Chapter 12

Harm's apartment

North of Union Station

Washington D.C.

1427 local

I look around Harm's apartment. Even though he told me he would keep it for visits back here, I think it will never be the same again. This place has been filled with so many memories over the years. It won't be the same without the cluttered kitchen he had stocked with almost everything a cook could ask for, or the pictures of the people that were important in his life on the book shelf over by the door.

When he reappears from the bathroom I hold my breath. There was a good reason why we decided to go in separately. Even in his khakis Harm is always a tempting sight. I swear what that uniform does to him should be considered illegal. I should be thankful he didn't choose the whites though, I guess.

He flashes his grin at me and I just roll my eyes in return. Better not get into this right now. I dress quickly in a pair of comfortable pants and a blouse. We don't know what the weather will be like in London, so I pack a pullover into my hand baggage.

We are on a tight schedule. I gave back my rental earlier on our way home from Blacksburg but I have yet to hand in my resignation to General Cresswell, besides Harm needs to go by JAG ops as well to make sure Bud and Coates aren't going to have a problem in the next couple days.

I never thought I'd feel this comfortable handing in my resignation. The last time I did it I had had a heavy heart and felt nervous and uncomfortable days before. This time, there is no such feeling. It kind of surprises me. I always thought, the day I would take off my Marine Green would be a sad one. But no matter how hard I look into myself, all I can come up with is a strange excitement and a calmness that comes with the anticipation of what will be my future.

Andrews Air Force Base

Maryland

1645 local

I can't believe it. They are all here. Bud, Harriet, the kids, Mikey, Jen Coates and even General Cresswell came to see us off. It's kind of funny even, considering that in a few days, most of the guys here will board a plane just like Mac and me.

In a way I'll miss Washington and JAG. I've been here for longer than I ever was anywhere before and every new beginning brings at least some sadness with it. On the other hand I take all the important people with me, the most important one currently holding my hand against military regulation. Our luggage has been loaded earlier already, which leaves us a bit time with our friends.

"You know General, if I'd known you would come here, I wouldn't have come to headquarters to hand in my resignation." Mac is in a good mood and joking. I had been a bit uncomfortable earlier when we walked out of JAG for the last time. I know she said she was ok with giving up the Marines. But still it is a funny thought of her as a civilian.

Cresswell waves his hand at her comment and I can see he has a hard time hiding his smirk. I don't know. Serving under Cresswell is just not the same as serving under AJ Chegwidden. With that Marine you never know where you stand, and just when I think I've figured him out, he turns around and I start all over again. Though, I have to admit, he was pretty decent about the whole thing with Mac and me. "I still hate to see you go, Colonel. But I guess I do understand… to a certain extend."

He turns to me and wishes me good luck in London, which I appreciate. I know I'll need to come back here every once in a while, but mostly, I'll be able to make my own decisions about things. And considering we live in the 21st century, many reports will be made by e-mail and phone.

It's almost time for me and Mac to board the C-40 that will take us to Heathrow. I shake hands with Bud and tell him to take his time with the moving, knowing he and Harriet have a whole house to pack and four kids to look after while doing so.

Harriet holds baby Nicky on her arm and I admire the little girl for sleeping so peacefully considering what is going on around her with all the grownups and chatter. "She does the right thing!" I refer to the sleeping infant, and Harriet grins. "Yeah, sleeping now and keeping me awake tonight in return. Nicky and her brother aren't playing fair." I can just imagine that. One day I'm hoping to share these things too. Being up all night with a baby and all that fuss. Who knows what the future holds? About 24 hours ago I didn't even think it would hold a happy end for me and Mac and yet it does.

The airman responsible for the boarding waves at us to get a move on, and I hug Harriet goodbye before giving Mac the opportunity to do the same. "We'll see you in London!" With that I take Mac's hand in mine again and walk her to the gangway of the plane.

On top of the stairs, just before entering the plane, I turn around a last time and look out over to the city that was my home for so long. I sigh and Mac grins at me. "You are just jealous that you won't be at the helm of that flight, Captain." I grin back at her. I know she wants to tease me, and I return it with my own joke. "Mac, I'm used to fly Tomcats or even Hornets… not whales." I know I could if I had to, but I'm pretty happy to let the Air Force guys do their job on this one.

She slaps my shoulder and rolls her eyes before she walks away towards our seats. The plane is almost full, many of the guys and women on board will only spend about a day in London before they board another plane to Afghanistan, Iraq or wherever it is they are going. I don't envy any of them. Sure, they are young and full of fire. In a way I'm still passionate about my job, too. I love what I do. But I've seen my fair share of combat, whether in the air or on the floor. And I can't say I really miss that.

We both get comfortable on our seats and I help her strap herself in, which earns me an annoyed look. "Just wanted to make sure the woman I love is safe." I can't stop myself from whispering in her ear. Right now I wouldn't care for anything, because I know she is here with me and that takes a bit of the enormity away from the fact that this is a pretty big step. For both of us.

It doesn't take long before we start taxiing toward the runway and when the feeling of the plane speeding up puts a light pressure on me and presses me into my seat I smile like I always do when a plane with me on board takes off. There aren't many things that are better than the few seconds when you know the plane has almost reached the required speed and a slight tug at the controls will lift you off. And then we are airborne, climbing into the sky over Washington D.C. and we both look out the little window and watch as the city beneath us becomes smaller and smaller.

Mac rests her head on my shoulder after a while, and looking down on her, I can see she has fallen asleep. What is it with this woman? Whenever we are on a plane, she will start dropping off almost as soon as we are in the air. Her head always kind of ends up on my shoulder and while I sometimes had problems with her so close to me in the past, I enjoy it this time.

We are way above the Atlantic Ocean when she finally starts stirring against me. I admit I dozed off for a while as well. After all it has been a rough couple days and neither Mac nor I got too much sleep last night. But sleeping on planes is not really my cup of coffee. My back started complaining a while ago but I didn't want to move, knowing I would wake her up.

"Hey sleepyhead!" She yawns and looks out the little window. "Wow, I didn't think I'd sleep that long." I chuckle. Mac and her internal clock… yet she seems to forget, that we are flying east, which means she didn't exactly sleep that long, considering we will be in the air for several hours more. "Not that long." I assure her. After all, it's only been little under four hours since we took off at Andrews.

I stretch myself a little and change my sitting position slightly to ease my back a bit. "Trouble?" Her concerned brown eyes look at me and I can see she is ready to help with whatever I need. "No, but my back reminds me that I'm no longer 25." Ever since that last punch out the night before her wedding my back hasn't been the same. Sure, I'm cleared for flight status and all that. There is no permanent damage to my spine or vertebrae that would keep the docs from waving me through their office. But the slight discomfort I always get when sitting in the same position for too long is nevertheless a reminder of that night in the Ocean.

Mac gives me a sheepish grin and tells me, I'm not even 35 any longer. I bite my tongue so I won't remind her that she isn't 35 anymore either. I don't want to rouse that kind of conversation. At least not here. Instead I chuckle and let her know that I take her comment with humor.

She snuggles her head back onto my shoulder and I take her hand in mine. It feels good sitting here like this. We don't talk. In my mind, the thoughts of what happened during the last couple days and the thoughts of what I want to happen in our future combine and I have to fight hard against the smile that threatens to split my face. I have so many plans right now. And most of them don't include my job. Sure I'm going to enjoy that too, I guess. It's an excellent position to further my career. But all of that wouldn't be worth a Dime if not for the woman next to me.

London Heathrow Airport

Borrow of Hillington

London, UK

0710

Boy am I glad to get off that plane. It feels like forever since I last saw a bed and got some proper sleep and all I want now is to lie down somewhere and get some well deserved rest. Looking over at Harm I can see the deep circles underneath his eyes too. He gives me a tired smile and I know he is just as exhausted as I am.

I've never been to London before. At least not the city. I've seen more of Heathrow over the years than I care to admit, though. I'm definitely not going on any sightseeing tours today.

We grab our luggage and head for the gate, where we are awaited by a pretty excited Lieutenant.

Harm groans next to me when he spots her and I squint my eyes. I've only met her once in San Diego when she was practically fawning all over Vukovic. I just hope that he won't be here too. "Good morning, Captain, Ma'am. I'm Lieutenant Catherine Graves. It's nice to see you again." Harm gives her a friendly smile but I can see he is slightly irritated. "Good to see you too, Lieutenant." I have the sinking feeling that this is going to be interesting at least.

Graves immediately takes our hand luggage and moves towards the exit, all the while chattering. "I'm so happy to be working with you again, Captain. Of course you'll need some time to find your way around, but this city is sooo amazing. And just wait until you come to the office. Lots of cool people all around. I can hardly ask for a more exciting job. Of course it's not San Diego where the weather is concerned, but this place is just filled with so much history and all that, you'll love it, I'm sure. I'll drive you to your temporary quarters. I was a bit surprised when the General asked to assign you quarters suitable for two people. But well I guess it's understandable now… " She motions between the two of us and I roll my eyes again.

She keeps babbling while walking ahead of us and Harm looks at me with his eyebrow raised. "This is going to be a long drive…" I nod. Someone should tell the Lieutenant, that people who just spent almost nine hours on a plane don't want to listen to so much crap.

When I see the car we approach I can only stare for a moment. I've never been picked up by a limo before. When Harm steps closer, the Petty Officer snaps to attention and Harm returns the salute quickly. We both climb in at the backseat and I have to stifle a yawn. I really need some place to sleep. I was actually looking forward to just dozing again on the ride to wherever it will be that Harm and I will stay for the time being, but unfortunately the young Lieutenant decides to ride in the back with us.

"I was assigned your personal assistant, sir and I'll show you around the office this afternoon after you've had some time to refresh and get some rest. You'll have a meeting with the ambassador first thing tomorrow morning and a conference with your staff before noon. But before all that, I'll show you to your quarters of course." Of course… and if we sit in this car for much longer, I'm sure she would also tell him his schedule for all next week. I realized before that tuning her out is not in the cards. But well, maybe it's just the fact that I'm dead on my feet by now.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. I appreciate the effort." He sounds like he is slightly annoyed and I can understand that feeling completely. The blonde Lieutenant kind of reminds me of Bud in his early days at JAG. "No problem, sir." Harm nods again and tells her to take a breath every now and then which seems to throw her off stride for a moment. I grin inwardly. Looking at Harm he gives me a grin.

Graves has finally shut up, yet it seems forever until we finally reach our quarters. She asks Harm if she should come in with us, but Harm politely takes the keys from her hands and tells her not to bother. I'm glad he does, because I don't know if I can take another round of her ramblings. She means well, and she is a friendly young woman, but right now, all I want is a shower and a bed.

R.A.F. West Ruislip

Greater London, UK

MOQ base housing

0755 local

Entering the apartment Mac makes a beeline through the hallway and walks straight to the bathroom. I'll never guess how women do that. Especially Mac always seems to know where the bathroom is wherever she is. I follow her with our luggage and find, that even though the flat has furniture, there is only one bed here. It's a queen size sure, but I'm not sure what Mac will say about this.

She returns only moments later and we both stare at the bed, but I don't want this to turn out like the last time and decide to take a shower and then go and have a closer look at that couch in the living room across the hall.

She looks at me with raised eyebrows and I grin. "No worries. I'll take the couch, you get the bed. You look like you need it." I step closer to her and draw a line across her cheek with my thumb. She has pretty dark circles under her eyes and I know I'm partially responsible for that. Kissing her shortly on the lips, I send her to the bathroom, while I take the covers and the pillow over to the living room.

I'm lucky. The sofa is long enough so it fits most of me and with the bedcovers and the pillow it looks as though I could survive this. I'm not sure what Mac thought when she saw that there was only one bed in the apartment, but I think staying away from her in such an intimate proximity is the best thing for both of us right now. I know I can't guarantee that I'll be able to keep my hands to myself.

Mac calls for me just when I finish taking off my uniform and putting it on a hanger. I hold my breath when she walks out of the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel. Another time with her coming out of the shower in a towel comes to my mind and I quickly avert my eyes before I embarrass myself. "Sorry, I forgot my shirt and shorts out here." She gives me that sheepish smile of hers and I believe her.

I wave my hand at that, trying to look indifferent and businesslike. "You about finished in there?" When she nods I take my own towel and head for the shower. I turn the water as hot as I can stand and let it cascade over my aching back for a while. I brush my teeth and then take a deep breath. I knock on the door that would lead out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. I don't want to waltz in there with her not yet dressed or anything.

"It's safe, come in." I grin at her when I see she is properly covered in shirt and shorts, her hair sticking in all directions from toweling it. She is still trying to fight her hair with a brush and without thinking I step up towards her and take the brush from her hands, soothing her wild strands. I kind of like the way she wears her hair now. And now that she is civilian, she will be able to wear it open instead of in a tight bun that made her look so stern.

It's nice to feel the strands cascade through my fingers as I brush over it. When I think she is satisfied I return the brush with a grin and she ruffles my still wet hair with her fingers, wrinkling her nose when her action splatters little droplets everywhere. "Come on, sailor. Let me help you with that." She takes the towel from my neck and wraps my head in it, rubbing hard. "There, all done."

We look at each other uncomfortably. She brushes my lips lightly and then turns around to slip under her covers. "Good night, Harm." I walk to the door and turn around to take another look at her. "Good night, ninja girl." With that I slip through the door but I don't close it. I walk over to my sofa and settle down. I'm so tired it doesn't take long for sleep to catch up on me.

R.A.F. West Ruislip

Greater London, UK

MOQ base housing

0755 local

When we enter the apartment I make a straight line to the bedroom, suspecting the bathroom would be right next to it. I'm not disappointed. I sigh when I see the queen sized bed in the room. I know for a fact, that these apartments don't come with a second bedroom which means this is the only bed we will have. I decide to worry about that when the time comes, because right now I'll take a shower come hell or high water.

When I get off the shower I curse to myself. How stupid can one single person be? Taking a shower without taking my clothes with me. I must be more tired than I thought. I walk outside into the bedroom and Harm looks at me funny. I bet I don't want to know where his thoughts go right now, and this really isn't what we need… It's going to be hard enough without me practically parading in front of him in nothing but a towel.

I see that he has already taken the second set of bedcovers. He is going to sleep on the sofa. I would offer him to take the bed, but I already know he won't go for it. He just always has to play the gentleman.

He comes out of the bathroom just when I start brushing my hair, which seems to go in all possible and impossible directions now. It doesn't take long before I feel him behind me and I hold my breath when he takes the hair brush out of my hand gently. I suck in a gasp when he starts brushing my hair for me, letting it slide through his fingers as he works his way around. It feels so nice, and if it weren't for the promise of taking it slow, I'd turn around and beg him to forget about reason. But I stand my ground. I don't think he means this to be a sexual tease or anything. This is just Harm being Harm.

I'm glad and sad at the same time when he's finished. And after I rub his own hair dry, I kiss him goodnight, keeping it light on purpose. I don't want a repetition of the last night we spent together. He walks out the door and I make myself at home with the bed.

It doesn't take long for sleep to lull me in.