"Quiet! All of you just shut your yaps!" Col. Potter pointed at Bigelow. "You! Were you in there the entire time?"

Bigelow nodded her head, curls bouncing.

"Then, you tell me what happened!" He pointed at Charles and B.J. who were eyeing each other suspiciously from across the small office. "You two, butt out!"

Bigelow quietly told the Colonel the details, trying not to leave anything out.

He listened intently until she concluded, then sat back in his chair.

"Both of you are more than welcome to press charges against the other." He pointed at Charles. "Since B.J. thought one of his patients was threatened . . ."

Charles stepped forward. "As was one of mine!"

He held up his hand for silence. "Let me finish, Major." He pointed at B.J. "And since you threw the first punch, I suppose both of you have a case. Goodness knows that me and Radar have enough work to do as it is, and the last thing I need is two of my doctors taking punches at each other in post-op! This isn't a boxing ring, it's a hospital! You're both grown adults, so act like it! Now, are you going to press charges or not?" His stern gaze went from one surgeon to the other.

B.J. sighed. "No, I guess not, Colonel."

Colonel Potter looked at Charles. "What about you?"

"Well, if Hunnicutt can put aside his differences, then I believe I can do so, as well."

"A simple no would have sufficed, Major." He rose from his chair. "OK, I want the two of you to shake hands." He motioned. "Shake like you mean it, or I'll press charges myself."

Reluctantly, B.J. held out his hand. Charles took it and shook it firmly.

Bigelow tried not to giggle at their sour expressions.

Col. Potter smiled. "That wasn't so bad, was it? Now, Lieutenant, take the Captain here to look at his lip. He's bleeding all over my office! Then both of you get back to post-op." He pointed at Charles. "You stay here just a minute, Major. I need to have a word with you."

After the two had left, he motioned for Charles to sit.

"No, thank you, sir, I'd rather stand."

"I said sit. So sit!"

With a resigned sigh, Charles settled into a chair.

Col. Potter sat on the corner of his desk, eyeing him.

"Well?" Charles said.

"Winchester, I hope you know what you're doing."

"Sir?"

He motioned towards the door. "I have a company clerk that can't sleep because she took a bullet for him. Had to give him something just to get him down for the night."

"And that concerns me . . . how?"

Col. Potter crossed his arms. "Don't get snippy with me, Major. I'm just telling you to not put your nose in where it doesn't belong."

Charles raised an eyebrow. "I don't think you have to worry about that. The last thing I want to do is get involved in any sort of attachment with anyone in this hellhole."

"I think you're more involved than you think."

"Oh? How do you figure?"

"Hold out your hand."

Charles blanched, knowing where the Colonel was going. "Sir, that's preposterous!"

"Just do it, Major."

Reluctantly, Charles held out his right hand, immediately putting it down as the Colonel noticed the unsteadiness in his fingers.

"Do you want me to turn her over to Pierce?"

Charles opened his mouth to protest. Instead, he thought about his promise to himself when he was drafted.

Don't get involved. With anyone.

Seemed smart at the time. And perfectly reasonable.

He let out a breath. "Fine, Colonel. You do what you think you need to do." He wearily rose to his feet. "Are we finished here?"

Col. Potter nodded. "I'll tell Pierce."

"Thank you, Colonel."

"Major?"

Charles rolled his eyes before he turned around to face the CO. "Yes?"

Col. Potter's gaze softened. "I know you came here with the idea that none of us would get close to you. It's OK that she did."

Charles didn't acknowledge the comment. Instead, he pushed his way through the double doors, heart pounding in his ears. Automatically, he turned to go into post-op with the idea of checking on her, but spotted Radar on the cot underneath the window.

He had slept through the entire episode.

And, she wasn't his to worry about anymore, anyway.

She never was yours to begin with, you idiot.

Cursing, Charles turned around and stomped into the bleak compound.

*****************************************

Kelleye made her way to Jessie's cot. She was lying on her back, wide awake, staring at the ceiling.

"Jess, you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." She struggled into a sitting position. "Just wired, I suppose."

"Do you need anything?" she eyed Jessie's bloodied shirt. "How 'bought a clean shirt?"

"Thanks."

"You want anything else?"

"A new brain, perhaps?"

Kelleye laughed aloud and covered her mouth with her hand as one of the wounded soldiers stirred. "Next time, just say something. You made it look like Bigelow and I weren't doing our jobs," she whispered.

Jessie ran her hands through her tangled hair. "I know, I know, Kelleye, and I'm sorry. All this crazy medication is making me nuts. That bullet dislodged more than my ribs, apparently."

Kelleye settled on the corner of Jessie's cot. "That's OK. We'd have probably done the same thing."

"Make sure Bigelow knows I apologized in case I don't see her."

Kelleye waved her hand in the air. "Oh, you know her. She's just glad she got to see the whole thing. Now, she'll have something to talk about at breakfast in the morning." She leaned in closer. "I can't believe he actually hit him!"

Jessie sighed. "Me, either."

"What do you think Colonel Potter will do?"

"He's pretty good about making all of us get along. Plus, Charles and B.J. have to live together."

"Maybe he'll appoint Hawkeye as their chaperone."

"Now, there's a turn of events! Hawkeye as the middle man and not the instigator!"

They had to giggle at the thought, Jessie trying not to wince as her ribs throbbed.

"I'm just surprised Major Winchester reacted like he did. He was so furious, it was downright scary. I thought for a minute he was really going to hurt the poor man."

Jessie looked at the cot next to her. "How is he, by the way?"

"Oh, Captain Hunnicutt said his neck was swollen from his wounds. When the swelling goes down, he can breathe on his own."

"Charles didn't . . . didn't hurt him? Did he?"

Kelleye shook her head. "He might have a sore arm in the morning, but with his other injuries, he probably won't even notice it. Or remember what happened."

Jessie looked relieved. "Oh, good! B.J. was so angry, I thought Charles had actually broken his arm!"

"Glad he didn't. Too much damn paperwork as it is." Col. Potter sauntered towards the pair.

Kelleye jumped up. "Getting back to work, sir."

Col. Potter nodded. He studied Jessie's chart on the end of the bed, making a few notations.

"How're you feeling?"

"Sore. Like a pincushion in a pharmaceutical factory. Other than that, just peachy."

Col. Potter chuckled. "You gave Winchester quite a scare. You need your rest, or you won't ever get back on your feet."

She was feeling tired, come to think of it.

"Just wanted to let you know that I've pulled Winchester. Hawkeye'll be looking after you from now on."

Jessie's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

Col. Potter hung the chart back on the hook. "I think you know, Lieutenant."

Jessie thought of the look in Charles's eyes and the tremor in his hands.

Why did everything have to be so damn complicated?

****************************************************

"I thought post-op was bad when I was on duty! Imagine having to live there!"

Radar patted Jessie's hand sympathetically, which was linked through his arm, but remained silent. They walked slowly across the compound in the bright sunshine. Jessie shielded her face with her hand, watching the day-to-day activities. It was good to be out.

They stopped to watch the nurses playing softball for a moment.

"So, what did you have to do to bust me out of there? Hawkeye doesn't own your soul, does he?"

Radar chuckled. "I convinced them that you would make their lives awful if you didn't get out of post-op for a little while. But, I did have to promise that I wouldn't let you get too tired." He looked over at her. "You aren't too tired, are you?"

"Nah," she lied. Jessie had been stuck in a cot for days, and she was about to go a little crazy. "Playing cards with the other wounded only entertains a girl so much."

"I heard you cleaned them out." Radar steered her back towards post-op.

"Yeah, I guess I used the fact that they hadn't seen a woman in weeks to my advantage. Even one wrapped up like a mummy that hasn't showered in a couple of days." She scratched at her bandages.

"You're still beautiful to me," Radar said, matter-of-factly, steering her around a mud puddle.

Jessie squeezed his arm. "Even wearing your clothes?" She couldn't wear her own uniforms because of the bandages around her chest. So, she had to settle for Radar's shirts, since they were a little larger.

"I think they look much better on you."

At the sound of Jessie's laughter, he sent up another silent prayer that she hadn't been taken from him.

"I heard about B.J. and Major Winchester getting into a fight the other night. Did he really punch B.J.?"

"Yeah, but he didn't mean it. He was just . . . just protecting me, I guess. He got a little carried away."

She didn't notice Radar watching her closely. He had heard what had happened, second-hand of course. But, something kept gnawing at the edge of his senses, telling him he was missing something – something important.

Jessie did realize that he was sending her back to post-op. She stopped her slow walk. "You think I could sit out here for a bit, Doctor O'Reilly?"

He chewed his lip thoughtfully. "I don't know . . ."

Jessie batted her eyelashes at him for effect, and he grinned. "Promise to let me know the minute you get too tired?"

Jessie crossed her heart with her free hand. "I promise," she said solemnly.

Reluctantly, he helped her onto a bench outside his office. Jessie patted the seat next to her, and he settled beside her, automatically taking her hand. From their spot, they had a direct view of the compound.

Jessie leaned her head on his shoulder. "I've heard you haven't been sleeping much."

She felt his back stiffen. "Who told you that?"

"Several people."

"I told them not to tell!"

"You've been so worried about me lately. Why can't I worry about you?" She noticed the dark circles underneath his eyes when he came to visit her, and outside, the weariness on his face was more prominent. She squeezed his arm.

Radar sighed wearily and rubbed his face. "Every time I shut my eyes, I keep replaying that night . . ." He shivered in the bright sunshine and held Jessie tighter. "It's almost gotten to where I'm afraid to go to sleep."

Jessie chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully. "Now, I'm not Sidney Freeman or anything, but I think that's probably normal. Remember me and the little girl?"

Radar nodded mutely.

"I still have those dreams. Actually, I've been having them the past few nights. Sidney told me they would always be with me." She paused. "I know it won't stop the dreams or anything, but I'm fine now." She wrapped her arms around him.

Radar squeezed his eyes shut against the tears that threatened as he rested his chin on the top of her head. "I really don't think any of us will be fine until we leave this place. Or even after we leave, for that matter." There was no way he would tell her about the nightmares he had before she was hurt. He'd keep that to himself.

"It is all a little surreal, isn't it?" Jessie straightened, wincing a little from the pain in her ribs. "I mean, did you actually think a few years ago that you'd be living in this place?" She gestured around the camp.

"No kiddin'," Radar said, chuckling a little.

They sat in silence for a moment before he pulled out a letter and handed it to Jessie.

She studied the unfamiliar handwriting.

"It's from my mom. When I opened up a package from home, it was in there." He glanced over at Jessie. "You know, she actually sent the package air mail?"

Jessie turned to envelope over. "Does she know?"

Radar nodded. "Yeah, she knows. I . . . called her after it happened."

"Do you know what it says?"

"No."

Jessie cut her eyes at him. "Are you sure? You know, it didn't pop open mysteriously or anything, did it?"

Radar pursed his lips. "Yes, I'm sure."

Jessie patted him on the knee. "Lighten up O'Reilly. I was just kiddin'."

"Yeah, I know." I just haven't felt like kidding lately. "Listen, will you be alright for a few minutes? Col. Potter wanted me to check on Sophie for him."

"I'll be right here."

Radar kissed her forehead before he headed towards the makeshift stables, leaving Jessie studying the old-fashioned handwriting on the envelope. Curious, she tore into it. Inside was a lone sheet of paper.

Dear Jessamyn,

I know you usually go by Jessie, but I like your given name. I had an aunt once named Jessamyn, and she insisted we call her that. She always wore these old dresses with slacks underneath when she was working outside. She was from Texas, too, or maybe it was Oklahoma.

At least Jessie knew where Radar got his tendency to go off on a rant. She continued reading.

For months, Walter has been telling me about you. I feel like I know you as much as I would someone I have met and known for years! I can tell how much he cares for you just by reading his letters. He even sent me pictures of the two of you. But I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about wartime romances. And, I would hate for him to have his heart broken if he found out that you didn't love him as much as he loves you. That happens sometimes in places like where both of you are.

When he called me today and told me about what happened and what you did, at first I was relieved that he wasn't hurt. But, then I realized something. He's hurting just as much as if he had been hurt. I cannot imagine what it must have been like. I also now have no doubt that you love Walter just as much as he loves you. It takes a special woman with a lot of courage to do what you did. Thank you, Jessamyn, for keeping him safe. I'll pray each day that you get better and that all of you will come home soon. I look forward to meeting you.

God bless,

Edna O'Reilly

Jessie re-read the letter one more time before folding it carefully and putting it back in the envelope.

Although she and Radar had not really discussed that evening, she had sensed a shift in their relationship. From the beginning, Jessie had never doubted that he loved her. She loved him, too.

However, ever since she walked between him and the gun, there was a new dimension. The fact that they almost lost each other seemed to affect both of them greatly. Did she want a future without him? They had not once discussed any plans for after the war. Korea was all they lived and breathed, but one day it would be over. Hopefully sooner than later. And then what?

Radar startled her when he sat back down next to her.

"Read your letter?"

Jessie took it out of her shirt pocket. "Yeah. Wanna read it?"

He looked momentarily curious, then shook his head. "Nah, it's probably girl stuff." He patted her on the knee. "So, you ready to go back?"

Jessie made a face. "Not really. But, I guess I have to eventually, don't I?"

"You'll be better soon. Then, you'll be wishing you were still in bed."

"You're probably right. Grass is always greener, I suppose."

Radar stood and helped Jessie gingerly to her feet. After a momentary bout of dizziness, she leaned on his arm heavily as they slowly made their way across the compound.

*******************************************

Radar lay on his cot, his arm thrown over his eyes.

Why couldn't he sleep?

Almost a week of restless tossing and turning was taking its toll. His work was suffering. Major Houlihan had already yelled at him twice for forgetting to order supplies that she wanted, and even Col. Potter was beginning to lose patience. It seemed like all day long he fought exhaustion, but when it came time for him to collapse in his cot, the nightmares started. Most of time, they were garbled and confusing, and they even started off innocently enough. But, they always ended the same. Lots and lots of blood.

The only bright spots in his day were visiting Jessie. B.J. and Hawkeye were right. She was getting better much faster than he would have thought. The sight of her cheered him up enough to believe that everything would be OK. But, then he'd try to sleep again and knew that everything would never be the same.

And what's the deal with Major Winchester?

The strumming of a guitar interrupted his thoughts. Where in the world was that coming from? Wearily, he rose from his creaky cot and cautiously peaked into the post-op ward. A soldier with bandages over his eyes was picking at a worn-looking guitar. Jessie, sitting cross-legged in the cot next to him, was singing along softly.

The other wounded in post-op were enchanted. The on-duty staff had even stopped to listen. Quietly, Radar opened the door and stepped inside, unseen. The sound of Jessie's voice always managed to calm his fears. He watched her closely as she sang along with the unseeing soldier. It sounded like a lullaby, and it had managed to bring quite a few of the tough-looking wounded soldiers to shed a few tears.

Radar felt like shedding a few tears of his own. He was torn between several emotions - love, concern, and even anger that someone could hurt her. And anger with himself.

Quietly, he exited post-op.

*******************************************

Jessie looked up in time to see him go. When she and the soldier had finished their song and to the disappointment of their audience, Jessie rose from her spot next to the guitar player, still a little slow from the pain in her ribs.

Instead of returning to her cot, she motioned towards Kelleye. "I'll be right back."

Kelleye looked uncertain. "I don't know . . ."

"C'mon, Kelleye. I'm getting out of here tomorrow. Getting a breath of fresh air won't hurt anything."

"Oh, alright. But, be careful! Col. Potter won't be happy if he knows I let you leave."

Jessie saluted her, which made them both giggle.

Softly, Jessie opened the door that separated post-op from Col. Potter's office. The only light in the room was from a lamp on Radar's desk. After giving her eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light, she spotted him, his back to the door, hunched over his desk, thumbing idly through a stack of papers.

"Should you be up?" he asked without turning around, wiping at his face with the back of his hand.

"Well, since Hotlips is putting me back to work tomorrow, I don't see why it would hurt anything."

Radar didn't respond.

Sighing, Jessie walked to him and wrapped her arms around his chest, leaning her cheek on his back. "I wish you'd talk to me." He didn't respond, so she continued. "Is it the dreams, still?"

He shook his head. "No. Yes. I don't know." He took her hands in his and kissed them. Jessie could feel the wetness on his cheeks.

"You know something your mom said to me in the letter?"

"What?"

"She said that she felt like you were hurting just as much as I was physically. Although I'm healing, I don't think you are." Jessie took a deep breath, trying not to wince. "You can't keep going like this."

She could feel him trying to compose himself enough to speak, so she waited patiently.

"I-I almost lost you, Jess. I've never . . . never actually seen someone I loved hurt . . . like that. It's hard . . for me to deal with. Especially . . ." He shook his head.

Jessie held him tighter. "Especially what?"

"Especially since it's my fault."

Jessie suspected all along what was going through his mind. "None of it's your fault. Deep down inside, you know that, too."

He struggled out of her grasp and turned around to face her. "But, I didn't go with you to your tent! And then instead of letting Yung Lee leave after she let you go, I didn't. And she shot you!"

Jessie put both hands on his face and leaned her forehead against his, making him look at her. "First of all, I walk around this compound by myself all the time. We didn't know that would happen. Even if you did go, both of us could be dead." He flinched at her last word but Jessie continued. "Second, you were just trying to help a scared, frightened girl. If you hadn't of tried to talk her out of the gun, she still could have snatched me back up and stuck me in that jeep bound for Communist City, North Korea. You. Did. Nothing. Wrong. Neither did I. Really, neither just Yung Lee. It's just war, and crappy things happen in war."

Radar wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. "My mind keeps playing these what-ifs . . ."

"Forget the what-ifs," she interrupted. "I'm alright. You're alright. Nothing else matters. Except one thing."

"Wh-what's that?"

"I haven't had a real shower in a week. I wouldn't stay too close for too long, if I were you."

She was rewarded with a chuckle.

"I haven't had a real shower since I left home."

It was Jessie's turn to laugh.

Radar straightened up, and Jessie wiped a few tears from his face with her fingers.

"I love you, you know?"

"I know. I love you, too."

That night, Radar had his first uninterrupted sleep in a week.

******************************

Everyone now . . . aaaaaawwwwww! So sweet!