Course of Love Part 7/9
Disclaimer - See part one for all important information
FLASHBACK
Tuesday July 15
Mac's Apartment
10:34 PM
Mac was sitting in the living room as she waited for Harm to finish his shower. She heard the shower stop seven minutes ago but Harm hadn't walked into the living room yet. "It usually doesn't take him this long."
Mac stood up and walked into the bedroom. She opened the door a few inches. "Harm?" She listened carefully to what sounded like Harm going through something, she fully opened the door and looked at Harm standing in front of her dresser, dressed in his sweatpants and a T-shirt. "Why are you going through my underwear drawer?"
"No reason," Harm said to her, trying to pretend that he wasn't searching through the open drawer in front of him.
"No reason?" Mac crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Yeah."
"Harm."
"Yes."
"Can you please put my panties back in my drawer before I start to worry about you a little bit more than usual." Mac left the room, very confused and concerned about Harm.
"Sure." Harm looked at the black lace in his hands.
PRESENT DAY
"You did what?!" Chloe stared in disbelief.
"Imagine how I felt?" Mac said with a laugh as Harm turned bright red.
"There was a very good reason," Harm commented.
"He came out of the bedroom and I decided not to ask, basically for my own sanity. But the next day Harriet got an earful."
"So did Sturgis," Harm muttered.
FLASHBACK
Wednesday July 16
JAG
1:03 PM
"He was doing what?" Harriet asked, not believing her ears.
"He was going through my underwear drawer last night," Mac repeated softly.
Harriet looked surprised at this new information from Mac. "Was he looking for something?"
"I don't know," Mac said as she took a bite of her sandwich. "You'd think after one month of dating he'd be more interested in trying to get me out of my underwear, not in what's in my drawer."
Harriet laughed. "Maybe he's planning on buying you something."
"Who knows. But I swear something is on his mind."
"Aren't you interested in the reason why he was in the drawer?"
"Of course I am. I have spent eight years trying to understand the mind of Harmon Rabb, Junior. And I know enough that sometimes the best thing to do is just to wait. So till he tells me, I'm writing it off as one of his strange little things," Mac said as she smiled. "Besides, the look on his face when I caught him was priceless."
The two women started laughing again.
JAG
5:12 PM
"Hey, you got a minute?" Harm asked as he walked into Mac's office.
"Sure. What's up?" Mac asked him.
Harm took a deep breath. "I have to cancel dinner tonight."
"Why?" Mac asked, slightly disappointed.
"Sturgis asked for my help on something."
"Okay, you can make dinner up to me later."
"I'll call you later tonight."
"Okay."
Harm turned to leave her office, but stopped at the door and turned to face Mac. "I've got one question for you."
"Yes," Mac said having a feeling about what he was going to ask.
"Did you tell Harriet about last night?"
"Why?" Mac asked with a half smile.
"She has been grinning at me all afternoon, like she knows a secret or something."
Mac laughed softly. "You expected me to keep that to myself."
"Oh. I am going to get you for that one, Marine." Harm shook his finger at her in mock warning.
"Promises. Promises," Mac replied as he walked out of the office.
TGI Friday's
6:34 PM
Sturgis looked at Harm and said once again, "Why did you rope me into this?"
"Because you're the only one who can help me," Harm said. "Plus, you've bought one of these before."
Sturgis smiled with a far-away look in his eyes. "It does look nice on Bobbie."
"My point exactly. I know what I like and I know what Mac likes, so I have a good idea of what I want to buy. I'm sure Mac thinks something is up, especially after last night."
"What happened last night?"
Harm's face started to blush. "She caught me going through her underwear drawer."
Sturgis started laughing. "She caught you. Now that is classic!"
"I'm glad you find this funny. It was your idea."
"Don't blame this on me," Sturgis defended himself.
Harm took a sip of his water. "You told me to check the size of her underwear."
"I didn't say to check it at her place."
"Where the hell was I supposed to check it?" Harm asked, slightly wondering if Sturgis was the right person to help him or not.
Sturgis looked at Harm and wondered about his friend. "She's got to have a pair at your place. You guys have known each other for eight years."
"We've been dating for only one month, Sturgis."
"You're not sleeping together," Sturgis said, not sure if it was a question or not.
"We sleep together every now and then, but we're not having sex."
Sturgis looked at Harm, slightly shocked. "Really?"
"You sound surprised."
"I am. I thought that by now you two would be living together."
"Not yet, but to help us get there is the reason why we're here tonight."
"Right." Sturgis smiled.
Thursday July 17
JAG
9:12 AM
"Good morning, sir. Here's the Miller file and a fax from Norfolk," Harriet said as she walked into Harm's office.
"Thanks, Harriet," Harm said with a smile.
Harriet broke out in a grin. "Sir, can I ask you a question?"
Harm had a sinking feeling about what it might be. "Sure, close the hatch."
Harriet reached behind herself and closed the door. "It's about what the colonel told me yesterday."
"Go on."
"Do you need help?" Harriet offered.
Harm looked at her, slightly confused, and wondered what exactly the two women talked about. "With what exactly?"
"Making sure you buy the right sizes."
"Sizes in what?" Harm gave Harriet a slightly puzzled expression.
Harriet took a deep breath. "Harm, you went through her underwear drawer. You should know what I'm talking about."
Realization hit Harm like a tank. "Oh."
"Bud did that for me once and bought the wrong sizes. It ruins the mood very quickly," Harriet told him honestly.
Harm could feel his cheeks blush. "Harriet, I appreciate the offer. But I have everything under control."
Harriet noticed his discomfort. "Are you sure, sir?"
"Trust me."
Harriet looked at him questioningly. "Okay, but if you need anything."
"I'll see you. Just don't tell Mac that we had this conversation."
Harriet smiled. "It's just between the two of us, sir."
"Thank you."
"No problem, sir." Harriet then left Harm's office.
Harm turned around in his chair and looked out the window and was suddenly struck with an idea.
End of Part 7