LOL! Okay hope everything is going good in our real life worlds. My body is confussed as to getting a cold or not. It's somewhere in limbo. :P

Thanks for all the support and comments on the story. This part you guys will like as well as the part after this one. And I suspect, around part 11 or 12. . I think it's 11, some people will be jumping for joy as one of our villians gets his or hers. Well, enough teasing, on with the show!

Enjoy!
J.

Thanks to: XBlueShadowX, Aimee5, Charmboy4, starryeyes10, Nikki, dansingwolf, jag4ever, lei, Jackia, EternalSleep, Cristina, Tina Frank, achaon, Abigaile, Hieros Gamos, froggy0319, joanoa, JadeAlmasy, SpaceMan546, dansingwolf, carbygirl , JAGJenni, Manda, starryeyes, BiteBeccy, ng59678, LtColDevilDog, martini, mizukimarr, jtbwriter, Macaroon, Lissie, n.k, Lt.jgMegAustin, cbw, dansingwolf, Apion, alix33, jnp, MacHarm4Ever, Tania, Macaroon, harmfan, Jagnut, Claire Vincent, Navy Babe, Nix, Martini, jaggurl, Laura, CoolCat, sunnysky, smithknk, mjag, FoxyWombat, carbygirl, moonlight, socgrl, NinjaTurtle, Sunny, kristie, mjag. Aserene and anyone else I missed for the Feedback

PART 7 – When You Lie Next To Me
"My heart is yours
But every part of me still wants to give you more
More time to love
Cause you never know when life will leave us
I wanna take in all the beauty here
Let the world around us just disappear

When you lie next to me
Breathin' the air I breathe
We don't have to speak
And just be
Our love's a precious thing
Don't wanna waste a day
Or one more minute
Without you in it
Life if so sweet
When you lie next to me"
By: Kellie Coffey "When You Lie Next To Me"
(AN: I am not a country music fan, but I do like this song, it's sweet!)

July 22, 2005
0710 Zulu
North East Of Corner Brook
Newfoundland, Canada

Warmth. All around her, Mac felt warmth. The warmth of skin against skin, the warmth of the fire behind them. Even in the depths of her soul, she felt warmth. The last conceivable memory that she had was that damned, cold, lake and some crazy woman intent on drowning her. Had she succeeded? Was she now in some sort of Heaven? Part of her was felt so safe, that it was almost easy to believe that God had snatched her away from two mad people. But what about Harm? What had happened to him? Was he alive? Was he tortured?

Or maybe. . .maybe that had been all a dream – a bad dream – that gave way to an even worse nightmare. Maybe Harm was still missing? The thought ran chills through her body. 'God no, please, no.' Mac thought as she forced her eyes to open and found the handsome face of Harmon Rabb Jr. He was fast asleep, holding her body as if she were his anchor which he used in order to not be swept away. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief. It wasn't Heaven, but damn near close to it.

She reached out and gently ran her hand over his stubbled cheek. Even in sleep Harm didn't seem to be at peace. She figured he never would until he step foot back in DC with the knowledge that this whole ordeal would be over. His body shivered slightly and it was then that she'd realized how they were laying together. Both of them were naked, something that she'd fantasized about, but not quite in this fashion. No, her fantasies, and they were numerous, usually had them laying together in a better pretense. And where were they anyway – a cabin?

Mac looked around, the place was completely unfamiliar to her, she didn't even know it was out there, neither did Harm if their bickering from before was any indication. Closing her eyes, Mac searched her memory files trying to bring up something that would allude her to what had gone on. There were a few hazy memories of a man telling her to live. And yet another memory of that man claiming his love for her, but it was nothing tangible. As she started getting her bearings, Mac felt a pain on the side of her face and another at the back of her head. That's right, Marcy had hit her.

Harm shivered again which was starting to be a cause for concern. Had he suffered some sort of shock? Lifting herself up slightly, she found that the blankets, though she was covered completely, weren't entirely covering him. His back and backside were exposed to the chill in the air. Mac tugged at the blankets, pulling to make sure that he was covered up. Slipping out of their makeshift bed, she made her way over to the logs and tossed three more into the fire that was starting to die down. Then she returned to him, snuggling herself as close as possible, laying her head against his chest.

A slow smile made its way across her face. This is where she wanted to be for the rest of her life. It didn't matter that Harm was sleeping, nor did it matter that she wasn't quite sure where they were or how they got there. No, what mattered was that they were together, cohabitating in the same space. Breathing the same air. Just being without the need for words or feelings that seemed to taint their strange relationship. Things would be perfect though, if she could just tell him. As much as she needed to hear the words, Mac knew he needed to hear them too.

Hearing his breathing change, she moved her head slightly to look up at him. Those brilliant blue green eyes locked into her own. He sighed deeply, almost as if he were ridding himself of the weight of the world. "Thank you, God." He whispered. "Thank you, God." Harm sighed again and turned his head to be able to really look at Mac. She was alive showing no signs that anything had gone wrong. That's when he saw the ugly mark on her cheek. He brought his hand out from under the blanket and gently placed it there. "Please tell me you are alright, Mac." Frowning, he lightly traced the bruise, if the mountainfolk hadn't already been dead, he'd have killed them.

Mac leaned her cheek into his palm and pressed his hand with her own. "I'm fine, Harm. . .Are you?"

His hands moved down her arms before Harm leaned in and pulled her to him for a tight hug. "I am now."

She was grateful to be in his arms again and have him hold her with such a force. "What exactly happened?"

Harm held on a bit longer, then lay back on the floor. What exactly happened? Hell broke lose, that is what had happened. "You went off with Marcy and Pete started taunting me about how he was going to . ." He couldn't bring himself to think it, much less say it. "He tied me in some odd knot and put a knife into the ground by my side. . . Every time I tried to reach for it, the rope tightened. I thought I was going to lose my arm." As he lay next to her, he could feel his muscles protesting, thankfully nothing was broken or put out of place. "He left me there and went after you, but I wouldn't let him touch you. . .I reached the knife, cut myself loose and ran after him. . .We fought, I killed him. . . Marcy came and I killed her two. . .She said you were dead, drowned." He took a breath and swallowed hard as his mind conjured up images of Mac floating in the water. "So I ran towards the lake. . .And it took forever to bring you back. . .I wanted to quit. . .I did quit. . .but then started again. . .I wouldn't have stopped either." Looking upwards, he chuckled slightly. "I think someone up there knew I wouldn't have stopped. . .Talk about second chances." Yes, talk about second chances. How many of them had they had? Too many and counting? "It was raining and it was cold and you were shivering. . . Maybe all of this. . ." He paused a moment to reference their nakedness. "Maybe all of this was a bit hasty but I wasn't about to risk hypothermia with you. . .What I mean to say is that. . ."

"Harm. . ." Hasty wasn't exactly the word she'd have used. In fact, Mac was rather enjoying this closeness. She'd always wondered how his flesh would feel against hers. Slowly, she leaned in capturing his lips with her own. She felt his body tense, but she'd at least stopped him from babbling as if he'd done something wrong. Noting that Harm still hadn't kissed her back, she pulled away with her eyes still closed. Mac was almost afraid to open them and find that everything that had gone on since he came back into her life was just a series of mixed signals. In this very position, having them both in such a vulnerable state, she wasn't too sure she'd be able to take the rejection. Summoning the nerve that had evaded her, she opened her eyes to find Harm staring back at her, his expression one of awe.

Words that previously were forming without much effort, had ceased to transpire. They no longer were needed nor wanted. Actions spoke volumes and if that kiss meant anything, it was that they both had to stop eluding this pull between them. It would always be there, tabling it still wouldn't make it go away. Harm felt it stronger now, more than he ever had. It took him being so close to losing her so many times for it to finally sink in. They needed each other, they always ended up with each other because they were meant to be together. He wasn't much into the whole romantic aspect of relationships, but he couldn't deny any longer that this thing with Mac and him was written in the stars. For all he knew, they were always meant to be together, their stubbornness only made it difficult for the fates to do their work. Or, maybe. . .maybe all of these hardships were needed so that two hard headed individuals would finally understand. It had worked because he finally understood it. Mac did too.

"Mac." There were so many things he needed to say to her, but his emotional flood gate was opened when she leaned forward and kissed him again. Her lips were warm and sweet; the kiss was lingering. But, when Mac made no attempt to deepen the kiss, he took that as being his mission. Harm kissed her back, slowly at first, only to break away any doubts when she met each of his kisses with one of her own. As he began feeling more confident, he ran his tongue alone the seam of her mouth, begging for acceptance which was granted.

The moment his tongue slipped passed her lips, Mac couldn't help the involuntary moan. God, she'd wanted this. . .no, she needed this in ways she couldn't fathom. They'd existed so long in each others worlds; how was it that it never came to this? She knew the answers, as did he. But the past seemed to cease and desist when she felt the weight of his body on her own. Their tongues mated and meshed, slowly, passionately and everything in the world seemed to stop save for the two souls longing for their first union.

He pulled away from her for a moment, just enough for him to search in her eyes and note that this was a mutual consent. Seeing that validation in her eyes, Harm couldn't prevent a lazy smile. He kissed her deeply again then trailed hot kisses from her mouth to her chin.

Mac leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She lay in wait for him to claim her, for them to be one. But, Harm stopped his musing. Her eyes opened and she glanced at him, seeing conflicting emotions of worry and passion. No, he couldn't stop now, she was sure she'd die of want. "What? What is it, Harm?"

His breathing was ragged, labored as if he'd just stop sprinting. "The endometriosis." Harm began, his voice hitching slightly. He'd feared this moment ever since he'd researched on her medical situation. The fact that he knew zero about this problem had him scouring the Internet for every piece of information he could find. Somewhere in his research he ran into several message boards where women had commented about sexual intimacy being painful and unpleasant. She'd had this problem for a while, Mac had confessed to him. While he was sure she'd ignore it for Clay's benefit and those rare times she'd been intimate with the spook, he wasn't willing to do the same. "I. . .I don't want to hurt you."

The way she was looking at him had Mac nearly in a panic. They couldn't have gone this far and have him hit all the brakes including the emergency one. But now, his worries melted her heart. If she'd ask it of him, he'd be willing to forgo this form of intimacy because he didn't want to hurt her. Mac blinked back a few tears as her arms and legs came around him, bringing Harm closer to her. "You won't hurt me."

But, he was steadfast. As much as he wanted this, as much as he needed this, Harm refused to budge unless he was completely certain. "If I do, you need to stop me. . . I can't hurt you, Mac. . . I won't hurt you."

"No, you won't hurt me." She threaded her fingers through the silk of his hair, brining his mouth onto hers. Mac kissed him slowly, reassuring that she wanted this just as much as he did. "I trust you. . .You won't hurt me."

Their union was felt even at the depths of their souls and while few words were exchanged, they both knew that this would be it. This was the homecoming they both craved so much. It was a consummation of something that should have started years ago. They lay together happily spent and sated. When Harm tried to move away from Mac, she wrapped her arms around him, holding on tightly. "No. . .I just. . .I want to stay like this. . . I just want to lie with you just like this. . .please."

Smiling softly, he kissed her soundly and held her to him. It would be a short time later, when the two separated, only to make love once again before falling asleep in each others arms.

-

Kristie – Sorry about stopping your concentration, I hope life can resume after this chappie. ;)

DansingWolf – Thanks for the kind words! I am not much of a mushy, sappy writer, I've tried writing really fluffy stuff and get nauseated. But, yea, I can write romance when I need to. Glad you appreciate it, I hope you liked the above part. :) Was one of my favorite parts to write thus far.

NinjaTurtle – Yep, body heat rocks ;) About the torture, they could be worse, you don't want to read the draft for "Something For the Pain" when Harm starts to explain what they did to him. It was worse. The whole point on my writing these two was to focus a lot on the nitty gritty stuff which people tend not to get to close to. And it isn't over yet, though it won't be nearly as bad. Dunno, I am a action flick chic. LOL! Without a bit of blood and gore I am not happy. Hmm, maybe I do need therapy ;)

Xblue – Why excuse the cursing? I curse worse than a sailor! I agree things are fucked up a lot. Unfortunately, TPTB are intent on giving us a HIP show with non of the core values that JAG was set up with. Am I happy? No? It's bullshit, I am just glad I've only been onboard since ATW 1 else I'd have shot myself. If it goes on, I MAY catch a few of the first episodes because I love CB, she rocks. I feel bad for DJE and for CB for that matter, if the show goes to an 11th and 12th, you know she'll be outted because she isn't young or hip enough. There are enough rumors floating around to make you nauseating. I am hoping for the best, totally expecting the worst and hope that DJE's ABC gig works out with flying colors and that anything else the current cast of JAG does, in the future, gives them lots of success so they can tell TPTB where the fuck to stick it. The end. ;) Calix – Excuse our ramblings dear sir. ;)

Majg – No No, Harm had extra reserves, he's like the energizer bunny LOL!

Nk – LOL! Now can you do that in a movie trailer announcer voice? As long as you don't call it "riveting", we're good! That word just IRKS me. Everything now a days is "riveting!" BLAH! DH – JEEZ! Outta control, Man! I felt Soooo bad for Mikey when the cops/FBI/whoever nabbed him. I'd so never talk to Susan again. It's getting good, very good :D

Bite Beccy :gasps: You thought I'd what! Well neener neener neener, youc an't flame meeeeeee:P Wow, yep, need therapy LOL! ;)

Froggy – When I was writing it was biting my own nails! I doubt, after the above chapter that Mac will share. I think, all we can hope for is sloppy seconds, and I thnk she'd even keep those to herself. Face it, we need to clone the man and quickly! I get dibs on Harm Clone and you get Harm Clone 2. Sounds good? Muahahaaa! It's alive!

JTB – Temir sort of paid them to be on the look out for them. No, I will promise you that Webb does NOT show up where Harm and Mac are. Eww!

HarmFan – Yep, I got a lil misty eyed when I wrote it. And yes, her waking up with Harm, very good. Hehehehe.

JagFan – Sorry for the confussion on the name change. I've been Radiorox since 97. And as time passed by and I couldn't secure that name on the net I switched to GuitarVixen cos I play guitar. Which, I like Radiorox better. ;)

Alix – They won't be dead so quickly, there is mucn more action adventure and maybe a third story to write. I want them as alive, if not more, than you guys do LOL!