TITLE: What Happens Here Stays Here
RATING: PG-13
PAIRING: Harm and Mac
DISCLAIMER: I do not own JAG or any part of it
Author's Note: This has turned into a companion piece to my previous JAG story, Revealing Souls. It isn't the sequel I am writing, but merely a short extension of the first part. I decided to have a little fun with Harm and Mac, because I enjoy writing their relationship. This is a writing in progress, so I have no clue how long it will be or where I will take all of my readers. I've been writing whatever comes, so I hope you like it! Again, Reviews are always welcome!!! Thanks for reading!!!
Chapter Title: Alone Time
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
1500 EST
The cold weather outside only made the week more unbearable, the chilling breeze of October brushing through the red, brown, and orange colored trees. This time of year could be beautiful and enjoyable, yet Colonel Mackenzie only felt her spine shudder in reaction to the change of season. She should be happy considering the good events happening in her life, though this week Mac barely remembered such happiness dealing with case after case. The files on her desk seemed to tower above her head, not including the many she carried constantly through the bullpen, to the elevator and back again. If asked, Mac would think she was the only person working this week, considering everyone else's delightful mood.
Now standing in the elevator with a dozen other people, holding the files that had not left her arm for the past three days, and carrying her enormously heavy bag full of the other case files and research, the heat generated by the amount of people surrounding her almost caused her to faint. Exhaustion seemed part of the reason, though the heavy burden of carrying so many cases at once seemed to be apart of the problem, as well. Admiral Krennick, the new JAG, tended to give Mac a lot of responsibility, to the point where it didn't seem she would ever see the light at the end of the tunnel. Certainly Mac enjoyed the challenge, and would never disobey a direct order, but the load started to become overwhelming. Luckily each of her cases touched upon conclusion during the past few days, meaning the weight would soon be lifted.
Stepping out of the elevator and into the bullpen, the only work Mac wanted to do for the next five minutes was sit and take a small break before spending the rest of the afternoon swimming in court cases. Honestly, Mac couldn't remember the last break she took recently, testifying to her desperate need for one. Fumbling for her keys as she reached her office door, Mac didn't remember the files in her arms falling to the ground in a scattered pile. Only Coates rushing over to aid her and Mac's own curse word as she bent down to retrieve them brought her back to reality. If she were to disclose where her thoughts settled in the moment before she dropped the files, she would be court-martialed. Yet her eyes took a glance at a vacant office across the way, indicating the person whom she wanted to see was gone.
"Woah, are you okay, ma'am?" Coates called, beginning to gather the files together as best she could. Mac sighed deeply, irritated that she would have to organize the mess once again, a task she did a million times this week.
Mac replied, half upset and half angry, "I'm fine." As they both stood, Coates carrying part of the burden, Mac finally fumbled for the correct key once again to open the door to space that offered her retreat from these daily activities, if only for a minute.
Turning with curiosity towards the Petty Officer, Mac asked with slight disbelief, "A package?" Depending on the contents of such a package, it was safe to assume it would not be something she should look forward to see. Her plate overflowing, a package only indicated more work and stress. Probably from Admiral Krennick, the woman who gave Mac this enormous workload. She hardly knew which way was up, confusing case files, and barely getting to court on time between all of her appointments. Interviewing witnesses, court appearances, and research did not leave Mac much time to eat and sleep, let alone rest.
At that moment, Mac opened the door to see the one package she did not expect; a dozen red roses. Hardly able to keep her smile hidden, Mac walked cautiously over to them, seeing a card, admiring as the sun fought through the drawn blinds to glimmer specks of light off of the red petals and onto the darkened ceiling. The clear vase only added to the initial shock and magic the flowers portrayed. Setting the files down on her desk, she heard Coates reply, "I hope it's okay, to put them on your desk, Colonel." Mac only nodded, surrendering to the flowers' beauty. Coates then quickly asked, "Where did you want these?"
Mac quickly looked to the Petty Officer, realizing she left her friend with a handful of cases. "Sorry, you can just put them on top of these," Mac indicated, stepping back as Coates set the files she held onto down on top of the pile already created. Mac's eyes didn't leave the roses, still infatuated with their overwhelming power. Whoever picked these out for her certainly wanted to make her day a good one.
Coates saw Mac's reaction, deciding to bravely ask, "Who are they from, ma'am?"
Mac smirked, knowing full well who they were from, yet remembering that the relationship she had with Harm must stay secret. After their efforts at Guantonomo Bay, Cuba, and the personal barriers they overcame as a couple, Harm and Mac were even more determined to keep their relationship a secret. They loved each other deeply, and revealing too much too soon to their friends might have horrible consequences if they were not careful. In light of this, Mac lied, "I don't know." Then she reached over, added, "But there's a card." Opening it, the card simply read; To My Marine, and then signed simply 'Love'. Harm knew better than to put his own name, realizing that Mac certainly would have no trouble knowing its origin.
Coates took a small glimpse at the card, over Mac's shoulder, grimacing, "There's no name." This irritated Coates, who has kept a close eye on Harm and Mac for quite some time. She had every reason to believe that the two were in a relationship together, yet there was no proof, only circumstantial evidence. Hoping to end the mystery with this gift, Coates found herself utterly disappointed and back to square one. Though she still believed the flowers were from the Commander, Coates replied playfully, "Looks like you have a secret admirer, ma'am."
Mac mused at that statement. Secret indeed. With Harm's time this week sapped by an important political case involving the Secretary of the Navy, and Mac bogged down with at least 10 different cases at a time, they did not see much of each other the entire week. Mac intended on changing that statistic this weekend, planning on spending most of those two days in Harm's arms. She hoped these flowers indicated Harm's own restlessness for the weekend to arrive as soon as possible. However, more often than not, flowers usually meant Harm wanted something. Certainly he sent them to make her happy, but that would only be one reason to the many he had in mind. This knowledge only came from knowing Harm as well as she did.
"I don't know, I think she's hiding something from all of us," a voice called from behind them, both Coates and Mac turning to see Harm standing there, arms crossed over his chest, checking out the flowers with great interest. He lifted his eyebrow slightly at Mac, waiting for her to answer, waiting to see how she would deal with his statement.
Mac laughed lightly, responding with great amusement, "I receive gifts like this quite often, and the men who send them always have huge egos, think they're so great, when actually they're insane." Mac glanced to Harm with innocent eyes, seeing his attempt to hide the shock on his face. He probably knew she was merely joking, yet Mac would not get out of this room without him questioning her remarks. Switching her stare to Coates, she saw the young woman chuckling, highly amused with the Colonel's statements. Mac decided to add, "Don't you hate it when guys can't take the hint?"
Coates displayed a wide grin, trying very hard not to laugh as she answered back confidently, "Yes, ma'am." Then she left, closing the door behind her, leaving Harm and Mac alone in the office.
Mac gave him a quick wink as she behind her desk to sort through a few of her files, seeing Harm trying very hard not to be hurt. Yet Mac intended on showing him her appreciation, and replied warmly, "Thank you, Harm. You're very sweet."
Harm shrugged as walked closer to her desk, upset that the desk acted as an unnecessary barrier between the two of them. Not seeing his Mac for a week had been torture. Instead of walking briskly to her and kissing her passionately, he stated instead, "I know you've had a rough week." Just looking at her he could see this. Being with Mac allowed him special access to her personal welfare and moods, a window into her soul that no one else could see. From afar, he saw it, and he saw the difficulties, the need for her to break way, if only for a day or so.
Mac saw his eyes staring into hers, the worry laced there. In response, Mac moved carefully around the desk to walk up to him, wrapped her arms around him, stared up into that handsome face. He tried to be there for her during this past week, despite his time taken completely by the Secretary of the Navy. Though their relationship progressed to places neither expected, they still only stayed at each other's apartments half the time, mostly because of work. However, Mac sensed the change coming, the time when she would see Harm every night, no matter what. "Thank you for the flowers. And I do not think you are a freak," Mac mused, kissing him lightly.
Harm smirked, wrapping his arms around her waist a little tighter. "And the ego comment?" he asked, mocking hurt, as he returned her kiss, capturing her lips softly.
Mac caressed his face, replying between kisses, "Well, I'm still working on that."
Harm huffed, "If you don't take it back, I'll take back the flowers." Mac laughed, holding him a little tighter, trying to immobilize him. Harm smiled widely, bending down to kiss her, all the while reaching a hand over to grab the flowers, trying playfully to distract her as she giggled against his lips. Though Harm tried, he knew he couldn't distract her for too long, as Mac grabbed his hands, holding them together between the two of them as she leaned back slightly with a wide grin.
"No, no, I want to know why you gave me those flowers," Mac replied, kissing him again.
Harm shrugged, replying sheepishly, "Because I wanted to make you happy."
Mac nodded as she stepped back now, but keeping their hands entwined together. Though he attempted to show no other reason for the flowers, Mac knew better. Not that Harm didn't want to make her happy, knowing flowers tended to brighten her day. However, Harm always had a few reasons for doing certain things, and one of them was getting flowers. Being romantic came easily for the two of them, but flowers in the middle of the day suggested something more. "And?" Mac insisted.
Harm sighed, finally breaking, saying quietly, "As an apology." Though the sentiment was very sweet, Mac couldn't remember Harm doing anything wrong. They certainly argued, seemingly once a week, though because of the craziness of the previous few days, they did not have a chance to engage in such bantering. Maybe Harm was apologizing now before the impending argument, Mac mused, yet she knew that probably was not the true reason.
Squeezing his hands, Mac asked curiously, "Apology? For what?"
Harm stepped away; obviously upset with the information he was about to give. Mac only hoped the information was not so bad that buying the flowers could not cover the damage. Better to hope, Mac thought, that the flowers overcompensated. Rarely did Harm do something like this, which explained Mac's confusion to such an act. Everyday she learned something knew about him. "I'm apologizing for," he began with great regret lacing his voice, "leaving this afternoon to the U.S.S. Seahawk. I was just assigned a case."
Mac nodded and tried to hide her own regret, the previous excitement for the weekend melting away quickly. She almost wanted to argue the problem, hurt that he would be leaving her alone this weekend after such a difficult week, expecting him to be there for her, act like her boyfriend. However, she knew such anger was unwarranted, Harm having no control over such a schedule, of the assignments handed down by Krennick. Neither of them could control this, Mac's own crazy week testifying to that. "Oh," Mac reacted, stepping behind her desk. "Well, it's only for a few days, right?"
Harm nodded, walking right up to her desk, seeing the disappointment. He felt the same, and felt the chance this weekend gave them to become that much closer, all of it cast away with the few words he said. They would just have to wait until he returned. "Right."
Mac glanced to him, his eyes giving away his regret, knowing full well what they would miss with him gone. She knew she could not let this get her down, sensing that when Harm returned, they would be together. Only a few days, Mac reminded herself. Nothing to fret or worry about. Having the weekend to herself might be just as good as sharing it with Harm. Though, Mac mused, she would have difficulty convincing herself of that. "When do you leave?"
Harm replied, with more regret, "This afternoon."
Mac nodded, moving around the desk to face Harm, taking his hands in hers as she stepped up to him. "Ok," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him, kissing him lightly, and added, "Until then."
Harm nodded, returning the kiss with a calm passion, allowing his lips to trace over hers. At that moment, he didn't care who might catch them, who might walk in, who might interrupt their moment. It would be their moment as he deepened the kiss ever so slightly, feeling Mac match his passion, her lips soft but demanding against his own. Yet they knew it couldn't last as both broke it mutually, Mac taking in Harm's scent before he left. Only a few days, Mac thought.
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown, VA
1900 EST
The night remained quiet and calm as Mac returned to her apartment, parking her car, and walking into her building. The day, compared to the rest of the week, ended uneventful, especially with Harm's departure. Dealing with the constant changes in the Navy schedules came naturally as the years of service went by, and Mac knew she couldn't be angry or upset, though both feelings raged inside of her. What Harm and Mac were on the brink of was something neither had seen before. Something different, life- changing. Each sensed something extraordinary happening between the two of them, the intimate moments of soul sharing. Connecting with someone so deeply was certainly new to Mac, though, to be perfectly honest, she always felt it with Harm before the relationship began. The connection always existed.
Only one weekend, sure, Mac thought again. Yet she couldn't erase the feelings of needing Harm, afraid of such an implication, never needing someone so desperately and with every inch of her. Maybe it was merely the difficult week, the need to break away from JAG for a few days. Maybe. Sighing, she opened the door, the silence of an empty apartment hitting her like a brick wall. Stepping into the blanket of warm air, Mac set her briefcase on the floor, hung her coat on the coat rack next to the door.
Walking across the room, she felt her body begin to release the tension, as if her soul knew this weekend would be full of rest and relaxation. Maybe there was no Harm, but there certainly would be long bubble baths, eating cheesecake, and reading a good book; the desires of her soul, save Harm. The moon gave off only a small shade of light across the room, giving Mac the ability to reach her bedroom to get ready for a bath. Opening the door and entering, what she saw shocked her, never expecting to see such a sight in her bedroom. Well, she mused, maybe in her most passionate dreams.
Roses. All around her bedroom, covering almost every inch. Around those roses sat candles, shimmering in the deep darkness of the room. On the bed, rose petals thrown aimlessly, yet strewn with love and expectation. Standing next to the one window, only the mixture of the moon and the candles casting a light glow, Harm revealed himself. In his hand he held more roses, clothed fully in his dress whites, looking more handsome than Mac had ever seen. "Harm," Mac whispered breathlessly.
He smiled warmly, stepping more into the light, whispering back, "You said you were a sucker for dress whites and gold wings."
Mac smiled broadly, feeling a giddiness fill her to the brim. Yet what surfaced was denial, remembering the last conversation they shared previously during the day. "I thought you were going out to a carrier," Mac pointed out, though not caring if this meant she must hide Harm for the entire weekend. She could do that, she mused, stepping closer to him.
Harm shrugged sheepishly as he stepped closer to her, now only inches apart from one another. Handing the flowers to her, he answered simply, "I lied." Mac took the flowers, taking in their wonderful scent, though unsure if the scent came from the flowers she was holding or the million surrounding her. That didn't matter much as she matched his deep gaze, his eyes like oceans she swam in every chance she could.
Placing the flowers on the dresser behind her, she moved to him again, asking quietly, "Why?" She didn't like him lying to her, though, under the circumstances, she was sure he had a good reason.
Harm felt his heart race a little, already excited about what was to come. Not being there for Mac for the entire week angered and upset him greatly. He felt a need to make it up to her, show her that despite JAG and the troubles this past week Mac would always be his number one priority. She was the air to him, a person in which he had to be with as often as possible. Seeing Mac struggling the past few days hurt Harm quite a bit, especially when he couldn't do much to help. However, this weekend he would do everything. Since the relationship began only a few months before, they had yet spent a weekend away together, alone, away from the business of Washington and JAG. Harm really felt it was time for this important step to be taken. "Because I wanted to surprise you," Harm answered quietly, reaching for her hand.
Mac stepped into his arms, tracing her hands along the torso of his uniform, the fabric soft underneath her touch. "You did a good job," Mac whispered, letting their eyes meet together, in that moment. Any stress during the entire week drifted away. Yet Mac sensed more here, Harm's intentions only partly revealed. "But you didn't have to anger me by telling me you were leaving," Mac chided playfully, placing a small kiss on his chin. Mac only wanted to be in his arms, just like this, sharing, soul searching, and not just for the weekend but for the rest of their lives.
Harm separated himself slightly, reaching back to the bed to grab a small envelope. Handing it to Mac, he felt confident in this next step, where it would take them, the journey becoming more enjoyable. Their inability to tell their friends of the relationship did hinder doing such activities as going away together for a weekend. He sensed Mac might be feeling the same way, and what better time than a weekend following such a difficult week to take this next important step. "Open it," Harm insisted with a grin.
Mac smirked slightly, seeing the delight in Harm's features. Whatever this gift might be, Harm certainly was excited to give it to her. Taking the envelope from Harm, she tore it open gently, taking out two airline tickets. Smiling widely, she turned them around to see where they were going: Las Vegas. Laughing lightly, Mac remembered only once revealing her guilty pleasure of wanting to visit that particular city. Yet Harm remembered, and better yet, implied what Mac hoped; they were going on their first vacation together. Still slightly unbelieving the events, she asked for clarification, "Las Vegas? This weekend?"
Harm nodded as he wrapped his arms around her a little tighter, ever feeling like the luckiest man on the face of the earth. He felt this way every instance he allowed his eyes to travel the soul of Sarah Mackenzie, overwhelmed by the strong character and deep secrets lying there. Not only would this time away with each other give them a chance to strengthen the strong connection in their relationship, but it would also give them well- deserved relaxation time. "Yeah, it's all set. I got us both the time off, told Krennick that you were extremely exhausted and wanted Monday off. If you want to go, of course," Harm assured, wanting to give her the chance to back out if she chose to do so.
Mac moved her arms behind his neck, seeing his face turn from concern to excitement, as she answered mischievously, "I would not miss the chance to be alone with my sailor." She then winked at him, Harm feeling his heart jump into his throat, wishing they could run away to a private island and stay there for the rest of their lives. Just Mac's presence, the seduction in her eyes when she stared at him long enough, made his blood boil, his chest barely able to contain the excitement.
Harm then moved to kiss her, capturing her lips with passion he rarely displayed, unable to believe the weekend that awaited them. Sure they spent weekends together, staying in one of their apartments most of the time, only leaving if they needed something very important. This time, however, Harm didn't have to control himself, could drape his arm around her as much as he wanted to, and could give her feather kisses as they walked aimlessly down the busy Las Vegas strip. Nothing held them back. As he thought of the numerous possibilities, he moved his kisses across her cheek and to her earlobe as Mac's hands moved to the back of his neck.
Mac, feeling the passion arising in both of them, asked, "When do we leave?"
Harm trailed his kisses to the side of her neck, feeling her pulse begin to quicken ever so slightly with every kiss, not to mention the speed of his own heart rate. It never took them long to get into the moment, especially when they didn't see each other as often as they would like. Their schedules just did not allow for too much alone time, so when such alone time finally occurred, they tended to take full advantage of it. Feeling Mac's hands go to the collar of his dress whites, unbuttoning, Harm responded breathlessly, "Probably in a few hours, to catch the flight."
Mac nodded as she continued with his uniform, finally reaching the tie, fumbling with it slightly. "You're not wearing this to Vegas, right?" Mac asked innocently, placing kisses to his lips, his chin, and finally beginning to reach his neck. Always her kisses were soft and gentle, usually lulling Harm to calm, a peace. This reaction traced the intimacy they shared together, both falling into an amazing bliss of contentment, completeness, as if they could only live fully when they were together just like this.
Harm traced his fingers to her uniform, an urgency building as Mac's lips brushed across his, feeling movement towards the bed of roses, whispering huskily, "I don't think you'll need your uniform, either." Barely realizing his actions now, Harm would only remember his lips opening to hers, feeling his uniform fall away, hands working underneath his T- shirt, sweet caresses on his stomach, his own mouth moving away, exploring, leaving kisses on Mac's now fully exposed neck, her own uniform falling away a bit at a time.
Being like this with Harm would always be amazing, Mac letting go, exploring, succumbing to the man she loved more than life itself. It took them sometime to be comfortable with each other, yet once they crossed the barrier they never looked back. Harm was hers now, every inch of him, everything he was and wanted to be. All of it belonged to her. Such a thought made her shiver with excitement and anticipation as she traced her fingers across his stomach and to his chest, hearing small moan as they kissed deeply once again, exploring each other, the passion rising with every second as they finally reached the bed. Mac sat first, grabbing Harm's neck, lacing her hands around it as she pulled him down next to her.
Yet the first feeling that traveled throughout Harm as he began to stretch out next to Mac was not exactly pleasure, feeling his upper leg burning with pain that he did not expect. "Ouch!" Harm uttered between kisses, letting go of Mac only enough to lift up slightly to see what hurt him, something sharp.
Mac asked immediately, slightly out of breath, "What?" Giving Harm enough space, he reached underneath him, revealing to both of them a thorn.
Both began to laugh, Mac cupping his face, caressing it, remarking playfully, "I didn't think I was a thorn in your side." Harm laughed, burying his face in Mac's neck as she pulled him down on top of her playfully, both lost in the humor of the moment. The only word Harm could think of was ironic considering the week they both just endured. They weren't meant to be together during this week, needing to wait until the weekend fully arrived. That would be ok, Harm intending on spending the entire time with Mac one way or another.
Harm smiled widely, replying, "I guess we need to wait until Vegas." Mac smiled warmly, again grabbing his face, kissing him passionately, letting her lips travel over his mouth freely in a way that caused the hair on the back of his neck to tingle. The moment might be lost, but Mac intended on getting all she could out of it before there was nothing left. Harm moaned into the kiss, his hands coming back to life, reaching to her side.
Yet Mac released, giving him one last, single, light kiss before whispering, "I think we should pack."
Harm smirked, laughing lightly as he placed a kiss on her neck. "I had other things in mind, but the thorn popped my bubble," he joked, kissing her one last time before he moved off of her. Maybe not tonight, Harm thought, but soon they would be alone.
... More to Come ...
Reviews Welcome!!
