A/N: I realize it's been quite a while since I have been able to post anything. I'm sorry for that. I did lose my youngest pup a couple of weeks ago, and I have been fairly down in the dumps. I am slowly trying to get back to writing. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.

Chapter 11: Letting Go

Mac sighs at his words, whether in contentment or in relief, she isn't quite sure. She can't contain the single tear that escapes down her cheek, thankfully on the side of her face that isn't directly facing him. Although, she doubts that he can see it from across the room either way. Her cheeks idly remember the way that he gently caressed them with his thumbs when she cried. Her lower lip quivers, recalling the spark that ignited when he would slide the tip of his tongue across it. They hadn't shared too many kisses over the years, but she can still feel each one of them. Her hands shake, reliving how it felt to smooth them across his broad, chiseled shoulders. Her fingers tingle, recollecting the feel of his hair at the nape of his neck. Regardless of the words she said before she left him, her heart still skipped a beat whenever she remembered the good times they had together, or she envisioned his flyboy smile. No man she had ever met could hold a candle to the feelings that Harm evoked in her. Regardless of their physical separation, their spirits were still forever entwined. She never fully let go of him either, she couldn't.

Harm looks over at her, and he doesn't have to see any visible changes in her posture to know that the mood has shifted again, he can sense it. He wants to try and lighten the mood a little, but fears that if he does, that they will just brush everything under rug again. Too many years have already been lost, and he is afraid if they don't get into this now that they will just let fate pass them by again. That is not a risk he is willing to take.

Still standing away from her, he states, "Mac let me tell you about some of the extraordinary things that occurred, right before the ceremony began." She nods for him to continue. He remarks, "I had buddies from various squadrons come up and thank me for pushing Tuna by the tailhook into international waters. There were others grateful for the time I had to save the CAG's life when I had to land our plane on the deck from the back seat. Vice Admiral Johnson, himself, gave a speech about my antics with allowing a dirty nuke to chase me to make sure that it didn't hit the battle group."

Mac smiles, not at all shocked by the praise Harm was given for some of his accomplishments. She had barely noticed that there was a lot of high-level brass at his ceremony, even though she knew there was a large crowd at his change of command, she had been too focused on him. She tells him, "Well, they were talking about some of your greatest hits, Harm. You have the medals on your chest to prove it."

Harm lowers his voice to just above a whisper, "But those pieces of metal don't make the man. The person I could share some of those adventurous with made me the person that I am today. Because, regardless of how high above the clouds I flew, or how reckless I was at times, there was always someone who grounded me. And I'm not talking about my RIO, or the CAG, or the Admiral, or anyone else but the person I am looking at right now. Do you honestly think that you had nothing to do with shaping me into the man that I have become?"

Mac inhales sharply at his insinuation. She doesn't really think that she deserves all the credit. She counters, "Harm, you always had the conscience to fight for truth and justice, and to do the right thing, from the moment I met you. Further, you have never had a problem laying your life on the line to save someone else's. I didn't foster those values in you, they already existed. It's a code you have always lived by, it is who you are." She mutters under her breath, "It's part of what made you the man I fell in love with."

Taken aback by her tone, he doesn't hear the last part of what she said. He argues, "Partly, but how many other partners would have stood by me as I went after people like Holbardt or Charlie Lynch? Especially when I was only halfcocked and hell bent on revenge? You always had my six, regardless of the dangers to your life or your career."

Mac doesn't even think before the next words fly out of her mouth, "Well, it's a nice six, at least it used to be the last time I checked. Someone had to look after it. I can't help I was the one to draw the short straw. It could have been worse, either of us could have been partnered with Krennick."

Harm shudders at the mere mention of Alison Krennick, but he is more interested in the other portion of her statement. He quirks his eyebrow before teasing her, "And when exactly was the last time you checked, Miss MacKenzie?"

Mac's hand immediately flies to her mouth. She really didn't mean to tell him that, even if it is true. She can't count how many times she admired it over the years, and to be honest, she wasn't sure of the last time she looked.

Harm, realizing that Mac is completely avoiding his question, walks over and takes her hands in his, "Sarah, I don't want to fight with you. I just want you to understand that even though I may have had those personality traits before I met you, it was your strength and support all those years that made me grow up, and be able to let go. Sarah, you saved me…my life, my career, my entire being in so many ways over the years. You protected me from myself."

With that simple statement, the dam that was holding her tears in breaks, and as she reaches up to cup his cheek, and looks into his penetrating gaze, she too feels that she can finally let go.