AN: Thank you so much for the review. I especially want to thank those who have reviewed every chapter. It's good to know I have so many interested in this story. For those who read and don't review, that's cool. I just hope you enjoy what you read.
Harm pulled the car up to the door of Mac's apartment and got out. Mac had already unbuckled her seatbelt and was getting out, when Harm stopped her. Harm took her arms and put them around his neck. He then swept her legs and started to make his way to the door. Mac didn't even have time to react. All she could do was chuckle at him.

"You're incorrigible. You know that?"

Flashing his flyboy grin, Harm responded.

"Yeah, but you love me anyway."

Mac chose not to respond. She knew she wanted to agree with him, but now was not a good time. She wanted to make sure she could start and finish that conversation. Harm knew she wanted to say something. He saw it in her eyes. He was glad she didn't though. He didn't want to go there just yet.

Harm carried Mac all the way to her apartment door. He got her keys out and opened the door. Once the door was opened, Mattie and Jen jumped out yelling surprise. Mac couldn't believe what she saw. Her apartment was covered in balloons and had a huge banner hanging that read: Welcome Home Mac! Tears formed in her eyes as she took in the site. Harm carried her to the couch and gently placed her on it. Mattie and Jen came around the couch and stood next to Harm.

"You planned all this for me?"

"It was their idea, Mac. They felt bad about not being there when you were in the hospital. They wanted to make it up to you."

"Thank you both so much. This means so much to me."

"It was nothing, Mac. We were glad to do it."

"We're just happy you are still with us."

"Yeah, we even bought you dinner."

"Really?"

Mattie went into the kitchen and brought out the food. Mac laughed when she saw it.

"Beltway Burgers! How did you know?"

"A little birdie told us."

Both looked at Harm, and he glanced at the ceiling and whistled.

"You mean you're actually going to let me eat animal flesh?"

"I told you that you could have whatever you wanted. If that involves a cholesterol ridden piece of dead animal, then you can have it."

"You make it sound so appetizing."

"I call it like I see it."

"Don't worry, Harm. We got you something, too."

Jen went into the kitchen and brought out the rest of the food. She had Beltway Burgers for her and Mattie, and a salad for Harm. They all sat around and talked while they ate. Mac filled them in on everything the doctor said. Jen and Mattie told them about their camping trip. Mattie also talked about the possibility of going back to her dad. He had called earlier in the day, and he wanted her to come visit for a couple of days. Mac took a chance and looked at Harm. He looked so sad, but he hid it well. After dinner was finished, Jen and Mattie helped clean up and decided to leave Harm and Mac alone. Harm sat on the couch, and he put Mac's feet on his lap and began massaging them. "So how does it feel to be home?"

"It feels great to be home. You know I don't like hospitals. I'm just happy I'm out of that place."

"I know how you feel. They have too many bad memories for me."

"Yeah. What Jen and Mattie did was nice."

"It was. They wanted to do something special for you, so I suggested this."

"How are you doing about the whole Mattie/dad thing?"

"I know my ultimate goal was to help her get back with her dad, but...I'm going to miss her, Mac! I've gotten so attached to her."

"I know it's going to be hard, Harm, but you can get through this. You have me to help you."

"I do?"

"Yes. As long as you want."

Harm's first thought was to suggest forever, but he shoved that thought away. He didn't need to open that can of worms yet. As if on cue, they both looked at the clock. Noticing what they did brought a smile to their faces.

"I see it's getting late. You ready to turn in?"

"I am pretty tired. It's been a long day."

"Yes, it has. Um...uh...do you usually take your bath in the morning or night?"

"I usually bathe at night. It helps me to relax."

"Ok. Do you have a preference for sleeping attire, madam?"

"I usually have pajamas to wear, but I didn't do any laundry."

"Leave it to the Navy to save your six. I think I have something you can wear. I'll go get everything ready, and then I'll call you."

"I'll let you slide on that Navy comment, squid. Just call when you're ready."

Harm got up and went to Mac's bedroom. Here was his first test of the evening. Mac's underwear drawer. Trying to convince himself that he could do this, he reached in and pulled out the first pair of panties he could get a hold of. Deciding it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, he went into his seabag and pulled out a shirt. A shirt a certain marine would laugh at. Now that he had everything he needed, Harm went into the bathroom and called out to Mac.

"Do you need to wash your hair tonight?"

"No. I did that this morning."

Harm turned on the water and filled the tub. Once he was finished, he called for Mac to come on in. He waited a few minutes, and when she didn't show, he came out to find her. She was sitting on the edge of the couch.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm having trouble getting up."

"Oh, Mac. I'm sorry. I should have known better."

"It's ok. The doctor did say I can get up and move around. He just doesn't want me to overdo it."

"Here. Let me help you."

Harm came up to her and helped her stand. They then made their way to the bathroom. Once there, Harm sat Mac down on the toilet. Both knew this would be a lot different that the hospital. For one, Mac couldn't exactly straddle the toilet. She could stand and let him help her, but he wanted her to rest. He didn't want her to hurt herself. She would have protested, but he was right. She needed to give her leg a couple of days to limber up. Looking down at her and taking a deep breath, Harm spoke.

"You ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Harm reached down and helped her take off her shirt. It hurt at first thanks to her ribs, but they were able to get it off. They both though that wasn't so bad. Next came her pants. Those weren't as hard to get off. Again, each thought they could handle this. Then came the bras and panties. That's when the problems arose in more ways than one.

Having Harm touching her bare skin was reeking havoc on her control. She wanted him to touch her like this for so long, and now he was. Harm, meantime, was happy he was wearing loose fitting clothes. It made his reaction a little more bearable. Both struggled to find their control. Each had no idea how they would get through the next five to seven weeks like this. Harm grabbed the trash bag, and wrapped Mac's arm in it. He then helped her into the tub. If they thought getting her undressed was hard on their control, they were dead wrong. The biggest test was about to come. He had to help her wash. Of course, he didn't help the matter by taking his shirt off. His reasoning was to not get it wet. Yeah, right was Mac's only thought.

Harm reached over and grabbed the washcloth and put some body wash on it. He then began washing her back. Each thought this is what heaven must feel like. Harm couldn't get enough of it. He discarded the washcloth and put body wash on his hands. He used his hands to finish washing her back. Mac and Harm were drifting in a lost sea of emotions, and if they weren't careful, they were going to capsize.

Control was definitely out the window. Harm couldn't hold out any longer. He had to taste her. Moving so he could face her, Harm looked into her eyes. They were black. Passion emanating from them. He knew what she wanted, and he wanted it to. Slowly he descended till his lips were mere inches from hers. Taking one last look to ensure this is what she wanted, Harm closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers. Passion exploded within them. With that passion came something unexpected. Memories. Memories of dreams thought to be forgotten. Dreams of a time they almost lost each other. The kiss ended abruptly, both confused as to what just happened. Neither could make heads or tails of the memories swimming in their heads. Mac was first to speak.

"I think it might be best if I finish washing myself, Harm. I'll call you when I'm done."

Harm's first thought was to protest. He thought she was pushing him away. He thought he crossed the line. Mac must have read his mind because she quickly told him.

"I'm not turning you away, Harm. I'm not sorry the kiss happened. I wanted it just as much as you did. To tell you the truth, I want more, but not now. Something happened when we kissed. A door was opened and memories came through. I don't know if that happened to you, but I need to sort them out."

"It did, Mac. One minute I was kissing you, and the next, all these scenes came flashing through my head. I have to admit that I thought you were pushing me away, and that I did something wrong. I, too, am not sorry I kissed you. It was the sweetest kiss I ever had, and I definitely want more. But you're right. We both need to sort this out in our heads. Maybe we can discuss it tomorrow."

"Sounds like a good idea. I definitely want to talk to you about the memories and other things."

"Yeah, there's definitely more to this conversation, marine. I'll leave you to your bath. You tempt me too much."

"That's the pot calling the kettle black. I'm not the one standing there with no shirt on."

"No. You're sitting in the tub naked."

"Point taken. I'll leave to your bath."

Harm walked out of the bathroom and sat on the couch. He couldn't figure out what the hell was happening. Where did these memories come from, and why did they surface now? Mac was having the same thoughts. She decided not to think about it and finished her bath. Once she as done, she called out to Harm. She had to call him a couple of times before he heard her. He knocked and walked in.

"For a minute, I thought abandoned me."

"Sorry. My mind was somewhere else."

"Join the club."

"I take it that you're ready to get out."

"Yeah"

Harm reached down and helped Mac to stand up. He quickly covered her with a towel, and he helped her out of the tub. The passion they felt earlier was gone. It was lost but not forgotten. It laid dormant. Just below the surface. Waiting to be awaken. Harm helped her get dressed. He laughed when she saw the shirt he picked out for her. It was navy blue and had Property of the US Navy on it.

"What is this suppose to mean?"

"What? It's just a shirt, Mac."

"Yeah, but Property of the US Navy, Harm. You couldn't find anything else. I have my marine pride to protect here."

"I know you do, but you haven't seen what I'm wearing to bed yet."

"Well go change, squid."

"Aye, aye ma'am."

Harm helped Mac to her bed and cleaned and dressed all wounds before going to change. He also gave Mac the medication she needed. He went into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and put on a pair of boxers and a shirt. When he walked out, laughter could be heard down the hall. Harm was wearing a red shirt that had Property of the US Marines on it with green boxers on.

"I take it you approve?"

"Oh yes. I definitely approve." "Well, goodnight, Mac."

"Where are you going?"

"To sleep on the couch."

"You know you could sleep in here, Harm. There's plenty of room."

"You're sure?"

"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't. Come here, flyboy."

Harm climbed in next to Mac. Mac quickly moved next to Harm and laid her head on his chest. Harm carefully wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm not hurting you am I?"

"No. You're fine. Goodnight, Harm."

"Goodnight, Mac."

Both drifted off to sleep wondering what those memories meant. Each hoping to be able to sort them out and put them to rest with the rest of the memories.
Well there's the next installment. There is the kiss most of you begged for. I do have one question. I would like to take this to the next level, if you know what I mean, but I don't know how far I should go language wise. Any advise would be appreciated. Now all you have to do is hit that little lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)