TITLE: What Happens Here Stays Here
RATING: PG-13
PAIRING: Harm/Mac
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any part of JAG.
Author's Note: Finally! It took me forever to update, I know. Stupid writer's block!!! And I've been very busy. Anyway, finally, it's here, my update. Thank you to all who have sent reviews, I love them! I hope you all have enjoyed the story so far. I've loved writing it. Reviews welcome!!!
Chapter Title: Unforgettable
Harm and Mac's hotel room
Caesar's Palace
Saturday – 0800 EST
Light seeped through Mac's subconscious as she began to awake, immediately realizing morning was upon them. Slowly opening her eyes, Mac senses went into overload feeling the softness of the bed, immediately feeling her cheek on the pillow, on her stomach, facing the window. The warm sun basked powerfully through the room, awaking Mac further as she opened her eyes completely. Only then did she realize she was alone, at first a little worried as she popped her head up. Yet the sound of the shower running in the bathroom quickly eased any initial worries.
Sighing, Mac flipped herself around on her back to look at the ceiling, taking in the previous day's events. She remembered roses, the plane ride, the cab, Las Vegas, and rain. It all jumped into her memory at the same time as she gazed around the room slightly, finally taking in the entire room as a whole. The night before was so dark she hardly took the chance to study the surroundings Harm chose. Smiling, she saw the simple luxury of the room, a small suite. By the window was the small living room area, with a small couch, a chair, a desk, the coffee table. The color of the room was light and comforting, full of gold, yellow, and pinkish shades. Mostly gold shades, Mac added, realizing they were indeed in Caesar's Palace, and the color scheme shouted Ancient Rome.
Finally sitting up and climbing out of bed, Mac moved to the small coffee pot that Harm seemed to have ordered from room service, knowing full well Mac's need for it in the morning. Smiling, she took a cup and poured the hot coffee, already feeling the warm, inviting, revitalizing effect as she took in the wonderful smell. Now she was fully awake, Mac thought. Though a little disappointed Harm didn't awake her a little sooner, Mac enjoyed the chance to sleep in a little, knowing the full day ahead of them. Harm planned quite a bit, though he didn't mention any of it to her.
Hearing the shower turn off, Mac's mind flashed to the night before, the chance to finally be together in over a week lost because of their exhaustion. Though the night was enjoyable, spending it entirely in each other's arms. Certainly not the best night she's ever spent with Harm, Mac mused, but definitely fulfilling. Sipping her coffee, she immediately felt any leftover sleepiness drift away quickly as she stepped to the TV to turn it on and waited to take her turn in the shower.
Walking over to the window and sitting down in the middle of the couch, she turned to look upon the busy strip of Las Vegas. The excitement of exploring the sights, taking in the sounds and the people began to increase by the second. She knew she probably should be home in Washington, looking over cases upon cases, yet she didn't want to be anywhere but here. Mac felt her love for Harm increase, her need for him, wishing she could stare into his eyes for the rest of her life. Certainly that would not be possible, but times like this, vacations like this, needed to be treasured, needed to be used to fulfill her need for him, and his need for her.
Suddenly she felt arms encircle her from behind as Harm sat down behind her, leaning back against the armrest as he pulled her closer to him. Immediately the scent of fresh soap filled her nostrils as she leaned her head back against him, allowing him to envelope her in his embrace. A simple kiss on her cheek and her shoulder created a tenderness in that moment, anticipation for the day awaiting them. Mac asked quietly, "Why didn't you wake me? Wanted to take a shower by yourself?" She glanced up to him with a mischievous grin, seeing him smirk.
Shrugging, he replied, "Well, I knew you needed the sleep. And I knew that we took a shower together, we would never get out of this hotel room." Smiling, he leaned down a kissed her lightly on the lips. Mac reached up to run her hand through his damp hair, loving the soft, yet spiky feel underneath her fingertips as she deepened the kiss every so slightly. However, Harm was right, if they allowed their passions to run, they wouldn't see any part of Las Vegas before the vacation was over with.
Breaking the kiss, Mac said softly, "Then I should go and shower now before this gets any further." Smirking, she released from his embrace and stood, hearing a small moan from Harm as he watched her, grinning with utter delight at the mere fact he was here with her. Here with the woman he loved, with the woman that caused his heart to flutter every time he looked to her, every time she held his hand, every time she kissed him. Watching her walk away from him towards the bathroom, Harm felt that flutter, and knew the day would be wonderful.
Shark Reef
Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino
1100 EST
"They're amazing," Mac breathed, watching the huge sharks swim by the glass in front of her. She loved watching animals in their normal environments, having walked the extraordinary maze through, around, and under the ocean-like setting in this huge exhibit. Now near the end, the maze went into a large room, walls completely glass, allowing a window into the lives of these animals all around, not including the huge glass below their feet. Stepping up to a huge pane of glass, she watched an enormous sea turtle swim by. "I love the water," Mac added with a whisper.
Harm came up behind her, watching the same scene in front of him, as he countered with a small grimace, "The water's okay."
Mac laughed a little as she turned to look at him, highly amused as she observed, "The Marine loves the water, yet the Navy man doesn't. How did that happen?"
Harm shrugged a little as he stepped a bit closer to the pane of glass, unable to keep his eyes off of the small shark swimming by, and, in his opinion, much too close. Yet he knew Mac would love this. Putting his hands on his hips, he explained, "I was near water most of my life. I didn't mind it then. I've flown over it a dozen times." With a sigh, he looked down a little, debating whether he should reveal this fact about himself, knowing he kept it to himself for quite some time. He then whispered slightly, "But since my crash in the Atlantic, I haven't been too fond of the ocean."
Mac nodded slightly, remembering full well that time of their lives. The difficulty of the moment still loomed in her heart, the fear, the worry that she would never see Harm ever again. That fear controlled so much of her, took hold of all that she was in that moment, in a moment when her mind and heart, and, most importantly, her soul should've been in the hands of another man. Yet when the call came in of Harm's crash, floating aimlessly in the Atlantic Ocean, no clue where he punched out, all Mac thought of was him. All she thought of was letting the chance to be with him, to have a life with him, get away. In reality, Mac never knew at that time her innate devotion and love to Harm. Never knew until she stared out the window of the restaurant, alone, the tears flowing freely and with honesty. The tears flowing endlessly. Just as Mic knew when he saw her tears as he turned her towards him, Mac knew, as well, she did not cry for a friend, but for the love of her life.
Taking Harm's hand in hers, Mac whispered back, "Some day, I would like to know your version." Harm turned his gaze from the many fish to Mac's brown eyes, seeing comfort, love, his own soul finding a home. Through all of the craziness of the past few years, certainly during those months that Harm recovered from his crash, they didn't talk much at all, and much was missed. Just as Harm never really heard any details concerning Paraguay, Mac never heard much concerning his time in the Atlantic Ocean. Both were moments of overwhelming change in their lives, yet neither shared too much of their experiences. Despite Harm having Renee as a girlfriend, he certainly didn't tell her anything of what he felt after the crash, of barely surviving, and the inability to keep Mac out of his head. No, he didn't tell Renee much. He barely told Mac anything at that time, dealing with a slight change of venue concerning their friendship soon after the crash. Mac held in her problems with Mic, as did Harm with Renee and his accident. They spoke vaguely of it, sure, but nothing deep, nothing meaningful.
Harm gave her a simple smile, happy that Mac was his girlfriend, happy that she pushed him so often, pushed him to tell her as much as he could. She pushed him to his limits in so many ways, challenged him, and loved him. Leaning towards her, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek before whispering, "I would like to tell you." Mac smiled warmly as she led him out of the exhibit, intent on taking up that offer very soon. Very soon indeed.
MGM Grand Casino
Las Vegas
1500 EST
After spending part of the afternoon fooling around in the pool, as well as taking in some of the exhibits, such as the famous Star Trek 4-D display, and seeing the Secret Garden in The Mirage, Harm and Mac found themselves taking part in the one activity that characterized Las Vegas; gambling. Sitting in the MGM Grand, the casino section of the hotel seemingly reaching for miles, Harm sat alone in a line of nickel machines, the bucket in his hands reaching quickly to the bottom. He picked up one of the few coins he had left, placing it in the slot, hitting two buttons to watch the pictures flip in front of him. To keep track of the pictures, where they'll land, how much to bet on each chance, seemed slightly frustrating for Harm.
Sighing, he decided to spare the last few coins as he stood up from his spot, hoping to find Mac quickly. Actually, he felt a little tired, wanting to take a small nap before they ventured out into the strip for most of the night. Dinner and a show awaited them, and at the moment Harm didn't feel he could make it through both without falling asleep. Right now he pictured them in the room, she probably reading a book while he took his small catnap.
It didn't take him long to notice a few people standing around Mac as she sat at a very lucky machine across the way a bit, bells going off every time she slipped a coin in. Mac tended to have success with many different aspects of her life, and gambling didn't seem to be an exception. Succeeding in horrible circumstances, actually, was Mac's forte. All her life she needed to prove herself to others, not only because of her past, her family, and her alcoholism, but also because she was a woman trying to be a Marine. As Harm said many times before, she is tough. Yet her friends see the sweet and sensitive side, especially her boyfriend, Harm mused.
Walking up behind her, he reached over her shoulder to grab a coin out of her bucket, expecting her to slap his hand away, thinking he was a stranger. However, Mac merely observed, "Back already, huh?" She slipped another coin in the machine, pulled, and another match sent bells ringing as more coins dropped into the metal coin catcher below. Harm found a seat next to her in front of a machine, watching as she put another coin in, yet this time no bells rung when she pulled the lever.
Shrugging, Harm replied with a smirk, "Well, I hit my limit." He then took his bucket and dumped the few coins he had into Mac's, setting his empty bucket next to the machine he sat at.
Mac smiled a little and asked, "Is that all you won?"
Harm huffed slightly as he corrected with a grimace, "No, no, that's what I have left."
Mac laughed lightly, loving the faces he made when he lost, saddened, frustrated, and confused as to his bad luck. She noticed those faces before, but now being his girlfriend she noticed quickly how cute he was when he made them. Harm did not like to lose, especially to her, though over the years he did get somewhat used to it. Whether it was court cases, rightful judgments, or arguing over which actor played in what movie, slight competition always characterized at least a small part of their relationship. "Looks like I'll have to buy you dinner tonight," Mac joked, yet with the utmost sincerity as she leaned over to him to give him a small kiss.
Harm's face immediately turned from saddened to intrigued as he asked, "Will you buy me dessert, too?"
Mac smiled even further as they both stood, her heart aching with joy, realizing her knowledge of this wonderful man grew each and every day. So predictable he was, in so many different ways, yet surprising her every second she was around him. Her life would center on him. This much was clear. She saw their future in that second, saw their lives ending together, their souls moving as one to a lake, around a dock that stretched lazily out across the water, a white house with a small porch, sharing a glass of lemonade as they sat together in the setting sun. Why she thought of this now, she would never know. Though the images never ascended deep in her soul with any other relationship, at the moment it intoxicated her, looking upon Harm's unforgettable face. Unable to fully display her thoughts, Mac simply answered, "Definitely."
Harm smiled warmly as they walked towards the cash-out, soon out of the casino, where they quickly left to their room. It didn't take long for them to fall into the activities Harm predicated, as Mac stretched out on the bed to read a little of the current book she was reading, while Harm feel asleep on his back, his head comfortable on Mac's stomach, her hand running through his hair lulling him to sleep. Harm quietly wished for the scene to last forever, to never drift away, to always be apart of who they were. That was his wish. His wish for their life, as one.
Outside Bellagio Hotel
Las Vegas
2240 MST
After enjoying a wonderful, romantic dinner together at a stylish restaurant in Caesar's Palace, then catching a popular comedian, Harm and Mac now stood in front of the huge fountain outside of the Bellagio. They decided to dress up slightly, Harm wearing a sports coat and tie while Mac wore a black, sleeveless dress. The intention was to enjoy the moment, realizing they rarely were able to go out to dinner without the worry of someone catching them. Now they stood together, arms around each other, against the railing a bit as they waited for the water show to begin. The perfect ending to a perfect night, Harm observed.
Mac stepped a little out of his embrace, moving to lean a little over the railing. A slight breeze brushed across her face, the night air still quite warm and comfortable. The streets around them bustled, the city hardly quieting as the day turned deeper into night. With the night came anxiety for both Harm and Mac, both sensing the time alone they sought the entire vacation, for the entire week, would soon come. Spending those nights with Harm always fulfilled Mac, a spot in her soul that was lacking, a spot she did not know of until that moment, until that night. It didn't take long to remember their first time together, the passion, the desire from 9 years of holding back, holding it in. Everything revealed, for the first time, no one holding them from each other, nothing preventing them from being together.
Harm leaned against the railing next to her, reaching out to grasp her hand there, asking quietly, "What are you thinking?" Many times Harm felt fear to know her thoughts, only because he worried Mac might at one time have second thoughts about their relationship. Despite how much they loved each other, he always worried about such an outcome, fearing the bubble will quickly break with his great luck of having such a wonderful woman to love. They fought so hard to get to this point, so much was at stake, and Harm couldn't erase the fear that something would cause them to lose it all; something beyond their control.
Mac blushed slightly, realizing her thoughts concentrated solely on Harm, their first night, the passion, and the night to come. In fact, her thoughts centered on Harm to the point of barely remembering what problems awaited her in Washington, the change of venue, the reality. She wanted to stay here right now, though, take full advantage, and enjoy Harm with everything inside of her. Shrugging slightly, she decided in that moment to be honest as she squeezed his hand, replying in a whisper, "You."
Harm smirked a little, leaning in to kiss her, whispering back, "I haven't stopped thinking about you, either." They kissed again, this time Mac allowing her lips to play over his, wishing greatly they were not in public at the moment. Part of her wanted to ditch this last exhibit and head straight to their room, yet the other part knew the water show would be worth seeing, if only to make the anticipation grow that much more. Thinking of dinner, the conversations, the tenderness and special moments shared throughout the night only intensified her need for him tonight. Her need for him for the rest of her life.
Releasing slightly, Mac said quietly, "Thank you."
Harm smiled, kissing her again before asking, "For what?"
Mac wasn't sure if he was acting modest, or he really knew how much he did for her and was acting ignorant. Whichever way, Harm must have known going to such an extent for Mac, to make her happy, to show his love, would not be soon forgotten. This vacation, if nothing else, strengthened her commitment to Harm, her devotion, her undying love for him. After this weekend, not much would be able to keep them apart. In fact, she felt determined to ensure nothing would come between them again. "For this," Mac replied simply, soon adding, "for everything."
Harm kissed her again, tracing his lips softly against hers, to her cheek, as he whispered, "Thank you."
This time Mac moved away slightly to ask, "For what?"
At first Harm smiled warmly, yet turned quickly serious and sincere, keeping his lips only inches from hers. Doing all of this for her he would do again and again, planned on having such vacations with her for the rest of his life. Planned on loving her just like this, sharing his heart, his soul, allowing her to take and be apart of such a huge section of his life, of him as a whole. "For loving me," Harm answered, smiling against her lips as she kissed him in response.
As quickly as they began to kiss, they broke apart just as quickly, Harm moving his lips to her ear, whispering gently, "Are you ready?"
Mac giggled, in that moment the water before them exploding into a vast array of shapes, spouting out high into the sky. Quickly she turned to watch the formations of water throughout the large fountain, seeing the water reach across the entire length of the huge hotel. The images portrayed before her were astounding, even further adding to the extravagant night the two shared together. She quickly fell into a calm as she watched the water display, feeling Harm's grip on her hand strengthen a little as he moved closer to her.
Glancing over to him, his face only inches from hers, she whispered, "Kiss me again."
Harm took no time, also feeling the need to remember this moment with such a gesture, in front of such a spectacle. As soon as their lips meet, the passion heated up quickly, and Mac felt it reach every part of her body as the kiss deepened. She loved his lips, loved how soft they were, loved the taste, the promise lying in them, all for her. Though she knew she was in public, and couldn't possibly take the kiss where it begged to go, she softened it instead. The heat and the passion rose to a different level, a level of deep love, of intimacy as their kisses moved slowly, sensually.
Come away with me in the night
At first Mac felt a mist grazing their faces, seemingly from the water display just before them. Yet as the mist began to become heavier and heavier, it didn't take long for her to realize the mist was in fact rain. Stepping back from Harm, Mac laughed lightly as the rain came down harder the longer they stood there in each other's arms. Looking up as the rain hit her face, her smile grew bigger, sensing the irony, realizing this particular luck would follow them for the entire vacation.
Come away with me
And I will write you a song
Glancing to Harm, she saw him struggling to keep his eyes open as the rain continued to beat down. His face spoke of frustration and discontentment with the current turn of events, certainly unhappy with the course of the vacation in many respects. Rain, flight delays, roses, and exhaustion quickly interrupted every moment of intimacy with Mac. Why their luck turned this way, Harm had no clue, yet it highly irritated him. However, looking to Mac, he saw delight there, laughter. Unable to hold in his own smiles, he finally laughed himself, replying through the rain, "I should've known this would happen."
Come away with me on a bus
Mac laughed lightly, taking his hand in hers as she began to lead them away from the Bellagio towards their hotel, ever keeping her face on him as they walked. The rain, in this moment, would not ruin what they wanted. In fact, Mac felt the romance, the desire coming with every drop that hit her face, every instance the warm rain drenched them. Perhaps hailing a cab would be the best solution, yet Mac wanted to remember this moment, under the lights of Las Vegas, running through the endless rain with the love of her life, racing to shelter, though not moving quickly enough to prevent getting soaked. This picture of time in her life stretched from romantic, amusing, and quickly to unforgettable. Unforgettable. A word that echoed through Mac's mind as they finally reached their hotel, laughing the entire way, the desire underneath ready to burst.
Come away where they can't tempt us
Near Mac and Harm's room
Caesar's Palace
2300 MST
With their lies
Finally reaching their floor, Harm and Mac laughed lightly as they stepped off the elevator, holding hands intimately, ultimately soaked from their walk. That would not be an issue, only adding to the romance of the moment, of the weekend. Soon the door to the room appeared, both rushing up to it as subtly as possible. Mac leaned back against it, pulling on Harm's soaked unbuttoned sports coat, bringing him in for a passionate kiss. Harm moaned into her lips, initially forgetting about the search for the key, the fervor of finally finding alone time overflowing.
And I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
Suddenly Harm caught someone coming down the hall towards them, causing him to break the kiss, though keeping only an inch away from Mac as he searched frantically for the key. Mac, highly amused with being seen, tried desperately to hide her laughter as the man walked behind them. Keeping her grip on Harm's sports coat as he hastily searched for the key in his pants before their desire had a chance subside, she kissed him again, this time reaching a hand into his inside coat pocket to reveal the key.
Smiling, Harm grabbed the key as he whispered huskily against her lips, "I love the fact you know me so well."
Mac returned his smile, kissing him lightly as she responded, "I need to for moments like this."
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee high
So won't you try to come
Barely giving him a chance to answer, Mac captured his lips again as his arms draped around her, his right hand holding the key. Reaching to the door behind Mac, he slipped the key in the slot and turned the knob, immediately finding them blindly moving into the darkness of the room, the door closing quickly behind them. Flashing lights blurred by the raindrops on the window shimmered all around them, the rain pattering on the windows quickly enveloped all sound, a blanket of warmth. Slight thunder began to roll across the sky, throughout the room as the fervor quickly switched from an uncontrollable intensity, to a sweet, intimate moment.
Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountain top
Harm felt Mac's hands pushing his sports coat off of his shoulders as he slipped kisses from her mouth down the side of her neck, still wet and exotic from the time spent in the rain. Mac's breath quickened as she hugged him closer to her, his lips soft and sweet against her skin. Once again her mind flashed to the first time they were together, the line they crossed in that moment, how powerful the moment, how much it meant to them. Being with Harm was like no other experience, something deeper, as if her soul awoke by loving this man, and being loved by him. No other man came close to unleashing such a reaction, such a need.
Come away with me
And I'll never stop
Loving you
The kisses on her neck soon reached her mouth, both opening to each other, enjoying each other, both falling into the rare chance of being together. Quickly undoing Harm's tie, her hands moved to the collar, her lips moving to his jaw line, knowing every curve, every contour, every feature. As she busied herself with Harm's shirt, Mac felt a gentle touch at her shoulder, moving to the strap of her dress. Both hardly realized the slow but constant movement towards the bed, Harm finding amusement as he remembered the bed of roses.
The chuckle Harm elicited caused Mac to stop, allowing him to move a kiss down her neck, to her shoulder as she asked breathlessly, "Is there something funny, flyboy?"
Harm shrugged as he moved his kisses down to base of her neck before moving up to her chin, capturing her lips hungrily. Yet Mac did not want to let the chuckle go, her hands going to his face, pushing him away a little. Her eyes clearly displayed a slight irritation, wanting an answer before they continued. Arguing right now would not be the best course of action, especially all it took to get them to this point during the weekend. He knew better than to press, smiling a little as he whispered with amusement, "I was thinking of the bed full of roses, the thorn."
Mac nodded as he moved his lips to her other shoulder, his hands tracing her upper arm, the soft of her skin. The tenderness of the kisses made it difficult for Mac to respond, though she whispered in return, "There are no thorns this time."
And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
Harm smiled as he tightened his hold on Mac, kissing her passionately, wanting to be no other place than right here, with this woman, in this moment. She intoxicated him every moment of the day, every second, every minute he was awake, and every dream as he slept. Rarely did he think of the other women, the other relationships he was in before Mac. None of that mattered, never would matter ever again. Mac was his life now, her happiness his goal.
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
Suddenly Mac drifted away from him slightly, seeing Harm's eyes turn to concern. Gazing at him, his shirt still quite wet, a few buttons unbuttoned at the top, his eyes never leaving her. Now there were no thorns, no scare of someone walking in, no exhaustion from a demanding week. Left in that moment, all else stripped away, was their love. Each other. Together. The rain. Nothing stopped them from falling into the embrace of their bodies, their hearts, their souls, baring all. A hand outstretched with great invitation, Harm clasping it, pulled into Mac's embrace, quickly on the bed behind, hovering over her, desire taking control.
To come away with me into the night
Harm felt safe here, with Mac, with no one else but her, able to be himself in every way possible. Soon he felt light caresses across his bare shoulders, his shirt completely removed, kisses covering his lower neck and chest. His hands moved to her waist, lowering his head, burying it against her bare shoulder. In moments, time forgotten, barriers broken, all revealed, a whisper hovering close to his ear, "Make love to me." Their bodies molded as one. The damp rain still peppered the windows, their skin. Finally the night was all their own.
Come away with me
... More to Come ...
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