Author's Notes: I don't own any of it...if I did I would be off spending my fortunes...

This is an old story, just been freshened up for its appearance here!

Bud's Office

Friday 1523

AJ Roberts came bounding into his daddy's office, nearly three and as cute as the dickens, he had inherited his parents" good nature and even temperament.

"Daddy, Unca Harm," he squealed, launching himself at the two men seated in front of the desk.

"Hello AJ," said Harm scooping up the little boy and hugging and kissing him before handing him onto his father.

"Hi there son," said Bud kissing his cheek. "I'm sorry Commander, I hadn't realised the time. AJ, where's mommy?"

AJ pointed towards the bullpen and Bud saw his wife stopped at her desk rearranging files.

"Sorry to cut this short, sir, but Harriet and I have a specialist appointment with AJ and we can't be late," apologised Bud.

"Specialist's appointment, what's wrong?" asked Harm concerned about his godson.

"Harriet's concerned that AJ's having hearing problems…" Bud began.

"And you're not concerned?" Harm asked, looking at the blonde toddler.

"Not really, sir. I don't think he is. He seems to respond fine to me." Bud took his son's hand.

"But Harriet thinks there's a problem?" asked Harm, looking towards her desk.

"Yeah, but I think it is more than that," Bud said quietly.

"What are you thinking?" Harm drew his attention back to his friend.

"I don't know exactly but it's Sarah's first anniversary on Sunday and Harriet has thrown herself into organising the service and all. I think she might be overcompensating, you know, feeling that she's neglecting AJ." Bud stared at his son, his only child.

"Well, I guess there's no harm in checking it out just to be on the safe side," said Harm.

"I guess not."

"Unca Harm come to tea?" AJ asked. He loved it when Harm and Mac came over.

"Oh, not tonight kiddo," Harm said, he had no plans but thought it might be too much on Harriet. "What are your plans for tomorrow, Bud?"

"Errands, cleaning the apartment, that sort of stuff," Bud said, picking up his file.

"Well, how about I take this one off your hands for the day. I can pick him up about nine and bring him back whenever suits. It'll give you two a chance to do what you have to do." Harm offered.

"That's very generous of you, sir. I'd have to check with Harriet though. Are you sure you could manage?" Bud was appreciative of the offer; just a little sceptical Harm could manage alone.

"Yeah, I'll see if Mac's free and we can share him," Harm said, smiling broadly.

"I'll speak to Harriet and call you later."

AJ picked up the family photo on Bud's desk. It had been taken fourteen months previous at Bud's birthday. AJ pointed to the blonde boy in front of him.

"AJ!" he said, recognising himself.

"That's right, it is you," said Bud smiling.

"Daddy!" AJ pointed to Bud in the photo.

"Yes it is daddy, well done, son."

AJ continued to look at the picture but made no further comment.

"Who's this AJ?" asked Bud pointing at Harriet. AJ didn't answer.

"AJ, who's this?" Harm asked but AJ shook his head.

"It's mommy, AJ," Bud prompted.

"No, not mommy," replied AJ.

"Why isn't it mommy?" asked Bud concerned, AJ had been very good at identifying familiar people in photos.

"Pink!" was AJ's only comment.

Bud looked up to find his wife standing in the doorway, tears in her eyes. "It's alright Sweetie, it's an old photo."

Harriet shook her head; her own son didn't recognise her.

Roberts Residence

Saturday 0856

Harm knocked on the Roberts' door and heard AJ shriek in delight. Then he heard Bud yell, "It won't be Uncle Harm, AJ, he'll be late." He opened the door before apologising profusely. "Oh sorry, sir, I just didn't expect you on time."

"And he wouldn't have been if I hadn't picked him up," said Mac stepping out from behind Harm.

"Unca Harm, Aunty Mac," AJ squealed.

"Good morning, AJ, ready for a big day?" asked Harm picking up the excited little boy.

"Yeah!" replied AJ, hugging Harm tightly.

"Where's Harriet?" asked Mac, stepping into the apartment.

"In the bedroom," replied Bud, looking towards the closed door.

"How's she doing?" Harm asked, lowering his voice.

"Happy that AJ doesn't have a hearing problem. Still upset he didn't recognise her. She did want to talk to you when you got here, sir." Bud said.

"What about?" A mild dose of anxiety kicked in.

"She wouldn't say," said Bud. Do you mind going in?"

Harm knocked on the bedroom door with some trepidation. These days he found it hard to know just what to say to Harriet.

"Harriet, it's me, Harm," he called.

"Come on in, sir," she said. He found her seated on the edge of her bed.

"Bud said you wanted to talk to me," Harm said, quickly scanning the room.

"Yes, I did. Have a seat, sir," she said patting the bed beside her. Harm sat.

"How are you doing, Harriet?" he asked taking her hand.

"Oh, it's tough but I'm doing okay, sir," Harriet replied, looking at the floor.

"Anything I can do to help?" Harm asked, squeezing her hand.

"Yes there is, sir," she said quietly, looking directly at him. Quietly she made her request and gave Harm time to contemplate his answer. "Look, sir, you don't have to say anything until tomorrow. I just think it's really important."

Harm's Apartment

1635

Harm, Mac and AJ had spent a wonderful day at the zoo. AJ had loved everything about it, especially their picnic lunch. When the sky turned dark and rain threatened they retreated to Harm's apartment. AJ fell asleep five minutes before they arrived and Harm carried him upstairs, putting him down on his bed, bending down to kiss his head before he left.

"Cute," said Mac quietly from the doorway.

"Why thank you, Mac," Harm replied, a wide smile on his face.

"I meant AJ, not you," Mac said, although it could have been applied either way.

"I know you did," Harm smiled, "but a guy can hope."