Author: lisa
Subject: This is War - April 2008 HBX challenge

A/N: This story is quite long. I probably should have posted it in couple of parts, but I didn’t. So for those who make it to the end, thanks for reading!

In this there are a couple of discrepancies with show canon - just overlook them, please. Also, scenes from a certain movie have a prominent role in this piece. The film is quite well known, so I’m hoping most people have seen it. Parts of this won’t make much sense if you haven’t. So I do apologize to any who haven’t seen the movie used in this story.


This is War

My eyes closed in pleasure, I moan with delight as I sink my teeth into the juicy burger. I catch the amused smile of my lunch partner as my tongue captures a drop of escaping grease. Sheepishly, I return his smile. “Mmm, this is incredible! Thanks for introducing me to Bubba’s Burgers, John. Now I’m doubly glad to see you!”

“I know what you like, Mac. And it’s good to see you, too.”

I ignore the innocent double meaning. I know, as does he, that the time for us is past.

A case brought me to Quantico and a little free time gave me the opportunity to catch up with a one-time lover, but a lasting friend. Looking back, I regret some of the choices I made which led me to become romantically involved with John, but I’ll never regret having his friendship and support. I will always be fond of John Farrow.

“I can’t believe you’re considering retirement. That will be a huge adjustment.”

“I’m ready for something else, Mac. It’s time for this old soldier to fade away. But enough about me. You’ve brought me up-to-date on JAG, what else is new in your life? Anyone capture the heart of Sarah MacKenzie?”

I glance down at my half-eaten meal before answering, not quite meeting his gaze as I dip a fry into ketchup. “To capture would imply a pursuit and I’m afraid there’s no one chasing.”

“What about Rabb? I thought after that mess with Brumby last year you and he would get together.”

“It depends upon how you define ‘together’. If you’re talking oil and water, you might be close ...”

“ More like horse and carriage, Mac. I could see the chemistry between the two of you years ago. Hell, I’ll admit I was more than a little jealous. Although, I was glad to see that you had someone like Rabb in your life.”

I know my retort is tinged with bitterness. “Well, he’s still in my life, but can’t really say he’s in pursuit. When it comes to a relationship with me, Harm is more likely to retreat. And I guess to be honest, I’ve done a little running in the opposite direction myself. Neither of us has a very good track record with relationships. I think we’re both trying to defend our hearts from being hurt again.”

“Well, I might expect that from a Squid, Sarah, but not from a Marine. You know, Patton once said, ‘Nobody ever defended anything successfully, there is only attack and attack and attack some more.’ Stop playing defense and go on the offensive.”

“Patton wasn’t a Marine, John.”

“He should’ve been. And besides, you are. So, if you want a relationship with Rabb, do what Marines do - put together a battle plan and attack.”

Slapping me on the shoulder, he urges me, “Make the Corp proud, Mac.”

Driving back to DC later that day, I can’t stop thinking about my conversation with John. Do I dare risk my heart again? I know I want a relationship with Harm, but does he want something more? Granted, there’s been no one in his life since Renee. Well, except for me. But the only time he’s tried to get me into bed was when I had the flu and he became my self-appointed nursemaid. And since we kissed on the admiral’s porch - my mind wanders as I remember that toe-curling kiss - anyway, the only kiss we’ve shared since was induced by mistletoe and I still had to give him a hint! Some lame comment about an awkward moment. How can I know for sure that he wants me when he’s never even asked me out on a date?

I mutter to myself, “ ... there is only attack and attack and attack some more.” In my head I hear the bellow of Drill Instructor Vasco, the DI from my boot camp days. ‘MacKenzie, are you a Marine or a mouse?’

I want Harm, that’s not in dispute. And even if there is no evidentiary proof, I do believe, on some level, that he wants me, too. He just can’t seem to get out of the starting blocks. At least not without a shove. As Harm once said, ‘Leave it to the Marines.’ And, I decide, that is what it will take. I grin as I begin to strategize. Operation Rabb Overthrow is about to begin.


MISSION OBJECTIVE - The ultimate objective of Operation Rabb Overthrow is the total defeat of the target. To complete this mission, on the designated date forces will mount and carry out an operation to overwhelm and overthrow, securing surrender of the target.

PHASE ONE - DIVERSION
Draw attention of your opponent away from the planned point of action.
Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash. - George S. Patton


I look up from my casework as my ears, tuned like the rest of me to notice Sarah MacKenzie, pick up the sound of Mac’s voice coming from the bullpen. I frown in puzzlement at the tone of her voice. There’s something different about my partner. The last couple of days she’s seemed out of character, peculiar. She’s carrying herself with an air of something I can’t quite put my finger on - a sense of purpose, maybe. And to top it off, she’s been darn right cheerful - giddy even - as if she knows a secret that no one else is privy to. I’ve racked my brain to think what could’ve caused this sudden change and can’t come up with a thing.

As far as I can tell there’s nothing new in her life. Work is business as usual. Our friendship is on a nice even keel. We’ve put the fallout of Bugme and her broken engagement behind us. Moved past the hurt feelings that engulfed us for several months following that debacle. And now we’re as close as ever. Slowing moving toward something more, I hope. We tease, we banter, we argue. She stubbornly refuses to come to grip with the fact that nine times out of ten I’m right and I refuse to acknowledge that I will never have the last word with her. We work together, play together, spend a good deal of our free time together. Generally, we’re almost joined at the hip. So I should know why she seems especially happy.
My eyebrows arch in surprise as her conversation carries across the room. Mac’s cheery voice could put a diabetic into a coma. And yet, I can tell she’s being sincere.

"Really, Lieutenant, your work on the Schafer case was outstanding! Excellent job, Loren."

Loren?? This can’t be Singer she’s patting on the back! The same Singer who just last week tried her latest underhanded scheme in her quest to trample over Mac on her way to the office of the Judge Advocate General? Mac had rightfully squashed her like a bug then and now is singing her praises? I head to the bullpen. This I have to see to believe.

By the time I make it out of my office, Mac is heading down the hall to the breakroom chatting with Singer all the way. I cross my arms and stare after her in consternation. I’m so caught up in this enigma that it takes me a moment to notice that Sturgis and Bud have come along side me, each with the same confused look that I’m wearing.

I glance at them as Sturgis asks, "Has Mac seemed oddly chipper the last day or two?"

"You’ve noticed it, too? I can’t believe she’s being nice to Singer of all people."

Bud interjects, "It’s not just Singer, sir. Yesterday, Tiner forgot to give her a message from the Admiral, he spilled coffee all over her desk, and mistakenly included the Colonel’s quarterly staff report with some documents he was shredding. I was sure she’d let him have it, but she didn’t even seem to get annoyed. Just smiled and told Tiner not to worry about it. I know it took her hours to re-do the report. And then today there was that package she asked Harriet to mail for her.”

“What’s so odd about that, Bud? Harriet does that for us all the time.”

“It was a wedding gift - for Ms. Peterson."

"Renee?" Okay, this is serious.

Our conversation suddenly stops as Mac waltzes past, smiling like a cat that caught the world’s largest canary. “Gentlemen. Lovely day, isn’t it?” Without a pause she continues to her office leaving us to glance out the window at the gloomy, rainy weather.

My eyes return to Mac’s retreating form and I voice my puzzled thoughts. “How do you account for that?”

Bud replies, “Er...A rip in the time/space continuum?”

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing with you, Bud, but that sounds as likely as any other explanation.”

Sturgis speaks up in that wise way he has. Must come from being a preacher’s kid. “My father, the chaplain, would say there’s only one force that can fill a person with such inexplicable joy.”

“What would that be, Sturg?”

“Something I’ve heard him preach about countless times - the transforming power of love.”

Incredulously I ask, “You think Mac had some sort of religious experience?”

“I suppose it’s possible, but that’s not the type of love I’m thinking of. You know there’s more than one kind of love, Harm. You and she haven’t, uh, you know ...”

Bud’s eyes goes wide and he and Sturgis both inquisitively await my reply. Without making eye contact, I lamely mutter my standard reply, “I’ve told you before, Sturgis, Mac and I are just friends.”

“Well if it’s not you, maybe there’s someone else in her life.”

Bud pipes up, “The colonel told Harriet she had lunch with Colonel Farrow when she was in Quantico the other day ...”

I level a glare upon the lieutenant, leaving him stammering. “Although, I’m sure they’re just friends, kind of like you are, sir. It doesn’t mean they’re in love or anything ...”

My sarcastic reply cuts him off, “Thanks, Bud. You’re a great help.” Turning, I storm back to my office leaving Bud apologizing as I retreat.

A couple of hours later, I’m still stewing over the thought of Mac in love with someone other than me when the object of said stew appears in my doorway, smiling.

Lord, I love that smile. “Hey, Mac.”

“Hey. I just wanted to make sure we’re still on for tonight. Your turn to take care of dinner, right?”

My conversation with Sturgis and Bud still fresh in my mind, I’m surprised she’s not at my door to cancel. “Uh, sure, of course. That is, unless you have plans with someone else?”

She laughs. I love that even more than her smile. “Harm, who else would I spend my Friday nights with? I’ll see you at nineteen hundred.”

We have standing plans for every Friday. It’s nearly impossible to get dinner reservations in DC on a Friday night, so we usually get a pizza or Chinese, if I don’t cook. Sometimes we take in one of the numerous entertainment opportunities that living here offers, but more often than not we stay in with a rented DVD. Those are the nights I like best.

As she turns to leave, she tosses a parting comment over her shoulder. I swear her voice is laced with innuendo as she says, “And Flyboy, be ready ‘cause I’ll be hungry - very hungry.”

I’d almost think that what she’s hungry for has nothing to do with food. Mac is definitely up to something. I just don’t know what.


PHASE TWO - PREPARATION OF ASSAULT
An operation of this nature has never previously been attempted in the history of the United States Marines Corp. It is fraught with hazards. In order that the operation may have a reasonable prospect of success, it is assumed that certain conditions must exist to overcome the major obstacles. These conditions are:
a. effective weaponry
b. tactical surprise
c. persistence in the face of opposition
d. stealthy execution of the mission plan
e. determination of the target’s vulnerability, striking with all out force upon that weakness
“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” - George S. Patton


Looking at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I rehearse my plans, preparing for battle. Stealth is the key to success. An overt attack will only cause his retreat. Subtlety is key. Draw him out one step at a time without letting him know he is being led right where I want him. Then the conquest. And if I execute the operation as planned, he may never realize what hit him. He’ll think moving our relationship along was all his idea.

My weaponry is designed to capture the target’s - I mean Harm’s - attention. My armaments includes a little extra makeup; a wispy, more feminine, hairstyle that curls softly around my face; a bit understated, but provacative, knit top that accentuates what most men seem to be obsessed with. The top, as well as my black, silky pull-on slacks, has the added feature of no buttons making for easy access and quick removal if my mission is successful. I finish off the ensemble with a pair of adorable Joan & David sandals I just had to get for the occasion and add the perfume that I know he likes - he buys it for me every year - strategically placed at certain points of my body.

Screwing up my courage, I try to dispel the trepidation I feel. I’ve faced fear before, but nothing like this. This night could change the course of my relationship with Harm - for better or for worse. If this plan fails, I don’t think we’ll ever have another chance at something more than what we have now. In fact, I’ll probably lose that, as well. It’ll be so damn awkward between us if I throw myself at him only to be rejected once again. Maybe I’m fooling myself and he doesn’t want anything more than friendship.

I meet my own eyes in the mirror. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Marine. Attack and attack and attack some more.”

With determination, I pick up the main weapon in my arsenal - the DVD I rented for us to watch. I close the door behind me, heading into battle.


PHASE THREE - INITIAL ASSAULT
The plan for the initial assault is based on two main principles - concentration of force and tactical surprise. Every effort must be made to draw the enemy's attention to our most favorable assets. This will be followed by overthrowing any resistance or evasion on the part of the target.

As stated previously, this operation is fraught with hazards. Unless these hazards are squarely faced and adequately overcome, the operation cannot succeed. There is no reason why they should not be overcome, provided the energies of all concerned are bent to the problem.

“The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That's the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead!” - George S. Patton


“Harm, this Chicken Marsala is delicious! You’ve outdone yourself. Har-m, you still with me?”

I shake myself out of my stupor as Mac waves her hand in front of my face. “Sorry, Mac. I was just lost in thought.”

“Huh, I was beginning to think you hadn’t even noticed I was here.”

Not notice her? She’s been a distraction from the moment I opened the door to her tonight! I always appreciate seeing Mac in civilian. Not that I need the reminder, but it’s nice to see the feminine woman under the uniform.
I can’t help but visualize the woman under the uniform.

Don’t go there, Rabb.

Tonight, however, Mac is far more than feminine. She is down right sexy from head to toe. From her red-painted toes peeking out from her sandals to the dark red, curve-clinging, cleavage-revealing, lust-producing shirt she’s wearing. I struggle to keep my eyes from flitting to the shadow of cleavage - not enough to be tasteless, but enough to give me a tiny sample of what’s hidden from my view and leave me wanting more.

As she walked in the door leaving me standing there trying not to gape, she only surprised me further when she paused and greeted me with a lingering kiss on the cheek. Kisses between us have been few and far between, but each one has been significant and each is indelibly stamped upon my memory. This kiss was not just a casual greeting. That’s not how we operate. There was an intentionality of meaning behind it that I find both frightening and enticing.

We’ve spent countless evenings together like this and she’s never made me feel so flustered. As she helped me in the kitchen, every time I turned around she was just a little too close for comfort. Brushing up against me, resting her hand on my shoulder or back - causing me to have some very inappropriate thoughts on how I’d like the evening to end.

I force myself back into conversation, trying to get my mind on more platonic things. “So, Mac, what movie did you rent for us tonight?”

“Well, I was in the mood for something different than what we usually watch and so I picked out ‘When Harry met Sally’.”

“Ugh, not a chick flick! Why not ‘Patriot Games’ or ‘Clear and Present Danger’?”

She rolls her eyes and gives me the exasperated expression I’ve seen countless times. “Harm, we’ve both of those in the last month!”

“Yeah, but you love Tom Clancy.”

“Yes, but this movie has something you love - a cute blonde.”

“Mac, I do not love blondes. Frankly, I’ve had enough of that type.” Okay, here’s an opportunity to tell her that the woman I do love is a cute brunette - actually a beautiful one. But as usual, I let the moment slip away.

“What’s wrong with ‘When Harry met Sally’? How long has it been since you’ve seen it?”

“Well, actually, I’ve never seen it.”

“You’ve never seen ‘When Harry met Sally’?? Harm, it’s a modern day classic! What rock have you been living under?”

“Mac, you know me well enough to know that girlie romantic comedies aren’t my thing.”

She smirks at me. “Well, they are tonight, Flyboy, because it’s my turn to pick and it’s going to be this one.

Sulking just a bit, I acquiesce. “Fine, but if I don’t like it, you’re not getting dessert.”

“Don’t worry, Harm, I have dessert all planned out and I think you’ll like both the movie and the dessert.”

There she goes again, leaving me without a comeback and feeling as if she’s talking about something much more delectable than sugar.


PHASE FOUR - SECOND ASSAULT WAVE
The initial assault will be followed by the stealthy execution of a covert strike, using the ground already secured to launch further attacks, breaking down all defenses and leading to the capitulation of said target. Only full surrender will complete this phase of the operation.

“Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. ...” - George S. Patton

I smile as I help Harm clean up the kitchen. I can tell I have him off balance. I saw the desire that flared in his eyes when he opened the door. And I’ve shamelessly flirted ever since - brushing up against him, touching his arm, stroking his back. Such physical contact is typically not within our rules of engagement. But all is fair in love and war - and this is both.

I grab the DVD and head to the sofa. After getting the movie all set, I plop down next to him, sitting as close as I possibly can. After hitting play on the remote control, I take the liberty of pulling his arm around my shoulders and lean against his chest. I keep my expression innocent as I note his surprised look. I smile in delight, though, when instead of re-establishing a little space between us, he pulls me tighter against him and rests his chin on top of my head. One small territorial gain.

As the movie begins, I know it won’t be long before Harm starts his running commentary. Maybe it’s the lawyer in him that compels him to discuss and debate every theme, but I’ve never seen a movie with Harm yet that he doesn’t analyze the characters and plot as we watch. We usually have to watch every movie twice because we miss half of it the first time. Knowing his penchant for analysis is why I added this particular film to my arsenal. I’m hopeful it will lead to the advancement of the mission.

True to form, the movie has hardly begun when Harm starts his observation. We’re watching the main characters, Harry and Sally, debate and argue after having just met when Harm jumps in with his two cents.

“They’re going to get together.”

“Harm, you’ve only seen two minutes of the movie. And they obvious fight like cats and dogs. What makes you think they’ll end up together?”

“They have chemistry, Mac. You can tell in the way they banter. The way he always tries to get the last word. He likes her.”
“That’s a sign of attraction?”

I tilt my head to look at him as he explains. “It can be. If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t try to get a rise out of her. She challenges him and he loves when she gives as good as she gets. That’s one of the first things that attracted him to her.”

I’m shocked into silence. I can’t believe he said that! We both know he’s talking about more than Harry and Sally. This battle might be easier than I thought!

We continue to watch and get to the scene where Harry and Sally argue about whether or not men and women can be friends. I can’t wait for Harm’s reaction to this.

Harry: Men and women can’t be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.
Sally: That’s not true, I have a number of men friends and there is no sex involved.
Harry: No you don’t.
Sally: Yes, I do.
Harry: No you don’t.
Sally: Yes I do!
Harry: You only think you do.
Sally: You’re saying I’m having sex with these men without my knowledge?
Harry: No, what I’m saying is they all want to have sex with you.
Sally: They do not!
Harry: They do.
Sally: They do not.
Harry: Do to.
Sally: How do you know?
Harry: Because no man can be friends with a woman he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.

Not taking his eyes from the scene on the screen, Harm opines, "He’s got a point. Men can’t be in a platonic friendship with a woman without thinking about sex."

Pushing the offensive I ask, "Except for you and me, right? ‘Cause you’re like my brother ..."
Glancing at me, he replies, "Mac, I do not think of you as a sister. Our relationship is ... complicated."
"So does that mean our friendship is an exception to the rule or do you think about sex with me?"
I can see the fear in his eyes at my direct assault. "Uh, what I think is ... um, what I think is that we’re missing the movie."
I allow him to retreat - this time. You dodged that bullet, sailor, but be ready for the next round.

As years pass in the lives of the characters, we get to the part where Harry and Sally have become good friends. Harry’s buddy Jess questions him about his friendship with Sally. I swear, Harm could so play the part of Harry.

Jess: I don’t understand this relationship.
Harry: What do you mean?
Jess: You enjoy being with her?
Harry: Yeah.
Jess: You find her attractive?
Harry: Yeah.
Jess: And you’re not sleeping with her?
Harry: No.
Jess: You’re afraid to let yourself be happy.
Harry: Why can’t you give me credit for this? This is a big thing for me. I’ve never had a relationship with a woman that didn’t involve sex. I feel like I’m growing.

“So Harm, do you think he’s being honest? I thought men and women couldn’t be just friends?”

“I think he’s trying to convince himself that he only sees her as a friend when he really wants her - badly.”
Surprised at his comment, I look in his eyes and am stunned at the honesty and vulnerability I see there. Softly I ask, “So why doesn’t he let her know that?”
Harm replies in a tone to match mine. “He’s scared. She’s the most important person in the world to him and he’s afraid that if he screws it up like his past relationships, he’ll lose her for good.”

His eyes seem to plead for understanding as he continues. “But I know he’ll eventually make a move. He’s probably just wanting for the right time.”
“What if the right time passes them by?”
He takes my hand in his as he answers, “He won’t let that happen.”
“Or maybe she won’t. Maybe she’ll let him know that she wants him, too. That he doesn’t have to be afraid of losing her. That he never will because her heart belongs only to him.” I squeeze his hand and hope he sees in my eyes the love I feel for him.

“Maybe they’ll both get it right this time, Mac.”

Turning back to the movie, I breathe a soft sigh as I feel him press a gentle kiss against my hair.

Moments later we’re at the famous scene of Harry and Sally arguing about “faking it” during sex. Knowing Harm has never seen this before, my curiosity is peaked as to how he’ll react. I’m predicting that Harmon Rabb the Prude won’t touch this topic with a ten-foot pole.

Harry: ... I don’t hear anyone complaining.
Sally: Of course not, you’re out the door too fast.
Harry: I think they have an okay time.
Sally: How do you know?
Harry: What do you mean, how do I know? I know.
Sally: Because they ...?
Harry: Yes, because they ...
Sally: How do you know that they’re really ...
Harry: What are you saying, that they fake orgasm?
Sally: It’s possible.
Harry: Get out of here!
Sally: Why? Most women at one time or another have faked it.
Harry: Well, they haven’t faked it with me.
Sally: How do you know?
Harry: Because I know.
Sally: Oh. Right. That’s right, I forgot, you’re a man.
Harry: What is that supposed to mean?
Sally: Nothing. It’s just that all men are sure it’s never happened to them and most women at one time or another have done it, so you do the math.
Harry: You don’t think I could tell the difference?
Sally: Nope.


“So, Mac, have you ever faked it?” I choke on the sip of water I’m taking.

He slaps me on the back as I regain my composure. “Come again?” Ugh, that was the wrong thing to say.

Harm either doesn’t pick up on my poor choice of words or chooses to ignore it. But he doesn’t ignore the topic as he asks again, drawing out each word. “Have - you - ever- faked - it?”

It seems the target has become the aggressor. But if he thinks he’s turned the tables on me, he has another thing coming!
Using my most suggestive tone, I reply, “What, to stroke some man’s ego? No. But then, I’ve never needed to. Even if it means taking things into my own hands, so to speak.
I can see Harm’s Adam’s Apple bob as he gulps. Unfortunately, the cocky aviator that is always just under the surface makes an appearance. “Really? Well, then I guess what they say about female Marines is true.”

I punch him in the shoulder as we turn back to the movie just in time to see Sally demonstrating how easy it is for women to “fake it”.

Even though the light is dim, I swear I see Harm blush. “Wow, I can’t believe she did that. Most women aren’t quite that - expressive.”
Not letting him off the hook about the female Marine comment, I once again turn up the heat. “Oh I don’t know about that. Of course I only have myself to compare with, but some of us feel things very deeply. We let go of our inhibitions in the expression of pleasure and passion. I’m not a woman who is just going to lie back passively.” Ha, take that Rabb!
“Uh, I really wouldn’t know what you’re, uh, like in that circumstance.” I swear I see sweat pop out on his forehead as he reaches for his bottle of water.

“No, Harm, I guess you wouldn’t - yet.”

Now it’s his turn to choke.

I give Harm a bit of a reprieve as we turn our attention back to the screen. The storyline of the movie turns to Harry and Sally’s ill-fated romantic encounter and the fallout of misunderstandings, fear, and denial. I think both Harm and I are reminded of our own mis- communications and missed opportunities from the Mic and Renee mess.

As Sally ignores Harry’s calls, rebuffing his attempt to apologize and reach out to her, Harm says quietly, “ I know how he feels. He wishes he could take back how he handled things.”

I’m flooded with guilt when I remember how Harm tried numerous times to call me and talk to me when I ran to the Guadalcanal. I turn to meet his gaze and whisper, “She should’ve just given him a chance and talked to him about what she was feeling.”

“Well, he should’ve been more understanding. Realized how vulnerable and hurt she must feel. He should’ve just let her know he’d be there waiting when she was ready.”

I blink back tears. Once again, we’re no longer talking about the movie. “Harm, I’m sorry that I ...”

“Sshh.” His finger on my lips silences me. “No looking back - only forward. Let’s just see how this ends - the movie, that is.”

Turning back to the TV, he pulls me close, wrapping me in his arms as my hand settles on his thigh.

The movie is nearly over and we’re almost to the scene when Harry crashes the New Year’s Eve party. I love this part! It always makes me cry.

Harry: “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. The thing is, I love you.”
Sally: “What??”
Harry: “I love you.”
Sally: “How do you expect me to respond to this?”
Harry: “How ‘bout, you love me, too.”
Sally: “How ‘bout, I’m leaving.”
Harry: “Doesn’t what I said mean anything to you?”
Sally: “I’m sorry, Harry. I know it’s New’s Year Eve. I know you’re feeling lonely, but you just can’t show up here, tell me you love me and expect that to make everything all right. It doesn’t work this way.
Harry: “Well, how does it work?
Sally: “I don’t know, but not this way.”
Harry: “How ‘bout this way. “I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out! I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich! I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes! And I love that you’re the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night! And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New’s Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
Sally: “You see. That is just like you, Harry. You say things like that and you make it impossible for me to hate you. ...”

As the movie comes to an end, Harm is strangely quiet as he reaches for the remote to turn off the television. Turning toward me, he sees the tears in my eyes. His calloused hand cups my cheek and gently wipes a tear that is threatening to escape. Teasingly, he says, “You’re not supposed to cry, Mac, it was a happy ending.”

“You know happy endings always make me cry.”

“I guess, then, I hope to see more of your tears.”

He hesitates just a moment and then softly continues. ‘Cause you see, Mac, I love that Sarah MacKenzie, a United States Marine Colonel, cries at sappy movies. And I love that you’re the only one I know who can always best me with a comeback. I love the fact that you can make a gunnery sergeant shake in his boots and I love that you can calm a frightened child. And I love that not only are you the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night, but you’re the one I’d like to wake up with in the morning. Every morning - for the rest of my life. And it’s not because I’m lonely, but it is because I love you. I love you, Mac. And I’ve known for a long time that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I just haven’t been able to move forward - until now.”

The tears are falling freely now, as Harm’s declaration comes to an end. His thumbs can’t keep up with their flow.

My voice is shaky with emotion as I tell him, “That is just like you, Harm. You say things like that and beat me to the punch. I came here with a plan to tell you that I love you, but of course you sandbagged me again.”

A smile slowly spreads across his face. “Did I hear something about love somewhere in that?”

I can’t help but return his grin. “Yes, I love you, too. And in case you haven’t figured it out yet, that’s what this whole night was all about - to move us forward.”

“Well, Mac, I’d say ‘Mission Accomplished’.”

I can’t help laughing at that, but only for a second. It’s hard to laugh when his lips are kissing the daylights out of mine.


PHASE FOUR - SHOCK AND AWE

The goal of this final assault is to ensure utter surrender, weakening the target to the point where there is no resistance. This phase of the mission will be completed by the use of undercover operations.

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” - George S. Patton


I roll over onto my back, trying to catch my breath as I pull Mac to my chest. “Wow! That was ...” I pause searching for the right word.

“Incredible? It was way more than incredible, Flyboy.”

So that’s what it’s like to make love to a Marine!”

Without lifting her head from my chest, she weakly punches my shoulder. “Very funny, Harm.”

“You weren’t faking it, were you? ‘Cause if you were, I don’t know if I could survive the real thing.”

This time she raises her head with a very satisfied grin on her face. Placatingly she says, “No, Harm. And I can tell with you I’ll never have to.”

My head swells a bit at the compliment and something lower begins to, as well. “You know, Mac, we should do that again sometime.”

“I agree. How about now?”

Chuckling, I counter, “How about in half an hour?”

“That could work to.”

“Mac?”

“Hmmm?” I can tell she’s getting drowsy.

“I think I’ll re-evaluate my opinion of chick flicks. I think this one has become my favorite movie.”

“I’d have to say it’s first on my list, too, Harm.”

“Have you noticed we're beginning to think a lot alike?”

Her eyes don’t open as she says, “That's something isn't it.”

“You know in the movie, when they interviewed all those couples who had been together like a hundred years? Someday that will be us. Still head-over-heels in love after all those years together. I wonder what we’ll be like? I can’t wait, Mac. I can’t wait to see what our life will be like together.”

She opens her eyes and looks up at me. I see the happy tears there. “Me too, Harm.”

I let her doze off then, but before she does I have one more question. “Mac, what made you decide to push us along tonight?”

She raises her head one more time. “Patton.”

“Patton?? General Patton?”

“Yep.”

“What does Patton have to do with it?”

“Don’t ask questions, Harm. Just accept your defeat. The Marines have gone to battle and overthrown the Navy.”

Before she can blink I roll her under me. “Not a defeat, Marine. It’s a victory - for both of us.”

The End