Harm's Apartment
Harm and Mac continued to talk for the next half an hour. They talked about everything from Brumby, to work, to even the past. Mac felt much better after her conversation with Harm, but she was still a little upset about everything that had happened, especially the fact that Harm had confronted Brumby.
"Promise me that you will never do what you did tonight again. He could have hurt you." Mac told Harm.
"He could have hurt you, and that I would not have allowed." Harm said.
"Please, just promise me that you will leave Brumby alone." Mac said with concern. "I can't bear the idea that something might happen to you."
"Mac don't worry about me, ok? But if it makes you feel better I promise to leave Brumby alone." Harm said.
"Thank you." Mac said. "Do you mind if I take a shower? As soon as I'm done I'll leave, I've already taken enough of your time."
"You will do no such thing. You can stay here as long as you need. And, you never take up my time."
"Thank you, Harm, I don't know how to repay for everything you have done for me?"
"Be safe." Harm answered, simply. "Well, how about that shower you asked for?"
"Yeah."
"Ok, let me go get you a towel. Do you want me to make some diner while you are bathing?"
"Yeah, sure." Harm went to a closet and retrieved a towel which he handed to Mac.
"I think you know how everything works, but if you need anything just call me ok."
"Sure, thank you." Mac said as she walked into the bathroom, and Harm went into the kitchen. He started to prepare diner, after finally deciding to make some chicken and salad. After about 20 minutes he had made the salad and the chicken was already cooking. "Harm." Mac called. Harm quickly turned off the stove and walked into his bedroom. "Mac, what's wrong?" Harm asked when he found Mac in just a towel at the door of the bathroom. "Nothing really. Its just that in all the hurry I forgot to pack something to sleep in, and I was wondering If you had something I could wear." Mac said, sounding a little embarrassed. "Yeah, of course." Harm said as he handed Mac a NAVY T-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. "Thank you. Let me just change so we can go eat diner." Mac said turning around and heading for the bathroom. "Sure no problem. It's not done so don't worry about it." With that they both returned to what they were doing.
Minutes later Mac entered the kitchen. "Hey" She simply said before sitting down in one of the chairs of the counter.
"Hey. Nice fashion." Harm responded, smiling.
"Thanks, I'm trying to go for a new look. So what do we have for diner?....Smells good."
"Chicken and salad. Hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, its sounds great." With that the timer on the oven sounded, letting Harm know that the chicken was ready.
"Go ahead and sit down." Harm told Mac. Mac was about to go set the table when she noticed that it was already set. So she decided to go ahead and sit down. Within minutes they were sitting down eating, and within another couple they were done.
"I've been meaning to ask you how your bruises are healing?" Harm asked still seating in the diner table.
"Ok, I guess. I want to change the bandage in the morning its getting kind of uncomfortable."
"Sure. I'll make sure that I have enough. What do you plan on doing tomorrow?"
"I really don't feel like going to work but I'm going to go and talk to the admiral. He should know the truth, especially now that Brumby came." At the use of his name Harm noticed Mac make a look of despise.
"That's a good idea. The admiral should be involved in all this, after all Brumby does work under his command."
"That's what I thought. I just hope soon the whole office doesn't find out about what happened. I don't want rumors starting to spread."
"Well we should get some sleep its pretty late and we have to go to work tomorrow. If you want go to sleep I'll finish cleaning up here."
"That is not happening in a million years. You have done enough, that least I can do is clean the dishes." Mac said as she began taking the plates to the sink.
Minutes later with Harm's help they had finished cleaning all the dishes and the table.
"We should head for bed now." Harm said.
"Yeah, I'm starting to get pretty sleepy. Do you have any blankets for the couch?" Mac asked.
"No, Mac, you're taking the bed. you will be more comfortable there." Harm said.
"No, Harm, you have done enough already." Mac said.
"What did I tell you about breaking my rules. You are in pain so you should get the bed. End of discussion."
"Fine." Mac said not sounding very convinced. "But don't complain to me when you wake up sore." She added.
"Don't worry. now. off to bed, you really need the rest."
"Goodnight Harm." Mac said as she kissed Harm softly on the cheek.
"Goodnight Mac." Harm said back still a little surprised. Minutes later both Harm and Mac were in a deep sleep.
"No! Stop it!.....I'm sorry!" Harm woke in the middle of the night to Mac's screams. At first he thought it would pass and she would stop, but the screams just got louder. Harm got up from the couch and went running to bedroom. He found Mac fighting with the sheets and screaming. He quickly walked to the other side of the bed. He sat on the bed and quickly picked up Mac in his arms. "Mac!...Mac wake up its just a nightmare." He felt Mac calm down, as if she was soothed bu his voice.
"Harm?" He heard her say softly.
"It's ok Mac, its ok. nothing is going to happen to you. I've got you." Harm said as he made circles with his fingers across her back, trying to soot her. That's when he noticed that she was sweating. Poor Mac, Harm thought, she must have had a terrible nightmare.
"Harm, it was horrible, he was coming to get me. I wanted him to stop but he didn't." Mac said, still speaking into Harm's chest, but this time she began to cry and tremble.
"It's ok Mac, it was just a nightmare, just try to forget about it. Harm knew perfectly well that she was referring to Brumby when she said he and all he wanted to do was wish Brumby's death for everything he had done to Mac.
Mac wrapped her arms around Harm, wanting him not to leave. She realized that whenever she was with Harm she felt safe, and that he was truly her best friend.
She looked up at Harm and he looked down at her and smiled. She smiled back at him.
"Are you alright Mac?" He asked with concern.
"I am now." She said. At this she softly kissed Harm in the cheek once again.
"Thank you." Harm whispered into Mac's ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"For what?" She asked a little surprised at his words, if anybody had to be thanking it was her.
"For always being there for me and trusting me. I love you, Mac." Harm said. There he had finally been able to tell her how he felt. He loved her and if anything ever happened to her he wouldn't be able to survive.
"I love you, too, Harm." Mac said hugging Harm, tears coming down her cheeks. Although they knew they couldn't take it a step further because of respect for each other and because of the circumstances, they were happy to know that they had a mutual feeling.
After about half an hour Mac had finally calmed down and Harm was able to let go of her.
"I'm going to go get a wet towel. You're sweating too much." Harm said.
Mac just nodded. "Just hurry, I don't want to be alone."
As Harm went to the kitchen and the bathroom looking for what he needed, he couldn't help but think of Mac. Would she always feel this unsafe ands insecure, or was it just because of her dream? He didn't know but he knew that he would always be there for her.
Harm returned to bedroom with a bowl of water and a towel. He placed two pillows under Mac's head, so she could sit up, and began to wet the towel. He gently placed it in Mac's neck, knowing that it would refresh her. He continued to do this until Mac said that she was ok, and that she really wanted to get some rest. Harm went to return the things to there place before going back to the bedroom and saying goodnight. He thought about calling the admiral in the morning so that they could get to the office a little later, at least Mac would have more time to sleep. When he went back to the bedroom he found Mac snuggled, with her eyes closed. She must have been really tired, Harm thought. And he couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked.
He stood next to her and bent down kissing her on the forehead and gently saying. "I love you."
"Don't leave, Harm. Please." Mac said. Harm was a little surprised, he thought she was asleep. "Can you sleep with me? I don't want to be a lone tonight." Mac said.
Harm was again surprised at her request but didn't want to say no. He walked to the other side of the bed and pulled down the sheets and got comfortable. Moments later Mac moved towards him and snuggled against him. She quickly fell asleep, having Harm's arm over her stomach. Harm quickly followed her. This time all they dram about was each other.
Harm's Apartment
Early Morning
Harm woke up at about 6am, to find Mac uncovered by the sheets and on the other side of the bed. He stood up and walked to where she was and covered her with the sheets once again. He decided to call the admiral, and ask for permission to come late to the office. Mac was to be waking up at about this time and he knew she had just gotten a few hours of sleep. He called the admiral and was giving permission for them to arrive in the afternoon. He thanked him, and told him that they had to talk to him once they arrived. He was glad the admiral had giving the permission, this would give Mac at least three more hours of sleep. He went back to the bedroom and decided to sleep a little bit more as well. He got back on the bed and quickly fell asleep.
Harms' Apartment
About 10 in the morning
Harm woke up once again. This time he found Mac snuggled against him. Her head on his shoulder and her arm resting above his heart. He was going to wake up and start getting ready, but decided against it. He didn't want Mac to wake up when he moved. But it was to late minutes later he felt Mac move a little.
"Good morning, Harm." Mac said in low voice.
"Good morning, sleepy head." Harm said as he looked down at Mac and say that her eyes were still closed. "Did you sleep well?" Harm asked her.
"Like a baby." she answered finally opening her eyes. She made no intent on moving from her position so he didn't either. She lifted her head and rested her chin on his chest. "What time is it?" she said when she couldn't see the clock.
"Its about 10." Harm said.
"What?" Mac asked, startled. "Harm were late, we were supposed to be in the office an hour ago."
"Don't worry about it, I called the admiral and he gave us permission to go after lunch to the office." Harm said.
"Oh, thank you. That was very thoughtful." Mac said as she rested her head on Harm's shoulder once again. "I guess this means that we can sleep more." Mac said as she smiled.
"I don't think so, Marine. we have plenty of things to do. Plus I want to take you out for lunch." Harm said, caressing Mac's arm.
"Wow, you are a complete gentleman." Harm continued to caress Mac's arm and she began to laugh.
"A little bit ticklelish are we?" Harm asked.
"Yeah, a little." Mac said still laughing.
"Well, come on Marine, we have to get up."
"But I don't want to. I'm quite comfortable." Mac said.
"I'm sure you are, but we have to get to the office today not tomorrow. Come on, I'll make you a big breakfast." Harm said trying to bribe her to wake up.
"But were going out for lunch." Mac said not falling into it. "But just because you were nice about it I'll get up."
At that Mac got in a sitting position, feeling the pain form her back immediately. She let out a small grimace and Harm notice. "Are you ok?" Harm asked.
"Not really. It still hurts." Mac responded.
"Come on Mac, lets get ready so I can put another medication on and new bandage." Harm said concerned.
"Ok." Mac said getting up from the bed. Harm by her side right away.
"Why don't you go take a shower and get comfortable. Like always call me if you need anything." Harm told Mac. "Ok, thanks, Harm." Mac said.
"I'll be in the kitchen starting breakfast." Harm said.
He went walking to the kitchen and Mac got all her things together and headed for the bathroom.
Long minutes later she entered the kitchen dressed in casual attire. "Hey."
"Hey. I hope you don't plan on going to the office dressed like that." Harm said smiling.
"Very funny, Harm. It's just so my uniform doesn't get wrinkled or dirty with the medication."
"Breakfast is served." Harm said.
He walked to the table and placed a plate of eggs next to one of toast that was already on the table. Mac sat down followed by Harm and they began to eat. Soon they were done and they began to clean up. "Why don't you go take a shower? I'll finish up here." Mac said. "Ok." Harm said surprising Mac, it was the first time he had allowed her to do anything.
Mac finished cleaning the kitchen and went into the bedroom. Hearing the shower running she knew Harm was still bathing. She decided to fix the bed and get her things organized. She got some hangers from the closet and hung her close next to Harm's. Minutes later she was done and Harm was still not done. She decided to pick up a magazine she found on his night table. It wasn't very interesting, giving the fact that it was about cars, but it would have to do. As she was nearing the end of the magazine she saw Harm opening the door of the bathroom and stepping out in his uniform. "Your already done with the kitchen?" Harm asked her and she say her holding the magazine in her hand. "With that, my clothes, and the bed." Mac said smiling. She got up from the bed and walked towards him. When she was standing in front of him she fixed his shoulder board. "There." Harm just smiled. Suddenly she felt a pain shoot through her back and she had to hold on to Harm's arm so she wouldn't fall.
"Mac, Mac, are you alright?" Harm asked as he got his other arm and held Mac's free hand, trying to give her more strength. "It hurts Harm." Mac said gasping for breath.
Harm quickly walked her to the bed, knowing that if he let go she wouldn't make it. He sat her down on the bed making sure she wasn't to close to the corner.
"Its ok Mac. The pain is going to pass." Harm said trying to comfort her, without much success. He kneeled in front of her so she could see him.
"No Harm. It really, really hurts." Mac said beginning to let out tears. She rested her head on his shoulder trying to make the pain go away. She grabbed on to the end of the sleeve of his shirt and held on to it, as if by doing so the pain would lessen. Harm could see her knuckles were turning white. "Its ok Mac. Breathe in and out. Oh god, Mac if I could just remove all this pain from you." Harm said, feeling pain for the woman he loved. He felt Mac get a stronger hold of him. Mac began to groan and scream softly because of the pain. "Shhh....Its ok Mac." He began to rock her and went and sat next to her on the bed. "Where does it hurt Mac?" When Mac didn't respond because of the pain he asked her again. "Mac, where does it hurt. This is important." Still holding on to Harm for dear life, she placed her hand on her lower abdomen. "Does your back hurt?" Harm asked. Mac simply nodded. "Does anything else hurt?" Mac shook her head. "Do you want me to take you to a hospital?" Mac shook her head, and Harm knew that it was mostly because she was scared. "Why does it hurt so much, Harm?" Mac managed to ask. "I don't know Mac, its probably a result from the...bruises." Harm managed to say. "Is it getting better?" Harm asked. "A little. But it still hurts a lot. He feels like somebody is shocking me." Mac said. She was still resting against Harm and a few minutes had past, which felt like an eternity, when Mac finally said that she was feeling much better and that the pain had subsided.
Harm was still worried and decided to call the admiral and tell him that they were not going to work, and if he could come by his apartment during his lunch because they needed to talk to him. Hearing that it was urgent the admiral agreed and told Harm to take care of Mac. Harm responded by saying that he didn't even have to ask.