Title: Journey to Homecoming Pt. 14/?
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: R
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation
Sarah's POV
0730 Local
I woke slowly to two green eyes staring at me. Clay was propped up on one arm, while the other was slowly stroking through my hair. He leaned in and kissed my forehead.
"G'morning, I've been waiting for you to wake up forever," his voice was scratchy with sleep.
"That long, huh? Did you sleep well?"
"I've never slept better before in my life. I don't know if I'll ever be able to sleep alone again." He smiled and lay his head down on my breast.
"Barring unforeseen circumstances, you never will. But between your job and mine we will be apart some of the time."
"Yes, that part of our jobs sucks. I would never ask you to give up your job. It is so much a part of you," he said sincerely.
"Thank you. But when we have children I will re-evaluate."
"I will to. I don't want my children to grow up without a father, if I can do anything about it."
Our thoughts were getting too dark so I changed the subject.
"OK, that's enough of deep thinking. Now let's talk about the wedding. When do we get married?" He grinned up at me and thought for a moment.
"It's March now. Depends on how big a wedding you want. You could be a June bride."
"I don't want a big elaborate wedding. My ideal would be close friends and family, no more than fifty people. Pomp and circumstance is not my thing, I just need you and a priest actually. I think we could organize a wedding by June."
"That's all I need to, but we may have a bit of a problem with mother. She has wanted to marry me off since I graduated college. She has years of frustration built up. But this is our wedding and what you want goes. So we've decided size, what about where."
"The National Cathedral is out, I'm firm on that! That is the height of pomp."
"Not a problem. Do you want to get married in the church? If we decide to do that we will have to attend Pre-Cana classes."
"Yes I would. Even though I go to mass irregularly, I still believe in the traditions. What parish do you belong to?"
"St. Mary's. It's an old parish in Alexandria. The family has been members for years, and I also attend mass irregularly. Would you like to get married there?"
"That will be fine with me. Do you think we can attend the classes with our erratic schedules? And what about the wedding date? Do you think we can both manage to be in town the same day?" I was beginning to worry about the details already.
Clay moved to his back and pulled me into his arms. "We can do this. I'm sure that after the recent events I will be in town for quite a while on a desk job. If AJ is right the DCI is going to have to resign or do some major ass kissing to stay in his position. And one of the first things he is going to have to do is call me home. And you know AJ will keep you home for your wedding. So being home is not going to be a problem."
"Now we have how big, where, and basically when. You've asked Bud to be best man, I'll be asking Harriet a matron of honor. AJ will give me away. What about groomsmen and bridesmaids? If we're trying to keep this small I don't want too big of a bridal party."
"Harm and Tracy?"
"I don't know. Will they even be together then? I'd hate to ask the both of them, then have them breakup before the wedding."
"What about Harm as an usher, Tracy as a bridesmaid, and I have a close college friend, Stan Baldwin, who would stand as a groomsman."
"That would work. You know I'm looking forward to meeting your friends. I want to see who's put up with your sarcastic attitude all these years!"
"Sarcastic? You forgot arrogant, pushy, sneaky and secretive!" Just after the word sarcastic he began tickling me, and it got worse with each additional word.
"Stop. Clay stop. I haven't been to the bathroom. Stop. Please stop."
"That's not what you said the other night." He didn't let up on the tickling.
"You weren't tickling me then, please, I'm going to pee in my pants."
"In case you didn't notice you don't have any pants on."
He finally relented. I lay next to him gasping for breath, trying to control my bladder. When I could manage to turn my head I said, "You are dead meat."
"You'll have to catch me." He popped out of bed and ran into the bathroom. I gave chase but he was behind the enclosure door. When he came out, he smirked. "Toilet's yours Princess."
I muttered 'dead meat' again as we passed. He only smirked more and went into the shower.
I joined him few minutes later. We came together under the spray and held each other. He kissed me softly and murmured, "Sorry, but you were so cute."
"That doesn't cut it as an apology mister. You are going to do some major groveling."
"Can we negotiate? I'll grovel, and to sweeten the pot I will kiss you, and make mind blowing love to you."
"You call that negotiation? You would kiss me and make love to be anyway, so think of something else?"
We continued to negotiate for several minutes. The kisses and touches eventually led to making love. We dried off and dressed and went to walk on the beach again. He heard me mutter dead meat again, and just laughed and hugged me to his side as we strolled along. Life with him was never going to be dull.
Clay's POV
When I woke the stars were still shining, the moon was low in the sky and dawn was at least an hour off. Sarah was snuggled close to my side, breathing with a soft feminine snore. I loved this woman. And I was still reeling from the fact that she loved me in return. I hoped that I could live up to that love. Now we were getting married. It was still a little unreal and a major adjustment in my life was going to have to be made. In my profession brushes with danger were the norm, I was going to have to make changes there. I could no longer put my life in harms way when I had someone waiting for me to return.
I had been lying here thinking and staring at Sarah for almost an hour before she opened her eyes. After exchanging good mornings we began talking about the wedding. I was willing to go along with anything she wanted, but was pleased with her choice. The only problem we may have would be with my mother. Her plans and our ideas would clash I'm sure. Hopefully we would reach a reasonable compromise.
Our discussion deteriorated into a tickling session. With Sarah I was able to enjoy the simple, silly moments of life, as I had never been able to before. Our lovemaking has been everything from fast and furious to sweet and tender. Undelying all has been love and passion.
I think we have what it takes to make this last. I liked Sarah McKenzie long before I loved her. I remember an old movie where a father is talking to his prospective son-in-law. He asks the young man if he likes his daughter. The young man replies, "yes he loves her." The father says, "No, do you like her, because if you don't the marriage won't last. If you don't like the one you love, the love won't last." For some reason that discussion has always stuck with me.
After making love in the shower we decided to walk on the beach before meeting my mother for breakfast. Mother has known that I loved Sarah for over a year. When she was here before she showed her mettle as a Marine officer. I was at Mother's when a colleague called me about the incident. I threw my phone across the room after he relayed the information; luckily it landed on a chair and didn't shatter.
Mother, to say the least, wanted to know what had me so upset. She should be involved in interrogations. After twenty minutes she knew about Sarah, and knew that I loved her. It took several hours to find out that she was OK. Only then did I begin to calm down. Mother asked one question, "Do you love her?" It was then I realized even though I loved her, nothing would come of it because of Rabb. Thankfully things had changed.
The meeting with mother went better than expected. We compromised on a small wedding in June, and a larger social introduction/reception during the holidays. Sarah agreed to let mother plan the wedding. The only thing Sarah would have to do was decide on colors, flowers, and her wedding dress. Mother was in her element and Sarah seemed glad to let her take over.
As Sarah and I were going to escort Mother to her room we met up with the others. Wedding plans began flying back and forth. Sarah and I left them to it and returned to our room.
Sarah's POV
After wedding negotiations with Porter we went back to the suite. The satellite phone was ringing as we entered. Clay answered and began talking rapidly with someone. He started pacing back and forth and his face began to get red with anger. He looked over to me and beckoned me to his side.
"I don't understand why I have to be back there immediately. The situation there is well under hand." He hugged me close and listened to the reply from the other end.
"I don't like this, it's not that necessary. I understand, but... OK. I'll be out on the next flight." He hung up the phone and turned back to me and placed his forehead against mine.
"If you haven't figured it out they want me back in DC immediately. The shit is really hitting the fan, and Watts is going down swinging." I gasped, and he hugged me tighter.
"Don't worry, he's not taking me down with him. The capture of the bombers and intervention of the Joint Chiefs will keep me safe from the fallout. But, I need to be there to protect my turf so to speak."
"I'm going back with you, I don't want to stay here without you."
"I was hoping you would say that. Let's check on flights out and then tell the others."
There was a flight out this evening at seven. Clay booked tickets for the two of us and found out there were enough seats for everyone else if they wanted to leave with us. While he contacted Harm, I called the Admiral. Both decided to return with us. The Admiral said he'd better be there to try and control the situation since his people were involved. The other three couples decided to stay a few more days. The ladies were going to shop and sun themselves on the beach. Ramon wanted to deep-sea fishing and talked Jim and Bud into going.
Their downtime will continue while we were flying back to DC. I didn't mind returning to DC, Clay would be there. I had worries about Harm and Tracy. I wonder how the real world will affect them.
Clay was currently trying to talk his mother into flying back with us.
"Clay, I've never visited this part of the world, and I think that I will spend a few days looking around. Don't worry.'' She actually patted his cheek like he was a five year old. I giggled inwardly.
"Mother, American tourist safety is far from guaranteed. Even though a group of terrorists has been captured, they weren't the only ones. This part of the world is extremely unsettled. I really wish you reconsider."
"Clay, I am a grown woman, far from my dotage. I don't plan on going into any dangerous areas, and will only be here a few days. Besides you don't want me on the flight home with you." She had the temerity to waggle her eyebrows at Clay. I thought he was going to sink into the floor.
He tried to form a reply, he finally gave up and kissed her, thanking her for her consideration.
He turned to me. "Let's go pack. The 'world traveler' here has things to do and people to see." I kissed Porter also and told her we would see her before we left.
When Clay closed the door to the suite, he pulled me to him and began placing soft kisses on my face and neck. "Packing can wait for a while. We are going to spend the next eighteen or so hours on a plane, and as much as I would like to join the mile high club with you, I'm not about to do it with both Rabb and Chegwidden on the plane." Joining the mile high club was definitely something that could wait until my boss wasn't on the same flight.
Never loosing contact with my mouth he walked me backwards to the bed slipping my t-shirt over my head while I was busy with his shirt. Kisses fell on each inch of skin that was exposed. The back of my knees hit the bed and I fell backwards, Clay fell with me bearing his weight on his arms. I tugged at the waist of his shorts trying to get them down, while his were tugging at mine. He stood to take off the rest of his clothing, then he unbuttoned mine and told me to lift up. I don't know where the stuff flew, and didn't really care.
He was standing at the side of the bed breathing rapidly with excitement. I fluttered my lashes and said, "Come here, you're too far away."
He obediently moved to lie beside me. We started to caress the other's erogenous zones. We traded comments like 'yes, there, or 'more', and 'don't stop.' Until we both soared over the edge to completion.
He moved to my side and smiled smugly, "I think I can last until we get home."
I moved closer and lay my head on his shoulder, "Glad to oblige kind sir. I need to know if cuddling on the plane will be allowed? Or will my CO's presence disallow that?"
"Cuddling will be absolutely necessary, if I'm going to last until we get home. Speaking of home. Where will that be?"
"That's one of the things we are going to have to discuss. Do you want to live in your townhouse or buy a house?" I wanted to know his answer. I would like a house, but my home would be with him no matter where.
"Let's look for a house. Since we have been industriously working at having children, and I think they should have a yard to play in, with playmates in the neighborhood. What about you?"
"A house would be good. I think I would like a house with a garden and a big porch with swings, and a jet tub and big shower. And.." He silenced me by kissing me senseless.
"Been thinking about this house long? You seem to have some specific wants."
I sheepishly looked at him, "Well, I don't know many women that haven't thought about their ideal home."
"Your home sounds wonderful, we'll get an agent right on it when we get back to DC. Do you want anything else in this house?"
"You," I said simply. My response took his breath away.
TBC
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: R
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation
Sarah's POV
0730 Local
I woke slowly to two green eyes staring at me. Clay was propped up on one arm, while the other was slowly stroking through my hair. He leaned in and kissed my forehead.
"G'morning, I've been waiting for you to wake up forever," his voice was scratchy with sleep.
"That long, huh? Did you sleep well?"
"I've never slept better before in my life. I don't know if I'll ever be able to sleep alone again." He smiled and lay his head down on my breast.
"Barring unforeseen circumstances, you never will. But between your job and mine we will be apart some of the time."
"Yes, that part of our jobs sucks. I would never ask you to give up your job. It is so much a part of you," he said sincerely.
"Thank you. But when we have children I will re-evaluate."
"I will to. I don't want my children to grow up without a father, if I can do anything about it."
Our thoughts were getting too dark so I changed the subject.
"OK, that's enough of deep thinking. Now let's talk about the wedding. When do we get married?" He grinned up at me and thought for a moment.
"It's March now. Depends on how big a wedding you want. You could be a June bride."
"I don't want a big elaborate wedding. My ideal would be close friends and family, no more than fifty people. Pomp and circumstance is not my thing, I just need you and a priest actually. I think we could organize a wedding by June."
"That's all I need to, but we may have a bit of a problem with mother. She has wanted to marry me off since I graduated college. She has years of frustration built up. But this is our wedding and what you want goes. So we've decided size, what about where."
"The National Cathedral is out, I'm firm on that! That is the height of pomp."
"Not a problem. Do you want to get married in the church? If we decide to do that we will have to attend Pre-Cana classes."
"Yes I would. Even though I go to mass irregularly, I still believe in the traditions. What parish do you belong to?"
"St. Mary's. It's an old parish in Alexandria. The family has been members for years, and I also attend mass irregularly. Would you like to get married there?"
"That will be fine with me. Do you think we can attend the classes with our erratic schedules? And what about the wedding date? Do you think we can both manage to be in town the same day?" I was beginning to worry about the details already.
Clay moved to his back and pulled me into his arms. "We can do this. I'm sure that after the recent events I will be in town for quite a while on a desk job. If AJ is right the DCI is going to have to resign or do some major ass kissing to stay in his position. And one of the first things he is going to have to do is call me home. And you know AJ will keep you home for your wedding. So being home is not going to be a problem."
"Now we have how big, where, and basically when. You've asked Bud to be best man, I'll be asking Harriet a matron of honor. AJ will give me away. What about groomsmen and bridesmaids? If we're trying to keep this small I don't want too big of a bridal party."
"Harm and Tracy?"
"I don't know. Will they even be together then? I'd hate to ask the both of them, then have them breakup before the wedding."
"What about Harm as an usher, Tracy as a bridesmaid, and I have a close college friend, Stan Baldwin, who would stand as a groomsman."
"That would work. You know I'm looking forward to meeting your friends. I want to see who's put up with your sarcastic attitude all these years!"
"Sarcastic? You forgot arrogant, pushy, sneaky and secretive!" Just after the word sarcastic he began tickling me, and it got worse with each additional word.
"Stop. Clay stop. I haven't been to the bathroom. Stop. Please stop."
"That's not what you said the other night." He didn't let up on the tickling.
"You weren't tickling me then, please, I'm going to pee in my pants."
"In case you didn't notice you don't have any pants on."
He finally relented. I lay next to him gasping for breath, trying to control my bladder. When I could manage to turn my head I said, "You are dead meat."
"You'll have to catch me." He popped out of bed and ran into the bathroom. I gave chase but he was behind the enclosure door. When he came out, he smirked. "Toilet's yours Princess."
I muttered 'dead meat' again as we passed. He only smirked more and went into the shower.
I joined him few minutes later. We came together under the spray and held each other. He kissed me softly and murmured, "Sorry, but you were so cute."
"That doesn't cut it as an apology mister. You are going to do some major groveling."
"Can we negotiate? I'll grovel, and to sweeten the pot I will kiss you, and make mind blowing love to you."
"You call that negotiation? You would kiss me and make love to be anyway, so think of something else?"
We continued to negotiate for several minutes. The kisses and touches eventually led to making love. We dried off and dressed and went to walk on the beach again. He heard me mutter dead meat again, and just laughed and hugged me to his side as we strolled along. Life with him was never going to be dull.
Clay's POV
When I woke the stars were still shining, the moon was low in the sky and dawn was at least an hour off. Sarah was snuggled close to my side, breathing with a soft feminine snore. I loved this woman. And I was still reeling from the fact that she loved me in return. I hoped that I could live up to that love. Now we were getting married. It was still a little unreal and a major adjustment in my life was going to have to be made. In my profession brushes with danger were the norm, I was going to have to make changes there. I could no longer put my life in harms way when I had someone waiting for me to return.
I had been lying here thinking and staring at Sarah for almost an hour before she opened her eyes. After exchanging good mornings we began talking about the wedding. I was willing to go along with anything she wanted, but was pleased with her choice. The only problem we may have would be with my mother. Her plans and our ideas would clash I'm sure. Hopefully we would reach a reasonable compromise.
Our discussion deteriorated into a tickling session. With Sarah I was able to enjoy the simple, silly moments of life, as I had never been able to before. Our lovemaking has been everything from fast and furious to sweet and tender. Undelying all has been love and passion.
I think we have what it takes to make this last. I liked Sarah McKenzie long before I loved her. I remember an old movie where a father is talking to his prospective son-in-law. He asks the young man if he likes his daughter. The young man replies, "yes he loves her." The father says, "No, do you like her, because if you don't the marriage won't last. If you don't like the one you love, the love won't last." For some reason that discussion has always stuck with me.
After making love in the shower we decided to walk on the beach before meeting my mother for breakfast. Mother has known that I loved Sarah for over a year. When she was here before she showed her mettle as a Marine officer. I was at Mother's when a colleague called me about the incident. I threw my phone across the room after he relayed the information; luckily it landed on a chair and didn't shatter.
Mother, to say the least, wanted to know what had me so upset. She should be involved in interrogations. After twenty minutes she knew about Sarah, and knew that I loved her. It took several hours to find out that she was OK. Only then did I begin to calm down. Mother asked one question, "Do you love her?" It was then I realized even though I loved her, nothing would come of it because of Rabb. Thankfully things had changed.
The meeting with mother went better than expected. We compromised on a small wedding in June, and a larger social introduction/reception during the holidays. Sarah agreed to let mother plan the wedding. The only thing Sarah would have to do was decide on colors, flowers, and her wedding dress. Mother was in her element and Sarah seemed glad to let her take over.
As Sarah and I were going to escort Mother to her room we met up with the others. Wedding plans began flying back and forth. Sarah and I left them to it and returned to our room.
Sarah's POV
After wedding negotiations with Porter we went back to the suite. The satellite phone was ringing as we entered. Clay answered and began talking rapidly with someone. He started pacing back and forth and his face began to get red with anger. He looked over to me and beckoned me to his side.
"I don't understand why I have to be back there immediately. The situation there is well under hand." He hugged me close and listened to the reply from the other end.
"I don't like this, it's not that necessary. I understand, but... OK. I'll be out on the next flight." He hung up the phone and turned back to me and placed his forehead against mine.
"If you haven't figured it out they want me back in DC immediately. The shit is really hitting the fan, and Watts is going down swinging." I gasped, and he hugged me tighter.
"Don't worry, he's not taking me down with him. The capture of the bombers and intervention of the Joint Chiefs will keep me safe from the fallout. But, I need to be there to protect my turf so to speak."
"I'm going back with you, I don't want to stay here without you."
"I was hoping you would say that. Let's check on flights out and then tell the others."
There was a flight out this evening at seven. Clay booked tickets for the two of us and found out there were enough seats for everyone else if they wanted to leave with us. While he contacted Harm, I called the Admiral. Both decided to return with us. The Admiral said he'd better be there to try and control the situation since his people were involved. The other three couples decided to stay a few more days. The ladies were going to shop and sun themselves on the beach. Ramon wanted to deep-sea fishing and talked Jim and Bud into going.
Their downtime will continue while we were flying back to DC. I didn't mind returning to DC, Clay would be there. I had worries about Harm and Tracy. I wonder how the real world will affect them.
Clay was currently trying to talk his mother into flying back with us.
"Clay, I've never visited this part of the world, and I think that I will spend a few days looking around. Don't worry.'' She actually patted his cheek like he was a five year old. I giggled inwardly.
"Mother, American tourist safety is far from guaranteed. Even though a group of terrorists has been captured, they weren't the only ones. This part of the world is extremely unsettled. I really wish you reconsider."
"Clay, I am a grown woman, far from my dotage. I don't plan on going into any dangerous areas, and will only be here a few days. Besides you don't want me on the flight home with you." She had the temerity to waggle her eyebrows at Clay. I thought he was going to sink into the floor.
He tried to form a reply, he finally gave up and kissed her, thanking her for her consideration.
He turned to me. "Let's go pack. The 'world traveler' here has things to do and people to see." I kissed Porter also and told her we would see her before we left.
When Clay closed the door to the suite, he pulled me to him and began placing soft kisses on my face and neck. "Packing can wait for a while. We are going to spend the next eighteen or so hours on a plane, and as much as I would like to join the mile high club with you, I'm not about to do it with both Rabb and Chegwidden on the plane." Joining the mile high club was definitely something that could wait until my boss wasn't on the same flight.
Never loosing contact with my mouth he walked me backwards to the bed slipping my t-shirt over my head while I was busy with his shirt. Kisses fell on each inch of skin that was exposed. The back of my knees hit the bed and I fell backwards, Clay fell with me bearing his weight on his arms. I tugged at the waist of his shorts trying to get them down, while his were tugging at mine. He stood to take off the rest of his clothing, then he unbuttoned mine and told me to lift up. I don't know where the stuff flew, and didn't really care.
He was standing at the side of the bed breathing rapidly with excitement. I fluttered my lashes and said, "Come here, you're too far away."
He obediently moved to lie beside me. We started to caress the other's erogenous zones. We traded comments like 'yes, there, or 'more', and 'don't stop.' Until we both soared over the edge to completion.
He moved to my side and smiled smugly, "I think I can last until we get home."
I moved closer and lay my head on his shoulder, "Glad to oblige kind sir. I need to know if cuddling on the plane will be allowed? Or will my CO's presence disallow that?"
"Cuddling will be absolutely necessary, if I'm going to last until we get home. Speaking of home. Where will that be?"
"That's one of the things we are going to have to discuss. Do you want to live in your townhouse or buy a house?" I wanted to know his answer. I would like a house, but my home would be with him no matter where.
"Let's look for a house. Since we have been industriously working at having children, and I think they should have a yard to play in, with playmates in the neighborhood. What about you?"
"A house would be good. I think I would like a house with a garden and a big porch with swings, and a jet tub and big shower. And.." He silenced me by kissing me senseless.
"Been thinking about this house long? You seem to have some specific wants."
I sheepishly looked at him, "Well, I don't know many women that haven't thought about their ideal home."
"Your home sounds wonderful, we'll get an agent right on it when we get back to DC. Do you want anything else in this house?"
"You," I said simply. My response took his breath away.
TBC