Title: Reaching Out – Chapter 8
Author: Arian
Disclaimers: Nope, don't own them. Just took them out, dressed them up, swirled them around on a dance floor and had a good time. I'll put them back... I promise... Well, after the next few chapters... Then I'll put them back... Yeah. I also do not own any of the places mentioned in the story, or any movies that are referenced. The movies are on my holiday list however, and then I will own them.
A/N: The hotel in this chapter, the St. Regis Hotel, is a real place in DC. If you check it out online, it might help you picture the scene in your head.
A/N2: Sorry to be such a tease. Okay, no I'm not. But the suspense about the costumes can now end. No more COSTUME cliffhangers. He he he evil laugh
A/N3: Thanks for the great reviews Maria, Mari, Little Eirtae, lumosgirl03, SarahRabb705, zoomie, Navy Babe, Jackia, maidenpride21, guitarvixen (Halloween is only over when you let it be!!!:), aserene (you were close, but not quite), and froggy0319 (I won't let you down!)
October 30th
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
2007 EST
Harm ran his fingertips around the brim of his hat. He had grabbed a very quick nap upon getting back to the apartment, and then woke up with an even faster shower. After looking at his costume hanging in the closet, he had decided not to shave, leaving on almost a day and a half of stubble. It was the first time in his life he would show up to a work function not cleanly shaven, but it seemed fitting. He slowly pulled on a pair of black leather gloves and then finally stepped back to look at himself in the mirror.
Hearing a low whistle he turned around, surprised to see Mattie in the middle of the room. "Hey kiddo, I didn't hear you come in."
"You were probably too busy checking yourself out," she laughed. While she had always known Harm was good looking, she was gaining an even better appreciation of the fact now. He looked incredible. And holy cow cool. He had on a dark hat that looked like a cross between a cowboy hat and Indiana Jones' fedora. The tilt of the hat made him look dangerous, an impression reinforced by the long leather duster he had on over a pair of black pants, a leather buckled vest and high black boots. There were also random leather and cloth straps hanging around his neck and from his belt. "Where'd ya get the Van Helsing costume? It looks awesome!"
"From this little old witch over in Rosslyn. Somebody Harriet knows. Does it really look ok? And you get what I am?" Harm actually turned to try and see the back of the costume in the mirror with a worried look on his face.
Mattie was torn between laughing and rolling her eyes. "Of course I know who you are. It was one of the most popular movies of the Halloween season. And you look just like him, 'cept you hair isn't as long." She walked up behind him and watched as he scrubbed his hand over his face. "You look perfect. Chill out, and go trryyy to have a good time."
Flashing her a wide grin, he turned dramatically, picked up his wallet and mask from the counter and headed for the door. "Ok, let's get moving. You ready?" He was going to drop Mattie off at the Roberts' to baby-sit the boys before swinging through Georgetown to pick Mac up.
"Yup, just let me grab my bag from the apartment!" With that she rushed out of the room. Harm took one last look at himself in the mirror before grabbing his overcoat and following her.
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown
2030 EST
Harm was surprised when Mac didn't immediately respond to his knock. It was giving him time to get nervous, and he started to play with the fingers of his gloves while he waited. What if she thought he looked dumb? Halloween wasn't something he normally took part in; the whole thing seemed a little morbid to him. Maybe it was because death had played a pretty substantial role in his life, or because he didn't need a special holiday to remember the dead. He was so caught up in worrying that he didn't even hear the door open.
"Aren't you going to say 'trick or treat'?" she asked in a soft voice. His gaze flew to her face, which was framed by a deep black hood. He couldn't see a single part of her costume, but her cheeks were flushed with excitement and her smile was a mile wide.
"I think I'd much rather have the treat." His voice melted her nerve endings. When she had opened the door the sight of him had made her catch her breath. He was absolutely the sexiest man she had ever seen. His coat covered most of his costume, but the black hat hanging low over his forehead and the day and a half beard growth on his face made him look rugged and incredibly enticing. She was so caught up in staring at him she almost missed his question. "Don't I get to see who I'm taking to the ball?"
"Sorry sailor, I want to save that treat for the party." She gave him a brilliant smile, picked up her mask and hand bag and closed the door behind her.
Harm offered her his arm. "Well then m'lady, I believe your carriage awaits."
The St. Regis Hotel
923 16th and K St. NW
2100 EST
As Harm gave his keys to the valet, Mac let her gaze drift up the outside of the hotel. The stately structure only blocks from the White House was brightly lit from within. Based on the movement and music coming from one end of the hotel, Mac surmised that the ballroom was somewhere off to the right. She felt Harm's hand on her back, and taking one last breath of cold evening air, stepped into the lobby.
Harm realized immediately that the SecNav was on a mission, as he had obviously spared no expense. The hotel was beautiful, with heavy draperies lining the windows of the lobby. The combination of light rosy colors and expensive fabric gave the hotel a feeling of decadence, but also of softness. Upon presenting their invitations to a bell hop they were ushered across the space toward the Crystal Ballroom. Light streamed through the glass paned French doors, playing upon the carpet of the hallways and drawing them toward the party.
Gliding up to the coat attendant, Mac made sure Harm was occupied taking off his overcoat before loosening the clasp to her cloak. She silently turned and let the hotel staff member lift the heavy cape from her shoulders. Then she brought her mask to cover her eyes and waited for him to turn around.
Harm realized she was waiting for him, and knew that she had been excited almost non-stop since the day before about her costume. Feeling just a bit silly he turned in a dramatic way that made his duster jacket flair behind him. Intending to give her a dangerously rakish smile his mouth dropped open instead.
Her hair was swept back from her face in an intricate updo, complete with a silver and red beaded comb, while several long strands escaped the style to whisper across her shoulders. Her red satin dress was corseted to a deep v-waistline, showing off both her tiny waist and a delicious amount of cleavage. The full skirt was bustled at the back, enhancing the shape of her hips, and the train was attached to a band at her wrist to allow for easy movement. Long white gloves ran up her arms highlighting the deep glow of her skin, and drew his attention to her face, which was hidden behind a gold and red velvet mask.
His reaction was everything she had hoped for. What she wasn't prepared for was her own response. He was dressed almost completely in leather, looked dangerous beyond belief, and in complete awe of her. It was a stunning combination, made even more incredible as she watched his eyes darken with desire. She had wanted to feel beautiful, but now she felt wanted, desired, almost divine.
Someone coughed behind them and they suddenly remembered their place at the entrance to the ballroom. Harm transferred his black mask to his left hand and offered her his arm. She delicately laid her arm on top of his and they entered the room together.
'Yup, the SecNav is absolutely on a mission. This isn't any thrown together last minute affair.' Harm smirked a bit at the thought while leading Mac across the decorated ballroom. What he assumed was usually a stunning gold encrusted great room was now also draped in deep purple and black. Candelabras between the windows held black candles, and the centerpieces on the tables combined creatively carved pumpkins, fall leaves and dark rich fabrics. Wait staff dressed in deepest black circulated silently between the already occupied tables and the guests who stood mingling. His height advantage made it possible for him to spot Harriet, Bud and Sturgis across the room, and he began to steer Mac in that direction.
Mac could almost see their friends when a hand on her arm stopped her. She turned in surprise to see a nervous Webb. "Hello Sarah."
Conflicting emotions rose to the surface, but above all was a strange sense of indifference. Yes, there was still anger, hurt, and even a bit of fondness, but above all she realized he didn't bother her anymore. She couldn't help digging at him a little however. Webb was dressed in a black suit with dark sunglasses, apparently as a Man in Black. She raised a sarcastic eyebrow, "And here I thought you would dress as Death."
Webb looked down, sighed, and released her arm. "Just wanted to say Happy Halloween. Have a good night. Rabb," he acknowledged and then melted back into the crowd.
Mac took a deep breath and turned back to Harm. "I thought I saw the Roberts ahead, shall we?"
Harm put a hand on her back to guide her while also bending down to speak in her ear as they walked. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I really am." She said with a nod and a look of concentration. "I think I finally really am." The she smiled in a way that made him forget they were in a room full of people. An excited shriek broke the moment however, and they realized they had reached their friends.
"Oh my god ma'am you look incredible! I was so hoping she was going to give you the Anna Valerious costume! Bud and I rented Van Helsing Thursday night after I saw it there, you both look amazing! Those are her showcase costumes, the ones she made just this year; she was telling me all about them when I picked mine out!" Harriet rambled on, glowing with both excitement and a beauty enhanced by her pregnancy. Her coustme included a nude colored under dress overlaid with multiple layers of pastel chiffon, which clung to her breasts, floated delicately over a belly she was obviously proud of, and joined multiple other layers to form a long skirt. Strands of flowers and light green leaves twined through the wisps of color in her dress and were threaded through her hair. A liberal sprinkling of glittery makeup had made her appear ethereal. As a counterpart to her goddess Demeter, Bud was dressed as an impressive Zeus, complete with a shimmery toga and laurel wreath. His graying hair looked even statelier in combination with his costume, and his pride in his wife as a woman and as the bearer of their children was evident in the set of his shoulders and his beaming smile.
"Thank you Harriet, you look amazing." Mac hugged the blonde woman, completely aware of how she had been worried about finding a nice costume. While a bit jealous of her friends burgeoning figure, Harriet's excitement overtook her and Mac had no choice but to be happy.
Harm shook Bud's hand in greeting, and then turned to Sturgis. There was a slightly chilly silence, with neither man knowing how to greet each other outside of the tired office courtesies. Mac, buoyed by Harriet's mood finally stepped in between the two of them. "Oh would you two stop it? Sturgis, where is Vareese?"
The question did the trick, breaking the silence and bringing a gentle smile to the commander's face. He nodded toward a stage set up on the other side of the dance floor, where Vareese was performing a sound check in a beautiful gold flapper costume. "The SecNav asked if she would perform tonight for the party, and since it meant we could come together she agreed." He pulled on the cuffs of his gangster style suit coat before excusing himself to see if Vareese wanted a drink.
Mac gave Harm a look that clearly said 'get over it' and turned back to the group which had just grown to include Jennifer dressed in a deep blue Renaissance-style dress. Everyone chatted for a while, purposefully avoiding the subject of their new CO. Sturgis returned after a time with a waiter carrying a tray of alcohol free punch for the ladies and bourbons for the gentlemen. Raising his glass to Harm in particular, he simply said "to letting someone else run the show," to which everyone heartily clinked their glasses.
Mac didn't notice the hard look the waiter gave the group, or how his eyes lingered on each of the women before he disappeared back into the crowd.
2204 EST
After the first several courses of a wonderful meal, the SecNav stood to take the party in hand. It was no secret there were hurt feelings and bruised egos due to the way he had championed Major General Creswell. While rumor had it that the General was not likely to apologize to anyone for his new appointment or his actions, the Secretary of the Navy was in a purely political position.
"Good evening everyone. I hope tonight holds many more treats than tricks, but knowing all of the people in this room anything is possible. I would like to take a very brief moment to introduce you all to someone I have come to know well in the recent weeks, the Judge Advocate General, Major General Gordon Creswell." There was polite applause as the General stood up from his table. While Mac wanted to dislike him, he held himself as a proud Marine, and it struck a chord with her. Noting his costume, she hid a smile behind her quickly raised mask.
Harm noticed the smirk before she could hide it however. "What's so funny Mac?"
"Remember when you said that Marines weren't made to be JAG's and I told you how the very first JAG was a Marine?" At his nod she continued. "Apparently the General has decided to make a statement of his own tonight. He is dressed as Colonel William Butler Remey, USMC and the first JAG of the Navy."
"And you think...?"
"I think he is reminding everyone in this room that while it may appear the Navy gave him this position, he is still a Marine and will conduct himself as such." Mac had to admire the subtlety and daring of the costume. While not everyone in the room would get the point, those who mattered absolutely did.
Following the meal Vareese's band switched from quiet dinner music to dance tunes. After taking several turns around the dance floor with male members of the staff, Mac found herself in Harm's arms. They had long ago left their masks at the table, and she was now free to simply look into his eyes.
"Did I happen to tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
"Mmmm, if you did I think I must have missed it. Or maybe I was just to busy staring at you and it went right over my head," she said with a smile. She brushed her fingertips across the leather of his collar and the soft wool of the turtleneck underneath.
Pulling her closer with the hand at her waist, but still maintaining a distance proper for two officers, he leaned in to whisper "You are the most beautiful, sexy woman I have ever seen."
Mac blushed, from both his words and the feel of his breath on her earlobe. Deciding turn about was fair play, she turned her face slightly to whisper back, "Thank you. I'm glad you like it, since I wanted to wear it for you."
Harm pulled back a bit at her honesty, but only far enough to look her full in the face. Her expression was completely open, and he couldn't feel any of the walls she used to put up. Truth be told they had been coming down slowly for the last few months, but this was the first time they were gone completely. The urge to kiss her was intense, and somewhere in the back of his brain he was cursing everyone around them. Instead he had to swallow hard and simply squeeze her hand. She gave him an understanding smile.
Swirling about the dance floor, the song ended and after applauding they turned back toward their table. It was getting late, closer to the witching hour than anyone wanted to admit, and Harm made his way toward the entrance to collect their capes. Just as he handed their tickets to the attendant, he felt a familiar chill run up his spine.
Back at their table Mac had felt it too. Turning toward the large French doors leading to the patio, she could see Lt. Darcy Lee standing outside, her ghostly hand pressed against the glass. Mac instantly turned to look in Harm's direction and noticed him looking at her. Communicating without words he followed her gaze.
Harm didn't understand why the woman would still be appearing, as her body had been recovered. Watching Mac suddenly move toward the doors he decided it wasn't a moment for questions. He grabbed their coats from the waiting attendant and turned to push through the thickening crowd. When he got near their table Mac was no where in sight.
TBC...
A/N: It is a conscious decision to not put any teasers at the end of this chapter. I just can't find any way to do it. But know that the final chapter is done, and I will post it within the next 24 hours.
In case people like to visualize as I do, I tried to post links to the sites I used, but the net won't let me. So I'll try to put down my search method.
The St. Regis Hotel: go to "www. st regis .com" (all one word, no spaces, site won't let me write it correctly) and click on Washington DC
Van Helsing Pictures (Anna's dress is shown well about halfway down): Van Helsing into Yahoo and a "JoBlo" site will come up that has awesome pictures.
Hope it's ok for me to post these in here. I don't own any part of either site, and only use them for reference.