DEEP TALK 2/10
Authors: Damngunnyshot and LeE
Classification: Romance, Some Humor H/M
Disclaimers: JAG doesn't belong to us. It belongs to DPB and CBS. We were just having some fun...
A.N. from Shannon: When Lilly suggested writing a story together, I figured 'oh sure, that'll be fun. Lilly's a great writer. Shouldn't take us too long'. Two outta three ain't bad, right? It *was* fun and you *are* a great writer, and I would like to thank you for being a great co-author! Your humour has gotten me through this experience and it has been a pleasure to work with you. You, the readers, may notice inconsistencies with spellings of certain words. This used to be a direct result of an American (Lilly) co-authoring with a Canadian (me), although I think I'm rubbing off on her-she's starting to spell like a Canadian :-) LOL!!
A.N. from Lilly: Well, what a ride huh Shannon? We certainly had fun writing this, and you're right: it *was* fun, and it *did* take us longer than we expected, but hey! We got it done! :) I guess with both of us being beta readers as well as writers, it was bound to take a little longer...:) Well, if it were for me, this story would've been 1,000 pages long, so I know for a fact we never would've gotten all the ideas in paper had it not been for my great co-author that always kept us on the right track when the ideas were flying everywhere. Thanks Shannon!! As for my "inconsistencies" in spelling, well I can neither confirm nor deny that rumour (rumor?) LOL...
Feedback: If you feel inclined to do so, please send feedback to Lilly at lee_81881@yahoo.com or to Shannon at damngunnyshot@yahoo.com Thanks!
*FROM PART 1*
"Everybody, I'd like you all to meet Commander Patrick Jackson. He has been assigned to our office and will be working with us as of today. Commander Jackson will be partnered up with Commander Sturgis. I'm sure you'll all do your best to make him feel welcome here at JAG"
Everyone nodded and murmured 'yes, Sirs'. Minutes later staff call came to an end. Everyone started back towards the bullpen, but the three Commanders and the Lt. Colonel stayed behind as introductions were made in a less formal manner. The Admiral looked back towards the four before exiting the courtroom, and noticed Jackson give Mac an appreciative glance. 'Damn it. I might just have to order Rabb and Mackenzie to get married if I am to avoid a Rabb-Brumby repeat' he thought and sighed as the door closed behind him.
*PART 2*
Once the Admiral had returned to his own office, three naval officers and one Marine officer were left in the conference room. The tension among three of them was palpable, which only served to worsen the situation. Harm resented Jackson ogling Mac as though she were some sort of porn star and had therefore taken an instant dislike to the other cocky pilot/lawyer.
Jackson had noticed the way Mac looked at Harm when she didn't think anyone was watching and took great pleasure in making the conscious decision to be Harm's toughest competition both in and out of Court.
Mac was seething at the way Harm was shooting daggers at the new guy. 'How dare he do this AGAIN,' she fumed, 'You'd think he would've learned from the whole Mic fiasco. I have half a mind to ask Patrick out just to spite Harm. Or maybe not, that's how I got myself into the last mess' she thought and focused back on her companions as Sturgis attempted some conversation.
Sturgis, having learned a great deal about peacekeeping from his father, made an attempt to lessen the tension and asked Commander Jackson about his previous posting.
"Welcome to JAG, Commander Jackson. Where did you say you were stationed prior to this assignment?"
Jackson's expression brightened as the topic of conversation focused on him. "Thank you, Commander Turner. I was onboard the Abraham Lincoln out of Everett, Washington. I was a pilot." Jackson made no effort to hide his arrogance.
'I was a pilot' mimicked Harm's mind. 'See my wings? My name is Commander Jackass and I was a pilot. Oh yeah? Well I'm STILL a pilot so put that in your pipe and smoke it' Harm mocked silently, an eerie feeling of déjà vu overtaking him as he remembered finding Bugme entertaining the JAG staff with his stories when he returned to JAG from flying.
Sturgis could sense the competition for Mac's affections brewing. Not wanting to be caught in the crossfire, he made his excuses and left the conference room. He remembered Mac's admission about being in love with Harm and knew that Jackson would never succeed in gaining Mac's romantic interest. 'Jackson has no idea what he's playing with. It should be interesting to see how this all plays out.'
Mac noticed the expression on Harm's face and had to put her hand over her mouth to keep from snickering. 'He looks like a jealous seven year old! He's one step away from sticking his tongue out! Maybe some day he'll reach adulthood and do something about this mess we call a relationship. In the meantime, it would be nice if he'd play nice and quit treating me like some sort of simpering, helpless female.' She heard a voice and brought her attention back. "I'm sorry Commander Jackson, pardon me?"
"I was just asking if you have ever been up in a fighter before, Colonel Mackenzie," Jackson's smug expression clearly told her that he thought she'd been distracted by him. Too bad for him, there was room for only one set of wings in her heart.
She figured that her best course of action would be to attempt to put a stop to this impending situation before it even started. She was in love with Harm and the last thing she wanted was a repeat of the Bugme debacle. 'Well, they say the best defense is a good offense' she thought as she gave her reply.
"Why yes, Commander, I have been. In fact, I've also punched out of a Russian MIG." She shot a look at Harm that she hoped would give Jackson a clue as to her availability or lack thereof, but not create a monster out of Harm's ego.
"You punched out of a Russian MIG, Colonel?" Jackson replied with disbelief evident in his tone. "I have never heard of any American Marines flying a MIG, much less punching out of one. Care to share the story?"
Harm had had enough and broke into the conversation. "The Colonel makes a hell of a good RIO, Commander Jackman and I can assure you that she did everything right when WE punched out over Russia," he said with a sneer so subtle only those who knew Harm well would recognize it. Mac was having fun.
"Jackson."
Harm looked innocently at the other man. "I'm sorry?"
"Jackson. My name is Jackson" He said, annoyance etched on his face. His name was really not that hard to remember, and judging by the Colonel's unflinching reaction to Harm's "memory problem" it was obvious the tall Commander ran the show at JAG. "I've heard about you, Rabb. Your wins and losses are somewhat legendary. I find it difficult to believe you can't remember a simple name. Do you forget your clients' names also?"
Harm dismissed the reprimand without missing a beat. "Right. Sorry. Hey, Mac, I gotta run. Pick you up at 1300 for lunch? Beltway Burgers, on me." The expression on Harm's face clearly told Jackson to back off.
Torn between shooting Harm a grateful look and simply shooting him, Mac agreed. She really did not want to encourage any sort of ego wars between the two men. She knew that the only man she could ever love was Harm and she simply was not interested in pursuing other relationships. She began to follow Harm out of the conference room. Jackson followed her and walked by her side through the bullpen.
"Colonel, I was wondering if you would like to have dinner tonight?"
'Oh give up the cheesy Lothario grin already' she thought. Ever grateful to have the innate ability to think under pressure she quickly retorted with an innocent smile, "I usually do, Commander."
Seemingly oblivious to Mac's reaction, Jackson continued, "I meant with me, Colonel, unless you are married or otherwise involved?"
"Not that it's any of your concern, Commander Jackman, but I am not married. However, as much as I appreciate your kind offer, I must say no." Mac's voice was firm, yet kind. Her intuition was beginning to kick in and she didn't like what it was saying to her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she just didn't feel comfortable around the new Commander. "If you'll excuse me. Lieutenant Singer, would you please show Commander Jackson to his office?"
Once in her office, Mac giggled out loud. "Jackman!" Harm's habit of renaming people was sort of fun!
BELTWAY BURGERS
1348 EST
Lunch went by silently, save for the usual comments from Harm about Mac's horrible habit of eating chopped cow. Neither of them had mentioned the morning events that had led to Harm's impulsive offer for lunch, nonetheless enjoying to the fullest the chance at a quiet meal between friends. Things had been going well at the office the past few months between them, and with Bud deployed, Mac had thought a new addition to the JAG staff wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
"So, Mac. What do you think of the new Commander?" Harm asked trying his best to sound casual; miserably attempting an icebreaker.
"He asked me out" Mac said as she stuffed her mouth once again with a bite of the delicious triple cheeseburger she was devouring at the moment.
"What?!!" Harm screeched at once, Mac almost choking on her burger, as she looked around embarrassed.
"Are you nuts?" she hissed. "What do you think you're doing? We're in uniform for God sakes, get a hold of yourself Commander" she finished in a rush of anger, embarrassment and elation at knowing Harm had for once openly showed some emotion concerning her. Harm had never been so blunt about any of the men she'd dated. Then again, she'd never been asked out by a fighter pilot before. Well, Keeter didn't count. And what Harm didn't know about wouldn't hurt him.
"Mac" Harm said, his voice the perfect example of a two-year-old whining routine.
Mac simply rolled her eyes and spoke. "Harm, spare me the childish whining, will ya? It doesn't become you. So what if Commander Jackson asked me out?" Mac was really enjoying this, having the time of her life watching her ace pilot/ hot shot lawyer best friend squirm in his chair.
"First, I'm not a child. Second, what do you mean so what? He's a jackass Mac!" Harm finished accentuating his words as he flung both his arms in the air.
"Harm, you just met him today. What are you talking about?" She knew Jackson was a tough pill to swallow, but it was too much fun pulling Harm's chain. Who said she couldn't have a little fun?
"Maaaac. You didn't see him look at..." realizing what he was about to admit to he quickly shut his mouth, averted his eyes, clasping his hands in his lap as his lips tightened in a straight line. Jackson was a poor excuse for a Naval Officer in Harm's opinion, and he'd only known him a few hours. He could kill him with his bare hands for looking at Mac like that.
"Oh great. Now you're going to close up on me" Mac said knowingly as she sipped from her coke once more.
"Mac, he's trouble, okay? He rubs me the wrong way is all" Harm said, the conversation quickly taking on a serious tone, if only in his own head.
"Well, you better keep your juices under wraps if you don't want the Admiral to kick your six all the way to Venus. And the only trouble I see, Harm, is the budget adjustment JAG will need to store both your egos" Mac said, a teasing smile on her face.
Rolling his eyes, a big sigh escaped him as they rose to leave. Why couldn't she understand him? Even more, why couldn't he just tell her he loved her and get it over with? Why the damn hell was she still not wearing a stupid ring that spelled RABB in diamonds?
Mac watched him closely as they walked outside towards the SUV. Harm never lost his cool like that, not without due provocation. It just didn't make sense. As they neared JAG, the thoughts of worry over her partner were starting to pop up. They were at a good place with their friendship. They'd survived more than any friendship should have a right to endure, and they were still going strong. Walking side by side, they neared the entrance and Mac turned to look at him once again. Why was he being so testy about this? He had to know she'd never agree to go out with Jackson. Then why...
"So, when's the big date?" Harm asked, unable to control the jealousy and tension within him for another second.
She looked at him with disbelieving eyes and couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped her lips at the look of horror in his face. Smiling tolerantly at him she said, "Friday night actually. We're going for dinner and a movie." Harm was just too easy to bait sometimes.
Willing herself to keep the giggles back, she watched the colour drain from Harm's face. The little vein in his left temple began to throb, a sure sign that he was holding it all in. 'I wonder if that vein throbs when he's about to co...don't go there Mackenzie, you'll just have to change your skirt again and you haven't taken in your dry-cleaning yet so you're running short.'
"Oh, Harm. You're jealous". Her hands crossed behind her back as she rocked back and forth on her feet, a childish grin on her face.
"Am not" His feet slightly apart, arms folded across his chest, defensively averting his eyes as a 'yeah right' expression crossed his face.
"Are too"
"Am not... look, this is ridiculous. You're a grown woman. You do what you want"
"Really?"
"Of course" he scoffed.
"Oh, Harm" she said and sighed, patting his cheek with her small hand. She shook her head in mock understanding as he narrowed his eyes.
"I already told maintenance the smell of that new disinfectant was making you wacko. You'll be back to normal in no time, I promise." Fluttering her eyes prettily at him. His mouth opened to comment as she turned on her heels, smirking. Headed for the elevator, her Sailor in tow.
"Mac, would you stop it. I am not jealous. I'm just worried about you, that's all" Harm finished in a small voice she rarely heard.
"Harmon Rabb, Jr. stop pouting"
"I am *not*..."
"Whatever... why don't you get in here so we can get this elevator rolling and I promise I'll stroke your ego some more when Commander Jackman's around huh?" a bright smile on her face.
"Maaac..." Her laughter drowned his words as the elevator doors closed. "Just don't stop at my ego," he murmured to himself as he turned away from her.
TBC
Authors: Damngunnyshot and LeE
Classification: Romance, Some Humor H/M
Disclaimers: JAG doesn't belong to us. It belongs to DPB and CBS. We were just having some fun...
A.N. from Shannon: When Lilly suggested writing a story together, I figured 'oh sure, that'll be fun. Lilly's a great writer. Shouldn't take us too long'. Two outta three ain't bad, right? It *was* fun and you *are* a great writer, and I would like to thank you for being a great co-author! Your humour has gotten me through this experience and it has been a pleasure to work with you. You, the readers, may notice inconsistencies with spellings of certain words. This used to be a direct result of an American (Lilly) co-authoring with a Canadian (me), although I think I'm rubbing off on her-she's starting to spell like a Canadian :-) LOL!!
A.N. from Lilly: Well, what a ride huh Shannon? We certainly had fun writing this, and you're right: it *was* fun, and it *did* take us longer than we expected, but hey! We got it done! :) I guess with both of us being beta readers as well as writers, it was bound to take a little longer...:) Well, if it were for me, this story would've been 1,000 pages long, so I know for a fact we never would've gotten all the ideas in paper had it not been for my great co-author that always kept us on the right track when the ideas were flying everywhere. Thanks Shannon!! As for my "inconsistencies" in spelling, well I can neither confirm nor deny that rumour (rumor?) LOL...
Feedback: If you feel inclined to do so, please send feedback to Lilly at lee_81881@yahoo.com or to Shannon at damngunnyshot@yahoo.com Thanks!
*FROM PART 1*
"Everybody, I'd like you all to meet Commander Patrick Jackson. He has been assigned to our office and will be working with us as of today. Commander Jackson will be partnered up with Commander Sturgis. I'm sure you'll all do your best to make him feel welcome here at JAG"
Everyone nodded and murmured 'yes, Sirs'. Minutes later staff call came to an end. Everyone started back towards the bullpen, but the three Commanders and the Lt. Colonel stayed behind as introductions were made in a less formal manner. The Admiral looked back towards the four before exiting the courtroom, and noticed Jackson give Mac an appreciative glance. 'Damn it. I might just have to order Rabb and Mackenzie to get married if I am to avoid a Rabb-Brumby repeat' he thought and sighed as the door closed behind him.
*PART 2*
Once the Admiral had returned to his own office, three naval officers and one Marine officer were left in the conference room. The tension among three of them was palpable, which only served to worsen the situation. Harm resented Jackson ogling Mac as though she were some sort of porn star and had therefore taken an instant dislike to the other cocky pilot/lawyer.
Jackson had noticed the way Mac looked at Harm when she didn't think anyone was watching and took great pleasure in making the conscious decision to be Harm's toughest competition both in and out of Court.
Mac was seething at the way Harm was shooting daggers at the new guy. 'How dare he do this AGAIN,' she fumed, 'You'd think he would've learned from the whole Mic fiasco. I have half a mind to ask Patrick out just to spite Harm. Or maybe not, that's how I got myself into the last mess' she thought and focused back on her companions as Sturgis attempted some conversation.
Sturgis, having learned a great deal about peacekeeping from his father, made an attempt to lessen the tension and asked Commander Jackson about his previous posting.
"Welcome to JAG, Commander Jackson. Where did you say you were stationed prior to this assignment?"
Jackson's expression brightened as the topic of conversation focused on him. "Thank you, Commander Turner. I was onboard the Abraham Lincoln out of Everett, Washington. I was a pilot." Jackson made no effort to hide his arrogance.
'I was a pilot' mimicked Harm's mind. 'See my wings? My name is Commander Jackass and I was a pilot. Oh yeah? Well I'm STILL a pilot so put that in your pipe and smoke it' Harm mocked silently, an eerie feeling of déjà vu overtaking him as he remembered finding Bugme entertaining the JAG staff with his stories when he returned to JAG from flying.
Sturgis could sense the competition for Mac's affections brewing. Not wanting to be caught in the crossfire, he made his excuses and left the conference room. He remembered Mac's admission about being in love with Harm and knew that Jackson would never succeed in gaining Mac's romantic interest. 'Jackson has no idea what he's playing with. It should be interesting to see how this all plays out.'
Mac noticed the expression on Harm's face and had to put her hand over her mouth to keep from snickering. 'He looks like a jealous seven year old! He's one step away from sticking his tongue out! Maybe some day he'll reach adulthood and do something about this mess we call a relationship. In the meantime, it would be nice if he'd play nice and quit treating me like some sort of simpering, helpless female.' She heard a voice and brought her attention back. "I'm sorry Commander Jackson, pardon me?"
"I was just asking if you have ever been up in a fighter before, Colonel Mackenzie," Jackson's smug expression clearly told her that he thought she'd been distracted by him. Too bad for him, there was room for only one set of wings in her heart.
She figured that her best course of action would be to attempt to put a stop to this impending situation before it even started. She was in love with Harm and the last thing she wanted was a repeat of the Bugme debacle. 'Well, they say the best defense is a good offense' she thought as she gave her reply.
"Why yes, Commander, I have been. In fact, I've also punched out of a Russian MIG." She shot a look at Harm that she hoped would give Jackson a clue as to her availability or lack thereof, but not create a monster out of Harm's ego.
"You punched out of a Russian MIG, Colonel?" Jackson replied with disbelief evident in his tone. "I have never heard of any American Marines flying a MIG, much less punching out of one. Care to share the story?"
Harm had had enough and broke into the conversation. "The Colonel makes a hell of a good RIO, Commander Jackman and I can assure you that she did everything right when WE punched out over Russia," he said with a sneer so subtle only those who knew Harm well would recognize it. Mac was having fun.
"Jackson."
Harm looked innocently at the other man. "I'm sorry?"
"Jackson. My name is Jackson" He said, annoyance etched on his face. His name was really not that hard to remember, and judging by the Colonel's unflinching reaction to Harm's "memory problem" it was obvious the tall Commander ran the show at JAG. "I've heard about you, Rabb. Your wins and losses are somewhat legendary. I find it difficult to believe you can't remember a simple name. Do you forget your clients' names also?"
Harm dismissed the reprimand without missing a beat. "Right. Sorry. Hey, Mac, I gotta run. Pick you up at 1300 for lunch? Beltway Burgers, on me." The expression on Harm's face clearly told Jackson to back off.
Torn between shooting Harm a grateful look and simply shooting him, Mac agreed. She really did not want to encourage any sort of ego wars between the two men. She knew that the only man she could ever love was Harm and she simply was not interested in pursuing other relationships. She began to follow Harm out of the conference room. Jackson followed her and walked by her side through the bullpen.
"Colonel, I was wondering if you would like to have dinner tonight?"
'Oh give up the cheesy Lothario grin already' she thought. Ever grateful to have the innate ability to think under pressure she quickly retorted with an innocent smile, "I usually do, Commander."
Seemingly oblivious to Mac's reaction, Jackson continued, "I meant with me, Colonel, unless you are married or otherwise involved?"
"Not that it's any of your concern, Commander Jackman, but I am not married. However, as much as I appreciate your kind offer, I must say no." Mac's voice was firm, yet kind. Her intuition was beginning to kick in and she didn't like what it was saying to her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she just didn't feel comfortable around the new Commander. "If you'll excuse me. Lieutenant Singer, would you please show Commander Jackson to his office?"
Once in her office, Mac giggled out loud. "Jackman!" Harm's habit of renaming people was sort of fun!
BELTWAY BURGERS
1348 EST
Lunch went by silently, save for the usual comments from Harm about Mac's horrible habit of eating chopped cow. Neither of them had mentioned the morning events that had led to Harm's impulsive offer for lunch, nonetheless enjoying to the fullest the chance at a quiet meal between friends. Things had been going well at the office the past few months between them, and with Bud deployed, Mac had thought a new addition to the JAG staff wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
"So, Mac. What do you think of the new Commander?" Harm asked trying his best to sound casual; miserably attempting an icebreaker.
"He asked me out" Mac said as she stuffed her mouth once again with a bite of the delicious triple cheeseburger she was devouring at the moment.
"What?!!" Harm screeched at once, Mac almost choking on her burger, as she looked around embarrassed.
"Are you nuts?" she hissed. "What do you think you're doing? We're in uniform for God sakes, get a hold of yourself Commander" she finished in a rush of anger, embarrassment and elation at knowing Harm had for once openly showed some emotion concerning her. Harm had never been so blunt about any of the men she'd dated. Then again, she'd never been asked out by a fighter pilot before. Well, Keeter didn't count. And what Harm didn't know about wouldn't hurt him.
"Mac" Harm said, his voice the perfect example of a two-year-old whining routine.
Mac simply rolled her eyes and spoke. "Harm, spare me the childish whining, will ya? It doesn't become you. So what if Commander Jackson asked me out?" Mac was really enjoying this, having the time of her life watching her ace pilot/ hot shot lawyer best friend squirm in his chair.
"First, I'm not a child. Second, what do you mean so what? He's a jackass Mac!" Harm finished accentuating his words as he flung both his arms in the air.
"Harm, you just met him today. What are you talking about?" She knew Jackson was a tough pill to swallow, but it was too much fun pulling Harm's chain. Who said she couldn't have a little fun?
"Maaaac. You didn't see him look at..." realizing what he was about to admit to he quickly shut his mouth, averted his eyes, clasping his hands in his lap as his lips tightened in a straight line. Jackson was a poor excuse for a Naval Officer in Harm's opinion, and he'd only known him a few hours. He could kill him with his bare hands for looking at Mac like that.
"Oh great. Now you're going to close up on me" Mac said knowingly as she sipped from her coke once more.
"Mac, he's trouble, okay? He rubs me the wrong way is all" Harm said, the conversation quickly taking on a serious tone, if only in his own head.
"Well, you better keep your juices under wraps if you don't want the Admiral to kick your six all the way to Venus. And the only trouble I see, Harm, is the budget adjustment JAG will need to store both your egos" Mac said, a teasing smile on her face.
Rolling his eyes, a big sigh escaped him as they rose to leave. Why couldn't she understand him? Even more, why couldn't he just tell her he loved her and get it over with? Why the damn hell was she still not wearing a stupid ring that spelled RABB in diamonds?
Mac watched him closely as they walked outside towards the SUV. Harm never lost his cool like that, not without due provocation. It just didn't make sense. As they neared JAG, the thoughts of worry over her partner were starting to pop up. They were at a good place with their friendship. They'd survived more than any friendship should have a right to endure, and they were still going strong. Walking side by side, they neared the entrance and Mac turned to look at him once again. Why was he being so testy about this? He had to know she'd never agree to go out with Jackson. Then why...
"So, when's the big date?" Harm asked, unable to control the jealousy and tension within him for another second.
She looked at him with disbelieving eyes and couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped her lips at the look of horror in his face. Smiling tolerantly at him she said, "Friday night actually. We're going for dinner and a movie." Harm was just too easy to bait sometimes.
Willing herself to keep the giggles back, she watched the colour drain from Harm's face. The little vein in his left temple began to throb, a sure sign that he was holding it all in. 'I wonder if that vein throbs when he's about to co...don't go there Mackenzie, you'll just have to change your skirt again and you haven't taken in your dry-cleaning yet so you're running short.'
"Oh, Harm. You're jealous". Her hands crossed behind her back as she rocked back and forth on her feet, a childish grin on her face.
"Am not" His feet slightly apart, arms folded across his chest, defensively averting his eyes as a 'yeah right' expression crossed his face.
"Are too"
"Am not... look, this is ridiculous. You're a grown woman. You do what you want"
"Really?"
"Of course" he scoffed.
"Oh, Harm" she said and sighed, patting his cheek with her small hand. She shook her head in mock understanding as he narrowed his eyes.
"I already told maintenance the smell of that new disinfectant was making you wacko. You'll be back to normal in no time, I promise." Fluttering her eyes prettily at him. His mouth opened to comment as she turned on her heels, smirking. Headed for the elevator, her Sailor in tow.
"Mac, would you stop it. I am not jealous. I'm just worried about you, that's all" Harm finished in a small voice she rarely heard.
"Harmon Rabb, Jr. stop pouting"
"I am *not*..."
"Whatever... why don't you get in here so we can get this elevator rolling and I promise I'll stroke your ego some more when Commander Jackman's around huh?" a bright smile on her face.
"Maaac..." Her laughter drowned his words as the elevator doors closed. "Just don't stop at my ego," he murmured to himself as he turned away from her.
TBC