AN:
So, here we are, finally the last chapter. Thanks to everyone who hung on for the ride. Seriously you guys are the best. So enjoy and maybe leave me a few words as you know that is what keeps me going.
Chapter 5
When Jack woke up it was dark outside. The light in the room was dimmed, but he saw that Mac was not sleeping. He was texting someone. The Delta closed his eyes. He knew he had to talk to Mac, but he wasn't quite ready yet. Jack had to sort his thoughts first, which wasn't an easy task considering his lingering headache.
They had been partners for nearly eight years now. Mac had matured a lot over the last years. Life had dealt him some heavy blows. His mother dying when Mac was little and his Dad leaving just a few years later. The betrayal of Nicky and Thornton, and the latest and lingering threat: Murdoc. It would have taken just one of these things to break a man, but Mac had come back stronger from every experience he had to endure. Nothing reminded Jack of the awkward, lanky kid, not even old enough to drink, he met back at the sandbox. Yes Mac had matured into an impressive personality.
Jack thought about Macs abandonement issues. The blond had learnt to keep his fear of being left hidden under his smile over the years. Was Jack wrong about that? Had his friend finally made peace with being abandoned at a young age. Was it only Jack who clung to Mac, not able to see that the kid had grown up and didn't need him anymore? Was it his own desire to keep Mac close to him that was blinding him to see the truth? Was Jack lying to himself, pretending Mac needed him to keep him safe? Well, time to be honest to yourself Dalton! He should probably thank Cage for giving him a reality check. How long had this been going on? Making a fool of himself, running after this young team like the old idiot that he was. Jack had never felt more unsure about himself, the doubt eating him alive. His thoughts were interrupted by his partners voice.
„Are you done with playing possum?" Mac asked. „Look at me Jack."
With a sigh the Delta opened his eyes, but remained silent. He shifted to get more comfortable and winced at the sharp pain in his knee and middle.
„How do you feel?" Mac asked softly. Jacks color was better, but the lines of pain were deep around his eyes.
„I'm good. I was just thinking." When Mac opened his mouth, he held up a hand.
„No Mac, let me have my say. This is tough for me and I only want to say this once. I heard what Cage said about me, the crazy uncle thing, and it hurt. It hurt a lot that Bozer agreed, but it hurt even more that you didn't interfere. But thinking everything over I probably deserve it. I got used to be your protector, your mentor, your friend and maybe a little bit of a father figure over the years. I got used to it so much I missed seeing the obvious. You matured, grew stronger and independent and I'm really proud of you. But that also means you have no use for a messed up old Delta guy like me any more. And it's ok Mac. I understand, I really do. This isn't your fault hoss, it's mine and I'm sorry for suffocating you with my behavior. But I need you to do one thing for me before I leave the team. You need someone to have your back when you risk that nogging of yours out in the field and I don't trust Cage. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is. I know someone who fits in as good as Cage does. Her name's Desi and she's badass. I trust her with your safety." Jack gulped and lost the fight against his tears as he closed. „If you could do this for me, I can be out of your hair by next week." These last words came out choked and Jack finally looked up to meet Macs glance.
The blond was horrified. Eyes wide and hands shaking he reached out and grabbed Jacks. „Oh my god, what have I done to you Jack? I don't even know where to begin. I'm so so sorry about what happened in that suite. I was annoyed at Cages comment, but I let it slide, because I didn't want to start a discussion while we were on a mission. I know now that this was wrong, I should have intervened immediately. You couldn't be more wrong about me not wanting you on the team any longer! Jack you are what keeps us all together. And it's not only your skill set I'm talking about. Bozer would be a mess out in the field without your calming presence. Riley has grown into a great agent under your training. And I am the one who needs you the most. I would simply be lost without you. I couldn't do my job without the knowledge that you are having my back. That you are willing to go along with my sometimes crazy schemes, because you simply trust me and don't question my decisions. You are willing to give everything, even your life to keep me safe and I don't want anyone else with me out there ever. And it's not only in the field, it's all the time, that you are there for me. I need you Jack and that's the truth, plain and simple. You catch me when I fall and you ground me when everything gets too much for me. I know we all tease you about your age a lot, but no one of us thinks of you as old. You're in a shape almost every twenty year old would get jealous about. I promise we'll treat you better, no one wanted to hurt you. Watching that accident in the war room … it was … for a moment … I thought I lost you and I'm probably a selfish bastard, but I thought what my life would be without you and there was only emptiness." Mac was crying too, but he was beyond caring. The only thing that mattered was that he made Jack understand how much he needed him.
Jack remained silent for a while. Was he dreaming? Was it really only a big misunderstanding? He had to make sure.
„So, you're really sure you want me still around?" The Delta asked hesitantly.
Mac watched him intently and sqeezed Jacks hand. He could see the doubt in his partners eyes and it weighed heavily on the blond, that he was the one who caused it.
„I am Jack. I'm so sorry for everything, I just hope you can forgive me some day. I didn't mean to hurt you and I get it if you don't trust me anymore. Maybe … I can earn it again …. You … Jack you mean the world to me. I love you big guy." He whispered afraid he had lost the best thing, that had ever happened to him for good.
Jack breathed relieved and Mac could see some of the tension leave his partner. „There's nothin to forgive hoss. Don't worry I didn't stop to trust you for a single moment, so we're good. And just for the record, I love you too. We would have talked things through as usual, but this damn accident messed everything up pretty bad." He smiled and Mac felt like he finally could breathe again.
„Yeah, that was bad timing. Leave it to you to get hit by the only car on the road." Mac teased, but watched Jacks face carefully.
Jack grinned. „As much as I was probably swaying it's a miracle that he actually got me."
Mac sobered immediately. „It was awful."
Jack nodded. „So, why didn't you sit with me in ICU? You were standing in front of that door the whole time, I thought you couldn't even stand to be in the same room with me."
Mac realized that this must have convinced Jack just more, that he was right with his assumption. He sighed. „No, that wasn't the reason. Do you remember when you woke up for the first time after the accident?" Mac wanted to know.
Jack frowned. „Everything is blurry, you were there and we talked I think … and then … nothing."
Mac shuddered at the memory. „Yeah, you got pretty upset and passed out. Your vitals sucked, but the doc could stabilize you. He ripped me a new one and banned me from your room. It was hell to stand there and see you suffer and not be able to be by your side. I understood the docs decision, but it was hard nevertheless. I didn't want to agitate you." He looked guilty.
„It was not your fault hoss, it was … just too much, I guess." Jack could only imagine how hard it must have been on Mac to stand at that door. „I'm sorry you weren't allowed in. Everytime I woke up and saw you standing there, I wished you were by my side."
Mac fidgeted. „Well, to be honest I was by your side partly. You had a nightmare and I went in to wake you up. Angela caught me and let me stay the rest of the night."
Jack smiled. „That woman is a saint. We should talk Matty into hiring her. You use your lost puppy look and I'm gonna play the sick card."
„Do that and you'll be assigned to the housekeeping crew once you're better Dalton. They always need someone to scrub the toilets." Mattys voice sounded from the door.
„Aw boss I was just joking." Jack tried to backpedal.
Matty smiled affectionately. „I know. You are sick Jack, you don't have to play. It's good to see this eyes open and alert again. You scared us." She stepped to the bed and sqeezed his hand for a moment.
„Thank you Mathilda. I'm sorry you had to watch the accident." Jack felt guilty for being responsible for the horrible experience his friends had to endure. He picked up where he had stopped.
„We need someone like Angela here. She's incredible. Bring her in and I promise Mac and I won't hide an injury anymore." Jack tried to convince her. „Only speak for yourself, Jack." Mac muttered beside him.
„I should let you beg a bit more, but since I'm happy to see you better, I'm gonna have a talk with her." Matty sat down and observed her two favourite agents. Both had obviously been crying but she could also see their relaxed postures. „Everything's alright again in the Mac-Dalton-Universe?" She asked with a wink.
Both men nodded and yawned almost simultaneously. Matty laughed and said. „Go to sleep, both of you." She motioned to the unused bed in the room. „Doc Ward said you should lay down in that one, as you'll refuse to go home and rest anyway."
Matty turned and left the room.
Mac opened his mouth, but Jack beat him. „Don't argue about it Mac. You haven't slept in what 40 hours or so. Just lay down and rest. I don't have the energy to worry about you right now."
The blond nodded. He knew his partner worried about him all the time. And if laying down in that damn hospital bed put Jacks mind at ease, he would do it gladly. If Mac was honest he was about to drop anyway. So he got up and kicked off his shoes and settled into the bed. Laying down felt great and he knew he wouldn't be awake much longer. Mac glanced at his partner who watched him fondly. The Delta said. „Go to sleep, Mac. I'm here when you wake up."
„You're an idiot, Jack." The blond mumbled while his eyes drifted shut.
„Yeah, I love you too buddy," Jack smiled and let sleep pull him under.
When Jack woke up he felt somebody was holding his hand. „Riley, sweetheart good to see you."
„Jack, I'm so happy, that you're better now. How do you feel?" The hacker asked and watched him closely.
„Like I got hit by a car. That sucks big time honey, but with a little bit of rest I'm gonna be good as new in no time." Jack tried to soothe her, but wasn't very successful if her serious expression was an indication.
„We almost lost you. I feel sick every time I watch this damn video." Too late she recognized her mistake.
„What do you mean every time? Oh sweetheart, why are you doing this to yourself?" Jack asked worried.
Riley admitted. „Finding out who hit you wasn't a problem, because of the license plate. The police already booked him. But I had to get these assholes, who robbed and kicked you, too. So watched it over and over again until I found a clue."
Jacks heart swelled with pride. „You didn't have to do that, but thank you precious. So, I take it you got them too."
Riley grinned. „Yeah, they were holing up in an abandoned building. Doing drugs and all kind of shit their parents didn't know about. Matty was so furious she sent one of the tac teams after them. They scared them pretty good, three of them peed their pants. Don't worry our guys didn't harm them, they're still kids. They took them home to their parents and I don't think they'll do something like that ever again." She handed Jack his wallet.
„Thanks Ri, what would I do without you?"
A shadow crossed the hackers face. „We don't deserve you Jack. You're always taking care of all of us and all we do is tease you about your age. Mac told us that you heard what Cage said." Riley looked away, shame and guilt marring her beautiyful features. She straigtened and found Jacks eyes again. „I'm sorry Jack for not stepping up for you. I'm ashamed of myself and I promise you it won't happen ever again. No more teasing either."
Jack shook his head. „I cleared it up with Mac. I'm honest it hurt me, but only because I love you all so much. But now that I know you still want me around, I'm good. I don't mind the teasing Ri. We need it to ease the tension and keep up the spirit, it just got me on the wrong foot. I don't want it to change and I don't mind you call me an old man, as long as I know you really don't mean it."
„No, not at all Jack. I'm still not able to outrun you and that bothers me." She smiled and motioned to Mac.
„I'm glad you two made up. It tore him apart, when the doc kicked him out of your room."
Jack watched his still sleeping partner for a moment. „Yeah, I think we all could have done without that experience, but we didn't have a choice, did we?"
„You're right, but I think it showed Cage what our team, our family is all about. She simply didn't understand how strong our bond is and how we depend on each other. Mac and I made her realize how wrong she was." Riley explained.
„I think Cage has a long way ahead of her if she really wants to be a part of our wolf pack. She has to let go of her clinical approach and she has to open up about herself. This is a two way thing. I like her don't get me wrong, but she hasn't earned my trust so far." Jack was honest.
Riley nodded. „You're right. Maybe this was a step in the right direction."
A yawn from the other bed got their attention. Riley spluttered. „Oh my god he looks like a golden retriever puppy."
„I've heard that Ri," two blue eyes looked at her accusingly.
„Yeah, a golden retriever with a bad hair day." Jack threw in.
„At least I got enough hair to have a bad hair day." Mac got right back.
„I think I'll leave you two to your bickering." Riley kissed Jack and left.
The door opened and a familiar voice sounded. „I see that Matty didn't exaggerate when she said things were handled a little differently here at Phoenix." Angela held a tray with Jacks breakfast. She smiled. „You improved Mac. From standing outside the room to sleeping in a bed right next to your partner, without being sick, I have to say I'm impressed."
Mac blushed and immediately jumped out of the bed. „Doc Ward said I should lay down here," he defended himself.
Angela grinned. „I've already met him. He's great and knows his favourite patients inside out. Relax Mac, I'm glad you both are ok. You've obviously solved your problem." She stated.
„So Matty hired you? That's great." Jack beamed.
Mac shuffled into the bathroom and Angela turned to Jack. She checked his wound and his IV. „It was a misunderstanding, a bad one. I'm happy everything's alright now. I was afraid I had lost him." Jack told the nurse.
„He had the same fears Jack. Although you were unconscious I could sense that you shared a strong bond. The way he cared for you, when you had a nightmare, this was something I've never witnessed before. What you have is precious, it's special."
Jack nodded. „Mac is special, in the best way. You won't find anybody who's kinder than him. He's selfless, too selfless most of the time, he has no sense for self preservation. It gets him in trouble all the time and I'm the one who's making sure he doesn't get killed doing his thing out in the field."
„Sounds as if you are great partners, but you are doing a dangerous job, aren't you?" Angela wanted to know.
„We save a lot of people, stop a lot of bad guys. But this comes at a price. I have to admit, we're regular guests here at Medical." Jack explained.
„Well then I'll do anything to make sure you're able to keep doing it." Angela promised.
„Deal."
Later that morning Mac and Jack were playing cards when Cage walked in. There was an awkward pause before she started talking.
„I'm really happy that you're better Jack." She said and sounded serious. Jack nodded and waited for her to continue. „I'm here to say goodbye. I'm going back to Australia. I have an offer to work in a new agency there. It's near Perth where my family lives. I haven't had much contact to them over the last years, but you've got me thinking. I have an apology to make. I'm sorry for causing so much trouble and heartache, I really didn't mean to hurt anybody, least of all you Jack. Honestly I didn't know what to think of that team at first. Come on, a nerd, a guy turned spy only by accident, a hacker who came here right out of prison and an ex Delta with a Bruce Willis obsession. What was I supposed to think?"
Jack had to smile, Cage had a point. They were a strange bunch of people.
„I tried to analyze, get into your heads. I was profiling the team, its dynamic like I would a group of criminals. That was wrong and I'm really sorry for that. I didn't mean no harm. I got used to working alone over the years that I forgot how it felt to have a team back you up. The safety net people, who are caring about you, provides. Mac and Riley made me see what I overlooked the whole time. That a team can be a family too. That it doesn't make you weak if you care about your colleagues, no it makes the team better and stronger. Thank you for teaching me that lesson. It made me think about my family back in Australia and I decided that I should reach out to them. Well, what can I say, it was amazing. So I'm going back." Cage smiled and to Jack it seemed it was the first honest emotion she showed.
Jack reached out his hand. „That's great Cage. Family is everything. And if you ever need somebody to back you up, just give me a call."
„Thanks Jack, that means a lot to me." She turned to Mac and gave him a quick hug. „Thanks Mac for setting me straight, you did me a favour."
Mac blushed and said. „If you ever come back to LA pay us a visit."
Two weeks later the team had met at a bar to have a good time. Well, to be honest Mac tried to cook for Jack, while Bozer was away for a training and the living room still smelled like campfire.
Jack was the last to sit down. He was much better, but he still had to use a cane because of his bad knee. Riley had gotten him a real bad ass one with a skull on top, so he was almost proud to use it. They were back to their usual teasing and the family was whole again.
„So what are you drinking old man?" Riley asked.
„Oh, I already ordered the first round at the bar. It's on me," the Delta said with a broad grin.
„Really. That's generous Jack, you didn't have to do it." Bozer commented.
„Believe me I had to, Boze." Jack smiled.
The waitress came and set down a glas of beer in front of Matty and Jack. Mac, Riley and Bozer stared with wide eyes at the glas of milk, that they got served.
„Cheers babies!" Jack guffawed.
Yup, everything was right again in the Mac-Dalton-Universe!
The End
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Everbody voted for Angela, so she will join the Phoenix team from now on. As you know me, she will probably have her hands full.