"AJ, are you ready? We have to leave here in ten!" Keely readjusted the small diamond studs in her ears and stepped back, watching her reflection. Her Ann Northington outfit, a velvet top with small studs along the neckline, and separate skirt, running along her waist with a small 'v' at her bellybutton, fit wonderfully, but Keely was too preoccupied on the night's upcoming events to concentrate. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders and turning halfway, making sure she was zipped and tucked properly. She bent over, tying on her strappy shoes, then called out into the hotel suite again. "AJ! We have to go!"

"I'm coming!" AJ called back. "Jesus, she takes four hours to get ready, leaves me fifteen minutes to shower and dress, and then yells that *I'm* going to make *her* late. Women!" With a frustrated sigh, he stepped into the living room, buttoning his dress jacket. When he saw Keely, his hands froze, his eyes widening. "Good lord," he said. Clearing his throat, he went back to the buttons. "Wow," he added, reaching for his cover.

Keely ducked her head, smiling. She sighed, picking up her evening bag from the bed. "You clean up pretty good yourself, old man," she replied, walking the length of the room and dusting an imaginary piece of lint off his lapel. "You ready to get this over with?"

Resting his hands on Keely's hips, AJ smiled. "Can't you enjoy anything?" he teased. "You're the first runner-up for the *Pulitzer* and you've been invited to present the award to the winner. Face it, Keely, this is an important day for you." AJ chuckled softly. "Now shut up and get moving."

Keely rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "All right, all right." She picked up the file folder with all her important information and tucked it under her arm, reaching for AJ's hand with her other. "At least it's open bar," she teased as they headed towards the elevators.

Lacing his fingers with hers, AJ pulled the door to the hotel suite closed behind them. "Besides, this was a good excuse for a vacation. I haven't been to Manhattan in...oh it must be ten years or so."

"And we're only an hour plane's ride away from DC," Keely hinted. They'd been discussing possibly spending a few days in the city after the Pulitzer happenings concluded. She wanted to see her old friends, and wanted AJ to see his as well, in search of reassurance that he was truly where he belonged. They descended the eighteen floors of the Plaza hotel and turned towards the ballroom. Keely handed her ticket to the attendant, who smiled and ushered them to the dais and the head table. Keely looked up at AJ, her eyes widening. "What have I gotten us into?" she whispered as they ascended the small steps and found their namecards.

AJ smiled, squeezing Keely's hand. "Breathe," he reminded her. "You'll be fine." AJ pulled her chair out, glancing around the room at the gathered authors and publishers.

Keely sat, soothed by AJ's bulky form as he took his designated seat next to her. She placed a hand on his knee, not really realizing she had done so, and started to watch as the room filled. She leaned over to AJ and teased quietly, "You gonna save me a dance?"

"They're all yours." Across the room, AJ spotted a beautiful woman, decked out in a green velvet cocktail dress. "Except maybe one, for her."

Keely followed his gaze then slapped his arm lightly. "Thanks for your support, old man," she admonished. She continued scanning the room until she felt a tap on her shoulder. Keely looked up and smiled at the event coordinator.

"Ms. O'Reilly, you'll be speaking eighth, all right?" Keely nodded and the coordinator moved on. Keely sighed, looking back at AJ. "Think we can get a hot dog after this? That chicken's looking like I cooked it."

"Sure. I'll even spring for relish," he laughed.

Keely laughed with him, but quieted as the president of Columbia University began to speak, giving a history about the Pulitzers. Keely found her mind wandering for the next forty minutes as the journalism awards were announced and presented. She crossed and uncrossed her legs several times in boredom, smiling each time as what she had dubbed "the cause of AJ's heart attack" made its presence known. *He'll think I've gone insane,* she thought happily.

Finally, it was Keely's turn to speak. She rose, smiling at AJ, and walked to the podium. She put her glasses on, and began to read from her index cards.

"Her unfocused eyes stared out the window. Her heart was heavy--no, that's not the right word. She couldn't feel anything--sadness, pain, anger. Nothing. She felt empty. There was a gaping hole inside her where she'd once felt something.

She was leaving everything she knew. Her family and friends, her job, her childhood memories. All of that disappeared behind her as the bus flew down the highway. Feeling like she'd burst into frustrated tears at any moment, she stared out the window as the scenery changed outside the window.

She lay in bed later that night, staring up at the ceiling. The shadows played in the moonlight, but she didn't see them. Her mind was somewhere far away. The mattress was cold and hard beneath her, matching perfectly the frigid, gray walls of her heart. The tears streamed down her cheeks, unbidden and unheeded. Such was the life of a gypsy.

"I'm at a pay phone, just outside of Charlotte. I just stopped to call to let you know I'm running late. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've got the right directions: exit 29 just off the Interstate. I'll take the hide-a-bed, the couch, it don't matter. Don't go to any trouble, you've done enough for me. Maybe I could use a shoulder to cry on, till I can make it through this, all I really need is a place where I'm not taken for granted, and I won't have to spend my nights alone. I need a place where he can't hurt me anymore, someplace that's no place like home.

Right about now, he's prob'ly pullin' in the driveway. I'm sure he's wondering why I'm not at home. But he won't be calling, because I didn't leave a number, just a note on the table telling him I've gone, to a place where I'm not taken for granted, and I won't have to spend my nights alone. A place where he can't hurt me anymore, someplace that's no place like home.

I just need a place where he can't hurt me anymore, someplace that's no place like home."

The knock startled her and the worried face in the doorway reassured her. Asking if she was all right, the compassion was promised with a touch, a hug, a kiss on the cheek. Everything would be all right, eventually. She just had to get through tonight, and it would be okay. One day at a time. One little step.

The bruises would heal. A promise that lovely soul couldn't possibly keep, made in the darkest moment. They would heal together.

She cried for all the times she'd cried before. The tears came quickly. Playing over in her mind, the song betrayed her. "So raise your hands to heaven and pray that we'll be back together, someday. Tonight I need your sweet caress. Hold me in the darkness." The arms that held her weren't his. They didn't show her sorrow for the pain they'd caused, they weren't his. They gave her pure comfort, honest love, they weren't his. She wanted his. She needed these. Gripping them tightly, she screamed, her pain finally ripping her heart apart. The hands....they held her tenderly, rocking her. Smoothing her hair. She felt the arms around her, warm, like her momma's. Her screams tore her throat in two, trailing off into ragged sobs. She clung to the tear-soaked shirt, praying.

"Hush, love," she whispered lovingly. "I'm here." Always."

She finished, smiling her thanks as the crowd applauded. She continued, "As proven by the excerpt I just read, the winner of this year's Pulitzer for fiction is an American icon. Katherine Allison is the author of dozens of works, ranging from short stories to three novels. Her lyrical prose, combined with engaging characters are the backbone of her writing, and her latest release goes above and beyond anything we've seen before. "Carolina Sunshine" is the story of a traumatizing childhood brought back to a forty-year-old woman by her childhood love. It's hysterical at times, poignant at others, and deserves every bit of acclaim it receives. Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Katherine Allison." Keely applauded lightly, stepping back to her seat and heaving a sigh of relief.

"You did wonderfully," AJ whispered, a smile decorating his face. "And by the way," he added, leaning back in his chair to get a better look, "that dress is incredible." His hand caressed the smooth skin of Keely's back above her waist.

Keely smiled, leaning back against his hand, letting him feel the v-neck bare back. "I'm glad you approve. I had them redesign the back just a little bit," she whispered, turning her head and allowing her breath to tickle his ear.

Chuckling under his breath, AJ leaned over, dropping a kiss on Keely's neck. "When is this thing over?" He sounded like a kid at the end of a long car trip.

Keely glanced over at his watch. "Four more awards, then dinner. And you promised me dancing," she teased, returning her hand to his knee.

AJ started to protest, before his brain got word to the rest of him. *Dancing. You and Keely, pressed close to each other for three hours. Dancing!* "Oh, yeah," he said agreeably, settling back in his chair. His hand drifted down to cover Keely's.

Keely smiled, squeezing his hand, then returning her attention to the awards banquet. She looked out over the ballroom, feeling infinitely happy and lucky. Sure, she hadn't won the Pulitzer, but she *had* won AJ. She disentangled herself from him and applauded as the last of the awards was handed out and dinner began to be served. Being at the dais, she and AJ were served first, and she began to eat her chicken dinner, running the pointed toe of her shoe up and down under AJ's pant leg.

Shivering a little, AJ moved his leg to the right, giving Keely better access. "How's your chicken?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Keely couldn't quite suppress a smile. "We're heading down Broadway to find hot dogs after this," she replied by way of an answer. "How's...whatever the hell that is?" she asked, wrinkling her nose.

"Be-ef Well-ing-ton," AJ enunciated teasingly. "We really have to go out more."

Keely smiled. "Well, we do go out a lot, it's just to seafood places. I haven't had chicken this bad in years." She placed her fork and knife on her plate, signaling the waiter she was finished. She moved her free hand to AJ's thigh once again, her thumb tracing idle circles.

Stilling Keely's hand, AJ smiled, shaking his head imperceptibly. "You're a tease," he murmured.

"Yes, I am. And proud of it." Keely motioned with her head over to the far corner of the ballroom, where the band was setting up. "Let me make you a deal, old man. Four dances and we hightail it out of here."

"Four? You've got yourself a deal."

"Good." Keely sat back in her chair, watching in silence for a few minutes as dinner was cleared away and couples started to make their way to the dance floor. Finally, she snuck a look at AJ and tilted her head, motioning to the floor.

Standing, AJ slid Keely's chair out as she joined him. Offering his arm, he led her to the dance floor, pulling her gently into his embrace.

Keely wrapped one arm around his waist, twining her fingers with his in the other. "Well, it was a fun few days, wasn't it?" she asked quietly as they swayed to the soft music.

"It's been great," AJ said, smiling. "So what are we going to do in DC?"

"You really want to go?" Keely said, raising her eyes to his.

AJ nodded. "Yeah. I'd like to see little AJ, and my friends."

"Good, I'm glad." Keely kissed him lightly. "I think I'm just going to go hang out at the bar, maybe stop by and see my old TAs. I don't really know."

"Okay. Well, you're welcome to join me if you like."

Keely smiled. "I'd like that." The tempo of the song shifted into an upbeat swing number. She stepped back, grinning. "Hey, old man, think you can keep up?"

Clasping Keely's hand, AJ jerked his arm back, swinging her in an unexpected circle. "I think so," he laughed.

Keely threw her head back and laughed, linking her other hand with his, pulling herself outward and then in again, wrapping her arms around AJ's waist and smiling warmly up at him, still laughing.

AJ felt the warmth start in his heart and work its way outward. He loved hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, making her way. "We can leave for Washington first thing in the morning, okay?"

Keely nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck as the music changed once again to "My Funny Valentine." "I think I might have to be there when you walk into JAG and scare the bejeezus out of them again," she teased.

"I'd love it if you came with me," AJ smiled, picturing the looks on everyone's faces when he showed up.

"Although, it'd be even funnier if I stuffed a pillow down my shirt," Keely said idly, waiting for his reaction.

Pausing for a split second, AJ formed a reply. "They're smart people. You'd have to call Harm's ex, the video princess, and get one of those things they use on TV to fake a pregnancy," he deadpanned.

"Hmm, that's something to consider," Keely replied, moving her hands around to his back, running them under his suit jacket. She looked up at him, overcome with her feelings towards this man. "Have I told you how much I love you?" she asked softly, her eyes warm.

"Not in the last ten minutes," AJ teased. "I love you, too."

Keely shook her head, lacing her hands together under his jacket. "Ooh, you know that you're going to have to take me out to breakfast at the Guard when we get to DC, right?"

"Of course. What's a trip to DC without the Guard's omelets?" Kissing Keely's forehead, AJ shook his head. "Listen to this. You've domesticated me!" he laughed.

"Yay! It only took me, what...almost a year, not counting the two we were apart?"

"Less than three years and I'm whipped." AJ shook his head sadly. "What will Rabb say?" Pausing momentarily, he grinned and answered himself. "He's gonna say, "Welcome to the club, Admiral," or I'll kick his six back to La Jolla."

Keely laughed. "Oh, how I love it when you talk rough." She rolled her eyes good-naturedly as they continued to sway to the big band music. "And for the record, I don't think you're whipped. You're still as stubborn and bull-headed as the day I met you."

Nodding, AJ chuckled softly. "Yeah, but you wouldn't have seen me move across the country for a woman back then."

"That's true." Keely agreed softly, still smiling . "And I don't think three years ago, you would have ever gotten me dressed up like this, even for an awards ceremony."

"You're still only half-dressed," AJ commented, brushing his hand across her bare stomach.

Keely laughed, even as her skin tingled. "I thought you liked the dress," she chided.

"I didn't say I didn't like it," AJ corrected her, his fingers tracing outlines as they played between the couple. "I just said it's half a dress."

"Well you know what that means," Keely leaned in and up, whispering in his ear again. "Easier to take off."

"That's all well and good," AJ replied teasingly, his lips brushing Keely's ear. "But I hope you'll choose something more appropriate when we get married."

Keely stopped dead in her tracks, leaning back with a dropped jaw and saucer-wide eyes. "What did you just say?"

"I said, you probably should wear something that covers your stomach. I don't think chapels appreciate bellies being shown."

"Okay, back the train up a few stops. Since when did you want to marry me?"

Pretending to count, AJ finally replied, "Since August, 2001."

Keely's mouth remained agape and she let out a few surprised chuckles before replying. "Well...damn."

Laughing, AJ kissed her cheek. "Got you thinking, didn't it?"

"It got me having a heart attack, AJ," Keely replied, brushing his cheek with her own mouth. "I just have one request, should we get married."

Nodding, AJ said immediately, "And what would that be?"

"Can I please not change my last name to 'Chegwidden'? It'll mess up the spacing on my next book cover."

"Keely Chegwidden," AJ rolled the name around in his mouth, sighing dramatically. "Okay, I guess I can agree to that."

"Of course, it is the new millennium, you could change your last name. AJ O'Reilly. I like it." Keely teased, running her index finger along his dress shirt.

"My last name may suck, but I've had it for nearing sixty years, Keel." He grinned. "Sorry, but it's staying. You could hyphenate, you know. Keely O'Reilly-Chegwidden."

"Oh, I'm sure Martie would love me having to write that across the book covers," Keely grinned back. She shrugged. "We'll just take it one step at a time, like we always do. I'm assuming you don't want to hop a flight to Vegas before going to DC?"

"Uhm, no."

"Good. Because that way, you can have your whole reconsidering thing on familiar ground." She smiled knowingly up at him.

"Reconsidering?" AJ dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "When I make up my mind to do something, I do it."

Keely shook her head. "I know you, AJ. You're going to have your panic attack tomorrow when I'm not around. This has been way too easy for you." She placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm not doubting how much we love each other, or even the notion that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But I don't want you to rush into anything, as I think you're going to feel tomorrow. It's not a big deal, okay? When the time's right, it'll happen."

AJ took Keely's hand, smiling. "Okay, Keely. We'll see." *What? Okay?* he laughed at himself. *You really are whipped!* The beautiful night, and Keely's dress, were affecting his judgment, AJ decided.

"Good. As for right now," Keely looked at her feet, "I could use a world-famous footrub. You ready to get out of here?"

"Absolutely." AJ grabbed Keely's purse, meeting up with her at the door to the ballroom.

Keely held out her hand for him, asking, "Think we can get the hot dog tomorrow?"

Laughing, AJ promised, "We can get room service when we get back up to the room, honey."

Keely smiled. "Good. I think I'll be hungry...for food...a little later."

"And what are you hungry for at the moment?" AJ asked as they climbed aboard the elevator. He already knew what her answer would be.

Keely rested against the elevator walls, crossing her arms primly. "What do you think?"

Crossing the small space and planting his hands on the wall on either side of Keely, AJ grinned. "Not to sound egotistical....but....me."

Keely met his smile, tracing her manicured nails along his lapel. "I think that's a pretty good guess, myself."

"Boy, do I know you well or what," AJ teased, leaning over to kiss Keely just as the bell dinged and the doors slid open at their floor.

"Well, I should hope so, considering you just kind of hypothetically proposed to me," she kidded, moving out from under him and striding quickly towards their door, impatiently waiting for him to open it.

AJ's throat closed momentarily, but he shook the feeling off, sliding the card into the door and opening it, following Keely into the luxurious suite.

"Don't reassess now, just kiss me," Keely ordered, reaching behind him to shut and bolt the door, then taking his head in her hands and kissing him hard, her tongue opening his mouth and teasing his tongue.

Forgetting everything else, AJ sank into her kiss. His hands slid down to Keely's waist, stealing up under her velvet top, savoring her softness.

Keely pushed off his jacket, letting it fall into a wrinkled heap at their feet. She reached between them, unknotting his tie, breaking their kiss only briefly to yank it over his head. She unbuttoned his shirt, smiling against his mouth. "This is what I've been wanting to do all night," she said breathlessly.

"God," AJ murmured, tugging at her top gently. "I couldn't tell."

Keely laughed briefly, reaching to her side and unzipping the top, letting it fall to the floor, joining his jacket. She removed his dress shirt, pulling closer to him, pressing her freed breasts against his chest and kissing him again, teasing the top of his mouth.

Groaning softly, AJ rested his hands against Keely's ass, squeezing gently. He laughed against her mouth, his breath mingling with hers. "AssVision," he chuckled.

"Made possible by our number one subscriber," Keely murmured back, moving her hand to his fly, squeezing gently.

"I did sign up for the long-term subscription, didn't I?" AJ teased. "I'd hate for it to just be cancelled out from under me." He guided her towards the bedroom.

"Well, maybe on top of you, but not under you," Keely teased back, following him into the back part of the suite.

Laughing, AJ pulled Keely into the bedroom, his hands expertly unzipping her skirt and letting it puddle at her feet.

Keely tugged at his waist, pulling him closer to him as he unzipped her. She looked down between them, and at her 'surprise': a newly and whimsically purchased garter belt set, this with a thong. She raised laughing eyes to his, waiting for a reaction.

AJ's eyes widened and he coughed slightly at the unexpected attire. "Whoa," was all he could manage, running strong fingers over the lacy get-up.

Keely laughed, running a hand along his chest. "I bought it while I was in Chicago for the fiction conference. I missed you..." She motioned to her lack of attire. "Do you like it?"

"Good....god," AJ murmured, slipping his finger around the elastic and snapping it against her leg gently. "You look like a hooker." He glanced up, eyes wide. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

"I should hope not," Keely joked, kissing him gently. "But you know, all through dinner, they were scratching against me...do you think you could help me take them off?"

"I think I could manage that." AJ took Keely's hand, leading her into the bathroom. Grabbing her waist, he hoisted Keely onto the counter, reaching for the tiny clip where the garters attached to her stockings.

As AJ unhooked her garter belts and rolled the lacy stockings down her legs, Keely's stomach began to flutter with arousal, her entire body covering in goosebumps. She lifted her ass, hooking her thumbs under her thong, pulling it down her body along with the stockings, perching her naked body against the cool marble of the countertop.

Catching Keely's eye, AJ raised one eyebrow. "Subtle tonight, aren't we?"

Keely laughed, reaching for his head and kissing him. "Like a ton of bricks."

* * *

Their lovemaking was intense, to say the least, and left them both breathless.  Leaning against each other, both tried to catch their breath.  Keely closed her eyes, trying to control the movements of her diaphragm, laying her head on AJ's shoulder. "Never a dull moment," she said softly, running her hands up and down his back.

"Not with you around," AJ finished her thought.

Keely smiled, a contented noise rising out of her throat. "That's the way I like it," she confessed, leaning back and watching him. She leaned in, kissing him again. "Come on, old man, we have to change our airline tickets and save my dress."

"God, where do you get all this energy?" AJ protested, but followed her.

"Inspiration, my dear AJ. Inspiration." Keely bent over, retrieving her clothing and hanging it up in the closet. She picked up his Oxford shirt and put it on, buttoning it halfway. She turned to him, a playful smile on her face. "But if you're too tired, old man, you just go ahead and rest. I'll take care of everything."

Slipping his boxers back on, AJ followed Keely into the living room. "Fuck you," he laughed, grabbing the rest of his uniform.

"No thanks, already did." Keely moved to the bed, pulling back the cotton sheets. She settled herself against the headboard with her planner and glasses, calling the airlines to change their tickets.

Settling down on the bed beside Keely, AJ slung an arm over her stomach, glancing up at her.

Keely smiled, cradling the phone between her ear and shoulder, running a hand up and down his back. "Yes, both tickets will be changed...um, hang on one sec," she covered the phone with her hand. "What shuttle do you want to take out of here tomorrow?"

Shrugging, AJ shook his head. "Whichever."

Keely rolled her eyes, then spoke back into the phone. "Is there availability on the one-thirty? Mmmhmm...okay. Yeah, that's fine. Hold on, please." Keely looked back down at AJ. "When do you want to fly back to Seattle?"

"Next Friday."

Keely nodded, kissing him on the top of his head. "Next Friday, please," she said into the phone. "Excellent. Thank you." She hung up, setting her planner and glasses on the nightstand and scooting down the bed next to AJ. "All set."

Leaving his arm across Keely's stomach, AJ snuggled down beside her, content.

Keely kissed his shoulder. "Thanks for making tonight bearable, AJ. Hell, thanks for making *life* bearable."

"You're welcome," he mumbled into her side. "Thanks for being so cute," AJ chuckled.

Keely laughed, her eyes slipping shut. "Good night, old man."

"Good night, kid."

* * *

Keely awoke the next morning around nine thirty, stretching and yawning. She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake AJ. She wandered into the bathroom, brushing her teeth. As she watched herself in the mirror, she smiled around the Crest foam. Her mind wandered to the previous evening, and their conversation on the dance floor. She knew, in her heart of hearts, that AJ would probably never marry her. He was nearing sixty, had one failed marriage already, and she knew he hated change. But the thought comforted her like only he could, and for that, she was grateful.

AJ stirred as soon as Keely left the bed. Slipping into the bathroom a few minutes after she had, AJ wrapped his arms around her waist. Burying his nose in her hair, he sank happily into her back.

Keely smiled again, turning in his embrace. "Weff, gud mawning ti you too," she managed around the toothpaste.

"G'morning," he murmured sleepily, capturing her foamy mouth with his and chuckling as he tasted the toothpaste. "Yum," he whispered, trailing his tongue around the edges of her lips.

Keely laughed, reaching up and wiping excess Crest off his own mouth. "Hey, I get to kiss a sexy man and not have to rinse. Two for the price of one."

Chuckling, AJ stroked Keely's cheeks. "You're crazy."

Keely nodded. "Certifiable." She kissed him again, then turned to wash her face. "Check out's at eleven, just so you know."

Turning to glance at the bedside clock, AJ nodded to himself. "Okay, I have to make a couple of phone calls to make and then I'll pack." Disappearing into the bedroom, AJ made his phone calls and started folding his clothes into the suitcase.

Keely showered quickly, running back out into the bedroom, loosely wrapped in a towel, searching for her jeans and turtleneck. She shook her head in disbelief at AJ's preciseness, then returned to the bathroom to get dressed. She emerged five minutes later, tucking her shirt into her pants and began her own packing. "Did you get a hold of everyone you needed to, AJ?" she called into the outer room.

"All taken care of," AJ affirmed, appearing in the doorway. He stood there, watching Keely as she packed her things hurriedly.

"Good." Keely retrieved her shower things and put them in her suitcase, throwing him a look over her shoulder. "Can I help you with something?"

"Nope, I'm fine, thanks."

Keely smiled, chuckling as she finished clearing out the closet and drawers. She stood in the center of the room, doing a quick visual check for missed articles. She smiled, seeing a flash of black in the bathroom and wandered back in, retrieving the discarded garter belt set from the earlier night. She slung them over her index finger and held them up to AJ. "Can't forget these, can we?" she asked teasingly.

"God, no," AJ said, covering his heart with one hand in mock-horror. "Perish the thought."

Keely laughed again, placing the garments in her suitcase, zipping it. "Okay, I think we have everything. Did you want to go to LaGuardia and see if we can get out early?"

"Yeah, sounds good. Are we on standby?" AJ asked idly as he held the door for Keely, carrying their suitcases.

"Well, we're confirmed on the one-thirty, but they leave every hour to Reagan, so I'm sure we can squeeze on somewhere." They entered the elevator and Keely checked out upon their arrival in the lobby. She returned to AJ, holding out one hand for her suitcase and the other for his hand. "Let's get the show on the road."

Hefting the strap of Keely's bag over his shoulder, AJ said, "I've got it," and reached for her hand.

Keely smiled, lacing her fingers with his. They ventured out into the cool April morning and piled into a waiting cab, heading for LaGuardia. Keely watched as New York City flew by, entranced by the richness of it all. She looked over at AJ and placed a hand on his knee, squeezing once in a gesture of thanks. For what, she wasn't sure, but she knew he deserved her reminding him every chance she got.

Turning his head briefly, AJ smiled at Keely, before turning back to watch the city. "So where do you want to go first?"

Keely shrugged. "No idea. But I have a feeling you'd like to head to JAG."

"I would love to take a look around, see what's changed," AJ admitted, smiling at her. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all." They pulled up in front of the airport and Keely leaned over, kissing AJ quickly before getting out of the cab. She gathered their suitcases out of the trunk as he paid the driver. They moved in tandem to the USAirways Shuttle line, where Keely set the suitcases down and leaned against the dividing ropes, kicking the carpet with her toe in immediate boredom.

Shaking his head, probably thinking, *ah, the impetuousness of youth*, AJ reached for Keely's hand. "Should I read your palm?" he teased.

Keely stilled immediately, then smiled sheepishly up at him. "Sorry," she murmured, pushing their suitcases further in front of them as the line moved. "You know how I hate waiting."

"It's okay. I was just trying to make you laugh," he grinned, following alongside her.

Keely laughed, shaking her head. "You always know how to do that," she replied quietly. "That's why I like you."

"Good to know," AJ said, using one of her favorite phrases.

Keely chuckled, picking up the suitcases as they reached the front of the line. She handed the gate agent the pertinent information, and leaned against the counter as the agent verified it, smiling slightly at AJ, for him alone.

AJ's cheeks reddened a little as he couldn't help but picture Keely the night before, all done up in black garters--and nothing else. He wondered if everyone behind them in line could tell what he was thinking by the look on his face.

Keely could tell by the change in his face was thinking laviscious thoughts and turned away, petrified she'd burst out laughing. She took their tickets and picked up her carry-on, moving out of the busy line, checking over her shoulder for AJ.

He was right behind her, watching her ass in those jeans. *Oy.*

They cleared security and made their way to the gate housing the 12:30 departure to Reagan. Keely handed AJ the tickets once they were settled, saying, "Thank God for standby." She rose from the seat, motioning to the small store across from them. "You want a water or something?"

"Yeah, I'll take water, thanks."

"'Kay." Keely wandered over to the stand and picked up two waters, pretending not to notice the stack of "Brides" magazines at the register. She smiled broadly at the thought of buying one and showing AJ, but she figured that'd really send him into a stroke. She paid for the water and returned to him, holding the bottle out for him as she sat down.

"Thanks." AJ took the bottle and opening it, took a swig. "What were you looking at over there?" he asked curiously. "You looked fascinated."

Keely chuckled, taking her own sip. "Nothing important," she replied.

"Okay." Glancing out the window, AJ said idly, "Looks like rain."

Keely regarded his profile. "Did you really want to know?" she asked softly.

"Yup. Or I wouldn't have asked."

Keely chuckled, nodding slightly. "Well, I guess that's true." She shrugged, running a hand through her hair. "Brides magazine just caught my eye, that's all."

"Oh, okay." AJ was silent for a moment. "Have you thought about it any more since last night?"

Keely shrugged. "Not really. I mean, I think we both understand that our conversation was just...I mean, while it's symbolic, I'm not looking for it anytime soon. It means so much that we even talked about it, given the fact that when we started together, we didn't think we'd last a week." She looked at him, tilting her head to better gauge his reaction. "Does that make any kind of sense?"

"In some strange way, yes." AJ smiled, reaching for Keely's hand. "I guess we'll just see how it goes, hm?"

"Yeah." Keely smiled and nodded. "Just know I'm not expecting anything, nor am I going to push you, okay?"

"Thanks," AJ said, sincerely grateful. He cocked his head to the side as the PA system crackled to life, announcing their flight would begin boarding in a few moments. "That's us."

"Yep." Keely began to gather her bags and rose, preparing to board the plane. She leaned down and kissed him briefly, then stepped back to allow him to stand up. She took the tickets from him and headed to the podium, knowing simply by the air shifting behind her that he was with her. She handed the tickets to the agent and held her hand out back towards AJ, starting down the jetway.

Lacing his fingers with Keely's, AJ caught up and walked beside her, matching her strides perfectly.

* * *


"Oh, were halfway there! Oh! Livin' on a prayer!" Keely sang along with the god that was Bon Jovi as she ducked under the bar to refill their beers. Their quick visit to JAG earlier in the day had been uneventful, save for the dropped jaws that resulted as AJ walked in the door. Unfortunately, the majority of the staff had been running around busily, so AJ invited them to O'Reilly's for a "reunion dinner" that night. Keely had taken over bartending duties, finding it was like riding a bike. At this, she smiled, sliding the three Sam Adamses down the bar to AJ, fixing Mac's tonic and lime.

The song on the newly purchased jukebox changed and Keely laughed, grinning at Jack. "Since when did you like old school Celine Dion?" she called, shaking her head and ducking back under the bar, handing Mac her drink and squeezing in next to AJ.

AJ wrapped his arm comfortably around Keely's waist, taking a sip of his beer. "So how's everything going?" he asked Mac. "He behavin'?" He inclined his head towards Harm, who just shook his head and grinned.

Mac chuckled, then looked at her husband. Finally, she looked back at AJ and shrugged. "Depends how you define 'behaving', Sir. For him, I think he would say yes. For the rest of us, not a chance."

Laughing heartily, AJ raised an eyebrow at Harm. "Son, I think we've been around these women too long. Can I interest you in a game of pool?"

"Absolutely, sir." Harm followed AJ over to the pool table.

AJ chuckled, shaking his head. "It's AJ, not "sir" anymore, Harm."

Keely rose to let AJ exit, then sat back down, helping herself to his beer. She smiled at Mac, who smiled back. The two women hadn't really been introduced prior to AJ's leaving, or even after, but Keely had a feeling they were more alike than either realized.

Mac cleared her throat, taking a sip of her drink. "I have to tell you, Keely, that's the most relaxed I've ever seen the Admiral."

Keely smiled, ducking her head a bit. "Well, Seattle'll do that to you."

Mac shook her head. "I don't mean to overstep my ground, but I don't think it has anything to do with the Mariners."

Keely chuckled, taking another sip of beer. "Well, from what I can see, the renegade lawyer who fired an Uzi in a courtroom and his lovely Marine partner have relaxed themselves a bit."

Mac nodded slightly, smiling. "Marriage can do that to a person. Although, I don't think I've changed all that much, and I know Harm hasn't." Mac looked quickly at Keely's left hand, her eyes narrowing a bit. "Can I ask if you and AJ are..."

Keely followed her gaze and smiled. "We're comfortable where we are right now. We've talked about it briefly, but..." She looked over at the two men as they both concentrated on their game of pool as if it were the war plans for World War 3. "We like our routines, I guess. And I think we're both hesitant on some points...he's already been married once, and I'm not completely obsessed with it, even if I'm approaching my thirties." Keely chuckled, tracing her finger in the growing condensation on the table. "I'm babbling."

Mac smiled again, shaking her head. "No, you're not. You're answering my prodding question." She sat back against the booth, watching the men as well. "As long as you're happy, because I can tell he is."

Keely smiled, nodding her thanks. "I'm going to go get a rag and clear these glasses, if you'll excuse me." She rose, scurrying behind the bar, truly content with her life.

Setting his shot up, AJ leaned over the corner pocket. The cue slid easily through his fingers, connecting with a sharp crack. The six ball spun off into the opposite pocket. "Let me ask you something, Commander," AJ said, slipping back into the familiar way of addressing his friend. "What made you propose to Mac? What changed your mind on the whole thing?"

Harm thought a moment as he leaned against the wall, watching AJ line up another shot. "I'll be honest, AJ, I didn't want to marry her."

AJ's head shot up and he glanced over at Mac before returning his attention to Harm. "What?"

"I would've been perfectly happy to just live with Mac. But you know how women are." He shrugged. "Mac's no different. She thought if we didn't get married that I'd leave her someday, or that I didn't love her enough. But the thing is," he leaned over, lowering his voice, "she's the first woman that mentioned marriage where it didn't make me head for the hills." Harm nodded to himself. "And I knew it was important to her, and I wanted to make her happy."

"Do you think you made the right choice?" AJ asked the eight ball as the cue slid homeward toward victory.

Nodding emphatically, Harm replied immediately, "Without a doubt. Like I said, it's just a piece of paper to me, but she's so happy." His eyes sought Mac out across the room, smiling like they were the only two people in the bar. "All I need is to fall asleep with Mac every night," he admitted to AJ. "It makes everything else make sense."

AJ nodded a couple of times, as he sank the little black ball into the side pocket. "Thanks, Harm," he said with a grateful expression. "I win."

Keely heard them placing the cues on the table, and turned, wiping her hands on a towel. "The winner buys the bar a round, you know. O'Reilly's policy."

"In that case," AJ said, slipping behind the bar, "you've wiggled out of at least a dozen rounds. Start payin' up, Miss Novelist." He laughed.

"No, see, there's an addendum to the policy. The owner doesn't have to pay," Keely turned, wrapping her arms around his waist. "But the owner's boyfriend *definitely* has to."

"Oh, you suck!" AJ chuckled.

Harm settled down on a stool, glancing at Mac. He murmured, "Did *AJ Chegwidden* just use the word "suck"?"

"All right, all right," AJ finally gave in. "But use the cheap beer. I'm on a fixed income, y'know."

Mac looked over at the bar and then back at Harm, barely keeping from bursting into laughter. "Some things never change. But when they do..."

Keely laughed with him, shaking her own head. "And I'm not? Lord, I'm supporting two of us, plus Sadie. The least you can do is buy me a beer."

"They *really* do," Harm finished.

"Like I said, *a* beer, and not the imported kind. Besides," he said, patting Keely's ass discreetly, "I'm not the one who buys the dog fifteen-dollar-an-ounce food. For my money, she'd be better off eating generic kibble."

Keely rolled her eyes. "Okay, you weren't living with me the last time we had Sadie on generic kibble. That's the reason I changed the carpet in the townhouse *twice*. And anyway, she's my baby, she deserves the best." She squeezed his hips toward her slightly, then moved to the side to get some more glasses. "And the policy clearly states that the winner has to buy *everyone* a beer, or suffer the dire consequences."

"Dire consequences, eh? You're going to make me listen to you sing karaoke again?"

Keely's mouth dropped open, a gleeful grin crossing her face. "Well, I did have other things in mind, but that works too!"

"I can't think of anything worse than hearing you maul "Sin Wagon", Keel." AJ laughed, leaning over to kiss her on the forehead.

"Hey, do not be making fun of my singing ability, old man, or you're sleeping with Sadie when we get home." Keely patted his cheek, pouring some more beers. She leaned over the counter towards Harm and Mac. "You guys good?"

"Oh, we're fine," Harm managed to choke out around a stifled burst of laughter.

AJ snorted. "At least she doesn't hog the covers and kick me in the middle of the night. You know, some night I'm going to kick you back," he warned playfully.

"Well, I have to check to make sure you're still breathing," Keely replied, handing him another mug with a loving smile.

Rolling his eyes, AJ replied, "Now, listen. Just because I qualify for Medicare doesn't mean you can push me around. There is such a thing as elderly abuse, you know. I can sue." He glanced at Mac with an impish grin. "You'd take my case, wouldn't you, counselor?"

Mac chuckled as AJ and Keely rejoined them at the table. "I think I could probably take a look," she admitted.

"Mac!" Keely replied. "What happened to solidarity?"

Mac grinned. "Well, he *was* my boss for seven years."

Keely rolled her eyes, settling back against the booth, allowing her right hand to rest lightly on AJ's jean-clad leg. "It's a conspiracy," she muttered, taking a sip of beer.

"Damn right." AJ slid his arm around Keely's shoulder, drinking his beer.

"Don't worry, Keely, I'm sure we could get the case thrown out," Harm assured her with a wink. "No jury in the world could convict that sweet face."

Keely looked at AJ with a pleased grin. "See? I'd take everything you had, old man. Then you'd really be in trouble."

"Go ahead, I'll give it to you now," AJ teased. "You can have my record collection, the chew toy Sadie gave me for Christmas, and my Navy pension. That and a nickel will get you a frappacino at Starbucks."

Keely laughed, shaking her head. "Hey, that chew toy has a lot of sentimental value. That was her favorite Snoopy, and she gave it right to you."

Shaking with suppressed laughter, AJ replied, "Well, you're right, that was sweet of her. She didn't even wipe off the drool, though."

Keely rolled her eyes. "Picky, picky." She looked to Harm and Mac for help. "I feed him, I clothe him, I put a roof over his head. And what does he sit here and do? Complain about my dog!"

Leaning back in the booth, AJ took his arm off Keely's shoulder dramatically, crossing his arms with a "hmph". "Clothe me, indeed," he laughed. "If it weren't for the fact that you have to work during the day, I'd never *see* my clothes."

"And just what are you implying?" Keely's mouth dropped open. "When you came to live with me, you had like three pairs of jeans, two shirts, and your uniforms. Remember the shopping sprees we went on?" Keely failed to mention, of course, for that every Eddie Bauer store they went in, there was a side trip to Victoria's Secret.

"What I meant," AJ clarified, "was that whenever you're home, my clothes magically seem to end up in a heap on the bedroom floor." He wiggled his eyebrow teasingly.

"Well, that's certainly not *my* fault. I'm not the walking Viagra ad."

"I. do. not. take. Viagra," AJ enunciated with a warning glare at Keely.

Harm burst out laughing, trying to cover it with a cough.

Keely laughed openly, kissing him lightly on the cheek. "That's what worries me, old man." The bar phone rang and she nudged his side. "I have to get that."

Slipping out of the booth, AJ let Keely get up before stealing her seat. "So..." he cleared his throat, embarrassed.

Mac looked at her glass and then back at AJ. "She's great, AJ," she finally said, very honestly.

"Yeah, she is," AJ agreed, watching Keely's back as she puttered around the bar, the phone to her ear. "Thanks." Looking up at Mac, he added, "Sorry, I've been really rude. How are you two doing?"

Mac looked at Harm with smiling eyes. "We're good," she replied. "We miss you around here," she confessed, smiling gently.

"I miss being here," AJ admitted sheepishly. "I love Seattle," he said, code for 'I love being with Keely', "but I miss my job, and DC."

Harm broached the subject as tactfully as possible. "Have you thought about coming back?"

"No." AJ shook his head. "Not for another year, at least. Keely just got a full-time teaching position at the University, and her publishing house is based out of Seattle. I couldn't ask her to leave."

Mac nodded thoughtfully. "So what have you been doing with your time?"

Shrugging, AJ replied, "Not much, actually. I'm looking for things to do, but not many places want to hire someone my age, even with my background. I'm beginning to regret retiring," he confessed. "I wish I'd just gone reserves. There's a base at Puget Sound, near the house, I could at least teach a couple of classes or something."

By this point, Keely had finished the phone call and was leaning against the bar. She didn't want to interrupt the conversation taking place, but was watching AJ and his reactions. She couldn't hear what was being said, but made out one or two words.

'Regret' was one of them.

A pit entered her stomach and Keely rubbed the bridge of her nose. She'd known he wasn't as happy in Seattle as he had been here in DC; hell, neither of them were. But every time she asked him about it, he always assured her that he was where he wanted to be.

*Of course he'd say that, dumbass,* Keely thought angrily. *He's not going to admit he made a mistake, especially with your fragile ego.* She took a deep breath and sat back down at the bar, watching herself in the mirror sadly.

Glancing over at Keely, AJ excused himself and walked across the bar. Reaching for her hand, he stroked her palm with his thumb. "You okay?" he asked, concerned.

Keely offered a small smile and nodded. "Fine. I just didn't want to interrupt."

"Keely," AJ admonished gently, "you're not interrupting. Come on," he said, tugging on her hand. "We were trying to figure out what to do about dinner."

Keely sat back down in the booth, smiling slightly again. "As long as I don't have to cook, I'm happy."

"What's everyone in the mood for?" Harm glanced at AJ. "Italian? Chinese?"

AJ shrugged, squeezing Keely's hand under the table. "Italian's fine." He couldn't get over the feeling that something had upset her.

Keely nodded in agreement. "Sounds good to me." She squeezed AJ's hand back, squaring her shoulders, ordering herself to grow up and act thirty.

"Okay, Italian it is," Harm said. "We'll meet you at Café Milano, around seven thirty?"

Keely checked her watch, seeing it was only about five. She nodded and smiled as Mac and Harm rose to leave. She looked at AJ and said, "Give me about twenty minutes to clean up and then we can head back to the hotel to shower and change, okay?"

"Okay. You want some help?" he offered, his voice soft.

Keely shrugged. "Not much to do," she commented. "But if you want, you can wipe down the tables." She turned her back, moving back to the bar to finish washing and drying.

Shaking his head, AJ grabbed a rag and attacked the tables. *What the hell is wrong with her?* he wondered, frustrated. *One minute, she's happy as a clam, and the next she's moody and ignoring me. PMS? No. Did I say something wrong? Don't think so. She got upset after she got off the phone. The phone...maybe it was her mother? That's probably it,* he thought.

AJ finished after a few minutes, striding behind the bar and dropping the rag into the bucket sitting there. "Listen," he said to Keely's back as she bent over the tub of glasses. "Whatever's wrong, you can tell me. Okay?"

Keely sighed quietly, then turned to him. "There's nothing wrong," she said finally. "I guess I just realized how much of a past each of us has here."

"Well, sure," AJ acknowledged. "You grew up here. I spent most of my adult life in DC, of course there's history." He stepped closer, stroking her cheek. "Does that bother you?"

"No, I just...I guess I was just wondering what it would have been like if we hadn't left, that's all." Keely shrugged. "It's not a big thing, AJ. Don't worry about it."

"Then we'd be living in Rosslyn, not Seattle," AJ said simply. "That's the only difference." He paused for a moment, still worried. "Ready?"

Keely nodded, calling goodbye to Jack, who was in the back room. She put on her light coat, heading down the street towards their rental car. *Why can't you just open up?* she asked herself. *Because you're petrified of what you might find there, that's why.*

* * *

They returned to the hotel in silence, Keely moving crisply to the bathroom. She turned on her heel, trying to maintain a calm demeanor even as her demons gnawed at her. "I need a shower before dinner, okay?"

"Sure," AJ agreed immediately. He needed fifteen minutes away from Keely if he was going to keep from blowing his top.

Keely smiled thinly, nodding as she moved in to the bathroom. As she ran the shower for a minute, she looked in the mirror, ordering herself to suck it up. This wasn't the time or place to discuss her insecurities. Even as the hot water cleansed her body, Keely wasn't able to feel internally purified. She rested her head against the cool tile of the bathroom, closing her eyes in emotional exhaustion. She had spent so much time running from these demons, and less than twelve hours in the city of her youth, they were back with a vengeance. She knew it wasn't fair to take it out on AJ...but then again, he had sworn up one side and down the other that he was happy in Seattle, and from his conversation with Harm and Mac, it was obvious that it wasn't true. So what if his promise that he loved her wasn't true either?

Keely ran her wrinkly hands over her face, her sigh enveloped by the water and steam. She forced herself to stop thinking about the what ifs in her life and focus on the here and now, and apologize to the man in the room outside. She slipped on the oversized robe provided by the hotel and wrapping her hair in a towel. Keely opened the bathroom door, letting the steam slip out. She moved behind AJ, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry," she mumbled into his shoulder.

Turning in her arms, AJ rested his chin on top of Keely's head, sighing softly. "What's wrong?" he asked gently. He rubbed her arms slowly, up and down.

Keely tilted her head back to look at him, shoving the towel further off her forehead. "Seeing you today--in the city, with your friends--there's this little nagging voice in the back of my head that won't go away, and it keeps telling me you deserve more than being 3,000 miles away from your life." She shrugged. "You looked happier today than you have in a year in Seattle, and it freaked me out."

"Keely Shannon O'Reilly," AJ began firmly. "*You* are my life now, and I like it that way." He smiled reassuringly, brushing his lips against hers quickly. "I was, and am, happy to be back in DC, seeing all my friends. But you make me ecstatic."

Keely raised a hand to his cheek, smiling as she had to shake her hand out of the overwhelming sleeve to make skin on skin contact. "Thank you." She kissed him back, just as lightly, and looked at the bedstand. "We have to get moving."

"Yeah," he nodded agreement. "Harm and Mac are expecting us."

Keely smiled, moving back into the bathroom to finish getting ready. She left the bathroom door open slightly, a symbolic gesture. She dried her hair quickly, pinning it against her head with a plastic claw. She slipped on her black cocktail dress and pantyhose, sticking her head out into the bedroom. "AJ? Can you come zip me, please?"

Pushing the bathroom door open, AJ waited for Keely to turn around. When she did, he slid the zipper up, leaning over and kissing the back of her neck when he was done. "I really prefer unzipping you," he teased softly.

Keely smiled, cradling his head against her neck. "Well, maybe if you're really nice to me tonight, you might have that opportunity later on."

"I'm always really nice to you," AJ protested, his hands guiding her hips closer as his mouth nuzzled her throat.

Keely turned quickly in his embrace, resting her hands lightly on his ass. "True. Well, if you buy me dinner and a nice glass of wine, then maybe you can unzip me later, hm?"

"It's a deal." AJ kissed Keely quickly, guiding her towards the door.

They arrived at Cafe Milano's twenty minutes later, sitting in a secluded booth as they waited for Harm and Mac. Keely crossed her legs and opened the menu, her stomach rumbling at the selections. She snuck a glance at AJ, idly thinking to herself that she'd choose him over food any day. Well, most days, anyway.

AJ's hand snaked its way across the seat, resting on Keely's thigh as he perused the menu.

Keely shot a look around the fancy restaurant, and when she was content no one was really watching them, refolded her menu and thwapped his hand. "Don't be fresh, AJ," she kidded, biting her tongue so as not to laugh.

"Ow." AJ lifted his hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against the red menu-mark dramatically.

"Aw, poor baby." Keely took his hand and kissed it lightly, resting it back on her thigh. She looked up at the restaurant's dark entrance and nudged AJ. "Harm and Mac are here."

AJ raised his hand, waving it slightly.

Mac smiled and nodded, taking Harm's hand lightly and began to walk over to their table.

Keely smiled back, folding her menu and laying her hands atop it in respect. The foursome exchanged plesantries and when the waiter arrived several minutes later, ordered a bottle of Tuscany red wine and their entrees.

Keely sat back in her chair, making herself repeat AJ's soothing words from the hotel, hoping it, combined with the wine, would rid her of the unfamiliar nervousness she was feeling.

"So, Keely," Harm said, breaking the silence that had fallen over the table. "AJ tells us you're an author."

"Well, some of the time. I also teach at the University in Seattle." Keely replied with a small smile.

"Well, I have to say, I never would've bought your book if AJ hadn't recommended it," Harm said. "But once I started, I couldn't put it down," he added. "It was fantastic."

Keely looked at AJ, eyes amused. Turning back to Harm, she smiled. "Well, thank you very much. I appreciate that."

"Well, I didn't," Mac teased. "He likes to read before bed, and when he didn't put it down..."

Keely laughed. "Well, I'm sorry, Mac. I know how that gets."

"Hey," Harm held his hands up in surrender. "You still had your share of the Harm-lovin'," he laughed.

"Harm-lovin'?" AJ burst out laughing.

Keely covered her mouth as she snorted with laughter, and Mac just shook her head, mouth agape. "I cannot believe you just said that," Mac admonished.

Keely leaned back in her chair, still laughing. "I have to use that in my next book. I have to, that's classic."

"As long as you thank me in the dedications," Harm grinned.

Keely nodded. "I'll do that."

Mac still shook her head. "Harm-lovin', my ass," she muttered, sending Keely into another set of giggles.

Their meals arrived shortly thereafter, ceasing conversation as the four satisfied their hungers. As she ate her lobster ravioli, Keely snuck a look at AJ, this time happy that his smile finally reached his eyes.

Catching Keely's eye, AJ wondered what was going on in her head that she wasn't telling him.

Keely smiled genuinely at him, using her fork to spear some of his fettucine alfredo and pop it into her mouth. She ran her foot up his leg briefly, trying to show him she was fine.

"Hey, pasta stealer," AJ accused lightly. He stabbed a hunk of ravioli with a grin, tasting it.

"Who was it that said 'what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine'?" Keely joked.

"They were right," Mac finished, raising her water glass in salute.

"Amen," Keely replied, taking a sip of wine and helping herself to another bite of fettucine.

"Same could be said for a lot of things," AJ teased under his breath. His hand snuck out, caressing the inside of Keely's thigh.

Keely smiled, finishing her wine and covering his hand with her own. She looked over at Harm and tilted her head towards AJ. "Any strange stories I should know about this one?"

"Thousands. Where should I start?" Harm laughed.

"Anywhere. Oh, hang on, hang on." Keely dug in her purse, pulling out her small pad and pen, poised to take notes. "Okay, now I'm ready." As Keely finished, there was a shrill beeping at the table. Keely looked down in her purse, to discover it wasn't hers.

Mac fished in her own purse, sighing and holding up her cell. "Yes?" she said quietly. She nodded several times and then ended the call, looking at the rest of the table. "We're needed at work," she offered apologetically.

Smiling at the irony, AJ leaned forward, extending a hand first to Harm, then to Mac. "It was good seeing both of you. Hopefully we'll get to see you before we leave for Seattle, but if not, we had a wonderful time." *When did you start speaking for her?*

Keely nodded, extending her own hand. "And if you're ever visiting JAG northwest or whatever it's called, feel free to drop by anytime. He'll cook."

AJ shook his head. "She means I'll make reservations."

Mac smiled, shaking both their hands and then taking Harm's. "We'll keep it in mind, absolutely." Harm helped her on with her coat and they exited quickly, talking quietly to one another.

Keely leaned back in her chair, watching AJ with interested eyes. "No wonder you talk about them so much."

"They're good people," AJ said. He tore his eyes from their departing backs and turned to Keely with a smile. "Let's get this to go?"

Keely smiled and nodded, signaling the waiter for the check.

A few minutes later, AJ and Keely were back out on Prospect Street, heading down M to where they had parked the car. Keely took a deep breath of DC air and looked at AJ, smiling at the content look on his face.

"Keely?"

"AJ?"

"Would you ever consider moving back to DC, if the opportunity presented itself?"

Keely's mind worked for several moments before she answered. "Well, to be honest, I never really thought about it. I mean, I miss the city, but everything associated with my 'new' life, for lack of a better term, is in Seattle. Why do you ask?" Keely questioned, the twinge of worry returning.

"I was just curious." AJ opened the car door for her.

Keely settled herself in the rental, watching the city go by on the short trip back to the Hyatt. She twisted her purse strap around her finger nervously. *Maybe you should stop being so selfish, Keely, and move back here for him. After all, he did it for you.* Keely could feel the alter ego settle on her shoulder. *But he keeps saying he's happy in Seattle, maybe he was just curious.* She shook her head as AJ pulled the car in front of the stone and glass building, handing it over to the valet parking attendant. Keely got out of the car, pausing to wait for AJ so they could enter the hotel together.

Wrapping his arm around Keely's waist, AJ led her toward the elevator. As soon as they were settled inside, his lips sought hers out, gently reestablishing contact.

Keely smiled against his mouth, running her hands under his dinner jacket. The car arrived on the sixth floor, and Keely laced her fingers with his as they walked down and around the corners of the hallway, arriving at their room, the last door on the left.

AJ held the door for Keely, his insides warming when her butt brushed his hand as she slipped past him into the suite.

Keely kicked off her shoes, sitting on the couch and rubbing her feet. "Didn't I tell you not to let me wear those damn things?" she teased, laying across the couch and crossing her ankles, watching him linger in the entryway.

Shrugging, AJ grinned slightly. "I know the age difference might throw you off, but I'm not your father."

Keely laughed again. "Well, pardon me for thinking you cared about my physical well-being."

"I care, but it's not my responsibility." AJ crossed to the couch, lifting Keely's feet. Sinking down, he let them fall into his lap. He took the left one in his strong hands and began to rub tenderly.

Keely tilted her head, watching him closely. "Forgive me for beating a dead horse, but are you all right, AJ?"

"I'm fine," AJ replied immediately. He lowered Keely's feet to the floor, leaning over her and kissing her neck seductively. "I just don't feel like talking tonight," he murmured.

Keely chuckled, running a hand up his arm. "You never feel like talking," she teased, arching her neck. "Not that I'm complaining," she added, not wanting to start a fight.

AJ wiggled his arm between Keely and the back of the couch, settling himself comfortably between her legs. "We always talk," he disagreed softly, his lips blazing a slow trail from her neck down towards her breasts.

Keely laced her hand behind his neck, cradling his head. "Do you think I'm going to disagree with you when you do that?"

"I was hoping you wouldn't."

* * *

They headed to bed, Keely still smiling from the after-effects.  "So, do you want to be all touristy tomorrow? Hit the museums?"

"We could do that," AJ agreed with a little yawn. "Or we could hang out at O'Reilly's."

Keely chuckled, kissing the underside of his chin. "You want to spend your vacation hanging out in my bar?"

"Well sure...hanging out in your bar...hanging out with you...hanging out in you...whatever." AJ laughed softly.

Keely chuckled as they climbed into bed. She shut her eyes in a combination of physical and emotional exhaustion, and then spoke softly. "You know I'd follow you anywhere, AJ. Anywhere you asked me to."  She opened her arms to him as he had done to her a thousand times before. As he spread his broad back against her torso, she wrapped her arms around him. Her little piece of heaven, she thought, the only part of her life able to keep her demons at bay.

Keely closed her eyes, a silent prayer of thanks floating out of the hotel room into the same DC night that had brought them together so many years before.

She might not deserve him, or even he her, but they were together. That's all that mattered.

End Ch. 7