Title: Nowhere Slowly II: Perfect Author: Allison E-mail: wolf63122@yahoo.com Rating: PG-13...adult themes Classification: H, R [Harm/Mac, Chloe/Other, Alexi/other], S Spoilers: "Answered Prayers" "Washington Holiday" Fic: "Nowhere slowly" Disclaimer: If I owned them...I wouldn't have to write these stories now would I? JAG and all of its characters are property of DB et al. Just writing for fun, the ATIS [Allison's Twisted Imagination Society] is a nonprofit organization. Summery: The next day.... Author's notes: Will Haskell is a real person. He WAS a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps and he did serve in the Indian Ocean. Jack is a made up character. And please indulge me, but Washington Holiday is one of my Fav eps so...y'know. I'm sorry if it doesn't live up...I tried...The story picks up where I left off. *I also tried to keep it as non-explicit as I could...If you are of age and would like the 'deleted scenes' please e-mail me off list.* 0659 Local Harm's Apartment North of Union Station Harm watched as the clock as the minutes changed; 0700 on the dot. He turned of the alarm that was set to go off in 15 minutes and looked down into his arms. He couldn't help but smile at the wonderful sight; Sarah Mackenzie asleep in his arms...that was truly heaven. After just watching her breathe for a minute, Harm leaned down and kissed her shoulder. He trailed his kisses up her neck and finally reached her lips. He placed a light kiss on her mouth and when she stirred he whispered "Sarah, its time to get up." "Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Harm?" Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at him. "So it wasn't the most wonderful dream in the world?" "Oh it was a dream...a dream come true." He smiled back and kissed her again "I love you." Mac grinned. "You don't know how good that sounds coming out of your mouth." She kissed him again, "Hey, Harm--can we just call in sick today?" She chuckled as her hands ran up his arms and rested on his broad shoulders. He grinned. "You know there's nothing I'd like more, but we can't...the Admiral already told us that the staff meeting today was mandatory...remember?" "Oh yeah...weren't his exact words, 'there will be no excuse to miss this meeting unless you are on your death bed---then, maybe, we'll negotiate'?" Harm chuckled "Yeah, pretty much; except you missed the part about him kicking sixes." He grinned again as he looked at her. "What?" She smiled. "You're so beautiful." Mac blushed, "Oh...thank you. You know you aren't too bad yourself" He chuckled. "Thanks...so, you want the shower first?" "Why? You don't want to join me?" She bites her lip mischievously. "Lead the way!" He grins. 0800 Local JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia Harm and Mac walk in the bull pen together, even though they had arrived in separate cars. They were bantering playfully as usual for them - they had already talked about how they would conduct themselves around their co-workers; as same as they normally would- they wouldn't give anyone a reason to suspect a thing. As they step into the bullpen laughing at some inside joke they notice some funny looks from members of the staff. Harm shakes the looks off and smiles at Mac almost warning for her to do the same. Mac smiles back at him, but this time it has some steel in it. "Commander, can I see you in my office? Now." "Yes ma'am." He inwardly winced, she didn't sound too happy. "Yeah Mac?" He smiled hopefully after the door was shut. "Harm-do you think they know?" She asks a little nervously as she looks out of the open blinds into the bullpen. "How could they?!" He asked, wondering where that came from. "Mac...Sarah-you're already getting paranoid? Come on Marine, I know we can do this together...I'm sure they just aren't used to me being on time," Se chuckled trying to lighten her mood. She closed the blinds and turned on her heel to face him. After a moment of serious quiet she slowly grinned. "You're probably right...I'm just being paranoid." She walked seductively over to him and tilted her head up looking into his eyes. Harm closed their distance and their mouths joined in a passionate kiss. As soon as they broke, and when Mac got her voice back, she smiled at him and, in her best Lieutenant Colonel voice, said, "Now get your cute six out of my office commander." Harm chuckled. "Yes ma'am!" "On the double sailor...we have work to do." She smiled as she said it, and as soon as the door was open she seated herself at her desk. Harm walked out of the door and shook his head. He immediately went to his office and started his routine. Around 0850 Harm went to get his usual cup of coffee and ran into Harriet in the break room. "Good morning Harriet" Harm grinned at her. "Yes it is sir...a very good morning. May I ask the Commander why his morning is so special?" Harriet smiled like the cat that had caught the canary. Harm looked at her and sipped his coffee. "No particular reason...just it's a beautiful day is all." He said, lying through his teeth. "Of course sir," She could tell he was lying. 'He's a horrible liar.' Still she smiled just the same and was saved from saying anything else as Mac walked into the break room. "Good morning ma'am." Mac smiled "Good morning Harriet. How are you today?" "Wonderful ma'am!" Harriet grinned. 'Only because you two finally got it right!' "How are you, ma'am?" "Good." Mac smiled almost to herself as she and Harm made eye contact briefly. Harriet watched her friends, "Well-umm-look at the time...I have to...go talk to Gunny. By your leave, sir...ma'am." Harriet exited the room as Bud walked in followed by Sturgis. Both men grinned and looked at the pair across from them. They were lost in each other's presence and hadn't noticed that two other people were in the room. Sturgis was the first to speak, "Good morning Mac, Harm." Needless to say Harm and Mac were startled a little, but they hid it very well. Mac smiled sweetly. "Oh, good morning, Sturgis, Bud." "Hey Sturgis, hey Bud...how's it goin'?" "Good morning sir, ma'am" "It's goin' buddy." Sturgis grinned "How are you?" Harm squinted for a moment wondering why everyone was so giddy before he answered. "Alright." He said, a little hesitantly. At that moment the Admiral walked into the break room "Good morning people, as you were." There were all around greetings from the junior officers, then the Admiral turned to Harm and Mac and...yes he smiled. As quickly as it happened, the smile disappeared. "All right people lets start heading over to the conference room." Harm and Mac exchanged confused glances as they followed the Admiral, Bud, and Sturgis to the conference room. Once the entire Senior Staff settled in the conference room, the Admiral started the weekly brief. Harm and Mac didn't pay attention the whole time. They sat there and every now and then would look up at each other as they played a discreet game of footsie under the table. Finally the Admiral stopped talking and looked at his two senior officers. "Commander, Colonel...is there something I missed?" He asked hiding amusement in his voice and on his face. Both of them looked straight at AJ and replied simultaneously, "No sir." As the rest of the staff snickered, AJ nodded. "All right, then will one of you please stop kicking me under the table?" He looked straight at Harm. Harm went a light shade of red as he mumbled his apologies and even Mac had to chuckle at him. Finally the meeting was over and everyone filed out of the conference room. Harm managed to escape before the Admiral came out, but the Admiral caught up with him in the bullpen "Commander...my office. Now!" "Aye sir." Harm immediately followed his CO into the office. "Have a seat son," the Admiral indicated a chair as harm closed the door. Harm walked around the chair and sat looking steadily at his CO...he knew he'd have to explain the game of footsie, but he couldn't recall anything he'd be in trouble for.... Unless the Admiral knew about Him and Mac...but he couldn't know...it was impossible. "Harm--" the Admiral's voice brought Harm into the present. The Admiral let a little smile play on his features as he spoke. "How many years have we served together?" "Sir, it's been my honor to serve under you for the past four years." "Ah that's right...Harm I'll tell you the truth...you have given me four years of headaches and frustration...Four years of putting up with your crazy stunts and wild chases of all sorts...four years of taking off on a whim. You have been a pain in my six ever since I came here..." the Admiral looked up at Harm still smiling... "But you have also given me four years of loyalty, integrity, devotion, hard work, and most importantly-friendship." Harm looked the Admiral in the eye at these words. Now that the Admiral had Harm's full attention he decided to use it. "There's one more thing you've given me but, not as your CO...as a friend-for four years I've watched you and Mac struggle through your friendship--" "Sir--" Harm tried to interrupt. "Harm, right now it's AJ, and let me finish---Harm I trust that when I called your house last night, or rather this morning, and Mac answered that you two weren't just talking?" Harm was shocked. "But how did you--?" Harm paused then decided not to lie. He looked at AJ, "You assume correctly....I love her AJ." Harm looked down at his shoes and smiled to himself. "I was finally able to admit that to myself and to her. Last night when you called she was-uhh- spending the night with me...and--" "Aww come on Harm...I may be old but I am NOT that old. I know what happened." He pauses for a moment. "What made you realize your feelings so suddenly?" Harm smiled. "Well I was just thinking, and I have known all along, but I admitted to myself last night. I almost didn't tell her either. Then there was this song on the radio...it just fit...it was describing my life and my feelings for her and it just kinda let me put my mind on auto and go to her..." then Harm remembers the DJ's words: ~*~*"Hey all you punkerellies and junkies out there, that was 'Nowhere fast,' from the "Streets of Fire" soundtrack. That was a dedication from the Admiral, to Flyboy and Ninja-girl...the Admiral says you all are goin' nowhere slowly, so try and get there fast...you know the rest!"*~*~ "It was you!" Harm looks shocked then chuckles when AJ grins. "You put that request in!" "Guilty." AJ laughed. "Sir...how many people know?" Harm looked suddenly nervous. "On or off the record?" AJ looks at Harm's countenance. "Both Sir," Harm was dreading the answer. If this got out...it would ruin Mac. She already had a fraternization charge on her record. "Well officially, no body knows a damn thing and that's how it will stay. However, there are a handful of us here who were together last night and all were present during my phone call..." "Who?" Harm sat forward in his chair. "Just Sturgis, Harriet, Tiner, Bobbi, and myself... Oh and Gunny knows now..." "Great." Harm muttered. Then his expression darkened. "What are you going to do? To us I mean." "Like I said Harm, officially, I don't know what you're talking about...be damned if I'll lose my two senior attorneys to something like this. HOWEVER none of it better enter this office. Understood?" "Aye, sir." Harm grinned. AJ nodded and handed him a file folder. At Harm's puzzled look AJ explained "The meeting minutes. I know that neither of you were paying attention so I had them typed up. I assume you will brief the Colonel over it this afternoon? You two just got the rest of the day off. You have a 'case' to investigate. No report needed or wanted. I'll see you Monday morning." AJ smiled as Harm reached the door, "It sure took you long enough." Harm grinned "Well I'll try to make that up to her. Thank you sir." AJ smiled. "Now get your six out of my office and close the hatch behind you son." "Aye sir!" Harm grinned and hastened to obey. After the door was shut AJ leaned back in his chair and grinned like the Cheshire cat. "It's about time." "Mac?" Harm knocked on her door and entered without having permission. "Yeah?" She couldn't help but grin as he slipped through her doorway. "We have a-uh-'case' to investigate for the rest of the day...Admiral's orders...I'll explain later. Just get your cover and briefcase and meet me at my place in 30, 'kay?" "Sure...I'll be there...what's going on?" She asked, looking more than a little confused. "I'll tell you when you get there." Harm grinned mischievously. Mac rolled her eyes as Harm dashed out of the office. 30 minutes later Harm's Apt North of Union Station Mac knocked softly and Harm threw the door open. He was dressed casually already and as she stepped inside she noticed roses all over the place. "Harm?" "Yes?" He drew the word out a little as he grinned at her. "What's this all about?" She walked over to the counter and set her briefcase and cover down before she smelled the roses beside them. "They know." "What?! Who?!" Mac turned around shocked. Then fear settled on her features "Harmon Rabb Jr you had better start explaining from the beginning, or else!" So Harm explained to her how the Admiral knew, who else knew, and that was why everyone was acting so oddly. "So the Admiral is-ok with this?" Mac smiled hopefully. "Very. He said as long as we keep it out of the office, he's fine with it." Mac smiled softly, "Remind me to thank him later." "Will do." "So we have the rest of the afternoon off?" She grinned mischievously "Yeah...what'd you have in mind?" He grinned back, turning on his flyboy charm. Mac grinned, "You'll see." 8 hours, 44 minutes later County Fair Inside Huppard Park, Montpelier, Vermont Chloe looked up from Mac to Harm, "So are you guys going to tell me why you drove over 8 hours to come up here and take me to a fair?" "We got the day off and Mac wanted to see you but didn't like driving up here by her self." Harm grinned across at Mac then down at Chloe. "Also, I missed you too Chloe." Chloe blushed and smiled. "Thanks Harm, but I might be spoken for." Chloe bit her lip and looked at Mac. "Damn!" Harm winked at Mac, who rolled her eyes and listened as Chloe asked to speak to her privately for a second. "Sure Chloe. Hey Harm? You mind going and getting three cokes?" Mac smiled. "Sure I'll be back in a minute" As soon as Harm walked away Chloe turned to Mac and started talking a mile a minute. Mac had to hold her hand up "Whoa! Slow down...what now?" "Okay," Chloe took a deep breath and let it out before she began speaking, "Do you remember that guy I told you about around Christmas?" "Yes," Mac grinned, "did something happen?" Chloe nodded vigorously and grinned from ear to ear. "Yeah, about two days ago he kissed me. But we haven't seen each other since. He's been here in Montpelier visiting his relatives, and I don't know the number." Mac gave her a big hug "Great! I'm so happy for you! So you think he likes you?" "Well if the kiss is anything to judge by...yes." "Oh trust me it is..." Mac grinned back as Harm came up with the sodas. "What is?" Harm smiled as he handed them their sodas. "Nothing." Mac shot a warning glance at Chloe who just smiled. As Chloe kept her mouth shut, she glanced around Harm and immediately her jaw dropped. "Oh my GOD--Mac! There he is!" Chloe pointed to a young man standing with a group of people of all ages, obviously his family. Chloe's mouth dropped and her hand covered it as the young man turned and looked towards them. The guy looked for a second straight at the trio before he started walking towards them. When Chloe walked forward to meet him he sped up to a jog. "Chloe?! What are you doing here?" He grinned as he stopped short a foot in front of her. "Jack?! Oh my GOD!" She threw her arms around his neck in a big hug then let him go self consciously. "Well, I'm just here with a couple of friends." "It's great to see you." He stepped closer to her and dropped a kiss on her cheek as he hugged her back. "Do you and your friends want to meet my family?" He smiled hopefully. "Yeah, just a sec." Chloe walked back to Mac and grinned at her. "He wants all of us to meet his family." She bit her lip excitedly. "Ok, lead on!" Mac chuckled and lightly shoved her forward. Then she smiled at Harm and took his hand. Harm tangled his fingers with hers and followed Chloe over to Jack and his family. As soon as they were close to the family Harm and Mac dropped each other's hands quickly. Jack introduced Chloe to his family then Chloe turned around, "and these are my friends. This is Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, She's my big sister, and this is her-uh- 'friend' Commander Harmon Rabb Jr." "Mac, and Harm" Mac grinned and shook all of their hands Harm chuckled as he shook everyone's hands as well. "It's my pleasure Colonel. What branch are you in ma'am?" One of the young men with the family asked Mac as she shook his hand. "Marine Corps." "It's an Honor then. Staff Sergeant Will Haskell, USMC." Mac smiled "Well Sgt, neither of us are in Uniform nor are we on duty...its Mac" Will grinned. "Only if you'll call me Will." "Deal!" She chuckled. Harm looked at him curiously. "So what's your job Will?" "MP, sir." Harm gave him a look "are you stationed here in Pennsylvania?" "No, I'm currently waiting for my next assignment. I just got back from a six month deployment in the Indian Ocean; we toured Australia, New Zealand and a couple of other countries to observe their MPs and make sure our boys behaved themselves on shore leave." "Really? You have fun?" Harm grinned "Always. But how about you two, where are you stationed?" "JAG Head Quarters, Falls Church, Virginia." "BOTH of you?" He asked a little perplexed "Yeah...why?" Harm looked just as confused. "Its just that you two...never mind" Will shook it off then smiled. "Well it is my pleasure to meet you. Jack has told us a lot about Chloe here." He said grinning at the young girl. Mac grinned and Chloe blushed, so did Jack. "Uncle Will!" Meanwhile the rest of the Family had gotten restless; they all said their farewells leaving Jack and Will there together with Harm, Mac, and Chloe. While Will and Harm were talking shop, Chloe asked Mac if she and Jack could go on the Ferris wheel. "Sure. I'll see if Harm wants to go. Harm? You wanna go on the Ferris wheel?" "Yeah, sure." He turned back to Will. "I'll join you as soon as my girlfriend gets back from the bathroom." He grinned. "Okay. You guys think we could wait for his girl?" Harm asked the other three. Chloe nodded and Jack just shrugged, so Mac spoke for them. "Sure." A minute later Harm was talking to Mac when he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Will, are you ready? Where did everyone go?" Harm's Jaw dropped as he turned around and saw the Romanian Princess, Alexandra. As Will explained to Alexi that everyone left, she noticed Harm and the color drained from her face. "Alexi?!" "Harm?!" Both stood there for a minute before Will asked, "You-know each other?" Their answers were simultaneous "Yes." Harm still hadn't broken eye contact with Alexi. "How?" Will was a bit confused. "I'll tell you in a second" Harm muttered to Will, and then he addressed Alexi. "Princess, what are you doing stateside and does your father know?" "Whoa!! Time out!! Princess?" Will looked at Harm then to Mac who nodded. "Yeah, Will your girlfriend is the Crowned Princess of Romania, now Alexi, does your father know where you are?" "Yes Harm, he does...sort of." She glanced away for a moment "Alexi," Harm's voice held a warning tone. "What? So, okay, I didn't stay in New York, but I'm safe, besides I'm with Will and I have been for the past week." Harm shook his head then explained to Will that he'd been her military escort the last time she was in the states. As soon as he explained this his cell started ringing. "Great," Harm muttered as he excused himself to answer it. "Rabb." "Harm its Clay." Clay's voice was tight and nervous. "Yes, Clay, what can I do for you?" Harm looked at Mac. "Harm, Princess Alexandra of Romania was back stateside...well she slipped her guards about a week ago. I was wondering if, by any odd chance, you'd heard from her." "No Clay I haven't. Don't worry, like I told you last time- -" he looked at Alexi - "she may be a spoiled kid, but she isn't stupid she'll show up. Cl-Clay-CLAY! If I see her, you'll be my first call. Bye Clay!" Harm hangs up the phone. After he looks at the other two couples, and then Mac, he smiles. "So who's up for that Ferris wheel ride?" Mac smiles "I definitely am." "Yeah let's go!" Chloe grins. On the Ferris wheel Harm and Mac let the other two couple's board before them, Will patted Harm on the shoulder before he got on. "You're a good man Harm." Harm grinned. "You'd better be good to her Will." "Yes sir!" Will smiled and sat next to Alexi, then put his arm around her. Finally Harm and Mac boarded. "Alone at last, eh sailor?" She grinned at him. "I wouldn't call the middle of a fair 'alone'." He chuckled. Mac playfully glared at him. "Then I guess I'll have to do this in public." She leaned in and kissed him passionately for the first time in public. Harm pulled her close and then kept his arm around her after they kissed, as the Ferris wheel rode around. "You know I always used to hate these things." Mac smiled at him. "Used to? What changed your mind?" He looked down at her. "You. You have a way of changing everything Harmon Rabb Jr." She smiled at him and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you let me." He smiled and he rested his head on hers. After the ride on the Ferris wheel Chloe turned to Harm and Mac who were stepping off the ride holding hands. "You guys enjoy that as much as I did?" She asked, her cheeks flushed as she held Jack's hand. Harm and Mac just smiled when Will and Alexi strolled up with grins on their faces. Harm let go of Mac's hand for a minute to check to see why his pager was going off. "Hmmm the Admiral wants to know if we're enjoying our time off..." He grinned at Mac. And yet another familiar voice scratched behind him. "Rabb? HARMFUL RABB?!" Harm turned quickly and went to attention "Mr. Secretary, sir." "What in God's name are you in Vermont for? PLEASE don't tell me you are out here with an assignment, and you are HERE for the night." "No sir I'm on leave until Monday sir." "Hmmm so you took it with Colonel Mackenzie?" By now Mac had snapped to as well and she covered for them "No sir, he is just passing through sir. His grandmother lives around here and he followed me up so we could make sure nothing happened to each other on the back roads..." She knew that sounded lame and his grandmother only lived 4 hours from DC and about 8 hours from here, but the SECNAV didn't. "Mm-hmm." The SECNAV regarded them for a minute, "Carry on." He turned and went back to his family. Harm had just turned back to the group when a little boy ran up to him. "Yes?" Harm looked down at him then squatted to his level. "Grandpa says you're a pilot. Is it true? Are you an honest to goodness pilot?" The little boy grinned from ear to ear as the SECNAV came to get him. "Why yes it is true." Harm smiled at him, "What's your name?" "Sam." "Well Sam-I think your grandpa wants you back...but I'm sure Grandpa wouldn't mind if you came out to a carrier with me sometime" "Really grandpa?!" "Rabb!" "Goodnight Mr. Secretary." Harm grinned as the SECNAV shook his head. "Have a good leave, Colonel, Commander." Nelson actually smiled before he collected his family and left the park. Harm grinned at Mac even though he was shocked, and by her expression so was she. A little while later the three couples were strolling through the fair and came across a big Dance area with a live band playing some soft blues and jazz. Harm looked at Mac, he didn't care if Will witnessed this, and he probably already knew anyway, he smiled. "Dance with me?" He asked holding her hand. Mac smiled "Of course." He grinned his flyboy grin and lead her gently onto the dance floor. He pulled her close to him and looked into her eyes. "Are you having fun?" "I'm with you aren't I?" She chuckled. "That's not what I asked." He glared playfully "But that's my answer so deal with it!" She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck. He smiled at her then happened to glance over at Chloe who was jumping up and down excitedly, "I KNEW it!" Harm burst out laughing as Chloe jumped up and down and hugged Jack and Will and Alexi. "I think we have an audience." He whispered in her ear. Mac was already laughing at it. "You wanna give her something to cheer about?" She asked mischievously. "Hmmm, what'd you have in mind?" He grinned. "Oh, just this," she smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss him. Harm kissed her back eagerly. It was a perfect kiss, not to much, not to little...just perfect. Chloe was so ecstatic she turned to Jack "They finally did it!" she threw her arms around him and kissed him. Then she stopped and blushed "I-uh-I'm sorry!" Jack stilled her and kept her close. "Don't be...not for that." His smile was warm and he kissed her back lightly, "dance?" He asked when they broke. "Uh-huh," was all that Chloe could manage. The three couples stayed and danced until the band closed up for the night. When Harm checked his watch he looked at the others, "Its only 2300..." He looks around, "is there any place to eat around here?" There's a dinner just down the street." Harm grins. "You two want to join us?" Will looked over at Chloe and Jack, who were busy holding on to each other. "Doesn't look like I have much of a choice, but I'd be honored." He looks to Alexi. "Is that ok honey?" "Of course, Harm and I need to catch up anyway." She smiled sweetly. Harm looked to Mac, "Harm, there's food involved, why would I complain?" she joked, and Harm started laughing. 2330 local "Good Eats" Diner 2201 Main St. 'The scene looks like it should be from a story book. It's perfect. Three ideal couples, laughing happily together in an old fashioned diner in a picture perfect town. The Juke box was playing oldies softly in the background and the sounds and smells of the grill filled the air as well as the merry laughing and light talk of everyone in the diner. All is well. My Job here is done...for now.' A man in a trench coat and suit sits in the black car across the street looking in to the diner. Clayton Webb allowed himself a small smile. "Well AJ, what do you think of that?" "Hmmm, it's perfect Clay." Admiral AJ Chegwidden smiles contently. "I'm going home." AJ got out of the car and entered another car before he drove off with one last thought 'perfect.'