They moved back to the couch and sat together in companionable silence, until Harm spoke up again.

"What's the plan Mac?"

"The plan?"

"How do you plan on…sorting through the difficulties related to your prior mission?"

Mac smirked at his diplomacy. "You mean, am I going to go back to the shrink?"

Harm chuckled. "Yeah, are you going to go back to the shrink?"

"I think so. I'd love to be able to say that I can deal with all of this without professional help, but I don't really think I can." She cocked her head to the side. "I bet you thought you'd never hear me say something like that did you?"

"Actually it's kind of nice to hear you admit to needing help. You've always been stronger than the rest of us. It's good to know that you're human too."

Mac frowned at him, unsure how to take his comments.

"I mean it Mac. I like that you're reaching out. It gives me the chance to really help you."

Mac raised an eyebrow. "Nice save."

Harm grinned. "I thought so."

Mac reached down and picked up her mug, finished off her now lukewarm chocolate, and then headed to the kitchen. She was standing at the sink rinsing out her mug when she heard a knock at the door. She flinched, preparing herself for the pending confrontation. Harm glanced at her before he answered the door.

Webb's voice drifted in from the doorway. "I'd like to speak to Sarah."

Harm nodded and opened the door further. Webb walked in and swept the room with an appraising eye before he finally looked at Mac. She turned to face him, but stayed behind the island. Minutes went by; neither of them spoke.

Harm interrupted their stubborn stand off, by clearing his throat. "Mac, I think this is a good time to go check on Mattie." Turning to Webb he said, "I'll be back in five minutes."

Webb watched Harm walk out the door, and then turned back to Mac. "I came to tell you that I've been called away again."

Mac sighed. "Do you know how long you'll be gone this time?"

"No. Listen Sarah, I know I haven't been around when you've needed me, and I'm sorry for that, but this is what I do…"

"And I should have realized that before I agreed to be anything other than your friend."

Webb's mouth firmed. "Will it do any good to call you when I get back?"

"Call and let me know that you're safe."

"But nothing more?"

Mac shook her head. "No Clay, nothing more."

Webb's jaw tensed. "This is Rabb's doing isn't it?"

"Leave him out of it, this has nothing to do with Harm. This is about you and me."

"What exactly is it about you and me Sarah?"

Mac raised her hands in frustration. "Everything! I don't know you any better right now than I did when we left for Paraguay. You spouted a lot of bullshit to convince me to be with you, and when you got back on your feet, you left me to wait at home by the phone. I don't even know what part of the world you're in most of the time." She walked around the island and came toe to toe with him. "I can't live that way. I want a family, I want a man who will be there at the end of the day. We started this for the wrong reasons. We're ending it for the right ones."

"You mean YOU'RE ending it."

"Okay I'm ending it. Put it all on me if it makes you feel any better. I did kill Sadik Fahd for what he did to you, you are someone I love, but you aren't someone I can be with."

"Is Rabb someone you can be with?"

"What is it with you? I'm not the prize in a pissing contest between you and Harm! All I know is that I can't be with someone who isn't there when I need him. As for Harm's place in my life, think what you want to think. I'm not doing this because of him, I'm doing this because you have let me down."

Before Webb could respond, Harm cautiously opened the door. "Mind if I come in?"

Mac smiled. "Go ahead, Webb was just leaving."

"Sarah…"

"Be safe Clay." Mac said with finality.

"You too Sarah." Webb turned to Harm. "Take care of her Rabb, it's more than I could do."

Harm extended his hand. "I promise you I will Webb." Webb accepted his hand, and the torch was passed.

When Webb was gone, Harm turned back to Mac. "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine." She replied, heading to the living room to get her purse and shoes.

"Where are you going?"

"Home, and then…I'm not sure."

"Mac…"

She raised her head, at the concern in his voice. "I'll be fine Harm, I just need some time."

"Don't back away."

"I promised you I wouldn't."

Harm's face showed relief. "Okay, you know where to find me."

"Yeah, I do." He followed her to the door, and she stopped to look back at him. He reached out to touch her arm, and was surprised when she pulled him into her arms. "Thank you," She whispered in his ear.

"Anytime Mac," He replied. As quickly as she'd gone to him, she pulled away and disappeared down the hall.

He didn't hear from her for four days.

TBC...