Love, M*A*S*H Style

By Helen J. Lake

Rated PG-13

Disclaimer: I only own one character (Nellie), don’t own the rest. Don’t sue me.

This jeep can’t bounce any harder, I thought as I was once again jostled. I glanced at the young driver beside me. He gave me a nervous look and smiled tightly.

“Sorry, ma’am,” he shouted over the roar of the engine. “I hate this section of road…snipers have been popping up here.”

“Nice,” I mumbled, clutching my hat in my lap. “How far?”

He peered ahead, squinting into the sunlight. “There it is!”

I looked up as we rounded a corner, bringing the MASH unit into view. Their sign stating “MASH 4077; best care anywhere” made me smile. But the Army green tents and netting made me frown. Whoever decided to use this color for every aspect of the army deserves to be shot! I groused as we skid around a tent and squealed to a stop. My stomach lurched and I had to swallow several times before I could start getting out. The young driver, a corporal—though he said he preferred “Radar”—was already out and unloading my bags. I slid out slowly, dropping my hat on the dusty ground. I ignored it, looking around at the tents and the distant mountains.

“Excuse me,” a friendly voice said. “You dropped this.”

I looked up—and up!—to see a mustached man smiling down at me. He held my hat in his hands, dusting it off like a gentleman before presenting it to me.

“Oh, thank you,” I said, taking it.

“No problem,” he replied easily, tucking his hands in his pockets and bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I’m B.J.”

“Friends call me Nellie,” I said, smiling in return. “I’m the pediatrician ya’ll asked for.”

I watched as a cloud of pain floated across his face. His grin faded and he nodded towards a large tent.

“Thirteen kids, all under the age of ten,” he intoned solemnly. “Burns, fractures, cuts…”

I shook my head and glanced over my shoulder. Radar had disappeared with my bags, but I wasn’t concerned about that.

“Can I see them?” I asked.

B.J. nodded and led me to the tent. As we entered, I paused to let my eyes adjust. The sight that met my eyes was discouraging…small beds, each with a child, each wrapped in bandages, and each with sad, soulful eyes. Slipping my hat into the back of my uniform skirt, I knelt next to the first bed.

“Hello, darling,” I said in Korean. The boy, no more than seven, met my eyes wearily. “My name is Doctor Nellie, I’m here to make you feel better…”

“You speak Korean?” a new voice asked.

“No, I’m just putting random letters together, and hoping he understands,” I replied quietly, glancing behind my shoulder. I smirked at the handsome, dark-haired doctor. I turned back to the boy. “Do you like the doctors and nurses here?” I asked, switching back to Korean. He nodded weakly. I smiled and winked at him, glad to see the corner of his mouth go up a little.

“I’m Benjamin Pierce,” the doctor said, obviously trying to start a conversation. I stood and held out my hand to him.

“Nelson Albritton,” I admitted, wincing as I always did when giving my full name. He shook my hand warmly, his dark eyes twinkling. I immediately knew he was trouble.

“Our pediatrician,” B.J. supplied.

I had to remove my hand from Pierce’s grasp, and turned to the next bed. The girl in it had a bandage over half of her face. She was asleep, but I bent to touch her hand. When I straightened, I saw Pierce watching me.

“Human contact is important for children,” I explained. “And, I can check her temperature without disturbing her.”

“My wife insists that a kiss on the forehead works,” B.J. stated. His eyes seemed distant as he mentioned his spouse, and I smiled at him.

“That can work, but it’s difficult to maintain a somewhat sterile environment when you go around kissing everyone.”

“Tell me about it,” Pierce commented, rolling his eyes dramatically.

I shot a glance at B.J., who was chuckling. I excused myself and moved on to the next bedside. As I spoke to the children and looked them over, I watched B.J. and Pierce out of the corner of my eye. They spoke easily, laughing quietly, and discussing something a nurse brought over. Shaking my head, I looked down at my next patient. She looked up at me with blurry eyes. Something piqued my instinct and I knelt next to her. She had a cast on her leg—which was broken—and no other apparent injuries, but something didn’t seem right. That was when I spotted the way her hand clutched at her side. I lifted the thin shirt and examined the bump there.

“B.J.,” I called. He, and Pierce, appeared at the end of the bed. “Did she have this swelling when she came in?”

He shook his head. “Hawk?”

“No, nothing like that,” Pierce added, picking up her chart. “She had the broken tibia, some scratches, bruises…”

The girl groaned as I prodded the bump. “When did this start to hurt?” I asked her. Her mumbled reply confirmed my suspicions. “She has a simple case of appendicitis,” I stated. “It started before she was injured, and she didn’t have a chance to tell anyone before…”

“I’ll prep for surgery,” Pierce announced.

“Excuse me, Doctor,” I interrupted before he could leave. “But she is now officially my patient.”

His eyebrows bobbed in surprise, but before he could retort, Radar appeared. “There you are!! Captain Albritton, you need to check in with Colonel Potter and sign your temporary assignment forms.”

I sighed. “Damn,” I muttered as he took my sleeve and started to tug me towards the door.

“Take care of my patient, Doctor,” I said to Pierce. To my annoyance, he drew himself up tall and gave me a mock salute.

“Nurse!” I heard him call as I was dragged away. “Stretcher, please!”

“Radar,” I said to the spectacled young man. “You have lousy timing…” He gave me a bewildered look. Something he’d said occurred to me. “Did you say Colonel Potter?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied.

I grinned evilly, nearly rubbing my hands together in excitement. Especially when I saw the old goat ride into a stable and slide off of a lovely brown horse.

“They still let old coots like you lead units?” I called to him as we drew near. Radar hissed in shock, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing as Potter stiffened, his back to me.

“I knew it!” he hollered. “I just knew that if I asked for the best pediatrician they had to offer, they would still screw it up!!”

“You wanted the best; you got the best, crazy old man!” I argued, hands on my hips. Radar’s face had gone pale—poor boy—and he was mouthing words, though nothing came out.

“If I had wanted an ornery, ill-mannered child,” he began, slowly turning to face me. “I would have requested one!!”

“Geezer,” I said haughtily.

“Now wait a minute!” Radar exploded. “You can’t talk to him that way, Captain!”

I did my best to ignore him, meeting the Colonel’s eyes unwaveringly. We stared at each other, grimacing, and breathing deeply. Radar continued to harangue me for my insulting attitude, until, finally, a twitch appeared on the cragged façade. I had won.

“Nellie, how the devil are you!” Sherman exclaimed, swooping forward to wrap me in his arms. I embraced him, laughing, and kissing him on the cheek.

“Devil is right!” I declared. “Especially when you talk about me!”

He laughed, and we turned to see Radar about to faint from the shock of it all. “Radar, this is Nellie Albritton, best damn pediatrician the world has ever seen!” He seemed to consider something. “How in the world did you end up here?”

“Would you believe I volunteered?” His head whipped around and I laughed. “Yeah, me neither…But when I heard about all of the children who were being hurt and killed…” I shuddered, feeling his arm tighten around my shoulders.

“Good girl, “he stated, turning to Radar once more. “When I first met Hawkeye, I was reminded of Nellie. Same sense of humor, same casual attitude…and same amazing talent in the OR.”

“Hawkeye?” I asked, unsure of whom he meant.

“Pierce,” he supplied.

“Oh,” I said, frowning. “We met…You think we’re alike?”

He laughed as we entered a building—Radar’s office, it seemed. The clerk followed us warily.

“You two will either get along, or fight constantly,” Sherman predicted. He glanced at a set of swinging doors. “What’s going on in there?”

“Uh, Hawkeye and Captain Hunnicutt are doing an appendectomy on one of the kids, sir,” Radar supplied.

“Hmph,” I huffed, pressing my face to the small window. I frowned and looked over at Radar. “Wait, I diagnosed her with appendicitis before you were in the tent…how did you know?”

Radar shrugged, blushing. Sherman laughed, clapping a hand on the clerk’s shoulder. “That’s one reason we call him Radar; he always seems to know what’s going on, even before we do!”

Sherman led me through another pair of doors, into his office. He turned to Radar, who was right behind us.

“Radar,” he began. “Would you mind—”

“I’ll go out and—” Radar said at the same time.

“Brush Sophie,” they concluded together.

As Radar left to do just that, I shook my head in mild confusion. Sherman plopped into his chair, which squealed alarmingly.

“He reads minds too?” I asked, looking around.

“No one’s sure how he does it,” Sherman agreed. He eyed me, I noticed, as I moved slowly from one piece of furniture to the next. “How’s Kyle?”

I froze, staring out the small window next to the “medicinal alcohol” cabinet. I had known he would ask, but it didn’t make answering it any easier.

“Kyle…is dead,” I said quietly.

The chair squeaked again and I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. “Nellie,” he breathed; his voice rough. “I’m so sorry…how?”

I sighed. “Initially, he was in small skirmish, and sent to a MASH unit. He was operated on, but needed further treatment in Seoul. Shortly after the ambulance left, a sniper…” I had to stop, biting my lip to keep from crying. I had cried enough when my fiancé had died. No more tears shed for those who have passed…

“Which unit was he at?” he asked.

Another hard question. “MASH 4077.” Silence. Sherman cleared his throat and his hand fell away. I pictured Kyle the way I remembered him, surprised that it didn’t hurt as much anymore. I sighed and turned to Sherman, smiling.

“It’s okay,” I said. “That was nearly a year ago…Time heals all wounds, and all that.” I sat on the edge of his desk, seeing the picture of his wife. “How is Mildred?”

“Ah,” he replied, touching the frame. “Last time we talked, she was giving her friends a run for their money in Bridge.”

I laughed; glancing at the doors in what I thought was an inconspicuous manner. Sherman wasn’t fooled and he followed my gaze.

“You want to see how your patient is doing?”

I rubbed my hands on my thighs. “This Pierce, he’s good?”

Sherman smiled tightly and nodded. “We can step in for a minute,” he offered again.

I stood. “Let’s go!”

Following him, we went to the scrub room to don some masks. Then we went into the OR. The single nurse looked up at us, her blue eyes focused and stern. Pierce barely glanced at us, his gaze intent on the small body before him.

“Suction,” he said.

I stepped closer, watching his hands at work. He was already sewing up the area where the appendix had been removed. I peered into the small tub where the inflamed organ lay.

“Looks like you caught it just in time,” Pierce commented.

I nodded, my eyes on his hands as he worked. I was impressed, despite myself. His hands moved with knowledge and ease…I was suddenly positive that the girl was in good hands.

“See something you like?” Pierce asked, his voice suggestive.

My eyes snapped up to his and I frowned behind my mask. “I’ve seen enough,” I said to Sherman. We left the OR, tossing the masks into the to-be-sterilized bin. “He seems competent enough,” I declared. Running my hand through my hair, I added, “For a goofball.”

Radar found me later in the children’s tent, telling stories. I winked at him as I acted out a scene, speaking in Korean. He sat on a chair at the nurse’s table, listening. He must have understood at least some of what I was saying, as he laughed with the children.

“The end,” I said, and repeated it in English. I affectionately rubbed the top of a boy’s head and went to see what the corporal needed. “Hey, Radar!”

“Hello, ma’am,” he replied. “Say, that was a great story! I really liked it.”

“Thanks,” I said, flushing in embarrassment. “I, uh, made it up…”

“Really?” he exclaimed, his voice going up in surprise. “Gee, that’s really great!”

I winked at another child and gestured towards the door. We walked outside and I stuffed my hands into my smock’s pockets. It was dark by now, I noted.

“I wanted to let you know that your luggage and everything is in the VIP tent,” Radar said.

“Oh…” I replied, looking around. “Where’s that?”

“I can show you,” he volunteered.

I sighed wearily. “That would be great,” I said, smothering a yawn. “I’m exhausted…”

We entered the tent and I spotted my suitcase on the cot. Opening it, I pulled out my nice silk robe, one of the few luxuries I allowed myself in this stark environment. Radar’s eyes immediately looked away and I smiled.

“Won’t you sit down, Radar?” I asked, playing hostess.

“Oh, no,” he stammered. “That’s okay…I just wanted to make sure you got, uh…settled…”

“Thanks, Radar,” I mumbled, pulling out the rest of my clothes. Seeing the footlocker, but deciding it was too far to bother with, I tossed the stack at it. Clothes spilled over the sides and I shrugged.

“Can I help you with anything?” he asked.

“Hmm,” I replied, sinking onto the cot. “No…that’s okay…”

I didn’t hear him leave before sleep took me.

“Good morning!” I greeted as I entered the mess tent, smiling at Sherman in line before me.

“You’re far too chipper,” he groused, accepting some rock hard toast from the cook.

“Sorry,” I said, smiling despite myself. I held my tray out and was greeted by a moist mound of… “Are those eggs, or something else dropped by birds?”

The cook replied by dropping bricks of toast on top, staring at me with an unimpressed expression. Sherman was chuckling.

“Join me,” he said, leading the way to a table. We sat across from a man with a black and white collar. “Morning, Padre,” Sherman said.

“Good morning,” he replied, staring at the mass on the tip of his fork. “But not a very good breakfast…” He put the fork down and looked up to see me. “Oh!” he exclaimed. “You must be the pediatrician!”

“Hello, Father,” I said. I salted the eggs, looked at them, and salted them again. “I understand there’s an orphanage not too far from here. Maybe we can stop by and I can take a look at the kids…”

His face practically glowed. “That’s a marvelous idea!”

I smiled and sipped the coffee…immediately regretting it. I swallowed painfully, making sounds deep in my throat.

“Oh, big mistake,” B.J. stated, sitting next to me. “That coffee’s not to be taken internally!” He looked down at the food—is it really food?—on his plate. Pierce sat on the other side of him.

“You can use it externally,” he said. “It removes warts, unwanted hair, and varicose veins!”

Despite myself, I chuckled, stopping when Potter raised his eyebrows at me. A tall, balding man walked towards us and I froze. Something told me he was the perfect guy to bother…

“B.J.,” I muttered to him. “What’s that guy’s name?”

He peeked over my head. “Charles…why?”

I grinned. “You’ll see…” Rising to my feet, I called to him. “Well, well,” I said, recovering first. “If it isn’t good ole Charles…”

“I’m sorry, madam,” he replied, giving me a once over. “Have we met?”

I pretended to be hurt. “Charles!” I exclaimed. “After that night we had…” I added, watching his face turn red.

“Uhhhh,” he stammered.

“That’s what I thought you’d say,” I replied, eyeing his stricken expression. “You don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, do you?”

Laughing nervously, he looked to his friends for help.

“Charles, you dog!” Pierce exclaimed.

Smirking, I watched him sit across from me. I could see his mind whirling behind his eyes.

“Ah, Charles,” I said wistfully. “How easily you forget…”

“Madam,” he said firmly. “I assure you, I don’t recall meeting you, nor do I recall having…a date with you!”

“That’s because we didn’t have one,” I replied.

Potter began to chuckle, snorting under his breath. B.J. and Pierce were exchanging looks of complete delight. Father Mulcahy watched us all, a small smile turning up the corners of his mouth.

“Wait, let me get this straight,” Pierce said, his dark eyes sparkling. “Where did you meet?”

Crunching into my toast, and hoping that the sound was not my teeth, I watched as Charles moaned quietly.

“In Tokyo,” I supplied. Smiling sweetly at Charles, I stood, taking my tray. He rose, like a gentleman, but the glare on his face was the complete opposite.

“I’m going to go check on my kids,” I declared, leaving Charles to the wolves. Laughter broke out as I left the tent.

“Mind if I join you?” Pierce asked, appearing at my elbow.

I glanced at him, shrugging. “If you like…”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him look me up and down. “I like, I like!”

I frowned at him, but felt a little flattered. I wasn’t sure about him yet. My initial reaction was that I didn’t like him, but what Sherman had said about us made me give him a chance. Then again, I thought, seeing him ogle and wink at some nurses.

“Good morning kids!” I said in Korean. “I have a friend with me. Who wants to say hello to Doctor Pierce?”

They all spoke at the same time, hollering various greetings to him. He smiled and waved cheerfully. I found my smock and stethoscope hanging near the nurse station and slipped them both on. When I turned back, it was just in time to see Pierce toss an inflated glove to a young boy. He started on the other side of the tent, while I began with the little girl he’d operated on.

“How are you feeling, darling?” I asked her quietly.

“Much better…” she whispered weakly.

I peaked under the bandages, checking for infection around the stitches.

“Not bad, huh?” Pierce said, peering over my shoulder.

“Nice stitching,” I allowed, readjusting the bandages. “I suppose.”

“You suppose?!” he cried dramatically. “That’s grade A surgery!”

“Okay,” I replied, moving to the next bed.

“You’re joking, right?” he continued.

I rolled my eyes, drawing a giggle from the boy in the bed. Winking at him, I rose and moved on. Once I was done, I went to the nurse station and began to fill out my forms. I hadn’t had the chance to look at them yesterday, and now it seemed they would never end.

I had been working for several minutes before I realized that Pierce was still standing not too far from me. I looked up with only my eyes. He was looking at the children, a strange and distant expression on his face.

“Something I can help you with?” I asked quietly.

“Hmm?” he replied, shaking himself and turning to me. “Oh, no…”

Before I could comment, a voice came over the loudspeakers. “Attention, all personnel, incoming wounded! It’s not over, over here!”

Pierce met my eyes and bolted for the doors. I glanced at the stack of paperwork and the children, then followed him at a run. Thinking that I hadn’t heard the choppers, I wasn’t surprised to see the wounded were in several ambulances. Pierce was already in the middle of the fray, along with most everyone else. Taking a deep breath, I threw myself in.

Later, I’m not sure how much later, I found myself peering into the open gut of a young man. I had been working on him for what seemed like forever, resecting, sewing, and trying to clean his intestines up. I chewed my lip behind the mask, sighing.

“Suction, please,” I said softly to the nurse assisting me.

“Quite a mess you’ve got there,” Pierce remarked from his table. “Sure you don’t need any help?”

I glanced up at him, then back down to where I was working. “I’m just fine and dandy on my own…”

Potter appeared at my side. “She’s doing a great job,” he commented, walking towards the exit. That was when I realized that Pierce and I were the only ones still working on our patients.

“Marvelous to see a woman performing so well,” the nurse stated. I looked up at her, smiling, and saw her eyes crinkle in return.

“I knew a woman who could perform amazingly well,” Pierce was saying. “She had these tiny tassles that she could twirl by gyrating her—”

“Captain Pierce!” my nurse exclaimed.

“Major Houlihan!” Pierce retorted. “If you would be so kind at to let me finish…”

“I will not!” she said firmly. “I apologize for Captain Pierce’s disgusting talk,” she began to say to me.

I tried, really I did, but I laughed nonetheless. Houlihan froze, her eyes wide. I continued to stitch, giggling softly. After a minute of silence, I paused and looked up at Pierce.

“What color were they?” I asked. His eyes met mine, sparkling devilishly. “The tassles, I mean…”

He made a show of trying to remember, gazing up at the ceiling for a beat. “Red, I think.”

“Ah,” I said, as if that was an important piece of information. Checking my patient’s wound one last time, I sighed wearily.

“Would you like me to close?” Pierce asked, coming to stand at the end of my table.

“No, thank you,” I replied, already starting. “Once I get going, it’s no use stopping…”

Nodding, Pierce left, his nurse and Radar taking the gurney with his patient away. It was silent for a moment: just Houlihan, the anesthesiologist and myself working. I sighed again.

“I hate silent OR’s,” I commented. “I don’t suppose either of you can sing?”

“Uh, I can whistle,” the anesthesiologist replied.

“Great,” I said, smiling at him. “Hit it.”

While he whistled, I continued to sew quickly. Houlihan watched and began to clean up. Before I knew it, I was done, tying off the last of the stitches. I stepped away from the table, nearly stumbling.

“Are you alright?” Houlihan asked, putting some clean bandages over the closed wound.

“Yeah,” I said, pulling off the bloody gloves and mask. “Just tired.” My eye caught the clock and I gasped. “It’s already dinnertime!”

“See you in the mess tent,” Houlihan remarked. “I’m starved.”

“Mm,” I said, feeling my stomach growl. I entered the scrub-room and began to remove the smock and cap. Tossing them into the laundry bin, I sank onto the bench. My feet and legs immediately began to ache, and I rose quickly to hold the pain at bay. Shuffling my feet, I found my way to the mess tent. I got a tray, had it filled, and made my way towards the first empty seat I could find.

“Everyone is saying what a great job you did in surgery,” Radar said, sitting across from me.

I looked up and smiled. “It’s been years since I worked with adults like that,” I mumbled. “Everything seemed so large…”

A blonde woman sat beside me. “Captain Albritton,” she greeted. At my blank expression, she added, “I’m Margaret Houlihan.”

“Oh!” I laughed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you without the cap and mask!”

“Captain,” she continued. “I just want to say what an honor it was to work with such a professional woman…”

“Despite my amusement at Pierce?” I finished.

“I wasn’t going to say that!”

“No, but you were thinking it,” I replied, eating whatever dinner was without tasting it. I paused, looking down at it. If it even had taste…When I looked up again, she was gone. “Was it something I said?” I asked Radar, who had sat silently.

“Major Houlihan and Captain Pierce don’t get along much,” he admitted, leaning forward to whisper it.

“Oh,” I sighed, pushing the tray away.

“Are you going to finish that?” he asked.

“No, help yourself…”

I watched, amazed as he began to eat without a second thought. I sipped my coffee, smiling, and glad to feel the caffeine kicking in. Looking around the tent, I watched as a dark man…a hairy man…walked into the tent, wearing a long flowing blue dress. An ornate flowered hat sat perched upon his head. He even had tattered stockings and high heels. As I stared, he caught sight of me and surged towards me.

“Captain Albritton!” he cried, drawing the others’ attention. He grabbed my hand, his face pleading. “Maybe you can help me! I’m a Section 8! Can you do something?”

The surrounding tables grew quiet as they waited for my reaction. I looked him up and down. “Hmm…” I said slowly. “I think I can.”

“Oh, bless you!” he exclaimed.

I stood, keeping his hand in mine, and led him over to where Sherman sat. “Sherman!” I said urgently. “This is just wrong! How can you let this poor man walk around like this?”

Sherman sighed and glared at the man. “Klinger! Stop pestering Nellie, or so help me!”

“But, sir!” Klinger cried dramatically.

“Sherman, look at him!” I requested. “Look at this dress! It’s last season at its worst! And the stockings are full of holes and mends! Those shoes! Oh, where to begin!” Klinger’s face began to lose its huge grin. “Sherman, I’m afraid I must insist—”

“Nellie, don’t let yourself be hoodwinked!”

“He’s got me convinced, sir,” I replied. Klinger’s smile was widening again. “He really, truly, does need…” I watched Klinger out of the corner of my eye. “An entire new wardrobe of dresses, skirts, and blouses!”

“What?!” Klinger exclaimed.

“Oh, sorry, and new stockings,” I added.

As everyone started laughing, Klinger’s face darkened and he stormed out. Sherman, chuckling, patted the bench next to him and I sat.

“Poor Klinger,” I remarked. “I should apologize to him later…” I glanced around. “Where’s B.J. and Pierce?”

“They went back to the Swamp for some…” He paused and made a drinking gesture. “I was thinking of joining them, myself. Care for a snort?”

“Sounds great!” I declared.

I followed him to a large tent, pausing even as he walked in.

“Okay, boys,” I called. “Is everyone decent!”

“I’m not decent,” B.J. remarked. “Are you decent, Hawk?”

“Not at all…Colonel?”

“Naaaw,” he exclaimed.

“Good,” I replied. “I’ll fit right in then…”

B.J. was sitting on his cot, glass in hand. Pierce was bent over a network of tubes and beakers…a still, I realized with a laugh. He looked over his shoulder at me, catching me gazing at the way his tattered red robe hung just so...

“Martini?” he asked, eyes twinkling again.

“Yes, please!” I replied, fighting the blush that made its way up my cheeks. I sat daintily on the nearest cot, taking the martini glass Pierce held out. I sipped it and began to cough violently. “Wow,” I gasped. “That’s, um…something!”

“Isn’t it?” Pierce said, settling into a rickety chair. “Took me a long time to get it just right…”

“Hmm,” I murmured, staring down at the alcohol. “Mind if I tweak it a little?”

“What?!” he said, half-standing.

“Hoo boy,” Sherman muttered. “You did it now…”

“No one can go poking around in my still!” Pierce declared. The twinkle was gone.

“Okay, okay,” I allowed, sipping again. “I guess I didn’t really need a stomach lining anyway…”

“Hmph,” Pierce retorted, sinking back into the chair once more.

Despite myself, I found that Pierce was intriguing to me. I studied him over the rim of my glass, wondering what it was that was appealing. He was attractive, manly and yet boyish…with black hair far from regulation, but sexy in its messiness…a crooked smile, with a hint of a dimple…and deep thoughtful eyes that bore right into you…I straightened, embarrassed to be caught staring.

But his eyes weren’t focused on mine. Instead, they mimicked my actions from a moment ago: roaming over my body slowly. Casually, I tugged at the neckline of my olive drab tank top, running my finger slowly back and forth. Smothering a grin, I watched as his eyes following the movement, and he drank deeply from the glass.

“Don’t you think so, Nellie?” Sherman was saying.

“Hmm?” I said, attention snapping back to the rest of the world. “I’m sorry…my mind was…otherwise occupied.” Pierce’s eyes were still on me, I could feel them burning a hole into my head.

“You look tired,” B.J. noted. “Maybe you should just go to bed.”

I sighed. “You’re right,” I stated, downing the last of the gin with a grunt. “Another night perhaps, gentlemen…” Standing, I found myself leaning dramatically towards the cot on my left. Hawk’s hand caught my arm. “Whoa!” I breathed.

“I think I better make sure you actually get to the right tent,” he declared easily. He nodded to the others and, keeping his grip on my arm, he led me towards the door. Once we were outside, in the cool night air, I shook my arm free from him.

“I’m okay now,” I said stiffly. Although, I did enjoy his touch…

“Sure you are,” he agreed, holding my shoulder as I weaved.

“Get offa me!” I mumbled, stumbling over a rock. In slow motion, I fell towards the ground…and stopped again as Pierce pulled me upright. “What’s wrong with me?!” I hissed.

“You didn’t eat much today, did you?” he asked, pulling my arm over his shoulders and holding my waist tightly. This time I didn’t fight him off.

“Who could eat that slop?” I retorted, blinking up at him.

“Mm,” he murmured in agreement. “Low blood sugar, plus alcohol…bad idea. You should know better.” He shook his finger at me.

I frowned at him, then began to giggle. He grinned and we stopped moving in front of my tent. At least I assumed it was my tent…I looked again. It was. Good. Pierce reached for the door and we half-staggered inside. I tripped over something as he hit the lights, and found myself with both arms wrapped around his neck.

“Um,” I breathed.

“What’s a girl like you doing in a war like this?” he asked with a crooked grin.

I blame the alcohol for what I did next. Running one hand through his black hair, I pulled him close and kissed him. To my surprise, he pulled away.

“Wait a minute there,” he said, pulling my hands away from his neck.

“I heard about you…” I was mumbling. “A womanizer, they call you…I hate men like you…”

“Do you kiss every man you hate?”

“You’re…different…” I was finding it hard to form words.

“So I’m told.”

“I don’t want you…you’re no good…” I couldn’t stop myself from rambling. “And yet…”

I was falling again…I vaguely remember the sensation of being on my cot and a blanket being placed over me.

I woke up slowly, hearing a group of excited voices. As I sat up, my head began to spin.

Am I hungover from just one drink?

Taking stock of myself, I decided I wasn’t hungover. But I was very hungry. Standing, I saw that I was still fully clothed, except for my boots.

“What in the world…” Memories assaulted me and I sat once more. “Oh…” I cursed.

Sighing heavily, I rose and began to change into fresh clothes. My stomach was growling by then, so I headed for the Mess tent. The voices turned out to be a basketball game in progress. I walked cautiously around what appeared to be the borders, hands in my pockets. I hesitated before going into the Mess, watching the game. Feeling eyes on me, I looked up to see Pierce on the other side of the game. My face flushed in embarrassment and I turned away, ducking into the tent.

“Morning, Nellie,” Sherman said. I startled, and looked over at him. “You okay? You were acting kinda funny last night when you left…”

“Oh,” I said, chuckling forcefully. “I’m fine…bad reaction to the gin, I guess.”

“Hm,” he said, unconvinced. “Is that all?”

“What else would it be?” I watched as the cook dropped eggs in a mound on my tray. “I just haven’t been eating enough, I guess…” When I saw the toast clatter on the tray, I frowned. “Is it any wonder?”

“You’ll adjust,” he said, accepting his own blackened toast. “In time.”

“I don’t think I’ll be here long enough for that!” I declared. “A couple of kids will be ready to leave soon. But I think they won’t want to leave their friends…the others are family to them now.” I paused to get coffee for both of us, and followed him to a table. “Do you think we can get away with keeping the healthy ones longer?”

He met my eyes, pursing his lips thoughtfully. “I’m sure we can come up with reasons to keep them around…”

“Thanks, Sherman,” I replied, looking up to see Charles enter the tent. “Hiya, lover,” I called to him, laughing as he stiffened and walked the other direction.

“Nellie,” Sherman laughed. “When are you going to let him know that you’re kidding?”

I grinned mischievously, biting into my toast, and trying not to chip a tooth. Radar appeared and sat next to Sherman. While they spoke of paperwork and other things, I found myself dwelling on the previous night. How could I have been so stupid? Kissing Pierce one moment, and telling him I hate him the next? Almost as if in response to my pondering, Pierce entered the tent and went to the coffee.

“Hi kids,” Pierce greeted.

To my dismay, he sat beside me. Maybe it was my imagination, but I could swear that he was purposely brushing his arm against mine. I avoided looking at him, intent on the doors and how soon I might go through them.

“Mornin’,” he said softly.

Damn. He was talking to me. And Sherman and Radar were looking this way.

“Doctor,” I replied stiffly, nodding towards him. I looked down at my tray, but not before spotting Sherman and Radar exchanging a glance. Occupying myself with eating the sloppy eggs, I pretended to be casual.

“So, Colonol,” Pierce was saying. “I heard we got a batch of medical supplies.”

“That’s right,” Sherman said, sipping his coffee. “So you’ll need to keep your canoodling elsewhere until it’s all inventoried.”

“Hmm,” Pierce agreed.

My stomach lurched as I realized what Sherman meant by “canoodling”. Standing abruptly, I walked out of the tent. Why did it bother me so much that Pierce went after anything female?

Admit it, Nellie…you find him attractive.

“Okay, so what?” I muttered.

“You talking to me?” a voice said shortly. I startled and looked over to see Klinger—dressed resplendently in a purple kimono—giving me the evil eye.

“Oh, good morning, Corporal,” I replied, still distracted.

“Don’t good morning me, Captain,” he sneered. “I’m still stuck in this wasteland!”

That certainly caught my attention. I had nearly forgotten the stunt I pulled on him! Pausing, I caught his arm as he tried to stalk away.

“Klinger,” I began. “I’m very sorry for what I did yesterday.” He froze, staring up at me. “I’m afraid that I tend to use humor to keep myself from thinking about how miserable I am…”

He was silent, his dark eyes studying my face intently. Suddenly, he sighed and his expression softened.

“Hey, don’t worry about it…” he mumbled. “I’ll find another way out…” His eyes left mine, glancing around. When he looked up again, he smiled. Touching my arm gently, he began to whistle as he shuffled into the Mess Tent.

The doors stayed open as someone held them for Klinger. I laughed as the Corporal bowed solemnly before moving on. Then I saw who had held the door—Pierce. He stared at me and my smiled faded. Taking a deep breath, I turned and headed for my kids.

“Good morn-ing, Doc-tor,” the children chimed in unison. I grinned in surprise and looked at the nurse on duty. Her cherubic face and curly pigtails made her look so young…

“I worked with them all morning,” she said proudly.

“It’s adorable, thank you,” I replied, genuinely touched.

As I started on the right hand side, my thoughts began to wander. This MASH unit is crazy, I decided. There’s nothing good, nothing friendly about war. And yet…I glanced up at the nurse. Somehow, they put a little humanity into it here. The door opened, I saw out of the corner of my eye, and someone walked in. Even before he spoke, I knew who it was.

“Nurse,” Sherman greeted. “Nellie…”

I hardly glanced at him. “Hello again, Sherman,” I said, feigning cheerfulness. Checking a young boy’s temperature, I sighed as a shadow fell across his legs. “Sherman…”

“Nellie,” he repeated, interrupting. “Walk with me.”

“I’ve barely started my rounds!” I protested.

“They’re not going anywhere,” he replied easily. When I still hesitated, he added, “Don’t make me order you to walk with your CO!”

Pressing my lips in a tight smile, I stood. “I’ll be back soon,” I told the children in Korean.

Moments later, we were strolling down the dirt road, between tents. He hadn’t said anything yet, and I wondered if he expected me to start. It was turning into a hot day, I noted, looking up at the clear blue sky.

“Ah, Sophie-girl,” he exclaimed as we neared the make-shift stable. The brown mare came to the fence as we approached. He rubbed her nose and planted a big kiss on her neck.

“Hmph,” I grunted. That looks familiar…only I managed to kiss the other end…

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” he said suddenly.

I moaned. “I did something stupid…that’s all!” He didn’t reply and I cursed under my breath, drawing a small grin from him. “Sherman…you said that Pierce and I were a lot alike…except I’ve noticed a big difference. He is a sex-crazed buffoon.”

Potter snorted. “How long have you been over here? A year? Not even that, I know. How do you deal with the horror of it all?”

I frowned, staring into Sophie’s eyes. “I’ve been told that I use humor as a defense mechanism…” Shaking my head, I added, “You’re implying that Pierce uses sex as a brief respite from the war.”

“Mmhmm,” he murmured. I tilted my head to look at him. “Why don’t you cut him some slack?”

I sighed. “I’ll see what I can do…”

“Doctor Pierce?” I called later that afternoon. Standing at the door to the Swamp, I waited for a response.

“Come on in!” a voice called.

I walked in to see Pierce and B.J. sprawled across their cots. They were tossing a bundled up piece of uniform back and forth in a game of catch. Watching for a few seconds, I snatched the makeshift ball and tossed it back to B.J.

“Come to play with us?” B.J. asked, throwing to Pierce.

“I like getting new playmates,” Pierce added. He hesitated, meeting my eyes. “Even if they don’t like me much.”

I caught the ball as he threw it, staring at him. “I never said I didn’t like you…I just don’t like some of the things you do.”

B.J. sat up halfway. “Maybe I should be going.” I didn’t answer, still holding the ball. Pierce shot a glance at B.J.—something I didn’t understand passed between them. “See you later!” he called, walking past me.

I tossed the ball onto B.J.’s cot and went to the still. “I think I need a drink,” I stated, reaching for a glass.

“Allow me,” Pierce said, taking the glass and quickly pouring two servings. “So, what is it that I do that bothers you?”

I accepted the drink, looking up at his dark eyes. Intense attraction flared up in my chest and I took a step back to clear my mind.

“Maybe I should list what I do like about you instead,” I suggested, sitting on the edge of his cot and crossing my legs.

“Oh,” he grinned. “Go right ahead!”

I smirked, sipping the gin. “Then again, we don’t have all day to list your virtues,” I added, winking. He perked up a bit, swallowing the rest of his drink in one gulp. I watched as he came to sit beside me. “What are you doing?”

“Just getting comfy,” he said easily. He leaned a little closer, moving slowly to sniff my hair.

I could smell the alcohol on him. “That wasn’t your first drink of the day, was it,” I accused, leaning away.

“So I had a few or six…” he mumbled.

“You’re drunk…” I sighed.

“Maybe a little.” He was breathing against my neck, his lips barely touching the skin there.

I moaned softly and shifted out of his reach. “Don’t do that while I’m talking to you!” I protested.

“You’re right,” he replied, his voice muffled in my hair. “No more talking…”

For a moment, I closed my eyes, wanting to let him continue. But the solid feeling of the glass in my hand brought me back to reality. I stood suddenly, and Hawkeye—when did I start thinking of him as Hawkeye?—fell forward and slid off of the edge of the cot. He sat on his rear, staring up at me.

“No…not when you’re drunk. I don’t want you this way!”

He blinked blearily, swaying slightly from his seated position. I stepped over him, heading for the door.

“Oh, but Nellie…” I turned back. “You do want me!”

Smirking, I didn’t reply and left him there.

“And he shoved the witch into the oven!” I exclaimed in Korean. The children cheered as I strode between the beds, pumping my arms in victory. Before I could conclude the story, I was interrupted by the P.A. and the distant sound of choppers.

“Attention all personnel! Incoming wounded! Come and get them while they’re fresh!”

“I’ll come back later!” I hollered as I left the tent in a jog.

Grabbing the first litter with wounded I saw, I began to bark orders. As I moved to another litter, I spotted Hawkeye a few rows over and our eyes met briefly. He looked away, down at his patient, and when he glanced up again, his dark eyes were sparkling. Shaking my head, I smiled at my own patient.

“You a doctor?” he asked weakly.

“Sure am,” I drawled, peeking under then leg bandage.

“How…” he paused and licked his dry lips. “How bad…”

I patted his shoulder. “You’re going to be fine! I promise!”

His eyes drifted shut and I gestured for the orderlies to take him. To my horror, as they lifted him, his arm shifted to reveal a bloody mess on his side.

“Wait!” I cried, peering at the gore, and trying to swallow the rising tide of bile in my throat. “OR, now!!”

The orderlies moved quickly and I took off to scrub in. Sherman grabbed my arm as I went by.

“Need a hand? Most of the others aren’t life-threatening…”

My pride swelled and I almost said no, but I thought of the kid’s face. “Yes, please, Sherman…and hurry!”

“I’ll send someone right along!” he called as I ran off.

Moments later, Houlihan was helping me into my operating gown. I had coiled my hair into a loose bun on the top of my head, which fit neatly under the cap.

“Who’s Sherman sending to help me?” I asked her.

“Captain Pierce,” she replied.

“Present!!” Hawkeye called as he entered.

“Aaaw,” I retorted. “And I didn’t get you anything!”

“Aha!” he chuckled, scrubbing his hands and forearms.

“See you inside,” I stated, using my back to open the OR doors. The anesthesiologist was ready to put the soldier under—more to keep him unconscious, really. I approached the table, slipping my gloves on, and glanced up as Sherman followed his patient in. B.J. was already at work on his own patient. Charles entered and glanced around, holding a mask to his mouth. Once he saw me, he hesitated and I grinned from behind my mask.

“Ahh,” he stammered. “Colonel Potter, shall I continue to oversee out here, or does, aha, Doctor Albritton still require assistance?”

“Go away, Charles,” Hawkeye said as entered and pulled on some gloves. “You already had your chance with her; let me have a go!”

Sherman was eyeing me, but I just winked and hoped he couldn’t see the blush creeping up my face.

“Stay out there for now, Major,” Sherman said finally. “We’ll holler if we need you!”

I giggled as Charles made a hasty retreat, but my amusement disappeared as I looked down at the soldier. I felt Hawkeye’s presence at my shoulder.

“Ready for this?” he murmured.

I swallowed, grit my teeth, and nodded. Without another word, he went to the other side of the table and we began to work. Houlihan—such an attentive nurse—practically knew what I was going to ask for before I did. And Hawkeye was always ready to point out a piece of shrapnel. Once, my fingers were starting to cramp and he simply slipped his hand under mine and completed the movement I had been making. I looked up at him gratefully and he smiled—the corners of his eyes crinkling.

“Pressure’s dropping,” the anesthesiologist said suddenly.

“Damn!” I hissed, struggling to move faster.

“Easy,” Hawkeye said softly. “Just finish those stitches while I clamp this…”

A heart-wrenching moment passed.

“Pressure’s stabilizing.”

I sighed in relief. I hadn’t even seen the small bleeder. “Thanks,” I said, glancing up at him. Houlihan dabbed at my face with a towel. “And thanks to you too…”

Peering down once more, I continued to repair what I could. Time flew as I concentrated and before I knew it, we were closing the young man up. I heaved a sigh of relief as he was carried away.

“Good work, Doctor,” Hawkeye said, removing his bloody gloves.

Houlihan was collecting instruments, but she looked up at me. “Excellent work,” she added.

“Please, hold your applause,” I said, smiling as I pulled my own gloves off. “No encore tonight, but autographs can be purchased at the back door…”

Laughing, Hawkeye and I went to the scrub room and began to strip off the sweaty and bloody surgical clothing. I sank onto the nearby bench; my feet immediately grateful. Hawkeye looked at me and stepped close.

“Care for a drink?” he asked, smiling.

Before I could answer, the door swung open and Sherman strode in.

“Nellie!” he cried. “That was a superb job you did in there!”

As he went on about commendations and the like, I watched sadly as Hawkeye snuck out. Smiling wearily at Sherman, I rose and walked out—he followed me.

“Sherman, darling,” I said finally, reaching my tent door. “I appreciate all you’re saying, but I am beyond exhaustion…”

“Oh, of course,” he intoned solemnly, realization appearing on his face. “Sorry, Nellie…I’ll, uh…check on your youngsters for you. Get some sleep.”

“Thanks…I will…”

I opened the door, sighing, and went inside…and nearly jumped six feet when I saw Hawkeye lounging on my cot, drinks in hand.

“I thought you’d never get here!” he said coyly.

Gathering my wits, I found the strength to laugh. “You don’t give up, do you?”

“Quitting isn’t everything,” he replied.

I took the drink he held out to me, shaking my head at him. He remained seated, watching me as I leaned down to remove my boots. Sighing heavily, I dropped onto the cot beside him. I sipped the gin, feeling it burn the whole way down. Feeling his eyes on me, and a flush of warmth—whether from the alcohol, or from his nearness, I’m not sure—I raised one hand slowly and released the bun holding my hair. His hand immediately reached for the shiny tresses and I turned towards him.

“Um…” I mumbled, unsure of what to say. Did I really want this? His dark eyes met mine and the corner of his mouth went up a little. Oh yes. Definitely. “Hawkeye…” I paused. “What’s your real name?”

“Benjamin…” he replied, kissing my left eyelid. “Franklin…” He kissed my right eyelid. “Pierce…”

He pulled me close and kissed me on the lips gently. I could taste a bit of gin on his mouth. Moving quickly, I took his glass and mine and placed them on the floor. Turning back to him, I launched myself at him and we collapsed on the cot. I grinned at his surprised expression, taking control of the situation by straddling his waist. It was a tight fit on the cot, but I managed to keep my balance as I leaned forward to kiss him deeply. Our tongues swirled around each other in a slow dance and soon our breaths were coming in gasps.

“Mm,” I said, scooting down to kiss his neck. He seemed a little unsure of himself suddenly and I stopped to look at him. “What is it?”

“It just seems odd to me,” he said slowly. “That you could go from no-no-no, to yes-yes-yes, so quickly.”

I sat back a little, letting my eyes explore his body silently. “Are you sober?”

“Yes.”

“So am I,” I stated. “Both of us, sober, at the same time…The desire was always there…I just didn’t want either of us to regret anything.”

He reached up to touch my cheek gently. “I wouldn’t regret anything with you…”

There was a real emotion there, in his eyes. I wondered if the same showed on my face. I knew it would be far too easy to fall in love with him…but at the moment, I didn’t care.

“Nellie,” he whispered, caressing my face and sliding his hand to my neck. He kissed me again, his other hand slipping behind to pull me closer. When he moved his mouth to nibble along my jaw, I took the opportunity to run my hands across his chest.

“Benjamin…” I agreed.

He buried his face in my neck. “You’re the only woman who calls me that when we’re…”

“Mmm,” I moaned in reply, letting myself be swept away…….

I awoke in the morning to the sound of Radar’s bugle. I sighed happily, feeling a little sore from the previous night’s workout. Stretching, I noticed that Hawkeye was gone. That made me sit up quickly.

“Ah, Hawk…” I sighed, flinging the covers away and hunting for my clothes. I grinned and searched behind the footlocker. Dressing quickly, I stepped into my boots, tied them, and went outside to see what the commotion was about.

As I peered out into the bright light, I was surprised to see a group of my kids outside. They sat in a semi-circle around Radar, who was passing his bugle around.

“Good morning, Doc-tor!” one of the little girls exclaimed when she saw me. A few others repeated the phrase and I walked over.

“Good morning, children!” I said cheerfully. “Hi, Radar…what’s with the bugle?”

“Oh,” he said, eyes growing wide behind his glasses. “Gee, I hope I didn’t wake you up, Captain! I was just showing the kids how to play it…”

I laughed as a boy make the bugle squeal alarmingly and dropped it. Radar grinned and picked it up, dusting it off and passing it on. I watched him interacting with them for a minute, smiling, until I felt a pair of eyes on me. Turning slowly, and somehow knowing who it was, I saw Hawkeye across the camp. He was wearing that ratty dark red robe, walking with B.J. towards the Mess Tent, but his eyes were locked on mine. I felt myself blush, remembering the night before…

“Captain Albritton?” Radar interrupted my thoughts. I turned to look at him, surprised to see him holding the bugle out to me. “They wanted to know if you can play it?”

Laughing, I took the instrument and held it up to my lips. Taking a deep breath, I forced out a few weak notes and broke off, laughing. Radar and the children were laughing too. I made a face at the bugle and shook it.

“There must be something wrong with this thing,” I declared in Korean, winking at Radar. I handed it back to him, adding, “I’ll see you all soon, after breakfast!”

I strolled casually towards the Mess Tent, even though inside I was dying to run inside. As I stepped into the food line, I spotted Hawkeye and B.J. just sitting down at a table. Feeling like I hadn’t in years—my heart was pounding and my palms were sweaty—I took my tray. I smiled at the cook, but it faded when he slapped the toast and “pancakes” on top. Shaking my head at the food—if you can call it that—I stopped for some coffee.

“Come here often?” a voice said in my ear.

I swallowed the grin that nearly split my face, and replied calmly, “Good morning, Doctor…”

There was a pause, and I felt his hand on my waist. “You’re not upset that I left before morning, are you?” he said very quietly.

I looked over my shoulder at him. “I wasn’t sure how open about it you wanted to be…” He hesitated and I felt a flare of annoyance. I turned back to my coffee cup, placing it carefully on the tray. “Fine. I guessed it never happened.”

Before I could stalk away, his hand closed on my wrist. I refused to look at him, and instead tried to pull away. I was ashamed of the tears building behind my eyes.

“Hey, wait a damn minute!” he said, still quiet, but more forcefully. “I don’t want to pretend it never happened!”

“Then what do you want, Hawkeye?” I asked. “I won’t be here much longer, you know…”

He sighed and released me. “I know. I can’t stop thinking about it. Please,” he said, his voice plaintive. “Come sit down, and we can talk about this later.”

Instinct told me to refuse, to sit with the nurses, anything but follow him to his table and sit down across from him. Which is what I did. I could feel Sherman and B.J. staring at me. Sighing inwardly, I composed myself and smiled at them.

“Morning, boys!” I said, sipping my coffee. “Oh…that’s nasty.” I put the cup down and began to pick at my pancakes.

“Did you sleep alright, Nellie?” Sherman asked.

Something in his voice made me pause and look up at Hawkeye. His eyes were twinkling and I sat up straighter. Tearing my eyes from his, I looked at Sherman. He was smirking. So was B.J., I discovered. Putting my fork down, I sighed.

“I slept very well, thank you,” I replied slowly, narrowing my eyes at Hawkeye. “How did you sleep, Hawk?”

“Oh, like a baby…” he said easily. “Nestled in the arms of a beautiful woman.”

I blushed furiously, especially when they all started laughing. Snorting, I tossed my toast at Hawkeye.

“Isn’t that assault with a deadly weapon?” he chuckled.

“You’re lucky she didn’t butter it!” B.J. laughed.

“So, who was the lucky lady, Pierce?” Sherman asked, winking at him.

I waited, expecting him to make a joke, or something to get out of answering him. Instead, I looked up in surprise when he reached across the table and took my hand.

“Someone very special,” he said with a grin.

Before anyone could comment or react, we were interrupted by Radar running into the tent.

“We got wounded!!”

Before I knew it, we were in the OR again, immersed in the organs and blood of men far too young…I worked quickly, and carefully, but my mind wandered back to the discussion in the Mess Tent.

Does Hawk love me? I asked myself. Do I love him? Is it fair to love when it’s so easy to lose them?

Glancing at the young soldier’s face, I gasped. He looked just like Kyle!! I froze, bloody scalpel in one hand, staring.

“Doctor?” the nurse said.

I blinked slowly, trying to look away, but unable to. Tears began to well in eyes.

“Nellie?” Sherman said, appearing at my side.

“He…” I gestured, unable to continue. A sob tore from my throat and I trembled.

“Nellie, listen to me,” Sherman said, taking my shoulders. I was forced to look at him. “Do you need to leave?”

I took in a slow shaky breath, closing my eyes and collecting myself. “No…I’m…I’m okay, Sherman.”

“You sure?”

When I opened my eyes, I was mortified to see everyone, even Charles staring at me in concern. The blood rushed to my face and I blinked quickly. I was so embarrassed; I could hardly breathe. I timidly looked down at the soldier once more.

“Oh my God…” I exclaimed. “Sherman! Sherman, come here! I’m not losing it! It’s Kyle!”

Whirling around, he came to peer at the man on the operating table. “I’ll be damned!” he hollered. “How?”

“Never mind that for now,” I cried, focusing on the wound before me. “We can straighten it out later…for now, I have work to do.”

I threw myself into my work, nearly giddy to see that the wound wasn’t severe. Before too long, I sewed him up and stepped back from the table. Sherman gave me a nod and I followed the litter out.

Sitting on a stool beside the bed, I held Kyle’s hand and waited for him to wake up. He looks the same, I noted. His bronze skin was paler than normal, perhaps, but otherwise…

“Ah, Kyle,” I breathed, using my free hand to brush his hair away from his forehead. A tear broke free from my eye and slid down my cheek. Sniffling, I wiped it away.

“Here,” a voice said softly. A handkerchief hung before me and I took it gratefully. I glanced up, surprised to see Charles. “Brother?” he asked, tipping his head at the bed.

I shook my head. “Fiancé,” I replied. “They told me he was killed…” I starred at the beautiful face of the man I’d loved so. “It’s funny, really. He was shot in the leg and treated here…and when the ambulance left, a sniper got them. A year later, here I am, at the same MASH…and he shows up, alive.”

Charles was silent for a moment. He fidgeted his hands in his smock’s pockets. Out of the corner of my eye, I say him glancing towards the door.

“Thanks for the hankie,” I said to him, wiping my nose again. I held it out to him.

“Keep it, please,” he mumbled, backing away. With one last glance at me, he turned on his heel and disappeared.

Sighing, I caressed Kyle’s hand. He stirred and I perked up, watching as his eyelids fluttered. “Kyle?” I said softly. “It’s alright, Kyle, you’re safe.”

“Hmm?” he mumbled, finally opening his green eyes. “Where?”

“MASH 4077,” I replied. “But more importantly, you’re with me!” I took a deep breath, trying to shake the sob that was building within. “Oh, Kyle, I’ve missed you!”

More lucid now, he blinked at me. “I’m sorry…do I know you, Miss?”

My heart dropped into my stomach. “Kyle! It’s me, Nellie!” He pulled his hand out of my grasp and I felt the blood flow to my brain stop. “Nellie Albritton…your fiancé!”

His eyes flew open wide. “I’m sorry, ma’am. My name isn’t Kyle, and I’m already married!”

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Kyle looked around uncomfortably. My eyes fell on the gold band on his finger. Still in denial, I lunged and grabbed his dogtags into view. He yelped as I stared at the flat, oblong disks.

“Daniel McGovern,” I said out loud.

“Y-yes, ma’am,” he said, eyes darting behind me.

“Doctor,” Hawkeye’s voice was suddenly in my ear. Strong hands took my shoulders. “Come on, Nellie, let’s go.”

Numbly, I dropped the dogtags onto his chest and allowed Hawkeye to steer my out of Post-Op. I blinked back the tears until we were in the Swamp.

“Benjamin!” I sobbed, collapsing into his arms. He held me close, murmuring into my hair. Leading me to his cot, he gently laid me down.

“Here drink this,” he said a moment later.

I took the martini glass and downed it in one gulp. The immediate fire yanked me back to my senses.

“Want to talk about it?”

I sighed. “I was engaged to Kyle for six months when he was drafted,” I said slowly, my eyes locked on the glass in my hand. “The wedding was postponed and I swore that I’d wait for him…He’d only been over here for six weeks when he was hit, in the leg. He was treated here, actually.” I paused and he took the glass and filled it. I sipped slower this time. “The ambulance was taking him to Seoul when…” Shaking my head, I wiped the fresh tears away.

“So when you saw someone who bore an uncanny resemblance…” he concluded.

“No!” I cried vehemently. “That man in there is Kyle! I don’t know who Daniel McGovern is, but he is Kyle!” I stared into Hawkeye’s eyes, willing him to understand. “Please, Hawk…you gotta believe me!”

“I believe you,” he said slowly.

I sighed in relief. “But how can we prove it’s him?” I muttered thoughtfully.

“You say that as if he’s doing it on purpose!” he replied. “What if something happened and he forgot who he was?”

“His birthmark!” I exclaimed, not really listening to him. “It’s bright pink, on the small of his back, and it’s kinda shaped like a pear!”

After a moment of silence, Hawkeye groaned and sighed. “I’ll check for it later,” he offered.

Nodding, I finished off the gin. “Thanks, Hawk…”

Suddenly, I felt very, very tired. I looked at Hawkeye and he was smiling. Leaning forward, I kissed him gently on the lips. My body wanted more, but my brain insisted on sleep. I leaned back, seeing Hawkeye covering me just before my eyes drifted shut.

“So did you look?” a voice said quietly from the realm of reality.

“It was there,” Hawkeye said.

Silence, the tinkling of glass.

“Did you tell the Colonel?”

Aha, that’s B.J., I identified.

“He put in a call to Sidney Freedman,” Hawkeye replied. “I checked our records with Radar. I was the surgeon who operated on the kid…”

I remained still, pretending to sleep. I knew it. It’s Kyle for sure.

“When the bus was ambushed, I wanted to rush out there myself. I couldn’t believe they’d attack an ambulance full of wounded.” A pause. “They were brought back here…”

“I remember,” B.J. stated. “Hawk, you don’t think we mixed him up with another soldier, do you?”

“I don’t know, Beej,” Hawkeye sighed. “I hope to God Sidney can help Kyle…for Nellie’s sake,” he added in a harsh whisper.

“You really like her, don’t you?” B.J. asked.

“Yeah,” Hawkeye said, his voice taking a strange and distant tone. “She is so special…”

“You think she could be the one to make you settle down?”

I held my breath, feeling torn between hope that he said yes, and desire to be with Kyle again. Terrified of the answer, I shifted and pretended to wake up.

“Hmm,” I moaned, sitting halfway up. “Hawk?”

“Sleeping Beauty awakens!” B.J. declared, grinning.

I laughed, running a hand through my hair. “I bet you say that to all the girls who wake up in Hawk’s bed!”

“Nellie,” Hawk said, serious.

I sat up. “He’s Kyle, isn’t he.”

He nodded, and even though I had known, I felt the tears come. He held me as I wept, and B.J. moved to leave.

“No,” I called. “You don’t have to go…” I sniffled. “I’m okay.” I knew it would hurt Hawkeye, but I had to… “I’m going to see Kyle.”

I stood, not meeting his eyes, and headed for Post-Op. Kyle was awake, and peering around at everyone and everything. I stood on the far side of the building, content to just see him again. A thought occurred to me.

Who is Daniel McGovern?

I spotted Klinger walking by, in a nurse’s outfit. Kyle’s expression when he saw THAT was entertaining. Radar came in and stood next to me.

“Hi, Radar,” I greeted quietly, still watching my former fiancé.

“Here is that information you wanted, ma’am,” he replied, handing me a file folder. I took it, not understanding. He left just as suddenly, so I shrugged and opened the folder.

Why that…Radar’s amazing. Daniel McGovern’s records…Let’s see now. Same age as Kyle…they were in the same troop. McGovern was treated for a similar leg wound too. Hmm…I poured over the odd similarities. No wonder they were so easy to mix up.

I looked up at Kyle, surprised to see him staring at me in return. I smiled and closed the folder, walking towards him.

“Hello,” I said quietly, pulling up a stool.

“Uh,” he said nervously. “Hi, Doctor…”

“Don’t worry, I promise not to have another episode,” I laughed. He seemed relieved, and relaxed somewhat. “How are you feeling today?”

“Better,” he admitted, pausing. “Were you the on that operated on me?”

I swallowed. “Yes, I did.”

“I heard the nurses say that your stitches are really great.”

Smiling, I stood. “That’s nice of them to say,” I replied. “Well, I’ll check on you again later. I have other patients to see.”

He nodded and I rushed outside. Being so close to him was heartbreaking, and I wasn’t as prepared for it as I’d thought. I stuffed my hands into my smock’s pockets and went to the children’s tent. Seeing some of them smiling had a calming effect on me and I immersed myself in the routine checks.

That worked for a few days—I would check on Kyle, check on the kids, and see Hawk at meals. The third day with Kyle in camp, I was in the shower, thinking about this strange twist in my life.

How easily you forget Hawkeye…

I froze; shampoo-covered hands in midair. Where had THAT thought come from?

Your heart, if you even have a heart anymore.

I swallowed, and turned the water on to rinse my hair. It was true. Only days ago, I had considered that I might be falling in love with Hawkeye. But having Kyle show up, and under such strange circumstances…I had promptly forgotten Hawkeye and all we’d shared.

He must hate me something fierce.

“And who could blame him,” I mumbled to myself. Reaching out, I took my towel and began to dry my hair.

If you had to choose…

My thoughts were interrupted by the squealing of brakes outside. I paused, waiting to hear a call over the PA about wounded. When none came, I finished drying and slipped into my robe and slippers. I wrapped my hair up into a turban and collected my toilet bag. I stepped outside just in time to see a man with dark curly hair follow Sherman into the Post-Op.

Staring curiously, I turned and ran right into a body. I grabbed the towel on my head to keep it from falling, and looked up to see B.J.

“Sorry, Nellie,” he said, smiling crookedly at me. “I wasn’t watching where I was going!”

Spotting the clipboard in his hand, I nodded towards it. “Where are you going?”

“Supplies,” he replied, shaking the board. “I would ask if you’d like to help, but…I see you’re not dressed for the occasion.” He winked and I flushed.

“Ooops,” I cried, pulling my robe closer. He laughed and continued past me to the Supply tent. As I turned back, heading towards my VIP tent, a thought made me whip around to call to him.

“Hey, B.J., who was that man who just arrived?”

He hesitated at the door to the tent. “Sidney Freedman, psychiatrist. He’s here to talk to…”

“Kyle,” I concluded. “Okay, thanks.”

He shrugged, smiling, and went inside the tent. I looked thoughtfully at Post-Op and went to my tent. As I dressed, I tried to decide what to do first: go see this psychiatrist, or go find Hawk. The decision was made for me as I heard a knock at the door.

Buttoning my shirt, I called over my shoulder. “Come on in!”

“Captain Albritton?”

I looked up to see the psychiatrist. “Ah, Doctor Freedman, I presume?” Getting a good look at him, I decided that he exuded sympathy far too much for my liking. “Call me Nellie.”

“That’s kind of you, Nellie,” he said. I narrowed my eyes, even as I smiled, knowing that he’d read something into my suggestion. “May I sit down?”

“Yes, please,” I replied, then realized my chair had clothes lying all over it. I blushed as I gathered the undergarments and tossed everything into the closet. “There you are…”

I sat on my cot, leaning to pull on my boots. “What can I do for you, Doc?” I asked, knowing the answer.

“I’m here to see what I can do for you, actually,” he said, his smooth voice conveying comfort and friendly interest.

I sighed, sitting up. Shrinks…

“How’s Kyle?”

“Confused,” he admitted. “I studied his files and just spoke with him.” He eyed me. “How are you taking this?”

“Oh, I’m just fine and dandy!” I declared with a toothy grin. “Not everyone gets their fiancé back from the dead…ya know, minus the zombies and whatnot.”

He smiled crookedly and despite myself, I found him charming. “I see now why Colonel Potter compared you to Captain Pierce.”

I froze, looking away, cursing myself as I realized it would give him more information than I had wanted to share. When I brought my eyes back to him, he was just sitting there, watching me and waiting.

“Look, Doc,” I finally said. “I dealt with my share of shrinks after Kyle’s death. I can safely say that I am not in need of one now.”

He just smiled. “What about Captain Pierce?”

“Ah, now he needs a shrink,” I said with a grin.

He chuckled. “Perhaps…but I was referring to your reaction when I mention him.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. “What reaction?”

“You have feelings for Pierce,” he stated, his tone not quite a question.

Something inside begged me to stop arguing. Why bother? You need someone else’s input about everything. Just admit it and move on…

I crossed my legs and leaned towards him. “You win, Doc,” I began. “I’ll talk to you about Kyle, and Hawk, and tell you everything.”

His eyebrows went up, but he remained quiet. I paused, tearing my gaze from his dark eyes as I collected my thoughts. Finally, I cleared my throat and started to talk. It seemed like hours later, I sat back and sighed heavily.

“And there you have it…” I concluded.

“That’s a lot for one person to deal with.”

I snorted. “No kidding.”

“Do you love Hawkeye?” he asked.

“I…I think I might. I certainly could love him…he’s not like Kyle at all.”

“How so?”

“Ah, Kyle was the golden boy of our town. Captain of the football team, top honors in his classes…girls wanted to be with him, guys wanted to be him. But somehow, he wanted me!” I shook my head at the memories. “Hawkeye…he’s the boy your parents warn you to stay away from—not a criminal, but still bad news. He’ll break your heart, but you’ll be having so much fun, you won’t notice until it’s too late.”

Silence reigned in the tent.

“Did you know that when you speak of Hawkeye, you smile with your entire face?” he asked suddenly.

“What?”

“And when you speak of Kyle, there’s a sadness and loss in your expression.”

I stared at him until my eyes burned from dryness. And it hit me, just like that. “Oh my God…”

I gave up on Kyle a long time ago. Having him back doesn’t change that.

He was standing. “I think Kyle can regain some of his memories,” he announced. “Especially if I have your help.”

I looked up at him. “Yes…of course…”

He left then…and I didn’t move from the cot. My mission seemed clear: I had to help Kyle as much as possible, but as a friend and nothing more. Never again.

And Hawkeye? I considered this until I dozed off.

Someone was knocking at my door. I blinked and sat up.

“Yes?” I called, surprised to see Radar enter.

“Um, Captain Albritton, ma’am,” he greeted. “Colonel Potter wants to see you.”

“Oh,” I replied, stretching. “Thank you.”

As I followed him outside, I guessed that I had only been asleep for an hour or so. And my stomach growled to let me know I’d missed lunch. Pausing as I heard a squeal of laughter, I saw several of my kids playing in the courtyard. My heart soared to see them doing so well and I grinned.

“Hey, I guess they’ll be ready to go soon, huh,” Radar commented.

My cheer faded and I frowned. “Yes…and so must I.” I dropped my arm around his shoulders. “Time flies, Radar…”

“Yes, ma’am,” he agreed.

“Let’s go see what Sherman wants.”

We entered Radar’s office and he went to Sherman’s double doors. “Colonel, Doctor Albritton is here to see you.”

“Ah, thank you, Radar,” I heard him say as I walked in. “Send her…oh, hi, Nellie!”

“Hey, Sherman,” I greeted, dropping into a nearby chair. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

He sat at his desk, leaning forward to lace his fingers together before him. I continued to smile at him, waiting. He sighed.

“Nellie,” he began slowly. “I’m afraid I cannot keep the children here any longer. I was informed me today that most of them are fit, and the rest are well enough to travel.” Sighing again, he looked up at me. “I have orders to send them to Seoul in the morning.”

My heart dropped to the floor and rolled out the door. “To-tomorrow? So soon?” I stammered.

“I’m afraid so…I’m sorry, Nellie.”

I stared into space, thinking of the kids and how I’d grown fond of them all. To my dismay, my mind immediately thought of Hawkeye, and that I’d have to leave too.

“I was able to squeeze another day out of them for you,” he continued. I looked up blankly. “That will give you time to work with Sidney…and anything else you might need to deal with.”

I thought of Hawkeye again, and my promise to Doctor Freedman. “Yes…thank you, Sherman…”

In a daze, I stood and walked to Post-Op. Sidney was sitting beside Kyle’s bed, speaking quietly. Nurse Kellye glanced at me, but said nothing as I watched the men. Kyle looked up and saw me standing there. Forcing a smile and a node, I turned and walked away. My mind was spinning and I had no idea what to think or do…my body was restless and I just walked.

Minutes later, I looked up to see that I was standing beside the Swamp. I could hear voices, but didn’t register the words…until I heard Hawk.

“That’s all there is to it, Beej,” he was saying. “If she wants to act like nothing happened, then so be it. I’ll just get back to where I was before this whole mess.”

This whole mess indeed. I agreed.

“What’s wrong, Nellie? You haven’t touched your food,” Father Mulcahy pointed out.

I blinked, staring at the lumpy mounds of what the Army considered to be edible. “I don’t have much of an appetite, Father,” I explained. “And this stuff would kill what I do have…” I smirked at him. “Good reason to say grace before every meal, huh?”

He smiled. “A very good reason, yes…”

For a tiny moment, I felt a little better. Then I saw Hawk and B.J. at the next table.

How do I tell him? I wondered. There’s so much to say. “The kids will be shipped out in the morning.” “I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.” “I love you”…

“Mind if I sit here, ma’am?” Radar asked politely.

I tore my gaze from Hawk and smiled bleakly up at the youth. “Please, Radar…” A moment later, Sherman joined us, with Sidney in tow.

“Nellie,” Sherman greeted.

“Sherman,” I said, nodding. “Doc…”

“Doctor Albritton, there is a matter I need to discuss with you,” Sidney announced. “I think it would be wise to have you talk to Kyle about your history together…”

I frowned. “I thought that was the plan already.”

“It is, but the timing of everything is very sensitive.” He paused, gesturing with his hands. “If we pile everything upon his now, he might be overwhelmed. And I can’t just call you in when I think he’s ready; you’re bound to be assigned somewhere else again. So, I’d like to see if I can get the Army to assign you to me, as a private nurse for Kyle.”

“You mean…go with you? To Tokyo?”

“Yes,” he agreed.

I turned to Sherman, who quickly swallowed his coffee. “It was my idea, Nellie. I thought you might like to be a part of Kyle’s recuperation.”

“Yeah…” I sighed. “That would be great. But how can we arrange all that so quickly?”

Radar presented me with a clipboard. “Everything is already set, ma’am,” he stated. “We have all of your paperwork ready, and your orders are just waiting for Colonel Potter’s signature.”

“Well,” I said, feeling a real smile creeping onto my face. “What are we waiting for?”

It was just after sunset and I was wandering the camp again. The kids had all been shipped off this morning, after many tears had been shed. So many of them wanted me to come with them…I shivered in a sudden breeze, but grateful that the heat of the day was fading fast. I caught sight of Hawkeye going into the Supply tent.

He’s meeting someone there, I knew.

Biting my lip in determination, I went to the Nurse’s tent. I knocked before I could think better of it.

“Who is it?” a female voice called.

“Captain Albritton,” I replied.

“Oh, come on in, Doctor!” Kellye opened the door.

I walked inside, taking note of everyone who was there. “Oh, good, you’re all still here.” I paused, clasping my hands together tightly. “I hope you all understand what I’m about to say, since you are women…I need to know who is meeting Hawkeye in the Supply tent tonight.”

Silence as they looked at each other uncomfortably. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, and opened them again to see one nurse raising her hand.

“I’m supposed to be there in ten minutes,” she admitted.

She was cute, I’ll give her that. I sighed. “Look, maybe I’m out of line, but I’m…well…I’m sure you all heard, by now, that I have been involved…that is to say…uh…” I was losing my nerve fast.

“You and Hawkeye were an item,” Kellye supplied.

“Yes, thank you,” I agreed, rushing on before I could think better about it. “And I know you’ve heard about Kyle, my former fiancé. With that whole mess, and my normal responsibilities, there was a misunderstanding between Hawkeye and myself. And, well, I’d like the opportunity to work things out.” They were eyeing each other again. “I’m leaving in the morning…Please, this is my last chance…”

The nurse met my eyes calmly. “Of course,” she agreed quietly.

I smothered the urge to sigh deeply. “Thank you…I…” I couldn’t find the words. “Thank you…”

I left, wondering if I should go freshen up, make an extra effort, or just go to him as I was. My body cried out for him…with my mind and heart echoing the sentiment. Steeling myself, I took a deep breath and went up to the Supply tent’s door. I knocked twice, paused, then twice again—just as the nurse had told me. Then I opened the door and went inside.

It was dimly lit and I could smell a candle burning. Music was playing softly, a song I couldn’t recognize. Hawkeye was humming along. As I rounded a tall series of shelves, I finally saw him. His back was to me, and I took the opportunity to just look at him.

He began to turn, saying, “Ah, my dear Nurse Whit—urk!” He froze, a glass of wine in his hand.

“Hello, Hawkeye,” I said, surprised to hear how soft and tender my voice sounded.

For a second, his face softened and I thought everything was okay. But something ran through his eyes, and his jaw set sternly.

“What are you doing here, Nellie?”

I sighed, coming around the corner completely. “I know, you were expecting Nurse Whitmore. But I asked her not to come.”

“You asked her…” He put the glass down, and I was surprised when it didn’t shatter.

“Hawkeye,” I began, then, seeing the pain in his eyes, I tried again. “Benjamin…I know I haven’t been paying much attention to you. I’ve been distracted, and for good reason.” He snorted, but I rushed on. “I’ve done more thinking over the last few days than I prefer to do. And, I’ve talked to Sidney Freedman about things I hadn’t admitted to myself.”

He turned away, presenting his back to me. I hesitated. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I couldn’t convince him of my feelings…

“One of the things I discovered while speaking to Sidney,” I said, hearing my voice getting rougher with emotion. “Was how I feel about you…and I couldn’t leave tomorrow without telling you.”

He whirled around. “What? You’re leaving tomorrow!?”

I nodded sadly. “The kids are gone, and I’m going with Sidney and Kyle…”

His face changed again. “Hmph…Kyle, huh…”

“Yes,” I stated. “But now how you think. I’m going to help Sidney, and together we hope Kyle will regain his memories. I’m going as a friend, nothing more.” He didn’t seem convinced. “Let me tell you something, Hawk…I’ve only been in love twice in my life. The first was Kyle…and the second…” I had to stop; my throat was closing up in grief. “Benjamin…” I whispered hoarsely.

“Nellie,” he said, and he was there. His arms wrapped around me, his lips against mine…everything I wanted, and had been longing for.

We held each other tightly, so tight, I could hardly breathe, but I didn’t care. The last few days caught up with us both, and we stumbled towards the mattress on the floor. I tripped on the edge and we laughed. “Benjamin,” I breathed as he suckled at my neck. “I love you…”

He paused long enough to raise his head to look at me. I fell into his deep beautiful eyes as he said, “I love you too, Nellie…”

The world faded for a long while, and there was nothing but Hawkeye and the feelings he evoked. I came back to myself and found him lying beside me. He was staring at me and the expression on his face made me want to weep. The tears began to well up and I turned my face away.

“Shh,” he said gently. “Shh, Nellie…Don’t cry…if you cry, I might…”

I looked up at him, shocked to see the tears in his eyes too. “Benjamin…” I sobbed, burying my face in his chest. The short hairs tickled against my nose and cheek as I cried. He continued to shush me, stroking my hair…but I could hear him sniffling and I knew he wept too.

Placing my last bag into the back of the jeep, I adjusted my skirt and reached for my hat, which lay on the passenger seat. A hand met mine, holding the hat. I looked up to see B.J.

“If you thought you were going to sneak out of here, you were sorely mistaken,” he stated, grinning.

“It was worth a try,” I retorted.

He handed me the hat and glanced at the Swamp. “Are you going to say goodbye to him?”

Remembering last night, I flushed. “Is he awake?”

“Of course I’m awake,” Hawkeye said, appearing in the doorway. “I had to wake up Charles, that’s all.”

I kicked myself mentally—I’d forgotten about letting Charles off the hook!! “I must speak to the Major,” I told B.J., walking past him. I slid past Hawkeye, making sure my body brushed against his and winking. “Charles,” I said, seeing that he was sitting on the side of the bunk. He hastily pulled his blanket over his lap.

“Yes, uh…Doctor Albritton, I understand you’re leaving!” he sounded hopeful.

I put my hands on my hips. “Charles, darling…there’s something important I need to tell you.” He leaned forward, his hands covering his face. “That whole thing in Tokyo…never happened, dear. I made the whole thing up.”

That got his attention, and he looked up slowly. I could hear Hawkeye and B.J. laughing behind me, and I smirked. Charles stood suddenly, his blanket forgotten. I watched his face and neck turning red.

“Madam,” he began, speaking through grit teeth. “Are you telling me that before you came to this camp, we had never met?”

I nodded. “I’m afraid so. After all, if I may say so, how could I have ever forgotten you?”

I winked at him and turned to leave. He was making sounds without speaking, but managed to gather his wits around him.

“Or I, you, madam,” he growled.

I blew him a kiss and walked out of the Swamp. I could hear his inarticulate sounds of outrage, and maybe a little relief as I approached the jeep. Sherman awaited me.

“Aw, Nellie,” he said gruffly. He jerked his chin towards the Swamp. “I see you’ve finally told Winchester.”

I laughed. “Poor man,” I allowed. “He’s been in absolute agony trying to avoid me all this time…”

He nodded, and I could see the strain on his face. Smiling at him, I pulled him into a hug, kissing him on the cheek.

“Goodbye, Sherman, you old goat,” I whispered.

He laughed. “Goodbye, Nellie,” he replied, squeezing me tight.

I stepped back, seeing Radar just beyond the jeep. “Radar,” I said, going to him. “You have been so kind to me, and to the children. I want to thank you.”

He shrugged, looking embarrassed. “It’s okay…”

“Radar,” I said again, making sure he looked up. He blushed furiously, and I knew he’d somehow read my mind again. I leaned down and kissed him soundly on the lips. “You take care, love…”

“Er…yeah…I mean, yes, ma’am!” he exclaimed, his voice cracking.

I laughed and spotted several nurses, including Kellye and Houlihan. I waved and smiled. Sidney approached, having been arranging Kyle in a nearby ambulance.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

I looked around, amazed at the amount of memories I would be taking with me from such a short stay.

“Yes,” I replied. “I think I am…”

“No she’s not,” Hawk said.

Before I could turn, he had grabbed my hand, twirled me around, and locked me in an embrace unlike any other. I heard laughter and catcalls, but ignored them as I tried to fit everything I wanted to say into our last kiss. Finally, he pulled away and helped me straighten up again. He was breathing heavily and his eyes looked sad, though he grinned cheerily.

“Now she’s ready,” he announced.

“Woo,” I sighed. “I didn’t expect a tonsillectomy!” I teased.

“You’ll get your bill!”

I laughed and stepped towards the jeep. B.J. blocked my path, holding his hand out to me—my hat was in his grasp. I took it silently, smiling, and placed it on my head securely. He was grinning as he leaned down to hug me fiercely.

“Take care,” he murmured.

“You take care of him,” I replied.

He nodded and I finally slipped into the seat on the jeep. Sidney had made his own goodbyes and was climbing into the ambulance. As the driver started the vehicle, I gave the camp one last glance. My gaze fell upon the sign I’d seen that first day.

Best care anywhere…I thought as I looked at Hawkeye. The best ever…

The End