AN: Can be found at the end of the chapter. The very last chapter…

Disclaimer: I kidnapped them and left a ransom note at DPB…yeah, right.

Next morning…

Harm and Mac had decided they should both come in separately, she very early, he a tad too late, like normal. They didn't want anybody to see at first glance that they had finally found each other. And coming to work together with matching grins on their faces (not to mention the matching hickeys barely hidden by the hastily applied make-up) would certainly give them away in a split second. As for Bud and Harriet: they'd been sworn to secrecy.

Like they had before, they were studiously ignoring the other, though this time it was both more fun and more frustrating. With every lingering look they could not give the other, with every time they brushed passed the other one without letting their bodies collide (and just how good it felt to have them collide they had only found out the night before), their tension grew.

Funny, she had always thought that, once she had given into her desire to be with him, she would have quenched her thirst and move on. Now she understood that, like alcohol, Harm was an addiction. For once one she didn't care to get rid off any time soon.

And neither was he, or so she found out all too soon. It was somewhere in the afternoon when he barged into her office with a purposeful stride, closing the door behind him with a thud. He even managed to pull her blinds down, not wanting any intruders.

"Hey, Ninja."

"Hey yourself."

He grinned, the smile that made her knees turn into instant jelly. She had to take a seat before they would give out.

Like a predator, Harm approached her desk, and put his hands on either side of her on the armrests of her chair, effectively trapping her. She shuddered when she saw the gleam in his eyes, full of suppressed desire. When his wolfish grin got bigger, she knew her own eyes were mirroring his, rivaling his longing, challenging him to make the first move.

"Did you need something, Sailor?"

She even managed to give him a coy smile, almost shy.

"I sure do,"

he growled, before crushing his lips to hers in a kiss the left her gasping.

When he tore them away from hers she let out a small whimper of disappointment, even though her burning lungs were relieved to get the maximum access to some much needed oxygen again.

"You're a tease, Marine. How can you expect me to see you sashaying around all day without being able to touch you?"

He sounded hoarse, his own lack of air clearly noticeable.

"Sashaying, me?"

Feigning indignation at his words, she stood up from her chair, still a bit woozy.

"How about yourself, Commander, strutting around, proud like a peacock."

He burst out laughing at that statement, pulling her into his embrace.

"I just wish this day was over so I can take you home with me again. Last night was just the beginning you know, just an appetizer."

Melting into his embrace, all she could say was:

"If that's the case, I can't wait for the rest of the meal."

It was silent outside, just as silent as it had been the day before in the Roberts' residence. It alarmed them more than any noise would and before they even let go of the other one, they knew they were busted. The blinds hadn't been closed off entirely and somehow they were spotted in their too-tight-to-be-just-friendly embrace.

Harm's eyes lit up with a sudden idea as he quickly put his finger against Mac's lips to silence her. She nodded, knowing without words what he was up to. In one quick motion, Harm pulled open the office door, yelling

"Make way, we're coming out!"

Harm's yell had the effect of a shotgun as the curious mob that had gathered right outside Mac's office door scattered back to their posts, trying to act like they were all very busy. Bud was pretending to be on the phone and Jen was reading a file upside down, but the pair decided not to state the obvious, even though it was most funny.

Harm, still holding his girl close to him, walked straight to Sturgis's desk. The other commander shrunk back a little, bracing himself for the onslaught. Which never came. Looking like he was seeing a ghost, he gazed at Harm's extended hand. After some serious risk calculation, he took the offered hand and shook it.

"No hard feelings any more Sturgis. In fact, I believe a thank you is in order."

Stunned, the best-friend-turned-enemy let go of the other man's hand and grinned, turning into friend once again.

"Whatever I did, you're welcome…I guess."

He turned toward Mac.

"I truly am sorry for everything I said. Can you try to forgive me?"

Mac hesitated ever so little, her body stiffening slightly. Harm immediately felt it and tightened his grip on her in silent support. The Marine in Mac won as she too extended her hand.

"Let's forgive and forget, okay?"

Then, slyly, she added:

"Next time you're even considering starting a fight with me, I'll kick your six!"

Sturgis was most ready to believe her.

Having finished with their business at the office, Harm and Sarah left the bullpen, providing no insight in their interlude behind closed doors, much to their coworkers chagrin. Together they decided they deserved to rest of the day off and after being granted permission from an overly composed CO, they hurried outside.

Inside the elevator, Harm couldn't contain himself much longer. He pulled her closer to his chest and gently but firmly placed his lips on hers again. She responded accordingly, letting the warmth of his kiss penetrate her. Remembering his promise that this was only a little appetizer for what would happen once they got home.

As afternoon turned into evening turned into night, they showed their love for each other countless times in countless ways. Afterwards, Harm was glad just to hold on to his beautiful Marine while she cuddled up next to him underneath the tangled mess of sheets. She lifted her head from his chest, begging for one more kiss, a request he granted with pleasure.

After another lifetime, she looked up at him, grinning.

"Penny for your thoughts, Marine."

Playfully she kissed the tip of his nose.

"I just figured I should have argued with Sturgis long time ago."

THE END

AN I: Thanks to all of you who took the time and trouble to read and/or review this. I enjoy knowing what you think of my stories. Your feedback makes me a better writer.

AN II: I know lots of you wanted to see Sturgis go down, but I decided not to, for several reasons. One is that, as I said before, I don't hate the guy, I just used him as a means to an end in this story. A more important one is that I believe forgiving someone is lots better than keep on fighting and somehow I feel it wouldn't be Harm's style to hold a grudge when everything turns out for the best. Besides, a like good endings all the way.

Prepare yourself for my next long, long, very long story, called "Once a Marine…"

First chapter(s) coming soon!