The Head and The Heart

[zara grace]

Story Title: The Head and The Heart
Type of story: One Shot 
Main Characters: Mackenzie Booth, Levi Fowler, Tane Parata,  Dean Thompson, Xander Delaney
BTTB rating: T
Genre: Romance, Drama
Does story include spoilers: Yes
Any warnings: Sexual content
Summary: Levi reveals to Mackenzie that he's fallen in love with her which leads to Mackenzie pushing him away due to past heartbreak and not wanting to allow herself to be hurt again, so Levi does everything he can to prove to Mackenzie he's in for the long haul and that he would never leave her.

 

Since Mackenzie's heart surgery three months ago, her bond with Dr. Levi has grown into a meaningful friendship. Levi's companionship holds significant value for her, as she deeply appreciates having someone in her corner, especially considering that Levi played a crucial role in saving her life.

Today also marked Mackenzie's one-month anniversary back at work—an achievement she intended to celebrate later that night with her flatmates and friends, Mali and Tane. For now, though, she had customers to serve.

As she diligently attended to her duties, Mackenzie was taken aback to see  Levi walk in. She had assumed he left the bay after officially giving her the all-clear, thinking he had returned to the city and his regular life.

"Doctor Fowler, hi," Levi greeted with a smile as he walked to the bar and took a seat.

"How does it feel being back here?" Levi inquired, observing Mackenzie at work for the first time and noting the happiness on her face.

"It's the best feeling in the world, but enough about me. Why are you still here? I thought you were leaving," Mackenzie raised an eyebrow as she handed him a beer, a gesture he hadn't requested, and waited for his response.

"I was, but there's something I really need to say first," Levi expressed, and Mackenzie simply nodded, giving him her attention.

"I like you, Mackenzie," Levi confessed, and Mackenzie smiled in response. "Yeah, I like you too; you're an awesome doctor." She meant it, recognizing Levi as one of the better doctors she had encountered.

"I didn't mean as a doctor and patient, or even as friends, Mackenzie," Levi clarified, noticing her raised eyebrow.

"I meant a lot more than that," he continued, and Mackenzie still looked confused. "I'll spell it out, Mackenzie. I like you as in I'm falling for you." Levi felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he shared his feelings with her.

Mackenzie was taken aback, to say the least, but she attempted not to show it, taking a moment to process Levi's confession before responding.

"Levi, you're a good person, but I can't be with anyone again. You're genuinely a good person, and I'm sure you'll find someone, but I'm sorry—I can't be with someone. I just can't," Mackenzie explained. Her guard was up when it came to trusting guys, and she wasn't ready to let her guard down, not after everything that had happened with the last four guys she had dated.

 

Levi was surprised by her response; he had felt a connection and chemistry and assumed Mackenzie did too. Placing his hand on the bar, Mackenzie responded by placing hers on top of his.

"Levi, you are a good guy. I mean that. Like I said, I just can't be with anyone," Mackenzie expressed. She felt a sense of guilt, knowing she was hurting him despite all that Levi had done for her. However, for once, she needed to prioritize what was best for herself.

"Why can't you be with somebody? After everything you've been through in the last few months, you deserve happiness," Levi insisted. Mackenzie nodded in agreement. "I do deserve that, but I can't do that with a guy. I hope we can still be friends," she added sincerely. Mackenzie genuinely wanted Levi in her life, just not in the way he was hoping for.

"You still haven't given me a reason why, Mackenzie, not a proper one," Levi pressed further. He felt there was more to this, and he needed to understand why she wasn't even open to the possibility.

Mackenzie knew he was right, and if she was going to say no, Levi deserved to know the truth.

"Look, Levi, I've given guys chances in the past. First, there was Gabe. We were engaged, and he chose money from my dad over me. He left, then came back, only to leave again. Colby chose his job over our relationship. With Ari, things were going well until his ex showed up, and it ended badly. I didn't cope well, and finally, there was Logan. He left because of my screw-ups. Now, do you understand?" Mackenzie explained, hoping Levi would comprehend her reservations and wouldn't press further.

Levi held Mackenzie's hand "I can understand why you're scared Mackenzie I really can, but I wouldn't ever choose anyone or anything over you, I would never leave you." Levi meant every word of that. 

"I'm sorry, but nothing has changed. I can't," Mackenzie reiterated, feeling a sense of guilt. She knew Levi was a good person, but she wasn't willing to risk the pain and heartache again.

"You know I'm going to keep showing up, and I'm going to keep being there for you. I'll prove that I would never leave you, that I'm not like the other guys you've dated," Levi declared, determination evident in his eyes. Mackenzie recognized the sincerity in his words, but she also knew her opinion wouldn't change hastily, not until she was sure.

 

Before Mackenzie could say anything else, her phone buzzed, and she read the text: "I'm sorry, Doctor Fowler. I'll be back; Mali needs to see me downstairs." Levi simply nodded as Mackenzie walked out from behind the bar and left Salt, descending the stairs.

 

Mackenzie began walking towards the surf shop. "Mali, what's—" Mackenzie paused as she spotted him and ran towards him, hugging him tightly. "Dean, what the hell? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Mackenzie couldn't contain her joy at seeing her brother; she squeezed him hard, holding onto him as if her life depended on it.

"I wanted it to be a surprise, Mac," Dean explained as Mackenzie reluctantly released herself from the hug, though their arms remained wrapped around each other's backs. "Well, you definitely achieved that," Mackenzie replied with a smile. Seeing her brother made her happy, providing a welcome break from the attention and fuss she had been receiving since her surgery.

"Is Ziggy here too?" Dean shook his head. "No, she and Izzy stayed in Queensland with Amber and Jai." Mackenzie simply nodded as Dean continued, "How about a walk?" Mackenzie agreed, nodding, and led the way, with Dean following closely.

 

Once Mackenzie and Dean reached the beach, she broke the silence. "So what brings you back here anyway?" Mackenzie was curious, to say the least.

"Well, I missed you. I heard about Gabe from Mali, and in the last few months on our calls, you haven't sounded yourself. So, I've been worried, and Ziggy insisted I come and check on you," Dean explained. Mackenzie had been doing her best to keep her condition a secret from Dean, but she knew now was the time to tell him.

"Yeah, well, I have a condition, and I'm just been getting my head around it," Mackenzie revealed. Dean stopped walking as Mackenzie said that and turned to face his sister. "What type of condition?" Mackenzie could see her brother's concern. "A heart one, but don't worry, I'm fine now. Mali, Tane, Xander, and Bree have been really helpful." Mackenzie decided not to mention that a major heart specialist had to come in to perform surgery.

"You should have called me, Mac. I would have come straight back," Dean expressed. Mackenzie simply nodded. "I know you would have, which is why I didn't call, and which is also why I made Mali not call you either." Dean looked at Mackenzie. "Well, I'm here for whatever you need now, day or night." Mackenzie nodded. "Thanks, Dean. I think we should have a drink first, right?" Dean smiled. "Sounds good." The two had their arms around each other's backs as they walked from the beach back to Salt.

 

When Mackenzie and Dean walked into Salt, the first person they spotted was Xander, who was busy working at the bar. "You know, when Mac told me you were working here, I couldn't believe it." This prompted Xander to walk over and give Dean a manly hug. Levi, seeing Mackenzie beside the guy, noticed her smiling and happy— the most carefree he had seen her. However, he had no clue who the guy was or his connection to Mackenzie.

"Yeah, well, a career change did me the world of good," Dean smiled. Xander turned from Dean to Mackenzie, asking, "Does he know?" Before Mackenzie could respond, Dean spoke up, "About her heart condition and how much you and Bree helped her, yeah, I do. Thanks, mate. I owe you." Xander shook his head, saying, "You don't. I was happy to help." Dean shook Xander's hand. "Well, I appreciate it. First drink's on me, that is if you can take a break." Mackenzie nodded, confirming that he could, as she spotted Levi still sitting there. "I'll get those drinks and meet you both outside." Dean and Xander nodded as they exited to the deck, while Mackenzie headed towards the bar.

"Still here, I see?" Levi smiled. "I meant what I said, Mackenzie." She simply nodded as she grabbed three beers, which didn't go unnoticed by Levi. "Drinking isn't the best idea when you're recovering." Mackenzie looked serious. "I'm having a drink with Dean. You aren't going to change my mind on that." Things began clicking for Levi. "So that's your brother. It's nice to finally put a face to the name." Mackenzie simply smiled, acknowledging Levi's statement before going out to join the guys.

 

Once Mackenzie sat down next to her brother, Xander spoke, "Why do I feel like Levi is watching my every move?" Dean looked confused. "Who's Levi?" It was Mackenzie who responded, "The guy at the bar, and I told him not to blame you, Xander. He's more worried about the fact that I'm drinking right now." Dean looked at Mackenzie. "Well, one drink won't hurt, and besides, I don't know who he is, but it's not his business." It was Xander who spoke this time. "He's Eden's brother, and—" Xander paused, looking at Mackenzie, who continued, "And my heart specialist." Dean simply nodded; he had worked out that Mackenzie would've had one of those, even though she hadn't mentioned it earlier.

"Right, well, I'm going to introduce myself and buy him a drink." Dean got up and headed towards where Levi was.

"Levi, right?" Levi nodded. "And you're Dean, Mackenzie's brother." Dean smiled. "I am. I just came over to thank you for saving my sister." Dean handed the bartender his money. "His next beer is on me." Dean then went back to where Xander and Mackenzie were, the three getting into a deep discussion.

 

After a few minutes, Xander looked at Mackenzie. "I still can't believe Levi thought you and Cash were an item." Dean's face showed pure shock. "Wait, what?" Dean turned to his sister, demanding answers.

"Cash was the first guy, well, besides Mali, to visit me, and he bought me flowers, so Levi assumed we were together," Mackenzie filled her brother in on the blanks.

"Well, maybe that's because he's jealous," Xander nodded in agreement with Dean's statement before adding his own words. "That would make sense; after all, he got protective over you while you were in the hospital. Hell, he even yelled at me." Mackenzie looked at the two. "He admitted he liked me today, actually." Dean could hear hesitance in his sister's voice. "He seems nice. Why do you make it sound like it's a bad thing?" Dean waited for his sister to respond. "Because I will never go there with guys again. You know how my last few relationships turned out, both of you." Dean grabbed his sister's hand. "But you don't know; maybe Levi could be the one, the one who loves you for you and doesn't leave you." Mackenzie shook her head. "Do I need to remind you about all my flaws?" Dean looked at her. "Everyone has them." Before Dean could say anything else, Levi walked towards the group, and Mackenzie was the first to spot him. As he reached her, he simply kissed her for a minute. "I just needed to know how that felt." Levi walked away, and Mackenzie looked at Dean and Xander's faces before going after Levi.

 

"Levi, wait." Mackenzie could see Levi walking towards the beach path and was relieved when he stopped and waited.

When Mackenzie reached him, she looked at him. "What was that for? The kiss, I mean." Levi stepped forward and, seeing Mackenzie shiver, immediately put his jacket on her. "It was because I love you, and I needed you to know that." Levi grabbed Mackenzie's hands and held them with his own. "I get that you are scared of letting someone in, I get that you have been hurt, but Mackenzie, I'm not them. I would do anything for you, even kissing you to prove to you that I'm all in. I'm so in love with you, Mackenzie, and I just want you. I want us. I want us to have a proper chance. I get you are scared, but you don't have to be, not with me, because I'm so in love with you that I can't breathe, and I am never ever going to leave you. I don't know how else to prove I'm all in. I just promise to always be here for you and to never ever leave you."

Before Levi could say anything else, Mackenzie cut him off by kissing him, one he happily returned.

After a few minutes, they both pulled away for air. "So, is that a yes to giving us a shot?" Levi had a spark in his eyes and hope in his voice. "Yes, but you better not make me regret this." Mackenzie meant her words. "I love you, Mackenzie. I'm not going anywhere." With that, Levi kissed Mackenzie once again, and she returned it with just as much passion, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer to him. "Just for the record, I love you too. I was scared to admit it, but it's true. I love you, Levi." After that, the two of them kept kissing, not even caring who was watching.

 

 

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