Title: Life's Consequences
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email:
Rating: PG -13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG or NCIS; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read chapter one. Making the decision to write this was done because I have a hard time saying no to a challenge. So I hope everyone continues to read on and forgives me if I don't get everything about NCIS right, we've only just got it here in Australian.
Winjan: I only wrote this twist to GWDW because of a challenge, but I have to admit I'm actually enjoying bring the characters back to life. As for how many twists I'm planning. This is it. I think I've done enough to last me. Thanks for enjoying it though.
Vickleberry: Thanks for the kind words; I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Life's Consequences
Chapter Two: Life's challengers
Bethesda Naval Hospital: Maryland, VirginiaHarm stood and moved around the room, stretching out the tiredness from his back and shoulders. He'd gone back to work in a need to do something. He knew Sera would understand, so had Admiral Carmichael, who had limited him to half days for the time being. NCIS had found out the hydraulic leads to the front landing gear had been tempered with, someone wanted Sera dead, so the Marine guard remained on duty and so did he - duty to Sera and his son.
Turning back he sighed, the respirator was gone thank God. He hated seeing Sera hooked up to that thing. It was hard enough having to watch her lay there locked within her own mind until she healed enough to come out of it.
"Commander Rabb."
Harm looked, gesturing Special Agent Gibbs and Todd into the room. "Anything new?"
"We found out this morning Gunnery Sergeant Samuel Johns escaped from Leavenworth three weeks ago," Agent Kate Todd answered.
"Sera prosecuted him for murdering his wife," Harm recalled. "He swore in the middle of the court as they dragged him away he'd see her dead."
"You were the defense attorney, weren't you?" Jethro Gibbs stated. He had a great deal of respect when it came to Lt. Commander Mitchell; she was a hell'va good officer and aviator.
"I was."
"There's more and you're not going to like this bit of information," Gibbs declared, seeing Harm give him a curious look. "Palmer is involved."
"Shit!" Harm cursed.
"Thought you'd like that."
Kate frowned at her partner. "We believe Clark Palmer organized this, right down to Johns' escape."
"That I would believe." Harm said with a bitter taste in his mouth.
Gibbs removed a nine-millimeter and handed it to Rabb. "Mackenzie thought you might need it, I've cleared it with the Gunny on the door. Try not to kill anyone unless you have too," he remarked and handed him a couple of spare clips as well.
"I'll do my best. So who went to my apartment to get it?" Harm asked as he tucked the weapon into the waistband of his uniform trousers at his back, pulling his jacket over it and then shoved the clips into the inside pocket of the jacket.
"Mackenzie. Where is your son?"
That stopped Harm cold. "At JAG HQ, he's doing his school work. His teachers sent me his assignments. Mac's bringing him when he's finished," he answered with a dry throat. "Do you think Johns will go after Corey?"
"It's possible." Kate informed.
Harm frowned. "Wait a minute. How did you know Corey was my son?"
Gibbs rolled his eyes. "For a start your listed as his father on his birth certificate and he damn well is the splitting image of you. If we found out that kind of information, then it's clear Johns' can. I'll have someone outside your apartment building encase Johns' comes after you both. I take it Corey is staying with you."
"Yeah," Harm ran his hand through his hair. "Get this son of a bitch Gibbs, because if he comes after Corey or Sera, I'll kill him."
From the look on Harm's face, Gibbs had no doubts he would do just that. He gave a nod. "Lets go Kate," he ordered and they left.
Harm returned to his seat, retaking Sera's hand in his. He'd rung his mother and Frank a few days after the mishap and kept them updated. They loved Sera a great deal; she'd given them a grandson and she made him happy. "I know you can hear me Sera, I really need you to wake up sweetheart. I miss you, darlin. Corey misses you too, we're both lost without you," he stroked her hand with his thumb. "You've made me do some thinking, about my life, my career. I don't want to be a part time dad to Corey any more, Sera. I want to be a full time one. And I want to be a full time lover; I'm tired of being alone Sera. The only time I really feel at home and complete is when I'm with you and Corey. I know I promised Mac I'd stand by her, but I need you to be by my side too, you and Corey." He chuckled a little. "You realize they all think we're engaged, and so far no one's corrected anyone. I suppose I should have, but I don't want to."
Harm's sixth sense kicked in and he spun round, seeing someone he hadn't expected. "Admiral?"
AJ Chegwidden smiled. "It's not Admiral any more Harm, you can call me AJ now," he walked further into the room. "How is she?"
"Better. The doctor took her off the respirator last night."
AJ sat next to Harm. He'd had the pleasure of knowing Sera Mitchell from the time she was a baby and then when he'd been in command of JAG in the pacific, the Arch Angels had been TAD to Pearl for a short time; he'd been proud of the young lawyer/aviator. "How's Corey doing?"
"Better then I am at times."
"Well he's a Rabb and that means he has your stubborn streak."
Harm smiled, amazed. "How is it there are more people then there should be, who know Corey is my son?"
"I've known Sera's father for a number of years, Harm. When he found out I had you under my command while I was at JAG, he told me. He said it wasn't hard, Corey was so much like you," AJ told him. "Keeping it a secret must of ate at you everyday, son."
"It did," Harm said solemnly. "I wanted to shout it to the world, but we both knew it was better that everyone though different."
"Sera will pull through Harm, you've got to believe that."
"I've never stopped believe it," he reassured, and then asked. "How did you know, sir?"
AJ frowned at Rabb. "Ryan rang me and let me know, I got the first flight back."
"Thank you for coming, AJ."
He put his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "You've been like a son to me Harm. One I could of done without at times, but you were. We've been through a lot together."
"And you put up with my shit a lot more then other CO's would have." Harm noted.
"Damn right I did." Both of them laughed quietly. "You've a hell'va good officer Harm and you deserve some happiness."
"Your right and I think I've finally figured that out."
"Well it's about time," AJ stated. "So how is Mac?"
"She's good. She's still working, her treatments don't interfere with work and it looks like she's got it beat."
"That's good."
"Do you miss it, AJ?" Harm asked him seriously.
"Sometimes, it's hard not to, you were my family. But every father has to let his children go sometime."
Harm smiled. "Yes sir, we do."
"Have you heard from Mattie?"
He nodded. "She and her dad are getting on well. She's still determined to go to the Academy and I'll help her all I can if that's what she wants."
"God help us all." AJ mused.
"Wait until it's Corey's turn, then they'll have another Rabb to deal with."
"Son, the Navy is going to be in trouble then," the retired Admiral remarked and they both started laughing again. Keeping it down so the nurses wouldn't be remanding them.
"It's good to see you, AJ," Harm said quietly. "Thank you for coming."
"I may be retired, Harm, but if you ever need me, I'll always be here for you."
Before Harm could thank him again, Mac and Corey came into the room. AJ stood and hugged the Marine; she lingered in his arms glad to see him. Corey shook his hand, before going over to his father.
"How about we get some coffee, Admiral?" Mac offered, having the feeling Chegwidden wanted to talk to her.
"As long as you stop calling me Admiral. I'm retired."
She smiled. "I can do that," she agreed. "Do you want anything, Harm?"
"No thanks."
"We want be long," she assured.
"Take your time, we're fine here."
She smiled again and left with AJ, they went to the cafeteria and sat at a private table with coffee.
"How's Harm doing, Mac, truthfully?" He asked her.
"He has he's good days and his bad days like all of us do."
He reached across the table and put his hand over hers. "And you?"
"More good days then bad," she admitted. "I've had to over come challengers I hadn't before, but I'm handling it."
"What about that deal you made with Rabb?" AJ asked her as he released her hand and sat back.
Mac was surprised. "You know about that?" She saw him nod. "I'd forgotten about it actually, it doesn't matter though. I can't have children."
"I'm sorry, Mac."
She smiled sadly. "I'm coming to accept it. Harm's been great about it of course."
"But he's had enough on his plate to handle as of late," AJ guessed.
She nodded. "But I found out his support service is very good," she mused, covering her grief. "Sera's family is amazing, her brother has been working non stop. His help had been a godsend. So much so, Admiral Carmichael requested him TAD to us for the next couple of months or for how long we may need him."
"I remember when Ryan told me Matt was joining the Marines," AJ recalled. "He said to me; AJ the damn kid wants to be a Jarhead. How in the hell am I going to handle having a Jarhead for a son."
Mac laughed softly. "I can just imagine it."
"But he got use to the idea, then Matt's wife did a runner and left him with a two day old daughter. He eventually changed designators and went back to being a lawyer. Have you meet Emily?"
"Yes. She's a quiet a little heartbreaker, has Bud wrapped around her little finger."
"I'd believe that."
"AJ, the mishap wasn't an accident. A Gunnery Sergeant, Sera prosecuted was behind it, he wants her dead."
He sat back in his seat. "Samuel Johns?" He saw Mac nod. "Damn!"
"You know Johns?"
"I gave Harm the case and sent him to Pensacola to defend the Gunny. I damn well knew he was guilty and so did Harm. He defended the man even so. Though I expect he really only agreed to do it because Sera was prosecuting."
Mac sat forward in her seat. "How did she end up with that job, I've been trying to figure that out?"
"For a start, the Gunny was stationed at Pensacola at the time and all the witnesses to be called were there, it seemed logical for the case to be tried there. I'd heard from Captain Beckett, who runs NLSO at Pensacola, he'd given the case to Sera, he said it was time for Angel to waggle her wings."
She chuckled. "Waggle her wings?"
He nodded. "His polite version of keeping her active in the court room, that and the fact she'd once landed on an aircraft carrier without radio communication from the LSO. She indicated she had no radio by waggling her wings, then she landed with deadly accuracy."
Mac was impressed. "She seems to do everything the same way."
AJ had to agree. "Sera has an IQ over one forty, she finished high school at fifteen and a half and celebrated her sixteenth birthday at the Naval Academy. She completed an engineering degree while there, after graduating she went to law school and finished it two years. Giving birth and recovering from surgery didn't slow her down. After NJS she went to flight school and received her wings, she'd qualified on five different aircraft. She was assigned to the Arch Angels and raised in rank faster then anyone else in the squadron. It's rumored she'll make Captain before she's thirty-five."
"And a long the way she stole Harm's heart and kept it hostage."
"I think he stole hers too, Mac," he told her gently. "Didn't you ever wonder why Harm held back so much?" She nodded and he continued. "He and Sera have had a connection from the moment they met. She volunteered to go TAD to the Henry when Harm was deployed aboard her. She just about drove Captain Church mad when Harm went down in the Atlantic, because they were grounded by the weather at Pensacola. When he resigned his commission to go to Paraguay, she was there when he got back and was at a lose end before going into the CIA. She would have gone to Paraguay with him if she'd been state side when he left. He spent a lot of time with her and Corey between assignments. He even flew with the Arch Angels while with the CIA."
"And he saw them after he came back to JAG, since there's a photo of him and Mattie with her and Corey." Mac stated.
Sighing, AJ agreed. "She was the one he turned to for advice."
"Because I wasn't there."
"Sorry Mac."
She smiled sadly. "It's my own fault, but we've rebuilt our friendship and Harm has been there for me, that's all I asked. He's the best friend I've ever had."
"And he always will be, Mac."
"I know," she played with her know empty cup. "I get the feeling he's going to leave us though. Once Sera is back on her feet."
"It's possible, I've heard Captain Beckett is headed for a promotion and a position at Pearl. If that happens, they'll need a good officer to take over at Pensacola."
"And that officer is Harm?"
He nodded and sat forward. "So I've heard."
"For someone who is retired, you've heard a lot sir," she noted and saw him frown, chuckling.
"I like to keep busy and Ryan keeps me informed about what's going on."
"Especially when it comes to Harm and Sera?"
"Especially when it comes to those two. Sera is as bad as Rabb ever was."
Mac chuckled again. "Angel and Hammer. The dynamic duo in the air and the courtroom."
"They make life interesting Mac, you can't say life with Harm around isn't boring, but…"
"But?"
"Perhaps it's time to move on and I'm not just talking about Harm," he said and then stood. "It's was good seeing you again Mac."
"You too, AJ," she said lost in thought.
AJ just smiled and walked out of the cafeteria.
JAG Headquarters: Falls Church Virginia, Washington DC.
Lt. Colonel Matthew Mitchell sat back in his chair and rubbed the bridge of his nose, it was late, and he should have been at home. It was a good thing Emily was staying with friends at Norfolk; at least he could burn the midnight oil. Even so he missed his light girl. Emily Jane was the bright point of his life, even if she did want to join the Navy like her Aunt Sera and Uncle Harm.
Chuckling he glanced up and saw Mac leaning against the doorframe. "Evening Colonel."
"You can drop the Colonel, Cobra, we're the only ones here."
The sound of his old call sign was damn sexy on her lips. He grinned his best 'flyboy' grin. "You've been talking to my father."
"Your nephew actually," she lent off the doorframe and took a seat. "He was telling me about his Mum's call sign and her tattoo. I asked him what your call sign was."
"I have a tattoo as well."
"Really?" The intrigued her. " And where would one find this tattoo?"
Matt grinned cheekily. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours, Mac."
"Red light Colonel," she said with a smile. "And how do you know I have a tattoo?"
"Harm. Has he showed you his?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Harm has a tattoo?"
Matt nodded. "You didn't know."
"No, when did he get a tattoo?"
"About six years ago, the same time as Sera got hers."
"So what is it?"
Shaking his head he chuckled. "Sorry Colonel, you'll have to ask Harm that question."
She grumbled as she pushed herself out of the chair. "Come on Cobra, let's get some dinner."
"You're on," he agreed and closed down his computer, grabbing his coat, cover and briefcase he followed her out. "Let's go Marine."
She smiled and went and got her own coat, cover and briefcase. They went to a little café she and Harm had found, it was quiet and served good food, they ordered and waited with coffee.
"So are Sera and Sam the only genius's in the family?" She asked him.
"Shawn and I hold our own," he mussed. "I had my law degree before I joined the Marines, after I did I choose to become an aviator."
"Admiral Chegwidden said you changed designators after Emily was born."
He nodded. "I married young, my ex was attracted to the uniform not the man inside it. She liked the distinction of being a Marine Aviator's wife, and all it offered, including other men. Two days after Emily was born, she walked out of the hospital and our lives. Leaving me a note telling me Emily was in fact mine, divorce papers, and fully custody of my daughter," he said, keeping the disgust he felt for his ex-wife out of his voice, but just. "I managed to juggle being a single dad and an aviator for about six months. Finally I had to make a decision and I did, I changed designators and transferred to the NLSO at Norfolk. I stay flight and carrier qualified, which comes in handy occasionally."
"Do you miss it?"
"I do, but then I look at Emily and I realize I have some much and I would have lost so much if I hasn't," he answered her, and then added. "Don't get me wrong, I think Sera has done a good job of bring Corey up and remaining an aviator, he's a good kid and he's going to be a hell'va good pilot one day."
"Takes after both of them there." Mac noted.
"True."
Their dinner arrived and the chatted about work, their friends as they ate. Finally though Matt got up the courage to ask about her, he'd been telling her about him all night nearly.
Mac sat back in her seat. "I've been married, widowed, engaged, in love and left to grieve," she told him. "A long the way I've struggled with my feelings concerning Harm."
"We're you in love with him?"
"No, I thought I was once, but I came to I realize we were better as friends. Being lovers would have just ripped us apart and he's always been in love with Sera, even I can see that now."
"Do you want children?"
She nodded and sadness slipped over her face. "I did, but it's too late now. I can't."
"Medical reasons?"
"Cancer."
"I'm sorry Mac."
"It's okay, the treatments are working and I'm beating it, that's the main thing."
He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "But are you coping with it, being told you'll never be able to have children isn't something you accept right away."
Her fingers entwined easily with his. "I have more good days lately then bad, but it still hurts to see a mother with a baby and know I'll never have that."
"You could adopt."
"I could, but right now I just want to beat this."
"If you ever want to talk about it, you know where to fine me."
"Thanks Matt."
"You're welcome, Sarah."
She felt a chill run up her spin, she hadn't been called Sarah by another man since Clayton Webb, and it didn't hurt as much as she though it would.
They finished dinner and he drove her back to JAG HQ to pick up her car, parking next to her Vette. "Thanks for inviting me to dinner, Mac, I really enjoyed it."
"So did I, we should do it again."
"I'd like that."
She smiled and got out of the car. "Thanks Matt."
He waited until she'd gotten her keys out and was safely on her way before heading home, smiling to himself. By oh six thirty the next morning he was pulling back into the car pack, parking his car next to Mac's Vette. He noticed Harm's SUV wasn't there yet, but that wasn't unusual for Harm. Grabbing his briefcase he headed inside, signing in before he took the elevator up to the right floor.
Lt. Commander Roberts greeted him. "Good morning, Colonel."
"Morning, Bud, how's Harriet and the boys?"
"They're good, Colonel." He said with a smile.
Dropping his briefcase, cover and coat off he went to Mac's office, knocking he went in. "Morning sunshine," he said cheerfully leaving against the doorframe.
She looked up grinning. "Morning Matt."
"Is Harm going to he hospital this morning?"
Mac nodded. "Then he's coming here. Why?"
"I was thinking of going and checking up on my little sister, want to tag along?"
"Sure, any other reason?"
"Well Zapper and the Arch Angels are going to be there this morning. I want to talk with them all again."
"Sure, let check in with the Admiral and go from there." She announced, getting up.
Going to the Admiral's office, the asked Coates about seeing him.
Jen buzzed the Admiral. "Sir, Colonel Mackenzie and Mitchell would like to see you."
"Send them in Coates."
"You can go in Ma'am, sir."
Nodded they did so, standing before the Admiral's desk. He turned from the windows, his arms folding against his chest. "How is the Mitchell case coming along?"
"It's slow sir, Gunnery Sergeant Johns seems to have disappeared completely," Mac reported. "The Colonel and I are going to head over to Bethesda and talk to the members of the Arch Angels again."
Carmichael unfolded his arms and gripped his chair. "I just spoke to the SecNav. NCIS is taking over the case, you're to hand over any evidence and all your files to Special Agent Gibbs."
"But sir." Matt spoke up.
"No buts Colonel. The case is being handled by NCIS and that's all there is to it," the Admiral said sternly. Then signed. "I don't like it either Matt, but we have our orders."
"So we're not to talk to the Arch Angels?" Mac asked.
"Colonel did I say you couldn't talk to them?"
"No sir."
"Then you have your answer. Gibbs will be at the hospital, make the change over painless, please."
"Yes sir," both said quickly.
"Dismissed."
Turning both left the office, not seeing the smirk on the Admiral's face. They gathered all the evidence and files and headed for Bethesda, taking his car.
"I have a feeling this isn't over, Johns is just waiting for things to settle down," Mac stated as they drove.
Matt agreed with her. "I have the same feeling."
"When are the Angels arriving?"
"They should have landed at Andrews and be on their way, Captain Church arranged for them all to be here today."
"The hospital's not going to like it."
"True but they've promised to behave," he said with a grin and they both laughed.
At the hospital, they went straight to ICU, being greeted by the duty nurse, who seemed to have her hands full Arch Angels.
"Ma'am, Sir."
Matt shook his head. "Attention on Deck!" He called in a strong voice and all the aviators snapped too, becoming quiet. "This is a hospital, not an OC, you will be respectful to the rules. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," all acknowledged.
"Now where is Captain Church?"
"In with Commander Rabb, sir." A woman informed.
Mac knew her. "Lt. Commander Hawks."
Elizabeth Hawks nodded. "Ma'am."
Matt knew them all too. "Until he requests you, you will all leave ICU and proceed to the cafeteria, where you will behave yourselves or face disciplinary action. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," they acknowledged again.
"Dismissed."
Quietly they left the ICU, much to the relief of the duty nurse. "Thank you sir."
"You're welcome Lieutenant," he said with a smile, and then guided Mac away.
"You never mentioned one of the Arch Angels is a Marine," she exposed.
"They're the only Navy squadron to have a Marine Major among them," he said proudly. "Sorry I thought you knew."
"No."
Captain Church eyed them suspiciously. "Did I just hear you address my officers, Lt. Colonel?"
"Yes sir, I did. All are on their way to the cafeteria at this very moment." Matt answered him.
"Very well.
Harm chuckled; he was in uniform, ready to go to work. Corey was on the other side of the bed; he was going with his dad to continue with his schoolwork. The Arch Angels were a handful at the best of times, with them being worried about one of their own it made them worse.
"Morning Mac, Matt," Harm welcomed. "What do we owe the pleasure?"
"NCIS is taking over the case, we're to hand over all evidence and files to Gibbs, but first we want to interview the Angels. Maybe we've missed something." Mac told him.
"I have no problems with you talking to them," the Captain informed.
"Thank you sir."
A low moan caught all their attention; Harm quickly took Sera's hand, giving it a squeeze. "Sera honey."
Her eyelids flickered and then opened, it took a moment for her to focus. When she did she smiled weakly at who she was looking at. "Harm?"
He grinned, tears in his eyes. "Hi sweetheart."
She licked dry lips. "What happened?"
"You nosed dived you're Rhino and it fell on you," he said lightly.
She momentarily closed her eyes and then opened them again. "No wonder I feel like hell," she heard chuckling and turned her head a little, seeing her son. "Corey?"
"I'm here Mom," he took her hand, cast and all in his. "I'm glad you're all right."
She rubbed his cheek with the back of her hand. "I'm going to be fine, kiddo," she reassured and then looked back to Harm. "What about Zapper?"
"He's fine, Sera."
Jeff Church had slipped out of the room and had returned with Dr. Marshall, both men were smiling. "Welcome back, Lt. Commander," the doctor greeted.
"How long have I been out of it?"
"Two weeks."
Matt went closer. "While you've been sleeping away, I've been picking up Rabb's case load. It's not fair, little sister."
"Nothing you can't handle," she mused softly.
"Nothing at all," he agreed.
"I need to check the Lt. Commander over, so everyone out for the moment," the doctor ordered.
Giving Sera's hand once more squeeze, Harm lent over and kissed her forehead. "I'll be back, sweetheart."
"I'll be waiting,"
She felt her son hold tight to her cast covered hand, seeing the tears in his eyes. "I'm okay, Core, I promise."
Relief flooded through the boy and he gently hugged her, his tears falling freely. His mother holding him the best she could with the cast on and the IV drip attached.
She kissed his forehead. "I'll be fine Core, go with your dad."
"I love you mum."
"I love you too, kiddo." She reluctantly let him go and he left with Harm and the others.
"You must have a Guardian Angel, Lt. Commander," Dr. Marshall exclaimed.
"Why doc?"
"Because your injures were serious enough that they could have killed you. They lost you once on the Henry and we lost you during surgery. You hit your head hard enough to crack your helmet I was told and I can fully understand, since we had to relieve the pressure on your brain."
Sera put her hand to the back of her head, feeling the bandage. "Then I obviously do have a Guardian Angel, doc," she remarked lightly as she drew her hand back, even though the reality of it was sinking in. "So when can I get out of here?"
The doctor laughed. "Your fiancé said you'd say that."
Fiancé? She guessed the doctor was talking about Harm. "I suppose he knows me too well."
"Well, I want to run a few tests first to make sure everything is all right before we move you out of ICU, then we'll see how you go," he reported. "I'll have your wrist and ankle rex-rayed this afternoon, though I expect you'll be wearing a cast for another couple of weeks. Now lets take a look at you."
Outside the room, Corey was being held his father; Harm was stroking his hair, keeping him close. He didn't want to lose this, in the two weeks Corey had been with him, they'd gotten closer.
Mac saw the expression on her friends face and smiled. "I'm going to miss him," she said softly.
Matt arched an eyebrow. "Is he going somewhere?"
She nodded. "With Sera and Corey, look at him Matt, he's happy. Harm's been lost since Mattie went back to her dad. He needs Corey and Sera. They complete him."
"Yeah they do," he agreed. "I guess Admiral Carmichael will need someone to replace him, then."
"He will," she smiled a little, seeing what he was getting out. "Thinking about it?"
Matt nodded. "Lets just say, I met this nice Marine who I believe is something special and I'd like to get to know her more. Which would be a little hard to do if I'm at Norfolk."
Mac found herself blushing. "I suppose it would be."
Dr. Carmichael came out. "You can go back in, not too long though and not to many at once."
"You and Corey go, Harm, Matt and I will go and talk to the Angels."
"I'll ring Mom and Dad and let them know." Matt added.
He nodded and they slipped into the room.
Sera gestured him over. "You have some explaining to do, fiancé."
Harm smiled and perched on the bed. "It was Captain Church's idea."
Corey had taken the chair. "We can keep dad though, can't we mom?" He asked aguishly.
She took Harm's hand in her own, her sea green eyes locked with his blue ones. "What do you say, flyboy, can we keep you?" She asked, feeling a little apprehensive about his answer. She'd been holding back for so long, and from what the doctor had told her, she'd looked death in the face and walked away. This time. It was time to make a stand and let go.
Harm smiled warmly. "If you'll have me, sweetheart. No more holding back."
"No more," she agreed.
Corey rolled his eyes as his father lent over and kissed his mother. "Jeez, can't you two wait to do that?"
Sera laughed as she rested her forehead against Harm's. "Then you'd better go outside, I plan to do a lot more of it."
"Yuck," he grumbled. "I'm going, let me know when you're done."
"Stay with Captain Church," Harm ordered.
"Yes sir," he said and hurried out.
Sera ran a finger over Harm's lips. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" He asked confused.
"For making you worry."
"Honey, the only thing you did was made me realize I need you, you and Corey. I'm through with being a part time dad, Sera. I want to be a full time dad and a…" He paused, kissing her once more. "A full time lover."
Her hand went to the back of his neck, running her fingers through his hair. "I should have said yes all those years ago, Harm. I shouldn't of kept Corey from you."
"You didn't, we kept each other apart with our silly hang ups, but no more, Sera," he promised, feeling complete with her. "I want to be a part of your life and Corey's. I've had enough of being alone."
"So I guess Corey and I are keeping you." She decided.
"For better or for worse," he quoted.
"Forever?"
"Forever sweetheart." He agreed and kissed her again, this time deepening it, hearing her moan in response.
"Careful Hammer, you'll have the nurses in here checking on me," she teased.
"I can wait, Angel."
She groaned, after another kiss. "I don't know if I can."
"Patients, good things come to those who wait."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Then you've got a deal flyboy," she vowed.
"So have you, sweetheart," he guaranteed, he settled her back against the bed and sat back. "I guess I better ring my mum and let her know she's going to have a daughter-in-law."
"She'll just say about time," Sera mused.
"I know," he brushed the hair back from her eyes. "Do you want anything, Jeff had a few things packed and sent back for both you and Corey. They're at my apartment?"
"Something comfortable to sleep in."
"I'll get your things and bring them by after work."
"Can I have some water, please?"
"Sure," he poured her some from the jug; lifting her gentle he held it to her lips. "Just sip." When she was finished he put the cup back. "Better?"
"Much."
"Good," he took her hand in his again. "I'd really thought I was going to lose you Sera."
Sera saw the tears slid down his cheeks and drew him down into her arms. "You'll never lose me Harm, I love you," she whispered. "I'll always love you." She knew Harm better then most, she knew how he closed everything up inside until it came out like a floor gate opening. She'd seen him at his best and at his worse, just as he'd seen her. This mishap showed though how easily it was for one to lost the other.
Hearing a throat being cleared, Harm sat up and wiped his eyes, glancing back he saw Mac and Matt had come in. "That was fast," he stated back in control of his emotions.
Mac wanted to know what was going on, but it wasn't the time.
"All the Arch Angels said the same thing, they didn't see anyone who wasn't supposed to have been around Angel, near her or her Rhino," Matt reported, he'd wondered what had been going on when they'd walked in, but didn't voice it. "It seems the Angels keep to themselves, when they did socialize it was with the other pilots on board."
"As standard procedure for us," Sera told them. "Are you two heading up the investigation?"
"No I am," Special Agent Gibbs informed coming into the room. "How are you feeling Angel?"
"Like I've been hit by a Rhino, Gibbs."
He rolled his eyes at her. "Typical response for an aviator."
"Careful Gibbs, you'll have my wings waggling."
Harm chuckled over their bantering. "Come up with anything new?"
Gibbs moved further into the room, he handed Sera a photo. "Was this guy on the Henry?"
She took the photo and looked at it carefully. "He was my plane Captain."
"Was it right. He's dead."
"Dead?"
He nodded. "He was found this morning in the hanger with a single bullet wound to the forehead."
"Which means Johns is still on the Henry."
"Nope."
"How can you be so sure?" Matt demanded.
"Because we arrested Johns this morning."
"So who killed the plane captain?" Harm asked him.
"That we don't know."
Agent Todd came into the room, she gave Gibbs the report she'd just received.
He signed. "According to this at the time Angel had her mishap, Johns was using the services of a hooker, he paid using a stolen credit card."
"This is really starting to stink, Gibbs," Harm commented dryly.
"More then you can believe," the NCIA agent remarked, playing his next move over in his mind. "Rabb, are you too busy for a little good cop, bad cop?"
"With Johns?" He queried, then at the nod agreed. "I'm in."
"Good, because I think it's time Johns received a visit from Angel's fiancé."
"Can we do that?" Kate asked.
"The man does deserve legal representation."
"I'll do it." Harm decided.
Smiling Gibbs held out his hand. "Give me the gun," he ordered and reluctantly Harm did so, handing it over. "Not that I don't trust you." He made sure the safety was on before slipping it under Sera's pillow. "Just in case."
"Thanks Gibbs," she said, even though she doubted she would be able to use it just yet.
"You're welcome. Lets roll Rabb, I don't have all day."
Shaking his head, Harm stood, he kissed Sera first. "I'll be back later."
"I'll be here."
He kissed her once more then moved away.
As he walked past Mac, she grabbed his arm. "Take it easy, Harm."
"I will," he assured.
She released his arm and he went with the NCIA agents.
Matt guided Mac closer. "You two haven't been properly introduced. Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, my sister, Lt. Commander Sera Mitchell."
So this is Mac, Sera thought. "Nice to meet you Ma'am."
"Like wise, Lt Commander."
Corey came back into the room. "Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Sammy are on they're way up."
"We'll get out of here then," Matt announced. "I'll be back tonight kiddo."
"Don't be late."
"I won't, though I doubt you're going to be up to much but sleeping tonight after all the Angels get to see you."
"They're all here?"
"All of them and they all want to see you, so be good, huh?"
"I will."
He kissed her forehead. "See you later, sweetheart."
Corey went closer to his Mom. "Dad said I have to go with Uncle Matt, Mom, so I'll see later too."
She smiled. "Don't give him to much of a hard time."
"I won't," he assured and gave her a gentle hug before leaving with his Uncle and the Lt. Colonel.
Matt paused outside, addressing the Marine. "Keep you're eyes open, Gunny."
"Yes sir."
"You're worried." Mac noted quietly as they walked away.
"Now more then ever," he said sternly, keeping his voice down so not to concern his nephew.
To be continued…