Mac had managed the whole night in the bed, not even attempting to leave to sleep on the floor, it broke Jack's heart when it was time to sleep and Mac's small voice had asked if he had to be tied down again. The damn things had now been removed from the bed, stored in the cupboard just in case they were needed for future use.

"We need to talk about some visitors," Vanessa said, just before lunch, hoping that Mac was going to be happy to get some.

"Visitors?" Mac asked, who would want to come and see him.

"Yes, your friends Riley and Bozer, they'll be popping in after lunch."

"Why?"

"To see you of course," Jack said, hoping this wouldn't be Mac's reaction when they arrived. "They've missed you bud."

Mac started to panic, what would they expect from him, he couldn't be the Mac they were friends with, he didn't even know if he could talk to them let alone make conversation. What if they decided that he'd come back wrong, that he wasn't worth their time?

"Mac, breath, it's ok, no one is forcing you to do this," Vanessa said, seeing that her patient was getting agitated. "I do think it would be good for you though, you need to start getting back to normal and seeing your friends is normal."

"But I'm not normal," Mac replied, knowing that it was true.

"That doesn't matter," Vanessa decided not to tell Mac that wasn't true. "All they want to do is see you, you don't even have to speak if you don't want."

Mac thought about it for a while and then nodded, maybe it wouldn't be as bad as he thought.

If he could have Mac would have paced, it was getting closer to the time his visitors were coming and the closer it got the more stressed out he felt. He was chewing his lip once more, tasting the blood but not being able to stop.

"Mac, please stop biting your lip, you're hurting yourself," Jack said, going to grab something to press on the cut.

Mac immediately stopped, Jack's voice was harsh, and he didn't want to upset him, especially before his visitors came. He didn't mean to bite on his lip so much, it was becoming a habit, just like playing with his hoody.

"Here, hold that against it, you don't want Ri or Boze to be worrying," Jack said, handing Mac a damp flannel he'd found in the bathroom.

"I'm sorry," Mac said. Jack sighed, that was obviously the wrong thing to say.

"I thought we talked about you apologising all the time."

Mac looked up, opening his mouth, he then closed it again looking down at his lap, now he was making Jack mad, he couldn't do anything right.

Jack sighed again, sitting back down, he decided not to get into it with Mac, they'd have a talk later. He prayed that he lightened up a little when the others got there. Riley and Bozer were so excited to see him, it wouldn't be fair to them if Mac didn't make an effort.

The door opened five minutes later, and Vanessa walked in, she wanted to make sure Mac was ready before they did this, she certainly didn't want to traumatise her patient any more than he already was. She looked over at Jack, silently asking if Mac was ok, if she was right he was upset about something. Jack whispered that it was fine, and she hoped his judgment was ok, she didn't want to regret doing this.

"Ok Mac, it's time."

Mac looked up, such a vulnerable look in his eyes that she just wanted to give him a big hug, she really hoped that the others could stop themselves from doing what she just thought about, they knew for this first visit they weren't to approach Mac unless he asked them to, but she knew these things could be forgotten fast.

Riley and Bozer were outside, ready to see their friend, knowing that it wasn't going to be the happy reunion that they'd envisioned, but eager none the less. They'd had their talk with Vanessa and were both happy to let Mac lead the afternoon. If he wanted to talk to them, engage with them then that's what they'd do. To be honest they'd happily sit in silence if only they could see him with their own eyes.

Riley went in first, trying to hide her shock at how vulnerable Mac looked, he looked like a little kid in his father's hoody, scared to meet people he didn't know. She smiled, hoping that it looked inviting and not off putting. He smiled tentatively back, ducking his head as if he were embarrassed. Bozer came in once Riley had sat down, feeling the same as her, apprehensive and slightly scared, he'd known Mac the longest and it would kill him if Mac didn't at least acknowledge that.

Mac looked up again, seeing his old friend, he was happy that Wilt had come to see him, what would he think though, he'd always been there for Mac through everything, but it was different now, he was different. So much had changed in the last month, he knew that he had gone from an outgoing happy person to someone who was scared to talk or really do anything without permission. Could Bozer except that.

"Hey Mac," Bozer said, not liking the way his friend's brow was furrowed. Even though Jack was the one Mac usually turned to now when he needed someone, because of all they'd been through together, Boze could still read his friend like a book and he didn't like what was going on in Mac's head. "It's ok, it doesn't matter, you'll always be just Mac to me."

It seemed that was all it took, and Mac started crying, looking at his best friend for a minute and then turning away. Bozer wasn't having that, he knew they weren't supposed to approach but he knew what his friend needed. He tentatively pulled his Mac into a hug, ignoring the others and what they were saying. Mac was stiff for a second and then he grabbed on like Bozer would disappear if he didn't, sobbing into his chest.

Riley had tears in her eyes and she had to stop herself from going over and joining them, trust Bozer to get a reaction out of Mac, she assumed it was going to be a smile but she guessed any emotion was better than nothing.

As Mac started pulling away, Bozer let go, leaning up against the bed and acting like it hadn't even happened. Mac on the other hand couldn't stop himself from apologising, flinching when Jack swore.

"No worries Mac, we all have to cry sometime," Bozer said, ignoring Jack, who was leaving with Vanessa. "You remember that time when Mrs Golding told us that story about the rabbit?"

Mac smiled, nodding, he remembered.

"What's this?" Riley asked, thinking it was the perfect thing to get Mac's mind off what was going on. She wasn't stupid, she noticed how he kept looking at the door.

"What was that?" Vanessa asked, as they got outside. She'd motioned to Jack that she wanted to speak to him, and they'd headed to the corridor.

"He keeps apologising doc, and he shouldn't be!" Jack exclaimed, frustrated that she didn't see the problem.

"And that's your decision to make is it?"

"It's not a decision, it's a fact. Who apologises because they've been crying?"

"Someone whose father beat it into him that it made him weak."

That made Jack stop, closing his eyes. "I'm just getting frustrated."

"I can see that. It's fine to get that way occasionally, we're all human. What isn't ok is to take it out on Mac," Vanessa replied. She knew that Jack cared, a lot, but she wouldn't have her patient suffer.

"What?" Jack asked, what was she saying.

"I know you're trying to help, but you're not. I'm sorry if that's blunt, but did you see the way he flinched when you swore, he thought you were angry at him. And if I had to guess something similar happened before we came in?"

"He was biting his lip again, making it bleed, I asked him to stop, I said something stupid and he apologised. I might have said something about us talking about him apologising all the time, thinking back my voice was probably a bit harsh." Jack ran his hand down his face. "Damn, what have I done."

"It was bound to happen at some point, I just hoped it would be further down the line, so maybe he wouldn't take it quite to heart," Vanessa responded, she sighed. "I think the best thing for you to do is to go back in there and stay quiet, once Riley and Bozer have gone the three of us will talk. I then think you need to go home and come back in the morning."

"I know Mac's liked having me sleep here," Jack said. "But if you think it's the best thing to do."

"I do."

They talked for a few more minutes and then re-joined the others, walking in to laughing. Jack looked over to Mac hopeful, he was smiling, but there was no laughter yet, he supposed it was early days.

Riley and Bozer stayed for another hour but they could tell Mac was getting agitated, so they said their goodbyes. Once they were gone Jack moved a little closer, Mac looked apprehensive.

"Mac, I wannna apologise, I was harsh with you earlier and that wasn't fair."

Mac looked confused so Vanessa stepped in. "Sometimes people can take their feelings out on others, even if they don't mean to. Jack's been feeling a little stressed and unfortunately he said some things he shouldn't have."

"I'm sorry," Mac said, knowing that he was cause of his stress.

"It's ok kiddo, I need to sort my head out, so I'm gonna go home tonight and come back in the morning."

"You're leaving?" Mac asked, he was doing it again, causing trouble.

"Only for the night, we'll try and do something fun tomorrow. What do ya say?"

"Ok."

Jack sighed, knowing that Mac wasn't ok with things, but knowing that he needed a break to sort himself out. He got up, hoping that he was doing the right thing. "I'll see ya tomorrow kid."

Mac just nodded, watching Jack leave. He looked up when Vanessa spoke. "Will you be ok by yourself Mac? I really need to go, it's getting late."

"It's fine."

Vanessa said goodbye, wishing she didn't have to leave but needing to be somewhere, she spoke to the nurse before she left asking her to keep an eye on Mac, and to also to make sure he ate dinner. Then she left.

Mac sat alone in his room, it felt so empty after so many people being in it not so long ago, he didn't know what to do. He did what he always did when he was feeling so bad, he gravitated to his corner, wedging himself as far as he could into it, knees pulled up to his chest, head down. He wouldn't cry, he just sat there quietly.

When the nurse came in with his dinner she told him he had to eat it, but he had to sit on the chair or bed to do it, he ignored her. He wasn't hungry, after she'd left he used the bathroom, had a drink and then placed himself back down. A few hours later and she came back with the doctor.

"You need to get into bed Mac," the doctor said, Mac didn't know his name, just like before he ignored him, thinking he'd go away. "I don't want to force you, but you need to sleep in the bed, you're still healing."

Mac knew this, but he'd been staying flat and not doing too much for a while now, he didn't think one night on the floor would hurt. He felt someone grab his arm and he flashed back to his father, that was were he usually touched him, so he lashed out, kicking and trying to get away. He felt himself float a few minutes later and realised they'd drugged him, he then felt himself being lifted.

"Get out the restraints," the doctor said.

"But he's sedated doctor, does he need them?" The nurse asked.

"Dr Fray put in his notes that he could be restrained if necessary, he was just combative and uncooperative. Get them."

Mac felt himself be tied down and he soon fell asleep. Next time Mac woke up it was still dark, but the nurse was back. "Do you need anything?" She asked.

"Toilet," Mac said, knowing he couldn't wait until morning.

"Just a minute."

Mac felt her come back and then his trousers pulled, she held a bottle, he went red.

"It's perfectly fine Mac, I'm not allowed to let you up until morning, this will have to do. Just relax."

And he did, soon his bladder was empty, and his clothes rearranged, she said goodnight and left. Mac cried, this must be what his life would always be like, being restrained, drugged and having to have someone help him with the basic things. He had escaped one hell for another.

Jack walked into Phoenix medical with a smile on his face, he had the best night sleep and he was feeling refreshed, his mind in a better place. He'd stopped at the bakery and got Mac's favourite a poppy seed bagel, he just hoped Mac's night had been just as good.

As he walked in the door, Jack saw that Mac was curled up on his side, his breakfast untouched, maybe he was still asleep. Jack quietly crept around and crouched down so he was eye level, seeing that Mac was awake, what he didn't like was the look in his eyes.

"You not hungry buddy?" Jack asked, pointing to the tray.

Mac followed his finger and then said something Jack didn't expect. "Don't deserve it."

"Why would you say that kiddo?" Jack said, sitting on the side of the bed.

"I was bad last night."

Jack's heart was racing, what had happened after he'd left? No one had called him. "What did you do?"

"I slept on the floor."

"That's ok, you're in bed now, you must have changed your mind."

Mac shook his head.

Jack didn't like the sound of that, checking the bed for those pesky restraints and not finding them. "Tell me what happened."

"I wouldn't get in bed and then I got angry, I think I hit someone."

Jack sucked in a breath, oh no he didn't like where this was going."

"Everything went fuzzy and I ended up on the bed. Then they tied me down, so I'd stay."

Jack closed his eyes, he shouldn't have left, what the hell were the matter with these doctors. "I'm sorry that happened kiddo. They shouldn't have done that."

"It's ok, just my life now," Mac said, his eyes filling with tears.

"Don't you dare say that. Kiddo this is not your life, I'm so sorry this keeps happening to you and I'm gonna make sure that it never does again. Even if I have to spring you from here and take you back to my place."

"I'll only be a burden; you should leave me here and not come back."

"Ok, this is stopping right now Mac, I mean it. I'm sorry if this is going to sound harsh but you need to listen to me. You are not and have never been a burden, I would die for you so there's no way I'm leaving you. I know you're hurtin, and I know that it's gonna take you a while for that big ole brain of yours to get back to any sense of normal, but that's ok. I'm gonna be here every step, and so is everyone else. Now am I getting a hug or is only Bozer allowed."

Mac looked up at Jack, he couldn't believe he'd just said all that stuff about him, it was a little bit like with Bozer, the flood gates opened, and he started sobbing, clinging to Jack like a life preserver. Jack rearranged them on the bed, so Mac was lying against him, he hugged him tight, running his hand through his hair, whispering assurances and telling him he wasn't going anywhere.

This was how Vanessa found them and she hurried over, not knowing what had happened, she was happy that Mac was letting Jack so close, but she was horrified at how upset he was.

"Go find his doctor from last night, get him to explain," Jack whispered. Mac hearing and tensing when he heard the word doctor. "It's ok Mac, no one's coming in here without my say so, you're ok."

Vanessa left the room, hurrying to find someone who could shed some light. She spotted the nurse she'd asked to keep an eye on Mac and asked her to explain, she followed her to a lounge, and they sat down.

"Is Mac ok?" Tally asked, she had always liked him and hated to see the way he was the night before.

"No, he's currently crying his heart out. What the hell happened after I left?" Vanessa exclaimed, she wasn't trying to blame this nurse, but she was angry, once again.

"I went in with his dinner and he was curled up in the corner, looked like he was in a daze, I told him he needed to eat but he had to sit over where I was first. He ignored me so I left, thinking he'd eat when he was ready, I went back, and the food was untouched, and he hadn't moved. I was worried so I went and got Doctor Pann. The doctor told Mac that he needed to sleep in the bed and asked him to get up, Mac ignored him too. Doctor Pann was told that Mac needed to be sleeping straight and somewhere soft because he was still healing, so he tried to guide him there himself," Tally paused and Vanessa kept quiet, wanting to hear the whole thing first. "Mac started lashing out and screaming, Doctor Pann sedated him and we got him into bed, then he asked me to get the restraints. I said that Mac was sedated and that surely he would be ok, but the doctor insisted. Told me I wasn't to remove them until he did rounds, but to keep an eye on him."

Vanessa couldn't believe it, she knew that the doctor was right to sedate Mac, he had become violent and he couldn't risk him hurting himself or others, but to restrain him. She sensed there was something Tally wasn't saying. "What else?"

"I went to check on him about 2am and he was awake, he asked to go to the toilet. I was specifically told not to undo the restraints so I had him go in a urine bottle, he looked ashamed, I tried to reassure him but there wasn't a lot I could do. He was awake when we went in before breakfast was served. Doctor Pann did an exam, to check nothing was damaged from his outburst, he then told Mac that he was to remain in bed and that if he couldn't, he wouldn't hesitate to tie him down again."

"I wish to speak to Doctor Pann."

"He's gone home, Dr Fray is back, he asked if Mac had been seen this morning I told him yes. I didn't tell him about last night, I knew he wouldn't be happy."

Vanessa was sure of it, she was going to make sure that this never happened again, thinking that she might need to move Mac to somewhere more relaxed. If his injuries were healed enough then she didn't see the harm. She'd check back in with Mac, she noticed he hadn't eaten breakfast and now she knew he hadn't had any dinner, she had to make sure he ate something. Then she'd have a meeting with Dr Fray, something needed to be done.

"Jack, has he eaten yet?" Vanessa asked quietly when she came back. They were still in the same position and it looked like Mac had fallen asleep.

"No, but I didn't think it mattered, it's only one meal."

"He didn't eat dinner last night," Vanessa replied, seeing what was on the tray.

Jack sighed, waking Mac gently. "Hey kiddo, I'm sorry to wake you up, but I need you to eat something."

"I'm not hungry," Mac replied, getting comfy again.

"Hey there, I think that might be a porky pie, I know you haven't eaten since lunch yesterday and you picked at that cos you were nervous. You have to eat Mac; you are skin and bones as it is."

Mac sat up slightly, turning his nose up at what was on the tray.

"Don't worry, I got ya covered," Jack said, handing Mac the paper bag. Pleased when his eyes lit up and he dove in.

Vanessa smiled, talking the breakfast tray with her minus the orange juice and the fruit cup, Mac could have those, and she would make sure he had a big lunch. "I'll be back in a bit."

"We're good here," Jack said, and she knew that was the case.

Now he just had to talk to Dr Fray and Matilda Webber and get her plan in place, she was getting Mac out of there by tomorrow, if it killed her.