Title: Old Friends
Chapter Nine
By: LizD
Written: June/July 2004
Disclaimers: No disrespect to JAG's cast, crew or creators. With love and thanks.
Old Friends - Chapter NineMake New Friends, But Keep The Old
One Is Silver, And The Other Gold
Part 11329 EST – July 4th
Roberts' Residence – Annual Fourth of July Bar-B-Que
Retired Admiral AJ Chegwidden stood alone on the porch of the Roberts home finishing his beer. He had not intended on making an appearance at the party this year, but since his daughter was called to Italy unexpectedly he found himself at home with nothing to do. She would be back in a week and they would resume touring of the baseball parks. He brought an antipasto and a half rack of Carlsberg.
The front yard was full of cars and SUV's of all kinds. From the talking, laughing, music and the smell of burning lighter fluid coming from the back yard, it was clear that the festivities were in full swing. More than a fifty people had arrived to share the holiday with more expected.
"Admiral?" Harriet called through the screen door.
"For the last time, Simms." He bellowed without turning around.
"Another beer for you … AJ?" Harriet asked.
"Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy?"
Harriet opened the door and replaced the empty bottle with a full one. "Yes, sir." She smiled sweetly at him letting him know that his bellowing no longer had an affect on her. She retreated back into the house.
AJ missed working, he missed his people; he missed being in charge. He was frustrated and profoundly unfulfilled in the weeks he had been touring with his daughter. They had few topics in common and on some they were permanently entrenched on opposite sides. He had to admit that his daughter voiced her opinion strongly and without reservation. She must have gotten that from her mother. She wasn't much of a baseball fan, but was really trying to appreciate the game for her father. Sadly, there were long periods of silence as they drove from town to town. It wasn't what he had imagined when he made the plans. Worst of all, Boston was in a slump and the Yankees were not. The first month was a bust.
Harm et al drove up and parked behind Matoni's car. Mac followed immediately after and completed the block. Matoni would have to hunt them both down in order to get out. Matoni was the kind of guy to come late and leave early. AJ watched as Harm and Mac made eye contact and smiled. He had to smile himself. It was the little things he missed. That look between his two favorites – dare he say children – forced him to believe that they had worked it out. 'Good for them.' He nodded and toasted them silently.
Out of Harm's car crawled Jennifer Coates, Mattie, her friend Susan Smithfield and her mother, Rebecca, and Chloe Madison. Gates had ridden with Mac. It was clear that this was a two-car caravan; they didn't just happen to show up at the same time.
Chloe had come down the last week of June and would be headed back to New Hampshire the next day. She was there to see Mac, but since Mac and Harm were a couple it was understood that Chloe and Mattie would need to get along. Luckily it was an instantaneous alliance. They were like old friends an hour after they met. That was good for Harm. Chloe had never completely forgiven him for breaking up Mac's wedding. More accurately she was angry with him for breaking up the wedding and then not marrying her himself. Chloe didn't know all the details, but she would naturally think it was all Harm's fault. Her feelings did soften when she heard that Harm had gone to get Mac somewhere for some reason and lost his job doing it. It sounded romantic to Chloe, but again, she didn't know all the particulars. On this trip, however, Mattie's influence and high opinion of Harm had turned Chloe's disapproval into guarded acceptance. And if Chloe were forced to admit it, Mac seemed really happy, happier than he had in years. She gave Harm credit for that.
All the women converged on the back of the Lexus. Mattie and Chloe grabbed the cooler filled with soft drinks and struggled with it to the back yard protesting that they were young and strong and could handle it. They had to put it down four or five times before they made to the back yard. Susan followed after them with two big shopping bags full of chips, pretzels etc. Jennifer pulled two twelve packs of beer and also made her way to the back yard. She had seen the admiral, but only out of the corner of her eye and decided to greet him later. Mac grabbed the pasta salad she was instructed to bring, Gates the fruit salad and Rebecca the seven layer dip that she was famous for. AJ had no idea who these new females were, but he had every intention of finding out. Harm surveyed the back of his car wondering how badly all of that was going to stain. The only things left were the two watermelons. He didn't attempt to carry both. He pulled one out and was about to close the hatch.
"Rabb." The admiral called stepping up to him. "That is quite a harem you have there."
Harm was surprised to see the admiral. "Yes, sir. I do feel a little out numbered." He shifted the watermelon to his other arm so he could shake the admiral's hand. "How goes retirement?"
"Quiet." He growled. "Deafeningly quiet."
"Your daughter is …"
"Back in Italy at the moment. Some big fashion emergency." He shrugged and pulled the other watermelon from the car. "She'll be back in a week or so."
Harm closed the hatch a little nervous about what he was supposed to say to his ex-CO. "It is good to see you, AJ."
"Sebring tells me that you're behaving." AJ knew that he was still the senior in the relationship and needed to be the one to direct the conversation.
"Doing my best."
"Your best is what always got you into trouble." AJ smiled.
"Yes, sir."
"And got you out of it – ninety nine times out of a hundred."
"Yes, sir."
"Let's put these down, and grab a beer." AJ nodded to the back yard. "And lose the sir, Harm." He said over his shoulder.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
A little while later at the edge of the yard, Harm and AJ watched the women they worked with looking so much more female in their civies than they ever did in uniform. They were laughing and talking looking young and desirable even to their old eyes.
"Mac seems happy." AJ declared.
"She has a beautiful smile." Harm agreed.
"You can't seem to wipe that shit-eating grin off your face either, commander."
Harm's smile broadened. "No, sir."
"Good." AJ nodded. "Good for both of you."
"Thank you."
"It's about damned time." AJ added. "Thanks for not doing it on my watch."
"Sir?"
"Wouldn't have wanted to be the one to separate you two." He said casually. "Of course if I had, you two might have had one of your own by now." He nodded to little Jimmy in Mac's arms.
Harm knew he was trying to be nice.
AJ turned his attention to Gates. "Who's the woman?"
"A very old friend of Mac's, Gates Madden … she is a psychiatrist at the CIA."
AJ snorted. "That has got to be a thankless job."
"I would assume so."
"CIA huh? Can't say I miss that crowd." AJ admitted. "So where is Webb these days?"
Harm froze. He didn't know how to respond. It had not be released that Webb was dead, nor was Harm at liberty to suggest that he may not actually be dead. "Webb?"
"Aw hell if I lost a woman like Mac to a guy like you, I'd get as far away from this berg as I could get too." He slapped Harm on the back. "Come on, you're my partner for Bocce."
Harm was feeling a thaw with the admiral. Maybe now that they weren't commanding officer and subordinate, they could be friends.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Later
Gates Madden made her way to the side of the yard where AJ was standing with a group of people watching Harm and Sturgis take on Matoni and Sebring in volleyball. It was actually pretty funny to watch. Matoni was tripping all over himself to suck up to Sebring. Sebring just wanted to play, which was good, because he had to play twice as hard to make up for Matoni. Harm and Sturgis were barely breaking a sweat. To watch them was like watching a well-choreographed dance. Obviously Harm and Sturgis were winning. In fact they had won the last five games against anyone who wanted to play. They were getting a little cocky. Mike and his roommate were up next; Harm and Sturgis would probably go down in flames.
"Admiral." Gates said to announce herself as she took a position next to him.
"Doc." He smiled back at her.
They had not spoken or been introduced yet, but each had asked questions about the other and had made quite a bit of eye contact during the day.
"Do you play?" AJ asked meaning volleyball.
"Often, but I prefer games that are one-on-one and full contact," she said suggestively. "If I am to be dressed, I would prefer being a spectator."
"Let me guess." He studied her. "Football?"
"I have been known to watch a game or two … but for me baseball is the ultimate game."
"I see." She was stroking him, and he knew it. He liked it.
"Understand you are quite the fan yourself."
"I have been known to watch a game or two." He turned his attention toward her completely.
Gates let a slight curl of the lip show. She liked him; he was going to be fun. "You like to watch up close and personal too, I hear."
"You have heard a lot."
She stepped closer to him. "Do you take that much interest in everything that strikes your fancy?"
"I do like to be involved."
"I can see that about you." She smiled.
AJ gently put his hand out. "We have not formerly been introduced. AJ Chegwidden."
"Gates Madden." She took his had warmly.
"Gates, I have tickets to Oakland at Boston on Tuesday."
"It is a three day series." She corrected.
"I have tickets to all three days." His eyes twinkled.
"Well, then AJ … I suggest you buy me a drink and tell me your life's story."
He offered her his arm and they wandered away, the volleyball game completely forgotten.
2322 EST – Fourth of July Night
Rabb/Johnson/Coates Residence
Harm brought the cooler filled with leftovers that Harriet sent home into Mattie and Jennifer's apartment. Mattie, Chloe and Susan were spread out all over the floor watching some movie they had seen a hundred times still stuffing their faces with anything that was edible. They were laughing and joking and talking non-stop. It was amazing how much energy they had at that time of night after such a long day. 'Thick as thieves' was the term that described these new friends. They were going to spend the night together at Mattie's apartment.
"You girls going to be OK?" Harm interrupted.
"Harm!" Mattie scolded.
"Alright, alright. I'll be right next door, try not to burn the building down."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Harm." Chloe sneered playfully.
"Thank you for having me, commander." Susan added sweetly.
"Susan, it was a pleasure having you." He smiled that smile that melted girls into puddles. "But please call me Harm."
"Yes, sir."
The girls laughed.
He turned his attention to the two who weren't so in awe of him. "You two could learn a thing or two about resp-."
"Respecting our ELDERS?" Mattie finished.
Harm gave her a wary look, and turned to leave. "Try to get some sleep." He waved them off; he had little influence on women of any kind anymore and particularly not on fifteen-year-old girls.
Back in Harm's apartment, Mac was slumped down in the chair with the wet towels, clothes and blankets still in her lap. She was asleep … or was resting her eyes very soundly. She had dropped Gates off and was there to keep and eye on the girls. Jennifer was invited camping by Mike Roberts and several of his friends. Mac and Harm would be the chaperons to the slumber party. Harm in his apartment and Mac in Jennifer's.
Harm pulled the laundry from her lap and dumped it on the floor and knelt down behind her. She was still wearing the little slip of a sundress that had kept his attention all day. She was so fresh, so vital, so full of life. She was happy. He was hard pressed to see the stoic marine who had been through hell and struggled to maintain control.
That last month or so had been wonderful for Harm and Mac – a honeymoon of sorts. Her health was good. The symptoms of the endometriosis were non-existent – at least for the time being. Their relationship was great. They had enough time for themselves and they were becoming quite the family with Mattie and Jennifer. It was Harm's idea to bring Chloe down for a week. They kept it on the QT at the office, but most of their co-workers either knew or suspected and accepted it. Captain Sebring was still in charge and he didn't acknowledge their relationship if he knew about it. Technically there was nothing in the regs about officers in the same unit dating, but it got sticky if they were assigned to the same case and stickier still if they were assigned as opposing counsel. He opted to keep them apart as much as possible without making any overt policies. For all intents and purposes, Harm and Mac acted as 'just friends' with the people they worked with.
Harm slipped the straps on her dress down to give him free access to her neck and shoulders. He very gently placed both his hands on her shoulders and started to massage the knots in her back and neck with his thumbs. She was not asleep, but she was not fully awake either. She let out a low moan of appreciation.
"I'll give you sixty minutes to stop that." She pressed back into the massage.
"Don't think I have sixty minutes left in me." He whispered letting his lips brush her neck.
"Mmm … too bad, I was just waking up." She smiled and offered her cheek for him to kiss.
He took her up on the offer.
"I had a wonderful time today." She said.
"Me too." He agreed. "Who were all those people?" He yawned.
"Not a clue." She laughed. "But they brought good food."
"Did Gates have a nice time?"
"She did." Mac craned into his rub. "She does love a man in uniform."
"Didn't see any uniforms."
"It is not the uniform she loves, it is the uniform attitude." She tensed slightly as he found and worked out a sore spot. "Ow … Ow … Ow."
"Stop?" He relaxed his hands.
"No. Ow … that feels so good."
He continued. "So did she pick out her next ex-husband?"
"Harm!" She slapped playfully at his hand. "Actually … she liked the admiral."
"Admiral who?" Harm stopped. "Chegwidden? Oh brother."
"I think they would make a cute couple."
"I wouldn't wish that union on either of them."
"You still don't like Gates."
"I like her well enough." He looked down. "And the admiral did notice her."
"He did more than that. They are going to Boston this week to watch a baseball game."
"That old dog … still got some moves left in him." Harm laughed.
"You two were talking for quite some time, did you work out your issues?"
"Nothing to work out … he still thinks of me as a NON-team player totally ruled by my emotion and should be working as stand in on The Crocodile Hunter." He tried to brush it off.
Mac put her hand on his to let him know she heard him and understood his discontent.
"One thing he did say, was that he thought fatherhood had been good for me and he congratulated me on finally getting my head out of my six and working things out with you."
"He wished me 'good luck'," she added. "Said I would need it."
"Ah … he has always loved you best … probably hoped that now that he was retired you two could -."
"Harm!"
"Just calling it like I see it."
"I don't think that's it." She stopped his massage and turned to him. "I think he loves you like the son he never had, and fathers and sons rarely handle disappointments in the other – real or imagined - well."
"I wouldn't know."
"Harm." She scolded him.
He stretched out the kink in his own back.
"Sit down … in front of me." She instructed pulling her legs up so he could sit with his back against the chair. She proceeded to start working on the knots in his neck. "So why did you ignore me all day?" She asked.
"Ignore you? I didn't ignore you." He defended.
"You barely said three words to me at the party."
"Cause you were off flirting with even eligible bachelor there."
"I think not."
"When you weren't, you were dishing with the womenfolk." He teased.
"Dishing?" She pressed as hard as she could into his shoulder.
"Hey." He jumped at the pain.
"We were not dishing, we were talking and if you must know … men was not a topic of conversation."
"Well all I know is that every time I looked over at you, you were laughing about something."
"And you and your ego assumed it was about you?" She leaned down and kissed his cheek.
He turned to her quickly so she would not back away. "No, I thought you were the most beautiful woman on the planet … any planet." He kissed lightly. "And I counted myself lucky to be the only one who knew that."
"You think so, huh?"
"I know so." He kissed her again this time it was not so quick and not so light.
"There are times when you can be very sweet." She smiled. "It is very disconcerting."
"I won't make a habit out of it." He touched her cheek. "Need to keep you guessing."
"You do." She leaned back and continued to work on the knots in his shoulder. "How were the girls when you left them?"
"Who knows? … talking a mile a minute … eating … watching a movie … I can't keep up with them."
"Have you talked to Mattie yet?"
"No." Harm stretched his back a little to give her better access. "Not really, we have talked around it some."
"You need to, the hearing is on Friday."
"I know." He was not shutting down as much as he was thinking of his defense. "The hell of it is, she is doing really well. She is happy and cared for. She is making friends." He turned to her, "Did she show you her report card?"
Mac nodded.
"She got straight A's. That was a first for her, she was so proud of herself." He looked away. "She told me her father never took an interest in her schooling."
"Harm."
"I know, I know." He shook his head. "I will do what ever Mattie wants. If she wants to stay here, then I will fight Tom with everything I have."
"WE" Mac corrected, "We could just talk to him. If Mattie really wants to stay here and see her father on the weekends, then maybe we could work something out for Mattie's benefit."
He nodded. "Sounds like negotiating with an Ex for custody and visitation."
"Harm, you were there for her when she really needed someone."
"Yeah."
"You did a good thing for her, selfless and very generous – we will do what is right."
"I know … whatever Mattie wants." He was done discussing it for the moment.
She leaned down and whispered in his ear. "How about whatever I want?"
He turned slightly to her all of a sudden interested, "What do you want?"
The smile spread across her face slowly and lasciviously.
"Mac?" He was not sure what she was implying but he liked it.
"Do you really want to know what I want?" She got very close to him.
"Tell me." He reached up and undid the clip from her hair.
She shook her hair out and let some of it drape sexily over her face. "I am not sure I can tell you … would need to show you."
"I like the sound of that." He loved the play in her.
She maneuvered herself out of the chair and took him by the hand. He stood and followed. She started to walk toward the bedroom, but quickly turned to the kitchen. She opened the freezer and pulled out a Dole Fruit and Juice bar.
"A popcycle?" He laughed at her. "That is the WHATEVER you want?"
"Not a popcycle." She nibbled at the end in mock innocence. "A Raspberry Fruit-n-Juice bar."
He backed her up so that she was pinned between him and the counter. "You look … so … so …"
"Not tired any more, Hammer?" She toyed and offered him a taste of the bar.
He took a big bite.
"Hey." She protested.
"You revive me, marine." He claimed her with a kiss that she allowed at first, then returned and then ended abruptly.
"Can't get carried away, sailor … we are on watch tonight."
"This could be why they don't like men and women serving together, too easy to get distracted." He tried to kiss her again, but she pushed him away firmly but gently.
"I better go."
"Get, while the getting is good." He leaned against the counter so he could watch her walk away.
"Walk me home?" She looked back over her shoulder when she got to the door.
He couldn't help himself; he was head over heels for her, more with each passing day. "You know, they have names for women like you." He crossed over to her.
"Really?" She raised her eyebrow at him. "And what would those names be?"
"Oh, to name a few …" he opened the door to let her proceed him out. "Smart, sexy, hungry, playful … a tease."
"A Tease?"
He wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her before she could protest, not that she wanted to protest. "Don't ever stop."
Mac opened the door to Mattie's apartment. The TV was blaring, all the lights were on and the girls were sound asleep. Mac looked back at Harm.
He shrugged, closed the door, and took her hand to lead her back down the hall to his apartment.
1045 EST – Wednesday, July 7th
JAG Headquarters
Unfortunately the honeymoon period for Harm and Mac came to an abrupt end … not an end so much as a bump, then a dip and then silence. It was so easy for a little while, but it wasn't going last or all sunshine and roses.
Mac slammed into Harm's office. "Just what in the hell were you thinking?" She demanded to know.
He looked up trying his best to be disinterested. "Stand down, marine." He stood up. "And close the hatch."
"I just drew the Lankersheim case."
Lankersheim was a commander accused of sexual harassment aboard the USS Patrick Henry. The big deal was that Lankersheim was female pilot and squadron leader. Mac was assigned the defense. Sturgis and Bud had done the JAGman investigation and would be prosecuting. The Article 32 would be held aboard ship and Mac would be gone for at least a week, maybe less, possibly more.
Harm sat back down.
"I leave in two hours." She continued her protest.
Still he waited.
"You recommended me for this." She accused.
"Lankersheim needs the best … you are the best." He said simply but with no smile.
"Don't patronize me, Harm."
"Mac … Lankersheim is getting shafted and she needs somebody to defend her."
"I don't care about Lankersheim, I want to know why you are trying to get rid of me."
"What?" He waved her off. "Don't be ridiculous."
She sat down, but sat forward in her chair. She was not done. "We have something to do this week and you are flat out dismissing me."
"Look … first of all, I don't give the orders around here. Sebring tried to assign the case to me … at Bobbie Latham's request. I recused myself, read the file and suggested that he give it to you." He smiled. "Guess the captain liked my suggestion."
"Harm, the custody hearing is Friday." It was obvious to her and was annoyed that she had to bring it up.
"I know." He looked back down to his desk.
"I want to be there." She stated. "It affects me too."
"Mac, I want you there too, I do. But …"
"But what?"
"Duty calls." He said flippantly.
"It doesn't need to be me, Matoni --."
"Matoni? Are you kidding? Why don't you put the cat in charge of the canary?"
"Then Bud or Sturgis, they don't both need to prosecute." She protested. "Or they can postpone the hearing until we can both be there."
Harm shook his head. "The convening authority is fighting a war and to have a sexual harassment suit brought up is more of a bother than a real crisis. He will want to get it over with quickly and quietly. The fact that it involves his best pilot and squadron leader is also a factor not to mention the amazing amount of political pressure surrounding this case. There will be no postponement. Have you read the file?"
"Briefly."
"She didn't do it, Mac. I know her. She is arrogant, a hot shot, condescending and rude."
"She sounds like any pilot." The shot hit its mark.
Harm rolled his eyes. "AND she is the best damn thing we got in the air."
"And she is a woman."
"You can just imagine how all those boys feel about having a woman their age out fly them and out rank them." He smiled. "I can help you with this, I know the players … it should be me … hell it should be both of us … after the hearing on Friday, I will join you out there."
"I really don't like this Harm." She continued to protest. "We had dinner set up with Tom tomorrow night."
"And I will keep that date." He assured her.
She was seething. She stood up quickly and paced once across the office.
He waited.
Mac set her jaw and asked, "Why is it that you can push your way into my life, convince me that nothing happens to me that doesn't also happen to you and nearly get yourself killed or disbarred or brought up on charges in order to be there for me … but I can't do the same for you?"
He watched her for a moment; he didn't know how to respond. She had a point. If the situation were reversed he would find a way to do both. But as it was, it just didn't make sense for her to stay. It would be easier for Harm to lose Mattie without and audience and he was convinced that he was going to lose her.
"Harm?"
"I don't know." He shook his head and looked away. "I just don't know."
"Harm, we are either a couple or we are not … at that is all there is." The tension in her voice was almost tangible.
He got up and crossed to where she was standing. "We are a couple, Mac." He took her hand and looked out the little window in his door to be sure there was no one standing by. "We're a couple … We're a team, but we are also adults and officers … we have duties and responsibilities and sometimes we have to make a choice … choices we would rather not make."
"You are not talking to Mattie, Harm." She pulled her hand away. "I know all about my duties and my responsibilities."
"Mac, I have not always been there for you … and there will be times when I can't be." He ducked down a little so he could meet her eyes with her own, "But you know that I love you … and being 'there' for each other is not always about geography or timing."
"I have ninety-six minutes." She shook her head and looked away. "I am very unhappy … and I am more unhappy about the role you played. I get the feeling you are relieved that I won't be there."
She nailed it and he had to deflect as best he could. "Mac, don't make more of this than there is."
"Fine." She was not going to be calmed but didn't have time to have the full-blown discussion. "I'll call you from the road."
"OK. I have some ideas about this case I want to share with you."
"Fine." She turned to leave.
"Not a kiss good bye?" He flashed her a smile.
"I am not happy with you at the moment." She stated.
"I know." He tried to look innocent. "But I still want to kiss you good bye."
She shook her head. "I am calling Mattie right now."
"Ok."
"Damn it Rabb." She leaned up and kissed him quickly on the side of his mouth.
"That's it?" He pulled her into an embrace. "I am really sorry you won't be there."
"Yeah." She pulled back and reluctantly kissed him goodbye.
