Title: Return from the Catacombs - An unofficial sequel

Author: Zensurfer

A/N: A while ago I read Catacombs of the Heart by CrazyAuntC. It is one of the best fics I've ever read and it inspired me so much that I just had to ask for permission to write a sequel. Permission was granted on the condition that I waited until she had posted her sequel first. The official sequel Flying from the Catacombs was posted earlier this week and is almost as amazing as the first one. I highly recommend that you at least read the first one to get an understanding of the situation. Just so there is no confusion: This takes places after Catacombs of the Heart and is parallel to Flying out of the Catacombs – these two are in no way related.

Thank you so much to CrazyAuntC for allowing me to write this and for writing such awesome fics!

A/N 2: This is like a tribute fic, I guess, and I am not nearly as skilled as CrazyAuntC so I don't pretend that this fic will be anywhere near as good as hers, but it just needed to be written – one of those things that churn in your head and keep you awake at night until you get it out, you know? ;)

All right, here goes. Reviews are welcome and much appreciated J

Mac's Apartment

Georgetown

Washington, D.C.

Monday, December 5, 2005

0600 Hours

Mac rolled over and hit the snooze button on her alarm clock as it went off to tell her that it was time to get up, get ready and go to work. Mac sighed and flopped back down on the bed. Monday morning. Time to get up and face yet another week in the treadmill. That was how she had begun to see her life – boring, grey and mundane.

Get up, shower, eat, coffee, go to work, fill out papers, investigate cases, argue them in court, plea bargains, office chit chat, home again, dinner and bed. Over and over again.

Ever since Harm had left, a grey cloud had positioned itself right above her and was permeating into every aspect of her life, making everything seem dull and tasteless. She missed him, no point in denying that. And she still loved him. She often thought back to that fateful night when he had left. She had shed so many tears and would continue to do so. He was the love of her life, her soulmate and she had hurt him, told him it could never be and he had walked right out of her life without a fight, in fact he had agreed with her. They had been heading for destruction and they both knew it. Walking away was the only right thing to do. So why did it feel so wrong?

Mac would give anything to take that night back, to make him stay. She sighed again. She would give anything to see him again.

She turned onto her side and felt a warm body coming in behind her and strong arms wrapping around her. A gentle kiss was placed on her shoulder.

"Good morning, beautiful." Cole. She could hear the smile in his voice, but also the concern as he gave her a little squeeze. She covered his strong hands with hers and smiled wistfully.

Commander Cole Andrews. He had moved into Harm's office a month after his departure and into her life a year and a half later. He was a brilliant lawyer, her age, funny, smart, handsome and kind of reminded her of Harm. He looked like him too, tall, handsome, dark hair and dreamy blue eyes that you could easily get lost in.

To say they had gotten off to a rocky start would be an understatement. Mac was angry and hurt and not ready to replace Harm with anyone and she had let Cole know it, but he had been patient and understanding and had given her time and space and gradually she had begun to let him in. At first their relationship had been purely professional, but little by little she had opened up to him and told him about Harm – not about what happened at the end, but about their partnership and again he had been nothing but a friend to her. Slowly she had grown fond of him and they had started sharing the odd dinner when working late and those working dinners turned into just dinners and then movies and one day he had asked her on an official date and she had accepted. She was nowhere near over Harm, but her hopes of ever seeing him again got smaller by each passing day. Cole was a good man and he would make a good husband and father one day, but he was not Harm. Still, she knew that he loved her and in some way she loved him too. No, she did love him, period. But she also loved Harm. Mac turned over and looked into his bright blue eyes.

"Good morning, yourself." She smiled, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Cole reached up and cupped her cheek.

"Today is going to be a good day, Sarah, I can feel it." He smiled and added "I know it doesn't always feel like it, but one day you are going to be okay again." Mac's smile was genuine this time and she leaned in to kiss him. When she pulled back she said "What have I done to deserve you?" He laughed as they both got out of bed and headed for the shower.

"Beats me, MacKenzie, but God knows I love you." She smiled and kissed him again as she reached in and turned the shower on.

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church

Virginia, Washington, D.C.

0745 Hours

Mac was in a much better mood as they pulled into the parking lot at JAG and she reached over to squeeze Cole's hand before opening the door. She looked at him and said "I love you, Cole." His face broke into a huge smile and he said "That's the first time you've said that." He lifted her hand up to his mouth and kissed it "I love you too, Sarah."

They got out of the car, grabbed their covers and briefcases and headed into the building. Today was Monday and that meant staff call. After putting their briefcases in their respective offices they headed into the conference room.

Bud and Sturgis were already there as well as a few new additions to the office that had come along in the recent years. Mac and Cole took their seats opposite Bud and Sturgis and there was a pleasant and friendly atmosphere in the room. The biggest change to the office however was their new CO. After Admiral Chegwidden's retirement there had been a few candidates, but it had been Major General Gordon Creswell that had been appointed.

After a few rough months where everyone was finding their footing, he had turned out to be a really good, fair and inspiring commanding officer. He motivated his staff and trusted them and in turn they gave him an office that ran impeccably and turned out great results.

Just then the door opened and the General walked in. Lieutenant Vukovic stood up and called "Attention on deck" and everyone stood at attention. Creswell waved them off with an 'at ease' and they all sat down. On his way to his regular seat at the end of table he grabbed an extra chair and put it next to Sturgis at the end. Sturgis and Bud moved over a little to make room. Creswell then took his seat at the end and folded his hands on the table.

Cole was just about to speak up when the door suddenly flew open and in came Commander Harmon Rabb, jr., United States Navy, former aviator, now lawyer and long lost love of Mac's life, briefcase and cover in hand, clearly late and in a hurry he all but ran to the end of table and took his seat next to Creswell and Sturgis.

"Sorry for bring late, General, my apologies." Creswell nodded and turned to the table of lawyers who were all waiting for him to explain.

"Good morning, all. First order of business is the introduction of the newest addition to the team. Or actually it's an old, new addition since he has served with this office before. Some of you may know him, but for those of you who don't, this is Commander Harmon Rabb. Commander, you will make your own introductions later." Harm nodded and for the first time since entering the room he looked at Mac. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Clearly she knew nothing of his return. But then again, they hadn't exactly stayed in touch. Both Harm and Mac were aware that the General was talking, but both only had eyes for each other. Harm looked her straight in the eyes and saw his own feelings mirrored there: Confusion, hurt, anger, love, hope and a soul torn to pieces. Harm wanted so badly to reach over and take her in his arms and apologize for the last two years, but he knew he couldn't.

Harm noticed that the Commander next to Mac was staring at her too, but his look was one of care and tenderness and … love? Then he looked over at Harm and his piercing blue eyes flashed anger, hurt and confusion. Harm sighed inwardly. His head hurt. He finally snapped out of it when he heard Creswell call his name:

"Commander? Commander…?" Harm looked over at his new commanding officer.

"Yes, sir?"

"I want to see you and Commander Andrews in my office. Meeting adjourned, carry on, people." Everyone rose and there was a chorus of "Aye aye, sir" and people starting leaving the room. Mac all but ran out and headed straight for her office. Once she was inside in the safety of her office she sat down with a heavy sigh and put her head in her hands. What was going on? Where did he come from? She leaned back in her chair and looked around. Her eyes fell on the picture of them in Afghanistan, the same picture he had given her a new copy of the night he left. After she had started seeing Cole, she had thought it was more appropriate to keep it in the office rather than at home even though she knew he didn't mind. God, what a mess, she thought. She couldn't deal with this right now. She grabbed her unopened briefcase and her cover, headed over to Cole's office and wrote him a note saying she was going home and would call him later and then she headed towards the General's office. She stopped at Coates' desk, but before she could say anything Coates beat her to it.

"Wow, ma'am, can you believe it? Commander Rabb is back, holy cow, I never thought I'd see him again." She was about to go on, but Mac stopped her with a raised hand.

"Coates, I'm not feeling well, could you please tell the General that I'm going home?"

Coates nodded "Yes, ma'am, anything else I can do for you? Should I tell Commander Andrews? Or Commander Rabb perhaps?" Mac quickly shook her head.

"No, no thank you. I've already left Cole a message and trust me, Commander Rabb doesn't need to know anything." Coates nodded "Yes, ma'am, gotcha. Hope you feel better soon."

Mac muttered a 'thank you' and quickly left the building. When she got to the parking lot, she cursed, remembering that they had taken Cole's car to work that morning. She definitely wasn't going back inside to call a cab, but while she was pondering her options Cole came running.

"Sarah, where are you going?"

"Home" she said "I need to be alone for a little while."

"Let me drive you, we left your car at your place this morning." She bit her lip while considering her options. "Sarah…?" She finally nodded and got into the car. Cole went around to the other side, opened the door and climbed in. Once inside with the doors closed he reached over and took her hand in his.

"Are you okay?" She shook her head and the tears started falling. He reached over and pulled her in, holding her while she sobbed. When the sobbing finally subsided she pulled back and wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry" she muttered, embarrassed.

"Don't be. You never have to be ashamed of your emotions around me." He gave her a smile and a small kiss "Now let's get you home. Unfortunately I have to go back to work, the General has asked med to bring Rabb up to speed on the ongoing cases." Ugh. Mac winced internally at the thought of Harm and Cole working together.

They drove back to her place in silence. When they reached her apartment building Cole walked her to the door.

"Do you want me to come by later after work?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry." Cole pulled her in for a tight hug and she wrapped her arms around his midsection.

"That's okay. I'll call you when I get home, alright? And if you want me to come over I will." He gave her a smile, but she thought he looked sad. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and then turned and left. Mac unlocked her door and went inside, setting her briefcase down just inside the door. Then she went to the bathroom, got out a bottle of Advil and swallowed two without water. She had a headache and was exhausted. Then she got out of her uniform, rummaged around in her drawer and got out a worn, blue t-shirt that had NAVY emblazoned across the chest. It had been Harm's. He had left it here one night a long time ago and she had never returned it. She put it on, drew the blinds closed, went to bed and fell asleep.

Mac woke up a few hours later, disoriented and thrown off by a strange noise. It took her a few minutes to realize it was her phone. She reached over and picked it up "Mackenzie" she said groggily.

"Sarah? Are you alright?"

"Hey, Cole, yeah, I just woke up from a nap though. Am I in trouble with the General?"

"No. He told me to tell you to take it easy, rest and come back tomorrow. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, I just need some time."

"Do you want me to come over?"

"Not tonight. I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing, Sarah. I love you. Take all the time you need, I'm right here when you're ready. Take it easy and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Goodnight." Mac hung up the phone, got up and padded into the kitchen to make tea. She still felt tired to the bone and couldn't be bothered to change into something else. While she was waiting for the water to boil she thought about what she should do. Call Cole back and tell him to come over after all because she needed him? Call Harm? No, God no, that would be a foolish idea. She sighed. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Mac walked over and, expecting it to be Cole who had decided not to take no for an answer, she opened the door without looking and said "I'm so glad you came over even…" but then she stopped realizing it was not Cole.

Standing in front of her clad in jeans and a light blue long-sleeved shirt was Harm. Mac noticed that he was wearing the watch she gave him for his 40th birthday. Mac stood there opening and closing her mouth a few times before Harm broke the silence "Are you expecting someone?" he asked.

Mac thought he sounded nervous. She shook her head "No, I uh, I thought you were Cole … I mean, Commander Andrews." Harm nodded and put his hands in his pockets. "May I come in?" Mac thought about it for a second and although she wanted to say no, she nodded her head and stepped aside so Harm could enter. It wasn't until he was inside and had closed the door that Mac realized she was only wearing underwear and a t-shirt – his t-shirt nonetheless. Mac smiled self-consciously "I'm just going to go put some clothes on. I was about to make tea, why don't you pour us some?" she said and quickly retreated to the bedroom. When she emerged a few minutes later Harm had poured them two cups of tea and was standing by the couch. Awkward silence hung in the air. It was Harm that finally broke it.

"I'm sorry, I didn't tell you I was coming back." Mac just nodded and kept her eyes on the floor. "Mac, please, say something" he pleaded.

She sighed heavily and finally looked him in the eyes "I don't know what to say or do. Part of me wants to kiss you and another part of me wants to slap you. I've got a million questions."

Harm laughed a little. "I would really like a hug if that's okay? Maybe we can start with that and then take the questions afterwards?" He opened his arms and after a little hesitation Mac stepped into him, put her arms around his midsection and held him tight. Then the tears came, huge, gut-wrenching sobs. All Harm could do was hold her tight as his own tears fell as well. She put her head on his chest and he rested his head on top of his. After a while they pulled apart a bit, but they were still holding on to each other. Mac's face was red and tear-stricken.

"You're beautiful" Harm said, his voice full of love and sincerity.

"I missed you so much."

"I know, I've missed you too." He pulled her close again, but suddenly he felt her knees go weak. He gently guided her to the couch and sat her down. He put both hands on her face "You okay?" She nodded "Yeah, I just haven't eaten since breakfast."

"Right, you're going to take a shower and I'm going to cook dinner." Harm stood and headed for the kitchen while he motioned her towards the bathroom. While he started rummaging around in the kitchen for something eatable, he thought what a mess this all was. He was surprised that she hadn't seemed mad at him, but then again they hadn't really parted on bad terms. She seemed so sad though. He wanted desperately to know what was going on between her and Andrews, but he knew he had no right to ask.

He had left and he had been gone for two years and in that time he had lost all rights to know what was going on in her life. God, how he had missed her. He had messed everything up, but he was back now and desperate for a second chance and he only hoped she would give him one. He should have asked Andrews when they were working together today, but the room had been filled with awkward silence and the conversation hadn't gone past professional talk about the cases he was being briefed on. He could tell that Andrews knew something, though, and although the man was nothing but professional, he had an air of anger and frustration about him, making Harm think that there was more to their relationship than mere partners. Mac's outburst when she had opened the door had confirmed just that.

A little while later Mac came out of the bathroom wearing grey sweatpants and a dark pink tank top, her hair in a ponytail. Harm was just setting the table.

"Just in time" he smiled "I've made veggie lasagna." She sat down at the table and pulled one leg under her, looking very insecure. Harm sat down across from her and reached over and took her hand in his.

"Why did you come back?" She burst out then she shook her head "No, that's not what I want to ask first. You're already back so why did you come here – to me?" Harm looked down at his plate, contemplating what to say – how was he going to explain?

"I wanted to apologize for … for everything. For leaving, for not staying in touch, for not telling you that I was coming back. No, I want to apologize for things before that, for letting things get the way they got. I should have stayed, should have insisted that we were going to make it, we weren't going to explode, we could've done it together." Mac had tears in her eyes again and Harm reached over to brush away a stray tear that was sliding down her cheek.

Mac nodded "Okay, your turn." Harm thought about it long and hard, but there was only one question that was burning in his mind: "Are you seeing Commander Andrews?" Mac nodded and then she decided to tell him, partly to spite him, partly to let him know she had moved on (even though she hadn't) and a part of her just wanted to make him plain jealous.

"He was brought in to take your place a month after you left. You really left me a mess, Harm." She laughed a little and he looked at his plate, which was still empty. "He was nothing but professional, although I really gave him a hard time. He was patient and he was there when I needed someone to talk to. It wasn't until about six months ago that we started dating. He never pushed me, was never inappropriate." She put some lasagna on her plate and started pushing it around, never looking up at Harm. "We just… He's a really good guy. We took it really slow, he knew I … Then after a while we went to the General, he was really good about it, said that as long as we kept it out of the office we could both stay. Cole is an excellent attorney, really an asset to the office." Harm nodded. He had taken some lasagna as well, but he was also just pushing it around. Then he put his fork down and looked up at her.

"Listen, Mac, I know I have no right to ask this, really, it's none of my business, but … do you love him?" Mac finally looked at him. He looked so sad, his eyes pleading and full of sorrow. Mac bit her lip, lowered her eyes again and nodded "I do, I do love him." Harm's eyes were full of unshed tears when he asked, so quietly that Mac almost couldn't hear "Like you used to love me?" Mac shook her head and the tears started flowing again. In a heartbeat Harm was by her side, pulling her into his embrace. As the crying subsided he found the courage to ask "Do you still love me?" That brought Mac to her feet. Now she was furious. Harm quickly got up too, knowing what was coming his way.

"How dare you?! You leave me, just waltz out of my life, give up on us and then you come back TWO years later wanting a second chance. Out!"

"Mac…"

"Get out!" She crossed her arms and he sighed, turned around and left. Mac closed the door behind him, sunk down with her back against the door and let the tears flow freely again.