TITLE: A Jag Thanksgiving
AUTHOR: Jag_Pixie
EMAIL: Pixie4@charter.net
RATING: G
CLASSIFICATION: Story, R
SPOILERS: The end of season 8 and all of season 9 are fair game. I also borrowed a tidbit or two from Lifeline (season 6).
DISCLAIMERS: I'm just borrowing the characters for a little entertainment. No copyright infringement intended.
FEEDBACK: Always a plus, never a requirement.
AN: I have noticed that in recent (mid) season 9 episodes, Harm and Mac seem to be getting along... sort of. I doubted TPTB would ever deal with how our favorite pair gets to be friends again, so I thought I would try my hand at it.
ACKNOWLDGEMENTS: My Beta readers are my saviors, as always. This time Melissa saved me from abandoning poor Mattie at the Roberts' house. I thank you, Melissa, and I'm quite certain that Mattie does, too.
SUMMARY: The gang shares Thanksgiving and conversation at the Roberts residence.
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Mac had been working hard all day, and a pile of case folders beside her gave silent testament to her effort. When she finally straightened up from her note pad and rolled the tension out of her shoulders, she realized that she was alone at JAG ops. Once again, she had worked later than the rest of the staff, and the deep darkness of a rainy night beat against her office window. She capped her pen and shut down her computer, her thoughts turning to the coming weekend. Other then her normal chores, she had no real plans, and she was quite frankly dreading the two days off.
She shook her head ruefully. If she couldn't handle two days, what was she going to do with herself over the four day Thanksgiving weekend coming up? Maybe she'd come into the office and work over the holiday. There were always statements to go over, notes to make, and case law to research. At least it would give her something to do besides thinking about Harm. Lately, the challenge of keeping him out of her head seemed to occupy most of her waking moments. Their relationship, once close, had become something she didn't recognize and definitely didn't like. She hadn't heard from him during all those months when he was flying for the CIA, but that didn't really surprise her since they hadn't exactly parted on good terms. Still, she missed him.
As she gathered her cover and briefcase, Mac smiled sadly to herself. Who would've thought that she'd even miss their fights? Nobody was more surprised then she was about that. The exchanges had kept things lively in JAG ops, forced her to push herself, always trying to improve her performance, if for no other reason than to enable her to keep up with Harm and, occasionally, even win one of their skirmishes.
He was back now, but they seemed to exist in a kind of armed truce. Oh, they were polite enough to each other, even friendly on occasion, but things were nothing like they had been a year ago. Back then she had thought they might have a chance together. Now, she wasn't so sure. For the hundredth time, she silently cursed her loose tongue. She'd been frustrated and unhappy that last day in Paraguay, and she'd said things that she'd have been better off keeping to herself. The trouble was, she had no earthly idea how to undo the damage she'd done.
She reached to turn off her office light, but stopped, her hand stayed by the ring of the telephone, its sound harsh in the quiet. Setting down her briefcase, she reached to answer it.
"Colonel Mackenzie."
"Colonel, I'm so glad I caught you," Harriet's cheerful voice made Mac smile. Her friend was so happy these days, and Mac was pleased for her, if a little envious.
"Hi, Harriet. How are you?"
Harriet laughed, "To be honest, I'm exhausted. I'm starting to think little Jimmy is never going to sleep through the night."
"Why don't you let me baby sit tomorrow night? I'll keep the boys, and you can get a good night's rest."
"It's sweet of you to offer, Colonel, but I didn't really call to complain. I wanted to ask you a question."
"What's up?" Mac asked.
"Well, Thanksgiving is coming up, and with baby Jimmy here, and Commander Rabb back, it just seems like we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Bud and I were talking about it the other day, and we thought it would be nice to invite everybody to share Thanksgiving dinner with us. I know it's awfully short notice, but could you possibly come? It'd mean a lot."
"Are you sure you're up to it? I know how busy you are with the boys, and Bud told us about the USO program you've been working on." Mac hoped she could talk Harriet out of this idea. The thought of spending the holiday with Harm in a social setting made her downright nervous.
"Oh, it's not going to be anything big, just a few friends getting together. In fact, if you don't mind, it'd be great if you could bring a dish to share. Maybe a salad?" Harriet sounded hopeful, and Mac didn't have the heart to disappoint her.
"Sure. What time should I be there?" Mac considered what she would bring while she waited for Harriet's answer.
"Um... about 1:00? Would that be ok?" Harriet asked. "We'll have an early dinner, and then I'm sure the men will want to hover around the TV to catch the football games. It'll give us a chance to catch up. We've both been so busy lately, we've hardly had a chance to talk."
"Sure. It sounds like fun. I'll be there." Mac smiled as she finished the call, resolutely ignoring the nervous tension that knotted her neck and shoulders at the thought of spending an afternoon with Harm.
The remaining days before Thanksgiving passed quickly as Mac concentrated on tying up loose ends on several cases before the holiday weekend. Thursday morning found her humming softly to herself as she moved about her kitchen preparing a fresh fruit salad - her offering for the afternoon's festivities. She had decided not to worry too much about the situation with Harm, trusting to fate that the day would pass uneventfully. She presented herself at the Roberts' front door at precisely 1:00, and when the door opened she was greeted by a smiling Harriet and the loud boos of several masculine voices from the vicinity of the wide screen TV.
Harriet smiled apologetically. "Sorry about that. The game started about a half hour ago, and the guys are really getting into it."
"Don't worry about it. It's the Packers and the Lions, right?" Mac asked, earning a look of surprise from Harriet.
"I have no idea. To me, it's all madness. If you're feeling brave, you're welcome to check it out, though. I'll take this to the kitchen for you."
Harriet took the salad that Mac was holding and headed for the kitchen, while Mac wandered into the den. Most of the JAG staff appeared to have made themselves comfortable on the overstuffed furniture scattered throughout the room, but she noticed that Harm was conspicuously absent. Everybody offered a distracted hello to her before turning back to the game. Mac glanced at the screen, and instantly understood their focus.
The Packers had the ball on the Lions' fifteen-yard line. It was fourth down, and they appeared to be setting up to try for a field goal. A small display in the upper corner of the screen told Mac that the game, still in the first quarter, was tied at zero. A heated debate was in progress between Sturgis and the Admiral. Sturgis apparently felt the field goal was a smart move. It sounded like the Admiral thought they should go for the touchdown. Mac found herself siding with the admiral as she wondered why the Packers were settling for a field goal so early in the game. She stayed long enough to see the Packers score, and then decided to see if she could help in the kitchen.
Harriet was basting a huge turkey while little Jimmy cooed in an infant seat on the table and A.J. played with a toy truck on the floor. When he saw her, A.J. flew into her arms, and Mac stooped to catch him, swinging him into her arms for a big hug.
"Aunt Mac! Mommy bought a great big turkey! I helped her pick it out!" His exuberance was contagious, and Mac couldn't help smiling at her godson. It never ceased to amaze her how quickly he was growing, and she found it hard to believe that a year from now he'd be starting school.
"You did? Wow. You must be really proud," Mac said. "That has to be the best looking turkey I've ever seen!" A.J. smiled broadly at her praise, and squirmed in her arms. She let him go and he returned to his trucks, busily zooming them in and out around the table legs while his mother deftly avoided stepping on him and the numerous wheeled toys that were scattered about the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Mac asked, impressed at her friend's ability to juggle the turkey, two small children, and a rowdy football game with apparent equanimity.
"Actually, there is." Harriet answered gratefully. "It'd be wonderful if you could convince A.J. that there are better places to play with his toys than in my kitchen at the moment."
"Aww, Mom. I like it in here. It smells nice," A. J. pleaded from his place under the table.
"Come on, kiddo, how about if we collect all these trucks and take them to your room?" Mac asked. "You can show me your toys and we can play up there for a while."
A. J. considered the idea for a moment before reluctantly nodding his head. Mac helped him collect his things, and together they went upstairs to build cities and racetracks out of piles of wooden blocks. When A.J. wearied of their play, Mac helped him put the toys away, and they went hand in hand to see what the grown ups were doing. They were coming down the stairs when the doorbell rang, and A.J. ran off to see his mother while Mac opened the door to Harm and an unfamiliar young woman. He greeted her with a tentative smile, and Mac raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"Mac, I'd like you to meet Mattie Grace." He turned to the girl, "Mattie, this is my partner, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
Mattie stepped forward, hand extended to meet Mac's, her grip firm and confident, her smile friendly. Mac decided that she liked this girl, even though she was puzzled about her place in Harm's life.
"Pleased to meet you, Colonel," said Mattie.
"My friends call me Mac," said Mac with a smile, standing back to let the pair enter and taking the bag that Harm held. "Everybody's in the den watching the ball game if you'd like to join them. I'll just take this to Harriet in the kitchen."
Mattie's eyes lit up, and she followed Harm to the den. Mac listened as Harm made introductions, deciding that Mattie was remarkably self-possessed for her age. Then she turned and headed for the kitchen, wondering if Harriet knew Mattie. Harriet, however, appeared to be just as puzzled as Mac was, and Meredith, who was busily slicing carrots, had no idea either.
"Oh well," said Mac. "I suspect we'll find out sooner or later. In the meantime, what can I do to help out in here?"
"Meredith and I have it under control, thanks," Harriet said. "I know you enjoy football. Why don't you go join the others in the den?"
Mac had her doubts about things being under control in the kitchen with Meredith helping, but she really did want to check on the game, so she took Harriet's advice. She came in during halftime, interrupting an animated discussion about the relative merits of each of the quarterbacks. She was amused to see Mattie deeply involved in discussion with Jen Coates, the two of them completely oblivious to the rest of the room, and she wondered they were talking about. Little A.J. sat curled in his dad's lap, looking at a picture book and occasionally asking his dad questions. Sturgis, the Admiral, and Harm continued their quarterback debate, completely ignoring the half-time show that blared from the surround sound speakers.
"Wait a minute. He did not!" Mac jumped into the conversation. "McMahon went to Rutgers, not Penn State."
"Are you sure about that?" Harm asked. " I was certain he came from Penn State."
"I'm positive."
"Wait," said Bud, "I've got my computer right here. Give me a sec and I'll look it up."
Seconds later, Mac was vindicated when Bud announced that she was right.
"Hah!" She gloated, grinning at Harm. He smiled in return, and turned back to the conversation. Mac listened for a while, adding a comment here and there, but feeling restless. When halftime ended, she decided to step outside for some fresh air, closing the door carefully behind her.
Most of the leaves were off the trees by now, and there was a crisp feeling to the air. Harriet had decorated the front porch with straw bales, Indian corn, and a scarecrow endearingly attired in BDU's and a huge floppy hat. At one end, an inviting porch swing swayed gently in the light breeze, and Mac went to sit down for a bit, enjoying the slight sharpness to the air and watching a flock of birds pass overhead on their way south.
Her mind wandered back over the past year and she found herself wondering once again what had happened to her friendship with Harm. How, exactly, had they gotten to this awkward place they were in today? They had been best friends for years, and for a while, she'd thought maybe there could be something more between them, but ever since Singer's death, things had been on a downward spiral, and although she desperately wanted to fix it, she had no idea where to start.
"Penny for your thoughts." The familiar voice startled her, and she jumped slightly at the sound that disturbed the afternoon peace. She shrugged a little guiltily, glancing at Harm where he stood leaning casually against a porch railing a few feet away.
"I don't think they're worth that much," she said, smiling. " I didn't hear you come out. I guess I must have been distracted."
"Distracted?" he chuckled. "You were miles away. I've been standing here for a while, and you've been completely oblivious. What's up?"
"Nothing," she said. "Just enjoying the afternoon."
"It is beautiful. Winter will be here soon, though."
"I know. It's time to start thinking about snow tires, I guess." Mac wondered at the inanity of their conversation. There had been a time when they could, and did, talk about anything under the sun. Now, they were reduced to discussing the weather. She sighed and stood up.
"I should get inside. Harriet may need my help in the kitchen."
"Harriet's fine." Harm answered. "Bud's in there helping her now, and Jen and Mattie are fussing over the baby while Meredith and the Admiral play with A.J. Sturgis is so wrapped up in the ball game I don't think he'd notice an earthquake." He grinned. "I was kind of at loose ends, so I thought I'd see what you were up to."
AUTHOR: Jag_Pixie
EMAIL: Pixie4@charter.net
RATING: G
CLASSIFICATION: Story, R
SPOILERS: The end of season 8 and all of season 9 are fair game. I also borrowed a tidbit or two from Lifeline (season 6).
DISCLAIMERS: I'm just borrowing the characters for a little entertainment. No copyright infringement intended.
FEEDBACK: Always a plus, never a requirement.
AN: I have noticed that in recent (mid) season 9 episodes, Harm and Mac seem to be getting along... sort of. I doubted TPTB would ever deal with how our favorite pair gets to be friends again, so I thought I would try my hand at it.
ACKNOWLDGEMENTS: My Beta readers are my saviors, as always. This time Melissa saved me from abandoning poor Mattie at the Roberts' house. I thank you, Melissa, and I'm quite certain that Mattie does, too.
SUMMARY: The gang shares Thanksgiving and conversation at the Roberts residence.
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Mac had been working hard all day, and a pile of case folders beside her gave silent testament to her effort. When she finally straightened up from her note pad and rolled the tension out of her shoulders, she realized that she was alone at JAG ops. Once again, she had worked later than the rest of the staff, and the deep darkness of a rainy night beat against her office window. She capped her pen and shut down her computer, her thoughts turning to the coming weekend. Other then her normal chores, she had no real plans, and she was quite frankly dreading the two days off.
She shook her head ruefully. If she couldn't handle two days, what was she going to do with herself over the four day Thanksgiving weekend coming up? Maybe she'd come into the office and work over the holiday. There were always statements to go over, notes to make, and case law to research. At least it would give her something to do besides thinking about Harm. Lately, the challenge of keeping him out of her head seemed to occupy most of her waking moments. Their relationship, once close, had become something she didn't recognize and definitely didn't like. She hadn't heard from him during all those months when he was flying for the CIA, but that didn't really surprise her since they hadn't exactly parted on good terms. Still, she missed him.
As she gathered her cover and briefcase, Mac smiled sadly to herself. Who would've thought that she'd even miss their fights? Nobody was more surprised then she was about that. The exchanges had kept things lively in JAG ops, forced her to push herself, always trying to improve her performance, if for no other reason than to enable her to keep up with Harm and, occasionally, even win one of their skirmishes.
He was back now, but they seemed to exist in a kind of armed truce. Oh, they were polite enough to each other, even friendly on occasion, but things were nothing like they had been a year ago. Back then she had thought they might have a chance together. Now, she wasn't so sure. For the hundredth time, she silently cursed her loose tongue. She'd been frustrated and unhappy that last day in Paraguay, and she'd said things that she'd have been better off keeping to herself. The trouble was, she had no earthly idea how to undo the damage she'd done.
She reached to turn off her office light, but stopped, her hand stayed by the ring of the telephone, its sound harsh in the quiet. Setting down her briefcase, she reached to answer it.
"Colonel Mackenzie."
"Colonel, I'm so glad I caught you," Harriet's cheerful voice made Mac smile. Her friend was so happy these days, and Mac was pleased for her, if a little envious.
"Hi, Harriet. How are you?"
Harriet laughed, "To be honest, I'm exhausted. I'm starting to think little Jimmy is never going to sleep through the night."
"Why don't you let me baby sit tomorrow night? I'll keep the boys, and you can get a good night's rest."
"It's sweet of you to offer, Colonel, but I didn't really call to complain. I wanted to ask you a question."
"What's up?" Mac asked.
"Well, Thanksgiving is coming up, and with baby Jimmy here, and Commander Rabb back, it just seems like we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Bud and I were talking about it the other day, and we thought it would be nice to invite everybody to share Thanksgiving dinner with us. I know it's awfully short notice, but could you possibly come? It'd mean a lot."
"Are you sure you're up to it? I know how busy you are with the boys, and Bud told us about the USO program you've been working on." Mac hoped she could talk Harriet out of this idea. The thought of spending the holiday with Harm in a social setting made her downright nervous.
"Oh, it's not going to be anything big, just a few friends getting together. In fact, if you don't mind, it'd be great if you could bring a dish to share. Maybe a salad?" Harriet sounded hopeful, and Mac didn't have the heart to disappoint her.
"Sure. What time should I be there?" Mac considered what she would bring while she waited for Harriet's answer.
"Um... about 1:00? Would that be ok?" Harriet asked. "We'll have an early dinner, and then I'm sure the men will want to hover around the TV to catch the football games. It'll give us a chance to catch up. We've both been so busy lately, we've hardly had a chance to talk."
"Sure. It sounds like fun. I'll be there." Mac smiled as she finished the call, resolutely ignoring the nervous tension that knotted her neck and shoulders at the thought of spending an afternoon with Harm.
The remaining days before Thanksgiving passed quickly as Mac concentrated on tying up loose ends on several cases before the holiday weekend. Thursday morning found her humming softly to herself as she moved about her kitchen preparing a fresh fruit salad - her offering for the afternoon's festivities. She had decided not to worry too much about the situation with Harm, trusting to fate that the day would pass uneventfully. She presented herself at the Roberts' front door at precisely 1:00, and when the door opened she was greeted by a smiling Harriet and the loud boos of several masculine voices from the vicinity of the wide screen TV.
Harriet smiled apologetically. "Sorry about that. The game started about a half hour ago, and the guys are really getting into it."
"Don't worry about it. It's the Packers and the Lions, right?" Mac asked, earning a look of surprise from Harriet.
"I have no idea. To me, it's all madness. If you're feeling brave, you're welcome to check it out, though. I'll take this to the kitchen for you."
Harriet took the salad that Mac was holding and headed for the kitchen, while Mac wandered into the den. Most of the JAG staff appeared to have made themselves comfortable on the overstuffed furniture scattered throughout the room, but she noticed that Harm was conspicuously absent. Everybody offered a distracted hello to her before turning back to the game. Mac glanced at the screen, and instantly understood their focus.
The Packers had the ball on the Lions' fifteen-yard line. It was fourth down, and they appeared to be setting up to try for a field goal. A small display in the upper corner of the screen told Mac that the game, still in the first quarter, was tied at zero. A heated debate was in progress between Sturgis and the Admiral. Sturgis apparently felt the field goal was a smart move. It sounded like the Admiral thought they should go for the touchdown. Mac found herself siding with the admiral as she wondered why the Packers were settling for a field goal so early in the game. She stayed long enough to see the Packers score, and then decided to see if she could help in the kitchen.
Harriet was basting a huge turkey while little Jimmy cooed in an infant seat on the table and A.J. played with a toy truck on the floor. When he saw her, A.J. flew into her arms, and Mac stooped to catch him, swinging him into her arms for a big hug.
"Aunt Mac! Mommy bought a great big turkey! I helped her pick it out!" His exuberance was contagious, and Mac couldn't help smiling at her godson. It never ceased to amaze her how quickly he was growing, and she found it hard to believe that a year from now he'd be starting school.
"You did? Wow. You must be really proud," Mac said. "That has to be the best looking turkey I've ever seen!" A.J. smiled broadly at her praise, and squirmed in her arms. She let him go and he returned to his trucks, busily zooming them in and out around the table legs while his mother deftly avoided stepping on him and the numerous wheeled toys that were scattered about the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Mac asked, impressed at her friend's ability to juggle the turkey, two small children, and a rowdy football game with apparent equanimity.
"Actually, there is." Harriet answered gratefully. "It'd be wonderful if you could convince A.J. that there are better places to play with his toys than in my kitchen at the moment."
"Aww, Mom. I like it in here. It smells nice," A. J. pleaded from his place under the table.
"Come on, kiddo, how about if we collect all these trucks and take them to your room?" Mac asked. "You can show me your toys and we can play up there for a while."
A. J. considered the idea for a moment before reluctantly nodding his head. Mac helped him collect his things, and together they went upstairs to build cities and racetracks out of piles of wooden blocks. When A.J. wearied of their play, Mac helped him put the toys away, and they went hand in hand to see what the grown ups were doing. They were coming down the stairs when the doorbell rang, and A.J. ran off to see his mother while Mac opened the door to Harm and an unfamiliar young woman. He greeted her with a tentative smile, and Mac raised an inquiring eyebrow.
"Mac, I'd like you to meet Mattie Grace." He turned to the girl, "Mattie, this is my partner, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
Mattie stepped forward, hand extended to meet Mac's, her grip firm and confident, her smile friendly. Mac decided that she liked this girl, even though she was puzzled about her place in Harm's life.
"Pleased to meet you, Colonel," said Mattie.
"My friends call me Mac," said Mac with a smile, standing back to let the pair enter and taking the bag that Harm held. "Everybody's in the den watching the ball game if you'd like to join them. I'll just take this to Harriet in the kitchen."
Mattie's eyes lit up, and she followed Harm to the den. Mac listened as Harm made introductions, deciding that Mattie was remarkably self-possessed for her age. Then she turned and headed for the kitchen, wondering if Harriet knew Mattie. Harriet, however, appeared to be just as puzzled as Mac was, and Meredith, who was busily slicing carrots, had no idea either.
"Oh well," said Mac. "I suspect we'll find out sooner or later. In the meantime, what can I do to help out in here?"
"Meredith and I have it under control, thanks," Harriet said. "I know you enjoy football. Why don't you go join the others in the den?"
Mac had her doubts about things being under control in the kitchen with Meredith helping, but she really did want to check on the game, so she took Harriet's advice. She came in during halftime, interrupting an animated discussion about the relative merits of each of the quarterbacks. She was amused to see Mattie deeply involved in discussion with Jen Coates, the two of them completely oblivious to the rest of the room, and she wondered they were talking about. Little A.J. sat curled in his dad's lap, looking at a picture book and occasionally asking his dad questions. Sturgis, the Admiral, and Harm continued their quarterback debate, completely ignoring the half-time show that blared from the surround sound speakers.
"Wait a minute. He did not!" Mac jumped into the conversation. "McMahon went to Rutgers, not Penn State."
"Are you sure about that?" Harm asked. " I was certain he came from Penn State."
"I'm positive."
"Wait," said Bud, "I've got my computer right here. Give me a sec and I'll look it up."
Seconds later, Mac was vindicated when Bud announced that she was right.
"Hah!" She gloated, grinning at Harm. He smiled in return, and turned back to the conversation. Mac listened for a while, adding a comment here and there, but feeling restless. When halftime ended, she decided to step outside for some fresh air, closing the door carefully behind her.
Most of the leaves were off the trees by now, and there was a crisp feeling to the air. Harriet had decorated the front porch with straw bales, Indian corn, and a scarecrow endearingly attired in BDU's and a huge floppy hat. At one end, an inviting porch swing swayed gently in the light breeze, and Mac went to sit down for a bit, enjoying the slight sharpness to the air and watching a flock of birds pass overhead on their way south.
Her mind wandered back over the past year and she found herself wondering once again what had happened to her friendship with Harm. How, exactly, had they gotten to this awkward place they were in today? They had been best friends for years, and for a while, she'd thought maybe there could be something more between them, but ever since Singer's death, things had been on a downward spiral, and although she desperately wanted to fix it, she had no idea where to start.
"Penny for your thoughts." The familiar voice startled her, and she jumped slightly at the sound that disturbed the afternoon peace. She shrugged a little guiltily, glancing at Harm where he stood leaning casually against a porch railing a few feet away.
"I don't think they're worth that much," she said, smiling. " I didn't hear you come out. I guess I must have been distracted."
"Distracted?" he chuckled. "You were miles away. I've been standing here for a while, and you've been completely oblivious. What's up?"
"Nothing," she said. "Just enjoying the afternoon."
"It is beautiful. Winter will be here soon, though."
"I know. It's time to start thinking about snow tires, I guess." Mac wondered at the inanity of their conversation. There had been a time when they could, and did, talk about anything under the sun. Now, they were reduced to discussing the weather. She sighed and stood up.
"I should get inside. Harriet may need my help in the kitchen."
"Harriet's fine." Harm answered. "Bud's in there helping her now, and Jen and Mattie are fussing over the baby while Meredith and the Admiral play with A.J. Sturgis is so wrapped up in the ball game I don't think he'd notice an earthquake." He grinned. "I was kind of at loose ends, so I thought I'd see what you were up to."