Nat's A/N: Ok before Pixie starts giving her speech and I say mine, I got
to get something.
*Nat runs from the room and comes back with a CD player, pops a cd in and
hits play and music starts filling the room.*
**Another turning point a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go. So make the best of this test and don't ask why. It's not a question but a lesson learned in time.
It's something unpredictable. But in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life.**
Okay with that done now, I would just like to say what a ride it's been! From just a little piece of writing I forced Pixie to post, to a story that had plot lines and sub-plot lines! And LOTS AND LOTS OF WONDERFULL REVIEWERS!! You guys have been great! Pixie, it's been a hell of a ride and I wouldn't have done any of it, for anyone else! Thanks for showing me my full potential!! Love you girl!! And the real Fi, thanks for putting up with both of us!
A/N from Pixie - This is it... Our story.. That Nat and I did together.. for nine whole months of our lives. For nine grueling months we stayed up to ridiculous hours of the morning... woke both our parents up over the phone talking about.. we covered her wake board in post-it notes, wrote on pages and pages of paper. Got cramps in our wrists from typing, got writers block. Swore, cursed... at one stage I wanted to pack it all in... Lil Sarah STILL doesn't know which bed she fell asleep in, and Mac's name is spelt wrong, the morals of the story are totally out of wack and some of it really doesn't make sense. The ranks are wrong, and our characters are maybe just a little too cheeky...
But it's done. After so many hours, and so much work, we finally got to the end of it. It's incredible... I'm getting sappy over this... I really should stop... *Starts blinking* I've got... something in my eye.
And one more to the readers! I have read and re-read this chapter so many times, and have become a very big Webb/Fi shipper, and was wondering if any of you guys had to, or maybe it was all in my mind... but anyway every time I read it at this one part, this song plays, every damn time, I think I'm doomed to hear it forever! I think it matches it very well, Pixie even thought so, the song is called "Let Go" by 12 stones, if you D/L it and play it while reading, adds lots more feeling to it! But if you don't that's cool! So to start off this beautiful chapter and get your emotions rolling here are some of the lyrics.....
Enjoy.
Pixie and Nat
This world brings me down again. I know that I need you. To help me make it through the night. And I know that you're the one for me. You gave me my strength to face another day alone.
And I need you now my friend. More than you know, When will we meet again? Cause I can't let go of you.
-------------------
All heads shot up, and Ando's blood ran cold as she watched Fi burst through the double doors, run a few dozen paces, and collapse into a heap next to Webb. Clayton Webb, who's stomach looked like two giant hands had reached in and ripped it open, was as fortunate as the roof had been when it came too who had caught the bullet, but Ando knew with a sinking feeling that they couldn't simply patch this one up. Phantom took a few hesitant steps towards Fi and Webb, when Renee finally brought herself out of her shock. She took control over the shot gun once more as Ando tried to get over her own shock, but failed to dodge the barrel of the gun aimed at her chest. Ando fell backwards without so much as an 'oof' but hit the floor hard. Her vision swam for a moment, before she managed to regain full control of her senses. She was just in time to see Phantom take the two strides necessary to reach her, pull back, and smack Renee square in the jaw. Renee couldn't react as Phantom turned on her heel, pausing momentarily to make sure Ando was still conscious, then made it at a quick sprint too Webb's side. Renee was momentarily confused, when suddenly arms in cased around her, pulling her tight against a body.
She screamed, a tortured sounding thing, like a cat who's just had its tail ran over, then struggled violently, but Harm held her tight.
"Let me go!" She yelled.
"Renee! It's me. It's me, it's Harm. Shhh." He spoke her name a few times, trying to calm her, and she stopped struggling.
"Harm?" She whispered.
"Yeah, it's me." Harm replied, and loosened his grip enough to allow her to turn and face him.
Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she started shaking, "Oh my God, Harm!" She burst into tears, and Harm pulled her against him again. Burying her head in his chest, her body shook with sobs.
"Shh, it's okay Renee." He patted her hair gently, his lips whispering against her ear, "It's okay."
Swallowing her sobs, Renee pulled back too look at him again, "I thought I'd lost you forever." She whispered.
"I'm here. It's okay now." He reassured her.
Renee nodded slowly.
"I'm here. It'll be ok."
Renee burst into tears again, the past few weeks flashing across her eyes, thumping in her ears, drilling itself into her brain. She'd become a monster. Kidnapping her own child to get back at her husband, what kind of mother was she? And what she put Harm through. She loved Harm. He was her husband, the man she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with, and she had nearly gotten him killed, "Oh my god Harm, What have I done? I am so sorry." She fell back against his chest, "Sarah.... Is she here? Is she okay?"
Without thinking, Harm replied, "Mac's fine."
He felt Renee tense in his arms and mentally kicked himself, and Renee stopped crying almost as quickly as she'd started. Instead of thinking of her daughter, and her loving husband, her thoughts turned to Sarah Mackenzie, and a view that kept haunting her in her sleep.
Mac in bed with Harm.
All of this had happened because of that tramp, because she couldn't keep away from what wasn't her's. Renee pulled away from Harm, and he watched as hatred flashed across her eyes, "I was talking about my daughter!" She yelled, then reached up and grabbed Harm's left shoulder, digging her thumb into his bullet wound. Harm let out a strangled scream, he could feel the stitches that were holding the wound closed being pulled and ripped from his skin. Renee digged her thumb in more, her nail doing more damage. Harm screamed again, tears of pain forming in his eyes as he fell to his knees. Renee let go, satisfied, as she saw blood forming through his shirt, and as the pressure released, Harm slumped to the floor, clutching his left shoulder. The pain was unbearable, and his vision faded to black, the last image he saw before falling unconscious was Renee, picking back up her shotgun.
Renee turned to survey the scene. Ando still lay at her feet, in too much pain to be of any worry, and Phantom and Fi were still huddled over Webb, but she wasn't sure if the CIA agent was alive or not. She frowned, wondering what she should do now.
Back in the corridor, Mac watched tight-lipped as Harm had fallen to the ground, and something snapped. No, she couldn't take this anymore. This blonde bimbo had done enough damage to her and her family; she was not going to kill the people she had grown quite fond of over the past few days. This had started because of her, it was because of her Renee had gone completely insane and kidnapped the children. It was because of her Mic had gotten killed and now she had had enough, she did not want anyone else to be hurt!
Mac looked over at the two children, "Ok guys," she spoke softly and calmly to them, her eyes falling on Sarah, "I'm just going to go in and check on your daddy ok?" Sarah nodded happily, then Mac turned to Harmon, "I want you to stay here with Sarah and the Admiral ok?" Harmon nodded slowly, looking not too happy about the idea, but being with Sarah made it look a bit more appealing. Mac gathered them both up in a tight hug as Harmon and Sarah both wrapped their arms around Mac's neck. After a moment Mac pulled back, "Now promise me you both will stay together and not move from this spot."
"We promise." Sarah spoke for both of them.
"Ok then, I'll be back in a second." Mac gave them both a small smile, and then kissed the top of Harmons head. She shot a quick look at the Admiral, who gave a her a tight smile of reassurance, then Mac got up and moved to the swinging doors that lead into the room Renee had taken control of. She stood there for a few seconds, taking a couple of deep breaths. 'Ok Mackenzie lets do this, show her what happens when you mess with my little boy, my lover and most of all a marine!' With that Mac pushed both of the doors open, making a grand entrance to the chaos that had just unfolded. Mac walked into the room with a smug look on her face and her head held high. She forced herself to think positive - Renee wasn't going to shoot her. As soon as Mac had walked into the room, she had Renee's full attention. Though Renee never moved, Mac could feel her eyes watching her. Phantom and Fi took their attention away from Webb to watch Mac, and Ando managed to get into a sitting position to watch.
"You know Renee, we've know each other for awhile..." Mac started, "Well I suppose we really didn't stay in contact when I moved out here. But it's kind of interesting, because you'd think that with all the time's I've called Harm, I should have talked to you more." She paused, "Hmm, you know I called Harm nearly every night, and if I didn't, he called me, and not once did he mention you. At one point I wondered if you were still married, or if you'd even gotten married."
Phantoms eyes widened, 'God what was the Colonel trying to do? Get us all killed?' She thought, and was about to vocalise her thoughts, but something in side of her made her hesitate.
She glanced at Fi and they shared the same look, then the two girls used the opportunity to get Ando back under some cover. They slowly helped their friend, who they were sure had a few broken ribs, back to where Webb lay, when Ando, through her pain said softly, "If I ever do something this stupid, shoot me."
Mac continued walking slowly towards the centre of the room, her small smile upon her face. Renee still remained quiet, and all the other people in the room were forgotten. "But Harm did love you, don't worry about that." Mac's voice had dropped a few degrees, "But he was never in love with you. That was the problem with your marriage, I'm sure you were in love with him. Did it bother you...? That he married you because he couldn't have me?" She came to a stand still in front of Renee, "I bet there were times when you were making love and he screamed out my name instead of yours. God that must be eating you up inside. I wouldn't know what I'd do if Harm cried out some else's name instead of mine, when we were making love. His hands running all over my body but thinking of someone else. Mac trailed her fingers down her chest, over her breasts, then down her stomach, emphasizing her point, "You know I'm carrying his child?"
Renee finally reacted, but it was so slight. Her whole body tensed and her jaw clenched, denial written all over her face.
Ando, Phantom and Fi couldn't believe what they were hearing. Fi swore to herself that she could see steam coming out of Renee's ears. Ando nudged Phantom, "Things are definitely getting heated."
At that moment, Mac saw Harm move - slightly - but it was still a movement. Renee was standing a couple of metres away from him, so Mac decided to take a chance and rock the waters for one last time. She moved to Harm slowly and when Renee didn't move, she knelt down next to him.
"Mac?" Came Harm's weak voice. "Where's Sar.."
"Shh." she whispered pressing her finger to his lips, "She's fine." Mac stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers, then lent down and brushed his lips with a soft kiss. Even delirious with the pain in his shoulder, he responded to her kiss. Mac deepened it, putting everything she felt for this man into the kiss, and on show. Needing air, she broke away from him slightly, "I love you Harm."
"I love you too Sarah." Harm's lips mumbled.
Finally, Renee snapped. She stormed across and whacked Mac in the face with the butt of the shotgun, "You stupid slut!" she screamed.
Mac lost balance from her crouched position and stumbled backwards falling onto her back. Fi gasped, Phantom turned her head away squeezing her eyes shut and Ando swore lightly to herself. Mac shook her head and slowly got to her feet. She brought her thumb up to the split in her lip the blow had caused wiping it, then looked down at her thumb that now had a few drops of blood on it.
She laughed lightly to herself, "I was so hoping you would do that."
Before Renee could even blink Mac grabbed the barrel of the shotgun, jerking it forwards into Renee's stomach. Winded, Renee let go of the shotgun and reached for her stomach. Mac pulled the shotgun back and slammed an uppercut into Renee's face. Mac then swirled the gun around and cocked it, pointing it straight at Renee. The move took place in the matter of seconds.
"Now, who has the power?"
Renee locked eyes with Mac for a long moment, until she finally conceded defeat, pulling away. Her gaze shifted around the room, panic flashing across her pupils, when suddenly she turned back to Mac, looking her straight in the eyes, as if sizing her up.
"Phantom, Fi, get Ando and Webb out of here." Mac spoke calmly, not taking her eyes off Renee.
Phantom helped Ando to her feet, with a few protests from Ando on the way, but Fi, still on the floor by Webb, shook her head.
"There's no way we will be able to move Clay Colonel, he is bleeding enough already." Her voice shook, and she took a deep breath before continuing, "If we move him it will just make it worse. Looks like we're staying Colonel."
Mac frowned, then thought quickly, "Ok then, Phantom come here."
Phantom, giving Ando a quick pat of encouragement on the shoulder, moved quickly up beside Mac. Mac handed her the shotgun, her eyes still locked on Renee.
"If she tries to exit this building, shoot her."
Phantom nodded, a grin spreading across her face, "My pleasure."
Phantom moved back a few paces to Ando and Fi and watched in anticipation, shotgun cocked.
"Well come on Renee this is what you wanted, isn't it? Since the day I kicked your blonde butt in your own home. Or maybe even before that." Mac fell into a fighting stance, putting her fists up, "So come on, now's your chance." She stood waiting for a rematch with the woman she despised.
Renee smiled wickedly. "Don't think you will kick me like you did last time Tramp, I'm not completely stupid. I've been doing my homework."
"Well let's see what you've got then." Mac said, urging her on.
Ando could feel the tension rising in the room, and wickedly licked her lips.
Phantom grabbed her arm, sensing the other woman's need to release and mouthed, 'Don't' but Ando ignored her. She grinned, then yelled, "Bitch Fight!"
As the last syllable left Ando's mouth, Renee lunged at Mac, knocking her off her feet. Renee pounced on top of Mac, pining her to the ground with her body. Mac instantly grabbed both of Renee's wrists trying to fend her off. Both women struggled against the other trying to get the advantage. Mac got her leg free and with all her might kicked Renee, pushing her off. Both Girls instantly jumped to their feet awaiting the next attack from the other. Renee threw a wild swing at Mac but being the Marine she was, Mac moved out of the way, then went on the attack, hitting Renee with a right jab to her left cheek, then in quick succession a left hook to her ribs.
Renee fell to her knees, her breathing erratic. Mac stood over her triumphant. That was until Renee jumped up, driving her fist upwards with the momentum of her actions. Her fist cracked Mac on the chin, snapping her head back. Mac stumbled backwards, giving her head a shake to fight of the stars now appearing.
Renee came forward again, thinking she had Mac on the ropes, but Mac met her in the middle. Slamming her fist into Renee's body, working the same ribs as before. Renee doubled over clutching her ribs. Her body couldn't handle anymore. Mac took that as an advantage to finish the fight and jumped up, ploughing her knee into Renee's face. Renee's head snapped back and her eyes rolled back into her skull, she fell to the ground out cold.
Mac didn't waste a second as she ordered Fi, "Handcuffs?"
Fi pulled a set of handcuffs out from under her jacket and tossed them to Phantom, who then jogged over and handed them to Mac. Mac rolled Renee over onto her stomach and grabbed her wrists, handcuffing her hands behind her back.
Mac then stood up and let out a long sigh. It was over.
The moment of relief was broken by Fi, who looked like death herself, "Phantom grab my Cell phone out of my bag." Her voice was dead clam, only shaking slightly. Her face however was as white as Webb's, who's eyes were closed. "Call the Ambos. We've got to get Clay to a hospital."
Phantom did what she was told, and made a second call to the police to come and pick up Renee.
Mac collapsed next too Harm. She was exhausted. Not so much in the physical sense, but she was mentally drained. Harm, still drifting in and out of consciousness, seemed to be blissfully ignorant of the past hour, and smiled up at his love, "Heya Nija Girl."
Mac let out a tired laugh, reaching down to kiss his forehead softly, "Heya flyboy."
Harm closed his eyes, then opened again, "Why am I on the floor?"
Mac laughed again, shaking her head, but made no moves to enlighten him. Harm pondered his predicament for a moment, the slowly brought himself to the sitting position, resting against one of the waiting chairs. He brushed a stray bit of hair away from Mac's face, tucking it behind her ear, then gently caressed her chin, turning her head to face him, "Is she gone?"
Mac nodded slowly, then reached down and rested her head lightly on his un- injured shoulder, "She's gone Harm. For good."
Harm reached up and stroked her hair, then they both stood up, intending to check on Webb, who was still surrounded by the three girls, when suddenly Harm stopped Mac.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing Mac." He held her face with his good hand, trailing his thumb down her cheek, "But there is something I have to do before some other psychopathic crazy woman comes through that door and tries to take you away from me again."
Mac grinned, "You mean there are other psychopathic crazy women in your life you've not told me about?" Harm laughed, and he reached down to grip her hand tightly as Mac turned serious again, "I won't let anyone separate us again. I promise."
Harm nodded, "I know that." His eyes drifted down to her belly, and he got down on one knee pressing his hand against it, "This is our child Sarah." He spoke softly, "And no one can take that away from us either."
Mac watched him intently. He was so serious, it almost broke her heart. They had been through so much together, but she resolved, right there on the spot that she wouldn't let anything like this happen again. She would settle down, have Harm's babies, and never have any more troubles.
Harm's eyes drifted back up to her's, noticing the tears that threaten to fall, then he reached into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out a small velvet box. He heard her intake of breath as he skilfully managed to open the box with one hand, then presented the perfect cut diamond for Mac to see. "I know this probably isn't the best time... but all this has made me realise how much time we don't have. How much time we've wasted. Sarah Mackenzie." He said softly, his eyes locked on hers, "Love of my life, and most dearest friend. Will you marry me?"
Mac couldn't contain her tears of happiness, and they fell from the corner of her eyes to trail down her cheeks. She got down on her own knee, holding Harm's face in her hands, "Harm... father to my child, and the man I would risk everything to be with, I have wanted nothing more in this world since the moment I met you." She smiled through her tears, and kissed his lips softly, "Yes Harm. I'll marry you."
Over on the other side of the room, Fi knelt over Webb, his face contorted in pain. She didn't want to admit it, but after one quick glance to his stomach, she knew he was pretty much gone. She still managed to smile at him, mumbling encouraging words.
"You'll be okay." She took a deep breath, willing her tears away, but one escaped her eye anyway, trailing down her cheek.
Webb reached up, wiping the tear away with his finger, and Fi's resolve slipped. She choked back a sob, stealing herself to be strong, but the hurt on Webb's face was almost too much for her to bare.
"You'll be okay." Her voice was barely above a whisper, as everything else in the room had ceased to exist. Webb's breath had turned shallow, as Fi stroked his hair gently, "Don't die on me. Clay. Please." Her voice was strained, and she brought her head so close to his, "I need you." She kissed his lips softly, and Webb put his remaining strength into returning the kiss. As Fi pulled away, their eyes locked, and Webb put all the conviction he could into the look, unable to say how he really felt. Fi gripped Webb's hand tight with her other hand, her ragged breathing slowing to match Webb's sporadic ones. His eyes fluttered shut, and his grip tightened on hers, before his last breath escaped his lungs and his body relaxed. Fi broke into tears, leaning her body over that of her dead love as it was racked with sobs.
Phantom and Ando watched Webb's last moments, and their hearts went out to their friend. Silently they moved beside her, lending their silent comfort to the distraught woman.
Moments later the ambulance and police pulled up, taping up Ando's ribs and carting Webb's body from the scene, while the coppers took Renee into custody. While Fi managed to put a hold on her emotions for the time being, all three girls were very subdued, sitting silently together. The doctor had managed to re-do Harms stiches, but warned about any extra activity, urging him to return to the hospital. Harm declined, wanting more then ever now just to return to the States. His only worry was Phantom, and if the grieving woman was up too the task of flying them home, but when he approached them, all three girls had seemingly slipped a mask of steel over their faces, and their stony glances told him they would do anything required of them, without the latest tragedy interfering.
"I'm sorry." He told them softly, his hand gripped tightly in Mac's. Webb had been their friend too, however distant the relationship had been, and they had their own grief to get over. Only Fi acknowledged that he'd said anything, nodding her head in acceptance. Her eyes were red, and every so often her face would break and a tear would slip, but she fought with everything inside of her to keep in control.
Phantom sat next to Fi, her arm around the girl's shoulders, offering comfort to her dear friend, but the look on her face showed she was trying very hard to stay focused. Phantom knew she had to fly the Colonel and Captain home, she could not let her cool exterior slip now, and pushed her emotions somewhere deep inside, so she could bring them out to deal with later. But Ando on the other hand was leaning against a window, he gaze locked on something outside. Harm's words of comfort just rebounded off her, not even picking up on her radar that someone had spoken to her. Fi looked up at her, she knew what she was doing, closing herself off to everyone, and everything. Ando didn't deal with her emotions very well, wanted to push them away and pretend they never existed. She preferred to stay hidden behind her brick wall that she had built up for herself.
Fi closed her eyes and more tears made their way down her face. Even through her own grief, she knew she hadn't been the only one who loved Webb. Even if Ando and Phantom hadn't quite loved him the same way, he had been family to them all. Fi knew that even if at the moment it looked like Ando and Phantom where following the same paths, blocking the hurt out and ignoring it, Phantom would eventually come to terms with it in her own time. Ando couldn't.
Phantom pulled Fi tighter, not knowing what else to do. Fi was like the two military girls in so many ways, only letting a select few into the circle that she called friend, but Webb had won her heart very early on, and no one had made her smile like he had. Phantom was desperate to let Fi know that she was there, that she wasn't alone, but just couldn't vocalise it. Mac and Harm just stood there looking at the two girls, not knowing what to say or do. They both were eager to get home, but the girls deserved to have some time to process everything.
Suddenly there was a sudden smash, and the whole room was jarred out of their sombre silence. All four heads whipped around to see the window that Ando had been leaning against shattered. Ando was still pulling her fist out of the debris when Phantom cursed.
"Jesus Ando!"
Ando ignored Phantom, her eyes fixated on the tiny cuts all over her hand. She watched the blood run down her arm and drip slowly on the floor. In- between her index and middle finger a large piece of glass was wedge, and without flinching she reached to pulled it out. Then she looked up at Fi, hopelessness in her eyes. The fact that she couldn't control what was happening shining through. She looked like an innocent child, not understanding the situation. Before the first tear could fall she ran from the room and out onto the run wall. Fi squeezed her eyes shut, a small whimper escaping her throat. She had been drawing on Phantom and Ando's silent strength to keep in control, to see Ando loose it like that was enough to make her almost hysterical.
Phantom watched Ando run out, her eyes wide with worry. She knew she couldn't leave Fi in her state, but leaving Ando alone at the moment could prove fatal. Mac watched the indecisions scroll across Phantoms face and took a deep breath.
"I'll go." She gave a small smile to Phantom.
"Thanks." Phantom sighed.
Mac squeezed Harm's hand once more then let go of it and went in search of Ando. Harm watched her leave, and couldn't understand how Mac could have bonded so much with these three girls, when she had only spent a week with them. Maybe it was a girl thing or maybe it was because they were all in the same boat: four women challenging to excel in a supposed 'Man's World'.
Mac exited the waiting room and stepped out onto the tar mat, looking around her surroundings in search of Ando. She spotted her standing next to the plane that they were to fly home in. Mac slowly approached, not knowing what type of emotional state she was in. When she was almost able to reach out and touch her, Ando looked up, almost startling Mac. Unleashed tears building up in Ando eyes, and Mac could see the battle that was going on to keep them like that.
Neither of them spoke and the silence dragged on, until Mac decided to attempt to get her to open up. "You know, I've known Clay for about 8 years and he has always done good by us.... even with his little schemes he got us involved with. He was a good friend." Mac paused to check Ando's reaction, but the younger woman just looked at her impassively, the silence drifting out.
Mac was about to continue, but then Ando spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I met Clay when I was 18, did I tell you that? I'd just left home.. God I was still only a kid, and I didn't have anyone." She bit her bottom lip, "'Cept for Kat and Fi,"
That was the first time Mac had heard Ando called Phantom by her first name, but she didn't comment on it, and Ando continued.
"But all that didn't matter after I met Clay, he was my family. He brought me everything I have ever wanted and helped me out without a second thought. My Corvette, he brought that for me on my 20th birthday. My Sniper rifle he brought that for me too, when I got put in command of my reconnaissance unit." Ando looked up at Mac and smiled sadly, "I remember the day I told him that. His face just turned into this huge grin then he hugged me," Ando looked up to a point somewhere above Mac's head, as if she was no longer their, "I've never seen him hug anyone else... Before or after. And then... after he hugged me, he looked at me and spoke these five words that I'd never heard before. He said, 'I'm so proud of you.' And you know I'd never heard that off my folks... But Clay.. he wouldn't have even had to of said it, because I just knew that that's what he was feeling. That he meant it." Ando stopped again and closed her eyes, as tears trailed down her face. She opened her eyes back up and looked at Mac, who also had tears trailing down her face, but she didn't even stop to conceal them, there was just too much pain and hurt there.
"And now he's gone."
Mac instantly grabbed the girl and pulled her into her arms as she broke out into sobs. Ando fought against it but gave in to the feeling of comfort and held on to Mac as if she were lifeline.
"It hurts so bad." She sobbed.
"I know sweetie, I know." Mac whispered to Ando. At that point Ando's legs gave way and Mac and Ando fell down onto their knees, but Mac held tight to the young Marine. As Ando poured her heart onto Mac's shoulder, Mac promised herself she would keep a close eye on these girls, till the day she died.
Phantom looked back out the broken window, to check on Ando and Mac. She watched as Mac pull Ando into her arms, and knew that Ando had let Mac in. In the years they had been friends, for Ando to do this was very rare, but Phantom was glad that she had, even just that little bit. Phantom's throat jumped into her mouth when Mac and Ando collapsed to their knees, but Mac held fast onto Ando, and she relaxed a little.
Harm stood in awe, as he watched Mac tame Ando and even pull her into a hug. She has so much love to give, Harm thought to himself.
Fi had been quiet since Mac had left the building, and suddenly pulled herself out of Phantoms tight grip and stood up, "Well you should get the Colonel and Captain home." She spoke to Phantom softly.
Phantom looked up at her, concerned, but Fi had put back on her work face, focused on completing the mission objective.
Phantom sighed, "Yeah we should."
Mac had let Ando slowly pull herself back together and they were both now standing back up again, talking softly, until they both heard a loud cry. "MUMMY!" They both turned to see little Harmon running towards the 2 marines, followed by Fi, Phantom, Harm, Sarah and the Admiral. Harmon came to a dead halt in front of Ando, and then let off a sloppy salute, grinning happily.
Ando smiled, wiping at her tears, thinking back to earlier that day, when they had been left alone in the same room. They had just sat there in dead silence until Harmon had asked if she was a marine too, like his mother. Ando had replied 'yes' and Harmon said he wanted to be a marine too. So Ando had turned to him and said, "Well Private, what kinda marine you gonna be?" Then the conversation had just taken off.
Ando saluted back at Harmon, pushing the last of her grief aside, "As you were, Private."
Phantom started making the last checks before they took off, so Mac turned to Harmon and Sarah, "Why don't you two go and get first pick of the seats?"
Both seemed to like the idea, and Harmon went to board but Ando stepped in front of him, "What's the secret hand shake?" she asked with a shaky grin. "Then you'll have permission to come aboard." Ando extended her hand to Harmon and after a few tricky moves she stepped aside and let him on.
The Admiral boarded next, shaking Fi's hand first and giving her his deepest sympathies. Next Mac shook Fi's hand then pulled her into a small hug, whispering in her ear, "Thank you so much, we will be forever in your debt." They broke apart and Mac gave her a small smile, and then boarded.
"I can't thank you enough," Harm spoke shaking Fi's hand, "You got my daughter back for me. I still know that fact won't make up for what happened to Webb. He was a good friend to me too, I'm really sorry it happened like this."
"Me too Captain." Fi sighed, "But thank you anyway."
"No worries." Harm smiled at her then boarded the plane for the long journey home.
Phantom finished making final checks and turned to Fi and hugged her tightly, then pulled away, looking at Ando, "You know, you guys have to stop using me as the backbone of this operation. I can't take the strain."
Ando smiled at her friend, giving her a friendly slap on the back, "You're doing fine Phantom. When you end up on the floor a blubbering mess, we'll know it's time we took better care of you." She then turned to hug Fi, who suddenly couldn't find words.
She didn't need any. She and Ando both knew what the other was feeling, and there would be time later for them to express it. Ando boarded the plane, and Phantom hugged Fi once more, whispering softly, "We'll be back."
Fi hung on to her friend for dear life, then slowly pulled herself away. She moved away from the plane, hugging herself, watching as her friends disappeared and she was once again alone.
Inside of the plane, Harm and Mac watched as Phantom disappeared inside the cockpit, and Ando as she sat herself down and closed her eyes. Neither woman would speak or move for the rest of the flight.
The two JAG officers secured their children in their seatbelts, and then sank slowly to their own chairs, their hands gripped tightly. The Admiral, trying to keep himself scarce, moved to the back of the plane, dealing with his own emotions about Webb's end.
Harm turned to the woman he loved, the woman he would spend the rest of his days with, and put his arm around her shoulder, "Hey how did you get Ando to open up to you like that?"
Mac gave a little laugh, "It's a Marine thing."
Harm gave her one of his flyboy grins, satisfied with that answer for now, then they both fell silent again. For a few minutes they both said nothing, until Harm turned to Mac again. "It's over now." he told her softly, his penetrating gaze reaching inside of her, "It's the end."
"No." Mac gripped his hand and smiled, "It's only the beginning."
------ ~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~ ------
Okay.. So THAT was a cliché and a half... . BUT. Omg I can finally do this!!!
THE END!!!!
~**~ In regards too Webb dying - to everyone who's seen the season 8 season final we have three words: "That'll teach him." :D ~**~ The ending credits roll...
BIG THANKS GO TO -
The 'real' Fi! For letting us borrow her name and her lovely personality to use in this fic, for reading.and re-reading and re-reading and re- reading this fic for us, and her positive feedback! For letting us pair her up with Webb, actually making her LIKE the idea, and then for letting us kill him off!
To Janita! For feeling our fic was worthy of archiving at her site -
And to EVERYONE who has ever read this fic. especially if you reviewed afterwards. :D You are why we wrote it! Because we LOVE to get reactions.. there is no point writing if no one is going to enjoy it. So thanks again guys! SO MUCH!!!
*Nat and Pixie stand at the door. give one final wave. then gracefully step out*
**Another turning point a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go. So make the best of this test and don't ask why. It's not a question but a lesson learned in time.
It's something unpredictable. But in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life.**
Okay with that done now, I would just like to say what a ride it's been! From just a little piece of writing I forced Pixie to post, to a story that had plot lines and sub-plot lines! And LOTS AND LOTS OF WONDERFULL REVIEWERS!! You guys have been great! Pixie, it's been a hell of a ride and I wouldn't have done any of it, for anyone else! Thanks for showing me my full potential!! Love you girl!! And the real Fi, thanks for putting up with both of us!
A/N from Pixie - This is it... Our story.. That Nat and I did together.. for nine whole months of our lives. For nine grueling months we stayed up to ridiculous hours of the morning... woke both our parents up over the phone talking about.. we covered her wake board in post-it notes, wrote on pages and pages of paper. Got cramps in our wrists from typing, got writers block. Swore, cursed... at one stage I wanted to pack it all in... Lil Sarah STILL doesn't know which bed she fell asleep in, and Mac's name is spelt wrong, the morals of the story are totally out of wack and some of it really doesn't make sense. The ranks are wrong, and our characters are maybe just a little too cheeky...
But it's done. After so many hours, and so much work, we finally got to the end of it. It's incredible... I'm getting sappy over this... I really should stop... *Starts blinking* I've got... something in my eye.
And one more to the readers! I have read and re-read this chapter so many times, and have become a very big Webb/Fi shipper, and was wondering if any of you guys had to, or maybe it was all in my mind... but anyway every time I read it at this one part, this song plays, every damn time, I think I'm doomed to hear it forever! I think it matches it very well, Pixie even thought so, the song is called "Let Go" by 12 stones, if you D/L it and play it while reading, adds lots more feeling to it! But if you don't that's cool! So to start off this beautiful chapter and get your emotions rolling here are some of the lyrics.....
Enjoy.
Pixie and Nat
This world brings me down again. I know that I need you. To help me make it through the night. And I know that you're the one for me. You gave me my strength to face another day alone.
And I need you now my friend. More than you know, When will we meet again? Cause I can't let go of you.
-------------------
All heads shot up, and Ando's blood ran cold as she watched Fi burst through the double doors, run a few dozen paces, and collapse into a heap next to Webb. Clayton Webb, who's stomach looked like two giant hands had reached in and ripped it open, was as fortunate as the roof had been when it came too who had caught the bullet, but Ando knew with a sinking feeling that they couldn't simply patch this one up. Phantom took a few hesitant steps towards Fi and Webb, when Renee finally brought herself out of her shock. She took control over the shot gun once more as Ando tried to get over her own shock, but failed to dodge the barrel of the gun aimed at her chest. Ando fell backwards without so much as an 'oof' but hit the floor hard. Her vision swam for a moment, before she managed to regain full control of her senses. She was just in time to see Phantom take the two strides necessary to reach her, pull back, and smack Renee square in the jaw. Renee couldn't react as Phantom turned on her heel, pausing momentarily to make sure Ando was still conscious, then made it at a quick sprint too Webb's side. Renee was momentarily confused, when suddenly arms in cased around her, pulling her tight against a body.
She screamed, a tortured sounding thing, like a cat who's just had its tail ran over, then struggled violently, but Harm held her tight.
"Let me go!" She yelled.
"Renee! It's me. It's me, it's Harm. Shhh." He spoke her name a few times, trying to calm her, and she stopped struggling.
"Harm?" She whispered.
"Yeah, it's me." Harm replied, and loosened his grip enough to allow her to turn and face him.
Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she started shaking, "Oh my God, Harm!" She burst into tears, and Harm pulled her against him again. Burying her head in his chest, her body shook with sobs.
"Shh, it's okay Renee." He patted her hair gently, his lips whispering against her ear, "It's okay."
Swallowing her sobs, Renee pulled back too look at him again, "I thought I'd lost you forever." She whispered.
"I'm here. It's okay now." He reassured her.
Renee nodded slowly.
"I'm here. It'll be ok."
Renee burst into tears again, the past few weeks flashing across her eyes, thumping in her ears, drilling itself into her brain. She'd become a monster. Kidnapping her own child to get back at her husband, what kind of mother was she? And what she put Harm through. She loved Harm. He was her husband, the man she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with, and she had nearly gotten him killed, "Oh my god Harm, What have I done? I am so sorry." She fell back against his chest, "Sarah.... Is she here? Is she okay?"
Without thinking, Harm replied, "Mac's fine."
He felt Renee tense in his arms and mentally kicked himself, and Renee stopped crying almost as quickly as she'd started. Instead of thinking of her daughter, and her loving husband, her thoughts turned to Sarah Mackenzie, and a view that kept haunting her in her sleep.
Mac in bed with Harm.
All of this had happened because of that tramp, because she couldn't keep away from what wasn't her's. Renee pulled away from Harm, and he watched as hatred flashed across her eyes, "I was talking about my daughter!" She yelled, then reached up and grabbed Harm's left shoulder, digging her thumb into his bullet wound. Harm let out a strangled scream, he could feel the stitches that were holding the wound closed being pulled and ripped from his skin. Renee digged her thumb in more, her nail doing more damage. Harm screamed again, tears of pain forming in his eyes as he fell to his knees. Renee let go, satisfied, as she saw blood forming through his shirt, and as the pressure released, Harm slumped to the floor, clutching his left shoulder. The pain was unbearable, and his vision faded to black, the last image he saw before falling unconscious was Renee, picking back up her shotgun.
Renee turned to survey the scene. Ando still lay at her feet, in too much pain to be of any worry, and Phantom and Fi were still huddled over Webb, but she wasn't sure if the CIA agent was alive or not. She frowned, wondering what she should do now.
Back in the corridor, Mac watched tight-lipped as Harm had fallen to the ground, and something snapped. No, she couldn't take this anymore. This blonde bimbo had done enough damage to her and her family; she was not going to kill the people she had grown quite fond of over the past few days. This had started because of her, it was because of her Renee had gone completely insane and kidnapped the children. It was because of her Mic had gotten killed and now she had had enough, she did not want anyone else to be hurt!
Mac looked over at the two children, "Ok guys," she spoke softly and calmly to them, her eyes falling on Sarah, "I'm just going to go in and check on your daddy ok?" Sarah nodded happily, then Mac turned to Harmon, "I want you to stay here with Sarah and the Admiral ok?" Harmon nodded slowly, looking not too happy about the idea, but being with Sarah made it look a bit more appealing. Mac gathered them both up in a tight hug as Harmon and Sarah both wrapped their arms around Mac's neck. After a moment Mac pulled back, "Now promise me you both will stay together and not move from this spot."
"We promise." Sarah spoke for both of them.
"Ok then, I'll be back in a second." Mac gave them both a small smile, and then kissed the top of Harmons head. She shot a quick look at the Admiral, who gave a her a tight smile of reassurance, then Mac got up and moved to the swinging doors that lead into the room Renee had taken control of. She stood there for a few seconds, taking a couple of deep breaths. 'Ok Mackenzie lets do this, show her what happens when you mess with my little boy, my lover and most of all a marine!' With that Mac pushed both of the doors open, making a grand entrance to the chaos that had just unfolded. Mac walked into the room with a smug look on her face and her head held high. She forced herself to think positive - Renee wasn't going to shoot her. As soon as Mac had walked into the room, she had Renee's full attention. Though Renee never moved, Mac could feel her eyes watching her. Phantom and Fi took their attention away from Webb to watch Mac, and Ando managed to get into a sitting position to watch.
"You know Renee, we've know each other for awhile..." Mac started, "Well I suppose we really didn't stay in contact when I moved out here. But it's kind of interesting, because you'd think that with all the time's I've called Harm, I should have talked to you more." She paused, "Hmm, you know I called Harm nearly every night, and if I didn't, he called me, and not once did he mention you. At one point I wondered if you were still married, or if you'd even gotten married."
Phantoms eyes widened, 'God what was the Colonel trying to do? Get us all killed?' She thought, and was about to vocalise her thoughts, but something in side of her made her hesitate.
She glanced at Fi and they shared the same look, then the two girls used the opportunity to get Ando back under some cover. They slowly helped their friend, who they were sure had a few broken ribs, back to where Webb lay, when Ando, through her pain said softly, "If I ever do something this stupid, shoot me."
Mac continued walking slowly towards the centre of the room, her small smile upon her face. Renee still remained quiet, and all the other people in the room were forgotten. "But Harm did love you, don't worry about that." Mac's voice had dropped a few degrees, "But he was never in love with you. That was the problem with your marriage, I'm sure you were in love with him. Did it bother you...? That he married you because he couldn't have me?" She came to a stand still in front of Renee, "I bet there were times when you were making love and he screamed out my name instead of yours. God that must be eating you up inside. I wouldn't know what I'd do if Harm cried out some else's name instead of mine, when we were making love. His hands running all over my body but thinking of someone else. Mac trailed her fingers down her chest, over her breasts, then down her stomach, emphasizing her point, "You know I'm carrying his child?"
Renee finally reacted, but it was so slight. Her whole body tensed and her jaw clenched, denial written all over her face.
Ando, Phantom and Fi couldn't believe what they were hearing. Fi swore to herself that she could see steam coming out of Renee's ears. Ando nudged Phantom, "Things are definitely getting heated."
At that moment, Mac saw Harm move - slightly - but it was still a movement. Renee was standing a couple of metres away from him, so Mac decided to take a chance and rock the waters for one last time. She moved to Harm slowly and when Renee didn't move, she knelt down next to him.
"Mac?" Came Harm's weak voice. "Where's Sar.."
"Shh." she whispered pressing her finger to his lips, "She's fine." Mac stroked his cheek with the back of her fingers, then lent down and brushed his lips with a soft kiss. Even delirious with the pain in his shoulder, he responded to her kiss. Mac deepened it, putting everything she felt for this man into the kiss, and on show. Needing air, she broke away from him slightly, "I love you Harm."
"I love you too Sarah." Harm's lips mumbled.
Finally, Renee snapped. She stormed across and whacked Mac in the face with the butt of the shotgun, "You stupid slut!" she screamed.
Mac lost balance from her crouched position and stumbled backwards falling onto her back. Fi gasped, Phantom turned her head away squeezing her eyes shut and Ando swore lightly to herself. Mac shook her head and slowly got to her feet. She brought her thumb up to the split in her lip the blow had caused wiping it, then looked down at her thumb that now had a few drops of blood on it.
She laughed lightly to herself, "I was so hoping you would do that."
Before Renee could even blink Mac grabbed the barrel of the shotgun, jerking it forwards into Renee's stomach. Winded, Renee let go of the shotgun and reached for her stomach. Mac pulled the shotgun back and slammed an uppercut into Renee's face. Mac then swirled the gun around and cocked it, pointing it straight at Renee. The move took place in the matter of seconds.
"Now, who has the power?"
Renee locked eyes with Mac for a long moment, until she finally conceded defeat, pulling away. Her gaze shifted around the room, panic flashing across her pupils, when suddenly she turned back to Mac, looking her straight in the eyes, as if sizing her up.
"Phantom, Fi, get Ando and Webb out of here." Mac spoke calmly, not taking her eyes off Renee.
Phantom helped Ando to her feet, with a few protests from Ando on the way, but Fi, still on the floor by Webb, shook her head.
"There's no way we will be able to move Clay Colonel, he is bleeding enough already." Her voice shook, and she took a deep breath before continuing, "If we move him it will just make it worse. Looks like we're staying Colonel."
Mac frowned, then thought quickly, "Ok then, Phantom come here."
Phantom, giving Ando a quick pat of encouragement on the shoulder, moved quickly up beside Mac. Mac handed her the shotgun, her eyes still locked on Renee.
"If she tries to exit this building, shoot her."
Phantom nodded, a grin spreading across her face, "My pleasure."
Phantom moved back a few paces to Ando and Fi and watched in anticipation, shotgun cocked.
"Well come on Renee this is what you wanted, isn't it? Since the day I kicked your blonde butt in your own home. Or maybe even before that." Mac fell into a fighting stance, putting her fists up, "So come on, now's your chance." She stood waiting for a rematch with the woman she despised.
Renee smiled wickedly. "Don't think you will kick me like you did last time Tramp, I'm not completely stupid. I've been doing my homework."
"Well let's see what you've got then." Mac said, urging her on.
Ando could feel the tension rising in the room, and wickedly licked her lips.
Phantom grabbed her arm, sensing the other woman's need to release and mouthed, 'Don't' but Ando ignored her. She grinned, then yelled, "Bitch Fight!"
As the last syllable left Ando's mouth, Renee lunged at Mac, knocking her off her feet. Renee pounced on top of Mac, pining her to the ground with her body. Mac instantly grabbed both of Renee's wrists trying to fend her off. Both women struggled against the other trying to get the advantage. Mac got her leg free and with all her might kicked Renee, pushing her off. Both Girls instantly jumped to their feet awaiting the next attack from the other. Renee threw a wild swing at Mac but being the Marine she was, Mac moved out of the way, then went on the attack, hitting Renee with a right jab to her left cheek, then in quick succession a left hook to her ribs.
Renee fell to her knees, her breathing erratic. Mac stood over her triumphant. That was until Renee jumped up, driving her fist upwards with the momentum of her actions. Her fist cracked Mac on the chin, snapping her head back. Mac stumbled backwards, giving her head a shake to fight of the stars now appearing.
Renee came forward again, thinking she had Mac on the ropes, but Mac met her in the middle. Slamming her fist into Renee's body, working the same ribs as before. Renee doubled over clutching her ribs. Her body couldn't handle anymore. Mac took that as an advantage to finish the fight and jumped up, ploughing her knee into Renee's face. Renee's head snapped back and her eyes rolled back into her skull, she fell to the ground out cold.
Mac didn't waste a second as she ordered Fi, "Handcuffs?"
Fi pulled a set of handcuffs out from under her jacket and tossed them to Phantom, who then jogged over and handed them to Mac. Mac rolled Renee over onto her stomach and grabbed her wrists, handcuffing her hands behind her back.
Mac then stood up and let out a long sigh. It was over.
The moment of relief was broken by Fi, who looked like death herself, "Phantom grab my Cell phone out of my bag." Her voice was dead clam, only shaking slightly. Her face however was as white as Webb's, who's eyes were closed. "Call the Ambos. We've got to get Clay to a hospital."
Phantom did what she was told, and made a second call to the police to come and pick up Renee.
Mac collapsed next too Harm. She was exhausted. Not so much in the physical sense, but she was mentally drained. Harm, still drifting in and out of consciousness, seemed to be blissfully ignorant of the past hour, and smiled up at his love, "Heya Nija Girl."
Mac let out a tired laugh, reaching down to kiss his forehead softly, "Heya flyboy."
Harm closed his eyes, then opened again, "Why am I on the floor?"
Mac laughed again, shaking her head, but made no moves to enlighten him. Harm pondered his predicament for a moment, the slowly brought himself to the sitting position, resting against one of the waiting chairs. He brushed a stray bit of hair away from Mac's face, tucking it behind her ear, then gently caressed her chin, turning her head to face him, "Is she gone?"
Mac nodded slowly, then reached down and rested her head lightly on his un- injured shoulder, "She's gone Harm. For good."
Harm reached up and stroked her hair, then they both stood up, intending to check on Webb, who was still surrounded by the three girls, when suddenly Harm stopped Mac.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing Mac." He held her face with his good hand, trailing his thumb down her cheek, "But there is something I have to do before some other psychopathic crazy woman comes through that door and tries to take you away from me again."
Mac grinned, "You mean there are other psychopathic crazy women in your life you've not told me about?" Harm laughed, and he reached down to grip her hand tightly as Mac turned serious again, "I won't let anyone separate us again. I promise."
Harm nodded, "I know that." His eyes drifted down to her belly, and he got down on one knee pressing his hand against it, "This is our child Sarah." He spoke softly, "And no one can take that away from us either."
Mac watched him intently. He was so serious, it almost broke her heart. They had been through so much together, but she resolved, right there on the spot that she wouldn't let anything like this happen again. She would settle down, have Harm's babies, and never have any more troubles.
Harm's eyes drifted back up to her's, noticing the tears that threaten to fall, then he reached into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out a small velvet box. He heard her intake of breath as he skilfully managed to open the box with one hand, then presented the perfect cut diamond for Mac to see. "I know this probably isn't the best time... but all this has made me realise how much time we don't have. How much time we've wasted. Sarah Mackenzie." He said softly, his eyes locked on hers, "Love of my life, and most dearest friend. Will you marry me?"
Mac couldn't contain her tears of happiness, and they fell from the corner of her eyes to trail down her cheeks. She got down on her own knee, holding Harm's face in her hands, "Harm... father to my child, and the man I would risk everything to be with, I have wanted nothing more in this world since the moment I met you." She smiled through her tears, and kissed his lips softly, "Yes Harm. I'll marry you."
Over on the other side of the room, Fi knelt over Webb, his face contorted in pain. She didn't want to admit it, but after one quick glance to his stomach, she knew he was pretty much gone. She still managed to smile at him, mumbling encouraging words.
"You'll be okay." She took a deep breath, willing her tears away, but one escaped her eye anyway, trailing down her cheek.
Webb reached up, wiping the tear away with his finger, and Fi's resolve slipped. She choked back a sob, stealing herself to be strong, but the hurt on Webb's face was almost too much for her to bare.
"You'll be okay." Her voice was barely above a whisper, as everything else in the room had ceased to exist. Webb's breath had turned shallow, as Fi stroked his hair gently, "Don't die on me. Clay. Please." Her voice was strained, and she brought her head so close to his, "I need you." She kissed his lips softly, and Webb put his remaining strength into returning the kiss. As Fi pulled away, their eyes locked, and Webb put all the conviction he could into the look, unable to say how he really felt. Fi gripped Webb's hand tight with her other hand, her ragged breathing slowing to match Webb's sporadic ones. His eyes fluttered shut, and his grip tightened on hers, before his last breath escaped his lungs and his body relaxed. Fi broke into tears, leaning her body over that of her dead love as it was racked with sobs.
Phantom and Ando watched Webb's last moments, and their hearts went out to their friend. Silently they moved beside her, lending their silent comfort to the distraught woman.
Moments later the ambulance and police pulled up, taping up Ando's ribs and carting Webb's body from the scene, while the coppers took Renee into custody. While Fi managed to put a hold on her emotions for the time being, all three girls were very subdued, sitting silently together. The doctor had managed to re-do Harms stiches, but warned about any extra activity, urging him to return to the hospital. Harm declined, wanting more then ever now just to return to the States. His only worry was Phantom, and if the grieving woman was up too the task of flying them home, but when he approached them, all three girls had seemingly slipped a mask of steel over their faces, and their stony glances told him they would do anything required of them, without the latest tragedy interfering.
"I'm sorry." He told them softly, his hand gripped tightly in Mac's. Webb had been their friend too, however distant the relationship had been, and they had their own grief to get over. Only Fi acknowledged that he'd said anything, nodding her head in acceptance. Her eyes were red, and every so often her face would break and a tear would slip, but she fought with everything inside of her to keep in control.
Phantom sat next to Fi, her arm around the girl's shoulders, offering comfort to her dear friend, but the look on her face showed she was trying very hard to stay focused. Phantom knew she had to fly the Colonel and Captain home, she could not let her cool exterior slip now, and pushed her emotions somewhere deep inside, so she could bring them out to deal with later. But Ando on the other hand was leaning against a window, he gaze locked on something outside. Harm's words of comfort just rebounded off her, not even picking up on her radar that someone had spoken to her. Fi looked up at her, she knew what she was doing, closing herself off to everyone, and everything. Ando didn't deal with her emotions very well, wanted to push them away and pretend they never existed. She preferred to stay hidden behind her brick wall that she had built up for herself.
Fi closed her eyes and more tears made their way down her face. Even through her own grief, she knew she hadn't been the only one who loved Webb. Even if Ando and Phantom hadn't quite loved him the same way, he had been family to them all. Fi knew that even if at the moment it looked like Ando and Phantom where following the same paths, blocking the hurt out and ignoring it, Phantom would eventually come to terms with it in her own time. Ando couldn't.
Phantom pulled Fi tighter, not knowing what else to do. Fi was like the two military girls in so many ways, only letting a select few into the circle that she called friend, but Webb had won her heart very early on, and no one had made her smile like he had. Phantom was desperate to let Fi know that she was there, that she wasn't alone, but just couldn't vocalise it. Mac and Harm just stood there looking at the two girls, not knowing what to say or do. They both were eager to get home, but the girls deserved to have some time to process everything.
Suddenly there was a sudden smash, and the whole room was jarred out of their sombre silence. All four heads whipped around to see the window that Ando had been leaning against shattered. Ando was still pulling her fist out of the debris when Phantom cursed.
"Jesus Ando!"
Ando ignored Phantom, her eyes fixated on the tiny cuts all over her hand. She watched the blood run down her arm and drip slowly on the floor. In- between her index and middle finger a large piece of glass was wedge, and without flinching she reached to pulled it out. Then she looked up at Fi, hopelessness in her eyes. The fact that she couldn't control what was happening shining through. She looked like an innocent child, not understanding the situation. Before the first tear could fall she ran from the room and out onto the run wall. Fi squeezed her eyes shut, a small whimper escaping her throat. She had been drawing on Phantom and Ando's silent strength to keep in control, to see Ando loose it like that was enough to make her almost hysterical.
Phantom watched Ando run out, her eyes wide with worry. She knew she couldn't leave Fi in her state, but leaving Ando alone at the moment could prove fatal. Mac watched the indecisions scroll across Phantoms face and took a deep breath.
"I'll go." She gave a small smile to Phantom.
"Thanks." Phantom sighed.
Mac squeezed Harm's hand once more then let go of it and went in search of Ando. Harm watched her leave, and couldn't understand how Mac could have bonded so much with these three girls, when she had only spent a week with them. Maybe it was a girl thing or maybe it was because they were all in the same boat: four women challenging to excel in a supposed 'Man's World'.
Mac exited the waiting room and stepped out onto the tar mat, looking around her surroundings in search of Ando. She spotted her standing next to the plane that they were to fly home in. Mac slowly approached, not knowing what type of emotional state she was in. When she was almost able to reach out and touch her, Ando looked up, almost startling Mac. Unleashed tears building up in Ando eyes, and Mac could see the battle that was going on to keep them like that.
Neither of them spoke and the silence dragged on, until Mac decided to attempt to get her to open up. "You know, I've known Clay for about 8 years and he has always done good by us.... even with his little schemes he got us involved with. He was a good friend." Mac paused to check Ando's reaction, but the younger woman just looked at her impassively, the silence drifting out.
Mac was about to continue, but then Ando spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I met Clay when I was 18, did I tell you that? I'd just left home.. God I was still only a kid, and I didn't have anyone." She bit her bottom lip, "'Cept for Kat and Fi,"
That was the first time Mac had heard Ando called Phantom by her first name, but she didn't comment on it, and Ando continued.
"But all that didn't matter after I met Clay, he was my family. He brought me everything I have ever wanted and helped me out without a second thought. My Corvette, he brought that for me on my 20th birthday. My Sniper rifle he brought that for me too, when I got put in command of my reconnaissance unit." Ando looked up at Mac and smiled sadly, "I remember the day I told him that. His face just turned into this huge grin then he hugged me," Ando looked up to a point somewhere above Mac's head, as if she was no longer their, "I've never seen him hug anyone else... Before or after. And then... after he hugged me, he looked at me and spoke these five words that I'd never heard before. He said, 'I'm so proud of you.' And you know I'd never heard that off my folks... But Clay.. he wouldn't have even had to of said it, because I just knew that that's what he was feeling. That he meant it." Ando stopped again and closed her eyes, as tears trailed down her face. She opened her eyes back up and looked at Mac, who also had tears trailing down her face, but she didn't even stop to conceal them, there was just too much pain and hurt there.
"And now he's gone."
Mac instantly grabbed the girl and pulled her into her arms as she broke out into sobs. Ando fought against it but gave in to the feeling of comfort and held on to Mac as if she were lifeline.
"It hurts so bad." She sobbed.
"I know sweetie, I know." Mac whispered to Ando. At that point Ando's legs gave way and Mac and Ando fell down onto their knees, but Mac held tight to the young Marine. As Ando poured her heart onto Mac's shoulder, Mac promised herself she would keep a close eye on these girls, till the day she died.
Phantom looked back out the broken window, to check on Ando and Mac. She watched as Mac pull Ando into her arms, and knew that Ando had let Mac in. In the years they had been friends, for Ando to do this was very rare, but Phantom was glad that she had, even just that little bit. Phantom's throat jumped into her mouth when Mac and Ando collapsed to their knees, but Mac held fast onto Ando, and she relaxed a little.
Harm stood in awe, as he watched Mac tame Ando and even pull her into a hug. She has so much love to give, Harm thought to himself.
Fi had been quiet since Mac had left the building, and suddenly pulled herself out of Phantoms tight grip and stood up, "Well you should get the Colonel and Captain home." She spoke to Phantom softly.
Phantom looked up at her, concerned, but Fi had put back on her work face, focused on completing the mission objective.
Phantom sighed, "Yeah we should."
Mac had let Ando slowly pull herself back together and they were both now standing back up again, talking softly, until they both heard a loud cry. "MUMMY!" They both turned to see little Harmon running towards the 2 marines, followed by Fi, Phantom, Harm, Sarah and the Admiral. Harmon came to a dead halt in front of Ando, and then let off a sloppy salute, grinning happily.
Ando smiled, wiping at her tears, thinking back to earlier that day, when they had been left alone in the same room. They had just sat there in dead silence until Harmon had asked if she was a marine too, like his mother. Ando had replied 'yes' and Harmon said he wanted to be a marine too. So Ando had turned to him and said, "Well Private, what kinda marine you gonna be?" Then the conversation had just taken off.
Ando saluted back at Harmon, pushing the last of her grief aside, "As you were, Private."
Phantom started making the last checks before they took off, so Mac turned to Harmon and Sarah, "Why don't you two go and get first pick of the seats?"
Both seemed to like the idea, and Harmon went to board but Ando stepped in front of him, "What's the secret hand shake?" she asked with a shaky grin. "Then you'll have permission to come aboard." Ando extended her hand to Harmon and after a few tricky moves she stepped aside and let him on.
The Admiral boarded next, shaking Fi's hand first and giving her his deepest sympathies. Next Mac shook Fi's hand then pulled her into a small hug, whispering in her ear, "Thank you so much, we will be forever in your debt." They broke apart and Mac gave her a small smile, and then boarded.
"I can't thank you enough," Harm spoke shaking Fi's hand, "You got my daughter back for me. I still know that fact won't make up for what happened to Webb. He was a good friend to me too, I'm really sorry it happened like this."
"Me too Captain." Fi sighed, "But thank you anyway."
"No worries." Harm smiled at her then boarded the plane for the long journey home.
Phantom finished making final checks and turned to Fi and hugged her tightly, then pulled away, looking at Ando, "You know, you guys have to stop using me as the backbone of this operation. I can't take the strain."
Ando smiled at her friend, giving her a friendly slap on the back, "You're doing fine Phantom. When you end up on the floor a blubbering mess, we'll know it's time we took better care of you." She then turned to hug Fi, who suddenly couldn't find words.
She didn't need any. She and Ando both knew what the other was feeling, and there would be time later for them to express it. Ando boarded the plane, and Phantom hugged Fi once more, whispering softly, "We'll be back."
Fi hung on to her friend for dear life, then slowly pulled herself away. She moved away from the plane, hugging herself, watching as her friends disappeared and she was once again alone.
Inside of the plane, Harm and Mac watched as Phantom disappeared inside the cockpit, and Ando as she sat herself down and closed her eyes. Neither woman would speak or move for the rest of the flight.
The two JAG officers secured their children in their seatbelts, and then sank slowly to their own chairs, their hands gripped tightly. The Admiral, trying to keep himself scarce, moved to the back of the plane, dealing with his own emotions about Webb's end.
Harm turned to the woman he loved, the woman he would spend the rest of his days with, and put his arm around her shoulder, "Hey how did you get Ando to open up to you like that?"
Mac gave a little laugh, "It's a Marine thing."
Harm gave her one of his flyboy grins, satisfied with that answer for now, then they both fell silent again. For a few minutes they both said nothing, until Harm turned to Mac again. "It's over now." he told her softly, his penetrating gaze reaching inside of her, "It's the end."
"No." Mac gripped his hand and smiled, "It's only the beginning."
------ ~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~ ------
Okay.. So THAT was a cliché and a half... . BUT. Omg I can finally do this!!!
THE END!!!!
~**~ In regards too Webb dying - to everyone who's seen the season 8 season final we have three words: "That'll teach him." :D ~**~ The ending credits roll...
BIG THANKS GO TO -
The 'real' Fi! For letting us borrow her name and her lovely personality to use in this fic, for reading.and re-reading and re-reading and re- reading this fic for us, and her positive feedback! For letting us pair her up with Webb, actually making her LIKE the idea, and then for letting us kill him off!
To Janita! For feeling our fic was worthy of archiving at her site -
And to EVERYONE who has ever read this fic. especially if you reviewed afterwards. :D You are why we wrote it! Because we LOVE to get reactions.. there is no point writing if no one is going to enjoy it. So thanks again guys! SO MUCH!!!
*Nat and Pixie stand at the door. give one final wave. then gracefully step out*