Author: usmgrad
Subject: July Challenge: Time will Tell

HBX Challenge July 2006
Title: Time will tell
Disclaimer: JAG and its characters are the property of Donald P. Bellisario and Paramount Studios.
Author: usmgrad

This idea came me while watching Fortunate Son. This scene would come later in the evening after Cmdr. Lindsey’s visit to Harm’s office.



Mac’s apartment, late evening

Mac is sitting on her sofa, there is a fire blazing in the fireplace and she’s reading a book. A quite evening at home, alone, when the phone rings. “Hello”

“Mac, can I come over?”

“Harm? “

“Yeah”

“It’s kind of late.”

“I know and I’m sorry if it’s not a good time” pausing for just a moment “but I really need to talk to you.”

“It’s OK Harm, I’m not really doing anything, come on over I’ll put the coffee on.”

Mac gets up and goes to the kitchen to make coffee wondering what has gotten into her partner now. Before she gets finished with the coffee there is a knocking at the door. It’s too early for Harm to have gotten there and she’s not expecting anyone else so she checks the peep hole. Totally surprised she opens the door.

“Harm, where were you?”

“Down stairs in the car.”

Shaking her head she lets him in. Going back to the kitchen to finish the coffee she asks over her shoulder “What’s up that wouldn’t wait until morning?”

“Lots of things”

Bringing the coffee into the living room Mac offers Harm a cup and they both sit on the sofa.

“Anything in particular?”

“The past, the present, the future”

“Well that narrows it down.” Mac sees that Harm is struggling with something. Remembering the conversation they had earlier in her office, she assumes that is why he has come over tonight.

“You can’t turn back the clock Harm.”

“I don’t want to turn back the clock”.

“This case has you reliving the past. You need to get past this.”

“It’s not the case that brought me here tonight.”

“Then why are you here?”

Harm takes a minute to collect his thoughts; he had been going on automatic since Lindsey left his office.

“Have you thought about the future, where you will be in 5 years, or 10 years. What you will be doing?”

“Yes, I think about it sometimes” Mac’s not real sure where Harm is going with this topic, she’s given the future a lot of thought lately, especially where Harm is concerned but tonight it seems he needs to get something out and she’s going to let him . She’s not going anywhere.

Harm sits quietly staring at the fire in the fireplace deep in thought. After a moment, Harm breaks the silence, ‘Lindsey wants to break us up.”

“What?” not quite sure Mac heard him right.

Getting up from the sofa Harm walks to the window and looks out as if searching for answers. “His report, he’s recommending transfers for everyone. Splitting us up, says there is a break down of good order and discipline at Jag Headquarters”.

“How do you know that?”

“He told me, earlier tonight.”

“I don’t think he will succeed in convincing the Secnav to do that. There is too much positive at Jag Headquarters.”

“Time will tell.” Once again they are both quiet, thinking. What will their future be if they are transferred?

Not wanting to dwell on the subject of transfers for too long, and believing that it will not happen because of Lindsey’s report Mac changes the subject. “I’m impressed”, getting his attention “there was a time you hated it here.”

Puzzled at the statement Harm comes back to the sofa and sits next to Mac “In your apartment?”

“No, wanting to talk things out.”

“I have not”

“You have to”

Harm looks at Mac as if he is seeing her for the first time. Something is different tonight, he can’t quite put his finger on it but something is different.

“So you think I’ve changed?”

“Nothing stays the same”

“Tell me about it”

Harm give Mac a genuine smile for the first time since he arrived “...I'm glad you're here”

“In my apartment?” Mac teases.

“No, here at Jag” taking Mac’s hand, “and in my life. Thank you.”

They are quite again but this time looking directly into each others eyes. Each has so much to say but neither can find the words. The look is there, the feelings are there if they could just let go.

Harm breaks the silence but doesn’t let go of Mac’s hand, “Thanks Mac for being here.”

“You already said that.”

Both are quite again, not wanting the moment to end but not knowing what to do next. Mac breaks the silence this time. “I’m really glad you came over Harm. I ‘ve missed our talks since I’ve been assigned to the judiciary.”

“Speaking of work I really need to go and let you get some sleep, wouldn’t want you to fall asleep on the bench tomorrow.” Harm and Mac both get up off the sofa and walk to the door, but still holding on to each others hand.

“Harm”

“Yes”

“I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

Squeezing Mac hand in a gesture of agreement Harm says, “I’ll try to remember that”

“I’ll keep reminding you, incase you forget.”

“You do that”

Leaning in he gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “See you in the morning.”

“Harm”

“Yes”

Pulling him just enough to bring him closer Mac gives Harm a kiss in return and not on the cheek. “Just so you don’t forget about tonight.”

“I don’t think I will be able to forget about tonight now. Good night Mac.”

“Good night Harm, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Harm and Mac each spend the rest of the evening wondering what the future holds for the two of them. Would it be one of promise and possibilities or one of separation and disappointment. Time will tell.