Title: If things had been different
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Rating: PG -15 (contains come sexual references)
Author's Note: This is definitely the last chapter. So thank you for reading along and enjoying this story. The title comes from a song recorded here in Australia by John Farnham, it's been rerecorded many times, but never like he sings it. And after listening to the lyrics I think it sums up this chapter pretty well. And a special thank you to my Beta reader.
KJFlygirl: I couldn't have the daughter of Harmon Rabb, be anything else but the Top Gun. That just wouldn't be right.
Winjan: I'm glad you've really enjoyed this story; I've enjoyed writing it. And to answer your question – Yes.
Jbird7986: Yep it's coming to an end. As for a new story, well may be in the New Year, I need a break.
Joanoa86: Thanks for enjoying it.
Smithknk: Sorry no love triangles in this story, but I like the idea, may for the next story. Thanks.
Angelica: To answer your questions, in order asked – Now, yes, no, and possibly. I hope that settles things for you. Thanks.
Prncessgrace: Thanks, glad you liked it.
Chawkchick: Harms isn't giving up, I promise, all will work out. No broken hearts, yours or Harmony's.
Riena: I'm glad you've liked it, but sorry this is the last one.
If things had been different
Chapter Fifteen: When the War is over
Unknown location, somewhere in Iraq
The sunlight seeped into the room through cracks, coursing beams of light to hit the dirt floor. Lying curled up on that floor in a ripped and torn Marine uniform was 1st Lieutenant Jason Rabb, bruised, beaten, bloodied but by no means broken. He wasn't going to give in; he wasn't going to tell them anything.
He coughed and his ribs hurt, his whole body hurt. He didn't understand why they'd taken him. He was only a lawyer; he didn't know anything about troop moments or fleet locations.
The door to the cell opened and one of his capturers came in, a sneer on his face. "Good morning infidel," he spoke English so Jason could understand him, not that Jason would have revealed he understood their language anyway. "Are you ready to talk?"
"Go to hell," the Marine snapped.
"Hell young man is where you are, while your darling Harmony is safe and sound in the United States," he through a paper onto the floor, for Jason to see.
He didn't grab at it, he didn't move. He just looked, seeing the smiling face of Harmony and her RIO, a plaque being held by them both. They'd won TOPGUN.
"I see you're happy by this. Perhaps one day I will have the pleasure of testing her skills as a pilot."
Jason forced himself not to move; he knew he was being baited. He'd leant that quickly.
Disgusted he won't get anything from the Marine; the man left him alone, locking the cell door.
Jason then picked up the paper, pulling himself painfully into a sitting position. Reading how the woman he loved had out flown the best instructors TOPGUN had to offer to win the plaque. He smiled and hugged the paper to his chest. "Don't give up on me Harms, please don't give up. I love you," he whispered as the tears slid down his cheeks and he hugged his knees to his chest, scrunching the paper up.
It became somewhat of a ritual, his captive would come and taunt him, sometimes it was days at a time, sometimes weeks in between, but he would taunt him. Bring papers with news from home and then one day he came in with something more.
"Good afternoon Lieutenant, I have news about your Harmony," he handed him a photo. "She is such a beautiful young woman."
Jason reluctantly took the photo and looked at it. Seeing Harmony standing in Paul's arms, an infant child in hers, she was smiling, but there was sadness in her eyes. "Oh God."
"She moved on," he smirked. "Forgotten about you."
"No," Jason shook his head. "No."
"I have spies everywhere, Lieutenant," he handed Jason another photo.
This one made his blood turn cold. This one was just a photo of Harmony and the infant; she was in uniform, Lieutenant's bars on her collar. It was what he'd seen in his vision. Jason crumpled the photo up in his hand. "You bastard."
His captive laughed. "Now your broken Lieutenant," he sneered, and left the room.
"Oh God," Jason said again and straightened out the photo. "Please God don't let this be true. Please." He curled up into a ball and cried himself to sleep.
The sound of explosions woke him, as did the door being kicked open, followed by light being shone in his eyes.
"Over here sir," a voice called out.
A man in BDU's knelt beside him. "Lieutenant, can you hear me?"
Jason nodded. "Who are you?"
"Captain Davis, US Marine Corps, we've come to take you home, Lieutenant Rabb."
"You know who I am?"
"Yes Lieutenant I do," Davis said, he gestured more of his men in. "Lets get him out of here."
They helped him to his feet and out of the cell and the building to a waiting helo, when all were aboard it took off.
Jason looked to the Captain. "Sir, what is the date?"
"August 15th son, 2007," he answered.
That meant he'd been a prisoner for over a year. They'd taken a whole year from him. Beaten him, tortured him for a year and for nothing but personal gain.
"Lieutenant, are you all right?" David asked.
"Yes sir," he managed, and then passed out.
USS Ticonderoga – Persian Gulf
Lieutenant Harmony Rabb climbed down from her Supercat, as did Lieutenant Paul MacGyver. "Remind me again why we're flying these hops?"
"For the duty, honor and the fact we lost the bet," he mused.
She chuckled over that. "I told you to take heads."
"Why is that, Lieutenant?" A commanding voice asked.
They both turned as the Cag, Captain Katherine O'Reilly walked over to them with her RIO. "It's not important, Cag," Harmony assured.
"Good, lets go," the Captain insisted.
They left the flight deck, removing their helmets. Chris came running towards them, obviously excited. He picked Harmony up and swung her around before putting her back on her feet. "They found him."
"Who?" She asked chuckling.
"Jason."
"They found Jason?" She asked shocked.
He nodded. "Last night, he was transferred to us while you were on patrol, he's in sickbay."
"He's here?" She asked a little overwhelmed.
"He's here," Chris told her. "He's asking for you."
Harmony grabbed his arm, Jason was alive, he was alive and on board. She looked to O'Reilly. "Ma'am?"
"Go," Katherine insisted, and smiled as the younger woman took off, calling out as the two men followed her. "Take off those G-suites first!"
"Yes Ma'am!" They called back. Running all the way to the ready room, where helmets, gloves and G-suites were removed, before they sprinted to sickbay.
Dr. Fraser was waiting for them. "Lieutenants," he greeted.
"How is he, doc?" Harmony asked aguishly.
"For someone who's been beaten, tortured and neglected, pretty good. He's asking for you Lieutenant."
She followed the doctor, the other two men waiting. He showed her to the room and left her to go in alone. She pushed open the door and went in.
Jason looked, she was there; she was really there. "Harms?"
Harmony crossed the distance between them in seconds, going into his arms, trying not to squeeze him to hard. "Thank god you're all right."
He touched her face to make sure he wasn't dreaming. "You're real."
She smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed. "As real as you are, Marine."
"They told me you'd moved on, they showed me photos of you and a baby."
"Jason," she lent over him. "I don't have a baby, they were lying," she assured and kissed him to prove it.
He pulled her down into his arms and deepened the kiss, not wanting to let her go. They'd lied to him.
She pulled back needing to breath. "I love you Jace, I've never stopped loving you," she told him. "I never stopped believing you were alive."
"Never?"
"Never," she kissed him again. "You promised you were going to marry me, remember?"
"I never forgot."
"Well I'm holding you to that promise," she told him. "Then we'll talk about a baby?"
"But the photo?" He pulled it from beneath his pillow; he'd kept it, not letting them take it with the remains of his clothing.
She looked at it and smiled. "This is Beth's son, it was taken the day after he was born."
"Beth's son?"
"Yes, David," she told him. She saw tears slid down his cheeks. God what had they done to him. "Everything is going to be all right, Jason. I promise."
He drew her back down and held her in his arms. "I love you Harms."
"I know Jace."
The door opened and Captain Keeter came in. He cleared his throat and Harmony moved off the bed, standing beside it. He smiled. "As you were, Lieutenant," he ordered. "Jason, you're parents are on their way."
"They're coming here?" He asked.
"No one in their right mind was going to try and stop them." Jack remarked.
Harmony laughed. "Not unless they wanted to be physically harmed, sir."
"That's right Lieutenant," the Skipper stated. "It's good to have you back, Jason."
"Thank you sir."
"Get some rest."
"Yes sir."
Nodding to Harmony, Jack left the room. She sat back on the bed and took Jason's hand. "You must have a lot of questions?"
He nodded. "They can wait," he pulled her back down into his arms and kissed her again. What he wanted was to make love to her, but that would have to wait.
"He doesn't look too bad off to me," Chris remarked from the doorway.
"Nope, looks pretty good," Paul, agreed and both of them chuckled as Harmony and Jason parted, then the four of them laughed.
Two days later, Captain Keeter met the Cod, greeting both Harm and Mac.
"Where's my son, Captain?" Mac asked quickly as they stepped off the flight deck.
"He's waiting for you in my office," Jack assured. "He was released from sickbay a few minutes ago."
A crewman took their helmets and vests and the Captain escorted them to his office, showing them in.
Jason stood beside Harmony, he wore a white tee shirt under a flight suite mines the badgers, he looked thin, his hair had been cut and the beard shaven off. He stared at his parents for a moment, and then crossed to them, they took him in their arms, holding him tight.
Harmony smiled. Now they were complete, they were a family once more.
"He's a long road a head of him, Harms," Jack said softly as he stood next to her.
"I know sir, but he's alive," she said.
"Yes he is," he agreed. "Alive and in one piece."
Harmony smiled and went over to her family, being drawn into their embrace. When Jason was finally released, he kept hold of Harmony's hand, she was his lifeline, and he'd barely let her out of his sight since he's arrival on the Tyco. When she flew he was aguish for her return. The doctor had released him on the condition he took things easy.
Jack slipped out of the room and let them talk; they had a year to catch him up on. He worried though when it was time for Jason to leave, how he was going to handle the separation. The Tyco still had another four months of sea duty and Harmony couldn't be spared from the air wing, not while things were the way they were.
Mac watched her son, his actions, he didn't say much about what they'd done to him, but it wasn't good. "You look tried Jace, perhaps you should get some rest."
He nodded. "I guess I'm not back to a hundred percent yet."
"It'll take time, son," Harm assured him.
"I know."
Harmony glanced at her watch. "I have a hop to fly in another hour, so I'll walk Jason back to his stateroom."
Harm saw his stepson's reaction. "I'm sure one of us can stay with Jason while you're in the air, Harms."
"Thanks dad." She stood and Jason did also. After he hugged his parents again, they left the office.
Mac felt tears sting her eyes. "Oh God, Harm, what did they do to him?"
"I don't know," he drew her into his arms. "But we'll help him through this, together."
Harmony walked Jason back to his stateroom; he shut the door when they were inside. "Jason?" She wondered what he was up to.
He embraced her from behind, kissing the side of her neck. He needed to touch her, to make love to her, for his own sanity more then anything. "It's been too long, way to long."
Turning in his arms, Harmony unzipped the flight suite. Noticing the hesitation, but mostly the raw need in his eyes "So, Marine, you still remember what to do?"
"It's like riding a bike, Squid," he told her with a slight waver to his voice. "You never forget."
She was shocked by the bruises and scars on his body, but didn't show it. He needed her to love him and by God that was what she was going to do. Clothes came off and they made love on the bunk, slowly, she let him set the pace, be in control. In the aftermath she held him in her arms, sensing what she'd done had helped him more then the doctors.
"I love you Jason, never forget that," she whispered.
"I haven't and I never will," he promised, and then got up.
She did too and they dressed, before she drew him into her arms. "I'll see you when I get back."
"I'm not going anywhere," he vowed, suddenly nervous about being away from her. "Just don't wear yourself out too much, that's my job."
Harmony blushed. "You're incorrigible."
"I have a year to make up for," he mused.
She kissed him, still concerned by his actions. "Don't worry, when this tour is over, I'll make it up to you."
"As my wife?"
"As your wife," she promised. As she left, her dad was coming towards them. "Take it easy with him dad."
"I will," he assured. "Get going Lieutenant."
"Yes sir."
He smiled and went into the stateroom, Jason was pacing. "Hey Jace, want to take a walk?"
"Where too?"
"The fantail?"
Jason nodded. "All right."
They left the stateroom and went to the fantail. Away from the flight deck and the launching planes.
Harm watched Jason, Jack had told them; Naval Intelligences had interviewed Jason, they'd gotten all the information they needed. The doctor who had treated Jason said he would have to see a psychologist when they returned to the States, before he could be return him to duty. Now though Harm could see Jason needed to talk and he would let him.
Jason took a deep breath. If he could talk to anyone about what happened to him, it was his stepfather. "I lost track of time in that cell," he said quietly. "They'd come in and beat me unconscious and then leave me alone for days, then it would start again. Then they would be gone for weeks, before they would return and it would start again."
Harm put his hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to tell me son."
"It's okay, dad. You understand," he stated, and then continued. "Someone use to bring me food and water ever second or third day, after the beatings I was hardly able to eat. They used drugs to get information, but I didn't know anything." He shuddered at one memory. "There was a woman in the group, she use to taunt me. One day she had me tied to a chair, she made the men leave the room."
Harm guessed what happened next. "Jason you don't have to."
"Yes I do," he insisted gripping the rail hard. "She did things to me, dad, things that I'd never thought would make my skin crawl. There wasn't any intercourse, but she used her hands and her mouth. She bit and pinched and the more I screamed the more the men outside laughed and the more she enjoyed it."
"I'm sorry son."
"It went on for a week or so, then she must of lost interest, because she never came back," he revealed. "I felt dirty and ashamed, not because of what she'd done, but because I was powerless to stop her." He turned back. "The only way I survived after that was to keep visualizing Harms in my mind. The things we'd done to together, the tenderness when we made love. I came to realize there was nothing I could have done to stop the attacks or stop the beatings."
"There wasn't, Jason. I'm just sorry we didn't find you earlier."
"I know dad." They stood in silence, looking out over the water. Jason turned to his stepfather. "I want you to promise me you won't tell mom about this?"
"I promise. Does Harms know?" Harm asked.
"No, I'll tell her in time, just not right now."
Harm hesitated on the next question. "Jason, have you and Harms, I mean, after she took you back to your stateroom."
"Did we hot bunk it?" He asked with a little smile. "Yeah, we did."
"How was it?"
Jason laughed. "Dad. No offense but that is something I'm not discussing with you."
Harm laughed with him. "Well I don't really want to know, but I thought I'd ask," he mused. "Especially after what you just told me."
"Thanks dad," he gave him a hug. "For everything."
"You're welcome son."
"And in that department though, they didn't break me. I was attacked and humiliated, but what Harms and I share, is different. As I told Harms, it's just like riding a bike, you never forget." Jason smirked and they both laughed again. When they'd settled down, he asked. "So what happens now, dad?"
"Your mom and I take you home, the Tyco is here for another four months. It'll take some time, but eventually you'll be returned to duty. Unless you don't want to."
"I don't know yet dad," he admitted. "Right now I just don't know."
"You've got time, son," Harm assured. "Come on, let's get you back to your stateroom, you should try and gets some rest."
Jason nodded, still a little hesitant to be on his own. "Will you stay?"
"Sure," he agreed.
"What happened to my apartment?" Jason asked as they left the fantail.
"Nothing, it's still there, ready for you. Harms stays in it occationally, when she needs time away from Mac. Your mom and I both agreed we wouldn't give it up, we couldn't do that, it would be like admitting you were gone."
"Thanks dad."
They continued on to his stateroom, going in. "Is there anything you'd like to know?" Harm asked.
Jason removed his boots and lay down, gesturing for his stepfather to sit. "When did Harms get promoted?"
"They fast tracked her on the Skippers recommendation. She's now a grade a head of you, Jace, you're going to have to salute her."
He grinned. "As long as I don't have to salute her in the bedroom I don't mind."
"Behave and you won't," his stepfather jeered. "What else would you like to know?"
"Has General Creswell been informed?"
"He has, he said he'll come visit you when you return to the States, he though being with your family was more important."
Jason rolled onto his side. "How's Lt. Commander Roberts?"
"He's fine, he wasn't that badly hurt when you were captured. It took a while for him to except there wasn't anything he could have done to stop you from being taken, though."
"I know that dad," he yawned.
"Get some sleep, Jace."
"Okay dad," he said with an almost child like innocents and closed his eyes.
Harm held back tears, his son was alive. It would take time to get back the man he once was, but he was alive.
When Harmony got back, she found her dad dozing in the chair, his feet up on the desk. Jason was still asleep. She smiled and gave her dad a nudge.
He woke, removing his feet from the desk. "Hi honey," he greeted quietly.
"Mom is in the wardroom, she didn't want to disturb you. A call came through from AWCIS for you, Beth needs you to call her back," she informed.
"Okay, how was the hop?" He asked standing.
"Uneventful thankfully."
"I'll see you later, try and get him to eat something when he wakes up."
"I will."
After kissing her forehead, he left.
Harmony sat down where he father had and rubbed her temples; a headache was coming on, from lack of sleep most likely. Sighing she pulled off her boots and managed to crawl onto the bunk next to Jason, spooning herself against him, her arm around his waist. She closed her eyes and drifted off.
Jason woke sometime later, a moment of panic filled his whole body until he remembered where he was. The reason why he couldn't move was because Harmony was holding on to him.
"Hi," her sleepy voice whispered.
"Hi," he felt her release him and turned over to he could see her. She still had her eyes closed. "Are you all right?"
She opened them. "Isn't that my question?"
He grinned. "You didn't answer me."
"I'm just tired, we've been flying hops and sorties around the clock," she explained. "I'll be all right."
"Maybe you should get some more sleep." Jason suggested.
She glanced at her watch. "No chance of that, I have a sortie to fly in another hour."
"Well then," he unzipped her flight suite and slipped his hand inside. "Perhaps I can relax you in some way."
"Perhaps," she managed to unzip the flight suite he wore and maneuvered her hand inside. His reaction wasn't what she expected when she touched him intimately. Fear laced his brown eyes and he pulled back so roughly he pulled them both off the bed onto the floor, where he struggled with her. "Jace. Jace it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you," she reassured and he finally stopped struggling with her. She sat with him in her arms. "I'm sorry Jace."
"It's not your fault," he divulged. He crawled away from her, sitting against the bulkhead, hugging his knees to his chest.
Harmony moved a little closer, worried and scared. "What happened, Jace?"
He closed his eyes, and then opened them. He'd told his stepfather, he could tell her and he did. His voice was shaky at first, but became stronger. He kept watching her eyes for signs of revulsion but there was none.
She moved to sit next to him, wrapping her arms round him. "I'm sorry Jace, if I'd known I would never had done it. I would never hurt you."
"I know," he released his hold and stretched out, laying with his head in her lay. "I guess I'm going to have to work on it."
"We are," she insisted, stroking his hair. "I'm not her Jace, I would never hurt you."
"I know," he whispered. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she lent over and kissed his head. "I love you."
"I love you too."
"Does anyone else know?" Harmony asked.
"Dad, I told dad," he said, closing his eyes, feeling content and safe.
"All right Jace, just rest," she said tenderly and kept stroking his hair.
He felt asleep like that, laying on the floor with his head in her lap and she let him. Her parents and RIO found them like that.
Harm knelt down next to them. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, we had a slight misunderstanding," she assured. "Nothing I couldn't handle."
Paul wasn't so sure; he saw the bruise forming on her cheek. "Are you sure about that?"
"Give me a hand, Paul," Harm ordered and together they got Jason onto the bunk, he didn't even wake.
Mac helped Harmony to her feet, running her fingers gently of the bruise. "You should get that checked sweetie."
"It's nothing mom, I just made contact with his head when we fell off the bunk," she dismissed.
"Lets discuss this outside," Harm told them.
Harmony grabbed her boots and zipped up her flight suite, following them out. Shutting the hatch. "He told me dad," she informed pulling on her boots. "We were laying together and I touched him and he panicked."
"Damn," Harm ran his fingers through his hair. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"Dad, I taught Jace the moves he uses, I'm fine."
"Wait a minute, what are you talking about." Mac demanded, keeping her voice down.
Her husband sighed, there was no way out of it now, but he could do it without violating a promise. "Jason was assaulted."
"Oh god."
He took her into his arms. "He's okay Mac, but there are things, as Harmony just found out that will set him off."
Paul moved closer to his driver. "What can we do?"
"Get him help," Harmony answered, as she accepted his arm around her. "That and no oral sex for a while."
Harm nearly chocked. "Harmony!"
"Sorry dad," she said sheepishly.
Mac chuckled. "Well she is your daughter, Harm."
"No kidding," he remarked with a sigh.
Paul gave his driver a squeeze. "Come on Rabbit we've a sortie to fly."
"We'll see you later, mom, dad."
"Be careful, both of you," her dad advised.
"Aye, aye sir," both said and hurried away.
Mac looked to her husband. "Tell me what happened to my son, Harm?"
"I can't Sarah, Jason made me promise I wouldn't," he told her. "Let him tell you in his own time."
"All right."
"Stay with him, I'll go and see Jack and see when we can get Jason back to the States." Harm suggested.
She nodded, and returned to her son's stateroom. She sat down and watched him sleep, remembering back to when he was a child. She would sit for hours in his room and just watch him sleep. So innocent of the pain and hatred around them. Now he had first hand knowledge of that pain and hatred.
Jason moaned and woke, opening his eyes; he was no longer on the floor. He saw his mother. "Mom?"
Mac hurried over and sat on the edge of the bunk. "It's okay, Jace."
He looked around. "Where's Harms?"
"She had to fly a sortie."
"Oh."
She ran her hand over his short hair. "Would you like to get something to eat?"
Jason nodded and sat up when his mom stood, getting to his feet. "Was Harms all right?"
"She's fine, honey," his mom assured.
He pulled on his boots and did up the flight suite, before standing. He hesitated a little though. "Mom, I didn't hurt Harms, did I?"
"No, not intentionally," she saw his concerned look. "She has a bruise on her cheek where she hit your head when you were struggling with her."
"Oh God mom, I didn't mean it," he said frantically.
Mac took him quickly into her arms. "It's okay, Jace, she knows you didn't mean it," she rubbed his back. "It's okay son." She gave him a smile. "Now lets go get something to eat, okay?"
"Okay," he relented and went with her.
Harm found them both in the Officers Mess, sitting with them. "We're on the Cod first thing in the morning."
Jason stopped eating. "What about Harms?"
"She has to stay, Jason. They needed her here."
"But."
"Jason, she is a Lieutenant in the US Navy, she has a job to do here. Like it or not you're getting on the Cod in the morning without Harmony." Harm said sternly. "She has her duty and you have yours."
Mac bit her lip at the harshness of the comment, but knew what her husband was trying to do. "Harmony will be home in four months, you'll see her then."
"Yes Ma'am," her son said defeated.
As much as they hated doing that, it needed to be done.
Captain O'Reilly was in the ready room when Rabb and MacGyver returned; they removed their G-suites, putting them into their lockers along with their helmets, flight gloves and kneeboards. She quickly debriefed them then ordered them to get some rest. "You're not due back up until thirteen hundred tomorrow," she announced. "Though I'd like you to go over some legal papers in my office at oh eight thirty, Lieutenant Rabb."
"Yes Ma'am."
"Oh and Harms, your dad and stepmother are leaving with Jason on the morning Cod," she revealed.
"Thank you Ma'am."
"Dismissed."
Both came to attention, then turned and walked out. Paul noticed Harmony rubbing her temple. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired," she replied wearily.
"Are you sure they're nothing else bothering you?" He asked. She went to say something, but didn't. Which gave him a good indication there was something. "Come on Rabbit." He steered her towards the stateroom he shared with Chris Buxton, the younger Lieutenant was asleep when they got there. Paul shut the hutch, turning he saw the tears in Harmony's eyes. "Oh Harms," he drew her into his arms and she buried her head against his chest, sobbing. "It's okay sweetheart, let it all out."
Chris woke, he pushed back the curtain and saw them, he knew his friend would eventually fall emotionally, he was just glad it was Paul she'd done it in front off. He stayed where he was and just waited, encase either needed him.
"Jason is going to be fine," Paul, said calmly. "By the time we get home, he'll be the man you fell in love with again. You've got to give him time honey."
"He was so frightened, Mac," she sobbed. "One moment it was raw desire in his eyes, the next it was fear."
"He knows you wouldn't hurt him, Harms," he told her. "He's only reacting because of what they did to him."
She pulled back a little. "He was sexually abused, Paul, by a woman."
"Shit!" Chris exclaimed and saw her look. "Sorry Harms."
"It's okay."
He got down from the top bunk, seeing the bruise on her cheek. He gentle touched her cheek. "He did this?"
"Not intentionally, he panicked and struggled, we fell off the bunk and I hit my cheek on his head," she explained. "I shouldn't have touched him, he wouldn't have panicked if I'd been controlling my hormones."
Paul couldn't help by smile. "I'm guessing but I'd say he was letting his hormones do his thinking too?"
"Yeah, but still."
"Harms," Chris stopped her. "It wasn't your fault, any more then it was Jason's."
"He's right," Paul agreed. He handed her a tissue. "Now wipe your eyes and then go take a shower and get some sleep."
She nodded. "Thanks guys."
"Hey, that's what we're here for." Chris said with a cheeky grin. "You're family."
Chuckling she hugged them both, then hurried out. She did what she was told and amazingly slept all night. Since she wasn't due to fly until later in the day, she put on her duty uniform met Paul and Chris in the Officers mess for breakfast. They were also in duty uniform; Chris' RIO, Mattie Lane or Rogue as she was known was there as well. They sat together, chatting as they ate.
Harm and Mac walked in with Jason a few minutes later, the young man between them. They got something to eat and sat down.
Mac saw her son never lose sign of Harmony; she put her hand over his. "Jace, eat up."
"Yes Ma'am," he said with a nod. He ate a little, mostly played with it. He stopped when he noticed the four aviators standing near them.
"Ma'am sir," Paul addressed them. "Lieutenant."
Harm smiled. "Lieutenant's."
"We'd just like to wish you a safe trip home, sir, Ma'am." Chris said
"Thank you Lieutenant." Mac acknowledged.
"Umm Ma'am, I was wondering," he removed a letter from his pocket. "If it's no problem, could you give this to Mandy."
She took the letter. "I certainly can."
"Thank you Ma'am."
"Sir, when does the Cod leave?" Harmony asked her father.
"Oh eight hundred, Lieutenant," he answered.
"Will you be there to say goodbye?" Jason asked her a little anguish.
She smiled. "I will. Excuse us." She left with her fell aviators, needing to get out of the room.
"You can do this, Harms." Paul assured her.
"I know," she assured. "I'll see you later."
"Vultures room, oh eight hundred," Chris told her. "We'll be waiting for you."
"I'll be there," she told them and hurried away. She went to Jason's stateroom and waited, pacing back and fourth. Being startled by his arrival with her parents. "I wanted to say goodbye in private," she announced.
Her father shut the hutch and gave her a hug. "Be careful."
"I will dad, I promise."
"That's all I ask sweetheart."
She hugged her stepmother next. "Look after Jace," she whispered.
"I will."
She then turned to the man she loved, waiting for him to make the first move.
Jason slowly touched her cheek. "I'm sorry."
"It was an accident," she put her hand over his and drew it down. "Of course when I get home, I expect a very long apology."
He managed a smile. "Anything in particular?"
"I think you'll know," she said grinning.
He took her in his arms and kissed her. "I love you Harms."
"I love you too, Jace."
There was a knock on the hatch; Harm opened it seeing Chris and his RIO. "Lieutenants?"
"Sir, Captain O'Reilly needs to see Lieutenant Rabb ASAP."
"I'll be back," Harmony assured Jason and stepped out.
Mattie grabbed her hand as Paul arrived Lt. Commander James Evans, carrying a Marine dress uniform and shoes. "We've got to hurry."
"What's going on?" she asked as Mattie pulled her away.
"A surprise. Come on."
Paul and the Lt. Commander walked into the stateroom with Chris.
"What's going on Lt. Commander, Lieutenants?" Mac asked, curious.
"Well Ma'am, we arranged something special for Rabbit and 1st Lieutenant Rabb," James revealed. "Since our JAG on board is a Marine, and Jason's size, he lent us his dress uniform. Captain Keeter arranged for the ribbons. If the 1st Lieutenant will changed, we can get this surprise started."
Jason took the uniform and shoes, everyone except his father stepped out and he changed. "Why are they doing this dad?"
"Because Harms is a part of their family, Jace." Harm stated. "They care for her a great deal." He stepped back, smiling. "There you go." They left the stateroom. "Is he presentable, gentlemen?"
"Yes sir," James agreed. "If you'll go with Lt. Buxton, sir. Ma'am if you'll accompany 1st Lieutenant Rabb and ourselves."
They parted ways, Harm going with Chris. "What's going on Wolverine?"
"As the Lt. Commander said sir, we wanted to do something special for Harms, so with the Cag's help and the Skippers, we organized it," he revealed. Coming to O'Reilly's stateroom he knocked.
O'Reilly, who addressed Chris, ordering him, opened the hatch. "Lieutenant, you have five minutes, move."
"Yes Ma'am," he said and hurried away.
"Captain, if you would," she gestured him in, shutting the hatch.
Harm was stunned, his daughter stood there in a beautiful white dress, the figure hugging skirt fell just below her knees, it had long sleeves and very little back, it showed off every slim, well toned curve she had. Her hair had been styled and make up applied. She looked stunning and younger then her twenty-one years.
She walked slowly towards him in the while heals. "Dad?"
"You look beautiful, honey," he said, his voice fall of emotion. Now he understood what was going on.
"Sir," Mattie got his attention.
It was then he realized both women were in their Dress Whites. "Yes Lieutenant."
She held out a White Dress jacket. "It was the best we could do on short notice sir, it should fit."
He removed his white summer shirt and slipped the Dress jacket on over the top of his white tee shirt, it fitted perfectly. O'Reilly expertly added his ribbons and wings. "Do I pass ladies?"
"Yes sir, you do," Katherine insisted. "And I might add sir, your wife is a very lucky lady."
"Thank you Cag," he said with a grin. "Well shell we get this show on the road."
"Captain," Harmony got her attention. "Thank you."
"Harms, you're family," the older woman remarked and kissed her cheek. "Now lets not keep your young man waiting any longer."
Harmony found herself being escorted to the flight deck. "Ma'am?" She questioned just before the hatch they would take them out.
"Don't worry, we've cleared it with the Skipper," she insisted. "Rogue, let's go, Captain, the Marine outside will open the hatch when we're ready."
"Very well, Cag."
She and Mattie hurried out, the hatch was closed after them. The entire air wing was present, not to mention nearly the entire ships crew. Jason stood nervously beside Paul MacGyver and Chris Buxton, the two Naval Aviators in their Dress Whites. Katherine hurried over to Paul, she handed him two rings. "Don't lose them."
"No Ma'am," he said with a grin.
She then nodded to the Skipper and the Chaplain. "All ready, sir, Padre."
"Then lets begin," the Padre, Chaplain Cameron, announced.
She and Mattie moved out of the way, signaling the Marine. The hatch opened and a recording of the wedding march was played as Harm escorted his daughter out onto the flight deck and down the red carpet that had been laid for the event. The music having been taken off the Internet by a resourceful Ensign, just for the occasion and played through the ships speakers.
Jason turned, seeing them; he was still stunned that they would do this for him and Harmony.
"Breath," Paul advised, smiling.
He nodded. "I'm trying."
Harm escorted his daughter to Jason, kissing her cheek before going to stand with his wife, feeling a little overwhelmed over it as well. Mac squeezed his hand, smiling, tears already in her eyes.
Chaplain Cameron smiled, the music had finished and he addressed those present. "This morning I had no idea I was to perform a wedding, nor do I expect anyone was intending to attend one," he paused at the soft chuckles. "So we gather here this morning in the presence of God, friends and crew, to join Harmony and Jason in Marriage. Two souls who found each other early in life and survived the challengers given them," he told the couple quietly to face each other and join hands, which they did. "Do you Jason Christopher, take Harmony Emily to be your wife and mother of your children. To love and cherish in sickness and in health, in job and sorrow, through the good times and the bad?"
"I do," Jason managed to say.
"Do you Harmony Emily, take Jason Christopher to be your husband and father of your children. To love and cherish in sickness and in health, in joy and sorrow, through the good times and the bad?"
Harmony smiled. "I do."
The Chaplain looked to Paul. "The rings?" He was handed both and blessed them, giving Jason the smaller of the two.
Jason slipped it onto Harmony's finger, repeating what the Chaplain said. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and vow to you."
Harmony took the other ring from the Chaplain and repeated the same words, slipping the ring on Jason's finger. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and vow to you."
Chaplain Cameron smiled. "It is my pleasure before God, family, friends and crew, to pronounce you husband and wife. Jason, you may kiss your wife."
He grinned. "Yes sir," he said happily and taking Harmony into his arms, kissed her as those around them clapped and cheered.
Captain Jack Keeter smiled and raising his voice announced as the couple parted. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present for the first time, Lieutenant and Mrs. Jason Rabb."
Harmony turned to the Captain as the crew started filing off the flight deck. "Thank you sir."
Jack gave her a hug. "You're my only God daughter, it's the least I could do," he whispered.
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she said again and then turned to the Cag, giving her a hug. "Thank you Ma'am."
"You're welcome."
Jason took his new wife's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Cag, I owe you one."
"Yes young man you do," Katherine grinned.
"Ma'am the rings?" He questioned.
She smiled, a little sad. "They were my parents, I lost my father during the first Gulf War and my mother to breast cancer. My Uncle told me when I married, whether I use them or passed them on was my decision. So they're my wedding gift to you both."
"Thank you Ma'am."
"You just get yourself better young man," she whispered as she gave him a hug. "I believe when we get home, you're going to need to be in perfect health."
"I will."
"Now, I believe the Cod is arriving in one hour. So it doesn't give you guys much time, I suggest you take advantage of what time you do have."
"Yes Ma'am," both acknowledged and hurried off the flight deck.
Katherine chuckled as Harm and Mac joined her and the Skipper. "I have a feeling they're going to have one hell'va homecoming."
"We might not see them for days," Harm smirked and they all laughed.
"Well I suggest we get out of these uniforms and into something more comfortable," Jack declared. "I happen to have a boat to run."
"Thanks Jack."
"No problem," he said, and then walked away.
"Your shirt was taken back to your stateroom, Captain," Katherine revealed. "Just leave the Jacket there, I'll collect it later and return it."
"Thank you Cag."
"You didn't have to do this, Cag, thank you." Mac stated.
"It wasn't all my idea, Colonel. There were a lot of people involved," she mussed and left herself.
"Come on sweetheart," Harm urged.
They left the flight deck and returned to their stateroom. Harm shrugged out of the jacket, putting the ribbons and wings back onto this shirt before handing the jacket up.
Mac embraced him from behind, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Your little girl is all grown up."
He chuckled. "So is your little boy," he mused. "Still we have Anthony and Larissa."
"Yeah we do."
He turned, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you Marine."
"I love you squid."
He lent down and kissed her, and they made use to the time they had left on board too, making love with as much life and vigor as they knew the newly wed couple would be.
As they were dressing, Mac began to chuckle. "I just thought of something."
"Oh?" Harm finished doing up his laces and straightened. "What's that?"
"You realize, possibly in a few years time, they'll make us grandparents."
"Grandparents?"
"Uh huh," she grinned.
Harm groaned. "Me a grandfather."
"You a grandfather."
He tugged her playfully into his arms. "You'll be a grandmother."
"Bit your tongue, sailor."
"Hey if I'm to be a grandfather, then you'll have to be the grandmother."
"Grams and Gramps?"
"Yes."
Mac sighed. "I'll get use to it, I suppose. Hopefully though they'll give us a few years."
"Hopefully," Harm agreed and kissed. "Come on darlin, we have a Cod to catch."
"That we do."
Grabbing their bags, they left the stateroom, heading for the flight deck, a crewmen handed them helmets and white vest, taking their bags to the Cod. Turning they saw Harmony and Jason walking towards them hand in hand, a helmet and vest in Jason's free hand. The onboard JAG having lent him a duty uniform, since he didn't have any with him.
"I'd say they made good use of their time," Harm smirked.
Mac dug him in the ribs. "Behave," she warned lightly.
Harmony hugged her parents. "Look after him for me."
"We will, honey," her dad assured. "You look after yourself."
"I will, I have a lot to come home for," she remarked.
"That you do."
Mac tugged at her husband's hand, they slipped on the vests and helmets and headed out onto the flight deck.
Jason put the vest on, and then tugged his wife into his arms. "I love you Mrs. Rabb."
"I love you Mr. Rabb," she said. "Everything will be fine, Jace, by the time I get home, you'll be stepping on Creswell's toes and beating Uncle Bud in court."
"I hope so," he said somewhat hesitant.
"You'll be fine," she insisted and then kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too," he reluctantly let her go; putting the helmet on, he went out onto the flight deck.
Harmony ran all the way to Vultures Row, finding Chris, Paul and Mattie waiting. She stood between Chris and Paul, her RIO slipping his arm around her in a protective manner, just as he'd always done. Together they watched the Cod move into position and catapult off the deck.
"You going to be all right, Rabbit?" Paul asked her.
"Yeah," she rested her head against his shoulder. "I'll be fine."
Christmas Eve – 2007Jason looked out the window, outside it was snowing, he smiled at the though of how far he'd come in four months. He'd gone back to work, and thanks to the doctor at Bethesda, he no longer had nightmares or jumped at his own shadow at times. He felt he'd put what had happened to him finally behind him. Turning he looked around the living room, a Christmas Tree was seat up, lights twinkling against decorations. He wondered what his wife was going to think of the house, he'd bought it a month ago, having seen it while driving back from Oceana. It wasn't far from Virginia Beach, so it was close to the base. He'd rang Harmony and told her about it, she'd agreed to him buying it after seeing the photo he'd emailed, it was perfect.
He just wished she were here to share it with him, the Tyco had been ordered to remain for a few weeks longer. It should have been their first Christmas together.
Sighing he sat on the sofa, then after kicking off his shoes, sprawled out, watching the tree lights, slowly drifting off.
Driving through the snow that fell, Lieutenant Harmony Rabb was determined to get home to her husband, the air wing had flown in an hour ago and after being dismissed, she'd pulled her coat on over her winter uniform and headed for the Wall to wish her grandfather a Merry Christmas. Now she was headed home, a home she'd only seen in photos. Pulling the classic '68' Corvette into the driveway, she cut the engine, got out, locking it she hurried inside, using the key Jason had sent to her. She shut and locked the door, hanging her coat and cover up near the door, she found her way into the living room, smiling as she saw her husband asleep on the sofa. She knelt down near his head and lightly kissed his lips.
He stirred and woke, not believe whom he saw. "Harms?"
"Hi," she greeted in a sexy purr. "Merry Christmas."
He touched her face. "You're really here."
"I am," she kissed him again and found herself being tugged into his arms, lying on top of him. Not that she cared.
She was really there; he could feel her, taste her. Thank you God, he said silently. Then gathered her up in his arms and got off the sofa, carrying her up the stairs to their bedroom, where he proceeded to remove her uniform and his clothes and make love to love to her. Something they did more then once through out the night and early into the morning before they dozed off in each other's arms.
They woke snuggled together. "I though you weren't due home for a couple weeks?" He whispered.
"Orders were changed at the last minutes," she revealed, she stroked his chest beneath the sheet and blanket, slowing moving her hand down. "After we were dismissed I drove to the Wall and then here."
"So mom and dad don't even know your home?" He asked and he sucked in his breath at the moments her hand was now making on a part of his anatomy.
"No they don't. After visiting the Wall, I just wanted to get home and make love to my husband in our new house," she said with a sexy purr.
He moaned. "At least your have your priories," he closed his eyes, surrendering to the pleasure. What had happened to him in Iraq wasn't going to course him panic, this was his wife, and the woman he loved doing this to him.
"So," she said with that same sexy purr. "I have my priories right?"
His eyes flew open when her hand left his body and he found she was straddling him. "Damn right you do," he grabbed her hips and they made love again, this time slowly but with as much hungered need as before.
It was much later in the morning when they finally made it out of bed to shower and dress. While Jason made breakfast, Harmony got her things from the Vette, dealing with them. They ate and cleaned up and then headed into the living room. Presents lay under the tree; Harmony had organized gifts for her husband through her parents.
Jason embraced her from behind. "How about we gather them up and go over to mom and dads, Sergei is over there and they are expecting me. We can surprise them?"
"I like your plans."
"I thought you would."
They put the presents into a Santa Sack before slipping their jackets and gloves on, driving over to their parent's house in Falls Church.
"You go first," Jason urged, smiling as he got the Santa Sack out.
She hugged tight to her flight jacket and went up to the front door, knocking. She heard running and then her five-year-old brother opened the door.
"Harms!" He yelled and threw himself into her arms.
She laughed and held him tight. "Hi kiddo."
"Your home!" He exclaimed excitedly.
"I'm home kiddo," she reassured.
Jason came up behind them carrying the sack. "Are you going to let us in kiddo?"
"Okay," he took his sisters hand and dragged her inside.
Jason laughed, shutting the door when he was in, following them.
"Mom, dad, look who's here," Anthony said excitedly.
"Harms," they were both instantly on their feet, hugging her.
Harmony lingered in her father's arms a little longer, he rubbed her back, whispering. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "Can we talk later?"
"Sure sweetie."
"Harmy, Harmy," Larissa hugged tight to her jean covered leg.
She giggled and reached down, picking her sister up. "Hi darlin."
"You home. I asked Grandpa Harm to bring you home," the little girl revealed sincerely.
"Did you," she asked and the little girl nodded. "Well now that explains everything."
"Missed you Harmy."
"Missed you too sweetheart."
Sergei came over and hugged the both of them; he hadn't long been home either. "Hi Rabbit."
"Hi Russkie."
"Presents Harmy?" Larissa asked.
"Okay sweetie."
They sat together and Jason handed out the presents, the two children excited and pleased.
Harmony got the one she'd had her dad by her husband out of the sack, giving it to Jason. "Merry Christmas."
He opened it, inside the box, lying on tissue paper was a gold St. Christopher and chain. "Harms."
She took it and put it on him. "Now Grandpa Harm is going to be there to protect you too."
He drew her into his arms. "Thank you babe," he said and kissed her.
Larissa screwed up her nose. "Yuck."
They parted and laughed with everyone else.
A little later, Harm found his daughter out back, leaning against the railing. He wrapped his arms around her, she lent against him, needing to be close. "What happened sweetheart?" He asked, knowing something had been bothering her.
"We did a mission one night, it was really dark, no moon light," she began softly. "Intel had a weapons factory in full operation, that had to be taken out," she squeezed her eyes shut. "Using night vision we found the target and took it out, then got the hell out of there. It wasn't until we got back, that we found out the extremists had moved orphans to the factory." She opened her eyes and they were filled with tears. "They'd done it on purpose."
"You didn't know, darlin."
She turned and held tight to him. "Why did they do it dad, why?"
"I don't know, Harms," he said rubbing her back, comforting her. "Who knows why the do the things they do."
"That's why the Tyco was sent home, they thought it best to get us out of the line of fire."
"I know darlin," he admitted. "I got a report on my desk about it. It wasn't your fault." He wiped her cheeks. "Now lets go back inside out of the cold.
"Okay."
"Harms," he kissed her forehead. "Don't blame yourself, I mean it."
She nodded. "It's just going to take a bit to get over."
"I know. Come on sweetheart." He guided her back inside.
Beth and baby David had arrived, as had the Chegwidden's, Joe and Deanna Mackenzie and the Burnett's. All were excited to see Harmony, hugging her. During the reunion, Paul and his parents also arrived, Harm and Mac having invited the MacGyver's.
Paul Sr. gave Harmony a hug. "You okay kiddo?"
"I'm fine," she gave him a smile. "I've had your son looking after me."
"Does a good job, doesn't he?" He smirked.
"The best."
Paul Sr. released her and shook Jason's hand. "How are you young man?"
"I'm fine sir."
"Jason, if Harms here can call me by my first name, then you can too."
"All right."
"Good."
Harm called Paul Sr. into the kitchen and he walked passed Jason, patting him on the back.
Jason drew his wife over to the window seat and into his arms, holding her close. "Merry Christmas Harms."
She spotted the mistletoe, smiling. "I thought there was a reason why we were here."
"I'm making up for lost time," he mused and then let down and kissed her. No matter what the future held for them, they would face it together.
The End.
(Thank you to everyone who reviewed and read along. With Christmas coming up, I'm going to take a break; I will however try to get 'Hammer and Hoots' finished. So until the New Year, have a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday. A.S)