Mac watched Adam; the younger man enthralled in a fitful sleep. His temperature had evened out after the shower, and Mac felt relief at the thought that Adam would be ok. The shower itself had been a trial. Adam had asked in a low, sultry voice if Mac would like to join him, and Mac had to force himself to say no. He didn't understand where this sudden desire for Adam had come from although, if he let himself think about it, he'd realise it was there all along. Mac was a man of great control, but these were anything but normal circumstances. Here in his room, alone except for the unconscious man on his bed, Mac could admit to himself his feelings for Adam had been building for a while now. The first time he'd honestly noticed was after he got back from London. Hearing the stories of what happened to Adam at the hands of those gun-runners made his fists clench at his sides. He felt guilty that he hadn't stayed; hadn't checked that everyone was ok before flying off on vacation with his girlfriend. Mac shook his head to himself. Adam wouldn't have admitted anything was wrong if Mac had called. It had been the same when that house exploded; flinging Adam across the street. The young man hadn't stopped to take stock of his own injuries; he'd just made sure everyone else was ok. Mac had practically forced Adam to sit down and take a breath. No matter how weak Adam was perceived to be, Mac saw the true strength of the man, and that was what drew him in. Adam shifted in his sleep, and Mac looked over to him worriedly. He visibly deflated when he saw Adam still sleeping peacefully; his heart race had calmed and his skin was no longer shining with sweat. With a soft sigh, Mac decided it was ok to relax. Getting off the bed, Mac moved to a chair next to the bed and sat down heavily. With one last look at Adam, Mac let his head fall back and closed his eyes.

(~*~*~)

The sound of a phone ringing permeated Mac's senses and he slowly woke; automatically reaching for the offending object and answering.

"Taylor," Mac's voice was groggy and he still hadn't opened his eyes.

"Mac; how's our patient doing?" Mac opened his eyes this time; looking over to the bed where Adam was still asleep.

"He's sleeping," Mac answered as relief washed over him. "His temperature evened out at around midnight and he slept through the night."

"That's great. Will you be coming to work today, or do you want to keep an eye on Adam for a while?" Mac was about to say he'd be in soon, but one look back towards the bed and the words were tumbling out before he could stop them.

"I'll keep an eye on Adam for today. If he's feeling better, we'll both be in work tomorrow. There are sick day forms on my desk; ask Danny to fill them out for us." Sheldon replied positively, and they said their goodbyes. Mac dropped his phone to the table and stood up slowly. Adam didn't stir as Mac sat on the edge of the bed, and the older man took the opportunity to check Adam over. His skin had returned to a normal colour, his breathing was even and relaxed. Mac reached out and pressed his fingers lightly to Adam's throat; feeling the strong, steady beat of Adam's pulse. The touch roused Adam, his hand immediately moving to cover Mac's hand at his neck. Adam's eyes flickered open and immediately locked on to Mac's. Mac tried to move away, but Adam's hand tightened on his own as a small smile came to his lips.

"Morning," Adam whispered. Mac couldn't help smiling.

"Morning," He replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Adam answered before stopping to take stock of himself. "Calmer," He sighed. Mac tried to cover his worry at the contact he still had with Adam's skin.

"Do you remember-"

"Everything," Adam cut Mac off; his hand subconsciously tightening on Mac's wrist. "Thank you."

"For what?" Mac asked with a self-deprecating smile.

"For holding me off last night," Adam sat slowly, not letting go of Mac's hand but instead drawing it close to his chest. "I wouldn't have wanted our first time together to be…" Adam trailed off; as if realizing what he had just said. He'd all but admitted to wanting to sleep with his boss. To his surprise, Mac smiled softly.

"It's ok, Adam," Mac spoke when he saw the fear flash in Adam's eyes. "Sheldon explained the nature of the drug to me." Despite the words, Adam panicked. He dropped Mac's hand and tried to move away, only to be stopped by Mac taking his hand again. Slowly, Adam looked up. Mac was still wearing that same, reassuring smile. "It's ok." Mac repeated and it took Adam a moment to understand the true meaning. Once the pieces were connected, Adam sighed in relief; squeezing Mac's hand back slowly.
"You should eat something," Mac said eventually; realizing what the time was. "You had a long night." Adam nodded and Mac moved off the bed. Adam followed quickly; pulling softly on Mac's arm to make the older man look. With stunted movements, Adam brought their heads together; laying a soft, timid kiss on Mac's lips. He pulled back to gauge Mac's reaction, but didn't have time to assess his expression as Mac pulled Adam back in and kissed him properly. Adam melted against Mac immediately; his hands wrapping around Mac's shoulders. Mac pulled back first, and for a second Adam chased his lips. Mac laughed softly at the display before his expression turned serious.
"Breakfast," Mac spoke and Adam forced his eyes open.

"Ok," Adam answered; it seemed all he was capable of saying. Mac moved to leave the room, but Adam still had a hold on his arm, and he resisted. Mac turned back with a question in his eyes. Adam simple smiled before leading Mac back towards the bed and pulling him down. Mac was about to protest, but Adam settled down on his chest and wrapped and arm around his boss' waist.
"Sleep first," Adam spoke softly. Mac laughed again and shook his head. Still, he wrapped his arm around Adam and closed his eyes.

The End