Better late than never for the Fall/Halloween challenge from the Radiorox.

Multi-chapter

Set in the fall or Halloween.

Hope y'all enjoy! Will work on updates for the rest of the stories! (One tiny reference to Forming a Friendship!)


"Hey friend," Harm said leaning on the doorway of her office.

Mac held a finger up as she scribbled a last minute thought before she looked up with a smile.

"Hey, friend, what do you need?"

He placed his hand over his heart. "Moi?"

"Yes you," she said and leaned back. "So what do you need? Someone to finish your paperwork so you can get on your Friday night? Hot date?"

Harm stepped in. "What? What… what are— no!"

He cleared his throat sitting down at the chair in front of her. "No, that's not— I was wondering when you would be done with your paperwork."

"Am I'm supposed to believe that you finished your paperwork before me?"

He flashed her a signature flyboy smile. "What can I say? I'm an over achiever."

She shook her head.

His smile stayed in place. "So, Mackenzie. When will you be done with your paperwork?"

"What's it to you, Rabb?"

"Just looking out for the health and well-being of the office, ma'am."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Alright, now I know something's up."

"What, I can't be nice?"

"Cmon Rabb, fess up."

"First, do you have plans this weekend?"

"Well I do have laundry that needs folding."

"Oh well then, that might be more enjoyable than going to Grams this weekend."

Mac tilted her head.

She met the wonderful Sarah Rabb after her encounter with the poachers. Since then she'd gone up to the Rabb Farm with Harm, up until… Australia, Renee, Mic. Only once since Sergei's first time in the United States, and even then, under the guise of being a translator. That was a while ago, and maybe this was part of the olive branch that Harm was extending as their "start at the beginning."

"Mac?"

"You know I'd never turn down a chance to go up there," she said. "When we're you thinking?"

"Whenever you're ready to go. I got my bag packed in the Lexus."

"Hm… don't think my seabag will work," she thought out loud. It was fall, and she pictured walking under the orchard, and some of the farm, and scrunched her nose at the thought of wearing just her uniform.

"Why don't we ride to your apartment and you throw a bag together."

"Flying or driving?"

Harm looked at her in surprise, eyes widening. "You'd be ok with flying?"

She shrugged. "If you double check the fuel line, carry a spare, and maybe we carry a sat phone."

"Check, to all those…. Really?"

"You want me to change my mind?"

"No,no," Harm responded shaking his head violently. Then smiled at her, his eyes lighting up.

She couldn't help but smile right back. "I'll wrap this up in about five minutes then head out."

"Want me to pick anything up on the way to yours? Something to tide you over until we get to Grams?"

Mac nodded. "That would be great, I don't think I've eaten since… well uhm…"

Harm rolled his eyes.

"Did you have anything besides coffee and popcorn?"

She shook her head guiltily. "I'm still catching up from when I was out at …"

Harm looked down at his watch, not wanting to keep eye contact when talking about her time on the Guadalcanal. The way she dismissed him, and didn't say goodbye. When he couldn't answer her fast enough about giving up Renee.

"What do you say I come over with some ingredients, whip something up while you pack."

Her head titled to the side in the way that he found endearing.

"Just how long do you think it takes me to pack?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

He shrugged. "I just think eating is important."

Not to mention she's lost a lot of weight between Brumby and the stress they all felt after that attacks.

"Alright Rabb," she gave. "In that case, give me fifteen here, and…"

She hesitated. "Do you still have —- a key?"

He smiled, pulling out his car keys. "Right here."

"Great, let yourself in."

She looked down at the paperwork then over at Harm, ramping down the hope blooming in her heart.

They sat there staring at each other for a beat, then Mac broke eye contact.

Harm stood up, wiping his hands on his pants, in a nervous gesture.

"Right, see ya soon Mac. Drive safe."

She nodded. "See you soon."


Hope y'all enjoyed!