Work Text:
10 AM AT MAC’S HOUSE... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGUS !...
For someone who used to think celebrating your birthday was pointless; Mac was feeling like this was his most boring birthday yet.
And it was.
Only because he was by himself, at home.
Forced to stay there due to a gunshot wound he sustained from a mission - a few days ago.
It was going so well and had been easy.
Steal valuable intel from a brutal dictator, off his computer - which was Riley’s job, while Desi and Russ watched her back and Mac secured their getaway by planting small traps and bombs at several entrances to stun the dictator’s personal security.
Stopping them from chasing the team, as they ran like hell to their getaway vehicle.
Everything went to plan.
That was until one of security guards managed to fire some shots at them, as they made it to the car - hitting Mac in his left leg.
They luckily escaped and made it to the jet - where Russ did his best to treat Mac’s wound until they made it back to LA, while Riley watched in worry.
After that; Matty ordered Mac to stay at home and rest up for a couple of weeks.
He couldn’t even come into the Phoenix and work in the lab - tinkering and making stuff like he usually would.
He wouldn’t be so bored if he could keep his mind distracted and focus on something.
It didn’t help that he had no one to talk to.
Everyone else was on a another mission, which Mac hated he couldn’t be part of.
It was just him and his tv on, which Mac wasn’t really paying any attention to.
It was just background noise to him.
“I’m bored and can’t do anything because of this leg injury, which hurts like hell - and everyone else is away on a mission. Not a great start to your birthday, Angus.” He said to himself, before sighing.
Not long after; he hears keys unlocking his front door and turns to see Riley walking in unexpectedly, holding a box.
“Riles ?” Mac says.
“Hey.” She replies with a smile.
“What are you doing here ? Shouldn’t you be with the others on a mission ?” He asks.
“Actually; Matty said I wasn’t really needed for the op. The others can handle it and besides, it’s your birthday. Me and Matty didn’t want you to spend it by yourself, especially me. So; she gave me the day off and I went and got you a cake.” Riley tells him.
“You didn’t have to do that, Riley.” Mac says.
“Of course I did. Wasn’t gonna let you be alone on your birthday. You would have done the same thing for any one of us.” She says.
She places the cake down on the coffee table near Mac and opens it up.
“You also got some birthday candles ?” Mac asks.
“Yeah. You got any matches ?” Riley asks.
“In that drawer, over there. I would happily make you some but you know...” He says, pointing at his leg.
Riley makes a chuckle as she searches the drawer and grabs the matches.
“You’re that bored, huh ?” She says.
“So bored.” Mac replies.
“Well; I am here to change that.” Riley tells him, making Mac smile a bit.
After Riley lights the birthday candles, she brings the cake over to Mac.
“Happy Birthday, Mac. Go on; make a wish.” She says.
“Seriously ?” Mac asks, raising a eyebrow at her.
“Yeah, seriously.” She tells him.
He shakes his head in disbelief but still smiles anyway, only because of Riley.
He appreciates the thought and effort she has done for him.
He feels like he doesn’t deserve her, as much as he wanted to be with her.
Ever since he “died” in the hyperbaric chamber; it was like a wake up call for him.
Mac knew Riley was the one he wanted to be with. It had always been her.
It just took him too long to realise that.
Even Desi knew that. They had called it quits on their relationship, months ago.
And then; the team found out her ex fiancé Evan, was alive and rescued him.
Desi got to be happy and while Mac was happy for her - he wished he got to be happy too.
But ever since Riley told him that her feelings had went away; he didn’t dare bring it up.
Mac didn’t want to risk losing her as a friend, if he did.
He blows out the candles while Riley smiles, before taking the cake to the kitchen counter and grabs some plates and forks.
A minute later; she joins him on the couch and hands him his slice of cake.
“Thank you for this, Riles. I really appreciate it.” He says sincerely.
“Anytime. How’s the leg by the way ?” She asks.
“Still hurts but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” He says, as the two eat.
“And you got any idea on how you’re gonna spend your birthday ?” She says.
“Nope. Can’t really do anything because of my leg and I doubt the others will make it back in time for us to do anything together, like getting some beers and pizza or whatever. So; this is pretty much it.” Mac tells her.
“Well, you got me and I ain’t going anywhere. I can’t throw you a insane birthday party like Jack used to but i’ll keep you company.” Riley says.
“Thanks. Can you imagine if Jack we’re here and see me spending my birthday doing nothing because of this leg injury ?” Mac asks.
“Oh, I can actually. He’d be all like ‘Hey, Mac. Let me throw you a insane birthday party. We’ll get beers, pizza, the whole lot. We’ll have people over from work and the Phoenix can pay for everything, like before. Boss lady won’t be too thrilled but you know, Matty. She’ll get over it. Trust me hoss, it will be great !’” Riley replies in her best Jack impression - making Mac and her immediately laugh.
“I love it when you do a impression of him.” Mac tells her.
“Yeah.” She says.
The room then goes silent for a moment - the two of them just looking down at their food.
“I miss him, Riles. Everyday.” Mac says.
Riley felt the pain in his voice. She knows what that pain feels like.
“Yeah... me too.” Riley replies.
The two looked up at each other - giving both small but sad smiles.
Riley soon tries to lighten the mood again and change the subject.
“So... what did you wish for ?” Riley asks, returning her attention to her food.
“Oh... um... it doesn’t matter.” Mac says, turning forward.
“Of course it matters.” Riley persists.
“Why does it ? It’s not like it’s gonna happen.” Mac tells her.
“What’s not gonna happen ?” She asks him, getting more curious.
Mac refuses to look at her in the eyes and just shakes his head.
He hopes she would drop it.
But Riley won’t let it go.
“Mac, just tell me.” She says.
He sighs and puts his plate down - closing his eyes.
“I wished.... I wished that the door was still open.” Mac admits, still refusing to look at her.
Riley froze for a few seconds, after hearing that.
She couldn’t believe what she just heard.
“Mac...” She replies.
“Look; I know I have no right to say this after breaking up with Desi months ago but the truth is, ever since Mexico - I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you... about us. It killed me when I heard you say on that recording that every time you saw me with Des, it was breaking your heart. You have to believe me, Riles - that was the last thing I ever wanted to do. I never wanted to hurt you... but I did.” Mac says.
Riley stays quiet as he continues.
“And i’ll admit; when you told me that your feelings went away during our flight back from Bosnia - I was hurt. But I went along with it and pretended to be ok with it because it’s what you wanted. But then; things changed after the hyperbaric chamber.” Mac adds.
“In what way ?” Riley asks.
“When I flatlined; I saw memories of everyone and most of them was you. And I kept hearing your voice. That was what brought me back. From there, I realised what I really wanted... you.” Mac says, turning to face her.
Riley’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she lock eyes with Mac.
“But I know i’m too late and I don’t want you to feel like you’re a rebound because i’m no longer with Desi but you’re not. How I feel about you, is real. More real than anything I have ever felt about someone else. But I understand you don’t feel the same way and I will respect your wishes to let this go. I just need some time.” Mac says, before looking forward again.
“Who says that’s what I want ?” Riley asks, making Mac look at her again.
“What ?” He asks, being confused.
“Who says that I want you to let this go ? Because I don’t. What I said on our flight back from Bosnia... I didn’t mean all of it. Yes; I don’t want to lose our friendship because it means everything to me. But my feelings for you never went away, Mac. And that door ? It was never closed. It’s still open and always will be.” Riley admits to him.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying ?...” Mac asks.
“Yes, Mac. I want to be with you, too.” Riley replies, forming a smile.
Mac does the same as the two stare at each other.
“I so badly want to kiss you, right now.” Mac admits.
Putting her plate aside; Riley scoots on over and leans right up to Mac’s face.
“What are you waiting for then, Angus ?” She whispers.
Their smiles grew bigger before Mac caresses her face with his hands, before capturing her lips with his own.
The two get lost in each other’s embrace as their first kiss was slow and gentle, before eventually speeding up just a bit and became a bit more passionate.
From there; Mac and Riley made out for a bit before snuggling up together on the couch and watched Die Hard for the rest of the day - with huge grins on their faces.
What looked like was gonna be a boring birthday to remember - turned out to be the best birthday ever for Mac.
And he had Riley to thank for that.
The end.