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Author’s
Note: I haven’t seen this episode yet, but after hearing all the comments about
the ‘sweet looks between Harm and Mac,’ and seeing a few screen caps, I just couldn’t
resist a shipper x’mas!
Robert’s
Residence
After
helping clear away the dinner table, Mac returned to the living room and sank down
onto a sofa. Feeling a small tug on her dress, she glanced down to find little
AJ looking back up at her with outstretched arms. “Auntie Mac?” Smiling, she
was about to reach down and pick him up, when he scrambled up onto her laps
himself. Snuggling instantly into the safe embrace of his godparent, AJ’s eyes
drifted close with a thumb in his mouth. Mac wrapped her arms securely around
him, feeling contented and happy and slightly drowsy herself. Today was full of
memories to be cherished. For this short time in a year, nothing else seemed to
matter, except in appreciation of the people around her. Gazing out through
half-lidded eyes, she took in the scene around her.
The
Roberts new living room was larger than average, but the people present and
their laughter and happiness created the cosiest atmosphere. For a second, Mac
felt a pang of melancholy, wishing her Uncle Matt was here. That feeling
intensified somewhat as her vision fell on the sight of Harm. Another year and
she was still she, and he was still he. Her wish for an ‘us’ has yet to be
granted. She’d finally been able to breathe a huge sigh of relief when he’d
strolled in late. But she pushed the pessimistic thoughts aside, as she watched
his head throw back with laughter at something the Admiral said. Harm wasn’t
showing any signs of his moodiness that usually occurred at this time of the
year. They had yet to have a private moment to themselves, but Mac knew their
time would come. Sighing softly, she leaned her head lightly on top of AJ’s,
lulled away by the warmth and soft chatter.
Without
notice, Mac suddenly found his voice and presence surrounding her. “You seem very
peaceful and relaxed” Harm said quietly in her ear, as he reached down a large
hand to gently soothe over AJ’s head. His large hand brushed her own that was
still resting atop the sleeping child’s head. For the briefest of seconds, his
hand covered her own and they shared another tender
look.
Standing
by the fireplace, AJ and Harriet had followed the path of the tall Commander as
he ambled slowly over to the woman and child. Seeing the picture perfect scene,
an involuntary “ohh” escaped past Harriet’s lips. Embarrassed,
she looked up to see the Admiral’s reaction, however she
was met with an understanding smile.
“Ready to go?”
“Yea” Mac
looked up expectantly; knowing what was coming as Harm helped her pull on her
overcoat.
“Give you
a ride home?” Harm guessed she must’ve caught a ride over as he hadn’t seen her
red corvette. For which, he was immensely grateful for in this weather.
“Yea,
thanks”
“Wanna stop over at my place first?” Harm invited with some
hesitation.
“Yea sure, but how about if we go to my place instead?” Mac suggested.
Harm grinned
and showed his acquiescence, gesturing his right hand with a flourish in the
direction of his SUV.
Sarah MacKenzie’s Apartment
Number
201, The Washington
“Harm, do
you mind if I go and get changed first?” Mac questioned whilst unlocking her
door.
“No, go
ahead.”
Settling
down on her couch, Harm stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankles.
Surveying her room, he had to smile at the decorations she’d put up. His eyes
fell on her small tree and widened at the sight of a single, giant box that lay
at its base. Wow, wonder who that’s from?
“Harm?”
He twisted around startled, as Mac plopped herself down next to him.
“Hey you
want anything to drink?”
“Nah, I’ve
had enough for the night.” Harm declined. Propping up an elbow behind on the
couch to rest his head on his left hand, he watched as she also got comfortable.
“Tell me
about it. Man I really hate to say this, but that eggnog Meredith made was
nasty,” Mac stated, scrunching up her nose with disgust.
“You’re
dogging Meredith’s special Eggless eggnog?” Harm chastised
with mock sternness.
“Definitely”
Mac groaned. “It was really considerate of her to make it especially for me
alcohol-free, but URGH Harm, even your meatless meatloaf isn’t this bad.”
“Ah! So finally after all this time, appreciation for my meatloaf.”
Harm said with a laugh.
“Hmm … I wouldn’t
go that far. Let’s just say, it’s a safer society for us all if they both
remain in the toxic waste where they belong.” Mac replied with angelic
sweetness.
Chuckling,
Harm and Mac both lounged back, feeling tired and heavily loaded with too much good
food, but totally relaxed. The time ticked by slowly as they made small talk,
catching up since their separation aboard the Seahawk.
About
half an hour later, Harm asked with an upward nod of his head at her tree, “Who’s
the extra generous Santa this year?”
“Oh,
I almost forgot!” Mac exclaimed. “It’s for you.”
“Me?”
“Mmm hmm,” Mac murmured. “Go and see Harm” she instructed softly.
Harm knelt
down beside the tree. Standing the box up length wise, it was almost as high as
his thighs. Whoa, and it was really heavy too. Mac gave him a silent invitation
to open it now.
Removing
the large layer of wrapping paper only revealed a plain brown box. Casting Mac
a puzzled glance, Harm proceeded to pull open the lip and peer inside. Still
unable to make out its content, he reached in an eager hand and grasped a
slender hard object. Slowly pulling it out, his breath caught as the item was gradually
revealed. Laying the black case on the carpet, he stared for a few moments hardly
daring to believe. Mac looked on in silence, knowing he would be overwhelmed.
Almost as
if he was unlocking a treasure chest, Harm released the catch reverently, and
his treasure to be found within was worth any amount of gold. The polished
surface of the brand new acoustic guitar gleamed beneath the lights.
“Mac --
this would’ve costed a small fortune.” Harm said eventually in wonder.
Mac merely
smiled and shrugged. She knew he would be too much of a gentleman to reject her
present despite its expense.
“Can I
play you a song?” Harm asked suddenly out of the blue.
“Please,” Mac
nodded with enthusiasm, pleasantly surprised that he’d offered. She’d known for
many years his love of the guitar, but had never heard him play.
Taking a
hold of his new prized possession, Harm walked back over to the couch and sat
down gingerly. Mac watched with a sense of pride and admiration as Harm tuned
the guitar. His mouth was pouted slightly in concentration, his head sloped to
one side listening as he plucked each string.
Minutes
later, Harm was strumming all the strings together to get a feel of the sounds in
harmony. And then, starring off towards the twinkling lights of the Christmas
tree, Harm played the first melodies. Soon his soft voice joined in, filling Mac’s
apartment with the most beautiful sounds.
This is the time of year, that we learn to give
And the greatest gift is learning to forgive
We will have the best time that we ever knew
If you forgive me and I forgive you
Pausing in
his softly sung words, Harm refocused his attention on the woman watching him
intently. Mac had a touch of sadness on her features, upon hearing his first
words. They were only too true.
I don't want to light a fire
Unless it will warm your heart
I'm playin’ no holiday songs
I need you to sing your part
And baby if I could have just one wish come true
I don't wanna spend one more Christmas without you
Harm closed
his eyes at the upcoming words, as so many painful memories resurfaced easily to
flash by in his mind.
It's so hard to believe
We're staring at the end
When all we think about is starting up again
Whatever we lost, when we were apart
We'll find it all alone in the dark
Mac watched
mesmerised as his long dark eyelashes slowly lifted, to reveal the clearest mixture
of blue and green coloured eyes she had yet to see.
Locking onto
her gaze unwavering, Harm’s voice increased with volume and strength in accordance
with the intensity of the chords he was playing, as he sung the next words.
There's nothing more that I want from you
Then to lie here together
And stay here forever with you
There's no one I ever knew
That I wanted to spend Christmas with, more than you....
I don't want to light a fire
Unless it will warm your heart
I'm playin’ no holiday songs
I need you to sing your part
And baby if I could have just one wish come true
I don't wanna spend one more Christmas without you
The melodious
deepness of Harm’s voice faded off with the last strands of music into their
hearts to be stored forever in this magical moment. Touched beyond words, Mac
could only whisper a heartfelt “thank you.”
Harm saw
the glistening in Mac’s eyes and gave her the tenderest
small smile in return. He hoped she understood not only his gratitude for the
present but more importantly, for her existence in his life. Setting down the
guitar on the floor to lean against the couch, he got up and moved to the cloak
stand where his trench coat hung. Mac stood up also, wondering he was doing.
Harm
returned to stand close in front of her. Reaching down he grasped and brought
up her left hand. Using his thumb, he smoothed out her curled fingers.
“Harm?”
Mac stared up at him puzzled. He merely smiled and looked back down at her
outstretched palm. Mac followed suit and started in surprise as he placed a
small gift-wrapped box on her hand.
“Open it”
Harm said gently, still with his warm hand cupping hers underneath.
Holding
her breath with anticipation, Mac slowly and meticulously, tore open the shiny
blue paper. It was her turn to stare in wonder at the gift in her hand. It was
a small glass display case, no taller than five or six centimetres. Nestled
inside on top a velvety red cushion, was a miniature golden phoenix made of
solid gold.
“It’s a Chinese
tradition. The
“Do you
like it?” Harm asked tentatively moments later, when Mac still didn’t say
anything.
“I love
it” Mac said with a catch in her voice.
“Merry
Christmas Sarah”
”Oh Harm, Merry Christmas”
It was the
most
There had
been no declaration of love, but for the first time in a long time, Mac had
faith in her belief that she was no longer grasping on to unrequited love. Taking
both of his hands, she led Harm over to the window. Turning to face the
glistening world of white outside, Harm encircled his arms around her
instinctively. Both let out a sigh almost simultaneously, in this moment in
time at peace with themselves and with the world.
“I think
it’s snowing too heavily for you to drive home safely” Mac murmured vaguely. The
unspoken invitation to stay was unnecessarily. For once they were truly
connected. Harm tightened his hold
around her waist and pressed his face against the softness of her hair.
The first rays
of sunlight dawned on Christmas morning, peeking through the half parted
curtains. Gathering strength, its light travelled further within the room to shine
upon the sleeping couple and finally, reflecting off
the statute of The Phoenix, sparkling golden in the daylight. Its engraved message
still safely concealed at its base, one day to be discovered by its intended reader,
making its significance all the more dearer.
Sarah,
For all your happiness and love,
Harm
I don't want to light a fire
Unless it will warm your heart
I'm playin' no holiday songs
I need you to sing your part
And baby if I could have just one wish come true
I don't wanna spend one more Christmas
I don't wanna spend one more Christmas
I don't wanna spend one more Christmas without you
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!