VALENTINE'S DAY

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It was beyond normal in the office.  No one sent or received flowers.  No little boxes of candy or cards passed out.  It was business as usual.  AJ looked at his staff, he felt a bit of pity for them. He could tell by the looks among them that they wanted to be able to express things, but couldn't. 

AJ'S HOME

"Don't you think you're being a bit cruel?" Meredith asked.

"Not really, considering I have maintained a professional atmosphere and yet created a family, they deserve it." AJ smiled.

"AJ, are you talking this personally? How could they tell you?" Meredith asked.

"They could have found a way." AJ said. "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, and I think this is mean." Meredith smiled and kissed him.

"Exactly how is this mean? I am just seeing if my assumptions are correct." AJ smiled, "It's not like I am throwing a make out party."

"No, but you are going to embarrass them." Meredith said.

"That's the fun of it." AJ laughed.

TWO HOURS LATER

Bud and Harriet were the first to arrive.  Mac arrived next with Coates, followed by Gunny, Ashlyn and Sam.

"That was an interesting column today." Mac said.

"I thought so too." Ashlyn stated, "Especially the part about the crutch."

"Thanks, I liked it." Sam smiled.

"So, who's your crutch?" Gunny asked.

"I don't have one, I live the single life." Sam replied.

"Sounded like you had one in that column," Meredith commented.

"Sam, I know some great guys, if you're interested." Coates piped in. "As long as you don't mind bikers."

"Thanks, Jen. That's ok." Sam smiled. "So where are all the men? Or is this a predominately hen party?"

"I'm sure they will be along shortly." Meredith said serving drinks.

"Admiral, this is very nice of you." Coates said.

"Glad to have you all," AJ smiled.

"Sir, what's with the place cards?" Harriet asked looking at the table.

"Oh, that was Meredith's idea." AJ replied. "She decided to assign seats."

"Assigned seats?" Mac said choking on her club soda.

"Yes, I thought it would be fun." Meredith replied.

Finally, Harm and Sturgis arrived and were soon followed by Webb and then Tiner. 

"Wonderful, everyone is here." Meredith said. "Let the party begin." Everyone just stood there are stared at her.  Wondering what was going to happen. 

"Excuse me, but don't the men out number the women?" Sam asked looking around the room.

"No, we have one more guest arriving." Meredith smiled.

"Sorry, I'm late." Bobbie said walking in.

"Bobbie, how've you been?" AJ asked.

"Fine thank you, it's good to see everyone." Bobbie replied.

AJ went into the kitchen with Meredith and watched his team.  He spied as the group of individuals suddenly started grouping together once he left the room. Harm and Sturgis stood together talking with Webb; and Gunny, Bud and Tiner formed another group.  Bobbie, Mac and Sam chatted while Harriet, Jen and Ashlyn made small talk. Each partner stealing glances at each other, thinking no one noticed.

Meredith watched the events unfold from the kitchen, she noticed something, but wasn't sure if she was correct. She then turned to AJ.

"You were correct." Meredith said kissing him. "I believe that is why you are the Admiral."

"Rabb and MacKenzie, I knew that was coming. I never imagined that my two petty officers would be together." AJ smiled. "They all can't take their eyes off each other. I'm glad you were able to get Bobbie to come over."

"Well, I know how Sturgis feels about her, even if he doesn't." Meredith smiled. "There is one thing I wasn't expecting."

"What's that?" AJ asked looking back at the group.

"Clayton Webb can't take his eyes off of that reporter." Meredith laughed.

"She is cute, I heard rumors but they barely know each other." AJ said.

"Oh, he knows her, intimately." Meredith said knowingly, as she walked into the living room.  "Ok, I hope no one minds but I've assigned our places at the table." There was a collective but quiet groan from the group. 

"If you notice the table is arranged boy girl, so everyone find your seats." Meredith smiled.

They walked into the dining room; AJ was at the head of the table, Mac was seated to his right, then Harm.  Next to Harm was Bobbie with Sturgis on her right.    Next to Sturgis were Harriet and then Bud.  Meredith sat at the foot of the table. To her right was Webb; seated to his right was Sam.  Next to Sam was Tiner who had Coates to his right.  Next to Coates was Gunny and then Ashlyn sat next to him.  They all just looked at each other not saying a word.

"I want to thank you all for joining us; it is a pleasure to have you in my home.  It's hard when you don't have that special someone for Valentine's or anytime." AJ said looking at them. "In the words of a writer I know, I hope you all find true love."

No one said a word, they just sat there.  Harm squeezed Mac's hand under the table.  Gunny leaned over and kissed Ashlyn and Bud did the same to Harriet.  Bobbie and Sturgis smiled nervously at each other and Coates and Tiner glanced sideways at each other.  The only two that made no indication of any feelings towards each other were Webb and Sam; they just sat there and watched the people around them.  Dinner was served and there was very little conversation.

"Never noticed you wearing a Celtic cross before," Webb whispered, spying a look at Sam's cross.

"It was a Christmas gift from Jason," Sam whispered back.

"That was an interesting piece today." Webb said.

"You know me, I love good copy." Sam said.

"So, do you have a crutch?" Webb commented.

"Don't we all have one type of crutch or another?" Sam asked.

"Of course, how many do you have exactly?" Webb asked.

"You didn't just ask that." Sam said. Webb didn't respond, he just picked up his glass.

"Harm, why do I have this feeling that we are being set up?" Mac whispered.

"I don't think we are. We have been very quiet about things." Harm replied.

"I don't know, something is up," Mac said.

"Jen, do you think the Admiral knows we're dating?" Tiner asked quietly.

"How? We never leave together from work." Coates said.

"This isn't how I planned on spending tonight." Gunny said to Ashlyn.

"It's ok, I'm happy as long as we are together." Ashlyn replied.

"It's certainly is a surprise to see you here." Sturgis said softly.

"I had no other plans," Bobbie simply replied.

"Bud, there are a lot of secrets at this table," Harriet said.

"You think?" Bud asked.

"Yes." Harriet smiled.

Once the meal was over AJ and Meredith began to clear the table.  The others offered to help, but Meredith told them to go into the living room and relax.

"That had to be the quietest meal I've ever had." AJ stated in the kitchen.

"Well, let's see what happens when we snowball."  Meredith replied. "Now go out there and tell them we are going to McMurphy's."

THE SNOWBALL at MCMURPHY'S

While Meredith was in the kitchen, AJ went in and announced they were going to McMurphy's.

"So has anyone ever participated in a snowball?" Meredith asked once they were there.  No one replied. "It's very simple.  One couple will start dancing, sometime during the song I will call out snowball, when that happens the couple will pick other partners and it will continue until everyone is dancing."

"Oh you have got to be shitting me." Sam said quietly to Tiner.

"As the only married couple in the group, I would like Bud and Harriet to start us off." Meredith announced.

Bud and Harriet looked at each other, shrugged and started dancing. Bud was a little awkward, this was the first time he had tried to dance since he lost his leg, he handled it as best he could; with typical Bud optimism. While they were dancing they discussed who they would partner with when Meredith called out 'Snowball'.

"Snowball," Meredith called out.  Bud walked over to Bobbie and Harriet walked to Gunny.

"I hope you don't mind." Bud stated.

"At this point I have no mind." Bobbie laughed.

"I never danced with a marine before." Harriet teased.

"I've never danced with a Lieutenant." Gunny laughed.

After a minute or so Meredith called out Snowball.  Gunny walked over to Ashlyn and Bobbie went to Harm.

"This is very strange." Bobbie said.

"I feel like I am at a high school dance." Harm replied.

"Is that the Clayton Webb?" Ashlyn asked.

"The one and only," Gunny laughed.

"Snowball," Meredith called.

Gunny asked Sam to dance, Harm asked Coates, Ashlyn asked Tiner, Bobbie asked Webb, Bud asked Mac and Harriet asked Sturgis.

"I don't get it." AJ commented. "They aren't dancing with the right partners."

"I have an idea." Meredith said she and AJ walked over to Harm and Coates.

"May I cut in?" AJ asked and they switched partners. So that it was now Coates and AJ and Meredith and Harm.

After a few turns on the dance floor, Meredith made her way over to Bud and Mac.

"Let's switch." Meredith said. They changed partners again, she was dancing with Bud and Mac and Harm were dancing together. Meredith looked over at AJ and subtly held up 2 fingers. The song ended and another began; AJ and Coates went over to Bobbie and Webb and switched.  Meredith and Bud then went to Sturgis and Harriet.  Bud was beginning to tire and he and Harriet took a seat.  A few more turns on the dance floor and Meredith maneuvered her and Sturgis to where they were right by AJ and Bobbie.

"May I have my Admiral back?" Meredith asked Bobbie, and they switched partners.  "I believe that's four."

In less than a minute Meredith found her next target and went over to Tiner and Ashlyn.  Partners switched and Meredith then glided Tiner over to Sam and Gunny.  AJ danced with Ashlyn over to Meredith and Gunny and changed partners again; leaving Tiner and Sam and Webb and Coates as the mismatched pairs on the floor. 

"Now what?" AJ whispered to Meredith.

"I'll dance with Webb, you dance with Coates again." Meredith smiled.

As Meredith and Webb danced together, Meredith noticed his eyes wander over to Sam and Tiner.

"She's an attractive woman." Meredith stated.

"I guess so." Webb said flatly.  Webb watched Sam and Tiner. The music was soft and slow, and they shared an intimacy that Webb wasn't clear on.

He started thinking about Sam's column and wondering how many crutches she had.  She stated more than once that they weren't exclusive.  He watched her laughing with Tiner.  He couldn't make out what they were discussing.  Pretty soon AJ and Coates made their way over to Sam and Tiner and changed partners. Webb watched the partner exchange and saw Sam kiss Tiner.

The cross was from Jason, Tiner's first name is Jason! She does have another crutch, it's Tiner. I am playing seconds to Tiner? This is not happening. There's one thing about not being exclusive, but sharing with Tiner.

Everyone was still dancing when the next song began and Meredith wanted to know if her suspicions about Webb and Sam were correct.  Slowly she and AJ moved closer and once again changed partners.

AJ looked around at his group, he was correct.  He was Noah to the craziest Ark out there.  Once they were all dancing, he and Meredith quietly made their exit.

"How did you get roped into this?" Sam asked.

"I answered my phone." Webb replied.

"I bet you won't make that mistake again." Sam laughed.

"You and Tiner are pretty close." Webb said.

"Yes, we are." Sam smiled.

"Interesting," Webb stated.

"What is?" Sam asked.

"You, Tiner, your column today," Webb replied. Sam stopped dancing and looked at Webb.

"Does it take practice to be such a jackass or does it come naturally to you?" Sam asked and walked off the floor.  Webb also left the dance floor. 

"Danaher, what is your problem?" Webb asked.

"Jason is a good friend." Sam stated.

"Who gives you a necklace?" Webb smirked.

"What are you implying?" Sam asked, "Forget, I don't even want to know." 

"I'm not implying anything, I'm asking." Webb stated. "Are you involved with the Petty Officer?"

"Deeply," Sam said and went to get her coat.

Tiner saw Sam leave the dance floor and became defensive.  Tiner assumed that Webb, in typical Webb fashion, said something to upset her. He didn't realize she was angry not upset.

"Jen, I'll be right back." Tiner said. "Something's wrong with Sam."

"Go ahead." Coates smiled. "You really care about her."

"She's my pseudo big sister." Tiner smiled. "Thanks."

Tiner went to Sam who was putting on her coat. 

"Sam, where are you going?" Tiner asked.

"Home, I'm tired." Sam replied.

"Are you okay?" Tiner asked.

"Peachy keen jelly bean," Sam smiled. "Go back to your girl."

"Did Mr. Webb say something to you?" Tiner asked.

"Please, that moron! He's a flea on the butt of a really ugly dog." Sam laughed, but Tiner wasn't convinced. "I'm fine."

"Do you want me to take you home?" Tiner asked.

"Jason, you are the best. You're a mother hen." Sam laughed. "Really, I'm fine. Go back to Jen."

Tiner watched Sam walk out and he went directly to Webb.

"What did you say to her?" Tiner demanded boldly.

"Excuse me?" Webb asked.

"To Sam, you were dancing with her and then she left, what did you say to her?" Tiner repeated.

"I didn't say anything that matters." Webb snapped.

"You must have said something." Tiner replied getting visibly angry.

"Tiner, I didn't say a thing." Webb replied. "She's all yours."

"What?" Tiner asked.

"I said she's all yours." Webb mumbled.

"Excuse me?" Tiner snapped.

"Forget it." Webb said.

"No, she's my best friend." Tiner snapped. "I won't stand for anyone upsetting her."

"Your best friend?" Webb asked.

"Yeah, she's like a sister to me." Tiner said.

Webb just looked at him. 

"I don't care who you are." Tiner shouted and balled up his fist.  Gunny saw what was happening and quickly went over to them.  He caught Tiner's fist before it connected with Webb's face.

"Stand down, Tiner." Gunny advised. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," Webb replied and walked away.

"Where's Sam?" Ashlyn asked.

"She went home." Tiner said.

"Why?" Ashlyn asked.

"Ask Webb," Tiner said.

Webb had left realizing how wrong he had been about Tiner and Sam, they weren't involved, they were friends.  Webb's first impulse was to drive to Sam's, but knowing her, she would probably clobber him. 

The rest of the group walked over, but opted against asking what happened.  Bobbie quickly decided to change the topic.

"Did anyone get the feeling the Admiral and Meredith were up to something tonight?" Bobbie asked.

"I did," Harriet replied.

"I think I know what it was." Tiner said, turning red.

"You know?" Mac asked surprised.

"Well, of course he does." Coates said.

"You know too?" Harm asked.

"What do you know?" Gunny asked.

"About us," The four chorused.

"Excuse me?" Sturgis laughed. "Something you all want to say?"

"Mac and I love each other." Harm said.

"Ok, you're best friends." Bobbie said.

"No, Harm and I love each other." Mac emphasized.

"Are you serious?" Harriet asked.

"How long has this been going on?" Bud asked.

"I told you." Ashlyn said to Gunny.

"Wait a second, Tiner how did you and Coates know?" Mac asked. "We've been very quiet about this."

"I wasn't talking about you." Tiner said, turning red. "I was talking about me and Jen."

"What?" Gunny said. "Tiner, why didn't you say anything?"

"I think that's a question for all of them." Sturgis laughed.

"I think a better question is how did the Admiral find out?" Harm stated.

They all laughed and finally relaxed.  The group made their way out to the dance floor; they celebrated Valentine's and the new couples that had been admitted. They had also agreed to protect each other's secrets.  There were now 2 more couples at JAG, and no body wanted to be separated. 

Valentine's night was interesting to say the least. 

AJ's suspicions were confirmed and while he wasn't thrilled he was happy that they had found some happiness.

Mac and Harm left the group and went back to his place.

Harriet and Bud went home to their son.

Gunny and Ashlyn returned to her apartment.

Coates and Tiner went back to her place and spent their first romantic night together.

Bobbie and Sturgis went out for coffee.

Webb drove around DC; he needed to clear his head and figure out what was going on.

Sam walked around a bit to cool off.  She stumbled upon the beginnings of a rally and walked over.  She couldn't believe her eyes. People were protesting any action in Iraq.  She opened her bag, took out her notebook and began to take notes.  I have a lot to say about this, she thought. 

MONDAY MORNING

AJ called a staff meeting, after going over the weeks agenda he concluded his meeting.

"Oh one last thing, I hope everyone enjoyed the other evening." AJ began. "By the way, if you believe I don't know, what you think I may know, rest assured I know, dismissed."

They all left his office, completely confused.  He did know.  Or at least they think he knew.