Jack turned laughing. His grin crashed. Mac walked behind them. The kid stared at his feet. He was less than five feet from them and he might as well have been on another planet. Jack sniffed. He'd known it would take awhile for them to get their groove back. He'd only been back a week. They were back from a mission that went greased-wheeled smooth. Mac tried, he really did, but it was like a shutter would fold over his eyes when he thought no one was looking.

Jack met Riley and Bozer's eyes. They glanced at each other and looked away. Jack narrowed his eyes. They knew what was up and they wouldn't tell him? Jack growled. It was time to take things up a notch. They were approaching the war room door. Jack took a step back until he was side by side with Mac. Jack plastered on a grin and shoved Mac. Mac stepped back and looked up with a combination of anger and surprise.

"Wha-?" He yelped.

"Outta the way, dude. Age before beauty." As he hoped a smirk crossed Mac's face and he raised an eyebrow. He shoved Jack back.

"Fine, you get outta the way, old man."

"Maybe I will." Jack reached out and snagged Mac in a headlock. Jack grunted when the kid slid out of his hold, spun him and slammed him into the door. He pulled up Jack's arm just enough to let Jack know he lost the match. Jack nodded as Mac let go. He held out a hand. Jack slapped it.

"Nice one, brother. Desi teach you that?" Mac rolled his eyes and pushed his way into the War room. Jack turned to the others a serious look on his face.

"You two and me are gonna have a long conversation-"

"After, Jack." Bozer whispered. Jack did not like the hushed worry in the other man's face or the outright worry in Riley's eyes.

"Are you coming to debrief this year?" Matty's voice snapped. Jack scowled. It was her pissed-off/ motherly-worry voice. Mac stood his arms crossed his gaze fixed on Matty, his lips pursed. The tension between the two could be cut. Matty shot glances at Mac, then looked away.

"Everything ok there, boss?" Matty swallowed and forced her eyes to meet Jack's. He was surprised to see them shining more than usual, "Matty, what's wrong?" He said gently. Matty pulled her hair back and cleared his throat.

"We'll discuss that later, first debrief." They sat on the couches and ran down the mission. Mac paced staring at his feet as he scuffed his shoes across the tile. It was annoying, but no one said anything. Mac moved three paper clips at the same time making some sort of flower.

"Blondie? Anything to add?" Matty's voice was painfully kind. Mac shook his head and dropped the whatever the hell it was on the table. Jack thought it looked like a whatcha call it? Quark? Molecule? Jack frowned. It was never good when the kid's brain turned off enough to sink into chemistry subconsciously. Mac shook his head and stopped to stare out the window.

"Ok, you can go." The team filed out. Jack turned to Mac to see he didn't move. Jack glanced at Matty. She looked like she was going to cry. Jack opened his mouth. Matty shook her head and waved him out the door. Jack stepped out and joined Bozer and Riley by the stairs. He turned to point into the war room and froze as Matty frosted the windows. Jack growled and went to storm the room.

Riley stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Jack, there's a lot going on you need to know." Bozer said. Jack did not like the serious look on his teammates face. He nodded. He glanced back at the war room but couldn't see Mac or Matty.

"Ok, let's get some coffee." Jack said. The trip to the cafeteria was silent. Jack sat down and sipped his coffee he took a long second to enjoy it. Since his long mission across every active hellhole in the world, he was having a little trouble getting used to the comforts of civilization. He had to sleep on the floor last night. He felt like he was going to sink through the cushy bed and through the floor. Weird. Jack closed his eyes took a deep breath.

"Ok, tell me." Riley and Bozer shared a look. Riley nodded and Bozer swallowed.

"A few months ago, Oversight was acting weird." Boze continued, ignoring Jack's huff of frustration. He should have known it would be something up with the kid's dad. He opened his mouth to complain and Riley put a hand on his arm and shook his head. Jack nodded at Bozer.

"Leanna and I followed Oversight." Jack smirked.

"He didn't make you?" Boze's cheeks pinkened.

"Yeah he did, he left us in the dust."

"And?"

"I talked to the waitress that waits on him all the time." Boze looked down at his hands which he rubbed together.

"Bozer! Spit it out, man!"

"Oversight has Cancer." Jack froze his mouth open. He turned to Riley.

"What?"

"Mac's dad has cancer." Riley repeated.

"Oh." Jack leaned forward and rubbed his hands over his face. The pieces clicked. He was dealing with that bombshell, Jack was gone. He'd known Desi would keep his boy safe, but she was as snuggly as a porcupine. Jack shook his head.

"Dammit. Mac can't catch a break." He murmured.

"No kidding." Boze agreed. He leaned forward.

"Jack, you came back just in time. Mac…" Bozer swallowed and rubbed his damp eyes.

"Jack, we've been there for him as much as we could but he's-"

"Crawling up in that skull of his. Dammit. If I'da known-"

"You had to finish the mission...protect us and the world from the worst terrorist to walk the earth, cut yourself some slack." Boze said. Jack licked his lips. He knew Boze was right, it's what he'd told himself on the endless nights when he wanted to turn to his brother and share something that happened during the day, bullshit with him, lose a hand of poker or a hundred, listen to the kid chatter away about nerd stuff-Jack rubbed his eyes. It would be a long time before he'd get the feeling of sand out of his eyes.

"As James got worse, Mac stayed up all hours researching and reading these thick books."

"Of course he did." Jack sighed.

"He's cut himself off from everyone, not literally-"

"Emotionally, yeah I got that. I should have been here."

"Hey, there was nothing you could do, nothing Mac could do." Jack smiled at his girl and patted her hand.

"Well, I'm back now. We'll just have to remind Mac about the family he has and how to reach out for support. " Bozer and Riley shared a grin of relief.

"Let's do that." Bozer said. They stood up. Bozer yanked Jack into a full Bozer hug. Jack grunted in surprise at the enthusiasm and returned it. Riley took Bozer's place.

"I'm so glad you're home. " Jack laughed.

"Dude, we did the whole welcome back party thing."

"Yeah, but that wasn't a welcome welcome." Jack slapped Bozer on the back as they headed for the elevator.

"You got that right. You still have my vintage Die Hard collection?"

"Of course, I kept the antiques safe from damage and Mac. You owe me extra on that."

"Yeah, I hear you." Riley curled her arm around Jack's and tugged him close. Jack could picture her 12 year-old self skipping beside him.

"Why don't we have a Die Hard marathon?" Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Girl, I like how you think. Maybe we can-" Jack stopped and pulled out his phone. The others glanced at each other. Jack's body tightened and he scowled.

"Matty says Mac needs us in the War room. " They all tried to gulp down their worry. The way up to the war room was more quiet than their trip down.

Jack had to force himself to not run for the war room. The windows were clear. Matty was standing in front of the kneeling MacGyver. Jack couldn't see anything but Mac's back. He sat rigidly, his shoulders squared completely frozen. Matty saw them over his shoulder and nodded them toward the door.

"...what do you need." She asked Mac reaching out to hold his hands. He stared at her, his face expressionless, his eyes dry and hooded. He blinked and slowly focused on her.

"No, it's ok. I'm fine." His voice was soft, empty. Jack glanced over at the others and came close. Matty stepped back. Mac looked through Jack. Jack reached up and slowly wrapped his arms around Mac. He could feel every muscle like it was a band of steel pulled tight around Mac. Jack curled around his brother and pulled him in. Mac didn't move and didn't relax. Jack put his head against the kid's shoulder. This was going to really suck.

"I'm so sorry, brother." Mac blinked and slowly focussed on him. He awkwardly put a hand on Jack's shoulder.

"Thanks, Jack." Mac gently pushed the older man aside and faced Matty.

"Wh-where is he?" Matty's jaw clenched in anger.

"He...god Mac I'm so sorry." Mac slowly blinked and closed his eyes as if he was bracing for a head butt.

"He was gone before our mission." Mac said.

"What? Your kidding?" Bozer exploded.

"Yeah, seriously!" Riley ranted beside him. Mac held up a hand stopping their anger. He shot them a small sad smile.

"He always did have trouble saying goodbye." The flat voice scorched their hearts. Jack shook his head, his hands balling into fists. Mac turned back to Matty.

"What did he want you to do?" Matty wiped her damp eyes. She forced her shoulders back.

"Mac, you should sit down." Matty said. Mac stared at her. He looked too tired to move. Jack gently took him by the arm and sat him down. Mac looked up surprised wondering how he'd changed places with the older man. His eyes slowly panned to Matty who stood directly facing him. He blinked. She put both hands on his shoulders and spoke slowly and directly. He gaped at her, processing her words slowly.

"Mac, he...ordered that he be cremated...and taken to Mission City...to be with your Mother." Mac gaped at her a long minute nodded and sighed.

"It's what he always wanted." Mac stood up, shoulders slumped. He turned and walked through his teammates and out the door. He crossed his arms across his chest as if he were hugging himself. His shoes scuffed and he stared at the ground in front of them

"Son of a bitch! I knew I shoulda punched that-"

"Jack, we all agree with you, but that isn't what Mac needs right now." Matty said. Her tone said she did indeed agree with Jack's sentiments.

"Yeah, c'mon guys we better catch up to him." Bozer and Riley trotted after him as he jogged after his partner. Jack wondered just how the hell he was going to fix this whole fucked up situation. One thing at a time, he reminded himself. This won't be the first time he'd pulled the kid out of the endless black cave. This one was gonna be worse, a real bitch.

Mac knew his teammates were following him. He sighed. It didn't matter. He'd gotten so used to being alone, it didn't really matter anymore. He thought about the times Jack had helped him in the past. It felt like a lifetime ago. He'd learned how to deal with his own night terrors and dreams...silently and alone. Mac thought a stone vault surrounded him. He didn't feel much of anything, and he hadn't for a long time.

And Dad? He tried, Mac thought. The man had really tried. Mac thought they'd been on pretty good terms toward the end, but he failed the man-again. Again the greatest puzzle in his life had solved itself and was gone. This time forever. Mac licked his lips.

"...do?" Mac glanced to his side surprised to see Jack, Riley and Bozer flanking him. He glanced behind him. No Matty. He felt bad for the small woman. What a position to be put in. Thanks Dad. Mac chuckled to himself. If he'd had a chance he would have snarked that at his father. The man was insufferable. Mac stumbled as a hand on his shoulder turned him. Jack bent his head until he met Mac's eyes. Mac blinked. He still expected Jack to disappear in a puff of smoke. Mac turned aside. Jack gently turned him by his chin. Mac flinched. He felt bad about the surprised widening in Jack's eyes. Mac blinked at him, too worn out to really care. His eyes roamed Jack's face. So familiar, so alien. Mac swallowed realizing Jack had been talking to him and was on the verge of panic. "What?" He asked. Jack huffed. Mac's mouth curled into a small imitation of a smile. At least that hadn't changed.

"What do you need, kiddo?" Mac rolled his eyes.

"For you to stop calling me kiddo." Jack looked like he'd tried to swallow a fishbone. Mac patted him on the shoulder and continued walking toward the parking garage.

"Mac, look-" Jack started.

"Hey, you know we haven't done a Die Hard marathon for awhile." Riley said pulling Mac around until he faced them. Mac closed his eyes.

"Look, I'm fine. I'm just tired and want to sleep."

"C'mon, Mac, it's been three whole months." Jack said with forced cheer. Mac moaned and rubbed his forehead.

"I'll make popcorn, your favorite-real cream butter and bacon…" Bozer added. Mac shot him a glare.

"You're bringing out the bacon? Really?" Bozer smiled.

"Whatever works, roomie. Look the fam has to be together, especially now." Mac turned and waved his hands.

"Fine, whatever." The others shared a half triumphant and half worried look. Mac walked to his Jeep and pulled out his keys.

"Oh no you don't." Jack growled as he dashed forward, snatched the keys and threw them across the parking garage. Mac stared after them his mouth hanging open.

"Jack! What the hell-"

"You know I ain' letting you drive with your head where it's at." Mac stared at him as the older man took him by his arms and walked him over to his renta-a government issue black SUV. Mac paused staring in the shiny black paint and froze. Jack paused and moved around to look at Mac. The kid's face bleached away any hint of color, his eyes were round and he stared at the SUV in pure horror. Jack glanced at Bozer and Riley. They shrugged.

" Mac? What's going on?" Mac's mouth moved. He finally closed it. Jack saw the shutters come down. Mac cleared his throat and pulled open the door.

"Nothing, sorry. Let's just go."

"Ok."

Mac stared out the window. His hands laid flat and limp on his lap. The others chatted. Their voices was a staticky buzz. He closed his eyes but couldn't shut out the nightmare. He'd been having it for weeks. His Dad being buried alive, calling out for him, not being able to stop shadowy figures of death pulling him away...a hearse shining, black, cold as death...screams...begging...Mac's hands were chained...he tried to run...as his father was taken away…

Mac jumped sucking in air as a hand shook his shoulder. Jack. Still here. Mac glanced around him. They had pulled into his driveway, the others were out of the car and staring at him. He felt so heavy and tired and numb and...did he say tired?

"Mac?" Mac looked over into the familiar eyes full of the familiar love and worry. Mac felt a cold fist with long nails curl around his heart. His eyes burned.

"Uh...yeah, sorry."

"Look, brother, I know-" Mac paused halfway out of the car. He turned back.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I can't...not right now." Jack nodded.

"Ok." He said. He tilted his head to the side, "When was the last time you ate?" Mac frowned thinking. He shook his head.

"I don't know, I'm not hungry." He slammed the door on Jack. He couldn't deal with Jack right now. That was a whole complicated hole he didn't want to step into, at least not with-

"Mac-"

"Ja-" Mac frowned. He was standing on the deck staring at the city skyline. How the hell did he get here? The sun was a flare of pink staining a long string of dusky clouds. He glanced at his watch. 30minutes? What the hell happened to 30 minutes? Mac turned to Jack a little confused and a little more freaked out. Jack handed him an open beer and looked at him funny.

"What's wrong? You ok?"

"We were in the driveway-"

"Yeah, like hours ago." Mac hugged himself and stepped away from Jack. He rubbed his forehead. Pain was building and sparks were burning behind his eyes. He grabbed onto the deck as the ground seemed to wobble under him. Was it an earthquake? LA was long overdue- Mac felt his knees fold. He had a quick glimpse of Jack reaching out for him as everything seemed to drift into fog. Mac closed his eyes. Was this just another dream? His heart jumped. Was Jack really there to catch him? Mac mentally shrugged. Did it matter? He'd gotten used to falling alone.

"Holy shit!" Jack cried as he leapt to Mac's side catching the crumpling genius.

"Jack! What's going on?"

"I'm calling medical!" Jack ignored Bozer and Riley. He leaned Mac over his knee and cradled his head in his elbow. He brushed a hand through Mac's hair. It was at once comforting and strange. Jack cupped Mac's cheek and gently tapped his face.

"Mac? C'mon, now brother you're freaking me out, here." Jack thought he saw a tiny sliver of blue then it was gone. Jack bent and lifted his partner. He grunted. Either Mac had gained weight, or Jack had forgotten exactly how much the kid weighed. As skinny and gaunt as he looked, Jack figured the latter. Bozer held the door to Mac's room open. Jack gently set Mac down, aligning his head with the pillow. Jack stood up and glanced at the room around him.

"Aw kid." He whispered. The walls were covered with charts and diagrams. Writing filled the walls between with row upon row of calculations and sciency stuff. Books covered every inch of the desk and tall stacks lined almost all of the floor. Jack glanced over at Riley who bent over Mac and was unbuttoning his shirt. Jack moved to help her.

"He was trying to cure his dad." Riley said. Jack didn't think he'd ever seen her so sad. He sat his friend up as Riley slid off his jacket. Jack eyed it noting a blood stain. He frowned and put a finger though a familiar sized hole.

"Oh, yeah that. He-um-kinda got shot."

"Kinda?" Jack could feel his face flood and his blood pressure build. Riley slid Mac's shirt off his shoulders. Jack's scowl became an angry growl when he saw a constellation of new wounds.

"I told Desi-"

"This wasn't Desi's fault, Jack. It's just-Mac's luck, I guess." Jack bit his lip hard enough to taste blood. He pulled the covers off of Mac's bed. He frowned. The sheets were pure white and starchy. New. Jack met Riley's eyes.

"Bozer said he hadn't been sleeping, but-"

"He never even laid down. How long?" Riley sighed.

"I don't know, Jack. He's just been pulling away and-"

"I bet there's not any food in the fridge."

"Bozer goes shopping and cooks but-"

"Dammit, I should have been here!" Jack's voice echoed off the walls and rattled the books. Mac winced and turned his head away. Jack ran his hand through his hair. He turned to Riley. She looked hurt. His face softened.

"It's not on you, Riley. I know how Mac can get." Riley helped lean Mac back and rolled him on his side so Jack could pull the covers out from under him.

"It's not on you either, Jack." Jack nodded.

"Riley, what if it's gone."

"Gone? What?" Jack looked at Mac then Riley. Tears glittered his eyes.

"The trust. It took me years to build it, and now...it's like I'm starting all over again. Mac needs me...what if he won't-" RIley put a hand on his forearm.

"Jack, he will. Be patient." Jack leaned down and untied Mac's boots. He slid them off and leaned back.

"Ugh, what the hell died in there?" Riley plugged her nose.

"No kidding, give them to me." Jack handed them over like they were a dead animal. Riley stepped to the window and tossed them out on the deck. Jack chuckled as he heaved Mac's pants off leaving him in an undershirt and his boxers. He bundled Mac up. Mac laid stiff and unmoving. Jack wanted him to sigh with contentment and snuggle deep in the covers, reach out to him, relax...Mac's head turned away when Jack brushed his hair back. He sat on a chair and leaned his elbows on his knees.

"What am I going to do with you, brother?" He murmured.

Jack was a little surprised when the entire medical team descended on the house. Sally bee lined for Mac and pulled aside covers and clothing looking him over with eyes that missed nothing. Laura sidled up to Jack and put an arm around his shoulders. For once Jack was comforted instead of feeling like he had to human resources.

"He's ok, Jack." Izzy said sitting on his bed side-saddle. Doc Carl leaned over Mac and shined a bright light in his eyes as Izzy listened to his chest and stomach.

"You bet he is, he's a tough little bastard." Laura croaked in her frog voice. Jack chuckled. The medical team turned as one to eye him with raised eyebrows.

"I never thought I'd see the entire medical team make a house call." Sally looked down at Mac and brushed his hair back. Jack was a little relieved and a little disappointed when Mac turned his head away from her touch. Mac and Sally had a...complicated relationship. Certainly not friends, but something more than the hostile adversaries everyone thought they were. Jack didn't get it completely but Sally had been the only one he trusted to take care of Mac while he was gone. He was not reassured by the sad look on her face. Jack edged closer.

"Sally?" Sally sighed.

"Jack, it hasn't been good."

"I'm getting that."

"He's learned to hide from us." Doc Carl said biting his pursed lip. Jack narrowed his eyes and turned to Izzy.

"Hide?" Izzy put an elderly cool palm on Mac's forehead. Jack wasn't surprised that Mac relaxed a little under the woman's grandmotherly touch.

"He's pulled so deep into himself, I'm not sure he knows how to let pain out anymore." Izzy's soft voice had a melancholy compassion Jack didn't think anyone else could ever communicate. Laura squeezed his shoulder.

"We are all glad your back, Jack." Jack nodded.

"I'm not sure there's much I can do." The others stopped and looked at him surprised. Jack told him what had happened.

"What-he-that-ARGH!" Sally paced her hands thrown up as her neck and face seeped with red anger. Jack offered her a small smile.

"What an asshole!" Laura growled at Jack's elbow.

"Yeah," Jack said. Izzy sat back studying Mac. Jack couldn't read the puzzle of her face.

"Well, I can't do much for his grief, but physically he needs fluids, nutrition, and rest." Izzy leaned forward and gently stroked Mac's cheek.

"And love, Carl, never forget the love."