Twelve-year-old AJ Roberts trailed his class into the familiar bustle of JAG Headquarters. Most other sixth graders weren't so at ease within the military confines, but he'd been coming here since he was a baby. He'd been born in the Admiral's office! Man, he hoped no one brought that story up today. His teacher had arranged for a field trip to see how the military law worked, since they were studying the origins of the Constitution in school.

He sighed as Ms. Johnson called them to attention. "Class, Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez will be giving you some details about JAG before we observe an actual court case."

AJ tuned out the Gunny. He'd heard it all before. He waved surreptitiously at Tiner. The now Chief Petty Officer was a good friend. He'd gotten in some new games that he'd promised to show AJ that evening. He glanced up abruptly when his class started to move toward the court room. Slowly following, he slipped into a seat at the back of the room, watching Rear Admiral Harmon Rabb, Jr. interrogate a witness.

"Captain Sheldon," Harm leaned his hands on the sill of the witness stand. "My client was a Seaman under your command, is that correct?"

"Yes, sir," the Captain replied stoically.

"And on the night of June 17th, he disappeared without warning, is that correct?"

"Yessir."

"Do you have any idea where he went?" Harm asked, crossing his arms behind his back.

"Yes, sir." The Captain smiled briefly. "His sister was graduating high school, and he went to the ceremony."

Harm nodded, as he got the answer he'd been expecting. "Did he try to arrange for the leave before the 17th, Captain?"

"Yes, he tried several times, but couldn't get approved. We would've been a man short."

"One man? But weren't you in port, Captain?"

"Yes, we were, but we needed a full crew, nonetheless," Captain Sheldon replied.

"Captain, you mean to tell me that you couldn't have spared the Seaman for two hours to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event for his only sibling?" Harm shook his head slightly in disbelief.

AJ grinned as he watched his uncle ream the Captain. It was kind of fun to observe as long as you weren't on the receiving end of one of his lectures. He glanced at his Aunt Mac, sitting second chair to his uncle. She looked proud of Harm, but it seemed to be a little less focused than usual. Maybe she was thinking about her own graduation. The adults wouldn't tell him anything, but he thought she'd had a not-so-great childhood, kind of like his friend Julie. He shifted in his seat, hoping this case would be over soon. Thinking about Julie reminded him that he hadn't seen her in awhile. She'd moved a few months ago, and they couldn't hang out anymore. He really missed her. He talked to her online whenever he could, but she didn't have much time. He really missed her. He didn't think he could ever miss a girl as much as he missed her.

Next to AJ, his friend Andy leaned over and whispered to him. "Hey, AJ, wanna scare Martin later?" He pointed a row up to the class bully. "Let's get your Uncle Harm to put the fear of God in him," he laughed, using a phrase he'd heard from his grandmother.

AJ smothered a laugh. Uncle Harm didn't have any use for bullies. He'd once said they reminded him too much of an Aussie, but Aunt Mac had glared at him, and he'd shut up. "Sure," he whispered in reply. "I'm visiting with Uncle Harm anyway since Mom and Dad are out visiting Grandpa. Sarah's staying with Aunt Mac, because her kid sister Chloe is in town. Chloe mentioned something about girl stuff." He shuddered. "Yuck."

"Double yuck!" Andy agreed. "Nail polish and lace, gross. How do they stand all that junk?" he wondered aloud.

"Mr. Roberts, Mr. Mills, hush!" Their teacher turned around and glared at them, her pretty green eyes stern.

"Sorry, Ms. Johnson," Andy said quietly. As soon as she turned back around, he poked AJ again and winked.

AJ scowled warningly at him, pointing at his aunt. Mac could scare him stiff with one of her glares. If his mom heard he'd been making trouble in class...he suppressed the urge to squirm in his seat with considerable effort. He directed his attention to the front of the court room, where Admiral Morris was sitting in judgment. He knew the man didn't like his Uncle Harm, so he wondered what would happen with this case. Neither side had much to go on, as far as he was concerned. The captain was technically correct, but Harm was morally right. And emotionally. No matter what the military proscribed, emotions were still evident. Appealing to them sometimes got off the worst offenders. Not that his uncle would ever do that, he believed in justice, but it did happen. He sighed and hoped the closing arguments would come soon. He'd sat in on other cases, more exciting ones, murders and stuff. Some Seaman in trouble over visiting his kid sister's graduation was nothing.

"No further questions, Your Honor." Harm turned away from the witness and headed back to his seat. He spotted AJ in the back and flashed him a grin. "Hi," he mouthed before settling into his seat. He leaned over and whispered to Mac, "Little AJ's here."

Mac grinned at her partner. "He's not so little anymore," she pointed out wryly. She glanced to the back of the court room. Most of the kids were paying attention, even if not completely. AJ simply looked bored out of his skull. "Maybe you should find a reason to shoot off another automatic weapon. Our godson looks bored."

Harm wrinkled his nose at her suggestion. "Not me. It's your turn to be chewed out by Chegwidden."

"Not to mention Morris. Let's just get this ridiculous case over with. This captain is a pompous, overblown jerk who should never have been put in command. He rubs me the wrong way. He reminds me of someone, but I can't think who..." Her voice trailed off uncertainly.

Harm quirked an eyebrow silently.

Admiral Morris cleared his throat. "Admiral Rabb," he repeated, obviously annoyed.

"Sorry, sir." Harm stood. "The defense rests."

"Very well, then, Admiral. You may proceed with closing arguments." The Admiral leaned back in his chair.

Harm stood slowly. "Probably reminds you of Brumby," he teased Mac as he walked over to the jury box to begin his closing.

Mac sputtered in disbelief. Mic Brumby was a good man. He had his low points, but he was a good friend, even after the divorce five years ago.

AJ grinned as he read his uncle's lips. Brumby-bashing again. Uncle Harm had sure disliked the Australian. AJ hadn't known him, really. He'd just heard stories, but some of them were doozies. If his mom and dad ever found out all the information he gleaned from Tiner and the Gunny, he'd be a dead man, but it sure was interesting. He sat back in his seat and listened to Harm work his magic on the members.

Harm finished his closing argument and the prosecution wrapped theirs up in a few minutes. The Admiral dismissed the jury to deliberate and Harm headed over to AJ with a smile. "What are you monkeys up to?" he asked with a mock-glare at him and Andy.

"Nothing, sir!" Andy replied, stifling a chuckle. Knowing AJ for nearly five years, he knew when to be scared of the Admiral, and when he was joking.

"You weren't giving your teacher a hard time, were you?" he asked, glancing at the young woman who was crouched down next to a young girl.

"Of course not, Uncle Harm," AJ retorted quickly. "Didn't you know? We're little angels."

A hearty laugh bubbled up from Harm's insides. "Riiiiiight," he drawled disbelievingly. "So you're staying with me tonight, right, kiddo?" he asked, changing topics rapidly.

"Yeah. And Sarah's staying at Aunt Mac's. They're gonna do girl stuff," AJ made a face. "Why do fifth grade girls always want to be in the sixth grade? It's not that different, but Sarah won't believe it. I mean, she's always hanging around me when I have my friends over. And mom says I have to be nice." He grimaced. "We can't ever have any fun when she's around. She always horns in on our conversations and anything we say in front of her will be all over the fifth grade girls' gym class the next day." He looked at Harm hopefully. "Please tell me we'll watch basketball or something. You do have a TV now, right?"

Harm nodded, leaning up against one of the benches and crossing his arms. "Sure do, got it months ago. If you visited more, you'd know that," he teased. "I guess you don't have time for me, now that you're an important middle-schooler and all." He grinned. "And, yeah, we can watch basketball. I think the Knicks are playing."

"Good." AJ glanced over at his teacher, who was getting them ready to go back to school. "Uncle Harm, can I just stay here? By the time we get back to school, the buses will be there, and I'll have to catch one right back here. I know she won't talk about the trip until tomorrow."

"I don't know, let me check with Ms. Johnson." Harm strode across the room and spoke to the teacher quietly, indicating his godson across the room with a brush of his hand. Ms. Johnson shook her head at first, but after Harm gave her a flyboy grin and pleaded with her a little, she relented. "All set," he said, walking back to the boys.

AJ grinned victoriously. "All right!" He lowered his voice when his classmates looked at him. "Um, maybe you and Aunt Mac could come in and talk to my class tomorrow or something? That way Ms. Johnson wouldn't be so upset about breaking a tiny school rule." He stared pleadingly up at his uncle. He knew Harm would give in. He had to.

Mac came up behind her partner. "You talking your uncle into something we don't want to do, AJ?"

"No, ma'am," the young boy denied. "Just hoping you and Uncle Harm would come in and talk to my class. The teacher would appreciate it. Something about making school come alive for us." He glanced again at his classmates. "Please?"

Chuckling, Harm turned to Mac. "Your call, Mac. I'm up for it."

"Sure, anything for our godson. Chloe is picking up Sarah after school for me, so I'm sure she'll be willing to stop by and talk to Ms. Johnson. I'm leaving early today, flyboy. I thought you were, too." She raised an eyebrow at her handsome partner. "Spending some quality time with those we love?" she mocked a seminar they'd been sent to earlier that year. Partnership seminars were the stupidest idea anyone had ever come up with.

"Well, in this case, it's true," he smiled. "AJ and I are heading out as soon as the jury comes back."

AJ grinned. "Can we stop at Beltway Burgers for dinner?"

Mac laughed at the expression on her partner's face. "What can I say? The boy has good taste."

AJ high-fived his aunt and waved to Andy as the class departed. "Let's get out of here, uncle Harm."

"The boy has *your* taste," Harm muttered accusingly. "We have to wait for the verdict, AJ," his uncle reminded him. He glanced at his watch. "But it shouldn't be too much longer."

An hour later, AJ had kissed Mac goodbye (quite reluctantly) and he and Harm were in the lawyer's new Porsche, heading towards Union Station.

AJ carried in his duffel bag and dropped it on the floor next to Harm's couch. He sat down restlessly, waiting for his uncle to change and whatever. They could watch the basketball game. And they could talk. He grimaced slightly. He wanted to talk to his uncle, he was cool, but it wasn't going to be comfortable. He wondered if he could talk Harm into letting him check his e-mail tonight. Maybe Julie had written. He brightened at the thought.

"What do you want to do first?" Harm called from the bedroom. He pulled a grey t-shirt with "Navy" across the chest over his head and slipped into his sweats. He loved the chance to spend time with AJ. The kid almost wasn't a kid anymore, and it was getting more and more interesting to talk to him--almost like talking to an adult.

"Food," AJ replied definitively. "I'm hungry, uncle Harm. You didn't stop at Beltway." He welcomed the opportunity to avoid any deep discussions with his uncle for a little bit longer.

"You don't need that crap," Harm argued. "I have a cheese pizza in the freezer." he offered.

"Oh, and pizza is so much more nutritious than a burger," AJ snorted, but immediately moved to the freezer to rummage for the aforementioned frozen entree. He lifted it out and read the instructions, turning on the oven and placing the pizza in, setting his wristwatch to time the eight minutes before he would receive a freshly baked pizza. Finishing, he wandered back into the living room and sank down to the couch, searching for the TV remote, anything to occupy his hands.

"Actually," Harm began, but decided not to debate the merits of cheese vs. meat. "Hey, AJ," he said offhandedly as he pulled out cups, plates and napkins. "What's going on in your life? Anything new?"

AJ froze. "Um, sort of."

"Really?" Harm's interest was piqued. "Speak freely," he teased.

"Well," AJ found the remote and flicked on the TV, flipping aimlessly from channel to channel. "There's this girl," he rushed out.

Harm walked over and calmly pushed the power button on the TV. "Talk to me," he said quietly. He sank onto the couch next to his godson.

"She kind of reminds me of Aunt Mac. She's my best friend, Uncle Harm, but she moved. I miss her a lot. I didn't think it was possible to miss anyone so much." AJ shifted on the seat. "How do you know when you're in love?"

His blue eyes widening to the size of saucers, Harm took a deep breath. "You know, AJ, I wish I knew," he began honestly. "I think when you know someone inside and out and you love them anyway, *because* of their flaws, not despite them, I think that's a good sign." He paused for a second, glancing at his godson. He really was growing up. "I think another way to tell when you're in love is when you can't imagine not seeing that person every day...and when you can't see them, you feel like a part of you is missing. Does that make sense?"

"Is that how you feel about Aunt Mac?" AJ asked thoughtfully.

Harm started to protest. "Yes, but it's different with your Aunt Mac. She and I have been partners so long that it's almost like we're married."

"Oh." AJ nodded, not understanding, but he didn't push it. "Uncle Harm, nobody will tell me much about Aunt Mac when she was a little girl. But today, she looked so sad when you were talking about high school graduation. Why?"

"There's a lot about your Aunt Mac that she doesn't want people to know, AJ," he began softly. "I think you should ask her about that." With a knowing look, Harm continued, "Besides, stop trying to change the subject. Tell me more about this girl."

"I'm not changing the subject," AJ protested as his watch went off. "Pizza's ready." He jumped up and grabbed his uncle's ridiculous lobster oven mitts, pulling the bubbling pie out of the oven and carefully depositing it on a cutting board. He cut himself two pieces, and three for Harm, before heading back to the couch. He felt more comfortable talking there. "Julie's my best friend. No one's told me much about Aunt Mac, but I think her life was kind of like Julie's. Julie and her mom moved because her dad was hurting her and her little brother. Julie sometimes stays with him. She says her mom's not strong enough to have full custody. She thinks her dad isn't that bad, but my dad doesn't do stuff like that, Uncle Harm. I want to protect her from him. It's not fair. And I'm scared she won't like me anymore if I say stuff about her dad. She's kinda touchy about him." AJ slumped into the welcome embrace of the couch, tired after giving so much detail to his uncle. He didn't talk to his mom and dad about stuff like this, because they wouldn't understand. Or, his dad would, but AJ didn't think he could help with this problem. Uncle Harm could. After all, he was in love with Aunt Mac, or at least his mom said so.

Harm's heart was tearing for his godson. He wanted nothing more than to fix everything for AJ, but he knew he couldn't. "Well, I'll tell you what, AJ. There's not much we can do unless Julie's mom is willing to accept our help. But you can give my phone number to her mom and let her know that we're willing to do everything we can to help." He reached out and slid his arm around AJ's shoulders comfortingly. "I know how you feel," he said, his voice barely audible. "I wish I could protect your Aunt Mac from all the bad things in life." *Like Brumby,* he thought. *And Dalton, and her ex-husband.* "It's just not possible. All you can do is be there for Julie if and when she wants to talk. Make sure she knows you're there."

"I know. I like her as more than a friend, though, Uncle Harm." AJ paused and took a deep breath. "Uncle Harm, how old were you the first time you had sex?"

All the color drained from Harm's face and he dropped his hands into his lap. It was all he could do to keep breathing. "I was sixteen," he replied evenly. His policy had always been to be honest with AJ, and he wasn't going to start waffling and fudging the truth now. "But it was a mistake. I wish I'd waited longer."

"But most of the kids in my class are already..." AJ trailed off. "I know they say you should wait and all, but I really like Julie. I think I love her."

Harm sucked in a deep breath. He knew that what he said in the next few minutes, and how he said it, could mean the difference between AJ making a big mistake he'd regret later, and him waiting until he was old enough to handle it. "If you really love her, then you won't even think about sex until you're both at least seniors in high school. You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because no twelve year old girl, or boy for that matter, knows exactly what love is. And no one your age is ready for the resposibilities of sex." Before AJ could take offense at being classified as too young for something, Harm went on. "First off, there are diseases, and pregnancy. And as much as you might want to be with Julie, if you get her pregnant, all the responsibility is on her shoulders. And you're not even thirteen, neither of you is ready to have a baby."

"She wouldn't get pregnant. If you're careful, it won't happen. And we'd be careful. And disease? It's not like either of us has anything." AJ glared at his uncle. "Besides, how do you know twelve-year-olds don't know what love is? Were you in love when you were twelve? I know what I feel!"

"AJ, calm down." Harm lowered his voice a notch, putting a commanding tone to it. "I'm not arguing with you over how you feel. I was not in love at twelve, but I'm not saying you can't be." He paused, sighing softly. "You can be as careful as you want about pregnancy, but no birth control is one hundred percent effective. There's always a risk. Did your mom tell you she was on the pill when she got pregnant with you *and* with Sarah?"

AJ's eyes widened. "Really?" He relaxed slightly. "What should I do, Uncle Harm? I really love Julie, and I'm afraid for her, and for me. Last Christmas, she and her brother were with her dad. He got mad at them for something, and threw them out. There was snow on the ground and they were in shorts and barefoot. Julie said they had to walk to a 7-11 so they could call their mom. She came and got them, but they went back to their dad the next day. I don't want to scare her, and I don't want to lose her, but I'm scared something really bad will happen to her." AJ shifted again. "I'm also scared she'll find someone she likes better than me," he said quietly. "Like Aunt Mac did to you."

"Let's address one thing at a time," Harm began, reaching out to pat AJ's hand. "Where does Julie's dad live?"

"He lives near here. Her mom moved them to Westminster, though." AJ shrugged. "Julie hates it. She says even though there's a college there, it's just a small town. She wants to move back to D.C."

"Okay," Harm said thoughtfully. "Tell Julie that next time there's a problem, instead of calling her mom, she should call you. You tell your parents, and if they're not home, call me. One of us will go get her and she can stay with us as long as she needs." A tiny smile flitted across Harm's lips. "As for Julie finding someone else...if you love her, AJ, you have to let her live her own life. I love your Aunt Mac dearly, and I want her to be happy more than anything. More than my own happiness, even. And if she's happy with someone else, then that's how it has to be. You can't make her love you, no matter how much you want to. Understand?"

"Yeah," AJ said, sounding depressed. "But she's not with anyone else, so maybe she does like me." He looked up slyly. "Aunt Mac's not with anyone else, either. Why don't you see if she'd be happy with you? After all, you said you love her dearly," AJ quoted. "Besides, she loves you, too. Mom says so." He clapped a hand over his mouth. "Oops."

"It's because I love Mac that I don't bring it up, AJ," Harm explained. "She's my best friend. We have a wonderful relationship and I don't want to endanger that." He smiled. "But you're right. Since Julie isn't with anyone else, you might take it as a sign that she likes you."

AJ shrugged, admitting defeat. "I hope so." He cast another glance at his uncle. "But you should tell Aunt Mac. You know my mom will eventually trick some of this out of me. And then she'll meddle again. If I were you, I'd tell Aunt Mac while I had the chance to plan it." He set his plate on the coffee table. "Can we watch TV now?" he requested plaintively. Talking about feelings was hard work.

Chuckling softly, Harm reached for his now-cold pizza. "Sure," he said, trying to wrap his mind around the thoughts swirling inside. "How'd you get so smart?" he asked around a bite of cheese.

"Easy," AJ replied impishly. "I spent a lot of time with Aunt Mac."

Still laughing to himself, Harm leaned back against the couch and took a sip of beer. The phone chose that moment to ring. He picked up the receiver quickly. "Rabb," he said.

"Hey, squid. Would you and AJ like to go to dinner? I believe I've been conned by Sarah and Chloe. They want to go to Plato's. I could really use the company."

"Lemme check." Harm covered the mouthpiece of the phone. "Can you handle a little estrogen? The chicks want us to go to dinner."

AJ grinned and nodded.

"I heard that, sailor," Mac growled on the other end of the line. "You'd better watch it, or I'll kick your six from here to hell and back."

"Where are we going?" AJ inquired, laughing as he heard his aunt go into Marine mode on Harm.

"You know you love it, jarhead," Harm teased. "To Plato's," he told AJ quickly. "We'll be there in half an hour."

"How fast are you planning on driving, stickboy? We'll see you there in about 45 minutes, all right? You've got our godson in the car with you. Quit driving that car like it's a Tomcat, because it just doesn't compare. And can you imagine if his mother found out you were planning on getting to College Park from your place in 30 minutes?"

"His mother won't find out," Harm replied pragmatically, "because you're not going to rat on me. See you there!" He hung the phone up and turned to AJ, rolling his eyes. "Women. Can't live with 'em, can't get 'em locked in the brig."

AJ nearly fell over with laughter. "If Aunt Mac heard you say that you'd be dead." He followed his uncle out to the Porsche. "Will you take me into school tomorrow, Uncle Harm? This car is awesome."

"When did I become Mac's punching bag?" Harm wondered aloud as he unlocked the car. "Sure, kiddo. We can impress the girls," he laughed.

"You've always been Aunt Mac's punching bag," AJ retorted as he slid into the passenger seat. "Let's go."

Harm laughed again, peeling out of the alley and heading towards the restaurant. They pulled into the parking lot, as promised, 35 minutes later.

AJ glanced around, not really expecting to see his aunt's truck. His guess proved accurate as he didn't see it anywhere. He followed his uncle into the diner so they could get in line behind the college students that frequented the place. Maybe they could get a table before the girls got there. His mouth watered at the smell of chocolate cake.

"Table for five," Harm told the waitress. They were seated at a round table in the back and he ordered a Coke for himself, and a bottled water for Mac.

AJ smirked. "You know her well enough to order for her?" He looked at the waiter. "Coke."

"We've been together for almost fifteen *years*, AJ. That's longer than most married couples."

"My point exactly," the boy replied smugly.

"What?" Harm asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Your relationship is stronger than most married couples have. Most of my friend's parents are divorced. You and Mac have been together for fifteen years. All you really need is the whole physical aspect. Emotionally, you two are already tied together more firmly than anyone I know."

"That's what you don't understand, AJ, and you won't for a long time. The physical aspect is so much more than physical." Harm shifted so that he was facing his godson. "It's emotional, to the core. To make love to someone you truly love," he continued, lowering his voice, "is to give up every bit of control and turn yourself over to passion. It's not as easy as just 'doing it'."

AJ lowered his gaze uncomfortably. Talking to his uncle had helped, for sure, but this was downright weird. "There's Aunt Mac," he said with relief, waving the trio to their table.

"Hey, AJ," Mac greeted her godson. "Has Harm been giving you a hard time? Tell me if he has, and I'll make sure to kick his six for you."

AJ laughed and shook his head.

"No, Mac," Harm replied, standing as the girls came in. "We've had a nice talk, actually." He smiled at the other two. "Hey Chloe, hi Sarah."

"Hey, Uncle Harm!" Sarah gave him a big hug before sliding into the seat next to her brother. "Hey, AJ," she said softly.

"Hey, Harm," Chloe greeted her big sister's friend warmly. She leaned over and gave him a hug before sliding in next to Sarah and tugging on AJ's hand. "C'mon over here, kiddo, I want to see how tall you've gotten." She smiled triumphantly as she waited for Mac to realize she'd been forced into sitting exactly where they wanted her...next to Harm.

Harm glanced up at Mac and grinned. "Looks like you're stuck next to me, Ninja Girl." He patted the seat beside him.

Mac smiled softly. "I wouldn't call it stuck," she reprimanded gently. "I certainly don't mind."

AJ and Chloe exchanged grins of delight as they shared a menu.

Harm rested his arm on the back of the booth as Mac took her seat. He dropped it down onto her shoulder. "I think we were set up," he murmured, leaning close to her ear.

Sarah glanced from Harm to Chloe. "What's so funny?" she whispered.

"You'll understand when you're older," AJ told her.

Sarah stuck her tongue out. "You're only two years older, *Albert*."

"Don't call me Albert," AJ protested. "Mini-Mac," he added as an afterthought.

"Then don't be a dipwad. And, FYI, I'm proud to be Mini-Mac. At least my namesake has *hair*."

"I'm gonna get you," AJ growled, reaching over Chloe to get to his sister. "And FYI went out with that old TV show that Mom watched, loser."

Sarah ducked behind Chloe. "Dream on, Jethro," she growled. "I'm gonna be a Marine, and then I'll be able to squish you with my boots!"

Harm cleared his throat menacingly. "AJ, Sarah, stop *now*."

"Ok, Uncle Harm," AJ acquiesced, whispering to his sister, "Navy is better!"

Chloe firmly clamped him around the neck. "Behave, AJ. You're the eldest, you're supposed to set an example. Besides, you know Mac can kick any squid's six any day of the week with one hand tied behind her back."

Harm chuckled. "Except mine," he protested. "But Sarah's right, AJ, you'd better watch out. One day she might be as big as you...you never know." He dropped the subject as the waitress came to take their orders.

Chloe grinned after she placed her order for a salad. "So, Mac, did I tell you what I'm doing to pay for the last two years of college?"

Mac shook her head. "What do you mean, pay for? Your dad should be able to handle college payments easily."

"Maybe, but I don't think he should have to," Chloe shrugged. She looked to Harm. "Since Mac's not interested, maybe you are."

"Fascinated," Harm said, leaning over. "But let me guess first. You're....working in a stable?"

"They don't pay enough."

"You took a job as a fashion model in New York?" Harm guessed, taking a sip of his soda.

Chloe glanced disparagingly at her flannel shirt and faded jeans. "Not hardly. It's not fair, even over-the-hill Mac looks better than I do. No offense, Mac."

Mac shrugged.

Harm grinned, glancing from Mac to Chloe. "I've gotta agree with you there. She's definitely a looker," he teased his partner. "Then tell me, what *are* you doing?"

Mac slugged him gently as Chloe replied. "I've enlisted in the Marines."

Mac's jaw dropped and she looked at her partner, waiting for his response to the girl they had watched grow up.

"The Marines?" Harm echoed disbelievingly. "Wow. Uhm....wow. That's quite a step."

Chloe shrugged. "Not really. I've always wanted to be like Mac. She saved my life." She stared uncomfortably at the table. "My partner supports me."

Harm smiled broadly. "Well, I think that's great, don't you, Mac?"

In shock, Mac stuttered, "If it's what she wants." She studied the 20-year-old intently. "What partner?"

Chloe said softly, "Her name is Kristin. We've been together for two years." She met Mac's eyes, expecting censure, but not finding it.

Under the table, Harm squeezed Mac's hand. "That's wonderful," he said softly. "And it's going to be even easier on you, now that the policy's been changed," Harm commented, referring to the months-old abolition of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The new "open arms" policy was in effect and seemed to be widely accepted. There would always be exceptions, but it was a different military from when he enlisted.

Chloe met his eyes steadily. "Kris is studying psychology. I'm going into law, like Mac. There are too many people out there who take advantage of the weak. I want to help stop it. Think I could find a job some day, Admiral?" she asked lightly. "I mean, everyone knows you'll be the next JAG."

"Absolutely," Harm said seriously. "Even if I'm not, I'll put in a good word for you with the higher-ups."

"Thanks." Chloe grinned and ruffled AJ's hair. "How's school, buddy?"

"It's pretty good, Chlo," AJ used the nickname he'd christened her with while a toddler. "I can't believe we had to sit through a field trip to JAG today, though. It was so boring."

Sarah looked up at her brother with wide eyes. "Lucky. We just went to the planetarium."

"At least it's different," AJ argued. "We've been to JAG so much that there's nothing new on a boring field trip where we're supposed to learn stuff."

"Well, yeah, but then you're a step ahead of everyone else," Sarah shot back. "You already know all the answers."

"But it's boring," AJ threw back at her. "I might get good grades that way, but coasting through school won't get me into Annapolis."

Sarah shook her head and glanced at Mac. "Tell him to stop arguing with me?"

Mac shook her head. "He has a point, Sarah. Coasting through school isn't a good idea."

Harm looked at his godson proudly. "You're absolutely right, kiddo. If you want to get into the Navy, you have to do your best."

Sarah started to whine a little. "I'm not coasting, I'm just saying it's not bad if you already know the answers once in a while!"

Chloe supported the young girl. "Come on, everyone enjoys a break in school every once in awhile. Sarah's not saying that every day should be easy, but sometimes it's nice to be able to catch your breath."

"Yeah, that's it." Sarah smiled brightly. "That's what I meant."

"Su-u-ure," AJ rolled his eyes. "You'll just agree to whatever will get you off the hook."

Sarah slouched down in her seat, crossing her arms and fighting back tears. "Jackass," she muttered to herself. Why couldn't he ever just let her be?

"Watch your language, young lady," Mac warned her goddaughter. She turned to AJ. "Stop pestering your sister, AJ. We all know what she meant, and you can't deny that you've wanted a break every now and then."

Sarah bit her tongue, fighting the urge to talk back to Mac. She knew better...she'd been the recipient of several dressings-down from her aunt. She just slouched further down in her seat and growled to herself.

Mac sighed and rested her head on Harm's shoulder, stifling a yawn. She perked up when their food arrived.

Harm rubbed her arm gently, winking across the table at Sarah. "Later," he mouthed to her, reaching for his salad.

Sarah smiled at her uncle. Just like with her dad, she was Uncle Harm's princess. Whatever was wrong, if he *could* fix it, he did. She took a bite of her chicken finger and tried to look happy.

"Don't try anything, flyboy," Mac whispered in his ear. "I saw you wink at Sarah. You and Bud absolutely spoil her."

"She's my only goddaughter, Mac," Harm said firmly, in a serious tone that said for Mac not to interfere. "I don't spoil her, anyway."

Chloe grinned as she watched them interact. She'd never understood why they hadn't gotten together long ago, but Mac had married Brumby. He had turned out to be a nice guy, much to her surprise, but their marriage had ended. Mac had never confided the reason to her, and she didn't ask. "Don't you kids have to be up early in the morning?" she addressed AJ and Sarah.

Sarah nodded, her eyes already drooping. "I'm not tired, though," she said through a yawn.

"Sure you're not," Chloe said fondly. "Just like Mac's not tired," she pointed at her big sister. "Harm, if you drive Mac home, I'll take AJ and Sarah in her car." She winked at AJ.

"Yeah, Harm, I'll help keep Chloe awake on the drive back to your place," he supported her. "Then Aunt Mac can get a little bit of sleep."

Harm glanced over at Mac, who looked like she was about to fall on her tuna melt. "Sounds like a plan. Come on, jarhead."

"No way, squid. I don't need a ride. I'm perfectly capable of driving myself home," Mac retorted.

"I didn't say you weren't capable," Harm replied. "I don't mind."

"Come on, Mac," Chloe cajoled, "I'm dying to drive your truck. You've only had it for a few months. You finally traded in that Corvette, and I never had a chance to drive it. I figure I deserve a chance at the truck."

Mac sighed and nodded. She pulled out her credit card to pay the bill the waiter had delivered. "Then we'll see you at Harm's in about 45 minutes."

Chloe nodded. "Yes, Mac, we'll behave. We'll only go ten or fifteen miles over the speed limit, as opposed to thirty like your partner."

Harm winked at Chloe. "I'll be careful, I promise." He held up his hand in a Boy Scout salute. "See you there."

Mac worriedly gazed after the trio as Chloe pulled out. She turned to her partner. "I know she's an adult, but I can't help but worry. It's my job as part-time parent."

"I know," Harm said softly, his eyes following the truck. "I don't blame you." He started his car and pulled out of the parking lot.

Mac was silent for a moment before beginning, "I had an interesting evening with Chloe and Sarah. Did you know that Harriet's told her children we're madly in love and denying it?"

"Yeah," Harm said with a chuckle. "AJ told me as much." He glanced sideways at Mac. "Crazy, isn't it?"

"Crazy, yeah," Mac echoed softly.

"Absolutely," Harm said. His voice was less than affirmative, though.

Mac unconsciously dropped her hand to his thigh. "Sarah told me AJ has a girlfriend."

Harm swallowed consciously, his heart beating a little faster. "Kind of," he said, unwilling to divulge much, since he wasn't sure how much AJ wanted to share with his aunt. "It's really sweet how much he cares about her. He wants to protect her."

Mac absently began rubbing her hand up and down his denim-clad leg. "I take it he confided in you and you won't tell me? Come on, he doesn't talk to me as much anymore. I'm not good enough for guy stuff. I get secondhand information from Sarah, but she doesn't know much either." She shifted closer to his warmth. "Your heater's not working very well."

Harm wrapped his free arm around Mac's shoulders as well as he could with bucket seats. "I know, I've got to take it in," he muttered absently. "I can't tell you, Mac." He looked at her briefly, his blue eyes pleading with her to understand. "At least not until I ask AJ. He told me this in confidence, I don't want to break that."

Mac sighed. "I know. I just miss him." She snuggled closer to him. "We really ought to do something about the kids always setting us up."

Harm craned his neck to look down at Mac, whose head was now resting on his shoulder. "And exactly what would we do about that, Mac?" he asked quietly.

"I don't know, Harm. We should make sure they understand we're just friends, right?" She looked up to him for guidance.

Harm nodded, unconvincingly, and pulled the car off to the side of the road. He turned to face Mac and reached for her hands. "Is that all you want us to be?" he asked, his voice trembling.

"I...I don't know, Harm." She looked down at their joined hands and pulled them to her lips so she could kiss his knuckles. "We've been friends for so long that I'm not sure we can move past that," she mumbled, her tongue flicking across his thumb as she answered him.

"Do you want to try?" Harm asked, shifting his fingers underneath her hand so he could stroke Mac's palm.

Mac drew in a sharp breath at the sensation he was evoking. "I don't know. Are you ready to let go, Harm?"

"Is it eternity yet?" he teased, recalling their conversation in Australia, more than ten years before. Harm leaned in, his breath catching in his throat.

"Yes," she whispered, meeting his lips with her own. She smiled into his kiss. "Eternity and beyond, Harm."

His stomach was in knots as Harm kissed Mac. His fears melted beneath her warm lips, his hands tangling themselves in her hair.

Mac moaned with the feel of his hands, large and tender, always protecting her from danger. Her own threaded through his hair and she struggled to get closer to him, realizing in frustration that there were some problems with expensive sports cars, namely bucket seats.

Harm sighed against her mouth, reaching across the armrest to caress her thigh. "You know, the kids are expecting us," he said quietly. His fingers gently explored the silky softness of her milk-chocolate hair.

"Right, the kids," Mac muttered as her hands played along his back. "They're old enough to be alone for the night. Chloe's with them." She moved in for another kiss.

Harm smiled, tasting Mac's sweetness against his lips. "You taste like strawberries," he murmured. "I knew you would."

"Mmm," was Mac's only reply as her right hand slid down his chest and gently tugged the bottom of his T-shirt out of his jeans.

Harm grabbed Mac's hand and smiled broadly. "Not here," he murmured. "The Beltway isn't exactly conducive to love-making."

Mac glanced up. "Damn, you're right. We're near Branch. Traffic backs up here all the time. We'd better move before someone rams us." She reluctantly settled back into her seat, but refused to release Harm's right hand, keeping it firmly in her lap.

Harm pulled off the shoulder, back onto the highway. He sped towards Georgetown, sneaking looks at Mac the entire way. Their relationship had just spiraled 180 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Mac leaned back in her seat, letting her mind wander to the revelations of the evening. She'd long suspected what Chloe had admitted that evening. She was happy for the girl and couldn't wait to meet Kristin. Anyone who could calm Chloe even slightly was OK in her book. And Harm...after fifteen years, they were finally getting somewhere. Not that she was desperate. Far from it. But if she admitted it to herself, that was part of the reason, a very small part, but a presence nonetheless, in her break-up with Mic five years ago.

Harm pulled up in front of Mac's building and cut the engine. "Are you sure?" he asked, worriedly.

"Sure about what, flyboy?" Mac glanced at him. "About us? After all this time, you bet I'm sure." She raised his hand to her lips once again. "I love you, sailor."

"I love you, too," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her hard.

Mac met him evenly, like all partners. She opened her mouth beneath his as her hands slid again to the bottom of his T-shirt, massaging his stomach muscles. Reluctantly pulling away, she muttered, "Let's not give my neighbors a show."

Grinning, Harm came around to open Mac's door. He held his hand out to her.

Mac accepted with a flourish, digging for her keys as they walked to her building. As they reached her apartment, a wicked gleam appeared in her eyes. She reached up to kiss him again, pinning him against her door.

Harm let himself be trapped between Mac and the hardwood door. His hands slid down to her butt, gentle fingers exploring every curve. "Mac," he murmured breathlessly, feeling the hardness straining against his jeans.

Lost in a haze of delight, Mac barely remembered her idea. Finally struggling to continue, though she desperately wanted to cup him, she inserted her key into the lock, opening the door supporting them.

Harm stumbled, attempting to recover his balance as the door swung open.

Mac grinned, making sure he couldn't regain his footing as he landed lightly on the floor. Kicking the door closed, she followed him down, her lips finding his again. "Finally I have you at my mercy. It's only taken me fifteen years," she chuckled.

Harm grinned, his hands running up the front of her blouse, caressing her everywhere. His mouth mingled with hers, his tongue slipped between her lips. "I'm all yours, sweetie."

"I love you, squid," Mac whispered amid the tangle of bodies.

"I love you, too," he repeated, loving the way the words fell so easily from his lips to hers. His hand slid beneath her, and Harm moved in exquisite slow-motion.

Mac suppressed a sigh. It had been a long time, and had been even longer that she had waited for Harm to be the one making love to her. She slid her hands to his boxers, moving them over his still trim hips and using her feet to kick them off the end of the bed. She moved beneath him, hoping he would get the hint.

Grinning, Harm positioned himself over her. "I don't need a brick wall to fall on me," he smiled. "Are you sure?" he asked once more.

"Harm," she growled impatiently, "I'm a more than grown woman, I know my own mind." She wrapped her legs around his waist to emphasize her point.

"I was trying to be a gentleman," he teased as he did what she so obviously wanted.

Mac sucked in a deep breath. "Gentlemen are annoying," she murmured. "Didn't you know chivalry is dead?" She met his lips in a fierce kiss, her tongue probing the recesses of his mouth as her hands rested on his lower back and butt, applying gentle pressure.

"Never, my princess." Harm made slow, soft movements, gently rocking against Mac.

"Princess?" she asked softly, eyes shining up at him.

"Princess," he repeated quietly, a single tear dangling precariously in the corner of one blue eye. "*My* princess."

Mac used her thumb to brush the tear away. "Why?" she asked. "What did I do to deserve this? I'm no one special, Harm. You could have so much better."

Harm stopped moving, his entire body frozen. "Sarah," he whispered softly, bending down to kiss her cheek in the most tender of butterfly kisses. "You are the most special person, especially to me, or I wouldn't be here," Harm assured her. "You're the best I could ever hope for."

Mac struggled to keep her composure. No man had ever been so tender with her. They were in bed, and Harm was stopping to reassure and comfort her. She didn't think anyone could have such self-control. Her thumb grazed along his cheekbone and down to his jaw before her hand cupped the back of his neck and pulled him to her for another long kiss. As they broke apart, she whispered, "I don't understand, but I hope you stay like this for as long as we live."

"I hope I can make you understand someday," he whispered.

Afterwards, Mac slowly relaxed in his embrace, tension easing from her body. Her eyes met his quickly before they skittered away, her lashes lowered to avoid his all-knowing gaze.

Harm let Mac avoid his gaze as he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Stop it," he whispered, stroking her arms.

"I don't know if I can," she confessed quietly. "You've given me more than I've ever known. I don't understand it, Harm."

"You don't have to understand it, Mac. Just accept it."

"I'll try," Mac promised, moving closer. She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "I wish we could stay like this forever."

"We can," he promised as his hands caressed her back. "We'll just have to take breaks to pee."

Surprised, Mac couldn't help but let out a snicker. It quickly escalated to full-blown giggles that had her doubled over. Finally calming, she added, "And Beltway burgers."

Harm chuckled, bouyed by her sweet laughter. "And arugula salads with tofu," he added.

She made a face. "Yuck. I hate tofu." She closed her eyes contentedly before suddenly sitting up, nearly banging her head on his chin in the process. "The kids!"

"They're with Chloe," he reminded Mac drowsily. "They're fine."

"But," Mac protested weakly, "Bud and Harriet entrusted them to our care. And Chloe's on vacation, she shouldn't be pressed into baby-sitting because we decided to jump each other's bones."

"She offered," Harm said, but he sat up and started to reach for his shirt reluctantly.

"I know, but I don't feel right about it," Mac replied. "But we do have time for a shower."

Harm wiggled his eyebrows. "Well, come on then."

Mac grinned. "We don't have *that* much time, flyboy." She followed him anyway.

* * *

Harm slid his key into the lock and entered the apartment quietly. The lights were all off, so he made his way quietly to the bedroom. He glanced in and smiled broadly.

"Read it again," Sarah murmured sleepily as she snuggled deeper into Chloe's side. "The part about the prince and the princess and the king who let them get married even though it was against the law."

Mac stifled a snicker at the obvious correlation. She tugged Harm back to the living room to wait for Chloe. From the looks of it, she would have both kids asleep quickly, and Mac didn't want to disturb them.

Harm sat down on the couch and tugged at Mac's hand, pulling her onto his lap.

Sarah smiled up at Chloe. "Think they got the hint?" she asked with a little giggle.

Chloe grinned at the young girl. "Go to sleep, young lady." She tapped her on the nose. "You have school in the morning." She looked over at AJ. "You, too."

"Yes, ma'am," he mocked, rolling over and burying his head in the pillow as Chloe slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Sarah snuggled up behind her big brother. "AJ," she whispered. "Do you think Aunt Mac and Uncle Harm will ever get it right?"

"I think they already did," AJ assured her, glancing at the clock. It didn't take that long to get from Georgetown to Union Station. "Now go to sleep."

"Okay," Sarah said, pulling the covers tighter around her.

Harm had his arms wrapped around Mac as Chloe came out of the bedroom. "Hey, Chloe," he said with an embarrassed grin.

She raised her eyebrows. "Did some sightseeing on your way home?"

"Uhm, yeah," he chuckled, kissing Mac's neck.

"Lots," Mac affirmed. "Thanks for taking care of AJ and Sarah."

"No problem, Mac. But if the two of you plan to get involved in any higher than PG activities, might I suggest I be the one to stay with the kids tonight while you two go back to your apartment?" She looked to Harm for an answer.

Harm shook his head. "It's okay," he promised. "I think we're done for tonight. And Chloe?" he added softly. "Thanks. We needed that kick in the six."

"You're welcome. Mac, there's really not enough room on this couch for three. Do you mind if I take your truck back to your place? I assume you're staying here?"

Mac nodded wordlessly.

"I'll see the two of you tomorrow. And don't forget that when you drop AJ off at school you promised to stay and talk to the class," Chloe reminded.

"We won't forget," Harm said. "See you tomorrow."

Chloe tossed off a mock salute. "Night, guys." She made sure to lock Harm's door behind her. His apartment was in a rough neighborhood. Starting Mac's truck, she waved up at the figures watching her from the window.

* * *

As Chloe went to unlock Mac's apartment door, it swung open. A smiling figure beamed at her from the couch. "I was going to wait in the hall but it was unlocked," Kristin explained.

Chloe grinned, shutting the door and locking it, making her way to the couch, kicking some of Mac's clothes out of the way, and hugged the other woman tightly. "I missed you," she whispered, brushing Kristen's lips with her own in a quick kiss.

"I missed you too, Chlo. So how did everything go?" Kristin asked, wrapping her arms around Chloe's waist and leaning back to look up at her.

Chloe grinned wickedly. "It went perfectly, Kris. I even had a little help this time around."

"They did it?" she murmured incredulously.

"Um, hello, hon, did you miss the clothes on the floor, leaving a trail into the bedroom?" Chloe grinned, brushing a strand of red hair off her lover's face.

Kristin giggled softly. "I just thought maybe she was a slob," she teased Chloe. "I'm so glad! After everything you've told me, they deserve to be happy." She paused, her smile fading for a moment. "You did tell her, right? About everything?"

"Yes, I told her about everything," Chloe replied patiently. "Harm, too."

"Good. Then I can sleep easy. Come on, jarhead," Kris giggled. "Let's go to bed."

"Don't call me jarhead," Chloe grumbled, climbing wearily to her feet. "Maybe I'll get a tattoo..."

"What should I call you? Devil Dog?"

"Try what you've always called me, shrink. Chloe," she retorted, leading Kris into the guest room that was Chloe's whenever she visited. "Shoo, Jingo," she chased the dog out.

"Damn stubborn Marines," Kristin laughed as she climbed into bed. "C'mere, Jingo." The dog hopped up on the bed, happily cuddling up next to the redhead.

"Figures. A dog has already replaced me in your affections," Chloe mock-pouted as she joined Kris and Jingo. "What's it going to be like when I go off to boot camp?"

"The cat's going to get your spot on the bed and I'm going to let the ferret drink out of your favorite mug," Kristin shot back sarcastically. "Then I'll consider getting a parrot, so I won't miss your grumbling." She kissed the back of Chloe's shoulder. "Now shut up and go to sleep. I love you."

"Hey, my favorite mug is going to be hidden away," Chloe retorted. "You are not letting a rodent drink out of it." She wrapped an arm around Kristin's waist, pulling her close so that she was sandwiched between Chloe and Jingo. "I love you," she whispered in the other woman's ear, blowing softly before resting her head against Kristin's back.

"Then he gets your cereal dish."

End Ch. 1