Jack sat on the couch, a lukewarm beer set on the table beside him. Stretched out on the couch with him was Mac, the kid's head tilted lazily back, his feet resting on the coffee table in front of them. Jack stirred, beginning to stand, and Mac's gaze flickered to him. "Leaving already?" He joked.

Jack smiled, but it was a pale imitation of his usual grin. "This is my house, punk."

MacGyver frowned, sitting up and watching his friend, who had begun to pace. "Seriously, Jack, is everything okay?"

Jack shrugged, released a shaky breath. "I just- I can't help but wonder if I should've said something. Spoken up."

The blond kept quiet, letting his friend get this off of his chest. "I loved Sarah, Mac. I don't say that lightly, either. I could've spent the rest of my life with her and I'd've been happy. I loved her, and I let her go.

"She was on the altar, and all I could think was that that could've been me up there with her. I would've loved her and cherished her forever. But then it got to the moment and I just- I just knew. It's better for her to be with him. She's happy with him, and that's all I ever wanted for her. I know I did what I had to, I just hate it."

Jack fell silent, and, after a moment, his friend began to talk, choosing his words carefully. "Jack, if there's anything I've picked up from watching you, it's that the right thing to do is never the easiest thing. You loved this woman and you saw that she loved this other man, and you knew that the best thing for her was to be with him.

"I might not have had a lot of experience with this whole 'love' thing, but from what I can tell, love is always wanting what's best for the other person, even if it hurts you. And I know you loved her- maybe still do, but you let her go. You didn't do it out of carelessness, you did it because you care for her. And that- I think that's what makes you who you are. You'll do anything for the people you love.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's not gonna stop hurting anytime soon, but it'll fade. That's what happens with these things- death and wounds and love."

Jack stopped his pacing- he wasn't quite sure when he had started- and looked down at his friend. "Thanks, Mac."

The blond shrugged wordlessly, a small smile on his face. "You'd do the same for me."

Jack smiled back. It would be a long time before he was fully healed, but- eventually- he would heal.

Sorry this took so long, hope you enjoyed!