These stories are part of my MacGyver AU series. You can find information on its premise, philosophy and origins and a timeline of stories on my profile page.

Feedback is welcome! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Entrapment

Summary: MacGyver contemplates the latest trap he's found himself in.

-1996-

He was trapped, surrounded on three sides. Unable to move an inch with three weights pressing firmly against him. The pressure was almost suffocating. Something had to be done.

MacGyver opened his eyes, immediately taking in his surroundings.

He was at home, sprawled on the couch, long legs stretched out on the coffee table. A hockey game played on TV, the volume muted. Rain poured down outside the nearest window, one of Southern California's winter downpours. It was a lazy Saturday afternoon, amazingly free of assignments, obligations or interruptions by his friends.

On his left side was Becky, curled up sleeping against him, his arm wrapped around her petite form. Her head rested on his chest, college textbook lying forgotten on her lap. Her breathing was deep and even, a small smile playing on her lips. Over the past ten years his niece had blossomed from a quiet, shy teenager into a beautiful and accomplished young woman. Now she was 24, working at Phoenix on an internship while pursuing a double Master's degree in Psychology and Anthropology, with a focus on dream research like her mother. Becky had her own place nearby but enjoyed spending weekends with Mac and Nikki, especially the "quality cuddle time" with her uncle that could only be indulged on rare non-eventful days like this.

Nikki rested her head on his right shoulder, her seven-months-pregnant body leaning heavily against him. Still half-asleep, she grumbled under her breath as she shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position. He'd known her for ten years but they had been married for only three; somewhere between the assignments, adventures, and countless arguments (not to mention those amazing passionate make-up sessions in later years) they gradually came to acknowledge their deep, abiding love for one another. Now this stubborn, infuriating, brilliant and beautiful woman (even downright sexy while carrying their second child, he had to admit) was his wife.

He looked down, smiling at the little boy sprawled fast asleep on his chest. James Ian Harrison MacGyver, one year old and already a charmer according to every female who crossed his path at Phoenix. He had Nikki's dark brown hair with Mac's velvet brown eyes and bright, heartwarming grins. He also had his father's penchant for getting into trouble- much to the consternation of his parents and babysitting cousin- ever since he was able to walk on his own. Little Jimmy could take things apart with ease, but someday soon, Mac mused, he'd have to start teaching his son how to put them back together again. Otherwise Nikki would be sure to think up creative ways to eviscerate Mac with his own Swiss Army Knife, while Becky tied him up in duct tape beforehand.

Such was life in the MacGyver-Carpenter-Grahme household.

So, yeah. He was trapped, all right. Trapped with two beloved women and his wonderful handful of a son, with a second sibling on the way. Trapped in a domestic situation he'd never planned nor expected, one begun ten years ago when he became guardian to his orphaned niece and filled thereafter with constant challenges and adventures, both good and bad.

It was a trap, MacGyver had to admit as he made himself more comfortable against his family and closed his eyes, from which he never- ever- wanted to escape.