I don't own MacGyver.

Also, I will post the last chapter of Meeting Nick soon. Please read and review my MacGyver/CSI crossover!

Just a little MacRiley one-shot inspired by 5x10. The title will kind of explain itself. Please read and review!

Mac had never been more terrified.

I can't pretend the last twenty-four hours didn't happen. They did.

Riley had been in surgery for what felt like days. He cursed himself for her getting hurt.

And I have to know. Did it work?

Why did she have to take the bullet? Mac wanted nothing more than to erase the moment she went limp in his arms. The terror in her eyes said more than any words ever could. He heard Desi and Russ tackle the person who shot her. Everything sounded like white noise as Riley limply fell to the ground.

Mac tried to hold onto her. He put pressure on the wound, begging her to stay with him.

"Medivac is on the way," he heard Matty say over the coms.

Riley held Mac's gaze. The pain and horror she felt spoke clearly.

"Riles, stay with me," Mac begged. "Please."

"Mac," she whispered. All the energy faded as she briefly closed her eyes.

"No," Mac said. "No, no, no, no!" He moved one bloody hand up to cup her cheek. "Riley, stay awake!"

Everything that happened next was a blur. The helicopter, the medics shouting out vitals and orders, Matty and Russ insisting Mac go with her...there was no way he would stay behind.

Desi numbly watched as Mac refused to leave Riley's side. Mac insisted on getting on the chopper with her. Russ pulled Desi aside and told her to get in his car waiting nearby.

Mac moved so the medics could tend to Riley. He refused to let go of her hand. All the medical terms he normally understood went over his head as he stared at the woman he'd been through so much with. She looked so helpless.

When they arrived at Medical, Riley was whisked away and Mac hand to pry his hand from hers. He watched as they whisked her into surgery. For all the science he knew, Mac felt more helpless than he'd ever been. He would have given anything to change places with the woman. He thought of how Jack would feel if he could see the woman who was like a daughter to him so helpless.

He barely heard Matty and Bozer approach. "Mac!" Bozer said. Mac finally turned to him, but words wouldn't come.

"Mac," Matty said. "She's a fighter. She'll come through this."

Mac wanted to believe her. He knew Riley was one of - no - the strongest woman he'd ever known.

When the doctor finally came out to talk to them, they all breathed a sigh of relief. No organ damage, and Riley would make a full recovery.

Before the doctor could give permission, Mac walked to the recovery room. When he saw her lying there, he could barely breathe. While a nasal cannula and a heart monitor were the only machinery needed, Riley still looked helpless.

And I have to know. Did it work?

Mac came into the room. A nurse greeted him with a smile as she checked Riley's IV. Mac barely noticed - his attention was on the woman lying in the bed. If not for the monitors and medical staff, it would have been peaceful.

The nurse left as Mac sat in the chair beside the bed. She looked so calm. Mac wished the last several hours had never happened. But he realized with more clarity than ever before just how he felt.

Hiding your emotions and letting them pass. Did it work?

Holding Riley's hand and staring at her beautiful, sleeping face, Mac realized the answer to the conversation he'd had with Riley days before.

It didn't work.

Tears formed as he looked at the woman who'd seen him through so much. No matter what, she was always by his side, no questions asked. As Mac thought of their conversation and tears escaped his eyes, Mac said the only words that meant anything.

"I love you, Riles."

He bowed his head and cried onto the mattress, still holding Riley's hand. He cried for everything he and Riley had been through in the last few years. For Jack. For his father. For Gwen. For everything.

Moments later, he felt a gentle squeeze.

He lifted his head and saw Riley's eyes flutter. His heart pounded as he watched Riley waking up. He said a silent "thank you" as she opened her beautiful brown eyes. In a couple of moments, those eyes were looking at him.

A sob of relief escaped Mac as their eyes found each other. Mac was in awe of how much he truly felt for her. He held her gaze as a small smile crossed her face. Before he could say anything, Riley's smile grew and she gave him his answer in a sleep-heavy voice.

"Didn't work."

Mac kissed her hand. "I know." He sat up and gently kissed her forehead. Riley blissfully closed her eyes and put her arm around Mac. Both of them just held each other, grateful to have each other.

They finally had each other.

The End