This is my VERY FIRST fanfic. I have read JAG fanfic while it was still on television, and have recently came back to reading them. I think I might have read almost every JAG fanfic out there! :) However, i never had the courage to write one until now. Not sure how long this story will last. Please review and I am open to any type of reviews, I am very good with constructive criticism. After taking required writing courses in college, I kind of had to be open to constructive criticism. I'm hoping one day to be like several writers out there. You all are a great inspiration to me with writing these fanfics! I know that this storyline has been done before several times, but I still thought to write my version of what should have happen! please let me know what you think if maybe I have something good here!

Well on with the story! :)

At the Park

1330

After some time later, all four of us cross the finished line. It took a little longer than I expected, but we finally did it. The crowd from earlier in the day had almost all cleared out but with the exception of Harriet, who was patiently waiting for her husband. The married couple quickly embraced in a hug while Sturgis, Mac and myself smiled at the two. Harriet was so proud of Bud for finishing the race as well as the rest of us.

After taking the time to catch our breaths we begin our walk to the parking lot. I'm exhausted, running that race almost twice was torture. I haven't spoken a word almost the entire time we ran because I had so many thoughts going through my head. Actually it was just one Mac's voice kept on repeating in my head saying: 'how about we start back at the beginning'. What in the hell did she mean by that? Was she talking about our friendship or was she suggesting something more. Yeah, of course I wanted something more, but what does she want? Her statement kept running through my head until I hear someone speak up.

"Well everyone, I would love to stay and chat, however I have to get going" Sturgis said to bid his farewell.

"Thank you Commander for running the race again with me so I could finish." Bud shakes hands with Strugis. "Even if it was at a slow man's pace"

"Any time Lt. But I hope that you will still continue to take part in our weekly runs."

"Of course sir. Have a Good night" Strugis smiled at all of us and retreated to his car. Holding onto her hand, Bud turned to his wife. "Well honey, I'm tired and I believe its time that we go retrieve our son from the sitter. Commander, Colonel, I really do appreciate you both for running with me. I know that you did not have to but it means a great deal to me that you choose to do so."

"Bud, you are a dear friend of ours, and we did not hesitate for a second when Sturgis ordered us" Mac explains with a smile. "It has been a long day, now go get your child and spend some quality time with your family. Its an order"

"Yes mam" Bud nods his head with a giant smile.

Mam, sir, I don't know what your plans are for tomorrow, but I am planing on having a small party at our place for those who participated in the race as a celebration." Harriet offers

"Count me in, what should I bring?" Mac asks

"Just bring the Commander and show up around 1500."

"Sounds good." Mac laughs. The young couple turns around and strolls to their van. After watching them drive off, Mac glances at me. "You've been awfully quiet Harm. Is something wrong?"

"Ummm, no...not at all" I say without making eye contact as we continue our journey to our cars. I hope that was enough for her to not ask any more questions.

"You are an awful liar flyboy." Damn it! She knows me too well! "The way that you are not making eye contact with me right now tells me that you are holding something in. It can't be something with me because just a few hours ago we clearly agreed to start at the beginning. Isn't that right?"

"Yes we did agree to that" I simply state. She is giving me that look because she knows that there is more to it but I'm trying to wiggle my way out of it. Though with her current glare, I am starting to feel anxious. A few silent moments pass by and her look causing me to feel flushed. If I sweat anymore, I may pass out from dehydration which actually would get me telling her more. Yeah right, knowing Mac, show won't anything slide with me. "Fine. While we were all running, all I kept on thinking about what was what 'start at the beginning means'. " I let out huge sigh as I look at her. The glare is gone from her face but it's now replaced with a confused look. Maybe I should make it more clear to her. "What I mean is, does starting at the beginning mean starting over with our friendship or does it mean starting at the beginning of something more than just a friendship?" We look at each other for a few seconds in silence. I'm waiting for her to answer but I can tell she is trying to find the right words to say.

"Harm, maybe we should take this conversation someplace else. I don't think we should discuss it in a public park. Maybe something a little more private would be good"

"Yeah, I think you're right. We should probably both head to our places to take a shower and freshen up before we have this talk. Your place or mine?" I ask her

"Yours so you can make me dinner" She says with a smile. God, I love that smile! She reaches her car but stops before opening the door. "Harm, I'll be over after I shower, Does that give you enough time?"

"Yes, Mac. We can talk first and then you can help me make dinner. See you in a little bit" I shoot her one of my flyboy grins. She gets into her car and speeds off. I shake my head as I enter my own car thinking about what I'm getting myself into. Do I really want to have this talk tonight? Maybe we should since we have been putting it off for so long already.

Harm's Apartment

North Union Station

1500 EST

First thing I do when I get home is head straight to the shower. I'm hoping that the water will help me clear my head. I am scared as hell for Mac to come over. I know that this talk is clearly needed but I am nervous that it may get out of hand and one of us is going to get upset and walk out.

I finish drying off and tie the towel around my waist as I head into my bedroom. I slide a pair of boxers and jeans on while I decide on what shirt to wear. Does it really make a difference? I know that its just Mac coming over, but this woman is my best friend and maybe lover if our discussion pans out well tonight. I ultimately decide on a black t-shirt that is semi-fitted.

I finish getting ready and head to the kitchen to see if I have any food in that will please both Mac and I. I begin to explore my cabinets and my fridge with the hope of some kind of idea to pop in my head. Nothing. Great! Well, I do have the right ingredients to make my meatless meatloaf, but I don't think that it will fly with Mac. Maybe we should just order carryout or maybe we should actually just go out for dinner. Ideas are running at lighting speed through my head until they are interrupted by a knock at the door. Now my heart is beating at lighting speed as I think one thing:

I'm doom!