Chapter Text
It all started with the announcement of peace. Peace. A real Peace. All night they had danced and laughed, it was unbelievable the war was over. Just a few hours and they would be on the way home. Everyone was in the mess tent, discussing the plans for home. Hawk was looking around, feeling an urgent need to hug Margaret. They had become close in the past years and now, where it all came to an end, he longed for a proper goodbye.
“Margaret what are you doing outside? You now the big party is in here?” He left the doorstep as he pointed into the mess tent. “I’m sure Bj is just about to drop his pants. Sure you want to miss that?”
She smiled softly, “Positiv. I just need some quietness right now.”
“What’s wrong?” His voice was turning slightly concerned as he walked over to her. Taking a seat on the wooden boxes right next to Margaret.
“Oh, nothing.”
“I think we both know, that's not true.” He gave her an encouraging smile.
“Oh heck, whatever. Apparently, I just can’t fool you and trust me I’ve tried.” She smirked as she nudged his side with hers. He placed his arm around her shoulder, chuckling.
“No chance, Major. And by the way distracting doesn't help either. So let me in on your secret thoughts.”
“But it is kind of silly.”
“Oh c’mon, Margaret it is just uncle Hawk.” He grinned.
“Fine…” She sighed, ”You know my carrier is sorted and I’m sure it will be fine but…” She stopped, searching for words.
“But you are scared about the rest?” He asked.
“Mhh… what if there is nothing else? What if I’m ending up alone or, worse, with Donald No. 2?” Fear was creeping into her voice, not going unnoticed by Hawkeye.
“Listen Margaret,” He turned and grasped her upper arms to look in her eyes. “You are the most stunning women I’ve ever met. You are passionate, spirited and strong, but also caring and loving. Why on earth do you think you remain single?”
“Did you see the men I had? Even if I did find someone he must turn out to be a jerk.”
“But you have become so much more self-confident. You are not ending up with this kind of men anymore. You will kick their asses as fast as lightning.”
“Right and then I’m alone again. I’m sure there is no man for me like Bj.” She was frustrated.
“I’m sure there is one for you.” He pulled her in a soft embrace, wondering how she could not see the Margaret he saw.
“I’m not.” But she was smiling against his chest. A warm feeling welled up in her belly as she let herself sink deeper into the embrace. They sat there not moving, just enjoying the moment as long as they could.
On an impulse Hawk raised his head, “What do you think… I just had a great idea... “ He got pretty excited. “If we are still alone at the age of 50, we’ll try it.”
“Try what?” She backed away, studying his face in shock, knowing perfectly well what he had meant.
“Us. We will get together if we are still single then.”
“No! We can’t… that is stupid… silly…”
“Brilliant?” He was grinning madly.
She eyed him for a long time, while her inner voices desperately analyzed the words she had heard. It was neither right nor decent but she actually felt kind of relieved.
“I… don’t know. Maybe…” She stammered, avoiding his eyes.
He gently lifted up Margaret’s chin and made her look directly in his deep blue eyes. “There is nothing to lose. I’m sure you are not single by this time, but if you are, fine, we will spent the rest of our time with a person we know better than anyone in our whole life. We have seen each other in all possible ways, we know the best and the worst of us.” His voice was tender nearly loving and his soft gaze underlined it.
The nearly helpless expression on her face made him want to kiss her. He felt the rising tickle in his body, he so often had suppressed in the bigger part of the last two years. Skilled, he forced it back down and waited for her answer.
“Fine.” It wasn’t even a whisper and to her surprise he tugged her close and planted a soft kiss on her hair. “Then it’s set. If we’re both still single by the time we’re 50, we’ll get together.” He was smiling brightly, resting his head on hers.
“Lok at thuse luvbids” Bjs drunken voice crossed the compound as he was careening towards them. Margaret recoiled from Hawkeye but relaxed as soon as she noticed the state Bj was in. She was sure tomorrow he couldn't remember a thing.
“C’mon Major, we better go back inside or we are the main topic of the last few hours.” He winked as he grabbed the other man's arm, to guide him back inside. Margaret followed them, feeling much more at ease.
**
Now there he was. Staring at her, trying desperately to find the right words to say. It wasn’t a goodbye, at least he hoped so. Images of them sitting on their porch together being all gray and old flooded his head. The tickling feeling not only overtook his body but also his mind and he didn’t even try to fight it. With two steps he held her in his arms, kissing her with passion, letting all the unspoken words and suppressed emotions seep into it. Trying to tell her everything he couldn't say.
His lips were soft on hers. To her own surprise she had hurried towards him as soon as he had moved the first muscle. Sensing all the things he was willing to give, she nearly lost herself in his arms. In the warmth of his body and the sensation of his lips. Not even the attendance of bystanders could hold her back. She exactly needed this goodbye. Images of them sitting on a porch together being all gray and old appeared in her mind. Maybe it wasn’t a goodbye, she hoped.