Tag to S03E08 – Revenge, catacombs, Le Fantome

The Ghost is dead, the bombings are over, despite what the Ghost had told him. Matty said to let it go and his friends tried to make him forget about it. But things didn't really work like that in his head, and there was one person who knew.

Mac leaned on the balcony, staring at the city's lights that never went out. The lights were just blobs from where he was standing, but he wasn't really focused on them anyway. After their campfire and hearing Jack's insane and probably exaggerated stories over the phone, Charlie, Riley and Matty had gone home and Bozer had gone to bed.

Except Mac couldn't sleep. He kept seeing the Ghost, on the floor, bleeding to death. He was gone now, and although Matty had told him not to let him stay in his head, apparently, he did just that. He couldn't just magically turn a switch in his brain and make him forget all about it.

After almost two hours of tossing and turning, Mac had decided to get some fresh air to maybe clear his head. It was a bit chilly outside, but he didn't mind. After another hour, he hadn't even noticed anymore. He just wished the breeze could numb his mind too.

A floorboard creaked and he spun around so fast he almost fell over. His heart was in his throat, adrenaline spiking, his body on high alert.

'Don't be alarmed, it's just me.'

Mac closed his eyes and let out a deep, relieved breath at the familiar voice.

'What are you doing here Jack?'

Jack walked over and took a spot next to Mac, also leaning forward, joining him at staring at the city.

'I could ask you the same thing.'

'I live here.'

'It's four in the morning.'

There was a moment of silence, Mac hesitating. 'I couldn't sleep.'

Jack glanced at him and nodded.

'I figured. After I heard what happened.'

Mac frowned and looked at him. 'How do you know what happened?'

Jack turned, resting one arm on the balcony, facing him.

'It was a four hour flight,' he said. 'I read the report. Can't believe I didn't get to break his bones.'

Mac smirked. He knew Jack would've wanted to be there, but he had been called away on some other mission.

'He's gone now,' Mac softly said, repeating Matty's words to him from tonight.

'Damn right he is,' Jack answered, still watching him. 'So why aren't you peacefully sleeping now?'

Mac didn't reply, but he could tell by Jack's look that he didn't have to.

'Because,' Jack said, deciding to answer it for him, 'he's still running around and blowing things up in your head.' He tapped Mac's head, who swatted away his hand. He avoided his eyes and looked down at the bushes and trees, as if that way he could escape the conversation.

'I know I shouldn't let him haunt me,' Mac started.

'Wise words.'

'They were Matty's.'

Jack grinned. 'Guess my wisdom is rubbing off on her.'

Mac smirked and shook his head. He thought of what to say but Jack beat him to it.

'You know she is right, Mac. He can't hurt anyone anymore. You should let it go.'

Mac sighed. Jack sounded like Matty. They were both right, but the Ghost's words still echoed in his head. He hadn't told his friends, only Matty, but he knew Jack would eventually pry it out of him anyway.

'He said he hid a bomb somewhere for me,' he said. He held up his hand when Jack opened his mouth to speak. 'I know, I know, it was probably just him trying to get to me. But what if he's right, Jack? I can't let anyone die again because of him. I just can't.' The image of his dead mentor flashed before his eyes again, and he tried to force back the emotions that came with it. Jack noticed and moved somewhat, not too close to make him feel claustrophobic, but enough to show how much he cared.

'Even if he was telling the truth, and he was not,' Jack said, 'We will deal with it, like we've dealt with everything before. You managed to disarm this impossible bomb too, didn't you?'

Mac smirked, thinking about his tiny panic attack when he had doubted himself for a second. Thankfully, Riley had been there to snap him out of it.

'I guess you're right.'

There was a moment of silence in which both men stared ahead again. It was a comfortable silence, and Mac felt himself relax.

'How did you know I'd be here?' he asked. He saw Jack smile.

'I know you, and even though I have no idea how the smart parts of that big brain of yours work, I know what can keep you up at night.'

Mac blushed lightly. He was never really big on talking about feelings or emotions, but somehow Jack always found a way to get it out of him. Not in a forceful way, but enough to open him up when he needed to.

'Besides,' Jack continued, with his familiar devilish grin. 'If you had been asleep, I could've raided your fridge for leftovers without you even knowing.'

Mac snickered and shook his head. That was typically Jack too. Make him feel safe and always find something to lighten the mood. He was glad his friend knew him that well.

'Thanks, Jack,' he said. He couldn't suppress a yawn and caught Jack looking at him with amusement. Mac rolled his eyes. 'Yes, I know, I should go to bed.'

'I didn't say anything.'

'Your eyes did.'

Jack dramatically blinked a few times, causing Mac to chuckle softly.

'My eyes don't lie. And my eyes really want to rest too, so you better go to sleep, because I'm not leaving until you do.'

Mac groaned.

'I'm not a child.'

Still, he turned and went inside, Jack following him.

'Agree to disagree, but nevertheless, you are my brother, and family take care of each other.'

Mac turned off the lights in the living room as Jack walked to the front door. Mac didn't want to admit it, but he was glad Jack had come over, even if it had been just for this short conversation. The Ghost wasn't out of his head yet, and wouldn't be for some time, but he somehow really needed Jack to tell him it was going to be fine.

'Thanks for stopping by,' he said, saying more than just that with it. Jack smiled. He knew.

'Anytime.'

He stepped out into the night while Mac walked to his bedroom door. The front door didn't close though, so he turned around, frowning. Jack had popped his head back in.

'Now that I'm here, are there any leftovers in the fridge? Because there was no meal service on the plane and-'

Mac shot him a look, and with a grin and apologizing motion with his hand, Jack disappeared and closed the door. Mac snickered and shook his head as he lay down in his bed.

His night wasn't dreamless, but every time he did wake up, he imagined all his friends by his side working on the problem, and it got him through with just enough hours of sleep to wake up with a feeling it would all be alright.