A/N: Sometimes my mind wanders to strange places, like TV shows that I was obsessed with over 20 years ago. This little offering is set at the end of JAG Season 4. In the previous episode, Harm and Mac made their famous 'baby deal': that if neither of them is in a relationship in 5 years time, they'll have a baby together. In the season finale, Harm is leaving JAG to return to flying. He and Mac say goodbye:
Mac: I have so much I want to say to you, but I can't... I can't find the words.
Harm: I know.
Mac: Damn you, why am I the only one crying?
ooooooooo
Harm pulled Mac into a long hug. When they eventually pulled back, Mac paused. She could sense that Harm wanted to say something. Eventually, she prompted, "Harm, what is it?"
Harm turned away from her towards the window. "I've been doing some reading... about... um... fertility."
Mac's eyebrows rose sky high. "Fertility?"
Harm glanced at her then returned his gaze to the window. "Not intentionally. Well, I saw the first article by accident and then I had to find out more." There was a long pause, and Mac joined him by the window. At length, Harm continued, haltingly. "I hadn't realised how much a woman's fertility decreases with age. You're only 33 now but in five years you'll be 38 and... well... it might be a lot harder."
Mac's brow creased. "And you wouldn't want to make a promise that I couldn't keep."
"Well, it takes two to..." He trailed off, as the end of the quote, and all it implied, hung in the air between them.
Seeking safety, Mac's tone turned professional. "Did your research lead you to any conclusions, Commander?"
"Ah, maybe we should consider the timetable."
"Moving it up, you mean?"
"If you wanted to. If you don't have anyone else."
Mac sniggered. "Ah, no. But you're about to ship out to a carrier."
"I know. I don't mean right now. But maybe we should think about it, when I get back. If you don't have anyone else."
"And if you don't have anyone else."
Harm looked straight into Mac's eyes, his gaze soft. Slowly, he shook his head 'no'.
Somehow Mac managed to speak. "Ok, we'll think about it. When you get back."
"When I get back. We can email, right?"
"Of course."
They stared at each other for another moment, feeling the shift in their relationship.
"Mac?"
"Mmm?"
Very gently, Harm placed his hand on her cheek. He slowly leaned in, giving her plenty of time to move away. When she didn't, he placed a featherlight kiss on her lips. "I'll see you then, Sarah."
Harm picked up his cover, placed a hand briefly on Mac's shoulder and left the office.