A/N: This started out as a personal challenge/exercise to see if I could 1. Write conversations 2. Write facial expressions and character movement and 3. A mission. 3 came along later and I'm still working on that. I've got quite a bit written, just have to clean it up a bit and finish this thing that has taken on a life of it's own. I would like to thank Dlwells51 for her encouragement and for making suggestions when my stuff turned into 'see spot run' writing. This is still pretty rough but I'm happy with it cuz I'm not a writer so... one last thing, it's rated M because I'm paranoid.

I own nothing having to do with the show. Wish I did.

Lands and Grooves Hills and Valleys

Chapter 1

Mac was tired. And sore. The last mission had been considered a success but definitely had taken a toll.

Jack was sporting a spectacular black eye complete with stitches above his eyebrow and a bandage over the bridge of his nose to complete the ensemble.

Mac's 'souvenirs' from the trip came with a splint on his wrist and accompanying sling on his right arm.

Mac used his left hand to grab the headrest of the seat in front of him and pulled himself up with a groan. He stood in the aisle and reached over to give Jack's shoulder a gentle nudge. "Jack" he said softly. "Hey, Jack, we're landing... time to wake up."

Jack woke with a start. Mac had learned a long time ago being within arms reach was never a good idea just in case Jack woke up stuck in a past memory.

Jack cleared his throat. "Hey, we there yet?" He sat up in his seat blinking the sleep away and taking in his surroundings.

Mac smiled and said "yeah, we should be landing in about 10 minutes."

He moved to sit back down in his own seat. Jack was fully awake now and was watching Mac.

Mac was using his left hand to gather both halves of his seat belt. Jack unbuckled his own seatbelt stood and moved across the aisle. He grabbed the buckle on Macs seatbelt. "Here, lemme get that for ya"

Mac tried to grab the buckle with his left hand his eyes flashing as he looked up, "I got it Jack, I can do my own seatbelt." He said annoyed.

Jack ignored Mac's protests and buckled the seatbelt. He sat back and plopped back into his own seat. "Oh, I know you can do your own seatbelt 'mr. stubborn', I just figured you might need a hand."

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Mac knew Jack was just trying to help. He was frustrated he couldn't use his hand and arm and was lashing out at the older man. "Jack"

The older agent looked at Mac, eyebrows raised "yes?" As if he knew what Mac wanted to say.

Macs gaze dropped to his lap. He began to fidget with the splint and sling. "Thanks, I appreciate the help. It's just... it's, well... this sucks" He said pointing at the sling.

Jack's eyes crinkled and he smiled. "Dude, I get it." He held up his right hand, "I spent four months in a cast once. I had to learn to write lefty."

Mac smiled "I don't believe you."

Jacks eyebrows furrowed "Whadya mean you don't believe me? Got the x-rays to prove it." He said defensively

Mac laughed "oh I believe you were in a cast, I just don't believe that you learned to write."

Jack put his hand to his chest, feigning being wounded. "Mac, you hurt me" he smiled.

After their plane landed, It was a short drive to Macs house. Jack pulled into the driveway.

Mac got out and turned to His partner. "You wanna come in?"

Jack remained in the drivers seat "Nah, I'm gonna head home and catch some shut eye. See if I can't kick this headache. You good?"

"Yeah I'm good, probably going to kick back on the couch." He looked down at his arm. "Probably not going to be able to sleep in a bed for a while."

Jack smiled "Oh, I'm sure you'll come up with something, a hammock maybe."

Macs eyes lit up and Jack could see the wheels turning he chuckled. Mac turned to go inside. Jack leaned over to shout through the passenger window. "Hey! I'll be by in the morning to pick you up. Matty wants a debrief and you've got a doctors appointment" He held up and waved a folder that had 'x-ray Do Not Bend' stamped on the outside.

Mac waved and yelled "so, do you!"

Jack waved him off with a grimace as he backed out of the driveway, feeling about the same way as his friend about doctor's appointments.

To be continued. I promise. Just have to figure out how to add a chapter without accidentally posting chapter 2 as a different story.