A/N: Someone asked for a second chapter, and thankfully my muse was happy to provide! And again, thank you all so much for the reviews.


Jack hovered near Mac as an EMT stitched up the gash on the back of his head, waving off any EMTs that tried to tend to him. Mac was gripping the stretcher he sat on, his head ducked and his breaths hitching. Jack squeezed his shoulder, doing his best to distract him.

"You know," he broached carefully, "this would be easier if you let her give you some pain meds."

"No," Mac snapped roughly, pressing the insides of his elbows against his sides. "No needles."

"Ok, ok," Jack said quickly, backing off before he panicked – it was enough of a miracle he was allowing the one sewing up his head. "Just keep going the old-fashioned way, then."

Mac shot a guilty glance at him. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"No, no, you're fine," Jack said, moving his thumb in circles. "You've had one hell of a long day."

"And… done," the EMT announced, setting her materials down and flashing a reassuring smile at Mac. He slumped and leaned against Jack's hand. "If you'd like to get into the ambulance so we can take you to the hospital-"

Mac stiffened again, and, remembering his promise, Jack spoke up. "No, thank you, I'll just take him home."

The EMT pursed her lips. "Sir, your friend has a concussion, and should be monitored for at least 24 hours."

"I know the drill. I'll watch him," Jack reiterated. "After the day he's had, he's only getting in the cramped back of an ambulance if he's actively dying."

The EMT eyed him a moment longer, debating, and finally relented. "All right. But if he shows any sign of worsening, call 911 immediately."

"Yes, ma'am," Jack promised. "Come on, Mac."

Jack braced his partner as he slid off the stretcher, but he still winced when his feet hit the ground. "Are your ankles all right?"

"They're not broken or anything. They just… ache… a little."

"Riiiight," Jack said. "That was convincing."

"Let's just get to the…" Mac trailed off, realizing how they had to get home. "…car."

Jack wrapped a firm arm around Mac's shoulders and guided him forward. "I'll drive as quick as possible, ok?"

"Uh, no you won't," Matty said sharply.

Jack turned to see her walking towards them. "But-"

She pointed over her shoulder at a black van. "You're injured too, Dalton, so Bozer's driving."

"Oh. Yay…"

Mac just lurched reluctantly forward. "Might as well get this over with," he muttered.

Jack and Mac settled in the back, Mac immediately rolling his window down and closing his eyes. "I hate today."

Bozer started driving, using the rearview mirror to shoot a worried glance at his friend before focusing on the road. Jack put his hand back on Mac's shoulder and left it there. "I know, kid. So do I."

-MG-

After an endless drive of Jack and Bozer keeping up a stream of conversation to distract Mac, they finally pulled up to the house. Mac bailed instantly, sinking to the ground a few steps from the car and putting his face in shaking hands. Jack gave him a few moments before kneeling beside him.

"I can see the appeal, but this really ain't the best spot to rest, kid."

Mac huffed a feeble laugh. "I don't care. I'm not going inside."

"You can stay on the chaise longue on the porch," Bozer offered. "I can bring out blankets and water and stuff."

Jack pointed at Bozer. "I like the way you think. Does that sound good, Mac?"

Peering out between his fingers, Mac contemplated them both for a moment. Then he dropped his hands, revealing that he was biting his lip. "Fine."

While Bozer went off to get the aforementioned blankets and water and stuff, Jack helped Mac up and led him to the porch. Mac breathed a sigh of relief as he stretched out on the chair, his head tilted to keep pressure off his injury, and wrapped his arms around himself. Jack picked up one chair and moved it next to Mac. Bozer came out with two water bottles and two blankets, then went back inside to get some sleep.

"Stop staring at me," Mac said, even though his eyes were closed.

Jack leaned back, forcing himself to look away. "I'm not staring."

"I can feel it."

"I'm observing you."

"So you are staring at me."

"…Just shut up."

Mac smiled triumphantly. "Knew it."

"Oh, just go to sleep."

Mac cracked open one eye. "Thanks."

"For what?" Jack asked, taking a swig of water.

"For staring."

Slowly, Jack swallowed. "Now I know you have brain damage."

Mac chuckled and shook his head once, wincing. "I just mean… thanks for not, you know-"

"Leaving?" Jack checked. "Mac, I'll never leave you. Like I said, I'm your bodyguard – even when the bad guy's your own brain. Speaking of which, you should probably catch some shuteye before I have to wake you up to make sure that's still working right."

"It never worked right," Mac joked.

Jack chuckled. "Buddy, I think your brain works better than anyone else's."

Mac blinked his eyes open, his gaze unfocused. "Not today."

Jack very lightly smacked his shoulder. "None of today was your fault, and if you try to say it was, I will smack you upside the head."

Mac didn't even bother pretending to cover his face. "You wouldn't."

"You're right, I wouldn't. Now go to sleep."

Mac adjusted his position, snuggling deeper into his chair. A moment later, he was fast asleep and snoring lightly.

After glancing around to make sure Bozer wouldn't see, Jack rested his hand amidst Mac's blond locks. You are never leaving my side again.

Unconsciously, Mac pressed into his touch. Jack smiled, a mixture of relief that Mac was there and alive, and a touch of the love he'd always felt for his eccentric little brother.

"Good night, kid."


A/N: I admit, that got cheesy, but I'm a sucker for platonic snuggling between my brOTPs, ok? It's my kryptonite. It doesn't happen enough. In any fandom. (Honestly, I love Hawaii Five-0 for the fact that Steve and Danny can actually say "I love you" to each other without feeling awkward.)