When Mac returned to JAG, she looked tanned, rested, and pensive. She greeted her co-workers as she normally did before she made her way to her office, if they noticed the change in her demeanor, they didn't let it show.

She smiled when she saw that her inbox was virtually empty. Harm's doing, or the Admiral's, probably both. She set her brief case on the floor next to her desk and hit the button to check her phone messages.

She was literally two seconds into the first message when Harm peeked his head in the door. "Hi."

"Hi," She answered with a smile.

He smiled back as he stepped in and shut the door. "How are you?"

"I'm getting there, how are you?"

"Concerned about you."

"I'll be fine Harm."

"I know you will, but four days is a long time Mac." He paused and briefly looked her over. "You do look like it did you some good."

"It did. And before you ask I went to see Uncle Matt, and then I went to Arizona for a few days."

Harm raised his hands. "It's not my business where you went Mac, as long as it helped."

Mac gave him a thankful nod, and then sighed. "I talked to the Admiral, we agreed that I would be on half days until I have found my footing a little better. I have an appointment with…I have to be at Bethesda by 1630."

"Do you need a ride?"

"No, I can make it."

"Alright, I better get some work done, but I'll be here all day so let me know if you need anything."

Mac's grin almost looked genuine this time. She was getting there, slowly but surely. "I will, thanks."

Harm nodded, and made his way back to his office.

1330 EST

For the twentieth time that day, Mac reached for the phone, only to snatch her hand back. She'd had a difficult time concentrating, and was truly surprised at how much she had actually accomplished while working solely on autopilot.

Her head was elsewhere, namely down the hall from her office, resting on the shoulder of the best friend she'd ever had. The only man who had refused to give up on her. She didn't want to need him this much. She didn't want to need anyone. Her independent nature was already taking a beating, and this was just the beginning. The only thing that ached her worse than her injured pride, was the urge to walk down the hall and cocoon herself in his arms. No, she didn't want to need him, but she did. It was a fact that would have bothered her much more if he were any other man. Harm would never use her need for him against her.

She sat for another few minutes before she finally gave in, gathered her things, and made her way down the hall. He was on the phone when she entered his office. She shut the door and quietly waited for him to finish his call.

Harm placed the receiver in the cradle and smiled up at her. "Hi."

She didn't smile back. "I'm scared."

Harm nodded and came around the desk. He leaned on the corner, coming closer, but allowing her some personal space. "It's going to be alright Mac," He told her gently.

She hesitated for a split second, then simply held out her arms to him. Harm stood up and drew her close. "It's going to be alright," He repeated. "It's okay to be scared. What you're doing is a scary thing. Believe me, I know. This is just one step closer to getting you healthy again."

Mac drew back. "Thank you. I just…don't know what's going to happen, and it's driving me nuts."

"That's to be expected. You always have to have a plan, and we can't map out a mission plan for this one. We're flying by the seat of our pants."

Mac smiled a little. Pondering his use of the word "we". "Well then it's good I've got a pilot on my side isn't it."

Harm laughed. "Well, I'm on your side, that's for sure. Whether or not that's a good thing remains to be seen."

Mac's smile was replaced with an expression of profound thanks. "Harm, it's a good thing." She put her hand on his chest above his heart. "A very good thing."

He placed his hand over hers, squeezing it in encouragement. "You're going to do just fine."

"I hope so," She replied, pulling back and picking up her briefcase. "I'm going to head home for a while before I have to be at my appointment."

"Okay, Mattie has a Volleyball game tonight, but I'll have my cell on the whole time, so don't hesitate…"

Mac nodded. "I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Mac, I mean it. Don't hesitate."

"Okay. I have to go."

"Alright. I'll see you soon."

Mac gave him a small smile, and then walked out of his office. Harm moved around the desk and flopped down into his chair. He ran a hand through his hair, and prayed that she would be okay.