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He’d never been in love. At least he didn’t think so. When he was young he had a bit of a crush on a girl at school. His sister still teases him about that regularly. It’s all in good fun since his focus has been so far from love since becoming a priest, even further from love since being in Korea. Honestly, he doesn’t know how anyone has time for it around here. People find a way. Hawkeye finds a way for sure. He chuckles to himself. Well, it isn’t really love he finds the time for, is it? Regardless, it’s rather silly to be sitting here thinking about things he may be missing out on a day like this. Sliding on his Army issued jacket, he steps out of his tent. A soft gust of wind hits his face. They hadn’t had wounded in over a week. Setting off towards the most commotion, the officers club, he greeted several people before being tackled to the ground by a frilly white dress. There must be someone under the frilly white dress.
“Oh! I’m so sorry Father.” a whispered voice came from behind the frills. Ah! Klinger. He laughed, before pushing himself up.
“What are you doing running around like that? I wouldn’t really call that track wear. “ Helping Klinger off the ground.
Klinger smiled at him before widening his eyes, and pulling Francis behind a nearby tent with him. His hands tight around the collar of his jacket.
“Klinger, I-“
“Sorry, Father.”
“You said that already.” The priest smiled, catching himself whispering, apparently going along with whatever scheme Klinger was taking part in. “What’s going on?”
“Well, I don’t really want to tell you. I don’t want you to think less of me.” Klinger whispered earnestly, all the while looking wildly back out towards the officers club.
“Oh, well. That should never be a concern with me. We’re friends.”
“Right, well then I have a confession.”
He paused, thinking over their position. If he wasn’t a priest, it may have been considered questionable at best. Francis’ back pressed against some unsuspecting enlisted man’s tent. Klinger’s knee in between his own, all surrounded by that dress. It wasn’t like you could see that but Francis could FEEL it. Knuckles gone white gripping the priest’s collar. Heat rose to his cheeks as his eyes wandered towards Klinger’s mouth, he stuttered, “I’m not really in the condition to take your confession right now.”
“No, Father. It’s not like-“
“Klinger, please. You, you can call me Francis, or John Patrick, or just-“ Klinger leaned back, a little confused, but nodded.
“It’s not an official confession.”
“Alright, then go ahead.”
“I stole something from Major Hoolihan.” That earned him a disapproving look, but he continued. “I think she knows it’s me.”
“ My goodness what did you steal?” Klinger’s cheeks flushed pink this time.
“A bra.”
“well, i suggest you give it back-“
“KLINGER!!!” Margaret’s voice came from behind them, still a ways away. Without thinking, Francis pulled Klinger down around the tent losing his balance as his feet twisted on the dirt. He landed on his back with a huff, Klinger falling on top of him laughing while trying to stay quiet.
“I’m gonna kill that man when i see him.” Margaret mumbled as she walked past the tent Klinger and Francis fell behind. They stayed silent until her footsteps disappeared. The broke up in a fit of laughter.
“Thank you for breaking my fall.” Klinger managed to say through laughing, he stood up, brushed his dress off, and lent a hand to help Mulcahy up.
“Anytime Klinger.” They walked back out to the common thoroughfare. A page came from the speakers and Klinger perked up, taking off his floppy hat to Francis.
“See you later!”
“You return that bra!!” Francis yelled back, getting weird looks from the nurses walking past. Cheeks going red again, he walked himself back to his tent. His fingertips grazing the collar Klinger had just held.
That’s enough excitement for one day.