Here's the next chapter.
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Distance: Chapter 2
A great sense of relief flooded through him. He couldn't say goodbye just yet. He wanted to spend every last minute with her. With Mac. Sarah.
'Why was it again that he was leaving?' He wondered, 'How could he leave behind the love of his life?'
That question had come up many times in the last few months. He had never managed to come up with an answer.
Leaning against her doorframe, admiring her, doubt had once again found its way to his heart. She was so beautiful. She was his best friend, the only person her trusted 100 percent with his life. He had been in love with her for 9 years. How come he couldn't trust her with his heart too?
'It's too late.' He told himself, 'I just have to make these last moments with her perfect. Make them a memory to last a lifetime'
He watched her get up from her chair and walk towards him. Her movements were slow and even though her back was straight and head held high, he could see how insecure she felt.
She stopped in front of him and he couldn't help reach out for her hand, squeezing it tight.
"Lets go" He said gently, leading her out of the office, with his hand resting at her lower back.
He waived a last goodbye to his colleagues and his friends.
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They drove in complete silence.
None of them knew what to say.
Harm watched Mac drive, a determined look on her face. He could see the sorrow in her eyes, but didn't know what to do, what to say, to make her feel better.
He reached for her hand and held it tight. When she tried to pull away he just held on tighter, wanting to feel connected to her for as long as possible.
"Harm…" Mac whispered, obviously trying to object.
"I know. I know" Harm whispered back, his voice was full of emotion, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry"
He hated himself for hurting her and when he noticed the tears in Mac's eyes he just wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss away the pain.
They reached the airport and Mac found a parking space. They got out and started walking side by side, still not saying a word to each other. Harm couldn't stand the silence anymore and when they reached the elevators, waiting for them to return to their level, Harm turned towards Mac.
"Mac." He said as he reached out for her, "Mac, please talk to me"
Mac took a step back and held up her hands telling him without words not to come near her.
Harm took a step towards her. He couldn't let her pull back.
"Harm, don't!" Mac shouted, shaking her head as if trying to rid her mind of the pain.
"I have to Mac, I'm sorry, but I have to. I can't leave it like this" Harm said as he took one last step towards her and pulled her into his arms.
Mac fought against him, trying to get out of his grasp, but he held on tight.
He ignored her angry shouting, ignored her fists hitting his shoulders and his back. He just held on tight.
Her furious stream of words suddenly stopped and she collapsed against his chest, now sobbing uncontrollably.
Harm felt her arms around his neck now holding on for dear life. He held her even tighter wanting to take away her pain. He started stroking her back, drawing soothing circles with the tips of his fingers.
When her crying finally subsided, he pulled back slightly to look at her. The broken look in Mac's eyes tore his heart in pieces.
He reached up and cupped her face with his hands. His fingers stroked her cheeks wiping away her tears.
He looked into her eyes for what seemed like an eternity.
He leaned his forehead against hers.
He could hear her heavy breathing matching his own.
Their lips were barely an inch apart.
Unable to wait another second he crushed his mouth against hers. His fingers entangled in her hair he pulled her closer.
The kiss started out fiery and forceful. Their tongues fought for dominance. After a while though, they slowed down and the kiss changed. It became softer, passionate in a very different way. In a gentle loving way. All of their sorrow and pain shone through in that kiss. It told a story none of them were able to tell in words.
They finally pulled back. They didn't want the kiss to end, but they both knew it had to.
Harm kissed away the fresh tears falling from Mac's eyes before pulling her against him in another tight hug. They clung to each other desperately.
"Mac," Harm whispered in her ear, "Mac, you have no idea how much I want to take you home and never let you go"
He felt her embrace tighten at his words and if possible hugged her even tighter.
"I don't want to leave you Mac. You have to believe me. I have no choice." Harm continued, wanting to somehow explain to her how much his departure was killing him.
"I know" He heard her whisper.