| | JAG HQ | Fanfic Quarters | Recommended | Astrology | Links | Email Me | |
Week 2: Friday
State Fair
California
The peculiar assembly of well dressed adults had arrived at the showground early in the morning to a handful of curious stares. Throughout the day, each of the bachelorettes had taken turns spending time alone with Harm. And now, as they say, he'd left the best to last. Back at the entrance under the banner which cheerfully proclaimed "WELCOME," Harm stood waiting for Mac to arrive. He was still reliving the memories of their night out dancing last week. The pounding rhythm, the sensuous movements against each other, the feel of her soft curves… That following morning, he'd woken with the predicted hangover. However, the main source of his worries had been the bout of anxiousness, wondering if Mac might be wary of the way he'd acted. But her surprisingly carefree attitude had been the cure to his headaches.
Approaching the main gate, Mac halted in her tracks when Harm came into view. He was gazing off to the distance, hands tucked loosely into his jean pockets. She filed a quick inventory of yet another picture perfect image, Harm in a maroon turtleneck, scruffy jeans and boots. It had taken years to desensitize the effects of his dress whites and gold wings. Now, out of uniform and constantly in different states of attire, Harm was wrecking havoc on the primitive woman inside. She straightened, as if mentally gearing herself for something.
"Thinking good thoughts?"
He jumped, startled by Mac's sudden appearance. Returning the favor, Harm surprised her with a quick kiss on the check. "Wouldn't you like to know," he tossed back, waggling his eyebrows. He didn't give her time to reply. "Shall we?" he asked. Smirking, he led the way into the crowded carnival. "Harm, hold on!"
He turned around to see what was up, and a deep chuckle escaped past his lips. Mac was standing beside a young girl, second in line at the candy floss stand. Striding over, he dug into his pockets and handed over the money before she could pay.
"Thanks!" she said brightly, cheekily gracious. "Mac, you know that stuff's gonna rot your teeth," Harm teased. She flashed him her pearly white smile, effectively shooting down his word of warning. "Here, want some?" she offered him the stick of pink fluffy cloud. Harm shrugged, pinching some of the 100% sugar treat between his fingers. Ahh, he'd forgotten how good these tasted. The sweet flavor of kids' paradise. He snagged a second larger handful.
They strolled on. Passing a rifle game, Harm slowed down. "Hey, you want one of those?" he asked, pointing at the array of oversized stuffed toys hanging from the makeshift stall. Mac looked to see if he was making fun of her, but all she saw were his sea-green eyes smiling sincerely at her. Deep down the child within her dared to peep out from hiding. "Sure, why not." Making her way over, she gestured at the attendant and picked up the crude rifle imitation. "Ma-Sarah, what're you doing?" "What, you don't think I can win myself one of those?" she lowered her voice, "I am an expert marksman remember." "I remember. But if I also recall correctly, in my days the guy is suppose to win the prize for the girl." She stood pondering his words with a doubtful smirk. "Humor me," Harm cajoled. A thrill of delight ran down Mac's spine. Was he actually trying to charm her? "Alright," she acquiesced with an indulgent smile. Harm hit bull's eye effortlessly with all four air bullets. The onlookers clapped, mightily impressed. Mac shook her head in amusement. Harm was in full Macho flyboy mode. He was grinning proudly, chest puffed out like the proverbial cat that ate the canary. Harm looked at Mac enthusiastically, "Your pick." Mac came away hugging a gangly meter tall giraffe. Soon they were caught up in all the rides, exhibits and shows, the sights and smells drawing in the pair for a uniquely shared experience. Being the end of the week, the fair was at its busiest. Children ran to and fro, people milled through and around them, dogs streaked pass in their paths. The noisy buzz of chatter was ever increasing. "Urghhh," Mac moaned, her pallor had turned suspiciously green. Now she remembered why she hadn't been too keen on these rides as a kid.
Harm stepped out behind her off the rollercoaster. After a concerned assessment with the conclusion that she'd be fine, he swung an arm around her, teasing her good-naturedly. "Come on marine, this was nowhere compared to an F-14."
Mac took a deep breath, trying to regain equilibrium. His arm was firmly supporting her around the waist, she glanced up at him. "Knock that smile of your face Harmon." He threw her a smug grin in reply. "You'll be sorry," she promised him.
Another exasperatingly smug grin.
All too soon, the night was beginning to settle on them gently. One by one, lights began to brighten up; the festivities were only just getting into full swing.
The next thing Harm and Mac had been unable to pass up, was the chance to a bumper cars challenge. The operator took their tickets with a knowing grin. "Go for it lady!" he cheered.
Mac gave him a thumbs up. Oh she was gonna go for it alright. It was a not to be missed opportunity.
Afterwards, it was at least a good ten minutes before they both felt the jarring sensations began to fade. Harm got the raw deal, adding cramps in his legs to the aftereffects. * @}->- * Mac blew a strand of hair out of her eyes, talking animatedly. "Oh Harm, aren't they adorable?! Look at their tiny feet…"
Harm propped up a leg and leaned an arm on the fence. They were currently in the barn full of newborn animals. A grin was now permanently fixed on his face. He was seriously considering bringing back to JAG one of the small goats that Mac was cooing over. She'd transformed instantly into mush around these infuriatingly cute animals. It sure as hec would make all those plea-bargainings a lot easier! Eventually, Mac stood up reluctantly dusting herself off. It was nearing seven and their time together was almost up. They had to regroup with the others for dinner. Exiting the complex, Harm caught sight of something and a smile broke out across his face. "Mac, we can't come to a fair and leave without going on one of the rides," he called out. At her questioning gaze, he inclined his head towards the Ferris wheel.
* @}->- *
On its second rotation, the Ferris wheel suspended them on top of the world. Sounds of carefree laughter floated up to them in the air, the lights of the Carousel twinkling merrily below. Their shoulders were pressed closely together. Harm shifted slightly in his seat to watch Mac. She was making a sweep of the view from her left, and around a hundred and eighty arc her gaze ended up on his. A relaxed smile played beautifully on her lips. The contentment in her big brown eyes multiplied his own. God he wanted this woman to be happy more than anything else in the world.
Suddenly, Mac threw her head back and laughed gaily. "Harm," she took in a mouthful of air. "Do you realize, me and you, a Colonel and Commander, are sitting here on the Ferris wheel," she held up the animal before them, "with a stuffed giraffe!"
Harm chuckled, "Let's just hope the Admiral never finds out." Matching grins stretched out across their faces. "Let's pray Harriet or Webb never finds out," Mac amended. They groaned simultaneously. "We'll never hear the end of it." As their ride started to turn again, they lapsed into companionable silence. "Harm…" He frowned at Mac's hesitancy. "What is it?" The glance she cast him was almost timid. "Nothing, I was just thinking... It's so nice to be … like normal people you know?"
Harm smiled in relief, intuitively tuning into her unspoken thoughts. "Yea," his voice had fallen to an earnest quiet tone. "We can actually spend time together just like any other regular couple." He met her searching gaze head on, letting her know he meant what he was trying to convey. Her eyes lit up with a surprised smile, before looking away.
@}~>~~~ * @}->- * @-->-->---