Disclaimer: Not mine

December was a month of mixed fortunes. The primary misfortune was Harm's out of town case which saw him leave DC on the second of the month and scheduled to return home by the 21st. Emails and phone calls home to Mac just didn't cut it. Just as he was counting down the last couple of days until he'd see her again, she called with the news of an out of town trip of her own.
"It should only be three days," Mac said in a late night phone call. "I should be back on the 22nd."

Harm sighed; three days could turn out to be much longer and that may mean no Christmas together and, if that was the case, he was going to be absolutely devastated.
"Where are you going?" he asked, playing with a thread on his pyjamas as he spoke.
"Camp Pendleton," she said. "A marine recruit is claiming discrimination and they want legal advice."
"Can't you do it by phone?" he asked pleadingly.
"I wish...the General out there, General Alan Peterson, asked for me personally. The recruit is his granddaughter," she explained.
"Make sure you call my mom while you're out there, even if you can't see her," Harm said. "She'll be impossible if she finds out you were in town without her knowledge."
Mac laughed. It was a long time since any mother had cared where she was or what she did.
"I will," she replied.

Then came the fortune... With plans looking decidedly unsure for Christmas, Harm took it upon himself to organise something. Going in to see General Cresswell, while Mac was still in California, Harm explained the situation.
"I'm sure Mac is going to kick my six for doing this without her knowledge," he started before taking the seat the general was pointing to. "But I think there's something you need to know..."
"And what would that be, Commander?" Cresswell asked, propping himself on the edge of his desk and smiling to himself. Unbeknownst to his current visitor, Mac had paid him a visit not long before her departure.
"Mac and I are exploring a relationship...actually, we are in a relationship," he clarified. "And as such, our career options need to be explored."
"And why would that be?" he asked, wondering how much the younger man would divulge.

Without speaking, Harm pulled out the small Tiffany's & Co box he had in his pocket – the message was self explanatory.

Because he was much more of a romantic than anyone would have guessed, or he would ever have admitted to, General Cresswell organised ten days leave for them both, ensuring they could share Christmas and the New Year. Then, to make sure Mac didn't get delayed in transit or the like, he organised for her to be 'delayed' at Camp Pendleton, ensuring Harm would arrive in California in time to surprise her.

And it was a surprise.

Harm had called his mother to invite himself and Mac for Christmas. His mother was delighted; it had been nearly twenty years since she had spent the special day with her son. Then he had asked his mother to invite Mac over for dinner on her 'delayed' night – something she readily accepted.

Already knowing Trish was a great non-vegetarian cook, from their time there convalescing, and being at a loose end, Mac jumped at the chance of a proper dinner. With nothing left to do at Pendleton and more than a tad confused as to the paperwork snafu which was keeping her in town, Mac figured a night with Harm's parents was the next best thing to a night with him.

Stepping into the Burnett living room, Mac's eyes widened as she took in the most immaculate and elegant Christmas decorations she'd ever seen. An 8ft Douglas Fir Tree stood in the bay window perfectly adorned with gold and red decorations. The house was festooned in other Christmas artefacts, each one exquisite and complimenting the theme Trish had going.

"Just beautiful," she said as she turned and took in the house. "You're so talented, Trish."
"Must admit, I had a little help from the girls at the gallery," she said with a chuckle. "It's all a bit beyond me these days. Now, come on in, dinner will be ready in a few minutes."

The night disappeared amid hours of fine food, photo albums and stories. Before she knew it, it was nearly midnight and Mac got to her feet.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't realise the time," she apologised. "It's three minutes from Christmas Eve and I'm sure you both have plans for tomorrow."

Frank looked to Trish, then his watch. His tardiness-prone son was living up to his reputation and Frank was surprised they'd been able to detain Mac so long.
"What are your plans for tomorrow, Mac?" Frank asked, trying to buy a little more time.
"None really," she said with a shrug. "The General at Pendleton said he should have the paperwork mess cleared by noon and then I'd be free to fly home. I only hope I can get a flight."
"We would love to have you join us for tomorrow morning," Frank said with a smile. "We're having a small Christmas brunch here for my sister and her husband who are travelling through California on the way to see their son in Hawaii. I would love for you to meet them."
Mac thought about it for a moment – stale and cold offerings at the Pendleton mess or a wonderful brunch with family in La Jolla. It was a no brainer.
"What time?" she asked eagerly.
"Elsa and Bob will be here by ten," Frank started to explain.
"I could be here by ten," Mac confirmed."Thank you for the invitation."
"Well," Trish began slowly. "If you are able...and feel free to say no...I don't want to put any pressure on you..."
"To do what?" Mac asked, studying the older woman.
"I was thinking...well, no...it's too much to ask," she said with a shake of the head.
"No, it's not," Mac said quickly, still not sure of what 'it' was.
"I was thinking, well, hoping, that since you don't have anything to do in the morning that perhaps you would sleep over tonight and help me organise things," she said quickly, gesturing to the kitchen.
Mac's eyes opened wider. "You want my help?"
"I do. Harm told me you were a wonderful cook," she said with a smile. "And it would be a shame to put those lessons to waste."

With Trish's offer taken up by Mac, she took her by the arm and led her to the kitchen trying to hide her smile. Who needed to be a puppeteer to get someone to do exactly what you want?

As Trish gave Mac a rundown of the planned morning's menu and got her ideas on what order to do things in, Frank had let Harm in and ushered him upstairs. Thanks to sitting next to a traveller with a fear of flying and frequent bursts of unexpected turbulence, Harm felt it would be far more romantic to shower and change first and rid himself of the evidence of said sickly passenger than to see Mac in the grotty, smelly state he was in.

Clean, smelling much fresher and clad only in his boxers, Harm heard movement in the hallway outside and decided to climb into bed and wait for Mac. After all, it would only be a few minutes and he knew, from previous experience, if he was too close and startled her, she could cause some serious damage, something he didn't want to risk. Alas, Trish hadn't picked up on Frank's cues to let Mac go to bed and so it was another fifteen minutes before Mac opened the bedroom door; nine minutes after Harm had fallen asleep.

Turning the light on as she shut the door, Mac was startled by the groan behind her and spun quickly. Soon, a wide smile spread across her face.
"Harm!" she exclaimed, hurrying to the bed as he stirred. "I've missed you so much!" In a wave of sheer joy,

Mac threw herself on top of him and smothered his face and head with kisses before her lips settled on his and they shared a very long, passionate exchange.
"Surprise," he finally managed when she pulled back.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, not moving from her position.
"How about you get into bed and I'll explain everything to you?" he countered and Mac jumped up, closed the door properly and headed to the bathroom.
"Promise you'll still be awake when I come back?" she asked, pausing by the door.
"Oh, definitely," he replied, sitting up.

It took Mac four minutes and 18 seconds in the bathroom and when she reappeared she was nude; not bothering with the question as to whether or not they'd make love – they certainly were. Besides, she had no other clothes with her.

The only thing Harm got to explain when Mac slipped into bed beside him was how much he loved her and how much he'd missed her in the three weeks they'd been apart. After that, there were only sensual kisses and passionate love making, only tempered by the fact it was his parents house and noise levels had to be considered.

It was midmorning when Mac stirred still in Harm's arms and she smiled happily, thankful the reality had matched what she had thought was just a dream. It was then the time of day struck her and she startled.
"What's wrong?" Harm asked opening one eye.
"It's 0942 and I promised your mom I'd help her organise brunch for Frank's sister and brother-in-law," she said, trying to sit up but failing due to Harm's grasp.
"Can I let you in on a secret?" he asked her and Mac nodded. "Frank's an only child."
"What?" Mac asked, falling back into bed beside him. "He said..."
"He said it to keep you over last night so I could surprise you..." Harm said with a smile.
"But he was..." Mac started again.
"He was very convincing, I know," he agreed. "The man didn't get to the top of the business world without learning a thing or two about bluffing."
"I'll have to remember that," she said, snuggling in closer, glad she didn't have to get up just yet.

While Mac had plans to snuggle and catch up, Harm plans were a little more physical and it wasn't until they had stepped out of a very stimulating shower that Mac realised she needed to collect her things from Pendleton and make travel arrangements.
"In the closet you'll find your gear from Pendleton and a bag from home I packed for you," he said, wrapping a fluffy white towel around his waist.
"How? Why?" she asked, hitching her own towel and padding to the closet.
"Well, if you have no objections, I'd like to spend Christmas here with you and New Year's at the cottage, if you're up to it...and you want to," he said, quietly as his arms surrounded her waist once more.

Mac looked up at him as her hands ran up over his bare, water glistening chest and linked behind his neck.
"I want to...and I'm up for it," she said pulling him closer. "I think it's a wonderful idea to celebrate the festive season in California." Standing on tiptoes she pressed a kiss to his lips. "It's just I'm expected back in DC tonight."
"You're not expected in DC until January 5th," he said, kissing her forehead.
"But..." she began to protest.
"I hope you don't mind but I organised leave for us both, we return Monday January 5th," he said quietly, praying he'd done the right thing.
"Wow," she said, gazing at him. "No, I don't mind...only..." she hesitated.
"Only what?" he questioned. "If it's staying with mom and Frank we can get..."
"No, no, nothing like that," she said letting him go.
"Then what?" he said releasing her from his grip.
"Your Christmas present is still in DC and I have nothing for your parents and..." she began to explain.

Harm tugged her back into his arms and held her tightly. "Firstly, I have everything I could possible ever want for Christmas right here in my arms." He dropped a kiss on her nose. "Secondly, nothing you buy my mother will be more loved or appreciated than the fact you are spending Christmas here with her."
"I think it's the fact you are spending Christmas here," Mac corrected gently.
"Yes, she's extremely happy about that," Harm agreed. "However, you being here is going to make it incredibly special for us all."
"Oh, Harm," she said tearfully.

It was only after brunch when Mac had finished helping Trish clean up that she thought more about the plans Harm had made for them.
"Trish, It was very kind of you to help Harm make all the arrangements for me to spend Christmas here," she said, hanging up the dish towel.
"I didn't do anything but say yes to having you celebrate Christmas with us and getting you to stay over last night so he could surprise you," Trish said, as she wiped down the bench.
"So, who helped Harm?" Mac asked rhetorically.
"Who helped me what?" Harm asked, stealing a kiss as he brought in his and Frank's empty coffee mugs.
"Organise my leave and luggage and plans..." she said, waving her hand.
"Well, if you have to know it was General Cresswell," he said, turning to face her.
"General Cresswell?" she checked.
"Yes, I went and had a talk to him and told him what I wanted and he was very helpful," Harm said, wrapping his arms around her.
"And what did you tell him you wanted?" Mac asked, her hands resting on his chest.
"I told him I loved you and I wanted to spend this special season with you and he was very helpful," Harm admitted truthfully.
"Wow," she said softly, she had had a similar conversation with their CO in Harm's absence and had discussed the need for career options due to their developing relationship, but she'd never actually admitted to their boss that she was in love with this man. "Who'd have thought Cresswell was a romantic."
"Definitely not me," Harm agreed. "I wasn't expecting much from him, other than signing off on our leave."
"I don't know why you both sound so surprised," Trish interrupted as she busied herself with some flowers on the table. "Gordon Cresswell is a delightful man."
"What?" the asked in unison as they spun towards her.
"How would you know?" Harm asked.

It was then Trish divulged the details of her post fire conversations with the man and how Mac got to stay in La Jolla an extra seven days...and how she had chatted to him when he called and they were napping...and how she called him once they had returned to DC and to work to thank him.
Harm shook his head; his mother was amazing and it also explained why Cresswell had asked him twice about his mother's welfare in recent months. Twice more than in the rest of the time he'd known the man.

AN: Given we have celebrated Remembrance Day (or our local variations thereof) on the 11/11, I thought I'd share a personal story.

Our family has never had any military history of note and yet I've always felt a strong connection to the military and their commemorative days. During my very recent family history research, I have found that my great grandfather served in WW1 as a Private in the East Lancashire Regiment.

Approximately a week after being deployed in France he was taken prisoner, this was in August 1914. My grandfather wasn't born until December 1914. It is believed he was imprisoned for 7 years before being repatriated to Ireland. Meaning my grandfather would have been 7 meeting his father (quite the opposite of our dashing hero).

My great grandfather's service and POW incarceration were never mentioned and my mother and her siblings never knew this about their grandfather. I have a request into the International Red Cross to investigate his time as a PoW and this can take up to two years (and costs approx $200), however it will be well worth it so we can pay proper respect to this man, and those like him, who suffered so much for our freedom.

Maybe that's why such days as Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day have always meant so much and felt so personal- I just couldn't explain why.