Title: You Lie Next To Me

Authors: Lisa harm_n_mac4ever@hotmail.com

Rach regdav92@yahoo.com

Rating: PG

Classification: Story, Romance

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Don Bellisario & co. I am just
borrowing them for entertainment purposes. No infringement intended.

The song "When You Lie Next To Me" belongs to Kellie Coffey and her
respective management. No infringement intended. The song "I Need You"
belongs to LeAnn Rimes and her respective management as well.

Author's Note: This story hasn't been beta read, so we take 
responsibility
for any mistakes. If you appreciate our work, please drop us a line.

Summary: The love between Harm and Mac is clearly evident.

Feedback is welcome. Please send it to harm_n_mac4ever@hotmail.com &
regdav92@yahoo.com

YOU LIE NEXT TO ME

14 Feb 2003
Mac's Office
1330 Hours

"You don't have to get me anything, Harm," Colonel Sarah MacKenzie said 
to
her partner, Commander Harmon Rabb.

"I would object if I was trying to bribe you, but since I'm not, I'll
concede that we can forgo my getting you a box of chocolates today," he
replied with a smile.

"You're talking in riddles sailor and it's giving me a headache," she 
said
with a groan.

"If I'm giving you a headache, you may just drop it and let me buy you 
the
chocolates."

"In your dreams, Harm."

"How did you know you've been in my dreams lately, marine?" he asked 
with a
flyboy grin.

She tried to hold her shock in check but proved unsuccessful. "What?!?"

"Got ya!" he said as he dissolved in laughter.

"That was *so* not funny, mister," she stated with as close to a sour
expression as she could manage.

He hung his head and whispered, "Sorry, Mac."

"You should be," she said with a smile.

"I'd love to stay here chatting with you, but I have a case that's 
calling
me. Maybe we could get together tonight at my place?" he suggested with
slight hesitation.

"That sounds like a plan, Harm. We haven't spent much time together 
lately."

"I've missed that, Sarah," he said quietly.

"Me, too," she replied.

"Stop by my office when you're ready to leave?" he asked.

"That's a deal, squid."

1630 Hours
Harm's Office

The past three hours had proven uneventful for the most part, but 
somehow
Harm couldn't stop thinking of Mac. That had to be why he couldn't
concentrate on the case file. What other explanation could there 
possibly
be? Just as a thousand thoughts and questions swirled in his brain, he
looked up to find Sturgis standing in his doorway.

The last thing he needed was his friend prying into his and Mac's
relationship. He knew Sturgis meant well, but he had a habit of pushing 
just
a bit too hard sometimes.

"Hey buddy," Sturgis said as he came and sat down in front of Harm's 
desk,
"what's on your mind?"

"Nothing."

"Uh huh."

"I'm serious, Sturgis. Well, okay, there are a few things on my mind 
right
now. For one, I'd like to get out of here and go home. This case is 
really
getting to me. . .I can't concentrate."

"It's not the case that's got you all confused, Harm."

"I'm not getting into this with you right now. If I need a shrink I 
know
where to find one."

"Come on, buddy. Something big is getting to you and you're just dying 
to
tell someone."

"Things with Mac and I are well. . .better then they were a few months 
ago.
Why in the world am I telling you this?"

"'Cause keeping it to yourself is just too hard," he said with a laugh.

"We're getting together at my place tonight. I'm planning to take it 
one
step at a time with us, because I can't afford to lose her. Not after 
all
we've been through together."

"You're in love with her," Sturgis stated.

"I didn't say that," he replied defensively.

"You don't have to."

"Get out of here already, would you? Just when I think my life and 
decisions
make perfect sense, you make me question everything all over again."

"I'm just watching something that seems to have been there all along 
come
full circle, Harm," Sturgis replied with a slight smile.

1720 Hours

"Hey, sailor," Mac said as she stood in Harm's office.

"Oh hey marine," he said as he looked up from the case file, "you ready 
to
call it a night?"

"Yeah. I just have to go home and change and then I'll come to your 
place.
How does that sound?"

"Sounds great."

1759 hours
Harm's Apartment

"Okay, everything's ready. The table is set. Candles are lit. Music is
playing. And she has me talking to myself. That's just great!" Harm 
mused to
himself with a smile.

Harm heard the knock on the door and raced to greet Mac. As soon as he
opened the door, his heart stopped. She looked like an angel.

Mac on the other hand, was too busy starring at Harm's handsome body to
notice that she was still standing in his doorway, while he just stood 
and
stared at her.

She finally managed to find her voice.

"Hey Sailor," Mac said smiling.

"Hey yourself, Marine," Harm answered, moving to the side to let Mac 
come
in.

As Mac walked in the door, she saw a sight that took her breath away.
Everywhere she looked, there were roses. Red roses, yellow roses, pink
roses, and white roses. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever 
seen.

"Wow," she whispered. "I feel like I've walked into a rose garden."

"It's our Rose Garden, Sarah," he whispered as he reached for a single 
red
rose and handed it to her.

"I don't know what else to say," she admitted with a sigh of 
contentment.

"You don't have to say anything."

She walked toward the sofa and sat down. Harm followed shortly and sat 
down
beside her. They were so close together they could have touched.

"I'm starving, Harm," Mac admitted shortly.

"How does lasagna sound?"

"It sounds good as long as it's not all veggie."

"It's half veggie, half meat of course," he stated with a flyboy grin.

"Good! Although, if I had to choose, I'd take your veggie lasagna any 
day
compared to 'Harm's Meatless Meatloaf'," Mac teased as she got off the 
couch
to join Harm in the kitchen.

"Watch it Marine," Harm warned teasingly.

"What can I do to help?"

"Well, I guess you can sit at the table and save me from tripping over 
you
when I serve your food," Harm answered as he dished the lasagna and 
walked
toward the table.

"Everything looks so beautiful, Harm."

"No, nothing is beautiful compared to you Sarah," Harm complimented, 
causing
Mac to blush and smile.

"No one has ever said anything so sweet to me before," Sarah admitted
quietly.

"Well, it's true. You are the most beautiful person on the whole 
planet. You
deserve only the best, Sarah," Harm said as he reached across the table  
and
gently took her hand in his.

After about a minute, but what seemed like an eternity, Mac laced her
fingers with his.

"Would you like to dance?" Harm asked after a couple minutes of just 
sitting
there, their dinner dishes forgotten.

"But there's no music."

"Well, we can fix that," Harm said as he walked over to his stereo and
turned on a certain radio station.

"Welcome back to 'Heart to Heart', this is Laura, with all your 
favorite
love songs. This next song was dedicated by Bud, to his loving wife 
Harriet
this special Valentine's evening. Hope they both have a wonderful 
night,"
the radio DJ said as the first strains of Leanne Rimes' "I Need You" 
started
to play.

Harm looked at Mac and reached for her hand. They started to slowly 
sway, as
they just listened to the song.

"I don't need a lot of things,
I can get by with nothing
Of all the blessings life can bring,
I've always needed something
But I've got all I want
When it comes to loving you
You're my only reason,
You're my only truth

I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From Heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you

You're the hope that moves me
To courage again
You're the love that rescues me
When the cold winds rage
And it's so amazing
'Cause that's just how you are
And I can't turn back now
'Cause you've brought me too far

I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From Heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you
Oh yes I do,
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From Heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you"

Even after the song stopped, Harm & Mac continued to sway, each lost in
their own thoughts. Each had the same thought; they needed each other.

Maybe it was the emotion between them, maybe the words struck a chord
somewhere deep inside them, or maybe it was the reality of how much 
they had
been through together, but whatever it was, Harm seized the moment and
covered Mac's lips with his in a sweet kiss.

She reluctantly pulled away from him when the need for air came. She 
smiled
up at him and whispered, "I love you, Harm."

"I love you, too, Sarah."

"How could it have been so hard to say that before?" she asked quietly, 
not
really looking for an answer.

He didn't have a clear answer for her, so he chose to brush it aside 
for
now. "I've loved you from the first moment I saw you, Sarah," he 
admitted
quietly.

"You know, you've never been one to express your feelings so openly 
before."

"Maybe nearly losing the chance to tell the one person that means more 
to me
than anything else in the world has given me a new perspective."

"You're talking in riddles again, squid," she said with a chuckle.

"I thought you liked that."

"Not always."

"I may just tackle you and tickle you to death for that one, Marine," 
he
threatened teasingly.

"No, Harm, please don't," she pleaded as she tried to walk away from 
him.

He caught her easily with one strong arm and took great pleasure in 
tickling
her until she dissolved in giggles and tears of happiness.

"Told ya I'd get ya, didn't I?" he asked her as he held her down on the 
bed.

She sighed and tried to sit up but he pushed her back down and held 
her.
He'd never used force to hold her down before and while it excited her 
at
the same time it scared her. "Let me up, Harm," she said as calmly as
possible.

"Not yet, beautiful. Let me really look at you. You're so beautiful. I 
don't
think I really took the time to realize how beautiful you really are, 
Sarah
Elizabeth," he whispered.

"Let me go, please," she pleaded as a lone tear made a track down her 
cheek.

"You know I'd never hurt you don't you?" he asked, all at once afraid 
he'd
done exactly that.

"I know, Harm. At least not on purpose."

He released her and watched as she sat on the side of the bed. What had 
he
just done? Something more powerful than himself had made him want Mac 
more
than he'd ever wanted anyone before. That idea was exciting and 
frightening
all at once.

"I'm sorry," he whispered as he walked away.

"It's okay sailor," she said with a small smile. "I'd better go, it's
already 1945 and I'm sure you have things that need done."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Mac," he responded with a flyboy grin.

16 Feb 2003
1430 Hours
Harm's Office

Mac had not so subtly made it clear yesterday that she wanted nothing 
to do
with Harm. Harm, meanwhile, had been sitting in his office for the last
three hours today trying to think of a way to get back in Mac's good 
graces,
but had thus far proven unsuccessful. Just as the last shred of his 
hopes
started to fade, he looked up to find a timid marine colonel standing 
in his
doorway.

"Mac, it's good to see you," he said as evenly as possible.

"May I come in?" she asked hesitantly as she continued to stand in the
doorway.

"Of course."

She shut the door and then came to sit in front of Harm's desk. What 
could
she possibly say that would excuse her behavior the day before? The 
only
reason she'd avoided him was because she was scared to death of where 
their
relationship might be heading. At the same time, she was excited by 
that
same possibility.

"Harm, there's something you don't know," she began, "but that's only
because I wasn't sure you felt the same way."

"You can tell me, Sarah," he said gently.

"It's funny," she said with a laugh, "but it was easier to tell your 
friend
this than it is to tell you."

"You told Sturgis, but you're afraid to tell me?" he questioned.

"I'm afraid of a lot of things. I'm also afraid if I don't tell you 
then
I'll spend the rest of my life wondering what might have been."

"I don't know if this will make it easier for you, but I love you, 
Sarah,"
he said tenderly.

"It does," she admitted with a smile. "I love you too, Harm."

"Really?" Harm asked, still not sure if he'd heard her right.

"Yes! I've loved you for a long time!"

Before Mac could say anything more Harm had silenced her with a long,
passionate kiss. They only separated after the need for air hit them.

"Harm?" Mac whispered, her voice ragged.

"Hmmm?"

"You do realize that your blinds weren't closed and we just gave the 
office
a show. Not to mention, the Admiral is coming toward the office," Mac 
said,
still within the secure hold of Harm's arms.

A few seconds later, the Admiral came into the office.

"Rabb! MacKenzie! My office...NOW!" A.J. ordered then turned and left.

"Oh boy, we're in trouble now," Harm said softly, not wanting to let 
Mac go.

"Don't worry. We'll get through this. Together." Mac reassured him.

"I like the sound of that," Harm said as he reluctantly let go of Mac.

"Of what?" Mac whispered as they made their way to A.J.'s office.

"Together. You and me," Harm spoke, as he knocked on the door to the 
office.

"Enter!" came the gruff reply.

Harm shot Mac a reassuring look as they stood at attention.

"At ease, and have a seat," AJ said, trying to hide a smile at their
uneasiness.

"About what I saw earlier."AJ started

"Sir, we can explain," Harm interrupted.

"Just let me finish, although I'd love to hear your  explanation," AJ 
said,
looking at Harm and Mac, who started to look uncomfortable.

"Well, as your friend, all I can say is that it's about time!" He 
paused to
smile, then turned serious.

"But since you are in the same chain of command." he paused for air, 
and
looked at the two. They knew it was coming, but they looked like they 
both
were about to lose their best friend.

"You two are my best lawyers. Lord knows SecNav owes me a favor. Let me 
see
what I can do as long as you two can behave as professionals. That will 
be
all," AJ said, smiling at the relieved faces of his two best attorneys, 
and
closet friends.

1930 Hours
Mac's Apartment

It had been quite a day, Mac thought as she sat on the sofa. That was
definitely an understatement, but thankfully the admiral was willing to 
see
what he could do for her and Harm. Nothing would be worse than being in
separate chains of command . . .well. . .that and if she was to lose 
him
forever.

After a few moments, Mac got up and switched on her radio. She happened 
to
tune it to a station where there was a dedication radio show called 
Love
Someone hosted by Carrie.

"Do you have a special someone?" Carrie asked her audience. "If you're
thinking of them and you want them to know how much you care, I'm 
taking
dedications for the next two hours."

'Hmm, Mac thought, 'maybe I should call in and dedicate a song to Harm.
After the day we've had maybe that's just what we need.'

Mac shakily dialed the number and was connected to Carrie shortly.

"Welcome to Love Someone," Carrie said warmly. "Have you got a special
someone?"

"Yes, I do. My name's Sarah and I want to dedicate a song to Harm."

"What song would you like?"

"When You Lie Next To Me."

"We'll get that on shortly, Sarah."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Harm's Apartment
Same Time

Harm had just flipped his radio on when he heard the DJ say, "We've got 
a
dedication from Sarah. Harm, this is for you."

"Baby tonight we could close the door
And lock ourselves inside
Take time to feel
I don't wanna miss the chance to be so real
The days all fly away and I forget the truth
Everything that matters yes in this room

When you lie next to me
Breathin' the air I breathe
We don't have to speak and just breathe
And love's a precious thing
Don't wanna waste a day or one more minute
Without you in it
Life is so sweet
When you lie next to me

My heart is yours
But every part of me
Still wants to give you more
More time to love
'Cause you never know when life will leave us
I wanna take in all the beauty here
Let the world around us just disappear

When you lie next to me
Breathin' the air I breathe
We don't have to speak and just breathe
And love's a precious thing
Don't wanna waste a day or one more minute
Without you in it
Life is so sweet
When you lie next to me
Lie next to me

When you lie next to me
Breathin' the air I breathe
We don't have to speak and just breathe
And love's a precious thing
Don't wanna waste a day or one more minute
Without you in it
Life is so sweet
When you lie next to me
When you lie next to me"

As soon as the song finished, Harm picked up the phone and dialed the
familiar number. "Hi, beautiful," he whispered, "isn't it awful being
alone?"

"Yes, it is. I don't know how much longer I can stand it."

"Thank you for the song, Sarah."

"You're welcome."

"I'll be over in a few."

"I'd like that," she said with a smile.

1945 Hours

As soon as she heard the knock on the door, she opened it with 
anticipation.
There he stood, all 6'4" inches of him, in the uniform that made her 
weak.
He looked so sexy in those whites that she could have sworn he looked
illegal.

"Hi," he said as he walked closer to her and planted a sweet kiss on 
her
lips.

"Have I ever told you I'm a sucker for dress whites?"

"I remember you mentioning it once."

He walked closer toward her and picked her up in his arms. Then he 
walked
purposefully toward her bedroom and placed her gently on the bed.

"Hi, sailor," Mac whispered as she looked at Harm.

"Hi, beautiful," he replied as he touched her face.

"Kiss me," she said hesitantly.

His lips covered hers in the softest of kisses and when the need for 
air
came, he reluctantly broke contact and smiled at her.

"Have you ever loved someone so much you thought you'd explode?" she 
asked.

"Yes, and she's right here."

Not knowing what to do besides blush, Mac started to softly sing:

"We don't have to speak and just breathe
And love's a precious thing
Don't wanna waste a day or one more minute
Without you in it
Life is so sweet
When you lie next to me"

"That was beautiful. Although nothing is as beautiful as you are, 
Sarah,"
Harm said softly.

"I'm so lucky to have you in my life," Mac replied in a whisper.

"No, I'm the lucky one. My life would be empty without you in it."

"Then I guess we're both lucky," Mac said and kissed him.

"That we are, Sarah. That we are," Harm said as he held his Sarah in 
his
arms.

"If I had one wish, I'd wish that I'd wake up every morning with you 
holding
me. . .forever," she whispered.

"All I need is for you to lie next to me," he whispered back as he held 
and
kissed her.

The End