1130 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie’s Office
Falls Church, Virginia

Lieutenant Colonel Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie came into her office after long weekend of reading legal briefs and reports. For anyone else this would have been torture, except for the fact that Mac spent the weekend doing this with her fellow JAG lawyer and friend, Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb, Jr.

They had shared breakfast and dinner together, going out for a walk in park both days at lunchtime to clear their minds and relax a little bit in the early summer sunshine. Saturday and Sunday had been spent looking at service records, depositions, fitness reports, conduct reports, and witness statements but Mac couldn’t think of anyone else she would have rather been doing this with.

When she turned on the lights, there amid the clutter on her desk, sat a small nondescript box, sealed with packing tape. Mac set down her briefcase in the chair next to her desk and looked at the box. There was no writing on the box.

Frowning, she picked up the box and looked at it. No note either. Now she was curious.

Taking the letter opener from her desk caddie, she slit the taped box open. Inside, she saw something wrapped in tissue paper. She pulled the paper apart and saw it was a teddy bear dressed in a dress Marine uniform. Attached to the bear was a note. Trembling slightly, Mac opened the note.” To my little Devil Dog, Thanks for the great weekend.” –H.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Get ahold of yourself, Marine, Mac reprimanded herself, dismissing the notion. Nothing that special would happen. But what if it did? A little voice inside her asked excitedly. Let’s get this over with, Her rational side reasoned. She grabbed her letter opener from the desk caddie and slit open the box. Peering inside, her anticipation sank into disappointment. The box contained videotaped testimony from witnesses who were on duty overseas.

Mac sat down in her chair and with a hiss of disgust, moved the box out of her line of vision. She would tackle those later…

1410 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie’s Office
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac was sitting at her desk going over reports…

“In reference to Colonel Marsh’s comments about Sergeant Pulver, the Sergeant has displayed the utmost…blah…blah, blah, blah….”

Sarah MacKenzie stifled another yawn. Normally reading through reports like this didn’t bore her so, but for some reason it was a real struggle to finish this one. She closed the folder and rubbed her eyes. Time for some more coffee, she thought as she picked up her cup, pushed away from her desk, and got up to walk over to her door.

As she entered the bullpen, Harriet looked up from her station, “Getting more coffee ma’am?”

“Yes Lieutenant,” Mac smiled wearily as she headed to the break room.

“Rough weekend?” Continued Harriet with what Mac thought might be a little tinge of hope in her voice.

Mac quickly burst that balloon, “Preparing for the Pulver trial on Tuesday. Spent the whole weekend going over the case. Excuse me, Lieutenant,” Mac headed into the break room.

“Sorry to hear that ma’am,” returned Harriet dejectedly as she returned to typing at her terminal.

Mac walked over to the coffee machine. She lifted the carafe from its cradle and poured herself another steaming cup…

“Rough weekend?”

She turned around to see Commander Sturgis Turner walking in the room with his cup.

“Why is everybody so concerned about my welfare this morning?” Mac grumbled irritatedly “First Harriet, now you --“

“Easy Mac,” Sturgis countered evenly, cutting her off gently, “You just look at little --“

“Tired?” She snapped back, “Exhausted, green around the gills?” She turned around to face him, “Well for your information, since you must know, I spent the whole weekend working on Sergeant Pulver’s case.”

“I heard about that one.” He crossed over to the machine and picked up the carafe, “Nasty stuff.”

“You’d better believe it,” She sighed, letting her defenses down temporarily, “Fitness reports, depositions, conduct reports… Harm and I spent the whole weekend --“

Sturgis set down the carafe on the table and looked directly at her, “Whoa, back up there Mac, You and Harm--“

“Relax Sturgis,” She quickly interjected, “Nothing happened,” Was that disappointment in her voice?

“Are you disappointed?” He probed.

Dammit, she cursed herself, That sure as hell was transparent.

“No,” She answered evenly, regaining her self-control and adding a touch of amusement to her voice, “We’re just friends --“

“Mac --“ began her friend in a disapproving tone. He knew better.

She looked at him with annoyance, “Look, nothing happened; we just spent the time going over the case…”

“The whole weekend?” Sturgis looked as if he couldn’t believe what she was saying.

“Yes,” She answered back, “The whole weekend,” She tried another tactic to get him to change the subject, “Sturgis, we do this all the time --“

Sturgis though, was like a dog with his favorite bone, “Mac a weekend is forty-eight hours long --“

“Very good, I didn’t know you could count,” She broke in sarcastically before he could finish his thought. It was time to end this, “Look I have to get back to work, can we discuss this later?”

With that, Mac picked up her cup and walked out of the room. Sturgis looked after her, sighing and shaking his head. He turned back to the coffee maker.

Mac briskly walked back across the bullpen to her door. No one stopped her. In fact the bullpen was humming with activity and no one seemed to be paying any attention to her. That was good because at least they wouldn’t have seen the color rising in her cheeks.

Mac opened her door and headed to her desk. She sat down in her chair and took a sip from her cup. Savoring the aroma, she opened the folder she had been working on and continued reading the report.

1750 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie’s Office
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac had finished three more reports in Pulver’s file. She now reached yet another fitness report. PULVER, FRANCIS, SERGEANT, E-5, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS – FITNESS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2002.

Great, She thought to herself, Another one. She glanced at her wall clock, Oh well, only ten minutes until lunch. I’ll plow through this one and then take a break. She started reading the report. It contained the usual material --

That’s when she felt the bulge underneath the next page. She turned it over and saw a white envelope. She stared at it as if it was some kind of ugly bug.

What’s this? She pulled it out. No name or writing on it. The seal was unglued, so she reached in and pulled out what felt like a card

What in the-- she looked at it –it was a card, a greeting card. It showed a cartoon character with serious look on his face ‘There is just one thing I have to say…someone had put whiteout over the original words and written in … about this weekend…’ Puzzled, she opened it up. The cartoon character had a big smile and a dreamy look on his face ‘Thanks’

Mac smiled and slowly shook her head chuckling. She felt a presence. Looking up, she saw Commander Rabb standing in her doorway, leaning to one side, arms crossed.

“It took you long enough to get to it Mac,” He stated then flashed his patented Flyboy grin at her.

She grinned back herself, “What? This is from you?” She queried teasingly with a look of mock surprise on her face. “ I thought Pulver had heard about our dedication this weekend.”

“That hurt Colonel,” a touch of mock sadness in his voice. “Well, I was wondering if you were going to find it before lunch….”

Her heartbeat quickened. “This ?” She tried to reply nonchalantly as she held up the card. “Why should I have found it before lunch? And what are you thanking me for? It was just work – what we did this weekend – we’ve done it a hundred times before –“

“I know,” He added quickly not wanting to lose the momentum, “But it saved me from having to do my laundry and cleaning my apartment –something I really look forward to every weekend.”

She chuckled again shaking her head and sighing, sometimes Harm said the silliest things…She crossed her arms and stared up at him, “So what you’re saying is a weekend of reading reports with me is better than cleaning your clothes and straightening up your apartment?” She had to admit that his saying that did sound flattering, even if all they really did was just work…

She decided to see where this was going. “So why did you want me to find this before lunchtime?”

“Well,” He began earnestly, “Then it would be easier for me to ask you out, to lunch, that is, if you would like to go…”

Mac was taken aback, “Lunch?” She quirked an eyebrow at him, “What are you proposing Counselor?”

“Nothing fancy, really.” He smiled at her again showing her the basket he had been hiding behind his back, “Just lunch in park across the street – my treat” He added.

Well this is a pleasant surprise, She thought looking at him, “Okay,” She smiled at him again, “But no leaves and twigs – I want real food.”

“Well then, come with me.” Harm held out a crooked arm to her. Mac looked unbelievingly at Harm. Was it her imagination? She closed her eyes and then looked again at him, No, the arm is still being offered. Smiling broadly, she got up from her desk and took his arm.

Harm and Mac walked out into the bullpen, where all work suddenly came to a screeching halt. A few surprised gasps escaped from some of the women.

Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez and Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Tiner who had been engaged in a friendly argument, looked as if they had been shot. Harriet shot out of her chair, her mouth a perfect “o” of surprise.

“We’re going to lunch Harriet,” Said Harm smiling at the Lieutenant’s shock.

“We’ll be in the park across the street if anyone needs us,” Added Mac giggling as Harm guided her out the door, with his hand at the small of her back.

Everyone in the office stared out at the two officers as they got to the elevator. Mac and Harm waved happily at everyone as the elevator doors shut.

“Did you see that?” Noted Tiner, being the first to break the office silence.

“You didn’t see anything Petty Officer and neither did the rest of us,” Growled Gunny.

Harriet was still too stunned to say anything. She merely sat back down and began typing as a grin began to spread across her face.

1800 Hours

Mac’s stomach growled as Harm lead her into the park. He stopped and looked at her in surprise.

Mac looked at him with an innocent smile. “I’m hungry,” was her only response.

Harm chuckled and shook his head, “It sure sounds like it, come on over here, He lead her to a clearing beside two tulip popular trees. The Commander set down the basket beside the picnic table. Opening it, he pulled out a red and white gingham blanket and spread it on top.

Mac started to open her mouth; a witty comment was on her lips -

“None of your smart remarks, Colonel.” Not looking at her as he began to pull items out of the basket, “Just sit down and let me take care of this…”

Mac was stunned. She sat down at the table. Wow, she’s only seen this side of him a couple of times and despite her feelings about male chauvinists, she wasn’t angry with him. In fact, it was kind of intriguing.

Harm got out utensils, several small cups and a few sandwiches wrapped in wax paper.

She looked curiously at the wrapped sandwiches.

Harm smiled at her, handing her two of the packages, “Here, ham and chicken salad sandwiches for you –“

“And what are you having?” She asked looking over hungrily at the other wrapped sandwiches.

“Two tomato, bell pepper, lettuce, pickle and cucumber sandwiches,” He smirked and offered one to her, “Want one?”

She smiled at him, he may have been brave enough to arrange this, but his eating habits are still the same “– No thanks, she shook her head, I’ll stick with my meat salad sandwiches, Sailor,”

“Suit yourself Marine,” They began eating. Harm bit into his and then looked like he was choking.

Mac put hers down, her voice full of concern. “Harm! Are you okay?”

“Sorry,” He swallowed what was in his mouth and cleared his throat so he could speak more clearly, “I forgot to give you this –“

He reached in the basket and handed her a small box that was taped shut.

Mac stared at the box as if it was something alive.

“It’s for you,” Harm quickly set his own sandwich down, “Go ahead Mac, open it.”

Mac was sure Harm could hear the beating of her heart as she moved her hands toward the box. The Commander smiled as she took the box and began trying to pry it open.

“Here, let me help,” Harm offered reaching over toward her.

“Harm, I’m a Marine,” Mac pulled away from him. She had to fight to keep the excitement out of her voice; “I think I can handle opening a taped box…”

“Okay Marine,” He replied, “But if you need help…”

Mac smiled the nicest smile at him to offset her comment, “Thanks, but I think I can handle this one by myself – oh…”

Easily tearing the top of the box open, revealed a teddy bear dressed in a marine soldier’s uniform.

“I was passing through the Crystal City underground this morning,” Harm began explaining, “And I saw this guy sitting in the window of a store…uh, Mac?”

Mac’s eyes were riveted on the stuffed animal. She pressed his stomach and the Marine Corps Hymn began to play. Mac’s hand flew to her mouth as her breath hitched…

“Mac?” The Colonel smiled as the song continued to play.

Harm reached over and touched her shoulder, “Earth to Mac…”

Mac looked up and Harm noticed her eyes were bright with tears.

Harm immediately felt like a jerk, “Hey, I’m sorry, I’d didn’t mean to – Oh hey, now don’t cry –“

“Just shut up and hug me, Flyboy,” Mac brushed at the pesky tears, her voice husky with emotion. Harm got up and walked around to her side of the table and began to hug her. Mac’s tears made trails down her face, as she held on tight to the Commander.

1850 Hours

Harm and Mac were laughing as they came in through the office doors. Mac was clutching her teddy bear.

“You and your sandwiches Harm,”

“Hey, cut me some slack, I gave you chicken and ham salad --“

“Yeah and you had that tasty garden salad special on wheat --“

“Are you criticizing my eating habits, Jarhead?”

“Just pointing out that your meals are unbalanced, Squid…you need some meat --“

“You mean dead animals? Oh Mac, that’s --“

They stopped when they noticed everyone was staring at them. Harriet had a big smile on her face. Sturgis was smiling and shaking his head. Bud had a sly smile on his. Coates smiled broadly as did Gunny.

“What’s everyone looking at?” Harm was trying to throw them off

“Something that should have happened a long time ago, Sir,” Replied Bud.

The entire bullpen broke out in applause. Mac began to flush crimson, smiling shyly. Harm for once, was at a loss for words.

“Colonel! Commander! My office! Now!!” barked Admiral A.J. Chegwidden who had come out to see what the commotion was about. Everyone in bullpen scattered as people quickly buried themselves in their work

Mac looked worriedly at Harm. He squeezed her hand reassuringly and smiled at her – it was his ‘don’t worry everything is going to be fine’ smile.

Somehow it made her feel better…

“Colonel! Commander! Right Now!!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1755 Hours

“Colonel!”

Mac blinked. It was Harriet. She looked at her commanding officer, “Are you okay, ma’am?” She looked at what the Colonel was holding, “What’s in the envelope?”

Mac looked down at the envelope. She reached in and pulled out a sheaf of papers, disappointed, she opened them and looked. It was a dissenting opinion on Pulver’s November examination. Sighing heavily, Mac put the papers down.

“Nothing Harriet, just more on the Pulver case.”

She looked sympathetically at her for a moment and then remembered the mailer in her hand.

“Oh ma’am, this came for you in the morning express mail…”

Mac smiled weakly and took the packet. “Thanks Lieutenant,”

Harriet started to turn to leave, but she turned back to Mac, “Ma’am? Is there anything I can get for you?”

“No Harriet,” Mac spoke quickly, trying to hide her disappointment. The Lieutenant’s crestfallen look made her feel guilty, so Mac looked at her with genuine appreciation, “But thank you…”

Harriet smiled a sad smile, “You’re welcome ma’am.” She turned to leave and saw a certain naval Commander headed toward Mac’s office that would certainly brighten her day. She closed the door and walked toward him.

“Harriet, is Mac in her office?” He asked with what she thought sounded like eagerness.

She smiled brightly at him, “Yes she is Sir, and she would probably really appreciate a visit from you right now.”

“Oh yeah?” He arched an eyebrow at her, “Why do you say that?”

“She just seems like she’s having a bad morning, Sir.”

Harm smiled his patented Flyboy smile, “I’ll see what I can do, Harriet.” He knocked on Mac’s door.

“I’m sure you will Commander,” Said Harriet out of his earshot. She looked up to see Tiner and Gunny looking at her.

“Well?” Said Gunny looking at her.

“The Commander is talking to her,” Harriet said briskly as she sat back down at her terminal.

“That’s good,” Interjected Tiner, “The Colonel has looked a little down,” Harriet cut his eyes toward him, “Well, she has ma’am,” added Tiner defensively.

Gunny looked at him and smirked. He turned back to his own desk.

“Petty Officer, the Colonel’s personal life is none of our business,” Harriet admonished the junior officer.

“Yes ma’am, sorry ma’am –“ Both could hear Gunny Galindez snickering

“Is there something funny, Gunnery Sergeant?” Snapped Harriet in a cutting voice.

Gunny turned back toward her, chastened, “Uh no ma’am, Lieutenant, ma’am.”

She looked sharply at both men. “Now look you two,” As if she was admonishing two schoolboys, “If you don’t want to get the Commander and the Colonel in trouble, you’ll have keep your personal comments about them to yourselves, read me?”

“Aye, aye ma’am, loud and clear,”

“Yes Lieutenant,”

“Let’s hope the Admiral didn’t hear that exchange,” She turned back to her terminal and away from the two junior ranked men.

She cast one nervous eye on A.J. Chegwidden’s office. The door had not opened. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Mac heard the knock on her door. “Enter,” Mac didn’t look up as she pulled out yet another fitness report.

The door opened.

“Hey,”

Mac recognized that voice. Her heart began beating faster as she looked up, “Hey yourself,” She smiled.

Harm smiled back, “What do you say to me taking you away from all of this?”

“I’m interested,” She closed her folder while keeping her attention on him. A smile continued to play on her lips, “What did you have in mind?”

“Lunch… my treat,” Replied Harm nonchalantly

Wow, just like in her daydream! Easy girl, It’s just lunch. Don’t get carried away…

“All right Harm,” She answered as calmly as she could, “Give me a few minutes to tidy up here, okay?”

“Sure thing, Marine,” He responded, pleased that she accepted, “I’ll wait for you out in the bullpen.”

Harm opened the door and stepped back out into the outer office. Harriet tried not to look up as the Commander walked out of her office. She caught a glimpse of his smile. That and his demeanor spoke volumes. Good, he got through to her, She thought happily to herself.

Both Tiner and Gunny did their best to hide their smiles. Harm looked over at them, puzzled. Both men turned solemn and bent over their terminals as if there was something interesting on their display screens.

Harm sat down in the chair and waited for Mac to appear.

In a few moments, Mac’s door opened and the Colonel stepped out into the bullpen. She looked around and saw the Commander waiting for her. A smile began to form.

“Okay Harm, I’m ready, where are we headed?” She hoped her heartbeats wouldn’t drown out what he was going to say.

“How about Chinese?” Her countence temporarily fell. He quickly added, “It just opened, they have a good lunch menu…we can go somewhere else if you like-“

She looked at him, Well it wasn’t the park, but that was silly, Harm would never do anything like that. She smiled reassuringly at him, “Chinese is fine, Harm.”

Relieved, his smile returned, “Well then, let’s go.”

“How far is it?” She asked as they walked to the door, “We only have fifty-five minutes and twenty four seconds you know,”

Harm rolled his eyes and shook his head “Just down the block,” He began smiling again, “You’ll really like it Mac.”

Everyone in the office watched as Mac and Harm left. Harm held the door for her. As she went through, he put his hand in a guiding manner on the small of her back. They went over to the elevator and got in.

As soon as the doors closed, Gunny walked over to Tiner and whispered in his ear, “Five bucks says they’re married in less than two years…”

Tiner looked at the Marine Gunnery Sergeant, “You’re on.”

PO Coates walked up to Harriet’s desk, “Ma’am? Are the Colonel and the Commander finally getting serious?”

Harriet looked toward the elevator, “Maybe Coates, just maybe.”

“Ma’am what about the fraternization rules? I mean the Admiral –“

“The Admiral has rooted for this as long as any of us, Petty Officer. We just have to make sure it doesn’t disrupt the office –“ she looked at Coates standing at her desk, “Did you have something for me to sign?”

“Uh, no ma’am, sorry ma’am.” She headed back to her desk.

*~*

In his office, Admiral A.J. Chegwidden had heard all the exchanges. Tiner, by mistake, had left his door cracked open ever so slightly. Just enough for him to hear everything. A.J. looked at the bullpen over his reading glasses and sighed heavily. It sounded like Harriet had her hands full, but so far she was doing a good job. When it got out of hand, he would straighten everyone out. He thought about Harm and Mac and chuckled. He looked out the window and saw them walking down the street. Their hands didn’t touch, but they did brush occasionally.

Playing with fire, He grumped to himself, smiling and shaking his head. The phone buzzed. The Admiral tapped the intercom button.

“Yes Tiner?”

“Sir, it’s Ms. Cavenaugh [your wife] on Line 2.”

The gruff Admiral smiled picking up the receiver, “Put her through,”

“Hello Meredith,”

“Hello A.J.,” Meredith sighed on the other end.

“What is it darling?” Asked A.J. growing concerned, “What’s the problem?”

The voice on the other end was wistful, “Honey I hate to do this, but I have to break our luncheon date.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” A.J.’s voice changed from concern to sympathy mixed with curiosity, “How come?”

“I have a conference with one of my graduate students and this is the only time she had free.”

“Does it have to be today?” Exasperation was creeping in; he had really been looking forward to spending time with her.

“A.J.,” The English Literature Professor’s voice turned stern, “You know better,”

The Admiral smiled. There was no doubt; Meredith was as dedicated to her job as he was to his. “I’m sorry honey, I was just looking forward spending time with you right now.”

He could see her smiling on the other end, “I’ll be home early this evening and make it up to you, I promise.” Then, without warning, suspicion crept into her tone “A.J., did you see the Commander and the Colonel recently?”

The Admiral, who had started leaning back in his chair sat upright cleared his throat, and tried to change the subject. “The Commander and the Colonel? They left a few minutes ago for lunch.” He hunched over the phone lowering his voice “…now Meredith please don’t--”

“How are they doing?” She cut him off, her excitement growing; suddenly fear crept into her voice “The Commander didn’t do something romantic did he? Oh A.J.-,”

“No Meredith,” He reassured her, chuckling and leaning back again, “They just went to lunch together, they do it all the time,”

“But you know how they feel about each other,” She pressed her point “He may decide today’s the day.”

The Admiral turned around and looked thoughtfully out the window, “Yes, it could happen that way,” Then he remembered they were talking about Harmon Rabb, Jr. His pitch turned to a gravelly grumble, “But this is the Commander we’re talking about…”

*~*

As the waiter left the table, Harm looked over at his partner and friend, who was taking a sip of her water.

“What?” Mac worriedly examined her blouse, “Did I spill water on my uniform?”

“No,” Replied Harm good naturedly, “You didn’t, I just –“

“You just what, Commander?” She quirked an eyebrow at him

“I just - well, I was going to give this to you later on,” He said bringing out the small plastic shopping bag, “But now seems as good a time as any –“

Mac’s breath hitched as she opened the bag. Inside was a teddy bear dressed in Marine dress blues.

Title: "The Stuff Guys’ [Aviators’] Dreams Are Made Of"
Author: TxJAG_b
Email: txjagbc1@yahoo.com
Rating: PG/R
Classification: Romance/Story - A continuation of a piece of fluff
Summary: Lunch and the aftereffects – Now it’s Harm’s turn

Disclaimer: The characters in this story are the property of Donald Bellisario, Belisaurius Productions, Paramount Pictures and Columbia Broadcasting Service Entertainment – this story is for non-profit entertainment of JAG fans only. No copyright infringement is intended or implied.

A/N1: A follow-up to A Girl Can Dream, because you guys asked for it.
A/N2: Some people wanted to know was the ‘Meredith’ thing a slip. Well, yeah, in a was it way. But then I realized Gunny was with Webb [per season 8] so maybe this is just a time and place in the future. :)
A/N3: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
A/N4: Thanks to two special people, Elfinkid and JoshuaTree, for their beta-ing and encouragement. You guys rock!

****

From “A Girl Can Dream, Can’t She?”

As the waiter left the table, Harm looked over at his partner and friend, who was taking a sip of her water.

“What?” Mac worriedly examined her blouse, “Did I spill water on my uniform?”

“No,” replied Harm good naturedly, “You didn’t, I just –“

“You just what, Commander?” She quirked an eyebrow at him

“I just -- well, I was going to give this to you later on,” He said bringing out the small plastic shopping bag, “But now seems as good a time as any --“

Mac’s breath hitched as she opened the bag. Inside was a teddy bear dressed in Marine dress blues.

****

1810 Zulu
Chi Gao Restaurant
Falls Church, Virginia

“I was passing through the Crystal City underground this morning,” Harm began explaining, “And I saw this guy sitting in the window of a store…uh, Mac?”

Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie’s eyes were riveted on the stuffed animal. She pressed his stomach and the Marine Corps Hymn began to play. Mac’s hand flew to her mouth, “Oh, I can’t believe this!”

What does she mean by that? I’ll bet she doesn’t like it. She thinks its an insult. Oh crap! Way to go Hammer…

“I’m sorry Mac,” began Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. earnestly, “I really thought that--“

“What?” Mac was obviously confused by his apology. She smiled as tears glistened in her eyes. “No Flyboy, No. I just can’t believe this happened -- this came true.”

It came true? Oh, That’s right… she means one of her visions. “But Mac, many of your… visions… come true. You found me and Chloe, remember?” Hope I said the right thing.

She dabbed at her eyes with her napkin and chuckled, “Thanks for your vote of confidence, Sailor.”

Give her a smile Hammer. She likes it when you smile…

The grin that made Mac’s heart flutter spread across the Naval Commander’s face. Mac shook her head and smiled. “You’re funny.”

Harm decided to extend the joking, “No actually I’m hungry, he returned dryly, “How about you?”

Mac’s smile grew into something more like a sensuous naked stare. “You know I’m starved.”

Harm unnerved by her ravenous gaze, not knowing whether it was for the food or something else, held up his hand. “Um, Waiter, We’re -- we’re ready to order…our food.”

1820 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Lieutenant Harriet Sims-Roberts and Lieutenant Bud Roberts were sitting outside at the dining tables outside JAG Headquarters. Bud had just brought Harriet a sandwich and iced tea from the commissary. He pushed the food toward his wife.

“Harriet?”

She had faraway look on her face. Her husband’s intent stare brought her back.

“Oh, Sorry Bud. I was just thinking…”

“What about?”

She smiled at his intense interest. “The Commander and Colonel.”

“Harriet, it’s really none of our business.” He took a sip of his soft drink, hoping she would drop the subject. They had had this conversation many times. His wife was convinced that the Commander and the Colonel should be married. Ever since the Colonel had broken off her engagement to Commander Brumby, Harriet had taken it upon herself to play unofficial sounding board and matchmaker to these two. It was dangerous work. One wrong move could get her in a lot of trouble and had the potential for not only ruining their work relationships, but their personal ones as well. Still Harriet persisted.

“I know Bud,” She pressed, “But can’t they see what they mean to each other?”

*~*

“Of course they can,” Petty Officer 1st Class Tiner replied to Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Coates who was taking a bite of her sandwich. “But Jen, you know as well as I do about the rules concerning fraternization. While OPNAV Instruction 5370.2B indicates they can date, I’m not sure the Colonel, or the Commander for that matter, would want to stop there – why else would they not be dating by now?” Jason and Jennifer were the least senior staff members in the JAG Corps Headquarters, but even they could see the unmistakable signs of attraction. And like Harriet, Jennifer had the matchmaking bug. She wanted to see her best friends happily married.

Jen swallowed and nodded admitting it was a tough problem, “I know,” She looked at her lunch partner intently. “So they just keep up this crazy dance? Maybe there’s something in the rules or regulations somewhere or maybe the Admiral will intervene….”

“I’ll do some more checking, but don’t get your hopes up. There are other problems than just the regulations. There are relationship issues going back to when they first met each other that they haven’t resolved yet.” Jason said, taking a sip of his iced tea. “ I think unless one of them volunteers to leave JAG, they won’t date--let alone marry.”

“You think that would happen?” Asked Jennifer. She really didn’t like this idea and it showed in her voice.

“You have to see it from their point of view,” replied the senior Petty Officer referring to their relationship and leaving JAG. “The Commander and the Colonel like what they have career-wise. They want to stay here…for now…and anything that jeopardizes that, takes a back seat for now…including love.” Jason’s answer caused Jen to sigh heavily and take a savage stab at her salad.

“Do you think they’ll *ever* get married?”

*~*

“I don’t know Harriet,” replied Bud thoughtfully to his wife, “I guess anything’s possible at some point…maybe their next assignment after JAG Headquarters will make it easier. But it may not happen at all. There’s nothing the Commander has done lately that indicates he has feelings for the Colonel other than as a good friend.”

“He broke your jaw trying to hit Commander Brumby when he thought Mac was going to marry him.” She looked rather smug as she reminded him about that incident. “And what about his going to Paraguay?”

“That fight was almost two years ago Harriet,” He crumpled his can indicating his disgust at the futility of this conversation. “And yeah, the Commander and the Colonel did seem close for a little while after Paraguay, but then it faded again.” He gathered the remains of both their lunches. “I’m beginning to think they like it this way--just having a good strong friendship.”

“You can’t be serious…” said Jennifer and Harriet as they got up from their tables simultaneously.

“I’m dead serious, I’m beginning to think--“ Bud and Tiner not watching where they were going, ran into each other. They knocked each other’s garbage out of each other’s hands.

“Oh sorry, Sir.” Tiner hastily bent over to pick up the fallen trash.

“No Petty Officer,” replied a chagrined Bud who reached down as well for the fallen trash. “It was my fault…I should have been looking where I was going--“

“No Sir,” insisted Tiner as he gathered the trash in his hands “I should have been looking at where I was going.”

“It’s all right Petty Officer--“

“Lieutenant, what are you and the Petty Officer trying to do, out-apologize each other?”

Tiner blanched when he saw Commander Sturgis Turner standing before them. “Yes Sir, I mean--No Sir, Commander Sir.” He stammered as he dropped the trash again.

Bud’s eyes went wide. “No Commander, the Petty Officer and I had just--“

“It’s my fault Sir--” Harriet and Jennifer intervened simultaneously hoping to help.

“You’re fault?!” They both looked at each other.

The Commander held up his hand. “I see this is more complicated than I realized.”

1840 Zulu
Chi Gao Restaurant
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac finished with their meal. The waiter approached the table, smiled and left the check along with a pair of fortune cookies. Harm picked up his fortune cookie and the bill.

“Hey Flyboy, give that here,” Mac said playfully as she reached for it, “It’s my turn to pay.”

“Sorry Jarhead, the person who brings the gift, has to pay for the meal. Besides, I did say this was my treat.” He held it just out of her reach, smiling that irrepressible grin of his. “Harm’s rule--”

She stopped reaching and looked at him quizzically. “Harm’s rule of what?” She demanded with a smirk on her face.

‘Of dating’ almost spilled out of his mouth as an answer. He paused. Was this a date? No! Screamed his mind in full panic mode, thinking about how Mac might respond. It was just lunch. That’s all. Nothing else. Just lunch between two friends. Whew.

“Harm’s rule of lunch between friends when one brings a gift for the other.” He explained hoping it wasn’t coming out all in rush.

“Oh.”

She seems disappointed. Damn! I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. Maybe I should have teased it out a little longer. Then she could punch me in the solar plexus and I could lay on the floor doubled up. Maybe I should just stick my head in that fish tank over there. Hammer, you’re an idiot.

“I never heard of that rule,” she replied playfully, quickly recovering, “I need to look at the rulebook of yours sometime.”

All right! She’s not hurt. Wow! That was some comment. Easy Hammer, its just Ninja Girl playing again. Don’t get carried away and do something stupid.

Harm looked at this pretty woman sitting across from him. She really was beautiful. That sassy short haircut, the way it framed her face, and her body isn’t so bad either…wait a minute. This wasn’t just a pretty woman, this was a Marine Lieutenant Colonel. More importantly, this was Mac. Stop staring at her, Hammer. He admonished himself, She’s going to ask you what’s--

“Harm,” She looked at him nervously, “What are you staring at?”

Too late. Quick Hammer, think man, think!

“Uh, well, I--“ Great Hammer, flatter her with your stuttering, that will sweep her off her feet.

“Harm?” She looked at him with those exotic brown eyes that seemed to bore right through him. “What’s the matter?”

What could he say? I’m sorry Mac, its just that your beauty blew me away for a moment. Nah. Too corny. How about…I’m staring at the prettiest lady in the room…ugh…she’ll definitely slug me for that one. Well, I could try--

“Harm!”

She had grabbed his arm. Without thinking, he leaned over and kissed her full on those fabulous lips of hers. The touching of their lips sent a spark arcing through him and stirred some dormant feelings down below. He pressed his lips harder on hers.

“Harmph?”

I could do this forever….

“Harmph!”

Ow this table is digging into me. Wait a minute. That’s not the table, that’s…YEOWCH!

Mac’s fingers are digging into my arm! Harm started to pull away, but Mac jerked hard, nearly pulling him across the table. He never saw the other hand doubled into a fist that connected squarely on his jaw. Rocked, he quickly pulled away from her side of the table.

As he rubbed his smarting jaw, she looked at him like he had lost his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Harm!”

He looked at the Marine Lieutenant Colonel sitting across from him. No, kissing her would be a really bad idea right now. No matter how good it might feel.

“Harm, It’s 1241.” Thanks for the time update, Marine. And now ladies and gentlemen without further ado here she is, the woman with an internal clock!

“We’ve only got nineteen minutes and thirty-six seconds to make it back to Headquarters.” Thanks Mac, I knew I could count on you to give me the time down to the seconds, making me realize just how little time I have left to say something to kill this awkwardness. Mac, how the hell do I explain to you in less that nineteen minutes and how many ever seconds how I really feel about you…how I really feel about us?

“…and if we’re late, the Admiral will have our sixes! Are you listening Squid?”

“Yeah,” he sighed having given up for today, “You’re right, let’s go.” So much for daydreams Hammer, back to reality—

Mac grabbed his arm. “Harm, are you sure you’re okay?” In her other hand she was holding the teddy bear he had given her.

What do I tell her? No, I’m not. I want to kiss you so hard it hurts and carry you off to my apartment. That’s insane, why not declare my love for her right here? Yeah, right….

“I’m fine, Mac. Really.” Maybe she’ll believe that…then I’ll be off the hook.

“Really.” I really hate that look. She doesn’t believe me.

“Really.” Harm gave her a knowing look. This is not the time nor the place to discuss this.

“Okay,” She understands; thanks Mac.

“Let’s get back to work.” I’ll flash her that smile she calls the ‘Flyboy smile.’ Harriet told me about that. She said Mac really likes that one.

She smiled and shook her head, not sure just what was going on inside her partner’s head. “Sure.”

As Mac and Harm left the restaurant, the Marine Lieutenant Colonel was holding on tightly to her gift from Harm – it wasn’t a diamond engagement ring or a friendship bracelet, but to get something like this from her best friend and partner, Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb, Jr., it was a step in the right direction.

“Mac you can’t carry that into the office…” She looked over at the Commander who was dividing his looks between the teddy bear and the Mac. Come on Mac, Harm tried to argue silently with his eyes, Go with me on this, you know what would happen…

Mac frowned, looking down at her gift. He could tell she was wrestling with her answer. He knew a part of her wanted to snap ‘why not?’ but he also knew she knew why she couldn’t bring it in with her.

She sighed. “You’re right Harm, I’ll drop it off at my car.” As they neared the JAG Headquarters building, Mac separated from her partner and walked toward her car.

“Hey--”

She turned around and looked at him.

“Mac? Ventured Harm uncertainly, “You’re not mad are you?”

She sighed and rolled her eyes, “Of course not, Harm, I understand.”

Come on Mac, don’t say it like that. “Then why are sighing like that?”

“Like what?”

“You know, like you’re exasperated. You know as well as I do what would--“

“--happen, yes Harm I do know the bull pen would go crazy, but I’m a --“

“--Marine I can handle it.” Finished Harm for her. She glared daggers at him.

Way to go Rabb, He thought sheepishly to himself, One step forward and twelve steps back.

She turned and stalked over to her Corvette. Fishing for her keys, she found them, opened the car door and tossed the Teddy Bear inside. As she slammed the door, Harm could hear the muted strains of “From the Halls of Montezuma” coming from his gift.

She returned to his side and matched his cadence as they walked up the sidewalk toward the security gate. She didn’t say anything or look at him, but he knew he had to try to defuse this situation before they went in.

Unfortunately, Harm didn’t know what say, “Uh, Mac...um….”

She whirled on him, “Let me fill in the blank on this one Harm -- ‘you’re sorry, you didn’t mean for it to come out that way.’”

Harm stopped looking stunned for a moment before falling back into step with her, “Come on Mac….”

She stopped again, her stare piercing him, “Harm please, whatever you are going to say, don’t start it with ‘come on Mac’ because I know the next line oh so well, ‘it was only a joke’ right?”

“Right, and….” he stopped, not sure how to phrase the next part of his apology now that she had taken the words right out of his mouth.

“The great Harmon Rabb, once again at a loss for words,” the laugh was hollow, “You know I thought that Kryptonite was Superman’s weakness.”

Harm stopped again, How does she know about Kryptonite? Since when did she start reading comic books?

“Mac, I was an idiot.” he tried to explain. Not a direct apology, maybe she would buy it.

*~*

At the security gate, the Marine corporals smiled. The two JAG lawyers, the Commander and the Lieutenant Colonel, were at it again. It looked like it was going to be a doozy of fight.

*~*

Mac was stalking away when she stopped and whirled on him

“What did you say?”

“I’m an idiot,” he said raising his hands in defeat, “I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

*~*

A sedan from the motor pool pulled up to the checkpoint. The first corporal smiled and walked over to the car. “I’ll take care of this one. Let me know what happens.”

*~*

“So being an idiot is your defense? Is that supposed to be an apology?” She was going in for the kill.

Harm could sense his admission was not deterring her, Drop some chaff Hammer, screamed his defenses, Do that and she’ll send a SAM up your six! screamed his common sense -- Drop your defenses it’s your only hope!

It went against everything he knew about dangerous situations, but he knew the result of dropping chaff or freezing up or worse yet matching her anger -- icy stares and snotty comments for the rest of the day. But making up sure was fun. Concentrate on the target Hammer, focus!

“Mac, I’m sorry.”

“You’re what?” Confusion. Yahoo! Go Hammer, go!

“I’m sorry for saying that to you, it was wrong.”

“You’re apologizing?” Like a fighter seeing its target evaporate, Mac’s demeanor began to change.

*~*

As the sedan rolled through the checkpoint, the second corporal tapped his partner on the shoulder. “You’ve got to see this.”

“What’s he doing?”

“You won’t believe it, he’s apologizing to her.”

“No way! Another car coming; your turn. I’ll tell you what happens….”

*~*

The Commander and the Colonel stood there staring at each other. It was like everyone and everything else had disappeared.

“I’m sorry, Mac, it was wrong and I shouldn’t have done it.”

Mac looked at him at him standing there in his summer uniform. For a moment they just stood there. Finally, Mac broke the silence. “Just when I’m getting ready to take your head off at the knees, you go and do something like this.”

“Mac?”

She shook her head. Oh no! She can’t mean what I think she means…

“You’re not accepting my apology?” You blew it again Hammer. Way to go.

She blinked and suddenly realized what he had said as he started to walk away.

“No, Harm, Harm!”

The Commander stopped. Don’t bark Hammer. There’s something in her tone--

“Yes Mac?”

*~*

“Man this is getting good.”

“What’s happening now?” asked the second Corporal coming back to the gate.

“Well, they stood there for a moment, and then he turned to walk away and now she’s running after him.”

“Here comes another car. Damn! tell me what happens.…”

*~*

“Harm --“

“Apology accepted?” He finished hopefully. You IDIOT!! She’s going to kill you!

“Will you please stop doing that?” Her annoyance rapidly subsided. She shook her head at his confusion, “Sorry, I guess we’ve been doing this for way too long.”

“Well, let’s try this again -- You’re not mad at having to put him in the car are you?”

She looked at him and small smile played on her lips, “No Harm, I’m a Marine, I can handle this -- besides the Admiral will not be pleased if personal relations enter the workplace.”

“Plus all the questions from our co-workers….” Harm added.

“Harriet….” replied Mac, smiling and rolling her eyes.

“Coates….” Harm smiled wryly.

“Don’t forget Tiner and Gunny….” Mac nodded ruefully.

They both looked at each other. “Sturgis.”

They looked into each others eyes for the longest moment and then began laughing. Again the world around them disappeared.

“Are we okay, Mac?”

She looked at him, grateful that he was her friend. “Yup, sure we are, Flyboy.”

Flash that smile Hammer, He saw the look on her face. She loved that smile.

*~*

“Man, they are the weirdest couple.”

“Yeah but if that was the only way I could talk to her was by arguing with her, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

His partner looked at them and smirked, “They do have it bad.”

“Stow it buddy, here they come.”

*~*

The two JAG lawyers walked up to the gate.

“Commander.”

Harm held up his ID, “Afternoon Corporal.”

“Colonel.”

She held up her ID, “Hello Corporal.”

He scrutinized the identification cards and then checked his clipboard. He and the other Corporal saluted. “Thank you Ma’am, Sir, have a good afternoon.”

“Likewise Corporal,” responded Mac returning their salute as did Harm, “Carry on.”

As Harm walked with his partner and friend up the steps of the JAG Headquarters and through the main doors, he thought about all they had been through together. Through it all, they had remained friends and held onto their unique relationship. All in all, we don’t have it too bad. But maybe someday… the timing will be right…and on that day, watch out, Marine.

Harm could see it. First he would ask her out, not for pizza, or to do chores together. But a real honest-to-goodness date date. Then after having a great time at dinner, dancing, whatever she wanted to do…then he would take her back to her place…and kiss her goodnight. No, no sudden moves on her. This was Mac…the woman he loved. They’d keep it simple at first. Build the anticipation. Gifts, notes, impromptu lunches…the works. And then when it was time (and they would both know when that is) they’d move to the next level. I wonder if she’ll make the first move. He’d pictured it a thousand times in his dreams. She would lower her head, look up seductively at him and then….

Harm noticed Mac was staring at him. It was the same kind of stare she had had in the restaurant. They got in the elevator and the wood laminate doors closed with an all too loud thud. Harm was feeling claustrophobic.

“Mac?” Harm’s voice was a little higher than usual.

“I never did get to thank you for the sweet gift, Flyboy.”

The way she let ‘Flyboy’ roll seductively out her mouth, made Harm look at his feet and blush. Why did she always make him feel like he was doing something naughty? They were adults after all. And officers, officers in the armed services that need to maintain decorum. But oh God! does she look hot…Hammer, watch yourself….

Mac licked her lips and moved toward the Commander. Harm involuntarily backed against the elevator wall, knocking off his cover. His eyes were riveted on her. “Uh, Mac, uh…should we...um…this is really not a good idea.”

“No one else is here right now Sailor, just you and me.” She purred as she moved closer. “And you deserve a kiss for your thoughtful gift.”

Harm was trapped. No where to go. “Uh, what if someone gets on?”

She didn’t answer. Instead she moved closer still to his face, tilting her head and closing her eyes.

Oh what the hell…

The press of her soft lips on his was the better than he remembered. It was her tongue pushing and probing against his closed teeth than sent an electric current though him.

“Macfph, urphf-umm whatrf you…”

She silenced him by deepening the kiss and snaking a hand down his back. She pressed up against him, knocking her own cover off. Oh lord, I’m gonna lose it if she doesn’t stop… The heat emanating from her body weakened his defenses and her tongue rushed into his mouth, madly sweeping around, sending shudders through him.

Whatever happens Mac, please don’t stop.

Harm pushed his tongue into her mouth and they began to tongue-wrestle. Mac groaned, dropping her purse and pressed harder against him. He felt himself stirring below. Oh hell…

DING!

Harm looked at Mac as if he had been shot.

As a Chief Petty Officer, a Marine Sergeant and Lance Corporal got on board with them. She stood looking at uncertainly at her partner.

Harm looked away and then back at her. Mac returned his look. Her brow furrowed as she tried to figure out what was going on with him.

1857 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

“Ma’am?” Harriet turned from her terminal and saw Jen standing looking apprehensively at her.

“It’s all right Coates,” said the Lieutenant, hoping to allay the young woman’s fears, “I’m not going to say anything to anyone.”

Jen visibly relaxed and let a small smile show through. “Thank you, ma’am. Really.”

Harriet was really glad Jen had joined JAG. She and young woman had a similar goal. “I guess we have something in common, don’t we, Petty Officer?”

“Yes ma’am. I guess we do.”

“Well, let’s just keep it out of the office, okay?”

“Agreed ma’am. I look forward to comparing notes with you…outside of the office.”

“I look forward to it, too.” Both women smiled.

Across the way, Jason Tiner was feverously checking the search results he had just found. He only had a few more minutes before he had to get back to work. “Hey Petty Officer, what are looking for so studiously?” Gunny Victor Galindez leaned on Jason Tiner’s shoulder and tried to look at his screen.

Jason turned, partially blocking his terminal from the Marine Gunnery Sergeant. “Nothing you need to worry about, Gunny.”

“Oh, is that so, mister law student?” Gunny loved needling the younger Petty Officer.

A crimson flush rose on Jason’s face. Didn’t Gunny have anything better to do than bugging him? “Look, it’s just something for the Admiral--” Hoping the lie would force Gunny to back off.

It had the opposite effect. Now Victor wanted to see more than ever what was on the screen. “Hey, maybe I can help--” He tried to lean over and see what Tiner was trying to hide.

Jason responded by trying to cover more of his screen. “I don’t need your help, thanks, I’ve got it under control.”

“Aw, come on Petty Officer, let me see what you have--“

At that moment, Harm and Mac stepped through the doors and into the bullpen. Jason and Victor stopped in mid-struggle. Both stood up at attention as the two JAG lawyers moved closer.

“Did we ah, interrupt something?” Asked Harm good-naturedly of both men who were now looking a bit sheepish. Both kept quiet.

“Gunnery Sergeant, the Commander asked you if we had interrupted something.” Mac’s voice was even, but there was a definite edge to it.

Gunny turned toward Mac, “Uh, no Ma’am.”

“That’s not what it looked like to me,” replied Harm probing further, trying not to smirk. After all, they couldn’t have horseplay going on in the bullpen. “Petty Officer, would you care to explain to me and the Colonel just what exactly was going on?”

Jason looked guardedly at the stern Commander. “Um, I was working on a surprise for the Gunnery Sergeant, Sir and --“

“And I wanted to see what he was doing, because he was smiling and laughing to himself.” added Victor. “I have no excuse for my actions Sir, Ma’am.

“I see, “ Harm turned to Mac and winked. Mac bent her head to hide her smile. He looked back at both men still standing at attention. “Let’s just try to remember from now on that this is a law office, Petty Officer, Gunnery Sergeant.”

“Aye Sir.” Both men responded in unison looking as embarrassed as they sounded.

Harriet and Jen had dared not look at what was going on. Before Harm had finished, the younger woman was headed back to her desk. Harriet had begun working on her afternoon correspondence. She cast a nervous eye toward the door marked ‘PRIVATE.’ The Admiral did not make an appearance. That was good. At least the incident wouldn’t result in a general reaming out of the staff.

Harm and Mac dismissed the two junior officers and then walked over to the Colonel’s office. The Colonel entered followed by the Commander. She shut the door.

Jen quickly walked over to Jason’s desk. “Did they see what you were doing?”

He blew out a long breath as he turned the monitor off. “No.”

“Did you find anything?”

“Nothing yet.”

She looked at him with a smirk. “You were damned lucky.”

“Don’t I know it. He looked across the bullpen. The Gunnery Sergeant was eyeing both of them. “I’d better let Gunny know what we’re doing or this could happen again.”

“What do you think that was about?” Asked Mac as she pulled off her cover, made her way over to her desk, and put down her purse. She turned to face Harm.

“Beats me, Mac. You know those two. Since Gunny arrived, they’ve been competing on just about everything.” Just boys being boys, Marine. Boy, I’m glad I didn’t say that one out loud.

“Gunny’s older, he should know better, Harm.” Mac looked sternly at her partner. “Maybe I should have a talk with him, Marine to Marine.”

“Ease off Mac, they just got a little carried away. I bet you it won’t happen again.”

She looked at him as if she wasn’t sure he was telling the truth. “What makes you think so?”

“Gunny’s got a good head on his shoulders, he just let their competition get the best of him. You could see they were pretty embarrassed about the whole thing.”

“They should be.” Come on Mac, don’t turn this into a battle…

“I’m sure they are. It won’t do anything but make it worse by bringing it up again. Mac, just let it go.”

Mac sighed and rolled her eyes, turning away from her partner. “Okay counselor, no lecture.” Thanks Mac. He smiled and turned to leave.

“Say Harm, do you have time this afternoon to discuss the Lowery hearing?”

He turned to find her standing right behind him. Wow! I thought she was back at her desk. Easy Hammer, don’t fly apart now…

“Sure, what time?” Smooth Hammer, no stuttering either. Now keep it together…

“How about 1430? I want to go over Captain Freeman’s deposition one more time. I think I may have spotted where he’s perjured himself.”

Good job Ninja Girl. “Okay, I should be free then.” He noticed she was still standing there, as if she wasn’t finished.

“Oh, and thank you for the gift Harm, it means a lot to me.” She got up on her tip toes and gave him a quick peck on his lips. She locked eyes with his and smiled. Harm felt the world tilt off its axis as his lips burned with her kiss.

“Yeah, um, you’re welcome….” Holy cow did she just…man, I wasn’t expecting that. Harm walked over to the door and turned the knob. He turned back to look at her.

She had moved over to her desk and sat down, picking up one the many file folders on her desk. She looked back at the Commander.

“Don’t forget, 1430.”

Are her eyes dancing?

Out in the bullpen, Clayton Webb had made his way to Harm’s closed door and was about to knock.

“He’s not in there, Sir.”

The CIA agent turned to see Gunnery Sergeant Galindez, “How are you doing Gunny?” He reached out to shake the Gunny’s hand.

Gunny took his hand and gave it firm handshake. “Doing well Sir, may I ask how you are doing?”

“Doing much better Gunny.” The wounds from their escapade in Paraguay had taken a while to heal, but he was actually doing much better. He looked around the bullpen and then spotted the Commander’s form leaning against the inside of Mac’s office door. “I take it the Commander is in with Colonel MacKenzie?”

“Nothing gets by you Sir,” Webb smirked at Gunny’s crack. “Would you like some coffee while you wait?”

Clayton shook his head. The Commander and the Colonel back to dancing again. He wondered if Harmon Rabb would ever realize just how devoted Mac was to him? “I’ll just wait out here.”

“He should be out in a moment Sir,” He saw the afternoon courier headed his way, “Good to see you again, Sir.”

“Good to see you again Gunny. Let me know if you would like to work on something else for me--we’ve always got jobs available.”

“I will Sir, I have to get squared away here first. Excuse me.” Gunny started talking with the courier as Clayton settled in to wait for Harm to come out of Mac’s office.

He could see the Commander. About three times, it looked as if he was going to come out. But the door didn’t open.

“Those two will never change,” The agent muttered to himself while smiling wryly. “Commander, hold on to her, she’s a treasure.”

Harm opened the door and started to head toward his office. Oh great, Clayton Webb… “And to what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Webb?”

Harm’s sarcasm and coolness was not lost on Clayton. “Relax Commander, I’m just here to give you the information that you requested.” He smirked as he handed the padded envelope to him. “You’re lucky; this wasn’t classified. He looked at his watch. “I’ve got to go.”

C’ mon Hammer, what happened between Webb and Mac is in the past. Let it go.

“Hey Clay,” The CIA Agent stopped. “Thanks, I mean it.”

“Sure Harm,” Clayton wasn’t sure how to respond to Harm’s friendliness. He decided sarcasm was his best bet. “Always glad to be of service to JAG’s star attorney.”

Clayton headed out through the glass double doors and into the elevator.

Harm turned to see Mac standing at her doorway. Had she seen what had happened? She had a faint smile on her face. Yeah, she had. She shook her head and started to go back in her office when Sturgis stopped her.

“Mac, do you have a moment?”

“Sure Sturgis, come on in.” As she ushered him in, she looked back at Harm again and mouthed ‘1430 Commander.’

Harm crossed his arms and broke into that irrepressible grin. Just you wait Mac, when the time is right…watch out, Marine.

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