Hourglass

You can remember the exact moment you fell in love Harm. It was six am on a Tuesday and the two of you were standing at the railing near the back of the aircraft carrier watching the sunrise in the distance, trying to catch your breath. He'd run you ragged that morning, changing up the route a little, throwing in an obstacle or two.

I like to keep things interesting, he'd told you and you could certainly testify to that.

You'd spent three months in his company and you'd told that man things you haven't spoken about in years. He'd unlocked the parts of you that had shut down after your marriage to Robbie, ignited things inside of you, you didn't even know existed.

He's laughing at something you've said when he tilts his head towards you. His t-shirt clings to his firm, broad chest, pulling taunt over his shoulders. His navy blue shorts cover his powerful, muscular thighs as you imagine getting on your knees and drawing them down his hips. His flock of dark hair wavers in the breeze as he looks at you, the edges of his eyes crinkling as he smiles.

Your breath catches in your throat and something blossoms deep down in your chest.

He's a handsome man, you're not the only one that thinks so. You see the looks some of the other women give him, the way their gazes stray across his form. You've been loved by attractive men before, you married one. It doesn't mean anything.

Harm though, he's different. You can see it in the way he listens to people, the way he talks to them. There's an intimacy in the conversations you have, each one is give and take, a mutual sharing of information. There's no judgement, no recrimination, just understanding. That's what makes you fall in love with Harmon Rabb, his compassion, his empathy.

The hourglass runs out before you can decide what to do about it.

One minute you're the agent afloat, the next you're being reassigned to New Orleans to investigate the murder of NCIS Agent Christopher LeSalle because you have connections in that world. Your replacement is already on route. Your tenure on the USS Allegiance is over.

It's that moment just before you step onto the flight deck to catch your chopper that you realise there's a chance that he might feel the same way. He gives you that resigned smile, his palms coming to rest on your shoulders, squeezing lightly and you realise for the first time in five years you don't want to leave. You're not talking about the ship, you're talking about him.

It's the thought of not seeing him again that drives you. Never in a million years did you think you'd put your heart on the line but you do, because there is just something about Captain Harmon Rabb you can't shake.

"Come visit me." You request, your palms coming to rest on his chest. "The next time you have leave, come to New Orleans..."

You trail off then because you start to second guess yourself. You can't hope that this man feels the same way that you do, you're asking too much for something that a flirtation at best.

"New Orleans in the Spring could be fun," He murmurs surprising you, his thumb chases over the line of your jaw as the edges of his mouth tip up into a smile.

You kiss him then and the feel of his lips pressing against yours, it's better than you ever could have dreamed. Your fingers tangle in his hair drawing him closer and he moans into your mouth.

It's the crackle of the radio that breaks you apart. It's clear in that moment that he doesn't want to let you go, you feel that reluctance acutely as you draw away, your hands still clasped in his.

"Stay safe." He says softly before releasing you.

"Always Captain." You murmur before issuing him a salute. "I'll see you in the spring."