Chance Discoveries
Hi all! Once again, our favorite couple. Set post JAGathon and pre-Paraguay. I'm a little sketchy on the order of the episodes. Don't own them…
It was 8:05 a.m., and Harm was worried. She was never, never late. Getting up from his chair, Harm started into the Bullpen to see if Harriet knew anything about the Colonel. He had gone two steps when he was literally hit by a very wet and disheveled Marine. Harm stumbled backwards as Mac's briefcase, cover and a handful of papers went flying.
Managing not to fall, Harm steadied himself, turned to help Mac, and noticed the frustrated and wild look in her eyes. His usually put-together partner was slightly out of breath, her jacket was askew and her hair was plastered to her face due to the rain. To Harm, she was a beautiful and welcome sight.
"Rough night?" Harm asked with a grin. All he received in return was a scowl as Mac kneeled down to pick up her papers.
"Can it mister," Mac replied without much heat in her voice. "I'm late because the main water line in my apartment building, which of course runs next to one of MY walls, busted. So besides having water damage, I am also going to be kicked out of my place for the next week so they can fix that problem and some other stuff that was discovered. Then, I decided to get a hotel room before work, but I spent 20 minutes on the phone and got nothing. On top of that my makeup is washed off and my hair is horrible thanks to the fact that I couldn't the door open to the building!"
"Well," Harm said slowly, "that sucks."
"Wow, with such eloquent words, it is no wonder I am ahead in wins this month," Mac said.
Harm started to laugh. "See, now don't you feel better?" Harm picked up the last of the papers and followed Mac into her office. "Seriously though, I was getting worried—you are always here before me."
Mac set her briefcase down on the desk and looked up at Harm with small smile. "Thanks, Ugh, I really need to find a place to stay before this day is over," Mac said with a sigh.
"That's easy," Harm quickly said. "Stay at my place."
Mac shot a surprise look towards the Commander. Sure, they were getting along really well again, but this was a big step forward. "Thanks, Harm, but I don't want to impose."
"Ma-ac. What in the world makes you think you would be imposing? We will figure something out for tonight, but I am actually going to Leavenworth for four days to conduct some interviews for the Holdman case. You could stay and water my plants for me," Harm said with a teasing note in his voice and a grin on his face.
Mac considered his words for a moment before answering. "Okay, if you are sure."
"I am very sure."
It was Mac's turn to smile, and she let out a sigh of relief. "Seriously, Harm, you saved my day and week."
"Always glad to help out a damsel in distress," Harm said, his usually cockiness returning.
Mac scoffed and rolled her eyes. "I have to get stuff from my place after work, so I will stop and grab some dinner. What do you want?"
"You."
Mac coughed. "What?"
"Just you. I have everything under control, Marine," Harm said as he sauntered out the door. "Oh, you should bring your cowboy pj's."
Mac followed him to the door. "Maybe I will bring my white nightgown instead," she said saucily as she shut the door in Harm's shocked face. Two can play this game.
The Monday wrapped up smoothly for both parties. Mac managed to secure early and get clothes and essentials from her damaged place. As she drove to Harm's apartment, she couldn't help but feel anxious and nervous. After her slip of the tongue to Sturgis, she was always very careful about her words and actions towards Harm. She loved him, but as usual, had no clue what he was thinking.
Warm scents and soft music bombarded Mac's senses as she approached Harm's door. Just as she was about to lift a hand to knock, the door opened and she was greeted by a shirtless Harm.
"Hi, come in, it's almost ready," Harm said with a smile and then moved back towards the kitchen.
Mac took a couple of deep breaths to calm her heart rate. It wasn't as if she had never seen him without a shirt on, but the combination of him in only dark denim and puttering around the kitchen made her want to throw her arms around him and start nibbling away.
"It's lasagna, and just for you, half of it has meat. I'll just go put on a shirt."
"Do you have to?" Mac asked before she thought. Stupid, stupid…
Harm stopped short and turned to face his partner. "Is that a request, Marine? Because if I am going shirtless, so are you!" Harm said, with a challenge in his eyes.
Recovering, Mac just rolled her eyes, but stuttered, "No…shirt. I mean, yes, put a shirt on."
Laughing, Harm moved towards his bedroom. At the same time, Mac turned and moved back to the table, where she discovered candles and flowers. She frowned in confusion. There was never anything like this during their work dinners.
"Sit, Mac," Harm said, as he began to serve.
Mac complied, and Harm placed a plate in front of her. "Wow, this smells great. This is all so nice. It has been awhile since we have had dinner without files and briefs in front of us."
"I know. I've missed this, missed us, I, uh, our time together, outside of work," Harm said with a smile. Mac returned his easy smile with one of her own, and dinner continued with relaxed conversation and friendly banter.
"Um, Mac, I was wondering if you wanted me to take anything to Uncle Matt?" Harm asked as he began to clean up the kitchen.
Mac looked at him in surprise. "You think you will be able to see him?"
"Well, I requested a visitation. I wasn't sure if it would be approved, which is why I didn't say anything to you. But I found out today it came through, so…"
Harm didn't have a chance to finish because Mac had walked to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He quickly pulled her closer to him, and Harm felt her tears through his shirt.
"Hey, hey, what's wrong?" Harm asked as he ran his hand up and down Mac's back.
Mac just shook her head, but Harm pulled back slightly and tipped her chin up towards his face. "It's nothing. Well, it's everything. You are so thoughtful. I really don't deserve you…"
"Hey, that's enough. This is what we do, isn't it Marine? You follow me around the world, and I finagle other stuff." Brushing his lips across her temple, Harm pulled back. "Why don't you go write a letter while I finish up here?"
Mac just nodded and moved back to the table. Fifteen minutes later, she was folding her letter, and Harm came to sit beside her.
Mac handed the letter to Harm. "This means a lot to me, you know that?"
Harm covered her hand. "I do."
A look passed between the two, but the moment was broken by a huge yawn on the part of the Commander.
Mac laughed. "You better get to bed, sailor. What time are you leaving in the morning?"
"0400."
"Well, let me brush my teeth, and I will be out of your way."
"You are not sleeping on the couch, Mac."
"Yes, I am. You are not going to kill your back before a long plane ride. I won't be responsible."
"Ma-ac," Harm started. "Fine. Just sleep next to me. I promise to behave myself," he continued cheekily.
That's too bad, Mac thought. But he is expecting me to argue…I will throw him off. "Okay," she said.
Surprised, but pleased, Harm moved to let Mac by. Fifteen minutes later, the duo were awkwardly settling down in bed, each staying on their respective side.
"Goodnight, Mac," Harm whispered softly.
Mac turned to face him. "Goodnight, Harm, and thank you." Quickly she leaned over and kissed him on his cheek before turning back on her side.
Harm woke just before his alarm went off and found himself wrapped around Mac. Content, he relaxed against her and wished he could stay like this. Sighing, he carefully got up, dressed and collected his belongings. Mac shifted in her sleep and rolled into Harm's side of the bed. Smiling, he sat on the edge and ran a finger over her shoulder. He knew he loved her, but at this moment, he could really see his future…with her, always with her.
"Mac," Harm said. "Mac, I'm leaving."
Opening her eyes slightly, Mac looked up at Harm, smiled sleepily and reached out to touch his cheek. "I'll miss you," she said groggily.
Harm grinned and without thinking lightly kissed her. To his surprise, Mac leaned into the kiss and then quickly fell back to the bed. "I'll miss you, too," Harm said.
Already back to sleep, Mac mumbled, "Love you."
Harm closed his eyes, praying that she meant that. "Love you too, Sarah," he whispered as he got up and walked to the door. Stealing one last look, Harm hoped the next four days went by fast.
What do you think?
