the tags that survived were spectacular. I didn't think I'd ever want to read about a career ending... illness? ... injury? but my appetite is whet. do you remember any of the lost tags?
Oh, thanks friend! You know, I knew I was playing with fire. It felt like the tags were getting a bit too long but in my hubris, I ignored that feeling.
I, too, struggle with career ending whump. I think it's part of the reason that I often pull back at the last second with a lot of my potentially whumpier ideas.
I think I remember a bit more of the conversation between Mac and Jack though
#the shortness of breath that doesn't get better after running or fighting despite all the tips and tricks he knows to slow it down#and he's kind of quiet as he focuses on his breathing and ignoring the pain--#the indigestion- of course it's indigestion. he shouldn't have had that pre-mission breakfast and then try to run#and he can see the way Mac is watching him so he starts to complain about greasy bacon and hot sauce except he's still breathing hard#Mac ignores him. Pats him down looking for an injury that Jack missed. But Jack would know if he was injured#Riley is on the comms and while the words tease he can hear a note of concern and the way she addresses Mac when she asks what's wrong#would kind of irk him except that the pain he's vaguely rubbing at isn't really going away. it's easier if he breathes rather than answer#he's diaphoretic and still breathing too hard and the pain is in his shoulder now too and kind of crushing his chest and he can't pretend#he should probably tell them the pain is getting worse#he's pretty sure Mac already knows because his fingers are on Jack's pulse as his eyes are darting around looking for a solution#and Jack hates this part#Mac is very good at fixing problems and solving equations and finding solution that no one else can#and he runs towards bombs when everyone else runs away and rolls his eyes at ticking timers#and makes a bomb or builds an engine and intimidates bad guys with this cool 'what like it's hard' detachment that can't be taught#except when it's Jack that's the problem. when it's Jack that desperately needs a solution#he still does it. still fixes the problem but it's not cool and chill and casual and confident swagger#it's anxious and antsy and a frenzied energy and while Mac would always make the sacrifice play#it's the first thing he jumps to when Jack is in trouble. when Jack is in danger#it's throwing himself out a window or driving a car into a building or reaching through flames to grab a box that's on fire#all the while blaming himself for not being faster. better. stronger. noticing earlier#Jack talks because usually it help and Mac tells him to shut up because the effort leaves him winded#'we need aspirin. we need nitro'#'nitro? nitroglycerin?'#'yes'
"hate to break it to you, hoss, but I think we may have finally found the one problem where making a bomb isn't the answer."
