A/N: Thank you for the reviews. Here is part two :) Hope you enjoy... we so need MacRiley on the show asap.

Hidden Desires - Part Two

Mac POV

"Bozer. I don't understand why she's moving out."

"Mac, you've been obsessing over this for days. She told you why." Bozer's voice sounds tired of the subject continuing to circle back around to Riley.

"Yes but she said she was doing it to give us space. I asked if it made her feel uncomfortable."

"What did she say?" I notice Bozer has been more cautious before speaking since his slip of the tongue the other day.

"Bozer, what are you hiding? Ever since you slipped up about her moving out, you've been thinking before you speak… a lot. So what other secret is there?" He sighs before turning to me.

"It's not my place to tell you, but god damn it, how are you this blind?" His exasperation is clear, if only the secret was equally as clear to me.

"I'm not. I'm genuinely lost."

"Mac. Stopping kidding yourself." I sigh before dropping my head in my hands.

"Bozer…"

"You can't admit it can you?" I just shrug at him, making myself busy with the items in front of me.

"Let me ask you this… if Riley was to start dating again - how would you feel?" I look up startled, our eyes staring each other down.

"Alright, fine. I can't do this anymore." I finally sigh.

"About time. Mac, I'm your best friend. Why do you find it so hard to talk to me about this?"

"Because telling you makes it real." There is a heavy silence between us.

"It is real Mac, talk to me."

"Bozer you said your dibs had passed the other day…" He smirks at me giving me his full attention.

"How did you know?" I ask and he laughs.

"You're kidding me right? You have been jealous every time another boy is mentioned, you are fiercely protective of her… oh and I have eyes. I see the way you look at her."

"Is it that obvious?" I try and think back over everything, sure I've been covert with my feelings.

"To me, but I've known you forever Mac. Why don't you tell her?"

"Because she's one of my best friends. She is… the most important person in my life and I can't risk losing her. I want her in my life… I need her in my life. So I'll take friendship and continue to ignore my other feelings." Bozer sends me a look of sympathy, shaking his head.

"Wow. You really are stupid."

"Timing isn't right Bozer. We waited too long." I sigh thinking about all the chances I've had and passed up.

"Maybe, or maybe you waited the right amount of time? You built a friendship as a base first, best kind of relationships stem from that. I mean yeah… ideally you never would have dated Desi but… its no reason to give up."

"You really think so?"

"If you don't try you won't ever truly be happy. You won't lose her by telling her how you feel. Do you really want to look back in a decade and regret it?"

"Well with our dangerous jobs might be less than a decade." I think back again to the words I spoke to Riley in Germany.

"If a mission was to go sideways I would regret not taking the chance… I think I need to risk it." Bozer's smile lights up his face, and it seems as if he's restraining himself from doing a happy dance.

"Good for you buddy."

"You sure you are completely cool with it?"

"Mac, she's my little sis. What I had? That was a crush, you really know her - you love her. Love trumps crush. Go for it."

"What are you doing here Bozer?" I pause at the kitchen taking in the feast before me.

"Riley moves out tomorrow."

"Thanks for reminding me… are we celebrating her leaving me?" He glares at me and I roll my eyes.

"I know, she's not leaving me." I correct with a sigh.

"She can't. You've been a coward. So you gotta make your move."

"And you're here because?"

"Just like with your fear of heights, you need a push in the right direction. Also, you can't cook, so romantic dinner to set the mood." He gestures around the kitchen to the meal he's prepared.

"Thanks Boz. I'm just terrified."

"Don't be."

"What? Can you guarantee that she's going to feel the same way back?" I'm met with silence.

"Exactly." We're interrupted by the sound of the door opening, we turn to see Riley walk in flashing her smile at us before confusion clouds her eyes.

Riley POV

"Uh, what's going on here? Did I interrupt a date?" I tease gently, fear running through my veins as I look around the apartment.

"No, and I was just on my way out." Bozer flashes me a smile before taking off his apron.

"You're not staying for dinner? Why did you cook? And I know you cooked, because Mac sure as hell can't." I send a playful smirk over to Mac.

"Because you're my best friends and I love you." I narrow my eyes dangerously at him and he grins back innocently.

"Right. Well see you tomorrow." I tell him as he walks past me.

"We'll see about that." I turn and frown at him.

"What? I thought you said you were going to help me move."

"I will… if you move out."

"What? Bozer?"

"Gotta go."

"Sometimes I worry about him." I turn back to Mac with a smirk.

"Me too." I take in Mac's tense posture, watching him take a deep breath.

"You okay?" My feet are bringing me closer before I can process it and I'm standing just in front of him, hand reaching out to his arm.

"Not really. There's something I need to do, but I've been running the probability of how the events will unfold.. and it keeps…" He trails off, bringing his eyes up to meet mine.

"What Mac?" He's got that look on his face, where he's lost in a million thoughts at once.

"Just no matter what I change I can't seem to get the result I would like." I raise an eyebrow, completely lost to his problem.

"Well, you're the smartest guy I know. You'll figure it out. Just… improvise." I send him a quick wink before stepping back.

"Dinner?" He gestures towards the food laying out before us.

"Uh," I hesitate, not because I don't want to share this time with Mac, but I know that alone it will resemble a date and play with my heart more than I can stand.

"Not really that hungry. I think I'll just go finish packing." Mac fumbles, stumbling for a reply.

"Save me some?" I finally offer helpfully before retreating to my bedroom.

I've not been in my room more than five minutes when there is a knock at the door, I frown moving towards it and opening it to see a determination in Mac's eyes.

"Look Riley. Can we talk?"

"Sure Mac." I move back from the doorway allowing him into the room.

"This isn't how I wanted to do this… you deserve… well better… more." I don't interrupt his rambling but just wait patiently.

"Riles, if you really want to move out I will help you tomorrow. But I need to be honest with you first." I frown harder, confused about what he could possibly have been lying to me about.

"Okay."

"When you mentioned moving out because of Desi or the prospect of me dating… and I asked if it made you uncomfortable, I was hoping you'd say yes." His words stun and sting me.

"Why? Why would you hope that I was hurting?" I take an involuntary step back, creating distance between us.

"No, God, I don't ever want that. I was just hopeful that maybe you cared if I was seeing someone else, to see if I had a chance." There's a twist in my stomach at his words.

"A chance with what?" I whisper, scared to hope where this is going.

"With you." My heart skips a beat, my mouth is dry and my eyes wet.

"Mac, if this is some kind of joke or-" I can't finish the sentence, arms wrapping around myself in an act to protect myself from hurt.

"Not a joke. I've never been more serious."

"I've seen you diffuse a bomb. You've been more serious." The quip slips out easy, it's comfortable and well explored territory for us.

"Don't deflect with humour. I mean it, Riles. You are the most important person in my life, I am serious right now." His eyes stare into mine, so intense and fierce I look away.

"Mac look, you just got out of a relationship and I'm not looking to be a rebound… or whatever this is." I feel his warm fingers on my chin, lifting my gaze back up to his.

"It wouldn't be a rebound Riles." I'm shaking my head, feeling so hurt, even if this is the moment that he's finally saying all the things I've dreamed of. Too much fear that this is just a cruel twist of fate.

"Mac... you can't be sure. You've had a rough few months… hell, years even."

"I can. Because I've been in love with you for years." His confession stuns me into silence, a tear slips down my cheek and he brushes it away softly.

"Not that.. not that I don't want to believe you Mac but... you recently said that to Desi and didn't mean it." I shrug from his grasp, voice trembling, not needing him invading my senses when it's time to think with a clear head.

"I know. Because I'm an idiot." I raise an eyebrow, trying to coax more from him.

"You're going to need to give me more than that." I cross my arms across my chest again.

"I was hesitant about you when we first met, I mean given I thought Nikki was a traitor. But when the heart break from Nikki cleared up, it's like I saw you clearly for the first time. I used to be so nervous around you… but you were like a daughter to Jack. Not to mention Bozer had a crush on you… it wasn't right. It wasn't the right time. It was complicated and I accepted my role as your friend. It didn't mean I didn't get jealous at the mention of another guy, or when you were dating someone else." It's almost as if someone has sucked all the air from the room, my mind is struggling to process anything but his blue eyes pleading with mine.

"Mac… I don't know what to say."

"Then just listen."

"Okay."

"When Desi and I started dating, I'd given up all hope at that point in our friendship that it could be more. It was familiar when Phoenix split, and you were right there was not an emotional connection. Then after I found out about Aubrey… I wasn't upset you didn't tell us Riley.. I was jealous that you were serious with a guy. Because it meant I really had lost my chance, so I lashed out. Then I kissed Desi at the soccer game, because I didn't want to be alone anymore." I tear my eyes away trying to stop more tears falling, tucking my hair over my shoulder.

"Mac… watching that kiss tore me up inside." There's a flash of hope in his eyes.

"The double date was hell for me. Not only could Desi and I not function as a couple without the job… but to see you and him… I hated it. We almost called it quits after the date, but I kept seeing you happy with him in my head, so instead of letting her go, I pulled her closer and convinced myself it was right. When you showed up later that night… I regretted it. Then I realised it didn't matter anyway, because we were just friends."

"Oh Mac. We've made such a mess of this." I whisper, eyes wet with more unshed tears.

"I can't even tell you how many times I've just wanted to kiss you Riles, because you're brilliant. But my friendship with you couldn't be risked, I need you in my life like I need air to breath." My stomach twists at his words, finding it hard to believe the sweet words he's saying are for me.

"I wish you had told me sooner."

"Believe me, so do I. The way you stood by me recently. The way that even though I've lost all my family, I am still standing and that's because I have you."

"Mac." I close the space between us again, reaching out to comfort him the way his words are me. I can tell he's feeling exposed, and I can't imagine having poured my heart out to him, taking that chance.

"Those words I said to you in Germany haunt me. I don't want to risk dying on a mission alone. Without you knowing. Without ever having the courage to take a chance. I don't want to lose you. If you don't feel the same, it's okay. I understand."

My hands thread through his hair, my lips slamming on his. His strong hands pull me closer, meshing out bodies together and I moan against his lips.

We pull away short of breath, surprise on his face.

"Of course I feel the same way you idiot. How could you honestly not tell that? The looks… the way I reacted watching you with Desi…" My nose bumps his as I press our foreheads together.

"I'm so sorry Riles. I wish I knew, I wish I wasn't so blind to it. I just put the dreams of having you feel the same, away a long time ago. I figured you were out of my league anyway." I scoff softly, rolling my eyes.

"Out of your league? Oh please." There's a spark that lights his eyes, sending my pulse racing.

"You Riley Davis are brilliant, smart, sexy, kickass, loyal, brave and so damn beautiful." The conviction of his words sends my heart hammering in my chest.

"God I love you." I whisper bringing our lips back together, slanting my lips over his and welcoming his tongue into my mouth.

"I'd never hurt you on purpose Riles." He whispers against my lips, his forehead resting against mine.

"I know." Our lips meet again, his fingers threading through my hair and angling my head back to kiss me throughly. I moan into the kiss, my own hands wrapping around his back.

When we pull back his lips are red, and he's hosting a lazy smile.

"Now let's go have that dinner… as much as I'd like to skip to dessert. I really am starving." I send him a wink before pushing him towards the door.

"Anything you want." He shoots me his boyish grin, tucking hair behind my ears.

"God I could really get use to this." I indicate between us as he tucks me under his arm.

"Good, because I hope that means you'll stay? I don't plan on letting you go ever Riles."

"Yeah, I'll stay." I bite my lip and he kisses my forehead.

"Great… wait, you're starving. I thought you weren't hungry?"

"Oh, no. That was a lie. I figured eating with you would feel like a date, and would hurt too much."

"Ah." He whispers, holding me tighter.

"Now I know why Bozer was here I guess."

"Wait," Mac pulls on my hand, stopping me from moving further towards the food.

"What?"

"Did Bozer know how you felt?"

"Yeah, he figured it out a while ago." A small smile creeps on to my face.

"So when I told him how I felt after keeping it a secret so long… he could have made me feel better and assured me you'd feel the same? So I didn't spend all week obsessing over it?"

"Obsessing is what you do Mac."

"Funny. He still could have told me."

"He could have, but then I'd have to kill him. Besides, he already almost told you." I smirk pulling him into the kitchen and closer to the food.

"When he said you 'were moving out or'." A light bulb moment flashes across his face.

"Yep, if you didn't interrupt, you'd have found out my secret right then and there. His next words were going to be 'or that she's in love with you'. He's a horrible liar."

"See? For a smart guy, I'm incredibly stupid at times."

"That is true… if you were so smart Angus MacGyver you'd have gotten with me a long time ago." He pulls me hard into his chest and I let out a sharp laugh.

"You're right. Once again." I roll my eyes good naturedly.

"Besides, it was sweet and kinda cute watching you confess all that to me." He nudges my nose before placing another kiss on my lips.

"God, that man can cook." I moan as I finish, taking my eyes off the skyline to turn to Mac.

"Indeed he can."

"Guess I missed out on that, not returning his feelings all those years ago." I smirk watching Mac's face twist.

"I can bake."

"Because it's just chemistry, I know." I laugh at his mock pout.

"You just wait, I'll bake you something so extraordinary you'll never wish for anyone else again." I laugh before moving closer to Mac and taking his face in my hands.

"I'm sure you could, but not necessary. There's no one else for me Mac." I whisper before joining our lips.

"Speaking of though, I should text Boz." I mutter as I pull away.

"Are you trying to kill me?" Mac jokes and I laugh.

"God no, you're not allowed to die. That's officially off the table." He chuckles before pulling me legs up on to his and running his hands up and down my legs.

"Noted."

"I'm just going to tell him there's no need to come by tomorrow.'

"So you'll really stay?" He asks again, hands stilling.

"Seems kinda foolish to move out when I'm planning to spend as much time here with you as possible."

"Good, I don't want you to go anywhere."

"We've wasted enough time." I tell him gently.

"That we have." His lips find mine again, the kiss not taking long to heat up as passion takes over.

It's not long before my legs are straddling him and his hands are firm on my hips, pinning me to his lap.

"Besides, I can't have Bozer turning up here tomorrow. Because I don't plan to let you out of bed…" I trail off, lips brushing his.

"Well, we have all that time to make up for." He's acting serious, fighting the smirk.

"Exactly, we don't have a choice." I giggle as he stands up with me in his arms, my legs wrapping around his waist.

"Okay, so we're on the same page right?" I whisper to Mac as we approach the war room.

"Yeah, let's keep it quiet for now."

"Except Bozer, because let's face it- he played matchmaker. Also, he's proven he's more perceptive than we are." Mac nods in response.

"But it's not right to flaunt it in front of Desi or anything. I feel bad enough about all that." I continue, stuffing my hands in my jacket pockets to ignore the itch to encase his hand in mine.

"Agreed." We walk into the war room finding Bozer and Matty in conversation.

They turn to us as we enter and Bozer raises his eyebrows knowingly, I just roll my eyes before shaking my head.

He smirks and just nods, silently agreeing to sit on his questions until we're alone.

"About time Blondie." We all turn to Matty confused, before exchanging glances.

"I'm not late am I?" He asks confused, glancing down at his watch.

"It's amazing how often you act dumb." She tells him, hands moving to her hips.

"Might be hard to believe, but it's not an act." He replies still confused.

"You finally stopped running from your feelings for Riley." This time we all have our jaws drop.

"You knew?" He asks surprised.

"I know everything." I move to reply before coming up empty and nodding in agreement.

"Will be nice not to see Riley looking hurt anymore, that was hard to watch." Bozer nods in agreement and I suddenly find my shoes interesting.

"Yeah, my bad on that." I nudge Mac's arm and send him a smile.

"Don't screw it up Blondie. Riley's a gem."

"Rare and precious." He agrees, blue eyes on me and I feel myself flush with embarrassment.

My heart is full of love and happiness, hope surging through me for the first time in a long while that the family I always dreamed of is a real possibility.

A/N: Please leave a review and let me know what you think :)

I have lots of MacRiley ideas so let me know if you want to read more.