Author: Hollyjp
Subject: HBX July Challenge - "They Just Are"

HBX July Challenge

They Just Are
by Hollyjp
Here’s my attempt to use the July challenge lines.

Author’s Note: Sorry to have missed so much on line with everyone the last few months. Many changes in my own life. I sold my house in Vermont and moved to northern Maine after deciding I preferred to be in the classroom instead of administration. As long as I was going to relocate, I decided to move closer to my best friend who moved away seven years ago. As luck would have it, I found a challenging job and a house nearby, so here I am in northern Maine enjoying a little down time before returning to the classroom. I woke up three days ago and found my desire to write had returned once again! Hope you like what I came up with for the July challenge lines.

Harm: Hell, when do they have time to be happy?
Mac: They don't have to find time. They just are.
[softly] Don't you really want that?
(Goodbyes)

Setting: This takes place on the SeaHawk after Harm and Mac talk on vulture’s row (I think that’s what it was called). They were sent to the ship to advise the on-board JAGS on the rules of engagement. Harm tells Mac that he’d love to be flying the mission, and she comments, “Not this time.” Well sure enough, Harm gets called by the Captain and sent up with the squadron. From there, I took the story into an alternative universe and did not stay with canon. When Harm returns, once again the hero, they return to ‘their space’ to talk again. And now...”They Just Are:”

Harm latched the door, and turned to study Mac as she closed her eyes and felt the wind on her face. The light caught her just right and he knew instinctively that she had shed some tears. He reached out to touch her face where the tears had left a tiny trail, unknown to Mac.

“Were you worried about me?” Harm asked with his voice soft, barely more than a whisper.

“I’m always worried about you when you start playing hero. You’re not invincible Harm,” Mac needlessly reminded him.

“You think I don’t feel fear when I’m up there dodging missiles and bullets?”

“No of course, I’m sure you get nervous...its just you think nothing can touch you.”

“Mac, look...I’m not sure I can explain this to you, but I’m willing to try. Are you willing to listen?”

“Yes...I won’t run away Harm. Go ahead...I’m listening.”

“Remember when I asked you how Bud and Harriet could find time to be happy?”

“Yes.”

“Do you remember what you said?”

“That they don’t have to find time...they just are. Harm, what does this have to do you with you being invincible?”

“I’m not...and you agreed to hear me out,” Harm scolded with a gentle smile, shaking a long finger at her.

Rolling her eyes, she grabbed his finger and held on. “I’m listening...start talking.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Alright...where was I? Oh yes...when I’m flying, I don’t stop to think about the things that need to be done and whether I might die or not if I attempt them. Usually I’m thinking if somebody doesn’t do something, someone is going to get hurt...so I do something. It’s better than doing nothing. I’m there; the time is right; I have the skills; therefore I need to take action. I don’t think about it Mac. I don’t weigh the pros and cons of my actions. If that worries, I’m sorry. I can’t change who I am or what I do anymore than you can.”

“Give me an example.”

“I can do that.”

“I’m still listening.”

“Mac, when you had to take command at the embassy did you weigh your options or risks?”

“No...but that was different.”

“Was it? I don’t think so.” Harm watched her and let her think it through as he watched her process what he had said. “Mac you knew what you could do, you stepped up and did what had to be done...didn’t you?”

“You’re right. But it wasn’t life and death...no it was...wasn’t it?”

“Yeah...and I know how you probably feel when I’m doing what I do...because I felt the same thing when I was waiting to hear if you were safe.”

“You did?”

“I did...and I didn’t think about it either...my feelings for you...they just are.”

“I know what you mean. Suppose that’s why we’ve had such a hard time figuring things out?” Mac asked suddenly understanding what Harm was trying to say.

“Could be,” Harm quietly agreed.

“Harm, is that why pilots always seem to be happy-go-lucky?”

“Hell, I don’t know...”

“I know...they don't have to find time...they just are,” Mac intervened.

Harm smiled and pulled Mac close to him, holding her hands between them. He spoke softly as he smiled into her face, “Don't you really want that?”

“Are we talking about a career or a relationship now?” Mac asked equally as soft, never looking away from his beautiful eyes.

“You can have it all if you want it Mac.” Harm watched as her smiled warmed and her eyes lit up. He saw her head nod.

They both knew that they couldn’t express themselves the way they wanted on the SeaHawk, but they could each see in the other’s eyes that they were on the same page now. They trusted that when the time was right, they would take the next step. They had made the commitment to each other under the stars in the Indian Ocean. No one may have understood why they made the decisions they made, but Harm and Mac understood and that was all that mattered.

Weeks later when they were back in Washington DC working at JAG headquarters, people noticed that the relationship between Mac and Harm seemed different. No one knew just exactly what their relationship was or how it had changed, but more than one person heard Commander Turner respond to inquiries about his colleagues, “They just are.”