Title: One Percent

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: This is a continuation of the episode, “Four Percent Solution”.

Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.

AN: As close as I could find out, Sleepy Hollow is a road in Virginia that runs through Falls Church and Hillwood is a village in the town of Falls Church. I decided to make this my reality for this fan fiction.

ONE PERCENT

Christmas Eve

Mac’s Hospital Room

Mac’s face burned from the abrasions the air bag had inflicted. The bruising and soreness would be gone in a few days the doctor had told her, but the warmth of the hand holding hers, the warmth she felt inside, she hoped lasted much, much longer. Harm had done for her what she had been unable to understand until now and do for him over the years...wait until he was ready.

With her eyes closed she let his words play over in her head while she concentrated on the feel of his hands wrapped around hers.

~Flashback~

“I’ve been pushing you away...”

“Yes, you have...”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m still here...I’m going to stay here tonight.”

“Did you go to the wall?”

“I’ll go next year. I’m just glad you’re alive.”

“You know what makes it better? You’re alive too.”

~End Flashback~

Mac smiled, although her whole face hurt her when she did. Opening her eyes again she relaxed against the pillow and looked at Harm. He was sitting on the edge of his chair and holding her hand. He couldn’t be very comfortable.

“Harm?”

“I’m right here.”

“I know...thank you, but...you can’t be very comfortable sitting like that.”

“I’m fine.”

“Why don’t you at least sit back?”

“Later...I just want to sit here and hold your hand for now...do you mind?”

“No, of course not...” Mac studied him some more and then blurted out, “I won’t share you.”

“Okay...who do you think you’d be sharing me with?”

“I don’t know,” Mac mumbled hesitating to move this conversation forward.

“Who is it that you think I’m involved with?”

“What?”

“Mac, listen to me. I am not involved with anyone else. I haven’t been since Renee. I will admit I tried to get interested in Catherine Gayle, but she shut me down.”

“Alicia?” Mac just had to know.

“Nice lady...smart lawyer...good teacher...I’m not interested in anything more then a professional friendship.”

“But you had dinner together...”

“Yes, we had been working on a case and closing arguments were the next day. There was nothing more then that.”

“But I saw her kiss you...”

“She kissed my cheek and offered to watch my six. I never encouraged her or called her after that.”

“You didn’t?”

“No...If anyone’s going to watch my six...I hope its you.” Harm smiled a little afraid he would take the light-hearted banter too far before she was ready for it.

“You want me to watch your six?” Mac grinned as she asked unable to resist the fun banter that had been part of them for years before everything fell apart.

“Yeah...” Harm grinned knowing she knew he meant it more then as just watching out for him.

“And you watch my six don’t you?”

“Mac...if I answer you honestly will I get my face slapped?”

“No...” Mac grinned - or tried to until her face her. “Ow! It hurts to smile.”

“I’m sorry. Mac, why don’t you try to get some sleep. I’m sure you’ll feel better in the morning.”

“You’re going to have back problems sitting in that chair.”

“Hang on...” Harm released her hand and pulled the chair closer to the side of the bed. He sat down and leaned back in it, only to discover that it actually reclined and had a foot rest. Getting comfortable, he reached for her hand again. “Perfect...I’m comfortable, I can hold your hand, and you don’t have to worry about me a bit...so get some sleep...that’s an order.”

“Aye-aye - sir!”

Christmas Morning

0530 Local

“Good morning, Colonel Mackenzie...Sir, I’m sorry but you’ll need to leave so we can tend to the Colonel.”

“Can you give us a minute?” Harm asked.

“Sure, I’ll be right back.”

“Mac, do you think they might let you go home?”

“I hope so.”

“Then why don’t I go get you some clothes to wear and come back for you.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not...what do you want me to bring for you?”

“Loose comfortable clothes...no jeans.”

“Okay...” Harm stared down at her a moment before he gently touched his lips to her raw and bruised face. “I’ll be back soon.”

Harm left the hospital room reluctantly, but with a mission. He slipped into the car and headed for Mac’s apartment. He hated to invade her privacy by going through her things, but she needed something to wear if they let her come home. Using the spare key she had given him sometime ago, he let himself in. The early morning light made the apartment seem eery and cold. He turned on the light and smiled when he saw her tree. It had a few decorations on it, but was a definite contrast to last year’s tree.

Harm headed into her bedroom. On the foot of her bed lay her flannel pajamas with the cowboys on them. He smiled remembering her wearing them years ago. They were more faded then when he had seen them, but still seemed to be a favorite. Carefully he folded them up, along with a flannel nightgown and robe he found on the back of the bathroom door.

If they kept her at the hospital, he wanted her to have her own things and be as comfortable as possible. Finally he approached the bureau and opened the top drawer. He found any number of bra and panty sets paired up in the drawer. He found cotton sets, silk and satin sets, and others in an almost see thru material. He decided that those didn’t look that comfortable so he opted for a couple of the cotton sets and one of the shiny sets in a beige.

In the next drawer he selected some warm looking cottony socks. Going down two drawers he found jeans and sweat pants. He took out two pair of sweat pants with drawstring waists and one with an elastic waist that looked to be cut to set low on the hips. The bottom drawer he found turtle necks and sweat shirts and sweaters. He picked out two of each and packed them carefully into a sea bag. He added slippers, sneakers, a coat, and her travel bag.

Hoping he had thought of everything he headed to his apartment to shower and change and throw some things in a bag of his own. He didn’t want her to be alone so he was prepared to stay with her at the hospital or at her apartment.

Harm packed a second bag that contained Christmas presents. He decided to put the Corvette in the garage and took the Lexus to return to the hospital.

Same Time

Mac’s Hospital Room

“You have a very sweet boyfriend.”

“Thank you...seems funny to refer to him that way.”

“You just started dating?”

“Well, we haven’t really dated at all...but we have known each other over eight years.”

“Well, he was so sweet holding your hand during the night...we all peeked in to see,” the young nurse admitted as she cleaned Mac up with the early morning sponge bath, took vitals, and applied a little more antiseptic to her cuts and scrapes.

“Do you think they’ll let me leave here today?”

“Maybe...I mean right now you are still have your IV and are catheterized. You haven’t been ambulatory since you were admitted. They’ll probably keep you most of today. The doctor is planning to check in this morning early, before he goes home to his family...but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”

“Thank you for leveling with me.” Mac closed her eyes and thought for a minute. She had refrained from getting her hopes up for sometime now, and having Harm come to her last night and stay with her was giving her hope. The miracle of not being killed gave her some hope. She made the choice to be hopeful and that she would soon go home. She didn’t have long to wait.

“Merry Christmas...What kind of night did you have, Colonel?” asked the doctor as he stepped into the room.

“She was sleeping every hour when we checked on her, sir.” The nurse smiled and stepped in to report for Mac.

“Feeling better?” the doctor asked, addressing his question to his patient and not the nurse.

“Yes...I think so. Are you going to let me go home?”

“Well let’s take a listen and see if your system is functioning...,” Everyone was quiet as they waited for the doctor to finish his examination. “Nurse, go ahead and remove the IV line and the catheter...I hear good bowel sounds...a good sign...I think if you eat breakfast and move your bowels then I can safely release you.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you have someone you can call to give you a ride?”

“Harm, my friend you met last night, has gone to get me some comfortable clothes and he’ll be back. He’ll take me home.”

“Very well then. Nurse, when Ms. Mackenzie has completed her breakfast and other assigned tasks, she may go home if there are no concerns.”

“Thank you doctor.”

“Merry Christmas.”

Mac had finished eating breakfast, made a trip on her own feet to the bathroom, completed her assignment from the doctor and was sitting on the bed when Harm returned with her huge seabag.

“Harm, why on earth did you bring all that with you? I’m going home today!”

“I wasn’t sure...and I wanted you to have choices...”

“Oh Harm...thank you. Think I’ll ever be able to see what you do as thoughtful and not foolish?”

“Maybe...I do enough foolish stuff to make it a possibility at all times.” Harm smiled and soaked up the smile she returned to him. “Need some help?”

“What did you bring?” Mac asked with a smile and Harm told her some of the choices she had. Mac settled on the gray sweat pants and red sweatshirt, the gray socks and sneakers and of course her coat.

“Mac...I put several sets of underwear in here too...”

“Thanks Harm.”

“I’ll just wait outside...and let the nurse know you’re almost ready to go.”

“Okay.”

Fifteen minutes later, dressed and in a wheelchair, Mac signed the papers that allowed her to leave the hospital. The nurse took her to the door, while Harm ran to bring the car around. Carefully Harm assisted Mac into the passenger seat of the Lexus and carefully fastened her seat belt around her, checking to see if she was comfortable.

“Harm...treating me like I’m fragile glass is going to piss me off...but I appreciate your thoughtfulness...can we agree to find the middle ground?”

“I’ll try Mac...give me a warning and I’ll listen.”

“I know...thank you.”

“Mac? Don’t over do on the appreciation...” Harm grinned as he shut the door. He realized that they were both over compensating and being ridiculously polite to each other. He hoped that they would find their comfort zone again and be able to act naturally with one another.

With her bag stowed in the back with his again, Harm made the relatively short drive back to Mac’s apartment. Before getting out and coming around to help her, he turned in his seat.

“Mac, I want you to hear me out...It’s Christmas Day. I almost lost you for good this time. We have been given another chance, and I want to enjoy spending time with you today. I don’t want you to take it wrong and I’m not trying to be pushy, but I’ve brought a bag with me and I’m bringing it up stairs. If we decide I should go home later, I’ll bring it back to the car with me...if not, then I’ll have a change of clothes handy.”

“Contingency planning...good idea Commander,” Mac smiled at her friend.

“Okay then...” Harm got out of the Lexus, took out both of their bags and arrived at her side just as she stepped out of the vehicle.

“Whoa...” Mac grabbed his arm. “Guess I’m shakier then I realized.”

“Just take it slow. Remember, you don’t have to prove a thing to me. I’m here...”

Once Mac was settled on her couch, Harm put the kettle on and unpacked some of the items from his bag.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s Christmas Mac...don’t you want your gifts?”

“Having you with me is the only gift I need right now.”

“Then humor me...I’m going to get us some tea and then I think you should open the gifts.”

“Okay.” Mac smiled and it dazzled him. For the first time in years he felt that he was making her happy.

Harm was a little large to be considered an elf, but Mac grinned as she watched him play the role of elf, bringing the gifts from under her tree to set in front of her. She laughed with delight to discover that Harm had not only brought the gifts for her that had been under his tree, but the ones that had been there for him as well.

Mattie had left three gifts under Harm’s tree. One for Mac, one for Harm and one with both of their names on it. Harm handed Mac the two gifts with her name. She opened the one to her alone. It was a beautiful sweater in a soft peach material.

“Oh Harm...she shouldn’t have...but its so beautiful.” Mac carefully held it up to her sore face appreciating the soft color and material.

“She picked it out by herself...”

“But you let her.”

“Yes. She said that it was the least she could do for all you did to help us have the chance to learn and grow together.”

“She’s a special girl. Harm...this one is to both of us.”

“I know. Go ahead and open it.” Harm was looking at his own new sweater in a deep pumpkin color that Mattie had selected for him.

Carefully Mac, opened the flaps of the paper covering the two inch thick flat box that was about a foot long and nine inches wide. Lifting the cover she flipped back the tissue paper to discover a scrap book...filled with pictures of Harm and Mac. On the inside she had written an inscription.

“To Harm and Mac...I was looking through pictures with Harm one day when it hit me that you two share a special history. I hope you don’t mind that I took those pictures and had them made into this scrap book. I thought you should try to see each other the way you to look to the rest of the world. Two people that are there for each other more then you are not. You don’t have to agree with each other - but you are there for each other. Look at these pictures carefully. Harm, remember those words we taught each other? You can see them in these pictures. Try using the words on Mac. Mac, you said you thought we should work on not being strangers. Having worked on this project, I feel I know you pretty well. I hope you can see what I see and that you’ll give things another try. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love Mattie”

Carefully they turned the pages. There was a picture from the rose garden when they first met. There were pictures of them at formal functions, JAG gatherings, from Afghanistan, Italy, Japan, California, aboard carriers, in submarines, in every uniform Mattie had ever heard about, civilian attire, running in that Jag-a-thon, at the wedding and christening. Some were grainy newspaper clippings and others were photographs.

“What do you see here Mac?” Harm asked his voice gentle.

“Us.”

“Me too.”

“I said ‘never’ Harm and I was so wrong. There’s been an ‘us’ for years but we’ve never understood it or accepted it...until now...although you understood that before I did didn’t you?”

“Maybe...but it’s not a race. We both understand it now and that’s what’s important.”

“I agree, Harm.”

“Mattie did a nice job on this.”

“Yes she did. I think we should call her later.”

“Good idea, Marine.”

“Right after we open the rest of these gifts.” Mac smiled as she caressed his hand resting on the photo album/scrap book.

Harm was touched by the scrapbook. His throat thickened and he was sure that his eyes glistened. He knew they felt watery. Yet, Harm felt a peace and happiness with Mac that he hadn’t felt for years - maybe ever. He knew that Mac would want to talk about things off and on and would want to stop if things became too intense or emotional. Yet, the fact that she would talk gave him hope.

“Harm? Did you zone out on me?”

“Sorry Mac...I was just thinking about the love and care Mattie put into that scrapbook for us.”

“I know...Harm, look what little AJ gave me.” Mac smiled as she showed Harm the framed picture of AJ in Marine attire while Jimmy wore the Navy outfit Mac had bought for AJ when he had been a baby. AJ stood at attention and saluted the camera while Jimmy sat next to him and smiled his toothy smile. It was hard to believe that they would soon have twin siblings.

Harm watched the smile fade from Mac’s face as the picture of the boys suddenly reminded her of what she might not be able to have. While he watched her tear up and look away for a second, he also watched her turn her smile on him.

“What’s going on in your mind, Mac?” Harm asked cautiously.

“ I think you probably know...”

“A baby?”

“Yes...Harm I’m not sure if I made it clear to you how important it is to me to be able to carry a baby...to feel like I created something...”

“I’m listening...”

“Harm, you take pride in parenting and you are good at it. But I’m afraid that I might not be if I don’t bond with the baby as it grows inside me.”

“Mac, what about Chloe...I know you love her and you are still close. You advise her and worry about her and try to help her through the tough times. You’re very good at it. And Mattie respects you and obviously cares about you even though you haven’t had a chance to bond yet. I think you are selling yourself short....but I can also understand how and why it is important to you.”

“You can?”

“Yes...you see, for me the baby isn’t as much about what we create together...although I think it would be pretty amazing,” he paused and smiled at her getting lost in thought momentarily. “The baby deal for me was a way to keep you in my life...to tie you to me. I also find adopting and raising a child with you appealing, because then I’ll know without a doubt that there would be one less child going to sleep alone, unloved, with parents and family to be there for them.”

“That, Harmon, is why JAG falls apart when you’re not there. You make us a family. You unite us and I don’t think you even know you do it.”

“I guess not. We have time to decide on that. I only will ask one more thing from you for now.”

“Go ahead.”

“Mac, I want you to promise me that you’ll allow yourself to enjoy us being together and not make it hinge on your fertility. We haven’t even talked about whether or not I can hold up my end of the deal. I should probably get things checked out as well...but I meant what I said on the patio at the Admiral’s Dining-out. I don’t want to look in on your life...I want to be a part of it...when you’re ready.”

“I’m ready for you to be part of my life...I have been for a long time...I just didn’t think that’s what you wanted too.”

“Mac you’ve asked me before if I wouldn’t be happier just letting go...”

“I know...and when you start to let go with me, I shut you down, don’t I.”

“You have...but I can’t keep doing it...I mean I can wait until you’re ready, but I’m not going to hold back telling you what I’m feeling...what I want...anymore. That’s been my latest mistake. I know how I feel...what I want...I’m not afraid to say the words...I don’t want to push or possess but I do want to be a part of your life...baby or no baby. If there is ever to be a baby for me...it will be with you...something we decide on and go after together. I still think there are many acceptable options, but we will create a family together...that’s what we can create if we choose.”

“Harm?”

“Yes?”

“Can we open the rest of our gifts?”

“Conversation got a little heavy, huh?”

“Yes...but I heard what you said and I promise I won’t look for trouble. I want us to work things out, Harm.”

“Good. Here’s another gift...”

“Who is this one from?” Mac asked as she looked it over and found a tag with just ‘Mac’ on it. “Is this from you?” she asked Harm.

“No...it was under your tree.”

“Harm...take it...I don’t want it...”

“Do you think it’s from Clay?”

“I don’t know...just take it into the kitchen. Get it out of here!”

“Calm, down Mac...” Harm picked up the offending gift and went into the kitchen. Once there, he took a knife and slit the paper and then used the knife to lift the lid of the box. He could see something red and he eased the lid off further. He moved closer and found a note inside. He carefully opened it until he could see the name on the paper. He smiled, returned the note to the box, set the kid back on and returned it to Mac.

“It’s okay, Mac. There’s a note inside. I’m sure its safe to open it.” Harm couldn’t stop the smile as he watched her gingerly take the box back. She opened the box and removed the note.

“Mac, After our talk last month I thought this might help you to achieve your dream. Have fun! Harriet.” Mac set the note down and returned to the box. She lifted out a bright red teddy and her face immediately matched the gift. “I’m going to strangle her!”

“I look forward to the day you feel up to modeling that gift.” Harm grinned as he sat back in his chair and allowed the tension to drift away. Once again the fun was back in their day as they continued to open gifts.

Mac handed Harm a box next.

“From you?”

“Yes...it’s not the real gift...it’s just...never mind...just open it.”

Harm opened the box and smiled at the tie with jet print. The jets were so subtle on the variegate blue background that most people wouldn’t notice them immediately.

“I like it Mac...thank you.”

Mac reached for a box that looked a little like a decorated shoe box. She flipped open the tag and recognized Harm’s writing immediately. Tearing into the gift, she lifted off the lid and found a pair of athletic shoes - her old dirty athletic shoes!

“Harm? What is this?” Harm had been watching her and trying to hide his expression.

“Keeping looking...you’ll see.”

Mac removed her old shoes and found an envelop attached. Opening it she removed two pieces of paper. One looked like a gift certificate and the other was in Harm’s handwriting. After another quick glance at him, she read it.

“Mac, I want you to have what every woman wants...hope this helps you to achieve part of that dream. Love, Harm.”

“How did you get my old shoes? I threw them out after...” She looked up at Harm sitting there grinning and nodding. “You took them out of the trash at the base?”

“Guilty as charged...I was coming out of the locker room behind you and saw you toss them...I grabbed them and stuffed them in my bag figuring I could use them to get you a new pair...only when I went shopping with Mattie, we found so many different styles and colors that I decided to go with the gift certificate. Mattie thought the old shoes would be a great disguise.”

“Blaming it on the kid, huh?” Mac shook her head.

“Guilty again. I hope that maybe we can start working out together again. I miss spending that time with you.”

“You miss the competition.”

“Yes...I do...but its only fun when its you and I challenging each other to do better, go further, go faster...”

“I know...I’ve missed it too.”

“We going for another Hallmark moment or can we move onto the next gift?” Harm asked.

Mac tossed a sneaker at him as she said, “Jerk!” while smiling and shaking her head.

Chloe had sent Mac two hair clips that were perfect. With one, she would be able to secure her hair for work while the other one was decorative and could be used to give her a sophisticated look if she wanted to go out.

Harm opened a small gift from Chloe that turned out to be a Vermont black marble tie tack.

Finally, the only two gifts that were left was the one Mac had gotten for Harm and the one Harm had gotten for Mac. They sat there staring at each other holding the gift until as if a silent command had been given that no one else could hear, they both started ripping the Christmas paper off the gift they held.

Mac had more or less expected the usual perfume, but was left speechless and overcome with emotions when she found a ring on a chain. It was a simple wedding band on a matching chain. She couldn’t stop the tears that came to her eyes or the way they stung as they rolled down her cheeks. She couldn’t stop his hushed name escaping from her lips or her hands as they trembled while she held his gift in them.

Harm opened the box to reveal a small wall plaque with the words inscribed, “Happiness is sharing life with your best friend.” Below that Mac had inserted a small picture of them that had been taken in Afghanistan. He swallowed the lump in his throat not sure what he would see when he looked up at her. It was then he heard his name on her lips. He looked up then.

“Harm...”

“When you’re ready...I just wanted you to know where I saw this all going. This is beautiful...thank you, Mac.” He stood up and leaned over to place a gentle kiss on her lips. Mac grabbed his hand.

“Will you put the chain on me?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes...I think it’s safe to say that we are heading in the same direction. You know the last time I went to see Dr. McCool, she said that I needed to focus on the four percent solution.”

“Four percent solution?”

“Yes...I was so busy dwelling on the ninety-six percent chance that it was too late for us and that I couldn’t have children and that Creswell would make my life hell and that I was doomed to never have what I wanted, that I lost sight of the four percent chance I still have to get my dream.”

“And now?”

“I’d say about one percent has now become a reality.”

“I know it’s not the children yet...so I’m guessing that Creswell hasn’t turned out to be as bad as you feared.”

“I’m still not sure of him even though he’s tried to put me at ease. No...I was speaking of us...I know now that it’s not too late for us yet.”

“So are you considering me the one percent solution?”

“Yeah...I guess I am. Do you mind?”

“No. And when the time is right, we’ll work on the other three percent.”

“Sounds perfect to me, Harm.”

THE END

(I may be inspired to write other chapters leading to the solution...but what real life hands me and what future shows allude to could impact that.)