Episode 8 China Beach
Harm paced as the other teams left one by one.
"Would you please relax?" Mac took his hand, pulling him to her.
"We're a hour and twenty-one minutes behind first place."
"And? We can catch up, but you have to relax."
They were told to get in place before being handed their clue.
"What?" Mac asked as a grin spread across Harm's features.
"Travel to the Arche de Triumphe in Paris, France."
Mac laughed and went to their car.
"You know, Mac...Paris is the city of love."
"Focus on the finish line, Flyboy." She drove them quickly to the airport, glad that Harm was in a better mood. That mood vanished when they arrived at the airport to find that they were the only team that was not on the first flight out. "Harm, it's going to be fine. We'll catch up, so stop pouting." She teased, leading him to their gate.
They waiting for their flight silently, but unlike the previous days, this was not an uncomfortable silence. Mac was snuggled up against Harm's side, his arm wrapped around her shoulders as they mentally prepared to fight their way back.
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They touched down in Paris and ran to the cabs out front. "Arche de Triumphe." Harm drapped his arm casually around her shoulders again. "What do you think about Paris for our honeymoon?"
Mac laughed softly. "Maybe...we'll see."
"You're weakening." He teased. "Soon you'll have the entire thing planned out." He kissed her cheek before getting out, leading her to the clue box. "Detour."
In this detour, teams must chose between 'easy walk' and 'tough climb'. In easy walk, teams must find Foucault's pendulum. However, there are two of them, so they must find the right one. In tough climb, teams must climb to the top of Notre Dame and ring Quasimodo's bell.
Andy/Bev, Pete/David and Gerry/Melissa all chose climb while Bernie/Anne chose walk.
"Let's climb, baby." Harm grinned, pulling her with him as he ran towards Notre Dame. They made quick work of the stairs and rang the bell before ripping the clue open. "Roadblock. Travel through the sewers of Paris..." He groaned. "No fair!"
Mac burst into laughter. "You agreed to do it, so get going."
He grumbled, complaining the whole way down the stairs and to the entrance.
"Get moving, Squid."
"But you're the Marine...you like getting down in the dirt."
"Sorry, Sailor, but a deal's a deal."
He grumbed again and entered the sewer.
Mac continued on to the exit, waiting anxiously for him. She tried to ignore the fact that she didn't see any other teams. "Well, if it has to end, Paris isn't a bad place for it."
"What was that, baby?" Harm asked as he came up behind her with the clue in his hand.
She laughed. "You...you really smell."
"Aw...come on. How about a big hug and kiss?"
"I have a better idea. How about we get to the pit stop." She smiled, shaking her head as she ripped open their clue. "Get to the pit stop at the Chateau Les Baux. Warning, the last team to arrive may be eliminated."
They took off to the main road, hailing a cab.
MEANWHILE
Andy/Bev arrive first. Bev had done the roadblock for them.
Four minutes later, Pete/David stepped onto the mat. David had done the roadblock for them.
Six minutes later, Gerry/Melissa stepped onto the mat. Melissa had done their roadblock.
Twenty minutes later, Harm and Mac springed towards the mat. They stopped short when they saw Bernie and Anne standing in front of it.
"What...?" Mac looked at the elder couple.
"You two need to continue in this race more than we do." Anne explained.
Harm's eyes widened. "You mean...you've been waiting for us to get here so that we wouldn't be eliminated?"
She nodded. "Sometimes there are more important things than winning...like love." They stepped aside. "Get on that mat. You two have a little more catching up to do."
"You're sure about this?" Mac asked, amazed by the couple's generousity.
"Very."
"Thank you." She hugged them before stepping onto the mat, Harm beside her.
Phil shook his head in disbelief. "I've never seen anything like this before but...Harm and Mac, you're team number four."
Harm grinned, pulling Mac into his arms.
"Eww! No, Harm!" Mac laughed. "You stink! Get off me!"
Harm playfully placed kisses all over her face, holding her tightly.
She squeeled, squirming in his arms. "Stop it! Let go!" She laughed more. "You're such a brat."
He scooped her up into his arms, carrying her to the rest area before releasing her.
"Now, go get a shower."
"Wanna join me?" He smirked, cocking an eyebrow.
"In your dreams."
"Well...yeah." He winked, leering at her playfully before heading to the showers.
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They both showered and got a little sleep. Harm woke first and left their room quietly. He found a secluded area and laid out a blanket. Next, he set up their food before pouring them each a glass of non-alcholic champagne. A proud smile graced his features as he took in the view. It was breathtaking and he knew she'd love it.
"Harm?" Mac called, making her way to him. "Andy said you..." She gasped softly. "Oh wow..."
"Hungry?" He took her hand, leading her to the blanket.
"What is all this for?" She looked up at him, almost in awe.
"A thank you?" He sat, pulling her gently down beside him.
"Why are you thanking me?"
"For dealing with me in Vietnam."
"You don't need to thank me for that."
"I know, but I want to so stop questioning me and enjoy it." He kissed her cheek.
They ate in a companionable silence, each enjoying the ease they felt together. Mac laid back on the blanket. "It's so beautiful."
Harm took a breath to find the nerve before moving over her. His hands rested on either side of her head as he gazed down into her eyes. "Extremely beautiful."
Mac blushed profusely, her heart pounding. "Why're you being so sweet and romantic?"
"It's Paris. Aren't you supposed to be sweet and romantic in Paris?" He smiled nervously. "And I was kind of hoping that if I was sweet and romantic...um..."
She smiled softly at his nervousness. "If you were sweet and romantic what?"
"That you'd...let me kiss you?" He mumbled causing her to smile more.
"I think that can be arranged."
"Yeah?" He grinned.
"Well, since you don't smell anymore..." She joked.
Harm chuckled softly. "Then I'm glad I took a shower."
"Trust me...everyone is glad you did."
Harm laughed, shaking his head before becoming serious. He slowly lowered his lips to hers. The kiss started slowly, almost hesitantly, but in a matter of seconds it escalated to a passionate and consuming kiss.
Harm pulled back reluctantly as the need for air won out. "I like Paris."
Mac laughed softly. "I do too." She felt his weight shift as he moved one hand to the buttons at the front of her shirt. She nibbled her bottom lip, nodding when he looked questioningly down at her. She held her breath as he undid the buttons slowly, his hands trembling.