A Christmas Vignette
Author: Raindrops on Roses
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters (although I'd like to own AJ!). They belong to Belisarius Productions, Paramount, CBS, et al. "Santa Baby" is sung by Eartha Kitt.
Spoilers: None
Feedback: Yeah!
Author's notes: Don't ask me why I'm writing Christmas stories in the middle of November. I wrote this in just under an hour, and it hasn't been betaed, so any mistakes are my fault.
Summary: Mac helps AJ get in the holiday spirit.
Admiral AJ Chegwidden sighed as he turned out the lights in his office. He hated the holidays. They just drove home the fact that another year had passed, and he was still alone. This year would be even lonelier, as his daughter, Francesca, wouldn't be able to visit. He glanced out at the darkened bullpen. 'Just like my mood. Dark, depressing, forlorn... God, what a pity party!' His ears perked up as he heard strains of music emanating from one of the offices surrounding the bullpen. He spotted a light coming from the office of Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. Curiosity got the best of him, and he moved so that he could observe the interior of the office.
"Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree
For me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight..."
AJ almost started roaring with laughter. The sight was just so incongruous with the normally buttoned-down Marine Colonel that Mac projected that it seemed quite funny.
"Santa baby, an out-of-space convertible too
Light blue
I'll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight..."
His Chief of Staff was dancing around her office, hanging decorations, and singing along with the Christmas music coming from the radio on her desk! Laughing quietly, AJ shook his head and walked over to stand in the doorway.
"Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be just as good
If you'll check off my Christmas list..."
Mac didn't sense anyone watching her, a first for her. She was enjoying herself, and she felt safe in the JAG offices, so she felt no need to keep her guard up as she normally did. 'If they could see me now...' she thought, imagining her co-workers' reactions. They would be amazed to see her so relaxed and informal. She had even shed her uniform jacket and pumps in an effort to be more comfortable.
"Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that's not
A lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight..."
She stood on her desk chair to hang some garland around the window. A throat cleared behind her, and she spun around, startled. This wasn't the best of ideas, as the chair spun with her, causing her to lose her balance. AJ reacted quickly, catching Mac before she struck her head on the window frame, and helped her to the floor.
Mac looked up. "Admiral! Thank you, sir. Umm... how long were you standing there, sir?"
AJ chuckled. "Oh, only a few minutes, Mac."
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't realize anyone was still here." Mac looked past AJ's face, and flushed a becoming shade of pink. 'Oh, god... whatever possessed me to put that there?'
"Nothing to be embarrassed about, Mac," AJ replied, seeing Mac blush. He realized that Mac wasn't looking at him, but past him, towards the ceiling. He followed her gaze...to the sprig of mistletoe hanging above the window. He arched an eyebrow, smiling bemusedly. "Mistletoe, Colonel?"
Mac looked horrified. "I'm sorry, sir, I'll take that down right away."
AJ grinned. "No need, Mac." He stood there, waiting. "Well?"
"Well, what, sir?" Mac stammered. 'Surely he couldn't mean...'
"Isn't there a tradition that comes with mistletoe? Particularly, if two people are caught under it together?" AJ was so not letting this one go. He almost laughed again at the expression of sheer terror on Mac's face. "Are you scared, Marine?" he provoked her.
Mac stared at him, an outraged glare transforming her countenance. "Marines don't get scared, sir!" Spurred on by his words, Mac placed her hands on his lapels, stood on her toes, and planted a kiss on AJ's lips.
Both officers were amazed by the heat that flashed through them as their lips met. They didn't deepen the kiss, however; to do so would have been folly. In silent but mutual agreement, they broke away at the same time. They blushed as they gazed at each other.
Finally, Mac broke the silence. "Would you like to help me decorate, Admiral? Not that you have to, or anything, but..."
"I would love to, Colonel," AJ replied firmly, stopping her flow of words. Picking up the garland Mac had dropped, he said, "You wanted this over the window, Mac?"
"Yes, sir." They finished decorating, laughing and bantering back and forth.
'Maybe the holidays won't be so bad after all,' AJ thought, his earlier mood lifted.
"Hey, Mac... want to help me decorate my office?"
