FIC: Reunion
Jun. 13th, 2005 09:17 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
lilmissfury.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
mash_slashHere is the fic I've loved, sweated over and petted ever since it's inception. Much thanks goes to Hawkeye's Martini and HawkeyeCat for Drew Blake's name and to HawkeyeCat and SarcasticSra for the endless betas.
Title: Reunion
Author: LilMissFury(Liz)
Disclaimer: I don't own these guys, if I did BJ and Hawk would be doing naughty things to me right now. Any original characters are up for grabs as well (Liz the desk clerk, Tommy Hunnicutt, Hannah McIntyre, James Montgomery Nicci prounounced Neicey is short for Denise. I have a great-aunt who used it etc etc etc)
Summery: BJ and Trapper wind up at a reunion of the men of the 4077th and talk. A/U
Pairing: B-eye, Hawpper, Klingles, Margaret/OMC
Author's Notes/Warning: First of all there's a major character death. If you're opposed to such things, don't read. PS: Hawkeyecat and Hawkeye's Martini both get credit for getting me Henry Blake's son’s name. And Hawkeyecat and SarcasticSra get huge props for the endless beta work as this story was in progress. I couldn’t have done it without you ladies.
"Dad, you don't have to do this you know," Erin Hunnicutt Blake tells her father as she helps him out of the car.
"Yes, I do, Hawk would have wanted me to be here, especially since he can't be here himself," BJ replies, leaning heavily on his cane.
"Uncle Ben would have understood that you're just too tired to attend a meeting of some of your old war buddies," Erin scolds. As the wife of an oncologist, she understands better than anyone what her father is going through.
"Look, Erin, I need to do this! And I don't need you or anyone else telling me what to do, you understand me young lady? Remember, you might be married with children of your own, but you're not too old for me to paddle your butt!" BJ threatens.
"You know, I might take you a little more seriously if you hadn't left all the discipline up to Mom and Uncle Ben," Erin replies.
"I knew I should've taken a firmer hand with you as a child," BJ answers glibly and adds, "Now, let's do this."
"Okay," Erin sighs, walking towards the hotel's entrance. "Does anyone know why they chose some rinky dink hotel in Kentucky?"
"Radar said it was because Kentucky's in the middle of the country, or something like that," BJ replies "Besides, you know the Army—sense is lost on them."
Erin and BJ slowly make their way to the front desk. "Reservations for Hunnicutt and Blake."
"Ah yes, welcome to the Executive Inn Hotel, my name is Liz," a young redhead smiles. "Mr. Blake has already checked you into your rooms, they're room numbers 112 and 114 on the first floor as per your request."
"Thank you, ma'am," Erin replies politely. "Where is the reunion taking place?"
"That will be on the first floor in the Archibald Ballroom. It opens at six this evening," she informs them sweetly. "Would you like a bellman to help you with your luggage?"
"No thank you, Drew, my husband brought our luggage ahead, thank you for your time and help," Erin tells her.
"Thank you, and enjoy your stay," Liz answers before going back to her work.
“Okay Dad, after we get you settled in I'm going to go to dinner with Drew," Erin informs BJ as they walk towards their rooms.
"No problem, you two kids enjoy yourselves. I think I'm going to look up Charles and Klinger, see what kind of trouble we can get in," BJ looks tired, but knows he has to do this. It was Hawkeye's last request that he make it to this reunion and say goodbye to Trapper for him.
"Later, Dad," Erin grins.
***
"Klinger, you old son of a gun, I don't know why but you never seem to change, with or without the dresses," BJ laughs greeting his old friend.
"BJ! How're you doing?" Klinger smiles, pulling him into a hug.
"I'm pretty good, doing better I have than since..."
"Yeah we heard. Sorry Charles and I couldn't make it up for the funeral. I had pneumonia and couldn't seem to shake it," Klinger interrupts regretfully.
"It's no problem, I got the flowers you sent. And you know Hawk, he wasn't one for somber events. In fact, one of his last demands was that I hold his funeral in a bar."
"A bar? From the man who quit drinking when one of his children got ahold of his gin thinking it was water?" Klinger laughs.
"Yeah, he thought it was the ultimate irony, he hadn't had alcohol in over twenty-five years, and he died of liver cancer," BJ remembers that conversation, or to be more accurate argument, vividly.
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay, it was rough after it first happened, I mean you don't spend over half of your life with one person and not miss them, but the pain lessens each day," BJ replies, leaning against a wall. "But let's change the subject, how's Charles doing?"
"Still as pompous as ever. He still hasn't forgiven me for wearing a dress to the last one of these things we held," Klinger answers, batting his eyelashes. "I didn't think Frank would recognize me without it."
"I understand, so who all's supposed to show up at this shindig this time?"
"Colonel Potter's granddaughter Jessica, Radar, Trapper and his wife, me, Charles, Margaret and her husband James, Spearchucker and his wife Nicci, you, Drew and Erin, Frank and Louise Burns..."
"Frank and Margaret in the same room together??! I think someone's going to die. Last one of these things Frank showed but Margaret didn't, the one before that Margaret showed but Frank didn't," BJ exclaims, trying to mask his pain with amusement.
"Well we had to lie to both of them and tell them the other wasn't showing, but Radar and I both agreed that since this is the last reunion we're likely going to have, all of us need to be together," Klinger looks as if he's facing his own mortality, and not liking it much
“ I know Klinger, I know," BJ mutters, himself lost in his own thoughts, his memories of how good things had been since he and Hawkeye had finally broken down and told one another how they felt about each other after Peg had been killed. "So you said the infamous Trapper John McIntyre has finally deigned to grace us with his presence at one of these reunions?”
"Yeah, I had to get his second wife, Hannah to guilt him into it, but he agreed, with the condition that we don't tell Hawkeye he's coming," Klinger replies, a little bitterly.
"What? He doesn't know? How the hell can he not know?" BJ demands, every raw nerve he’s had since Hawkeye died coming once again to the forefront.
"I don't know. I figured you or one of the kids called and told him, but then again who am I to assume anything?"
"I couldn't think after Hawk died, if it weren't for Erin and Tommy, I don't know if I would have gotten through," BJ admits.
"That's what kids are good for, well that and driving their parent's nuts," Klinger jokes.
"You don't have to tell me about that, just think about any how any child who's been raised by Hawkeye Pierce is going to turn out, needless to say, their teenage years were hell," BJ shudders at just the memory.
"Well, I'm going to get out of Dodge now, because it looks like Trapper is heading our way," Klinger, turns quickly on his heel and runs.
“Thanks, Klinger!" BJ calls after him sarcastically.
"Klinger, always the coward," a man with curly gray hair and striking hazel eyes comments.
"Yeah, you can take a Klinger out of the jungle, but you can't take the jungle out of Klinger," BJ snorts.
"Trapper John McIntyre," he holds out his hand obviously looking for a handshake "Surgeon."
"BJ Hunnicutt, replacement surgeon," BJ replies, taking the other man’s hand.
"So you were my replacement," Trapper grumbles, looking lost in thought.
"Yeah, I have to say you were a hard act to follow." BJ remembers how long it took to make his place in the unit. And his place in Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce's heart.
"So I've been told, you seen Hawkeye anywhere?"
"He couldn't make it," BJ hedges, not wanting to just spring the news on the other man blindly. No one deserves to hear news like that.
"What do ya mean he couldn't make it? He always comes to these things."
"He was otherwise occupied," BJ grits between his teeth. At times like this he misses Hawk's ability to calm him down with a single look.
"Ah I get it, some dame is taking up his time," Trapper smirks.
"No, he just can’t make it that’s all,” BJ replies shortly
“Look, just tell me why he couldn’t make it why don’t ya?” Trapper growls.
“He’s gone Trapper,” BJ finally breaks. “Has been for about three months now.”
“What got him?” Trapper demands.
“Liver cancer,” BJ replies softly. “We just did some routine blood work to try to control his blood pressure, but his liver enzymes were off, and we had Drew do a biopsy.”
“Always knew that home-brewed gin could kill you,” Trapper mutters softly.
“It wasn’t alcohol, Hawkeye quit drinking twenty-five years ago,” BJ bitterly states.
“Hawkeye quit drinking, are you kidding me?” Trapper looks shocked, as if the possibility was out of his range of comprehension.
“Yes, he quit drinking,” BJ shrugs, he’s not purposely keeping his answers about his relationship with Hawk vague, he just doesn’t know how much his lover would want Trapper to know.
“BJ, Max and Walter need you in the ballroom, they have something they need to ask you,” Charles calls out from down the hall.
“Excuse me, I have to go,” BJ walks away without apology, grateful for the short reprieve.
“The Ballroom is this way, although, I don’t think that gaudy little room can truly be called a ballroom,” Charles laments.
“I’m sorry it’s not up to your standards, they didn’t ask me where to hold this reunion,” BJ responds sarcastically.
“Of course, anything’s better then the interminable Swamp.”
“I’ll agree with that.”
BJ goes quiet, and thinks about how he misses Hawkeye more on days like this. They’d planned on retiring from their private practice this year.
As far as he’s concerned he is a widow; he and Hawkeye had been married every way but legally. Being with another man in the years following Korea, however, had meant hiding. Hoping the neighbors would never get curious enough to start asking questions.
Everyone but their closest friends and family thought they were nothing more than good friends. The kids' teachers thought Hawkeye was just Erin and Tommy’s favorite Uncle Ben.
“Here we are,” Charles informs him, interrupting his thoughts. “Tell Max that I’ve gone back to our dowdy little hotel room to take a nap, and unless he wants his Pneumonia to return he might want to do the same”
BJ shakes his head, and walks into the ballroom, the first thing he sees is the top of Radar’s head, what hair he had left was still clinging to it’s natural red.
“Radar! It’s good to see you. Did Mary have to work?” BJ shakes his friend's hand vigorously, any animosity towards him forgotten.
“No sir! I mean yes sir, it’s good to see you again, and no sir, Mary's in our room on the phone with our oldest granddaughter Caryn trying to convince her not to dye her hair green,” Radar stutters.
“Green! And I thought Tommy’s kids were bad,” BJ laughs “And how many times to I have to tell you it’s BJ, not sir. I think after 35 years you’re entitled.”
“Sorry, force of habit,” Radar looks uncomfortable in the middle of the ballroom. He shuffles and begins pacing.
“Charles said you and Klinger wanted to see me?” BJ prods, wanting to escape to his room and be alone for a little while.
“Yes sir, I mean BJ, it’s well… here’s the…”
“We’re doing a memorial to those who have died since the war ended and we need you to say something about Hawkeye,” Klinger interrupts impatiently.
“That’s what you really want?”
“Yeah, we’re trying to get the people who knew them best to make a speech about them,” Klinger explains.
“Jessica Potter’s saying something about the Colonel, James Wagoner, you remember Kellye Nakahara don’t you?” Radar asks, but then continues on, “Angela Rizzo’s saying something about her dad, and Igor’s sister.”
Both men are looking at BJ as if their entire future rests on his shoulders, and BJ feels as if he’s too old to carry that weight.
“I’ll do it, on the condition that I go first,” BJ stipulates, he wants to be able to leave after he speaks. He pulls a battered leather wallet out of his back pocket, digs behind his drivers license, and pulls out a battered picture of the him and Hawkeye out. “This was taken the night before we left Korea, I’d like to have it put on a slide and shown behind me.”
“Sure, no problem, their technical department is marvelous here,” Klinger gushes.
“I’m going to my room to get some sleep before tonight’s festivities start, I’d suggest you both do the same.” BJ all but orders, “And Klinger, if you ever run off and leave me with Trapper again I’ll make Korea seem like a picnic.”
With that promise issued BJ walks away, content for now to be alone with his thoughts.
****
It’s five o’clock when BJ wakes from his nap. He’s hungry, but knows they’re serving dinner at this reception. Tonight is special just for members of the 4077th, tomorrow starts the activities for all MASH vets.
He decides to take this time alone to have his nightly talk with Hawkeye. He’s not senile enough to believe that Hawk will ever answer him, but it gives him comfort just the same.
“Hawk, on days like this I could kill you for leaving me alone. I want to make the doctors revive you, so I can murder you myself,” BJ whispers softly, “But more often than not I just want you here with me where I can hold you close.”
“I’ve seen Charles, Radar, Klinger, and you’re not gonna believe this, Trapper himself. They all seem to be doing fine, although Klinger’s really showing his age. Then again, he never was the prettiest of our bunch.”
BJ clutches a pillow to his chest, imagining for just a moment that it’s Hawkeye he’s holding, “You were right, in different circumstances I’d like Trapper, but I can’t stand knowing that you were his first. We talked for a while, I had to break the news to him, I don’t mind telling you it was almost as hard as telling the kids that you’d finally slipped away.”
BJ rolls onto his other side taking the pillow with him; he’s restless. “Erin and Drew are down here with me. They left Benny and Maggie with Mildred Blake and her new husband. Tommy’s doing good, Sally’s expected to deliver any day now, if it’s a boy they’re gonna name him Pierce. I wish you were here to see it.”
“They want me to say something at this thing tonight. I don’t know what to say, for the first time in my life I’m at a loss for words…”
The phone rings breaking the mood, “Hunnicutt.”
“Dad, it’s Erin. I heard they want you to say something at the dinner tonight,” his little girl says sympathetically.
“Yeah, I don’t know what to say thought.”
“Just before he died Uncle Ben gave me a letter. He told me to hide it in your suitcase and let you find it on your own.” Erin informs him, “It’s in the pocket of your suitcase where you keep your shaving kit.”
“Hold on a sec would ya Erin?” BJ doesn’t wait for her to answer, just drops the phone, pushes himself off the bed, and starts digging through his suitcase. It only takes a minute for him to feel the edges of the envelope, he jerks it out of the compartment and stares at the familiar doctor’s scrawl. “Erin I’ll call you back.”
BJ hangs up the phone and begins to read the letter. By the time he finishes he’s hanging on to his composure by a thread.
“Hawk, you could be damned poetic when you wanted to be,” BJ whispers before getting up to get ready. As he’s getting dressed he makes a decision, he picks up the phone and calls Radar and Mary’s room. “Radar, I’ve changed my mind, I want to go last.”
“Well this isn’t Radar, but I’ll tell him,” Mary replies laughter filling her voice.
“Thank’s Ma'am I’ve got to go,” BJ cuts off the conversation and sits down, making his plans.
***
***
Two hours later, after everyone has eaten, made comments about how this food wasn’t much better than what they used to serve in the army, and had a few drinks the real festivities start.
Radar makes his way up to the podium, as ranking enlisted man he’s also master of ceremonies for the evening.
“Everyone…everyone,” Klinger tries to calm the room, but he's being ignored.
“Pipe Down!” Radar screams. The room falls to silence.
“Okay, we’d like to welcome everyone to the reunion of the 4077th MASH, for those of you who don’t remember, or weren’t under my command, my name is Corporal Walter, Radar, O'Reilly. We’ll start off as per military regulation 401-221 with roll call. Per tradition we ask that everyone come to the podium, and give name rank, and current occupation in alphabetical order,” Radar recites.
“I can’t believe he actually remembers the reg number,” Margaret whispers into BJ’s ear, causing him to snort with laughter.
“He probably looked it up when he was writing the speech," Trapper quips.
“Probably,” BJ agrees.
“Okay, on with the roll call, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Burns,” Radar announces.
“I retired from the military in 1961, and went to work for Cedar-Sinai hospital in California.” Frank informs them, then stalks off the stage. BJ figures he saw Margaret down in the audience.
“Lieutenant Angela Dish.”
BJ tunes the next few people in roll call out, they are either people he doesn’t know very well or people who were in Korea before he was.
“Major Margaret Houlihan-Montgomery,” Radar announces, bringing BJ down to earth again.
“I resigned my commission in 1965 when I married James Montgomery, and went on to work as a nurse at the Methodist Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. I have three wonderful children, two boys and a girl, and eight grandchildren,” Margaret answers smartly.
Some of the audience can barely believe this soft grandmotherly woman is the “Hotlips” Houlihan they remember. But BJ knows Korea changed Margaret for the better. Well Korea and a couple of broken hearts. It’s as Margaret is making her way down the steps of the stage with the assistance of Radar that BJ realizes it’s his turn in roll call. He’d forgotten about this tradition and can barely think when he stands to make his way to the stage.
“Captain BJ Hunnicutt,” Radar calls out.
“Present, after Korea I went home and began working at Sausalito General Hospital until it closed in 1965, then Hawkeye and I opened a private practice in Mill Valley where we raised my two children Erin and Tommy after Peg’s death a little less than a year after the war was over,” BJ states, again being discreet about his relationship with Hawk. He knows there are people in this crowd that wouldn’t approve; one of them was sitting at
a table with his daughter and her husband.
“Sergeant Maxwell Q. Klinger, I left Toledo for Boston after my wife Soon-Li died in childbirth a couple of years after the war. While in Boston, I ran into an old friend Paul Conway, we opened The Rose Room, a four star restaurant that we share ownership of to this day.” Klinger brags. “I also worked for a time as an orderly at Massachusetts General Hospital, where I ran into Major Winchester, he offered me the use of his guest room instead of, as he called it, the ‘gaudiest bathhouse in Boston’, and I never left.”
“Trapper John McIntyre,” Radar reads out.
“Present,” Trapper replies “After I got home Louise and I moved to a small town outside of Boston named Quincy where I opened my own pediatric practice. Five years ago I turned the practice over to my son Francis. I’m now retired and living in Florida with my second wife Hannah.”
“Was she his secretary?” Margaret mumbles under her breath.
“Behave Margaret, you know what happens when your blood-pressure goes up,” James Montgomery warns his wife.
“Stuff it, James,” she replies.
The names go on and on for a little while as one by one the roll is called. Father Mulcahy, BJ learned had died of lung cancer just last year. He should be surprised he hasn’t heard about it, but since Hawkeye was sick for so long he kind of let himself fall out of touch with his old war buddies. The only time he remembers thinking about the good Father was at Hawk’s funeral when he wished Mulcahy could’ve been there to perform the service. Radar, as it turns out, worked hard on his mother's farm, and just last year sold
it to the University of Iowa to be used as grounds for a research facility, on the condition that they name the hospital after Henry Blake.
“And last, but not least, Charles Emerson Winchester the Third,” Radar calls.
“Present. I left the army after my tour and Korea, and served as chief thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General, until my retirement this last year. I donate every year to The Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as the United Way, and many other worthy organizations. I have no children, and am content to live my life with my partner Max,” Charles says, daring anyone to say anything to him. After all, he is a Winchester, and one does not cross a Winchester.
Klinger takes the podium after Charles steps down and lovingly smiles at him, before turning serious. “This year, we’d like to pay tribute to those friends who couldn’t make it. We’ve asked one person to speak on the behalf of each member. First, on behalf of our beloved Colonel Potter, his granddaughter Jessica Potter.”
A lovely blond steps behind the microphone, and BJ silently wonders how anything that pretty can come from Sherman Potter, the grizzled old veteran of three wars. She reads from a piece of paper, Jessica obviously was asked months before hand to do this speech. “My grandfather was a career military man, a proud veteran of three wars. But he always said he was never prouder than when he was commanding officer of the 4077th MASH. Granddad used to sit me on his lap and tell me all about the exploits of the doctors he worked with. As I grew older, I must confess that those stories seemed a little unbelievable, after all what sane army officer would dump a bucket of beer over a higher ranked officer’s head? Then I started attending these reunions, first to help Granddad, and then because it’s what he wanted me to do to keep the Potter tradition alive. During those often outrageous parties I came to realize that you all were a little crazy, and that’s what he loved you for. “
Margaret is wiping tears out of her eyes as she comes to the podium to introduce the next speaker, after all it’s one of her nurses that’s being remembered. “I served with Kellye Nakahara from the time I was posted at the 4077th MASH and there wasn’t a finer nurse in the outfit. Here to speak on the behalf of his mother who tragically passed away in a car accident three years ago is James Wagoner.”
BJ takes this time to gather his thoughts. He knows what he’s going to say, after all Hawk has it written plain as day in his letter. He just doesn’t know if he can make it through the speech without breaking down in tears.
Forty-five minutes later, everyone had gone but him. He know’s it’s coming, but waits for Radar to make the introduction.
“Three months ago, the 4077th lost one of it’s founding fathers, Chief Surgeon Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, to liver cancer. Here to give us a little insight about his best friend is Captain BJ Hunnicutt.”
BJ makes his way slowly back up to the stage. He can feel the eyes boring into his back, each and every person wandering what he’s going to say.
“When Hawkeye knew that he wouldn’t make it to this reunion, he made me promise I would attend anyway, even if it meant leaving him sick in the hospital. I agreed, thinking there’s no way I’m going without him,” BJ begins, taking comfort in the image he knows is being projected behind him. That one picture had been with him through a thousand surgeries, endless hours of waiting for test results, and finally Hawkeye’s funeral service. “But you all knew Hawk, if he wanted something bad enough he’d get it come hell or high water.”
BJ looks out among the crowd, taking comfort in the faces of his dearest friends. “What I didn’t know is Hawk sent a message via Erin, a letter he wanted me to share with everyone.”
BJ takes a deep breath and begins to read, “Dearest Friends,
“If you are reading this letter then I’ve died. A fact for which I’m eternally sorry. I know how much pain it’s caused and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
“I want everyone to know, that I’ve lived my life to it’s very fullest and don’t know of one thing I would change if I had the chance. BJ, I want you to read that line and remember it.”
“I started this letter off with friends, but I should’ve said dearest family, because that’s what every one of you has become over the years… Yes, even you Frank.”
Frank snorts from his chair and it’s all BJ can do not to go down and shove that Shirley Temple down Old Ferret face’s throat, but instead he remains where he is. BJ also hears someone crying, but forces himself not to look up. He can tell it’s Erin, and BJ knows if he sees his daughter crying he’ll cry.
“Margaret, you were the pesky older sister I never had, or even knew I wanted. My battles with you and Frank made me that much more determined to survive Korea and all its hell. Later, your friendship made the struggle we had in the beginning worthwhile. I hope your James knows just how lucky he is to be married to a wonderful woman like you.”
BJ scans the audience to find Margaret wiping her eyes with a handkerchief and James holding her hand tightly.
“Radar, when we opened the Officer’s Club, I made a crack about you being like a son to me. That wasn’t far off from the truth you know. You were always one of my favorites. Just before we left Korea, we buried a time capsule to be opened in 100 years. One of the things I donated was your teddy bear. I said it was a symbol of a boy coming to Korea and going home a man. You were never really the same after Colonel Blake died, in a lot of ways you were bitter. That's why when I got the invitation to your wedding, as well as the invitation to serve as best man, it was an honor and privilege."
BJ looks over to Radar and Mary who’re sitting there holding hands and looking very much still in love.
“Klinger, from your schemes to get a section 8 from the army to your get rich quick ideas, you always had the ability to keep me on my toes, and make me laugh. In this world, there are times when laughter truly is the best medicine. You were really at the top of your game when you opened The Rose Room. I’m glad you and Conway found each other as business partners after the war, and I’m glad you’re doing so well. You and Charles take care of one another.”
Klinger wipes his eyes vigorously, he doesn’t want to be seen crying. Charles just pats his knee and looks uncomfortable.
“Frank, while you were never the best doctor in the unit, or even the best person, fighting with you gave me purpose, a goal to work towards. I’m sorry I never told you that face to face.”
BJ looks directly at Frank to see him staring down, almost as if he’s actually feeling something.
“Charles, I was always humbled by the way you attack life with passion and vigor. You might be a little pompous, but you can also be a great friend, like the night you sat with me all night, waiting to see if my father had made it out of surgery. For that you will eternally have a spot in my heart.”
Charles is almost blushing with pride at the words, BJ smiles. He should have known it would take a lot to make the great Charles Emerson Winchester the Third blush.
“Jessica, I’ve spoken with Radar and he told me you are going to be at the reunion in your grandfather’s place. You should be proud of him. Colonel Potter was a lot like my father. He not only knew the value of a good laugh, but treated everyone as equals regardless of name, rank, sex or race. He commanded respect from everyone and we were glad to give it to him.”
BJ trains his eyes on Trapper for the last public part of Hawkeye’s letter; the rest he’ll read to his kids later. “Trapper, a long time ago I sent you a letter. I told you that we would be nothing more than friends. I lied; you were a brother, someone I could always count on when the chips were down. I loved you in a unique way because you were the first, and when you left without so much as a goodbye it almost killed me. But now I’ve realized we all have to say goodbye in our own way, and your way was not at all. So in the spirit of our friendship I ask…” BJ’s voice cracks and he lets them think it’s because his throat is dry, “I ask that you take care of my family. BJ, Erin, and Tommy mean everything to me. There’s no one I trust more to look after them for me.”
Trapper silently nods in agreement. The tension in the room is so thick you can cut it with a knife.
“The rest of Hawkeye’s letter is family stuff. Benjamin Franklin Pierce was a kind, loving, gentle, maddening, sarcastic man. He was the best surgeon I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching operate, and the best friend I ever had. I’ll miss him every day of my life. But in the spirit of Hawkeye’s memory, I ask that tonight, when you’re raising your glasses in toast, you toast the memory of the man who wrote those words,” BJ requests, before starting to leave the stage.
Erin quickly makes her way to her father and throws her arms around him, “I miss him too Daddy, more and more every day.”
“I know baby.” BJ whispers, patting her hair helplessly.
Jessica Potter makes her way back up to the stage, and takes the podium for a final time that night, “As Granddad used to say, for the sake of me, and my eagles, which I worked so hard to get, go forth and mingle.”
“You wanna skip this part, dad?” Erin asks concern filling her eyes.
“No, there are people I need to talk to,” BJ answers. “But, as soon as I’m done here, we can head towards my room, get Tommy on the speaker phone, and I’ll read you two your part of Hawk’s letter.”
“Kay, Dad.”
Trapper walks up to BJ, a little nervously. “BJ, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Talk away.”
“In private,” Trapper motions towards the door.
“Okay, whatever you say,” BJ replies, although he really doesn’t want to talk at the moment.
They make their way out of the room and sit at the ticket table.
“What did you need Trapper?”
“I just want you to know that if there’s anything, anything at I can do for you, all you have to do is ask.” Trapper explains. “Hawkeye loved you more than anything, you know?”
“Thanks, the feeling was mutual. He was something special,” BJ looks a little wistful.
“He was something, all right. Listen, when I found out Hawkeye died, I had Hannah, my wife, get something from our room. Something I think you should have.” Trapper reaches inside his jacket pocket and pulls out an envelope. “Hawkeye wrote this just before the war ended, back when he thought you were going to live forever with your wife.”
“Are you sure?” BJ’s shocked. Hawk had never told him he’d written Trapper.
“Yes, I’m sure. Even back then, when he thought there was no hope for the future, Hawkeye loved you.”
“Thanks for telling me that,” BJ murmurs.
“You’re welcome, now you wanna go back in. Some of those nurses still look pretty damned good.”
“Trapper, you’re a lecherous old man. I like you.”
"I'll take that as a compliment then," Trapper laughs, leading them back into the ballroom.
***
Forty-five minutes later BJ is sipping on a martini and listening to Charles and Frank compare notes about living in the swamp. He can't decide which is more pompous, although Charles does get lovable points.
"BJ, do you remember that April Fools, when you, Pierce and I stole Margaret's tent?" Charles asks.
"Very well, that's was one of my finest hours. The look on Margaret's face was worth all the ‘trouble’ later," BJ laughs.
"That's despicable," Frank gasps.
"Yes, it was," Margaret agrees, acknowledging Frank for the first time that night. "But what we did to Colonel Tucker, was even funnier."
"They got to you too, Margaret?" Frank looks as if he's swallowed a lemon.
"Oh, take the stick out of your ass Frank and live a little," Margaret shoots back, "You wouldn't know a good joke if it bit you."
"Well I never!" Frank stalks off, undoubtedly looking for someone to complain to.
"Yeah, the bucket of beer was great, but the colonel's joke was even better," BJ calls after him.
"Can anyone tell me what I ever saw in him?" Margaret shakes her head in disgust.
"You liked the fact that he has no lips?" BJ suggests.
"You thought he was a cute, cuddly little ferret," Charles adds.
"You couldn't have me?" Trapper asks, joining the group at their table. "After all you did think I was built."
"You're never going to let me live that down are you?" Margaret gasps, turning beet red. "I was drunk!"
"So I wasn't, does it matter?"
"Yes!" Margaret throws her hands up in the air, obviously willing to take the joke.
BJ finally stands up, catches Erin's eye, and motions for her to join him. "Well I hate to break up this little party, but I've got to call Tommy before it gets too late, and we all have to get up early for the battalion events."
"Goodnight BJ, we'll see you in the morning," Margaret waves, before going back to the conversation.
"Goodnight everyone." BJ turns around and starts out of the ballroom feeling as if a fifty ton weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
****
"Sally, it's Erin, can you put Tommy on the phone?" Erin asks into the speaker phone.
"Sure, is there something wrong with your dad?" Sally's concern is evident. In the six years she's been married to Tommy she's become a part of the family.
"No, everything's fine, Dad and I just need to talk to him for a minute about some last minute things having to do with Uncle Ben," Erin reassures her.
"Okay, I'll get him." Sally agrees.
"Hello, Dad, Erin, you said there's something going on with Uncle Ben?" Tommy answers, the sound of children being admonished filling the background.
"No, well, not really. Uncle Ben wrote this sort of family wide letter before he died, and Dad feels that we should hear it together," Erin explains.
"Go ahead," Tommy replies, obviously as anxious as his sister is to hear their part of the letter.
"Tommy and Erin, you two are my children in everything but blood. I've had the honor and privilege of watching the two of you grow from rambunctious children into responsible adults that your father, mother and I can be proud of," BJ reads, his voice trembling again. "I'm sorry you never really got to know your mother, she was a wonderful woman in many ways. Her letters got your father and I through the war. Erin, I can't tell you how much your cookies meant in a camp where food was a four letter word."
Erin smiles, BJ can tell she's touched even if she doesn't remember what Hawkeye is talking about. "Baby girl, you wrapped me around your little fingers from the moment your father showed me your picture that day in Korea. I know it's hard to understand why your daddy had to miss those crucial first years of your life, but if I were to leave you a list of lives he saved it would take forever to complete, starting with my name. Tommy,
you were so small when your mom died, only a month old. I remember holding you in my arms during the funeral and looking down at you. You smiled at me. Beej said it was just gas, but I know better."
"I know your childhood wasn't easy. Hiding, pretending I was just a bachelor who happened to stay with your dad to help raise you two kids, not being able to have friends sleep over on no notice for fear they'd notice the guest room had never been slept in. I don't know that I ever fully told you how much I appreciated the sacrifice you kids made for your father and I."
"I'm sorry I won't be around to watch your babies grow up. I couldn't have asked for two better mates for my children then Drew Blake and Sally Day. My only hope for you both is that your children give you as much love, joy, terror, and flat out panic as you two gave your father and I," BJ finishes.
Erin is softly crying into a tissue, and the normally sarcastic Tommy is unusually quiet.
"Okay kids, the rest of the letter was between Hawk and I," BJ tells them. He knows his kids will get the hint. That's how they were raised; when they were kids, if they were told something was between Hawk and himself they knew to drop the subject because they weren't going to get any more information.
All of the sudden a high pitched scream pierces the silence of the room, "Shit! Dad I've got to go Lanie just hung Bobby by his feet from the chain hoist I keep on that tree outside!"
BJ bursts out laughing, "Told you your kids are going to give you ten times the hell you gave Hawk and me."
"Bite your tongue," Tommy groans before hanging up the phone without even a goodbye.
"Erin, you need to go find Drew, cherish this little time you have alone with him," BJ orders.
"Okay Dad,' She whispers, then kisses the top of his head and leaves.
BJ takes a few minutes to get comfortable, stripping down to his boxers and a t-shirt and tying his favorite robe around him. It's similar to the red robe Hawkeye had with him all through Korea, except his is purple. Hawk bought it for him for their first anniversary.
He lies back on the bed, and first re-reads the part of the letter that's strictly for him.
"Finally, Beej, my best friend in the world, and the love of my life. The last thirty-seven years with you made everything in Korea and what happened in the year afterward all worthwhile. I knew from the moment I held you while you puked your guts up, that you were something special. You proved that again and again over the years. I know you, BJ. You'll wait until you're alone, wrapped up in that purple bathrobe I bought you, until you read this part of the letter," BJ laughs. Hawk really did know him. "So I want you to know earlier when I asked Trapper to watch over you, it was a gesture of friendship more than anything else because I'm going to be watching over you too. Whatever afterlife there is must have a place for those of us who love without abandon. If you step out of line, I will come back and haunt you. Take good care of yourself Beej, that's an order from your chief surgeon. You still have work to do, grandchildren to spoil. I'm just sorry I had to leave you so soon. I love you,"
"Forever yours,
Hawkeye"
BJ wipes away the tear that he finally lets fall down his cheek. He sits there reflecting on 37 years of laughter, love and memories. Then he remembers the letter Trapper handed him when they were sitting out at the ticket table. He pulls it out and scans through the beginning of the letter. The first part is catching Trapper up on the happenings at the 4077th, it's the second part of the letter that kicks him in the gut.
"BJ Hunnicutt has made his own place in my heart. You know, you'd like him. He's smart, reliable, steadfast, and the best damned friend a man could ask for. He's become more than that as well. Trapper, after you left I didn't think there was anyone who could make me stop hurting, but BJ...he's made me stop hurting."
"He loves me for who and what I am. When the lights are out and Charles is pulling the night shift in post-op, BJ doesn't have a problem squeezing two people into a bunk that was barely made for one person. It isn't always sex, sometimes when things are looking their worst he'll just hold me and remind me I have something to live for."
"I know he won't leave his wife and child for me, but I love him just the same. I know in the end, when it's all over, he'll have the guts to tell me goodbye face to face."
"In fact, he's sitting here right now reading over my shoulder and making sure I get everything right."
"Hawkeye, you liar," BJ exclaims softly.
"So let's skip the pleasantries and let me tell you why I really wrote Trapper. You bastard, how could you just leave me like that? You didn't even have the balls to write me a little note that said goodbye. I was ten minutes too late to catch you before your plane took off. I didn't think I would ever forgive you."
"But in the end, I have forgiven you Trapper. And you can thank your ‘replacement’ for that as well. BJ has made me realize that sometimes in war we do things we wouldn't do otherwise. That sometimes in the middle of all this death you grab onto the one thing that reminds you you are alive and cling to that with all your might. You were that for me, my reminder that I was alive."
"So this will be the last time I ever write you John Francis Xavier McIntyre. Because in the last year I've come to realize BJ wasn't your replacement. You were his placeholder, here to help me until he was sent to me. I'll always love you as a friend Trapper, but that's it, you're nothing more than a friend."
"With Warmest Regards,
Benjamin Franklin Pierce
Hawkeye"
BJ puts the letter aside, closes his eyes, and softly sighs, "I'll love you until I die."
The for maybe the first time since Hawkeye died he closes his eyes and drifts straight into a deep dreamless sleep.
He doesn't see the two translucent figures standing over him, eyes full of love.
"He loved you very much you know?" the man asks the woman, putting a friendly arm around her shoulder.
"I know he did, but you know what, in the end it was you he loved more," the woman replies, as the pair fades away into the night.
****
The End
Crossposted to Hawkeye Is Bi and My personel journal.
Title: Reunion
Author: LilMissFury(Liz)
Disclaimer: I don't own these guys, if I did BJ and Hawk would be doing naughty things to me right now. Any original characters are up for grabs as well (Liz the desk clerk, Tommy Hunnicutt, Hannah McIntyre, James Montgomery Nicci prounounced Neicey is short for Denise. I have a great-aunt who used it etc etc etc)
Summery: BJ and Trapper wind up at a reunion of the men of the 4077th and talk. A/U
Pairing: B-eye, Hawpper, Klingles, Margaret/OMC
Author's Notes/Warning: First of all there's a major character death. If you're opposed to such things, don't read. PS: Hawkeyecat and Hawkeye's Martini both get credit for getting me Henry Blake's son’s name. And Hawkeyecat and SarcasticSra get huge props for the endless beta work as this story was in progress. I couldn’t have done it without you ladies.
"Dad, you don't have to do this you know," Erin Hunnicutt Blake tells her father as she helps him out of the car.
"Yes, I do, Hawk would have wanted me to be here, especially since he can't be here himself," BJ replies, leaning heavily on his cane.
"Uncle Ben would have understood that you're just too tired to attend a meeting of some of your old war buddies," Erin scolds. As the wife of an oncologist, she understands better than anyone what her father is going through.
"Look, Erin, I need to do this! And I don't need you or anyone else telling me what to do, you understand me young lady? Remember, you might be married with children of your own, but you're not too old for me to paddle your butt!" BJ threatens.
"You know, I might take you a little more seriously if you hadn't left all the discipline up to Mom and Uncle Ben," Erin replies.
"I knew I should've taken a firmer hand with you as a child," BJ answers glibly and adds, "Now, let's do this."
"Okay," Erin sighs, walking towards the hotel's entrance. "Does anyone know why they chose some rinky dink hotel in Kentucky?"
"Radar said it was because Kentucky's in the middle of the country, or something like that," BJ replies "Besides, you know the Army—sense is lost on them."
Erin and BJ slowly make their way to the front desk. "Reservations for Hunnicutt and Blake."
"Ah yes, welcome to the Executive Inn Hotel, my name is Liz," a young redhead smiles. "Mr. Blake has already checked you into your rooms, they're room numbers 112 and 114 on the first floor as per your request."
"Thank you, ma'am," Erin replies politely. "Where is the reunion taking place?"
"That will be on the first floor in the Archibald Ballroom. It opens at six this evening," she informs them sweetly. "Would you like a bellman to help you with your luggage?"
"No thank you, Drew, my husband brought our luggage ahead, thank you for your time and help," Erin tells her.
"Thank you, and enjoy your stay," Liz answers before going back to her work.
“Okay Dad, after we get you settled in I'm going to go to dinner with Drew," Erin informs BJ as they walk towards their rooms.
"No problem, you two kids enjoy yourselves. I think I'm going to look up Charles and Klinger, see what kind of trouble we can get in," BJ looks tired, but knows he has to do this. It was Hawkeye's last request that he make it to this reunion and say goodbye to Trapper for him.
"Later, Dad," Erin grins.
***
"Klinger, you old son of a gun, I don't know why but you never seem to change, with or without the dresses," BJ laughs greeting his old friend.
"BJ! How're you doing?" Klinger smiles, pulling him into a hug.
"I'm pretty good, doing better I have than since..."
"Yeah we heard. Sorry Charles and I couldn't make it up for the funeral. I had pneumonia and couldn't seem to shake it," Klinger interrupts regretfully.
"It's no problem, I got the flowers you sent. And you know Hawk, he wasn't one for somber events. In fact, one of his last demands was that I hold his funeral in a bar."
"A bar? From the man who quit drinking when one of his children got ahold of his gin thinking it was water?" Klinger laughs.
"Yeah, he thought it was the ultimate irony, he hadn't had alcohol in over twenty-five years, and he died of liver cancer," BJ remembers that conversation, or to be more accurate argument, vividly.
"How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay, it was rough after it first happened, I mean you don't spend over half of your life with one person and not miss them, but the pain lessens each day," BJ replies, leaning against a wall. "But let's change the subject, how's Charles doing?"
"Still as pompous as ever. He still hasn't forgiven me for wearing a dress to the last one of these things we held," Klinger answers, batting his eyelashes. "I didn't think Frank would recognize me without it."
"I understand, so who all's supposed to show up at this shindig this time?"
"Colonel Potter's granddaughter Jessica, Radar, Trapper and his wife, me, Charles, Margaret and her husband James, Spearchucker and his wife Nicci, you, Drew and Erin, Frank and Louise Burns..."
"Frank and Margaret in the same room together??! I think someone's going to die. Last one of these things Frank showed but Margaret didn't, the one before that Margaret showed but Frank didn't," BJ exclaims, trying to mask his pain with amusement.
"Well we had to lie to both of them and tell them the other wasn't showing, but Radar and I both agreed that since this is the last reunion we're likely going to have, all of us need to be together," Klinger looks as if he's facing his own mortality, and not liking it much
“ I know Klinger, I know," BJ mutters, himself lost in his own thoughts, his memories of how good things had been since he and Hawkeye had finally broken down and told one another how they felt about each other after Peg had been killed. "So you said the infamous Trapper John McIntyre has finally deigned to grace us with his presence at one of these reunions?”
"Yeah, I had to get his second wife, Hannah to guilt him into it, but he agreed, with the condition that we don't tell Hawkeye he's coming," Klinger replies, a little bitterly.
"What? He doesn't know? How the hell can he not know?" BJ demands, every raw nerve he’s had since Hawkeye died coming once again to the forefront.
"I don't know. I figured you or one of the kids called and told him, but then again who am I to assume anything?"
"I couldn't think after Hawk died, if it weren't for Erin and Tommy, I don't know if I would have gotten through," BJ admits.
"That's what kids are good for, well that and driving their parent's nuts," Klinger jokes.
"You don't have to tell me about that, just think about any how any child who's been raised by Hawkeye Pierce is going to turn out, needless to say, their teenage years were hell," BJ shudders at just the memory.
"Well, I'm going to get out of Dodge now, because it looks like Trapper is heading our way," Klinger, turns quickly on his heel and runs.
“Thanks, Klinger!" BJ calls after him sarcastically.
"Klinger, always the coward," a man with curly gray hair and striking hazel eyes comments.
"Yeah, you can take a Klinger out of the jungle, but you can't take the jungle out of Klinger," BJ snorts.
"Trapper John McIntyre," he holds out his hand obviously looking for a handshake "Surgeon."
"BJ Hunnicutt, replacement surgeon," BJ replies, taking the other man’s hand.
"So you were my replacement," Trapper grumbles, looking lost in thought.
"Yeah, I have to say you were a hard act to follow." BJ remembers how long it took to make his place in the unit. And his place in Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce's heart.
"So I've been told, you seen Hawkeye anywhere?"
"He couldn't make it," BJ hedges, not wanting to just spring the news on the other man blindly. No one deserves to hear news like that.
"What do ya mean he couldn't make it? He always comes to these things."
"He was otherwise occupied," BJ grits between his teeth. At times like this he misses Hawk's ability to calm him down with a single look.
"Ah I get it, some dame is taking up his time," Trapper smirks.
"No, he just can’t make it that’s all,” BJ replies shortly
“Look, just tell me why he couldn’t make it why don’t ya?” Trapper growls.
“He’s gone Trapper,” BJ finally breaks. “Has been for about three months now.”
“What got him?” Trapper demands.
“Liver cancer,” BJ replies softly. “We just did some routine blood work to try to control his blood pressure, but his liver enzymes were off, and we had Drew do a biopsy.”
“Always knew that home-brewed gin could kill you,” Trapper mutters softly.
“It wasn’t alcohol, Hawkeye quit drinking twenty-five years ago,” BJ bitterly states.
“Hawkeye quit drinking, are you kidding me?” Trapper looks shocked, as if the possibility was out of his range of comprehension.
“Yes, he quit drinking,” BJ shrugs, he’s not purposely keeping his answers about his relationship with Hawk vague, he just doesn’t know how much his lover would want Trapper to know.
“BJ, Max and Walter need you in the ballroom, they have something they need to ask you,” Charles calls out from down the hall.
“Excuse me, I have to go,” BJ walks away without apology, grateful for the short reprieve.
“The Ballroom is this way, although, I don’t think that gaudy little room can truly be called a ballroom,” Charles laments.
“I’m sorry it’s not up to your standards, they didn’t ask me where to hold this reunion,” BJ responds sarcastically.
“Of course, anything’s better then the interminable Swamp.”
“I’ll agree with that.”
BJ goes quiet, and thinks about how he misses Hawkeye more on days like this. They’d planned on retiring from their private practice this year.
As far as he’s concerned he is a widow; he and Hawkeye had been married every way but legally. Being with another man in the years following Korea, however, had meant hiding. Hoping the neighbors would never get curious enough to start asking questions.
Everyone but their closest friends and family thought they were nothing more than good friends. The kids' teachers thought Hawkeye was just Erin and Tommy’s favorite Uncle Ben.
“Here we are,” Charles informs him, interrupting his thoughts. “Tell Max that I’ve gone back to our dowdy little hotel room to take a nap, and unless he wants his Pneumonia to return he might want to do the same”
BJ shakes his head, and walks into the ballroom, the first thing he sees is the top of Radar’s head, what hair he had left was still clinging to it’s natural red.
“Radar! It’s good to see you. Did Mary have to work?” BJ shakes his friend's hand vigorously, any animosity towards him forgotten.
“No sir! I mean yes sir, it’s good to see you again, and no sir, Mary's in our room on the phone with our oldest granddaughter Caryn trying to convince her not to dye her hair green,” Radar stutters.
“Green! And I thought Tommy’s kids were bad,” BJ laughs “And how many times to I have to tell you it’s BJ, not sir. I think after 35 years you’re entitled.”
“Sorry, force of habit,” Radar looks uncomfortable in the middle of the ballroom. He shuffles and begins pacing.
“Charles said you and Klinger wanted to see me?” BJ prods, wanting to escape to his room and be alone for a little while.
“Yes sir, I mean BJ, it’s well… here’s the…”
“We’re doing a memorial to those who have died since the war ended and we need you to say something about Hawkeye,” Klinger interrupts impatiently.
“That’s what you really want?”
“Yeah, we’re trying to get the people who knew them best to make a speech about them,” Klinger explains.
“Jessica Potter’s saying something about the Colonel, James Wagoner, you remember Kellye Nakahara don’t you?” Radar asks, but then continues on, “Angela Rizzo’s saying something about her dad, and Igor’s sister.”
Both men are looking at BJ as if their entire future rests on his shoulders, and BJ feels as if he’s too old to carry that weight.
“I’ll do it, on the condition that I go first,” BJ stipulates, he wants to be able to leave after he speaks. He pulls a battered leather wallet out of his back pocket, digs behind his drivers license, and pulls out a battered picture of the him and Hawkeye out. “This was taken the night before we left Korea, I’d like to have it put on a slide and shown behind me.”
“Sure, no problem, their technical department is marvelous here,” Klinger gushes.
“I’m going to my room to get some sleep before tonight’s festivities start, I’d suggest you both do the same.” BJ all but orders, “And Klinger, if you ever run off and leave me with Trapper again I’ll make Korea seem like a picnic.”
With that promise issued BJ walks away, content for now to be alone with his thoughts.
****
It’s five o’clock when BJ wakes from his nap. He’s hungry, but knows they’re serving dinner at this reception. Tonight is special just for members of the 4077th, tomorrow starts the activities for all MASH vets.
He decides to take this time alone to have his nightly talk with Hawkeye. He’s not senile enough to believe that Hawk will ever answer him, but it gives him comfort just the same.
“Hawk, on days like this I could kill you for leaving me alone. I want to make the doctors revive you, so I can murder you myself,” BJ whispers softly, “But more often than not I just want you here with me where I can hold you close.”
“I’ve seen Charles, Radar, Klinger, and you’re not gonna believe this, Trapper himself. They all seem to be doing fine, although Klinger’s really showing his age. Then again, he never was the prettiest of our bunch.”
BJ clutches a pillow to his chest, imagining for just a moment that it’s Hawkeye he’s holding, “You were right, in different circumstances I’d like Trapper, but I can’t stand knowing that you were his first. We talked for a while, I had to break the news to him, I don’t mind telling you it was almost as hard as telling the kids that you’d finally slipped away.”
BJ rolls onto his other side taking the pillow with him; he’s restless. “Erin and Drew are down here with me. They left Benny and Maggie with Mildred Blake and her new husband. Tommy’s doing good, Sally’s expected to deliver any day now, if it’s a boy they’re gonna name him Pierce. I wish you were here to see it.”
“They want me to say something at this thing tonight. I don’t know what to say, for the first time in my life I’m at a loss for words…”
The phone rings breaking the mood, “Hunnicutt.”
“Dad, it’s Erin. I heard they want you to say something at the dinner tonight,” his little girl says sympathetically.
“Yeah, I don’t know what to say thought.”
“Just before he died Uncle Ben gave me a letter. He told me to hide it in your suitcase and let you find it on your own.” Erin informs him, “It’s in the pocket of your suitcase where you keep your shaving kit.”
“Hold on a sec would ya Erin?” BJ doesn’t wait for her to answer, just drops the phone, pushes himself off the bed, and starts digging through his suitcase. It only takes a minute for him to feel the edges of the envelope, he jerks it out of the compartment and stares at the familiar doctor’s scrawl. “Erin I’ll call you back.”
BJ hangs up the phone and begins to read the letter. By the time he finishes he’s hanging on to his composure by a thread.
“Hawk, you could be damned poetic when you wanted to be,” BJ whispers before getting up to get ready. As he’s getting dressed he makes a decision, he picks up the phone and calls Radar and Mary’s room. “Radar, I’ve changed my mind, I want to go last.”
“Well this isn’t Radar, but I’ll tell him,” Mary replies laughter filling her voice.
“Thank’s Ma'am I’ve got to go,” BJ cuts off the conversation and sits down, making his plans.
***
***
Two hours later, after everyone has eaten, made comments about how this food wasn’t much better than what they used to serve in the army, and had a few drinks the real festivities start.
Radar makes his way up to the podium, as ranking enlisted man he’s also master of ceremonies for the evening.
“Everyone…everyone,” Klinger tries to calm the room, but he's being ignored.
“Pipe Down!” Radar screams. The room falls to silence.
“Okay, we’d like to welcome everyone to the reunion of the 4077th MASH, for those of you who don’t remember, or weren’t under my command, my name is Corporal Walter, Radar, O'Reilly. We’ll start off as per military regulation 401-221 with roll call. Per tradition we ask that everyone come to the podium, and give name rank, and current occupation in alphabetical order,” Radar recites.
“I can’t believe he actually remembers the reg number,” Margaret whispers into BJ’s ear, causing him to snort with laughter.
“He probably looked it up when he was writing the speech," Trapper quips.
“Probably,” BJ agrees.
“Okay, on with the roll call, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Burns,” Radar announces.
“I retired from the military in 1961, and went to work for Cedar-Sinai hospital in California.” Frank informs them, then stalks off the stage. BJ figures he saw Margaret down in the audience.
“Lieutenant Angela Dish.”
BJ tunes the next few people in roll call out, they are either people he doesn’t know very well or people who were in Korea before he was.
“Major Margaret Houlihan-Montgomery,” Radar announces, bringing BJ down to earth again.
“I resigned my commission in 1965 when I married James Montgomery, and went on to work as a nurse at the Methodist Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. I have three wonderful children, two boys and a girl, and eight grandchildren,” Margaret answers smartly.
Some of the audience can barely believe this soft grandmotherly woman is the “Hotlips” Houlihan they remember. But BJ knows Korea changed Margaret for the better. Well Korea and a couple of broken hearts. It’s as Margaret is making her way down the steps of the stage with the assistance of Radar that BJ realizes it’s his turn in roll call. He’d forgotten about this tradition and can barely think when he stands to make his way to the stage.
“Captain BJ Hunnicutt,” Radar calls out.
“Present, after Korea I went home and began working at Sausalito General Hospital until it closed in 1965, then Hawkeye and I opened a private practice in Mill Valley where we raised my two children Erin and Tommy after Peg’s death a little less than a year after the war was over,” BJ states, again being discreet about his relationship with Hawk. He knows there are people in this crowd that wouldn’t approve; one of them was sitting at
a table with his daughter and her husband.
“Sergeant Maxwell Q. Klinger, I left Toledo for Boston after my wife Soon-Li died in childbirth a couple of years after the war. While in Boston, I ran into an old friend Paul Conway, we opened The Rose Room, a four star restaurant that we share ownership of to this day.” Klinger brags. “I also worked for a time as an orderly at Massachusetts General Hospital, where I ran into Major Winchester, he offered me the use of his guest room instead of, as he called it, the ‘gaudiest bathhouse in Boston’, and I never left.”
“Trapper John McIntyre,” Radar reads out.
“Present,” Trapper replies “After I got home Louise and I moved to a small town outside of Boston named Quincy where I opened my own pediatric practice. Five years ago I turned the practice over to my son Francis. I’m now retired and living in Florida with my second wife Hannah.”
“Was she his secretary?” Margaret mumbles under her breath.
“Behave Margaret, you know what happens when your blood-pressure goes up,” James Montgomery warns his wife.
“Stuff it, James,” she replies.
The names go on and on for a little while as one by one the roll is called. Father Mulcahy, BJ learned had died of lung cancer just last year. He should be surprised he hasn’t heard about it, but since Hawkeye was sick for so long he kind of let himself fall out of touch with his old war buddies. The only time he remembers thinking about the good Father was at Hawk’s funeral when he wished Mulcahy could’ve been there to perform the service. Radar, as it turns out, worked hard on his mother's farm, and just last year sold
it to the University of Iowa to be used as grounds for a research facility, on the condition that they name the hospital after Henry Blake.
“And last, but not least, Charles Emerson Winchester the Third,” Radar calls.
“Present. I left the army after my tour and Korea, and served as chief thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General, until my retirement this last year. I donate every year to The Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as the United Way, and many other worthy organizations. I have no children, and am content to live my life with my partner Max,” Charles says, daring anyone to say anything to him. After all, he is a Winchester, and one does not cross a Winchester.
Klinger takes the podium after Charles steps down and lovingly smiles at him, before turning serious. “This year, we’d like to pay tribute to those friends who couldn’t make it. We’ve asked one person to speak on the behalf of each member. First, on behalf of our beloved Colonel Potter, his granddaughter Jessica Potter.”
A lovely blond steps behind the microphone, and BJ silently wonders how anything that pretty can come from Sherman Potter, the grizzled old veteran of three wars. She reads from a piece of paper, Jessica obviously was asked months before hand to do this speech. “My grandfather was a career military man, a proud veteran of three wars. But he always said he was never prouder than when he was commanding officer of the 4077th MASH. Granddad used to sit me on his lap and tell me all about the exploits of the doctors he worked with. As I grew older, I must confess that those stories seemed a little unbelievable, after all what sane army officer would dump a bucket of beer over a higher ranked officer’s head? Then I started attending these reunions, first to help Granddad, and then because it’s what he wanted me to do to keep the Potter tradition alive. During those often outrageous parties I came to realize that you all were a little crazy, and that’s what he loved you for. “
Margaret is wiping tears out of her eyes as she comes to the podium to introduce the next speaker, after all it’s one of her nurses that’s being remembered. “I served with Kellye Nakahara from the time I was posted at the 4077th MASH and there wasn’t a finer nurse in the outfit. Here to speak on the behalf of his mother who tragically passed away in a car accident three years ago is James Wagoner.”
BJ takes this time to gather his thoughts. He knows what he’s going to say, after all Hawk has it written plain as day in his letter. He just doesn’t know if he can make it through the speech without breaking down in tears.
Forty-five minutes later, everyone had gone but him. He know’s it’s coming, but waits for Radar to make the introduction.
“Three months ago, the 4077th lost one of it’s founding fathers, Chief Surgeon Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, to liver cancer. Here to give us a little insight about his best friend is Captain BJ Hunnicutt.”
BJ makes his way slowly back up to the stage. He can feel the eyes boring into his back, each and every person wandering what he’s going to say.
“When Hawkeye knew that he wouldn’t make it to this reunion, he made me promise I would attend anyway, even if it meant leaving him sick in the hospital. I agreed, thinking there’s no way I’m going without him,” BJ begins, taking comfort in the image he knows is being projected behind him. That one picture had been with him through a thousand surgeries, endless hours of waiting for test results, and finally Hawkeye’s funeral service. “But you all knew Hawk, if he wanted something bad enough he’d get it come hell or high water.”
BJ looks out among the crowd, taking comfort in the faces of his dearest friends. “What I didn’t know is Hawk sent a message via Erin, a letter he wanted me to share with everyone.”
BJ takes a deep breath and begins to read, “Dearest Friends,
“If you are reading this letter then I’ve died. A fact for which I’m eternally sorry. I know how much pain it’s caused and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
“I want everyone to know, that I’ve lived my life to it’s very fullest and don’t know of one thing I would change if I had the chance. BJ, I want you to read that line and remember it.”
“I started this letter off with friends, but I should’ve said dearest family, because that’s what every one of you has become over the years… Yes, even you Frank.”
Frank snorts from his chair and it’s all BJ can do not to go down and shove that Shirley Temple down Old Ferret face’s throat, but instead he remains where he is. BJ also hears someone crying, but forces himself not to look up. He can tell it’s Erin, and BJ knows if he sees his daughter crying he’ll cry.
“Margaret, you were the pesky older sister I never had, or even knew I wanted. My battles with you and Frank made me that much more determined to survive Korea and all its hell. Later, your friendship made the struggle we had in the beginning worthwhile. I hope your James knows just how lucky he is to be married to a wonderful woman like you.”
BJ scans the audience to find Margaret wiping her eyes with a handkerchief and James holding her hand tightly.
“Radar, when we opened the Officer’s Club, I made a crack about you being like a son to me. That wasn’t far off from the truth you know. You were always one of my favorites. Just before we left Korea, we buried a time capsule to be opened in 100 years. One of the things I donated was your teddy bear. I said it was a symbol of a boy coming to Korea and going home a man. You were never really the same after Colonel Blake died, in a lot of ways you were bitter. That's why when I got the invitation to your wedding, as well as the invitation to serve as best man, it was an honor and privilege."
BJ looks over to Radar and Mary who’re sitting there holding hands and looking very much still in love.
“Klinger, from your schemes to get a section 8 from the army to your get rich quick ideas, you always had the ability to keep me on my toes, and make me laugh. In this world, there are times when laughter truly is the best medicine. You were really at the top of your game when you opened The Rose Room. I’m glad you and Conway found each other as business partners after the war, and I’m glad you’re doing so well. You and Charles take care of one another.”
Klinger wipes his eyes vigorously, he doesn’t want to be seen crying. Charles just pats his knee and looks uncomfortable.
“Frank, while you were never the best doctor in the unit, or even the best person, fighting with you gave me purpose, a goal to work towards. I’m sorry I never told you that face to face.”
BJ looks directly at Frank to see him staring down, almost as if he’s actually feeling something.
“Charles, I was always humbled by the way you attack life with passion and vigor. You might be a little pompous, but you can also be a great friend, like the night you sat with me all night, waiting to see if my father had made it out of surgery. For that you will eternally have a spot in my heart.”
Charles is almost blushing with pride at the words, BJ smiles. He should have known it would take a lot to make the great Charles Emerson Winchester the Third blush.
“Jessica, I’ve spoken with Radar and he told me you are going to be at the reunion in your grandfather’s place. You should be proud of him. Colonel Potter was a lot like my father. He not only knew the value of a good laugh, but treated everyone as equals regardless of name, rank, sex or race. He commanded respect from everyone and we were glad to give it to him.”
BJ trains his eyes on Trapper for the last public part of Hawkeye’s letter; the rest he’ll read to his kids later. “Trapper, a long time ago I sent you a letter. I told you that we would be nothing more than friends. I lied; you were a brother, someone I could always count on when the chips were down. I loved you in a unique way because you were the first, and when you left without so much as a goodbye it almost killed me. But now I’ve realized we all have to say goodbye in our own way, and your way was not at all. So in the spirit of our friendship I ask…” BJ’s voice cracks and he lets them think it’s because his throat is dry, “I ask that you take care of my family. BJ, Erin, and Tommy mean everything to me. There’s no one I trust more to look after them for me.”
Trapper silently nods in agreement. The tension in the room is so thick you can cut it with a knife.
“The rest of Hawkeye’s letter is family stuff. Benjamin Franklin Pierce was a kind, loving, gentle, maddening, sarcastic man. He was the best surgeon I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching operate, and the best friend I ever had. I’ll miss him every day of my life. But in the spirit of Hawkeye’s memory, I ask that tonight, when you’re raising your glasses in toast, you toast the memory of the man who wrote those words,” BJ requests, before starting to leave the stage.
Erin quickly makes her way to her father and throws her arms around him, “I miss him too Daddy, more and more every day.”
“I know baby.” BJ whispers, patting her hair helplessly.
Jessica Potter makes her way back up to the stage, and takes the podium for a final time that night, “As Granddad used to say, for the sake of me, and my eagles, which I worked so hard to get, go forth and mingle.”
“You wanna skip this part, dad?” Erin asks concern filling her eyes.
“No, there are people I need to talk to,” BJ answers. “But, as soon as I’m done here, we can head towards my room, get Tommy on the speaker phone, and I’ll read you two your part of Hawk’s letter.”
“Kay, Dad.”
Trapper walks up to BJ, a little nervously. “BJ, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Talk away.”
“In private,” Trapper motions towards the door.
“Okay, whatever you say,” BJ replies, although he really doesn’t want to talk at the moment.
They make their way out of the room and sit at the ticket table.
“What did you need Trapper?”
“I just want you to know that if there’s anything, anything at I can do for you, all you have to do is ask.” Trapper explains. “Hawkeye loved you more than anything, you know?”
“Thanks, the feeling was mutual. He was something special,” BJ looks a little wistful.
“He was something, all right. Listen, when I found out Hawkeye died, I had Hannah, my wife, get something from our room. Something I think you should have.” Trapper reaches inside his jacket pocket and pulls out an envelope. “Hawkeye wrote this just before the war ended, back when he thought you were going to live forever with your wife.”
“Are you sure?” BJ’s shocked. Hawk had never told him he’d written Trapper.
“Yes, I’m sure. Even back then, when he thought there was no hope for the future, Hawkeye loved you.”
“Thanks for telling me that,” BJ murmurs.
“You’re welcome, now you wanna go back in. Some of those nurses still look pretty damned good.”
“Trapper, you’re a lecherous old man. I like you.”
"I'll take that as a compliment then," Trapper laughs, leading them back into the ballroom.
***
Forty-five minutes later BJ is sipping on a martini and listening to Charles and Frank compare notes about living in the swamp. He can't decide which is more pompous, although Charles does get lovable points.
"BJ, do you remember that April Fools, when you, Pierce and I stole Margaret's tent?" Charles asks.
"Very well, that's was one of my finest hours. The look on Margaret's face was worth all the ‘trouble’ later," BJ laughs.
"That's despicable," Frank gasps.
"Yes, it was," Margaret agrees, acknowledging Frank for the first time that night. "But what we did to Colonel Tucker, was even funnier."
"They got to you too, Margaret?" Frank looks as if he's swallowed a lemon.
"Oh, take the stick out of your ass Frank and live a little," Margaret shoots back, "You wouldn't know a good joke if it bit you."
"Well I never!" Frank stalks off, undoubtedly looking for someone to complain to.
"Yeah, the bucket of beer was great, but the colonel's joke was even better," BJ calls after him.
"Can anyone tell me what I ever saw in him?" Margaret shakes her head in disgust.
"You liked the fact that he has no lips?" BJ suggests.
"You thought he was a cute, cuddly little ferret," Charles adds.
"You couldn't have me?" Trapper asks, joining the group at their table. "After all you did think I was built."
"You're never going to let me live that down are you?" Margaret gasps, turning beet red. "I was drunk!"
"So I wasn't, does it matter?"
"Yes!" Margaret throws her hands up in the air, obviously willing to take the joke.
BJ finally stands up, catches Erin's eye, and motions for her to join him. "Well I hate to break up this little party, but I've got to call Tommy before it gets too late, and we all have to get up early for the battalion events."
"Goodnight BJ, we'll see you in the morning," Margaret waves, before going back to the conversation.
"Goodnight everyone." BJ turns around and starts out of the ballroom feeling as if a fifty ton weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
****
"Sally, it's Erin, can you put Tommy on the phone?" Erin asks into the speaker phone.
"Sure, is there something wrong with your dad?" Sally's concern is evident. In the six years she's been married to Tommy she's become a part of the family.
"No, everything's fine, Dad and I just need to talk to him for a minute about some last minute things having to do with Uncle Ben," Erin reassures her.
"Okay, I'll get him." Sally agrees.
"Hello, Dad, Erin, you said there's something going on with Uncle Ben?" Tommy answers, the sound of children being admonished filling the background.
"No, well, not really. Uncle Ben wrote this sort of family wide letter before he died, and Dad feels that we should hear it together," Erin explains.
"Go ahead," Tommy replies, obviously as anxious as his sister is to hear their part of the letter.
"Tommy and Erin, you two are my children in everything but blood. I've had the honor and privilege of watching the two of you grow from rambunctious children into responsible adults that your father, mother and I can be proud of," BJ reads, his voice trembling again. "I'm sorry you never really got to know your mother, she was a wonderful woman in many ways. Her letters got your father and I through the war. Erin, I can't tell you how much your cookies meant in a camp where food was a four letter word."
Erin smiles, BJ can tell she's touched even if she doesn't remember what Hawkeye is talking about. "Baby girl, you wrapped me around your little fingers from the moment your father showed me your picture that day in Korea. I know it's hard to understand why your daddy had to miss those crucial first years of your life, but if I were to leave you a list of lives he saved it would take forever to complete, starting with my name. Tommy,
you were so small when your mom died, only a month old. I remember holding you in my arms during the funeral and looking down at you. You smiled at me. Beej said it was just gas, but I know better."
"I know your childhood wasn't easy. Hiding, pretending I was just a bachelor who happened to stay with your dad to help raise you two kids, not being able to have friends sleep over on no notice for fear they'd notice the guest room had never been slept in. I don't know that I ever fully told you how much I appreciated the sacrifice you kids made for your father and I."
"I'm sorry I won't be around to watch your babies grow up. I couldn't have asked for two better mates for my children then Drew Blake and Sally Day. My only hope for you both is that your children give you as much love, joy, terror, and flat out panic as you two gave your father and I," BJ finishes.
Erin is softly crying into a tissue, and the normally sarcastic Tommy is unusually quiet.
"Okay kids, the rest of the letter was between Hawk and I," BJ tells them. He knows his kids will get the hint. That's how they were raised; when they were kids, if they were told something was between Hawk and himself they knew to drop the subject because they weren't going to get any more information.
All of the sudden a high pitched scream pierces the silence of the room, "Shit! Dad I've got to go Lanie just hung Bobby by his feet from the chain hoist I keep on that tree outside!"
BJ bursts out laughing, "Told you your kids are going to give you ten times the hell you gave Hawk and me."
"Bite your tongue," Tommy groans before hanging up the phone without even a goodbye.
"Erin, you need to go find Drew, cherish this little time you have alone with him," BJ orders.
"Okay Dad,' She whispers, then kisses the top of his head and leaves.
BJ takes a few minutes to get comfortable, stripping down to his boxers and a t-shirt and tying his favorite robe around him. It's similar to the red robe Hawkeye had with him all through Korea, except his is purple. Hawk bought it for him for their first anniversary.
He lies back on the bed, and first re-reads the part of the letter that's strictly for him.
"Finally, Beej, my best friend in the world, and the love of my life. The last thirty-seven years with you made everything in Korea and what happened in the year afterward all worthwhile. I knew from the moment I held you while you puked your guts up, that you were something special. You proved that again and again over the years. I know you, BJ. You'll wait until you're alone, wrapped up in that purple bathrobe I bought you, until you read this part of the letter," BJ laughs. Hawk really did know him. "So I want you to know earlier when I asked Trapper to watch over you, it was a gesture of friendship more than anything else because I'm going to be watching over you too. Whatever afterlife there is must have a place for those of us who love without abandon. If you step out of line, I will come back and haunt you. Take good care of yourself Beej, that's an order from your chief surgeon. You still have work to do, grandchildren to spoil. I'm just sorry I had to leave you so soon. I love you,"
"Forever yours,
Hawkeye"
BJ wipes away the tear that he finally lets fall down his cheek. He sits there reflecting on 37 years of laughter, love and memories. Then he remembers the letter Trapper handed him when they were sitting out at the ticket table. He pulls it out and scans through the beginning of the letter. The first part is catching Trapper up on the happenings at the 4077th, it's the second part of the letter that kicks him in the gut.
"BJ Hunnicutt has made his own place in my heart. You know, you'd like him. He's smart, reliable, steadfast, and the best damned friend a man could ask for. He's become more than that as well. Trapper, after you left I didn't think there was anyone who could make me stop hurting, but BJ...he's made me stop hurting."
"He loves me for who and what I am. When the lights are out and Charles is pulling the night shift in post-op, BJ doesn't have a problem squeezing two people into a bunk that was barely made for one person. It isn't always sex, sometimes when things are looking their worst he'll just hold me and remind me I have something to live for."
"I know he won't leave his wife and child for me, but I love him just the same. I know in the end, when it's all over, he'll have the guts to tell me goodbye face to face."
"In fact, he's sitting here right now reading over my shoulder and making sure I get everything right."
"Hawkeye, you liar," BJ exclaims softly.
"So let's skip the pleasantries and let me tell you why I really wrote Trapper. You bastard, how could you just leave me like that? You didn't even have the balls to write me a little note that said goodbye. I was ten minutes too late to catch you before your plane took off. I didn't think I would ever forgive you."
"But in the end, I have forgiven you Trapper. And you can thank your ‘replacement’ for that as well. BJ has made me realize that sometimes in war we do things we wouldn't do otherwise. That sometimes in the middle of all this death you grab onto the one thing that reminds you you are alive and cling to that with all your might. You were that for me, my reminder that I was alive."
"So this will be the last time I ever write you John Francis Xavier McIntyre. Because in the last year I've come to realize BJ wasn't your replacement. You were his placeholder, here to help me until he was sent to me. I'll always love you as a friend Trapper, but that's it, you're nothing more than a friend."
"With Warmest Regards,
Benjamin Franklin Pierce
Hawkeye"
BJ puts the letter aside, closes his eyes, and softly sighs, "I'll love you until I die."
The for maybe the first time since Hawkeye died he closes his eyes and drifts straight into a deep dreamless sleep.
He doesn't see the two translucent figures standing over him, eyes full of love.
"He loved you very much you know?" the man asks the woman, putting a friendly arm around her shoulder.
"I know he did, but you know what, in the end it was you he loved more," the woman replies, as the pair fades away into the night.
****
The End
Crossposted to Hawkeye Is Bi and My personel journal.
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