Title: Realizations

Author: Elizabeth

Disclaimer: I just like to play with 'em. I don't own them, if I did things would've been totally different.

Author's Note: The song "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood inspired this; I hope I do it some kind of justice. Since this was already written, at least the first five parts are, I thought I would go ahead and post the first part. I hope everyone enjoys this; I sure had a fun time writing it. Thanks to my good friends Demelza and Nettie for beta-ing and all the encouragement that they have given me, you two are the best! Now on to the story!

-Elizabeth

Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment

Georgetown

I stand in the middle of my bedroom putting the final touches on my make-up even though I am not exactly sure why I am taking so much time with it; it is just Harm after all. Harmon Rabb is my best friend and partner at the Judge Advocate General Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.

I don't feel the need to impress him, but here I am checking my make-up for the third time in the last thirty minutes. I am kind of nervous about being around Harm tonight; we haven't spent very much time together since I became involved with my fiancé, Mic Brumby.

Things have been so different since Mic came into my life. He loves me so much that he gave up his country for me, I'm not used to having someone sacrifice so much for me. He offered me stability and a family, things that I want in my life. I know I have someone who will love and cherish me for the rest of my life. He makes me so happy and I love him, I really do.

Sure he has his moments and it is far from perfect but I can live with that. He has his insecurities and is extremely jealous of Harm but what man wouldn't be jealous of his fiancée spending so much time with another man?

Mic had made it very clear in the beginning; he wasn't Harmon Rabb's biggest fan. Mic hasn't told me straight up that when we marry I won't be around Harm as much as I am used to; it has only been implied.

It is clear to everyone that Mic and Harm will never get along with each other, but Mic has to be out of his mind if he thinks I will give up Harm to be married. Harm is my best friend and that isn't going to change.

In fact, we are hanging out tonight. We are going to just watch a few movies together at my house, since Mic wants to go hang out with some buddies and will be staying at one of their places for the night. I decided a night on the town sounded better than staying inside all night. Not that I don't want to stay inside and watch movies with Harm, I just feel like all I do is stay inside with Mic.

I am wearing a black halter-top and a tight denim mini-skirt with a pair of very sexy heels that are uncomfortable as hell but they make me feel sexy and that is all that matters. I look at myself in the mirror one last time before walking out into the living room when I hear his knock at the door. My stomach starts doing flips, as I get closer to the door.

I am not sure why but I am definitely glad to be seeing him tonight. I walk over to the door and open it, revealing my partner, dressed to kill.

Oh my, I am sure that I have never seen him look as good as he does tonight. He is wearing a very tight black shirt that shows off all his chest muscles and tight faded jeans that I am sure makes his ass look even better.

I am not sure why he looks so good to me, he looks the same as he always does, but tonight there seems to be something different. I am not sure how long I have been staring before he chuckles and asks me, "See something you like, MacKenzie?" Flashing me his famous flyboy grin.

Snapping out of the trance I seem to be in I look at him hoping that he doesn't notice the blush that surely is upon my cheeks and reply, "Sorry Harm, I just can't believe you are on time for once. You look nice by the way." Oh wow, nice recovery MacKenzie. How are you ever going to get through the night?

"Not too bad yourself, Mac," he says. "Why'd you get so dressed up? I thought we were just watching some movies."

"We were but I thought maybe we could go out to a club or something. You know do some dancing, just enjoy each other's company."

"Sounds good Mac, let's go." With that we head out into the cool air of a beautiful Washington night.

McMurphy's

Washington DC

Twenty minutes later we pull into a parking spot in front of McMurphy's, it is a tavern we go to often, and we are known here as well as many of our colleagues. It isn't too extravagant, it is nice and cozy, and we feel comfortable here.

While Harm gets us drinks, a soda water with a twist of lime for me and a beer for him, I find us a table. I pick a slightly secluded one but we can see the happenings of the bar.

Tonight, I want to catch up and have a good time with him. I didn't realize how much I missed him until now; we used to spend much more time together before I became engaged. I wonder what he does in his spare time when he isn't working, have we really drifted so far apart.

I am letting him slip away from me, exactly what I told myself I wouldn't let happen. Maybe I am overreacting or maybe things are exactly how I think they are, distant.

Over the next couple of hours we talk and catch up, it is nice having my best friend back. I am about to suggest that we call it a night before he asks me to dance. I have forgottenI told him I wanted to go out and dance.

I accept with a nod and slip my hand into his as we walk onto the dance floor. I put my hands around his neck and his hands go to my hips, our bodies gently brushing against each other's while swaying to the soft music that has enveloped us.

I am suddenly hit with how good it feels to be in his arms, so safe and protected. I can't help but notice the heat radiating from his body and how it surrounds me along with his aftershave, he smells so good.

I feel like I could stay in his embrace forever, and I would have if he hadn't stepped back a while later. I immediately feel the cool air take the place of where his body was and am disappointed at the lost of contact.

When I look to question him, I am at a loss for words. He is looking at me with such intensity I think I will get lost in his beautiful blue eyes. I can feel myself being sucked into the blue pools and just before I am a goner, he speaks, "It's getting late."

"Yeah," I whisper. I am afraid to speak and just give a nod in his direction. I follow him out to the car and the ride home is nothing but a blur.

When we pull up to my apartment building he parks and being the officer and gentlemen he is offers to walk me up. I accept and we walk in a comfortable silence up to my apartment. I unlocked my door and turn to face him.

He has the same look he did after our dance, this time there is something else though, only I can't place it.

"I had a great time Mac, we should do it again soon," he says as he continues to look at me with such intensity I almost shiver.

"Me too, I would love to do it again." I tell him. Why does this feel like the ending to a date?

"I'll call you tomorrow, Goodnight." He says as he leans in and kisses me on the cheek. Just like that he is gone, leaving me touching the spot where his lips had been.