Different Road

Summary: The whole 'Harm having a wife' conversation in his office takes a different turn, leading to Harm finally 'letting go'.

A/N: I usually write Dark Angel fics, but I have a whole bunch of JAG ones ready to be sent out if you guys like my writing. Let me know, okay?



"Is it so hard to imagine me having a wife?" Harm asked, kind of offended that Mac of all people thought that the idea was too far off to ever happen. Mac was still chuckling when her expression turned thoughtful.

"Okay, what do you envision your wife being like, I mean when you think about her." She asked, very curious about the type of woman that Harm considered to be the 'One'. He looked thoughtful for a moment, then afraid.

"Uh, never mind, Mac. You're right...I'll never get married." He said, quickly turning away. Mac turned and closed the office door, looking back at him.

"Harmon Rabb Jr., you are going to tell me right now what your dream wife is like. Even if it has to be a physical, superficial description." She was adamant now. There was no way out for Harm. He sighed.

"Okay. She's...you promise not to laugh or anything?" He asked her nervously. She nodded, crossing her heart. He swallowed and continued. "She's the most beautiful woman in the world. No matter how many women I meet, she always pops into my head."

"Okay,what color is her hair? Blonde, right?" Mac asked, knowingly. Harm shook his head.

"You'd think so, huh? But no. Her hair is like a brown-ish, auburn-ish. It's really hard to explain." He stumbled through her hair's description. "She's real, you know. You know her. She used to have really dark hair, but it's lighter now. Plus, she's not a bimbo. She's brilliant." Mac looked stunned, to say the least. Harm was for real in love with some woman? She knew her?

"Are you serious? Is she Navy?" She asked, now very anxious to find out who on earth he was talking about.

"Nope. Kind of a surprise,huh? No, she's a Jarhead, just like you." Mac was now really puzzled, and kind of hurt. How could he have not told her before that he'd fallen for a Marine? How could he have fallen for anyone...

"Huh! You seem to like us Jarheads more than you let on, Sailor." She said, teasing him. He flashed her a trademark 'Flyboy' grin.

"Just the pretty ones, Mac. Just the pretty ones." She blushed, and her mouth dropped open.

"Was that a compliment, Commander?" She asked, quietly.

"Yes it was, Colonel. I think that you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I really like your brown-ish, auburn-ish hair, and your brilliant intellect that constantly challenges me. I think that I have fallen in love with you, Colonel." Mac nearly fell over. She dropped into the seat in front of Harm's desk instead. She was shocked, breathless, and elated all at the same time. Who could blame her? He had just let go...and fallen right on top of her. Harm sat in the seat across from her and turned it so that he could look at her.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry to drop that on you, but I had to say it while I still had the courage. You know me and my weird 'scared to share emotions' thing." He took her hand and spoke in a soothing tone. She looked at him.

"I'm in love with you too, Harm." She put her arms around his neck and hugged him. There would be time for more...fun stuff later. For now, she just wanted to hold him.

"I love you..."

END