Margaret.
"I've been accused in the past of being unable to settle down and being married to medicine first - that all changed when I met this quiet, naïve young doctor with an uncanny wit and big clown feet. You are my best friend, my lover, my soul mate and you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I promise to love you, to stand by you, to encourage and support you always and to always keep you on your toes. I love you, BJ Hunicutt."
Hawkeye took the ring and slid it onto BJ's finger.
"That was lovely." Father Mulcahay said. "May your love for each other be with you always. Bless you both."
Smiling, his eyes never leaving BJ's, Hawkeye slowly brought BJ's hand to his lips, kissing the top of his hand than kissing the ring he had placed on it. Finally he drew BJ close as BJ placed his hands on Hawkeye's hips, holding him. They kissed, gently at first but the kiss slowly grew passionate, a promise of what was in store later.
The guests clapped and cheered. Father Mulcahay blushed as the kiss went on and on. Daniel turned to Sidney and shook his head. Winchester mumbled something about cretins as Sherman commented to Mrs. Potter, Klinger and Radar that he thought this kiss was longer than the goodbye kiss shared by Hawkeye and Margaret. Margaret glared at them but then ruined the whole effect by breaking out in laughter.
Daniel got up from the table and went to the kissing couple, tapping Hawkeye on the shoulder. They finally came up for air as Daniel told them there was time for that later.
The ceremony complete and their love confirmed, the festivities began in earnest. The wait staff brought in their dinner while the bartender saw to their refreshments. The next several hours were spent with laughter as they talked and reminisced about the good times. They all made their rounds around the room talking to each other. Hawkeye and BJ never strayed from each other but instead held hands as they spoke with their friends – it was their wedding night after all!
Finally at 1:30am they dispersed to their rooms. They would all be meeting out on the patio at 10:30am the next morning for brunch.
They filled three elevators. Unfortunately for Hawkeye they were sharing the elevator with Father Mulcahey, Margaret, Radar and his wife, and Sidney. To Hawkeye it took forever before they reached their floor, having to stop at two other floors first. Finally they made it back to their hotel room. BJ entered first with Hawkeye right behind. Hawkeye grabbed the "Do Not Disturb" sign and hung it on the door handle before closing and locking their hotel room door.
He turned from the door walking into the room to find BJ watching him from beside the bed. Behind him the bed had already been turned down in preparation for sleep. BJ yawned as he flopped backwards onto the bed. He closed his eyes and tried hard not to smile. "I'm exhausted, Hawkeye. Goodnight." He said.
There was total silence as Hawkeye stared at him. Catching the tiniest twitch at BJ's mouth, Hawkeye smiled. No way was this night ending by quietly going to sleep! He moved quickly and quietly to the bed, his eyes traveling up and down BJ's long length. With no warning he pounced, covering BJ's body with his own, straddling him, their groins making intimate contact. BJ inhaled as his eyes flew open meeting Hawkeye's devilish blue eyes. Hawkeye set to work undoing BJ's bow tie, tossing it aside.
"What do you think you're doing?" BJ asked.
"I'm about to make love to my husband." He leaned down taking BJ's lips in a kiss. BJ moaned, wrapping his arms around Hawkeye and pulling him down closer.
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Sometime later, both pleasantly sated, they lay in bed. BJ was on his back, Hawkeye partially draped over him listening to BJ's heartbeat as it slowly returned back to normal under his ear.
"Mmm, that was incredible." Hawkeye mumbled.
BJ smiled contentedly. He couldn't imagine Heaven being better than this. When they came together it wasn't just a joining of bodies but also a joining of hearts and souls. "You don't think this will ever get old, do you?" BJ asked.
Hawkeye rolled onto his side, propping himself up to look at BJ. "Do I think what will get old?" he asked.
"You and I together like this. You think we'll ever get tired of each other?" BJ trailed a finger lightly down Hawkeye's chest.
Hawkeye rolled onto his back, watching BJ's finger trail down his chest, his hand coming to rest on Hawkeye's stomach just above his waist. He felt himself stirring again, his concentration fixated on BJ's hand. "Get tired of this? Never." He said in a husky voice.
BJ's hand slowly inched lower, just one fingertip lightly stroking down between his legs. Hawk held his breath as his body became aroused again. BJ flipped over, his body covering Hawkeye's as he wrapped his hand around his husband. Hawkeye moaned in surrender and gave himself up to BJ's ministrations.
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They were 20 minutes late to brunch the next morning. They tried slipping in unnoticed but unfortunately were ratted out by Klinger. Brunch was wonderful. At Sherman's suggestion they all went around the table one by one updating the group on what was going on in their lives.
"Well, I am now a retired country doctor enjoying a quiet life with the missus here." Potter announced.
Winchester stood up. "I am the chief surgeon at Boston Mercy. I met my lovely wife Lynette while on a walk several years ago. She's helped me find my love of classical music again."
Sidney stood up next. "Well, I spent several months in Korea after the war ended finishing up my work with the patients. I found working with people traumatized by the war to be very rewarding so I've stayed in the Army and now work out of a VA hospital in New York. My wife and I have added two more children to our household which is anything but quiet. I swear one of them is a miniature Hawkeye Pierce in the making." They all broke into laughter.
Klinger stood up next. "Soon Lee and I spent 8 months in Korea looking for her parents and brought them back to the states with us. We have 3 kids, 2 boys and a girl. I have my own business making women's clothing."
"I knew wearing all those dresses in the Army would finally pay off!" Hawkeye called out.
Father Mulcahay stood up next. After it quieted he spoke. "I still do church work of course. But now I work with deaf children. I find it very rewarding." He said.
Radar stood up. "I grew up and got married. I met Patty while on R&R in Tokyo shortly before my hardship discharge. After I got home to the states and stuff I looked up Patty and spent the whole day getting up the courage to knock on her door. We have two boys."
Margaret stood up, beaming from ear to ear. "I stayed in the Army for a few more years after Korea before finally resigning my commission. I realized that I wanted a permanent home – something more than just a tent. I'm now living in Colorado working at a hospital and am currently dating a professor."
The time passed all too swiftly and on the next morning when they all parted to go back to their own lives there were handshakes, back-slapping, hugs and tears plenty to go around. At BJ's insistence they made a pact to get together the last weekend in July every year for a reunion – a pact that was kept for many years.
BJ and Hawkeye were the last to leave. They stowed their luggage in the trunk of the car and headed out. BJ surprised Hawkeye by driving them to the airport instead. BJ's wedding gift to Hawkeye was a trip to Hawaii where they stayed a week in a small private cottage on the beach. Their honeymoon was pure heaven and they returned back home to Maine a week later tanned and relaxed and eager to begin the next phase of their life together.
tbc