TITLE: Revealing Souls

RATING: PG-13

PAIRING: Harm/Mac

Disclaimer: I do not own JAG or its characters

Author's Note: Has everyone liked my story so far? Well, this is the end ... ( ... BUT I am currently writing a sequel, if everyone is interested. Thank you so much to everyone for reviewing my story and for taking time to read it. I hope you all have enjoyed it. Thank you again!! Sequel coming soon.

Chapter 7: Taking Off The Mask

Mac's barracks room

United States Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

2300 EST

Mac could hardly sleep at a time like this, lying on her bed. Her senses were on high alert, listening, watching, and waiting for any disturbance. For the rest of the day she had been on edge, expecting anything and nothing to happen. Harm was with her most of the day, trying to stay away by finding it very difficult. Having him so overprotective, though sweet, had started to become highly annoying. Again she remembered that after this case there would be a night of talking with him, of sharing and reevaluating their relationship. Neither knew what the other wanted right now, and they had reached that point now. They had reached that point, Mac thought, because of how intimate they had become.

Through the small window, the moon presented a theatre of shadows that created shapes on the ceiling. It wasn't difficult for her to get lost, staring at the interesting silhouettes displayed. The scene that arose in her thoughts was that of her first kiss with Harm, out on the docks. Her role in that moment was to stand in as a former love of Harm, giving him the transition that he needed. The chance to say goodbye. She didn't mind really and only knew that in playing that role she had helped Harm immensely. Now she was the love, suddenly thinking of it in a way she hadn't before. In that moment Mac knew the worries lying dormant underneath her frustrations dealt with her being just that; a possible future former love of Harmon Rabb. Was that how this was going to turn out? Could she handle it if it did?

The disturbance in those shadows caught Mac's attention immediately, breaking her thoughts. Something told her to duck, and listening to her instincts, Mac had missed being hit by a rough blow. Before she gained her senses completely, she found herself standing in the middle of the room, facing her attacker. How she had gotten there she wouldn't speculate, only concentrating on the lunging person coming towards her. The bees' nest was certainly shaken up, Mac thought.

The lunge had sent them across the room on the floor, the man on top of her, desperately trying to pin her. Struggling, Mac didn't allow him to fully pin her, having enough room and time to push him away with her legs. In that moment Mac was suddenly completely aware, standing up, watching patiently as the man began to move towards her again. This time, however, Mac warded him off, kicking him fully in the chest, sending him sailing across the room. Running towards him blindly, she pinned him there, wanting desperately to see the face of her attacker, the mystery to be solved.

Before she could completely disable him the man pushed her away, standing up quickly and opened the door to run away. However, Harm immediately met him, grabbing him and shoving him out into the very well lit hall, his face hidden well behind a mask. It was then that the man saw three other Marines, standing behind him. Colonel Madison stood at the other end, watching intently. The man knew he was trapped, but he attempted to get away anyhow, only to have his arms grabbed immediately by two Marines, pinning him to the wall. Mac came out of her room, breathing much more rapidly than she realized. Harm motioned her towards the man, knowing that Mac of all people should be the one to reveal the face under the mask.

Harm smiled, "You have the honors, Colonel." Mac smirked, walking up the man, still trying to fully catch her breath. The man tried to look away, but knew it would only be a matter of time.

Mac knew this was the moment they had all been waiting for, the chance to solve this case once and for all. The nightmare would be over, the case that had threatened her relationship with Harm multiple times, had put her in danger, and had the potential of putting the Marines in a bad light among the media. Wanting to waste no more time, Mac pulled the mask off.

It was then that the entire hallway went silence, awed by the face of the person before them. Harm knew he hadn't really given this person a second thought. In some ways he was disappointed for not seeing it, for not being able to protect Mac more. He let it slip by him, an area in which he was usually on the ball. He stepped back a bit, not sure what to say. Mac noticed his reaction, knowing she was feeling the same shock and disbelief. A mixture of relief and disappointment in herself for letting the media, Latham, and her problems with Harm cloud her judgment.

Only Colonel Madison found words, walking up to the assailant. "Lieutenant Colonel Johnson? The medical examiner?"

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Johnson glanced to Mac and then turned back to the Colonel. "There is no room for women in the Marines, Colonel. They're only weakness."

Colonel Madison stepped closer to him, shouting back, "You're a disgrace to the uniform, Johnson. If you were half the Marine that Mackenzie is, you wouldn't be in this trouble."

Johnson huffed, "Do you really see women in combat, Colonel?"

Mac walked up to him then, finding her strength, her soul. Being a Marine was apart of her, what defined her. Serving her country, working in JAG, all of it characterized her. All her life, Mac had strived to be the best, to show her pride, her confidence. Looking at the man before her, she saw frustration, fear, and finally a line. The line that distinguished between the people who didn't deserve to be Marines, and those that risked their life everyday to prove themselves as one. She was happy to be considered in the company of the latter. "I've been in combat, Lieutenant Colonel."

Johnson looked to her briefly before keeping his eyes on the floor, choosing not to answer her. Instead Colonel Madison ordered the two Marines holding him to take him to the brink. He was soon gone, and Madison nodded appreciation to both Harm and Mac. Shaking Harm's hand, and then Mac's, he left down the hall, feeling he had fulfilled his job of keeping his base safe for now. It was a wonderful feeling.

As Harm and Mac watched him leave, they soon found themselves alone, and Mac shifted her eyes to the man next to her. He leaned against the wall behind him, not wanting to match her gaze. The disappointment he had in himself was still too near to his heart. So confident the killer was Hanson, he let his mind run with it, forgetting to look at all the possibilities, as a good lawyer should. As a good Navy man should. To be blinded like that was new to him and he wasn't sure what to do with it. Perhaps it was a one-time mistake, but it was something he needed to learn from. Right now, to look at Mac he would be more reminded of his failures.

Mac said quietly, "Thank you, Harm." She moved a hand to his arm, grasping it, displaying her appreciation for his strength. In the dark blue eyes that wouldn't look straight at her, she sensed his sadness. Maybe she was reassured of her own worthiness to be a Marine, but possibly this experience may have hindered Harm's view of himself as a Navy man. Mac knew him too well, knew that his eyes could not hide his thoughts, not from her. They were too close now. She then moved a hand to his face, caressing it. "Harm?"

He kept his gaze away from her, hiding. "I'm sorry," he whispered, breaking contact with Mac and walking away. He kept his eyes on the hallway before him, knowing he had ignored Mac's instincts to this case a dozen times. He always listened to her, knowing her instincts were real and true, but this time he was convinced he had to be the one and only one to protect her. Being a lawyer, being in the Navy, meant listening and using everything possible to solve a problem. What angered him was not that he failed; but that his failure almost cost the life of the person he loved the most.

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

Two Days Later

1600 EST

After returning from the hot sun in Cuba to a less hot, but still quite uncomfortable sun in Washington, D.C., both Harm and Mac felt relief to be home. The experience had taken much out of both of them, more than either would admit. In many cases it had strengthened them, and in others they had been humbled. Harm was acting quite closed off, retreating inside himself for the last few days since capturing Johnson. Talking to him had been difficult for Mac mainly because they had to keep the exterior of a professional relationship only, not a personal one. Such a separation was not what they needed right now, and being home gave them the chance to reconnect. Mac intended on doing just that.

Now sitting in Krennick's office, the exhaustion lacing the features of both Harm and Mac could not be missed. The Admiral knew it had been quite a case, seeing the unfortunate uses of the media. Perhaps not the tactic she personally would have gone to, but nevertheless it had worked. The flight home had been long, and both looked as if they could use the rest of the day off. Krennick knew that neither of them was going to be helpful, and it was better to let them rest up. "The case turned out well," the Admiral observed, looking to the reports in front of her.

Mac immediately countered, "Yes, ma'am. It took a little more time than usual, but we found the killer. Johnson had been seen looming around both nights, as well as the two nights he attempted to kill me."

Krennick smiled openly. "I guess the whole world knows now not to mess with Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie."

Mac only nodded, unsure of how to respond to that. "Yes, ma'am."

Krennick looked over the reports again briefly before responding, "Johnson will be prosecuted, though not by either of you. The JAG officer who investigated the Miller case so poorly is currently getting a lesson in what it means to be a Navy officer."

Harm suddenly became a bit interested, noticeably absent from the conversation until this point. He shifted up a bit in his chair and displayed obvious concern. "But both of us investigated the case, ma'am. One of us should be involved."

Krennick was surprised by Harm's sudden interest, even more surprised that he still wanted to be apart of the case. It was admirable, yes, but not likely. From Colonel Madison, it sounded as if the case had not only hit Mac quite hard but also Harm. Why it did so, Krennick wouldn't speculate. It wasn't her place to, and if she were to assume what she thought was going on, she would have two less lawyers in her office. It was best to look the other way. She closed the case and put it on her desk. Replying carefully and confidently, she said to Harm, "First off, Commander, Colonel Mackenzie will probably be a witness being that she is a victim. Secondly, being that you caught him and we're also so involved, you're also too close to the case. From what I've been told and see, this case is a vacuum, and right now both of you are too far in. We need two fresh minds to take this case on and get it completely over with. You two have done you're job wonderfully, but it's time to let it go, and be happy that you are."

Harm let it go, though not happy with the decision. Leaning back in the chair, he fumbled with his Navy cover and decided to keep quiet. If either of them knew the pain he was going through, Krennick would put him on leave for a week and Mac wouldn't leave his side for days. Right now all he wanted was to be alone. Wanting to finish this case up had been a need for him because of what he and Mac had been through. Not only did he want to prove himself as a Navy lawyer again, but he also wanted to prove himself to Mac. The shame of not being able to do his job, especially when the love of his life was depending on it, still loomed in his soul. He decided to stay quiet for the rest of the meeting unless specifically asked a question.

Mac immediately intervened, "It's probably better that way, Admiral." She then looked over at Harm with gentleness in her eyes, seeing him once again not looking at her. Not only had he stayed away from her once they had caught Johnson, he barely gave her a second look. It was obvious that he was suddenly going through some personal battle that he didn't choose to tell anyone about, not even Mac. Perhaps, Mac thought, especially her. It came back to the roles, the changing of their relationship. Harm had to know that he could tell her anything, especially now.

Krennick stood up then, Harm and Mac immediately following. "I think you two have had enough lawyer fun for awhile. Take the rest of today and tomorrow off."

Both went into attention and said, "Aye, aye, ma'am." They then turned a 180 and walked to the door, Harm opening it for Mac and following her out. Krennick smiled, feeling curiosity perking in her mind. To give anything to want to be in the conversation between those two when they returned home displayed Krennick's unneeded interest in the personal lives of her officers. Especially when that interest might indicate a problem in the ranks that, if given the correct evidence, would be very difficult to turn away from. Krennick only hoped that evidence would never cross her path.

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

1630 EST

As Harm and Mac walked to the parking lot to their respective cars, which had stayed here all week, Mac shifted her walk a bit closer to Harm. Luckily their cars had been parked together, so walking like this would only seem natural rather than intended to pass information that might end their careers if anyone heard. Smiling at that, Mac whispered under her breath, "Where are we going?"

Harm found his eyes blinking from the sun shining directly on them, making it difficult to see that much in front of him. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Mac, but right now he didn't feel she could be of any help. The fact that at this moment in time, his need to impress her and prove himself to her was one of the reasons for his sadness, being with her would only make his feelings worse. He knew her statement was indicating a "your place or mine?" scenario, referring to the week that had past since they had been together. Though he wanted to be with her, right now was not the time. There was too much between them that needed to be solved. "I ..." he emphasized, stopping to look at her briefly before he continued, "am going home." He then turned from her quickly, walked to his car, jumped in and drove away quickly.

Mac could only watch him drive away; undeniably understanding that she was being pushed away. Maybe that is what he needed right now, to be alone for a while. She knew she couldn't push him, and was reminded of the moment they had first decided to pursue this. Both had understood the consequences, what they were getting themselves into. In many ways, Mac knew it was going to be hard. When she broke up with Mic, the first person she flew to for comfort was Harm. What would happen if it didn't work out between her and Harm? Who would she run to then?

Climbing into her corvette, and closing the door, she eyed the controls of her vehicle, the control that it gave her. It had been a week since Mac had driven her corvette, an activity she loved to do to clear her head. Smiling, she turned the car on, put it in reverse, and drove out of the parking lot and onto the highway, wishing her speed would rush to her the solution. Maybe Harm wanted to be alone right now, but, in the end, Mac knew they needed to go through this together.

Mac's Apartment

Georgetown, VA

1800 EST

Mac entered her apartment quietly, only silence meeting her arrival. Harm did say he was going home, Mac thought. His home. Sighing, Mac placed the bags she had been holding on the floor. Since she had closed her windows before she left, the apartment was quite warm with the air unable to circulate much. Walking immediately over to a window, she opened it, feeling the immediate breeze enter, though quite small and mostly warm air. As she turned around, Mac then noticed the empty feeling of the room itself. Since her relationship with Harm had begun, rarely was she completely by herself for too long.

It wasn't difficult for Mac to begin thinking of the past month. Well, Mac corrected, actually closer to 6 weeks. For the first 5 weeks they went out on dates, spent time with each other outside of work. However, soon their intimacy grew much closer and finally they had spent the night with each other, only a few days before going on the case. Though getting to that point had taken almost the entire 6 weeks, once they reached it, there was no going back. Mac knew that not talking about it could be a reason why they were both feeling somewhat paranoid. From that point, both knew the relationship was going to work, their souls meeting. It was more than Mac had ever expected, hardly imagining such closeness. Yet still, Mac knew there was more.

More. It scared her, too. Never had she connected with someone so deeply, yet she knew there were sections of her, layers that Harm had not seen. The same was true for Harm, and this past week was evident of his own fear. This case had arisen much, Mac thought affectionately, walking away from the window and towards her bedroom. Her heart had not stopped aching for leaving Harm, letting him go. The pain was almost unbearable, because she knew he might need her tonight, though he may not admit it.

Walking across her living room and into her bedroom, Mac decided to push the pain deep inside, knowing she probably couldn't do anything tonight. If anything, she knew Harm's moods. If he was angry or upset, he often preferred to deal with it on his own. Yet, Mac argued within her heart, he hadn't gotten angry like this before. Since they had become a couple. Since they had become one. Now it was different, what was expected was different. Before the relationship he brooded, of course, and she assumed her role as a friend. Honestly, Mac didn't know what he wanted now under the circumstances. Helping him, as a friend had been easy, simple, clearly defined. Helping him as the love of his life, well, that was somewhat different.

Tonight may not be that time, though. Maybe the time wasn't right to step up, assume the role, under the circumstances. Maybe Harm wasn't used to someone helping in times like this. Certainly she had been a source of comfort before, before the relationship, but have times changed now? Would it be more difficult for him? Maybe. And maybe it was better to wait for him to feel comfortable, to feel ready. In all honesty, Mac wasn't entirely sure if she was ready. They had survived their first real fight, or argument, as a couple. They had fought before, but merely bantering. This involved deep feelings, the relationship itself. More was at stake.

Sighing with frustration once again, Mac decided to wait. Not that she didn't want to be there for him, but the mood he left with today made her believe it might be best to step away. Just for tonight. Both were tired from the trip, their bodies and minds exhausted from their experience. Though not seemingly difficult, knowing they had certainly dealt with worse, Mac knew their relationship had played a major role. How the case had turned out, the disappointment by both concerning their inability to find the killer without using trickery, had been a major factor in their problems at the moment. Both had been fooled because of their own passion for each other rather than the justice of the case. It would be a lie to say it didn't make Mac wonder if the new relationship would hinder their status at JAG. Perhaps this case was their answer, despite the previous 6 weeks of success.

Mac then moved to her bathroom, deciding that a nice bath would soothe her and ease her mind. Turning on the faucet, hearing the water hitting the bottom of the tub in a calming rhythm, she began to take her hair out of the tight bun, letting it fall to her shoulders. She then sat on the edge of the tub, bending down, running her hand through the hot water. Though going through the motions of such a task, Mac was still thinking of him. Of her Harm. Seeing her image begin to reflect back to her as she glanced down at the water below, she felt her heart wishing he were here. Hoping he was ok.

Suddenly the doorbell rang, which promptly broke Mac's thoughts. Her eyes immediately turned toward the living room. Standing, getting a quick look at herself in the mirror, she turned the bathwater off and walked out into the living room. Reaching the door quickly, forgetting to look through the peephole as she always did, she opened it to see Harm.

Mac smiled warmly, happy to know that there might be a chance that they could talk. "Harm," was all Mac said, though her concern etched the call of his name.

Harm smirked. "Can I come in?" Mac nodded, moving out of the doorway to give him room to walk in. He was wearing a button down, short-sleeve, blue shirt with khaki shorts, and Mac knew that he had been home. Just like her, he changed immediately into more comfortable clothes the minute work was finished. As she thought this, his gaze turned to her, hands in his pockets. "Where did you go?" As she knew of his habits, he knew of hers, knowing that her still in her uniform indicated she hadn't come right home.

Mac shrugged slightly, closing the door and moving towards him. "I just went for a drive."

Harm then smiled quite widely and replied, "You haven't driven your corvette in a week. I should've known." He knew how much she loved that car, and it was a weird interest they both had; the love for their cars. Silly, certainly, but a fun interest nonetheless.

Mac smiled sheepishly, retorting, "Well, it didn't take you long to take your own car out for a drive."

Harm nodded, stepping a little closer to her. "I came over to say ..." he paused a second, shifting his glance from the floor to look her in the eyes, "... that I'm sorry for the way I acted. I thought about it for a long time, and I know I was taking my bad mood out on you."

Mac loved how honest he was at this moment, seeing in his eyes the truth he had wanted to share with her for the past few days. "It's ok."

Harm shook his head adamantly and moved past her, walking up to the couch. He then turned to her, replying, "It's not ok. I was being overprotective the whole time in Cuba. I know you can take care of yourself, I just ..." he stopped there, the frustration evident in his words. Mac didn't know what he had been going through, though she had been there for just about every difficult time he had experienced in the past decade. She had been watching from afar, observing, offering her comfort. Harm knew she saw it now, knew she was observing and waiting.

Mac stepped a little closer to him, refusing to allow him to push her away this time. "What?"

Harm looked away briefly, hands still in his pockets, and he leaned against the back of couch. It was time to begin revealing, to not be afraid. "Ever since we've been together, I've had this need to make sure you're ok. To protect you. Because it's my responsibility. It's just there, and, no matter how much I know you can take care of yourself, I can't help but assume the role, the responsibility."

Mac smiled, seeing that need. Pressing a little, she asked, "Why? Tell me why." She knew there was more to it, not just because he was with her. There was more, much more.

Harm sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his worry. "I've lost so many people I care about in my life. My father, Diane, many of the girlfriends I've had that didn't work out, Mattie ..." he listed, then gazing to Mac. "I don't want to lose you, too. Especially when I'm a lawyer, an investigator, and I should've seen it coming during that case. I should've known Johnson was it. I hated putting you in danger, feeling helpless. I needed to protect you, to make sure I wouldn't lose ... I needed to be Superman for you," he explained, smirking a little at the end, realizing how stupid it sounded.

After a moment, before Mac could respond, Harm quickly added, "I needed to prove myself to you. To prove my worth, to show you ... that you had made the right decision being with me. I didn't want you to see my faults like that, my weaknesses."

Mac looked into his eyes, the deep blue sea, and she saw herself there. Every concern she had was his. Every worry she had was his. Everything that has gone on in her mind paralleled with everything that has gone on in his. She had been right, they had to go through it together, because they were dealing with the same issues. After crossing the line between friends and lovers for the first time, once and for all, both were laced with worries. Mac reached out and grabbed his hand, saying quietly, "I didn't want to show you my weaknesses, either."

Harm was obviously confused, unsure of what she was exactly speaking of. If asked, he would say that she had no faults. Smiling, he realized how crazy that thought was; yet that would be his answer every time. Squeezing her hand in return, he asked, "What weaknesses?"

"I didn't want to show you how scared I was. I was scared, Harm. Very scared. And I pushed you away. I didn't want you to protect me. I wanted to show you I was a strong Marine, a strong woman. I wanted to prove myself to you, too. I didn't want to show you my weaknesses because I didn't want you to think I was someone who needed to be rescued. I felt I needed to show you that you were with someone who could take care of themselves, as I always have done," Mac countered, seeing the surprised, yet understanding look on Harm's face. Throughout her speech, Harm sensed the same frustration he had felt, yet she had hid it much better.

He then stepped up close to her, taking both of her hands in his. It had taken them almost the entire six weeks to finally make love for the first time. Taking such a bit step had been difficult for both, because each knew that the line had indeed been crossed. The act of crossing the line had been easy, Harm mused, but the ramifications were now being felt. He knew it was where he wanted to be with her right now, that the decision was a very good one. "Was it too soon?" he asked, knowing that Mac would have no trouble catching his reference.

Mac stepped even closer, bringing their enclosed hands in between them. "I don't think so. We waited 9 years, didn't we?" A very long time, Mac thought, and she felt that the wait was needed and worth it.

Harm smirked, replying, "I agree." It would be a difficult transition, but both were ready. It was time. Harm then reached over and kissed her briefly, and whispered, "I love your weaknesses."

Mac smiled openly and returned the kiss, whispering back, "I love that you want to be Superman."

Harm kissed her on the cheek and then on her chin, before stepping back slightly to look directly into her brown eyes. He reached a hand to caress her face, and any fear he may have had was gone. In that time of discussion they had shared their fears, fears that were the same, fears that were hindering them. Now, out in the open, Harm wasn't afraid anymore. In fact, his courage was pushing his heart to say the words he had wanted to say for 9 years. He wouldn't let this moment pass, not now. "I love you, Sarah."

Mac felt her eyes water slightly, as she glanced to their hands entwined together, as if meant to be. Nothing was stopping them. Nothing. There were no past boyfriends, girlfriends, terrorists, CIA agents, flying, or JAG. It was finally their time. It had arrived. Her eyes then drifted to his, unable to hold her emotion any further as she answered in return, "I love you, too, Harm."

He smiled, his mind losing control as they kissed passionately. A million love songs passed through his heart and soul, each one applying to what had just occurred, Harm finally feeling as if he was in one. As he broke the kiss slightly, more for breath than anything else, he felt Mac's hands go to his face. "What were you going to do tonight?" he asked, breaking the seriousness of the conversation slightly, smiling a bit mischievously.

Mac smirked a little and kissed him again, her hands slipping to the top button of his shirt. "I was about to take a bath," she whispered, a smile creeping to her lips.

Harm suddenly felt any seduction he may have been trying on the Colonel suddenly flip, the tables turned. He knew there was a reason why he wanted to come back to Washington as soon as possible. "Really?" Harm asked, kissing her, again feeling her hands unbuttoning his shirt further down. He could feel his heart racing a little, realizing that Mac was the first person in a long time to fill him with such passion. It was absolutely amazing.

Mac began to pull him slightly towards the bathroom, already feeling her breathing quickening slightly, her hands slipping slowly underneath his shirt. "You wouldn't happen to know anyone who would like to join me?"

Harm kissed her again, letting her nudge him towards their destination. He wrapped his arms loosely around her, beginning to place kisses on her neck. Kissing her cheek, he moved back slightly to whisper back, "Will there be bubbles?"

Mac laughed lightly as she pushed his shirt off completely from his shoulders, both letting it fall to the ground behind him, before answering, "Lot's of 'em." They kissed again, disappearing quickly into the bathroom.

THE END

Thank you everyone for reading!!!

Reviews Welcome!!!

Sequel coming soon!!