A/N: This takes place after the series finale. I felt the urge to tie up some loose ends.
A huge thank you, Sueg5123, for your help, your encouraging words, and your beta-work! Still, all mistakes are mine of course.
No copyright infringement intended.
Mac stood in Charlie's office, gazing through the room. The shelves, the window-sills and the desk were empty; his personal belongings gone. She had to remind herself that it wasn't his office anymore. It was hers.
It had been five days since his funeral; five days since she had been promoted. She hadn't had much time to think from where she was going to run ACN. The last days were full and confusing. Will was released from prison, Neal was back, Charlie's death and funeral, her promotion and on top of all the knowledge of her pregnancy. In the moment she realized she had to move into Charlie's office it was poor Will at whom she aimed her anger. It was late, he was already in bed and she in the bathroom when it hit her. Storming out, she yelled that she couldn't do it. He needed some time and more words from her to understand why she was so upset. When she finally choked out what her problem was he tried to reason with her and said Charlie wouldn't want any other person moving into this office than her. Still, Mac hated it.
They argued until late that night and at some point Mac began to feel sorry for Will. He wasn't the reason why she had to move into the other office. She apologized and he took her in his arms, telling her there was no need to, he understood how she felt.
She couldn't understand why he had so much faith in her. She felt (even if she would never admit it) insecure. So many people, so many families were depending on her now and that she would keep ACN and Lucas Pruit under control, or like Will said, the water out of her boat.
She felt small, not only because of her flat shoes (the first argument Will won about her pregnancy), but also because she didn't know how to live up to Charlie's office and the responsibility it brought with it.
She became aware of the unpleasant feeling in her gut and unconsciously put her hand on her stomach. "I know, baby" she whispered. "I don't like it either."
Sighing deeply, she walked over to the desk, touching it with her fingertips. A box with some personal items stood on top of it but she hesitated to take them out.
She hated how empty the room was without Charlie's presence and without his personal touch and in a sudden outburst she put the box to the ground. Her poor belongings would never suffice to fill the room.
An envelope on the desk caught her eye.
He's with you, Kenzie.
She recognized Sloan's handwriting and tears filled her eyes when she reached into the envelope and had one of Charlie's bowties in her hand. Laughing and crying at the same time, she carefully laid the bowtie in one of the shelves and looked pleased. Suddenly the room didn't feel empty anymore.
And maybe, just maybe, she could do this.