Disclaimer: See first part.
PART 2
0145 ZULU
ADMIRAL CHEGWIDDEN'S HOME
MACLEAN, VIRGINIA
While Mac helped Meredith and the Admiral in the kitchen, the others settled comfortably in the living room. Sturgis was reclined in the Laz-E-Boy, while Harm was stretched out on one couch, with Bobbi on the stuffed chair beside Sturgis. Tiner was sitting cross-legged at one end of coffee table, with Bud at the other end in front of Sturgis. Gunny was perched behind Tiner on the stone fireplace outcropping. Harriet was also on the floor in front of Bobbi, with AJ in her lap. They had picked the toddler up from the sitters on the way over.
The group was just chatting carelessly, when the door bell rang. The admiral left the kitchen, smiling to himself as he passed through the living room, taking in his "family" gathered together. Opening the door, he greeted the small group on the other side. It was Frank and Trish Burnett, Sarah Rabb, Sergei and his girlfriend, Allison.
Hearing his mother's voice, Harm got up to greet them. He kissed his mother and grandmother, shook Frank and Allison's hands, and slapped his little brother on the back, earning a glare from the younger man. Harm just grinned, winking teasingly at him. He could tell from the easy stance they had around each other that Sergei and his mother had had a good day together, getting to know each other. Meeting his mother's eyes, he knew things were gonna be just fine between the two. They were friends. Harm could breathe a little easier.
AJ led the group to the living room, offering them drinks, as he stood with Frank, Trish and Sarah, talking about JAG, Harm and the weather. Sergei and Allison joined Mac in the kitchen, sending Meredith out to socialize with AJ and the others. Meanwhile, Harm returned to his seat on the couch.
Bud and Tiner had suckered Harriet into playing Scattergories. As Harm got comfortable, they turned on him.
"Wanna play, Sir?" Bud questioned, eagerly.
"Scattegories?" Harm asked, looking down at the pile of pads and pencils.
"Yeah. I haven't played in such a long time, Sir. It's a lot of fun...even better with more players," Bud exclaimed, eyes wide and earnest. Harm smiled. The man was the father of a three-year-old, but he was still a child himself sometimes.
"Tell you what, Bud. Stop calling me, sir, and I'll play."
Bud grinned. "Yes, Si- er, Harm, Sir. I mean-" he sighed. "You still gonna play, Si-Harm?"
Harm laughed. "Yes, Bud. Hand me a pencil."
Bud handed him a pencil and pad with the lists.
"You know, I'm not great at this game...can we partner up?" Harriet asked. "Bobbi can help me, Sturgis can help you Bud, and Victor can help Jason."
"Well sure, Harriet, but what about Com-er-Harm?" Bud replied.
They all looked at Harm, as if staring at him long enough would produce another one of him to partner with. Meanwhile the admiral, Frank and the ladies sat down on the other couch and the provided chairs.
"He needs a partner," Bud continued, looking sincerely worried.
"I've got a partner," Harm said easily, not looking up as he flipped through the numbered card lists.
Mac, Sergei and Allison were setting the large table. With the lasagna in oven, everything else was ready.
Mac was carrying a handful of knives when Harm called to her.
"Hey Mac!"
"Yeah?"
"Come're."
Frank and Trish shared a look with each other at the familiarness of the 'scene'. The partners sounded like a couple, yelling across their house at each other.
"Just a sec."
Truly a mere second later, Mac appeared with some knives still in her hands. Harm turned to look at her as she approached his side, and jerked away in only partially playful surprise. Mac looked amused.
"Relax, Sailor. There are too many witnesses present," she quipped.
He just made a face at her, and replied. "Just put the knives away, and then come help me."
"You need help..." she said, not asking, or accusing.
"I need help," he confirmed, not catching on.
"Well, that's the first step, Flyboy," she grinned.
Clueing into her teasing tone, he rolled his eyes. "Ha ha, very funny. Are you gonna help me or not?"
"Yeah, yeah. Just let me put these away."
"Now, there's an idea," he replied, with a smirk.
Moments later she was back with Sergei and Allison, who sat on the other side of the couch. They didn't want to play, but decided to watch instead. Harm moved over, allowing Mac to sit on the other end beside him. He grinned as he passed her their list and a pencil.
"Great, now we don't have to use that stupid timer," he said. "Mac can keep time."
Mac gave him a look, but nodded, asking, "how long?"
"Ummmm...." Bud looked at the booklet. "Three minutes." (AN: I really can't remember how long it is, but 3 minutes seems reasonable.)
"Kay."
Harm, who had been looking through some of the lists, grinned again. "Interesting categories...if you get the right letters," he remarked.
Mac rolled her eyes, settling back against the cushions, legs tucked under her.
"Behave yourself, Sailor. Your mother and step-father are here, not to mention your grandmother."
"Yes, Harmon. Officer and gentleman, remember?" Trish remarked.
This got snickers from Sturgis, Sergei and Mac, as well as a chuckle from the admiral and the Roberts. The others just smiled.
"Absolutely," Harm stated innocently. He couldn't be happier at the moment. Minus Keeter...and of course his father, the most important people in the world to him were in the same room together, safe and happy.
"Now someone roll the dice and then...start Mac," Harm said, with a pleased grin at his little joke.
Mac pouted playfully. "I feel so used."
They all laughed, while Bud rolled the lettered dice.
"P."
"What do you do? Tap her nose?" Sturgis asked, grinning widely himself, tilting his head toward Mac.
She rolled her eyes. "Shut up and start already, before I change my mind and you all have to listen to the annoying buzzing."
"What did Barbie follow us here?" Gunny quipped.
There was more laughter, but the pairs started to write. The admiral and the others not playing, chatted quietly, listening from time to time to their younger friend's banter. AJ noted Trish and Sarah Rabb's obvious enjoyment in listening to their son/grandson bicker playfully with his partner.
Suddenly Tiner spoke up, still focused on the list he and Gunny were writing. "Anyone else notice her name?"
"Who, Barbie?" Harriet asked, distractedly, as Bobbi whispered a P word for vegetable in her ear.
"Yeah....Barbara DOLE....Barbie DOLL...get it?"
"It took you all night to figure that one out?" Gunny asked, chuckling.
"NO! I just didn't want to say anything then," Tiner replied, with a frown at his friend.
"Yeah, we noticed," Sturgis replied, laughing to himself. "I think Mac noticed too," he continued, referring to Mac's comment at the bar. He stole a glance at his friend, who just hid a smirk behind her hand as she pointed out something on the list to Harm.
Snickers were heard and then it was only the quiet chatting of the Burnetts, Grandma Sarah and Meredith. The admiral went to check the lasagna, and the small group focused soley on their game.
When Mac and Harm reached the second to last category, they shared a look and burst out laughing. The others glanced at them, shrugged and went back to their lists.
Chuckling, Harm whispered in her ear. "The object of the game is to try and get one no one else will."
"I think the others will get that one," she replied, quietly.
"Yeah, but do they have the, uh...." He gave her a meaningful look, with a cute smirk, and continued. "-to write it down?"
"Probably not, but then, remember your mother is here."
Harm looked thoughtful, then shrugged. "What the hell, we're all adults here."
So under the category of Body Parts, Harm jotted in the answer.
Mac just laughed. "Ten seconds people," she said.
There was frantic writing and then Mac called out again. "Kay, times up."
"Everyone call out their answers as I name the categories. Whatever pairs have an answer no one else does, they get a point. Got it?" Bud asked, looking around.
Everyone nodded, and he called out the first category. By the time they reached the second to last category, Mac and Harm weren't doing to bad, but they certainly could've used another point to keep ahead.
"Okay, Body Parts...Sturgis and I have pinky finger..." Bud spoke up, looking to his wife and Bobbi for their answer.
"We had the same thing," Harriet answered, looking to Jason and Victor.
"Pelvis?" Tiner asked uncertainly. "It's not a limb, but..."
Bud shrugged. "That works."
Everyone's gaze turned to Harm and Mac, eyebrows raising as Mac had her face buried in the back of Harm's shoulder, her own shoulders shaking in laughter. Harm himself was chuckling, head bowed, his hand across his forehead, hiding his eyes. He too was laughing, muttering sarcastically to Mac under his breath. "We're so mature, really!"
Lifting her head, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, she replied. "I know."
Clearing his throat, Harm just smirked at his friends. "Let's just say, none of the above, but we got the point."
"Yeah, I'll bet you did," Sturgis replied, with a laugh. "Leave it to you two to use that one."
"As apposed to "pinky" finger?" Harm asked, slyly.
"Whatever, Buddy. Someone roll the dice and restart Mac."
Mac glared at him good-naturedly, as Harriet rolled the die, getting an H.
"Kay, push her button," Sturgis said, grinning at Mac.
Harm chuckled, seeing the withering look on Mac's face. "You're doing that quite well, Turner. Keep it up and she'll forget the witnesses and use the knives."
Everyone laughed, and Mac shook her head. "Clock starts now people."
They began writing again.
Things You Shout...
Harm looked at Mac, and raised an eyebrow, mouthing, 'Hello?'
She shook her head, mouthing back, 'to easy...' She thought for a moment, and then leaned over his arm to jot down her answer.
HELL NO!
He smiled. They continued for a bit until they got to another one that forced them to think.
Things Found In The Ocean...
They both looked at each other, stumped. Suddenly, Harm's face lit up and he hurriedly filled in an answer.
Harbor Seal
Mac grinned, giving him a thumbs up. The two of them were good at this together. If one didn't know something, the other would.
A few categories later, they came across one that made them smile. They knew what everyone's answer would be.
Boys Name...
No way were they putting Harm's.
Mac smiled, and took the pencil from his hand. The name was out there, but it worked.
Hannibal
She snickered, and Harm shook his head. /What a Marine,/ he thought, fondly.
Finally the last one, and they had twenty seconds, of which Mac informed the group of, before turning back to the category listed.
Things You Throw Away...
Uh-oh. She hated this category. Harm looked perplexed too, but then that Flyboy grin returned and he jotted down his answer, winking at her.
Hairy hotdogs.
She burst out laughing, saying through fits of giggles that the time was up.
She received strange looks but Bud just called out the first category. "Things you shout. We had 'Hello'."
"That's what we had," Harriet and Bobbi replied, Tiner and Gunny nodding in agreement.
Harm grinned. "Hell No!"
Sturgis smiled at his friend. "Figures."
Bud continued on. When they got to 'Things Found In The Ocean', the others hadn't gotten a thing.
Mac grinned merrily. "Harbor Seal," she said easily, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Okay, that's got to be the only H thing-" Sturgis began, but Harm interrupted.
"Hunchback Whale-"
"Okay, two-"
"Herring," Mac went on, the answers suddenly coming to her.
"Hermit Crab," Harm continued.
"All right, already. We get the point. Next category," Sturgis interrupted, in mock annoyance.
"Boy's Names. We had Harmon," Bud said, grinning at his friend.
Harm groaned, shaking his head.
"Us too."
"Yep."
"Now why would you guys use my name? Didn't you figure everyone would use it?"
"Actually," Harriet spoke up. "We figured everyone would think that everyone would use it, and then choose something else, so we used it."
"Exactly," the other two teams stated simultaneously, glaring at each other for thinking the same way.
Then they all looked at Harm and Mac. "And what did you two have?" Sturgis asked, skeptically, figuring the other two would have thought similar to the rest of them.
"Hannibal," came their answer at the same time, smiling smugly at their friends.
"Hannibal?" Tiner asked in disbelief. "That's not a name, that's a-a crazy movie character."
"No, it's a real name," Harriet spoke up. "I remember coming across it when we were looking at names for AJ."
"I'm assuming that one never made the list," Harm said, with a laugh.
"That's an affirmative. I don't even remember what the meaning was...I don't think I want to know."
The admiral chuckled. "Probably something like, man-eater."
"Wouldn't that be special. Who would name their child something that meant man-eater?" Harriet asked in wonder.
"A cannibal," Bud answered, easily.
Harriet gave him a withering look. "Thank you, Bud."
"Your welcome, Honey," he answered, oblivious to her tone.
Mac and Harm shared a look, laughing to themselves.
"What does AJ mean?" Tiner suddenly asked before they could get on with the game.
"Well, it stands for Albert Jethro. Albert means 'noble' and 'bright'. Jethro means 'excellence'," Harriet replied, patiently. She smiled down at her son, who was quietly playing with his cars. "You are a noble, bright and excellent little boy, aren't you sweety?"
A throat cleared, and the other's laughed as Harriet said. "You too, Admiral."
"Thank you."
"I don't suppose you know what Jason means, do you?" Tiner asked, interest peaked.
Harriet smiled, setting down her pad for the moment. "I know what almost everyone's name here, means. I looked them up out of curiosity. Jason means 'healer'. Victor means 'conqueror'. Bobbi means 'fame' or 'bright'. Bud means 'brother'. Harmon means 'soldier'. I remember seeing Frank, and it means 'Frenchman'. Patricia means 'noblewoman'. I remember what Allison means, cause that was one of the names I had for a girl. It means 'nobility'. And of course, there's Sarah," Harriet said, a hint of sadness in her voice. But then she looked at Sarah Rabb, and then at Mac, smiling affectionately at her friend. She then looked at the two unmentioned men. "By the way, I'm sorry Sturgis and Sergei. I didn't know you when I was pregnant with AJ or Sarah, and I didn't come across them like I came across Frank, Trish and Allison's."
"They're not exactly common," Sturgis replied, understandingly.
Harriet nodded her agreement, and then turned back to Mac. "Anyway, Sarah means-"
"Princess," Mac finished, a small smile on her lips.
"Princess, huh?" Harm asked, eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Just you never mind with any wise cracks there, soldier boy."
"I'm just wondering how you knew what your name meant," he stated innocently. Though he had been thinking of several ways to tease his best friend upon the meaning of her given name. It was too easy.
Mac shrugged, motioning for Harriet to pick her pad back up so they could continue the game. "My uncle used to call me Princess all the time. I asked him why. He said cause that's what I was. I told him in no uncertain terms that I was definitely not a Princess. I remember he laughed, and said, Sarah means Princess in Hebrew. I was his Princess."
"That's sweet," Trish stated sincerely, the other women nodding in agreement, causing Mac to blush.
Harm decided to save the jokes for later. He knew how close niece and uncle were. Mac adored her Uncle Matt, and he in turn adored her. Harm knew how he felt. Mac was his Princess too...she just didn't know it. She'd probably kill him if he said it. Her being his tough, no-nonsense Marine as well.
"Okay, last category. Bud?" Mac spoke up, effectively changing the subject.
"Things you throw away," Bud replied. "We got husks."
"Husks?" Tiner asked.
"Yeah," Harriet said, as her and Bobbi had had the same thing. "Corn husks."
"Oh right," Tiner nodded. "We didn't have anything."
The others looked at Harm and Mac wearily. The two were laughing again.
"What did you two have?" Bud asked, cautiously.
"Hairy hotdogs," the said in unison, bursting out laughing.
"Small things..." the admiral muttered at his officer's easy amusement, causing the Burnetts, Meredith and Sarah Rabb to chuckle.
"How do you figure? Hot dogs don't get hairy, they get slimey!" Sturgis argued.
"How would you know?" Mac replied, still laughing. "If you're like Harm, you probably don't let your food get any more than a week old. And if you're even more like Harm, you don't even have hotdogs."
"How do *you* know that they *do* get hairy?" Sturgis challenged.
Harm laughed harder, as he gasped out. "You've obviously never seen Mac's fridge!"
They others laughed, while Mac rolled her eyes, but she laughed as well.
Little AJ just looked curiously back and forth between his parents and his Aunt Mac and Uncle Harm. Not understanding, but not caring to, he went back to playing with his toy cars and planes, bringing the tiny F-14 his Uncle had given him in for a landing.
----------------
After dinner (and the half chocolate, half carrot cake birthday cake), while Trish, Frank and Grandma Sarah helped the Admiral and Meredith clean up, Harm grabbed the Admiral's guitar (AN: we're going to pretend he has one) and started strumming. Mac sat next to him, her knees brushing his thigh as she sat with her legs crossed leaning back against the arm of the couch, holding little AJ in her lap. She recognized the tune from one of her CD's, and suddenly started singing softly.
You're the reason
Why I found a way,
And you're the reason
Why I feel this way
And you're the reason
Why I have to say,
I had to let you know
You're my everything
Hearing a soft angelic voice coming from the living room, drew the elders of the group out of the kitchen. They all stood under the archway watching with knowing smiles on their faces as Mac let her gaze slip to lock with Harm's as she sang the next part.
So many times I've been alone,
I didn't know what to do
I don't know where I'd be
If I didn't, I didn't have you
You comfort me
Make me believe,
Give me the strength I need
Since you came into my life
It's been so heavenly, heavenly
You're the reason
Why I found a way,
And you're the reason
Why I feel this way
And you're the reason
Why I have to say,
I had to let you know
You're my everything
Smiling, Harm joined her on the next two verses, eyes never leaving her even as she shyly let her gaze drop to their godson, who's eyes were drooping.
So many things
I wanna say to you,
I'd give my heart to you
Just because
You came around
And gave me all your
All your love
I would sacrifice
My very life,
All you have to do
Is say the word
And there would be
No other, no other
By now, their two soothing voices had lulled the toddler to sleep. Harriet and Bud smiled softly at the sight of their son and his godparents together, as they joined their friends with the chorus.
You're the reason
Why I found a way,
And you're the reason
Why I feel this way
And you're the reason
Why I have to say,
I had to let you know
You're my everything...
The four friends voices trailed off.
Wordlessly, the elders went back into the kitchen, while Harriet and Bud stood to take AJ into the guest room to sleep until they went home. Harm and Mac shared a heartfelt smile, before Harm stood to walk Sergei and Allison to the door, as they were heading out.
Mac smiled to herself, then followed the elders into the kitchen, shooing most of them out.
"Go on. Sit down and relax. I can clean up in here," she insisted.
They all complied except for Sarah Rabb, who stayed behind.
"Don't mind a little help cleaning up, do you Sarah? I'd like to get to know my grandson's favorite Marine Colonel a little better."
At the last comment, Mac had to blush. Was she really his favorite? She mentally shook herself. Well, that wasn't that hard to be. How many Marine Colonel's did Harm know as well as he knew her?
They chatted for a bit, Mac feeling comfortable enough around the older woman to talk a little about her past. Sarah Rabb in turn, was understanding, and often lightened the mood with childhood stories of Harm, and his crazy antics on her farm. The ease with which Harm's Grandmother accepted what Mac told her about her past suggested two things, both of which, wouldn't surprise her.
One, Harm had undoubtedly told his grandmother a bit about Mac's history, which Mac honestly didn't mind. She knew how much Harm trusted and adored his grandmother. She was almost honored that he would talk to Sarah Rabb about her. The other thing was that Sarah Rabb was a kind, compassionate and understanding person...just like her grandson.
No, neither of those things would or did surprise Mac in the least.
"So, you and Harm have been through a lot together from what he tells me."
Mac laughed, putting a clean glass away. "That's probably putting it mildly, Mrs. Rabb."
"Please dear, call me Sarah...or Grandma Sarah, or even Grams."
Mac turned to look at her, speechless for a moment. Mac had just met this woman today, and already she had been granted a place in her family.
"Ummm, okay...Grams," she tried, a little nervously.
Sarah Rabb smiled. "See, now that wasn't so hard. Don't look so shocked, dear. You're family to my grandson, that means you're family to me. Welcome."
Mac felt a swell of warmth. "Thank you," she responded, quietly.
They were both quiet for a moment, and then Sarah Rabb spoke up again, carefully, as she dried a plate.
"You love him...don't you?"
Mac stiffened, took a calming breath and then replied. "Of course I do...he's my best friend."
"You know that's not what I meant, Darling. You're...in love with him."
Mac was silent, all her attention on the casserole dish in her hand as she scrubbed at the already clean surface. Should she say something? ...No. She'd already let it slip to Sturgis. She did trust this woman, but she couldn't risk it getting back to Harm, not when she didn't know how he really felt. She was too unsure, and she knew Harm and his Grandmother had many heart-to-heart talks.
So instead, as she could never lie to this woman, she merely turned and offered a small, almost sad smile. Without a word, she turned back to the sink, finishing the casserole dish, and starting on the next one.
Sarah Rabb accepted this with an understanding smile of her own, and they fell into a comfortable silence. As they finished, Mac picked up a small plastic bucket that smelled distinctly like decaying vegetables, molding cheese and such.
"I think I better dump this in AJ's outdoor compost before it stinks up the whole house."
Wrinkling her nose and laughing, Grams agreed, following her to the patio door of the kitchen. They both frowned, as they took in the rain beginning to fall harder, and the branches snapping against the window.
"Hmmm, must be a storm coming," Mac commented. Then with a joking grin, she said to Grams, "If I'm not back in five minutes, send out the 'man of steel'."
"Who? Superman? Or my lead-headed grandson?" the older woman joked back.
Mac laughed, eyes sparkling. "Either will do."
Sarah nodded with a chuckle. "Be careful, dear. I'll keep an eye out from here. Not that I can see much, it's pretty dark out there."
"I'll be fine, Grams. It's just a little thunderstorm."
-----------------------
Meanwhile in the living room, the rest of the group were swapping stories. Harm had the others in stitches with wild tales about him and Mac's adventures in and out of the courtroom.
"...and then Mac-"
The phone's sharp ring interrupted his latest story. AJ picked it up. After a moment, he handed the phone to Harm.
"It's your brother."
Frowning in concern, Harm took the receiver. "Sergei? Is everything all right?"
Trish and Frank shared a smile. They could see the protective older brother role their son had quickly taken on.
Relief became evident on his handsome features, then slight concern creased his brow again.
"Okay, thanks Brother. Yeah, I'll let you know. Bye."
Hanging up, he motioned to the TV control. "AJ, you better turn on the TV. Sergei says his drive home was wild. The winds are increasing rapidly, and this rain is getting torrential. He narrowly missed several large branches down on the roads."
Nodding, the admiral flipped on the TV. Immediately, they were greeted by a warning of a hurricane, coming up from the Carolinas. Apparently it was the tail end, but would do some damage. People were advised to stay off the roads until morning, when it died down and the highways could be cleared.
Sighing, the admiral flipped the TV off. "Well, looks like we're having a campout people. Mrs. Rabb, there's a guest room with a single bed upstairs. Frank and Trish, Francesca's room has a double bed you can use. Bud, Harriet, you two and AJ can use the queen-sized bed in the basement loft, and Jason can have the couch down there. Bobbi, I'm sure the men won't mind you taking one of these couches, and maybe Mac the other, though I'm sure she'll insist that she'll be fine on the floor. Then there's the Lay-Z-Boy. Also, the stuffed chair and footstool here, if anyone can sleep sitting up."
"I can," Sturgis said simply.
"All right. I've got lots of blankets and pillows, so the person left can crash on the floor."
The others nodded in agreement with the plan. Silent for a moment, they listened to the rising roar of the wind and rain. Suddenly there was a large crack heard from outside and the power went out.
"Damn," AJ swore. "The tree in the back must have fallen on the powerline. Jason, Victor, run downstairs and see if you can get the generator started."
The two young men quickly complied.
The admiral continued. "Harm, go grab some flashlights from the kitchen. The rest of you relax while I go batten down the hatches."
"I'll come with you, AJ. You could use an extra pair of hands," Sturgis offered.
As they prepared to go about their tasks, they all heard Sarah Rabb scrambling through the darkened kitchen, calling frantically as she made her way to the living room.
"Harm! Harm! Sarah was outside when that loud crack happened and the power went out. She hasn't come back yet."
Instantly alarmed, Harm demanded to know what she was doing outside. "Where was she going?" he continued to rant.
"To take the compost out," his grandmother replied, eyes wide with worry.
"Shit!" AJ swore. "Harm, the compost is over near that tree..."
He trailed off, and then the two bolted toward the patio doors. They were quickly followed by the rest of the group, minus Tiner and Gunny who were still downstairs.
Harm immediately opened the door, telling the others to stay in as he rushed outside into the downpour. The admiral stood in the doorway, the others around him, as they all strained to look through the thick darkness. They could see nothing but the occasional snapping of the broken powerline, and Harm's fading figure.
Harm made his way down the porch steps, cautious of the powerline jumping unpredictably nearby. He searched the area, but didn't have to look far, as he saw her coming wearily towards the house, trying to avoid the live wire. Relief flooded him upon seeing that she was alive and mobile, but he remained anxious at the deadly electricity snapping to close to her for his comfort. Harm headed towards her, meeting her halfway.
"You okay?" he hollered over the wind as he reached her, gently grasping her shoulders. He looked her up and down, but was unable to see much in the dark.
"I'm fine. Let's get back inside," she hollered back. Immediately, he took her hand, keeping himself in between her and the downed powerline. Mac wasn't sure whether to be frustrated or amused. He was holding her hand. If he got jolted, so did she. She chose to remain silent, enjoying the comforting warmth, and the two made it safely back onto the porch, rushing inside and slamming the patio door shut.
Immediately they were bombarded by a very concerned group of friends and family.
"Are you all right, Colonel?" AJ asked over the din, as several questions were fired at them. Everyone became quiet and waited for her answer.
"I'm fine, Sir. I'm sorry if I scared you guys, but really, I'm fine."
They nodded, looking relieved, but still watching her in concern. Suddenly, Trish gasped.
"Mac, your hand!"
They all looked down at her right hand, still clasped in Harm's left. The partners quickly pulled apart, but then Harm grabbed her hand back, as he saw the reason for his mother's distress. Blood dripped down her hand, the source of it unknown as it seemed to be everywhere.
Mac looked surprised herself. "I didn't even notice," she stated, in mild wonder.
Harm gave her a look that clearly said, 'you're hopeless, Marine'.
She glared at him, then shrugged. "I guess a branch or something must have hit me when the tree fell."
The other's consented their agreement, as Tiner and the Gunny approached. The admiral frowned. "Couldn't you get it working?" he asked, in surprise. He knew both men were more than capable.
Victor smirked. "I have no doubt we could, Sir...if you had fuel for it. It's empty."
Remembrance sprung into the ex-SEAL's eyes, and he cursed. "Dammit, I forgot it ran out after the last big thunderstorm."
"That is NOT a simple thunderstorm," Mac argued, clutching her hand.
Tiner and Gunny suddenly noticed her bloody hand, but before they could question that or the fact that their two friends were soaking wet, Harm spoke up. "Very good, Colonel. Did you figure that out before or AFTER you went out into it," he lashed out. He couldn't help it. He suddenly felt an overwhelming flood of emotions, anger strong among them.
She turned to glare icily at him. Before she could bite back a retort, AJ interrupted. He knew they were gonna need to battle this out, but they didn't need people standing around watching. Besides, Mac needed to have her hand bandaged. Hopefully she wouldn't need stitches, because it didn't look like they could go anywhere.
"Commander, get your partner's hand fixed up. Gentlemen, if you could help me with the windows. Ladies, I suggest you set up some candles and hand out some flashlights. If we can't get that generator going, we're gonna need them. Bud, if you could start a fire in the fireplace..."
"Yes, Sir," he agreed.
The others nodded, eyeing the tense partners one more time, before heading into the living room, with matches, candles and flashlights in hand. Trish said nothing to either of them, knowing it wasn't her place to get involved in their quarrels. She simply lit a candle and set a flashlight on the counter beside the first-aid kit AJ had set out, and left.
When they were alone, Mac turned on him.
"What the hell was that, Commander?" she demanded. Her normally warm, chocolate brown eyes were hard with anger and hurt. She was angry that he had yelled at her, especially in front of their friends. Hurt, because well, did he really think she would be so stupid as to go out in a hurricane to put out compost? She hadn't known there was a hurricane coming.
Harm remained quiet, his own eyes stoney, as he opened the first-aid kit, and rifled through. He pulled out some anti-septic, gauze, wrap and bandage tape, setting them on the counter.
"Dammit, answer me Rabb!"
Harm knew she was pissed. She never called him that anymore. But Dammit, he was pissed too. She should have been more careful. Should have known better than to go out into a hurricane storm, especially near trees and powerlines. And just to put out the stupid compost...
Without a word, he pulled a stool over and motioned for her to get up on it. She refused, standing before him, arms crossed in impatience. She wanted an answer, and now.
He took in a calming breath, and released it slowly in an almost sigh... She hadn't known it was a hurricane. She had been in the kitchen when Sergei had called. However, that wasn't the real problem. He wasn't angry, not really...not at her. If he was angry at all, it was for the emotion that was really bothering him. He was scared. He could have lost her...again.
Mac saw the sudden change in his demeanor. He now looked worn, defeated...scared. Her own gaze softened. Now she understood. That was the same scared look she no doubt wore whenever Harm was in a life-threatening situation. She very well could have been killed by that tree and/or powerline. She knew that, and unfortunately so did he. It had frightened him into stoney silence. She quietly perched herself on the stool, eyes never leaving his handsome face.
"Harm..."
He ignored her, keeping his eyes focused on his work as he gently cleaned her hand, finding the source of the bleeding. She had a nasty gash, with remnants of bark in it, on the top of her hand, starting from one wrist bone down to the middle knuckle. Luckily, it didn't look to need stitches, but definitely needed a good cleaning and bandaging.
As he continued to clean it with a gentleness few would guess he possessed, she tried again.
"Harm, talk to me, please. Don't shut me out. I'm sorry, all right? I didn't know there was a hurricane coming. I never would have gone out, you know that. I didn't mean to scare you..."
Wrong words. Mac felt, as well as saw him stiffen at that.
She sighed. "Right, sorry, I forgot. Nothing scares the great Harmon Rabb Jr." Her voice wasn't bitter as she said this. It more or less sounded resigned to that 'fact'. She knew he got scared sometimes, she just hated that he couldn't admit it. But Harm was Harm. Her gaze had dropped to her lap, so she didn't see his head lift to look at her in wondrous surprise.
His gaze dropped back down as he began wrapping her hand. He spoke up carefully. "Mac, I do get scared, especially when it comes to you. You know that, don't you? You're my best friend. I always worry about you. EVEN THOUGH..." he quickly added, before she could argue her Marine training. "...I know you can take care of yourself. I can take care of myself too, and *you* still worry."
Mac looked up at him, puzzled. "Why were you so worried this time though, Harm? *I'm* the one that's visibly worried every time we're on a mission and you're in danger. I mean, even though I know that you are, you rarely show that you're worried when I'm the one in danger... What makes this time so different, that you lash out and shut down? That you close yourself off to me?"
He was silent before answering quietly, eyes still on his bandaging. "Because this time it was real."
Mac raised an eyebrow. "And our missions aren't?"
"At the time, sometimes, no. Things are almost surreal. But what I mean is you weren't knowingly, going fully prepared, into danger. It just happened Mac. Like it could happen, anywhere, anytime. In a sense, we don't really get a break from danger outside our missions, it's always there... *You* are always in danger. The realization just kind of...scared me..."
Mac was quiet, and then said with a trace of humor. "Could just happen, like you running out in front of a car?"
Harm chuckled, taping the bandage as he replied. "As I recall, you were the one that ran out in front of the car. *I* saved your life."
Mac laughed softly, and then went quiet, head bowed. She spoke up a moment later, her voice soft. "Did I ever thank you for that?"
Harm smiled, putting the supplies away. "Nope," he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his beautiful blue-green eyes. He was still a little shaky inside, but he couldn't stay closed off to her. It would hurt her more than that damn gash, and he never wanted to cause her pain again.
He was slightly startled when she hopped off the stool, stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear, before pulling away, just as Meredith entered the kitchen.
"Here you go, you two. Some towels and some dry clothes. Pants may be a little large on you Mac, and a little short on you Harm. They're AJ's. Just some sweats and T's."
The two smiled, thanking her.
When she left, Harm looked at Mac. "You go ahead and change in the bathroom Mac. I'm gonna put this kit away. Let me know when you're finished."
"Okay... Harm, are we okay? Are you still mad?"
Harm heart melted. "Aww Mac. I wasn't mad, not at you. I just....I'm just...glad you're okay."
Satisfied for the meantime, Mac nodded, and left the kitchen to dry off and change. Harm closed his eyes with a sigh. So close to losing her. So close to never getting a chance to say what he felt. Opening his eyes, he stared out the kitchen window into the rising storm. "One day, Sarah. One day soon. I promise."
---------------------
Harm couldn't help but be amazed at how sexy his partner was, even dressed in overly large sweat pants and a T-shirt. Everyone was settled in the living room to talk before heading to bed. Mac and Harm managed to squeeze together on the Laz-E-Boy, leaving more space on the couches for the elders. It was tight, but he wasn't complaining. Any excuse to feel his partner's soft curves against him was just fine by him.
Mac had called her neighbour earlier to inform her she wouldn't be home tonight, and asked if she could keep Captain, Mac's Alaskan Malamute, for the night. (AN: again, had to have read 'Mac's Best Friend' to know about Captain.)
Harm had just finished calling Sergei to tell him that he and the rest of them would be staying at the admiral's for the night, when Bud came up from putting AJ to bed in the basement.
"Got your son squared away for the night, Lieutenant?" the admiral asked with a fond smile. Both for the man he was questioning and the little tyke in question.
"Yes, Sir. He went back out like a light, soon as his head touched the pillow."
"Yeah well, listening to lawyers squabble can do that to you," Bobbi joked.
"Right, like politicians are any more interesting," Harm teased back.
There was laughter, and then they sat in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the storm carrying on outside.
Harm squirmed slightly in his seat, to get a more comfortable position. It ended up with Mac's left leg draped over his right, and his right arm draped over her shoulders. Satisfied, he leaned back with a sigh, eyes closed. Mac smiled, leaning her head back against his arm, and closing own her eyes. She was exhausted.
"Comfortable?"
Sturgis' voice made both of them open their eyes and give him a look. They knew how his mind worked, and Mac knew what Sturgis knew about her. She gave him a warning look, missed by the rest of them, despite all eyes being on her and her partner.
"Yes," they replied, simultaneously.
"Why Sturgis? Care to join us? There's lots more room here," Harm continued, a sly grin on his face as he patted his knee.
"Yeah right," came Sturgis' reply.
Mac chuckled, closing her eyes. "Come on, Sturgis. Live a little."
"I'll live more comfortably from my spot here, thanks."
"Aww, you're no fun," she teased.
"Set by your standards, Mac, I'm okay with that," he returned, with a teasing grin.
This drew a chuckle from Harm, as he leaned his head back again, closing his eyes. "He's right you know, Mac. Your idea of fun is trying out crazy movie stunts to get your partner out of trouble."
"Well, if my partner would stop getting into trouble..."
"Then you wouldn't have any fun," Harm replied with a smirk.
Mac chuckled. "Yeah well, you really shouldn't be talking, Sailor. I think your idea of fun is trashing F-14's, getting your 'vette stolen and pissing off the Admiral."
Chuckles were heard, the admiral the loudest. Everyone had settled back, relaxing. Some watched them, while other's watched the fire, while they all listened to the partner's easy banter. All were glad that whatever the issue was from before in the kitchen, was resolved.
Harm frowned playfully, opening his eyes to look down at her. "That's a little harsh, Mac."
She giggled. "Are you going to deny it Counselor?"
He rolled his eyes, before closing them again. "You suck."
Mac stifled another giggle, mumbling. "Let's not go there again, Sailor." (AN: Had to have read 'Mac's Best Friend' to understand that line.)
He chuckled as well, and they fell silent, while the others picked up their own quiet conversations.
Sarah Rabb watched the pair for a moment longer, recalling her conversation with her grandson a few minutes earlier, after he had changed into dry clothes...
Flashback...
"You all right, Sweety?" she asked him, as he exited the bathroom.
He smiled at her. "I'm fine, Grams."
She paused and then ventured on bravely. "You want to tell me what that was about? Why did you snap at Sarah like that Harm? She didn't know...*I* didn't know."
Harm sighed, motioning his grandmother into the admiral's home office, closing the door behind them.
"I know Grams, I just....It's just that..." he sighed. "Grandma, I've almost lost her before...on missions...and even not on missions...but it's never been something like this. Something, neither of us could really control. It just...well...it scared the hell out of me, Grams...I...I..."
"Love her." she finished, softly.
He sighed again, but nodded consent. "Yeah...but one of the reasons I've been so afraid to do anything about that is that there's always the risk I could lose her because of our job, and because of my life. People who want to hurt me...all they would have to know is how much Mac means to me."
"Honey, even if they didn't know just how much...everyone knows how close you two are already. Being more, *knowing* you're in love with her isn't gonna make a difference."
He sighed again, knowing she was right. "Yeah, and now it hits me that it doesn't matter about my job...our job. Sure the risk is higher, but anything, from a drunk driver to the weather, could take her away from me. So..."
"So stop making excuses and tell her. Not telling her, is not going to make your feelings go away. All it's going to do it leave you with a regret that will slowly kill you if 'heaven forbid' anything did happen to her, and you never told her how you really felt."
Harm looked at her, in wide eyed surprise. Damn she was good. He sighed. She was right...but still...he wasn't ready. It just didn't feel right. What if he screwed up? That would be it. Mac was the only woman for him. If he screwed it up with her, he'd be alone forever. She was the only one he wanted. He had to be ready...but how long could he put it off? What if something did happen to her? He shook his head. He couldn't think like that, or he'd end up never letting her leave her house, just to keep her safe.
He chuckled to himself. /That's right Rabb, keep her locked up until your ready. That'd go over real well with her. You'd have one PO'd Marine Colonel on your six after she broke out, cause you could never hold her./
Sarah Rabb watched the turmoil of emotions in her grandson's aquamarine eyes. He wasn't ready. She knew. He still had to work things out. She sighed. She just hoped he wouldn't wait till it was too late.
Finally he spoke. "You're right Grams. I know you're right...but..."
"I know, Darling. I know. Just don't lose her, Harm. She's something very special..."
"I know. God, do I ever know."
With a smile, Grams kissed his cheek. "Come on, Sweety. Your partner is probably wondering where we got to. She really is such a sweet girl..." she continued, as grandmother and grandson exited the small room and went to join the others.
End Flashback...
Sarah smiled as the two appeared to be dozing off. They looked so perfect together. She couldn't wait till they gave her some great grandchildren to spoil...the perfect little angelic devils that they would be. She chuckled to herself. /All in good time, Sarah. All in good time,/ she thought, as her and the others headed to their designated sleeping areas, minus Bobbi, Sturgis and Victor who took up the two couches and the easy chair. It didn't look like anyone was going to disturb the partners, and Sarah Rabb was glad.
/Let them wake up in each other's arms once, and they'll be hooked for life,/ she thought, mischievously.
PART 2
0145 ZULU
ADMIRAL CHEGWIDDEN'S HOME
MACLEAN, VIRGINIA
While Mac helped Meredith and the Admiral in the kitchen, the others settled comfortably in the living room. Sturgis was reclined in the Laz-E-Boy, while Harm was stretched out on one couch, with Bobbi on the stuffed chair beside Sturgis. Tiner was sitting cross-legged at one end of coffee table, with Bud at the other end in front of Sturgis. Gunny was perched behind Tiner on the stone fireplace outcropping. Harriet was also on the floor in front of Bobbi, with AJ in her lap. They had picked the toddler up from the sitters on the way over.
The group was just chatting carelessly, when the door bell rang. The admiral left the kitchen, smiling to himself as he passed through the living room, taking in his "family" gathered together. Opening the door, he greeted the small group on the other side. It was Frank and Trish Burnett, Sarah Rabb, Sergei and his girlfriend, Allison.
Hearing his mother's voice, Harm got up to greet them. He kissed his mother and grandmother, shook Frank and Allison's hands, and slapped his little brother on the back, earning a glare from the younger man. Harm just grinned, winking teasingly at him. He could tell from the easy stance they had around each other that Sergei and his mother had had a good day together, getting to know each other. Meeting his mother's eyes, he knew things were gonna be just fine between the two. They were friends. Harm could breathe a little easier.
AJ led the group to the living room, offering them drinks, as he stood with Frank, Trish and Sarah, talking about JAG, Harm and the weather. Sergei and Allison joined Mac in the kitchen, sending Meredith out to socialize with AJ and the others. Meanwhile, Harm returned to his seat on the couch.
Bud and Tiner had suckered Harriet into playing Scattergories. As Harm got comfortable, they turned on him.
"Wanna play, Sir?" Bud questioned, eagerly.
"Scattegories?" Harm asked, looking down at the pile of pads and pencils.
"Yeah. I haven't played in such a long time, Sir. It's a lot of fun...even better with more players," Bud exclaimed, eyes wide and earnest. Harm smiled. The man was the father of a three-year-old, but he was still a child himself sometimes.
"Tell you what, Bud. Stop calling me, sir, and I'll play."
Bud grinned. "Yes, Si- er, Harm, Sir. I mean-" he sighed. "You still gonna play, Si-Harm?"
Harm laughed. "Yes, Bud. Hand me a pencil."
Bud handed him a pencil and pad with the lists.
"You know, I'm not great at this game...can we partner up?" Harriet asked. "Bobbi can help me, Sturgis can help you Bud, and Victor can help Jason."
"Well sure, Harriet, but what about Com-er-Harm?" Bud replied.
They all looked at Harm, as if staring at him long enough would produce another one of him to partner with. Meanwhile the admiral, Frank and the ladies sat down on the other couch and the provided chairs.
"He needs a partner," Bud continued, looking sincerely worried.
"I've got a partner," Harm said easily, not looking up as he flipped through the numbered card lists.
Mac, Sergei and Allison were setting the large table. With the lasagna in oven, everything else was ready.
Mac was carrying a handful of knives when Harm called to her.
"Hey Mac!"
"Yeah?"
"Come're."
Frank and Trish shared a look with each other at the familiarness of the 'scene'. The partners sounded like a couple, yelling across their house at each other.
"Just a sec."
Truly a mere second later, Mac appeared with some knives still in her hands. Harm turned to look at her as she approached his side, and jerked away in only partially playful surprise. Mac looked amused.
"Relax, Sailor. There are too many witnesses present," she quipped.
He just made a face at her, and replied. "Just put the knives away, and then come help me."
"You need help..." she said, not asking, or accusing.
"I need help," he confirmed, not catching on.
"Well, that's the first step, Flyboy," she grinned.
Clueing into her teasing tone, he rolled his eyes. "Ha ha, very funny. Are you gonna help me or not?"
"Yeah, yeah. Just let me put these away."
"Now, there's an idea," he replied, with a smirk.
Moments later she was back with Sergei and Allison, who sat on the other side of the couch. They didn't want to play, but decided to watch instead. Harm moved over, allowing Mac to sit on the other end beside him. He grinned as he passed her their list and a pencil.
"Great, now we don't have to use that stupid timer," he said. "Mac can keep time."
Mac gave him a look, but nodded, asking, "how long?"
"Ummmm...." Bud looked at the booklet. "Three minutes." (AN: I really can't remember how long it is, but 3 minutes seems reasonable.)
"Kay."
Harm, who had been looking through some of the lists, grinned again. "Interesting categories...if you get the right letters," he remarked.
Mac rolled her eyes, settling back against the cushions, legs tucked under her.
"Behave yourself, Sailor. Your mother and step-father are here, not to mention your grandmother."
"Yes, Harmon. Officer and gentleman, remember?" Trish remarked.
This got snickers from Sturgis, Sergei and Mac, as well as a chuckle from the admiral and the Roberts. The others just smiled.
"Absolutely," Harm stated innocently. He couldn't be happier at the moment. Minus Keeter...and of course his father, the most important people in the world to him were in the same room together, safe and happy.
"Now someone roll the dice and then...start Mac," Harm said, with a pleased grin at his little joke.
Mac pouted playfully. "I feel so used."
They all laughed, while Bud rolled the lettered dice.
"P."
"What do you do? Tap her nose?" Sturgis asked, grinning widely himself, tilting his head toward Mac.
She rolled her eyes. "Shut up and start already, before I change my mind and you all have to listen to the annoying buzzing."
"What did Barbie follow us here?" Gunny quipped.
There was more laughter, but the pairs started to write. The admiral and the others not playing, chatted quietly, listening from time to time to their younger friend's banter. AJ noted Trish and Sarah Rabb's obvious enjoyment in listening to their son/grandson bicker playfully with his partner.
Suddenly Tiner spoke up, still focused on the list he and Gunny were writing. "Anyone else notice her name?"
"Who, Barbie?" Harriet asked, distractedly, as Bobbi whispered a P word for vegetable in her ear.
"Yeah....Barbara DOLE....Barbie DOLL...get it?"
"It took you all night to figure that one out?" Gunny asked, chuckling.
"NO! I just didn't want to say anything then," Tiner replied, with a frown at his friend.
"Yeah, we noticed," Sturgis replied, laughing to himself. "I think Mac noticed too," he continued, referring to Mac's comment at the bar. He stole a glance at his friend, who just hid a smirk behind her hand as she pointed out something on the list to Harm.
Snickers were heard and then it was only the quiet chatting of the Burnetts, Grandma Sarah and Meredith. The admiral went to check the lasagna, and the small group focused soley on their game.
When Mac and Harm reached the second to last category, they shared a look and burst out laughing. The others glanced at them, shrugged and went back to their lists.
Chuckling, Harm whispered in her ear. "The object of the game is to try and get one no one else will."
"I think the others will get that one," she replied, quietly.
"Yeah, but do they have the, uh...." He gave her a meaningful look, with a cute smirk, and continued. "-to write it down?"
"Probably not, but then, remember your mother is here."
Harm looked thoughtful, then shrugged. "What the hell, we're all adults here."
So under the category of Body Parts, Harm jotted in the answer.
Mac just laughed. "Ten seconds people," she said.
There was frantic writing and then Mac called out again. "Kay, times up."
"Everyone call out their answers as I name the categories. Whatever pairs have an answer no one else does, they get a point. Got it?" Bud asked, looking around.
Everyone nodded, and he called out the first category. By the time they reached the second to last category, Mac and Harm weren't doing to bad, but they certainly could've used another point to keep ahead.
"Okay, Body Parts...Sturgis and I have pinky finger..." Bud spoke up, looking to his wife and Bobbi for their answer.
"We had the same thing," Harriet answered, looking to Jason and Victor.
"Pelvis?" Tiner asked uncertainly. "It's not a limb, but..."
Bud shrugged. "That works."
Everyone's gaze turned to Harm and Mac, eyebrows raising as Mac had her face buried in the back of Harm's shoulder, her own shoulders shaking in laughter. Harm himself was chuckling, head bowed, his hand across his forehead, hiding his eyes. He too was laughing, muttering sarcastically to Mac under his breath. "We're so mature, really!"
Lifting her head, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, she replied. "I know."
Clearing his throat, Harm just smirked at his friends. "Let's just say, none of the above, but we got the point."
"Yeah, I'll bet you did," Sturgis replied, with a laugh. "Leave it to you two to use that one."
"As apposed to "pinky" finger?" Harm asked, slyly.
"Whatever, Buddy. Someone roll the dice and restart Mac."
Mac glared at him good-naturedly, as Harriet rolled the die, getting an H.
"Kay, push her button," Sturgis said, grinning at Mac.
Harm chuckled, seeing the withering look on Mac's face. "You're doing that quite well, Turner. Keep it up and she'll forget the witnesses and use the knives."
Everyone laughed, and Mac shook her head. "Clock starts now people."
They began writing again.
Things You Shout...
Harm looked at Mac, and raised an eyebrow, mouthing, 'Hello?'
She shook her head, mouthing back, 'to easy...' She thought for a moment, and then leaned over his arm to jot down her answer.
HELL NO!
He smiled. They continued for a bit until they got to another one that forced them to think.
Things Found In The Ocean...
They both looked at each other, stumped. Suddenly, Harm's face lit up and he hurriedly filled in an answer.
Harbor Seal
Mac grinned, giving him a thumbs up. The two of them were good at this together. If one didn't know something, the other would.
A few categories later, they came across one that made them smile. They knew what everyone's answer would be.
Boys Name...
No way were they putting Harm's.
Mac smiled, and took the pencil from his hand. The name was out there, but it worked.
Hannibal
She snickered, and Harm shook his head. /What a Marine,/ he thought, fondly.
Finally the last one, and they had twenty seconds, of which Mac informed the group of, before turning back to the category listed.
Things You Throw Away...
Uh-oh. She hated this category. Harm looked perplexed too, but then that Flyboy grin returned and he jotted down his answer, winking at her.
Hairy hotdogs.
She burst out laughing, saying through fits of giggles that the time was up.
She received strange looks but Bud just called out the first category. "Things you shout. We had 'Hello'."
"That's what we had," Harriet and Bobbi replied, Tiner and Gunny nodding in agreement.
Harm grinned. "Hell No!"
Sturgis smiled at his friend. "Figures."
Bud continued on. When they got to 'Things Found In The Ocean', the others hadn't gotten a thing.
Mac grinned merrily. "Harbor Seal," she said easily, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Okay, that's got to be the only H thing-" Sturgis began, but Harm interrupted.
"Hunchback Whale-"
"Okay, two-"
"Herring," Mac went on, the answers suddenly coming to her.
"Hermit Crab," Harm continued.
"All right, already. We get the point. Next category," Sturgis interrupted, in mock annoyance.
"Boy's Names. We had Harmon," Bud said, grinning at his friend.
Harm groaned, shaking his head.
"Us too."
"Yep."
"Now why would you guys use my name? Didn't you figure everyone would use it?"
"Actually," Harriet spoke up. "We figured everyone would think that everyone would use it, and then choose something else, so we used it."
"Exactly," the other two teams stated simultaneously, glaring at each other for thinking the same way.
Then they all looked at Harm and Mac. "And what did you two have?" Sturgis asked, skeptically, figuring the other two would have thought similar to the rest of them.
"Hannibal," came their answer at the same time, smiling smugly at their friends.
"Hannibal?" Tiner asked in disbelief. "That's not a name, that's a-a crazy movie character."
"No, it's a real name," Harriet spoke up. "I remember coming across it when we were looking at names for AJ."
"I'm assuming that one never made the list," Harm said, with a laugh.
"That's an affirmative. I don't even remember what the meaning was...I don't think I want to know."
The admiral chuckled. "Probably something like, man-eater."
"Wouldn't that be special. Who would name their child something that meant man-eater?" Harriet asked in wonder.
"A cannibal," Bud answered, easily.
Harriet gave him a withering look. "Thank you, Bud."
"Your welcome, Honey," he answered, oblivious to her tone.
Mac and Harm shared a look, laughing to themselves.
"What does AJ mean?" Tiner suddenly asked before they could get on with the game.
"Well, it stands for Albert Jethro. Albert means 'noble' and 'bright'. Jethro means 'excellence'," Harriet replied, patiently. She smiled down at her son, who was quietly playing with his cars. "You are a noble, bright and excellent little boy, aren't you sweety?"
A throat cleared, and the other's laughed as Harriet said. "You too, Admiral."
"Thank you."
"I don't suppose you know what Jason means, do you?" Tiner asked, interest peaked.
Harriet smiled, setting down her pad for the moment. "I know what almost everyone's name here, means. I looked them up out of curiosity. Jason means 'healer'. Victor means 'conqueror'. Bobbi means 'fame' or 'bright'. Bud means 'brother'. Harmon means 'soldier'. I remember seeing Frank, and it means 'Frenchman'. Patricia means 'noblewoman'. I remember what Allison means, cause that was one of the names I had for a girl. It means 'nobility'. And of course, there's Sarah," Harriet said, a hint of sadness in her voice. But then she looked at Sarah Rabb, and then at Mac, smiling affectionately at her friend. She then looked at the two unmentioned men. "By the way, I'm sorry Sturgis and Sergei. I didn't know you when I was pregnant with AJ or Sarah, and I didn't come across them like I came across Frank, Trish and Allison's."
"They're not exactly common," Sturgis replied, understandingly.
Harriet nodded her agreement, and then turned back to Mac. "Anyway, Sarah means-"
"Princess," Mac finished, a small smile on her lips.
"Princess, huh?" Harm asked, eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Just you never mind with any wise cracks there, soldier boy."
"I'm just wondering how you knew what your name meant," he stated innocently. Though he had been thinking of several ways to tease his best friend upon the meaning of her given name. It was too easy.
Mac shrugged, motioning for Harriet to pick her pad back up so they could continue the game. "My uncle used to call me Princess all the time. I asked him why. He said cause that's what I was. I told him in no uncertain terms that I was definitely not a Princess. I remember he laughed, and said, Sarah means Princess in Hebrew. I was his Princess."
"That's sweet," Trish stated sincerely, the other women nodding in agreement, causing Mac to blush.
Harm decided to save the jokes for later. He knew how close niece and uncle were. Mac adored her Uncle Matt, and he in turn adored her. Harm knew how he felt. Mac was his Princess too...she just didn't know it. She'd probably kill him if he said it. Her being his tough, no-nonsense Marine as well.
"Okay, last category. Bud?" Mac spoke up, effectively changing the subject.
"Things you throw away," Bud replied. "We got husks."
"Husks?" Tiner asked.
"Yeah," Harriet said, as her and Bobbi had had the same thing. "Corn husks."
"Oh right," Tiner nodded. "We didn't have anything."
The others looked at Harm and Mac wearily. The two were laughing again.
"What did you two have?" Bud asked, cautiously.
"Hairy hotdogs," the said in unison, bursting out laughing.
"Small things..." the admiral muttered at his officer's easy amusement, causing the Burnetts, Meredith and Sarah Rabb to chuckle.
"How do you figure? Hot dogs don't get hairy, they get slimey!" Sturgis argued.
"How would you know?" Mac replied, still laughing. "If you're like Harm, you probably don't let your food get any more than a week old. And if you're even more like Harm, you don't even have hotdogs."
"How do *you* know that they *do* get hairy?" Sturgis challenged.
Harm laughed harder, as he gasped out. "You've obviously never seen Mac's fridge!"
They others laughed, while Mac rolled her eyes, but she laughed as well.
Little AJ just looked curiously back and forth between his parents and his Aunt Mac and Uncle Harm. Not understanding, but not caring to, he went back to playing with his toy cars and planes, bringing the tiny F-14 his Uncle had given him in for a landing.
----------------
After dinner (and the half chocolate, half carrot cake birthday cake), while Trish, Frank and Grandma Sarah helped the Admiral and Meredith clean up, Harm grabbed the Admiral's guitar (AN: we're going to pretend he has one) and started strumming. Mac sat next to him, her knees brushing his thigh as she sat with her legs crossed leaning back against the arm of the couch, holding little AJ in her lap. She recognized the tune from one of her CD's, and suddenly started singing softly.
You're the reason
Why I found a way,
And you're the reason
Why I feel this way
And you're the reason
Why I have to say,
I had to let you know
You're my everything
Hearing a soft angelic voice coming from the living room, drew the elders of the group out of the kitchen. They all stood under the archway watching with knowing smiles on their faces as Mac let her gaze slip to lock with Harm's as she sang the next part.
So many times I've been alone,
I didn't know what to do
I don't know where I'd be
If I didn't, I didn't have you
You comfort me
Make me believe,
Give me the strength I need
Since you came into my life
It's been so heavenly, heavenly
You're the reason
Why I found a way,
And you're the reason
Why I feel this way
And you're the reason
Why I have to say,
I had to let you know
You're my everything
Smiling, Harm joined her on the next two verses, eyes never leaving her even as she shyly let her gaze drop to their godson, who's eyes were drooping.
So many things
I wanna say to you,
I'd give my heart to you
Just because
You came around
And gave me all your
All your love
I would sacrifice
My very life,
All you have to do
Is say the word
And there would be
No other, no other
By now, their two soothing voices had lulled the toddler to sleep. Harriet and Bud smiled softly at the sight of their son and his godparents together, as they joined their friends with the chorus.
You're the reason
Why I found a way,
And you're the reason
Why I feel this way
And you're the reason
Why I have to say,
I had to let you know
You're my everything...
The four friends voices trailed off.
Wordlessly, the elders went back into the kitchen, while Harriet and Bud stood to take AJ into the guest room to sleep until they went home. Harm and Mac shared a heartfelt smile, before Harm stood to walk Sergei and Allison to the door, as they were heading out.
Mac smiled to herself, then followed the elders into the kitchen, shooing most of them out.
"Go on. Sit down and relax. I can clean up in here," she insisted.
They all complied except for Sarah Rabb, who stayed behind.
"Don't mind a little help cleaning up, do you Sarah? I'd like to get to know my grandson's favorite Marine Colonel a little better."
At the last comment, Mac had to blush. Was she really his favorite? She mentally shook herself. Well, that wasn't that hard to be. How many Marine Colonel's did Harm know as well as he knew her?
They chatted for a bit, Mac feeling comfortable enough around the older woman to talk a little about her past. Sarah Rabb in turn, was understanding, and often lightened the mood with childhood stories of Harm, and his crazy antics on her farm. The ease with which Harm's Grandmother accepted what Mac told her about her past suggested two things, both of which, wouldn't surprise her.
One, Harm had undoubtedly told his grandmother a bit about Mac's history, which Mac honestly didn't mind. She knew how much Harm trusted and adored his grandmother. She was almost honored that he would talk to Sarah Rabb about her. The other thing was that Sarah Rabb was a kind, compassionate and understanding person...just like her grandson.
No, neither of those things would or did surprise Mac in the least.
"So, you and Harm have been through a lot together from what he tells me."
Mac laughed, putting a clean glass away. "That's probably putting it mildly, Mrs. Rabb."
"Please dear, call me Sarah...or Grandma Sarah, or even Grams."
Mac turned to look at her, speechless for a moment. Mac had just met this woman today, and already she had been granted a place in her family.
"Ummm, okay...Grams," she tried, a little nervously.
Sarah Rabb smiled. "See, now that wasn't so hard. Don't look so shocked, dear. You're family to my grandson, that means you're family to me. Welcome."
Mac felt a swell of warmth. "Thank you," she responded, quietly.
They were both quiet for a moment, and then Sarah Rabb spoke up again, carefully, as she dried a plate.
"You love him...don't you?"
Mac stiffened, took a calming breath and then replied. "Of course I do...he's my best friend."
"You know that's not what I meant, Darling. You're...in love with him."
Mac was silent, all her attention on the casserole dish in her hand as she scrubbed at the already clean surface. Should she say something? ...No. She'd already let it slip to Sturgis. She did trust this woman, but she couldn't risk it getting back to Harm, not when she didn't know how he really felt. She was too unsure, and she knew Harm and his Grandmother had many heart-to-heart talks.
So instead, as she could never lie to this woman, she merely turned and offered a small, almost sad smile. Without a word, she turned back to the sink, finishing the casserole dish, and starting on the next one.
Sarah Rabb accepted this with an understanding smile of her own, and they fell into a comfortable silence. As they finished, Mac picked up a small plastic bucket that smelled distinctly like decaying vegetables, molding cheese and such.
"I think I better dump this in AJ's outdoor compost before it stinks up the whole house."
Wrinkling her nose and laughing, Grams agreed, following her to the patio door of the kitchen. They both frowned, as they took in the rain beginning to fall harder, and the branches snapping against the window.
"Hmmm, must be a storm coming," Mac commented. Then with a joking grin, she said to Grams, "If I'm not back in five minutes, send out the 'man of steel'."
"Who? Superman? Or my lead-headed grandson?" the older woman joked back.
Mac laughed, eyes sparkling. "Either will do."
Sarah nodded with a chuckle. "Be careful, dear. I'll keep an eye out from here. Not that I can see much, it's pretty dark out there."
"I'll be fine, Grams. It's just a little thunderstorm."
-----------------------
Meanwhile in the living room, the rest of the group were swapping stories. Harm had the others in stitches with wild tales about him and Mac's adventures in and out of the courtroom.
"...and then Mac-"
The phone's sharp ring interrupted his latest story. AJ picked it up. After a moment, he handed the phone to Harm.
"It's your brother."
Frowning in concern, Harm took the receiver. "Sergei? Is everything all right?"
Trish and Frank shared a smile. They could see the protective older brother role their son had quickly taken on.
Relief became evident on his handsome features, then slight concern creased his brow again.
"Okay, thanks Brother. Yeah, I'll let you know. Bye."
Hanging up, he motioned to the TV control. "AJ, you better turn on the TV. Sergei says his drive home was wild. The winds are increasing rapidly, and this rain is getting torrential. He narrowly missed several large branches down on the roads."
Nodding, the admiral flipped on the TV. Immediately, they were greeted by a warning of a hurricane, coming up from the Carolinas. Apparently it was the tail end, but would do some damage. People were advised to stay off the roads until morning, when it died down and the highways could be cleared.
Sighing, the admiral flipped the TV off. "Well, looks like we're having a campout people. Mrs. Rabb, there's a guest room with a single bed upstairs. Frank and Trish, Francesca's room has a double bed you can use. Bud, Harriet, you two and AJ can use the queen-sized bed in the basement loft, and Jason can have the couch down there. Bobbi, I'm sure the men won't mind you taking one of these couches, and maybe Mac the other, though I'm sure she'll insist that she'll be fine on the floor. Then there's the Lay-Z-Boy. Also, the stuffed chair and footstool here, if anyone can sleep sitting up."
"I can," Sturgis said simply.
"All right. I've got lots of blankets and pillows, so the person left can crash on the floor."
The others nodded in agreement with the plan. Silent for a moment, they listened to the rising roar of the wind and rain. Suddenly there was a large crack heard from outside and the power went out.
"Damn," AJ swore. "The tree in the back must have fallen on the powerline. Jason, Victor, run downstairs and see if you can get the generator started."
The two young men quickly complied.
The admiral continued. "Harm, go grab some flashlights from the kitchen. The rest of you relax while I go batten down the hatches."
"I'll come with you, AJ. You could use an extra pair of hands," Sturgis offered.
As they prepared to go about their tasks, they all heard Sarah Rabb scrambling through the darkened kitchen, calling frantically as she made her way to the living room.
"Harm! Harm! Sarah was outside when that loud crack happened and the power went out. She hasn't come back yet."
Instantly alarmed, Harm demanded to know what she was doing outside. "Where was she going?" he continued to rant.
"To take the compost out," his grandmother replied, eyes wide with worry.
"Shit!" AJ swore. "Harm, the compost is over near that tree..."
He trailed off, and then the two bolted toward the patio doors. They were quickly followed by the rest of the group, minus Tiner and Gunny who were still downstairs.
Harm immediately opened the door, telling the others to stay in as he rushed outside into the downpour. The admiral stood in the doorway, the others around him, as they all strained to look through the thick darkness. They could see nothing but the occasional snapping of the broken powerline, and Harm's fading figure.
Harm made his way down the porch steps, cautious of the powerline jumping unpredictably nearby. He searched the area, but didn't have to look far, as he saw her coming wearily towards the house, trying to avoid the live wire. Relief flooded him upon seeing that she was alive and mobile, but he remained anxious at the deadly electricity snapping to close to her for his comfort. Harm headed towards her, meeting her halfway.
"You okay?" he hollered over the wind as he reached her, gently grasping her shoulders. He looked her up and down, but was unable to see much in the dark.
"I'm fine. Let's get back inside," she hollered back. Immediately, he took her hand, keeping himself in between her and the downed powerline. Mac wasn't sure whether to be frustrated or amused. He was holding her hand. If he got jolted, so did she. She chose to remain silent, enjoying the comforting warmth, and the two made it safely back onto the porch, rushing inside and slamming the patio door shut.
Immediately they were bombarded by a very concerned group of friends and family.
"Are you all right, Colonel?" AJ asked over the din, as several questions were fired at them. Everyone became quiet and waited for her answer.
"I'm fine, Sir. I'm sorry if I scared you guys, but really, I'm fine."
They nodded, looking relieved, but still watching her in concern. Suddenly, Trish gasped.
"Mac, your hand!"
They all looked down at her right hand, still clasped in Harm's left. The partners quickly pulled apart, but then Harm grabbed her hand back, as he saw the reason for his mother's distress. Blood dripped down her hand, the source of it unknown as it seemed to be everywhere.
Mac looked surprised herself. "I didn't even notice," she stated, in mild wonder.
Harm gave her a look that clearly said, 'you're hopeless, Marine'.
She glared at him, then shrugged. "I guess a branch or something must have hit me when the tree fell."
The other's consented their agreement, as Tiner and the Gunny approached. The admiral frowned. "Couldn't you get it working?" he asked, in surprise. He knew both men were more than capable.
Victor smirked. "I have no doubt we could, Sir...if you had fuel for it. It's empty."
Remembrance sprung into the ex-SEAL's eyes, and he cursed. "Dammit, I forgot it ran out after the last big thunderstorm."
"That is NOT a simple thunderstorm," Mac argued, clutching her hand.
Tiner and Gunny suddenly noticed her bloody hand, but before they could question that or the fact that their two friends were soaking wet, Harm spoke up. "Very good, Colonel. Did you figure that out before or AFTER you went out into it," he lashed out. He couldn't help it. He suddenly felt an overwhelming flood of emotions, anger strong among them.
She turned to glare icily at him. Before she could bite back a retort, AJ interrupted. He knew they were gonna need to battle this out, but they didn't need people standing around watching. Besides, Mac needed to have her hand bandaged. Hopefully she wouldn't need stitches, because it didn't look like they could go anywhere.
"Commander, get your partner's hand fixed up. Gentlemen, if you could help me with the windows. Ladies, I suggest you set up some candles and hand out some flashlights. If we can't get that generator going, we're gonna need them. Bud, if you could start a fire in the fireplace..."
"Yes, Sir," he agreed.
The others nodded, eyeing the tense partners one more time, before heading into the living room, with matches, candles and flashlights in hand. Trish said nothing to either of them, knowing it wasn't her place to get involved in their quarrels. She simply lit a candle and set a flashlight on the counter beside the first-aid kit AJ had set out, and left.
When they were alone, Mac turned on him.
"What the hell was that, Commander?" she demanded. Her normally warm, chocolate brown eyes were hard with anger and hurt. She was angry that he had yelled at her, especially in front of their friends. Hurt, because well, did he really think she would be so stupid as to go out in a hurricane to put out compost? She hadn't known there was a hurricane coming.
Harm remained quiet, his own eyes stoney, as he opened the first-aid kit, and rifled through. He pulled out some anti-septic, gauze, wrap and bandage tape, setting them on the counter.
"Dammit, answer me Rabb!"
Harm knew she was pissed. She never called him that anymore. But Dammit, he was pissed too. She should have been more careful. Should have known better than to go out into a hurricane storm, especially near trees and powerlines. And just to put out the stupid compost...
Without a word, he pulled a stool over and motioned for her to get up on it. She refused, standing before him, arms crossed in impatience. She wanted an answer, and now.
He took in a calming breath, and released it slowly in an almost sigh... She hadn't known it was a hurricane. She had been in the kitchen when Sergei had called. However, that wasn't the real problem. He wasn't angry, not really...not at her. If he was angry at all, it was for the emotion that was really bothering him. He was scared. He could have lost her...again.
Mac saw the sudden change in his demeanor. He now looked worn, defeated...scared. Her own gaze softened. Now she understood. That was the same scared look she no doubt wore whenever Harm was in a life-threatening situation. She very well could have been killed by that tree and/or powerline. She knew that, and unfortunately so did he. It had frightened him into stoney silence. She quietly perched herself on the stool, eyes never leaving his handsome face.
"Harm..."
He ignored her, keeping his eyes focused on his work as he gently cleaned her hand, finding the source of the bleeding. She had a nasty gash, with remnants of bark in it, on the top of her hand, starting from one wrist bone down to the middle knuckle. Luckily, it didn't look to need stitches, but definitely needed a good cleaning and bandaging.
As he continued to clean it with a gentleness few would guess he possessed, she tried again.
"Harm, talk to me, please. Don't shut me out. I'm sorry, all right? I didn't know there was a hurricane coming. I never would have gone out, you know that. I didn't mean to scare you..."
Wrong words. Mac felt, as well as saw him stiffen at that.
She sighed. "Right, sorry, I forgot. Nothing scares the great Harmon Rabb Jr." Her voice wasn't bitter as she said this. It more or less sounded resigned to that 'fact'. She knew he got scared sometimes, she just hated that he couldn't admit it. But Harm was Harm. Her gaze had dropped to her lap, so she didn't see his head lift to look at her in wondrous surprise.
His gaze dropped back down as he began wrapping her hand. He spoke up carefully. "Mac, I do get scared, especially when it comes to you. You know that, don't you? You're my best friend. I always worry about you. EVEN THOUGH..." he quickly added, before she could argue her Marine training. "...I know you can take care of yourself. I can take care of myself too, and *you* still worry."
Mac looked up at him, puzzled. "Why were you so worried this time though, Harm? *I'm* the one that's visibly worried every time we're on a mission and you're in danger. I mean, even though I know that you are, you rarely show that you're worried when I'm the one in danger... What makes this time so different, that you lash out and shut down? That you close yourself off to me?"
He was silent before answering quietly, eyes still on his bandaging. "Because this time it was real."
Mac raised an eyebrow. "And our missions aren't?"
"At the time, sometimes, no. Things are almost surreal. But what I mean is you weren't knowingly, going fully prepared, into danger. It just happened Mac. Like it could happen, anywhere, anytime. In a sense, we don't really get a break from danger outside our missions, it's always there... *You* are always in danger. The realization just kind of...scared me..."
Mac was quiet, and then said with a trace of humor. "Could just happen, like you running out in front of a car?"
Harm chuckled, taping the bandage as he replied. "As I recall, you were the one that ran out in front of the car. *I* saved your life."
Mac laughed softly, and then went quiet, head bowed. She spoke up a moment later, her voice soft. "Did I ever thank you for that?"
Harm smiled, putting the supplies away. "Nope," he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his beautiful blue-green eyes. He was still a little shaky inside, but he couldn't stay closed off to her. It would hurt her more than that damn gash, and he never wanted to cause her pain again.
He was slightly startled when she hopped off the stool, stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear, before pulling away, just as Meredith entered the kitchen.
"Here you go, you two. Some towels and some dry clothes. Pants may be a little large on you Mac, and a little short on you Harm. They're AJ's. Just some sweats and T's."
The two smiled, thanking her.
When she left, Harm looked at Mac. "You go ahead and change in the bathroom Mac. I'm gonna put this kit away. Let me know when you're finished."
"Okay... Harm, are we okay? Are you still mad?"
Harm heart melted. "Aww Mac. I wasn't mad, not at you. I just....I'm just...glad you're okay."
Satisfied for the meantime, Mac nodded, and left the kitchen to dry off and change. Harm closed his eyes with a sigh. So close to losing her. So close to never getting a chance to say what he felt. Opening his eyes, he stared out the kitchen window into the rising storm. "One day, Sarah. One day soon. I promise."
---------------------
Harm couldn't help but be amazed at how sexy his partner was, even dressed in overly large sweat pants and a T-shirt. Everyone was settled in the living room to talk before heading to bed. Mac and Harm managed to squeeze together on the Laz-E-Boy, leaving more space on the couches for the elders. It was tight, but he wasn't complaining. Any excuse to feel his partner's soft curves against him was just fine by him.
Mac had called her neighbour earlier to inform her she wouldn't be home tonight, and asked if she could keep Captain, Mac's Alaskan Malamute, for the night. (AN: again, had to have read 'Mac's Best Friend' to know about Captain.)
Harm had just finished calling Sergei to tell him that he and the rest of them would be staying at the admiral's for the night, when Bud came up from putting AJ to bed in the basement.
"Got your son squared away for the night, Lieutenant?" the admiral asked with a fond smile. Both for the man he was questioning and the little tyke in question.
"Yes, Sir. He went back out like a light, soon as his head touched the pillow."
"Yeah well, listening to lawyers squabble can do that to you," Bobbi joked.
"Right, like politicians are any more interesting," Harm teased back.
There was laughter, and then they sat in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the storm carrying on outside.
Harm squirmed slightly in his seat, to get a more comfortable position. It ended up with Mac's left leg draped over his right, and his right arm draped over her shoulders. Satisfied, he leaned back with a sigh, eyes closed. Mac smiled, leaning her head back against his arm, and closing own her eyes. She was exhausted.
"Comfortable?"
Sturgis' voice made both of them open their eyes and give him a look. They knew how his mind worked, and Mac knew what Sturgis knew about her. She gave him a warning look, missed by the rest of them, despite all eyes being on her and her partner.
"Yes," they replied, simultaneously.
"Why Sturgis? Care to join us? There's lots more room here," Harm continued, a sly grin on his face as he patted his knee.
"Yeah right," came Sturgis' reply.
Mac chuckled, closing her eyes. "Come on, Sturgis. Live a little."
"I'll live more comfortably from my spot here, thanks."
"Aww, you're no fun," she teased.
"Set by your standards, Mac, I'm okay with that," he returned, with a teasing grin.
This drew a chuckle from Harm, as he leaned his head back again, closing his eyes. "He's right you know, Mac. Your idea of fun is trying out crazy movie stunts to get your partner out of trouble."
"Well, if my partner would stop getting into trouble..."
"Then you wouldn't have any fun," Harm replied with a smirk.
Mac chuckled. "Yeah well, you really shouldn't be talking, Sailor. I think your idea of fun is trashing F-14's, getting your 'vette stolen and pissing off the Admiral."
Chuckles were heard, the admiral the loudest. Everyone had settled back, relaxing. Some watched them, while other's watched the fire, while they all listened to the partner's easy banter. All were glad that whatever the issue was from before in the kitchen, was resolved.
Harm frowned playfully, opening his eyes to look down at her. "That's a little harsh, Mac."
She giggled. "Are you going to deny it Counselor?"
He rolled his eyes, before closing them again. "You suck."
Mac stifled another giggle, mumbling. "Let's not go there again, Sailor." (AN: Had to have read 'Mac's Best Friend' to understand that line.)
He chuckled as well, and they fell silent, while the others picked up their own quiet conversations.
Sarah Rabb watched the pair for a moment longer, recalling her conversation with her grandson a few minutes earlier, after he had changed into dry clothes...
Flashback...
"You all right, Sweety?" she asked him, as he exited the bathroom.
He smiled at her. "I'm fine, Grams."
She paused and then ventured on bravely. "You want to tell me what that was about? Why did you snap at Sarah like that Harm? She didn't know...*I* didn't know."
Harm sighed, motioning his grandmother into the admiral's home office, closing the door behind them.
"I know Grams, I just....It's just that..." he sighed. "Grandma, I've almost lost her before...on missions...and even not on missions...but it's never been something like this. Something, neither of us could really control. It just...well...it scared the hell out of me, Grams...I...I..."
"Love her." she finished, softly.
He sighed again, but nodded consent. "Yeah...but one of the reasons I've been so afraid to do anything about that is that there's always the risk I could lose her because of our job, and because of my life. People who want to hurt me...all they would have to know is how much Mac means to me."
"Honey, even if they didn't know just how much...everyone knows how close you two are already. Being more, *knowing* you're in love with her isn't gonna make a difference."
He sighed again, knowing she was right. "Yeah, and now it hits me that it doesn't matter about my job...our job. Sure the risk is higher, but anything, from a drunk driver to the weather, could take her away from me. So..."
"So stop making excuses and tell her. Not telling her, is not going to make your feelings go away. All it's going to do it leave you with a regret that will slowly kill you if 'heaven forbid' anything did happen to her, and you never told her how you really felt."
Harm looked at her, in wide eyed surprise. Damn she was good. He sighed. She was right...but still...he wasn't ready. It just didn't feel right. What if he screwed up? That would be it. Mac was the only woman for him. If he screwed it up with her, he'd be alone forever. She was the only one he wanted. He had to be ready...but how long could he put it off? What if something did happen to her? He shook his head. He couldn't think like that, or he'd end up never letting her leave her house, just to keep her safe.
He chuckled to himself. /That's right Rabb, keep her locked up until your ready. That'd go over real well with her. You'd have one PO'd Marine Colonel on your six after she broke out, cause you could never hold her./
Sarah Rabb watched the turmoil of emotions in her grandson's aquamarine eyes. He wasn't ready. She knew. He still had to work things out. She sighed. She just hoped he wouldn't wait till it was too late.
Finally he spoke. "You're right Grams. I know you're right...but..."
"I know, Darling. I know. Just don't lose her, Harm. She's something very special..."
"I know. God, do I ever know."
With a smile, Grams kissed his cheek. "Come on, Sweety. Your partner is probably wondering where we got to. She really is such a sweet girl..." she continued, as grandmother and grandson exited the small room and went to join the others.
End Flashback...
Sarah smiled as the two appeared to be dozing off. They looked so perfect together. She couldn't wait till they gave her some great grandchildren to spoil...the perfect little angelic devils that they would be. She chuckled to herself. /All in good time, Sarah. All in good time,/ she thought, as her and the others headed to their designated sleeping areas, minus Bobbi, Sturgis and Victor who took up the two couches and the easy chair. It didn't look like anyone was going to disturb the partners, and Sarah Rabb was glad.
/Let them wake up in each other's arms once, and they'll be hooked for life,/ she thought, mischievously.