Blood on the Wall

Chapter 3

Mac was making his way into the kitchen, when the front door opened and Jack walked in. The Delta immediately registered Macs flushed cheeks. „Jeez Mac, are you ok bud? You look feverish." Jack couldn't help himself, Macs health was always on top of his priority list.

Mac waved him off. „Nah, I was running this morning, just had a shower. Relax Jack everything is fine." Mac felt bad for lying to his friend, but he knew he had to come up with a reasonable explanation or his partner would go all mother hen on him.

Jack frowned. „You pushed yourself too hard again, you look done in buddy. When will you ever learn to slow down a little?"

Mac grinned and sat down. „Are you done lecturing me?"

„I haven't even started." Jack deadpanned and opened the bag of donuts, he had brought with him. He took one and held it out to Mac. „No thanks man, I've already had breakfast." Another lie, Mac turned away and poured Jack a cup of coffee, because he couldn't look Jack in the eye. „What are you doing here so early?" He changed the topic.

„I thought we could spend the day together. To be honest, I'm bored. You helped me yesterday, so I'm here to return the favour. We could repair the deck, you said there are some boards rotting."

„Maybe another day Jack. Actually I've already planned something else." Mac said evasive.

„Yeah, what is it?" The Delta noticed Macs strange behaviour, but he couldn't point a finger on what was wrong with the blond.

„Oh, just some projects I've started and I want to finish."

„Which projects?" Jack didn't let him off the hook that easily.

„Projects! Science stuff, nothing you would understand." Macs patience was wearing thin and it showed in his annoyed Tone. He felt worse and knew he couldn't put up a show any longer.

„You could explain it to me, maybe I could learn a thing or two," Jack grumbled a little offended. He often played to be just a dumb Texan boy, and most of the people fell for it, except Mac he thought. To be honest it hurt Jack, that Mac actually regarded him as stupid.

„Is it too much asked to spend one day, only one day all by myself?" Mac exploded.

Jack held up his hands in defeat. „Hey don't bite my head off. I'm going. You can call me, when you're in a better mood." The Delta turned to leave. Mac was instantly regretting his harsh words, he just felt so miserable and wanted nothing more to lay down and sleep for a week. „Jack. I'm sorry, I didn't ..."

„Don't bother! I know when I'm not welcome." He was out of the door, before Mac could utter another word. He stood up quickly to follow his friend, but as soon as he was upright the room started spinning and blackness was creeping in. Mac stumbled forward a few steps and collapsed on the floor unconscious.

Jack was furious. What has gotten into this little shit! Literally calling him dumb and throwing him out. He reved the engine of his GTO and moved through LA traffic aggressively, swearing and cursing at the other drivers all the way to his home. By the time he reached his apartment, he had calmed down somewhat. Jack was more hurt than angered if he was honest. Mac had never turned down his company in such a harsh manner before.

He made himself a cup of coffee and sat down on the couch. Maybe he had smothered the kid with his overprotective behaviour. Jack was his overwatch. Always had been since he met the kid in the sandbox. But maybe that was the problem. He wasn't a kid anymore. Sure, he looked like he still belonged in high school, but looks can be deceiving. Mac was a capable grown man, with a lot more experience than most men twice his age and maybe he was sick to the back teeth, with an old Texan dude mother henning him. The truth was Jack needed Mac more than the other way round. Watching out for his boy had become part of his personality a natural instinct, probably only a parent could understand. Jack couldn't describe it any other way. Had they reached a point in their relationship, where Mac didn't need him, didn't want him around any longer? Sure he needed a partner out in the field, who had his back, who could fight and shoot a gun, but that could be any other member of the Phoenix TAC team as well.