**DISCLAIMER and related info in Chapter One***



Several minutes later, she moaned and moved slightly, but other than that did nothing. It took another couple of minutes until she came around totally.

Slowly her eyes fluttered, and another moan escaped from her. Blinking furiously she came aware of her surroundings, and her throbbing head.

Gingerly she put a hand to her head, and began to slowly move into a sitting position.

Groaning again she thought 'Man, I must have cracked it good 'cos it hurts like a freight-train crashed into me. What the hell did I do anyway?'

As she began to move she experienced dizziness, and clenched her eyes shut, trying to will it away. As it started to subside she opened her eyes, moved again, and this time was able to stand up; with the support of the wall, that is.

Moving ever so slowly she made her way to the kitchen with one thing on her mind, Tylenol.

After downing two pills she went back to her bedroom to get ready, as her internal clock was telling her that it was 1810 and Harm would be here in about 20 minutes.

Once she had finished dressing her head was down to a dull throb, and she then did her makeup, but only to the bare minimum, and curled her hair softly around her face.

After inspecting her reflection in the mirror, she decided that it was good enough, and slipped on some casual shoes, and sat down on the couch to await Harm's arrival.

At exactly 1830 the doorbell rang, which surprised Mac, as Harm is nearly always late. Getting up slowly, she moved to the doorway, looked through the peep-hole, put a smile on her face and opened the door, beckoning Harm inside.

"Hey there, Marine. You look very nice tonight," Harm praised.

Mac blushed under his scrutiny and looked away, "Thanks, Harm. I've just got to get my coat, and purse. Won't be a minute," Mac said quickly.

"No problem, Mac."

Mac returned a minute later, "I'm ready, lets go."

*****************

1900 EST

McMURPHY'S TAVERN

Mac's headache had begun to subside as soon as they were about halfway to McMurphy's which Mac was glad for, as she didn't want to appear to be a wet blanket to everyone else.

Mac didn't talk much apart from what was necessary to not seem like she was crabby. This worried Harm slightly: 'Gee - this week must have been hard on her, she normally is a chatter-box whenever we go anywhere. I wonder if anything's wrong. Well by the end of the night I'll hopefully be able to get it out of her.'

"Hey Marine, why so quiet? It's not like you." Harm asked carefully, glancing at her as much as he could considering he was driving.

"Sorry. I've got a headache, that's all." She smiled assuringly at him.

Harm let the conversation drop into a comfortable silence, for the rest of the drive.

When they arrived at McMurphy's car park, Harm neatly pulled into a park near the entrance, hopped out and hurried around the front of the car to open Mac's door for her, and also offered her his hand.

Mac looked up, startled at his actions, she blushed softly. Carefully swung her feet to the ground, and grasped his hand. He gently pulled her to her feet. She gasped sharply when she felt the dizziness invade her body again from standing too quickly, and she swayed, and her world tilted crazily. Shutting her eyes to will it away, she felt two large, strong but gentle hands grasp her waist; holding her steady.

"Whoa there, Marine. You all right?" Harm asked anxiously, concern clouding his handsome features.

"I will be in a minute, Harm," Mac mummured, eyes still closed.

She leant against his chest, which he didn't mind at all, and waited until her world righted itself again.

After a minute or so, Mac opened her eyes, and slowly moved away from Harm's embrace.

"I'm all right now. Just had a little bit of vertigo. Let's go in now, Harm," Mac stated.

"Are you sure, Mac?"

"Yep, let's go before we're any later than we are now, flyboy!" Mac smiled teasingly.

"All right, but if you have any more dizzy spells, I'm going to take you either home or to the ER, all right?" Harm said forcefully, leaving no room for discussion, and started them in the direction of the entrance.

As Harm escorted Mac in, his hand stayed at the small of her back, not moving, even when he opened the door for her. Mac leaned into Harm's hand as they walked in the tavern. He had always made her feel peaceful; she just plain enjoyed his touch. Touching him and having him touch her was comforting in so many ways.

As soon as Harm and Mac walked through the door, took off their coats, Harm helping Mac with hers, and spotted their co-workers, then made their way over to the table.

As the night progressed some officers from the other offices at Falls Church drifted over. New conversations and pairing were formed while others drifted apart. Somehow Harm and Mac got separated as they mingled with their co-workers.

**END Chapter Two**

A/N: What do you guys think? Pls review! I'll love any and all feedback! Thanks!!