Mac ran a hand over his face, looking at the door in front of him. Slowly, he raised his hand and knocked softly.

"Adam," He said as loudly as he dared. "Adam, open the door. I know you're there. Please, answer me." The door opened slowly to reveal Adam's tearstained face.

"Adam, we need to talk," Mac whispered. "Can I come in?" Adam looked at Mac blankly for a short moment before nodding and opening the door to let the older man in.

~*~*~*~*~

Adam stood awkwardly at the door; half tempted to run out of it and not look back. Mac was looking at him apologetically.

"Adam," Mac whispered; afraid that if he talked any louder, he'd scare the young lab tech away. "I'm sorry about what happened."

"You don't have to be," Adam mumbled. "It was my fault."

"I'm your boss," Mac argued wearily. "I should know better. I can't put your job as well as mine in danger… no matter how I feel." Adam looked shocked at this.

"F-feel?" He whispered. "There are… feelings?" Mac closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Yes," He admitted quietly. "But there shouldn't be. I shouldn't… want what I want." Adam took a small step forward; scared by his own movement but unable to stop it.

"Mac," He started unsurely. "I… you shouldn't have to…"

"Don't, Adam," Mac said, as gently as he could. "Please, just… accept my apology. This can never happen again, I know that." Mac sighed heavily and moved to pass Adam.

"Mac," Adam said quickly, reaching out to grab Mac's arm as the older man walked past. Mac looked at him. "Don't I get a say in this?" Mac sighed.

"You already said it, Adam," Mac replied sadly. "This was wrong." Adam looked at Mac helplessly. He didn't know what to say to make Mac stay. Mac smiled softly and turned to leave again; expecting Adam to let him go. Instead, Adam tightened his grip. When Mac turned back, Adam closed the gap between them and kissed him.

~*~*~*~*~

It took Mac a good few seconds to pull himself away from Adam. He looked into the younger man's eyes and sighed; knowing his common sense wouldn't win this time.

"If we do this," Mac said softly. "It changes everything. It could put both of our jobs in serious jeopardy. You understand that?" Adam nodded slowly and stepped closer to Mac.

"I know this is a bad idea," Adam whispered nervously. "And I understand if you don't wanna take the risk. The safety of this city comes first – I know that. But if you wanna go, you'd better do it now…" Adam took a small step away from Mac. "Because I don't think I could take it if you kiss me one more time." Mac looked at Adam before sighing again and closing the gap between them.

"If I was leaving I would've done it by now," He smiled wryly. "I think we both know that." Adam smiled timidly as Mac leaned in and kissed him softly. The kiss was slow and drawn out. Mac seemed perfectly happy to take his time; exploring Adam's mouth with his tongue as his hands did the same over the young man's back and sides. Adam's hands were bunched at Mac's hips – he seemed scared to touch his boss freely. Mac pulled back and smiled at Adam as the younger man tried to catch his breath.

"It's getting late," Mac whispered. "I should go." Mac was about to pull away, but Adam's hands tightened at the older man's waist.

"Stay," He whispered. It sounded more like a request than he'd intended. Mac sighed regretfully.

"Adam, I don't think it's a good idea…"

"I don't mean…" Adam trailed off nervously. "I just want you to stay with me, that's all." Mac seemed unsure, but the look of pleading on Adam's face softened him in seconds and he nodded slowly.

"Alright," He answered gently. "I'll stay." Adam smiled, loosening his grip on Mac. He took a few steps back and reached his hand out to Mac uncertainly.

"Come to bed with me?" He asked; his voice barely above a whisper and sounding terrified. Slowly, Mac took Adam's hand; smiling encouragingly.

"Lead the way."

THE END