TITLE: "The Men You Pick" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Missing Moments #5-this one from the episode "People Vs Mac". The fifth in a summer long series of 'in lieu of a new JAG' stories wherein older episodes will be revisited and we'll explore what happened that we did not get to see. DISCLAIMER: JAG of course belongs to Paramount and DB productions et al. No copyright infringement is intended. FEEDBACK: If you would like, but never expected or demanded. Feedback addy is ssbpmn@aol.com NOTE: All parts of this story, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL, H/M Fanfiction archive.} or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and running] =========== "The Men You Pick" "The men you pick." Harm looked at Mac and shook his head, hoping sarcasm would get across to her his concern. "Hey I didn't say I was going to marry the guy," she laughed. "He wants to buy me dinner. In case you haven't noticed Commander there's not a whole long line of men waiting to do that." "Did I say anything?" he screeched. "Yes you did. 'The men you pick' remember. It's just a dinner. I haven't picked him for anything else." "Then I'll see you tomorrow." "Of course," she nodded. "The new me, with a clear head and all this behind. And much in your debt." "No you're not. Friends don't keep score. And what I did doesn't even begin to touch what you did in Russia. Have a good time with Bugme." "He's a nice guy Harm." "I didn't say he wasn't," he laughed again. "You going to see if Ms. Latham is free?" She kept her eyes averted as she asked the question, the image of them together that evening burned into her brain. "No. That was a one time dealie." "Love 'em and leave 'em Rabb," she chortled. "See you tomorrow then. Thanks Harm." He nodded silently and watched her walk to her car. That she would go out with a man who so ruthlessly was willing to have her take a fall for murder bothered him greatly. And made him wonder what other such sterling qualities the Australian possessed. =================== BRISCOE's STEAKHOUSE Georgetown "Sarah stop." "Excuse me?" "You have talked of very little tonight other than your partner." Mac's mouth fell open. "Mic you're exaggerating aren't you? I mean yeah OK I've mentioned him, but you've talked a lot about yourself too." "No I'm not exaggerating, but for godsake Sarah your life and his aren't intertwined. He told me you in fact were not a woman but a partner and friend and that you were a free agent so to speak. Fair game." "You felt like you needed his permission to approach me?" Mac was amazed. "Would you mind telling me why you felt like you needed to check with him?" Mic shrugged casually. "Because the two of you. . .well early on I heard the two of you talking and it seemed like it was a lot more personal than. . .hell I don't know how to explain it. It's this vibe the two of you give off. That you're somehow connected." She flushed uncomfortably. "Yeah OK I'll admit we have our moments where our friendship seems to take on a new phase, but then we come right back down to earth. And why are we even having this conversation. Please, lets drop it. And I promise no more Rabb mention tonight." Mic smiled slowly, the wheels turning inside. Not only was there a beautiful woman at stake, but there would be competition for her hand. He had already formed his opinion of the former fighter pilot, considering him to be arrogant and egotistical and cocksure of himself. Someone needed to bring him down a peg. . .and Michael James Brumby felt himself to be just the man for the job. He picked up his drink and smiled again. "To you and me, and a future that's what we make it. Why don't we go to your place for coffee. I need to apologize properly for my conduct anyway." "That sounds wonderful" she smiled as she pushed away all thoughts of Harm. "Though you've already done that by buying me dinner." "Well that's the least I could do" Mic smiled. "Come on luv." A short time later she let him into her apartment and he looked around the well-appointed apartment. "I didn't know you had a fireplace," he said as he walked over to it. "You know it's great to make love in front of a roaring fire." "I wouldn't know" Mac laughed. "I've never done that before." "Well there's a first time for everything isn't there?" Mic smiled. "I'm going to go put on the coffee. Please make yourself comfortable." "Happy to" he murmured as she walked into the kitchen. He glanced around at the pictures on her bookcase, smirking at the one of her and Harm at Bud and Harriet's wedding. "Rabb you are such a fool" Mic murmured to himself. How he'd managed to ignore this incredible woman for this long was just incomprehensible. He'd settled onto the sofa by the time Mac returned with the coffee and he motioned for her to join him and she did so. "I hope you know that it wasn't personal in the court room," he said as he accepted the mug of coffee from her. "Of course. You were just doing your job. Course I'm glad you didn't win." "Me too" he smiled. "Gives me a chance to win your heart Sarah." "Mic" she blushed. "And I am sorry I had to put you through all that. It really was the last thing I wanted to do to you." "It's okay Mic. Honest. I don't hold anything against you." "Good. And I hope you know if you ever need to talk about what happened, I'm a good listener." "Thanks Mic. Right now I just want to put it all behind me and not think about it for a while. It's a long painful part of my past that I'd just like to forget about." "Many men have hurt you haven't they Sarah?" he said softly. "Falling in love is something I haven't been too good at" she sighed. "Which is the reason for the self imposed nunhood." "Sarah you are far too beautiful to be lost to the nuns" he whispered. "And I can assure that all men aren't like the one's you've been with." "Mic" she whispered. "Look I'm serious about not wanting to be involved with anyone right now. And it was very sweet of you to take me to dinner." "I'm not trying to be sweet Sarah. I'm trying to tell you how desirable I find you," he said as he leaned closer to her. "Mic" she started, only to be cut off as he pulled her into his arms, his lips descending upon hers. Caught off guard at first, it took her a few seconds before she started to struggle against his hold, finally managing to push him away. "What in the hell was that about?" she demanded. "Come on Sarah. You know what it's about. Why else would you have let me come back to your place?" "Well pardon me for thinking we would have coffee and talk and enjoy each other's company," she exploded. "You wanted to buy me dinner to apologize and I though that was sweet. And I had a good time. But buying my dinner does not buy you my body." She took a long breath for calm as Mic looked at her in astonishment. "You're serious aren't you? You had no intention of. . .of letting me. . ." "Mic I barely know you," she told him, her initial outrage calming into just irritation with the cocky Australian. "And I can't imagine that I did, but if I in any way led you to believe that dinner followed by sex was a normal practice with me, then I do apologize." He regarded her intently, considering his options; and she returned his stare, letting her eyes tell him she would not back down. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," he finally said, barely audible. "At JAG, yes you will," she nodded, letting out the breath she was holding. "You can give me your apology then." "Don't wait for it," he whispered and reached up to touch her cheek, an action that made her pull sharply back from him. "We could be good together Sarah." She shook her head, declining to answer, her eyes fastened to him while he walked to the door and let himself out. Then moving quickly she ran and fastened the dead bolt. She was not afraid. The Marine in her could hurt him if the need arose. Not afraid, but angry. Deciding a long tub soak would feel good she was heading that way when the phone rang. "Mic I don't want to talk about it. Ever," she spat into the receiver. "Uh. . .Mac it's me." Harm's voice showed he was puzzled at finding her there, and even more confused by her outburst. "I was going to leave this on your machine--figured you'd still be out. It wasn't even that important, just that the Admiral wants a status of the Miller mess first thing." "Yeah OK I can do that," she replied. "Good night Harm." "No hold up wait," he screeched. "Why did you think I was Mic? What's wrong? And don't tell me nothing because you know I know better." "Harm it's OK. Mic and I had a misunderstanding is all. It was my fault." Despite her best effort her last words were tearful and she hated herself for it. "Somehow I doubt that. And you're upset I can tell. Not that I'm surprised. The man can be such a jerk." He was silent for a moment and a few seconds later gasped in anguish. "Mac he didn't hurt you did he? Talk to me Marine." Part 1b follows immediately Disclaims & such in Part 1a "The Men You Pick" 1b "No he didn't hurt me," she said quickly. "He just thought he was going to get more than a cup of coffee. I cleared that up for him real quick though." "That lousy bastard made a move on you" Harm shrieked and Mac couldn't help but smile at his obvious concern. "He tried. Key word there Harm. I would have broken his neck before he actually got that far. I'm just upset that he was such a jerk." "Brumby's always been a jerk" Harm muttered. "Well he's now proven that he is a jerk" Mac sighed. "Are you sure you're okay?" Harm asked gently. "Do you want me to stop by?" "Is that an offer Commander?" "Mac I care about you. You've been through a lot the past few weeks. The last thing you needed was that idiot to make the moves on you." "Well like you said, the men I pick," she said quietly. "Okay that's it. I'm coming over." "Harm no" she started but it was already too late as the line disconnected on his end. She hung and with a long sigh headed to the kitchen to put on some more coffee. A half-hour later there was a knock at her door and with a forced smile she opened the door. "Harm you didn't have to come all the way over here. I'm fine. I was just feeling sorry for myself." "I know I didn't have to come over," he said softly. "I wanted to. We're friends remember. We look out for each other. And I know you want to talk." "And how do you know that?" she asked. "You put on coffee" he smiled. "You're right" she sighed. "Have a seat and I'll get us some coffee. As long as you don't expect there's more with it." "Mac do you really think I would do something like that?" "No of course not. I'm just lumping you in with all the other losers. I should know better." "I would hope you know me better than that" Harm said seriously. "I care about you Mac. A lot. " "I know. You stood by me during the trial and I can't thank you enough for that." Her voice trembled and she took a deep breath to keep back the tears. "Hey it's okay. We're here for each other. You stood by me when I was on trial didn't you. Even came back to save my six from the Brig. Now why don't you sit down and relax and I'll go get that coffee for us." He gently led her to the sofa and she sank down against the cushions. "I'll be right back." He returned moments later with two cups of coffee and gently pressed one of them into her hand. "Thank you" she whispered after taking a sip of the hot liquid. "I'm just glad you're OK, and Brumby is one lucky man tonight because if he'd really done anything. . ." He left the threat unfinished as he saw the distress in her eyes. "Harm it's OK, really," she sighed. "I didn't mean to make so much of it. He just startled and bothered me is all I guess. I didn't expect it from him." "The man tried to send you to prison," he yelped and took a long breath. "OK you're right. You weren't hurt and that's what's important. And you'll have to excuse me if I get a little excited and go in to big brother mode where you're concerned." "I thought you didn't think of me as your sister," she smiled, feeling herself relax in his presence. He was a calming influence over her, as she had been to him in the past. "You know what I mean. We've always watched after each other. You took care of me in Russia and I tried to repay you helping with the Ragle mess." "You did more than try," she told him firmly. "I think we're pretty even now, but it's not about keeping score anyway. Look, thank you for coming over here." She paused and slipped her hand into his. "Your concern is. . .well it's special. You're a special man Harm." "Maybe you bring that out in me," he whispered, toying with her fingers as he spoke. "And I'm getting the impression that you need to get to bed. I'm sorry tonight was less than you expected. Why don't you let me make it up to you? Have dinner with me one night soon?" She blushed at once. "Harm that's not necessary. You don't have to." "I know I don't have to. I want to. OK?" She blushed further. "Yes. I'd love to," she finally managed. "And now I'm going to let you get to bed," he said softly, still playing with her fingers. "But tell me first you're OK, because I can stay if not." "No way," she said firmly. "I'm fine and embarrassed besides. I slightly over-reacted I think." "No you didn't. Over-reacting would have been killing the bastard," he grinned. "I'll see you in the morning?" "Yeah. I'll have the status report ready for the Admiral, but I'm going to swing by Bethesda first for the Barker autopsy reports so I won't be in first thing." He nodded and rose, pulling her up with him. "Then this is good night." "Thanks Harm. And before--about you being special---I meant it." "Good. All the more reason for you to have dinner with me." Impulsively he kissed her cheek and slipped through the door. *********** JAG HQ's Next Morning "Morning Mate" Mic said to Harm as he walked into the break room. "Have you seen Mac yet this morning?" "She had to run by Bethesda." "Nothing's wrong with her I hope?" Mic frowned. "No. It was business. But while we're on the subject of Mac, I'd like to have a little word with you about last night." "Oh I figured she'd go running to you." "She didn't come running to me" Harm retorted. "I called her and she was upset. And that was because of you." "Look Rabb I didn't hurt her. I thought maybe her and I could connect but it didn't happen." "Because she stopped you. Not for your lack of trying." "You know I don't need to discuss this with you. Sarah's a big girl and can take care of herself. So just mind your own business." "Mac is my business" Harm said coldly. "And anyone who hurts her answers to me. You got that. She's been through hell the past few weeks and I'm not about to let you waltz in and upset her more." "I didn't know you were her keeper." "I am when it concerns slime like you. I mean it Brumby. You make another move on her like that and you'll answer to me." "I look forward to that day" Mic retorted. "I've been dying to kick your cocky six since the day I got here." "Say the word Brumby and we can go at it any time you want." Before Mic could reply the sound of heals coming down the hall stopped him and seconds later Mac walked into the break room. "Mic" she said coolly. "Morning Harm." "Morning Mac" Harm smiled. "Sarah" Mic nodded before heading out. "I get the feeling I interrupted something. Anything I should know about Commander?" "Nothing at all" Harm replied. "Just making small talk with my friend Brumby." "Okay. I can tell you're lying but that's okay. I don't think I want to know." "You don't" he smiled. She gave him another soft smile. "Harm we have to work with this guy, so let's not make life too difficult there OK. Now that I've slept on it, I'm filing it in the date gone bad memory bank we all have. It's over. Except for your sweetness last night. That I don't want to forget." "You haven't forgotten the dinner invitation that went with that have you?" "Not hardly," she laughed. "It's not like I have so many I need a computer to keep them sorted out." "Kabuki Steak House, Friday night." "Wow, that was fast. You want to sit on the floor do you?" "And eat Tempura with a beautiful Marine, yes I do," he grinned. "I'll pick you up at 1800?" "I guess you've got yourself a date Flyboy," she smiled and blushed at the same time. "Good. And that self-same date is going to kick your six this afternoon in court." "Not on your best day," she retorted, tossing her head as she strode away from him. ================ SATURDAY EVENING It was a cheerful and smiling Commander Rabb who hit the door buzzer of one Sarah Mackenzie, hoping the single white rose he held would say what he knew he would not be able to express without stammering through it---that he was happy and glad she was a part of his life. "Hi," he breathed when she opened the door. "For you." Her eyes opened wide with surprise as he pressed the rose into her hand. "Harm you do have a soft sappy roman. . .well sappy side." "Only with you," he laughed. "And you look wonderful." "Well pants for the floor but I wanted to look nice since I was going to be with a handsome Sailor," she bantered back, her eyes fastening to his black jeans and charcoal gray Henley top. "Well this Sailor is going to be the envy of every man there. You hungry?" "What happened to don't ask a question unless you know the answer. Of course I'm starved. Harriet dragged Bud here to celebrate the baby and said it was wonderful. Shall we?" She reached for her coat and could not suppress a small gasp of surprise when he took it from her and put it around her shoulders. "An officer and a gentleman." "Of course." As soon as they walked in, the smell of food grilling assailed them and she took a deep appreciative whiff. "I am here, bring on the steak." ================== "Well you've definitely got them rethinking that all you can eat concept when it comes to the grilled steak," Harm smiled when they finally signaled the chef they were full. "Must be the company," she sighed. "I haven't relaxed like this since. . .well since before Chris anyway." "You doing OK with that?" He asked gently. "You know I've got broad shoulders and a big ear if you need." "Yeah I'm handling it," she nodded quietly. "See I've got a best friend with broad shoulders and a big ear---and a bigger heart---who got me through it. And I'll always be grateful to him for that. Always." "Brumby?" Harm teased. "No I do think I was referring to you Commander" Mac smiled. "And at the risk of ruining a wonderful evening, would you like to come back to my place for coffee?" "I'd love to. And I promise I won't pull a Brumby on you." "I might not mind if you do" she said softly. "Good cause I've been wanting to do this all night" he said as he leaned across the table and planted a quick kiss on her surprised lips. "Are you going to deck me for doing that?" he asked as he leaned back. "Never" she whispered. "Are you ready to go back for that coffee now?" he smiled as he stood up, offering his hand to her as he did so. "More than ready" she smiled as she took his hand, adding under her breath 'ready for whatever comes my way'. The End.