Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG and characters do not belong to me. This is for
entertainment only.
Classification: PG-13
Category: Harm and Mac angst/romance
Summary: How much do Harm and Mac need each other?
You may want to read "Speechless" but it is not necessary. This could
stand on its own. This occurs during season 6 and Mic and Renee have
departed.
Thanks to Marianne, who beta read and made numerous tedious corrections.
PART 5
Bethesda Hospital
ICU
0500
Sergei, as the Admiral predicted stood his ground refusing to leave after everyone had offered to take him to their respective houses for some rest after his long flight from Russia.
Instead he spent the night as Mac had done by Harm's side. Harm's night nurse finding out that Harm had just months earlier discovered that Sergei was his brother, and this brother had traveled half way around the world to be with him allowed Sergei to ignore the visiting times and stay in the room. She watched the younger man talk to his brother sharing stories from his childhood, the war and what he planned to see with his brother while he was in America.
She also saw the man who had accompanied Sergei hover every hour or so at a discreet distance to avoid interrupting the monologue.
"Big brother, you must take me flying in your yellow plane. The one you call Sarah. You will take me flying?" Sergei waited for a response as he had done all night.
Harm could hear the voice with the Russian accent. He tried hard to understand the words but would slip into his dream world again. He and Sergei were walking to his steerman. It was a beautiful clear day.....
"...You will take me flying?" Harm tried to answer, but he couldn't talk, something that felt like a wet cigar was in his throat making his throat hurt. So he nodded his head yes.
Sergei waited for a response. He stood up and moved closer to the bed.
"Harm, you will take me flying?" He repeated believing he only imagined the movement. This time he was sure as Harm nodded affirmatively and slowly opened his eyes.
"You are awake.. You really are awake!" Sergei practically yelled drawing the attention of the nurses.
Not sure if he was dreaming Harm continued to try to focus at the excited young man hugging the nurses. One of the nurses noticed the confused look on her patient and reached over touching his face.
"Yes Commander you are awake, and we are all having a party in your room." She smiled.
**********
North Washington Marriott Hotel
0430
Trish Burnett finally gave into her inability to sleep deciding to dress and ordered herself some tea. She sat thoughtfully sipping the hot tea when Frank joined her. He sat by her on the sofa and wrapped his arm around her. Frank never demanded she share her thoughts, but always seemed to understand what she was thinking and supported her silently.
"Are you ready to go back to the hospital?" he asked gently.
"How did you know?" she smiled, "I need to talk with Harm."
***********
Bethesda Naval Hospital
ICU
0500
When they arrived, Trish and Frank were immediately escorted into Harm's room.
Sergei seeing them arrive embraced Trish in a big hug, "Your son is awake!!" He exclaimed bubbling over with excitement.
Trish surprised then overjoyed hugged him back and rushed over to Harm's bed. When she stoked his forehead his eyes slowly opened meeting her tear filled ones.
Frank directed Sergei to the waiting area sensing his wife's need to be alone with her son. Sergei noticed Clay sleeping on one of the couches in the waiting room and ran over to wake him.
Clay jumped whenever the young Russian grabbed his shoulders shaking him, "My brother is awake!"
The doctor finished his examination and smiled, "We'll try to have that endotrach tube out by noon today. Trish in the meantime sat in the chair next to Harm's bed holding her son's hand.
"Harm, I know about Sergei. I found out last night." Trish spoke softly watching her son carefully as to not upset him. Harm's furrowed forehead expressed worry. "It's alright, I thought about it all night.
I was hurt at first, but I realized how long your father had been imprisoned before he met Sergei's mother. He had been through so much...I had to let go and go on with my life...I met Frank and he has made my life so much better than if I hadn't moved on...I always had you...Your father was alone...I'm glad he met someone to help him ease the pain he must have experienced all those years.... I'm glad you have a brother. I see his dad in him. His father had two amazing sons."
Harm's eyes held hers and both shared tears. Trish lightly brushed his tears away as his eyes wearily closed.
*********
JAG Headquarters
Staff Meeting
0930
Mac slipped into the meeting thirty minutes late. Bud nervously looked at her, but she avoided eye contact. The Admiral paused midsentence, then continued deciding to address the tardiness in private.
"I guess you have all heard the good news. Commander Rabb regained consciousness early this morning. His doctor is very optimistic and hopes to have him off the ventilator later today. I must advise you that Harm will not be up to very many visitors until the end of the week. I will keep you posted. His family asked me to express their gratitude for the support and prayers.
Dismissed...Colonel in my office please."
The dark circles under Mac's eyes disturbed Bud; He knew how close the Commander and she had become in the last months. This was really taking a toll on her. She couldn't even talk about him.
"At ease Colonel.... Mac are you alright?" the Admiral was troubled by her appearance and demeanor.
"I'm sorry.. I overslept.. It won't happen again."
"You know that's not what I am talking about."
"Sir, I'm fine, if there is nothing else. I have a great deal of work to do on the Henderson case."
The Admiral studied her carefully. He had seen many a sailor with a hangover, no Mac wouldn't... "Dismissed."
The day passed with Mac remaining busy mostly in her office. As lunchtime approached Harriet stuck her head into Mac's office, "Would you like to go to lunch, Colonel?"
"No thanks Harriet, I've got a pretty busy day. I think I'll just eat at my desk."
"Ma'am, if you're trying to take on the Commander's workload, the Admiral has divided up his cases so no one will be overloaded." "Harriet, I said I was busy." Mac snapped. Harriet was shocked at Mac's behavior.
"Yes, Ma'am, I'm sorry Ma'am." Harriet frowned as she shut the door.
************
1800
Mac gathered up the report she was working on and headed to her car. It had been a long day. She regretted the way she had spoken to Harriet. When she went to apologize, Harriet had already left for the day.
Tonight she would not sit alone and drink in her apartment like she had done the night before. She pulled into the parking lot of McMurphy's bar. She could handle a few rinks she reasoned.
After her fourth drink the bartender took her keys, "Colonel, I don't think you need to drive home tonight. I'm going to call you a cab."
"Who made you the Admiral?" she giggled. "I can handle a few drinks. I'm a Marine. I can handle anything." she slurred.
"Don't you know it's not a good idea to party alone? Sarah?" the familiar voice drew her attention.
"Mic, long time no see. Sit down and have a drink or two."
Mic eyed the bartender who tossed him her keys. "I think it's time for you to go home."
"My home or yours?" Mac smiled seductively.
Mic lead her to her car. He could catch a cab back to the bar and retrieve his later. He drove without smiling or encouraging Mac as she openly flirted.
When they reached her apartment. She put her arms around him and gave him a passionate kiss. He pulled her away, "Sarah, why are you doing this!" His voice tone was harsh.
"I thought you liked me...why are you here?" She had difficulty maintaining her balance. "Oh, I know... you came to see how I'm handling myself."
Mic looked confused, "What are you talking about?"
"You told me that if something ever happened to Harm, that I would never get over it...see I'm over it...you know I shot him." She waved her hand and nearly fell.
"Yea, I see you're over it. You need some coffee." Mic draped her arm around his shoulder and guided her towards her apartment. As they reached the door a voice in the hallway caught Mic's attention.
"What in the hell do you think you're doing Brumby!"
"Webb, I could ask you the same. You spying on Sarah now?"
"I have been trying to reach Mac for the past several days. Now I see why I couldn't reach her." Webb spat in disgust. He didn't know who he was angrier with, Mac or Mic.
"First of all, I found Sarah at McMurphy's in this condition. I was making sure she got home safely. I haven't seen her for several months until tonight." Mic replied sarcastically.
"She needs to go check on Rabb..."
"I don't think she's up to it tonight, mate. Why don't you help me get her inside so she can sleep it off? I think you need to wait and discuss what she should be doing when she's at least sober?"
The two men managed get her inside and on her bed. Mic removed her shoes and threw a blanket over her. "What happened?" Webb questioned.
"She told me she shot Harm." Mic answered flatly.
"What! Some guy named Wright shot Harm in court. He lost it and was going to shoot a witness. Mac tried to block him, but the gun went off and hit Harm."
"I know. Sarah must feel guilty for what happened." Mic replied softly. "It's eating her up."
"Damn, it was an accident. Everyone knows that." Webb rubbed his hand through his hair.
"She doesn't. She's always loved him...even when we were Together...I always knew." Mic sighed. "I don't know if she will let anyone help her.
"I know who can."
"How is Harm?"
"Better."
"Give him my best." Mic turned to leave.
"Wait I'm leaving, do you need a ride?"
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