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Date Posted: 18:36:26 04/12/09 Sun
Author: .
Subject: Moments

Title: Moments

Prompt: From The Wedding Date submitted by Theresa

"I'd rather fight with you, than make love with anyone else."

Word count: 3469

Category: humor/romance

Rating: mild

Disclaimer: JAG belongs to CBS and Bellisarius Productions. No copyright infringement is intended.

Author's Notes: While I enjoyed the series as presented on television, I felt there was a great opportunity missed by not allowing Harm and Mac to get involved. I guess this is where fan fiction writers come in; taking what was seen on television and at a given point moving the characters in a different direction. The point of departure for this ride is ‘Four Percent Solution’. This story takes place a few months after that fateful Christmas Eve.


Summary: When building a relationship there are always moments when something finally falls into place, this is one of those moments.




It started on Tuesday as a tickle in the back of her throat; she ignored it hoping it would go away. By Wednesday it had developed into a cough. Thursday she couldn’t keep her nose from running. Each day she was sure whatever it was would run its course and be gone; instead each day it was worse. Still she went to work everyday, much to the displeasure of her partner.
 
"Well Colonel I see you ignored my arguments and came to work today." Harm had spent the better part of two hours the night before, persuading her to stay home and get some much needed rest. When he finally left her apartment he thought they were in agreement she would stay home.

Mac jumped, not expecting seeing anyone sitting in her office, it had been empty when she left it minutes ago. "I didn’t ignore it” (sneeze) “I chose not to follow it. (sneeze) There’s a difference."

Mac closed her office door. She had eluded him all morning, lucky for her he was in court. Thanks to Sturgis she had managed to skillfully avoid him at lunch. Her plan of steering clear of him until much later in the afternoon was busted.
 
Harm was not amused, but remained calm. "I see and how long were you planning to work today?"
 
"It’s a work day Harm; I plan on working all day."

"We’ll see."

Mac was surprised when he left her office without saying another word. She had expected a good tongue lashing from him when she finally ran into him. Mac watched as he headed to the general's office, pausing a moment at Jennifer’s desk before entering the JAG’s inner office. With Harm out of sight, Mac refocused her attention on the pile of files on her desk. She failed to see Harm leave the general’s office a few moments later; enter his own office, secure it for the weekend, pickup his briefcase and cover and head back to her office.

Standing in the doorway Harm watched as she rub her forehead and wince in pain, he spoke quietly but forcefully, “Time to go Marine."
 
Mac jumped, how did he manage to sneak up on her again? "Go where?"

"Home." Harm entered her office pausing briefly to set his briefcase and cover down, stopping finally in front of her desk.
 
"I have work to do." Mac turned to her computer.
 
"Not any more, you're going home."
 
She looked up. "No, I'm not" reached for a Kleenex and blew her nose.
 
"Yes, you are and when you get there you're taking the Rabb cold cure."
 
"Didn't you try that last night?" Mac tried flirting, but ended up coughing.
 
Harm was not falling for the diversion, "Last night you assured me you would take something before you went to bed. As a matter of fact you promised me every night this week you would take something. Whatever you’re taking isn’t working, so tonight you’re taking my medicine. We have a long weekend ahead of us and I am not going to spend it listening to you cough, sneeze and complain about how lousy you feel." As he spoke Harm moved so the desk was no longer between him and his marine.

"I don’t complain." Mac tried to ignore how close he had become.

"Right, what was that last night?"

Tuning him out, Mac picked up a file and pretended to work, "What I need to do is finish this report. So what I’m going to do is go back to work. You can just go back to your office."
 
Taking her hands in his, Harm squatted down so he was at eye level, then waited until he had her full attention, “Sarah, you’re sick. What you need is some TLC. What you’re going to do is secure your office and let me take you home so you can rest, take your medicine and get better.”
 
Mac could see she was fighting a losing battle.  Besides she really felt lousy and was ready to go home, but she would never admit it. After shutting down her computer and grabbing her cover she stood and headed toward the elevator. As she passed Harm she muttered under her breathe, “stubborn sailor”.

Harm followed her out and replying “hard-headed marine.”
 
In the parking lot, Mac started to unlock her car.

Harm stopped her, “I don’t think so marine,”

Opening his passenger door, he informed her, “I’m driving, get in.”

She didn’t argue; she knew it wouldn’t do her any good. Helping her in the car Harm noticed she felt warm.
 
"You have a fever."
 
Pushing his hand away, "I do not; it was hot in the office.  I don't think the air conditioning was working."
 
"It was working just fine, you have a fever." Harm couldn’t believe how hard-headed she was being about being sick.

The car ride was quite, neither speaking. Harm spent the entire drive worried that Mac was sicker then he originally thought. Added to that he wasn’t sure if Mac was quiet because she was mad at him for taking her home early, had fallen asleep or was secretly plotting revenge.
 
Arriving at the loft, Harm quietly announced, "Mac, were here."
 
Groggy, Mac opened her eyes, "Where?"
 
"My apartment."
 
"I thought you were taking me home."
 
"Yes my home, your cupboards are bare Mother Hubbard, mine on the other hand have everything I need to nurse you back to health."
 
Mac snickered.
 
"What's so funny?"
 
"You as a nurse."
 
Harm got out of the car and hurried around to the other side to open Mac’s door, "Let's go MacKenzie."

Mac remained seated, "I can't."

Harm was puzzled, "Why not?"

"I think my legs fell asleep."

Harm started to bend down and pick Mac up, "I’ll carry you then."

She pushed him away, "NO, I can walk just give me a minute."

By the time they made it from the car to the elevator Mac's legs were working fine but she was leaning against Harm using him for support. Still she had strength to argue with him the entire elevator ride.

"You know this is entirely your fault." Mac's accusation lost its strength in between coughs.

"How is it my fault?"

"You were the one that agreed to babysit for Bud and Harriett so they could go out to dinner for their anniversary."

“So because you choose to step in as a substitute babysitter when I had to cancel because of a client, it’s my fault you caught Jimmy’s cold,”

“What was I suppose to do Harriet was so disappointed, she had been looking forward to this night out for weeks. It’s all she's talked about. So yes, it’s your fault.”

“Fine it’s entirely my fault and now I’m going to fix it. Let’s get you inside so you can get comfortable and take your medicine.” Harm ushered Mac into the apartment and pointed her in the direction of his bedroom so she could change. After setting his briefcase and cover on the desk he slipped out of his jacket and loosened his tie. Remembering Mac rubbing her head earlier he guessed she had a headache and her eyes were most likely sensitive to bright light so he opted to keep the artificial lights down low.
 
Mac asked on her way to the bedroom, “Change into what? This is your apartment.”
 
“I'm sure you've left something here over the last few months, if not look in my closet and get some sweats and a t-shirt.”
 
Mac returned to the living room wearing his favorite Navy t shirt and sweat pants.
 
Harm laughed at her appearance, “You couldn't find anything of yours.”
 
“I wanted to wear this.”
 
Pointing to the bar stool in front of him, Harm ordered, “Sit down MacKenzie, prepare to be doctored.”
 
Sitting down as instructed Mac looked a bit uneasy about what he was doing in the kitchen, but joked “I thought you were going to be the nurse?”
 
“Ha, ha very funny.” Handing her a glass and a couple of aspirin he told her, “take this.”

“You’re being awfully bossy. What is it?” She wasn’t to sure about his doctoring; she liked him better as a lawyer.

“Aspirin for your headache and fever.”

Mac was surprised at his answer, she thought she had done a good job hiding the headache from him, “How did you know I had a headache?”

“The amazing Rabb knows everything.”

“Then why didn’t you warn me about Jimmy’s cold?” Mac questioned. When he didn’t respond, she thought ‘gotcha Rabb!’

Ignoring her question, he set another glass in front of her, “drink this”

Mac looked at the contents of the glass and then smelled it, “what is it?”

“The Rabb cure for the common cold.”

“Is there a raw egg in it?”

“No.”

“What about soy? “

“No”

“Tofu?”

“No just drink it so you can go lie down.” Later he would have a serious discussion with her about ignoring the symptoms of her cold and not listening to him when he told her she should be taking better care of herself.

“Let's go Marine, to bed with you.” Harm helped her off the stool.

“Harm, are you taking me to bed?” Mac wrapped her arms around his waist, batted her eyes, flirting with him.

“No I'm putting you in bed so you can get some sleep.”

“You’re not joining me?” Mac’s flirting was interrupted by coughing.

“No” Harm released Mac and pointed her in the direction of the bedroom.

She reluctantly goes but pouts along the way, “But it’s no fun sleeping alone.”

Under his breathe Harm admits, “don’t I know it.”


After getting Mac settled in the bedroom, Harm turned on the stereo in hopes it would help her relax. He would do almost anything to help her to feel better.

While Mac slept, Harm took the opportunity to get a head start on a few new cases. The day waned into dusk, but instead of turning on brighter lights he stayed with the soft accent lights and lit a few candles.

To Harm’s surprise when he started dating Mac he discovered he didn’t know as much about Mac’s personal side as he thought. He became more observant. He noticed she liked catching snowflakes on her tongue when no one was looking. She stopped and talked to every dog when she walked around the block and she liked candles. She told him once they reminded her of the light the sunrise washed on her bedroom walls every morning; fresh, clean, the promise of a new day where anything was possible. While Harm had not yet experienced the sunrise from Mac’s bedroom, he was amazed at the way her face lit up when she talked about it. So Harm bought candles to have for those times they were at his apartment.

A few hours later, Harm heard noises coming from the bedroom. After a while Mac finally joined him at the dining room table where he'd been working.

"I thought I heard you stirring a while ago, what have you been doing?"

Mac absent-mindedly looking at what Harm had been working on. "Thinking."

"Ah, I thought I smelled wood burning. Would you like some tea?"

"Ha, ha, and yes tea would be nice."

Harm got up to make the tea, as he passed by he kissed her forehead, "your fever's gone."

“I feel better; my nose has finally stopped running.”

"Ah, the Rabb cure works again. You look better."

Mac ignored his comment, "Guess I just needed a few hours of sleep."

"No, what you need are a couple of days of rest and medicine. You hungry?"

"Maybe a little, what you got?" Mac got up and joined Harm in the kitchen.

"Homemade chicken noodle soup."

Mac started flirting again, "Got any crackers to go with it?"

Harm smiled thinking ‘she really was feeling better’. "I think I can scrounge up a few."

They worked in unison, as they did most nights, putting the meal together. Moving to the bar they ate in silence. Harm was a bit confused between Mac’s now quiet mood, and the flirting earlier. But then it wasn’t the first time and probably wouldn’t be the last time he was confused by something she said or did. After they finished eating they quickly cleaned up the mess.

Mac started to move toward the dining room table, where Harm’s work was still laid out, Harm grabbed Mac’s hand, “Come on we’ll sit on the sofa for a while.”

Harm no sooner sat down when Mac moved right in next to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

Harm laughed, “You comfy?”

Mac wiggled in closer just to have a little fun. “I am now.”

Mac became quiet again; Harm knew something was on her mind.

“Harm, why do you put up with me?”
 
Harm chuckled, “Someone has to.”

“But we fight all the time”
 
The tone in her voice told Harm she wanted a serious discussion, not banter, “Not all the time.”
 
“Most of the time”
 
Kissing the top of her head, Harm pulled her closer, “I'll concede to some of the time.”

Mac closed her eyes, quiet again. Harm waited, knowing tonight was one of those nights when Mac needed to ‘clear her head’ of doubts she still carried.

“Maybe you should find yourself someone else.”

That was unexpected, Harm knew Mac still had trust issues, which was one reason they were taking it slow.

“What? I don’t want anyone else.”

“You need someone that will be there for you . . . not fight you all the time . . . won’t disappoint you.”

"I did find someone, nine years ago. Mac, you are my best friend. You have always been there for me even when I didn’t want you there. You have never disappointed me and I know you never will.”

He could have left it at that but he knew it wasn’t the answer she was looking for. “Besides I've tried, it seems there is no one else for me but you."

Harm knew that last statement could lead to places he wasn’t sure he wanted to go to tonight, while she was sick. But they both had agreed no backing down, no avoiding any subject no matter how hard or painful.

"But how do you know you won't find someone else out there. . ." waving her hand toward the window, “someone better.”

Harm grabbed her hand and held it. "There is no one better for me than you.”

“But how do you know?” She wasn’t giving up.

Turning so he could see her face, Harm paused to take in who he had in his arms, she was what he wanted and she was finally within his reach; he smiled at the simplicity of it all. “Believe it or not I've finally figured it out."

"Figured out what?

"That I'd rather fight with you, than make love with anyone else."

Harm didn’t wait for her to reply; he pulled her into a tight embrace, sealing his words with actions. Mac closed her eyes, savoring the closeness. How did he always know what she needed? Opening her eyes she kissed him and placed their joined hands against her heart.

“Harm, I don't want there to be anyone else.”
 
“There’s no one else Mac, only you.”

She settled back against his chest, relieved but still uneasy.

"Will we always be together?" Mac watched their joined hands, wondering how long they would stay together.

"Isn't that what we’re working on?" Harm squeezes her hand, trying to relay confidence in their relationship.

"Yes I guess." Mac lowered her head and separated her hand from Harm’s.

Harm took his free hand and lifted her face so he could see her, "You don’t sound very positive."

"No I am it's just . . ." She couldn’t look him in the eye.

Harm pushes for her to continue. "Just what?"

Exasperated Mac finished, "we don’t seem to be getting anywhere. It's like we're stuck in neutral."

Harm acknowledged the dilemma and supplied a solution. "Well maybe we need to change that."

Mac smiled, "Maybe we do."

They stopped talking and allowed the music to take over the conversation. The room was getting darker; the only light coming from over the kitchen sink and the few candles Harm had lit earlier. Mac noticed it was a very romantic setting. It only took a short while before they began ‘talking’ to each other with touches and kisses.

"Harm, what do you see when you look at me?"

Harm stroked her hair and kissed her before he whispered, “a desirable woman.”

Mac snuggled into Harm’s embrace a little more and closed her eyes. The touches and kisses continued.

Sensing a need to change locations, Mac got up from the sofa, bringing Harm with her. “I think I want to lie down.”

He followed her to the steps leading up to the bedroom, kissed her forehead and wished her sweet dreams.

“You're not joining me?”

“I have some work to do, and then I'll sleep out here on the sofa.”

“But I thought . . I should have known.” Mac walked up the stairs noticeably disturbed.

“Hey, wait a minute, what's got you all upset?” Harm followed, totally confused.

“The music . . . the candles . . . you said. . . I thought we were thinking the same thing.”

Mac wasn’t making any sense until Harm looked around the room, soft music, candlelight, their conversation and actions on the sofa. “We are . . . were.”

“Then why are you sleeping out there?” Pointing to the living room.

“Because I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

Totally upset and a little embarrassed Mac turned her back toward Harm, “Who said you’d get the opportunity?”

Harm turned her around, “Mac, you’re sick.”

“I am not; even you said I looked better.”

Holding her firmly in his hands, Harm made sure she was looking at him as he explained. “When we do take the next step it will be when we are both healthy and ready. Not because of some flirting or necking or because we’re stuck in neutral and it’s the next thing to do. Do you understand?”

Shaking her head Mac chuckled, Harm was getting whiplash with her mood swings, “I should have known.”

“Known what?” Harm wanted to know what was so funny.

“That we would fight about this.”

They both got a good laugh out of the situation, but deep down they knew things would be changing between them and soon.

Ham pulled Mac into an embrace, “Mac it’s not that I don’t want you, because I do. It’s just . . .”

Pulling back a little, “Believe it or not Harm, I do understand. I’m going to lie down; you want to tuck me in?” This time Mac’s smile and flirt were just that a smile and a flirt.

As she settled in the bed she started to say something about how much she appreciated him taking care of her but stopped, the way he was looking at her took her breathe away, she couldn’t move.

Concerned Harm sat on the bed, “Are you okay?”

She saw it, in his eyes, why hadn’t she seen it before? Maybe she had but ignored it, pretended it wasn’t there, wasn’t true, but there it was. And she knew it was there to stay.

Sitting up abruptly, “You really do.”

Harm gently whisked her bangs off her face; feeling her forehead making sure the fever returned, “Do what?”

“Love me.”

Up to this moment the words had been unspoken. But now, they seemed so right, why had they fought them for so long?

Harm smiled, “Yes Mac, I love you.”

The room stood still; the sounds of the day were silent, for a moment the world consisted of only the two of them.

“I love you too Harm.”

Hearing those words come from her lips was like sweet music to his ears, Harm was soaring.

As they kissed, all doubts disappeared, complications vanished, and fears melted away, their love grew stronger. But then deep down, they always knew it would be this way.

They parted, mindful of the fact that Mac was sick. She laid back down, content for the first time in a long while. Everything was finally right. She was where she belonged.

“Get some sleep Mac.”

Mac fought it but slowly closed her eyes, “You’ll be here when I wake up?”

“Yes Mac, I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

Harm sat, watching her as she slept. They had definitely moved out of neutral. He laughed to himself; given the history of their relationship, he was sure they would soon be fighting for who would be on top.

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Replies:

[> Very sweet...I love the kind and caring Harm. -- BlueJay, 20:11:47 04/12/09 Sun [1]

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[> Very sweet! I always knew they could be good, if only DPB would let them! -- SP, 20:47:43 04/12/09 Sun [1]

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[> Great job! -- cd, 20:57:17 04/12/09 Sun [1]

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[> Very nice. I nice part of the unseen second half of S. 10! -- enjoying every ficathon story, 21:55:17 04/12/09 Sun [1]

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[> Aw. And... -- anamika, 00:01:26 04/13/09 Mon [1]

...good job with Mac's lingering doubts, and that feeling of being stuck in neutral. It did feel that way in the show, didn't it?

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[> Great use of challenge lines...if only!!! -- JagfanNat, 03:19:21 04/13/09 Mon [1]

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[> Always it surprises me when the writers of FF find intelligent ways that Harm and Mac be together set against the silly roads of the gorilla . -- GRa waving from Argentina, 09:02:36 04/13/09 Mon [1]

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[> Cute! -- BZB, 13:49:33 04/13/09 Mon [1]

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[> Aw how lovely. -- Bev uk, 14:59:46 04/13/09 Mon [1]

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[> I wish we could have really seen some sensible progress like you've shown us here. Good story! -- SammiSue, 16:31:21 04/13/09 Mon [1]

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[> So sweet. A fun feel good story -- CAZ, 20:32:38 04/13/09 Mon [1]

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[> Very beautiful story. Love it very much . Thank you ! -- Laurence, 15:37:15 04/14/09 Tue [1]

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