MOVING IN

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN THEM

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After their Thanksgiving engagement Gunny and Simone talked about moving in together. Gunny couldn't stand the thought of sleeping alone and he already had half of his clothes at her apartment anyway. They planned the first Saturday in December to move him in and asked his friends from JAG to help. Simone promised to make everyone dinner as a thank you.

Saturday December 7

Everyone gathered at Gunny's apartment at 7:00. Simone wasn't quite awake but tried to be cheerful. She helped Gunny box up all of his stuff during the week before and was dreading carrying it up the stairs to her apartment.

Gunny knowing that Simone was not a morning person, read her mood and said, "Honey, let's move these boxes that go to the apartment first. You, Lt. Sims, the Colonel and Congresswoman Latham can stay there while we move the furniture into storage."

Simone replied, "That's a good idea and we can decide what to make for dinner tonight. I have to go to the store anyway."

Harriet who was suddenly having a big craving said, "I hear you make incredible enchiladas."

Simone laughed and said, "I can make enchiladas with Spanish rice if you like or there are some other things I can make. I can make chimichangas and tacos too."

Gunny's mouth started to water. He looked at his friends and everyone quickly picked up a box. They packed up Gunny's Expedition and left the guys to the big stuff.

The U-Haul was parked outside close to the door. Gunny didn't feel like he could give orders to Bud, Harm or Sturgis. Bud sensed his uneasiness and started to orchestrate things.

"Harm, why don't you and Sturgis take the couch? Gunny, you and Tiner take the book case and I'll bring out this chair." Everyone started moving things out the door. It was a little slippery outside due to the snow but they were able to move all the stuff out without any major mishaps. Once the truck was loaded, Gunny and Tiner got in and drove to the storage place. Harm, Sturgis and Bud followed in Harm's SUV. It was a little tense at first inside the U-Haul. Gunny was the first to break the ice.

"Thanks for your help today, Tiner. I appreciate you giving up your Saturday like this."

"No problem Gunny. It's nice to hang out with everyone outside of the office."

They drove on talking about sports and the classes Tiner was taking. Gunny was proud of Tiner for making the choice to become a lawyer. He looked on him as a kid brother. Since he had four sisters, he missed that growing up.

At the storage place the guys emptied out the truck. They were surprised that it went so quickly but happy to be finished.

"Since we finished so quickly, why don't we go turn this truck in and head over to McMurphy's. I'll buy you guys a beer," Gunny offered. He was grateful for their help.

"Sounds great", Harm replied and they headed off.

Simone's Apartment

After making several trips up and down the stairs the girls were exhausted. Simone needed to go to the store and told them to make themselves at home. Harriet and Bobbie stayed but Mac went to the store with her. They headed back to the car and off to pick up the stuff to make dinner. Simone and Mac chatted all the way to the store.

"Mac, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Yes", she replied and she could feel what was coming. It was the same question that Harriet and Bobbie already asked her dozens of times.

"Why aren't you and Harm married? You're obviously so in love."

Mac sighed. She sometimes forgot that Simone didn't know the whole story of her and Harm.

She chose her words carefully. "Harm and I have been through a lot. It took us a long time to get to where we are. We're enjoying the moment before we take the next step".

Simone understood that Mac wasn't really up to saying anymore about it so she changed the subject.
"How hungry do you think everyone will be?" Simone asked

"Knowing those guys, you'd better make enough for an army." Mac said laughing at her own joke. She and Simone went into the store and bought enough food to last a month. When they returned carrying all those bags Harriet asked, "Is someone else moving in?" All the girls laughed and headed into the kitchen. Simone was going to make chicken and cheese enchiladas, tacos and mini chimichangas. She was making sure to make the rice without bacon so that Harm could have some.

She called out to the living room, "Bobbie, why don't you turn on some music?"

Bobbie picked an oldies CD and Simone got drinks for everyone. The girls laughed, sang and danced to some of the great songs from the fifties and sixties as Simone made dinner.

Two hours later

By the time the guys got home from McMurphy's, dinner was just about ready. Gunny opened the door. The guys walked in and the girls burst out laughing. They had been discussing the various shortcomings of their men. They meant it in a harmless way but the guys were a little miffed.

Harriet began, "We're not laughing at you guys. We're just laughing over some of the stuff you've done."

Bud quipped, "Oh, good. That makes me feel so much better."

Harriet was about to protest more but then she saw the twinkle in his eye and threw a pillow at him.

Each guy walked to his respective partner and kissed her soundly. Tiner felt left out of the happiness. Mac was the first to notice his uneasiness and broke away from Harm. She was about to say something when the timer went off in the kitchen.

Simone stood up and said, "Dinner's ready. Everyone go sit down and I'll bring it out."

"I'll help you bring it out." Gunny volunteered. He may have been raised with four sisters but they didn't wait on him.

Dinner was a noisy jumble of laughter, mild insults and tender moments. Simone was thrilled. She felt like part of the family. After dinner Gunny told they guys that since the girls cooked, they should clean up. The girls looked at each other suitably impressed. While the guys were clearing away dishes and pots, the girls were setting up the living room to watch Pearl Harbor. No one had forgotten that it was December 7th and they wanted to mark the occasion somehow. Soon everyone was settled on various couches and pillow groupings. Tiner started to leave but Simone asked him to stay. He was hesitant but stayed anyway. He felt so left out. He thought of the girl he met in his "Intro to Criminal Law" class a few weeks ago. He really liked her and wished she were there with him. They'd been out a few times and things were going well but she was busy that particular weekend. After the movie everyone began to get their things together to go home. Simone hugged everyone goodbye and thanked them for their help. When the last guest walked out the door Simone closed it behind her. She looked at Gunny and put her arms around his neck pulling him close. She whispered huskily, "Welcome home". She took him by the hand and led him toward the bedroom. She was going to show him just how happy she was that he was there permanently.