AN: Sorry for the short update. Today is the fourth of July, and we are having a Bar-B-Q today. Thank you for all the reviews. It really means a lot to me. Enjoy the next chapter.
The tension in the room became so intense that you could cut it with a knife. Mac looked at Harm and silently pleaded with him to save her. She wasn't ready to deal with Sturgis yet. She was just too angry with him. She knew she had a right to be, but Harm did say there was something more to the story. She didn't want to face Sturgis, till she had all the facts. Harm understood her request immediately, and moved off the bed towards Sturgis.
"Now, isn't a good time Sturgis. Mac just woke up, and she's still needs a little time to adjust to everything. I was just about to go get something for her and I to eat. Why don't you join me?"
Sturgis knew Harm was trying to get him to leave. He figured Mac was pretty pissed at him. He saw the look on her face. He hoped he could talk to her later and apologize for his actions.
"Sure, buddy. I'll wait for you out here."
Sturgis turned and walked out the room. Harm turned back to Mac and crossed the room to her bed. Thankfulness shone in her eyes. Harm was happy to help her. He would do anything for her.
"Ok, crisis averted. I'll go talk to Sturgis and explain the situation. Mac, there is more to the story than you know. I want to tell you, but I'll wait till you're ready. I know finding out it was Sturgis came as a shock to you. I'm going to head down to the cafeteria for something to eat. What would you like?"
They both knew that was a loaded question, and both knew the answer to that question. Deciding not to venture into that discussion, Mac took the safe way out.
"I'm not really hungry, but I could maybe eat some toast and drink some juice."
"Someone call Guinness, Mac isn't very hungry. That has to be some sort of record."
They both smiled at each other. Mac decided that if he wants to play jokes, she would see how he would take the next line.
"Well, I am hungry, but not for food."
If Mac had a camera, she would have taken a picture of the look on Harm's face. It was priceless. His mouth dropped open and his eyes were as big as saucers. He couldn't believe she just said that. Well he'll just have to see how she would take his response.
"Neither am I, but you and I will both need our energy for when you get better."
With that, Harm turned and walked out the room. Mac didn't even have a chance to respond. Not like she could anyway. Her voice completely left her. She knew where she wanted that conversation to end differently that night. She wanted to tell him that she loved him, but neither could get the words out. She started to doubt if they would ever get it right. They had to though. Both there futures depended on it.
Harm didn't get a chance to see the look on Mac's face. He was too shocked that he just told her that. They were playing with fire, and if they weren't careful, one or both of them would get burned. He made a promise to himself. He wouldn't let there be another repeat of Saturday night. He was going to have that conversation with Mac, and he will tell her how he feels. He came too close to losing her. He will not lose her again.
Sturgis saw the look on his face as Harm walked out, and wondered what had just happened in that room. He decided not to got there, and not ask Harm what was on his mind.
"How is she doing, Harm?"
"She a little sore, but the doctor had put her on some pain meds earlier. Her memory is a little fuzzy, but she'll probably remember it all later."
"I couldn't help but sense some tension in the room, when I walked in."
"Uh...yeah...about that. You see. Mac just found that you were the one that hit her. She's a little upset with you right now."
"I see."
"She doesn't know the whole story, Sturgis. She doesn't know you were on your way to see about your dad."
"Oh."
"I plan to talk to her later about it. Just give her some time, Sturgis. She'll come around."
Sturgis and Harm made it to the cafeteria. They ordered their food, but decided to sit and eat there. Harm decided that Mac needed some time to herself to come to grips with everything. Harm knew Mac well enough, that it takes her some time to come to terms with everything. Besides, he wanted to make sure Sturgis was ok. Sturgis had been trying to figure out how to say what was on his mind, and decided the direct approach was the best.
"You know, Harm, part of me was so concerned about how you would react that I didn't even think about how Mac would."
"Why's that?"
"Well, once I saw it was Mac, I just went numb. I couldn't believe it was her. Next thing I thought of was you. I knew how you felt for her, Harm. I know you, Harm. You don't handle things like this well. I also think there was a small part of me that thought I didn't really have to face her yet. I mean, I knew she was hurt very badly. But, I also knew you were not hurt and would be coming to me for answers. I figured, if I could deal with you, maybe you would help me deal with Mac. Does that make any sense?"
"I can see your point, Sturgis. It kind of makes sense, too. You've known me for a long time Sturgis. You're right. I don't handle situations like this well. I can't even imagine what I would do if I lose her, Sturgis. I don't even want to think about it anymore. You don't know Mac as long as me. I know she is harder to figure out. I also know your relationship with her hasn't been the best either. Give her time, Sturgis."
"I will, Harm. It's partially my fault Mac and I are where we are. I haven't been myself lately. I've been having a bit of an identity crisis as of late. I kind of took it out on everyone. I was pretty harsh on Mac, too. I called her something I probably shouldn't have."
"I know. Mac told me. Don't worry about it, Sturgis. We all say things to Mac that we will regret. I should know. I do it all the time."
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself, buddy. You'll get it right eventually."
"I hope you're right, Sturgis. I can't afford to mess up again."
"You won't. I have faith in you."
"Thanks, Sturgis. By the way, how is your dad?"
"I'm on my way to see him now. You want to join me?"
"I would love to come, but I need to get back to Mac."
"I understand."
"Tell your dad I will be by later."
"Ok. Take care, Harm. Let Mac know that I'm glad she's awake. Maybe I can stop by later and talk to her."
"Yeah. I'll see what I can do. See you later, Sturgis."
"Bye."
Harm and Sturgis went their separate ways. Sturgis made it to his father's room when he heard voices inside. He knocked and poked his head in. Inside were AJ, Bud, and Harriet. He wondered where they went off to.
"Mind if I join the party?
"Of course not, son. Come on in. AJ, Bud and Harriet just stopped by to see how I was doing."
Sturgis walked in and nodded at the group. He went up to his dad, and gave him a hug.
"How are you dad?"
"I feel much better now that I get to see you. You don't look so good, Sturgis."
"It looks worse than it feels."
"Have you been by to see Mac?"
"I tried to go talk to her, but I don't think my presence was wanted?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, AJ, I got a look from Mac that would kill."
"Surely she knows the whole story."
"No, she doesn't, Bud. Harm said he never got the chance to tell her yet. I walked in just as he was going to tell her."
"They weren't about to kiss were they?"
"No, Harriet, I don't think so."
"Good, because we interrupted that when we came in."
Everyone shared a good laugh. It felt good to see everyone laughing. They needed to. Laughter is good for the soul.
"Well, Chaplain, I think we will leave you and your son to talk. I think it's time we head to our homes. It's been a long day."
"I understand, AJ. You all take care, and come back at visit anytime."
"We will, sir. Take care."
AJ, Bud and Harriet left the room and decided to go get some dinner. Neither could remember the last time they ate. Sturgis, meanwhile, sat down next to his dad.
"So how are you really doing, Sturgis?"
"I'm not really sure dad. It's still just so new to me. I can't believe the last 24 hours happened. First, you have a heart attack, and then I hit Mac. I don't know what to think."
"Take it one thing at the time. Try not to blame yourself. Everything happens for a reason. We may not understand it at the time, but it will show itself when it's ready."
"I hope you're right, dad. I don't see the reason for all this."
Sturgis and his father continued to talk while Harm made it back to Mac's room. He walked in and found her asleep. She looked so beautiful, that he didn't want to wake her. He sat in the chair and watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful. It was hard to believe that just a few hours ago, she was on her deathbed. He didn't want to think about it. I still was so fresh in his mind. He could still feel the lost he felt when Mac flatlined. Tears he didn't know were present flowed freely. He was so lost in his memories that he didn't realize Mac had woken up and was looking at him. She thought he looked so sad and lost. She didn't have trouble figuring out what he was crying about. She was still a little taken aback to see him cry. She could count on one hand the number of times he had cried. She did her own share of crying while he was gone. She cried about what she would have lost if she didn't wake up. She didn't want to think about it anymore. The memories were too painful. She decided that Harm didn't need to think about it now. They should be enjoying being together and celebrating life, not stuck on "what if" scenarios. She reached over and touched his arm.
"Harm?"
Startled, Harm looked at her.
"Hey. I didn't know you were awake."
"I've been up for a couple of minutes. Are you ok?"
"I should be asking you that question."
"I know, but you're crying."
"You've been crying too. Your eyes are a little puffy/"
"Yes, I have. I've been thinking about the events of the last 24 hours."
"Me, too. I can't believe all this has happened."
"I know. I don't want to think about it anymore."
"Well, what's on your mind then?"
"That food on that tray interests me."
"Well it's good to see that your appetite is coming back."
"Yeah. It's doesn't take long for it to come back."
"Well, let me feed you. There's nothing worse than a hungry marine."
"Watch it, squid."
"Ok. Ok. I give. It's no fun when you can't really fight back."
"Well, we'll just have to wait till I get better, and then we can have a real good fight."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"So are you going to feed me or what?"
"Aye, aye ma'am."
Harm brought the tray over to Mac's bed. It felt so good to be talking like this again. Neither wanted it to end. Why should it end? Why can't it always be like this? These questions plagued their minds, but neither anted to discuss it. At least, not yet.
"So how's Sturgis?"
"You really want to know?"
"Yes, Harm. I had a chance to think about it, Harm. I'm still angry with him, but I want to hear the whole story."
"Mac, Sturgis' dad had a heart attack. He got a call from the hospital, while on his way to drop off the car. He was trying to get to the hospital as fast as he can. He wasn't paying attention very good attention, and that's when he hit you."
"Oh my God. Is his dad ok?"
"For what I know, he's ok. They gave him something to dissolve the clots. Sturgis was on his was to see him when I came back to you."
"I'm glad I decided to hear the whole story, before tearing into Sturgis."
"Me too, Mac."
"He must really feel awful."
"He does. He never expected any of this to happen."
"Nobody does, Harm. That's why they are called accidents."
"You know. You are taking this rather well."
"Hey. Give a girl a break. I had some time to think about the events of the night, and I realize that maybe this is a blessing in disguise. I'm not saying I wanted to get into a car accident, but look where it got us. Harm, I haven't been this comfortable with you for a long time."
"I know what you mean, Mac. Almost losing you had brought a little clarity to my life. I look at things differently now. I know what it's like to almost lose the most important thing in my life, and I'll be damned if I'll let it happen again."
This was a conversation neither thought they could have, but it was a conversation neither wanted to finish here. They wanted to have this conversation when Mac was better, and they could have it without having to worry where it would take them.
"Harm?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you hold me, tonight? I don't want to sleep alone tonight."
"I'll do whatever you want me to do, Mac. I would nothing more than to hold you in my arms. Maybe then I will realize that you finally came back to be."
"Well come over here, sailor, and feel that I am here to stay."
"Aye, aye, ma'am."
Harm walked over and crawled into bed with Mac. He knew he probably shouldn't be in bed with her, but he couldn't help it. He wanted to feel her next to him just as much as she wanted to feel him. He had already talked to the doctor and got the ok to stay with her as long as he wanted. He slid next to her and carefully wrapped his arms around her. She nuzzled into his next and breathed in his scent. She could never tire of his scent. With a sigh, Mac let sleep capture her. She didn't even here Harm's words as she drifted off.
"Goodnight, Sarah. Pleasant dreams. I love you."
With that, Harm followed Mac into the dream world. Both content to sleep in the arms of the one they love.
Well there it is. I hope you enjoy it. For all you shippers, I will have Harm and Mac kiss soon. There is a reason why I haven't yet. Now all you have to do it hit the little lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)
The tension in the room became so intense that you could cut it with a knife. Mac looked at Harm and silently pleaded with him to save her. She wasn't ready to deal with Sturgis yet. She was just too angry with him. She knew she had a right to be, but Harm did say there was something more to the story. She didn't want to face Sturgis, till she had all the facts. Harm understood her request immediately, and moved off the bed towards Sturgis.
"Now, isn't a good time Sturgis. Mac just woke up, and she's still needs a little time to adjust to everything. I was just about to go get something for her and I to eat. Why don't you join me?"
Sturgis knew Harm was trying to get him to leave. He figured Mac was pretty pissed at him. He saw the look on her face. He hoped he could talk to her later and apologize for his actions.
"Sure, buddy. I'll wait for you out here."
Sturgis turned and walked out the room. Harm turned back to Mac and crossed the room to her bed. Thankfulness shone in her eyes. Harm was happy to help her. He would do anything for her.
"Ok, crisis averted. I'll go talk to Sturgis and explain the situation. Mac, there is more to the story than you know. I want to tell you, but I'll wait till you're ready. I know finding out it was Sturgis came as a shock to you. I'm going to head down to the cafeteria for something to eat. What would you like?"
They both knew that was a loaded question, and both knew the answer to that question. Deciding not to venture into that discussion, Mac took the safe way out.
"I'm not really hungry, but I could maybe eat some toast and drink some juice."
"Someone call Guinness, Mac isn't very hungry. That has to be some sort of record."
They both smiled at each other. Mac decided that if he wants to play jokes, she would see how he would take the next line.
"Well, I am hungry, but not for food."
If Mac had a camera, she would have taken a picture of the look on Harm's face. It was priceless. His mouth dropped open and his eyes were as big as saucers. He couldn't believe she just said that. Well he'll just have to see how she would take his response.
"Neither am I, but you and I will both need our energy for when you get better."
With that, Harm turned and walked out the room. Mac didn't even have a chance to respond. Not like she could anyway. Her voice completely left her. She knew where she wanted that conversation to end differently that night. She wanted to tell him that she loved him, but neither could get the words out. She started to doubt if they would ever get it right. They had to though. Both there futures depended on it.
Harm didn't get a chance to see the look on Mac's face. He was too shocked that he just told her that. They were playing with fire, and if they weren't careful, one or both of them would get burned. He made a promise to himself. He wouldn't let there be another repeat of Saturday night. He was going to have that conversation with Mac, and he will tell her how he feels. He came too close to losing her. He will not lose her again.
Sturgis saw the look on his face as Harm walked out, and wondered what had just happened in that room. He decided not to got there, and not ask Harm what was on his mind.
"How is she doing, Harm?"
"She a little sore, but the doctor had put her on some pain meds earlier. Her memory is a little fuzzy, but she'll probably remember it all later."
"I couldn't help but sense some tension in the room, when I walked in."
"Uh...yeah...about that. You see. Mac just found that you were the one that hit her. She's a little upset with you right now."
"I see."
"She doesn't know the whole story, Sturgis. She doesn't know you were on your way to see about your dad."
"Oh."
"I plan to talk to her later about it. Just give her some time, Sturgis. She'll come around."
Sturgis and Harm made it to the cafeteria. They ordered their food, but decided to sit and eat there. Harm decided that Mac needed some time to herself to come to grips with everything. Harm knew Mac well enough, that it takes her some time to come to terms with everything. Besides, he wanted to make sure Sturgis was ok. Sturgis had been trying to figure out how to say what was on his mind, and decided the direct approach was the best.
"You know, Harm, part of me was so concerned about how you would react that I didn't even think about how Mac would."
"Why's that?"
"Well, once I saw it was Mac, I just went numb. I couldn't believe it was her. Next thing I thought of was you. I knew how you felt for her, Harm. I know you, Harm. You don't handle things like this well. I also think there was a small part of me that thought I didn't really have to face her yet. I mean, I knew she was hurt very badly. But, I also knew you were not hurt and would be coming to me for answers. I figured, if I could deal with you, maybe you would help me deal with Mac. Does that make any sense?"
"I can see your point, Sturgis. It kind of makes sense, too. You've known me for a long time Sturgis. You're right. I don't handle situations like this well. I can't even imagine what I would do if I lose her, Sturgis. I don't even want to think about it anymore. You don't know Mac as long as me. I know she is harder to figure out. I also know your relationship with her hasn't been the best either. Give her time, Sturgis."
"I will, Harm. It's partially my fault Mac and I are where we are. I haven't been myself lately. I've been having a bit of an identity crisis as of late. I kind of took it out on everyone. I was pretty harsh on Mac, too. I called her something I probably shouldn't have."
"I know. Mac told me. Don't worry about it, Sturgis. We all say things to Mac that we will regret. I should know. I do it all the time."
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself, buddy. You'll get it right eventually."
"I hope you're right, Sturgis. I can't afford to mess up again."
"You won't. I have faith in you."
"Thanks, Sturgis. By the way, how is your dad?"
"I'm on my way to see him now. You want to join me?"
"I would love to come, but I need to get back to Mac."
"I understand."
"Tell your dad I will be by later."
"Ok. Take care, Harm. Let Mac know that I'm glad she's awake. Maybe I can stop by later and talk to her."
"Yeah. I'll see what I can do. See you later, Sturgis."
"Bye."
Harm and Sturgis went their separate ways. Sturgis made it to his father's room when he heard voices inside. He knocked and poked his head in. Inside were AJ, Bud, and Harriet. He wondered where they went off to.
"Mind if I join the party?
"Of course not, son. Come on in. AJ, Bud and Harriet just stopped by to see how I was doing."
Sturgis walked in and nodded at the group. He went up to his dad, and gave him a hug.
"How are you dad?"
"I feel much better now that I get to see you. You don't look so good, Sturgis."
"It looks worse than it feels."
"Have you been by to see Mac?"
"I tried to go talk to her, but I don't think my presence was wanted?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, AJ, I got a look from Mac that would kill."
"Surely she knows the whole story."
"No, she doesn't, Bud. Harm said he never got the chance to tell her yet. I walked in just as he was going to tell her."
"They weren't about to kiss were they?"
"No, Harriet, I don't think so."
"Good, because we interrupted that when we came in."
Everyone shared a good laugh. It felt good to see everyone laughing. They needed to. Laughter is good for the soul.
"Well, Chaplain, I think we will leave you and your son to talk. I think it's time we head to our homes. It's been a long day."
"I understand, AJ. You all take care, and come back at visit anytime."
"We will, sir. Take care."
AJ, Bud and Harriet left the room and decided to go get some dinner. Neither could remember the last time they ate. Sturgis, meanwhile, sat down next to his dad.
"So how are you really doing, Sturgis?"
"I'm not really sure dad. It's still just so new to me. I can't believe the last 24 hours happened. First, you have a heart attack, and then I hit Mac. I don't know what to think."
"Take it one thing at the time. Try not to blame yourself. Everything happens for a reason. We may not understand it at the time, but it will show itself when it's ready."
"I hope you're right, dad. I don't see the reason for all this."
Sturgis and his father continued to talk while Harm made it back to Mac's room. He walked in and found her asleep. She looked so beautiful, that he didn't want to wake her. He sat in the chair and watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful. It was hard to believe that just a few hours ago, she was on her deathbed. He didn't want to think about it. I still was so fresh in his mind. He could still feel the lost he felt when Mac flatlined. Tears he didn't know were present flowed freely. He was so lost in his memories that he didn't realize Mac had woken up and was looking at him. She thought he looked so sad and lost. She didn't have trouble figuring out what he was crying about. She was still a little taken aback to see him cry. She could count on one hand the number of times he had cried. She did her own share of crying while he was gone. She cried about what she would have lost if she didn't wake up. She didn't want to think about it anymore. The memories were too painful. She decided that Harm didn't need to think about it now. They should be enjoying being together and celebrating life, not stuck on "what if" scenarios. She reached over and touched his arm.
"Harm?"
Startled, Harm looked at her.
"Hey. I didn't know you were awake."
"I've been up for a couple of minutes. Are you ok?"
"I should be asking you that question."
"I know, but you're crying."
"You've been crying too. Your eyes are a little puffy/"
"Yes, I have. I've been thinking about the events of the last 24 hours."
"Me, too. I can't believe all this has happened."
"I know. I don't want to think about it anymore."
"Well, what's on your mind then?"
"That food on that tray interests me."
"Well it's good to see that your appetite is coming back."
"Yeah. It's doesn't take long for it to come back."
"Well, let me feed you. There's nothing worse than a hungry marine."
"Watch it, squid."
"Ok. Ok. I give. It's no fun when you can't really fight back."
"Well, we'll just have to wait till I get better, and then we can have a real good fight."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"So are you going to feed me or what?"
"Aye, aye ma'am."
Harm brought the tray over to Mac's bed. It felt so good to be talking like this again. Neither wanted it to end. Why should it end? Why can't it always be like this? These questions plagued their minds, but neither anted to discuss it. At least, not yet.
"So how's Sturgis?"
"You really want to know?"
"Yes, Harm. I had a chance to think about it, Harm. I'm still angry with him, but I want to hear the whole story."
"Mac, Sturgis' dad had a heart attack. He got a call from the hospital, while on his way to drop off the car. He was trying to get to the hospital as fast as he can. He wasn't paying attention very good attention, and that's when he hit you."
"Oh my God. Is his dad ok?"
"For what I know, he's ok. They gave him something to dissolve the clots. Sturgis was on his was to see him when I came back to you."
"I'm glad I decided to hear the whole story, before tearing into Sturgis."
"Me too, Mac."
"He must really feel awful."
"He does. He never expected any of this to happen."
"Nobody does, Harm. That's why they are called accidents."
"You know. You are taking this rather well."
"Hey. Give a girl a break. I had some time to think about the events of the night, and I realize that maybe this is a blessing in disguise. I'm not saying I wanted to get into a car accident, but look where it got us. Harm, I haven't been this comfortable with you for a long time."
"I know what you mean, Mac. Almost losing you had brought a little clarity to my life. I look at things differently now. I know what it's like to almost lose the most important thing in my life, and I'll be damned if I'll let it happen again."
This was a conversation neither thought they could have, but it was a conversation neither wanted to finish here. They wanted to have this conversation when Mac was better, and they could have it without having to worry where it would take them.
"Harm?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you hold me, tonight? I don't want to sleep alone tonight."
"I'll do whatever you want me to do, Mac. I would nothing more than to hold you in my arms. Maybe then I will realize that you finally came back to be."
"Well come over here, sailor, and feel that I am here to stay."
"Aye, aye, ma'am."
Harm walked over and crawled into bed with Mac. He knew he probably shouldn't be in bed with her, but he couldn't help it. He wanted to feel her next to him just as much as she wanted to feel him. He had already talked to the doctor and got the ok to stay with her as long as he wanted. He slid next to her and carefully wrapped his arms around her. She nuzzled into his next and breathed in his scent. She could never tire of his scent. With a sigh, Mac let sleep capture her. She didn't even here Harm's words as she drifted off.
"Goodnight, Sarah. Pleasant dreams. I love you."
With that, Harm followed Mac into the dream world. Both content to sleep in the arms of the one they love.
Well there it is. I hope you enjoy it. For all you shippers, I will have Harm and Mac kiss soon. There is a reason why I haven't yet. Now all you have to do it hit the little lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)