AN: Thanks for all the reviews. It really helps to know the story is being read. For those who requested the NC17 version of the last chapter, I hope you got it and enjoyed it. If you didn't, let me know. Sorry for the short chapter. My computer gave me serious issues.

Once he was gone, Mac made her way back to her car and headed to work. This was the first time they would be apart for a long period of time since they had gotten together. She knew this wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to get through this. She decided to throw herself into her work. Maybe that would help her take her mind off Harm. Harm, in the meantime, was having trouble coming to terms with leaving Mac. Hell, he had trouble concentrating at this moment. All he could think about was her lips on his and her body against his. Thoughts like that could literally get him killed. He had to find a way to focus. He would be a danger to himself and the people flying with him. He remembered some of the techniques the counselor taught him after the ramp strike. He had a difficult time thinking about anything except the crash. The counselor taught him how to thought stop and that seemed to help. Since Mac invaded his thoughts much like that crash, but in a good way, he thought he should start practicing it again. With where his thoughts were going, he was going to need it.

Mac made it to the office in record time. She walked in her office, shut the door, and closed the blinds. When she reached over to turn on her computer, she saw the letter. She knew immediately who it was from. She opened it and saw the wings. Tracing it with her fingers, she read the letter. Mac was doing fine till she got to the postscript. When she read why he wanted her to have his wings, tears sprang to her eyes. A small part of her still had thought Harm put flying first, but not after she read the letter. Harm takes flying seriously, and he would never give her his wings unless he was serious about what he said to her. Plus, he seemed to know what she needed. He knew she could always count on him to be there for her. Having his wings, it gave her something tangible to hold on to. She took the wings of the letter, held them in her hand, and said a silent prayer that he would come back to her. Mac seemed to have lost track of time. She was so engrossed in her thoughts when she heard a knock at her door. Trying to compose herself quickly, Mac wiped the tears from her eyes and folded up the letter.

"Enter."

"Excuse me, ma'am. The ad... Is something wrong, ma'am?"

"I'm fine, Petty Officer. Thank you for asking."

"He's gone. Isn't he?"

"Yeah, I brought him to Andrews this morning."

"It's not going to be the same with him gone."

"I know, but we'll manage."

"If you need anything, ma'am, just ask."

"I will. Thank you. You need something, Petty Officer?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. The admiral wants to see you."

"Great. Do you know why?"

"I think it has to do with the marine that was murdered at Camp Pendleton."

"Well, I did want to bury myself in work. Let me go see what he wants. Thanks for the heads up."

"Anytime."

Mac exited her office and made her way to the admiral's. There was something about him that she didn't like. Making sure she was in marine mode, Mac knocked.

"Enter."

"Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie reporting as ordered, sir."

"At ease. Have a seat."

"Thank you, sir."

"I trust Commander Rabb made it to Andrews on time."

"Yeas, sir. I dropped him off this morning."

"Humph. Good. Well enough chitchat. I have an assignment for you. Are you familiar with the marine murdered at Camp Pendleton?"

"Yes, sir. Corporal Bell was found dead in his room two nights ago. He had a single gunshot wound to the head. I thought they ruled it a suicide?"

"That was their first thought. The initial scene looked like a suicide, but NCIS believes it was murder. Forensic evidence points to foul play. I want you on the next flight to California. Have Coates make your travel arrangements. Dismissed."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Mac walked out and stopped at Coates' desk.

"I need the first flight available to California."

"So you are investigating the murder."

"Yeah, I said I wanted to be busy. Ask and you shall receive."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll have your travel arrangements within the hour, ma'am."

"Thanks."

Mac walked away and went back to her office to gather the cases she needed to transfer. She was almost done when Bud knocked.

"Just the man I was looking for. Come on in, Bud."

"Hello, ma'am. How are you doing?"

"Better considering everything."

"Well, ma'am, Harriet and I wanted you to know that if you need anything while the Commander is away, just ask."

"Are we that obvious?"

"Permission to speak freely."

"Yes."

"Ma'am. I suspected it happened when the Commander came back to work. It was confirmed when you came back. You two seemed different. I saw the looks you both shared. Those were looks of love."

"Well, I guess there's no denying it anymore."

"I think I'm speaking for everyone, ma'am. We all watched you and the Commander dance around each other for so long. We're so happy that you both finally found your way."

"It had been a long road, Bud. It's just frustrating. We've just found each other, and now he's gone. I don't even know when he'll be back."

"He'll be back before you know it. Just remember, there's always email. That's how Harriet and I kept in touch while I was at sea."

"You're right, Bud. Thanks for the encouragement."

"Anytime. I take it you have something for me?"

"Yeah. The admiral is sending me to investigate the murder at Camp Pendleton, so I have to hand over my cases."

"Ok, ma'am. I'll take them. Maybe Commander Sturgis can give me a hand."

"I'm sure he will. Here comes Coated with my flight info."

"Ma'am, the first flight available is at 1600. I also arranged for someone to pick you up at the airport."

"Thanks. Well, since all my cases are taken care of, I'll go home and pack."

"Have a safe trip, ma'am. If you need anything, just call."

"I will. See you all later."

Mac left the office and went home to pack. She knew she had enough time for one more stop before heading to the airport. Once everything was packed, Mac went to Harm's. When she opened the door, she was enveloped by his sent. She knew what she wanted and headed to the bedroom she took a moment to stare at the bed. That was where they finally became one. She could still feel him. His kisses and his caresses invaded her mind. Shaking her head to get rid of the thoughts, Mac went to his dresser. She opened the drawer and pulled out one of his T-shirts. She pulled it to her face and inhaled. It smelled so much like him. She figured if she couldn't have him here to hold her physically, then she could at least have something he wore. That way, he would be holding her somehow. Locking the door, Mac made her way back to her car and went to the airport. The flight was uneventful. She caught up on her sleep, since she didn't get much the night before. Her dreams were filled with a handsome sailor. When she landed, she grabbed her carryon. She walked into the concourse in search for her ride. She couldn't see anyone who resembled someone who would pick her up. Suddenly, she was tapped on her shoulder. She turned around and was surprised at who was behind her.

"Admiral!"

Well. There it is. I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter should be much longer I hope. Now all you have to do is hit the lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)