HBX Challenge May 2006
Title: Making Beds
Disclaimer: JAG and its characters are the property of Donald P. Bellisario and Paramount Studios.
Author: usmgrad

Mac’s POV

AN: When the lines for this month were posted I though – you’ve got to be kidding. I came up with nothing even to amuse myself which is usually easy to do. However Judi posted on the HB a question “What kind of minor disagreements would Harm and Mac have?” This is what happened – thanks Judi for the indirect inspiration.


Harm and Mac’s home
First night
London, England

They say you don’t really know someone until you live with them. I thought after 9 years of working and traveling with Harm I knew him pretty well, was I wrong. Our belongings finally arrived from Washington and we have been unpacking all day. Who knew there was a correct way to unpack a kitchen? Everything is done except the bedroom and that is where we are now. I’m tired and want to go to bed but the site before me is too much. Harm is making the bed, at least that’s what he says he’s doing and not only that but he is giving me instructions on how to make the bed properly!

“There is only one way to make a bed, that’s the navy way. You hold the corners of the sheet snap it in the air and let it fall gently to the bed.” Harm then demonstrates.
“See, perfect.”

“It’s not even.” I say a matter of factly.

Not looking Harm says, “What do you mean it’s not even, of course it is, and it’s the no fail navy way to make a bed.”

As I look at the sheets now lying on the bed there are more on Harm’s side than mine. “Well I don’t know about it being the navy way but it failed to be even on both sides there are more covers on your side then mine. Maybe the navy way doesn’t work on the marine’s side of the bed.”

“Very funny “ Harm looks trying to figure out what went wrong “there must be something wrong with the sheets. Maybe there still stiff from being packed, let me try again.” And Harm once again takes the corners of the sheet snaps it and lets it float back to the bed. Sure that his never fail method succeeded this time Harm looks with pride at the bed “See the perfect bed.”

“I really do like it when you keep me warm at night, you know sharing body heat and all, however I would also like to have some covers.” I say as Harm looks at the bed in disbelief... Tugging on the short side he quietly asks, “Are we even now?”

“Not even close.” I say with just a little to much smile in my voice.

“I don’t understand it, I’ve been making beds for years and it has never failed. I just don’t understand.” Harm looks at the sheets on the bed and then looks at me who cannot hide the guilty look on my face. “You did something...”

Not letting him finish his thought. “While this has been both fun and educational I’m tired and want to go to bed so I’ll just make the bed the Marine way. And with that I pull the short side a little, tuck in the bottom, tuck in one side, walk to the other side, pull and tuck it in tight.

“There done. Thanks for trying Harm.”

“You did something to disrupt the Navy way of bed making.” Harm says with not much conviction while he slowly walks over to where I am standing.

“Never mind Harm, can we do go to bed now?”

Yes living with Harm is going to be a real adventure.