The rest of the night was uneventful and soon Mac was driving them home. Adam was unnervingly quiet. Mac kept looking over to check on the younger man. When they arrived at Mac's place; it had been decided they'd both be staying there, Mac opened Adam's door for him out of instinct. Adam didn't protest, simply following Mac into the apartment building silently. When they got inside, Adam stood nervously by the door. Mac looked over and sighed softly. Tonight had hit Adam hard and Mac understood the younger man was feeling displaced.

"Why don't you sit down, Adam?" It wasn't really a question and Mac put just enough force behind it to keep Adam focussed. It surprised Mac how quickly Adam complied, moving to sit on the sofa and pulling his feet up underneath himself. Mac watched the young man for a moment, noticing the way his eyes stayed downcast. Mac was completely out of his depth. Adam was clearly going through something and Mac felt powerless to help him. Moving into the kitchen, Mac decided to prepare some warm milk. He wasn't sure why, but it seemed like a good idea. It took only moments and soon he was back at the sofa. He watched Adam carefully, who seemed almost catatonic. Making the decision to take charge of the situation Mac stepped forward and tapped Adam's leg. Adam looked up immediately and Mac smiled as best he could.

"Budge up," Mac encouraged and Adam slowly dropped his legs and shifted. Mac sat in the space made and handed Adam the warm milk. Adam took it with slightly shaking hands. Mac gently, carefully pulled the younger man against him. Adam folded easily; his legs tucking back under himself as he rested his head on Mac's shoulder.

"You did really well tonight Adam," Mac spoke softly, one hand rubbing Adam's arm as the younger man sipped on his milk. Adam didn't respond but Mac felt him relax a fraction. They stayed that way for a few long moments until Adam had finished his milk. After taking the glass and placing it on the table, Mac turned towards the still silent Adam.

"Are you ready to go to bed?" He asked softly. Adam seemed to genuinely think about this for a moment before shaking his head.

"I'd like to stay here for a while," The words were barely a whisper and Mac immediately went back to his position next to Adam. The younger man let out a grateful breath and leaned back against Mac's shoulder. This time Mac ran his hand through Adam's downy hair and before long he heard Adam's breathing even out. Smiling softly, Mac couldn't bring himself to move Adam now that he was finally relaxing. In his own time Adam stirred, sitting up and looking curiously at Mac.

"Is everything ok?" Mac asked carefully. Adam nodded, his gaze not moving from Mac's eyes.

"I'd like to go to bed now," Adam spoke quietly. Mac nodded and slowly, so Adam could see what he was doing, he stood. Adam followed suit, eyes still on Mac.

"I'll show you to the guest room," Mac almost mumbled but his words were clear enough to be heard. Adam's movements stuttered for a second, but he quickly schooled the shocked look from his face. It didn't go unnoticed however; Mac just chose not to say anything. He had no idea where Adam's head was right now and he didn't want to risk further complications. Once Adam had nodded his agreement, Mac led him from the living room back towards the bedrooms.

(~*~)

Mac awoke early the next morning, having not gotten very much sleep at all. He made his way into the kitchen to find Adam already up.

"Morning Mac," Adam smiled and Mac could see the light was back in his eyes. What ever had been bothering him last night seemed gone now.

"Morning."

"I made coffee. I wasn't sure if you'd want breakfast."

"Coffee's great, thanks." Mac leaned against the counter and reached for the coffee pot.

"The lab called while you were asleep," Adam informed as Mac finished pouring his coffee. "Sid finished the autopsies and it seems we may be looking for more than one suspect."

"That would make sense," Mac mulled it over as he took a swig from his mug. "If single Doms need clearance to get in, it follows that our killers would be either two likeminded Doms or a Dom and their sub."

"Are we assuming the killers are members of Club Paradise?" Adam asked, filling what had to be at least his second cup of the morning.

"It's possible that the killers are outsiders," Mac conceded. "But both victims having been to the Club on the night of their deaths is a big coincidence."

"So we go with the most likely scenario," Adam agreed. His phone was halfway out of his pocket when he froze, causing Mac to look at him with concern.

"Adam?" Mac prompted.

"I uh… I just forgot today is Saturday," Adam spoke slowly. Measured. It put Mac's senses on alert.

"What's special about Saturday?" Adam was quiet for a long time and Mac, having barely woken up at this point, was losing patience. "I need to know Adam." He was being short, Mac knew, but he couldn't really help it. Adam's head snapped up at Mac's words and he was replying in record time.

"It's a mixer night," Adam spoke quickly, and Mac didn't like the spooked look in his eyes. "Couples talk to each other, meet with singles. It's where people go to hook up. Kinda like swinging, I guess. Sometimes… sometimes there are demonstrations. There's a stage set up and…"

"It's ok Adam. I think I get it now." Mac spoke softly this time, and Adam stopped speaking.

"We're not ready," Adam blurted; immediately looking away. Mac didn't answer right away. He trusted Adam's judgement, but they had to go back in.

"How do we get ready?" He eventually asked. Adam looked back at Mac as if the older man had grown an extra head.

"Mac, this is the kind of thing couples attend after years together. After trust is built and boundaries are set. Going in and not knowing everything there is to know, like we've been together for years, will blow our cover!"

"And tonight is a likely night for another murder; couples mingling with singles, everyone's guard will be down. We can't stay out of this."

"Then let me go alone," Adam offered quickly. "You can monitor me from outside. I'll fit in better than you; I know the world."

"No." The word was definite, accompanied by a stern look and Adam felt his body reacting against his will. Holding onto the counter, Adam forced himself to breathe. "Look, Adam," Mac started again, his tone tired. "I know you want to help, but you're not a field agent. I won't let you get hurt because I'm not there to protect you. You're not trained for this."

"And you're not trained to be my Dom," Adam snapped back. The emotions from last night all flooded back into him and he stared his boss down. "You can play at it fine, but if a real Dom took the time to look, he'd see right through you." Mac didn't know how to respond. A part of him, deep inside flared with indignation. Something must have seeped through into his expression because, when Mac looked back at Adam, the younger man had gone slightly red.

"Mac, I'm sorry," Adam's voice was quiet but his eyes were locked with the older man's. "I just don't want to blow this whole operation and let these killers go free. You understand that, right?"

"I do," Mac's voice was even when he spoke. "But you have to understand that doing nothing makes it more likely that someone else will die." Adam took a series of calming breaths. Mac did the same. They regarded each other for a moment; the intensity of the argument stopping any more words.

"If we do this," Adam eventually spoke; his voice shaky. "It's all on you. I can't play at this without…" Taking a deep breath, Adam decided he may as well go all the way. "Without falling under. Do you understand what that means?" Slowly, Mac nodded. Running a hand across his face, Adam turned towards the door. "I need to go. I need to go for a run or something." Again, Mac only nodded. Adam left as quickly as he could without running and as soon as he heard the door close, Mac all but collapsed against the counter. Running the conversation back, Mac wondered why he'd had to stamp down that little voice that wanted to shout that Yes, he could be a good Dom for Adam. Exhaling heavily, Mac reached for the coffee pot. When Adam got back they'd need to talk. Mac needed a lot of caffeine before that happened.