Chapter 3

AN1: Thanks for the feedback everyone, I appreciate it.
AN2: I'm afraid we part company with Renee and Mic in this chapter. They're both too annoying to even write about!
AN3: Mac does not run away in this version, I never agreed with her leaving like that as it is! There are quite a few scene changes though and I labelled those to make it easier to follow.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" demanded Renee when Mac had gone down the hall and stepped into the waiting area.

"Renee, it's really not what you think. Harm wants to talk to you though," said Mac.

"To tell me what? That you two didn't spend the night together?" asked Renee looking furious.

"It was just an accident. I came to see Harm last night, we talked and then we must have fallen asleep," said Mac.

"Hmm, I don't think I believe that," said Renee.

"Harm will tell you the same," replied Mac, hoping the conversation would come to an end.

"Fine. I'll see what he has to say for himself," said Renee, turning on her heel and walking briskly down the hall.

"And a very good day to you too," muttered Mac under her breath before leaving.

Mac's apartment

"Where have you been?" asked Mic loudly as she entered her apartment.

"I was at the hospital," replied Mac, putting her bag down.

"You weren't here last night Sarah," said Mic.

"It was pretty late when I went to see him," said Mac.

"Where did you spend the night? At the hospital?" asked Mic.

"Yes," replied Mac.

"Why?" asked Mic angrily.

"I didn't mean to. Harm and I were talking, it was pretty late and we ended up falling asleep," said Mac.

"Oh that's just perfect. I think I've heard enough," said Mic.

"Mic, it's no big deal," said Mac.

"Can you honestly tell me you love me more than you love Rabb?" asked Mic, already starting to pack his things.

Mac hesitated slightly and opened her mouth to reply but Mic cut her off.

"I just got my answer," he said.

"Mic, it's not like that," protested Mac, watching as he threw items into a suitcase haphazardly, surprised that she felt numb rather than angry or upset. Mic ignored her and zipping up his suitcase he charged toward the door, Mac following him.

"I'll be going back to Australia. Bye," said Mic.

"Mic," began Mac again, but he wouldn't hear it.

"It's better this way," said Mic, before stepping into the hall and closing the door.

Mac leant against it, surprised by everything that had happened. Then pulling out her cell phone she dialled the second number she thought of, knowing that it was unlikely Harm would be free to talk to her if she called him due to Renee being there.

"Hi Harriet, it's Mac," she said when the phone was answered.

Mac called Harm that evening, finding comfort simply in the sound of his voice.

"He left this morning," said Mac.

"He's a fool then. Come to me Mac, we can talk," said Harm from his apartment, having been released from the hospital that afternoon.

"Why?" asked Mac.

"Because I care about you. I want to make sure you're okay," said Harm.

"I'm fine," said Mac.

"Mac," said Harm.

"I'm here," said Mac.

"I'm waiting," said Harm, before disconnecting the call.

Harm's apartment

"Hi, uh, Renee's Dad died suddenly. She just got here," said Harm softly, indicating to where Renee lay asleep on his couch.

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that," said Mac.

"I'll go," she said.

"No, you don't have to go," said Harm.

"Harm, it's okay, really," said Mac.

Harm stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Okay, considering," said Mac.

Harm stepped forward and hugged her.

"I'll be gone for a few days for the funeral, but we'll talk when I get back?" asked Harm.

Mac looked at him. "Sure," she replied.

"I'm sorry we can't talk now," said Harm.

"Harm, Renee needs you. I understand," said Mac.

"I need to take her to the funeral but after that I'm going to break it off with her," said Harm, lowering his voice.

"It's not working out?" asked Mac, secretly happy to hear that soon the Video Princess would be out of their lives.

"I think both of us know it's not going anywhere. I doubt it will surprise her," said Harm.

"I can't do it until after the funeral though. It wouldn't be right," said Harm.

"That's Harmon Rabb Jr., always the gentleman," said Mac with a smile.

"Is that a compliment?" asked Harm with a smile.

"It is," smiled Mac.

"Give her my condolences," added Mac.

"I will. I'd better get back inside but I'll see you when I get back," said Harm.

"See you then," said Mac.

She hadn't taken more than a few steps away when Harm called her back. "Mac."

"What?" she asked.

"Brumby's a fool to let you go, I want you to remember that," said Harm.

"Thanks…I think," said Mac.

She walked back to him and hugged him quickly, and he took the opportunity to kiss her cheek softly as they let go. With one more look, she was gone and Harm re-entered his apartment.

A few days later
Mac's apartment

"Hey Marine," said Harm as she opened the door.

"Hey Sailor! I wasn't expecting you back until later," said Mac.

"I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing," said Harm as they sat down on the couch.

"Can I get you anything?" asked Mac.

"Sure, some water would be great," said Harm. Mac moved to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water, setting it down on the coffee table.

"Thanks," said Harm.

"How's Renee?" asked Mac.

"She's still with her family," said Harm. Mac looked at him questioningly.

"I broke up with her before I left. She didn't seem surprised. Besides, she met up with an ex at the funeral and they seemed to hit it off," said Harm.

"That was quick," noted Mac.

"Are you okay with that?" she asked.

"It doesn't bother me. I wasn't in love with her Mac," said Harm. Mac nodded.

"Are you sure everything is okay?" asked Harm studying her.

"Do you ever give up?" asked Mac with a smile.

"No," replied Harm smiling.

"I haven't been dwelling on Mic leaving or anything if that's what you're asking. It's better that it ended now than six months down the track I guess," said Mac.

"Have you talked at all?" asked Harm.

"No, and there's nothing to say," said Mac.

"Did you love him?" asked Harm.

"Yes," replied Mac.

"With all of your heart?" asked Harm.

Mac hesitated for a moment.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I just think talking about it could help and I'm offering a friendly ear," said Harm.

Mac smiled at him.

"With all of my heart?" she repeated. Harm nodded.

"No," answered Mac honestly.

"Then it's a good thing Mic left. Mac, I want you to be happy and Harriet, Bud, the Admiral, everyone wants that too. You may have been happy at first but it wouldn't have lasted and then Brumby would have had to deal with me, along with our other friends at JAG," said Harm. Mac smiled at his words.

"Thanks Harm, it means a lot that you care," said Mac.

"Of course I care. You really are okay?" asked Harm.

"I am. And I've got some great friends too," said Mac smiling.

Harm grinned back.