Author's Note: So sorry for the long delay, it's been much too long since I've updated! I've been pretty busy and have had some writer's block as well. Hope you all enjoy this new chapter.
Chapter 4
The following day…
Mac's hospital room
"Hey, how are you feeling?" asked Harm, stepping inside Mac's room in uniform, his cover under his arm.
"Hi, I'm feeling fine," said Mac, smiling as she saw him.
"That's good to hear Marine. Don't make it a habit to scare us all okay?" said Harm, sitting down in the chair beside her bed.
Mac pretended to think for a moment. "I could promise, but I don't know how well I'd keep it. Occupational hazard of being in the service," she explained.
"Try," said Harm.
"Oh I will, as long as you promise not to make a habit of crashing planes," said Mac.
"Okay Mac, I promise to try to keep away from hard landings," said Harm, a smile on his lips.
"Right," said Mac, with a shake of her head. They both laughed, each glad that what had happened between them hadn't affected their usual banter.
"So where's Mic? I thought he would have been here," asked Harm, trying to keep his tone neutral as he noticed the absence of the annoying Australian.
"Oh he was, I told him I needed some more time alone," said Mac.
"Bet he loved that," remarked Harm.
"It would be hard to miss that I'm not exactly in Mic Brumby's good books at the moment," said Mac nonchalantly.
"I'm sorry, he must be bothering you about what…ah…happened," said Harm.
"Yeah, but he does deserve an explanation," said Mac.
"Is it hard to explain Mac?" ventured Harm, looking at her intently.
Mac held his gaze, trying to read the thoughts behind the words.
"I guess it is. Our rel…friendship has been pretty complicated," she replied, quickly covering her mistake.
"You had it right the first time Mac," muttered Harm under his breath.
"What?" asked Mac, having heard the comment but wanting him to clarify.
Harm glanced at her and coloured slightly, not having meant to think aloud. "Tell Mic whatever you want to, I'll go along with it," he said.
Mac gave him a look but said nothing about his previous comment. Instead, a blush crept to her cheeks.
"Oh, like the goodbye explanation he didn't believe?" she asked.
"It's a pity he didn't believe that one. It was our best bet," said Harm, smiling.
"Yeah," said Mac, nervous as to where the conversation was heading.
"Look, I wanted to get a chance to talk to you. It's important," said Harm seriously.
"What about?" asked Mac.
"You know what it's about," said Harm.
"But it's about a lot of things," he added quickly, having realised how lame his first statement had sounded.
Mac nodded. "When? Did you want to talk now?"
"I think it would be better to talk somewhere else. If you'd like we could have dinner when you're released and talk then," said Harm hopefully.
"Okay, that sounds nice," said Mac, smiling at him.
"Great," said Harm, relieved. "When are you being released?"
"Today. Hopefully by this afternoon, I'm going crazy in here," said Mac.
"I know the feeling," said Harm with a chuckle.
"And I won't mention the food…" said Mac, trailing off.
"Is that a hint that I'll have a hungry Marine on my hands at dinner?" asked Harm, giving her his flyboy grin.
"You bet. Hospital food isn't exactly fine dining," said Mac good-naturedly.
"Oh no," said Harm, thinking aloud again.
"What's up?" asked Mac.
"Now that you mentioned fine dining, I was just thinking that Mic probably won't be keen at all on the idea of us having dinner," replied Harm.
"Honestly Sailor, do I look like the type of woman who would let a man dictate my actions?" asked Mac.
"No," said Harm sheepishly. "You look like the type of woman who can always hold her own."
"Right answer Rabb," said Mac.
Harm wiped imaginary sweat from his brow. "Phew, you're not Ninja Girl for nothing."
Mac chuckled.
"Now, if you're a good Marine, I'll try to sneak you in some real food for lunch," said Harm, cheekily.
"You're lucky there are nurses outside, or else I would have kicked your six out the door," retorted Mac, mock glaring at him.
"That's my cue to get out of here while I can," said Harm. He glanced at his watch.
"I need to get to headquarters. I told the Admiral I'd come by and see you first but I must have lost track of time," he said.
"Well, you're not exactly known for being punctual Commander," said Mac, smiling.
"I'm always on time Colonel. It's everyone else that decides to be early," said Harm with a wink.
"Okay, get to work on time then. Thanks for coming by Harm," said Mac.
"No problem. I wanted to come by. See you later," said Harm.
"See you then," replied Mac.
Harm leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Bye Sarah," he said, before grabbing his cover and heading towards the door.
"Bye Harm," said Mac.
He grinned back at her as he left the room and Mac was left smiling to herself, wondering just when Harmon Rabb Jr. had let go and decided to be more open with her.
Chapter 5 will be up soon!