AN: And still, you want more, you want updates...well, here you go!You see, I always listen.

Disclaimer: Let's see, if I didn't own them a week ago, what makes you think I would own them now?

Here we go...

Monday morning.

Another week. After a weekend in which she'd been completely incommunicado (and loving it), Mac had to get back to reality. And she was already late getting back as it was. Not caring if her car was parked more outside than inside her assigned spot, she grabbed her stuff and darted in, just in time to put everything down and stand at attention as Harm announced the entering of their CO.

Nothing new on the horizon, they were dismissed to work on pending cases, of which she shared two with Harm. As much as she normally enjoyed working with him, she dreaded it now. How was she supposed to have a casual working lunch with him when she knew that the unuttered question hung in the air, ready to cut the carefully pulled up curtain behind which she was hiding? How could they argue cases when the remnants of another argument kept playing in her head like a video tape that got stuck into the VCR? When she knew he'd overheard it all?

When she knew that there was no way that she could deny the accusation Sturgis threw in her face? Being the incredibly good lawyer that he was, there was no way Harm would not be able to pry the truth out of her when he chose to ask her straight-out. She could only hope and pray that, against all odds, he would forget. Or that Cresswell would double his caseload. Or hers, so she could keep avoiding him, and all others for that matter.

And avoiding she did. Him, Sturgis (of course) but also Bud, Jennifer and pretty much everyone else she wasn't forced to talk to. And if she was, she made sure it was just business-talk. When lunchtime arrived, she ate a hasty sandwich and a candy bar behind her desk, hidden behind a folder to appear too busy to socialize.

In a busy place as the JAG Headquarters, trying to stay away from people for longer than a few hours is practically impossible and by the end of the day Mac was worn out with the effort and even more with the caseload she'd hauled onto her own shoulders. She knew she needed a time out, just to get away from the stress, and from the people who gave it to her.

The time out itself was easily accomplished. She had so many long overdue leave days she could take a decade off if she wished. Right now, she only wished for a week. Cresswell gave in without as much as a huff, which meant that she really truly needed it. If even her CO saw the fatigue in her eyes…or did he try to protect her from the usual scuttlebutt? Whatever his reasons, Mac was just glad he didn't give her a hard time.

So with one part of the plan worked out, she had time enough to plan the other part. Where to go? Even as she packed her briefcase and grabbed her cover she had no idea. The thought of just staying at home did appeal to her, but she knew that eventually she wouldn't be able to help herself from being a dedicated Marine, calling in to check or working on cases. Staying at home would mean being tracked down too easily. Therefore it wasn't an option to consider.

What else? She toyed with the idea to rent a little cottage on the beach, letting the sea breeze wash away her hurt, but no…the silence would be way too uncomfortable and she didn't want to hear herself think.

So where could she go? She needed soothing surroundings and yet, something to keep her occupied and maybe someone to talk to. That's when it hit her. Quickly she drove home to get some clothes and toiletries before she headed out again to her chosen destination. Somehow she knew she would be welcome. Welcome and safe.

"Auntie Mac!" The high-pitched squeal of her godson alarmed his mother, who opened the door with a surprised smile on her face. For a moment, Mac felt very guilty. Harriet look quite harassed, with two boys to keep in line and two more kids well on their way. The last thing she needed was someone, anyone, complaining to her.

Harriet being Harriet, she composed herself at the sight of her friend and former coworker, who looked as if she was carrying the weight of the entire world on her slender shoulders. Of course she already knew exactly what had happened, as Bud had told her the whole story. She felt so sad for Mac, who didn't deserve any of this happening to her and she could just kill Sturgis for being such a blabbermouth. Not that she hadn't known about Mac's true feelings for her best friend, but it should have been her choice whether or not she'd ever tell him. Now her deepest emotions were left in clear visibility and Harriet could only imagine what that must feel like.

"Harriet…I…I'm sorry…I shouldn't…this was a bad idea, I'll just…" Mac turned to leave again, but a surprisingly strong hand on her wrist, accompanied by a soft voice kept her from walking back to her car.

"It's okay, Mac…Bud has told me. I'm sorry for what happened. And if I can do anything to help, please let me do it."

Without waiting for an answer she gently pushed the reluctant colonel inside, a colonel who was close to tears because of her friend's kind words.

"Let's get some tea into you. AJ, could you get out the cookie-jar for your aunt Mac?"

Her oldest, glad to be able to help (with the prospect of having cookies as a bonus) scampered off to the kitchen. Gratefully, Mac took the time away from her beloved godson to wipe a few stray tears away before the little boy noticed them. She wouldn't be able to answer his questions, which would inevitably come.

Things at the Roberts's household seemed to be so simple. After tea, cookies and a good long cry (only after AJ was sent outside to play with a neighbor child) Mac felt considerably better. Her best friend (except for Harm) didn't ask, didn't tell, didn't interrupt while Mac tried to struggle through the onslaught of emotions. But it was good to let them resurface so she could see them more clearly. Both woman remained quiet for some time before Harriet managed to get on her feet.

"How long were you planning on staying, Mac?"

Momentarily taken aback by Harriet's easy acceptation of the situation, Mac's words came out hesitantly. "Harriet, it might be a better idea if I just went home. I mean, you're pregnant, you're busy…"

She was gently interrupted. "Which means you could lend me a hand with the boys, help me with some chores maybe, it might keep your mind off things until you get some perspective."

"So I'm really not imposing?"

"Absolutely not. You're a friend in need and I never turned down a friend in need before. I won't start now." She gave her friend a bright smile. "Now, you can start helping by making your own bed in the guestroom. Come on, I'll get you some clean sheets and blankets."

That was the last thing that was said between the women until Bud came home. Mac busied herself with playing with little AJ and Jimmy, feeling more relaxed at the notion she was indeed welcome and safe.

A lot more is going to happen...wanna know what? You know what to do, you've been doing it before...thanks!