Title: Give Me One Good Reason
By: Bj Jones
Pairing: Danny/Mac
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Mac finds Danny's badge and gun on his desk.

~*~

Mac walked up to his office, a small frown on his face. Sitting there having coffee and chatting with her had been pleasant, until the anguished look on Danny's crossed his mind. One minute he was sipping coffee smiling at her, the next he was making excuse to get back to the office. He apologized, using the case from the coffee shop as an excuse.

He sat in the back of the cab and focused on his thoughts. The last six months played through his mind. He was never one to run from his thoughts or feelings so he shifted through each one, examining them like pieces of evidence. By the time he reached the lab, the realization of what had taken place hit him.

He leaned up against his office door, 'Are we okay?' Danny asked with a hopeful expression. 'We'll see,' Was his cold response back. The hope faded and a look of painful understanding replaced it. Mac sighed as he took off his jacket and threw it on the chair in front of his desk. He slumped into his chair, 'Okay Mac, need to figure out what to do.' It was then he noticed the gun and badge.

Mac stared at the two objects. He picked up the neatly folded piece of paper. Unfolding it he glanced over it, 'This is my letter of resignation effective immediately. Daniel Messer.'

Mac picked up the badge, his fingers roaming over the surface. "You going to do something about it?" Mac looked up to see Flack leaning in his doorway.

"About?" Mac asked no emotion on his face.

"You're just going to let Danny walk away from a job he loves, a city he loves, because you got a bur up your ass." Flack crossed his arms in front of his chest. "He's not his father. He's not Sonny. He's Danny." With that Flack turned and left Mac alone once again with his thoughts.

Mac stood up, grabbed his coat and slipped it on, then placed the gun and badge in his pocket. He ignored Flack's small smile as he hailed a cab. Mac settled into the back of the cab giving the driver Danny's address. Now all he had to do is figure out what the hell he was going to say.

~*~

Danny set his bags near the door, the plane ticket on the small table. He would come back next weekend, to pack up the apartment and set up for the move to Los Angeles. It was a great opportunity that came at a time he needed it. The LA supervisor liked his credentials and the two got along great.

The position was straight across the board, same pay and ranking, but with a clean slate. There will be no cops looking at him with disgust, no IAB waiting for him to screw up so they can take him down, since they can't touch his father, and most importantly no ex-Marine with expectations he will never reach no matter how hard he tried.

He sat on the bench next to the window, his head leaning against the window frame listening to the sounds of New York. He would miss this place, his home. But he knew he needed a new start, away from the Messer name.

Mac would get the letter tomorrow morning, by that time he would be long gone. Stella would just shrug and wonder when they could start training Hawkes. Aiden would probably attempt to call him and see how LA was, but that would slowly die off. Flack, well Flack was the only one that knew his plans. They had talked long and hard about it. Actually Flack talked long and hard to convince him not to go, while Danny ignored him.

The sudden banging on the door startled him, he stared at the door. The banging continued. Danny sighed as he walked over to the door.

"Quit banging on the door, I'm coming." Danny yelled as the banging continued. He opened the door, "Flack... I'm leaving..." Danny looked up at Mac.

"What the hell do you think your doing?" Mac stormed past him into the apartment. He took in the packed bags, plane ticket by the front door.

"Mac?" Danny closed the door and turned towards him. "What are you doing here?"

Mac pulled the letter out of his pocket, "This. Now Danny explain to me why you are leaving me a man short."

Danny stared at the letter in Mac's hand, "I think it would be obvious."

"Only to you," Mac's eyes were hard and bore into Danny's. "I won't accept it." He slammed the letter along with Danny's gun and badge on the kitchen table.

"It doesn't matter if you do," Danny spat out. "I'm sure the chief would love to accept it and do a jig around his office knowing he finally got rid of me."

"I never thought you would cut and run," Mac stepped towards him.

"Why should I stay?" Danny confronted Mac. "I've got shit cases that Hawkes could do as a trainee. Half the cops in the city hate me, the other half think I'm on the take."

"Who cares what others think?" Mac got up in Danny's face. "That's your problem, you're too busy trying to please others."

"Would it kill you to say, good job Danny? Instead of chewing me out every chance you get in the halls for all to see?" Danny demanded not backing down.

"You disobeyed an order," Mac pointed out. "I called you on it."

"Face it Mac you don't trust me, not since Sonny Sassone. The reason they warned you against hiring me was not because I'm a bad CSI, it's because I'm a Messer and no Messer could be legit." Danny stepped back shaking his head. "You were just waiting for me to screw up, show my true colors. And there was Sonny going on about how I knew him, and what? Instead of asking me about it – you just decided the rumors must have been true."

Mac took a calming breath, "You should have come to me the moment Sonny was suspected."

"And what? Tell you - Hey Mac, Sonny leads the Tanglewood boys. Oh I know this because I ran with him as a kid – his papa and my papa are business partners." Danny turned away from Mac and headed into the living room.

"Yes, that's exactly what you should have said," Mac followed him.

Danny laughed as he turned back towards Mac, "What would you have said in return?"

"I would have asked if your past would have interfered with the case," Mac informed him.

"Yes Mac it will, Sonny will use my name to make everyone doubt me." Danny sneered at him. "And guess what – I would have been right." Danny crossed his arms. "I bet just for a moment you wondered if the rumors were true."

Mac refused to look away, "Yes the thought crossed my mind, especially since you were being so evasive."

"You didn't ask Mac," Danny took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose then put them back on. "I don't give out information about my life voluntarily and you know that."

"It's a two way street," Mac gestured between them.

"It doesn't matter anyway," Danny sighed slumping against the wall. "I'm leaving in the morning."

"I told you I'm refusing your resignation," Mac looked at him. "You have cases that need to be closed."

"They are," Danny sneered. "Anything pending Aiden or Stella could take care of, since I haven't had my own case since the shooting."

"You're on probation," Mac ran his hand through his hair. "Danny your shots were wild, you didn't ...."

"Like I'm the first cop to freeze, panic, or get tunnel vision at a shoot out. A shoot out that shouldn't have happened if the scene had been cleared. A dirty cop being taken down, by another dirty cop." Danny leaned his head back against the wall. "I'm not a trained marine; do you know how many times I've actually pulled my gun?"

"No," Mac answered honestly.

"That was my second time pulling it," Danny looked at him, "First time shooting it."

"You were trained in the academy," Mac questioned.

"I took the course, but I was training to be a CSI. I'm a geek, I don't do guns," Danny shrugged.

"Why?" Mac asked. "Why don't you do guns?" Danny looked at him. "You accused me of not asking questions, well I'm asking now. Why?"

"I grew up with guns," Danny explained. "Every one I met had a gun. I saw a man gunned down in front of me when I was five. My bodyguard was shot in the head when I was ten. All I saw was guns and violence. My father laughed at me when I threw up when he handed me my first gun. That's when I knew I had to leave."

Mac stepped back and looked at Danny, "Jesus Danny."

Danny just looked back, "You should leave Mac. Let me go, so I can start a new life."

"No," Mac shook his head. "Your life is here. I'm not letting you leave me short staffed."

"Give me one good reason," Danny challenged him. "Just one."

"You're a good CSI," Mac stated firmly. "And once everything dies down you will be back on the promotion grid..."

"I can be a good CSI anywhere. Not worry about the Messer name or the subway shooting." Danny pointed out. "Not good enough."

"Your friends," Mac pointed out.

Danny gave him a dry laugh, "What friends? Aiden? She'll move on. Stella? Does she even notice me? Friends outside of work... lets see there's... oh wait, there isn't any. I left all my friends behind when I went to the academy." Danny looked at Mac. "There is nothing keeping me here. Mac, please..."

Mac walked up to Danny, "I don't want you to go."

"Why?" Danny whispered.

Mac's hand cupped Danny's cheek, "Because when I was having coffee with a beautiful woman I could only think of you."

Danny searched his eyes, "I... don't ... you." Danny sighed. "You don't trust me..."

"I do trust you," Mac placed his other hand on Danny's cheek cupping his face between his hands. "I let everyone else's opinion sway me and not look at the evidence. Tonight I sat long and hard and thought through the evidence. You never worked the case with Sonny, you told us who, what and where to look. You're curious by nature, good for a CSI but it sometimes leads you astray. None of your actions are cause for suspicion, and for that I apologize to you for not being a good supervisor and talking with you."

Danny tried to move away, as the tear dropped down his cheek, "Mac..."

Mac wiped the tear away, "I should have asked about your history with weapons. Instead of expecting you to be a veteran cop, I should have found out what the problem was. A problem we will deal with. You need to learn how to use your gun properly."

Mac leaned forward taking Danny's lips in a chaste kiss. Danny's hands slid up Mac's chest gripping his coat lapels in a death grip, pulling the older man closer to him. Mac tilted Danny's head and dived in for another kiss. Danny opened his mouth under Mac's lips inviting him in. Mac deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into Danny's mouth. Danny moaned, his hands gripping Mac's jacket tighter. Mac explored Danny's mouth, tasting every inch, finally pulling back so he could breathe.

Mac looked at Danny flushed with passion. He took a hold of Danny's hands removing them from his jacket. Danny fought him not wanting to let go, Mac kissed him softly calming him. Mac slipped off his jacket, tossing it towards the couch. Danny watched the coat hit the floor; he looked back at Mac.

Mac smiled as he pulled Danny away from the wall, gripping his hand, his eyes searched the small apartment. He tugged Danny's hand and the two walked into Danny's bedroom. Mac took off Danny's glasses and set them on the nightstand. His hand traced down Danny's chest, feeling the hard muscle underneath the soft cotton t-shirt. He gripped the hem and pulled the shirt over Danny's head.

Mac stepped back, his eyes taking in the view. He dropped the shirt to the ground, "Danny where the hell have you been hiding."

Danny smiled, "Under a suit."

Mac looked at Danny with a smile, "We need to get you better cut suits."

Danny shrugged, "Can I?" He pointed at Mac's button down shirt.

Mac stepped back with arms open, "Be my guest."

Danny gave him a feral grin. He unbuttoned the first button then kissed the exposed skin, followed by the second, third – Mac's eyes were closed in pleasure as Danny licked and teased his bellybutton. His hands dropped down, taking residence in Danny's hair, his fingers running through the soft silky strands. He cupped Danny's neck making him look up and tugged for him to stand. Danny stood, his eyes locked with Mac's. Mac pulled him into his arms, kissing him deeply, passionately. The kiss escalated, Danny moaning into Mac's mouth. Mac pushed Danny back into the bed, his eyes dark with lust watching Danny pant, his chest heaving, his hard cock straining against the fabric of his pants.

Mac made quick work of Danny's belt and pants zipper. Slipping the fabric down his legs, he dropped the pants onto the floor. His hands caressed up the firm legs, over the thighs, cupping the hard cock through the cotton boxers. Danny's head fell back onto the bed a moan deep in his throat.

"Danny," Mac waited till Danny lifted his head and looked at him. "Have you done this before?" Mac slipped his hand into the boxers stroking the hard member, his thumb brushing across the head.

Danny arched into Mac's touch, but his eyes dropped not looking at Mac, "Yeah."

Mac paused taking in Danny's expression and tone of voice, "Consensual?"

Danny's head snapped up, his eyes dark and looked at Mac, "Yeah..."

Mac stood by the side of the bed his dark eyes taking in Danny, "One day we are going to have a long talk about one Sonny Sassone."

Danny sat up, his hands reaching for Mac's belt, "Not now." Danny unhooked the belt and unzipped the pants, his hand reaching in and grabbing a hold of Mac. He smiled at Mac's strained moan, as he pulled out the leaking cock. He licked the head enjoying the taste, and then took the hard cock into his mouth, sucking softly, his tongue swirled around the head. He felt Mac's hand on his head holding him, not pushing but keeping him in place. Danny grinned as he slowly brought Mac to the brink, licking, teasing – Mac pulled back his cock, falling from Danny's mouth.

Danny looked up at him, "I have other ideas." Mac kicked off his shoes and took off the rest of his clothes.

Danny crawled into the middle of the bed, his blue eyes full of lust and love. Mac gasped at the site before him. Danny was completely open to him, heart, body and soul. He knew Danny didn't open himself up to many people, and considering their relationship these past few months he was thrilled Danny was opening up to him.

Mac crawled on top of Danny smiling at the younger man, "I love you." He knew he had to be truthful with his own emotions for Danny to be truthful with his.

Danny leaned forward kissing Mac deeply. Mac could feel the emotion in the kiss. Danny laid down, his eyes never leaving Mac's. He spread his legs wide, "I love you too." Mac understood the gesture; Danny was giving himself to Mac. Mac would treasure the gift forever.

Danny motioned towards the nightstand. Mac grabbed a condom and some lube. He kissed Danny slowly, his mouth trailed down his neck, chest, stomach, thigh and finally swallowing Danny whole. Danny cursed in Italian and strained from thrusting into Mac's mouth. Mac returned the favor from earlier and brought him to the brink. When he knew Danny couldn't take anymore he sat up. He smiled at Danny's glare.

Danny's glared turned into awe and anticipation as Mac fingered his entrance. Mac took his time in preparing him, slowly, stretching; he didn't want to hurt him. Danny moaned and withered and cursed Mac to get on with it.

"Turn over," Mac told him.

"I have to see you," Danny shifted exposing himself even more to Mac.

Mac kissed him deeply. He pulled Danny's legs up onto his shoulders. He locked eyes with Danny as he slowly slipped into the warm heat. He memorized this moment in time. Buried deep in his new lover, Mac kissed Danny hard. He started a slow rhythm building up quickly. Danny met each thrust, demanded Mac to take him harder. Mac stroked Danny in time with his thrust, feeling the young man getting close. He gave him one last hard tug, watching as Danny's head fell back his body arched and he screamed his release. Dipping his head into Danny's shoulder he thrust deep into his lover's body, moaning his name as he came. He lifted his head off Danny's shoulder. Danny smiled at him, his hand smoothing back Mac's dark black hair, his blue eyes full of emotion as he kissed him softly.

Mac settled down next to him after getting them cleaned up. He kissed him on the temple pulling the younger man into his arms. "Get some sleep. We have a lot of stuff to do tomorrow."

"Thank you," Danny sighed curling up into Mac's arms.

~*~

Mac startled awake, his eyes focused around the dimly lit room. He wasn't sure what woke him up, he knew he wasn't home. The memories of what happened rushed through his mind. He shifted reaching for Danny; he sat up when he felt only cold sheets. He looked around the room, "Danny?"

He quickly got out of bed pulling on his boxer shorts and pants, "Danny?" He grabbed his shirt as he headed back out to the living room. His instincts telling him Danny made a run for it. He looked around the apartment no sign of Danny. His eyes landed on the front door, the bags and tickets were gone.

"Damn him," Mac quickly grabbed his shoes slipping them on. He grabbed his coat when he saw the note next to Danny's gun and badge.

He picked it up, 'Mac, I'm sorry. Last night was incredible, something I'll hold in my memory till the day I die. You looked so peaceful while you slept; I wanted to just stay in your arms and wake up and start anew. But you and I both know I can't stay. Too much history around me, and if anyone found out about us – they would use me to take you down. I love you; please don't doubt that – I think I've always loved you. Danny'

Mac slid the note into his pocket and took off out of the door. If he remembered correctly the ticket was for US Airways, and the flight left at two, he glanced at his watch it was now fifteen after one. He flagged down a cab told them he needed to get to JFK fast, police business.

He flashed his badge at the security checkpoint, getting through security quickly. He glanced up at the clock 1:55 am. He ran toward the terminal wondering if he could get them to stop the plane. If he had to, he would arrest Danny and escort him off the plane. They were going to have a long talk about, making decisions for the both of them. He ran up to the check-in counter, "As the flight to Los Angeles left?"

"Sorry sir," She smiled at him. "It's already on the runway."

Mac looked out of the windows, and watched the plane take off, "When is your next flight?" He asked.

"Eight-ten," She studied the computer terminal. "It's pretty empty, do you need a ticket?"

Mac nodded as he pulled out his wallet, his eyes swept across the terminal. He paused, a familiar figure sat in one of the chairs looking out towards the runway. "Give me a minute."

She followed his gaze, a small smile on her face, "If you need further assistance let me know."

Mac walked over to the row of chairs, he stopped in front of Danny.

"I couldn't go," Danny held his ticket in his hand. "They called for last passengers and I couldn't go."

Mac reached over and grabbed Danny's bag slipping it onto his shoulder. "Let's go home."

Danny nodded; he looked up into Mac's warm brown eyes. "Home?"

Mac held out his hand, "Home."

"I'm sorry," Danny stood up his eyes bright with unshed tears.

"You're here," Mac led him down the terminal. "That's what is important – everything else we can work out."

Danny gave him a small smile, "So that letter?"

"What letter?" Mac smiled back.

He hailed them a cab, settled Danny into the backseat, as he gave the driver his address. Danny slumped against Mac, asleep before they hit the tunnel.

Mac ushered him out of the cab and into the building. Danny looked a bit confused but followed Mac to the elevator and finally into the apartment.

"Mac?" Danny asked as he followed Mac through the apartment.

"Home," Mac set the bag in the bedroom.

Danny looked around, "You want me in your home?"

"Our home," Mac smiled as he pulled Danny closer to the bed. "Let's get you into bed so you can sleep. We have a lot of things to discuss in the morning – especially this idea that leaving was a good idea."

Danny nodded, helping Mac strip him of his clothing. Mac got him under the covers, setting Danny's glasses on the nightstand. Mac stripped out of his own clothes and crawled into bed curling around Danny. "Sleep." Danny fell fast asleep curled in Mac's arms.

He knew they had a lot to work out. Old pains and fears from Danny. Mac's own insecurities with a new relationship. Danny's family. Sonny Sassone. The team, police department and lab. Danny shifted closer, his head resting on Mac's shoulder – it would be worth it in the end. When Danny woke up he would tell him his one good reason – love.