Congratulations and Consolations
Author: Raindrops on Roses
Rating: G
Category: Vignette, Angst
Disclaimer: Harm, Mac, and AJ do not belong to me. Go bother DPB and the big shots over at Paramount if you want 'em.
I hear an unexpected knock on the door. "Enter," I call briskly. Looking over the top of my reading glasses, I watch as Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie walks into my office, closely followed by Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. Harm closes the door behind him, and the two come to attention in front of my desk.
"At ease," I command. "Please, take a seat." As they sit, I observe the pair discreetly. Both look nervous as hell, but they also radiate a certain happiness that I remember well. They are in love, that much is obvious.
God, Sarah looks beautiful today. Even those Marine Alphas can't mute the beauty of her olive-toned skin, her deep, dark brown eyes that shine with joy. Get your mind back on track, Chegwidden.
"Is something wrong?" I ask as the silence stretches. The question seems to snap the two out of whatever world they're off in together.
Harm speaks first. "I'm sure you already know, Admiral, but Sarah and I have been seeing each other for a while now."
I nod. Yes, Rabb, of course I know. I know everything that goes on in this building.
He breathes deeply. Reaching over, he takes Sarah's left hand in his. I see the glint of gold and sparkle of diamond. My heart sinks. Oh, god, no. I know exactly what he's about to say.
"I asked Sarah to marry me last night, and she said yes." I watch as Sarah smiles radiantly at Harm. Her fiancé.
I swallow. Letting my face settle into its usual emotionless mask, I reply, "I see. Which one of you will be transferring?" Seeing the look they exchange, I raise an eyebrow.
"Well, sir, we haven't really discussed that."
"Ah. Well, Commander, Bobbi Latham has been badgering me for a while now to get you over on the Hill. If you wish, I can give her a call; see what we can work out. Of course, if you would rather I transfer the Colonel..."
I watch as their typical silent conversation takes place. Finally, they turn back to me. "No, sir, the first option is fine."
"All right. Then let me be the first to congratulate you on your engagement. Knew you would get your head out of your six sometime, Rabb." He laughs, and she chuckles as well.
Finally, Sarah speaks. "Admiral, I know I asked you this once before, but... would you give me away?"
Oh, Sarah. Please don't ask that of me. I feel my heart being pounded into dust, but force a smile. "I would be honored, Colonel." I hear my voice crack a bit, but the two lovebirds don't seem to notice. They are gazing at each other again, smiling broadly.
I clear my throat. "Will that be all?"
They both jump, and nod at me.
"Dismissed."
They stand and, coming to attention, leave.
I groan, placing my elbows on my desk and my head in my hands. Snorting slightly, I hear a little voice in my head, saying, 'Well, what did you expect, AJ? That she would stay alone forever? Besides, you pushed her away, with your talk of duty and honor, your fear of violating the regs. And you've always known that those two would end up together. Everyone knows it.' I chuckle humorlessly.
Yes, and everyone will be having a field day with this one. I wouldn't be surprised if Harriet...
I hear a squeal from the bullpen through the supposedly sound-proofed walls. "Oh my god, congratulations!" Yep, there's our Harriet. The hopeless romantic. Wonder what she would think if she knew her hard-ass CO was in love with a woman he could never have?
I roll my eyes. Please. She would probably be shocked and appalled.
Sighing, I press the intercom button. "Tiner, get me Congresswoman Latham's office on the line..."
