CHAPTER 10: THE BIG SHOW
After just four days of this same kind of behavior, Harm and Mac were making their coworkers crazy with confusion. One minute the two were fighting viciously and the next they were all over each other. On Friday, they decided to go for it all and end the confusion.
They had planned it all the night before, but there was one little surprise that Mac didn't know about. Harm had gone to the Admiral the day before and let him know that he would need to be transferred. When AJ had asked why, Harm had said that he and Colonel Mackenzie would likely be making things permanent in the near future and that both wanted to keep their careers, if possible. AJ assumed that he and Mac had talked it over, but Harm was making the decision alone, wanting to surprise her. She had the more promising career here at JAG HQ and Harm didn't mind where he worked, as long as he was near her. He had given up his job for her once and he would willingly do it again.
AJ surprised him when he told the Commander that he had already had a hypothetical discussion with the SECNAV and that the SECNAV said that he saw no reason to break up the partners, as long as they were able to get their jobs done. When AJ assured them that Harm and Mac would maintain a professional decorum, the SECNAV had promised that they could both keep their jobs and stay partners. Harm thanked the older man profusely; relieved that the rules of the UCMJ would not be a problem when he decided it was time to marry his Sarah.
His Sarah. Yes, she was finally his. And he was hers. They had both waited so long.
Harm leaned back in his chair and smiled, thinking back over the past week. He never had any idea that just being with her could make him feel so relaxed and happy. All the tension that had been building up over the years seemed to have vanished. She had moved into his apartment, slowly, and before he realized it, half the closet was full of her clothes and all of her uniforms. She had also taken over half his dresser. Mattie hadn't said anything to him about the constant appearance of Mac, she was just glad that her dad was finally happy. He needed someone to keep him in line and also challenge him, like Mac did.
Mac seemed to have flourished because of their new relationship. At first she had just had this glow around her that he couldn't explain, but then it came to him that he was the cause of it.
He had cooked her dinner each night that week and because he wouldn't let her help him, she sat on the counter, just to be in the kitchen with him. She would watch him prepare everything as they talked. They would talk about anything; Harm learned more about her childhood, at least some of the more happier times, and in turn he would tell her more about the days when he was a fighter pilot before his crash that had changed his career and his life. They talked about it all; their hopes, their dreams. They had even talked about their baby deal a little, both assuring each other that they still wanted to fulfill it soon. What was not mentioned were their regrets in life. Neither wanted to bring up certain regrets like almost marrying Brumby, leaving JAG to return to flying or to "spread their wings", Australia, Webb and Paraguay, the list was long but they both just put it all behind them. For once their timing was right and they were both ready to let go of everything and move forward, together.
After dinner, they would both clean up and wash the dishes. Often, this would cause a water fight that was full of laughter and would end when someone kissed the other instead of spraying them. Each night, they would curl up in bed and watch TV for a while until one or both drifted asleep. Harm loved it when Sarah fell asleep first because then he could watch her. Her "Marine mode" face vanished when she slept and he swore that angels could not be any more beautiful than his best friend, now lover, but forever and always his soul mate. He would gently run his fingertips over her features as if memorizing them. Before he would lie back down to sleep, he would always place a tender kiss on her forehead and whisper "I love you" in her ear.
They were both surprised at how much she was willing to let him take care of her. Yes, they were still a team, an unbreakable one at that, working side by side through everything that was thrown their way; but she was finding herself enjoying more and more of his kind little gestures. Things like not letting her cook, or clean up alone, or always opening a door for her. He was just glad that she was letting him.
Each morning, they would both get up early to go running together. She always showered first while he cooked breakfast. They would eat and then he would go shower quickly while she got dressed and ready for work. When he got out of the shower, he would find his uniform laid out neatly on the bed for him to put on. It was a routine that they quickly slipped into and one that made them both feel at ease. Things like that were just coming naturally for them.
Sometimes they would drive into work separately, like if one had to stay later in the day or leave early to pick up Mattie, but for the most part they would always go in together and leave together. Even though they spent some days fighting for the benefit of the office, when they got home whatever had been said, or thrown, was forgotten. Both knew that it was all for the sake of teasing their coworkers.
The sound of the phone ringing interrupted his reminiscing.
"Commander Rabb," he answered.
"Sturgis just got out of court for lunch, you ready?" Mac asked, without any preamble. She knew that soon everybody would be heading out for their lunch break and they had wanted to make sure that most everyone was in the office for when they kissed, especially the Admiral and Sturgis.
"Yeah, almost," he answered. With a couple clicks of his mouse, he sent her an e-mail. It was all part of his secret plan. The SEVNAV had written out his permission to keep them working together as partners and Harm had scanned it on to his computer.
"Hey, I just got an e-mail from you," Mac told him, the surprise evident in her voice.
"Read it," he urged. "Then meet me out in the bullpen."
They hung up and he made his way out to the center of the bullpen, on the pretext of making some copies.
Inside her office, Mac clicked on the e-mail and began to read it. She gasped as she realized what it was. They would both be able to stay at JAG as partners. He had sent her a copy of the SECNAV's written permission. She had been worried when Harm had entered the Admiral's office on Wednesday and hadn't come out for over an hour. He wouldn't tell her what it was about but it had had her worried. She didn't want him giving up his career for her, he had worked too hard to get where he was. She was filled with a growing sense of relief that was quickly replaced by excitement as she left her office and headed out into the bullpen. He had his back to her as he stood at the copier machine.
The timing was perfect; Harriet was at her desk, Sturgis and Bud were in their offices with the doors wide open, Coates was delivering some files to an Ensign, and the Admiral had just stepped out of his office to head out for lunch.
He sensed her walking up behind him and turned around to face her. She had the most beautiful smile on her face, and he couldn't help but grin his patented flyboy grin back at her. Somehow, they knew that everything would all be okay, even after they would kiss.
"I love you," she told him, stepping up closer and putting her arms around his neck.
He, in turn, slipped his arms easily around her waist and pulled her closer. "I love you too."
The words spoken were in a soft tone yet they seemed to get everyone's attention. Their mouths gaped open as they watched the Commander and the Colonel kiss passionately.
Mac was unprepared for the onslaught that she was experiencing. They had kissed countless times before yet this one seemed new and different. Perhaps it came with the knowledge that their relationship was no longer a secret. Harm held her tightly, supporting her, as their lips moved across each other's, tongues exploring known and familiar territory. Harm lost all track of time whenever he kissed Mac and he sent her internal clock haywire. They knew that one of the bet's requirements was that the kiss be at least 30 seconds but they kept it going for at least a minute before their need for oxygen made them pull apart.
Her hands moved down his arms while his rested on her hips, both trying to regain control of their breathing.
"Wow," she whispered so that only he could hear.
He nodded in agreement, unable to form words much less find his voice.
The sound of clapping jarred them back to reality and Mac blushed a little as she looked around at everyone watching them.
The Admiral coughed, silencing the crowd. They all were awaiting his reaction. Harm and Mac turned to look at their commanding officer, still not letting go of each other.
His face was void of emotion but Harm and Mac would swear that there was a little twinkling in his eyes.
"Sir?" Harm asked, uncertain of what was going on in Chegwidden's thoughts.
"It's about damn time," he announced loudly.
AN: At least 100 reviews would be great. Last time I checked there were about 96. That's so awesome, thanks!!
After just four days of this same kind of behavior, Harm and Mac were making their coworkers crazy with confusion. One minute the two were fighting viciously and the next they were all over each other. On Friday, they decided to go for it all and end the confusion.
They had planned it all the night before, but there was one little surprise that Mac didn't know about. Harm had gone to the Admiral the day before and let him know that he would need to be transferred. When AJ had asked why, Harm had said that he and Colonel Mackenzie would likely be making things permanent in the near future and that both wanted to keep their careers, if possible. AJ assumed that he and Mac had talked it over, but Harm was making the decision alone, wanting to surprise her. She had the more promising career here at JAG HQ and Harm didn't mind where he worked, as long as he was near her. He had given up his job for her once and he would willingly do it again.
AJ surprised him when he told the Commander that he had already had a hypothetical discussion with the SECNAV and that the SECNAV said that he saw no reason to break up the partners, as long as they were able to get their jobs done. When AJ assured them that Harm and Mac would maintain a professional decorum, the SECNAV had promised that they could both keep their jobs and stay partners. Harm thanked the older man profusely; relieved that the rules of the UCMJ would not be a problem when he decided it was time to marry his Sarah.
His Sarah. Yes, she was finally his. And he was hers. They had both waited so long.
Harm leaned back in his chair and smiled, thinking back over the past week. He never had any idea that just being with her could make him feel so relaxed and happy. All the tension that had been building up over the years seemed to have vanished. She had moved into his apartment, slowly, and before he realized it, half the closet was full of her clothes and all of her uniforms. She had also taken over half his dresser. Mattie hadn't said anything to him about the constant appearance of Mac, she was just glad that her dad was finally happy. He needed someone to keep him in line and also challenge him, like Mac did.
Mac seemed to have flourished because of their new relationship. At first she had just had this glow around her that he couldn't explain, but then it came to him that he was the cause of it.
He had cooked her dinner each night that week and because he wouldn't let her help him, she sat on the counter, just to be in the kitchen with him. She would watch him prepare everything as they talked. They would talk about anything; Harm learned more about her childhood, at least some of the more happier times, and in turn he would tell her more about the days when he was a fighter pilot before his crash that had changed his career and his life. They talked about it all; their hopes, their dreams. They had even talked about their baby deal a little, both assuring each other that they still wanted to fulfill it soon. What was not mentioned were their regrets in life. Neither wanted to bring up certain regrets like almost marrying Brumby, leaving JAG to return to flying or to "spread their wings", Australia, Webb and Paraguay, the list was long but they both just put it all behind them. For once their timing was right and they were both ready to let go of everything and move forward, together.
After dinner, they would both clean up and wash the dishes. Often, this would cause a water fight that was full of laughter and would end when someone kissed the other instead of spraying them. Each night, they would curl up in bed and watch TV for a while until one or both drifted asleep. Harm loved it when Sarah fell asleep first because then he could watch her. Her "Marine mode" face vanished when she slept and he swore that angels could not be any more beautiful than his best friend, now lover, but forever and always his soul mate. He would gently run his fingertips over her features as if memorizing them. Before he would lie back down to sleep, he would always place a tender kiss on her forehead and whisper "I love you" in her ear.
They were both surprised at how much she was willing to let him take care of her. Yes, they were still a team, an unbreakable one at that, working side by side through everything that was thrown their way; but she was finding herself enjoying more and more of his kind little gestures. Things like not letting her cook, or clean up alone, or always opening a door for her. He was just glad that she was letting him.
Each morning, they would both get up early to go running together. She always showered first while he cooked breakfast. They would eat and then he would go shower quickly while she got dressed and ready for work. When he got out of the shower, he would find his uniform laid out neatly on the bed for him to put on. It was a routine that they quickly slipped into and one that made them both feel at ease. Things like that were just coming naturally for them.
Sometimes they would drive into work separately, like if one had to stay later in the day or leave early to pick up Mattie, but for the most part they would always go in together and leave together. Even though they spent some days fighting for the benefit of the office, when they got home whatever had been said, or thrown, was forgotten. Both knew that it was all for the sake of teasing their coworkers.
The sound of the phone ringing interrupted his reminiscing.
"Commander Rabb," he answered.
"Sturgis just got out of court for lunch, you ready?" Mac asked, without any preamble. She knew that soon everybody would be heading out for their lunch break and they had wanted to make sure that most everyone was in the office for when they kissed, especially the Admiral and Sturgis.
"Yeah, almost," he answered. With a couple clicks of his mouse, he sent her an e-mail. It was all part of his secret plan. The SEVNAV had written out his permission to keep them working together as partners and Harm had scanned it on to his computer.
"Hey, I just got an e-mail from you," Mac told him, the surprise evident in her voice.
"Read it," he urged. "Then meet me out in the bullpen."
They hung up and he made his way out to the center of the bullpen, on the pretext of making some copies.
Inside her office, Mac clicked on the e-mail and began to read it. She gasped as she realized what it was. They would both be able to stay at JAG as partners. He had sent her a copy of the SECNAV's written permission. She had been worried when Harm had entered the Admiral's office on Wednesday and hadn't come out for over an hour. He wouldn't tell her what it was about but it had had her worried. She didn't want him giving up his career for her, he had worked too hard to get where he was. She was filled with a growing sense of relief that was quickly replaced by excitement as she left her office and headed out into the bullpen. He had his back to her as he stood at the copier machine.
The timing was perfect; Harriet was at her desk, Sturgis and Bud were in their offices with the doors wide open, Coates was delivering some files to an Ensign, and the Admiral had just stepped out of his office to head out for lunch.
He sensed her walking up behind him and turned around to face her. She had the most beautiful smile on her face, and he couldn't help but grin his patented flyboy grin back at her. Somehow, they knew that everything would all be okay, even after they would kiss.
"I love you," she told him, stepping up closer and putting her arms around his neck.
He, in turn, slipped his arms easily around her waist and pulled her closer. "I love you too."
The words spoken were in a soft tone yet they seemed to get everyone's attention. Their mouths gaped open as they watched the Commander and the Colonel kiss passionately.
Mac was unprepared for the onslaught that she was experiencing. They had kissed countless times before yet this one seemed new and different. Perhaps it came with the knowledge that their relationship was no longer a secret. Harm held her tightly, supporting her, as their lips moved across each other's, tongues exploring known and familiar territory. Harm lost all track of time whenever he kissed Mac and he sent her internal clock haywire. They knew that one of the bet's requirements was that the kiss be at least 30 seconds but they kept it going for at least a minute before their need for oxygen made them pull apart.
Her hands moved down his arms while his rested on her hips, both trying to regain control of their breathing.
"Wow," she whispered so that only he could hear.
He nodded in agreement, unable to form words much less find his voice.
The sound of clapping jarred them back to reality and Mac blushed a little as she looked around at everyone watching them.
The Admiral coughed, silencing the crowd. They all were awaiting his reaction. Harm and Mac turned to look at their commanding officer, still not letting go of each other.
His face was void of emotion but Harm and Mac would swear that there was a little twinkling in his eyes.
"Sir?" Harm asked, uncertain of what was going on in Chegwidden's thoughts.
"It's about damn time," he announced loudly.
AN: At least 100 reviews would be great. Last time I checked there were about 96. That's so awesome, thanks!!