Not Like This

by Kailene

Mac makes his way across the expanse of the hanger bay, each step halting, harder, and more painful than the last. Flashfic drabble written for Whumptober 2023, Day 10 "You said you'd never leave."

His dress shoes clicked softly on the cement as he slowly crossed the empty hanger. Each step halting, harder and more painful than the last.

His back ramrod straight, shoulders square, his bright blue eyes starred down at the American flag draped in front of him.

"You sonovabitch…" The words broke off on a choked sob and the breath Mac took shuddered his entire body.

Tears streamed unchecked down his face. "You left me behind on purpose…On purpose!You go kaboom, I go kaboom… That's what yousaid! That was ourpromiseto each other! You told me you'd always be there for me…You said you'd never leave!"

Mac placed his shaking hand gently on the casket. His breath heaved and he collapsed forward. He dropped his forehead onto his gloved hand, his fingers curling tight around the fabric that represented everything his best friend, his brother, had fought for.

And died defending.

"You can't leave me, Jack. You can't leave me… Not like this."