Everything is Going to be Okay

Author: PreppyPrincess5103

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Summary: Harm & Mac struggle with a long-distance relationship after his return to flying.

Notes: Sequel to "It Started in Russia". I'm not sure if reading that is completely necessary, but it'll probably help – although there are lots of sex scenes (hence the M rating for that one) so if that offends you, steer clear. Here's what you missed in that one: Harm & Mac had sex a few times as a way to comfort one another during emotional times, eventually started dating, and he returned to flying. This does pick up almost immediately where that one ended.

Part 1

Monday

"Enter." Mac opened the door to the Admiral's office and came to attention when she approached the desk. He smiled softy. "Sit down, Mac."

She relaxed and took the seat she usually took, trying not to look at the empty one next to hers. The one Harm usually sat in. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

"How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, sir." He raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair. She knew he didn't believe her and was content to sit there and wait. "I've been better."

He nodded. "Is he still in Pensacola?"

"Yes sir. He'll be there for a few days before he leaves for the Patrick Henry. Thank you again for giving me the time off."

"You're welcome, Mac." He felt an almost overwhelming urge to give her a hug. He picked up his pen and fiddled with it, needing something to do with his hands.

"Sir, may I ask you a question?" He nodded and she moistened her lips. "How did you find out about Harm and I? We tried so hard to be discrete."

He smiled and sat the pen down. "You just told me." He laughed softly as her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed. "I suspected, but I didn't know. I don't think anyone else knows if you're worried about that. If Harriet hadn't been pregnant and wasn't now consumed with a newborn, she would probably have guessed as well. I guess you got lucky."

Mac smiled and made a mental note to stop by and see her godson this week. "After everything that happened last year… Dalton, and then Chris and the Article 32… I just really wanted to keep my personal life personal." She realized she was talking to her commanding officer about something that was expressly prohibited in the UMCJ and began to babble. "Sir, I know Harm and I dating while we worked together was against the rules, but I promise you that nothing really started until he had already decided to leave."

He stood up and walked around the desk and sat in the other chair. "It's not a problem, Mac. I'm not going to bring you up on charges or anything. Don't worry about it. If he ends up coming back to JAG at some point, I won't make an issue of it then either, as long as it stays out of the office. At least not unless there is a legal change in your status we need to address. So please stop worrying."

"Do you think he'll come back? If he wants to, you'll take him back?"

He laughed, "I took you back, didn't I?" She gave him a thankful smile. "But yes, I think he'll end up back here sooner, rather than later. He didn't get to leave the cockpit on his own terms before, so I understand his misguided need to do this. But I don't think it'll take him long to realize that isn't where he wants to be anymore." They sat in silence for a moment before he smacked his hands against the arms of his chair and stood up. "Well, I guess we should get back to work."

She stood and nodded. "Yes, sir."

Friday

Mac groaned as someone knocked on her door. She stuck a paint chip in the pages to mark her place and set the book on the coffee table before heading to the door. She looked through the peep hole and groaned when she saw it was Madeline. Maddie had called every night this week to invite her out. And now she had apparently given up on calling beforehand. She pulled open the door and forced a smile. "Hey Maddie."

Madeline gave her the once over, and squeezed past her to enter the apartment. Mac sighed and shut the door behind them. She returned to the couch and sat at one end, tucking her legs under her.

Maddie set her purse on the table and joined her on the couch. "You look terrible."

Mac looked down at her t-shirt and running shorts and frowned. "Thank you."

Maddie's face softened and she placed a hand on her friend's leg. "I know you miss him, but this isn't healthy. Go put on some decent clothes and come out with me."

Mac's expression was one of barely concealed incredulity. "Maddie, I'm really not up to going out. I do miss him. I'm sad. He left for the carrier this afternoon and I haven't heard from him yet. I really just want to sit here and wallow in self-pity. Please let me do that."

She shook her head. "Absolutely not. You cannot wallow and worry for the next six months. I won't let you, and Harm would absolutely hate that." She stood and held a hand out. "You have your cell phone. When he calls, he'll try that if he can't reach you here. We're not going anywhere scandalous. Just dinner at the Mediterranean place on 9th street. I made reservations for 8:00. Come on."

With a sigh Mac took her hand and allowed herself to be pulled up. "Fine. I'll go change." She started to head to her bedroom and turned to look at her friend when she was at the doorway. "Thanks Maddie."

"Anytime. Now change. I'm going to take over your bathroom and do something with my hair."

It wasn't long before the women were in Mac's Corvette and heading into the city. Madeline had maneuvered her long red hair from a messy bun into a fishtail side braid, and Mac had changed into dark skinny jeans, an emerald green sleeveless blouse and a lightweight light gray blazer.

They approached the restaurant and Mac handed the keys to the valet, not feeling like driving around for 20 minutes trying to find street parking. They went inside and Madeline approached the hostess. They were seated promptly at a small table near a beautiful fireplace, and Mac found herself wishing it was winter and there was a fire burning. She scanned the restaurant, admiring the modern blue and white décor and the whole walls of floor to ceiling windows.

Their server had just left with their drink orders when Mac saw Maddie straighten and felt a tap on her own shoulder. She turned her head and smiled a genuine smile for the first time that night. She stood and accepted a hug. She pulled back after a long moment and smiled again. "It's so good to see you, Ben."

He took her hands and took a step back to look her over. "It's great to see you. You look absolutely wonderful." He gave her a slightly devilish grin. "Harm is pretty selfish you know – last time I saw him I asked if he was finally ready to set the two of us up on a date. I see he swooped in himself."

She laughed and squeezed his hands. "He's pretty impossible to say no to." She let go of his hands and turned back to Madeline. "Maddie, I'd like you to meet Ben Taylor. He and Harm went to law school together. Ben, this is my good friend Madeline Lowery." He leaned over and shook her hand, and Mac noticed how his eyes lit up as he took in her friend. Harm had mentioned Ben had a penchant for red heads. "Ben, would you like to join us?"

He shook his head. "I'd hate to intrude, and I need to get back to work anyway. I met a colleague here for a drink and was on my way out when I saw the two of you."

"It's not an intrusion," Maddie said, "please stay."

Their eyes locked and after a pause he nodded. "If you're sure you don't mind."

Mac sat down and tapped an empty seat. "Sit."

Ben grinned at her, and took the seat. "How are you, Mac. Really."

She shrugged. "I'm sad. I miss him."

He nodded. "I can imagine." He thought about his ex, and how hard it was to go home to the apartment they had shared. He had brooded and been angry at the world for nearly a month before deciding he had to move on with things. "Have you heard from him yet?"

"We've talked all week, but he was still in Pensacola. He left for the carrier earlier today so I haven't heard from him yet."

He placed his hand on hers and squeezed gently. "I know you have an office full of people to turn to, but if I can help in any way, just let me know. Do you have my number?" She shook her head and he pulled a business card holder out of his pocket. He took out a card and scribbled another number on the back. "My cell phone number," he said as he handed it to her. "Call if you need anything."

"I'd like that number too, please."

Mac grinned at Maddie and cast a sideways glance at Ben. He was blushing as he wrote his number down on another card and handed it to her. "I've shown you mine, now show me yours." His tone was teasing, and his charming smile made Mac understand why Harm teased him about women flocking to him. He took the card Maddie held out to him and studied it for a second. "Cardio-thoracic surgeon? Seriously?" He looked to Mac for confirmation.

Mac laughed and nodded. "Maddie may look like a supermodel, but she's brilliant." The waiter arrived at that moment with Mac and Maddie's drinks, and took Ben's drink order before leaving again. They tucked the business cards away and the three of them opened their menus.

The menu was made up of mostly small plates for the table to share, and they ended up with an assortment of dishes ranging from seared octopus to giant white beans with tomatoes and rosemary. Ben and Maddie had really hit it off, and Mac was enjoying herself. It was nice to sit back and watch two wonderful people get to know one another. And it was really nice not to have to talk about Harm or answer questions about Harm. There was nothing new to say, and even though both of these people knew about their relationship she was still a little uneasy talking about it. Her cellphone began to ring from her back pocket, and she jumped. She locked eyes with Maddie and then flipped it open.

"Hey Mac."

Relief flooded through her at the sound of his voice. She smiled, and Maddie grinned knowing it was Harm.

"It's so good to hear your voice."

"God, it's good to hear yours too." Harm paused, hearing a lot of noise in the background. "Are you out? Should I try to call later?"

"Hold on one second." She put her hand over the mouthpiece. "I'm going to step outside and take this, if you don't mind."

Maddie smiled and Ben gestured at the door with his head. "Go. We'll be right here."

Mac grabbed her purse and hurried out of the restaurant and smiled her appreciation at an older man holding the door open for her. "I can talk. Maddie forced me into going out to dinner tonight. We ran into Ben at the restaurant and invited him to join us."

"Did they hit it off?"

She could hear the smile in his voice and leaned against the cool stone of the building. "Absolutely. He was at the table for less than five minutes and they had already exchanged numbers." He laughed and she felt something inside her warm. "So, you made it safely?"

"I did. I got here about an hour ago. My roommate is practically a baby. But I did volunteer to help with some of the legal issues on board, so I have a quiet place to escape to if need be. Which also comes with the benefit of a more private phone to use."

"That's a pretty nice perk."

"Being able to talk to you for a bit without a line of impatient people behind me makes all that time spent getting a law degree worth it." She laughed softly and he smiled. "Do you need to get back or can you talk for a few minutes?"

She looked into the restaurant and smiled. Ben and Maddie were bent towards one another, and Ben's fingers were fidgeting with the end of Maddie's braid. "I doubt they've even noticed I'm gone. Want to put a wager on who she goes home with, me or Ben?"

"Seriously?"

Mac nodded, even though she knew he couldn't see her. "They're currently bent towards one another and Ben is playing with her hair."

Harm whistled. "I just hope he's over that playboy phase he was in."

"If anyone could get him out of it, it would be Maddie." She turned away from the window. She was unsure what to say to him. This was all so new to her. Not just the long-distance part of the relationship, but a relationship like this in general. He meant more to her than words could express, and it worried her that for six months words were all they would have.

He listened to the background city noise for a minute, waiting for her to continue. "Sarah."

"Yes? Sorry. I was somewhere else for a moment."

"I love you. And I miss you." He heard her sharp intake of breath and continued. "And everything is going to be okay."

"I wasn't expecting it to be this hard," she confessed, "I'm a Marine, Harm. I should be stronger than this."

"You're a damn good Marine, but you're also a human being who misses the person she loves. You're allowed to be both." His heart ached at the sniffle he heard, and he decided he needed to lighten the mood. "So, what are you wearing?"

She snorted and swiped at her face. "Nice, Rabb."

"Hey, I made you smile."

"Yes, you did. And I love you too." She took a deep breath when she heard the unmistakable sound of a door opening on his end, and someone talking to him. "Do you need to go?"

Harm sighed softly, "I do. There's a meeting in a few minutes I need to be apart of. Hold on one sec." He put his hand over the mouthpiece and asked for a minute of privacy to end the call. When the door was shut, he turned her attention back to her. "I'm not sure what's on the agenda tomorrow, but I'll either call or email. I love you."

"I love you too. Stay safe, Flyboy."

He smiled at the use of the old nickname. "I will. Bye Ninjagirl."

They hung up at the same time, and Mac stood outside for another minute to compose herself. She went back to the table and saw Ben and Maddie laughing as they played tug of war over the check. Mac scanned the restaurant and saw their server over by the bar. She pulled a credit card out of her wallet and hurried to him. "Hi, I'm sorry to bother you." He turned and smiled, and she continued. "My friends are fighting over the check. Is there anyway you can print another copy and I can pay you right now? I'd really love to treat them."

"Of course, ma'am." He gestured to a small computer near the end of the bar and she followed him to it. He reprinted the check and she quickly glanced at it before handing over her credit card. Once she had signed the credit slip and tucked the receipt & card back in her wallet, she made her way to the table, where Ben was now holding the leather portfolio just out of reach. Mac snagged it from his hand and sat back down.

"I've already paid," she said, gesturing to the server who smiled and waved.

"Mac, this was going to be my treat." Maddie said, her voice almost to a whine.

"I know, and I appreciate it. But I also really appreciate you, and I wanted to say thank you."

Maddie reached over and squeezed her hand. "You're welcome."

"I'm paying next time." Both women looked at Ben and smiled. "Are you two about ready to head out?"

Mac nodded. "I'm beat. This week has been exhausting." She stood and moved her purse from her lap to her shoulder. "Are you ready, Maddie?" She saw Maddie and Ben exchange a look and she bit back a smile.

"I think Ben and I are going to go grab a drink. I'll have him bring me back to your place later to get my car." She looked at Ben who nodded and then back at Mac. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes." She smiled and embraced her friend. "He's a good guy," she whispered. She hugged Ben next. "You two have fun." The three of them walked out together and handed the two valet slips to the attendant. Ben's car came first, and Mac smiled as he opened & shut the door for Maddie. He waved at her and they drove off. Her own car came a few minutes later. She thanked the attendant and got in. She was about to head to her place, but changed her mind at the last minute when she realized how close she was to Harm's apartment. She drove to the familiar loft on autopilot and let herself in with the key she'd had for years, locking the door behind her. She went to his bedroom and sat down on the edge, and slipped off her shoes and blazer. She pulled back the covers and lay down. His scent still lingered on the pillow. She breathed it in, and then pulled the duvet up to her chin. It was only minutes before she slipped into a deep sleep.

End Part 1