Author: Lace
Subject: HBX Challenge October 2008 A little help

HBX Challenge October 2008

They are not mine and all that stuff..

Sorry about mistakes I've made (I'm still Norwegian:)

Set somewhere, sometime..

Just a short story that I wrote quickly.


A little help


Three months earlier
Mac's apartment

“Get out!” She pointed to the door, her voice cold as ice.

“Mac..”

“No!” She picked up one of his sweaters and threw it at him. “Get out!”

“Let me explain, please.” He pleaded.

She picked up one of his shoes and threw them in the same direction as the sweater. The sweater might have missed its target, but the shoe certainly didn't. She could see him wince as the shoe hit his shoulder. “Get away from me Harm, just get the hell out.”

He turned and opened the door. He looked at her angry face one more time, before stepping outside and closed the door behind him.


Present time
Mac's apartment


“Dinner was great Mark, thank you so much.” Mac stood. “Let me do the cleaning.”

Mark smiled. “I'll help you.” He stood and gathered his plate.

They worked in silence and soon Mark handed her a piece of the brownie he had brought for desert. “This is my famous brownie, no desert sells better at my restaurant.”

Mac chuckled. “You are a fancy chef and you serve your costumers brownies.”

He laughed softly. “They haven't complained yet.” He studied her face. “So, this is the fourth time I take you out to dinner or cook for you, can I say that we're dating yet?”

Mac froze.

Mark smiled. “I'm not asking you to marry me.” He sobered up. “No dating then?”

“You are a great guy Mark, really. I'm actually angry at myself for not being able to go beyond friendship, but I...” She bit her lower lip and looked away.

“You still love him.” Mark finished.

Mac lifted her head to look at him. “I'm so sorry.”

Mark touched her cheek lightly. “Don't be, I just want you to be happy. “He chuckled. “I just hate that I can't make you happy.”

Mac smiled teasingly. “Are you trying to throw me into his arms, Mark. Is that really what you want?”

Mark laughed softly. “If you love him, it doesn't really matter what I want.” He kissed her cheek. “You should try to fix things with him.”

“Have anyone told you that you are a great guy?” Mac took his hand.

Mark got a sad look on his face. “Mary used to tell me all the time.”

“I wish I could bring her back for you.” Mac tugged his hand. “I really do.”

Mark nodded. “When she died, I promised her that I would fall in love again. I knew I was lying, but it was what she wanted to hear. After meeting you I knew that I didn't lie to her, because now I know that I can love again.” He pulled her close for a hug and kissed her head before releasing her. “Promise me that you will make it right again between you and Harm, I think that's the only way you can be happy.”

Mac nodded. “You are right.”



The next night
Harm's apartment

Mac knocked on Harm's door, her heart beating so fast she thought it would blow up. It took a while for him to open the door and when he did he looked like he didn't quite know what to do. He stood there staring at her, but he didn't say anything or made a move to let her in.

“I met a guy a few weeks ago; Mark is a chef at a restaurant and he is a great person.” Mac saw Harm's face fall a little and she hurried to continue. “He lost his wife, the love of his life, to breast cancer a year ago and before she died he promised her that he would love again. At the time he knew he was lying to her, but it was what she wanted to hear. I lost the love of my life three months ago and I have the opportunity to have him back. I don't want to loose you Harm, because if I did I know I could never fall in love again.” A tear escaped her eye and she sniffled. “I'm sorry I didn't let you explain what happened that night three months ago, but I'm ready to listen now. “ Her voice was shaking when she continued. “If it's not to late?”

He stepped aside and motioned for her to step inside. Mac walked past him and into his apartment, she turned when she heard the door close behind her and looked into his eyes.

“I was waiting for you to arrive at McMurphy's Tavern, I was by the bar when Kate Pike came to sit by me. She started giving me a hard time about ignoring her after her return to JAG, you know how Kate is, always the flirt. I laughed it off and promised her a dinner to catch up on old times; then she started talking about the weekend we spent together a million years ago and before I knew it she was in my lap her mouth fused to mine. I pushed her away and then there you stood ready to draw blood. I didn't initiate the kiss and I certainly wasn't taking part in it. I haven't spoken to Kate since that night, fortunately she is gone now and I probably wont see her again. I love you Mac and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want you to trust that I wont leave you and I hate that you thought I would betray you like that.” Harm walked closer to her and reached for her hand. “Please know that I will never leave you.”

Mac nodded. “I want to believe you Harm, and I'll work harder to trust you. I feel like a fool for not letting you explain sooner, but my pride kept me from giving you the opportunity.”

“What changed your mind?” Harm wondered.

“Mark.” Mac admitted.

Harm tried to hide his jealousy, but knew he was failing by the way Mac smiled.

“Don't be jealous Harm, I love you.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Only you.”

Harm pulled her closer for a deeper kiss. “God I missed you.”

Mac didn't respond, her brain had shut down the moment he deepened the kiss. She started moving them to his bedroom instead, her mind set on making up for lost time; Harm had no objections, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed.