Disclaimer: Jag is the property of CBS and Donald Bellisario, et al. This is a recreational endeavor; no profit is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

Rating: PG. 13

Summary: This was a story I started a while ago after being inspired by an X-Files episode in which Scully and Mulder went undercover as man and wife, calling themselves Rob and Laura Petrie after the classic Dick Van Dyke show. I got stuck partway through the story, and Melissa started helping me do a rewrite for the Hmshipper list. That story never got finished either.

After the disappointments we've had with season 5, I decided I wanted to return to the concept for the Virtual Season, so here is a complete rewrite! Forgive me; I'm not very good at action scenes or complex plot, so I leave a lot of those pesky details to the reader's imagination. Parts of this story are Melissa's ideas and writing (no doubt the best parts) and special thanks to her for her support and proofreading, along with my friend CN, who's not even a JAG fan but faithfully reads and critiques everything I write.

This is a simple shipper story, inspired by all those classic H/M looks and lines that have kept us hanging for 4 long seasons!

JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
9:30 AM

Harmon Rabb Jr. sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Bud, listen, we have to have an explanation of how Petty Officer Simmons knew that the equipment was going to be stolen! We can't just say he had a 'feeling' and decided to drive to the supply depot to check it out."

"But he feels it was a premonition of some sort, Commander. That's his explanation.” Bud responded.

"Gees Bud, what should we do, call in your buddy Moulder to explain that in court?” Harm was exasperated.

"With all due respect, sir, his name is Mulder, and many of the premises put forth on the X Files are grounded in scientific fact." Bud added defensively.

"Give it a rest, Bud!” Harm grumbled. "I don't want to here about your sci fi mumbo jumbo, we're working on a defense!" He looked up to see Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie walking into his office carrying a mug of hot coffee. She sat it down in front of Harm.

"Here, thought you could use this, flyboy," Mac said cheerily as Harm nodded approvingly at her. Smiling, she turned to Bud. "And don't let him pick on your TV show, Bud. I happen to like watching the X Files, too."

Bud broke in to a wide grin. "Really, Colonel? Hasn't this past season been absolutely wild? I've just loved all the episodes. How about the finale? Talk about a cliff hanger!"

Mac laughed. "To tell you the truth, Bud, I watch it mainly because I enjoy the interactions between Scully and Mulder.” She broke into a mischievous grin. "Watching how they handle the unresolved sexual tension between them as they work together is fascinating."

Bud almost fell out of his chair, while Harm choked on his coffee. "Harriet loves that part too, Ma'am!” Bud was ecstatic. "You know, Mulder actually got to kiss Scully in that episode in the Bermuda Triangle two seasons ago. Although it really wasn't her... and now he's been abducted, and we're not sure who's the father of Scully's baby.”

Harm squirmed in his chair. Something told him Mac was enjoying this conversation a little too much. "Bud, save it for a letter to Soap Opera Digest, OK? We have a case to prepare." He said dryly.

Mac held up her hands and walked to the door. "I was just leaving, Counselor!" When she got to the door she turned impulsively and added, "One more thing though. Bud, did you ever notice how much better Scully has been at handling that unresolved sexual tension than Mulder? She would have made a good Marine" And with that Mac turned and left the office.

Bud sat with his mouth open staring out after the Lt. Colonel. "Sir, do you think that she was implying, I mean, do you think the Colonel could have been referring." Bud was truly overwhelmed by Mac's words.

Harm found himself staring also, but quickly regained his composure. "Let's just forget it, Bud," he chimed in, clearly uncomfortable. "The fun is over, so let's get back to work." The pair resumed their discussion, but in the back of his mind Harm kept replaying Mac's comments.

"Just what WAS she implying?" He kept wondering. Harm soon found himself smiling at his answer. "Damn Marines!" He chuckled to himself.

JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
10:45 AM
The next morning

Mac sat at her desk shuffling case files. She was having a hard time forgetting the conversation she had in Harm's office yesterday. "I can't believe I said that!" She laughed at herself. "Oh well, its up to him to read into it what he wants." She smiled at the memory of the look on Harm's face any time she had seen him the rest of the day - it was a mixture of curiosity and intrigue, as if he wasn't sure what to make of what Mac had said. And maybe a little humor as well. "Good!" She told herself. "Things have been so strained between us for so long, it's good to get back to some old fashioned teasing. Although, I must admit I was in some dangerous territory with that sexual tension stuff." Mac's thoughts were interrupted by Tiner's knock on her door jam.

"The Admiral wishes to see you and the Commander, Ma'am."

"Thanks, Tiner, I'm on my way." She walked out of her office and bumped right into Harm, who was coming out of his office with his head buried in a file.

"Sorry, Mac!" He said sheepishly while adjusting the papers in his hand. "I'm afraid I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Still working on that X Files case?" She asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"Maybe I should suggest to the Admiral that you work on this with Bud since you appear to be the expert." Harm was grinning.

"Wouldn't be the first time I had to cover your six now would it?" Mac laughed as they arrived at the Admiral's door. Harm was staring at her blankly again. She grinned. "I really do have him on the ropes right now, don't I?" She said to herself as they entered the office.

The euphoria quickly left Mac as she looked across the office to see Webb standing there, a mischievous look on his face.

"At ease, both of you," the Admiral said. "I'm afraid I'm pulling the two of you off your current cases to work on a project for Webb. It's a priority and the SecNav has given his blessing." A.J. let out an audible sigh. "Webb, you want to brief them?"

"Well, first of all I hope you guys didn't have any plans for the next week or so, because I need you to go undercover." Webb pulled several thick files out of his brief case.

"No problem." Mac responded. Mic Brumby had left to return to Australia for a few weeks to visit his ailing mother and her social calendar was glaringly empty. She glanced over to see that Harm looking slightly uncomfortable. "Guess Renee had other plans for him than work," she thought while silently smiling to herself.

"Good. Actually Mac, I really need you. The Admiral insisted that Harm go along, also," Webb said as he handed them each a file. Harm raised an eyebrow at Webb while Mac tried not to grin too broadly.

Webb began his briefing. "It's an arms smuggling ring that's involved in supplying firepower to the Balkans. We know it has Russian connections, but that's about all we know. We've been frustrated in trying to get any information on its top people or supply routes. This is a tightly run outfit and so far we have gotten to no one but the 'little fish' who refuse to talk."

"What do we need to do?" Mac was intrigued as she opened the file in front of her.

"Obviously your language skills are just what I need, Colonel." Webb continued, “My people have been working on your cover story for days. I think we can pull this off. You are going to be a new arms dealer that is just entering the picture, with the backing of your Russian uncle. His name is Paval Ivanova. He's a veteran, midlevel arms dealer that has recently started cooperating with us as part of a plea bargain. We want you to make contact with the ring about an upcoming sale. We know what type of arms they're shopping for right now, and you're going to have access to them at a reasonable price. Your cover story has already been laid by my double agents working in the field, as well as by Ivanova. If they buy it, they will want to escort you to their main retreat to meet the team who negotiates all their deals. That seems to be this ring's standard operating procedure. We're not even sure exactly where this place is located, but we believe its in upstate New York. Hopefully if you get in for a meeting, you can get us some vital information. We know they're a high tech operation and want you to access their computer data.

"And just how are we supposed to get to access their files?" Harm asked, speaking for the first time.

"I'm getting there, Rabb. Mac, you're the brains of the duo. You need to know all the details on the arms, their specifications, price, availability - it's all in that packet. You need to be able to impress them from the beginning with your expertise and language skills. I wouldn't be surprised if they want to negotiate in Russian."

Harm squirmed in his chair. "Where does that leave me, Webb? Let me guess, I'm her chauffeur?" He knew Mac was smiling even without looking at her.

"Not exactly, Rabb. That's the part we struggled with. But I think we have a great plan. My people can get creative when they have to." Webb glanced at the Admiral who was staring at the folder open on the desk in front of him. He continued. "We decided that you should be the one to nose around and hopefully find the computer - get behind the scenes, so to speak. To do that we need you to get into the place with Mac, and then to have them kind of forget about you, figuring you're not important. Mac will be doing the negotiating and hopefully that will distract them."

"This sounds crazy, Webb! Why would they ignore me? Why am I there in the first place if I don't know anything and don't speak Russian?" Harm was getting gitated.

Webb took a deep breath and let it out. "OK, here's the deal. You're going to be Mac's husband. Her dumb, good looking, clueless husband, who's just along for the ride." He stopped to judge their reactions.

Mac was trying not to laugh out loud. "Can we make him a pilot, too? She giggled. "Then it wouldn't involve much acting at all!"

Harm glared at her. "Well, you're the-know-it-all wife who probably hen pecks the poor guy to death. Shouldn't be much of a stretch for you, either!"

The Admiral shifted in his chair. "That's enough people. Listen to the plan. Webb is right. We may just be able to pull this off."

Clayton Webb sighed. "Actually, Mac, he is a pilot. Just a bush league pilot. That's how you two met. And he flies the cargo planes for you with the shipments. The important point to remember is that you are infatuated with him, Mac. You insist that he go everywhere with you, meetings, etc. You can't back down on that point. Meanwhile, Rabb, you just sit there looking bored and stupid. Flirt with any pretty girls, chew gum, and just act totally out of it. Hopefully they well begin to ignore you. That should give you the freedom that you need to begin to look around. I'll be supplying you with some high tech equipment that will assist you in your snooping and downloading files from their computer. All you'll need is a few minutes alone with the machine. Just like the time in the Sudanese embassy." Webb added, smiling at the memory.

Harm leaned forward in his chair. He was beginning to enjoy this scenario, so much so that he let the embassy fiasco pass without a sarcastic comment for Webb.

"So Mac, the brain who speaks ten thousand languages, is smitten by this good looking hunk pilot? I have her eating out of my hand, so to speak? While I flirt with girls and spend all of our money? Is that the scam, Webb?" Harm asked agerly.

"Now you're getting it!" Webb was smiling. "We need you guys to be believable in this! Because if you don't sell it, and they don't let Harm go along, the mission is to be scrubbed. The Admiral won't agree to Mac going in alone, and I agree with him."

Mac sat blushing in her chair. "Sir, I think I can handle myself."

"Absolutely not, Colonel." The Admiral's voice was stern. "I wouldn't let Rabb go in alone either. This is dangerous stuff, and frankly a little out of both your leagues. But as Webb said, you have the perfect credentials for what they needed. And I want Rabb with you. You two are used to each other. They wanted to send one of Webb's people as your partner but I wouldn't agree to it. You both are to watch each others sixes at all times, understood?"

"They answered in unison, "Understood, sir."

Harm and Mac remained in the office with Webb for another hour, reviewing the logistics of the elaborate plan. As the meeting was winding down, Webb pointed to the packets they each had been analyzing. "By the way, in the back of those is the social history of you two as a couple, so to speak. I let you keep your first names and gave you a last name I thought would be easy for both of you to remember. Take the packet home tonight and memorize it. It's important that you guys know your cover story."

"Oh," Webb added as a smirk came across his face, "and make sure you can act, well, NATURAL around each other, if you know what I mean."

Later that night
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown
10:15 PM

Mac shifted on her sofa, rubbing her eyes. "OK, so the last shipment we delivered was to South America last month, and involved 200 standard machine guns. The contact person is Jose Allegro if they want to verify that. Harm, are you listening?"

Harm looked up from his folder and grinned at her. "No sweetie, I'm not supposed to know that stuff. You are the brains, my cupcake." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Stop it Harmon James Roberts! You flew the shipment, so you should at least know where and when!" She hated the tone he was using with her.

"Mac, I think we need to spend some time on this stuff in the back." Harm was grinning. "Oh yea, definitely!" he chuckled as he read from his papers.

"What's so funny?" Mac asked. "Tell me."

"Remember what Webb said? That you're absolutely head over heels in love with me? Got that? Oh, and it says here we have tremendous physical chemistry between us. Seems we have a hard time keeping our hands off of one another!"

"Mac winced. " Let me see that!" She pulled Harm's arm over so she could see what he was reading. It only got worse and she found herself blushing. "What the hell does Webb think he's doing?" she mumbled as she read on.

"Now, now, love muffin, his people are the experts, we must defer to their judgements!" Harm's grin got broader as he saw Mac blushing. "Of course, if you don't' think you can do this."

"I'm a Marine, Harm. This is kids stuff, OK? Just remember you're taken with me, also. It says here that you think I'm the smartest, most beautiful woman you've ever met. You just have a hard time controlling yourself around other women. Ha!" Mac scowled. "That's certainly a typical male trait."

"I think you've been hanging around Bugme a little too much," Harm responded dryly. Seeing her frown at his comment, Harm tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, I think we need to do what Webb suggested. Get comfortable around each other and all."

"What do you mean?" Mac looked at him curiously, trying to ignore what he had just implied about Mic, while at the same time intensely curious as to why Harm felt that way about her almost fiancé.

"The physical, stuff, Marine. We have to be hugging and grabbing and kissing each other any time we're together. That has to look natural or our cover is gone." Harm tried to sound serious but his mind was full of sensual thoughts.

"And you think I can't do that, flyboy? Trust me, women have been faking that stuff since the beginning of civilization!" Mac laughed.

"You have been blushing a lot through all of this, Mac. Sure you can act natural? I wouldn't want you to do anything that might upset you or your darling Mic." Harm teased.

Mac was about to give him another smart answer but was unable to get the words out. Harm quickly leaned in and kissed her passionately on the lips. Mac felt her head spinning. Harm's lips were warm and tasted wonderful. She found herself just relaxing and enjoying the kiss, hoping it would never end. Harm finally pulled back and looked dreamily into her gorgeous brown eyes.

Mac sat there quietly, trying to catch her breath, while staring at his incredible blue-green eyes. Harm realized that she was even more beautiful than he thought a minute ago and wanted nothing more than to kiss her again and again. As he struggled with that thought, Mac leaned in and kissed him, pushing him backward onto the arm of the sofa.

Harm could not believe how incredible her kiss felt, like nothing he had ever experienced. He found his mind quickly wandering to sensuous places that had nothing to do with Russian arms dealers. He had to force himself to keep his hands off of her body, and awkwardly held his arms out to his sides like someone had a gun to his back. Mac continued to lie on his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck, deepening their kiss for several incredible minutes. Finally, she reluctantly pulled away.

Looking down at his handsome face, Mac grinned and said, "Natural enough for you, sailor? By the way, Mic's jealously over you is my concern, not yours. And don't call me love muffin, I think it's demeaning!" She playfully slapped him on the chest as she sat up again on the sofa.

Harm was also having a hard time catching his breath but managed to mutter, "Not bad for a Marine. And don't call me sailor, you'll blow our cover."

He sat up and grinned at her, while in the back of his mind making a mental note to ask her about Mic's jealousy over him at a better time. "What do you mean, demeaning? Love muffin is a term of affection, and is especially appropriate for someone who is addicted to junk food."

"Well, I don't like it, my little boy toy!" Mac was laughing. She was enjoying this.

Harm laughed back at her. "Just what should I call you then? How about my brainy little sex kitten? Or maybe Jeopardy queen? I know, the Mensa babe whose built like a brick house! That fits!"

A sofa cushion to the face greeted Harm, although Mac couldn't help but smile, making a mental note to herself, "So he thinks I have a nice build?"

"Hey!" Harm yelled playfully, slapping her back with the cushion. "Is that anyway to treat the sexy husband you adore? And don't think you're going to get to call me your boy toy! I'll let you use stick boy, but not boy toy!"

The playful fighting between them raged on late into the night, frequently interrupted by mandated practice hugging and kissing sessions, as they both kept 'reluctantly' agreeing that they didn't quite have the natural rapport of lovers down pat yet.

"Mac, if we don't look completely comfortable with each other we're sunk," Harm reminded her as he pulled her down on his lap again and playfully nibbled at her neck. "God, where I'd really like to be kissing her right now," he thought longingly to himself, while wondering why he never felt this turned on when kissing Renee.

"I agree, absolutely," Mac answered back breathlessly as she ran her fingers through his short, dark hair. "Wonder what he'd do if I ripped his shirt off?" She giggled out loud while for some reason not feeling the least bit guilty about Mic - this was an assignment, after all.

Neither Harm nor Mac would admit it, but in their hearts they both knew that this was going to be one hell of an interesting assignment. Maybe Webb wasn't such a bad guy after all.

Two days later
Evening Star Motel
North of New York City
6:45 PM

Harm and Mac entered the hotel room as Harm set their bag down on the floor. Looking around they saw one queen size bed, a dresser, a TV and small table and chairs set in the corner next to the window.

"Well baby, it could be worse, right?" Harm asked as Mac glanced around the room, looking for wiretaps.

"Hey, it's better than the dive you took me to for our honeymoon, lover boy!" She answered back.

"Don't recall too many complaints at the time, sweetie." Harm smiled and playfully grabbed her, kissing her intensely on the lips. Mac moved her lips to his ear and whispered, "It appears clean, but we can't be too careful. Get out the device that Webb gave you."

Harm took out a pen-like device from his jacket pocket and causally moved about the room. After several minutes, he grinned at Mac. "It's clean. Guess we should just start to make ourselves at home." He placed the device confidently back in his jacket.

Mac looked at him and sighed. "You love playing with that James Bond stuff, don't you," she whispered at him.

Harm stuck out his tongue and whispered back, "You're just jealous he didn't give you any toys to play with."

They decided to open their luggage, which was one large bag that had been packed by Webb's people.

"Well, well," Harm smiled as he held up a sexy red negligee. "Good old Webb comes through!"

"Harm!" Mac snatched the nightgown out of his hands as she felt herself blushing. "I don't care if it's bugged or not in here, you never know. Don't mention his name! We just need to sit here and wait to be contacted. And be OURSELVES." She emphasized the last word.

"Sorry, sweetie," Harm looked playfully crestfallen. "That's why you're the brains and I'm just the 'looker'.

Mac grinned at him and rolled her eyes. "I'm starved. Let's order a pizza?"

"Hmmm, now that's a shock. You're hungry. I saw take-out menus on the table. Let me guess, half dead pig and any red meat they can throw on it?" Harm asked as he picked up the menu.

Mac plopped on the bed and glared at him. "And your half will be anything green they can find in their greasy kitchen? Maybe they have extra mold on special!"

Soon their order arrived and they found themselves comfortably propped up side-by-side on the bed, munching pizza as Mac flipped the channels on the TV.

Harm was dumbfounded. "What is all this crap on here, Mac? Ouch! I mean Sarah?" He winced as he took an elbow in the stomach from her for his mistake of using her real nickname.

"You better get with the program, sweetie. A guy with your I.Q. must watch lots of TV." Mac grinned. "Yea, I'd say lots."

"What if someone asks me? That wasn't in Webb's packet! What should I say I watch?" Harm, who didn't own a TV, was concerned because he knew ZNN was not an acceptable answer.

Mac thought for a minute as she flipped channels and then broke out into a huge smile. Harm's heart quietly melted as he realized just how much he loved that smile.

"Just tell them you watch Baywatch, honey!" She giggled.

"Baywatch? What's it about, Sarah?" He looked curiously at her.

"A bunch of lifeguards who run around in bathing suits. I'm sure it would make you think of your youth in California." She was still smiling.

"I was not a lifeguard, dear," Harm answered dryly.

"No, but I bet you enjoyed gawking at the pretty female ones!" Mac picked up the empty pizza box and walked it over to the trash. She sighed.

"Guess no one is going to contact us tonight, so I'm going to grab a quick shower." She tossed the remote at him. "See if you can find Baywatch, you won't be disappointed!"

"Maybe I should come in there with you." Harm said suggestively as he noticed her picking up the negligee.

"I wouldn't want you getting in over your head, flyboy," Mac retorted as she disappeared behind the bathroom door.

"Damn," Harm sighed to himself. "She always has a comeback! God, I miss this. Why do I love teasing her so much?" His thoughts turned to Renee. "Our relationship is so different. All we ever argue about is how much time I spend at work. And with Mac. Oh boy, did Renee hit the roof over this assignment! And she doesn't even know we're posing as husband and wife. Is Renee somehow jealous of Mac? Did I ever give her a reason to be?" Harm's mind was racing. "And speaking of Mac, was she really going to come out of the bathroom in that skimpy red thing?" Harm found himself going over to the table and guzzling a tall glass of ice water. He wondered what they were going to do about sleeping arrangements, but decided to let Mac make the call.

She reappeared shortly in the red negligee with a tiny robe over top of it. She saw Harm staring at her and said frostily, "Look, they may show up in the middle of the night, for all we know! You want me to put on my sweats or something?"

"No, no, your right, Sarah. It's just, well, you look very attractive, that's all." Harm was almost whispering.

"God, I think you're missing your video princess already," Mac said defensively as she pulled down the covers on the bed. "He's just patronizing me," she thought to herself.

"What does Renee have to do with you looking beautiful?" Harm was taking off his shirt.

Mac could feel his eyes on her. "Just save your pick-up lines for when we need them, OK?" She was angry with herself for making the crack about Renee. If only Jordan, his old girlfriend, had been right two years ago about Mac being able to 'have' Harm whenever she decided that she wanted him. She was sure that Jordan had been wrong. Mac just couldn't believe that Harm ever would want her and all her emotional baggage, not in that way.

Harm took off his jeans and moved toward the bed, dressed only in his boxers. "For your information, that wasn't a pick-up line. I'm much more creative than that." It was Harm's turn to get defensive.

Mac smiled wearily at him. "Look, I apologize, OK? I was out of line. This is just a tense situation and a little awkward. I mean, we're here together like this, while Mic and Renee are, well, its just uncomfortable." She turned away and removed the robe and crawled into her side of the bed. She noticed Harm standing by his side, looking tentative.

"Get in bed, Harm," Mac said softly. She quickly added in her best Marine voice, "But if you try anything I will make you regret it, understood?"

Harm grinned and jumped into the bed. "Oh, believe me, I'll behave! I've seen you in action!"

They soon were laughing and joking again, and the awkward tension was soon forgotten. Neither of them was really tired, and they lay in bed talking for a long while. Both of them felt totally comfortable and relaxed, like old times. They finally drifted off to sleep, with Harm perched warily on his side of the bed.

The next morning
The Evening Star Motel
North of New York City
7:15 AM

Harm looked over at Mac still sleeping. He couldn't believe that he was awake before her, but he understood why. All night long Mac had tossed and turned, and it was apparent to Harm that she was having nightmares. Harm had been tempted to reach out to her in her restless sleep, but he had been afraid of how Mac would have reacted to such a gesture. He was definitely wary of her Marine temper. Lying there, watching her sleep, Harm realized how alone Mac must feel and how bravely she constantly fought all the demons of her past. "She is truly and incredible person," he thought to himself; then a corner of his brain added, "Yea, and not bad lookin' either." Harm sighed. "I've got to quit going there, this assignment is tough enough as it is. Besides, she has Brumby now." Why did that thought bother him so much?

Suddenly the phone rang and Mac sprang out of bed and answered it in a matter of seconds.

"Hello, this is Sarah Robert. Yes." She once again felt Harm's eyes on her and realized she had on nothing but the flimsy red lace lingerie. She shyly turned her back to him, although Harm quickly decided that both front and back views were truly incredible.

After another short exchange, Mac hung up the phone and moved toward the suitcase. "This is it, Harm! We meet the guy at a coffee shop in 30 minutes. Let's move!" And with that she disappeared once again into the bathroom, leaving a dazed Harm thinking about nightmares, and friendship, and red lace.

Hank's Coffee and Donuts
New Rochelle, New York
9:25 AM

Harm put his arm protectively around Mac as he glanced around the half empty coffee shop. "OK, so they're late. Sure you don't want something to eat, gorgeous?" He leaned in and pecked Mac on the cheek. They were both aware that they were probably being watched.

"No thanks, love. I'm not hungry," Mac said softly as she stared into her coffee. Harm realized that she was nervous. If she didn't convince these guys of who they were in this conversation, the whole mission was off.

"Hey," he said softly while wrapping both his arms tightly around her, "We're going to get this sale, right? You're the best at this stuff, my baby."

Mac smiled at him and softly reached up and stroked his cheek. Harm sensed that she was genuinely grateful for the encouragement. "Funny how I know her so well," he thought to himself.

Suddenly a dark haired man with glasses slid into the booth across from them. "You don't look like your uncle," he said tersely.

"He's my uncle through marriage, and you should know that if you did your homework. Evans, I presume?" Mac said tersely.

He smiled a wicked grin. "Now that sounds like Ivanova."

"Yea, well let's just say he was responsible for my social skills training. Enough small talk, Evans. What's the itinerary here? Am I dealing with you or are there partners?"

"Whoa, slow down, pretty lady! We're just here for nice chat. No specifics got that? That stuff is more for our private meetings. Whose this dude?" He pointed at Harm, who smiled his best dumb smile, sitting in the booth in his jean jacket and Yankees baseball cap, his arm still protectively around Mac.

"Harm Roberts," he began, extending his hand to the man.

Mac cut him off quickly. "I do the talking, OK, sweetie pie? This is my husband, pilot, body guard and partner." Mac said.

"Your uncle didn't mention you had a partner." Evans said warily.

"Yea, well I got one, and I happen to be married to him. We're a team."

Evans chuckled. "I'm sure he adds a lot to the business." Harm was smiling his best dumb grin.

"That's my problem." Mac snapped back. "He sits in through all my meetings, by the way. He's my lucky charm and gives me moral support." She looked at Harm with pure puppy eyes.

"Well, I'm sure he contributes a lot to the negotiations. Can you spell cat, pretty boy?" Evans snarled.

"Hey!" Harm leaned forward in the booth and glared at him.

"Honey, let me!" Mac pushed Harm back in the booth. "I told you we're a team! Think of him as my silent partner."

"Well, make sure he stays out of the way and out of trouble!" Evans growled.

"My job is to make Sarah happy and to keep her safe." Harm said defensively.

"He'll not be a problem, I promise." Mac said tersely. "Now, what's the deal here Evans? I've got access to the goods and I want to cut a deal ASAP."

"You are impatient, lady! Let's just sit and chat a while longer. Our ride will be here later. By the way, I hope you speak Russian. My boss prefers it, you know." Evans smiled.

Mac answered him back confidently in Russian, drawing an approving nod from Evans.

Following a half-hour of hollow chitchat and childish bickering between Harm and Evans, the latter suddenly paid the tab, slid out of the booth and motioned for Harm and Mac to follow him. They were quickly ushered into the back of a waiting limo, unsure of where they were going.

Staring out the window, Mac found herself instinctively reaching for Harm's hand. He responded by squeezing her's tightly, raising it to his lips and kissing it tenderly. She allowed herself to relax slightly. "I hope we're up to this, flyboy," she thought to herself.

4 hours later
Somewhere in the New York Countryside
2:30 PM

The ride itself was quiet, Evans silently sizing up the couple he had been sent to bring back. Their constant attention to each other was actually kind of sickening, he thought, although there was no denying the chemistry between them. "Imagine the heat these two generated between the sheets!" Evans chuckled to himself. He would have to give the boss his report, and he knew what he would say. She was a gorgeous, intelligent woman who was totally head over heals for this smart-alec loser. That could be her weak point that they'd be able to exploit later, if needed.

Meanwhile, Mac found herself getting caught up in all of the affection that Harm was lavishing on her in the limo. She knew that they had to continue to build this charade of a relationship, but the way Harm was staring into her eyes and rubbing her back made it difficult to concentrate on anything. And was she crazy or was Harm laying on the lovey-dovey routine just a little too thick? Could it be that he enjoyed being with her like this? Distantly Mac heard Evans clearing his throat and forced her mind to return to what was going on in the car.

She decided a little small talk would help clear her head. "You said it would take about four hours. Shouldn't we be there by now?" She asked casually.

"Just relax, we're getting close" Evans answered, watching as Harm wrapped an arm around Mac, resting his other hand dangerously high on Mac's leg. His fingers traced circles on the fabric of her leg as Mac tried desperately not to notice the effect it was having on her. "How long have you two been married?"

"Our personal life has nothing to do with business dealings," Mac snapped.

"Don't get testy," Evans replied back. "I just figure you must be newlyweds is all."

"Hey," Harm spoke up, grinning. "The honeymoon is never ending for us."

Mac leaned in and kissed Harm soundly on the lips, opening her mouth to his as he explored hers with his tongue for a brief moment. The car ground to a halt and Mac pulled away from him, looking up to see where they were. She felt a slight pang of regret that this fake intimacy with Harm was coming to an end, at least temporarily.

"This is it." Evans opened the door and stepped out, followed by Mac and Harm. Both officers' mouths dropped open by the shear enormity of the mansion they stood in front of. Evans smiled appreciatively. This house had the same effect on everyone who was brought here. "Nice isn't it?"

Harm nodded, reaching for Mac's hand as she answered, "It's beautiful."

The door opened and a thin gray-haired man, dressed in a black suit opened the door. As the three of them ascended the stairs he said, "Please follow me."

They were led through the ornate hallway to a large sitting room. Mac and Harm settled themselves next to each other on a brown leather couch as Evans sat in a nearby wingback chair.

"He has been informed of your arrival," the butler announced. "He'll be with you shortly."

The three of them waited in silence, Harm looking bored as his hand trailed Mac's neck lightly. The door opened and in walked their host. Mac stood quickly to greet him, slapping Harm's knee so he would do the same.

"Hello," he said in Russian, reaching out to shake Mac's hand, then Harm's. "I am Boris Bouranov. You must be Sarah."

"I am," Mac answered in his native tongue. "This is my husband, Harmon."

"I understand he is your partner," Bouranov replied. "Your uncle did not mention him."

"My uncle is careful," she responded.

"Please make yourselves comfortable," he said, waving them to return to their seats. "Your husband speaks Russian, also?"

"No he doesn't," Mac answered, grabbing Harm's hand and tugging lightly as they sat down again.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Roberts," Bouranov said in English. "I didn't mean to exclude you."

Harm glanced from Mac to their host. "It doesn't matter to me. She makes the deals, I fly the planes."

Bouranov's eyes narrowed momentarily, and then he nodded, turning his attention completely back to Mac and the Russian language. "So, Sarah, your uncle tells me that you can get me what I'm looking for. Is that true?"

Mac noted the cryptic statement and answered in kind. "If the offer is right."

"Good! We will discuss details later. I hope your husband will not feel too excluded, but some of my colleagues speak only Russian." He stared curiously at Harm, who was looking around the room, oblivious of the conversation going on around him.

"Not a problem," Mac assured him. "I do all of the negotiating for us, and Harm can find his own amusement, if he has to."

Bouranov seemed pleased by her answer, "You do not disappoint so far, Sarah." Still nodding his head approvingly he added. "I'd like you to stay the night. We can continue our business dealings at dinner. But for now you will have to excuse me, I have some things I must attend to in my study. Evans will show you to your room."

"That's fine," Mac said, reaching for Harm's hand as Evans led them from the room.

"You'll be staying here," Evans said, opening the door to a spacious suite. Mac recognized their suitcase sitting next to the bed. Bouranov's people had obviously taken the liberty of going to their hotel and retrieving their things. As the door shut, Harm took Mac into his arms. They had agreed they'd remain in their roles even when alone, just in case they were being monitored.

"This negotiating part is so boring, Sarah. What do you say we have a little fun?" Harm's hands began to roam over her body.

"Harm, you know my rule," Mac answered. "No sex until after the deal is done." As soon as she said it, Mac wondered where that line had suddenly come from. She looked questioningly at Harm, and swore that she saw real disappointment in his face. Or was that just wishful thinking on her part?

Harm meanwhile, had momentarily let himself get caught up in this charade of making out with Mac, and had let the line about 'having fun' roll off his lips without thinking. He was glad for Mac's quick save (God, what if someone was actually watching them!) but yet he was disappointed that she appeared so calm. Didn't Mac feel any of the heat between them that was already practically driving him crazy?

The Robert's Suite
630 PM

Harm and Mac had spent the remainder of the afternoon trying unsuccessfully to unwind and relax. It was now nearing the time they were to return downstairs for dinner, and Mac went to the closet where she had unpacked many of their belongings. She took out a revealing black evening dress, and held it up seductively against her body.

"Ooh, baby," Harm cooed taking in the view. "I can't wait to see you in that."

"You just want to see how long it takes you to get me out of it." Mac retorted, grinning as she moved to the bathroom to change. Was Harm actually blushing at the implications of her joke?

"Hey baby," Harm said as he knocked on the bathroom door. "You need some help in there?" He was done dressing and looked particularly handsome in his black pants and deep blue tailored shirt.

"Not if we're going to be on time, honey," Mac answered, laughing coyly at him. Opening the door, she smiled nervously as he stared at her in wide-eyed adoration.

"Wow!" The dress clung to Mac's frame like a second skin, the neckline scooping low enough to be tantalizing but still respectable. The hem of the dress reached mid-calf and Harm couldn't stop staring. "Baby, you are beautiful."

Harm took her in his arms, kissing her lips and then trailing sweet kisses to her ear. "You really do look beautiful, Sarah," he whispered to her.

A knock on the door interrupted them. The butler stood politely at the door. "Dinner is ready. This way please."

Harm and Mac followed the butler into the dining room where they were met by Bouranov and Evans. Several other men were seated in the room along with a stunning young woman.

"Let me introduce you to our other guests." Bouranov politely introduced the four other men, who spoke only Russian, finally turning to the young blond woman lounging in the corner. "I'd like you to meet my niece, Galina Dmitrova. She is attending school here in the States."

"Nice to meet you, Galina," Sarah said, noticing Harm's lusty stare at the striking young woman and fighting back a wave of unexpected jealousy.

The girl took Harmon's hand, smiling brightly into his eyes. "Please, call me Galya."

Brushing her long, blond hair aside, Galya winked at Harm before joining her uncle at the table. Bouranov rang a tiny, silver bell and several women appeared, bearing food. Most of the conversation, conducted in Russian, dealt with Mac's resume and contacts, as well as Harm's flying abilities.

"We do have a slight test for you two, I hope you understand the need," Bouranov explained toward the end of the meal, speaking in English for Harm's benefit.

"What kind of test?" Mac asked icily, leery of what he would be asking them to do.

Evans jumped in. "Just a small job. We have some merchandise in a warehouse in Buffalo. We need you to fly in and pick it up tomorrow, to show us that you know how to deal with checkpoints and security issues. And to see how you operate under pressure." He smiled wickedly at Mac.

Mac nodded confidently. "Well, as long as you have a plane for my guy to fly, it sounds like a no-brainer, right honey?" She looked at Harm, who was making goo-goo eyes at Galya.

"HARM!" Mac snapped at him. "Did you hear what we're talking about? We need to fly to Buffalo tomorrow!"

"Sure, babe, whatever," Harm responded absently, his eyes never leaving the young blonde.

Mac felt her blood pressure rising, even though she knew Harm was just following Webb's script. She just about lost it when she heard Galya chime in.

"Oh gosh! Uncle Boris, can I go along? I'd love to see Harm fly the plane!" Galya batted her eyes seductively at Harm.

"Yes, my dear," her Uncle added dryly. "Several of my people will be going along as well." He looked hard at Mac, who had proved so far to be a tough and shrewd negotiator, just like her uncle had been. "We shall see, my dear lady, if it truly is a 'no-brainer'. For everyone's sake, I hope you are correct."

The room was silent as Bouranov continued, "Why don't we take this into my study? I'm sure Galya can entertain your husband while we continue our discussion. This can be so boring for someone who does not speak the language." Mac realized that he was bating her, hoping to exploit her jealousy over Harm.

"That's fine with me, baby," Harm said, leaning in to kiss Mac on the cheek. "You know how I hate this part."

"Just keep your hands to yourself," Mac answered, whispering the words just loud enough to be overheard by the others.

"Baby," he replied, grinning, "You know me."

"Like I said," she stated, her eyes narrowing as she watched him being dragged out of the room by a beaming Galya.

The Roberts' Suite
12:15 AM

Mac lay in bed, wondering what could be keeping Harm so long, and cursing under her breath as she conjured up images of just what exactly was delaying him. Suddenly, the door opened and Harm bounded in, looking relaxed and confident.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"Getting the tour, baby," Harm answered, moving toward her.

"What tour would that be?" Mac snapped, clearly angry.

For a moment, Harm was taken aback, not sure if this was play-acting or if Mac was really angry with him. He stared at her for a moment, removing his shirt and kicking off his shoes. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," Mac answered, turning off the light on her side of the bed.

"Fine," Harm bit back, stripping down quickly to a pair of boxer shorts. Climbing into bed next to Mac, he tried to pull her close, but she would have none of it.

"C'mon, baby, what's wrong?"

"You're what's wrong," Mac replied, turning her back to him. "You and your hormones!" The last word came out particularly bitter.

Harm smiled, remembering a particularly vivid dream in which Mac had used that term about him. He quickly pushed that thought aside, however, to concentrate on his present dilemma, which involved one very pissed off marine - or was it his wife? - he was beginning to lose track of who was who on this assignment. He suddenly had the urge to pacify her anger and snuggled up to Mac's back, nibbling on her neck.

Mac lay there unable to respond, suddenly realizing that she might not be able to stop anything Harm started tonight. She also wasn't sure she wanted him to stop and that scared her even more.

His hands were gentle as he turned her over, moving to lie slightly over her as he searched out her mouth. "Mic never makes you feel like this," she found an inner voice whispering as their tongues engaged in an erotic duet.

Mac allowed Harm's passionate assault on her body to continue, savoring the taste of him and the feel of his hands exploring her body. After several moments she reluctantly pulled her mouth away from his, moving her lips close to his ear and whispering, "Harm, please, we can't do this. Not now, not like this."

She felt his sigh, more than heard it, as his mouth stopped the assent to her mouth again. With more willpower than she thought possible, Mac pushed him off of her while mumbling, "Not tonight. You know the rule."

"The rule. Right." Harm said, turning his back to her and closing his eyes. His mind swirled with confusion over what was happening between them. What exactly was going on here? Without a doubt Mac was the most intriguing woman he had ever known. She seemed to have a power over him that no one else had and he didn't know how he felt about that. After all, he had made it clear on the ferry in Sydney that he wasn't ready for anything with her, yet and he had a girlfriend. He frowned thinking about it. Renee hadn't entered his thoughts all day. And there was the Australian rat, Bugme, to consider. Yet the physical chemistry between himself and Mac that had been let loose on this assignment made all of that seem unimportant. What can of worms had Webb opened?

Without even thinking, Harm reached out and gently pulled Mac closer to him. Instead of resisting, she sighed contently, positioning herself on his shoulder and wrapping her arm over his broad chest. Holding her close, Harm was beginning to drift off to sleep when he heard Mac quietly sigh, "Damn, I hate blondes."

Harm smiled while pulling her a little tighter in his embrace. Tomorrow was going to be a difficult day, and this was certainly going to be a long night.

Somewhere in Upstate New York
The Roberts' Suite
6:15 AM

Harm awoke to the sound of the shower running and realized that Mac was up and in the bathroom. He lay there smiling while thinking back to the previous night. He had awakened several times to find Mac dozing peacefully in his arms. He too, had found himself sleeping contently, despite the danger that awaited them this morning. Harm quickly decided that he wouldn't try to figure out why that was so, but instead decided to tuck the pleasant memory of holding a slumbering Mac contentedly in his arms into a cherished place in his heart.

He rose and, trying to look casual, entered the bathroom. Mac was out of the shower, wrapped in a towel and combing her wet hair.

Harm leaned over and pecked her on the cheek. "How did you sleep, gorgeous?"

"Fine," was Mac's stern reply. She turned and looked at him and he could see the determination in her eyes. "Harm, we need to get at that computer in Bouranov's study. I saw it last night. It should have the data that we need to get, I'm positive. We need to use the device Webb gave you to copy that hard drive."

"OK, " he nodded at her. "When we get back today form Buffalo you'll have to distract them so I can get at it. I think I can get Galya to help me get in. She is not really loyal to her uncle, and really resents the guy from what I can tell." He wrapped his arms around Mac absentmindedly, and felt her tense up at his touch.

"Sarah, what's wrong? Are you still mad at me about last night?"

Mac didn't answer, and Harm could tell she was struggling with her emotions.

Harm reached up and gently stroked her cheek. "I'm sorry. I guess I got carried away last night. You're just so beautiful, and I was simply trying to act like any man lucky enough to have you in his bed would act. Please don't be upset."

"I'm not blaming you! I don't want to discuss this anymore, not now. I can't. Please, Harm?" Mac was upset, and her thoughts were racing along with her pulse. "Does Harm really find me that attractive? Is he saying he's ready to let go? Where does that leave Renee? And what about Mic?"

Mac quickly chastised herself for letting her mind wander to those "off limits" areas. Here she was on a life or death assignment and she was acting like a schoolgirl with a crush on the quarterback! "Get a grip Marine!" She chided herself.

Harm read the distress on her beautiful face. "Of course, Sarah, of course. We won't discuss it any more. Not now. But later, I promise." He felt very guilty and Mac looked very upset. Harm realized that the part of his brain that had always placed Sarah MacKenzie in the 'hands off' mode had been unleashed, but he also realized that what he was doing was unfair to Mac. He knew that for their own safety he needed to get her total concentration back on the mission. The implications of these feelings that were starting to tumble out would need to be dealt with at a later time.

He quickly slipped back into his role, trying to bring Mac along with him. "Baby, we're gonna ace this assignment today! We're an unbeatable team. I fly the bird and you keep the boys happy. Right?" Harm grinned at her, lifting her chin to meet his eyes. He was relieved when he saw a smile slowly cover Mac's face and the gleam return to her eyes.

They finished getting ready and started to exit the bathroom. Mac suddenly turned and looked directly into Harm's eyes, placing the palm of her hand firmly on his chest.

"Harm, sweetie?" Her voice turned from sweet to firm. "One more thing. If I catch you doing anything 'funny' with that Galya chick, I will personally break several bones in her sweet, young body. Got that?" She turned on her heels and headed out of the room to boldly face the adventure that awaited them.

Outside of Buffalo
Aboard a Cargo Plane
3:30 PM

Harm turned to Mac who sat next to him in the cockpit of the plane. He smiled. There mission had been a success and they were on their way back to the small airport in upstate New York. There had been a slight problem with a security guard in Buffalo that he and Mac had handled quietly and efficiently, and that seemed to more than satisfy their hosts in the back of the plane.

Harm noticed that Mac's brown eyes were gleaming as she stared out at the clouds below them. She was clearly enjoying herself.

"Hey, Sarah, how are the guys in the back? You keeping them in line, baby?" He grinned at her as he reached over and squeezed her hand.

Mac looked over and smiled at him, while squeezing his hand back. "Yea, they're fine, stick boy. Oh, Galya is asking about you!" Her eyes sparkled and Harm knew that his Marine was back and in rare form.

Suddenly, a thought came to Harm and he found himself expressing it to Mac. "Do you know what I want to do when this is over, baby? I really want to take you is to meet my grandmother."

Mac looked at him, confused. "Your grandmother, Harm? The one in Kansas?"

"Yea!" He winked at her. "She is so special to me, Sarah. And I've told her so much about you. I'm so sorry she couldn't make our wedding. I just want you two to meet each other and to get to know one and other. What do you think?"

"Gee Harm. Taking me to a farm in Kansas to meet your grandmother. Wait till Galya hears what a romantic you are!" She was giggling.

Harm leaned over and whispered to her. "It's important to me that you two finally meet, and that you get to see a very special place from my childhood." Their eyes met and Mac could see that he wasn't joking.

"It sounds wonderful, thank you." She gripped his hand even tighter. What on earth was happening here?

The Roberts' Suite
Later that evening
8:15 PM

Mac was in the bathroom, getting ready for her evening meeting with the "negotiating team". Bouranov was pleased with what she and Harm had accomplished today, and she felt a surge of confidence: this mission was going along flawlessly. Mac knew they had a good plan to access the computer tonight, even if Harm had to use that bimbo, Galya, to execute it. Then they could make a hasty exit tomorrow and put this entire escapade behind them. But did Mac really want to put "everything" behind her? She finished applying her makeup, sighing as she entered the bedroom.

"Hey, baby, you look fantastic!" Harm got off the bed and wrapped his arms around her, leaning in to kiss her deeply on the lips. Remembering Mac's earlier plea for restraint, Harm quickly pulled back and smiled his best flyboy grin at her while extending his arm. "I believe we have a deal to finish, my lady."

The handsome couple strode confidently arm in arm downstairs, ready to meet their hosts and execute the most critical and dangerous part of the entire mission.

The Bouranov Patio
10:30 PM

Mac was on the spacious back patio, having spent the last one and a half hours engaged in lengthy, sometimes heated arguments over guns, prices and delivery schedules. Harm had quickly and quietly disappeared with Galya, and no one in the group seemed to have noticed or cared. Except for Mac, of course.

As the negotiations were winding down and Bouranov and his men were engaging in a friendly discussion over the best Russian vodka, Mac found her thoughts focusing on her newest blonde nemesis. "Why does she have to be so young and pretty? And she practically throws herself at Harm! Right in front of me, his wife!" Mac was silently fuming. She hoped before this assignment was over that she would get the opportunity to tell that Galya babe off!

Suddenly a chill went down Mac's spine as she realized that the conversation on the patio had shifted from vodka to her 'husband', Harm.

"They have been gone a long time," Bouranov frowned. "Evans, go and find them. Let us hope that my niece has not gotten him into any trouble. Right, dear Sarah?"

Mac smiled weakly at the Russian, but silently her heart was racing. Had she been able to buy Harm enough time?

Bouranov Mansion
The side lawn
10:20 PM

Harm and Galya were wrapped in each other's arms in as secluded corner of the lawn, kissing madly under the stars. Harm reluctantly admitted to himself that she was a very good kisser and was quite attractive. "She's not Mac, no one is like Mac," he found another part of his brain answering. Struggling to clear his mind of the argument, he gently pulled Galya away, placing his hands lightly on both her bare shoulders to stare into her eyes.

"Uh, Galya, darling, I have a favor to ask you." Harm tried to sound desperate.

"Anything for you, baby. What do you want? What does that ice queen refuse to do for you?" Galya asked while stroking his cheek and staring lustily up and down his body.

Harm realized what she was implying about Mac and almost choked on his next words. "No, no, not that kind of favor. At least not yet." He smiled weakly at her. "This is business. You said your Uncle Boris wasn't a very honest businessman, right?"

Galya nodded at him, still stroking his face.

"Well, I'm afraid he's going to try and cheat us. I need to get at some information, to make sure he is giving us a fair deal, the same that others have gotten." Harm licked his lips, trying to sound convincing.

"What can I do about that, my darling pilot?" She was staring at his eyes.

"I need to get into his study to check some figures. It will only take a minute!" he felt Galya tense and quickly added, "You know, if I get this information for Sarah, then maybe she'll want to do more business with your uncle, and I can come back here. We can see each other again." He reached up and began caressing her cheek.

Galya looked at him dubiously for a minute. "You ask a lot of me. We could get in real trouble." Suddenly a wicked smile crossed her lips. "Come with me. I have an idea."

Harm found himself being led into the house toward the deserted office, as Galya was able to expertly avoid the guards posted throughout the first floor. They entered the darkened study and Galya looked at him curiously. "What is it that you want in here?"

"Watch the door, babe. This will only take a second." Harm was thankful as she turned her back, apparently not interested in what he was actually doing. He pulled out the device and inserted into the computer. After several minutes he noticed she was restlessly pacing the room and cooed softly to her, "Baby, I'm never going to forget this. I'm going to have to find a way to repay you, ya know that?"

Harm saw her turn and smile seductively at him across the darkened room. Suddenly Galya's face took on a look of confusion. "What is that? What are you doing? Uncle Boris will be furious if he catches you near that computer!" She was hissing at him.

Harm held up his hand. "Its OK, I'm just getting some price lists for Sarah to use in her negotiations. Don't worry, beautiful, I'm almost done." The device in Harm's hand beeped, signaling it had finished downloading, and he smiled triumphantly at her. "What did I tell you?"

Galya moved toward him for a kiss, only to stop abruptly at the sound of noises approaching in the hallway. Harm's heart entered his throat when he realized that he heard Evans' voice.

"Are you sure they didn't come down here? You know how sneaky that brat is! And to top it off she's in heat over that guy. Help me check the study!"

Harm instinctively pushed the device down into his pants as Galya grabbed his hand and quickly led him out the French doors onto the secluded private patio. She roughly pushed Harm down into a lounge chair and straddled his lap, pulling his head down into a heated kiss.

Harm realized what she was doing and began to pull her blouse off her arms while she began to rip at his shirt. Harm almost had her skimpy top all the way down her slender torso when Evans burst out onto the patio.

"What the hell is going on here?" He screamed, while the guard leering behind him flashed a light into both of their stunned faces.

"Oh God," Galya gasped. "I thought at least here we could have some privacy! What do you want?" She struggled to redress herself.

"You know your uncle doesn't let you near his study! I thought I made that clear the last time I caught you screwing around out here!" Evans pulled her off Harm's lap and turned to glare at him.

"You're in a dangerous situation, you know that, pal?" Evans went face to face with Harm as he pulled him up out of the chair by his shirt collar.

"Your not going to tell Sarah, are you?" Harm stammered.

"You idiot! I was talking about Bouranov! This is his private study and no one is allowed in it. Absolutely no one!" Evans eyes narrowed. "You didn't borrow anything from in there, did you?" He immediately began to search Harm, checking his pants and shirt pockets.

Harm tried to remain calm but his voice cracked as he thought of the device wedged in the front of his pants. "Listen, buddy, we were just looking for some privacy. Now, you really aren't going to mention this to Sarah, are you? I mean, we're pals, right Evans?"

Harm let out an audible sigh as Evans dropped his hands, satisfied that this clueless idiot had taken nothing from the boss's office.

Evans made a jerking motion towards the door. "OK you two love birds. March out of here right now. And no, I won't mention it to the woman. But you two better not mention it to Bouranov, either. Me and my men will get nothing but grief if he finds out you were in here."

As they slinked through the office and back out into the hallway, Evans turned toward Harm, disgust written all over his face.

"You know, I just don't get you." He whispered. "You're married to that beautiful, smart broad who for some reason adores you, and yet you're screwing around behind her back. Why would you need anything else when you have her?"

Harm gave his best dumb grin to Evans and shrugged his shoulders. Silently he found himself answering, "Why indeed, Evans. Why indeed."

The next Evening
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
8:15 PM

After their debriefing with Webb and the Admiral, Harm and Mac found themselves back in Harm's office, still trying to talk themselves down from the "high" of a mission accomplished. After Harm had successfully accessed the computer and Mac had finished negotiated their upcoming arms deal, the couple had been whisked out of the complex by limo, Bouranov and his men totally unaware of the pirated data they took with them. Webb and his people were ecstatic with the information, and predicted a multitude of arrests in the very near future.

The Admiral had been pleased, also, although he looked at Harm and Mac dubiously when they had casually described their undercover assignment as husband and wife as "pretty routine and uneventful."

Harm noticed that Mac seemed suddenly lost in thought and looked at her curiously. "What's wrong Marine? Everything was perfect. Even Webb is pleased! I wish all our assignments were like this."

Mac looked up at him, glaring. "Oh yea, lets recap this one. You got to spend all your time making out with some star-struck, blonde teenybopper, while I was left to argue with a bunch of nasty Russian men who smelled like stale cigars and bad vodka. Sure, we need more of these kind of assignments!"

Mac stopped laughing and stared hard at Harm, debating with herself before finally saying what had been troubling her. "Harm, I know you hate to talk about this, but I think we have to. And you did say that morning in the bathroom that we would discuss it later. I mean, stuff went on between us up there in New York. We said some things, did some things...we need to talk about. Well, where does it leave US?"

Harm sighed, but knew that they had to have this conversation, and he was determined that this time he was going to get it right.

"I'm not denying that we both crossed over some lines that we shouldn't have, Mac. Especially me. And I'm certainly not going to deny that I enjoyed it. All of it!" Harm flashed his flyboy grin that had Mac rolling her eyes.

His face turned serious and he continued." But let's face it. This last year and a half, since I left to return to flying, we've drifted apart and lost a lot of the friendship and trust that we'd had before."

"I miss all of that, Harm. So much." Mac said softly.

"So do I. And I really thought we were starting to get that back before this assignment. I just want to start at the beginning again, and get back on that track. I want to do this right so we don't screw up again, Mac. We need to explore our friendship. Rebuild the trust between us. We need to learn to lean on and tease each other again. And you absolutely have to meet my grandmother!" He saw Mac beaming at his reminder. "I think we need to start with that kind of stuff before we explore, well, the other stuff."

Harm saw Mac look at him curiously. "You know what I mean, Mac. Because at least we know now that physical chemistry between us won't ever be a problem! Not that I was ever worried about that!" He saw Mac blush slightly while smiling.

"Harm, does that mean you're ready to let go? What about JAG? What about Renee and Mic?" Mac couldn't believe he was actually discussing all of this with her. She really did owe Webb a big thank you.

"Well, we just have to figure that all out as we go along, Marine. Right now we're officially back to being partners and best friends. Who just happen to have enjoyed a rather 'memorable' assignment together. And who happen to each have a girlfriend and a boyfriend right now. Or should we label Brumby as something more? There is that tacky little ring," Harm teased.

"Boyfriend will do, partner," Mac answered back while smiling at him. "And at least my current significant other doesn't consider fake fur and fast food a perfect match!"

She could tell that Harm was about to fire off a smart remark about Brumby and held up her hand. "Truce! No more about either of them tonight, please!" Her face turned serious again and she added, "Enough about all of this for tonight, Harm. But we are going to be honest and talk about our feelings with each other from now on, promise me?"

Mac broke into a wide grin as she saw Harm hold up his hand in the scout's honor salute. "Hey, how about a celebration pizza, flyboy? I'm starved!"

"Fine, but I want Chinese, not pizza. My place or yours?" Harm asked grabbing his cover and heading for the door.

"Well, Chinese it is as long as you don't eat all my veggies every time my back is turned! And it's gonna be my place, since I've got the TV, sailor." Mac winked at him as he looked back at her.

"TV? You want to watch some TV tonight, Mac? Why? What's on, anyway?" Harm asked casually as they headed out of the deserted office.

"I think it's about time you started watching The X Files!" Mac grinned seductively at him as they stepped onto the elevator, confident that she once again had her best friend on the ropes.

"Darn," Harm sighed while displaying his best pouting face toward his partner as the elevator doors closed. "X Files, huh? That's too bad, 'cause I heard there are some really hot blondes on Baywatch!"

Oh yes, the friendship was almost back.

(Author's note: OK, so I'm a closet Babylon 5 and needed a Russian name!).

Written Summer 2000