AN: You asked for it so here it is.


Harm's Apartment

It has been a week since Mattie came back to live with Harm. Today the social worker is supposed to come to check on them especially Mattie. There is no doubt that Tom will not be getting custody again. Now it is only a mater of if Harm would.

Physically Mattie is starting to feel better. Her limp is lessening and she almost can't even feel her arm any more. The throbbing has subsided long ago now it is just a dull pain if she accidentally bumps it into something. As far as emotionally healing that will take a little more than a cast and a sling. She is making progress though. The nightmares have become less frequent and slightly less severe. Harm has been there for her when ever she needs him even when she doesn't want him there, he is. No matter what the circumstances of his help she's grateful and always will be.

There are other people she will be grateful to as well. Mac, she will also have her to thank for helping her get back on her feet. She's there almost as much as Harm. She refuses to stand on the sidelines and watch the young girl end up following the same path she had as a teen. She will not, can not let that happen. So she has stepped up and filled in as the mother Mattie has missed for so long. And Mattie has let her take that roll in spite of her insecurities about the subject she realizes that right now she needs a mom. Though she has once had a wonderful mom who she wouldn't trade for anything, she is gone and she needs someone here now.

Mac has practically moved in with Harm, partly to be closer to Mattie but also to be near Harm. Their relationship has been but on hold for the moment to focus on Mattie and getting her well again.

There is also Josh. He has become an almost permanent fixture at her side. He's what ever she needs when she needs it whether a friendly ear or another opinion of someone under 30. They hang out alone or with their friends. He has easily become her best friend. They even have plans to go out to night and celebrate if the social worker visit goes well.

A knock at the door brings Mattie, Mac, and Harm out of their thoughts and back to the task at hand. Harm gets up from his place at the kitchen island to answer the door as the other two watch intently every move he makes.

"Good afternoon Mr. Rabb." Is what he is greeted with when he opens it.

"Good afternoon Ms. Evens." He replies ushering her into the apartment, "Let me introduce you to Mac. I could have never handled this whole thing without her. Ms Evens, Sarah Mackenzie. Mac this is Ms. Evens Mattie's case worker."

The ladies shake hands and exchange pleasantries.

"I would like to speak will Mattie first." Ms. Evens says motioning for Mattie to come to her. Harm and Mac take this as their cure to make themselves scarce.

"How have you been?" Ms. Evens asks truly concerned.

"Fine. I have Harm and Mac here. I'm almost a normal kid again. I hang out with my old friends and some new." Smiling as she says the last part Mattie answers.

"That's good to hear. Do you plan on starting school again in the fall on time as scheduled?"

"Yes. I was hoping to go back to my school here."

"I think that could be a real possibility. Thank you, that will be all." Ms Evens dismisses her with a smile.

"Mr. Rabb." She calls Harm. He walks over to the kitchen table and sits down in the chair that Mattie has just vacated.

"Mr. Rabb, you have been through this before. You know what it will take in order for you to get permanent custody of Mattie."

"Yes ma'am. And please call me Harm."

"Ok, Harm. Have you started looking for a house again?"

"Not yet but we had planned to go house hunting this week."

"Good that was one of the main points against you last time. I assume you will be using the same arrangement as you were before until you find a place."

"That's right."

"Well I would like to have a chat with Mattie's roommate if she is available."

"Jen's at work right now but I'm sure I can set up a meeting."

"That would be appreciated. You have my number. Ms. Mackenzie would it be alright if I talk with you for a minute?"

"Of course." Mac answers entering the conversation for the first time since her introduction. Mac replaces Harm in the seat across from Ms Evens.

"I hear you were instrumental in Harm getting custody the first time."

"I really didn't do that much."

"Nonsense if it weren't for you Mattie would have ended up in foster care." Ms Evens praises. Mac says nothing.

"All I really want to know is if you will be petitioning for custody with Harm in the future?"

Mac is slightly shocked by her question but not exactly surprised.

"That's up to Harm but I don't think we are quit to that place yet."

Ms Evens nods understandingly, "Well if that changes let me know."

"Will do."

Ms Evens gets up and heads toward the door. "I think I have all the information I need for right now. I'll be in touch." By now harm has moved from his seat to get the door for her.

They all let out a collective sigh of relief.

"That went well I think." Harm says after a minute of silence.

"Yeah. I'm going to call Josh and let him know how it went." Mattie adds heading toward the door. "Oh yeah. Is it ok if I go out tonight? You know to celebrate."

Harm smiles. He sees where this thing between Josh and Mattie is heading and he doesn't mind as long as it stays innocent. If he has to let Mattie date he will be happy if it will be Josh.

"Be back by 2300." He answers.

"Thank you." Mattie squeals running back over to Harm giving him a hug before disappearing to her apartment leaving harm and Mac alone for what seems like the first time in weeks.

Harm walks over to sit next to Mac on the couch. He takes her hand in his and just holds it. She looks at him and smiles. He smiles back.

"Thank you." He almost whispers as he brings her hand up to his lips giving it a gentle kiss. She just scoots closer to him and he lets go of her hand to puts his arm around her waist closing what little space is left between them. She lays her head on his chest.

They stay that way for a good half hour Mac eventually falling asleep in his arms. Mattie had come in to let them know she was leaving and would be back before 11. And now Harm is just sitting here on the couch with Mac asleep in his arms thinking where there relationship is heading. After all that has happened she's been there helping and comforting him. He knew she was the one he wanted to spend his life with.

Before he can finish his thought Mac starts to stir.

"Hey sleepy head." He greets her.

"Hey. Sorry I fell asleep on you." She smiles sitting up slightly and fixing her hair.

"Its alright. Being your pillow is least I can do after how you've helped the past couple of weeks." He counters.

Mac just chuckles, "You remember the last time we did this?"

Harm thinks for a second then realizes what she's referring to, "Yeah."

"Well there's nothing to interrupt us now." She says seductively.

"Oh really." He replies pulling her on to his lap.

"Really." She whispers her lips a breath away from his. He closes the distance and kisses her slowly but with all the bent up passion that he has been holding off since they were interrupted a few weeks ago. Mac wraps her around his neck pulling herself a little closer to him. He grazes tongue across her lips seeking entrance and it's granted as she opens her mouth to him. His tongue dives in exploring still new territory. Harm moves under her shirt sliding them gently up her back. Mac moans into his mouth making him get a little excited. She became aware of his erection soon after. This makes her excited and giving her the boldness to do a little exploring of her own. She moves her hands from his neck down his chest to the hem of his shirt lifting it up. Harm helps by lifting his arms as she removes his shirt and tosses it not caring where it lands. He just smiles one of those smiles especially saved for her.

"I love you." They said in unison then laughed slightly.

"I guess we're finally on the same place." Mac whispers leaning in for another kiss.

"At the same time." Harm replies before kissing her fully again.

TBC


AN: Its the end of the chapter. You already know what I'm going to say so just do it and save me the time.