A/N: Part of this chapter is totally Jackie's fault. I don't own the lyrics or rights to any of the songs mentioned in the chapter. However, Harm can feel free to stroke it to me any day.

Chapter 21: The Rules of War

Yep, that's it. All blood has traveled south. It is literally becoming painful to be in this room with her. Lyrics play in his head, 'I stroke it to the east, and I stroke it to the west, and I stroke it to the woman that I love best.' Twenty plus years of unresolved sexual tension for one woman can really wreak havoc on a man. However, a hospital bathroom is not somewhere he is going to relieve his tension. He's just going to have to focus on something other than his feelings for her until he can get his body back under control.

Mac chuckles at his discomfiture, "What's the matter, Sailor, not up to the challenge?"

Harm quirks his eyebrow at her, and gulps, "Actually Mac, as a matter of fact I am very much up to the challenge. These bones, one in particular, might be older, but they are definitely still all in working order. I think I might actually be more concerned about the muscles in my back. If I didn't think that your medical personnel would seriously object, I would gladly provide you with a demonstration."

Little does Harm know, a song is also softly playing in Mac's head, 'If we're talking body, you've got a perfect one, so put it on me.' She will have to remember that for later, when they are alone. He can put it on her, under her, next to her, in her, or all of the above. She challenges, "Well you are the one that won't let me leave until the doctor gives permission so I guess you will just have to suffer. Unless of course you have changed your mind?"

Harm's inner desire is waging war with his conscience. Why does he always have to be the Boy Scout? Because this is her physical well-being they are talking about, even if they are minor injuries, and he wants her in perfect condition before they create any fireworks in the bedroom. He sighs, "No, I haven't changed my mind. So, what are we ordering for dinner? I don't know about you, but every time I eat hospital food, my stomach likes to rebel. It's worse than a laxative."

Mac chuckles, "Umm very vivid picture there, Flyboy, one I didn't need. Pizza sounds good to me. Just remember to ask them to keep the veggies on your side and the meat on mine."

Harm grabs his cell phone off the window sill and searches for a pizza place close to the hospital that will deliver. He dials the number, and places the phone against his ear. While it is ringing on the other end, he says, "No problem, but just so you know, the same rules don't apply to my bed. I have absolutely no intention of staying on my side!"

Mac chuckles, "Does that mean I need to prepare for an invasion?"

Harm doesn't have a chance to respond as someone picks up on the other end, "Hi there. Yes, I would like to order a large pizza for delivery to Georgetown Hospital room 407. I would like half meat lovers and half veggie lovers and a side of breadsticks. Ok, forty-five minutes, thank you."

Harm hangs up the phone and places back on its perch. He walks over to the bed, and gets a wide grin on your face, "You do realize that planning for an invasion includes preparing any potential points of entry, right?"

Mac grins right back, "Uh huh, and it also means ensuring that you have weapons at the ready."

Harm chuckles, "Does that mean I should bring a shield?"

Mac answers, "Only if you want to. As long as your shooters aim well, you shouldn't need any shields. I'm not opposed to my forces being hit, as long as you aim at the right target. That is, if it is something you would still consider. I mean, our treaty was enacted many years ago. We are much older now, but I think it is still possible, at least on my end. If you aren't up to leading a parade of soldiers any longer, I would understand."

Harm tilts her chin up, "I would still love to try. Spending time with Nicholas has reminded me of how much I have already missed out on. I know that the odds might be against us, but I sort of prepared for that a long time ago. So even if we aren't able to do it ourselves, we could still possibly have a biological child."

Mac smiles, "I guess great minds think alike, because I took the same precautions. I could never fathom the idea of having a child that wasn't yours. I guess we will have to see if it is meant to be."

Harm smiles, "Your looks my brains?"

Mac counters, "No, your looks my brains" before she reaches up and fuses her lips to his, resealing a deal made long ago.