"Hey. Hey, come on. Adam, open your eyes. Listen to me. You have to open your eyes. Adam, can you hear me?"

A voice. Adam knew that voice. He wanted to listen. He wanted to obey.

"Adam. It's over. Come on, now."

Adam's eyes fluttered open, and he focussed on Mac's worried face above him.

"That's it. Slow breaths."

Adam followed Mac's instruction; taking slow, shallow breaths. After a moment the world fell back into place, and Adam pushed himself up to sit. He opened his mouth to speak, but Mac stopped him.

"Your trachea is likely bruised," Mac explained. "You shouldn't speak for a while."

Adam looked around the alley and Mac moved to give him a better view. Bill was lying motionless a few feet away, and Jack was handcuffed and being pressed against a nearby wall by Flack. Danny was stood next to him making a phone call.

"Don't move, the paramedics are on their way." Mac pulled Adam's attention back. Adam saw the fear in Mac's eyes, and could only nod.

(~*~)

Mac decided to accompany Adam in the ambulance, leaving Danny and Flack to deal with the crime scene. The paramedic looked over Adam and determined that he would be ok, but Mac had insisted. They arrived at the hospital, and the doctor confirmed what the paramedic had said. He prescribed painkillers for Adam's throat, and recommended he stay off work for a few days. Mac took the prescription and led Adam to the car. When they got inside, Mac didn't start the car right away. He took a deep breath before looking at Adam. The younger man looked tired, and Mac could only sigh. Adam reached out, beckoning Mac to shift closer. When he was within reach, Adam placed a hand on the back of Mac's head and pulled him into a kiss. Mac rested a hand on Adam's waist and kissed back.

"We'll be ok," Mac surmised when they parted. Adam smiled. That was all he needed to hear.

The End.