Title: Rose, Cherries & Honey

Author: ParkerMCarter

Rating: PG/PG-13

Pairing: Harm/Mac

Category: Romance, Drama

Summary: The second in my 'The Scent of My Love Series'-JAG

Posting: Only with my permission

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. I am not receiving any money for this recreational outlet. The poem is mine.

Is she oblivious to her own magnetism? I mean how can she look at herself and not fall madly in love, like the rest of us? It's not just her looks that drive me wild, but her scent, her fragrance, her smell. It precedes her, like a welcoming committee and wafts behind her, like a legacy of beauty. It's sweet, but delicate, light, but thick and all encompassing. This may sound strange, but when she's around I feel invincible. When she's around, I'm safe. My heart is safe, my soul…is safe.

I'll admit only in the safe confines of my mind that I'm addicted to that smell. The smell of roses, cherries, and honey. It's kind of like a light sedative, not quite making you sleepy, but making the suggestion that sleep would be a good idea. It brings me comfort in light of my hardest decisions. Like leaving her. That was the hardest decision I've ever made and I regretted it and still regret it. From the moment I couldn't smell her anymore, I knew I'd pay dearly for my mistake in judgment, but I needed to know that I could live without her, once and for all. I couldn't. I came back and things weren't the same, but the one thing that kept me from running again was the security of her scent. That had never changed. Even after the most heated of our arguments, I was immediately lulled back into myself by that sweet smell. I knew in my heart that we would be alright one day. And now we are.

I did something unbelievably stupid, or maybe just strange. I hugged Sarah. I haven't the slightest idea why. I don't think Mac does either from the confused expression on her face.

I invited her into my office, because frankly, she looked like she could use a friend. She came in and asked me why I wanted to see her. I told her to come to my side of the desk. She came, looking at me suspiciously the whole way. Once she stood toe-to-toe with me, she looked up at me and asked what was going on. I didn't respond, at least not verbally. I pulled her close in a tight hug. She stiffened at first, before relaxing into my embrace and wrapping her arms around my back. I held her there for at least five minutes. I took in her amazing aroma. Her cheek is pressed against my own. God, her skin is silky. Mac interrupted the peaceful moment by reminding me that we had a client briefing in fifteen minutes. When she stepped back she looked a hell of a lot more relaxed than she had. The last thing she said to me before leaving the office was," I don't know why you did that, but thanks." She flashed me a quick and radiant smile before hurrying back to her office for her notes.

That was three hours ago. We're at Staff Call now. The Admiral's talking about something that has nothing to do with me. She's sitting right next to me, and if I lean over just a little bit I think I can…just smell…ah. There it goes. And inward sigh. What is she up to? She's looking at me…isn't she? She's taking deep breaths like, she's trying to smell something. Ah, smelling for Beltway burgers, ay, Ninjagirl? Out of no where, she starts giggling hysterically. Okaayy. What is going on in that head of hers? Though, gotta admit she looks damn cute when she giggles.

"Something funny, Colonel?"

" No, sir." She sneaks a look at me after turning away. I throw an inquiring eyebrow up at her. She bursts out in giggles again. I don't know why, but I start giggl…chuckling with her. I don't giggle. What is so damn hilarious? Don't know, don't care. She's happy and that's a good thing. The Admiral, looking more than a little worried, dismisses us all, seeing as he's lost our attention.

Mac and I exit the Conference Room together. We get to the middle of the bullpen and go our separate ways. I'm sitting here wondering whether anyone sells a perfume of roses, cherries, and honey. I'd gladly wear it myself. At least when I'm alone. Or just to smell when I get lonely. Before I'm allowed to contemplate this further Tiner comes in to say Mac wants to see me. I get up, confused at her request. I dismiss Tiner on my way across the bullpen. I go to the Colonel's open door and knock on the doorframe. She looks up and tells me to come in.

"Close the door behind you." I comply. "Come here." I look at her suspiciously. I'm getting a serious sense of déjà vu here. I, again comply to her wishes. We're toe-to-toe.

"What?" She looks into my eyes and…pulls me into a very warm hug. I'm stiff at first, but then I give and cuddle up to her. I inhale her smell like a drug. She caresses my back with those gorgeous hands. She's drawing random patterns, lazily. I turn my head sideways and whisper against her ear, "You feeling okay, Ninjagirl?" I feel her cheek twitch in response to a smile.

"You just looked like you could use a hug. And I felt like giving you one." My lips gently brush her ears as I whisper.

" I'm quite glad it was you who decided to do this. There's nothing like having a marine in your arms to brighten your day." She shivers momentarily. Her cheeks redden and I suspect they warm as well. Doesn't matter as long as I'm the one making it happen. "I love your perfume. " She pulls back to look in my eyes for a moment, before retaking her previous position.

"I love your cologne. It's strong, masculine, and makes me feel safe, like you do." I chuckle in spite of myself.

"Forgive me, I'm about to get poetic." She giggles again, softly.

"Feel free."

"Your fragrance precedes you like a warning,

a welcoming to all those who find value in beauty.

We grasp at it constantly, knowing that this is as close as we can ever come,

to the perfection that is she. You.

But hoping upon hope that we can forever emblazon such beauty of sight and scent in our minds , to be remembered in the mere seconds between life and death that lay before peace in sweet eternity.

Your presence is brief as a shadow in the setting of dusk.

But is cherished and loved as that of any true goddess should be.

Roses

In the soft blush of your cheeks lay carefree in your endless beauty.

The softness of their petals only rivaled by the gentleness of your heart.

Cherries

In the full redness of you lips spilling the kindness, warm, and sugary things we all love.

Sometimes even the most beautiful cherries burst bitterly.

Behind the bitter sweetness lie the true treasure…

Honey

In the fathomless and deep recesses of your perfect eyes.

Rivaled by all things you.

By the warmth of your kiss

the taste of your skin

the comfort of your embrace

the security of your voice

but most of all

by the saccharine sweetness of your spirit

soul, and very essence

Roses, cherries, and honey.

Three beautiful, natural gifts

wrapped in a being just as beautiful

From them you were given

strength from the roses…

to bear the worst of the storm

and beauty to disarm any thorn.

From the cherries, you were given…

your ability to be true and sweet and

your ability to lie and be bitter.

From them you were also given an empathy of heart.

From honey were given…

stickiness.

A stickiness that catches one and never lets them go.

That stickiness is your eyes.

.Once you peer into them you'll never go.

Roses, cherries, honey.

Your beauty, your soul, and your heart.

You, goddess of scent and sight."

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