Author: lisa
Subject: HBX Challenge August 2007 - "Motivation"

Title: Motivation

Author: lisa

Disclaimer: The usual – the characters belong to TPTB

A/N: This takes place soon after Jagathon when I imagine Harm and Mac’s relationship was still strained – even though they were “at the beginning". Also, it departs from show canon. I made up a reference to summer break from the Naval Academy. Actually, I don’t even know if midshipmen have a summer break, but in my world they do. Oh, and there's a brief reference to a little "Army Wives" dialogue.


Motivation

Harm leaned back in his chair closing his eyes as he heaved a deep sigh. He’d rest his eyes just for a minute before diving back into the stack of reports waiting his attention. A welcome interruption came with a distinctive knock on the door. Harm grinned, knowing by the pattern of sound that his day was about to become a little more interesting.

That knock had originated when sharing an apartment the summer after their first year at the Academy. An answering whistle would give the all clear that it was safe to enter - without interrupting a visit from the opposite sex. Harm didn’t bother to give the all clear this time, calling out, "Keeter, get your sorry ass in here!"

"Harm, buddy, how are you? But, hey, your sorry ass is the one stuck behind a desk. Mine is still in a cockpit."

Harm rose from his chair to greet his old friend, laughing at the bluster and swagger that Jack Keeter exuded just when entering a room. Mac liked to tease Harm about his cocky, flyboy persona, but Keeter wrote the book on it and Harm doubted Keeter would ever outgrow his devil-may-care attitude.

"Keeter, what are you doing darkening the doors of the Judge Advocate General? I think you’ve already broken just about every regulation in the UCMJ."

"Well, if I get court-martialed, I know a good defense lawyer. And where is Sarah MacKenzie, anyhow? Or is it Sarah Brumby now? Wasn’t she supposed to tie the knot?"

Harm’s grin faltered as he dropped his gaze. "Uh, she’s in court. And it’s still MacKenzie. The wedding didn’t happen."

While he had been luckier at lust than he had been at love over the years, Keeter could still recognize the real thing when he saw it. And the chemistry and connection between Harm and Mac, even in the midst of alluding Iranians across Dasht-E-Kavir, was unmistakable. If ever there were soul mates it was those two. And after nearly two decades of friendship, he could tell that this woman was someone special to Harm.

Hell, if it wasn’t for their friendship, he could easily have fallen for Sarah MacKenzie himself. Actually, he probably was a little bit in love with her now. He loved feisty women and Mac certainly was a spitfire! And with a drop-dead gorgeous body to go with it. He’d never understood why Harm hadn’t made a move for her.

Perhaps finally he had, Jack thought. Giving voice to his wondering, he asked, "Did you have something to do with that, buddy?"

A shadow of guilt crossed Harm’s face before he denied, "No!" Then the honor that came as naturally as breath made him add, "Well, not exactly."

"How exact is ‘not exactly’? Did you finally wise up and go after that Marine yourself?"

"Look, Keeter, it’s not what you think. Mac and I are just friends, and lately barely that. It’s a long story …

"So, you two aren’t together?"

"No, we’re not.” Harm muttered, “Geez, you sound just like Sturgis. I don’t need another busy-body in my life."

"Turner! That’s right, I heard that bubblehead is stationed here now. We definitely have to get together for a little fun while I’m in town! And Mac should join us."

"Mac should join you where?"

Harm and Jack turned at the sound of Mac’s voice as she and Sturgis came around the corner from the courtroom.

"Hey, Sturgis, you old dog! Good to see you! And Sarah MacKenzie, as I live and breathe, you get more beautiful every time I see you." With a flourish Keeter bowed, taking Mac’s hand to deliver a kiss.

Mac chuckled and gave Jack a quick hug before he turned to greet Sturgis with manly slap to the back.

"How do you know Keeter, Mac?"

Before Mac could answer Sturgis’ question, Keeter jumped in, answering suggestively, "Oh, I remember it well. Those three days ~ and nights ~ together. Just the sun and the sand and Mac and me."

Keeter glanced at Harm as he spoke, seeing the spark of jealousy and a concern that perhaps something had happened between he and Mac when Harm had left them in Iran. So, Keeter mused, Mr. "Mac and I are just friends" definitely still has a thing for her. He may just have to do something to nudge Harm in the right direction.

Mac’s laughing response interrupted Keeter’s scheming. "Oh yes, Jack. Just you and me, and a few horses and camels, a group of Bedouins, and half the Iranian army!"

Sturgis fixed Mac with a quizzical look. "This sounds like a story I need to hear.."

Keeter responded, "Maybe tonight! We can exchange a few war stories. What do you both say to joining Harm and me? Harm, what’s that local watering hole you took me to last time I was in town. McMurphy’s?"

"Well,” Sturgis replied, “I don’t know if I have any war stories to tell, but I’m in. Mac, how about you?"

Mac hesitated. Even after Harm had recently agreed to start "at the beginning" of their relationship or whatever you wanted to call this thing between them, she felt vulnerable and uncertain around him. And being together in a social setting would be too awkward, she feared.

"Maybe I should just let you Academy boys go out together. I’ll catch you another time."

Harm felt a mixture of relief and disappointment as Mac declined Keeter’s invitation. Ever since their shared kiss at her engagement party he hadn’t know quite what to do with his feelings for Mac. In the proceeding turmoil, they’d taken turns pushing at each other, only to pull away when the other pushed back. And since her return from the Guadacanal, he felt raw and off balanced whenever she was near. He didn’t know if his defenses were strong enough to spend an evening in the company of Sarah MacKenzie as they had done so often before. Before Renée and Brumby. Before she had said "there is no us" and before he had told her they were "at the end".

Keeter protested, "Aw, come on Mac. We always have room for a Jarhead. Besides we have to tell Sturgis about our time in the Big Desert.” Adding suggestively, “And you and I can relive those cold desert nights we spent together."

Mac glanced at Harm hoping to get a read on his feelings, but as was typical of late, his face was a mask of indifference. "What do you think, Harm? If you want to just have a boys night out with Jack and Sturgis, I’ll certainly understand."

Now why did she have to ask him what he thought? He had no idea what he thought. Spending time with her was an equal mix of both pleasure and pain. What he really wanted was to take up where they’d left off on the admiral’s porch - with her in his arms and with no complications getting in the way. Shrugging his shoulders he gave her a non-committal response. "It makes no difference to me Mac. Join us if you’d like."

Mac suddenly felt extremely annoyed at his aloofness. She wouldn’t let Harmon Rabb spoil a good time. "Okay, I’ll go. I guess it’s up to the Marines to keep you sailors in line." Feeling reckless and impulsive in response to Harm's seeming indifference, her voice took on a seductive tone, "Oh, and Jack – unlike the desert, nights in DC tend to be very steamy. I hope you can take the heat!" Not waiting for a response, Mac turned and walked away. Letting her hips sway for the benefit of the three men gawking behind her.

After Mac disappeared around the corner, the three men shook themselves out of the spell cast by Sarah Mackenzie. As Keeter followed Harm back into his office, he asked, "Hey, buddy, do you mind if I crash at your place tonight? Or will you have ‘company’? You’re not with that blonde anymore, right?"

"No. I mean, no, I’m not with Renée and yes, of course you’re welcome to stay."

Seeing an opening, Keeter began laying the groundwork for his plan. This was just like that summer after their first year of Academy. Harm was interested in this cute little blonde co-ed. Marissa something-or-other. Harm had held off, thinking of all the reasons why he shouldn’t pursue her - until Keeter had given chase himself. That’s all it took for Harm to get out of the starting blocks.

"You know, someday you’ll have to tell me what you saw in Renée. She seemed more my type than yours."

Not wanting to get into it, Harm quickly changed the subject. "So, how about you, Keeter. Seeing anyone?"

"Not right now. So spill it, Harm. Are you involved at all with Mac?"

Not quite meeting his friend’s eyes, he again denied, "I’m not!"

"So she’s a free agent?"

"I guess so. Why?"

"Have you looked at the woman, Harm? She’s a knockout!” Quirking his eyebrows, he mused, “Who knows what might happen while I’m in town? But, hey, if you’re involved with Mac, I don’t want to do to you what you did to me in Barcelona, pal. I haven’t forgotten how you took my girl, Maria El…. Damn, I never can remember her name."

Harm mumbled, "Maria Elena Carmelita Merano Guittierez ... But you were never serious about her.”

"And you are for Mac?"

Hardly ready to admit his feelings to himself, let alone to someone else, Harm hedged, "Listen, Keeter, Mac’s been through a lot lately. She doesn’t need anymore heartache. As a friend, I just don’t want to see her get hurt."

Keeter noticed the panicked look in Harm’s eyes at the thought of someone else pursuing Mac, and pushed a little further with his plan. "Hey buddy, I’m not planning on giving her heartache, maybe just a little lovin’. She looks like she could use a little fun. And besides, she’s a Marine. She’ll tell me to take a flying leap if she’s not interested.” Keeter challenged, “Unless you’re interested in her after all?"

Harm hesitated. Then brushing off the opportunity, replied, "Hell, it’s a moot point. Mac wouldn’t be interested in the likes of you, Keeter."

Keeter’s cocky response of "we’ll see how interested the lady is tonight" left Harm with a knot in his stomach, now dreading the evening for an entirely different reason. The thought of seeing Mac with any other man – even his oldest friend – made him ill.

Mac stood in front of her mirror, getting ready for the night out. She was still frustrated with Harm - and with herself - at the mess they’d made of their relationship, or lack thereof. She couldn’t believe she had made that brazen comment to Keeter at JAG today. She really wasn’t interested in a relationship with Jack and she was quite sure he knew that. She did have a soft spot for him, though. They had forged a bond during their time together in Iran. She chuckled thinking of his constant teasing and flirtatious banter. If she didn’t have Harm to compare him to, she might consider…. Scolding herself she said to her reflection, "Didn’t you learn anything with Mic? Settling for who you can have when he’s not who you want will only make you miserable!"

The part of her that was still feeling reckless and wanton answered, "But what would it hurt to have a little fun with Keeter – give him some innocent flirting of her own? She knew that he knew that it wouldn’t lead anywhere. And besides, she told herself, if she and Harm were truly starting over "at the beginning", it could be years before she got another kiss from him like the one he laid on her at her engagement party. Maybe she’d give him a glimpse of what he’d be missing in the meantime. Frankly, it felt good to think of herself as sexy and desirable. She’d once heard the quickest way to a man’s zipper was with a new haircut and tight jeans. She might not get to Harm’s zipper tonight, but she might make him wish that she had. Fluffing her hair into a sassy style, she reached for the tightest pair of jeans she owned.

Harm, Keeter, and Sturgis sat a corner booth in McMurphy’s waiting for Mac to join them. Harm noticed her the second she walked through the door. As did every other male in the place. While what she did to a Marine uniform should be illegal, it always amazed him how incredible she looked out of uniform. Tonight, however, she looked downright heart-stopping. He idly hoped none of the men in McMurphy’s had a heart condition.

Harm nearly choked on a swig of beer as his eyes traveled from her head down to her toes. Her hair was a little mussed – making him want to run his fingers through its silkiness. Her green, sleeveless top plunged down lower than he dared let his eyes explore, revealing more glowing skin than it covered. After all these months, his hands still itched remembering the feel of that soft skin when he had stroked her bare back under his jacket as they kissed. And then those jeans! Some would say they were on the verge of indecent the way they hugged her every curve. Perhaps they were, but on Sarah MacKenzie they were incredible!

Making her way to the booth, Mac greeted the guys. "Hey sailors, ready to show this Marine a good time?"

Stumbling over himself, Keeter quickly escorted Mac into the seat next to him. "Damn, Mac, do all devil dogs clean up so good? You look fantastic!"

Smiling coyly, she responded, "Thanks, Jack. Hey Harm, Sturgis.”

Keeter lazily stretched his arm out behind Mac’s shoulders. “You know, Mac, if our friend Faisal had seen you dressed like this he probably would have kept you instead of the million in gold.”

“What’s this about gold? Is this from your time in Iran?” Sturgis questioned.

“Yeah. When our buddy Harm here traded Mac to some Bedouins in exchange for one of our F-17s I had crash landed in the desert.”

Sturgis exclaimed, “You ‘traded’ Mac to Bedouins? Wow, Harm, I’m surprised you’d do that to your partner.”

Harm came to his own defense. “Hey! I did not trade Mac. She was collateral …” Realizing that didn’t sound much better, Harm turned to Mac. “Mac, tell Sturgis what really happened. It was Mac’s plan; I didn’t want to go along with it! Right, Mac?”

She smiled, enjoying seeing Harm all flustered and defensive. “Whatever you say, Harm.”

“Mac …”

Taking pity on Harm’s distress, she replied, “He did leave Keeter behind to ‘protect’ me.”

Harm muttered, “And as I said then, she’d be better off with Faisal.”

As the evening wore on, drinks and laughter flowed in equal proportion and Keeter pressed on with his plan to enliven the green-eyed monster in Harm, taking every opportunity to flirt with Mac. As a slow, sensuous jazz melody began playing, he stood, pulling Mac up beside him. "Dance with me, Sarah."

As the two headed to the dance floor, Harm sat stewing. His scowling gaze followed Keeter and Mac’s every move. Sturgis glanced at Harm, taking in the target of his angry stare. Harm had denied and deflected his query before the Jagathon about a relationship with Mac, but it was obvious to Sturgis that there was something there. If he saw it, he bet Keeter did, too. And he was beginning to think Keeter was purposely messing with Harm by flirting with Mac. This could make for an interesting evening!

Deciding to stir the pot himself, Sturgis turned to Harm, "You know, Keeter and Mac look good together."

Harm scoffed in reply. Watching angrily as Keeter’s hands moved lower on Mac’s hips, he muttered, "He won’t look so good if he doesn’t watch where he’s putting his hands. That’s a Marine he’s grabbing."

"You could always cut in, Harm."

Harm pointedly ignored Sturgis’ suggestion. Turning his focus on his beer as Keeter and Mac returned to the booth, he tried not to notice Keeter’s hand resting on the small of Mac’s back. But when Mac thanked Keeter, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek while stroking his chest, Harm decided he couldn’t watch anymore. "Well, folks, it’s been fun, but I’m going to call it a night."

Sturgis, never one for late nights himself said, "I think I’ll head out, as well. It’s been a long day."

Harm fumed as Keeter’s arm snaked around Mac’s waist, and added, "Well, since you rode with me, Jack, I hope you don’t mind taking off now."

Keeter smiled inwardly. Harm was definitely riled up about the attention he was giving Mac. But he could tell he wasn’t at the breaking point yet. He’d have to give him a little more to think about. "You go on home, Harm. The night’s still young and I bet I can talk Mac into joining me for a little fun. What do you say, Sarah?"

Before Mac could decline, Harm interrupted, "Keeter, I don’t think going out with Mac is such a good idea."

"Why not, Harm? I could show Sarah a real good time."

Trying to stop Keeter’s advances without revealing his motives, Harm tried again. "Jack, remember what I said about getting hurt..."

"I can’t believe you, Harm!" Startled, both Harm and Keeter turned at Mac’s exclamation. "What, so you warned Keeter, like you did Sturgis? Did you tell Jack ‘how every man I’ve been involved with is either dead or feels like they are’? You worried your friend Keeter is going to get hurt if he spends an evening with me?”

Harm stammered, "Mac, that’s not what I meant. I ..."

"Save it, Harm. Keeter, if you value your life, you better stay away from me."

Not quite knowing what Harm and Mac were talking about, Keeter added, "Hey, Mac, I live for danger."

Grabbing Keeter’s arm, Mac stated, "Well, come on then. I’m feeling reckless."

As Mac dragged him toward the door, Keeter called over his shoulder, "Don’t wait up, Harm."

Frustrated, Harm stared helplessly after them. Damn it! How the hell did this turn into such a SNAFU? Had his inability to communicate driven her into the arms of another man once again? This felt a bit like Sydney all over again.

Harm headed for his Lexus, his thoughts becoming more morose by the minute. Turning right to head to Union Station, he suddenly did a U-turn. He was not going to let Mac get away so easily this time. Not knowing quite where to go, he made his way to Georgetown to wait.

Dozing in the cramped confines of his vehicle, he was startled awake by the sound of a car door slamming. Looking up the street, he noticed Mac and Keeter exiting her Corvette. Harm’s stomach knotted at the intimate picture they made, as Keeter swept Mac up into his arms to carry her up the walk. Their laughter reached him through his opened window.

His resolve shaken, Harm sat rooted to the seat. Every instinct of self-preservation told him to turn tail and run - don’t open himself up to the hurt of seeing her get involved with another man. Wrestling with himself, he knew it was time to state his intentions. Mustering his resolve, he made his way to her door. Without hesitation, he knocked firmly. Not knowing what he might be interrupting, he was still stunned to have the door opened by a shirtless Keeter holding an ice bucket.

Glancing over his shoulder to Mac’s bedroom, Jack realized he couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to make Harm jealous and give him the final push that he needed. He just hoped that he didn’t end up with a broken jaw in exchange for his efforts. "Harm, what are you doing here?"

Glaring at his friend, Harm replied, "I could ask you the same thing." Coldly, he asked, "How was your night, pal?"

Feeling a little guilty for what he was about to do to his friend, Keeter replied, "Well, I’m hoping it’s not over yet! Mac is one amazing woman; let’s just say, we had one of those moments, where lives intersect and there's not a traffic light to be found, if you get my meaning."

Ignoring Keeter’s innuendo, Harm bluntly asked, "Where’s Mac? And what’s the ice for? Mac doesn’t drink."

Keeter winked, "Uh, she’s in the bedroom changing into something more comfortable. And I don’t think you want to know what the ice is for."

Harm’s fist clinched as he desperately tried not to wipe the knowing grin off his friend’s face. They were interrupted by Mac’s voice calling from the bedroom, "I have to admit, Keeter, for a sailor you really know how to show a Marine a good time.”

While she was speaking Mac appeared in her bedroom doorway dressed in a satiny robe. "Harm! What in the world are you doing here at 2:00 am? Or are you here to make sure the MacKenzie curse doesn’t strike down your friend? “

“I’m here to stop you from making another mistake with a man.”

Mac was incredulous. “Excuse, me?? Who do you think you are, Commander? You’re not my keeper!”

Hands on his hips, his voice rising to match her’s, Harm stepped forward until he and Mac were face to face. “No, I’m not! I’m just the man you should be with - instead of Keeter!” Harm’s voice faltered. “Instead of anyone.” Speaking softly, he continued, “Mac, I can’t stand seeing you with someone else again. Not when I want you so damn much.” Reaching up to cup her cheek, he murmured, “I love you, Mac, and I don’t want to wait or start from the beginning. I’m ready to let go and I’ll do whatever it takes to make us work. That is, if that’s what you want.”

Her lips confirming what her eyes had already told him, she whispered, “Yes, Harm! It’s what I want – you’re what I want. I love you, too.”

Grinning like a couple of fools, Harm pulled her into his arms - neither noticed when a very smug Jack Keeter set down the ice bucket and picked up his paint-splattered shirt. Only when he spoke did they remember he was still in the room. “Well, my work here is done. I’ll see you both later. Oh, and Sarah, if you ever get tired of this desk jockey, you know where to find me..”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen. But thanks, Keeter.”

Harm tossed his keys to him as he reached for the doorknob. “Hey, Jack – don’t wait up.”

Turning back to Mac, Harm asked, “Now where were we?” Not waiting for a response his lips descended on Mac’s. Reaffirming his declaration of love with every stroke and caress.

Breathless, Mac pulled back. “I have to sit down.”

“Wow, I was that good, huh Mac?”

Mac rolled her eyes at his cockiness. This relationship was definitely going to be interesting. “No, Harmone. My ankle is killing me. I need to ice it. Hand me the ice bucket, will you?”

Sitting beside her on the sofa, he asked, “Your ankle? What happened? Is that why Keeter was carrying you?”

Mac smiled at the relief she saw on Harm’s face. “I twisted it tonight playing paintball.”

“You and Keeter played paintball??”

“Sure. I told you he knows how to show a Marine a good time.” Smirking, she asked, “What did you think we were doing, Harm?”

“I was afraid you were doing this.” Leaning forward, he pressed her back against the sofa, capturing her lips once again as their bodies molded together.

“No, Harm. You’re the only flyboy this Marine wants.” Smiling seductively, she added, “Now, what do you think you can do to show me a good time?”

Pulling Mac against him once again, he began to show her exactly what he could do.


The End ~ And a good time was had by all!