Title: Baisers Volés
- Stolen Kisses
Author: Masumi
Email: masumi_marine@hotmail.com
Classification: Vignette/Romance, H/M
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: JAG belongs to DPB and CBS and All About Loving You
by Bon Jovi. No infringement intended.
Spoilers/summary: "Location doesn't change who we are." May be a few small references to any episodes up to All Ye Faithful.
Author's Note: The title is taken from the French meaning Stolen Kisses. Stand alone story and doesn't relate in any way with the Christmas story 'Greatest Gifts.'
All
stories can be found at:
Yahoo
Group ~ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/masumi_fanfics/
Website ~ http://www.geocities.com/masumi_marine/
Any suggestions, comments, constructive criticism welcome
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III.
The Flight
Look back with longing eyes and
know that I will follow,
Lift me up in your love as a light wind lifts a swallow,
Let our flight be far in sun or blowing rain --
But what if I heard my first love calling me again?
Hold me on your heart as the brave
sea holds the foam,
Take me far away to the hills that hide your home;
Peace shall thatch the roof and love shall latch the door --
But what if I heard my first love calling me once more?
Love Songs
by Sara Teasdale
31 December 2002
5:00pm Local Time
Champs-Elysees,
Paris
France
For the last time this year round, the sunset was fading leisurely behind the horizon, leaving the sky a deep-sea midnight blue. The row of trees lining both sides of the avenue was all lit up basking the entire city in a dazzling, golden glow. A large Ferris-wheel dominated the scene emitting with it, its happy squeals of children's laughter and joy. Everywhere, the crowds were already taking over in the spirit of the festive season. Amidst the ambience of happiness and celebrations, one particularly lone figure sat apart on a park bench further away from the crowds, simply watching. A sudden gust of wind swept through the area, picking up a snowy white feather airborne on its flight, twirling it in the air.
Having caught her attention, Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie watched absent-mindedly as the feather twirled elegantly once, twice in the air. This sight immediately brought up memories of a yellow bi-plane, flying similar loops gracefully in brilliant clear blue skies. The feather came to a soft landing at her feet and she bent to pick it up, but it flew away once again just out of her grasp. A wry smile slowly slipped onto her attractive features.
Typical. Just like the story of my life, she thought ruefully. It was like building a thousand piece puzzle, that she'd put together painstakingly bit by bit, again and again over the years in the hopes of creating that picture perfect life. But that elusive last jagged piece forever remained missing, preventing its completion. Always just out of reach. Another year … and another year alone. Mac grimaced, knowing full well she was being too pessimistic. Normally, she would kick herself for harbouring this type of mentality, but at this time of the year it was simply too hard to keep such feelings hidden or ignored. At a time when people were not meant to be alone, she longed with an even greater intensity to be a part of the couples and families, children and adults alike, all enjoying the last hours of the year together.
Reflecting upon the past year and the current state of her life in general, her own tough self-criticisms weren't too bad. She was enjoying and loving her career. JAG was the anchor she'd sought for so long in her life for stability. And with work, came her family of friends. This year had been another round of strenuous tests on their beliefs and strengths. With Bud's landmine accident and Harm and her own close encounter with one, Mac was perpetually grateful for all their safety and well-being.
In the city of love, without love, the thought came to mind as Mac looked on wistfully at the throngs of people strolling by excitedly. Another thing she would be eternally thankful for was Harm's friendship. No matter where she went or how much time had progressed, thoughts of Harm and images of him would always follow, she mused silently to herself in her mind. As time went by, they couldn't be any closer on all the levels of friendship. But therein lay the dilemma and the last missing piece of her puzzle. It was getting harder and harder as the days flew by to keep her feelings sorted and apart. For her, the fine line between friendship and love was rapidly diminishing. The practical side of her now questioned her judgment on holding onto what might always be false and foolish dreams. It had been over a year since Mic and Renee had left. Although Mac was too pragmatic to hope for any grand and gallant declaration of love, sadly there'd barely been any of the smallest signs. The closest Harm had come to showing any deeper emotions had been through various cryptic words and a few kisses over the years. And these were more like stolen kisses in time, forbidden and bittersweet. It just wasn't enough any more.
Thinking back to Bud and Harriet's Christmas party, Mac felt all the more gloomy. The all too familiar tightening in her chest as she'd waited anxiously for Harm to return from his flight, had been nerve wrecking. Then he'd merely strolled in late as if without a care in the world. It had hit her then … a sense of disappointment and hurt. Harm had smiled at her though, throughout dinner with more than his usual tenderness so she'd return the smiles, taking solace in her gratitude that he was safe. But the ache within had intensified tenfold. Either he still had no clue as to the depth of her feelings or it didn't matter to him.
Or perhaps it was she who was expecting too much.
Mac realised with a start that her eyes had drifted close whilst lost in thought. The surrounding grass areas were now occupied by countless groups of people with rugs and food already spread out. She gave an embarrassed smile back to the old lady sitting next to her on the bench. Getting up quickly she turned away from the festivities and headed back in the direction of the French embassy. She still had to tie up the last of the paperwork. It had been a slow and tedious job. Her basic French only just performed the necessities and often she'd had to rely on consulting her mini electronic translator.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
25 December 2002
02:13 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Number
201, The Washington
Georgetown
The shrill ringing of the telephone quickly broke through the light slumber she'd fallen into not long ago.
"Mac…kennzie" Mac drawled out sleepily.
"Colonel?"
"YES SIR?" The voice of Admiral Chegwidden brought her to alertness and she sat up instantly, hastily blinking away the haze of sleep.
"Colonel, there's been an emergency at the French consulate with one of our Marine officers. I hate to do this to you …" he paused, and she could hear the regret in his voice. "But you're the only I can send at this time at such short notice."
"It's ok Sir, I didn't have any major plans anyway." She heard the soft expel of his breath.
"I've arranged for someone to meet you at the airport and faxed all the files over which should be ready for you at the Hotel's front desk. You'll need to hop on the next flight out at 04:15 hours."
"Yes Sir" Mac replied, her mind already making a mental checklist of everything she had to prepare.
"If it's any consolation, you're free to stay and take a week off if you want," he offered.
"Thank you Sir, I'll take it into consideration."
"Alright Mac, Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas Admiral"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~~~~