Chapter 18: Rules and Regulations

It's amazing how much he missed the way they would tease each other. Even at some of their darkest hours, their bantering would still make an appearance every once in a while. It was just second nature from them to idly flirt with each other, much to the dismay of their significant others a few times.

Harm lets her have her silent bliss, resisting the urge not to impatiently tap his foot on the floor, for only a few minutes before he questions, "Verdict?"

Mac's smile just widens, as she pronounces, "Guilty as charged."

Harm lifts one eyebrow, clear to his hairline, as he asks, "And what exactly were the charges, counselor?"

Mac replies, "I believe they would be: Article 133, Conduct Inviting; Article 120c, Very Decent Exposure, and Article 92, Failure to Obey My Order."

Harm chuckles, "Hmm. I don't seem to remember those offenses being named quite what you say, but I will take the compliments nonetheless. Further, I don't recall offering any invitations for inspection, but I have no qualms about you looking. At least as long as you aren't including anyone else in your inspection, like you did the first time you were checking my six against a newspaper photograph when my dress whites were stolen. I definitely haven't exposed any of my pertinent…parts. And by all means, please tell me what order I have failed to obey, considering I am the senior officer."

Mac leers at him, "Well in that case, turn around so I can look again!"

Harm shakes his finger at her, "You, Miss, are completely incorrigible."

Mac chuckles, "Me? Who was surreptitiously glancing around a magazine trying to see my breasts?"

Harm turns several shades of red. He sputters, "Hey, I wasn't the only one trying to get a look. Bud was the first one who mentioned it. As I recall, that was how he got in big trouble with Harriet. Not necessarily yours per se, but ogling naked breasts in general. In fact, if memory serves, a certain Admiral had to lobby on Bud's behalf to get him out of hot water with his wife. And that Aussie you were with obviously wanted to see them as well, or he wouldn't have 'suggested,' and I use that term loosely, that you go topless in the first place."

Mac folds her arms under said objects of discussion, puffing them out slightly, which causes Harm to briefly glance down before catching his faux pas, and quickly glancing back up. She doesn't catch his indiscretion as she huffs, "I told you then that I wasn't topless!"

Harm reaches over and takes her hand, being very careful not to brush the side of her breast, and starts running small circles over her hand. He quietly says, "I know, Sarah. I just wasn't sure back then that you were telling me the truth. I have many regrets from that trip, but I wouldn't say that not seeing your naked breasts was one of them. If I ever do see them, on a beach with thousands of people isn't exactly the scenario I had in mind to view them for the first time."

Mac giggles. "Well, I guess you will have to enlighten me on how you envisioned it. And by the way, you haven't always been the senior officer you know. I remember when it was ME who out-ranked YOU. And if I recall that discussion correctly, you told me that you would obey all LAWFUL orders."

Harm smiles at the memory of her trip to the carrier when she surprised the hell out of him with her promotion. He had very mixed feelings about it. He was very happy for her accomplishments, but at the same time felt alienated from the life he had left at JAG to return to active flight status. And then he got roped into being a defense attorney in the case anyway. Part of him had wondered if he hadn't left, if he would have been promoted to a full Commander at the time also. It wasn't likely though as Marine Corps and Naval Officer Selection Boards never seem to be at the same time of the year. Thankfully, the situation resolved itself a few months later, and they were on equal ground again when his promotion came through as well. He says, "Well, since I am now the senior officer, does that mean the tables are turned?"

Mac smiles coyly at him, "Nope. I still outrank you."

Harm laughs out loud, "How do you figure that one? You retired as either a Lt. Colonel or Colonel, you still haven't mentioned which. And I now have a couple stars. I think that makes me a few ranks above you."

Mac, bats her eyes at him, "But, SIR." You are forgetting the cardinal rule."

Harm plays along, inwardly chuckling at her emphasis on the word Sir, "Oh, and what is that?"

Mac grins at him with merriment, "That a woman trumps a man every time!"

Harm gives her a flyboy grin, "Hmm. I don't think I recall reading anything regarding that in the UCMJ. Besides, if it is there, I am now THE JAG, so I might have to make sure that little piece gets modified. Unless of course a woman becomes President, in which case, you would be correct. Other than that, there are maybe a handful of women that currently outrank me. The Navy has a few female Vice Admirals, and the Marine Corps might have one or two Major Generals. Speaking of, you still haven't answered what order I didn't obey."

Mac returns his smile with a wide one of her own, "The one to come over here and kiss me until I can't breathe."

Harm leans down, and whispers against her lips, "That's one order I could definitely be agreeable to."

When they break their kiss for some much-needed air, Mac lifts herself up to reconnect with his soft lips again, but Harm backs away.

Mac, a bit taken back by his movement away from her, inquires, "What's the matter?"

Harm grins, "I just realized that your order wasn't lawful in any way, shape, or form. I am not your subordinate, the order doesn't relate to military duty, and it definitely could impose on my personal rights. Now, if it was a request vice a demand…"

Mac wraps her arms around his neck, and forcefully pulls him back to her, ensuring that the light cast on her wrist isn't digging into his neck. She replies, "Semantics Harm. Just shut up, and kiss me."

Harm considers debating his point a little bit further, in their classic game of one-upmanship, but he is no fool. Her inviting lips draw him back in, and he would much rather caress them with his own than argue with them any day.