Confused Memories

Chapter 17: In which two lawyers argue

Author's Notes: WARNING--this chapter takes a major AJ/Mac twist. If you don't like that, then go 'way. I do realize that the characters are a bit OOC, so before flaming, realize that I do plan on explaining this. Hell, AJ's a man. That should be explanation enough. ;-)

Kitty41--I do see Webb saying that to AJ; their relationship has always been adversarial. And yes, it was AJ who broke Webb's nose. While taping "Gypsy Eyes", JMJ was supposed to punch SC in the nose. SC was off his mark, and JMJ accidentally broke his nose--for real. That has become canon.

Disclaimers and other info in part 1. This chapter is rated R for sexual content.


"Sarah? Aren't you a bit far from the Divination tower?" AJ asked.

She smiled. "Yeah. I couldn't sleep," she said. She looked at him closely. "Actually... there's something I've been meaning to ask you," she admitted.

AJ sat on a bench and watched her intently. "What is it?"

She took a deep breath. "You know I don't remember anything before... well, before," she began.

"Yes, I know."

"Well... I was wondering..."

"What? You can ask me, Sarah," AJ pressed when she hesitated.

"Were we lovers?" she blurted.

AJ's eyebrows shot up. "What?" he asked in shock.

"Lovers. I was wondering if we were lovers," Sarah replied quietly.

"Why would you think that?" AJ spluttered.

"I just keep getting this feeling... that I know you better than I should. That we were really close. And... and..." she paused. "Well, I'm attracted to you." She didn't meet his eyes. "Extremely attracted. And I think that you feel the same." She turned away and trailed her fingers along the smooth wood of the bookshelf.

AJ was silent. His head was spinning. What was he supposed to say to that? "Uh... Sarah, I..."

"I'm guessing that the answer is no," she said, attempting to smile.

"Not for lack of feeling," AJ said hoarsely.

"Then why? It feels so... right," Sarah whispered.

AJ looked at her in surprise. Were these feelings new... or did she actually feel that way about him?

"Mac... I..."

"Mac? Did Clay tell you what he always called me?"

"No," AJ shook his head. "That's what you've always been called--well, for as long as I've known you."

"You mean I actually like that name?" she wrinkled her nose.

AJ laughed. "Well, let's put it this way... you work in a very... male-dominated field."

"Ah," Sarah nodded. "AJ?"

"Yes, Sarah?""This is going to seem very... impertinent... of me, but..."

"What?" AJ asked.

She bit her lip. Nodding like she had made a decision, she walked up to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. Nothing could have prepared AJ for the shock of what happened next. Leaning down, she pressed her lips to his.

Startled, AJ lifted his hands to her hips to keep himself from falling over. Instinct kicked in before his conscience could. Wrapping his arms around her waist, AJ kissed Sarah passionately. He swept his tongue along his lower lip. When her lips parted in response, AJ dipped his tongue inside her mouth, tasting of her sweetness. Sarah moaned, her knees weakening. AJ pulled her into his lap, still kissing her. Sarah ran her hands down his chest, playing with his nipples through the damp t-shirt. AJ groaned and shifted impatiently. Sarah whimpered as she felt his groin press against her soft center.

They broke apart, gasping for breath. "Wow," Sarah whispered.

AJ chuckled. "Wow, indeed." He admired her for a moment. Her eyes were bright, her hair mussed, her lips swollen--and she had never looked more beautiful to him. He frowned.

Sarah narrowed her eyes at the pained look on AJ's face. She took his face in her hands. Looking directly into his burning brown eyes, she said, "This is not a mistake, AJ Chegwidden."

AJ blinked. A sense of déjà vu overcame him.

'This is a mistake.'
'Yes, sir.'

"Sarah, we--"

"No. You listen to me. We are both consenting adults. There is no reason we should regret this."

"You don't understand, Mac. There are rules--"

"Right now, there are no rules. There is just you and me. A man and a woman who desire each other."

AJ was confused. His body was warring with his mind. His body said, 'Screw the rules. We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.' His mind took a safer route. 'You're the Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy. If you don't follow regs, who will?'

"Sarah, I don't want to take advantage of you. If you knew exactly what you were saying--"

She interrupted him again. "I know exactly what I'm saying, AJ. I want you to make love to me."

AJ opened his mouth to speak, but found he couldn't make a sound. He simply sat, dumbfounded.

Sarah giggled. "I didn't think that would come as such a shock to you, AJ." She sobered. "You're not taking advantage of me. I know what I'm doing. I'm a big girl, AJ. I can take care of myself."

"I'm sure you can, but that has nothing to do with this."

"Explain it to me."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

AJ huffed, frustrated. He moved to stand, but Mac was still straddling his thighs. "We want your memories to come back of their own volition. How can they do that if they've been muddied by inserted memories?"

Mac shook her head. "I don't see why we can't do this."

"Ignorance of the law is no excuse," AJ said.

"It's a law that two people who care for each other can't express that feeling?" Mac asked incredulously.

"Yes, it is."

"That's ridiculous."

"Those are the rules, Mac. I don't make them; I just enforce them. Would you have a sexual relationship with one of your students?"

"Of course not! That would be completely unethical, not to mention illegal. The majority of my students are underage! I would never take advantage of their trust like that."

"You see?"

"What? Am I your student?"

"No, but--"

"But nothing." Mac's voice softened. "AJ, please. I never beg, but... please. Why can't we be together? Just this once?"

"Mac..." AJ said.

Mac twined her fingers through AJ's and stood, pulling him up with her. "AJ..." She stepped close to him, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

AJ feel his resolve crumbling. "Sarah, I..."

"Yes?" Mac murmured, sucking and nibbling her way up his neck. She pulled back to look at him.

AJ sighed. "Oh, to hell with it," he growled, bending his head to kiss her.