A/N. This can be seen as a slash, father/son or straight friendship: depending on which way your head is screwed on.
"Why did you defy me like that?" Adam looked up through his lashes as Mac tended the cut on his forehead. There was no heat behind the question; just genuine curiosity. With a small sigh, Adam decided to opt for the truth.
"Because you're not my father." Mac didn't know how to react to the statement. Adam seemed so relieved to say it. Adam caught the confused look Mac was trying to hide and, with a small smile, he elaborated.
"When I started at the lab, I did every little thing you said like it was a message from God. I did that because you were the boss, and I respected you." Mac looked hurt at this; Adam didn't respect him anymore? Adam continued.
"But mostly I did it because I was afraid of you. You were so stern and direct, and I was always afraid you'd realise you made a mistake. I thought you'd find out what a waste of space I am." Mac was about to protest, but he could see Adam wasn't finished.
"After a while, you started to smile at me when I did something right. You asked my opinion and you agreed with it sometimes. I've never been given that kind of freedom to grow in a job." Adam looked at Mac meaningfully, the gratitude shining through.
"You're not my father. He could never have helped me become who I am. You taught me to stand by my convictions, even if that means taking some heat." Mac smiled softly and Adam ducked his head. Mac didn't know what to say, so he just continued dabbing at Adam's injuries.
"I'm sorry," Adam whispered after a moment. He looked up in time to see Mac shake his head a little.
"Don't be," He said softly. "You made a decision, and you stood by it. I'm proud of you." A wide smile split Adam's face, and Mac couldn't help smiling back.
"You want some coffee?" Adam asked, a little too enthusiastically. Mac understood; he was done tending to Adam, but the younger man didn't want to be left alone just yet. Mac nodded shortly.
"I'd love some, thanks." Adam smiled again before standing up and leaving to make the coffee. Mac watching him leave and thought about the weedy little kid that had first walked into his lab. In the five years Mac had known him, the boy had grown into a man; and Mac couldn't be prouder of the man Adam had become.
The End.