Disclaimer- JAG and all of it's characters belong to Donald Belisario, Paramount Pictures, and CBS , this is for entertainment purposes only.
A friend in need
Epilogue
Mac walked through the door and dropped her briefcase and umbrella on the floor. At least it was only rain she mused…..the weather forecasters were calling for it to turn to snow by morning, she didn't doubt it….it was freezing outside!. She walked to the kitchen and grabbed a soda from the fridge, not bothering with any lights she made her way back to her bedroom. Grabbing the remote for the stereo she turned it own and began stripping out of her uniform, walking to the bathroom she reached into the drawer by her sink and pulled out some candles and a lighter. All she wanted right now was a long hot bath! Turning the temperature of the water to where she liked it she sat the candles out and lit them while the tub filled up. The bathroom instantly took on a soft glow, shadows playing softly against the walls.
Mac stepped in and sank down into the steaming water, she couldn't help the sigh of pleasure that escaped her. Closing her eyes she sat and let her mind wander, unconsciously she rubbed her left forearm and hand……it was heaven to finally take a bath without having to wrap the damn thing in a plastic bag. Her cast had come off four days ago, since it was finally Friday this was the first chance she had gotten to indulge in a bath.
She couldn't believe that it had already been six weeks, she had gone back to work the week following the attack. Both Harm and the Admiral had tried to convince her to take a few more days to rest. Mac made a point of going by the doctor that had attended to her in the hospital and requested a note stating that there was no reason she couldn't return to work. Knowing the marine was determined the doctor didn't fight her on it, most people knew what was best for them anyway, if she felt well enough to return to her duties, he wasn't going to stop her.
Thinking back to the weekend before she went back to work caused a slight frown to mar her features. Harm had been wonderful…..never had he shown so much care and tenderness towards her, waking up next to him that morning had been wonderful. Not that she would admit it to him now, but she hadn't slept nearly as well as she had when she was with him that weekend. After talking about the turn of events that occurred the night before Harm had gotten up to make some breakfast. Mac had stayed in bed, dozing on and off. She sat bolt upright in bed when she heard the Admiral's voice coming from the kitchen. Although nothing had happened between them, she couldn't help the embarrassment that tinged her cheeks pink at having to walk out of Harm's bed to greet her C.O.
Mac surprised them both when she walked into the kitchen……they had been talking quietly over some coffee at the bar. The Admiral stood up apologetically " Mac, I'm sorry…..I didn't mean to wake you."
Mac just starred at him as if he had grown three heads. He acted like it was an everyday occurrence for her to greet him from Harm's bedroom. Covering her discomfort quickly she waved off his apology. " I've just been dosing Sir….really, I'm feeling a lot better." A.J. nodded his head "It's A.J. Mac….we're out of uniform." Mac smiled and nodded, A.J. turned to say something to Harm, Mac stepped forward as he turned and gasped slightly. The other side of his face was a brilliant array of purple and blue. A.J. turned back to Mac and smiled " It looks worse than it is." He said as he ran his hand over his cheek. Mac's face turned somber " That happened last night, didn't it." A.J. nodded " The guy got in a lucky shot after I knocked his gun out of is hands. But, uh……well let's just say he realized the error of his ways." There was a hard glint in his eyes, Mac waited for him to go on but he changed the subject and Mac knew he wouldn't tell her anymore of what happened. Without being obvious she took in his appearance, he looked a little tired….hi knuckles were red and raw, slightly swollen. She had a sinking suspicion that Harm and A.J. had been talking about it when she walked into the room. Later, after he had left Mac tried to get Harm to tell her more……she knew he knew in detail what had happened,….. but he wouldn't admit it.
She had returned to work and buried herself in cases and paperwork, much to Harm's disapproval. Things between Harm and herself she could only describe as……promising. They were definitely building to something more than friendship, they ate dinner together usually two or three nights during the week and went out together on the weekends when they could. Two weeks ago he had 'officially' asked her on a date. She smiled as she remembered the tingly rush that came over her when he actually asked her out on a date.
She was in her office going over fit reps and schedules. Harm had just come from court when he poked his head into her office. " Hey Mac…..how are the reports coming?" Mac looked up, giving him a look of disgust. He walked in and took a seat across from her desk. " That bad huh?" he questioned. Mac sat back in her chair, " Oh…..not really. But you know how I feel about paperwork. You're awfully chipper this afternoon…..I take it court went well." She asked. He didn't really answer her, just gave her his trademark smile. He sat there for another minute or so and she looked at him expectantly " So what's up."
Harm toyed with a pencil on the desk, "Nothing's really up……I just wanted to stop by and ask if,….if you'd like to go out to dinner this Friday.?" Mac raised her eyebrows at him " So you won your case today, good. Sure…. we can go celebrate." She was pretty sure that's not what he had been getting at……she wanted him to squirm a little. Harm arched an eyebrow back at her " you're putting words in my mouth Colonel….I never said I won my case. I just wondered if you would have dinner with me. Someplace quiet…..a big steak for you, some pasta and veggies for me…..." Mac smiled at him, she sat up a little bracing her elbows against the desk, leaning forward. Her voice was soft, eyes mischievous, " Harm……are you asking me on a date?"
Harm swallowed the slight lump in his throat, was she actually flirting with him? His heart beat a little faster…..ooohhh he could definitely get used to this. His eyes gleamed back at her and his mouth did that little half smile thing that always made her stomach flutter. Clearing his throat he replied " Yes, Sarah……I am asking you on a date." His eyes never left hers. " A real date, an,I pick you up at door, bring you flowers, take you to a quiet secluded restaurant, and walk you back to your door real date." Mac had sat back against her chair and couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks at his words. Not able to think of a reply she just smiled at him and answered " Yes." In a voice that to her ears sound entirely to soft and feminine.
She also remembered with crystal clarity when he walked her back to her door that next evening. Mac fished the keys out of her small black purse that accented the sheer red and black dress that she had chosen to wear that evening, Harm took the keys from her hand and unlocked the door for her. He pushed the door open, as she turned to him " Would you like to come in for some coffee." She couldn't believe that was her voice…..what was wrong with her. Harm looked down into her large brown eyes and felt himself falling. Gently he traced a finger across her cheek He nodded his head slowly and his breath caught in his throat as he watched her little pink tongue slip out to wet suddenly dry lips. " I would really….really like to Sarah,……" She knew the but was coming and was almost thankful for it. It had been a magical evening……and she knew that all to easily she would willingly fall into his arms if given the chance. His voice was husky and deeper as he continued, " But……somehow I don't think we would get around to….." Mac reached up and held his hand that had been stroking her cheek, finishing the sentence for him. " having that talk, we need to have."
Harm nodded and placed her hand on his chest, lightly covering his heart. Her fingers played across his chest. He was going to say something, but all thought processes ceased to exist at the feel of her hand brushing lightly over his chest. Instead he leaned down, focused on her lips. He watched in sheer excitement as her eyelids drifted down and he closed the distance between them. What started as a gentle exploration of each other quickly gave way to a burning need that left them both breathless and wanting more.
He crushed her to him, desperate to feel more of her, the deep sigh that escaped her lips reverberated through his consciousness as he pulled her hips tightly against his, pressing into her intimately. Ever so gently Mac applied gentle pressure to the wall of his chest with both of her hands…. not wanting to, but knowing that they weren't ready for this to happen. Harm felt her and immediately released his firm grip on her hips. He released her tender lips, placing a few kisses along her jaw and down her neck. Her skin was like satin……supple and tender and he already missed the feel of her lips against his. Pulling back he stared into the depths of her eyes……they were darker than he had ever seen them, her lips red and slightly swollen. He cupped her cheek, his voice thick and husky.
" Do you have any idea what you do to me?" Mac couldn't stop the crimson blush that spread across her features, smiling she raised an eyebrow at him " I have a few ideas sailor…..but without further investigation,……it's just a guess." She whispered huskily. Harm's grip tightened again unconsciously and a low noise rolled from the back of his throat. Quickly kissing her hard on the lips he made himself turn around and walk away.
Mac sank a little deeper in the tub, if she didn't get out soon she would have to add more hot water. She couldn't remember the last time she had spent this long in the tub…….deciding she deserved it she pushed the water faucet on with her toes to heat the water up again.
Harm knocked anxiously at the door again. He frowned when there was still no response. It wasn't like Mac not to answer the door. He knew she was home, he had seen her car parked downstairs, and the weather was to nasty for to be out . They had planned on getting together tomorrow……but the truth was, he just didn't feel like waiting until tomorrow to see her. He had just left her at the office a few hours ago……and yet he already missed her. It was a new feeling for Harm, since they had actually started dating it seemed that all the pushed aside feelings of the last several years decided to surface with the force of a tidal wave. They actually had spent one night this week spread out on the floor of her apartment by the fireplace talking about where they each wanted to see their relationship go from here.
At first it had scared the hell out of him to even begin considering it, but their talk the other night made him realize that they both wanted the same thing……he's not sure what he really expected, but he was surprised when Mac simply told him that she only wanted what he was willing to give. Thinking about it now he figured she wanted what Brumby had been ready to give her. She had put his fears to rest, when she said that she didn't think they should move things that fast. They had a great base to go on, seven years of a true and abiding friendship had to mean something. Trying to be as open with her as she was being with him, he told her that in his entire life he had never had a friend that meant as much to him as she did…….and that he understands now what she was asking in Australia. If he had been able to see things this clearly back then, he would have been willing to take that step. He knew now, it wasn't necessary to say good bye to his best friend in order to move their relationship to the next level……no matter what happened he was confident, believing that he would never have to let her go.
Harm cleared his thoughts and fished his spare key to Mac's apartment out of his pocket. Knocking one more time he waited just a moment before entering her apartment. Closing the door quietly, he took in the darkened atmosphere. He saw her briefcase and umbrella laying by the door, and he could hear music playing lightly from her bedroom. " Mac…" He called out. " It's me, Harm" Slowly he made his way back to her room, figuring she was taking a nap. Maybe the headache she had this afternoon had gotten worse. His stomach tightened when he walked through and saw her uniform scattered around leading from her dresser into the bathroom.
Harm stopped where he was, just three or four steps from the entrance of the bathroom. He could see the soft light now coming from the bathroom, shadows dancing across the walls……it smelled like lemon. All of his senses assaulted him at once. He could her the sound of water sloshing lightly in the tub and Mac's soft voice humming along to the tune playing on the radio. A light sweat broke out on his forehead. 'Oh God……she's taking a bath. Just around the corner Mac is laying in a tub totally nak…' Harm turned instantly and retreated into the living room. He would love nothing more than to walk in there and help her. He couldn't help the smile that broke out on his handsome features at the vision his mind had conjured up……but he didn't have that right yet. Opening the door quietly he just stood there and then slammed it a little harder than necessary. " Knock, knock….. hey Mac……you here?" He called loudly. In his mind he could see her standing from the tub……the water cascading down her body.
Mac sat up the instant she heard the door slam shut. Releasing a breath when she heard Harm call out she stood to dry off and grab her robe. " Just a sec……..I'm in the tub." Mac ran a quick comb through her wet locks and secured the tie on her robe. She walked to the living room and saw Harm sitting on the couch. She couldn't help the large smile that graced her features. " Hi…….this is a surprise." Harm look up at her as she walked into the room……still trying to get the mental picture of her rising from the tub out of his head. Her skin was flushed under her normal golden tone, he watched as a droplet of water fell from her hair and slowly made it's way down her neck and into the v of her robe. 'this is not helping ' he thought silently. He grinned at her but didn't stand " I was just driving around and thought I'd stop by…" He managed to get out. Mac looked at him oddly, she noticed the deep tone in his voice. " Are you ok?" She asked, a smile in her voice.
" Yeah,….why wouldn't I be. If this is a bad time I can…" Mac walked over to the couch " No, this is fine…..I just didn't expect to see you until tomorrow." She sat down next to him, one bare leg crossing over the other. Harm had no choice but to rise from the couch…..she was way to close for comfort. He had told himself that physically, he wouldn't push Mac. He would let her set the pace. But at the moment his body was screaming at him that it had been a year and a half since he had seen any action! Mac stifled the giggle rising in her throat and covered her mouth with her hand. This was just to easy. From under her lashes she glanced up at him, the bulge in his jeans not escaping her attention.
Harm nervously stepped from one foot to the other. "Is something funny Mac…..cause from where I stand I see nothing amusing at all." He said meeting her eyes. Mac rose, walking slowly from the couch to where Harm stood. " Funny?……No, I guess not." The last thing she wanted was to put him in a mood. She placed her hand on his arm and reached up on tip toes to place a quick kiss on his lips. " I'm glad you came by. I was just thinking about you a few minutes ago." This admission brought a whole new picture to him that really didn't help the situation. Thinking about Mac laying in the tub thinking about him just made his heart beat a little faster.
Bending down he returned the kiss, lingering a little bit longer. Mac swayed towards him a little. " So exactly what were you thinking about me?" Mac smile back up at him, continuing the game she stood on tip toes again and pressed another kiss to his lips, this time reaching the tip of her tongue out to taste him. " Wouldn't you like to know flyboy." She replied huskily as she stepped back on her heels. Mac could see the wheels turning in his mind. She knew he was fighting with himself over where this was leading. Mac was in complete control…..and loving every minute of it. She knew there was no way she could let him leave tonight. The fire burning inside of her was aching to be put out, plain and simple…….she wanted him. They had almost taken this step a few nights ago after their talk in front of the fire, but an ill-timed phone call from Chloe had broken the moment.
Harm leaned back down, at the last minute he veered slightly and with the tip of his tongue he traced a droplet of water from her ear lobe to her collarbone. Mac leaned her head back, her breath catching in her throat as his lips and teeth gently nipped at the tender skin of her neck. Placing a hand on either side of his chest she moaned his name. Harm stood up, looking down at her, a question in his eyes. This was not what he had intended when he came by this evening and again his conscious assaulted him. Sucking his bottom lip in a little he took a deeper breath as his heartbeat began to return to normal. " So,……you want to watch a moving……. or something?" Mac smiled, knowing he was giving her the option of stopping this before it raged out of control. Licking her lips, her voice still husky with desire she started walking backwards slowly.
" Or something….." raising one eyebrow she murmured softly as her hands went to the tie of her robe. Harm watched in utter amazement as she slipped the knot loose. Agonizingly slow, he followed her with his eyes, he tried to get his feet to comply but his mind was only registering one thing at the moment. Dropping the ends of her robe it parted open slightly, giving him an incredible view of her ample cleavage, a bare smooth stomach……Harm watched entranced as she brought a delicate hand up and pushed the material off of one shoulder. Unaware of the muttered "Oh God.." he had murmured he suddenly found the ability to move his feet and slowly followed her as the robe dropped completely to the floor. Slowly backing away from him, a come hither look on her face Mac crooked a finger at him and disappeared into the hushed tones of her bedroom. Stepping over her robe he whispered " Hot Damn!" before crossing the threshold of heavens gates………..
A/N Ok, I hope this helped tie some of the loose ends up. I realize some of you may be upset at where I left this…….(evil little smile) I may write what happens in the bedroom, haven't decided yet. Please review and let me know what you think. Thanks to everyone that has reviewed this story.