A/N - It's one in the morning, Nat and I are sitting at our respective computers, franticly writing down idea's for this fic. It was going great till Nat stood behind me with a P-90 and forced me too write all the shippy bits. *g* Just Kidding!!
Three in the morning and we're STILL sitting here, off our nuts, but we finished it! So you lot better enjoy it or else!
Just a big thanks to Nat though! This couldn't have happened without her. She just rocks so much. You go girl!
A/N from Nat - OK again this was written in the period of like 11pm and 3:30am, there was alot of confusment about certain parts of this chapter, like where all the children were sleeping, Hey give us a brake it was like 1am at about the time we wrote that part but now, it's all sorted out and we are brain dead!!!! But we had loads of fun with it!!!!
Disclaimer - JAG and all it's characters a property of... actually I don't know who owns them. A whole lot of high priced guys who sit in their offices all day and probably don't even WATCH the show. If they did they would get Mac and Harm together...
All and any threats too the readers will not be honoured.
Rating - We've had to up this too PG fokes, for sexual references... or something like. Moral reasons, not because we don't think you can handle it. *g*
Feedback - Common, is this even necessary anymore? You know that when you read, you must review. Or else we don't get any inspiration and the fic's stop. Simple as that. *g*
~**~**~**~
Mac had no idea how she got there, or why she was here. When Harmon and herself had gotten of the plane, she had hired a car and just drove. The fact that she didn't know where to go or who to go too, was a bit puzzling, since she hadn't been back in the US for at least 5 years now. Mac had thought about calling Harriet, but had not talked to her in a few weeks now and being herself did not want to just turn up at her doorstep. But she was quite happy to be standing where she was now. She looked up, the place was so familiar to her, she recalled it in her dreams. How many times had she run this through her mind, standing at his doorstep, walking in and throwing herself into his arms? But now that she was here, she couldn't do it. She couldn't bring herself to knock on his door, to just show up after nearly five years. She wasn't about to admit it, but she was scared. Scared that he'd turn her away.
Another drop of water fell off the edge of her nose, and Harmon shivered against her. She soothed her child softly, but made no moves to either enter the house, or move back to the relative comfort of the car. Indecisive, Mac was stuck in limbo. What if he was inside with Renee? Was if she walked in on something no one really wanted to see? She wouldn't be able to stand it. She took a small step back, when her cell phone, tucked safely into her pocket, started to ring. She jumped, then rolled her eyes and fished it out.
"Mackenzie."
"Mac."
"Harm?"
"Yeah."
"What are you doing? Why are you calling me?" Mac asked, a little confused. It was weird to be talking to Harm on her cell, when she could be talking to him face to face
"I couldn't sleep."
"Neither could I." She responded softly.
"You weren't at home."
"I had to get away for a little while"
"Where are you Mac? Sounds like it's raining pretty bad, are you ok?" There was a pause and Mac leaned against the poll holding up the veranda, but before she could answer Harms voice came back, "Hold a sec Mac, I just heard something outside."
"Uh Harm maybe you shouldn't..."
But it was to late, harm had already opened the front door....
...To see Sarah Mackenzie standing in the rain with a shivering little boy clinging to her side
Harm blinked, standing shell-shocked in the doorway. "Mac?" he managed to choke out.
It was weird, with her cell phone still pressed tightly to her ear Mac heard his voice from two directions, but she couldn't take her eyes off him.
Deep blue eyes that conveyed more then words were staring at her, and as her own eyes locked with his she was lost in them for what seem like eternity
Unable to stop himself, Harm reached out, cupping Mac's face gently, and he ran a tentative finger down her soft cheek
"It's really you." He breathed
"Yeah, it's really me," Mac whispered back.
He was numb. She was really standing before him. He couldn't believe it. Suddenly, a small whimper from Mac's jacket brought them crashing back to Earth
"Oh my God Mac, is this Harmon," he paused for a moment to look at the small boy, peaking his tiny head from beneath the jacket. There wasn't any resemblance of Mic in him, just Mac. Especially her warm chocolate brown eyes. Harm snapped out of his thoughts "Jeez Mac, you must be freezing." He smiled at Harmon, holding out his hand, "And you to buddy"
As Mac smiled he moved them inside, holding little Harmon's hand tight. Mac paused when she entered; looking around at changes to the house that she knew wasn't Harm. Suddenly it hit home. Harm was married to Renee. She pushed down the urge to just leave. Seeing Renee with her Harm was going to slowly kill her, but she was a Marine, and she could deal with anything, even if it broke her heart
As Mac stepped further into the lounge room, she caught sight of something sparkling. She bent down and picked it up. She looked at it carefully for a second and then it clicked. It looked like a wedding band. It couldn't be Renee's, could it?
Harm, who was busy finding Harmon-sized-clothes missed Mac's finding. He had taken Harmon to the spare bedroom, leaving her alone.
Harmon had shyly tugged on the small pants and pointed to his bag. Harm took the little boys hand and walked over to the bag, Harmon opened it up and pulled out Mac's old marine shirt, Harm couldn't help but smile. Then he noticed the toy F-14 sitting in the bag as well. Harm pulled it out and studied it, glancing at the child, then back at the plane. He had seen the boy's eyes light up when he had taken it out of the bag. Harm gave a little laugh, the boy wanted to be a pilot. Harm would have given anything to see Mic's face when he found out!
Mac, with the gold band still in her hand, moved slowly across the hallway. She casually glanced into Harm's room, when a figure on the bed made her stop. She looked closer, but the jumbled blankets made it impossible for her to id them. Her breath got caught in her throat. Was she wrong? Was that Renee now, sleeping peacefully in Harms bed? The figure turned, and Mac, with the stealth of a trained Marine, slipped back into the shadow of the corridor as the light fell on the face of the occupant of the bed. It was a child. Mac stood in disbelieve at the miniature Harm, with soft feminine features making her absolutely gorgeous, even at her young age.
Mac moved into the room quietly, trying not to disturb the young girl from her slumber. She sat down next to her and placed the gold band on the bedside table, then turned all attention to the sleeping beauty
Mac studied her face for a minute or two, just looking at the her features, than ever so gently she reached out and brushed a lock of hair back of the little girls face, With this touch Sarah grabbed Mac's hand and pulled it close to her, as if hugging it like a teddy bear
Mac's eyes went wide for a moment, and then she smiled, wondering if she could pull her hand away without disturbing her. It was a tough call, but with uncomfortableness of the position, Mac didn't really have a choice. She slowly, gently, painfully extracted her finger, and Sarah mumbled something, then her eyes blinked opened.
As soon as Sarah opened her eyes she looked up to see Mac looking down at her, she was not scared or afraid to see a stranger sitting there, looking at her. But somehow she felt safe and instantly knew who it was. "Mac" she said in a tiny voice, it wasn't really a question, more like a statement.
Again Mac's eyes widened, but she slowly nodded, "And you're Sarah." She said softly. The little girl nodded, sitting up. "How do you know me?"
The little girl shrugged in an offhand way, "From daddies stories."
Mac's mouth twitched into a smile, "What kind of stories?"
"Ones where you came and rescue him, when he was hurt or lost. And when you are in different countries and you speak funny words."
"Funny words, do you mean a different language," Mac asked
She nodded vigorously and Mac smiled. The girl spoke like it was a fairy tale. Like the late night stories she used to make up for Harmon when he couldn't sleep.
A small cough brought Mac's head around. Harm was standing in the doorway, smiling down at the two of them. "Harmon wants you to say goodnight to him" Harm smiled softly
Mac nodded, turning back to Sarah and smiling a goodbye, then moved to walk past Harm. They're arms brushed slightly, and both felt as though they'd been zapped. They stopped, looking up into each other's eyes for a split second, both of them puzzled. They had been apart for 5 years, could whatever it was that was between them so many years ago still be alive?
Mac left the room and Harm replaced her sitting on the side of the bed next to Sarah. "So that's Mac daddy, the one you talked about in your stories." Sarah asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes it is. Now come on, off to your own bed." Harm motioned towards the door, but the little girl held her arms open. In one swift movement he scooped her up and returned her to her own bed.
"I want her to be my mommy." Sarah beamed as Harm lay her down in her bed, pulling the covers up over her.
He chuckled, then his face grew serious, "You already have a mother sweetheart... Renee loves you very much, and I love her." but the admission was hollow and his eyes traveled back to the empty doorway, remembering the feeling when Mac had been standing next to him. He'd never felt anything like that when he was with Renee...
"But you look at Mac funny, daddy. You never look at mommy like that." Sarah seemed puzzled, but had read his thoughts perfectly.
"Go back to sleep sweetie."
Sarah snuggled back into the blankets, "Will you ask her for me daddy?" She yawned.
"We will talk about it in the morning, ok sweetheart." Harm lent down and kissed her forehead. "I love Sarah."
" I love you too daddy." And with that Sarah drifted back into her land of dreams.
Harm moved out of Sarah's room, past the spare bedroom where Harmon was fast asleep, then into the lounge room, where Mac sat, curled up on the seat "Mac?" Harm called softly, and Mac looked over to him, her every-ready smile absent from her face. "Hey Marine, what's the matter?" He moved to sit next to her on the couch, a million thoughts flying through his head. While talking with Harmon he'd had time to mull over the reason that Mac had shown up on his doorstep - without Mic. Little Harmon hadn't given up much on the topic, mumbling something about yelling and kicking his daddy in the shins, but it wasn't all together helpful.
"Harm..." Mac paused, taking a deep breath and trying to compose herself, "I'm sorry I just showed up."
"It's okay. Tell me what happened."
Mac nodded, willing herself not to cry. 'Suck it up Marine' she told herself forcefully, then proceeded to tell Harm what had happened back in Australia. "I didn't have anywhere else to go." Her voice wavered, and she looked up at Harm, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Hey it's ok. You were always welcome here Mac, always. Never forget that." Harm whispered. " I 'm glad Harmon was there to teach Mic a lesson. Never mess with a Marine, or her son" Harm tried too lighten the mood
Mac laughed, but it came out halfway closer to a sob. Although she'd never loved the man, she did care deeply for him, or she'd never have married him in the first place, and she knew that he really did love her, and it pained her to think she was causing a man that was in love with her pain. She knew she had to go back, to face Mic and to sort out their differences, for Harmon's sake at least. He was, after all, his father.
But the idea didn't fill her with much confidence, and she let out another choked sob
"Hey, Mac it's okay." Unconsciously, Harm reached out, wrapping a secure arm around her and pulling her tight against his chest
So familiar was the posture, that neither realized it at first, until Mac suddenly pulled away. "I'm sorry." She wiped her tears, taking a few quick breaths, leaving Harm confused. He'd only wanted to comfort her, and it felt so good too feel her in his arms once more. Her smell was still the same; it was etched in his memory. So long had they been apart, it took mere seconds for them to fall back into routine.
"Mac." Harm reached out again, determined not too loose the mood. He cupped her cheek again, wiping her tear-streaked face with his thumb, "It's okay to cry."
Mac nodded slowly, then pulled away from his soft touch. Thoughts of Renee were screaming in her head. How could he be here touching her like this? She couldn't brush it off as mere comfort for a friend. They were practically strangers
"Mac..."
"Harm." She cut him off, she couldn't stand the tension. She had to know, "Where's Renee?"
Immediately Harms face fell and his eyes darkened slightly, "She left." He whispered, "Earlier this evening."
Mac couldn't move. She felt like a complete bitch. "Oh Harm.." She reached out to grab his hand, the mere comfort of one friend to another. Harm spent a moment silent, then broke his hand free of hers, placing his on top. His light fingers brushed against hers, and he couldn't meet her eyes.
"I've missed you."
Mac's heart beat faster, but she stole herself to resolve and pulled her hand away. Harm was still married to Renee. Just because they had one fight didn't mean they were breaking up for good, and Mac would not break up Harms family because he lost himself in a mad moment of lust.
"Don't." He almost pleaded with her, finally looking up, "Don't leave me."
Mac's resolve slipped, staring into the deep pools of his eyes. His eyes were pleading with her, begging her. "Mac, I need you." He whispered, "I've needed you since the day I met you." His hand found its way back to hers, and this time she didn't pull away, "The first time I saw you smile, I've only ever wanted you." He seemed possessed, a shadow of something else, and Mac was transfixed, lost in the smooth sound of his voice, and his soft breath.
"Mac." His voice was barely above a whisper as he brought his other hand up, cupping her cheek and pulling her close towards him. His eyes met hers and they spoke a thousand words.
"I can't do this Harm." Tears were once again threatening to spill, motherhood had made the Marine Colonel soft, and her voice lacked conviction. She couldn't pull away.
"I thought about you." Harm continued talking, seemingly not hearing her words, "I thought about you constantly. I'm missed you so much Mac it hurts inside. And now your here with me. After I lost you to Mic I never thought..." he had to stop, his voice cracking with emotion. He took a deep breath, lowering his forehead to rest against hers, "I never thought I'd ever get this chance again. I love you Mac, I have for so long now, and I made the biggest mistake of my life when I couldn't admit that. And I lost you Mac." His hand tightened against hers, possessive, "I don't want to loose you again."
Mac couldn't tare her eyes away from his, couldn't respond, and couldn't resist the tugging she felt deep inside. This is where she wanted to be, this is where she was meant to be. She could feel it. Deep inside her heart was screaming. THIS is what it wanted. To touch, to feel, to taste, to experience real love, with a man so deeply in love with everything about her it made him drunk with just thought of her being in the room.
Slowly, carefully, Harm moved closer towards her, his burning need to have just that little bit more. His hand snaked up her arm as he drew her closer to him, still inch by painstaking inch. He wanted to make sure she offered no resistance. He found none.
Their lips met, softly at first, testing, probing, exploring, until her hand somehow found it's way to the back of his head and she drew him closer, deepening the kiss.
"Mac" Harm breathed her name again, pulling away fractionally for a breath of air. She opened her eyes and smiled, letting her hand fall down to rest against his shoulder.
"I'm sorry." She whispered to him, and he opened his eyes to look into hers
"What for?"
"For taking so long to realize." Her eyes left his, and they searched his face, as if looking for answers.
Harm smiled, then reached to kiss her lips gently, "Your here Mac, with me." he pulled away, his eyes traveling over her body, drinking in the site of her, "How ever long I've had to wait, it's been worth it."
Mac was puzzled. It wasn't the Harmon Rabb she remembered, then he smiled and all thoughts left her mind. His dazzling smiles that always provoked one of her own in response
"I love you Mac." He reached over again, pulling her down on the couch with him, and slowly started to kiss her neck. Cramped, but not uncomfortable, Mac closed her eyes as she succumbed herself to the pleasurable feelings coursing through her. Soft, gentle and painfully slow, Harm took his time exploring her body, finding her ticklish spots and hearing her laugh, and being delighted when she squirmed.
They moved to the bedroom, placing a peacefully sleeping Sarah in her own bed, and then Harm continued his exploration. With him shirtless, Mac ran her fingers over the firm mussels of his chest, gently tickling with her nails before he pulled her down, so she was flat on her back. Propping himself up with one elbow he looked down at her, his fingers gently trailing across her stomach. He grinned as she sat up and wriggled out of her own top, her back to him, when something made him frown.
"What's this Marine?" He asked softly, his fingers moving down her back to rest on a small mark peaking from under her pants.
Mac felt her face flush and she lowered her head, "It's uh.. well, when um.. I.."
A grin lit Harms face, "It's a tattoo." He stated matter-of-fact-like, and without ceremony, pushed down her pants as far as they would from her sitting position. Mac closed her eyes, waiting for the response. When none was forthcoming she turned to face him, to see the biggest smile on his face she'd ever known him to posses, "It's a pair of gold wings."
Mac let out an embarrassed smile, "I needed something Harm.... Too remember you. I got it done just before....I left."
Harm, still grinning, moved across the bed to take her in his arms, holding her tight against him. He had no words, only too chuckle gently and Mac smiled, hugging him back
"Hey sailor." Mac said softly, "We've got some unfinished business."
Harm smiled, pulling her back onto the bed and spent the rest of the night making love to the woman who he so deeply cared about. To the woman he would never, ever let go of again.
~**~**~**~
The next morning Mac awoke to the gentle rise and fall of Harm's chest. She didn't have to open her eyes to find out the time, her internal clock told her it was 6am. Since leaving the military, she still couldn't shake the early morning rising or her morning jogs. But today she thought she would skip the jog and just be content to lie there in Harms embrace. She'd never felt more content anywhere else.
She smiled, remembering last night's activities and when she finally did open her eyes, if she hadn't of remember it, she would have then. Their clothes scattered everywhere around the room and even Harm's bedside lamp had *accidentally * fallen sometime during the night
But then she came across something that wasn't there the night before. A tall blonde standing in the doorway, with steam coming out of her ears and looks that would kill. Mac jumped in fright to see Renee standing there and her arm found Harms chest, hitting him hard.
Harm jolted away, but the first thing he saw was Mac. Any anger at being so rudely awakened vanished as he wrapped his arms around her. " Morning Beautiful"
Mac didn't reply, frozen with her arm still against Harm's chest.
"Mac, what's wrong" Harm began to get worried.
Mac still said nothing, too shocked to even find her voice. Her eyes not leaving the spot where Renee was standing
Harm finally turned around to see what had Mac so captivated. That's when he saw the most scariest thing he had ever seen in his whole life. This was even worse then the looks he got off Mac when he had done something wrong. Now it all made sense, why Mac was so transfixed.
Before harm could even say anything, Renee exploded.
"I'm gone for one night and you already have *her* in your bed! I can't believe this! In my own house! And... you... You asshole Rabb." The last three words were venomous.
Mac tried to take some of the blame and defend Harm. "Renee it's not harms fault!" But Renee wasn't going to listen, she stormed off, slamming the bedroom door behind her
Mac jumped up and grabbed some clothes, chucked them on and ran after her. Renee was making her way to the front door when Mac yelled out, "Renee! Wait!"
Renee let lose again. "And you! You should be ashamed of yourself, you worthless slut. You have a husband, and a child, and you have the nerve to come into my home and sleep with my husband.... you bitch." And with that Renee took a swing at Mac.
The Marine instincts in Mac kicked in and she maneuvered out of the way. Her fists rose in to a fighting stance and she was ready for a good old fistfight. Renee came at her again, this time Mac blocked the punch, then grabbed her wrist, twisting it around, so Mac now had her back to Renee, then with all her strength flipped her over her shoulder and Renee landed with an 'Oomff' on the ground.
Renee jumped up and came at Mac again, determined to cause some pain to the woman she had hated for what seemed like an eternity. But Mac had had enough. Renee swung and Mac ducked, missing the contact, then launched her right fist at Renee. Mac's right hook connected with Renee's jaw and she was out like a light, hitting the ground clutching her jaw.
By this time Harm had finally got dressed and ran out of the bedroom, to see what was going on, he walked in on Renee's last attempt at Mac and she walked straight into Mac's right hook.
Harm stood in the doorway transfixed, when Mac looked in his direction, hopelessness in her eyes. She hadn't wanted to hurt Renee, but the woman just couldn't take a hint. Harm walked slowly over, locking eyes with Mac before bending down to where Renee was cradling and already swelling jaw. "You okay?" He asked softly, reaching out to help her stand, but Renee angrily brushed him off, pulling herself too her feet.
"I'm fine." She snapped, then turned and headed for her car.
"Wait, Renee, should you drive? I'll take you too the hospital..."
Renee didn't answer, ignoring the two of them as she sat in her car, slamming the door and driving off and a ridiculous speed. Harm's eyes followed the cars passage until he could no longer see, then he turned to Mac.
They stood, meters apart, unsure of what to say to each other, when a small voice, close to panic called out, "Mommy?"
Mac turned, her whole face softening a the sight of Harmon "Hey baby." She said, moving to hug him tightly, "Sleep well?"
The little boy nodded, then snuggled against her neck. He'd seen what had happened, too afraid to say anything.
Mac moved inside, Harm a few steps behind her when she stopped and he bumped into the back of her.
"Hey.." he said softly into her ear, brushing her hair back slightly, "I'm sorry."
"No, Harm," Mac turned around, "I shouldn't have stayed here. Harmon and I'll go find a hotel or something till you've..."
Harm silenced her with his finger against her lips, "She's not coming back." He looked her in the eyes, "You can go Mac, I won't stop you. But I want you to stay."
Mac looked into his eyes, and she knew she couldn't leave. Not now, when she knew what she would be missing. The rugged sailor with his dark moods and inability to express how he felt, who had pushed her away more times then she could count, had captured her heart, and she'd be damned if she was going to let him go. She reached for him, hugging him tightly against her as she whispered the words she knew he so desperately wanted to hear.
"I'll stay." Her head was buried in his neck, and she smiled, "I love you."
Three in the morning and we're STILL sitting here, off our nuts, but we finished it! So you lot better enjoy it or else!
Just a big thanks to Nat though! This couldn't have happened without her. She just rocks so much. You go girl!
A/N from Nat - OK again this was written in the period of like 11pm and 3:30am, there was alot of confusment about certain parts of this chapter, like where all the children were sleeping, Hey give us a brake it was like 1am at about the time we wrote that part but now, it's all sorted out and we are brain dead!!!! But we had loads of fun with it!!!!
Disclaimer - JAG and all it's characters a property of... actually I don't know who owns them. A whole lot of high priced guys who sit in their offices all day and probably don't even WATCH the show. If they did they would get Mac and Harm together...
All and any threats too the readers will not be honoured.
Rating - We've had to up this too PG fokes, for sexual references... or something like. Moral reasons, not because we don't think you can handle it. *g*
Feedback - Common, is this even necessary anymore? You know that when you read, you must review. Or else we don't get any inspiration and the fic's stop. Simple as that. *g*
~**~**~**~
Mac had no idea how she got there, or why she was here. When Harmon and herself had gotten of the plane, she had hired a car and just drove. The fact that she didn't know where to go or who to go too, was a bit puzzling, since she hadn't been back in the US for at least 5 years now. Mac had thought about calling Harriet, but had not talked to her in a few weeks now and being herself did not want to just turn up at her doorstep. But she was quite happy to be standing where she was now. She looked up, the place was so familiar to her, she recalled it in her dreams. How many times had she run this through her mind, standing at his doorstep, walking in and throwing herself into his arms? But now that she was here, she couldn't do it. She couldn't bring herself to knock on his door, to just show up after nearly five years. She wasn't about to admit it, but she was scared. Scared that he'd turn her away.
Another drop of water fell off the edge of her nose, and Harmon shivered against her. She soothed her child softly, but made no moves to either enter the house, or move back to the relative comfort of the car. Indecisive, Mac was stuck in limbo. What if he was inside with Renee? Was if she walked in on something no one really wanted to see? She wouldn't be able to stand it. She took a small step back, when her cell phone, tucked safely into her pocket, started to ring. She jumped, then rolled her eyes and fished it out.
"Mackenzie."
"Mac."
"Harm?"
"Yeah."
"What are you doing? Why are you calling me?" Mac asked, a little confused. It was weird to be talking to Harm on her cell, when she could be talking to him face to face
"I couldn't sleep."
"Neither could I." She responded softly.
"You weren't at home."
"I had to get away for a little while"
"Where are you Mac? Sounds like it's raining pretty bad, are you ok?" There was a pause and Mac leaned against the poll holding up the veranda, but before she could answer Harms voice came back, "Hold a sec Mac, I just heard something outside."
"Uh Harm maybe you shouldn't..."
But it was to late, harm had already opened the front door....
...To see Sarah Mackenzie standing in the rain with a shivering little boy clinging to her side
Harm blinked, standing shell-shocked in the doorway. "Mac?" he managed to choke out.
It was weird, with her cell phone still pressed tightly to her ear Mac heard his voice from two directions, but she couldn't take her eyes off him.
Deep blue eyes that conveyed more then words were staring at her, and as her own eyes locked with his she was lost in them for what seem like eternity
Unable to stop himself, Harm reached out, cupping Mac's face gently, and he ran a tentative finger down her soft cheek
"It's really you." He breathed
"Yeah, it's really me," Mac whispered back.
He was numb. She was really standing before him. He couldn't believe it. Suddenly, a small whimper from Mac's jacket brought them crashing back to Earth
"Oh my God Mac, is this Harmon," he paused for a moment to look at the small boy, peaking his tiny head from beneath the jacket. There wasn't any resemblance of Mic in him, just Mac. Especially her warm chocolate brown eyes. Harm snapped out of his thoughts "Jeez Mac, you must be freezing." He smiled at Harmon, holding out his hand, "And you to buddy"
As Mac smiled he moved them inside, holding little Harmon's hand tight. Mac paused when she entered; looking around at changes to the house that she knew wasn't Harm. Suddenly it hit home. Harm was married to Renee. She pushed down the urge to just leave. Seeing Renee with her Harm was going to slowly kill her, but she was a Marine, and she could deal with anything, even if it broke her heart
As Mac stepped further into the lounge room, she caught sight of something sparkling. She bent down and picked it up. She looked at it carefully for a second and then it clicked. It looked like a wedding band. It couldn't be Renee's, could it?
Harm, who was busy finding Harmon-sized-clothes missed Mac's finding. He had taken Harmon to the spare bedroom, leaving her alone.
Harmon had shyly tugged on the small pants and pointed to his bag. Harm took the little boys hand and walked over to the bag, Harmon opened it up and pulled out Mac's old marine shirt, Harm couldn't help but smile. Then he noticed the toy F-14 sitting in the bag as well. Harm pulled it out and studied it, glancing at the child, then back at the plane. He had seen the boy's eyes light up when he had taken it out of the bag. Harm gave a little laugh, the boy wanted to be a pilot. Harm would have given anything to see Mic's face when he found out!
Mac, with the gold band still in her hand, moved slowly across the hallway. She casually glanced into Harm's room, when a figure on the bed made her stop. She looked closer, but the jumbled blankets made it impossible for her to id them. Her breath got caught in her throat. Was she wrong? Was that Renee now, sleeping peacefully in Harms bed? The figure turned, and Mac, with the stealth of a trained Marine, slipped back into the shadow of the corridor as the light fell on the face of the occupant of the bed. It was a child. Mac stood in disbelieve at the miniature Harm, with soft feminine features making her absolutely gorgeous, even at her young age.
Mac moved into the room quietly, trying not to disturb the young girl from her slumber. She sat down next to her and placed the gold band on the bedside table, then turned all attention to the sleeping beauty
Mac studied her face for a minute or two, just looking at the her features, than ever so gently she reached out and brushed a lock of hair back of the little girls face, With this touch Sarah grabbed Mac's hand and pulled it close to her, as if hugging it like a teddy bear
Mac's eyes went wide for a moment, and then she smiled, wondering if she could pull her hand away without disturbing her. It was a tough call, but with uncomfortableness of the position, Mac didn't really have a choice. She slowly, gently, painfully extracted her finger, and Sarah mumbled something, then her eyes blinked opened.
As soon as Sarah opened her eyes she looked up to see Mac looking down at her, she was not scared or afraid to see a stranger sitting there, looking at her. But somehow she felt safe and instantly knew who it was. "Mac" she said in a tiny voice, it wasn't really a question, more like a statement.
Again Mac's eyes widened, but she slowly nodded, "And you're Sarah." She said softly. The little girl nodded, sitting up. "How do you know me?"
The little girl shrugged in an offhand way, "From daddies stories."
Mac's mouth twitched into a smile, "What kind of stories?"
"Ones where you came and rescue him, when he was hurt or lost. And when you are in different countries and you speak funny words."
"Funny words, do you mean a different language," Mac asked
She nodded vigorously and Mac smiled. The girl spoke like it was a fairy tale. Like the late night stories she used to make up for Harmon when he couldn't sleep.
A small cough brought Mac's head around. Harm was standing in the doorway, smiling down at the two of them. "Harmon wants you to say goodnight to him" Harm smiled softly
Mac nodded, turning back to Sarah and smiling a goodbye, then moved to walk past Harm. They're arms brushed slightly, and both felt as though they'd been zapped. They stopped, looking up into each other's eyes for a split second, both of them puzzled. They had been apart for 5 years, could whatever it was that was between them so many years ago still be alive?
Mac left the room and Harm replaced her sitting on the side of the bed next to Sarah. "So that's Mac daddy, the one you talked about in your stories." Sarah asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes it is. Now come on, off to your own bed." Harm motioned towards the door, but the little girl held her arms open. In one swift movement he scooped her up and returned her to her own bed.
"I want her to be my mommy." Sarah beamed as Harm lay her down in her bed, pulling the covers up over her.
He chuckled, then his face grew serious, "You already have a mother sweetheart... Renee loves you very much, and I love her." but the admission was hollow and his eyes traveled back to the empty doorway, remembering the feeling when Mac had been standing next to him. He'd never felt anything like that when he was with Renee...
"But you look at Mac funny, daddy. You never look at mommy like that." Sarah seemed puzzled, but had read his thoughts perfectly.
"Go back to sleep sweetie."
Sarah snuggled back into the blankets, "Will you ask her for me daddy?" She yawned.
"We will talk about it in the morning, ok sweetheart." Harm lent down and kissed her forehead. "I love Sarah."
" I love you too daddy." And with that Sarah drifted back into her land of dreams.
Harm moved out of Sarah's room, past the spare bedroom where Harmon was fast asleep, then into the lounge room, where Mac sat, curled up on the seat "Mac?" Harm called softly, and Mac looked over to him, her every-ready smile absent from her face. "Hey Marine, what's the matter?" He moved to sit next to her on the couch, a million thoughts flying through his head. While talking with Harmon he'd had time to mull over the reason that Mac had shown up on his doorstep - without Mic. Little Harmon hadn't given up much on the topic, mumbling something about yelling and kicking his daddy in the shins, but it wasn't all together helpful.
"Harm..." Mac paused, taking a deep breath and trying to compose herself, "I'm sorry I just showed up."
"It's okay. Tell me what happened."
Mac nodded, willing herself not to cry. 'Suck it up Marine' she told herself forcefully, then proceeded to tell Harm what had happened back in Australia. "I didn't have anywhere else to go." Her voice wavered, and she looked up at Harm, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Hey it's ok. You were always welcome here Mac, always. Never forget that." Harm whispered. " I 'm glad Harmon was there to teach Mic a lesson. Never mess with a Marine, or her son" Harm tried too lighten the mood
Mac laughed, but it came out halfway closer to a sob. Although she'd never loved the man, she did care deeply for him, or she'd never have married him in the first place, and she knew that he really did love her, and it pained her to think she was causing a man that was in love with her pain. She knew she had to go back, to face Mic and to sort out their differences, for Harmon's sake at least. He was, after all, his father.
But the idea didn't fill her with much confidence, and she let out another choked sob
"Hey, Mac it's okay." Unconsciously, Harm reached out, wrapping a secure arm around her and pulling her tight against his chest
So familiar was the posture, that neither realized it at first, until Mac suddenly pulled away. "I'm sorry." She wiped her tears, taking a few quick breaths, leaving Harm confused. He'd only wanted to comfort her, and it felt so good too feel her in his arms once more. Her smell was still the same; it was etched in his memory. So long had they been apart, it took mere seconds for them to fall back into routine.
"Mac." Harm reached out again, determined not too loose the mood. He cupped her cheek again, wiping her tear-streaked face with his thumb, "It's okay to cry."
Mac nodded slowly, then pulled away from his soft touch. Thoughts of Renee were screaming in her head. How could he be here touching her like this? She couldn't brush it off as mere comfort for a friend. They were practically strangers
"Mac..."
"Harm." She cut him off, she couldn't stand the tension. She had to know, "Where's Renee?"
Immediately Harms face fell and his eyes darkened slightly, "She left." He whispered, "Earlier this evening."
Mac couldn't move. She felt like a complete bitch. "Oh Harm.." She reached out to grab his hand, the mere comfort of one friend to another. Harm spent a moment silent, then broke his hand free of hers, placing his on top. His light fingers brushed against hers, and he couldn't meet her eyes.
"I've missed you."
Mac's heart beat faster, but she stole herself to resolve and pulled her hand away. Harm was still married to Renee. Just because they had one fight didn't mean they were breaking up for good, and Mac would not break up Harms family because he lost himself in a mad moment of lust.
"Don't." He almost pleaded with her, finally looking up, "Don't leave me."
Mac's resolve slipped, staring into the deep pools of his eyes. His eyes were pleading with her, begging her. "Mac, I need you." He whispered, "I've needed you since the day I met you." His hand found its way back to hers, and this time she didn't pull away, "The first time I saw you smile, I've only ever wanted you." He seemed possessed, a shadow of something else, and Mac was transfixed, lost in the smooth sound of his voice, and his soft breath.
"Mac." His voice was barely above a whisper as he brought his other hand up, cupping her cheek and pulling her close towards him. His eyes met hers and they spoke a thousand words.
"I can't do this Harm." Tears were once again threatening to spill, motherhood had made the Marine Colonel soft, and her voice lacked conviction. She couldn't pull away.
"I thought about you." Harm continued talking, seemingly not hearing her words, "I thought about you constantly. I'm missed you so much Mac it hurts inside. And now your here with me. After I lost you to Mic I never thought..." he had to stop, his voice cracking with emotion. He took a deep breath, lowering his forehead to rest against hers, "I never thought I'd ever get this chance again. I love you Mac, I have for so long now, and I made the biggest mistake of my life when I couldn't admit that. And I lost you Mac." His hand tightened against hers, possessive, "I don't want to loose you again."
Mac couldn't tare her eyes away from his, couldn't respond, and couldn't resist the tugging she felt deep inside. This is where she wanted to be, this is where she was meant to be. She could feel it. Deep inside her heart was screaming. THIS is what it wanted. To touch, to feel, to taste, to experience real love, with a man so deeply in love with everything about her it made him drunk with just thought of her being in the room.
Slowly, carefully, Harm moved closer towards her, his burning need to have just that little bit more. His hand snaked up her arm as he drew her closer to him, still inch by painstaking inch. He wanted to make sure she offered no resistance. He found none.
Their lips met, softly at first, testing, probing, exploring, until her hand somehow found it's way to the back of his head and she drew him closer, deepening the kiss.
"Mac" Harm breathed her name again, pulling away fractionally for a breath of air. She opened her eyes and smiled, letting her hand fall down to rest against his shoulder.
"I'm sorry." She whispered to him, and he opened his eyes to look into hers
"What for?"
"For taking so long to realize." Her eyes left his, and they searched his face, as if looking for answers.
Harm smiled, then reached to kiss her lips gently, "Your here Mac, with me." he pulled away, his eyes traveling over her body, drinking in the site of her, "How ever long I've had to wait, it's been worth it."
Mac was puzzled. It wasn't the Harmon Rabb she remembered, then he smiled and all thoughts left her mind. His dazzling smiles that always provoked one of her own in response
"I love you Mac." He reached over again, pulling her down on the couch with him, and slowly started to kiss her neck. Cramped, but not uncomfortable, Mac closed her eyes as she succumbed herself to the pleasurable feelings coursing through her. Soft, gentle and painfully slow, Harm took his time exploring her body, finding her ticklish spots and hearing her laugh, and being delighted when she squirmed.
They moved to the bedroom, placing a peacefully sleeping Sarah in her own bed, and then Harm continued his exploration. With him shirtless, Mac ran her fingers over the firm mussels of his chest, gently tickling with her nails before he pulled her down, so she was flat on her back. Propping himself up with one elbow he looked down at her, his fingers gently trailing across her stomach. He grinned as she sat up and wriggled out of her own top, her back to him, when something made him frown.
"What's this Marine?" He asked softly, his fingers moving down her back to rest on a small mark peaking from under her pants.
Mac felt her face flush and she lowered her head, "It's uh.. well, when um.. I.."
A grin lit Harms face, "It's a tattoo." He stated matter-of-fact-like, and without ceremony, pushed down her pants as far as they would from her sitting position. Mac closed her eyes, waiting for the response. When none was forthcoming she turned to face him, to see the biggest smile on his face she'd ever known him to posses, "It's a pair of gold wings."
Mac let out an embarrassed smile, "I needed something Harm.... Too remember you. I got it done just before....I left."
Harm, still grinning, moved across the bed to take her in his arms, holding her tight against him. He had no words, only too chuckle gently and Mac smiled, hugging him back
"Hey sailor." Mac said softly, "We've got some unfinished business."
Harm smiled, pulling her back onto the bed and spent the rest of the night making love to the woman who he so deeply cared about. To the woman he would never, ever let go of again.
~**~**~**~
The next morning Mac awoke to the gentle rise and fall of Harm's chest. She didn't have to open her eyes to find out the time, her internal clock told her it was 6am. Since leaving the military, she still couldn't shake the early morning rising or her morning jogs. But today she thought she would skip the jog and just be content to lie there in Harms embrace. She'd never felt more content anywhere else.
She smiled, remembering last night's activities and when she finally did open her eyes, if she hadn't of remember it, she would have then. Their clothes scattered everywhere around the room and even Harm's bedside lamp had *accidentally * fallen sometime during the night
But then she came across something that wasn't there the night before. A tall blonde standing in the doorway, with steam coming out of her ears and looks that would kill. Mac jumped in fright to see Renee standing there and her arm found Harms chest, hitting him hard.
Harm jolted away, but the first thing he saw was Mac. Any anger at being so rudely awakened vanished as he wrapped his arms around her. " Morning Beautiful"
Mac didn't reply, frozen with her arm still against Harm's chest.
"Mac, what's wrong" Harm began to get worried.
Mac still said nothing, too shocked to even find her voice. Her eyes not leaving the spot where Renee was standing
Harm finally turned around to see what had Mac so captivated. That's when he saw the most scariest thing he had ever seen in his whole life. This was even worse then the looks he got off Mac when he had done something wrong. Now it all made sense, why Mac was so transfixed.
Before harm could even say anything, Renee exploded.
"I'm gone for one night and you already have *her* in your bed! I can't believe this! In my own house! And... you... You asshole Rabb." The last three words were venomous.
Mac tried to take some of the blame and defend Harm. "Renee it's not harms fault!" But Renee wasn't going to listen, she stormed off, slamming the bedroom door behind her
Mac jumped up and grabbed some clothes, chucked them on and ran after her. Renee was making her way to the front door when Mac yelled out, "Renee! Wait!"
Renee let lose again. "And you! You should be ashamed of yourself, you worthless slut. You have a husband, and a child, and you have the nerve to come into my home and sleep with my husband.... you bitch." And with that Renee took a swing at Mac.
The Marine instincts in Mac kicked in and she maneuvered out of the way. Her fists rose in to a fighting stance and she was ready for a good old fistfight. Renee came at her again, this time Mac blocked the punch, then grabbed her wrist, twisting it around, so Mac now had her back to Renee, then with all her strength flipped her over her shoulder and Renee landed with an 'Oomff' on the ground.
Renee jumped up and came at Mac again, determined to cause some pain to the woman she had hated for what seemed like an eternity. But Mac had had enough. Renee swung and Mac ducked, missing the contact, then launched her right fist at Renee. Mac's right hook connected with Renee's jaw and she was out like a light, hitting the ground clutching her jaw.
By this time Harm had finally got dressed and ran out of the bedroom, to see what was going on, he walked in on Renee's last attempt at Mac and she walked straight into Mac's right hook.
Harm stood in the doorway transfixed, when Mac looked in his direction, hopelessness in her eyes. She hadn't wanted to hurt Renee, but the woman just couldn't take a hint. Harm walked slowly over, locking eyes with Mac before bending down to where Renee was cradling and already swelling jaw. "You okay?" He asked softly, reaching out to help her stand, but Renee angrily brushed him off, pulling herself too her feet.
"I'm fine." She snapped, then turned and headed for her car.
"Wait, Renee, should you drive? I'll take you too the hospital..."
Renee didn't answer, ignoring the two of them as she sat in her car, slamming the door and driving off and a ridiculous speed. Harm's eyes followed the cars passage until he could no longer see, then he turned to Mac.
They stood, meters apart, unsure of what to say to each other, when a small voice, close to panic called out, "Mommy?"
Mac turned, her whole face softening a the sight of Harmon "Hey baby." She said, moving to hug him tightly, "Sleep well?"
The little boy nodded, then snuggled against her neck. He'd seen what had happened, too afraid to say anything.
Mac moved inside, Harm a few steps behind her when she stopped and he bumped into the back of her.
"Hey.." he said softly into her ear, brushing her hair back slightly, "I'm sorry."
"No, Harm," Mac turned around, "I shouldn't have stayed here. Harmon and I'll go find a hotel or something till you've..."
Harm silenced her with his finger against her lips, "She's not coming back." He looked her in the eyes, "You can go Mac, I won't stop you. But I want you to stay."
Mac looked into his eyes, and she knew she couldn't leave. Not now, when she knew what she would be missing. The rugged sailor with his dark moods and inability to express how he felt, who had pushed her away more times then she could count, had captured her heart, and she'd be damned if she was going to let him go. She reached for him, hugging him tightly against her as she whispered the words she knew he so desperately wanted to hear.
"I'll stay." Her head was buried in his neck, and she smiled, "I love you."