A/n: I've been playing around with this story for years. I really hate that the writers didn't have HM keep in touch during his carrier life... especially after how Harm and Diane exchanged letters all the time. So. Here is my fix to that.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

1

Sarah Mackenzie gleefully unpacked the takeout bags containing Indian food on her living room table. It has been a long day, and she was intent on eating away her weight in garlic cheese naan and lamb curry.

Her excited mood dampened when she noticed that with her order was Paneer Mansala, Harm's favorite.

Today has been the third day since Harm left to pursue his passion and dream of going back to carrier life. He'd called her once and left a voicemail that he arrived safely at Pensacola. She left him a message at his crash pad to return the favor and has been playing phone tag since.

She stared at the vegetarian dish with a sigh, then glanced at her phone.

She consulted her internal clock and knew he'd still be awake. It was only 2000.

Mac grabbed the hot piece of na'an and tore off a piece. She popped the food in her mouth as she dialed a now familiar number.

"Hello?"

"Hey stranger," she said tearing off another piecing and popping it in her mouth.

"Mac!"

"The one and only," she smiled as she responded. "Miss me yet?"

"Haven't had the time," Harm admitted on the other line. "So much reading to do."

"I'm sure it's not worse that 2L."

He scoffed. "Flight training makes 2L look like high school. Seriously, how are you?"

"It was a long day," Mac sighed, tilting her head so the phone rested between her shoulder and ear as she reached for her Lamb curry.

"Is that Pakesh's garlic cheese na'an I hear you chewing on?"

She smiled. "You know it!"

"Damn, I miss Indian food."

"You've been there for three days!"

"Not the same," Harm responded. "Did you call for something? Need help with a case?"

"No, I just…" she looked at the Paneer. "They sent me your Paneer.. with my take out."

"You ordered vegetarian? Just when I leave, Mackenzie?!"

"No— I mean, I don't think I did. But I got all the other standard," she reasoned.

"They must've thought you just forgot about me, then. Your hunger reputation is getting around despite your best efforts."

A dry chuckle from her was his only response. She chewed her lip.

A pause.

"Harm?"

"Yeah?"

Another pause. This time, heavier. A shift.

"Nothing, just… I'm sure you have a lot of reading to catch up on. I should go."

He frowned at her hesitation, then decided to change the subject.

"My instructor pilots look like children!"

"And that's why they've started calling you 'Pappy'."

He groaned. "I shouldn't have told you that."

"Well you did. No take backsies."

He cleared his throat. "Listen, I do really…"

"Have to go, yeah. I know. Thanks for taking the time to talk to and old co-worker."

"Hey, we're more than that."

"We are? Pray tell."

"You're the future mother of my child," Harm poked, reminding her of their deal on the steps of JAG not a week before.

"Well I guess if you put it that way, then you better have the time. Prove you're responsible and all."

"There's a three day weekend coming up, you wanna fly out?"

"What?"

"To Pensacola."

"You're inviting me to fly out to Pensacola?"

"Yeah," Harm responded, too tired to hear the tone change in Mac's voice. "Let me know if the Admiral gives you leave. I know you need some beach time, Marine."

"You know exactly what to say to persuade me."

"I don't want to brag but—"

"Oh I knew there was going to be a 'but'."

"— I was a top litigator. In my previous life."

"And now?"

"Oh, study group time. Let me know about the three day huh?"

"Uh, yeah. Talk— good luck!"

"Thanks Mac!"

Hope you enjoyed! More to come.