Partner for a Reason

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Mac shuffled his way into the kitchen, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. He had worked most of the night on one of his projects and had lost track of time as so often these last few weekes. After pouring himself a cup of coffee he sat down at the counter. Bozer had already left early this morning and Mac enjoyed his brew in silence. It wasn't that Mac was a morning grouch, but sometimes Bozers chattering grated on his nerves especially when he was tired or hurt. Yawning he took his phone and saw that he had a voicemail from Jack.

„Hey buddy, you worked again all night long?" Mac couldn't stop a smile spreading over his face. His partner knew him too well. „You need to stop doing this, buddy and get some more rest. Anyway, I'm out on a mission, but I think I'll be back by tomorrow. Don't worry hoss, I'm a big boy and I won't let get my ass kicked by the baddies. Keep the beers cold, see you bro." The cheerful Texas drawl did nothing to ease Macs worry and anger. James!

Mac knew, that Matty was away for a conference for a whole week. She hasn't been gone for an hour and his Dad sent Jack out already on a solo mission. What kind of bullshit was this supposed to be? Matty had learned her lesson to not send them out alone. They were partners for a reason. They needed each other on their misssions. Sometimes you had to shoot your way out of a situation, sometimes you needed to be creative, but usually it was both what was neccessary to get them out of a mess and to complete the mission successfully.

Maybe it was wrong to come back to Phoenix. Jack and he could have taken another job and still work together. The whole situation with his father was ... complicated. Mac was confused and still angered by the betrayal of his father. He still couldn't understand why James had never seeked contact. Mac had been injured, severley injured on numerous times over the last years and his father hadn't felt the need to reach out to him? Sure Oversight had checked on his status. God, how clinical and cold that sounded, but that was exactly what it was. The complete opposite of the gentle care and concerned behaviour he knew from Jack.

James MacGyver had been getting more and more involved in their missions since his identity was revealed. Mac really wished in hindsight, he hadn't done it, because everything got more complicated. His presence in the war room made it difficult for Mac to concentrate on the task at hand. He felt the constant pressure to prove himself to his Dad, there was still the little boy inside him, that wanted to be loved by his father. James was questioning Macs decisions and criticizing Jacks approach openly, what led to Mac and Jack defending each other, what of course didn't help the situation one bit. It was usually Matty who put a hold on these scenes and brought them all back to their mission goal.

Mac wanted to build a relationship at least a casual one with his father, but working together was not helping that. He was torn between wanting to be a good son and being a capable agent. Somehow it didn't seem both of this was possible. The situation was confusing and putting a strain on him. Mac had talked with Jack about it, but the Delta had unusually held back with his opinion. Sure he had offered support and encouraged Mac to work on their relationship, but he didn't get involved in the discussions Mac had with his father. The blond was sure that Jack didn't like his father one bit, but he didn't want to rub this of to Mac. He was really grateful for that, so he wasn't torn between the obligation he felt towards his father and the affection he held for his friend and mentor.

Mac sighed, still musing over what he would say to his father, when he reached Phoenix. Time to face the music. He straightened, took a deep breath and entered the war room. Riley was sitting on the couch working her laptop. She greeted Mac with an uneasy smile. „Hey Mac!"