COMPLICATIONS

A/N: Harm's thoughts , Mac's thoughts #, Mattie's thoughts *  In my opinion, this one's a lot better than my previous chapters.

2254 ZULU

MOCHA JAVA

GEORGETOWN

Previously…

"Are you ready to try for a relationship?"

#I was expecting something like this.  I just didn't think that Harm would ever come right out and ask it.  Am I ready for a relationship with him?  I'd do anything for him, and he's already proven vice-versa.  The ball's in your court MacKenzie.  It's time to shine#

Mac's been quiet for about a minute and a half.  She would know the exact time.  I wonder what she's thinking   "Mac?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you say?" Please say yes, please say… 

"I'm ready."  She said she would! . . .   "But…"   Uh oh   "Harm I need you to promise me something."

"Anything Sarah"

"I need you to promise me that no matter what happens, we'll always be friends.  I can't lose you again."

I can do that.  I'll make sure of it   Harm just smiled at her.  It was one of his smiles that he saved for her.  And she hadn't seen it in a while.  "I promise you that no matter what, we'll always be friends.  I have another question though."

#Great#  "You're just full of them aren't you flyboy?  Alright"

"What about Webb?"  #I knew this was coming too#  

"I should probably tell you about that."  #How am I gonna explain this to him?# 

I knew things were couldn't be this easy   "There's a story here isn't there?"

#Deja vu#   "Yeah, listen to me first will you?"

"Alright."  You're in for one hell of a ride Rabb

"After I killed Sadik and I went off on everyone, and I want to formally apologize for that in a minute."  At Harm's nod, she continued.  "Clay and I both got into it too.  I eventually went back to him to explain my reactions and I said something to him, but he misinterpreted it and he ended up telling me that he loves me."

This is getting more complicated by the minute   "What are you going to do?"

"What I should've done then."  At Harm's blank look she finished what she was going to say.  "I'm going to tell him that things won't work."

"Oh."  Things just might work out.  I thought I had lost her for a minute

Right as I was about to say something else, a waiter came to our table.  "Sir, ma'am, we're getting ready to close."

"Thank you.  We'll be leaving shortly."  After he left, I turned back to Mac to find her staring at me.  "What?"

"Nothing."

There is no way that there was nothing behind that look, but I'll let her slide   "Okay, you ready to leave?"

"Yeah"  #Harm's really surprised me tonight.  For one, I can't believe he brought the subject of our relationship up.  That vision of his must've really spooked him.  I can't believe he thought I was going to marry Webb!  He doesn't usually let me slide like he just did either.   He must be slipping up in his old age#

They both got up from the table and Harm paid their bill.  As they were leaving, he held the door open for her.  "Thanks."

"No problem Mac."  They walked back to her apartment hand in hand. 

Harm walked her upstairs and to her door, but when they got there they heard music coming from inside.  "Mac wait here."  Harm went to open her door only to find a drunken Webb staring back at him.

"Clay what are you doing here?"

"I called you, but you didn't answer so I was worried and I came over, only to find you out with Rabb here."

"Webb, it's not what it looks like honest.  I came over to talk to her and we went to the coffee shop around the corner."

"Yeah I bet."  Webb was getting angry now and he was approaching Mac.  "So is this why you wouldn't tell me that you loved me last week?  I should've known things would never last between us, Sarah."

"I didn't tell you that I love you Clay because I don't.  Harm had nothing to do with it."

"And what about you Rabb, you think because you ruin your career and risk everything you can automatically have her?"  Who the hell does he think he is? 

"Webb, you should leave, you're not in a condition to talk right now."

"Since when is it your place to throw me out of Sarah's apartment?"

"He's right Webb, I'll call you tomorrow.  Please just leave."

"Sarah MacKenzie's got another mark against her when it comes to constant relationships.  Oh wait, I keep forgetting, it's alright because Harm's here for you."  That's it, I'm tired of him insulting her

Webb's last comment earned him a punch from Harm, which most likely would result in a broken jaw.  "DAMMIT WEBB, GET OUT!" 

He looked up from the floor at Harm.  "Congratulations Rabb.  You won her."

"Mac's not a prize Clay, and if that's the way you've treated her I should've left you down there with Sadik.  It would've saved me a lot of heartache."  Webb turned around and walked out of Sarah MacKenzie's apartment and out of her life.  Or was this just the beginning?  "Sarah, are you alright?"

"Yeah, but I don't need you defending me."

Great, another I'm a marine speech   "Mac, please, save me the I'm a Marine speech.  I did that because he insulted you and I know you are capable of inflicting bodily harm, no pun intended, on him and any other person as well, but you don't deserve to be treated that way by anyone.  So forgive me if I react a little melodramatic when someone treats you any way you shouldn't be treated."

"I'm sorry, I just…"

"No need to apologize.  But are you going to be alright?" 

"Yeah"   #Always the selfless Harm.  That's one of the many reasons you love him MacKenzie#

"Are you sure?" I really don't want to leave her here.  What if Webb comes back?

"Yeah, I'm a big girl Harm."
"I know you are.  I should go back though.  I know Mattie's probably waiting for me."

"You have a curfew?"

"Not exactly.  She just knew where I was going and I know she'll be waiting for details or something."

"There's a story there too."

"Yes there is, but it's for another time.  I'll call you when I get home.  If you need anything call me.  No matter what the hour."  God I love her

"I'll be waiting."  Harm leaned down to where Mac was sitting on the couch and kissed her.  It was one of the most loving and passionate kisses she had ever experienced that left her dazzled.  #Wow#

"Wow.  I'll call you in as soon as I get back.  See ya Ninjag Girl."

"Bye Harm"

Harm drove back to his apartment with a certain jarhead on his mind. 

0017 ZULU

MATTIE AND JEN'S APARTMENT

NORTH OF UNION STATION

Harm let himself into Mattie and Jen's apartment.  He was going in to check on them and see if Mattie was still awake.  "Harm is that you?" 

"Yeah Mattie, it's me.  I was just checking to see if you were sleep yet."

"How'd it go?"  *I was hoping he would come back to tell me what happened.*

"It went well."

*That's it?  He can't possibly think he's gonna get away with that can he?*   Mattie just sat there staring at him with one of those 'are you serious?' looks on her face.

"What?"

"Are you going to tell me more or do I have to pry it out of you?"

I knew I wasn't gonna get off that easy.   Well Mattie, we just talked and I took her back to her apartment."

"Did you kiss her?"

"I'll leave that to your imagination Ms. Grace.  Goodnight Mattie."  Two saves in one night, good job Hammer

"Goodnight Harm."  He went over to Mattie's be and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

0033 ZULU

HARM'S APARTMENT

NORTH OF UNION STATION

Harm ran back to his apartment because he heard the phone ringing. (Ring, Ring)

"Hello?"

"Harm, you okay?"

"Yeah, I was just getting ready to call you.  What's wrong?"

"I was just worried about you.  You just got home?"

"I went to say goodnight to Mattie."  #I should've known.  He's making a great parent for her.#

"Okay."

"Is everything alright over there?"

"Yeah, I'm fine.  I'll talk to you tomorrow Harm.  I'm really tired."

"Okay, Ninja girl."

"G'night Harm."
"Mac wait!"

"What?"

"Will you go out with me tomorrow?"

"Yeah, sure"
"Okay, I'll call you tomorrow about it okay?"

"Alright, good night Sarah."

"Good night Harm."

They both reluctantly hung up their phones with the same unexpressed thoughts on their minds.

I love you Sarah.

#I love you Harm.#