Chapter 4

AN: Thanks to everyone for the feedback and I hope you enjoy this chapter! Mac's wedding was scheduled for the end of May if I'm remembering correctly so since we have been through several days so far, we are now in June of the same year. I'm going to start using months in the timeline from the next chapter onwards and the reason why will become obvious soon enough.

Airport

"I'll see you next time you come and visit okay?" said Mac.

"Yup, I promise I'll visit again soon," said Chloe.

Chloe then gave Mac a look and subtly looked towards Harm.

"Uh Harm, can I quickly talk to Mac?" asked Chloe.

"Sure, no problem," said Harm, walking away from them.

"What was that all about?" asked Mac when Harm was out of earshot.

"Will you keep me updated about you know, you and Harm?" asked Chloe.

"Chloe, we're just friends," said Mac.

"I know, but you love each other so you're so going to start going out some time," said Chloe.

"Really?" asked Mac looking amused.

"Uh huh. I've seen the way Commander Rabb looks at you," said Chloe with a smile.

"That's enough fun for you Miss Madison," replied Mac with a laugh.

"And yes, I will keep you updated of any developments," added Mac.

"Good," said Chloe.

She started walking towards Harm to call him back and the two of them then returned to where Mac stood. Chloe's flight was announced and at this Mac and Chloe both began to get tearful.

"Bye! I'll miss you," said Chloe tearfully.

"I'll miss you too," said Mac, tears on her cheeks also.

Mac hugged Chloe tightly and kissing her cheek, released her.

"Love you," said Chloe.

"I love you," said Mac.

"Bye Harm. I'll miss you," said Chloe.

"I'll miss you too Chloe," said Harm hugging her goodbye. Chloe smiled and then stepped away from them towards the gate. With a final wave she was gone and Harm looked sideways at Mac. She had tears in her eyes and he placed a hand on her shoulder supportively. She smiled at him and covered his hand with hers for a moment as the two of them watched Chloe's plane leave.

"Hey, do you feel like getting something to eat?" asked Harm as they walked out of the terminal.

"Chocolate?" asked Mac.

"As much as you want," replied Harm, not even questioning her choice of food.

"Let's go," said Mac.

The following day
JAG Headquarters
Mac's office

Mac looked up at the knock on her office door and was surprised to see a delivery man standing there with a bouquet of yellow roses in his hands.

"Colonel Mackenzie?" he asked.

"Yes," replied Mac.

"If you'll just sign here," he said.

Mac signed and took the roses, inhaling their scent. Seeing a card tucked into them she pulled it out and opened it, a smile crossing her face as she read.

I hope these brighten your day.

Harm

Harm's office

"Hey Sailor," said Mac.

"Hi Marine," said Harm.

"Had a good day so far?" he asked.

"Well, it's still early but yes I have," said Mac smiling.

"Oh yeah? What happened?" asked Harm.

"Come on Harm, stop acting innocent," teased Mac.

"It didn't work?" asked Harm grinning.

"No, and thank you," said Mac.

"You're welcome," said Harm.

"They're beautiful but you really shouldn't have," said Mac.

"I wanted to do something nice for my best friend," said Harm.

"I'm lucky to have a best friend like you Harm," smiled Mac.

"Are you busy tonight?" asked Harm smiling back.

"No, why?" asked Mac.

"Let's have dinner," said Harm.

"Sounds good," replied Mac.

"So I'll see you at my apartment at 1900?" asked Harm.

"I'll be there," said Mac.

That evening
Harm's apartment
1850

"Wow Mac, you look great," said Harm, as she entered his apartment.

"Thanks, you look great too," said Mac, blushing a little at the compliment.

"Thanks. Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes," said Harm.

"That's okay, no rush," replied Mac.

Dinner passed pleasantly, the two of them talking and laughing between eating their meals. After dinner they sat down on the couch with some ice-cream for dessert.

"This is nice," commented Mac, putting down her spoon.

"The ice-cream or tonight?" asked Harm with a smile.

"Tonight. I wish we could be friends like this all the time," said Mac.

"So do I. Mac, I don't want us to let our friendship slide, it's too…" said Harm, drifting off.

"Special?" supplied Mac.

"Yeah, special. We should work on it and it could be this good all the time," said Harm.

"I'd like that," replied Mac.

"We didn't part on the best of terms before the accident and I don't want that to happen again. I've been working on it, I don't know how I'm doing but I'm going to keep working on being more open with you," said Harm.

"You've been doing great Sailor. It's the same for me. I felt so bad that I didn't wish you luck before you left," said Mac.

"The luck didn't matter Mac. I knew that you would have if I hadn't upset you. I feel like since the accident, you've been trying to talk to me more too," said Harm.

"I have been trying. I don't want us to lose our friendship. It's too important," said Mac.

"You've been doing great too Marine," smiled Harm.

Mac smiled, amazed at how just talking to Harm could leave her feeling so happy and relaxed.

"Mac, do you think we could do this regularly? Have dinner and spend some time together?" asked Harm. He was a little nervous about asking but Mac's smile put him at ease.

"I'd love to," said Mac.

"Weekly, fortnightly?" asked Harm.

"I'd prefer weekly. You?" said Mac shyly.

"Me too," said Harm.

They smiled at each other and got back to eating their ice-cream, content that their friendship was back on track.