Title: 24/7: Monday

Disclaimer: puh-leeze

Summary: A week in the lives of our favorite should-be couple.

Spoilers: Boomerang II, A little of the one where Mac spills the beans to Sturgis, but nothing major.

Mac pulled into JAG’s parking lot and walked inside. The second she entered the building, Tiner all but pounced on her.

“The Admiral needs you in his office, ma’am.”

She sighed. ’This is not a good way to start the morning.’ “Thank you, Tiner.” She walked over to her office and deposited her things. Then, with another sigh, she walked over to the Admirals office and knocked lightly on the door.

“Enter.”

She walked inside and stood at attention untill he waved her on. She looked at Harm, shocked that he was there before her, and slid into the seat next to him. “Is everything okay, sir?”

He took two files out of his desk and handed one to each of them. “The SecNav gave me a call this morning. Mac, I know you asked for tomorrow off, but he wants the two of you in Charleston tonight.”

Harm groaned. ‘There went his big night with Mac.’ “What’s this about, Admiral?”

AJ leaned back in his chair. “Ensign Maria Dakota and Lieutenant David Mariskoff are being charged with fraternization, and Ensign Dakota is being charges with dereliction of duty. Apparently the two have been participating in a personal relationship for a few months. Lt. Mariskoff was missing, and Ensign Dakota was ordered to stay put. She went in search of him anyways. The SecNav thought the two of you were getting to comfortable with the big cases, and he thought this specific, small case was perfect for you.”

Mac blushed slightly. “How long do you think this will take sir?”

“No longer then Tuesday.” He flipped open his book and smiled. “Things look like they will be calm on Wednesday. Speak with Harriet, and if it’s ok with her, see if you can switch your spa day to Wednesday.

She nodded. “I’ll think to Harriet. Thank you, sir.”

“Admiral, will that be all?” Harm asked.

He nodded. “Yes. Tiner has your flight information. Dismissed.”

Snapping to attention, “Aye-Aye sir.” They said in unison. They left his office, picked up their plane tickets and hotel information from Tiner and retreated into their own offices.

Harm grabbed his cover and briefcase and stopped by Mac’s office. “I have to meet someone before we go, but do you want me to stop by your place and pick you up for the airport?”

“I’ll get there on my own, but thank you.” She said, not even glancing up from the file.

He sighed softly. “Please, Mac. I’m trying. I really am.”

She softened a bit. “Sure. Ok. That’d be great. I’m going to finish up some work here, so why don’t you pick me up at my place at 12:00.”

Harm grinned. “Great. I’ll see you in a little while.” He left and stopped by ‘La Tours’ on his way home.

“May I help you?” The Maitre’d asked.

“I’d like to speak with a manager please.”

“One moment.” Harm sat while he went to find a manager. A few minutes later a distinguished looking older gentleman with silver hair approached him.

“May I help you?”

Harm stood. “My name is Harm Rabb, and I have a reservation for two tomorrow night at 7:00. I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel that reservation. My dinner companion will more then likely stop by and leave a note for me saying that she won’t be able to make it. Please just take the note. Don’t tell her the reservations have already been cancelled.’

He smiled. “We’ll take care of it, Mr. Rabb.”

Harm shook the mans hand and left. Making one last stop at the mall, he bought several fat gardenia candles, a white tablecloth and a crystal vase. As he secured the packages in a duffle bag, padded with cotton, he made a mental note to buy flowers and ingredients for a dinner sometime tomorrow. He was going to win her over. Show her how much he loved her. The days of playing games and dancing around each other were gone. Harm shut the trunk and looked at his watch. “Damn it.” He had taken longer then had planned and hurried to his apartment to pack, before heading to Mac’s apartment.

***

‘I’m so sorry to have to do this. A case came up that couldn’t be helped. I hope you’ll contact me and we can do this some other time.

-Sarah’

She folded the note and walked up to the massive glass doors of ‘La Tours’. She smiled at the Maitre’d. “I have reservations for tomorrow night. And I’m not going to be able to make it.” She laughed. I’m afraid I don’t know my dates name, but …”

The Maitre’d smiled. “The mystery date. I’ll make sure he gets it, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” She left him the note and walked back out to her car. She hurried to her apartment to pack before it was time for Harm to pick her up.

***

Harm took a deep breath and knocked on her door. “Hey, you ready?” He asked with a smile when she opened it.”

She returned the smile half-heartedly. “Yeah. Let me make sure everything is off and we can go.” She walked through the apartment turning off lights, and making sure appliances were off.

“Where’s Jingo?”

She smiled. “He’s staying with the people next door. You ready?”

“Yeah, lets go.” They headed out to his UV and he loaded her bags in, and they left for the airport.

Once they were strapped in, and on the way to the airport, Harm asked softly, “Why are you so down about this. I thought you loved Charleston?”

She sighed. “I do. I’ve always loved Charleston. But I had a lot of stuff to do this weekend. The spa with Harriet, dinner plans that night, and now I’m stuck investigating a fraternization case.”

He smiled softly. It’ll all work out. Besides, you’re getting to spend the weekend with me.” He grinned broadly. “What else could you ask for?”

“I don’t know.” She said softly.

***

After a somewhat silent flight, Harm and Mac checked into their hotel rooms.

‘I’m gonna take a nap, and shower, then we can go get something to eat.”

Harm nodded. “Ok. Just come by room when you get done. I’m going to go run a few errands. I shouldn’t be gone long.”

Mac nodded and opened her door, and stepped in her room. She tossed her bag in the corner and collapsed on the bed. She reached over and set the alarm for one hour, and then leaned back against the pillows. She was asleep in a matter of minutes.

***

Harm softly placed his bags in the closet and changed clothes. He grabbed the keys to the rental car and drove to the Target. He had forgotten to buy those little strings of twinkling white lights at the mall. Once he got there, he quickly found the lights. He bought two packs of them, paid for them and left. He got back to the room and watched TV till he finally heard Mac knock on his door.

Harm got up, smoothed the wrinkles out of his shirt and opened the door. He smiled the second he saw her. She looked so beautiful, and rested. Her dark hair was simply brushed and pushed behind her ears. Her pale pink ¾ length sweater looked perfect on her. It was low cut and looked wonderful against her dark skin. Her jeans were snug and were topped off with a brown belt. “You look good.” He said simply.

She smiled, pleased. “I try. You ready to go get some dinner?”

Harm nodded. “Yeah. Let me get the keys.” He walked over to his nightstand and picked up the keys. “Lets go, Marine.”

They decided to have dinner at a local seafood place. “This is great.” Mac said softly. The waitress came, quickly took their orders, and disappeared. She had a feeling this couple wanted to spend some time alone.

End ‘Thursday’

As you’ve noticed, I’m releasing the hostages one by one. Friday will be released when I get feedback!