Title : Where The Sea Meets The Sky
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (I forgot to include a disclaimer for NCIS last chapter, so here it is now...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead and rosa for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
abigaile Thanks for your support. Next chapter's here!
angelab Thanks for your reviews. Where to start...I'm glad my writing about Harm helping Mac's sobriety works for you; with what you've told me, I guess I'm on the right track! I know how you feel missing your family, with my hubby 3,000 miles away, I understand. My parents are retired now, so they're close by, but we used to be separated by distance too, so it wasn't always easy. My 'honeymoon' was actually in the Doha Sheraton in Qatar, and lasted one and a half days! (We got married on a Thursday afternoon, spent the wedding night/honeymoon in the hotel, and we were back at work on the Saturday - the mid-eastern weekend! Thu/Fri!!! Ha, ha! I guess our proper 'honeymoon' came in the form of a diving holiday in Egypt a few months later. It's been 17 years this year, so I guess we did okay! According to the internet, there is a restaurant in the hotel by the name of SPIGA that has live entertainment, and while the other restaurant in the story is real, it isn't in the souq, but it is run by a wonderful man, and his name isn't Seamus. I have to protect the innocent! :0) The food is excellent, the host is amazing, and I miss the place like crazy! Enjoy the rest of the story! Oh, before I go - I'm not quite sure what you meant about Mac going back to duty - she was out on the Sea Hawk to prosecute the man in the brig who went UA, because the Admiral wanted Sturgis back at JAG. Her return to the Sea Hawk is via the COD, as Sturgis will be escorting Mattie back stateside. Hope that clears things up?
jtbwriter Hiya! I'm surprised at how well Sturgis works in this story. I haven't gone into his relationship with Varese because I haven't seen too much of it in the season's clips. I'm glad my writing is helping you somehow; I can't express enough how much your reviews help me! Thanks as always.
claysmvl Thanks for your support.
ninjaturtle Kinda drifted off on Dunstan, didn'tcha! Ha, ha! Don't worry, I do like him - I've said so before - I just haven't settled on what he's doing from one step to the next. He's out to cause some mayhem, but I'm sure it'll all come out good in the end. Re Harm and the DDO, no problem - it's been sorted. He might get his knuckles rapped for being late - but at least he's back in a Tomcat!
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BAHRAIN SHERATON HOTEL
HARM AND MAC'S SUITE
FRIDAY NIGHT
Harm was zipping up his flight suit when Mac walked back into the bedroom. A quick glance outside had told her that while Lieutenant Jorgensen was still sitting on the terrace, Mattie had not yet arrived.
"Where the hell are they?" Harm muttered, knowing that he was stalling, both for time to see Mattie, and to say goodbye to Mac. Unfortunately, it was time he didn't have.
"You have to go, Harm." Mac could see the turmoil in his mind reflected on his face, and she wondered inconsequentially how he could be so good at playing poker when he had such an expressive face.
"I know," Harm admitted, stopping what he was doing and taking Mac's face in his hands. His voice lowered, and he dropped his forehead against hers, closing his eyes for a moment. "This wasn't how I pictured our last night in Bahrain ending, you do realize that, don't you?"
Mac grinned. Yes, she did know, and she'd had a few plans of her own too. Still, there was always the COD back on the Sea Hawk! It wasn't intentional, but she had verbalized her thoughts, and Harm laughed, opening his eyes to look at her, losing himself in their warm depths. Like drowning in chocolate...
"C'm'ere..." Harm murmured, and dropped his mouth to hers, whispering 'I love you' against her lips before he kissed her senseless. Mac gave herself up to him without reservation, but before it spiraled out of their control Mattie knocked on the door to the bedroom.
"I hope you two are decent. I'm back!"
Mac broke the kiss reluctantly, and glanced at the door and then back at Harm. "This is it, flyboy. You're out of excuses..."
"Yeah." Harm straightened up and put his arm across Mac's shoulders, dropping a kiss on the crown of her hair. "Look after Baby Rabb, and I'll see you back on board."
"Fly safe, Harm." It was what Mac always said, but it was the unspoken message that went with them that he kept close to his heart.
Harm opened the bedroom door further and walked out, still holding Mac's hand as he came face to face with Mattie.
"I know you're mad because I'm la..." Mattie started to explain, but her voice died away as she saw Harm in his flight suit. "I thought Sturgis was kidding," she murmured, her smile faltering, and Harm pulled her against his side with his free arm.
"Jorgensen was sent to fly the jet back with me. There's been some trouble, and I have to go earlier than planned. I was hoping to hear all about your evening, and spend some time with you before you leave tomorrow. I'm sorry that's going to have to be delayed a little."
"I guess...well, I can tell Mac all about Bl...about the barbecue, and then Mac can tell you. I'll let her tell you the juicy bits!" Mattie teased, and Mac laughed at Harm's expression.
"I do have one question; why were you late? It is past eleven. I'm risking a DDO being here now; we're supposed to be airborne!" Harm let Mattie's teasing slide, for now, and voiced his concern over her being late.
"There's a lot more security on the island because of the situation, and we got held up at a security checkpoint. Mr and Mrs Purcell are waiting downstairs to tell you themselves."
"Oh! Okay, let's get down there then. Before we go, group hug. I don't think this is something I should be doing in the lobby of the hotel!" Harm murmured, before he pulled Mac and Mattie together, and kissed both of them.
"Sir, we really should be going..." Jorgensen tapped at the main suite door, and Harm sighed, releasing his grip and walking towards the door, holding it while Mac and Mattie walked through onto the terrace. As they rode the elevator down in silence, Harm's hand sought out Mac's and she squeezed his fingers in return.
Alex and Marie Purcell, with Blaise, were seated with Sturgis and Varese, and all five got to their feet as Harm and Mac appeared from the elevator, with Mattie and Jorgensen walking behind them.
"Mr...er...Captain Rabb?" Alex Purcell faltered, recognizing the significance of Harm's collar pins, although his flight suit showed no markings. Harm waved his hand dismissively and grinned.
"Alex, please, it's still Harm." Shaking Alex Purcell's hand, Harm turned to smile at Marie. "Thanks for taking Mattie. It sounds like she had a really great time. I'm sorry I can't stop right now, but I have to get back offshore. I hope I get to see you again sometime, if not here, then maybe back in the States."
"We'll hold you to that, Harm." Marie answered, a little awed by the presence of Harm as a military officer.
Harm nodded in response, turned to look at Jorgensen who was waiting at his side, and both Mac and Mattie followed him out to the embassy vehicle that had been assigned to transport them.
Jorgensen said goodbye to Mac and Mattie and climbed into the car. Harm dropped a kiss on Mattie's head and hugged her.
"Be good, and have a safe flight. Try not to bug Sturgis too much, huh?"
"Yes, Dad." Mattie was getting more comfortable with calling Harm 'Dad', and it came out more frequently. Mac smiled at the interchange before looking up at Harm as he turned his gaze on her.
"I'll see you back on board tomorrow. We have a date, remember?"
"Yes." Mac could only manage the one word, but that was enough. Harm touched his finger to her cheek and then climbed into the car. Both Mac and Mattie watched as the black sedan moved into the night traffic and then they returned to the lobby of the hotel.
As the Purcells said their goodbyes, Blaise eyed Mattie briefly, but Mac caught the exchange and Blaise walked over to her as his parents began to walk away to the hotel entrance.
"Blaise?" Marie turned to her son, aware that he had stopped beside Mac.
"I'll catch you up, Mom. One minute."
"Okay. We'll be at the car." Marie waved again, and then left with Alex.
Mac turned a curious expression on Blaise Purcell.
"What is it, Blaise?"
"I was hoping to ask Harm...er, Captain Ra..." Blaise began, but Mac touched his arm reassuringly.
"Call him Harm, that's okay."
"I wanted to let him know that I will be keeping in touch with Mattie back in the States."
Mac was amused and felt a certain respect for the way in which Blaise had voiced his intentions.
"I see. Well, obviously I can't answer for Harm, but I can tell you how I feel about it. You are aware of how old Mattie is, aren't you?"
"Yes, ma'am. We seem to have clicked somehow, and I don't want to lose touch."
"Okay. By the way, please call me Mac. I have no problem with you keeping in touch, Blaise. Just keep in mind that Mattie still has school, and you are at university. There is a lot going on in Mattie's life right now, and while your friendship is obviously important to her and to you, it won't do to pressure her in any way."
"I know what Mattie's goals are, Mac. She's told me about the Academy." Blaise grinned, and Mac returned a grin of her own, catching Mattie's eyes as the teenager stood with Sturgis and Varese.
"Good. Look, you'd better get a move on. Your parents are waiting. I'll let Harm know what you've told me, and I'm sure for now, keeping in touch by phone or email will be okay."
"Thank you, Mac." Blaise shook Mac's hand, waved at Mattie and made a move to walk away. Before he did he turned to look at Mac again. "One thing, Mac. Mattie said you've known Harm a long time. Did you know you'd be such good friends when you first met him?"
Mac didn't hesitate. "Yes, I did."
"That's how I feel about Mattie."
"Then we're going to have a lot more to talk about some day," Mac replied, waving him off again before turning to look at Mattie, Sturgis and Varese. "Well, here we are, and it's the witching hour. How about some drinking chocolate on the terrace and then a good night's sleep - what's left of it?" she offered.
"Good idea, Mac." Mattie was enthusiastic, if a little weary, and both Sturgis and Varese nodded their heads too. The four of them made their way to the elevator and rode up to the penthouse floor.
HARM AND MAC'S SUITE
Mac sat on the bed in the suite, her thoughts somewhere in a Tomcat as she absently rubbed her abdomen.
After the hot chocolate Sturgis and Varese had said their 'good nights' and retired to their suite, leaving Mattie and Mac on the terrace.
"Okay, Mattie. You'd better get to bed now, too. You have to get ready for your flight tomorrow. Sleep tight."
Mattie kissed Mac's cheek and went into her own suite. However, although she was tired she couldn't get to sleep straight away, and as she opened her suite door she saw the light was still on across the hallway. Knocking on the door to the suite she pushed the door open and called out to Mac.
"In the bedroom, kiddo." Mac replied, and watched as Mattie's head appeared around the door. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing wrong really, I just couldn't get to sleep. I thought you might still be awake," Mattie replied, and then hesitated, as if wanting to say more.
"Yeah. I don't sleep so well when Harm's not around..." Mac paused, and then from the expression on Mattie's face she broke into a laugh. "I know, you remember when I was staying in the apartment when Harm first deployed."
"I think it's cute. You really have known Harm a long time, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have. We've been through a lot together, good and bad, but through it all there's been our friendship."
"I feel something like that about Blaise. I know I've only just met him, but it felt strange...a nice 'strange' when we were dancing yesterday. I've known Andre a little bit longer, and we're friends, but I don't feel the same way about him as I do about Blaise."
"I can't tell you it's wrong, Mattie, when that's exactly how I felt about Harm. Oh, I thought he was just an arrogant naval aviator in dress whites and gold wings, but even I couldn't deny that there was 'something' happening between us. If it is meant to last, whether as a friendship or more, give it time. Go for what you want to do in your life, and if it's right, it will work out. Just don't take as long as we did about it, okay?"
Mattie laughed, and yawned, as she snuggled down onto the pillows, nodding sleepily. Mac smiled softly and ran a hand over Mattie's hair.
"My mom used to do that," Mattie whispered, and Mac stopped the movement, until Mattie looked up at her. "Please don't stop; it used to help me get to sleep."
"You want to sleep in here tonight?" Mac offered.
Mattie nodded, snuggling down into the pillows even more, feeling comforted by the movement of Mac's hand, and by something else that she couldn't quite put a finger on as she slipped into sleep.
Mac knew that 'something else' was Harm's scent on the pillows.
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To be continued
A/N :
1. A bit long-winded. Everyone goes back to where they're supposed to be next chapter, so I can go back to DC for a bit of time with Sue and Jack, and the rest! Still to come is the court date for Mattie, and a surprise or two!
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV - and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you. (I forgot to include a disclaimer for NCIS last chapter, so here it is now...I'll leave it in for the rest of the story; makes life easier when I need to 'borrow' Gibbs and his team!)
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw, jtbwriter, beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol, eliv.thade, alicia5, fragmentpieces, kesh, claysmvl, chicmns, skyefire, tammy-jet, abigaile, kjflygirl87, anna7, nikki, jbird7986, angelab, pineapplehead and rosa for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
Replies to previous chapter reviews :
abigaile Thanks for your support. Next chapter's here!
angelab Thanks for your reviews. Where to start...I'm glad my writing about Harm helping Mac's sobriety works for you; with what you've told me, I guess I'm on the right track! I know how you feel missing your family, with my hubby 3,000 miles away, I understand. My parents are retired now, so they're close by, but we used to be separated by distance too, so it wasn't always easy. My 'honeymoon' was actually in the Doha Sheraton in Qatar, and lasted one and a half days! (We got married on a Thursday afternoon, spent the wedding night/honeymoon in the hotel, and we were back at work on the Saturday - the mid-eastern weekend! Thu/Fri!!! Ha, ha! I guess our proper 'honeymoon' came in the form of a diving holiday in Egypt a few months later. It's been 17 years this year, so I guess we did okay! According to the internet, there is a restaurant in the hotel by the name of SPIGA that has live entertainment, and while the other restaurant in the story is real, it isn't in the souq, but it is run by a wonderful man, and his name isn't Seamus. I have to protect the innocent! :0) The food is excellent, the host is amazing, and I miss the place like crazy! Enjoy the rest of the story! Oh, before I go - I'm not quite sure what you meant about Mac going back to duty - she was out on the Sea Hawk to prosecute the man in the brig who went UA, because the Admiral wanted Sturgis back at JAG. Her return to the Sea Hawk is via the COD, as Sturgis will be escorting Mattie back stateside. Hope that clears things up?
jtbwriter Hiya! I'm surprised at how well Sturgis works in this story. I haven't gone into his relationship with Varese because I haven't seen too much of it in the season's clips. I'm glad my writing is helping you somehow; I can't express enough how much your reviews help me! Thanks as always.
claysmvl Thanks for your support.
ninjaturtle Kinda drifted off on Dunstan, didn'tcha! Ha, ha! Don't worry, I do like him - I've said so before - I just haven't settled on what he's doing from one step to the next. He's out to cause some mayhem, but I'm sure it'll all come out good in the end. Re Harm and the DDO, no problem - it's been sorted. He might get his knuckles rapped for being late - but at least he's back in a Tomcat!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAHRAIN SHERATON HOTEL
HARM AND MAC'S SUITE
FRIDAY NIGHT
Harm was zipping up his flight suit when Mac walked back into the bedroom. A quick glance outside had told her that while Lieutenant Jorgensen was still sitting on the terrace, Mattie had not yet arrived.
"Where the hell are they?" Harm muttered, knowing that he was stalling, both for time to see Mattie, and to say goodbye to Mac. Unfortunately, it was time he didn't have.
"You have to go, Harm." Mac could see the turmoil in his mind reflected on his face, and she wondered inconsequentially how he could be so good at playing poker when he had such an expressive face.
"I know," Harm admitted, stopping what he was doing and taking Mac's face in his hands. His voice lowered, and he dropped his forehead against hers, closing his eyes for a moment. "This wasn't how I pictured our last night in Bahrain ending, you do realize that, don't you?"
Mac grinned. Yes, she did know, and she'd had a few plans of her own too. Still, there was always the COD back on the Sea Hawk! It wasn't intentional, but she had verbalized her thoughts, and Harm laughed, opening his eyes to look at her, losing himself in their warm depths. Like drowning in chocolate...
"C'm'ere..." Harm murmured, and dropped his mouth to hers, whispering 'I love you' against her lips before he kissed her senseless. Mac gave herself up to him without reservation, but before it spiraled out of their control Mattie knocked on the door to the bedroom.
"I hope you two are decent. I'm back!"
Mac broke the kiss reluctantly, and glanced at the door and then back at Harm. "This is it, flyboy. You're out of excuses..."
"Yeah." Harm straightened up and put his arm across Mac's shoulders, dropping a kiss on the crown of her hair. "Look after Baby Rabb, and I'll see you back on board."
"Fly safe, Harm." It was what Mac always said, but it was the unspoken message that went with them that he kept close to his heart.
Harm opened the bedroom door further and walked out, still holding Mac's hand as he came face to face with Mattie.
"I know you're mad because I'm la..." Mattie started to explain, but her voice died away as she saw Harm in his flight suit. "I thought Sturgis was kidding," she murmured, her smile faltering, and Harm pulled her against his side with his free arm.
"Jorgensen was sent to fly the jet back with me. There's been some trouble, and I have to go earlier than planned. I was hoping to hear all about your evening, and spend some time with you before you leave tomorrow. I'm sorry that's going to have to be delayed a little."
"I guess...well, I can tell Mac all about Bl...about the barbecue, and then Mac can tell you. I'll let her tell you the juicy bits!" Mattie teased, and Mac laughed at Harm's expression.
"I do have one question; why were you late? It is past eleven. I'm risking a DDO being here now; we're supposed to be airborne!" Harm let Mattie's teasing slide, for now, and voiced his concern over her being late.
"There's a lot more security on the island because of the situation, and we got held up at a security checkpoint. Mr and Mrs Purcell are waiting downstairs to tell you themselves."
"Oh! Okay, let's get down there then. Before we go, group hug. I don't think this is something I should be doing in the lobby of the hotel!" Harm murmured, before he pulled Mac and Mattie together, and kissed both of them.
"Sir, we really should be going..." Jorgensen tapped at the main suite door, and Harm sighed, releasing his grip and walking towards the door, holding it while Mac and Mattie walked through onto the terrace. As they rode the elevator down in silence, Harm's hand sought out Mac's and she squeezed his fingers in return.
Alex and Marie Purcell, with Blaise, were seated with Sturgis and Varese, and all five got to their feet as Harm and Mac appeared from the elevator, with Mattie and Jorgensen walking behind them.
"Mr...er...Captain Rabb?" Alex Purcell faltered, recognizing the significance of Harm's collar pins, although his flight suit showed no markings. Harm waved his hand dismissively and grinned.
"Alex, please, it's still Harm." Shaking Alex Purcell's hand, Harm turned to smile at Marie. "Thanks for taking Mattie. It sounds like she had a really great time. I'm sorry I can't stop right now, but I have to get back offshore. I hope I get to see you again sometime, if not here, then maybe back in the States."
"We'll hold you to that, Harm." Marie answered, a little awed by the presence of Harm as a military officer.
Harm nodded in response, turned to look at Jorgensen who was waiting at his side, and both Mac and Mattie followed him out to the embassy vehicle that had been assigned to transport them.
Jorgensen said goodbye to Mac and Mattie and climbed into the car. Harm dropped a kiss on Mattie's head and hugged her.
"Be good, and have a safe flight. Try not to bug Sturgis too much, huh?"
"Yes, Dad." Mattie was getting more comfortable with calling Harm 'Dad', and it came out more frequently. Mac smiled at the interchange before looking up at Harm as he turned his gaze on her.
"I'll see you back on board tomorrow. We have a date, remember?"
"Yes." Mac could only manage the one word, but that was enough. Harm touched his finger to her cheek and then climbed into the car. Both Mac and Mattie watched as the black sedan moved into the night traffic and then they returned to the lobby of the hotel.
As the Purcells said their goodbyes, Blaise eyed Mattie briefly, but Mac caught the exchange and Blaise walked over to her as his parents began to walk away to the hotel entrance.
"Blaise?" Marie turned to her son, aware that he had stopped beside Mac.
"I'll catch you up, Mom. One minute."
"Okay. We'll be at the car." Marie waved again, and then left with Alex.
Mac turned a curious expression on Blaise Purcell.
"What is it, Blaise?"
"I was hoping to ask Harm...er, Captain Ra..." Blaise began, but Mac touched his arm reassuringly.
"Call him Harm, that's okay."
"I wanted to let him know that I will be keeping in touch with Mattie back in the States."
Mac was amused and felt a certain respect for the way in which Blaise had voiced his intentions.
"I see. Well, obviously I can't answer for Harm, but I can tell you how I feel about it. You are aware of how old Mattie is, aren't you?"
"Yes, ma'am. We seem to have clicked somehow, and I don't want to lose touch."
"Okay. By the way, please call me Mac. I have no problem with you keeping in touch, Blaise. Just keep in mind that Mattie still has school, and you are at university. There is a lot going on in Mattie's life right now, and while your friendship is obviously important to her and to you, it won't do to pressure her in any way."
"I know what Mattie's goals are, Mac. She's told me about the Academy." Blaise grinned, and Mac returned a grin of her own, catching Mattie's eyes as the teenager stood with Sturgis and Varese.
"Good. Look, you'd better get a move on. Your parents are waiting. I'll let Harm know what you've told me, and I'm sure for now, keeping in touch by phone or email will be okay."
"Thank you, Mac." Blaise shook Mac's hand, waved at Mattie and made a move to walk away. Before he did he turned to look at Mac again. "One thing, Mac. Mattie said you've known Harm a long time. Did you know you'd be such good friends when you first met him?"
Mac didn't hesitate. "Yes, I did."
"That's how I feel about Mattie."
"Then we're going to have a lot more to talk about some day," Mac replied, waving him off again before turning to look at Mattie, Sturgis and Varese. "Well, here we are, and it's the witching hour. How about some drinking chocolate on the terrace and then a good night's sleep - what's left of it?" she offered.
"Good idea, Mac." Mattie was enthusiastic, if a little weary, and both Sturgis and Varese nodded their heads too. The four of them made their way to the elevator and rode up to the penthouse floor.
HARM AND MAC'S SUITE
Mac sat on the bed in the suite, her thoughts somewhere in a Tomcat as she absently rubbed her abdomen.
After the hot chocolate Sturgis and Varese had said their 'good nights' and retired to their suite, leaving Mattie and Mac on the terrace.
"Okay, Mattie. You'd better get to bed now, too. You have to get ready for your flight tomorrow. Sleep tight."
Mattie kissed Mac's cheek and went into her own suite. However, although she was tired she couldn't get to sleep straight away, and as she opened her suite door she saw the light was still on across the hallway. Knocking on the door to the suite she pushed the door open and called out to Mac.
"In the bedroom, kiddo." Mac replied, and watched as Mattie's head appeared around the door. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing wrong really, I just couldn't get to sleep. I thought you might still be awake," Mattie replied, and then hesitated, as if wanting to say more.
"Yeah. I don't sleep so well when Harm's not around..." Mac paused, and then from the expression on Mattie's face she broke into a laugh. "I know, you remember when I was staying in the apartment when Harm first deployed."
"I think it's cute. You really have known Harm a long time, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have. We've been through a lot together, good and bad, but through it all there's been our friendship."
"I feel something like that about Blaise. I know I've only just met him, but it felt strange...a nice 'strange' when we were dancing yesterday. I've known Andre a little bit longer, and we're friends, but I don't feel the same way about him as I do about Blaise."
"I can't tell you it's wrong, Mattie, when that's exactly how I felt about Harm. Oh, I thought he was just an arrogant naval aviator in dress whites and gold wings, but even I couldn't deny that there was 'something' happening between us. If it is meant to last, whether as a friendship or more, give it time. Go for what you want to do in your life, and if it's right, it will work out. Just don't take as long as we did about it, okay?"
Mattie laughed, and yawned, as she snuggled down onto the pillows, nodding sleepily. Mac smiled softly and ran a hand over Mattie's hair.
"My mom used to do that," Mattie whispered, and Mac stopped the movement, until Mattie looked up at her. "Please don't stop; it used to help me get to sleep."
"You want to sleep in here tonight?" Mac offered.
Mattie nodded, snuggling down into the pillows even more, feeling comforted by the movement of Mac's hand, and by something else that she couldn't quite put a finger on as she slipped into sleep.
Mac knew that 'something else' was Harm's scent on the pillows.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued
A/N :
1. A bit long-winded. Everyone goes back to where they're supposed to be next chapter, so I can go back to DC for a bit of time with Sue and Jack, and the rest! Still to come is the court date for Mattie, and a surprise or two!