Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG etc does not belong to me. This is just for fun
Classification: G
Category: Humor
Summary: A Little Christmas fluff.
Written 1/2002
The mall was packed as expected after all it was the last few days before Christmas. Some people procrastinated with their shopping. Others just liked to wait until the last minute enjoying the crescendo of activity leading up to one of the most sacred holidays of the season. The attractive Marine Colonel and handsome Navy Commander fit into the first category...
Harm stood near the jewelry counter debating weather to purchase the pendant or earrings for his mother. She was so hard to buy for because she had it all. He had managed to pick out something for his stepfather Grandmother, Bud, Harriet and little AJ. If truth were known, he had spent most of the afternoon in the toyshop mesmerized by all the remote controlled toys. Now after settling on the earrings he needed one more gift and that would be for Mac.
Meanwhile at the opposite end of the mall Mac struggled with her ever growing pile of packages. She had managed to check off all the names on her list and needed to find one more gift. That gift would be for Harm. She stopped at each store and looked into the window trying to decide if it would be worth it to fight the lines before entering.
Mac was so intent on window shopping that she failed to see that she was in the direct path of another shopper who was equally distracted. The packages and boxes toppled all around as the two shoppers collided.
"I am so sorry!" The two responded at the same time as they bent down trying to collect the scattered purchases.
"Mac!"
"Harm!"
They shared a look of amusement. "Guess you didn't have your radar on." Mac taunted as she began to pick up another package.
"Didn't know I was under attack." Harm retorted while helping Mac collect her packages before lifting his stack.
"I shouldn't have waited so long to do my Christmas shopping. This place is a madhouse." Mac gave a weary sigh.
"I know what you mean. Want to get some coffee at Starbucks?" Harm offered.
"Good idea. I could use a break. This shopping is more of a workout than the Marine fitness course." She chuckled as they settled into a corner table at the crowded bookstore coffee shop.
"So the physical qualifications for the Marines consists of withstanding a day at the mall, fighting shoppers armed with crying children, short tempered sales clerks and the dreaded long lines to the check out counters." He added with mock seriousness and then smiled before going to pick up their order.
Mac stretched her long legs under the table and rubbed against Harm's legs bringing about an amused look from her partner. "Don't go there. This table was not meant for people with long legs." She responded with a glint in her eyes.
They settled into a comfortable rapport discussing the events at JAG and their busy schedules.
"Why do we go through all this insanity every year? Buying gifts for people that probably have everything they really need." Harm sighed tiredly as he sipped his coffee.
"You sound like Scrooge." Mac replied.
"I didn't mean to sound like I'm selfish. But look around us. People are spending money they do not have on gifts people do not want because it's expected. Is this what Christmas is all about? Bells, bows and mistletoe?"
"Bah Hum bug." Mac retorted with a grin.
"Okay Mac, if you could have anything, ANYTHING, what would you want for Christmas." Harm challenged and added with a smile, "Besides more comfortable shoes."
She sat back and thought, "I guess I would want this war to end. The world to be at peace."
"Exactly my point. You can't get that at the mall." Harm pointed his finger at her.
She smiled at his gesture. He always pointed his finger when he was really into something.
"Okay, your turn, but I already claimed world peace. How about something personal." Mac leaned over and rested her chin on her hands waiting patiently for his response.
Harm suddenly became thoughtfully quiet, "I want lots of things, but you can't buy them at the mall."
"Like...?" Mac encouraged.
"Like Sergei being released from prison safe and healthy."
"Yes, that would be wonderful." She reached over and squeezed his hand.
"What about you? Something personal." Harm asked as his hand encircled hers.
Mac found herself looking into his imploring eyes; "I would like a real family." She found herself responding. "I have Chloe and Uncle Matt, but right now they are a little unreachable. Are you going to your mother's or grandmother's this year?" She felt embarrassed for exposing her vulnerability and tried to change the direction of the conversation when she saw the pained look in Harm's eyes.
"Ah, no. My grandmother was placed in a nursing home last spring after she had a stroke. I went to see her over Thanksgiving. She didn't know I was even there." He added softly.
"Oh Harm, why didn't you tell me." Her voice sympathetic.
"Things were a little crazy remember." He smiled sadly.
"Yes they were. How is your Mom?"
"Good. She and Frank are in Hawaii for the holidays." He smiled. "I think she was a little disappointed that things didn't work out between Renee and me." He added.
"Yea Chloe was angry for a while when Mic and I broke up. But she is getting over it."
"This is depressing. Would you like to go have dinner somewhere?"
"Yea, but under one condition."
"And that being?" Harm collected most of the packages.
"No discussion of anything depressing."
"No Mic, no Renee."
"Most definitely! Let's go."
The pair strolled down the sidewalk after an enjoyable Italian meal at Patino's. The air was crisp and flakes of snow drifted down lazily around them. Holiday decorations embellished almost every building turning the city into a scene from a Christmas card.
"You want to go check out the National Christmas tree?" Harm asked as they reached their vehicles. "Or do you have something planned?" He backed away a little to give her a chance to decline.
"That would be fun. We can walk from here." Mac smiled as she reached over and took his gloved hand in hers.
A chilling breeze swept between them causing Mac to shiver involuntarily. Harm reacted and placed his arm around her shoulder pulling her close, "It is getting colder." His breath frosty as it met the cold air.
She smiled and nuzzled closer, "That's much better."
Harm smiled back and gave her a gentle hug as they continued their walk.
When they reached the towering tree lit by thousands of lights, a crowd had gathered as a children's group performed a medley of Christmas songs.
Harm moved behind Mac and draped his arms around her to keep her warm. "What Child is this who lays to rest in Mary's lap is sleeping..." The carolers sang. "Ole little town of Bethlehem..."
As the choir ended with a sweet rendition of 'Silent Night,' Mac felt suddenly overcome with a desire to cry as the words and music touched her deeply.
Hearing her sniffle Harm responded turning her to face him. "Hey are you alright?" His voice filled with concern as he carefully wiped away her tears. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea"
"This was a wonderful idea, Harm." Mac leaned against his chest.
His arms wrapped around her. "You have a funny way of expressing it." He chuckled awkwardly as he held her.
"I guess I'm just being a little overly emotional." Was her watery reply.
"My place isn't too far. How about we go for a cup of cocoa, and I'll go get your car after you've warmed up." He started to lead her back towards his apartment only to find she did not move.
"Wait Harm. Earlier you asked me what I wanted most for Christmas." She paused collecting her courage. " I realized I already have it. I just got it early." She held his gaze with a small smile on her lips and a stray tear trickling down her face.
He looked at her a little confused.
"I came so close to losing my best friend this year, and I could have been sitting home alone tonight, but instead he's with me now." Her lips trembled slightly through her tears.
Harm's look of confusion melted into a smile, as his eyes became shiny. He pulled her closer and held her tightly. "Thanks for giving me my life and a second chance. Merry Christmas Sarah."
"Merry Christmas Harm."
Somewhere bells were ringing, presents were wrapped with brightly colored bows and couples were kissing under the mistletoe while others discovered the true spirit of Christmas...
A few days after Christmas...
"What did you and Harm give each other for Christmas this year?" Harriet asked in the break room as Mac finished pouring the two cups of coffee.
"We gave each other something we almost lost." Mac smiled leaving a bewildered friend standing holding her coffee.
Merry Christmas...May yours be more than bells, bows and mistletoe...
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him share not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16.
The end
