House Painting
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters
I would love reviews please.
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The Roberts New House - Little AJ's Bedroom
Harriett and Mac are painting little AJ's room of the new house; Bud Sturgis and Harm are out in the backyard.
"Harriet these colors are fantastic, this room is going to be adorable." Mac said.
"You don't think the boarder is over kill do you?" Harriet asked. "Of course not, little bear sailors is fitting" "Bud wasn't too thrilled, he says its too babyish, but I love it."
"What did he want? Legal briefs all over the walls?" The two friends laughed and continued painting the walls.
"So Mac? Exactly what is going on with you and Harm?"
"What do you mean?"
"When Mic left, I never asked what happened. I figured I would wait until you were ready to talk. Then Renee comes back and tells Harm she got married and again I didn't say a word. Well I have waited long enough – time to tell me" Harriet said.
Mac just looked at Harriet, "Mic made the decision, I went after him, but I think he was right. When Harm's plane went down, I was reaching out for someone and it wasn't Mic. He saw that and it hurt him. He even said he was the last person I turned to. It's Harm that I always turn to, he is the one I look to for support"
Harriet didn't say much; she just gave an understanding look that only she could give.
Mac continued, "When I am with Harm I feel very safe. I have had my share of abusive relationships. I am not scared or afraid when we are together. I just don't know what to say or think sometimes. We get so close and then he pulls back. I tried to ask him and he closes himself off."
"As for Harm and Renee, I don't know what happened. I never asked. I was afraid to. But I was glad."
The two friends just stood there looking at each other and Harriet finally broke the silence, "I think you should tell him"
"Tell him what? That I am in love with him" those words were out of the gate again, it was the second time she had said them aloud. And she knew it was true.
Harriet looked at Mac and had a huge grin on her face "I knew it, I was just waiting for you to finally say it to me!!!"
The Backyard
Outside in the back yard, Bud Harm and Sturgis, heard laughter. "What could they be talking about now?" Bud asked.
"Not what Bud my boy, WHO?" replied Harm opening a beer.
"What exactly are we supposed to be doing?" asked Sturgis. The three men looked at the unassembled swing set sitting in piles.
"I think we are supposed to be putting this together," said Bud. And the three men sat back and shrugged.
As time went by the men began to discuss current caseloads, sports and every other benign topic to man. "BUD!!!!!!!!!" A yell was heard and off he went into the house.
Sturgis looked at Harm, "So my friend, there is a beautiful woman upstairs, do you plan on doing anything about it?" Harm gave Sturgis his trademark smile and continued to stare straight ahead. "Harm you need to decide what you want to do. I can see it every time she walks into the room. When do you plan on acting on this? Either open up to her or cut her loose."
Harm was surprised that Sturgis was being so blunt. Sure they had been at the academy together and recently renewed their friendship, but was he ready to discuss this with him, with anyone. Things started to race through Harm's mind. Sturgis was right, there was a beautiful woman right there. Someone who was his best friend, they had been through so much together. He wasn't sure if he could take it to the next level.
Mac, lawyer friend confidante. He loved her for who she was and who she is. His concern was the memory of Lt Diane Schonke. When he first met Mac it was like seeing a ghost. While he cared for Diane, she was gone now. Mac was aware of the resemblance the two women had, he knew this. Harm's biggest fear was that Mac would think his feelings for her were because of this.
Harm knew that he had to somehow find the words that it was Mac he loved and not the memory of Diane that she gave him. Diane was a part of his past, as were other women. He wanted Mac to be his future.
"We are in trouble, Harriet looked out the window and noticed nothing has been done" Bud announced.
"Well let's get to it" Sturgis replied.
Harm was lost in his thoughts and not paying attention to the conversation around him. He was imagining his conversation with Mac. He had all the words in his head but for some reason when it came time to speak them they sounded more like a closing argument. "Care to join us Harm? This is supposed to be a team effort," joked Sturgis.
"Ah yeah, right with you." Harm replied. And the men went to it.
A few minutes past and again a yell was heard "BUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD"
"I wonder what I did now" Bud had a puzzled look on his face. Harm and Sturgis laughed "Married life."
In the Hallway
Harriet met Bud in the hallway. She had a smile on her face like that of the Cheshire cat.
"Honey, we are working on the swing set I swear" Bud said.
"I know Bud, that is not why I called you. I didn't get to talk to you before. We need to do something Bud." Said Harriet.
"We are Harriet, the guys and I are going as fast as we can," replied Bud.
"That is NOT what I am talking about" Harriet rolled her eyes, how could her husband be so oblivious. "Bud I am talking about Mac and Harm" "Are they fighting again?" Bud asked.
"Bud, where is your mind? They are in love don't you see it? How can you not?" Harriet whispered since Mac was near by.
"Harriet I don't think this is something we should be involved in. This is not our business." Bud stated.
"Oh yes it is, they are in love, and we have to help. You need to go talk to Harm." Harriet's mind was racing now.
"Harriet I am not going to ask the Commander about his love life, guys don't do that" Bud protested.
"Well, GUYS better start talking, they need a push!" Stated Harriet.
Backyard Again
"Harm, did you bring those brackets?" Bud asked.
"Yeah, they are in my car, let me go get them." Replied Harm. Harm walked away and Bud turned to Sturgis.
"Sir, can I speak with you?"
"Bud, you can call me Sturgis"
"Thank you Sir, I mean Sturgis, I need to be quick. Harriet has some crazy idea that she and I need to play matchmaker for the Commander and Colonel. I think Harriet is stirring up something that we should not be involved in." Bud blurted out.
"Listen to your wife" and by saying that, Sturgis smiled and Harm returned.
"Here are the brackets Bud" Harm said handing them to Bud.
"What? Oh yeah thanks." He replied.
The Kitchen
Harriet and Mac were in the kitchen setting the table for lunch. "So Mac, what are you going to do?" Harriet chirped.
"I am going to make a thick corned beef sandwich with lots of Cole slaw on it" Mac said.
"You know what I mean, don't play coy." Harriet giggled.
"Harriet, I am not going to do anything. Now is not the time or the place."
Just then the door opened and in walked Admiral Chegwidden and Little AJ. "Are we too early? I never had these kind of days with Francesca, this was fun." The Admiral said.
"Uncle AJ and me saw pandas at the zoo, there was a baby too" Little AJ said.
"So what's on the menu? We reported for lunch as ordered," joked the Admiral "And then we are going back into D.C. I thought I would take Little AJ to see the Lincoln Memorial."
While Harriet and the Admiral chatting, Mac took a second to squeeze her favorite godchild. "Aunty Mac, when are you gonna get a baby?" Kids say the darnedest things. Mac had no answer and just continued to hug Little AJ.
"Admiral, we really appreciate you taking Little AJ today, it makes it easier to get things done without him underfoot" Harriet said.
"My pleasure Harriet, it's nice to spend some time with the boy." The Admiral smiled as he watched Little AJ and Mac. This was a side of the Admiral they had never seen.
Just as Harriet was calling the guys inside, Bobbie Latham pulled up with lunch. "Food detail has arrived" she said. The men came in and Bobbie gave a quick sweet hello to Sturgis.
Mac realizing she was now standing in front of "another couple" said, "come on you guys, I'm hungry."
In the background a voice said, "So what else is new?"
Little AJ ran to his Godfather and said "Uncle Harm, Aunty Mac needs a baby."
The room froze and it was Harriet who broke the ice, "Ok, we have a lot to do, lets eat!" With that everyone sat.
"So Bobbie, are you staying for the rest of the day?" Sturgis asked.
"Yeah, I figure you could use some congressional direction here." Bobbie answered.
Sturgis just laughed and said, "We want it done in a reasonable amount of time."
With all the talking that was going on, Harriet was able to quietly tell Bobbie her plan. Harriet needed all the help she could get and Bobbie nodded and smiled. "You know, all of you have been working so hard today. How about we have dinner at my house tonight, a simple relaxing barbeque." Everyone agreed that it was a great idea.
After lunch the dishes were cleared and everything put away. The guys went back to the swing set, the two AJ's left for DC and the ladies went back upstairs.
Little AJ's Bedroom
"Oh darn, I meant to bring some extra rags, be right back" Harriet said. Harriet went downstairs and not really needed rags went out to the back yard to talk to Bud. Out in the yard the three men were still trying to figure which end was up. "Bud, I need to talk to you right now." Harriet said.
"Coming honey" replied Bud
"Coming honey" mimicked Harm and Sturgis laughing.
Harriet dragged Bud out of earshot. "Bud, we have to start this ball rolling now!" She blurted out.
"Harriet how do you propose we do this?" Bud had a very quizzical look on his face. "What do you want me to do? Tie them up? Lock them in a room together? There are some laws against that you know!"
"That's it" Harriet yelled. "We are going to lock them in the basement." Bud could see the wheels turning in Harriet's head; he knew he had no choice but to help her on her mission.
Just then Sturgis walked towards them. "What are we talking about here?" He asked.
"Nothing Sir" they replied in unison.
Sturgis just gave them a look. "OK, what's going on? If it's about the swing set, we will get it done."
"No sir, I know that, I am talking about Harm and Mac" Harriet said.
"Ah yes, Operation But In" laughed Sturgis.
"Sir, I really don't think this is a good idea, we could end up causing a lot of problems here." Bud protested.
"Listen to your wife, Lieutenant. And that's an order." Sturgis smiled and went back to the project at hand.
Mac and Bobbie were upstairs deciding what to do first. "You know Mac, you can see outside from this window better." Stated Bobbie.
"What? Why would I want to look outside?" replied Mac.
"Suit yourself, but I believe there is a particular lawyer out there who is occupying your thoughts." Bobbie said.
"Is today analyze Mac day?" cracked Mac. "You and Harriet are both nuts, we are talking about my partner and a good friend here."
Bobbie just smiled. Harriet returned empty handed.
"Where are the rags?" Mac asked.
"Oh, I threw them in the wash they were too dirty even for what we need them for. We have enough here anyway." The women started painting the walls and chatting about nothing.
While they were upstairs the men finally got rolling on the swing set. Before anyone knew it, several hours had passed. The walls were painted and the swing set assembled, the Admiral and Little AJ returned. Little AJ was so excited to see his new swing set he went running right to it. Up and down the slide several times. "That boy has more energy than an entire squad." Laughed the Admiral.
"I guess Bobbie and I should get going to set up the barbeque", Sturgis said.
The men walked towards the house and those famous words where heard "Buuuuuuuud, I need to speak with you now" and Bud went running ahead. "Ok, I am sending Mac down to the basement to put the rags in the dryer you need to find a reason to get Harm down there too."
Bud, groaned and reluctantly said OK.
Sturgis and Bobbie "left" the Admiral was on his way to his car with Little AJ, who wanted to ride with him. The only ones remaining in the house were Harriet, Bud, Mac and Harm. Harriet and Mac were in the kitchen, where Harriet was getting some beverages together to take to Bobbie's. She turned to Mac "Oh, I forgot all about putting those rags in the dryer, would you please run down and do it for me?" "No problem Harriet" and Mac went down the stairs. As she proceeded down to the basement Harriet quietly locked the door.
Bud went back outside where Harm had returned to pick up the tools. "I should get these tools back inside. The one thing I love about this house is that exterior cellar entrance," Bud said.
"It does come in handy" shrugged Harm.
Just than Harriet called out to Bud, "Honey can you please come get the platter from the shelf for me, I promised Bobbie I would bring it."
As Bud walked towards the house, Harm said, "Bud I'll meet you out front, I will put these away for you."
Harm descended the cellar stairs, Bud made a quick u-turn to the doorway and closed and locked it. Harriet and Bud then walked outside where, Sturgis, Bobbie and the 2 AJ's were waiting.
"So I hear we have a mission of the highest importance going on here," said the Admiral as he smiled.
"Sir, this was not my idea…" Bud began in his defense.
"At ease Lieutenant, we're not at work. Hell, I'm sorry I didn't think of it myself." The Admiral said.
Now the group was standing outside of the house, "I guess we could go to my house, I am sure I have something we can scrounge up for dinner." Said Bobbie.
"Tell you what, how about I take you all out to celebrate – something." The Admiral wasn't showing it, but underneath he had a big smile. With that, they left. Not one of them feeling guilty that Harm and Mac were locked in the basement.
The Basement
Mac walked over to the washer, there was nothing in it. She walked back up the stairs to the door reaching for the knob "Harriet, there's nothing in your machine" with that she turned the knob but the door wouldn't open. "Hello? The door's locked" They must all be outside already, this is too weird, they will notice when I don't come out, Mac thought.
Just then she heard a bang. "Ouch! Where are the lights?"
"Harm is that you?"
"Yeah, Mac where are the lights?" Harm asked,
"Hang on Harm, were are you?"
"I'm by the outside door."
"Ok, stay there, the house door is jammed, I'll come to you."
"Ah Mac, it's locked. That's why I was looking for the lights, so I could find the stairs."
"I'll see if I can find some switches. Nothing, I guess it's just the little bulb over the washer." Mac said.
"It's kind of spooky down here with no lights" Harm said.
Laughing Mac replied, "Don't tell me your scared of a little darkness Flyboy."
"Not at all, but not every one is a tough Marine." They walked toward each other laughing, stopping in front of the washing machine. "Mac what are you doing down here?" asked Harm.
"It's very strange Harm, Harriet asked me to put the rags in the dryer, but when I checked the washer there were no rags in it. When I went back upstairs to tell her, the door was…" She stopped mid thought. "Harm why are you down here?"
"I told Bud I would put the tools away while he helped Harriet, as I got to the bottom of the stairs the wind must have blown the cellar door shut, I tried to push it open but the latch must have caught."
"Well I'm going to go knock on the door, maybe someone will hear." Mac stated.
"Don't you think they will wonder where we are? I am sure they realize by now we are not outside with them." Harm said. "It's been a while." "Harm it's been 6 minutes, I doubt they miss us yet." replied Mac. "Wait a minute! You said the wind must have blown the door shut?"
"Well how else would it have closed?" Harm asked.
"Harm that door is heavy, there is no way the wind could have blown it shut and those latches are made specifically so they don't automatically lock…"
Harm interrupted her and said, "I bet the door upstairs isn't jammed either, partner I think we have been set up. What's going on here? Why would they lock us up?" Harm wonder out loud.
"I think I know, Harriet was asking me all sorts of probing questions earlier"
"What kind of probing questions Mac?"
"It doesn't matter Harm, what matters is we find a way out of here, I'm hungry and I was looking forward to a good burger."
Harm just rolled his eyes thinking "She is always looking forward to a burger." The two began to look around for windows and something they could use to pry the doors. Harm walked over to the tools he had brought in but nothing looked like it would do the job.
Thirty Minutes later… At the restaurant
"Do you think we did the right thing Harriet? They are going to be awfully angry at us." Bud asked.
Before Harriet could answer Bobbie replied, "Of course we did Bud, it's time those two talked. Let them get it out in the open."
Sturgis walked over and concurred, "I think it's high time that Harm and Mac figured out what is going on between them. Personally I am tired of the 'love, hate, fight, make up' situation. They are both too stubborn to be the first one to admit anything."
"People, let's not speculate here, if it's meant to be, so be it. At least they will move ahead with whatever the outcome is." The Admiral added his two cents. "Now let's sit down and order."
Back in the Basement
"So Harm, what's new?" Mac's attempt at humor did not have the reaction it intended.
Harm just looked at her, "You were in on this weren't you?"
"Yes Harm, I plotted to be locked in an unfinished basement with you" sarcasm was flowing now.
"Well you did say you knew why we were down here." Harm snapped back.
"You know what Harm? You are a pain in the neck. Do you really think I would plan something like this? Don't flatter yourself!"
"Mac, you are the one who always wants to talk, what better way to get me alone then to have your friends lock us up together."
"Harm, first of all they are your friends too and second, I am done trying to get through to you. The only time you want to talk is when there is a chance that it may be our last time talking, then I can't shut you up." In her head Mac knew she was baiting Harm into a fight. She wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but at least it was something.
"Fine, you want me to shut up I will." Harm snapped again.
"That isn't what I meant and you know it" Mac said calmly.
"No, I'm done, no more talking, no more expressing my feelings, nothing." It was Harms turn to bait.
"Fine!" Mac yelled and walked to the other side of the room. Where the hell am I going? The doors are locked. Harriet, I am going to kill you.
"And another thing," Harm yelled across the room. "It's not me who doesn't want to talk, I just believe that we should talk when one of us is not rebounding from someone else or not coming off of something highly emotional or…"
"Or what Harm? I thought you were done talking." Mac stated.
Time has passed and the two are sitting on opposite sides of the room. Both being rather stubborn and neither saying a word. Finally, it was Harm who broke the silence. "Hey Mac?"
"What?"
"I just wanted to know what time it was."
"8:34."
"Hey Mac?"
"What is it Harm?" Her tone was rather annoyed.
"Wanna play charades?"
That did it, Mac had to laugh. "Harm, it's dark, we can barely see, where are you anyway?" Mac started to walk towards his voice and she bumped into a familiar figure.
"I'm right here Mac. Let's talk." Harm said.
"Now you want to talk? Ok, so Harm, come here often?" she just couldn't let go of her sarcasm.
"Mac, stop. For once don't put up a wall. Just listen. I've been doing some thinking…"
"Well that's refreshing," quipped Mac.
Where is the duct tape when you need it? Harm wondered. "Our friends must have done this for a reason. Maybe they are right, maybe we should talk and decide what is going on here."
"What's going on here Harm, what's going on? Let me tell you what's going on pal." Mac stated. "You tell me you love me, at my engagement party no less, but have no intention of acting on it. You're plane goes down, you ruin my wedding and…"
Harm interrupted her, "Yeah Mac, I crashed my plane into the Atlantic to stop your wedding." Mac realizing the stupidity of the statement she had made just looked at Harm.
Mac turned and walked away from Harm, "That's right, walk away as usual."
"Me walk away? I am not the one who walks away Harm you are, actually you fly away to be more precise." She still had her back to him. Harm looked up at the ceiling and threw his hands in the air. There is no pleasing this woman, talk don't talk, give me a sign here.
Harm walked toward the washing machine and banged his head into the hanging light bulb. "Ouch!"
"Harm are you ok?"
"Fine" he mumbled. Mac approached Harm and tried to stifle her laugh she saw the red mark on his head and the swinging bulb.
"Harm let me see"
"I'm fine" "Stop being such a baby, let me see if you burned your forehead."
The Restaurant
"Well it's been over 2 hours, you think it's safe to go back?" Bud asked.
"Something tells me they haven't even scratched the surface yet." Sturgis responded.
"Let's all go to my place for coffee." Bobbie piped in. With that they got up and left.
Once at Bobbie's town home, Harriet put Little AJ down and the group gathered around.
"You know, I don't care if they come together or not. I just want it resolved." The Admiral stated.
"Oh but wouldn't it be wonderful if they got together." Cooed Harriet. Then she turned to the admiral "Sir, you wouldn't transfer one of them would you?"
"And break up my winning team? It might take some doing, but I still have a few strings I can pull. However, if they don't get it together or not together as the case may be, one of them is going to have to go. They make me feel like I am at a soap opera taping instead of JAG." Quipped the Admiral.
Again in the basement
"Well at least there is no burn." Mac said softly.
"Since when are Marines so tender?" joked Harm. With that Mac just rolled her eyes. "Flyboy, I have sides of me you have never seen." A little flirty, but Mac figured, why not.
"Mac?" "Yes Harm" "I'm sorry." he said it barely audible.
"What was that?" Mac asked.
"I said, I'm sorry"
"For…." Mac asked.
Oh this was not going to be easy, she's going to make me work. Harm took a deep breath "I am sorry for not taking you up on your offer in Sydney. I am sorry for laying my feelings out to you at your engagement party. I am sorry for not being there when you needed me most." "Thank you Harm, that's what I needed to hear." Mac said.
"What about you? Aren't you sorry for anything?" Harm asked,
Of course, I am sorry that you didn't take me up on my offer, I am sorry that you laid out your feelings at my engagement party and I am sorry that you weren't there when I needed you the most." Mac said.
No jury would convict me I just say she opened her mouth, that's all the defense I would need. Harm thought.
Mac started laughing as though she could read his mind and then quietly said, "I am sorry I went to Mic."
The ice was broken, a communication started. "Well it's now 9:05, they have left us down here for 3 hours. Harm, let's talk" Suddenly there was a change in both of them. Harm looked around and found some blankets and made a little sitting area for them. He put out his hand and said "After you." Mac sat and Harm joined her. "Well, where do we start?" he asked.
"With Diane" Mac replied.
Harm took a deep breath and let it out loudly. "Mac I loved her, but she's gone. Yes you bear a striking resemblance to her, but that is in the past."
Before he could continue, Mac cut in. "I needed to know that Harm, thank you."
Harm continued, "We need to talk about now and the future."
It was Mac's turn for a heavy sigh. "Which one of us is going to say it first?" she asked. They sat there in a very loud silence.
Harm smiled, "Well I know how I feel but I am not sure of how you feel."
"Well it's the same for me." Mac said quickly.
"Hey Mac, at the count of three we both say how we feel. Regardless if it is the same or different, we remain friends and put all this behind us." "Harm, what if it's the same and good, do we put it behind us then?" Mac asked,
Harm chuckled "If it's the same I think we have more talking to do."
Then Mac said, "But we may not need to talk more if it's that same or this same. What if it's different? One of us is going to be hurt." Mac quietly said.
"Remember no matter what we are still friends." Replied Harm. Harm was thoroughly confused he was thinking the same is "I love you" what if Mac was thinking it was Let's be friends "Let's just say it and see what happens." Harm stated.
At the same time "Ready one,"
"Wait" Mac stopped. "Is it three and they we say it or one two and then say it?"
"Good point Marine, what do you think?"
"I think three and they we say whatever IT is."
"Ok, ready?"
In unison "One two"
"Wait" this time it was Harm, "You think we are doing the right thing here? I mean this could change everything."
"Harm let's do it."
"One Two Three" and silence. Both started laughing.
"Why is this so hard?" Mac asked.
"It's going to change everything," Harm said.
"Ok get a hold of yourself, let's go" Mac said.
"One two three – I love you."
"Wow" Harm said, "that was easier than I thought." He wished the light was better; right now he wanted to see Mac's face.
"Did you just say you loved me?" Mac asked.
"Yeah I did and you said it too don't forget that."
"Oh no, I know what I said. It's not the first time either" Mac said coyly.
"It's not? Did I miss something, I don't ever remember hearing you say that before." Harm asked.
"Well," Mac was blushing and thankful for the poor lighting.
"A while back, I blurted it out to Sturgis and just today I slipped and said something to Harriet."
"Mac, I am honored. I am also going to kill Sturgis. He knew and never told me?" Harm said.
"Harm I swore him to secrecy. I threatened him actually." Mac said laughing.
"Hey Mac, where do we go from here?" Harm asked.
"Out of this basement and to dinner Harm. I'm starved." The two just laughed.
"Seriously, is this something you want to explore? Do we tell anyone?" Harm was going into unchartered waters here. Sure he had loved women before but this was all together different.
"Harm, I think they know. Anyone we would tell already knows considering they locked us in here." Mac laughed.
"Another good point marine." Harm joked.
"Well its now 3 hours and 46 minutes flyboy. What have we accomplished," Mac asked
With a smirk on his face Harm replied "I now know, I don't need to stop as often for the bathroom on long drives. You think in a house this size there would be a bathroom down here."
Mac just looked at Harm and laughed. "That is not what I meant Harm."
Laughing Harm said, "I know what you meant Mac, it was just to easy to pass up." "I think I have learned that I want to take you to dinner, out for a 'real date'." Harm stated.
"I think," Mac, said softly "That if you don't kiss me now, you are going to kill a very romantic moment." With that Harm leaned in and gave Mac a very warm and tender kiss.
Lost in their kiss, neither realized that lights had gone on and they had an audience. Standing before them were the group of co-conspirators. "Attention on deck" boomed the Admirals voice in a mocking tone. Harm and Mac turned and saw a group of smiling faces.
"Why were you guys here in the dark?" Bud asked.
"We couldn't find the switch" they replied. "Guys it was at the top of the stairs." At this point no one could contain the laughter.
"So, I take it, discussions have taken place, terms have been met and all is right with the world?" the Admiral asked. Harm was standing behind Mac with his arms wrapped around her.
"Yes sir they have" they replied in unison.
"Well it's about time. I presume there will be no more door slamming and bickering in the office?" The Admiral asked.
"No guarantees sir." Harm smiled.
"No there aren't any guarantees, but there are always good starts." The Admiral smiled.
With that the group adjourned upstairs, leaving Harm and Mac alone once again in the basement. "Hey don't lock the door!" They shouted as they followed their friends; a new chapter in their lives was about to begin.