((Rabb's POV))

She just asked me to hold her. Mac asked ME to hold HER. I realize now that I'm standing here rather drop-jawed watching her as she looks up at me with those big brown pleading eyes. Did I mention they're beautiful eyes?

Sitting down on the edge of the couch I slide her over a few inches and put my arm around her middle. She situates herself accordingly and in no time we're holding each other comfortably. I think I'm going to die. I've lived for this moment how may times? I can't even begin to put a number on the countless possibilities my mind has created that are along the lines of this, but of course, not as great. Turning my head to the left I glance at Mac and smile a little.

"Thanks," she whispers quietly to me, laying her head down on my shoulder. A deep sigh escapes her lips and I wonder if everything is okay.

((Mac's POV))

He's sitting down. His left arm is around my back and his right one on top of mine. He's rubbing my arm and I have to admit its soothing. I feel wonderful right now, regardless of my throbbing ankle. Before I think about it my head drops onto his shoulder.

I hear my heart beat in my ear. With the exception of the repetitive pounding the room is totally silent. I wish everyday could be like this. My eyes close hesitantly as I listen to the nothingness and for once feel safe and whole.

((Rabb's POV))

I think she's fallen asleep. We've been sitting like this for more than five minutes now without saying a word. Sarah's breathing has gone from fast and steady to slow and drawn out. I stop rubbing her arm with my hand. Peeking down to the watch on my arm I see that its going on 2100. Pretty early for me and I'm sure it is for Mac as well. She looks so peaceful when she's sleeping. What a stereotypical thing to say. But it's the truth. There aren't any lights on in her apartment and the sunlight had faded away now. The lights from the parking lot make a fair silhouette again her face.

First thing's first. My Marine isn't fit to sleep on a couch. Slowly I untangle myself from our embrace and stand up. Her eyes remain shut. I pick her up as gently as I can which is pretty shakily. All those Beltway Burge- er, muscles make her fairly heavy.

Laying Mac down on her bed I wish fervently that I could tuck her in every night. Pulling her thin sheets up over her body I tuck them in lightly around her sides. I'm still bent over her when her eyelids rise.

Lo and behold there are those wonderful coffee hued peepers. A grin spread across her face.

"Harm, you shouldn't have. I could have put myself to bed. Sorry I slipped off the-"

"It's okay. As I said earlier, it's my pleasure. Really, Mac, I don't mind." Looking at her as intensely as I can I try to send her the "I Care About You" look. I'm not sure if its working though, she's still just looking at me. We've been doing a lot of that this evening.

Mac patted the other, empty side of the bed.

"Lay down, take a load off," she says now. I oblige, moving around to the other side of the bed. I don't actually lay down, just sit on the edge.

"Hey, come here," I say quietly holding my arms open. Mac pushes herself toward me until she's using me as a backrest. Pushing her forward I begin massaging her back. "Feel good?"

"Definitely. You're okay with this right?" Her question surprises me a little but I respond immediately. Lawyers can't be caught off guard now can they?

"I'm fine with it, Mac. I'm enjoying it, too. What good are the people you love if you can't rely on them anyway?" I smile knowing I changed the word 'friend' to 'love'. I hope Mac notices. Her next comment confirms that fact - it's one I'll never forget in all my days.

A/N: Well? Do you want to know what she says or what? Reviews please!