Outside Mac's Apartment
1800 Romeo
Friday (Same Day)
Harm knocked on Mac's door and then sat rocking back and forth on his heels fiddling with the red rose he had bought her. He was nervous about dinner tonight. He hadn't told Mac he was actually taking her out like the Admiral had said so she probably wasn't ready. His dress whites were starting to feel a tad warm as his nervousness mounted. He knocked again a little louder this time and he almost instantly heard,
"Just a minute!" He waited for exactly one minute and Mac's door opened.
"Oh hi… Harm? What are you doing here and dressed like the Good Humor man." Harm was quick on his feet.
"I think the question is why am I still standing in the hall and you aren't in some sexy, seductive dress ready for dinner." Harm grinned and used the rose to motion to her sweats and T-shirt.
"Dinner? You didn't say we were going to dinner and what makes you so sure that I even want to go with you considering what you did today."
"Alright then looks like I'm going to be eating pasta at Galileio's all by my lonesome." Harm turned on his heel and was about to walk away when Mac grabbed him and pulled him inside.
"Not so fast Flyboy. You wait right here and I'll be back in ten minutes with a dress on that will floor you."
"Oh that I would love to see." Harm crossed his arms and sat on the couch, while Mac rushed into her bedroom and threw open her closet. She had five dresses. She looked at the first one it was from the Surface Warfare ball.
"No, not that one." She tossed it out of her way and grabbed the one from the NATO ball.
"Nope, not this one either." That joined the red one and she pulled out a dark navy blue one.
"Most definitely not that one, too many memories of the Sudanese Embassy." She tossed that one away as well. Next was her forest green dress, but that had long sleeves and was heavy so that was a no. She let out a growl of anguish.
"Ugh! What am I going to wear!" Then she heard Harm's voice from the door way,
"Do you not have a dress?"
"Oh I have them alright, but each one wouldn't fit the occasion… except," Her eyes darted to her closet and she spotted the last remaining gown on the rack and smiled.
"Go on Harm I'll be right there, give me five." She ushered him out and closed the door behind him and quickly changed and put on a little makeup and ran a comb through her hair. Her shoes were the last things she put on and grabbing the matching purse she stepped out into the living room.
Harm turned to the source of the noise and let out a whistle. He then took a step back to get a better look and he tripped over the rug and was on his back on the hardwood. Mac had on a strapless, floor length burgundy gown with golden embroidery across the bodice and a little at the bottom for trim. There was a slit that went almost all the way up to her lower thigh and he could have sworn that the fabric it was made out of was silk.
"Well I floored you. I guess I clean up nicely for a Marine then?"
"Literally…I mean beautifully." Harm's breath was taken away as he stood and Mac took his arm smiling.
"Aren't we going?"
"Uh yes. Yes of course. Oh I did forget to give you the rose I brought for you." Harm handed Mac the red rose from earlier, which she quickly found a small vase for, and then they were off to have a very interesting evening.
Galileio'sFoggy Bottom
1903 Romeo
Harm pulled up and parked in front of a small but very upscale building and helped Mac out of the car. They walked through the door and stood beside another couples, who as well were decked out in evening attire. The hostess walked up to him and asked,
"Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes it's under Rabb, for two." Harm stated and the woman smiled.
"Ah yes Mr. Rabb please follow me." Harm and Mac followed her to the back and then out a door onto an empty dimly lit patio with a single table laid out fully for two.
"Just as you requested sir and I will have Maria out for you in a few minutes." The hostess turned away and went back inside. Harm pulled out Mac's chair and she sat down.
"Harm this place it is beautiful and look at the stars no wonder this restaurant is named after an astronomer. How did you get reservations here? I heard that it's booked straight up to December and it's only May."
"Well my powers of persuasion are wonderful and I did book it in January right before it opened." Harm openly admitted, Mac was silent for a minute and then smiled.
"So this isn't apologizing for today, you had something else in mind, so tell me just what is so special about today?" She thought she knew but she just wanted to clarify.
"Well tonight is an anniversary a fifth one to be exact, of a promise that we made way back when."
"Oh so you're still on for a baby huh?" Mac was right on the money.
"Well yes I am. I planned on bringing you here and I figured we could talk about how and when we were um… going to get the ball rolling." Harm blushed a little and Mac smiled,
"I say that we get going right…" She paused as Maria came out.
"Good evening. What can get for you on this lovely night?"
"Oh I haven't even looked at the menu." Mac fretted.
"Ah, no need for that. If it is Italian ma'am we can fix it."
"Alright how about a shrimp fettuccini and a glass sparkling cider."
"Okay and for you sir?"
"I think I'll go for a five cheese torteillini and same to drink."
"Excellent choices, we will have the chef get right on them." Maria bustled back inside and Harm looked at Mac expectantly. She looked a little distracted it must have been a least five-maybe ten minutes before either spoke.
"Now you were saying?" Harm offered.
"Well we could get started right away if you um wanted to." Mac shrugged leaning in towards him. Harm smiled.
"I don't think the dinner table is the appropriate place to take part in that sort of activity."
"Oh then what exactly is the dinner table good for?"
"Eating for one and for lovers to spend an entire evening sending long wistful glances across it." Harm answered, softly. Mac cocked an eyebrow.
"So we're lovers now?"
"I don't see why not, what can it hurt." Harm tossed the suggestion out so lightly that Mac was taken aback.
"Harm is this some round about way of confessing your undying love for me?"
"Well Mac you can take it and twist and analyze it all you want but I'll save you the trouble and say yes Mac I do love very much. Too much to tell you in fact." Harm let out a sigh. That was wonderful to get off his chest and now all he had to do was wait for Mac's answer. Mac unfolded her napkin and smoothed it over her lap.
"Well that is quite flattering and…" She stopped as Maria returned. She set down their food and cider then went on her way.
"That was fast, now what were you saying Mac? These waiters do seem to come at the worst times."
"I was just saying Harmon,"
Uh oh this is serious she used my given name. Harm thought praying for the best.
"That I too find you extremely attractive, even though you are the most arrogant man I have ever met, I love you for it just the same." Harm almost choked on his cider.
"Really?" He sputtered. Mac smiled.
"Yes and don't you start babbling like an idiot now." Mac began to eat her meal and Harm ate his in silence. They were about half way through when Mac sat down her fork.
"You are really truly in love with me?" Harm looked at her puzzled.
"I told you almost fifteen minutes ago." Harm said setting down his fork as well.
"I know but it didn't really sink in till now."
"Yep same here." Harm then smiled at her sweetly.
"It's funny how easy this whole honesty thing is. I seriously was kind of dreading this moment, you know the whole expressing my emotions thing."
"For a cocky Flyboy that is understandable."
"Oh and it isn't for a Marine then?"
"For a Marine yes, but as you can see I'm not in uniform therefore that puts me in woman mode and it's easy for a woman."
"That makes sense, now since we are being honest where is that lovely tattoo of yours?" Mac laughed,
"Now Harm let's not be too honest now. You'll find out eventually." She then turned her attention back to her meal. She didn't really want to talk with him much now she just wanted to enjoy his company in silence. Her mind was reeling. It was amazing how Harm could surprise her at the drop of a hat. The other thing that amazed Mac was how she had gotten so lucky to have someone like Harm in her life, she didn't really deserve him. Had treated him like a god sometimes and others like he was scum under her high-heeled shoes, and yet every time he came back for more.
Harm smiled inwardly as he watched Mac eat as he did. He had figured that she would want to be talking a mile a minute about the 'future'. This word scared Harm a bit. He had waited so long for this time that it seemed like the only thing in his future was chasing after Mac and now that he had her he wondered what there really was out there for him. He supposed it didn't really matter, as long as he had Mac he would be okay and that was the best he could ask for. He certainly didn't deserve a woman like Mac but he wasn't going to complain. If he had the choice he would spoil her and take care of her at every possible opportunity to the best of his ability, but Mac wouldn't stand for that. He couldn't place her on a pedestal, she was independent and stubborn and he loved every minute of it.
"Harm, I'm finished how about you?" Mac asked softly.
"Huh, um yeah I am." Harm shook himself out of his thoughts. Mac looked at him.
"What were you thinking about?"
"Probably the same thing you were." Harm stated.
"Well aren't you a Narcissist."
"Oh and why is that?" Harm asked.
"Because I was thinking about you and if you were thinking about you too then that would make you…"
"A Narcissist, I know. Do you want dessert Mac?"
"No I think for once I am actually full."
"What ever you say. Now the only problem is to find our wonderful waitress."
"Did you all enjoy your meal?" Harm jumped a little and Mac laughed.
"Yes we did thank you very much and our compliments to the chef." Mac replied politely.
"I am very glad. Can I interest you in dessert or will you need your check?" Maria asked.
"I think our check would be fine thank you." Harm said and Maria pulled it out of her little apron pocket.
"There you are sir." Harm took a look at it then Mac reached for it.
"No, no Mac it's my treat remember?" Harm pulled a rather largely numbered bill out of his wallet and signing the receipt handed it to Maria whose eyes widened slightly.
"There you are and keep the change." Harm gave her a Flyboy grin and she smiled and stammered.
"Thank you sir and you are welcome back anytime." Maria turned and went on her way and Mac stood up.
"Now that everything's taken care of should we be on our way?" Harm stood as well and offered Mac his arm, which she took freely, and they made their way back inside. As they walked through the tables Mac could feel the eyes of other couples watching them.
"Harm is there something on my dress?" She whispered.
"No, why?"
"Because people are staring." Harm smiled down at her.
"They're staring because I have most beautiful woman on my arm and they're just jealous."
"Stop being so flattering."
"Okay, or it could just be the way we are walking like military officers ramrod straight and that a friend of ours is over at another table, but DON'T look!" Harm warned. Thank goodness his peripheral vision came in handy.
"Who?"
"I'll tell you when we're outside." Harm murmured and in another minute they were out once more in the cool night air.
"So who was it?" Mac demanded.
"Well you might not know her, but Commander or should I say Admiral Krennick was in there with someone I don't know who. She was a co worker at JAG with Lt. Austin"
"Oh I know her alright. I ran into her a few times at the Pentagon when I was working on some things. What a witch! How did you know she's an Admiral now?"
"I do occasionally pick up a Navy Times." They stopped walking at the end of the short sidewalk. Mac was about to step down so they could get back to Harm's car, when Harm grabbed her arm.
"What?"
"You my fair lady were about to soil your dress in that puddle." Harm answered and Mac cocked an eyebrow.
"Well thank you for saving me a trip to the cleaners Sail… oh my gosh!" Mac squeaked as Harm lifted her up off the ground into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck in surprise. Harm grinned as he stepped off the curb and walked confidently through the puddle. He continued to carry her all the way to the car where he gently set her down again.
"You know Harm we could have just walked around it."
"I know but I wanted to sweep you off your feet." Harm said as he unlocked and opened the passenger side for Mac to climb in. Closing the door he walked aroundt6o his side and after getting in started the car.
"Back to your apartment then milady?" Harm asked as they pulled out of the parking lot. He was still playing along with the game and Mac did as well.
"That I believe would be very lovely indeed. In return I believe I will wash your trousers as well they are all covered with yuck on the bottoms and we will have those shoes nice and shiny again." Mac smiled at him.
"Mac, is that some line to get me to take my pants off." Mac laughed.
"I seriously want to get those clean and if I wanted you to take your pants off all I'd have to do is ask."
"And I would gladly obey." Harm chuckled and took Mac's hand off the center console and kissed it softly.
"The charm never ends for you does it?"
"Nope. I am after all Harmon Rabb the Navy poster boy and swashbuckling sailor slash pilot."
"Whatever and I am just the sexy marine who would get down and dirty." Harm shook his head and Mac rested their intertwined fingers back on the console. They sat in silence until they were outside of Mac's apartment. Harm turned off the engine and they sat there for a minute.
"I guess I had better go then, its kind of late. I'll see you at work tomorrow then."
"That would be great if we had work. Tomorrow is Saturday, but if you want I can come over then if you um want." Harm wasn't sure why they were acting so nervous, this however was new territory for them both. Mac was about out of the car when he grabbed her wrist and she sat back down.
"Hey Mac uh wait a minute." Mac looked at him expectantly. Harm took the plunge before he lost his nerve. He leaned over and kissed her gently. Mac kissed him back just as innocently and when they parted Harm whispered,
"I love you Mac." Mac whispered back and gave him a kiss on the cheek,
"Me too me too." She then quickly got out and hurried off to her apartment feeling very giddy. Harm watched her go and when he couldn't see her he got out and with a loud "YES!" He jumped into the air. He felt wonderful, but his pilot side was disappointed about not being invited in but he battled that he didn't want to push Mac. That was what his lawyer side told him.
Up in Mac's apartment Mac jumped on the couch with a very light heart.
"YES! He's mine finally!" She cheered. The side of her that was the sultry aggressive marine Mac who wanted to rip off his dress whites was kicking herself for not inviting Harm up, but oh well. They would get in that groove and they would reach that when they got to it Mac's more gentle romantic side countered. Mac flopped on the couch and sighed. She sat there for a minute and then jumped up. Mac then grabbing up her dress she ran back out of her apartment and downstairs and back outside where she was relieved to find Harm leaning casually leaning against his 'Vette looking at the few stars that could be seen in the city.
Harm heard the clicking of heels on the cement and he smiled and looked to the source of the noise and saw Mac dashing over to him. She skidded to a halt grabbing a hold of Harm when she reached him.
"Do… you want to come… in?" She gasped in between breaths. Harm gave her a Flyboy grin and nodded.
"Yes I think so."
"Good because you don't really have a choice." Mac stated and taking his arm they went up the stairs slowly, even though they were itching to run. Mac opened her apartment door and when Harm closed the door behind them they stood there for a minute then Mac commented,
"Um could you just stand there for a minute while I decide whether to ask you if you want something to drink or if I should slam you up against that wall and start to rip your dress whites off." Harm's eyebrows shot up. Mac was really acting differently and he had a feeling that he kind of liked this blunt behavior of hers.
"I'll stand right here until you decide." Harm stated politely. Mac bit her lip walking towards him so they were barely an inch apart then gave in.
"Ugh the wall wins!" She then gave him a rather forceful push up against the wall closest to the bedroom and began to kiss him furiously. Harm was surprised and then he as well gave in and it became a rather heated make out session. When they needed air Mac gasped,
"Now part B off with the uniform Sailor!" She then ripped his shirt off and he asked between giving her frantic kisses.
"Are you… always this forceful… in your approach?"
"Questions later Commander you in the bedroom now!" Mac pushed him into the bedroom and practically threw him on the bed.
"I'll take that as a yes?" Harm said as his hands found the zipper of her dress. Mac kissed him again and not another word was said between them for a very long time.