A/N: So, I hope this is a fun little soundtrack. I know someone who hates most of Ed Sheeran's songs, but she likes this one. This one's for you, Jackie!

PS, Jackie…I know you listen to "Perfect" on the sly. You love it. Admit it! *giggles*

Oh, just a little glimpse into my past…When I went to medical school in my hometown, we frequented this bar, Carey's. Sometimes the law students would join us for the malpractice ball. It was a fun time, honestly. You'll see why I bring this up soon, but I've been in practice now for over fifteen years. I have my own med students, and they all look like babies! I swear, I was never that young.

Soundtracks

Track 10: Shape of You Ed Sheeran

Carey's Bar looks like any other bar in this part of the city—a little run down, a little seedy, but my academy buddy assured me it was great on the inside. I don't know if I agree with him as I step through the door, but I have to admit there is something I like about it. I glance around, noting the well-polished wood of the bar, the pool tables in the back, and what looks to be a small dance floor. Most of the people in this place look to be around my age, but I see a few younger guys shooting pool, as well as an older pair of couples sitting in a booth laughing. It's rather nice to see; they look happy.

Unfortunately, that once again makes me wonder if I am happy…or if I'm going to be happy. Two days ago, I returned from the carrier, my dream of flying over, and in a week, I'll be returning to JAG, tail between my legs.

Okay, I'm really not returning with my tail between my legs. I actually am happy to be returning to JAG. I've missed the people there—Bud, Harriet…her. Especially her. I haven't really wanted to admit that to myself until now because it also makes me admit that I don't miss another woman I left behind—Jordan. She was my girlfriend before I left to fly, and she broke up with me over that. I felt bad about it, but once I was on the carrier, I'm ashamed to admit I didn't think much about her. Mac, on the other hand…I thought about her every day. I missed her smile, her wit, her way of never letting me get away with anything, and I missed her friendship. She and I didn't communicate much while I was away, and when I saw her on the carrier, Mic Brumby following shortly behind, things were awkward. Speaking of Mic Brumby…I suddenly have the horrible thought that he and Mac are probably dating by now. Hell, he's probably kissing her at this moment…

Bastard.

Okay, okay…I haven't and have never had a claim on Mac, but the idea of her being with that Aussie is worse than thinking of her with Dalton Lowne, John Farrow, even her late husband Chris. Mic Brumby is just…distasteful.

The sound of my buddy Jim calling my name breaks me out of my Mac musings. I head to the table where he's sitting with a couple of other guys and once introductions are made and drinks ordered, I settle in to catch up with my old friend.

An hour later, I get up to use the bathroom and order another beer. The bathrooms are in the back of the bar, near the pool tables, and as I walk past them, I see there's also woman playing now. From the corner of my eye, I see she has dark hair, which of course makes me think of Mac, and once again I'm wondering what she's doing right now. I should call her tomorrow…no, I'll wait until I see her at JAG.

I know, I know…I'm a coward.

While I wait for the bartender to bring me my beer, I lean against the bar and watch the pool players. They seem to be having a good time and I think back to my days at the academy when Keeter, Jim, and I would hustle some of the underclassmen. Occasionally, Sturgis Turner would join us; it was about the only time my straightlaced preacher's son friend ever let loose. Diane would come out about half the time, and that's when we'd do the best. Her beauty and charm distracted all those boys, and we'd make a killing.

It's these memories of Diane make me think of my former JAG partner once again. The resemblance between Mac and Diane is uncanny, and for a long time, it kind of messed me up. I kept expecting her to have Diane's voice and personality, and every time she spoke to me, I honestly felt a little dizzy. One I got over that, it actually got more difficult…I started to feel more for Mac than I ever had for Diane. By that, I mean…god, what do I mean. Yes, I loved Diane, we had good times together, but, to be honest…she wasn't very deep. Mac on the other hand…I was never sure what was going on behind those luminous dark eyes of hers. She was intriguing. She was beautiful. She was my friend in a way Diane never was. On the surface, Mac and I don't seem to have much in common. I'm in the navy, she's a marine. I'm a pilot with a "need for speed" and she's not. I grew up rather privileged, and she grew up with an abusive father who drank away whatever money he made. All of that, though, is just surface stuff. We shared a deeper connection. We could talk late in the night about everything from the San Diego Padres to classic movies to the opera. She would make me laugh and I could make her laugh so hard she'd snort. Ah, Mac…

I really should call her…

A moment later, I have my new beer in hand, and I'm just about to return to my table when I see a sight so beautiful, I could cry. A woman, I assume the dark-haired one I noticed earlier, is bending over the table to take her shot. No biggie, right?

Wrong.

This woman…she's clad in skintight jeans that show off her perfect round-apple ass. Her cheeks are proud and high, and I bet I could bounce a quarter off of them. Picturing my hands cupping that ass makes a certain part of me twitch, and I tell myself to turn away…but I can't. My gaze goes from her backside to her legs, impossibly long legs that my eyes follow down, down while I imagine those thighs wrapped high around me as I thrust into her. Next comes her exquisite calves that lead down to trim ankles and stiletto-heeled sandal-clad feet. Now I'm imaging those heels pressing into my lower back as her ankles lock together while I carry her to bed, the heat of her pressed against my stomach, while my erection nudges her bottom.

Holy shit.

Apparently, I'm extremely horny. Or maybe this is just the most beautiful creature God ever created and he made her just for me.

The woman completes her shot and stands, and when her head turns slightly, my jaw hits the ground.

It's Mac.

Her hair is longer than it was when I left JAG, and it looks wantonly tussled. Her crimson sweater hugs her every curve, accenting her full breasts, and I can see the hint of her nipples poking through. My mouth waters as I imagine suckling from her over that sweater.

I should go over there. Maybe she needs some help with her game…

I start to take a step toward her when a hand grasps my shoulder.

"Harm, you comin' back to the table, man?"

"Um…"

"Jeez, who's that?"

I follow Jim's gaze and see his eyes have lit on Mac as well.

"Her name's Sarah."

"You know her?"

"Yeah…"

"She looks just like—"

"I know," I say quickly, though over the years the resemblance seems less and less.

"Damn. No offense to Diane, God rest her, but this Sarah of yours…wow."

We both watch as Mac takes a couple more shots. It's clear she's beaten her young competition handily but it's obvious not one of them care. They fix her with brilliant smiles, and she grins back as she sets her pool cue aside. She gives them a casual wave goodbye and then finally turns completely toward me.

She sees me.

I will my body to calm down as I thank the heavens it's dark in here. She's coming toward me and I'm sure I'm grinning at her like an idiot.

"Harm! You're back!" She seems happy to see me. God knows I'm happy to see her. Really happy.

"I am."

"When did you get in?"

"Couple of days ago…I thought about calling you…but…"

"That's okay. I just got back into town myself. I was in North Carolina with Mi—"

"Mic?"

"Yeah. He and I—"

"So, you two are together."

"Huh?"

"Is he here? I should probably say hi. You two have a good time? North Carolina is great; my stepdad has a beach house there, maybe he'll let you two borrow it…"

I'm babbling now and did I just offer Mac and Brumby my parents' house? What the hell is wrong with me?! Mac must wonder too because she's staring at me with her mouth hanging open. A glance to the side reveals Jim still standing next to me, and he has a smug grin on his face.

"Harm? What are you talking about?"

"You and Mic. In North Carolina."

"Harm, Mic and I were at Camp Lejeune on an investigation, and trust me, he stayed in his quarters, and I stayed in mine."

"Well, that's only proper," I answer, and I once again wonder what the hell I'm saying.

"Harm, are you okay?"

"He's fine, just a little slow tonight. I'm Jim." Jim leans across me and holds out his hand and Mac takes it. I can tell Jim finds Mac attractive, but I also know he's hopelessly in love with his wife. "And you're Sarah."

"Mac."

"Oh, I thought Harm told me your name was Sarah."

"It is," I break in and Mac looks at me strangely.

"Yeah, it is," Mac agrees. "But I go by Mac most of the time."

"Mac's a marine!" I say triumphantly.

"Yeah, I am," she says, still looking at me strangely.

"And she works at JAG," I continue.

"Ah, so you'll be working together."

Mac nods at Jim. "Yes, and we worked together before he went back to flying."

"I met Harm back at the academy."

"Really? Did he cause as much trouble there as he did at JAG?"

"Hey!" I protest, but Mac just laughs. She also puts her hand on my arm and the contact nearly makes me spontaneously combust. Her eyes widen, and suddenly I know she feels the same spark. "Mac…wanna come join us?" It hits me that she's probably here with someone, and I grudgingly invite whomever that is too.

"I'm not here with anyone, Harm," she informs me softly, and I find that idiot grin stretching across my face once again.

"Good." The word just slips out and I blush, praying she can't see that in the dim lighting of the bar.

Mac's tongue then darts out to lick her lush, rosy lips. The act nearly makes me come undone and I picture myself taking her up against the bar. Instead, rather than engaging in rather public sex, I rest my palm against the small of her back, my pinky finger dipping down to rest atop the most perfect ass in the universe and lead her to our table. Lucky for me, we're in one of those half booth/half table seats and we have no choice but to snuggle up next to each other in the booth portion. We're pressed together, thigh to thigh, shoulder to shoulder, and it takes a colossal effort not to rest my hand on her thigh. Maybe I could squeeze her knee though? God, why is the shape of her so glorious?

Over the next forty-five minutes, Mac and I chat, mostly ignoring the other people at the table. Jim kicks me under the table eventually, and I look up to see him giving me a subtle thumbs up and a smile. He takes his leave, telling Mac it's really nice to have met her, and then he and his friends head out of the bar, leaving Mac and me to continue our conversation.

"So," I say, my hand covering hers as it rests on the table. "How did you find out about this place?"

She looks a little uncomfortable, but then admits that Mic brought her here a few times.

"Oh, he did, did he?" I say with a scowl, and she surprises me by laughing.

"Jealous, sailor?" She's licking her lips again, and it takes everything I have not to lean over and kiss her. Instead, I lean over and whisper in her ear.

"Yeah, I am, jarhead." She blushes, her cheeks turning a flaming red, and it's my turn to laugh as I straighten up again. "So, what has Brumby been up to? Did he bring you here tonight?" I ask, despite her telling me earlier she was here alone.

"Ha, no, Harm. Mic is actually banned here."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, the third time he brought me here, he got a little fresh at the pool table, and to save me from being brought up on charges, the bouncer threw him out and told him never to show his face here again."

"Did you tell the admiral about that?" I ask, instantly worried that he's continuing to come onto her or is, heaven forbid, stalking her.

"Goodness, no, Harm. And rest assured, Mic keeps his distance now."

"He'd better." I realize I sound rather proprietary, but a glance at Mac tells me she doesn't mind. We stare at each other for a long moment, her pupils dilating even more than what the dim lighting here requires, and I can feel my nether regions coming to attention. Down, boy, I admonish my member, but it's no use. I wonder if I should flick it or something to get it to chill, and not for the first time, I'm jealous that women have a much easier time hiding their arousal.

Oops. Thoughts of female arousal get me wondering if Mac is wet and then I wonder what she'd taste like as I run my tongue up her slit. God, I got it bad.

Just then, a baby-faced boy, who has to be barely twenty-one, comes up to our table and Mac smiles up at him. It's a smile I've seen her give baby AJ, so this tells me she's fond of the boy but it's a fondness that would have her patting the guy on the head and sending him home with a lollipop. "Hey, Mac. Wanna knock a few balls around?" He grins hopefully, and I gotta wonder if he's not just talking about billiard balls.

"Well, Tim, I'm just catching up with my friend here, so I'll have to—"

"I'll play. We can do teams—that your buddy over there, Tim?" I slide out of the booth, enjoying the way his eyes widen at my superior height. Mac, of course, knows exactly what I'm doing and when she stands up next to me, she steps on my foot, the action telling me to give little Timmy here a break.

"Sound okay to you, Tim?" she asks. "It's been a while since you've let me beat the pants off you two."

Apparently deciding it's better to play with Mac and her adult companion than not at all, Tim grins and motions us to follow him. Mac introduces me to Tim's friend Larry, who looks even younger than his buddy. Larry is a redhead, and and on his round face, he's sporting an equally red beard. Or at least it's trying to be a beard. It's rather tufty, but I appreciate the effort he's making.

Mac breaks, which gives me ample opportunity to admire her shape, and then the game is on. To my chagrin, Tim and Larry are actually pretty good, and they win the first round. I guess it isn't helping that my partner's body is distracting me, but I think I've been able to hide that. Mac most likely thinks I'm just a little rusty. When we start the next round, Tim breaks, and when it's Mac's turn, she steps up, but not before leaning over and whispering in my ear.

"This time spend more time playing instead of staring at my ass, sailor."

I gulp. So much for her not noticing my, uh, admiration.

We win this time, and since Timmy and Larry have an early class, we agree to leave it as a tie. Both of them are actually second year law students, which throws me a little. If I saw them on the street, I'd assume they were second year high school students. Honestly, though, I like these kids. It's obvious they know Mac is out of their league in the romance department, but they genuinely like her, and they spent a lot of time during the games asking Mac advice on their studies. It's clear that she's become a mentor of sorts.

"Well," Mac says after the two boys, ahem, young men leave. "Wanna rack 'em up again?" I think about it for a moment, but then I notice some couples moving to the dance floor. Somebody's dialed up a Van Morrison tune on the jukebox, and it seems like a perfect opportunity to get close to Mac.

"Why don't we dance? Show these people what real dancers can do."

She grins. We are by no means "dancers" but we're no slouches either. "Yes, let's, Navy."

"Are you gonna let me lead, Marine?"

"We'll see." I chuckle and take her hand before leading her to the dance floor.

Dancing with Mac is a singular experience. She fits against me like she was handmade for me. It's always been like that, and contrary to what she said early on in our partnership, I've never thought it was like dancing with my sister. Tonight, however, we've taken things to a new level. Her body is pressed against mine, and she doesn't seem to mind when my little finger sneaks under the waistband of her jeans. As tight as they are, my finger doesn't have a lot of room to move, so there it is, pressed just above her six. Mac doubles down during a more romantic number by resting her head on my shoulder, her lips against my neck. Her spikey heels bring our heights closer together, and it's easy for her lips to travel upward to whisper in my ear.

"Take me home, sailor?"

I shift so our lips are millimeters apart. "My place is closer." I tease her by lightly licking her top lip. She shudders and then my hands drop to her hips to pull her closer so she can feel my arousal against her. She gasps, and then we're nearly running out of the bar.

"Lead on, Harm."

It seems to take forever to get to my apartment, but when we do, I have her up against the door as soon as it closes behind us. My lips crash down on hers, and then my tongue is in her mouth. We kiss desperately, and then she's breathily yet aggressively telling me she wants my body on her. She doesn't have to ask me twice, and I lift her up, her legs going around me. Just like in my fantasy, her ankles lock and those stilettos dig into me just a little. I've got one hand under her firm behind, and we kiss our way up the stairs to my room. Once I have her on the bed, I cover her with my body and so I'm cradled between her thighs. We each stroke each other through our jeans, and soon that isn't enough. Our clothing melts away, and then I find myself poised at her entrance. My hand slips down between us to see if she's ready, and I let my finger tease her clit before my finger parts her and I slip it inside. She's wet and hot, and I immediately move my hand to guide myself into her. I try to give her a moment to adjust, but the feel of her is just too much and I start thrusting in and out of her. She meets my every thrust with one of her own, and her nails dig into my arms as she grips them tightly. The push and pull of our bodies doesn't last long before we're both coming violently, and when I collapse on top her, utterly spent, I'm become gentle as I brush her hair back from her face and kiss her swollen lips. She smiles and then I pull myself from her, bringing her along with me as I roll to my back. She moves so her thigh rests high on me, and my hand gently strokes up and down over her skin as she snuggles into me, and I wonder at the events of tonight.

Here I am, Sarah MacKenzie in my arms, after the most intense sexual experience of my life. I only hope Mac feels the same. My warm feelings turn into fear, though, when I hear her sniffle. "Mac? What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" The thought that I may have caused her pain is mortifying. "Mac?"

"Oh, no, Harm," she answers. "It's just…well, I missed you so much."

"Oh. Mac…you couldn't have missed me as much as I missed you." I press a kiss to her hair.

"You hardly ever wrote, Harm."

"Mac…"

"And neither did I. I know that. What was wrong with us?"

"I don't know." And I don't. As soon as she hugged me goodbye at JAG, crying in my arms, I had the thought that I was making a huge mistake. I mean, I needed to fly, to prove that I still had it, and then end it on my terms, rather than in a fiery ramp strike, where I shattered my pelvis, broke both legs, and lay in a coma for two weeks. It took months and months of rehab before I could return to active duty, but the shock of it was how my eyes failed me. Surgery gave me another chance and I had to take it…but that meant leaving Mac behind. "Maybe it was just too hard?"

"Yeah," she agrees in a shaky voice. "It was. And it was hard to see you on the carrier and then leave you behind."

"Well, I'm back now."

"You are…"

"And I want to continue this, Mac. And it's not just about sex."

"No, it's not. But how can we do this? I outrank you now, the admiral is not going to look too kindly on us starting a relationship the minute you're through the door, and well…how are we going to do this?"

It doesn't take long for the anxiety of this to set in. She's right—now is probably not the time to embark on something that will be so all-consuming. I tell her I have no answers, but that we have tonight, and then we're making love, for that's what it is, once again.

The next day, Mac calls into work, and we spend more time in bed. We don't talk about what will happen now that I'll be back at JAG; we just make love furiously. I'm in love with her body, the shape of her drawing me toward her like a magnet, but I know my heart has fallen too. I can only hope she feels the same. Given the way she touches me, I think she does, and I hope I can help her overcome her fears about us.

All too soon, I'm driving her back to her car at Carey's, and then I'm watching her drive away. I swallow hard; we still haven't talked about what's next, but I'm determined to keep this going. I head home, wondering how soon I can call her and ask her out on a real date, and then get ready to shower. The bed, however, draws me to it. I can still smell her on my sheets, and I can't help but lift up the pillow she used and bury my face in it. Just the scent of her causes me to become erect, and then I'm in the shower stroking myself until I come with her name on my lips.

"Mac, how 'bout a date?" It's been a few days since our reunion, and though it's risky, I call her at work when I'm sure she'll be on her lunch break. She told me she hides out in her office at lunch when Mic is around. It isn't because he harasses her, but he spends so much time looking like a lovesick puppy that she feels guilty.

"Harm…maybe we…"

"Mac…I've talked to you every night since we, ah, you know…and every time, we end up having phone sex, but that's after we've talked for at least an hour. If it weren't for my parents surprising me with their little visit, we'd be doing the real thing, you know it."

"Yeah, I do. I'm still worried, though."

"Mac, I think the admiral will understand. I'm due to be promoted soon, and Mac…I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you."

"Oh. Oh my, Harm." She doesn't say anything for long nerve-wracking seconds, but then she says in the sweetest, most loving voice. "I feel the same, Harm. Okay. Yes. Let's go on a date."

"Wonderful. Where do you want to go?"

"Surprise me."

As we pull up to the all-you-can-eat restaurant about forty-five minutes outside of DC, I can tell Mac is, in fact, surprised. I'm sure she thought I'd never set foot in a place that offers the "biggest buffet in Virginia." Well, it just so happens I know the owner, the food is excellent, and their selection of vegetarian delights is unrivaled. They also have steak, good steak, and when Mac sees that, the way her eyes light up…I gotta say, I get a little jealous.

After our dinner, we take a walk around town, our joined hands swinging in between us until we find a bench in a lovely park. It's dark, of course, but the night is warm and we sit there for over an hour, talking about anything and everything, even some of the rough parts of the last couple of years. We continue to talk on the drive home, and then we talk even more when we get to her place. It's been hours and hours and we have yet to run out of things to say. We cap the night with more lovemaking, and by the morning, I've convinced Mac to take a chance on us. It really wasn't that hard…

"Did you have fun tonight, sweetheart?" I ask as we step through our door.

"Yes, I did, Harm. You?"

"Of course. Pool, dancing…just talking with you, Mac…couldn't have asked for a better anniversary." We hang up our coats and then Mac is in my arms. We kiss gently, and then she thrills me when she tells me that the night isn't over yet…

Hours later, we're naked in bed, Mac's fingers dancing over my stomach and up my chest, and I sigh in contentment. We still haven't run out of things to talk about, and in between our passionate joinings, we chat, laughing and sometimes crying a little as we celebrate another lovely anniversary.

"I have to say, Harm…you haven't lost anything in the bedroom department," she grins, and I grin smugly back at her.

"Thank you, my love." Her smile widens at my endearment. "Hey, when are Tim and Mary bringing the kids back?"

"Hmmmm, around eleven. He's helping Larry and his wife get their new office ready in the afternoon. They did ask us over for dinner though. You up for that?"

I nod. "Yeah. But don't tell him that we hustled a few of his students again. Those kids never knew what hit 'em. Good thing they're going to be lawyers. Pool sharks, they are not."

"No, they're not," she chuckles. "And they always start out so cocky. Tim told me they come into class sometimes looking so defeated. He'll ask them what happened, and most of them admit they were out at Carey's and lost big at pool. He always knows we were there. He told me last night to stop torturing them."

"He means for you to stop torturing them. You're hot, you know."

"Oh, you think so? Even three kids in?"

"Hell, yes, Mac. I'm in love with the shape of you."

"And the rest of me?" I know she means her heart.

"Mac, I love you with all my heart."

"I love you too, Harm." We grin at each other stupidly, something we always find ourselves doing even after all these years together. I'm getting aroused again, and by the light in her eyes, I can see she notices.

"You know, Mac, there's a part of your shape that I really can't get enough of."

"Oh, and what part is that?"

I drop my hand onto her still perfect six. "This ass, baby. Every time you leaned over to take a shot tonight, I got hard. I had to imagine Larry's patchy beard to calm myself down."

"Hey, it finally came in nicely, you know. Some things do change, Harm."

"Yeah, but this ass doesn't." I squeeze her six and then she's rolling off of me, pulling me on top of her.

"Harm, get your body on me."

She doesn't need to ask me twice.

End Track 10