Disclaimer in chapter 1.

Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Washington, DC
1300 EST--

"Come on Harm. We have more sales to get to." Mac said to Harm, who was following her around the mall.

They both had decided to play hooky that day. Well, Mac had decided to go to the post July 4th sales, and suggested that Harm go with her. Of course, Harm didn't know what he was getting himself into, and just thought it was some quality time with his girlfriend.

"We've been at this since 0730. Isn't it time to stop and rest?"

"No, we still have a few more stores to go to."

"Can we stop for lunch first? I know you're getting hungry."

"Now that you bring it up, it does sound like a good idea."

"I already knew it was. If I'm hungry, I know you have to be."

"I am."

"Then let's stop somewhere. Anywhere, I don't even care where."

"Burger King. I want a really big Whopper with fries and a milkshake."

"You'll never change..."

"Do you want me to?" She asked as they sat down in the food court.

"Your eating habits could use improving, but that's all. Otherwise you're perfect."

"I don't think I'm perfect."

"I do."

"You're supposed to. It's your duty as the loving boyfriend."

"That's true. And right now it's my duty to go get my perfect girlfriend some food. I'll be back in a few minutes." He left to get her a cheeseburger, and him something green and leafy.

He came back a few moment later with their food.
"A double cheeseburger with fries and a chocolate milkshake to clog up the Marine's arteries. And a salad for the dashing Sailor."

"Who said you're dashing?"

He grinned at her.

"It's my assessment."

"And everyone else's it seems. We're getting quite a few glances this way."

"Ah well, I'm pretty sure the men aren't looking at me... You're getting lustful looks also." He smiled at her.

"They never stop. You would think these people would realize we're together and stop staring."

He took her hand and gave it a gentle kiss.

"Let them stare." He smiled.

"Bet you didn't know what you were getting yourself into when you agreed to go shopping with me..." She grinned at him.

"No, I didn't. How many more stores?"

"Only 2. Then I need to go home and see what damage that feline/devil has done."

"Toby isn't a devil. He's just a kitten."

"Well you don't live with him. He's satan at night..."

"Mac you know if he's too much trouble,. I'll take him. I didn't mean to give you something you didn't want."

"He's not that much trouble. Just so young and energetic."

"He'll get better. Soon enough he'll be cuddling with you every night, keeping your feet warm."

"I'd rather have a man doing that."

"All you had to do was ask, Mac."

"Yeah. Well I wasn't sure how serious you considered this thing."

"I consider this 'thing' very serious. I'm was thinking forever would be good."

"Forever. That's a long time to spend with me."

"It's not long enough in my opinion." He took one of her hands.

"Maybe we should save this discussion for later, when we're back at my apartment."

"Yeah, we should. Are you ready to hit those last 2 stores yet?"

"Yeah, let's go."

Harm took their trash to the can before taking Mac's hand and leading her to the car.

"So where else are we going?"

"The Gap, and a grocery store somewhere. I'm running out of food."

90 minutes later the pair was back at Mac's apartment, carrying in groceries.

As they were putting them all away, Mac kept yawning.

"See, I told you we went to early this morning." Harm said, smiling. "I'll finish here, you go lay down for a nap."

"Will you come join me when you're done?"

"I will. I might even get Toby to settle down and lay down with us." He looked down at the kitten who was attacking his own shadow.

"Good luck..." Mac grinned at the cat's energy.

Harm finished putting the groceries away, and then started putting together some soup for dinner. Leaving the soup to simmer all afternoon, he went into Mac's bedroom and laid down next to her.

"What took you so long?"

"I was putting some soup together for dinner."

"What kind?"

"My special vegetable."

"Sounds great." She yawned.

"It will be. Now sleep." He pulled her to him and put both arms around her.

She put her head on his chest and drifted to sleep.

Moments later, a small kitten jumped as hard as he could onto the bed, and curled up beside Mac's arm on Harm chest.