Chapter 8: Kiss and Make It Better
Summary: Becky discovers MacGyver's various scars for the first time.
Note: Takes place during Family Resemblance Part I.
-July, 1986-
"Oh, my."
MacGyver paused in his shaving and saw the shocked reflection of his niece framed in the doorway, blue eyes wide with surprise behind her glasses and mouth open. He rinsed the razor in the sink, reached for a towel to wipe his face and turned towards her. He was shirtless and barefoot, wearing only jeans. "Unc, you've been hurt. "
"It's nothing, Becky." He smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine."
She shook her head. "Those scars aren't nothing. When did you get those? What happened?"
"Some I got working for the DXS. Others doin' other stuff." He shrugged self-consciously. "A couple from when I was a kid, acting without thinkin' things through. Your mom can tell you what happened when you get back home if you're still curious."
"Do they hurt?"
"No, not really. Haven't for a long time." Mac smiled gently, hiding the embarrassment he inwardly felt. He knew where each scar was, remembered every circumstance that had caused them. Whenever he looked at his reflection when changing clothes or after a shower sometimes they were all he could see. They served as reminders of assignments where he had fought and nearly lost his life, the challenges endured and the lives of others lost along the way. He ruefully acknowledged their presence when necessary but otherwise did his best to forget they ever existed.
There were others he bore as well- inside his heart and memory- which would never heal as easily as their physical counterparts, caused by betrayal and loss. Those were much harder to forget. He was ashamed of all of them, each one a reminder of things he could, would, or should have done differently. Every scar was a cause for regret and there was nothing he could do about it.
Mac felt his heart begin to ache as she continued to regard him with a mixture of shock, confusion and curiosity in her eyes. Clearly this was a side of him, a weakness, she'd never expected to see. She must feel as disgusted by them as I am. Maybe she's even disappointed now, after realizing I'm not her perfect knight.
Finally Becky approached him, tentatively raising a hand, glancing up for permission. He nodded, willing himself to remain passive as she examined his upper body, her hands lightly sweeping over every cruel mark. Everything she touched also received a gentle brush of her lips, as if attempting to heal them through the old childhood remedy.
Kiss and make it better.
And in a way, he suddenly realized with a surge of tenderness, she actually was making it better. Through each touch and kiss she was loving them, accepting them. Accepting him, flawed as he was.
When she was finished she settled against him, resting her head against his chest. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly.
"For what? You didn't cause those scars, sweetheart. They're not your fault."
"I'm sorry you have them. Sorry that the world's a place where anyone can get hurt like that. I hate knowing now that this could happen again out there to you, just by doing what you do." She wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug, as if protecting him from the dangers outside through her presence alone.
MacGyver stared down at her, feeling nothing but love and affection for his petite niece. She was so gentle, kind and compassionate. My princess, he thought fondly. "I know," he murmured in reply.
"But I'm also glad you do go out there and help people, even if it does mean you get hurt. You know Unc," she added, blushing, "for a long time I've had this image of you as a knight, going out and fighting all kinds of monsters and villains. Imagine my surprise when Mom told me you actually did something like that for real, working for the government and now at the Foundation."
She looked up at him, eyes shining with love. "That's one of the things I love most about you, Uncle Mac. You're so brave. You're not afraid to go out there and fight for what you believe in, to make the world a better place no matter the cost. I wish I could be like that when I'm older. I'm lucky to have you in my life."
He embraced her in return. "Oh, Becky. Thank you. I'm lucky to have you in my life too. And I have no doubt someday you'll be brave enough to stand up for what you believe in. Trust me."
As they continued to hold each other close MacGyver felt something in his heart beginning to ease, like an open wound gradually healing itself. However much he hated his scars, Becky still loved him for what he was and that meant far more to him than she would ever know. Her unconditional acceptance of him- scars and all- might be enough to help him learn to love himself again, to give him new reason to go out and do his best to make the world a better place. He silently vowed to spend the rest of his life trying to make sure he paid her back for such a priceless gift by loving and caring for her as much as she did him.
