Okay, finally, I'm back to writing this one. I had writer's block for a while, but with the help from everyone who gave me suggestions (thank you all of you, you know who you are;) ) and from just sitting on this story for a while thinking about it, I've sort of got it planned out. Well a bit of it anyway. It's hard to know exactly where to go with it, because as of now, I'm not even sure how Hawkeye and Margaret feel for each other. Well I do and I don't. It's hard to explain. Well, you know, it's an obvious h/m fic, but yeah. So blah blah blah, these characters aren't mine, if you come across a character who wasn't on the show, they are mine. All mine!! The rest, Hawkeye (sigh) and the rest are not mine; if they were I would be rich. I'm not. So yeah. On with the story:

After a night of partying, Trapper and Henry were getting in the jeep the next morning to begin the long journey home. They were both pretty tired, and had been up almost all night drinking and saying goodbye to everyone, mainly the nurses. Hawkeye and Margaret had not stayed up too late. They wanted to party and see their friends off, but Margaret was tired, and the next day would be difficult for them.

They got in their separate cots, and Hawkeye never said any wisecracks. Margaret was very pleased that he didn't try anything. He really did care for her. They were becoming very close friends. Although they cared about each other before, they never showed it. They acted like enemies, but were both glad to be able to act civil towards each other.

The pair was up to see Henry and Trapper off. Everyone was sad to see them go, but glad for they were returning to their families. After hugs and kisses and goodbyes from everyone, they got in the jeep and headed off towards Seoul.

Half an hour later, another jeep came down the same road Trapper and Henry had left on. In it was a corporal driving, an older man, a colonel; a young tall man with sandy blond hair, he was a captain, and a balding middle aged man, a major.

They pulled up to the main building and jumped out. Hawkeye and Margaret were there to greet the new members of the 4077th.

The older man hopped out as if he was 20 years old. "I'm Col. Sherman Potter. I'm your new CO."

"Nice to meet you." Margaret said.

"Yeah, welcome to the 4077th. It's cruddy but it's home."

"You must be Captain Pierce."

"The one and only."

"I was warned about you by Gen. Hammond. And don't worry son, don't look so scared. I might be regular army but I'm not one of those cranky old Colonels who's up on reveille and salutes and all that. In fact that's why I was assigned to this place. I've heard you were a great bunch of people who would wind up court marshaled if you had a strict CO."

"That's great Colonel."

"Hi." The tall man jumped down. He had extremely large feet. "I'm Captain Honnicutt. Call me BJ."

Right away anyone could see he was a great replacement for Trapper. He and Hawkeye instantly clicked. "Hey, I'm Hawkeye. I think you'll be staying in the Swamp. It's my tent too. I think you'll fit in here pretty good." He could tell BJ would be a great addition to the 4077th.

The other, balding, man hadn't said anything. He looked around with disgust on his face and his nose in the air.

Hawkeye addressed him. "Excuse me? Are you the other new surgeon?"

"Yes, unfortunately I am. I am Major Winchester, you may call me Charles." He said in a pompous accent.

"Can we call you chuck?"

"Charles. Nothing else. I don't go for nicknames, such as "Chuck" or other hick names like BJ and Hawkeye. Those are names for chums, which I intend not to be. I will be calling you Hunnicutt and Pierce, we Winchesters do not get chummy with people such as yourselves."

Hawkeye looked at Margaret and BJ and whispered sarcastically, "He seems friendly."

"Yup, real life of the party." BJ answered. He looked at Margaret. "I don't believe I caught your name?"

"Oh, sorry, I'm Major Houllihan. You can call me Margaret if you like."

Hawkeye was surprised to say the lease about this. She had always wanted to be addressed Major, but he refused.

"Nice to meet you Margaret." He said and shook her hand.

Hawkeye spoke up again to the new surgeons. "Okay, it's great to meet you all, and I would like to get to know each of you personally, as I'm sure we will. But, Margaret and I have to leave for Seoul this afternoon for a trial, which was explained to you I believe." They nodded their heads solemnly. They had been told what happened, and also knew it was the Major. They looked at her with a look in their eyes that showed her they cared.

"Anyway," He continued "We have to get you guys settled in in the next few hours and we have to show you where everything is. I know the Col. Knows about being an Army doctor, and you two," He looked at BJ and Charles "Have learned all about triage and all the rest, have you not?" The nodded. "Great, our clerk, Radar O'Reilly will help you out with anything you need, especially while we're gone. And don't worry, you'll pick up on everything we do here pretty quickly."

They all followed Hawkeye and Margaret around the compound learning all the ropes rather quickly, and also being shown where they would be staying. BJ laughed out loud when he saw the still, Charles rolled his eyes and said some comment about that he doesn't drink anything unless it's cognac or some other expensive old stuff. Col Potter was amused by it, and said that although it breaks quite a few regulations, he would be by every now and again for a drink or two. Or three.

With they exception of Charles, the other four had become close in the few hours they had been together. After lunch, Hawkeye and Margaret had to leave for Seoul for Frank's trial. They got their dress uniforms on and got in the jeep. Hawkeye gave Margaret a hand to help her into the passenger side while Radar put their bags in the back. Hawkeye hopped in the driver's seat and they were off across the road that was more like a bumpy cow path with bomb holes.

"You gonna be okay?" He asked her after a long silence. He truly was concerned about her. He really did feel for her.

"Yeah, I'll, I'll be fine."

"Listen, I'll be there with you the whole time. You don't need to be afraid. He'll be in shackles, and there'll be lots of MPs around. Plus yours truly will be there."

"Thanks Hawkeye." She smiled a little at him. "The thing I'm really actually worried about, to tell you the truth is nighttime. I know they said that I'll get my own hotel room and so will you, and there will be an MP outside my door. But the past couple nights you've been with me, and, to tell you the truth, I feel much safer with you there. But how's that going to look if you come and spend the night with me?"

"Don't worry about what other people think. I'll sleep on the floor if I got too. I won't let you out of my sight." He reached over and squeezed her hand and smiled reassuringly.

After the long bumpy drive they finally made it to I-Corps, where the trial was to be held. They went to the door, where they told the guards who they were. One guard then lead them down a long corridor and another one, and a full maze of hallways and stairs until they came upon large double doors at the end of the hallway. Two MPs were guarding it. They spoke to the guard who lead Hawkeye and Margaret and they nodded and opened the doors.

Inside everyone was seated: A general, who was the Judge, a few MPs around, a Corporal to take the minutes, and a Major, who was bailiff. A number of other Sergeants, Captains, and Lieutenants were seated around, taking notes. They seemed that they were a type of jury to help the judge decide. On one side there was a table where Frank sat in an navy jumpsuit, and was handcuffed and shackles were around his ankles. A Major who was his lawyer sat next to him. On the other side was a table where another Major sat, who would be Margaret and Hawkeye's lawyer. They had spoken with him over the phone to help plan their case.

He saw them enter and stood up and shook their hands. "Hello, I'm Major Anderson. I'll be your lawyer. You must be Major Houllihan and Captain Pierce."

"Yes, but you can call me Hawkeye."

"And call me Margaret, please."

"Well if we'll be on first name basis, which I would prefer as well, you can call me Gary."

"Nice to meet you, Gary. Well it would under different circumstances." Hawkeye said.

"Yes, I understand. This is not very pleasant. Margaret we will do the best we can, and I believe we will have enough evidence to win this case over."

"I certainly hope so."

"I trust you brought the files and such?"

"Right here." He gestured to a few file folders he had in under his arm. "Medical records, and I also have my account of the situation to present. I don't have it written down, but I don't think I could forget that image." He shuddered a little.

"I know. Unfortunately, I have seen these cases all to often. But at least I know what to do. Frank Burns will be put behind bars. Trust me."

"He'd better."

*From here on in, just want to let you know I know NOTHING about court, it's all made up from the little bit of general knowledge from watching stuff like "The Trial of Henry Blake." I've seen maybe one episode of Judge Judy, but it was a long time ago, so please don't get upset if it's not accurate. *

"Please rise for the Honorable Judge Advocate General, General Gower." The General stood up with the crowd.

"You may be seated." The group sat down. "Now, Major Margaret Houllihan is pressing charges of attempted rape and assault against Major Frank Burns?"

"Yes your honor." Margaret nodded. She tried to remain strong. Hawkeye was seated next to her, and held her hand under the table, and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Okay, Major Anderson, please state your case." Gary stood up. "Your honor, we have substantial evidence, that in the evening of the 21st of September, Major Frank Burns assaulted Major Houllihan with a knife, numerous punches, and on top of that attempted to rape her.

"I call my first witness to the stand. Captain B. F. Hawkeye Pierce." Hawkeye stood up and went over to the witness stand.

"I solemly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me God." He said as he placed his hand on the bible. He then opened up one file and sat down.

"Captain," Gary started "You are the only person who saw Frank Burns that evening attacking Margaret Houllihan, am I correct?"

"Yes sir."

"Could you tell us your account of what happened that night?"

"Well, it was raining, quite loudly I might add. On top of that, most of the people at our unit were at the movie in the Mess Tent. I decided to stay in the Swamp that night, to just relax. I didn't have a date, and didn't feel the need to see another Bonzo movie. Anyway, I listened to the rain, as I love to do, and in amidst the rain I heard something else. The more I listened, I realized it was a woman screaming, and it sounded like she was calling rape! Rape! I jumped up and ran out, and heard the screams again. I could tell they were coming from Margaret's tent, and I could tell it was her. I ran to her tent and opened the door, to see Frank, uh, Major Burns there, naked, hitting Margaret, who had most of her clothes ripped off." He looked over to Margaret and could see the pain in her eyes. He felt so bad to have to re-account it in front of her.

"How had he hurt her?"

"Well I did a physical examination of her, and she had multiple lacerations on her arms, legs, face, chest, and stomach, as well as a deep gash, that she told me was caused by a pocket knife he used. It required seven stitches. Also she had a hairline fracture in her right femur."

"And you have the records for this?"

"Yes right here, I have her medical file, including her x-rays, test results and also her medical history." He handed it to the judge.

"Thank you Captain. The prosecution rests."

"Thank you Major Anderson. Major Healy?" He looked at Frank's lawyer, who stood up and walked over to Hawkeye.

"Captain Pierce?"

"Yes sir."

"What is your relationship with Frank Burns?"

"Well, he's our bunkmate. He lives in my tent."

"Is he a friend?"

"We were never friends. We do not get along very well." Hawkeye admitted.

"I see. And, you would do anything to get him out of the 4077th and out of your hair?"

"I would do some things, but nothing as to what I believe you are implying."

"And what do you think I am implying?"

"That I made it up. But you see, I didn't. I would never endanger someone like that just because I don't like them."

"Have you ever had relations with Margaret Houllihan?"

"No. We are friends."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Have you shared a bed at all?"

He sighed. They had, but only when he had to protect her. "Yes sir. But, nothing happened. She was upset because of this situation, and she decided she would rather have me protect her rather than an MP that she didn't know. When she saw me take on Frank, then-"

"Take him on? Did you attack him?"

"When I saw him hurting Margaret, I pulled him off her. He tried to punch me, but I punched him before he had a chance. I had to do it a few times, and I did knock him out, but only in our defense."

"So you admit that you hit him."

"Yes."

"I see. The defense rests."

"Very good. You may step down." The general addressed Hawkeye. He walked back over to Margaret, where he rubbed her back a little to reassure her.

"Defense?" The judge gestured towards Gary, Margaret and Hawkeye.

"I call Margaret Houllihan to the stand."

Reluctantly got up and went to the stand where she swore to tell the truth. Gary walked up to her "Now, Margaret, would you be able to tell me in your own account what happened."

"Well, I guess it's pretty much the same as Hawk, uh, Captain Pierce described. I was sitting in my tent reading a letter. Major Burns came and knocked on my door, and came in. I talked to him, you see, about not wanting to live my life the way I had been living. I wanted to get out of the army. My friends were all getting married and settling down, and I just decided I wanted the same thing."

"What did he say?"

"He told me that I was stupid to think anyone would love me." She was crying. "I told him no, when he smacked me across the face. He started yelling at me, and I was really scared, and started to scream. He hit me again and again to get me to stay quiet, and then he attempted to rape me." She managed to get the last part out between sobs. Hawkeye was not allowed to go up to her, and it killed him to see her crying, and he could do nothing.

"Thank you, Major." Gary handed her some tissues. "The prosecution rests."

"Very well." The General said. "Defense?"

Frank's lawyer approached Margaret. She had calmed down, but was still sniffing a little. "Did you have relations with Frank Burns?"

She sighed. "Yes."

"So why was it suddenly rape for him to do what he did, if he did it?"

"I had broke it off with him. I was tired of being lead on, and decided to break it off, hoping to find someone else."

"I see, and how were you being lead on."

"Major Burns is married and never planned on divorcing his wife. I was just something to calm his needs over here."

"So why did you ever do that with him?"

"Well no one else liked me, I was too up on rules and regulations, something our unit does not like. Also, in a man's world, I wanted to get further than major, almost impossible for women, but I figured if I was with a Major, I might be able to get a promotion."

"So you were using him too?"

"Yes, to a point, though I never saw anyone else while I was with him."

"Did you want to?"

She bit her lip. She was under oath. "Yes."

"Why didn't you?"

"Because I was afraid. I'm not sure what I was afraid of, but when I broke it off with Frank, I found out why I would be afraid."

"I see. Who did you want to be with?" She looked at the floor. "Major, you are under oath."

"I don't understand what the point of this question is." She really did not want to say. Not in front of Hawkeye and Frank.

"Major, I'm asking you a question." She still never answered. "What rank was he?"

"Captain." Hawkeye looked over at her. It couldn't have been Trapper. She hated him, besides, he was married. What other captains were there? The only other Captain that's been at the 4077th for any time was him. But it couldn't possibly. Oh God how we hoped so, but, he just couldn't think of why she'd want to be with him."

"I see. Is he here today?"

She sighed. "Yes."

"Can you tell me who it is?"

"I'd rather not."

"Is it Captain Pierce?"

She sniffed a little. "Yes."

Hawkeye looked at her in disbelief. She avoided his eyes but was crying. She was afraid now that he wouldn't want to be her 'bodyguard' anymore.

"Isn't he your doctor?"

"Well, yes he gave me a physical after the, uh, attack."

"You and captain Pierce are obviously very close. How do we know you never conspired against Frank as a way to get rid of him so you two could be alone? And also a chance for the Captain to punch Frank's lights out."

Margaret cried again. "We never! We couldn't do that to someone!" She was almost yelling, she was so upset anyone could take Frank's side in such a case as this. And suggest that she and Frank would do something like that.

"We'll see about that. Defense rests."

"I see." The general spoke up again. "Major Houllihan, you can go back to your seat."

She went back but tried to sit away from Hawkeye. He reached over and put his arm around her. She was still crying. He rubbed her back and gave her some tissues. The judge realized that she really should have a little break.

"Majors," he addressed the two lawyers "Do you have anymore witnesses?"

"Frank Burns."

"Okay, after that, we will break for me to think this case over and have a recess. Major Anderson?"

"Frank Burns to the stand please." Frank was lead over by two MPs who stood behind him as he said the oath and sat down.

"Frank Burns. Why did you do this?"

"I didn't do anything. Nothing different from what we do any other time."

"I see. Did Major Houllihan try to resist you?"

"No."

"Uh huh. The prosicution rests. I feel we've had enough evidence without his words against us, I have no further questions, your honor."

"Very well. Your closing argument?"

"Your honor, general, Major Houllihan as been through a traumatic experience in the past week, and I feel she should get the closure she deserves. To not have to worry about Frank again, and to have him put behind bars. That is all. Thank you." He sat down next to Hawkeye, who had coaxed Margaret he wasn't going to hurt her for what she said. He didn't want to talk about it here, but he was quite happy with what she had said. She was leaning against him, crying a little while he rubbed her back and placed a few small kisses on the top of her head.

"Okay, Major?" Frank's lawyer got up again and went over towards Frank.

"Major, what happened that night?"

"I decided to visit Margaret and she was a little upset about some letter she got, so I decided to make her feel better. So, I, you know. She was fine with it, then, as if it was planned, she yelled out rape! Then Pierce came and punched me again and again!"

"Thank you. You may go back to your seat." The MPs picked him up and brought him back to his seat. "As my closing argument, I want you to please think about what has been going on between Pierce and Houllihan, and how long had it been going on. I believe that they did conspire against Major Burns. Please consider this when making your final decision, your honor."

"Thank you Major. Court will be adjourned until oh eight hundred tomorrow. I will have made my decision on the verdict by then. Dismissed."

Slowly the people in the room filtered out, Frank was lead out a different door, no doubt to his cell. Another MP approached Hawkeye and Margaret.

"Major? Captain?" They looked up at him. "I have orders to bring you to your quarters. It is two rooms next to one another. There will be an MP outside your doors at all times."

"Thank you." They said together, and followed the young sergeant outside the courtroom and through a maze of hallways until they finally reached their rooms.

"Your bags have been brought in. The mess hall is down stairs, the guard outside your rooms will direct you anywhere you need to go." He saluted and left them with the other MP who was standing between the doors.

"Hawkeye?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm really tired, so I was thinking we should just go have a bit of supper and then go to bed."

"Okay."

"Would you like to come in for a minute while I get a bit freshened up?"

"Sure."

He followed her in. She went into the bathroom and came in with fatigues on.

"I never thought of that." He said. All he had done was taken off his jacket and tie, and unbuttoned his shirt a few buttons down. He stepped into his room, got his fatigues and went in the bathroom. He came out a little bit later with his fatigues on.

"Ready?" He asked her. He really wanted to talk to her about what she had said today, but decided against it. She had had a big day, and didn't want to add to her troubles.

She took a deep breath. "Yup." He led her out of the room and talked to the MP for a few minutes for directions to the mess tent. He told them there would be MPs along the way that they could ask so they thanked him and headed on the way.

Supper wasn't the greatest. The food was almost as bad as the food in the mess tent at the 4077th. They joked about it a little, but for the most part, there was an uncomfortable silence between them.

"Margaret, there are MPs around, but, did you want me to stay with you tonight?"

"Would you mind?"

"Not at all." He smiled sincerely. She knew he really wasn't upset about what she said. She smiled back at him. "I'll sleep on the floor. There's lots of room there, so don't worry about that."

"Oh you don't need to sleep on the floor." She said then realized how that must have sounded. "Oh, I mean, uh, Oh God."

"Margaret, I don't mind sleeping on the floor, but if you don't want me too, umm you know. I did, uh, I heard what you said in the court room." She looked away and started to cry. "No, Margaret, shh, just listen. Look at me." He reached across the table and gently put his hand under her chin and brought her up to look at him. "Now, listen. I know you think I might be upset about this, I can tell that's what you're thinking, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Honestly, I've felt the same way about you for a long time."

"Really?"

"And truly." He smiled at her. She smiled back.

"Hawkeye, thank you so much. Would you stay with me tonight? I don't want to, umm, you know, but I want you to stay with me. I know there's only one bed, but, you know."

"I know."

They finished their dinner of what they could eat of it, and Hawkeye got up and took Margaret's hand. He helped her up and led her to her room. He got the few things out of his room and came back in. They got on their pajamas and brushed their teeth for bed.

"God, I'm so tired." Margaret said and slumped down on the bed. Hawkeye sat down next to her.

"I know, you've had a long, hard day." He sat so he was behind her and started to massage her neck.

"God Hawkeye, you're so good at that." His strong skillful surgeon hands gently rubbed her back. He felt her starting to shake and he realized she was crying. "Oh God Hawkeye! I'm so scared! What if?" She couldn't finish what she was going to say, she just turned around and buried her head in his chest.

He wrapped his strong arms around her and held her close. "Margaret, Frank will get what he deserves. I think that the defense lawyer even believed he did it; he was just doing his job. Everybody knows he's guilty. You'll never have to worry about him. I'll make sure of that." She cuddled in closer to him and put her arms around him. She calmed down a little and Hawkeye used his shirt to wipe off her tears.

"Hawkeye, thank you. I hope he will."

"He will."

She looked up at him and their eyes met. They moved closer to each other. He bent down and gave her a slow passionate kiss. Margaret moaned. He smiled a little when they let go.

"God you're a great kisser." Margaret said a little breathless. She couldn't believe it. He satisfied her with a kiss more than anything she'd ever done with any other man.

Hawkeye smiled a little. "It is a mutual effort." He kissed her again, this time he led her down onto the bed, and started to kiss her neck a little. She loved it, but at the same time, no matter how much she wanted to, she just didn't feel it was time.

"Hmm, Hawkeye, do you mind maybe waiting? I really want to, but I just don't feel ready."

"Sure. I understand." She smiled. He was so sincere. "We really should get some sleep." He lifted the bed sheets up and got in the bed. He took Margaret in his arms and kissed her neck as she quickly drifted off to sleep. Hawkeye fell asleep soon after with his lips still on the side of her neck and arms cuddled around her so they were playing spoons.
The next morning the couple woke up closer than they ever thought possible. Hawkeye's arms were around her hips and Margaret had her arms around his neck, and her head resting on his muscular chest.

"Morning." Margaret said with a smile.

"Morning." He returned the smile.

"Ugg, I don't want to get up. I'm still tired, I just want to rest for a while."

"Me too."

"I don't want to have to go to court again." She was nervous about seeing Frank again, even if there was no way he could hurt her again.

"Neither do I, but if we want Frank behind bars, we'd better go. Maybe Col. Potter will grant us some R&R time in Tokyo once he gets used to the place. I wouldn't want both of us to leave them long right now, but we've, especially you, have had a rough time this past little while."

"Yeah." She cuddled into him further. "This is nice. You're like a nice big teddy bear! You're great to cuddle in to!"

"Glad to be of service one way or another."

"A muscle-y teddy bear" She said playfully and kissed him on the nose. He smiled.

"Really?"

"Hmm hmm." She nodded with a smile. "You're my muscle teddy."

"Well I guess that makes you my Major Baby."

She laughed a little against his lips and kissed him, pushing him down onto the mattress. "Wait. What time is- Oh God! We have to be down there in 15 minutes! We have to get ready!" She jumped up and ran into the bathroom.

A little while later both were ready to head down to the courtroom to find out the verdict. They went down through the corridors in silence, both wondering what they would do to Frank.

"Please rise for the Honorable Judge Advocate General, General Gower," The Sergeant announced. As everyone stood the General came in.

"Please be seated. After careful consideration and discussion with my colleagues, I find the defendant guilty of assault with a weapon and attempted rape. Major Frank Burns is demoted to Lieutenant, and will serve 5 years in prison, as well as counseling. There will be chance of parole after 4 years. Case dismissed." He banged his gavel and stood up.

Hawkeye and Margaret stood up and looked at each other, and enveloped one another in a long, deep, passionate kiss, both oblivious to the people around them.