AN: I've just replaced a mistake I spotted after re-reading this chapter. I forgot Sturgis wasn't around yet at this point in time. *slaps forehead* It didn't matter though because he was simply a mention and not part of the chapter. Thanks for the great reviews, keep them coming!
Chapter 12
"At ease. Take a seat," said AJ as his two best officers stood at attention in front of his desk.
Harm and Mac relaxed their stance and sat down.
"Commander, I just had a phone call from your mother and she had a few interesting things to tell me," said AJ.
Mac looked confused while Harm shook his head slightly at his CO, hoping to convey the message that whatever his mother had said wasn't something Mac knew. AJ nodded slightly, understanding by the Commander's discomfort that the Colonel wasn't informed.
"Actually, now that I think about it again, I'm sure this is something the Commander and I can work out ourselves," said AJ, while Harm let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief.
"Dismissed Colonel," said AJ.
Bewildered, Mac did as she was told.
"I understand that congratulations are not yet in order judging by your expression Commander," said AJ.
"That's right sir. If they were I would have informed you sir," said Harm.
"You better Commander, your commanding officer needs to know those things before they go public," said AJ gruffly.
"Yes sir!" said Harm.
"Permission to speak freely sir?" continued Harm.
"Granted," replied AJ.
"What did my mother speak to you about and why did she call sir?" asked Harm.
"Mrs. Burnett called to make sure you and Colonel Mackenzie could get married without any problems. She told me that you were going to propose and she wanted to know whether there was something I could do so neither of you would be charged or have to leave JAG, if I indeed approved of such an action," said AJ.
"And do you approve of my proposing to the Colonel at a later date sir?" asked Harm.
AJ smiled inwardly. "Would I have encouraged you to tell Colonel Mackenzie how you felt if I didn't?"
"Uh, no sir," said Harm.
"I approve Harm. I just wanted to make sure that this hadn't already happened," said AJ.
Harm smiled. "Thank you sir. And I will inform you before I ask Mac to marry me. It will be pretty soon I guess but not quite yet," he said.
"Good, I would have had quite a day otherwise!" said AJ.
"Yes sir," said Harm.
"That's all Commander. Dismissed!" said AJ.
"Aye Aye sir," said Harm before leaving the office.
"What happened? Is your mom okay?" asked Mac as she met him on his way to his office.
"She's fine. It was just a bit of a misunderstanding, that's all," said Harm, glad he didn't have to lie too much.
"Oh, okay," said Mac, not quite believing him but letting it drop for the moment.
"Yeah, well, at least I wasn't in trouble," said Harm, attempting to change the subject.
"Does it make a nice change flyboy?" grinned Mac.
"Funny Ninja-girl," replied Harm playfully.
"I know," said Mac with a smile.
"Well, I need to get back to work. I have a meeting with a client in 5 minutes 23 seconds," she added.
"I won't ask how you do that, but I'd better get to work too. Can't have the pile of paperwork get any bigger," said Harm.
"I'll see you later then," said Mac.
"Yeah. Maybe we could grab lunch together?" asked Harm.
"I'd like that," said Mac smiling at him before returning to her office.
1304
Harm's office
Harm looked up from his file at the knock on the door and smiled widely.
"Hey, come on in," he said.
"Thanks," said Mac, sitting down.
"Are you ready to go?" asked Harm.
"That's what I was coming to see you about. I had an appointment moved up to right after lunch so I need to be here. How does Chinese delivered here to the office sound to you?" asked Mac.
"Sounds good. Have you ordered?" asked Harm.
"I have actually. Don't worry I know what you like," said Mac.
"I'd be surprised if you didn't, we've shared working lunches and dinners for years now," laughed Harm.
Mac smiled. "Exactly why I do know what you like."
"So, your office or mine?" asked Harm.
"Does it make much difference?" teased Mac.
"Yes, I'm dying to get out of this office so we're going to yours," said Harm, closing his file and standing.
"Fine with me," said Mac, as they walked to her office together.
"It should be here soon, Tiner said he'd bring it in," said Mac
"Okay," said Harm, closing the door behind them. He closed the blinds as well as Mac watched him.
"What are you doing Commander?" she asked.
"Stealing a few minutes with you," replied Harm, giving her his flyboy grin.
"Green light," said Mac with a teasing smile.
"Good," said Harm before wrapping his arms around her and meeting her lips with his.
A minute later they sprang apart quickly at a knock on the door. Harm sat down and picked up a file, trying to look absorbed in it as Mac opened the door.
"Here's your lunch ma'am," said Tiner.
"Thanks Tiner," said Mac warmly, taking the bags from him.
"Ma'am, Commander, " said Tiner as he left the office.
"Tiner," replied Harm, looking up.
Mac closed the door and set the bags down in the middle of her desk.
"That was close," murmured Harm.
"Not really. Tiner wouldn't have just walked in, the Admiral would have though," mused Mac.
"Aren't we glad it wasn't him!" said Harm with a chuckle.
"Oh yeah," agreed Mac.
1732
"Hey Mac, I'm heading home. You?" asked Harm, sticking his head in the doorway of Mac's office.
Mac smiled at him as she looked up from the legal pad she was furiously making notes on. "I'll be a little while longer. You go ahead."
"You sure? I could keep you company," said Harm.
"It's okay. Really," said Mac, seeing the look of concern on his face.
"Okay, but don't work too hard Marine," said Harm, smiling at her.
"I promise I won't," replied Mac.
"You still here Colonel?" asked the Admiral from behind Harm.
Both of them moved to stand at attention but AJ waved them off.
"You need to be taking it easy Colonel," said AJ.
"Yes sir," said Mac, not feeling the need to argue.
"Good. Go home, any work you have can wait until tomorrow. Is that a problem?" said AJ.
"No sir!" said Mac.
"Well then, I won't keep you. Commander, I trust I don't need to order you to go home either?" said AJ.
"No sir, I was on my way out," said Harm, indicating to his briefcase and cover.
"See you tomorrow then Colonel and on Wednesday for you Commander," said AJ, before turning and leaving the office.
"You heard the Admiral. Time for you to go home," said Harm, helping her get ready to leave.
Mac stopped him with a touch on his arm. "What did he mean by he'll see you on Wednesday?"
"Oh, I'll be in Norfolk tomorrow. Part of the Jackson case," explained Harm.
Mac nodded. "Not going well?" she asked.
Harm groaned good-naturedly. "Bud's too smart for his own good."
"He had good teachers," said Mac with a chuckle.
"You ready?" asked Harm, a moment later.
"Sure," said Mac.
They walked out to the bullpen together and waited for the elevator.
"Are you busy tonight?" asked Harm casually, as they got into the elevator.
"No. I do have a date with a hot chocolate and some sleep though," said Mac.
Harm smiled. "Good. You need the rest," he said.
"So everyone keeps telling me," said Mac. "You know Bud asked for permission to speak freely and then told me that I should be putting my feet up and Harriet told me the same thing later?"
The elevator stopped and they made their way to the parking lot. "Really? Sounds like we all have your best interests at heart," said Harm.
"Don't tell me you scared poor Bud with the 'I'm a Marine' speech?" he continued.
"No, I was good. He looked relieved that I didn't," said Mac.
"I don't blame him!" said Harm with a grin.
"Hey, I'm not that scary," said Mac, swatting his arm playfully.
"No, not scary. Just…scary" said Harm, grinning cheekily.
"You're pushing it Commander," said Mac, smiling despite herself.
"Yeah, but you love me anyway," said Harm.
"I do," said Mac.
"And I love you," said Harm, enveloping her in a hug.
"I'll miss you tomorrow," said Mac.
"I'll miss you too. I don't suppose you want to have that hot chocolate with some company?" asked Harm.
"You read my mind. I was about to ask you the same question," said Mac smiling.
"I'll see you soon then. Is 2000 okay?" asked Harm.
"It's great, I'll look forward to it," said Mac.
"Me too Sarah," said Harm.
Mac hugged him again and placed a tender kiss on his lips. He kissed her back with a smile and they said goodbye until later that evening.
Chapter 13 is coming soon.