This is simple fan fiction, my first attempt. I hope I have stayed true to the characters as they have been written for the past 4 seasons. I can't wait for season 5!
After 4x13, Mac and Desi and still figuring things out…and Riley is looking for a place of her own.
Riley and Bozer are in heavy whispers in the lab. "Bozer, I need to go. I can't live there anymore. It is just too much."
"Riley, I get it okay. Mac is still grieving, and he and Desi are… well, Mac and Desi. If I were you, I'd leave too. If it helps you can crash at my place. You are always welcome to my couch."
"Oh, thanks but that would just be weird for me to move out of Mac's place onto your couch. He can never know how I feel. I'll get over it, I will, I just need some space and a little time."
Bozer nods but inwardly he isn't convinced. He is pretty sure Riley hasn't let herself realize it yet, but she is in love with Mac. He has so many mixed feelings about that. He loves Mac and Riley they are his best friends. Desi is amazing but if he is being honest nothing would make him happier than his best friends together. But Mac is so messed up right now he isn't good for anyone. Bozer isn't sure if Mac even sees Riley that way. He knows Mac cares for Riley and depends on her. He knows Mac loves her as a friend and maybe even a sister…Ugh. Bozer shakes his head to clear it – this is so messed up!
"Bozer...Bozer! Matty is calling us." Riley says breaking into Bozer's thoughts.
Bozer and Riley head to the War Room. Mac, Desi, Russ, and Matty are already there.
"Guys, we have a mission on special request today. Juno Eilso is an arms dealer operating out of Belarus we believe he has intel on a terrorist organization that is trying to acquire a nuke. The CIA has requested our assistance on the ground in Belarus. They have sent one of their agents to assist us there. Bozer, Riley you may remember Sebastian McKinnon."
A tall, muscular man with chestnut brown hair and green eyes walks in. He is well dressed in khakis and a blue button down that fit him perfectly. Sebastian McKinnon could have walked out of an Abercrombie and Fitch ad. As Sebastian walks into the War Room, Riley and Bozer look at each other in surprise.
"Sebastian!" Riley exclaims as she rushes over to hug him. "Why didn't you tell me you were back?"
"Bo, my girl!" Sebastian says in an English accent. Sebastian bear hugs Riley lifts her off the ground and spins her. "I told you I'd be back. Thank you for my birthday gifts, I don't know how you did it." Sebastian beams at Riley.
Mac watches Sebastian pick up Riley, he looks at Desi and whispers, "Bo?" with a quizzical look. Desi shrugs back.
Matty interrupts, "Yes, Riley considering Sebastian has been on a classified mission for the past few years how did you send him anything?" Riley blushes and looks away. "Right, well we'll talk about that later."
Sebastian looks at Matty, "Good to see you again Director Webber."
As he puts Riley down, Bozer says, "Sebastian, my man! It is so good to see you. We were a little worried." Sebastian hugs Bozer hello.
Matty smiles, "Guys, we can catch up later. Glad to have you back, Sebastian. Russ, Desi, and Mac - Sebastian was on loan to us from the CIA a few years ago. He has been undercover in Belarus gathering intel on our arms dealer and his buyers. His work has got us this far." Desi and Russ smile and nod at Sebastian. Mac just nods and wonders when Sebastian worked with Riley and Bozer. They never mentioned him before. Clearly they were close for him to get that kind of reception – "Blondie! Are you listening?" Matty interrupts Mac's thoughts.
"Oh, yeah sorry Matty." Mac smiles weakly at Matty.
Matty finishes the briefing and the team prepares for the mission. Riley and Sebastian left the War Room together, Sebastian had his arm draped over Riley's shoulders. Russ walks with them chatting with Sebastian about London and a bunch of British references Mac knows nothing about.
Mac and Bozer walk out together. "Boz, who is Sebastian? When did you guys work with him?" Mac asks in a low voice.
"Sebastian came to work with us while you were in Nigeria. He is …well he is like you. He has an engineering background. He has three PhDs, two from MIT and one from Oxford. The man is a genius! You will really like him. He is a really cool dude." Bozer replies.
"Did he and Riley date or something? That was one hell of a welcome." Mac observes.
"Sebastian and Riley, nah. Nothing ever happened with them. Riley was with Billy at the time and Sebastian is a true gentleman." Bozer explains.
Mac's jaw started to tense. He wasn't sure why, but this guy bothers him. As Mac follows the pair, he realizes that they are heading to the lab. He hears Riley and Sebastian talking.
"Bo, thank you for sending me all those gifts. Seriously, how did you do it?" Sebastian presses.
"Sebastian, I told you I'd always have your back. You can't get rid of me. I wanted to check on you and make sure you were okay. You saved me and Bozer so many times."
"Why do you call her Bo?" Mac asks as he walks through the door with Bozer.
Sebastian looks over at the door and replies, "Oh that, well when we were in Lima these guys got the drop on us but Bo – MADE IT WORK ON THE FLY" Sebastian and Riley said in unison. Mac rolls his eyes at Bozer. He inwardly thinks, I think the term you mean to use is improvise, you pompous idiot!
"You should have seen it Mac she was like Boudica. She was amazing. She saved our lives." Sebastian gazes admiringly at Riley.
"I know, what you mean." Mac says softly as he looks at Riley.
Riley beams at Sebastian. "So, after that, I started calling her Bo. Plus, when I kick her butt in Artermis Jane she gets flaming red."
"Ha! You beat me, I don't think so! I take that as a challenge. We are playing -" Riley stops as she remembers she didn't have an apartment. She has nowhere to play. She can't invite Sebastian to Mac's house to play video games. That would be crazy. She is trying to spend less time at Mac's place not start inviting people over.
"Bo, what is it?" Sebastian asks as he searches Riley's face. He concerned look moves to Bozer as if asking him if Riley is okay. Bozer casts his eyes down with a subtle shake of his head. Mac catches Bozer's exchange with Sebastian and looks back at Riley wondering what is bothering her. Wondering why Bozer knows and he doesn't.
"Nothing, nothing. Let's figure out our mission specs and then we'll talk about how I will kick your butt." Riley replies trying to put lightness back into her voice. None is convinced.
Sebastian raises an eyebrow and looks at Bozer again. Bozer just shrugs. He had an idea of what made Riley stop. Her current living situation.
They begin to prepare for the mission. Desi, Mac, Riley, Bozer, Russ, and Sebastian board the plane to Belarus. Mac and Desi talk quietly away from the others.
"So we still have a lot to talk about." Desi says as she cuddles up to Mac, "We haven't had a lot of time to talk since DC. We were supposed to get a drink but duty always calls first."
"Yeah, we need to talk about everything. When we are finished with this mission we will talk." Mac says as he glances over at Riley and Sebastian in close conversation. He wonders what they are discussing.
"Sebastian, I am sorry about earlier. I am living with Mac right now because Aubrey and I broke up."
"Oh, Bo. I am so sorry I know how much that relationship meant to you." Sebastian replies sadly.
Mac heard this and was confused. Wait, Sebastian knew about Aubrey? Mac just found out about him in Germany. Mac had a million questions. Why had he never heard of this guy? How did Riley and Sebastian communicate if he were on a classified mission? What is he saying, this is Riley, anything is possible. But this doesn't make sense, why didn't she mention him?
Come to think of it, Riley has been distant lately. Since they got back from DC- no - maybe even before that. He has been so caught up with Codex and his Dad's death he hasn't really been paying attention. She is never home; he never sees her anymore. She runs out of the house quickly in the morning and comes home late at night. What is going on? What has happened? Did he do something to upset her? Did Desi do something?
"Mac, Mac? Are you listening?" Desi asks as she looks frustrated at Mac.
"What? I'm sorry. What did you say, Desi?" Mac replies, coming out of his Riley spiral.
"Mac please don't do this again. Don't shut me out. You were a million miles away, are you thinking about Codex? Your Dad? Your Aunt? I know you've been through a lot, but I am here. I want to be here for you if you let me."
Mac feels guilty, he wasn't thinking about any of that. Instead, he is thinking about Riley and Sebastian. "Desi, thank you. I am still dealing with this, trying to wrap my head around it, but I promise I will tell you when I am ready." Mac smiles weakly.
Across the plane, Sebastian took Riley's hand to encourage her to open up. "What happened with you and Aubrey?"
"It is a long story, but he found out about the Phoenix and broke up with me. I don't blame him, I lied to him for months." Riley explains, "Mac and Desi went on a double date with us, it was a disaster!" Riley exclaims.
"Wait, what? A double date? What were you thinking?" Sebastian laughs. "I'm sorry for laughing but seriously Bo, I could tell you the statistical equation but by my quick calculations, that particular mission had an 88.6 chance of failure."
Riley smacks Sebastian's arm. "Yes, thank you, Nerd!"
Desi followed Mac's eyes to Sebastian and Riley, "Sebastian seems nice. Apparently, he is some sort of genius. Russ showed me his file. He graduated from MIT the first time at 16. Seriously, Mac this guy is the real deal. Trained in psy-ops, weapons development, he speaks 5 languages and he is an expert in tactical strategy. He's like a scientist on steroids."
"Graduated at 16, huh?" Mac says with a slight lilt in his voice. Sebastian is becoming more annoying by the minute.
"Are you jealous?" Desi teases.
"What, jealous, why would I be jealous?" Mac splutters.
"Because he is smart like you and good friends with your friends and he basically was brought on to take your place."
"Okay, okay, I get it. I know I should like him, we have so much in common and clearly Riley and Bozer like him a lot. I just don't know." Mac admits.
"I do, you are jealous. There is only one Angus Macgyver. Sebastian is not going to replace you." Desi says soothingly.
Mac knew she was right, but something was bugging him about Sebastian.
"So how long have you been at Mac's place?" Sebastian asks Riley as she opens up her laptop.
"Too long, I have been apartment hunting like crazy. Bozer has been helping me. Desi and Mac need their space. I feel like a third wheel. I have stayed as long as I have because Mac was going through some stuff, I mean, he still is but he seems better now."
"Why did you stay so long? The Bo I know loves her own space." Sebastian observes.
"I know, right? It all kind of snowballed you know. First, I needed a place after the break-up but then I stayed because I thought Mac needed me. Now that things have settled, I just feel useless and vestigial." Riley sadly looks at Sebastian trying to fight back tears. Sebastian squeezes her hand.
Sebastian has a feeling there was more to it than that, but he knows better than to press it. "Well, have no fear me and Bozer will help you find a place."
"Don't mention it to Mac though. He has so much going on I don't want to add to it." Riley quickly adds.
Sebastian looked over at Mac and Desi, "Bo, your secrets are safe with me."
What was that? Why did Sebastian look over at him? Were they talking about him? Whatever they were talking about seemed serious.
They landed and the mission was a success. Mac had to admit that Sebastian knew his stuff. They built a smoke grenade, cobbled together a flame thrower and managed to disarm a nuke. Sebastian has some skills, if Sebastian didn't annoy him so much, he would like the guy.
On the plane ride home Sebastian and Bozer discreetly help Riley search for apartments. Mac notices Sebastian, Bozer, and Riley with their heads together. He doesn't like it.
"Hey guys, what are you up to?" Mac asks the group.
"Nothing Mac just talking." Bozer says as they all close the apartment hunting site on their computers.
"Seems like you are doing more than talking." Mac observes.
"We are just catching up. Bo and I are playing a computer game. You know how competitive Bo can be." Sebastian says to Mac.
Mac wasn't convinced but he didn't push it. The mission was over, Sebastian was going back to the CIA anyway.
When they got back to LA, Riley goes to Sebastian's temporary apartment to hang out. It was a relief not to be with Mac and Desi. She couldn't keep hiding at Bozer's and going in early to the lab at the Phoenix. She can't keep this up for much longer.
"I think I found you a place for you." Sebastian says excitedly as they enjoy a beer on the balcony.
"What, how?" Riley asks. "I have been looking all over the city. Where did you find it?"
"Well, the CIA has a few contacts and I called in some favors for a place that isn't even on the market yet. I have to take care of my Bo!" Sebastian smiles as he takes a sip of beer.
Riley grabs Sebastian into a tight hug, "You are a life-saver, Man. Where is it? Can I afford this place?"
"Bo, please you know me better than that. It is perfect for you, I promise. Do you want to check it out tomorrow?" Sebastian offers.
"Oh hell yes!" Riley says elated.
The next morning, Mac catches up to Riley in the hallway. "Riles, is everything okay? You didn't come home last night."
"Good morning, Mac. Oh yeah, everything is great. I went to hang out with Sebastian and we fell asleep playing Artemis Jane. He really thinks he can beat me! Luckily, I have clothes here. We barely made it in to work." Riley explains as they walk towards the lab.
"Sebastian is here, I thought he'd be back with the CIA." Mac says with an edge to his voice.
"I don't know, Matty needed to see him this morning." Riley shrugs.
"It seems like it may be a quiet day. Do you want to play some skeeball tonight, the pizza is on me?" Mac asks hopefully.
"Oh thanks, Mac. I would but I already made plans with Sebastian after work. Raincheck though?" Riley says slightly relieved that she has plans.
"Riley is there – " Mac is interrupted by Desi.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Desi asks as she walks up.
"Good morning, Desi. Nothing much. I'll see you guys later. I've got to get to the lab." Riley says as she continues down the hall.
"I haven't seen her much lately. I mean outside of missions. What is she up to?" Desi wonders.
"I don't know." Mac says, "But I intend to find out. "
Thankfully, the rest of the day remained quiet. After work, Riley and Sebastian checked out the new apartment. Sebastian was right, it was a perfect place for Riley. She signed the paperwork and got the keys. Sebastian was a godsend, Riley thought. He managed to come back into her life just when she needed him. Riley called Bozer to tell him the great news. Sebastian and Bozer agreed to help Riley move that weekend. Riley was so relieved. Now she could really move on. One last thing to do was tell Mac she is moving.
"Hey, Mac." Riley says as she walks in the door.
"Riles, I wasn't sure you were coming home tonight." Mac quipped rather harshly. He immediately felt guilty about his tone. Riley had the right to a life. She had been his support since she moved in. So much has happened, he has been so lost in the revelations of File 47 and the death of the last of his family. It is all so complicated. Riley understands complicated. And Desi, what is he going to do about that? He has been putting off 'the talk' with Desi. He told her he loves her, but is he in love with her? He wasn't even sure.
Snapping himself back from his thoughts, he asks "How was your day?"
"Actually, Mac it was wonderful. I've got great news. Is Desi here?" Riley asks looking around.
"No, not tonight. She's at home. What's up?" Mac replies.
"Well, I was going to tell you both, but I found an apartment." Riley squeals as she jingles her new keys in the air.
Mac felt like he had been punched in the gut, "You're moving? Why? When? I thought you were hanging out with Sebastian tonight."
"I was with Sebastian. In fact, he helped me get an apartment." Riley replies as she smiles brightly.
"Sebastian helped you find an apartment? You didn't even tell me you were looking." Mac says with an edge to his voice. He was really beginning to hate this guy.
"Mac, come on, I only moved in here because I had nowhere else to go. You weren't supposed to have a housemate. This was always temporary. Plus, let's be honest, you and Desi need your space. Having me around doesn't help you guys figure things out." Riley says in a reasonable tone. So glad she has that truth to cling onto in this discussion.
"Right, yeah. But I like having you here. We had fun, didn't we?" Mac asks with a shaky voice trying to get his confusing emotions under control.
"Of course, I love it here. But you know me Mac, I need to be on my own." Riley tries harder to sound convincing, "You are beginning to come out of that dark place you've been in. You are so much better. Now that you are moving forward, you and Desi have a real chance to work things out. Who knows maybe you and Desi will move in together?" Riley smiles even though the thought makes her a little heartbreak just a little.
Mac raises his eyebrow, "Don't get ahead of yourself, Riles. You cannot be replaced. I mean, you know what I mean. You are a great roommate."
"Thanks Mac, you are too." Riley looks off towards her temporary bedroom, "Well I better start packing. Sebastian and Bozer are helping me move this weekend."
"Great, I'll help you too." Mac offers.
"Mac don't be silly. Sebastian, Bozer and I have got it covered. Sebastian found me the most amazing place. I promise once I am settled, I'll have a housewarming, you'll love it too."
The next morning Mac approaches Bozer in the lab. "Bozer, you knew about Riley and this apartment thing?" Mac demanded.
"Mac, you know Riley. She is independent. She was always going to get a place of her own. She only waited this long because you were going through so much and she wanted to be there for you. Don't you think it's time?" Bozer asks, "She can't stay with you forever. Besides we know that you have declared your love to Desi you guys will probably be moving to the next step."
"Why is everyone trying to move Desi into my place? Riley said the same thing. Wait, how did you know I told Desi I loved her?" Mac asks with a confused look on his face.
"Riley and I heard you on coms, we saw you both on the camera too." Bozer explains.
Ahh, that was it. That is why Riley has been so distant lately. Selfless Riley trying to give him space. While staying with him through his grief to make sure he was okay and wouldn't be alone. Her quiet strength and reassuring presence are something he has taken for granted. Damn, Mac! How could you be so selfish and stupid? Your friend put her life on hold to help you. She risked her career, her freedom, and her life to follow you and you can't even give her this!
"Well, now that makes sense. But what does this Sebastian guy have to do with this? How did he find her an apartment? He just got here." Mac quips clearly frustrated as he fiddles with a paper clip.
"Remember when you asked us what we were doing on the plane, well we were looking for a place for Riley." Bozer replies.
"Why wouldn't you just tell me that? Plus, Riley won't even let me help her move. Why is she shutting me out?" Mac asks now completely confused.
"She is not shutting you out, Mac. Riley just doesn't want to add more to your already full plate. Mac, you have so much going on. You need to take a beat and deal with that. Have you even talked to Desi yet?" Bozer asks giving Mac the side-eye.
"No, no yet." Mac sheepishly replied. Bozer nods confirming his suspicion.
"See, I know emotions aren't your thing, but you have got to deal with these issues, Man. It just ain't healthy. Riley asked us to keep it quiet while she figured it out." Bozer explains.
"Okay fine, but why is Sebastian so involved with all this?" Mac responds as his annoyance continues to well up.
"Mac, what is your problem with Sebastian? He is amazing. I am telling you; you'd really like him if you just gave him a chance." Bozer observes.
"I'm sure you are right, Bozer." Mac says with a smirk on his face, "He is a great guy."
The team managed to make it through the rest of the week without another mission. Riley continued to spend all her time with Sebastian and Bozer. Mac felt completely shut out, couldn't they all hang out together? Mac couldn't understand what was going on. As he rounded the corner, he heard a lot of commotion. Desi and Bozer were heading toward the doors, "Hey guys, what is going on? What's the rush?" Mac asks.
"Sebastian and Riley are practicing in the gym." Bozer responds.
"Okay, so why is everyone rushing to see that?" queries Mac.
"I may have suggested that we bet on them." Desi replies, "I thought it was only fair after the whole building bet on us. I won easily by the way!"
"Riley can take care of herself; she's got good training." Mac comments.
"Yes, she does but Sebastian is trained in Krav Maga. When he was here a few years ago, he taught Riley some moves, and now he is testing her." Bozer explains, "You know Riley loves a challenge."
Great, this guy knows Krav Maga too! He's probably an expert chef as well. Mac thought as they walked into the gym. Mac was shocked by what he saw. Sebastian had Riley pinned to the ground, he was whispering something in her ear, and she smiled. Mac really didn't like it. Riley got her right arm lose and elbowed Sebastian in the neck. Then she leveraged his momentary imbalance to get her hips free and used her legs to flip him onto his back. Then she kneed him in the side. Mac felt that hit to the ribs.
He knew Riles could take care of herself. He didn't like Sebastian on top of her like that. Did he like her? More importantly, does Riley like him? Riley hasn't talked about Aubrey in weeks. Maybe she is ready to move on and Sebastian may be the perfect man for that. Who is he to stand in the way of Riley's happiness? Why is he thinking about Riley; he needs to focus on him and Desi and the future of their relationship. Mac's thoughts are interrupted by loud screams.
"Go Riley, yeah!" Bozer screams.
"Come on Riley, that's it." Desi yells.
"Guys, is anyone going to encourage me?" Sebastian remarks to the growing crowd.
"Sorry Sebastian, I have the home-court advantage." Riley smirks.
"I know but you kicked me in the ribs, that really hurt." Sebastian winces, "Aren't we supposed to pull our punches a little so that no one gets hurt?"
"I am sorry Sebastian, you are right. I got carried away. Hey, seriously though are you okay?" Riley looks at Sebastian concerned.
Sebastian smiled weakly, "I'm fine you goof. You passed your test. Now I can teach you more moves you can use. I am proud of you, that's my Bo."
"You are a great teacher!" Riley exclaims as she hugs Sebastian tightly.
"Not too tight, you may have bruised my ribs." Sebastian winces again as he put his arms around Riley.
My Bo? Mac couldn't take it anymore. Watching the two of them was making his blood boil. Bozer notices Mac's tense expression as he watches Riley and Sebastian and he realizes Mac is jealous. Uh, oh things have just gotten more complicated. Bozer looks over at Desi, she notices Mac's expression too. Oh man! 'Mac better be ready for that talk now.' Bozer comments inwardly.
As everyone is filing out of the gym, Desi pulls Mac aside. "Mac, what the hell is going on?" Desi demands.
"Desi, what are you talking about?" Mac asks looking surprised by Desi's sudden outburst.
"I saw the way you were looking at Sebastian and Riley, you seemed pissed off. Are you jealous of them?" Desi asks deflated and hurt.
"Jealous! No, no. It's not that, I promise. I really don't like that guy." Mac responds feeling guilty that he is lying to Desi and feeling guilty for the way he feels about Sebastian.
"Why not, what is your problem with him?" Desi pleads, "From what I can see you two should get along well. He is a good guy and seems like a good friend to Bozer and Riley. Why does he get under your skin; especially since you haven't even given him a chance."
"You are right, I need to give him a chance. Maybe I am a little jealous. The guy waltzes in here and everybody likes him. It's –"
"It's like high school, huh?" Desi observes, "Sebastian is like the captain of the football team and the president of the science club rolled into one. And you feel inadequate compared to him."
"Wow, that was harsh!" Mac cries, "I wouldn't say I feel inadequate, but my friends seem to like him more than me. Oh god, I just heard that. I sound like a teenager!"
Desi laughs, "I know like I said, high school!" as she pecks Mac on the cheek and chuckles as she walked away.
Was that all this was, some high school flashback? Did he really think of Sebastian as some smart jock taking over his life, his friends, his Riles – wait, what? His Riles, where the hell did that come from? Mac shook himself and went back to work. That was too much to deal with.
Bozer invited the gang over to hang out. Desi asked Bozer to host so that Sebastian and Mac might get to know each other. Bozer suspected that it was a lost cause, he knew the real reason Mac didn't like Sebastian but he couldn't tell Desi that.
With the music blasting and the beers flowing everyone was having a great time, except Mac. He laughed in all the right places and participated in all the conversations but he wasn't into it. Riley could tell something was wrong with Mac. She struggled trying to decide if she should talk to him or just let him be. She finally realized she can't let her feelings for Mac make her into a crappy friend. She would have already asked him what was wrong days ago and tried to listen when he needed to talk. Come on, Riley! Seriously, you are almost moved out of Mac's place no need to abandon your friend completely. She thought.
Riley makes up her mind, she walks over to Mac as he is standing on the balcony looking up at the sky. "Hey Mac, which constellation are you looking at tonight?"
"I am watching Orion's belt because tonight there is supposed to be a meteor shower. Hey, did you know that – " Mac stopped and look at Riley as she chuckles into her hand.
"Mac, I love you." Riley's eyes grew wide as she realizes what she said, "Man, only you could find time at a party to contemplate the stars, I love that about you." As she clapped him on the shoulder. She finished hoping she had recovered from that slip.
Mac caught it though and held onto it and said, "I hope that isn't the only thing you love about me." As he looked down into her hazel eyes.
"Of course not, you're my best friend. You are literally the best Mac, you know that. You seem a little down lately, are you okay?" Riley asks hoping to change the subject.
Mac looks deep into Riley eyes, but decides to let it go. "I don't know, I've been feeling a little left out. Ever since Sebastian showed up you and Bozer have been hanging out with him non-stop. What makes it worse is that you guys never mentioned him to me in all these years. Why didn't you mention him, you seem so close."
"Sorry Mac, really I am. I don't know why Sebastian never came up." Riley shrugs. She honestly had never thought about it. But she realized that her and Bozer had always talked about Sebastian when it was just the two of them. She wondered why. Thought for another time, she reasoned.
Mac broke into her thoughts. "Bozer said you never dated Sebastian because you were with Billy when you first met. Did you want to? Do you like him? He seems…nice." Mac offers weakly.
Riley smiles, "I have always liked Sebastian he is an amazing friend. But no, I did not think about dating him because I was 100% committed to Billy. That was a waste." Riley recalls her ill-fated relationship with Billy and rolled her eyes. "And now, I honestly don't know. I am over my break-up with Aubrey, it wasn't meant to be. Sebastian is amazing –"
"You already said that." Mac scoffs, now it is his turn to roll his eyes and take a long sip of his beer.
"Yeah, sorry. It is just my head is all over the place and Sebastian is such an important person to me I wouldn't want to ruin it. I don't want to make another mistake." Riley finishes quietly. Mac didn't know it but Riley was really talking about Mac. She slipped up saying she loved him but she wasn't even sure if that were true. Of course, it is true. Riley bet Bozer had figured that out a while ago. She loves Mac! A feeling of relief and abject fear took over her. She looked over at Mac's profile as he watched the stars. God, she really loved him. Thank goodness she is moving out in a few days.
Meanwhile, in the comfortable silence that followed Mac pondered what Riley had said about Sebastian. She has a right to be happy he kept telling himself. At least with Sebastian wouldn't have to lie about her job. On the other hand, Sebastian works for the CIA he is always on assignment, she'd never see him. If she did it might be months or years. Matty and Ethan were a prime example of how badly things can go wrong. Mac was overcome with sadness at the thought of Riley being betrayed like she was with Billy or being left alone for years like Matty. He looked over at her profile, god she is gorgeous! He always thought she was attractive, but he never really looked at Riley before. Really looked at her, who she was, who she is, and who she had become to him. She always had his back whether on a mission or just making sure he ate while he worked on a crazy project at 3 am.
She was always looking out for him, defending him, listening to him and she never asked for anything in return. Why had he used her like this for so long? What is wrong with him? Mac felt an overwhelming need to hug Riley, protect her and take on her burdens for a while. He owed her that much.
Mac reaches over and put his arm around Riley, she looks up at him with a confused look on her face. "Mac, are you okay?"
"Yes, I just need to thank you for being my friend. You don't know how much it means to have you in my corner." Mac says, "I don't think I say it to you enough. I am really lucky."
"Oh come on, Mac." Riley responds as she hugs Mac with her face in his chest. "No need to thank me. That's what friends do."
"Friends do what?" Desi asked as she walked onto the balcony interrupting the close moment.
Bozer coming up right behind her saying, "Oh good, you two have made up? It's about time."
"Wait, what are you talking about?" Desi asks then she looks at Mac and Riley, "You two were fighting? About what?"
"As usual Bozer is exaggerating, we weren't fighting. I was just sad that my roomie is moving out and we needed to clear the air that's all." Mac says as he squeezes Riley one last time before letting her go.
"You didn't tell me Riley was moving out?" Desi says as she searches Mac's face for an explanation.
"Yeah, Sebastian helped me find a cool place. I told Mac a few days ago, I thought he would have mentioned it. Mac?" Riley looks over at Mac quizzically.
Everyone is looking at Mac, but he has no excuse. He can't say he hasn't been thinking about it. It had been on his mind constantly since Riley told him she was moving. Why didn't he mention it to Desi, that's just weird. It never even occurred to him to mention it to her. Crap!
Desi looked hurt and confused but she hugs Riley and says, "Congratulations, Riley. You must be excited."
Riley responds happily, " I am, I really am. I can't be a couch surfer forever. I overstayed my welcome at Mac's."
"Riles, no way. You are always welcome. You really didn't have to move you are a great roommate."
Sensing Desi's growing discomfort Bozer interjected, "Not as good as me though, I mean come on! I cooked every night!"
Mac and Riley laugh, while Desi looks at Mac with sadness in her eyes.