AN: Now, this is the AN that was supposed to be on the first chapter, I just forgot to hit save. Anyway, I'll post the old stories as I come across them. Some aresongfics or inspired by songs (like this one). Some have the original Australian punctuation (before I knew American's punctuated speech differently and made the change - after some reader protests). Some have errors of some sort but I am not making any revisions on them. They are what they are - my earliest stories and I am posting them all here as chapters of the one story so a) I can have all my works in one place and b) so hopefully a few people will enjoy them.

Glory of Love

inspired by
Glory of Love - Peter Cetera

Tonight it's very clear
And we're both standing here
There's so many things I want to say
I will always love you
I will never leave you alone
Sometimes I just forget
Say things I might regret
It breaks my heart to see you crying
I don't want to lose you
I could never make it alone

Chorus
I am a man who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of love

You keep me standing tall
You help me through it all
I'm always strong when you're beside me
I have always needed you
I could never make it alone

Just like a knight in shining armor
From a long time ago
Just in time I will save the day
Take you to my castle far away

Glory of Love

The night was cool and still as Mac sat upon the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This was to be her last night in DC before she took up her new post in the sunnier climes of San Diego. Cresswell's announcement had completely taken her by surprise, albeit a pleasant one, but his later announcement regarding Harm's promotion and subsequent posting to London left her shattered.

Being a good friend and loyal co-worker, she had congratulated him on his success and he reciprocated in kind. Mac thought the changes in circumstances would prompt him into action but even the 6000 miles that would be between them made no difference.

Harm had departed for London two days earlier with a simple hug and goodbye at the Roberts' house. Several times Mac sensed he wanted to say something but nothing eventuated. She resisted the urge to tell him there and then that she loved him. For some reason, inexplicable even to herself, Mac wanted Harm to make the first move.

She looked out at the reflecting pool and thought about all the dreams she had for herself. After a lifetime of hurt and disappointment she had only allowed herself to dream in recent years and in every one was Harm. He was always the one for her. Even when he annoyed her, which happened frequently, she wanted him.

Tears began to trickle, quiet tears of sadness and loneliness. She ignored them and looked towards The Wall. She remembered the times she had been there with Harm, how he always looked so beautiful yet so vulnerable in his uniform when standing in front of his father's name.

Closing her eyes for the umpteenth time, Mac chastised herself about her response in Paraguay. She had been so confused with everything and everyone that she had instinctively gone into self-preservation mode. Of all the regrets in her life, Mac believed Paraguay to be the biggest and the one from which she may never truly recover.

Opening her eyes, Mac reflections on lost chances did nothing but create more heartache. She stood, brushed down her jeans and turned for one last look at the Memorial. Taking a deep breath she turned and descended two steps before stopping abruptly.
'Harm?' she said in barely a whisper.
'Hi there, Mac.'
He climbed several steps and stood one lower than her.
'What are you doing here?'
'There was something I forgot to do before I left.'
'See your dad?' Mac asked as she nodded towards The Wall.
'No, this!' Harm reached up and took Mac's face in his hands. She caught her breath as his soft hands caressed her face. Drawing her closer, Mac found herself lost in his crystal blue eyes, just as she had many years before. When their lips finally met, it was with a mixture of desire and relief.

When the realisation of what was happening struck, Mac pulled back, breaking their connection.
'I don't understand,' she said.
'Understand what?'
'This!' She waved her hand around. 'I mean you left with barely a word and now, less than 48 hours later, you're back and...this! What happened? What changed?'

Harm took Mac's hand and sat down on the steps. Mac sat beside him.
'What happened was this...' he said, looking out at the pool. 'I got to London and went to my new office. It's pretty swish with all sorts of gadgets to play with. There was my name on a gold plate on the door. The staff all called me 'sir' and the way they said it made me feel like a Lord or Duke. Anyhow….' he paused and inhaled deeply. 'Anyhow, I was welcomed and briefed by the acting captain, Carl Enquist, and I sat at my huge oak desk thinking that this was a wonderful career move. I had rank, responsibility, autonomy and things, Navy-wise, were great.'
'So?'
'So, when Enquist left, I opened my briefcase and the first thing I saw was our photo.'
Mac smiled, she knew which one he meant.
'I looked around and saw how well I had done in my career and I realised I didn't want my obituary to read Harmon Rabb Jnr had a glorious career. I want it to say he had a wonderful life.'
Harm looked at Mac to gauge her response but she just nodded.
'And,' he ventured bravely, 'I can only get that with you.'
Mac nodded again.
'So, I rang the SecNav, resigned, and now I'm here.'
'You resigned?' Mac echoed incredulously.
'Yep!'
'What are you going to do?'
Harm took a deep breath.
'I am going to be in San Diego with you - if you'll have me, that is.'
'Doing what? I mean you've resigned.'
'I will hold you and kiss you, make love to you, cook, clean and generally be Mr Sarah MacKenzie, for the time being anyway. How does that sound?'
Mac turned and gazed at him, words not coming.
'Mac, I know you said never in Paraguay but...'
Mac leant in and kissed him passionately - life looked so much better when it was bathed in the glory of love.