Title: A Hand to Hold
Author: Kathea
Pairing: Mac/Harm
Rating: PG
Spoilers: The Four Percent Solution
Summary: Follow up to the last scene. A look at reasons. One-shot.
Disclaimer: I don't know why people think I own JAG. If I did, well, let's just say things would be a bit different.
He watched her as she slept. Her small, sturdy hand still trapped in his. He could here her breath over the beep-hum of the monitor. Light from the hallway spilled across her bed highlighting the bruises and scrapes on her face. She was lucky she'd hit the tree where she did. The doctor had implied as much before he'd let Harm in. But was he honestly surprised that Mac had made it through without any permanent damage? Not a bit. Mac had a will of steel forged by abuse, neglect, misfortune, and the Marines. There was nothing his Jarhead wouldn't face and more often than not conquer.
Harm couldn't remember when, in the confines of his mind, he had started to refer to Mac as 'his'. If Mac ever knew, she'd probably deck him. She was fierce but she still had bruises. Far too many had come from him but she had given a few lumps of her own.
Finally, after eight years they were both on the same page of the same book. Or to use Mac's favorite metaphor; they were dancing together to the same song. It had certainly taken them long enough. God only knew why they had put each other through such misery. Only that it is easier to hurt someone than be honest. Or maybe it's easier to protect yourself than open up. At this point, Harm is not even sure that it matters anymore. Any rehashing of the past only seems to worsen things, not that the past can be forgotten.
Oh no, far too much has happened in the past. But, as God was his witness, if he and Mac could make this work, none of the past would matter. It figures that it would take a near-death experience for Mac to come to grips with her own feelings. Harm stroked his thumb across the top of Mac's hand. In her sleep, Mac twisted her body towards him. When she least expected it she would always turn to him.
The nurse came in to check Mac's vitals. The movements woke Mac up and she stared groggily at him.
"You're still here?" Mac's sleep roughened voice asked.
"Of course I am." Mac seemed to consider this for a moment.
"Harm?"
"Mhhmm."
"I love you."
"I love you too, Sarah. I love you too. Now go to sleep, I'll be right here when you wake up."
THE END
AN: I know it's short but I wanted to capture what I thought Harm's thoughts would be since in the episode we only got to see Mac's. I also think this is a more accurate portrayal of how they could confess their feelings. I don't see either one as the gushy, crying type. If I get any reviews I'll either email you back if you are a person or leave a message on my live journal which you can access from my profile.