Author's Note: Many apologies to my hopefully very patient audience. It's been a very busy past few weeks, but with summer break on the way interruptions like these will be minimal.

* * *

I was in the OR, keeping a very suspicious eye on Frank as he operated on Hawkeye. It was a simple operation, only a few bullets in his shoulder. Nothing an experienced surgeon should have to worry about.

Which was why I was so nervous about Frank messing up.

After the surgery, I went to the mess tent.

"So how did it go?" Trapper asked as the cook slopped food onto our trays.

"Let's just say if I ever hear Frank shout my last name again, it'll be too soon."

He chuckled. "Getting something for Hawk, too?"

I nodded.

He smiled. "Hawkeye's in good hands, that's for sure."

I certainly hoped so.

"Winifred!" Oh goody. It was Frank.

"What now?"

"Where's your military respect?"

"Sorry, your majesty."

"You've really been hanging around with those troublemakers too much. They're starting to rub off on you. You should be more like me."

He really should consider going into comedy.

"Anyway, what do you think you're doing with two trays?"

"I'm getting food for Hawkeye, too."

"Pierce doesn't need two trays either!"

This was too much.

"Frank, why don't you leave Belle alone?" Trapper was to my rescue again.

I slipped away while Frank lectured.

When I got into post-op, it looked like Hawkeye was still asleep.

"Hawkeye?" I said quietly as I approached.

He stirred. "Hi, lovely."

I handed him his tray.

"Mmm. Would you believe I was actually having fond thoughts about this food when I was out?"

"Well considering you didn't have anything else, I guess."

"Has Frank been giving you hard time?"

"Only every waking moment."

"That's ol' Ferret Face for you."

"Ferret Face?"

"He told us his brother used to call him that."

I laughed. "That's awful!"

He smiled. "You should remember that. You never know when you'll need a good insult."

He quickly finished his food, then settled down to sleep again. "I'd talk more, but the anesthesia hasn't completely wore off yet."

"That's alright," I murmured. "I'll be back."